bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exposing Shared Connections: Genetic Correlations between Esophageal Cancer and Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Dengfeng , Zhao Fangchao , Guo Pengfei , Li Shujun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Lung carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma stand as prevailing malignancies, exhibiting an ascending trajectory in global incidence and mortality rates. Notwithstanding the discernment of particular environmental and behavioral determinants entwined with the evolution of these neoplasms, the enigma of genetic contributions to their progression persists. The present inquiry aspires to scrutinize the intricate genetic affinities underscoring lung carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma, thereby delving into the intertwining comorbidity of these maladies.
Methods
Employing the linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) framework, we dissected the genetic congruity uniting esophageal carcinoma and lung carcinoma. Subsequently, we harnessed a medley of methodologies, encompassing pleiotropic analysis under the composite null hypothesis (PLACO), multi-marker analysis of genomic annotation (MAGMA), cis-expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, and a panoramic cancer appraisal, to unearth pleiotropic loci and genes. Culminating in a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) paradigm, we gauged the causal interplay between these malignancies.
Results
Inceptive findings divulged a conspicuous genetic correlation between esophageal carcinoma and lung carcinoma via the LDSC methodology. Subsequent endeavors unearthed shared gene loci – namely PGBD1, ZNF323, and WNK1 – through the PLACO scrutiny. Within the realm of MAGMA, pathways of significance were enriched, unmasking nine pleiotropic genes, including HIST1H1B, HIST1H4L, and HIST1H2BL. Leveraging eQTL insights from esophageal and lung tissues, alongside whole blood, unveiled 26 gene connections, enlisting TERT, NKAPL, RAD52, BTN3A2, GABBR1, CLPTM1L, and TRIM27. Further, a pan-cancer exploration of the consolidated genes was undertaken. Ultimately, wielding MR analysis, our appraisal of the causal nexus between esophageal carcinoma and lung carcinoma underscored the absence of a bidirectional causal affiliation.
Conclusions
This inquiry furnishes profound insights into the intricate genetic nexus uniting lung carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma. Through the prism of LDSC for genetic correlation, an intricate analysis delineating loci and genes, and a bidirectional MR schema for causal evaluation, we unveil shared genetic propensities and regulatory substrates. These revelations proffer nascent prompts and targets, beckoning a deeper foray into the genetic underpinnings of lung carcinoma and esophageal carcinoma, thus catalyzing the evolution of prophylactic and remedial strategies.
Facilitators and Barriers to Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Among Pregnant Women in Ghana: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Patient Perspectives
Authors: Newman Noah , Beyuo Titus K. , Nartey Betty A. , Segbedzi-Rich Elorm , Pangori Andrea , Moyer Cheryl A. , Lori Jody R. , Oppong Samuel A. , Lawrence Emma R. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The benefit of home blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy and in low-resource settings is incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences, barriers, and facilitators of home blood pressure monitoring among pregnant women in Ghana.
Methods
This concurrent triangulation mixed-methods study was conducted at an urban tertiary hospital in Ghana. Participants were recruited from adult pregnant women presenting for routine antenatal care. Upon enrollment, participants’ demographics and history were collected. At the next study visit, participants received audiovisual and hands-on training on using an automatic blood pressure monitor; they then monitored and logged their blood pressure daily at home for 2–4 weeks. At the final study visit, verbally administered surveys and semi-structured interviews assessed participant’s experiences. Quantitative data were analyzed using R version 4.2.2, and frequencies and descriptive statistics were calculated. Qualitative data were imported into DeDoose 9.0.78 for thematic analysis.
Results
Of 235 enrolled participants, 194 completed surveys; of those, 33 completed in-depth interviews. Participants’ mean age was 31.6 (SD 5.3) years, 32.1% had not previously given birth, and 31.1% had less than a senior high school education. On a 4-point Likert scale, the majority reported they “definitely” were able to remember (n = 134, 69.1%), could find the time (n = 124, 63.9%), had the energy (n = 157, 80.9%), could use the blood pressure monitor without problems (n = 155, 79.9%), and had family approval (n = 182, 96.3%) while engaging in home blood pressure monitoring. 95.88% (n = 186) believed that pregnant women in Ghana should monitor their blood pressure at home. Qualitative thematic analysis demonstrated that most participants liked home blood pressure monitoring because of increased knowledge of their health during pregnancy. While most participants found measuring their blood pressure at home doable, many faced challenges. Participants’ experiences with five key factors influenced how easy or difficult their experience was: 1) Time, stress, and daily responsibilities; 2) Perceived importance of BP in pregnancy; 3) Role of family; 4) Capability of performing monitoring; 5) Convenience of monitoring.
Conclusions
Among pregnant women in urban Ghana, home blood pressure monitoring was perceived as positive, important, and doable; however, challenges must be addressed.
Patient and provider perceptions of the relationship between alcohol use and TB and readiness for treatment: a qualitative study in South Africa
Authors: Kulkarni Suchitra , Weber Sarah E. , Buys Chane , Lambrechts Tersius , Myers Bronwyn , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Jacobson Karen R. , Theron Danie , Carney Tara 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy alcohol use is widespread in South Africa and has been linked to tuberculosis (TB) disease and poor treatment outcomes. This study used qualitative methods to explore the relationship between TB and alcohol use during TB treatment.
Methods: Focus groups (FGs) were conducted with 34 participants who had previous or current drug-susceptible TB and self-reported current alcohol use. Eight interviews were conducted with healthcare workers who provide TB services in Worcester, South Africa.
Results: In this rural setting, heavy episodic drinking is normalized and perceived to be related to TB transmission and decreased adherence to TB medication. Both healthcare workers and FG participants recommended the introduction of universal screening, brief interventions, and referral to specialized care for unhealthy alcohol use. However, participants also discussed barriers to the provision of these services, such as limited awareness of the link between alcohol and TB. Healthcare workers also specified resource constraints while FG participants or patients mentioned widespread stigma towards people with alcohol concerns. Both FG participants and health providers would benefit from education on the relationship between TB and unhealthy alcohol use as well and had specific recommendations about interventions for alcohol use reduction. Healthcare workers also suggested that community health worker-delivered interventions could support access to and engagement in both TB and alcohol-related services.
Conclusion: Findings support strengthening accessible, specialized services for the identification and provision of interventions and psychosocial services for unhealthy alcohol use among those with TB.
The influence of institutional quality on the environmental degradation in sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from panel threshold model
Authors: Amoaning Felix , Obeng Camara Kwasi , Cantah William Godfred , Vondolia Godwin Kofi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Human progress, poverty reduction, and environmental sustainability are core indicators target to be achieved by 2030. Substantial interaction resulting from anthropogenic activities with the intent of fostering prosperity is surging climate change. However, in order not to be entangled with the ubiquitous impending risk associated with human interactions and ecological risks, this study employed the Hansen (1999) threshold regression model to examine the existing differences between human progress and environmental quality owning to different levels of institutional quality by employing data from 2004 to 2019 in 32 sub-Saharan Africa countries. Using carbon dioxide as a measure of environmental degradation and poverty and human development as core explanatory variables, the empirical results confirmed evidence of pollution haven. Further, rule of law, effective governance and quality regulations prove to be an inhibitor of CO2 emissions even under the influence of activities to enhance human progress. The study suggests that efforts to elevate human progress need to be accompanied by strong governance, regulations and laws.
A PSMA PET/CT based risk model for prediction of concordance between targeted biopsy and combined biopsy in detecting prostate cancer
Authors: An Chaoli , Qiu Xuefeng , Liu Beibei , Song Xiang , Yang Yu , Shu Jiaxin , Fu Yao , Wang Feng , Zhao Xiaozhi , Guo Hongqian 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Backgroud
mpMRI-TB improves the clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection rate. However, there has been none consensus regarding the avoidance of systematic biopsy (SB) with more biopsy cores in patients undergoing mpMRI-TB. Thus, this study is to investigate the diagnostic value of 68Ga-PSMA-11 in predicting the concordance between mpMRI-TB and combined biopsy (CB) in detecting PCa.
Methods
115 consecutive men with 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT prior to prostate biopsy were included for analysis. PSMA intensity, quantified as maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), minimum apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin) and other clinical characteristics were evaluated relative to biopsy concordance by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A prediction model was developed based on the identified parameters.
Results
concordance between mpMRI-TB and CB occurred in 76.5% (88/115) of the patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses performed that SUVmax (OR = 0.952; 95% CI: 0.917–0.988; p = 0.010) and ADCmin (OR = 1.006; 95% CI: 1.003–1.010; p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for biopsy concordance. The developed model showed a sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and AUC of 0.67, 0.78, 0.81 and 0.78 in the full sample.
Conclusions
The developed prediction model based on SUVmax and ADCmin showed practical value in guiding the optimization of prostate biopsy pattern. Lower SUVmax and Higher ADCmin values are associated with greater confidence in implementing mono-TB and safely avoiding SB, effectively balancing benefits and risks.
Association Between Maternal Hypertension and Infant Neurodevelopment in Extremely Preterm Infants
Authors: Dayan Natalie , Abdelmageed Wael , Lapointe Anie , Brown Richard , Gorgos Andreea , Luu Thuy Mai , Beltempo Marc , Altit Gabriel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: To examine the association between maternal hypertension during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 24 months post-menstrual age in extremely preterm infants.
Study Design: Using data from two tertiary neonatal units (2011-2017) for infants born at 23+0 to 28+6 weeks, we investigated outcomes of NDI related to maternal hypertension and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) status.
Results: Of 1019 pre-term infants, 647 had complete data and were included in the analysis. Ninety-six (15%) had maternal hypertension exposure; 25 (4%) were also SGA. Infants with maternal hypertension showed a higher odds of any NDI (aOR: 2.29, 95% CI=1.36-3.87) and significant NDI (aOR: 2.01, 95% CI=1.02-3.95). The combination of hypertension and SGA further elevated this risk (aOR for any NDI: 4.88, 95% CI=1.80-13.22; significant NDI: 6.91, 95% CI=2.50-19.12).
Conclusion: Maternal hypertension during pregnancy elevates the risk of NDI in extremely preterm infants, more so when combined with SGA.
Predictive value of number of metastatic lymph nodes and lymph node ratio for prognosis of patients with FIGO 2018 stage IIICp cervical cancer: A multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Ye Yanna , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Xiaolin , Huang Yahong , Yao Jilong , Lu Anwei , Lang Jinghe , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin , Lian Rui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
To identify the cut-off values for the number of metastatic lymph nodes (nMLN) and lymph node ratio (LNR) that can predict outcomes in patients with FIGO 2018 IIICp cervical cancer (CC).
Methods
Patients with CC who underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy were identified for a propensity score-matched (PSM) cohort study. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the critical nMLN and LNR values. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were compared using Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses.
Results
This study included 3,135 CC patients with stage FIGO 2018 IIICp from 47 Chinese hospitals between 2004 and 2018. Based on ROC curve analysis, the cut-off values for nMLN and LNR were 3.5 and 0.11, respectively. The final cohort consisted of nMLN ≤ 3 (n = 2,378) and nMLN > 3 (n = 757) groups and LNR ≤ 0.11 (n = 1,748) and LNR > 0.11 (n = 1,387) groups. Significant differences were found in survival between the nMLN ≤ 3 vs the nMLN > 3 (post-PSM, OS: 76.8% vs 67.9%, P = 0.003; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.411, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.108–1.798, P = 0.005; DFS: 65.5% vs 55.3%, P < 0.001; HR: 1.428, 95% CI: 1.175–1.735, P < 0.001), and the LNR ≤ 0.11 and LNR > 0.11 (post-PSM, OS: 82.5% vs 76.9%, P = 0.010; HR: 1.407, 95% CI: 1.103–1.794, P = 0.006; DFS: 72.8% vs 65.1%, P = 0.002; HR: 1.347, 95% CI: 1.110–1.633, P = 0.002) groups.
Conclusions
This study found that nMLN > 3 and LNR > 0.11 were associated with poor prognosis in CC patients.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of single-stage vs two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection: A call for a prospective randomized trial
Authors: Zhao Yong , Fan Shaohua , Wang Zhangfu , Yan Xueli , Luo Hua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a severe complication of joint arthroplasty that causes significant pain and economic loss. This study aimed to determine whether the current evidence supports single-stage revision for PJI based on reinfection and reoperation rates.
Methods
We searched the PubMed, EBSCO, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to 30 May 2023 to identify studies that compared sing-stage revision and two-stage revision for PJI. Data on reinfection and reoperation rates were pooled.
Results
This meta-analysis included a total of 40 studies with 8641 patients. Overall, there was no significant difference between single- and two-stage revision regarding the postoperative reinfection rate and reoperation rate. Subgroup analysis of different surgical sites revealed that the reinfection rate was significantly lower after single-stage revision than after two-stage revision for knee PJI, but no difference with hip or shoulder. For patients with PJI of the knee or hip or shoulder, there was no difference between the single- and two-stage revision groups in the reoperation rates. Subgroup analysis by surgery period revealed no difference between the two groups in the reinfection and reoperation rates.
Conclusions
There was no difference in the reinfection and reoperation rates after single- versus two-stage revision for PJI. Based on the available evidence, we recommend single-stage revision for PJI in patients without relative contraindications.
Influence of gender on physical activity types and behaviour during and pre-COVID-19 pandemic among school-age children living in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghadier Mshari , Basuodan Reem M. , Gmmash Afnan S , Albesher Reem Abdulrahman 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The detrimental effects of COVID-19 pandemic may have a long-lasting effect on the children’s physical health. Previous studies showed that the children’s participation in physical activity (PA) have declined during the pandemic. This study examined the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on PA types and influence of gender on PA participation.
Methods
Parent of Saudi children (ages 6-9 years) were recruited through convenience sampling and completed an online survey between 24 July – 5 August 2020. The parent-reported survey included demographics, PA types and behaviour across three time periods (pre COVID-19, during COVID-19 lockdown, and after lockdown where social distancing applied, but no lockdown). Additionally, parent rated the types of PA participation such as swimming, walking, football, virtual gaming, and playground activity, etc. during the different periods of time.
Results
Parent reported that children (n=361), mean age 7.7 ± 1.1 years, participated in PA pre COVID-19 pandemic more often than during COVID-19 lockdown in different PA types such as; swimming (50% vs 38%), jumping (29% vs 19%) bicycle (38% vs 28%), football (42% vs 18%) and running (27% vs 16%). Additionally, PA type participation was shown to be influenced by gender according to the multiple regression models conducted to different PA types.
Conclusion
The result of this study shows that children’s participation in PA has declined following the pandemic. In addition, the children’s gender affects their level of participation as males participated in PA more than females. These findings suggest that more efforts should be directed toward investigating the reasons for these differences and encouraging equal participation.
Escalating Carbon Leakage via International Trade from 1990 to 2019 — Based on a New Method Measuring Consumption-based Carbon Emissions of 161 Countries
Authors: Ji Haoyang , Tang Huaqing , Tao Xueran , Si Yaqing , Shi Junyi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Sustainable development remains a pivotal global priority, however, escalating carbon emissions present considerable challenges. One such challenge, carbon leakage –the transference of emissions via international trade –has been largely overlooked by current policies. This oversight may contribute to the difficulty in achieving carbon emission reduction. Using macroeconomic and trade data, this study proposes a new method named Emission Coefficient Multi-equation Method (ECMM) to quantify carbon leakage and consumption-based carbon emissions (CBCE) across 161 countries from 1990 to 2019. The results reveal that: a) The United States stands as the world's largest carbon consumer and importer, whereas China tops the list as the principal carbon producer and exporter. b) Since the Kyoto Protocol's implementation, developed countries with emission reduction commitments have successfully regulated their territorial carbon emissions. Yet, global carbon emissions continue to ascend. c) The decoupling of carbon emissions between consumption and production sites is intensifying, and substantial carbon transfers via international trade are evident.
In light of these findings, we propose the compilation of a carbon emissions inventory pertaining to international trade. Furthermore, future international emissions reduction policies should emphasize regulating carbon consumption in addition to carbon production.
Major depression disorder may have no causality on the atrial fibrillation risk: Evidence from the Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Feng , Wu Yan-Ni , Geng Chi , Zhang You , Peng Si-Liang , Zhang Yao-Ting , Li Hui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background:
Accumulated studies have indicated that depression was significantly associated with the atrial fibrillation (AF) risk. However, the causal effect of major depressive disorder (MDD) on the risk of AF was elusive.
Methods:
We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using two genetic instrument tools for MDD to assess the potential causal effect of MDD on the AF risk, including a training dataset (37 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with MDD) and a validation dataset (11 SNPs robustly associated with MDD). Inverse-variance weighted method (IVW), weighted median method, MR-Egger, MR-Pleiotropy REsidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) test, pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis were performed for MR analyses.
Results:
We first performed MR analysis for a training data using multiple data processing steps, including removing SNPs related with AF risk factors, removing one outlier with MR-PRESSO, and tighten instrument P value threshold. The final MR estimates suggested that MDD had no causality on AF incidence (IVW method, OR = 1.04, 95%CI = 0.79–1.36, P value = 0.785; weighted median, OR = 1.15, 95%CI = 0.90–1.46, P value = 0.268; MR-Egger, OR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.35–2.85, P value = 0.999). Moreover, a consistent result was displayed in MR estimates using a validation data. Pleiotropy test and leave-one-out sensitivity analysis revealed that our results were robust.
Conclusions:
Our MR analysis suggested that MDD may have no causality on the AF risk.
Psychometric assessment of the US person-centered prenatal and maternity care scales in a low-income predominantly Latinx population in California
Authors: Afulani Patience A. , Coleman-Phox Kimberly , Leon-Martinez Daisy , Fung Kathy Z. , Martinez Erica , Garza Mary A. , McCulloch Charles E , Kuppermann Miriam 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To assess psychometric properties of two scales developed to measure the quality of person-centered care during pregnancy and childbirth in the United States—the Person-Centered Prenatal Care (PCPC-US) and Person-Centered Maternity Care (PCMC-US) scales—in a low-income predominantly Latinx population in California.
Methods
Data were collected from October 2020 to January 2023 from surveys of low-income pregnant and birthing people in Fresno, California, participating in the “Engaging Mothers and Babies; Reimagining Antenatal Core for Everyone (EMBRACE) trial. Research staff administered the 26-item PCPC-US scale at 30–34 weeks’ gestation (n = 315) and the 35-item PCMC-US scale at 10–14 weeks after birth (n = 286), using the language preferred by the participant (English or Spanish). We assessed construct, criterion, and known group validity and internal consistency of the scales.
Results
78% of respondents identified as Latinx. Factor analysis identified one dominant factor for each scale that accounted for over 60% of the cumulative variance, with most items loading at > 0.3. The items also loaded adequately on sub-scales for “dignity and respect,” “communication and autonomy,” and “responsive and supportive care.” Cronbach’s alpha for the full scales were > 0.9 and between 0.70 and 0.87 for the sub-scales. Summative scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher PCMC. Correlations with scores on scales measuring prenatal care quality and birth experience provided evidence for criterion validity, while associations with known predictors provided evidence for known-group validity.
Conclusions
The PCPC-US and PCMC-US scales, which were developed using a community-engaged process and found to have good psychometric properties in a largely high-income sample of Black women, were shown to also have good psychometric properties in a sample of low-income primarily Latinx women. Both scales provide valid and reliable tools to measure person-centered care experiences among minoritized communities to support efforts to reduce existing birth inequities.