bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of yoga in improving pulmonary efficiency in post-menopausal women
Authors: Bhaskar Aniket , Kumar Brajesh , Bhat Ramesh M. , Kabir Anwarul 
Published: March 2023

Background: Menopause is a natural transition in a women’s life. Menopausal transition has been linked to impairment of respiratory function. Female hormones play an important role in overall lung health. Yoga is an ancient Indian science as well as the way of life, which includes practice of yogasana in specific posture and pranayama which includes the regulated breathing techniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cumulative effect of practicing yoga and pranayamas on certain respiratory parameters and physical characteristics in post-menopausal women.
Methods: A total of forty post-menopausal women (46-60 years) were divided into two groups. Group I was control group (women not doing yoga) and group II was regularly doing yoga for one year. Based on the duration of yoga- pranayama and meditation, the respiratory parameters such as VC, FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEF50 was measured with the help of vitalograph (pneumotrac; 11). Data collected were compiled, categorized and statistically analyzed, t-test was used for comparing the effect of yoga between the two groups and p≤0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: One-year yoga showed a significant decrement in Body weight (p<0.001) and Body Mass Index (p<0.01). Group II showed significant improvement (p<0.001) in all the respiratory parameters such as VC, FVC, FEV1, PEFR, and FEF50 when compared to respective control group. Respiratory rate was decreased significantly (p<0.0001) and Breath hold time was increased significantly (p<0.0001) when compared to control group.
Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that the one-year of yogic practice is suitable for improving pulmonary efficiency and physical characteristics in post-menopausal women.
Stigmatisation in chronic hepatitis B and C infections-time to debunk the myth!
Authors: Qadri Sabreena , Ashraf Aadil , Khan Javid Ahmed , Shah Altaf , Hussain Arshad 
Published: March 2023

Background: Hepatitis B and C are chronic diseases with mental and social impacts which can result in poor quality of life. The routes of transmission and lack of education among the masses may cause stigmatisation of the affected patients. The aim of the study was to document the stigmatisation among chronic hepatitis B and C positive patients.
Methods: The 242 patients suffering from hepatitis B and C were included in the study. Stigma experienced from relatives, friends, spouse and health care providers was assessed using a semi structured questionnaire.
Results: Majority of the patients were males 174 (72%). The 162 (67%) were hepatitis B infected and 76 (32%) were Hepatitis C infected and 4 were dual infected. Male patients were significantly more affected than females in term of changes in lifestyle (86% versus 61%) and changes in relationship with the spouse (89% versus 16%). Significantly more females than males reported feelings of loneliness and isolation (64% versus 30%). Stigma was marked in terms of disease transmission, with 170 (70%) of patients fearing that they could transmit the infection to others. Marital relationships were affected for 52% of married patients. Around 80% unmarried patients were experiencing delay in getting married.
Conclusions: Patients comments showed a sense of family and societal discrimination resulting in feelings of disappointment which could be changed by educational interventions, effective patient and family centric awareness and scientific models of approach.
Vending environment and hygiene practices of street food vendors in an out of campus food environment in Kenya
Authors: Gichunge Catherine , Ogachi Solomon , Kiboi Willy , Mukhwana Eugine S. 
Published: March 2023

Background: Street foods (SF) are ready-to-eat foods and the safety and hygiene practices of street food vendors (SFVs) are important in the prevention of food-borne diseases (FBD). This study assessed the food handling practices and vending environments of SFVs operating outside a public university (Chuka University) in Ndagani, Kenya.
Methods: The study used an observational cross-sectional design where SFVs were observed during data collection. Census sampling was used to recruit 100 SFVs in Ndagani, Kenya. The collected data were summarized using frequencies and percentages. Chi square and regression analysis were used to assess the association and relationship between the SFVs’ demographic characteristic (sex) and their food handling practices and vending environment. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05.
Results: Of the 100 SFVS who participated in the study 87% (n=87) were female. Only 10% (n=10) of the SFVs were vending in a sanitary environment while 88% (n=88) of the SFVs had sub-optimal food handling practices. There was an association between the SFVs sex and vending environment (p=0.003) and their food handling practices (p=0.008). Compared to male SVFs, female SFVs were 10.1 times more likely to vend in an unsanitary environment (OR: 10.1; C.I, 2.41-42.60, p=0.002) and 7.1 times more likely to have sub-optimal food handling practices (OR: 7.1; C.I, 1.84-27.79, p=0.005).
Conclusions: The majority of SFVs are working in unsanitary environments and not handling SFs safely and hygienically. SFVs need training on food safety to prevent an outbreak of FBDs within university community.
Peruvian Masculinities: A review
Authors: Villa-Palomino Julio 
Published: March 2023

This article is an overview of Peruvian studies and research on men and masculinities. This field of study has around forty years of existence and Peru has contributed with scholarship that advances the field both theoretically and methodologically. This overview identifies seven main areas prioritized by Peruvian social scientists: 1) the construction of masculinities; 2) masculinities and gender violence; 3) reconstruction and relearning of masculinities; 4) paternities; 5) emotions and corporality; 6) representations of masculinities in the media and literature; and 7) masculinities and gender diversity. I conclude this overview by highlighting new ways for research.
Three Body Mass Index Classification Comparison In Predicting Hypertension Among Middle-Aged Indonesians
Authors: Tri Sutanti Puji Hartati  , Emyr Reisha Isaura  
Published: March 2023

Cardiovascular disease is one of the severe causes of death in low-middle-income countries. Being overweight and obese relates to a higher risk of hypertension, which further increases the risk of CVD. Therefore, determining body mass index (BMI) cut-off points is essential to provide a new scale for early and accurate screening. This study aimed to compare three classifications of BMI defined by WHO, Indonesia, and Asian criteria in predicting hypertension in middle-aged Indonesians. We used the 2014 Indonesian Family Life Survey data and included a total sample of 9737 respondents aged 40-60-year-old. We compared values (specificity, sensitivity, negative and positive predictive value, false-positive rate, negative and positive likelihood ratio, Youden index, and prevalence) of three BMI criteria (WHO, Indonesian, and Asian) between groups (Group 1: normal BMI vs overweight + obese BMI; group 2: normal + overweight BMI vs obese BMI) to determine the cut-off points of BMI related to hypertension. The hypertension prevalence was significantly higher in women (48.3%) than in men (42.0%). Respondents’ BMI was positively associated with hypertension. The Asian BMI classification showed better sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, FPR, LR+, LR-, and Youden index in group 1 than in group 2. Thus, this study proposed a fitted BMI cut-off point for overweight was ≥23 kg/m2 and for obesity was ≥25 kg/m2 as the early screening of overweight and obesity related to hypertension among the middle-aged population in Indonesia.
The Influence of Parents Behaviour and Practice on Their Family Health
Authors: Bushara Mohamed Osman Elamin 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Parents’ behavior and practices affect many aspects of family life, including health, and many studies have proven that children's bad habits are associated with parents’ behavior and practices.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify parents’ negative behaviors that might affect their families’ health and social development.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the influence of parents’ behavior and practices on their family health, in which 192 respondents participated.

Results: The results clarified the influence of parents on family health in several aspects. On the behavioral side, approximately 90% of the participants agreed that the behavior of parents may affect the behavior of their families, and the social and educational side results clarified the relationship between parents' illiteracy and support for the cognitive and social health of the family.

Discussion: This study clarified that there is a significant relationship between illiterate parents and their ability to support their families, illustrating that the majority of participants thought that the development of the cognitive and social health of families depends on the presence of supportive parents, which has many implications for family social and psychological health.
Conclusion: Parental behaviors and practices have a strong effect on their family’s health, which affects the development of the families’ cognitive and social health.
Recommendation: The study recommends the need for supportive, friendly hospitals for family social health and the provision of specialized programs that support the family’s social and psychological health.
Pudendal Neurapraxia After Proximal Hamstring Repair
Authors: Imam Nareena , Grace Zachary T. , Cherian Chris , Alberta Frank G. , Bassora Rocco 
Published: March 2023

Case:
The pudendal nerve lies near the origin of the hamstring muscles, placing it at increased risk of injury during proximal hamstring tendon repair. In this study, we report on a 56-year old man who experienced intermittent unilateral testicular pain after a proximal hamstring tendon repair presumably due to pudendal nerve neurapraxia. At the 1-year follow-up, he continued to experience discomfort in the pudendal nerve distribution but reported significant improvement in symptoms and complete resolution of hamstring pain.

Conclusion:
Although the risk of pudendal nerve injury during proximal hamstring tendon repair is rare, surgeons should be aware of this potential complication.
Self- and Parent-Reported Physical and Psychosocial Outcomes for Children with Arthrogryposis
Authors: Millar Kelsey , Manske M. Claire , James Michelle A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Children with arthrogryposis have impaired motion and strength; however, they develop compensatory strategies to achieve better function than may be anticipated. Impairment measures, such as range of motion and strength, describe physical function, but do not characterize a person’s psychosocial function, or their ability to perform activities and participate in life roles. The Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) measures domains of function from the perspective of people with a chronic disease, compared to a reference population. We hypothesized that PROMIS® scores would discriminate between children with arthrogryposis and a pediatric reference population, and that children with arthrogryposis would report impaired upper extremity function and mobility, but normal pain interference with activities and normal peer relationships.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study of children with arthrogryposis aged 5-17 years who responded to four pediatric PROMIS® physical and psychosocial domain questionnaires (Mobility, Upper Extremity (UE) Function, Pain Interference, and Peer Relationships) during clinic visits at Shriners Hospital for Children, Northern California from April 2017-May 2019. Responses were converted to a T-score for comparison to the reference population (mean score = 50, standard deviation = 10).
Results
PROMIS® questionnaires were administered to 65 children with arthrogryposis with a mean age of 9.5 years. Participants reported moderately impaired Mobility (38±9) and UE Function (32±12), both significantly lower than the reference population; 63% reported moderate or severe mobility impairment, and 77% reported moderate or severe impairment with UE Function.
Regarding psychosocial function, participants reported excellent Peer Relationships (average 54±8), with 98% reporting excellent or good Peer Relationships. They also reported normal Pain Interference (average 49±10), with 82% reporting normal or mild Pain Interference.
Conclusions
PROMIS® effectively discriminates between children with arthrogryposis and the reference population. Children with arthrogryposis report moderately impaired physical function (Mobility and UE Function) but normal psychosocial function (Peer Relationships and Pain Interference.) PROMIS® is a useful tool to evaluate and understand the challenges that children with arthrogryposis face.
Dependency on the host vitamin B12 has shaped the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex evolution
Authors: Gonzalo-Asensio Jesus , Campos-Pardos Elena , Uranga Santiago 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Human and animal tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex, which have evolved a genomic decay of cobalamin (vitamin B12) biosynthetic genes. Accordingly, and in sharp contrast to environmental, opportunistic and ancestor mycobacteria; we demonstrate that M. tuberculosis (Mtb), M. africanum, and animal-adapted lineages, lack endogenous production of cobalamin, yet they retain the capacity for exogenous uptake. A B12 anemic model in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice, demonstrates improved survival, and lower bacteria in organs, in anemic animals infected with Mtb relative to non-anemic controls. Conversely, no differences were observed between mice groups infected with M. canettii, an ancestor mycobacterium which retains cobalamin biosynthesis. Interrogation of the B12 transcriptome in three MTBC strains defined L-methionine synthesis by metE and metH genes as a key phenotype. Expression of metE is repressed by a cobalamin riboswitch, while MetH requires the cobalamin cofactor. Thus, deletion of metE predominantly attenuates Mtb in anemic mice; although inactivation of metH exclusively causes attenuation in non-anemic controls. These phenotypes are specific of Mtb, which unlike M. canettii and environmental mycobacteria, is unable to consume exogenous L-methionine. Here we show how suboptimal host B12 antagonizes Mtb virulence, and describe a host-pathogen cross-talk with implications for B12 anemic populations.
Fatal outcome in a patient with an unknown mitochondrial disease after anesthetic exposure. A clinical literatura review from the anesthetic perspective
Authors: Candelo Estephania , Arango Akemi , Franco Daniela , Granados Ana M , Diaz-Ordoñez Lorena , Aguirre Marisol , Rodriguez Lisa Ximena , Nastasi-Catanese Jose Antonio , Cuervo Andres , Pachajoa Harry 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) (OMIM:540000) is one of the most frequent mitochondrial maternal inheritance disorders. MELAS syndrome involves multiple organs, which generates a broad spectrum of manifestations, including stroke-like episodes, dementia, seizures, lactic acidaemia, myopathy, recurrent headaches, hearing impairment, diabetes, and short stature. The most common mutation associated with this phenotype is m.3243A>G in the MT-TL1 gene, which encodes for a mitochondrial tRNALeu (UUR). This mutation affects mitochondrial protein translation process, transduce into protein synthesis impairment and cause deficits of essential proteins for ATP production such as transport chain complex subunits leading to impairment in energy production and multi-organ dysfunction. This lack of energy proficiency could stimulate mitochondrial growth in the smooth muscle and endothelial cells, causing angiopathy and impaired blood perfusion of several tissue and organs, leading to metabolic complications and stroke-like episodes. In this case report, we present a female patient with hearing impairment as the only manifestation, who underwent an anesthetic procedure for cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, developed metabolic acidosis and hyperlactatemia, and died. Finally, the biopsy revealed a post-mortem genetic variant for MELAS syndrome.
Experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic amongst individuals with severe mental health conditions and caregivers in South Africa: a qualitative study
Authors: Brooke-Sumner Carrie , Rapiya Bongwekazi , Myers Bronwyn , Petersen Inge , Hanlon Charlotte , Repper Julie , Asher Laura 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

People with severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia are an underserved and under-researched group in low and middle income countries, requiring evidence to promote development of services for their needs. This study investigated the experiences and coping strategies of people with lived experience of this condition, and their family caregivers, in South Africa during the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Telephonic qualitative interviews were conducted with people with schizophrenia (n = 14) and caregivers (n = 15) from the Nelson Mandela Bay District in the Eastern Cape, South Africa between April and June 2020, the most restrictive period of the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated to English from isiXhosa. Thematic analysis was conducted with NVivo12.

Results

Participants described several negative impacts including increased material hardship, intensified social isolation and heightened anxiety, particularly among caregivers who had multiple caregiving responsibilities. Coping strategies included finding ways to get and give social support from others, engaging in productive activities and taking care of physical health. Main limitations of the study are inclusion only of people with access to a telephone, and the use of telephonic interviews, which may have limited richness of data.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that support needs for people with mental health conditions and their families should include opportunities for social interaction and sharing coping strategies. Current support is likely to be inadequate with the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these findings, implementation of additional community-based recovery-focused services for families must be prioritized.
Ischaemic stroke with multi-focal venous and arterial thrombosis due to hyperhomocysteinemia: anabolic androgenic steroid use and MTHFR c.667C&gt;T variant.
Authors: Chen Jian Peng Kieran , Rees Abigail , Coughlan Charles Hamish , Goodison Will , Murphy Elaine , Chandratheva Arvind 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Severely elevated serum homocysteine is a rare cause of ischaemic stroke and extra-cranial arterial and venous thrombosis. Several factors can lead to mild elevation of homocysteine including dietary folate and B12 deficiency, and genetic variants of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) enzyme. Use of Anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) is under reported, but increasingly linked to ischaemic stroke and can raise homocysteine levels.
Case Report
We present a case of a man in his 40s with a large left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory ischaemic stroke and combined multifocal, extracranial venous and arterial thrombosis. His past medical history was significant for Crohn’s disease and covert use of AAS. A young stroke screen was negative except for a severely elevated total homocysteine, folate and B12 deficiencies. Further tests revealed he was homozygous for the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme thermolabile variant (MTHFR c.667C > T). The aetiology of this stroke was a hypercoagulable state induced by raised plasma homocysteine. Raised homocysteine in this case was likely multifactorial and related to chronic AAS use in combination with the homozygous MTHFR c.677C > T thermolabile variant, folate deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Conclusion
In summary hyperhomocysteinemia is an important potential cause of ischaemic stroke and may result from genetic, dietary, and social factors. Anabolic steroid use is an important risk factor for clinicians to consider, particularly in cases of young stroke with elevated serum homocysteine. Testing for MFTHR variants in stroke patients with raised homocysteine may be useful to guide secondary stroke prevention through adequate vitamin supplementation. Further studies looking into primary and secondary stroke prevention in the high risk MTHFR variant cohort are necessary.
Pharmacogenetic analysis of inter-ethnic variability in the uptake transporter SLCO1B1 gene in Colombian, Mozambican, and Portuguese populations
Authors: Nega Mulata Haile , Berhe Derebew Fikadu , Ribeiro Vera 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Statin-induced myopathy is reported to be associated with the solute carrier organic anion transporter family member 1B1 gene single nucleotide polymorphism, c.521T>C. There is no epidemiologic data on this gene polymorphism in several countries. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the genotype and allele frequencies of the gene variant in three countries.
Methods: This study involved healthy individuals from Colombia, Mozambique, and Portugal. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples using the Qiamp DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen). The isolated DNA was genotyped using novel Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Microstat and GraphPad quick cal software were used for the Chi-square test and evaluation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium respectively.
Results: A total of 181 individuals’ blood sample was analyzed. Overall, TT (74.0%) genotype was the highest and CC (7.8%) was the lowest. Country wise genotypic frequencies were Colombia 47(70.2%) TT, 12(17.9%) TC and 8(11.9%) CC; Mozambique 47(88.7%) TT, 5(9.4%) TC, and 1(1.9%) CC; and Portugal 40(65.6%) TT, 16(26.2%) TC, and 5(8.2%) CC. The reference (T) allele was highest among Mozambicans (93.4%) compared to Colombians (79.1%) and Portuguese (78.7%). Mozambicans showed statistically significant genotypic and allelic frequency differences compared to Colombians (p<0.01) and Portuguese (p <0.01).
Conclusions: Overall and country-wise, CC genotype was less frequent and it is relatively high for Colombians and Portuguese populations. This finding may imply statins risk-benefit variability associated with CC genotype among these populations that needs further understanding.