bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of health risk behaviours related to non-communicable diseases amongst South African university students: a systematic review
Authors: Florence Gabriella E , Derman Wayne E , Popperwell Jake M , Kunorozva Lovemore , Gomez-Ezeiza Josu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Engagement in risk behaviours adopted during university continues after graduation, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of NCD risk behaviours amongst South African university students.

Methods
PubMed and Scopus databases were searched (January 1990–April 2022) for studies investigating alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical inactivity. Study qualities were assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal and levels of evidence checklists. An overall prevalence percentage was obtained for each risk behaviour.

Results
A total of 50 studies (n = 26 624 students) were included. A range of 44.8–75.0% of students consumed inadequate servings of fruits and vegetables. Just over 54% consumed alcohol (95% confidence intervals [95%CI]:54.0–55.5%). A significantly higher percentage of males (44.2%) than females (25.8%) drank heavily (P &lt; 0.001). Approximately one-third (34.8%, 95%CI:33.4–36.3%) were sedentary and 39.0% (95%CI:37.5–40.4%) were insufficiently active. Almost one-fifth (17.9%, 95%CI:17.3–18.5%) smoked cigarettes, being significantly more prevalent amongst males (21.8%) than females (13.5%) (P &lt; 0.001). A total of 10% smoked 1–10 cigarettes/day and 1.2% smoked &gt;10 cigarettes/day.

Conclusion
High percentages of South African students eat inadequate servings of fruits and vegetables, consume alcohol are physically inactive and smoke cigarettes. South African universities should implement screening measures and health campaigns.
Analysis of radioactivity in commercially available products aiming to improve health and wellness
Authors: Thomas Rimon , Forssell-Aronsson Eva , Hjellström Martin , Insulander Björk Klara , Piñero-García Francisco , Isaksson Mats 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
There are products available on the online market that are claim to contain unique ‘energies’ that can improve health and wellness by eliminating toxins and pains and energising food and drinking water. We investigated these products by alpha and gamma spectrometry, and the analysis showed that they contained a few to hundreds of kilobecquerels per kilogram of naturally occurring radionuclides from the 232Th and 238U series. The committed effective dose for an adult drinking water that had been in contact with these products just once was estimated to 12 nSv. Considering a worst-case scenario for the workers inhaling the radioactive substance, 1 d of work would result in an effective dose of 0.39 mSv. The product descriptions do not mention the radionuclide content, and concerns are raised for the consumers and workers exposed to these products with no knowledge of the radioactive content.
Investigating the effects of jute nesting material and enriched piglet mats on sow welfare and piglet survival
Authors: Markland Lucy , Johnson Jay S , Richert Brian T , Erasmus Marisa A , Lay Donald C 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Domesticated sows are motivated to perform nesting behavior prior to farrowing, and nesting material can reduce piglet cold stress. However, nesting material may not be practical in most production systems due to the potential for clogging slurry systems. Therefore, the study objectives were to assess an alternative nesting material provided prior to farrowing on sow welfare and piglet survival, and to investigate the effect of the entire nesting environment on piglet survival and growth performance. We hypothesized that the provision of jute nesting material would decrease sow stress and farrowing duration, and that nesting mat provision would allow piglets to remain euthermic and improve survival and growth. Sows (N = 20) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: a farrowing crate with three pieces of 40.6 × 21.6 cm jute nesting material (Nest; n = 10) and two enriched piglet mats made from an acrylic board (28.0 × 86.4 cm) covered with a microfiber material, or a farrowing crate without nesting material (Control; n = 10) and one standard plastic piglet mat (28.0 × 86.4 cm). Jute pieces were attached to the front of the crate to prevent substrate from falling through the slatted floors. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA), on days −1, 0, 1, and 2 relative to farrowing, and a final sample was collected at weaning (day 16.9 ± 0.18). Blood was collected from four piglets per litter to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) at 48 h, day 7, and weaning. Piglet skin temperature (TS) was measured on two piglets per litter using an infrared camera for 3 d after birth at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h. One piglet was randomly chosen from the heat lamp and nonheat lamp side of the crate to measure TS. Video was continuously coded for observations of jute- and crate-directed interactions. Data were analyzed as a mixed model analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. Nest sows performed less crate-directed behavior than Control sows (P = 0.02). Cortisol tended to be reduced in Nest sows (P = 0.08) when compared to Controls, but no differences in IgA concentrations (P &gt; 0.40) were detected. Nest piglets tended to be heavier on day 7 (P &lt; 0.10), had greater IgG concentrations (P = 0.03), and had greater TS (P = 0.02) versus Controls. No farrowing duration or number of stillbirth differences were observed (P &gt; 0.70). The jute material and piglet nests positively impacted sow welfare and piglet measures but did not translate into improved piglet survival.
Injury and protection of spiral ganglion neurons
Authors: Duan Beilei , Peng Kevin A. , Wang Line 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are bipolar ganglion cells and are the first neurons in the auditory transduction pathway. They transmit complex acoustic information from hair cells to second-order sensory neurons in the cochlear nucleus for sound processing. Injury to SGNs causes largely irreversible hearing impairment because these neurons are highly differentiated cells and cannot regenerate, making treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) arising from SGN injury difficult. When exposed to ototoxic drugs or damaging levels of noise or when there is loss of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), aging, and presence of other factors, SGNs can be irreversibly damaged, resulting in SNHL. It has been found that NTFs and stem cells can induce regeneration among dead spiral ganglion cells. In this paper, we summarized the present knowledge regarding injury, protection, and regeneration of SGNs.
Right ventricular assessment in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Labrada Lyana , Vaidy Anika , Vaidya Anjali 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of assessment of right ventricular function in the context of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We will review unique features of right ventricular anatomy, delineation of cause of pulmonary hypertension through careful right ventricular assessment, echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluation, and the importance of this assessment in prognosis.

Recent findings
The importance of performance in prognosis and risk assessment in patients with pulmonary hypertension has been continually emphasized in ongoing research. Representative parameters of right ventricular function have been shown to be predictive of prognosis in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Further, the importance of serial right ventricular assessment in risk assessment and prognosis has remained an emerging theme.

Summary
Careful evaluation of right ventricular function is paramount in assessing the cause of pulmonary hypertension and severity of disease. Further, it has prognostic significance, as many representative parameters of right ventricular function have been linked with mortality. In our opinion, right ventricular function should be assessed serially throughout the course of treatment in pulmonary hypertension, and baseline parameters in addition to dynamic changes should be incorporated into risk assessment. Achieving normal or near-normal right ventricular performance may serve as a principal goal in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
The role of primary care in sarcoidosis
Authors: Kouranos Vasileios , Wells Athol U. 
Published: July 2023

Purpose of reviewThe current review aims to highlight the role of primary care physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with sarcoidosis. Increased awareness of the clinical and imaging manifestations of the disease as well as the natural disease course will help for earlier and more accurate diagnosis as well as detection of high-risk patients who would benefit from treatment introduction.Recent findingsRecent guidelines have attempted to deal with the confusion related to treatment indications, duration and monitoring of treatment in patients with sarcoidosis. Nonetheless, important points require further clarification. Primary care physicians may be the first to confront disease exacerbation, deterioration despite treatment and/or treatment-induced side effects. Furthermore, they are the physicians that remain closer to the patient providing a significant amount of information, psychological support and assessment for sarcoidosis-specific or not issues. The treatment strategy for each organ is complex, but the principles of treatment have been explored.SummaryThere have been considerable advances in the diagnostic and management approach of patients with sarcoidosis. Multidisciplinary approach for both diagnosis and management seems optimal. Validating risk stratification strategies and standardizing the monitoring process is appropriate for the future.
Does improvement in AIS grade correlate with functional recovery in all patients with a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury?
Authors: Mputu Mputu Pascal , Beauséjour Marie , Richard-Denis Andréane , Dionne Antoine , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objective
To determine what improvement on the American Spinal Injury Impairment Scale (AIS) correlates with functional status after a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (tSCI).

Design
We performed an observational cohort study, analyzing prospective data from 168 tSCI patients admitted to a single Level 1 trauma Center. A multivariable analysis was performed to assess the relationship between functional status (from the SCIM: Spinal Cord Independence Measure) at 1-year follow-up and AIS grade (baseline and 1-year follow-up), while taking into account covariables describing the socio-demographic status, trauma severity and level of neurological injury.

Results
Individuals improving to at least AIS grade D had significantly higher SCIM score compared to those not reaching AIS D (89.3 ± 15.2 vs. 52.1 ± 20.4), and were more likely to reach functional independence (68.5% vs. 3.6%), regardless of the baseline AIS grade. Higher final SCIM was more likely with an initial AIS grade D (β = 1.504; 95%CI: [0.46, 2.55]), and a final AIS grade D (β = 3.716; 95%CI: [2.77, 4.66]) or E (β = 4.422, 95%CI: [2.91,5.93]).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that reaching AIS grade D or better one year after tSCI is highly predictive of significant functional recovery, more so than the actual improvement in AIS grade from the injury to the 1-year follow-up.
Dynamic Analysis of Circulating Tumor DNA to Predict the Prognosis and Monitor the Treatment Response of Patients with Metastatic Triple-negative Breast Cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Chi Yajing , Su Mu , Zhou Dongdong , Zheng Fangchao , Zhang Baoxuan , Qiang Ling , Ren Guohua , Song Lihua , Bu Bing , Fang Shu , Yu Bo , Zhou Jinxing , Yu Jinming , Li Huihui 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundLimited data are available on the application of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) patients. Here, we investigated the value of ctDNA for predicting the prognosis and monitoring the treatment response in mTNBC patients.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 70 Chinese patients with mTNBC who had progressed after ≤ 2 lines of chemotherapy and collected blood samples to extract ctDNA for 457-gene targeted panel sequencing.ResultsPatients with ctDNA+, defined by 12 prognosis-relevant mutated genes, had a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) than ctDNA− patients (5.16 monthsvs.9.05 months,P= 0.001) and ctDNA+ was independently associated with a shorter PFS (HR, 95%CI: 2.67, 1.2–5.96;P= 0.016) by multivariable analyses. Patients with a higher mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) score (≥ 6.316) or a higher ctDNA fraction (ctDNA% ≥ 0.05) had a significantly shorter PFS than patients with a lower MATH score (5.67 monthsvs.11.27 months,P= 0.007) and patients with a lower ctDNA% (5.45 monthsvs.12.17 months,P< 0.001), respectively. Positive correlations with treatment response were observed for MATH score (R = 0.24,P= 0.014) and ctDNA% (R = 0.3,P= 0.002), but not the CEA, CA125, or CA153. Moreover, patients who remained ctDNA+ during dynamic monitoring tended to have a shorter PFS than those who did not (3.90 monthsvs.6.10 months,P= 0.135).ConclusionsctDNA profiling provides insight into the mutational landscape of mTNBC and may reliably predict the prognosis and treatment response of mTNBC patients.FundingThis work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81902713), Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (Grant No. ZR2019LZL018), Breast Disease Research Fund of Shandong Provincial Medical Association (Grant No. YXH2020ZX066), the Start-up Fund of Shandong Cancer Hospital (Grant No. 2020-PYB10), Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Fund (Grant No. KC2021-ZZ-0010-1).
Facilitators and barriers to the implementation of the biobehavioral survey among incarcerated individuals and correctional personnel in Mozambique, 2021
Authors: Botão Carlos , Mutola Ana , Nuvunga Samuel , Banze Auria , Muleia Rachid , Boothe Makini , Baltazar Cynthia Semá 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMozambique implemented in 2021 a formative assessment in 22 prisons to identify the operational and logistical needs for the second round of the Biobehavioral Survey (BBS). We discussed barriers and facilitators that could be anticipated in conducting BBS in prisons, in preparation for implementation, structured interviews with key informants with directors and other staff were administered. The data were cleaned and analyzed in Microsoft Excel, and the categorical variables were summarized by means of simple frequencies and percentages. In most prisons the actual prison capacity far exceeds the theoretical capacity, 40.9% have a theoretical capacity of ≥ 50 inmates, 81.8% have inmates who exceed their theoretical capacity. In the country half of the prisons receive only male inmates, and only one female, 54.5% of the prisons visited have inmates under 18 years of age, 72.7% of the prisons had a private space available for the survey, the penitentiary establishments have the physical space for study; ensuring the safety of staff within the facilities; involvement of correctional officers and a clinical focal point. However, barriers such as time management due to prison opening hours, prison laws, restrictions, or permits for research may change without notice due to security, lockdowns, riots, or other situations that may hinder the implementation of research. Currently, little is known about the implementation of a BBS in a correctional environment and only a few barriers can be anticipated, for Mozambique’s context, these challenges and obstacles can be overcome through clear communication and collaboration with officials at all levels.
Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI correlates of cognitive and motor function in Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait
Authors: Huddleston Daniel E. , Chen Xiangchuan , Hwang Kristy , Langley Jason , Tripathi Richa , Tucker Kelsey , McKay J. Lucas , Hu Xiaoping , Factor Stewart A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSubstantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and locus coeruleus (LC) are neuromelanin-rich nuclei implicated in diverse cognitive and motor processes in normal brain function and disease. However, their roles in aging and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms have remained unclear due to a lack of tools to study themin vivo. Preclinical and post-mortem human investigations indicate that the relationship between tissue neuromelanin content and neurodegeneration is complex. Neuromelanin exhibits both neuroprotective and cytotoxic characteristics, and tissue neuromelanin content varies across the lifespan, exhibiting an inverted U-shaped relationship with age. Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI (NM-MRI) is an emerging modality that allows measurement of neuromelanin-associated contrast in SNc and LC in humans. NM-MRI robustly detects disease effects in these structures in neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous NM-MRI studies of PD have largely focused on detecting disease group effects, but few studies have reported NM-MRI correlations with phenotype. Because neuromelanin dynamics are complex, we hypothesize that they are best interpreted in the context of both disease stage and aging, with neuromelanin loss correlating with symptoms most clearly in advanced stages where neuromelanin loss and neurodegeneration are coupled. We tested this hypothesis using NM-MRI to measure SNc and LC volumes in healthy older adult control individuals and in PD patients with and without freezing of gait (FOG), a severe and disabling PD symptom. We assessed for group differences and correlations between NM-MRI measures and aging, cognition and motor deficits. SNc volume was significantly decreased in PD with FOG compared to controls. SNc volume correlated significantly with motor symptoms and cognitive measures in PD with FOG, but not in PD without FOG. SNc volume correlated significantly with aging in PD. When PD patients were stratified by disease duration, SNc volume correlated with aging, cognition, and motor deficits only in PD with disease duration >5 years. We conclude that in severe or advanced PD, identified by either FOG or disease duration >5 years, the observed correlations between SNc volume and aging, cognition, and motor function may reflect the coupling of neuromelanin loss with neurodegeneration and the associated emergence of a linear relationship between NM-MRI measures and phenotype.
MOLECULAR AND QUANTUM MECHANICAL STUDIES OF INTERACTION BETWEEN TETRAHYDROCURCUMIN DERIVATIVE AND PCSK9 Protein TO PROVIDE A BASIS FOR AN ORAL PILL TO REMOVE BAD CHOLESTEROL
Authors: Vaithyanathan Prakash 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTThe interaction between Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and low-density lipoprotein receptors responsible for causing atherosclerosis. According to estimates, it causes 60% of fatalities worldwide and is the covert precursor to clinical myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and CVD. Designing tiny compounds that inhibit PCSK9 from interacting with LDL receptors is the need of the hour. Through bioinformatics-based studies, this study seeks to assess the interactions between a derivative of tetrahydrocurcumin and PCSK9 Protein and compare them to interactions with the literature based studies of standard Atorvastatin. Additionally, comparison research was carried out to examine how the new compound interacts in the active and allosteric regions of PCSK9. The above-mentioned compound, a derivative of Tetrahydrocurcumin, was adjusted and optimized to the level of local minimum energy using the RCSB’s downloaded PDB file 7S5H. By Desmond MD simulation studies, the stability of the non-bonded interactions of the complexes was examined. An affinity of -9.493 kcal/mol for the active site and -8.148 kcal/mol for the allosteric site was observed by docking studies in comparison with the standard molecule, atorvastatin. Also, the MMGBSA value of -50.7142 kcal/mol indicates the Tetrahydrocurcumin derivative binds well compare to the standard, atorvastatin. The Tetrahydro curcumin derivative molecule was able to orient into the active region with the help of Asp238, Thr377, and Ser381 amino acids. In comparison to atorvastatin, the binding affinity was raised by seven H-bonds with six amino acids and one π interaction of Arg295 amino acids of the allosteric site. The Tetrahydro curcumin molecule’s nonbonded interaction was found to be stable for 100 ns by MD simulation tests. This demonstrates that the Tetrahydrocurcumin derivative molecule will prove to be an effective substrate to modify PCSK9 protein behavior.
Single-cell quantitative bioimaging ofP. bergheiliver stage translation
Authors: McLellan James L. , Sausman William , Reers Ashley B. , Bunnik Evelien M. , Hanson Kirsten K. 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTPlasmodiumparasite resistance to existing antimalarial drugs poses a devastating threat to the lives of many who depend on their efficacy. New antimalarial drugs and novel drug targets are in critical need, along with novel assays to accelerate their identification. Given the essentiality of protein synthesis throughout the complex parasite lifecycle, translation inhibitors are a promising drug class, capable of targeting the disease-causing blood stage of infection, as well as the asymptomatic liver stage, a crucial target for prophylaxis. To identify compounds capable of inhibiting liver stage parasite translation, we developed an assay to visualize and quantify translation in theP. berghei-HepG2 infection model. After labeling infected monolayers with o- propargyl puromycin (OPP), a functionalized analog of puromycin permitting subsequent bioorthogonal addition of a fluorophore to each OPP-terminated nascent polypetide, we use automated confocal feedback microscopy followed by batch image segmentation and feature extraction to visualize and quantify the nascent proteome in individualP. bergheiliver stage parasites and host cells simultaneously. After validation, we demonstrate specific, concentration-dependent liver stage translation inhibition by both parasite-selective and pan-eukaryotic active compounds, and further show that acute pre-treatment and competition modes of the OPP assay can distinguish between direct and indirect translation inhibitors. We identify a Malaria Box compound, MMV019266, as a direct translation inhibitor inP. bergheiliver stages and confirm this potential mode of action inP. falciparumasexual blood stages.