bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in mental health according to marital and cohabitation status
Authors: Cha Jaewoo , Kim Dayea 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background Marriage and cohabitation are considered important mental health factors, but most epidemiological research sets these factors as covariates. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to elucidate the association between marital status and cohabitation with mental health in the Korean population. Methods The study comprised 7,359 participants aged 25 to 45 years. The variables of interest were the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, suicide attempts, and counseling for mental health issues during the previous year. Results Using chi-square tests for between-group comparisons and multiple logistic regression models to analyze risk factors, the PHQ-9 scores revealed that men and women in the separated group (divorced, not living with a spouse, or widowed) were 2.63 and 2.08 times more likely to develop depression than the spouse-cohabiting group, respectively. However, the latter was 1.91 times more likely to receive counseling for mental health problems than the separated group. Finally, in the separated group, men were 6.51 times more likely to attempt suicide, and women were 6.20 times more likely to develop depression than the men and women from the spouse-cohabiting group, respectively. Conclusion Marriage and cohabitation are negatively associated with the development of depression and suicidal ideation, especially among young adults in Korea. There is an urgent need to introduce healthcare policies that can prepare individuals to live in modern society.
WITHDRAWN: The Role of Botulinum Toxin in Management of Infantile Esotropia
Authors: Çiftçi Süleyman 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To find out the effect of a single dose botulinum toxin injection.
Methods
This study is an observational case series. Data of patients with infantile esotropia who received a single dose of botulinum toxin in 6th-9th month of their age were retrospectively reviewed during the period from February 2013 to January 2015. Botulinum toxin was injected in each of medial recti with a dose of 5 IU/0,05 mL without electromyography (EMG) control. Five patients were included in the study. Complications reletad to injection and to the toxin were recorded. During their regular follow-ups, the parents were instructed to patch the dominant eye if there is fixation preference either in exotropia or esotropia phases. Patients were examined between their 72nd to 96th month to find out their current visual acuity and to observe if they had any late term accompanying squints, nystagmus and amblyopia. Snellen optotypes or pictures were used for detecting best-corrected visual acuity.
Results
Orthophoria was the main outcome for 3 of the 5 patients. Dissociated deviations and latent nystagmus did not develop on any patient. On the last examination, patients’ visual acuities were assesed. Orthophoric ones: one patient had 1.0/1.0 visual acuity, one patient had 0.4/0.6 visual acuity, one patient had 0.2/0.2 visual acuity. Monocular esotropia ones: On the strabismic eye 0.1, on the dominant eye 1.0 visual acuity was detected. Inferior oblique muscle hyperfunction developed post injection on all the patients.
Conclusions
Botulinum toxin injection caused infantile esotropia to change into a more manageble form.
Sustainable increase in the self-sufficiency of Swiss agriculture – the potential of grain legumes in a traditionally meat- and dairy-based production
Authors: Keller Beat , Oppliger Corina , Chassot Mirjam , Hund Andreas , Walter Achim 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Switzerland is a global hotspot in dairy production and has above-average values of per-capita meat consumption. Its livestock production causes high environmental costs and is highly depending on concentrated feed imports. At the same time, the local grain legume production is negligible and diets of Swiss population become more and more plant-based. The consumption of legume protein has two main advantages over meat protein: legume-based protein has a lower environmental footprint due to biological nitrogen fixation and it has a healthy composition. This study evaluates the potential of grain legumes to diversify agricultural products while increasing sustainable food production and self-sufficiency.
Especially peas and faba beans show potential for the Swiss agriculture but require adaptions in policy, pricing and breeding based on a qualitative assessment of expert opinions. A quantitative analysis using Geographic Information system (GIS) showed that when only suitable arable land (Scenario I) is used for grain legume production, more than 100% of Switzerland's meat protein consumption could be covered by legume-based proteins. Converting suitable meadows into additional arable land for legume production (Scenario II) would further increase this potential: 180% of the currently consumed meat protein could be generated. The increase in legume area could be compensated by forage area, i.e., leys and silage maize. Replacing 632,500 t of concentrated feed import additionally, the current monogastric and ruminant production would decrase by 31 and 39%, respectively. The ramped up production of legume protein (175,630 t) could replace the decrease in animal-based proteins (from milk and meat) and substantially increase self-sufficiency of Swiss agriculture.

Increasing legume production is one promising path for Swiss agriculture toward more sustainability allowing to decrease environmental costs, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nitrogen pollution, and pressure on deforestation through soybean import. To stimulate legume production, not only policy needs to increase support, but also the supply chain of the agricultural and food industry are to be built up in parallel. Besides that, the agricultural management of legume production needs to be improved and new varieties adapted to current and future requirements are to be developed.
Carriers of heterozygous loss-of-function ACE mutations are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Danilov Sergei M. , Adzhubei Ivan A. , Kozuch Alex J. , Petukhov Pavel A. , Popova Isolda A. , Choudhury Ananyo , Sengupta Dhriti , Dudek Steven M. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Amyloid Aβ42 (constituents of the protein aggregates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cleaved by ACE, and thus, a decrease in tissue ACE activity (constitutive or ACE inhibitor-induced) could be risk factor for AD. We hypothesized that subjects with heterozygous Loss-of-Function (LoF) ACE mutations are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Existing SNP databases were analyzed for LoF ACE mutations using PolyPhen-2 scores and compared with the topology of known ACE mutations already associated with AD. The combined frequency of >400 of these LoF-damaging ACE mutations in the general population is quite significant – up to 5 % – comparable with the frequency of AD in the population >70 years old. Our analysis suggests several mechanisms by which ACE mutations may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Systematic analysis of blood ACE levels in patients with all ACE mutations is likely to have clinical significance because available sequencing data will help detect persons with increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Patients with transport-deficient ACE mutations (about 20 % of damaging ACE mutations) may benefit from preventive or therapeutic treatment with a combination of chemical and pharmacological (e.g., centrally acting ACE inhibitors) chaperones and proteosome inhibitors to restore impaired surface ACE expression.
How much did the Covid-19 shielding policy cost in Wales? A Retrospective Cost analysis within the EVITE Immunity study
Authors: Sewell Bernadette , Farr Angela , Akbari Ashley , Carson-Stevens Andrew , Edwards Adrian , Evans Bridie Angela , John Ann , Torabi Fatemeh , Dale Jeremy , Jolles Stephen , Kingston Mark Rhys , Lyons Jane , Lyons Ronan A , Porter Alison , Watkins Alan , Williams Victoria , Snooks Helen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The EVITE Immunity study investigates the effects of shielding Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) people during the COVID-19 pandemic on health outcomes and healthcare costs in Wales, UK, to help prepare for future pandemics. Shielding was intended to protect those at highest risk of serious harm from COVID-19. We report the cost of implementing shielding in Wales.
Methods: The number of people shielding was extracted from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Resources supporting shielding between March and June 2020 were mapped using published reports, web pages, freedom of information requests to Welsh Government and personal communications (e.g. the office of the Chief Medical Officer for Wales).
Results: At the beginning of shielding, 117,415 people were on the shielding list. The total additional cost to support those advised to stay home during the initial 14 weeks of the pandemic was £13,307,654 (£113 per person shielded). This included the new resources required to compile the shielding list, inform CEV people of the shielding intervention and provide medicine and food deliveries. The list was adjusted weekly over the 3-month period (130,000 people identified by June 2020) therefore the cost per person shielded lies between £102 and £113.
Conclusion: This is the first evaluation of the cost of the measures put in place to support those identified to shield in Wales. However, no data on opportunity cost was available. The true cost of shielding including its budget impact and opportunity costs need to be investigated to decide whether shielding is a worthwhile policy for future health emergencies.
Maternal Factors Influencing Under-five Mortality in Karemo Sub-county in Siaya County, Kenya
Authors: Odingo Paul Awiti , Munde Elly O. , Sang David , Atieli Harrysone , Ouma Collins 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Despite the substantial reduction of under-five mortality (U5M) across the world, about 15,000 under-fives (U5s) die daily. Majority occurs in developing countries with Sub-Saharan African countries like Kenya accounting for over 50%. In Kenya, the former Nyanza Province in western region exhibits the highest U5MR of 82 deaths/1000 live births. Karemo Sub-County in Nyanza Province displays twice as much U5MR as Nyanza Province despite having relatively good access to private and public health facilities. Moreover, the influence of maternal risk factors on U5M remains unknown.
Methodology:
The current cross-sectional study assessed the influence of maternal risk factors associated with U5M in Karemo Sub-County in Siaya County in 299 households of women of reproductive age (15–49 years). Data was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaire on a face-to-face interview. Differences between proportions were determined using Chi-square test while binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between maternal factors and U5M.
Results
Results show that children of older mothers (35–49 years) had increased mortality relative to those of younger mothers (< 20 years) (OR = 2.484; 95%CI: 1.249–4.940; P = 0.009). Short preceding birth interval of (< 2 years) was associated with increased risk of U5M relative to longer preceding birth intervals (> 2 years) (OR = 2.079; 95%CI: 1.240–3.485; P = 0.005). Relative to primary education level, children born to mothers who had attained tertiary level had reduced risk of U5M (OR = 0.408; 95%CI: 0.208-0.800; P = 0.009). Higher birth orders of 4 and above were five times more associated withU5M compared to lower birth orders (OR = 5.442; 95%CI: 2.789–10.620; P < 0.0001). Polygamy was associated with increased risk of U5M (OR = 3.370; 95%CI: 1.922–5.910; P < 0.0001). Similarly, lower death rates of about 61% were observed among children of married mothers compared to those of single mothers (OR = 0.382; 95%CI: 0.218–0.669; P = 0.001). Employment, subsistent farmers and small-scale business mothers showed increased risk to U5M (OR = 3.505, 95%CI: 1.657–7.414; P = 0.001), 2.1 (OR = 2.196; 95%CI: 1.190–4.053; P = 0.012) and 5.6 (OR = 5.639; 95%CI: 2.871–11.077; P < 0.0001), respectively.
Conclusion
Strategies targeting promotion of girl-child education above primary levels, women economic empowerment and acceptance of family planning are considered fundamental interventions and should be emphasized in reducing U5M in this region.
Sterile silicone ring tourniquets in limb surgery : A prospective clinical trial in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery
Authors: Bae Kunhyung , Kim Gisu , Aldosari Amaal M. , Gim Yeonji , Kwak Yoon Hae 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Sterile silicone ring tourniquets reduce intraoperative bleeding and provide a wide surgical view. Moreover, sterile silicone ring tourniquets reduce the risk of contamination and are more economical than conventional pneumatic tourniquets. The present study describes the perioperative outcomes of sterile silicone ring tourniquet placement in pediatric patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.
Methods
This study prospectively recruited 27 pediatric patients aged < 18 years who underwent 30 orthopedic surgeries between March and September 2021. Following complete surgical draping, all operations were initiated by placing sterile silicone ring tourniquets. We investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, details about the tourniquet used, and intra- and postoperative outcomes of tourniquet placement.
Results
Thanks to the narrowness of tourniquet bands (< 2 cm) and tourniquet placement at the proximal ends of the extremities, wide surgical fields were achieved, without limiting joint range of motion. Bleeding control was effective. Tourniquets were applied and removed rapidly and safely, regardless of limb circumference. None of the patients experienced postoperative pain, paresthesia, skin problems at the application site, surgical site infections, ischemic problems, or deep vein thrombosis.
Conclusions
Sterile silicone ring tourniquets effectively reduced intraoperative blood loss and facilitated wide operative fields in pediatric patients with various limb sizes. These tourniquets allow for quick, safe, and effective orthopedic surgery on pediatric patients.
Altered functional connectivity and network excitability in a model of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Aquiles Ana , Fiordelisio Tatiana , Luna-Munguía Hiram , Concha Luis 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are malformations of cortical development that often result in medically-refractory epilepsy, with greater incidence in the pediatric population. The relation between the deranged cortical morphology of FCD and their epileptogenic activity remains unclear. We used the BCNU animal model of cortical dysplasia to evaluate neuronal and laminar alterations and how these result in altered activity of intracortical networks in an early stage of development. We corroborated the previously-reported morphological anomalies characteristic of the BCNU model, comprising slightly larger and rounder neurons and abnormal cortical lamination. Next, neuronal activity of live cortical slices was evaluated through large field-of-view calcium imaging and their response to a stimulus that leads to cortical hyperexcitability (pilocarpine). Examination of the joint activity of neuronal calcium time series allowed us to identify intracortical communication patterns and their response to pilocarpine. Baseline power density distribution of neurons in the cortex of BCNU-treated animals was different from that from control animals, with the former showing no modulation after stimulus. Moreover, the intracortical communication pattern differed between the two groups, with cortexes from BCNU-treated animals displaying decreased inter-layer connectivity as compared to control animals. Our results indicate that the altered anatomical organization of the cortex of BCNU-treated rats translates into altered functional networks that respond abnormally to a hyperexcitable stimulus, and highlights the role of network dysfunction in the pathophysiology of cortical dysplasia.
Growth, allergen profile and microbiome studies in Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus cultures
Authors: Calzada David , Martín-López Laura , Carnés Jerónimo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Mites are mass-cultured to manufacture allergen extracts for allergy diagnostics and therapeutic treatment. The present study focused on characterizing the growth, the allergen profile, and the microbiome of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Samples from three cultures were taken at 10 different times of development. Mite population, protein profile, total protein content and major allergen levels (Der p 1, Der p 2, Der p 23) were monitored. Additionally, the progression of the allergenicity was studied by immunoblot using a pool of sera from allergic patients. Regarding the microbiome study, genomic DNA from 600 adult mites from the last day of the culture was isolated. Mite microbiome was characterized by sequencing the 16rRNA gene. Taxonomic analyses were performed using Qiime2 software. Endotoxin content was also analyzed. The culture had a fast and unrelenting evolution. Mite density, total protein content, Der p 1 and Der p 23 levels were increased progressively during the culture. Furthermore, the growth profile had a good correlation with the total protein content (r Pearson = 0.84; p = 0.01) and the levels of Der p 1, Der p 2 and Derp 23 (r = 0.69; p = 0.0042; r = 0.86; p < 0.0001; r = 0.7; p = 0.0036). According to the microbiome studies, the results confirm the presence of non-pathogenic bacteria, being firmicutes and actinobacteria the most common bacterial taxa, with a very low content of Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin content. The results of the growth, allergen profile and microbiome in our mite cultures confirm our in-depth knowledge, expertise, and control of culture processes to produce high-quality allergen extracts.
Song features correlate with male reproductive success and avian malaria infection in a promiscuous songbird with female-only parental care
Authors: Kubacka Justyna , Dubiec Anna , Arantes Larissa Souza , Herdegen-Radwan Magdalena , Mazzoni Camila , Sparmann Sarah , Osiejuk Tomasz Stanisław 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The link between male song and reproductive success has been explored at length in socially monogamous birds. However, results were inconsistent and under-represented socially non-monogamous species with uniparental care. Here, using as a model the Aquatic WarblerAcrocephalus paludicola, a songbird with no sexual dimorphism, female-only care, promiscuity and elaborate song, we explored whether the repertoire size, percent time singing (song duty) and rate of A-songs, used in male aggressive interactions, are associated with male fitness- and quality-related traits. We found that the seasonal breeding success (number of 9-day-old nestlings fathered) increased with repertoire size but was unassociated with song duty and A-song rate, and none of the song variables explained return rate. Hence, greater repertoire sizes could improve chances for copulation or nestling survival. Repertoire size and A-song rate were associated positively with growth of chick tarsus (proxy for structural body size) and negatively with change in chick scaled mass index, SMI (proxy for energy reserves), between days 2 and 9 post-hatch. Hence, nestlings of males with greater repertoires and A-song rate could fledge faster. The male quality-related traits: inbreeding coefficient, SMI, wing-length and trypanosome infection were unassociated with the song characteristics. However, while plasmodium infection was unrelated to song duty and repertoire size, it positively correlated with A-song rate. This could arise through better survival of higher-quality infected individuals, or modulation by testosterone. We conclude that in male Aquatic Warblers repertoire size and agonistic song rate predict some of their fitness- and quality-related traits, and could be adaptive.
Shedding of SARS-CoV-2 genome in wastewater after COVID-19 outbreaks at nursing care homes in Japan: An ad-hoc survey
Authors: Yoshida Hiromu , Ueda Masatoshi , Hattori Yasuomi , Mori Tomiko , Yokoe Kumi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Early detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) among individuals in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, has the potential to prevent the spread of infection. Polymerase chain reaction testing or antigen screening for SARS-CoV-2 help detect virus carriers; however, non-invasive methods, such as wastewater testing at a facility, might be beneficial as a long-term strategy. Nonetheless, survey studies are limited owing to complications ewrelated to different facilities. Therefore, we conducted an ad-hoc survey in three nursing homes using the grab or trap sampling methods, which have been used in previous studies for environmental surveillance. As this study was conducted on an ad-hoc basis, it is necessary to consider improving the sampling methods for adaptability to different drainage pipe systems across various facilities and ensure the reliability and sensitivity of the detection methods. Nevertheless, the results revealed viral genome detection at the early stage of the outbreak and shedding of the viral genome in the wastewater for approximately two months after the index case. Therefore, the result should be carefully interpreted as the viral genome would be detected over a long period. During the COVID-19 epidemic around the facility, frequent testing of wastewater, especially a combination of other clinical tests where necessary, might be helpful in early confirmation of index cases and reduce the risk of an outbreak within a facility.
The effect of having a spouse on the mortality risk in later life --Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Shanshan , Guo Shan , Yang Hualei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Examines the impact of the presence or absence of a spouse on the risk of death among older Chinese people and explores issues such as differences in mortality risk among different populations.
Method
Using the five-period longitudinal data of the China Health Impact Survey on the Elderly (CLHLS) from 2005 to 2018 as the basis, a Cox risk regression model was constructed using the Chinese elderly population aged 65 to 105 years as the study population, with the risk of death among the elderly as the dependent variable and the presence of a spouse among the elderly as the core independent variable.
Results
Controlling for variables such as individual characteristics of the elderly, socio-economic characteristics and health status, the presence or absence of a spouse had a significant effect on the risk of death in older people, with older people with a spouse having a 45.2% lower risk of death than older people without a spouse, an effect that was more prevalent in older people, older people who were male, older people in rural areas, and older people without financial support from children or pension support. Further analysis of the risk of death without a spouse was widowed > divorced > unmarried.
Conclusion
Based on a sample of older people in China, we found that having a partner in later life is a worthwhile life goal, i.e. having a partner in old age is effective in reducing the risk of death in later life and is an important factor in coping with ageing and enjoying a high quality of life in later life. Being divorced, widowed and single is detrimental to health, especially in older, male, rural and insecure older people. To reduce the negative impact of spouselessness in later life on the risk of death in old age, we need to focus on the elderly, male elderly, rural elderly and the insecure elderly.