bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender differences in measles incidence rates in a multi-year, pooled analysis, based on national data from seven high income countries
Authors: Green Manfred S. , Schwartz Naama , Peer Victoria 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Gender differences in a number of infectious diseases have been reported. The evidence for gender differences in clinical measles incidence rates has been variable and poorly documented over age groups, countries and time periods.

Methods
We obtained data on cases of measles by sex and age group over a period of 11–27 years from seven countries. Male to female incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed for each year, by country and age group. For each age group, we used meta-analytic methods to combine the IRRs. Meta-regression was conducted to the estimate the effects of age, country, and time period on the IRR.

Results
In the age groups < 1, 1–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–44, and 45–64 the pooled IRRs (with 95% CI) were 1.07 (1.02–1.11), 1.10 (1.07–1.14), 1.03 (1.00–1.05), 1.05 (0.99–1.11), 1.08 (0.95–1.23), and 0.82 (0.74–0.92) respectively. The excess incidence rates (IR) from measles in males up to age 45 are remarkably consistent across countries and time-periods. In the age group 45–64, there is an excess incidence in women.

Conclusions
The consistency of the excess incidence rates in young males suggest that the sex differences are more likely due to physiological and biological differences and not behavioral factors. At older ages, differential exposure can play a part. These findings can provide further keys to the understanding of mechanisms of infection and tailoring vaccination schedules.
A case report of native vertebral osteomyelitis caused by Cutibacterium modestum
Authors: Koyama Taiji , Ohji Goh , Nishida Masako , Nishimura Sho , Shirasugi Iku , Ohnuma Kenichiro , Kusuki Mari , Iwata Kentaro 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundCutibacterium modestumwas named in 2020.C. modestumwas previously calledPropionibacterium humerusii. Several implant-associated infections caused by Cutibacterium species have been previously reported, but native vertebral osteomyelitis due to these bacteria has rarely been reported.Case presentationA 72-year-old man, who had previously received several nerve block injections for low back pain, was referred to our hospital for deterioration in back pain in the last 1 month. MRI findings were suggestive of L5-S1 vertebral osteomyelitis. Blood cultures and bone biopsy culture revealed the presence of Gram-positive bacilli. The isolate was identified asC. modestumby 16SrRNA gene sequencing. A diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis caused byC. modestumwas made. Minocycline followed by oral amoxicillin was administered for 3 months. His symptom improved and did not recur after treatment completion.ConclusionA case of vertebral osteomyelitis caused byC. modestumwas encountered. AlthoughC. modestumis very similar toC. acnes, it could be accurately identified by 16SrRNA gene sequencing. This case represents the first documentedC. modestuminfection in humans.
Corneal confocal microscopy in the evaluation of immune-related motor neuron disease syndrome
Authors: Jiao Lin , Zhang Yuanjin , Wang Haikun , Fan Dongsheng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
To investigate the sensitivity and specificity of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) in the diagnosis of immune-related motor neuron disease syndrome and evaluation of the response to immunosuppressive therapy.

Methods
Seventy-two patients with clinical manifestations of motor neuron disease (MND) were analysed. According to whether they had concomitant rheumatic immune disease or rheumatic immune antibody abnormalities, they were divided into an MND group (33 patients) and an immune-related MND syndrome group (39 patients). Another 10 healthy adults were selected as the control group. All individuals were examined by CCM.

Results
For Langerhans cell(LC) density, the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was 0.8, the best cut-off was 67.7 cells/mm2, the sensitivity was 79.5%, and the specificity was 72.7%. For inferior whorl length (IWL), the area under the ROC curve was 0.674, the best cut-off was 17.41 mm/mm2, the sensitivity was 69.2%, and the specificity was 66.7%. After immunosuppressive therapy in 5 patients with immune-related MND syndrome, the LCD was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and there was no statistically significant change in the IWL (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
The LC density and IWL are ideal for distinguishing MND from immune-related MND syndrome. The LC density reflects the immunotherapy response sensitively.
The oncological safety of autologous fat grafting: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goncalves Rodrigo , Mota Bruna Salani , Sobreira-Lima Bruno , Ricci Marcos Desidério , Soares José Maria , Munhoz Alexandre Mendonça , Baracat Edmund Chada , Filassi José Roberto 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objective
To present a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis evaluating the oncological safety of autologous fat grafting (AFG).
Summary background data: AFG for breast reconstruction presents difficulties during follow-up radiological exams, and the oncological potential of grafted fat is uncertain. Previous studies confirmed that the fatty tissue could be transferred under a good condition suitable would not interfere with mammographic follow-up, although the issue of oncological safety remains.

Methods
We reviewed the literature published until 01/18/2021. The outcomes were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and local recurrence (LR). We included studies that evaluated women with breast cancer who undergone surgery followed by reconstruction with AFG. We synthesized data using the inverse variance method on the log-HR (log of the hazard ratio) scale for time-to-event outcomes using RevMan. We assessed heterogeneity using the Chi2 and I2 statistics.

Results
Fifteen studies evaluating 8541 participants were included. The hazard ratios (HR) could be extracted from four studies, and there was no difference in OS between the AFG group and control (HR 0.9, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.54, p = 0.71, I2 = 58%, moderate certainty evidence), and publication bias was not detected. The HR for DFS could be extracted from six studies, and there was no difference between the AFG group and control (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.38, p = 0.96, I2 = 0%, moderate certainty evidence). The HR for LR could be extracted from ten studies, and there was no difference between the AFG group and control (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.12, p = 0.43, I2 = 1%, moderate certainty evidence).

Conclusion
According to the current evidence, AFG is a safe technique of breast reconstruction for patients that have undergone BC surgery and did not affect OS, DFS, or LR.
Associations between match participation, maturation, physical fitness, and hormonal levels in elite male soccer player U15: a prospective study with observational cohort
Authors: Eskandarifard Ebrahim , Nobari Hadi , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Silva Rui , Silva Ana Filipa , Figueiredo Antonio José 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The aims of this study were to analyze the relationships between minutes of play (MP) and maturity status, fitness, and hormonal levels and to explain how those measures influence the time of play.

Methods
Twenty-six youth soccer players U15 participated in this study over a full-season period. Anthropometric measures, maturity status, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor and physical levels such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), fatigue index, countermovement jump (CMJ) performance were collected. At the end-season, players were assessed in 6 different tests over four days.

Results
VO2max largely correlated with GH (r = 0.57) and CMJ (r = 0.51). Also, GH largely correlated with CMJ (r = 0.55). MP had moderate correlations with VO2max (r = 0.44) and CMJ (r = 0.42). Multiple linear regression with maturation, physical fitness and hormonal levels explained R2 of 0.62 of the MP (F (8, 17) = 3.47, p = 0.015). Although each independent variable alone was not able to determine the playing time, when using the interactions, the model significantly explained the MP.

Conclusions
The combination of maturity status, physical fitness, and hormonal levels seem to play a determinant role in explaining the match participation in youth soccer players.
Secular trends in Javanese adult height: the roles of environment and educational attainment
Authors: Moelyo Annang Giri , Sitaresmi Mei Neni , Julia Madarina 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Since its independence in 1945, Indonesia has undergone rapid socioeconomic development. The fastest changes occurred in Java, which is the main island where more than half of the Indonesian population lives.

Objective
This study aimed to analyze the secular trend in the height of adults living in Java born between 1953 and 1995 by comparing their residence (rural, small city, or large city) and considering factors that contribute to adult height.

Methods
The analysis used the following data: birth year, body height, weight, body mass index, sex, educational attainment, share of household food expenditures, and residence of 20- to 40-year-old men and women collected by the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS) waves 1 to 5. Multiple linear regression was conducted to analyze several factors that influence adult height. Significance was set at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
The study included 30,656 measurements of individuals born between 1953 and 1995 (54.9% female). Positive secular trends (95% CI) were observed for men and women: 1.3 (1.1–1.4) cm and 0.9 (0.8–1.0) cm per decade, respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that, in addition to the year of birth, the adult height of both males and females was independently associated with level of education and share of household food expenditure. Stratifying the data into residence in rural areas, small cities, and large cities showed that education levels influenced the adult height of men and women living in all regions, whereas the influence of birth year and share of household food expenditure differed between areas and genders.

Conclusions
We observed positive secular trends in the height of adults living in Java who were born between 1953 and 1995. The birth year, educational attainment, and share of household food expenditure significantly influenced adult height. A higher education level was consistently associated with taller adult height in both men and women living in rural areas, small cities, and large cities.
Substance use is associated with condomless anal intercourse among men who have sex with men in India: a partner-level analysis
Authors: Prabhu Sandeep , Mehta Shruti H. , McFall Allison M. , Srikrishnan Aylur K. , Vasudevan Canjeevaram K. , Lucas Gregory M. , Celentano David D. , Solomon Sunil S. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Men who have sex with men (MSM) bear a disproportionately high burden of new HIV infections while lagging behind other populations with respect to engagement across the HIV care continuum. General risk factors for condomless anal intercourse (CAI) among MSM are well studied but there is a paucity of partner-level data, where emerging evidence suggests that much of the variation in condom use occurs.

Methods
MSM were recruited across 10 cities in India using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) from 2016–17. Among the individuals who reported sexual intercourse in the prior 6 months, condom use and partner characteristics of the last 4 partners were captured. Correlates of CAI at the individual and partner level were determined using Poisson regression models using generalized estimating equations and incorporating RDS-II weights, which weights estimates for the participant’s network size.

Results
Among the 8,086 individuals, 21,723 sexual partnerships were analyzed. The prevalence of CAI was 46.9% and most partners were casual or one-time (70.7%) with partner HIV status reported as unknown in 42.6% of the sexual encounters. In multivariable analyses, partner-level characteristics associated with higher likelihood of CAI included unknown partner HIV status (aPR vs. known HIV negative partner: 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27–1.43) and use of alcohol/ drugs prior to intercourse either sometimes (aPR 1.42; 95% CI: 1.33–1.51) or always (aPR 1.31; 95% CI: 1.23–1.41). At an individual level, any HIV treatment literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of CAI (aPR 0.80; 95% CI: 0.74–0.86).

Conclusions
To reduce HIV transmission among this population of MSM across India, combination interventions are likely needed. Interventions targeting substance use and education as well as initiatives to increase self-testing are urgently needed among MSM in India and have the potential to reduce HIV transmission in this high-risk population.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01686750. Date of Registration: September 18, 2012.
Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) inhibitor ARN-3236 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Zou Liangneng , Hong Dequn , Li Kecong , Jiang Bingyuan 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal lung disease with complex pathogenesis and limited effective therapies. Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is a kinase that phosphorylates CRTCs and regulates many physiological processes. However, the role of SIK2 on pulmonary fibrosis remains unclear, and whether SIK2 inhibitor can attenuate pulmonary fibrosis is unknown.

Method
We subjected human fetal lung fibroblasts (HFLs) to transforming growth factor-β1 (5 ng/mL) for 12 h, and examined the expression of SIK2, CRTCs and pCRTCs in fibroblasts by western-blot. To address the roles of SIK2 and CRTCs involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, HFLs were treated with a small-molecule inhibitor ARN-3236 or by siRNA-mediated knockdown of SIK2 expression. Pulmonary fibrosis model was established with mice by exposing to bleomycin, and assessed by H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining. COL1A and α-SMA distributions were detected in lung tissues by immunohistochemical staining.

Results
We discovered that SIK2 and phosphorylated-CRTC2 were expressed at a low basal level in normal lung tissues and quiescent fibroblasts, but increased in fibrotic lung tissues and activated fibroblasts. Inhibition of SIK2 by ARN-3236 prevented the fibroblasts differentiation and extracellular matrix expression in HFLs and attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Mechanistically, inactivation of SIK2 resulted in the dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of CRTC2. Within the nucleus, CRTC2 binds to CREB, promoting CREB-dependent anti-fibrotic actions.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our results elucidated a previously unexplored role of SIK2 in pulmonary fibrosis, and identified SIK2 as a new target for anti-fibrosis medicines.
Vaspin promotes chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs via Akt activation in osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Zhang Keshi , Zhang Shaolong , Guan Zhenpeng 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Vaspin on the chondrogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and its effect on chondrocyte survival and ECM secretion. We also assessed whether the Akt activation participates in these processes.

Methods
In vivo, ﻿immunohistochemistry was used to examine the positive rate of the protein expressions of Akt in Wistar rat articular cartilage and subchondral bone after Vaspin intraperitoneal injection for 14 days. In vitro, we isolated and expanded BMSCs from Wistar rats, and further cultured BMSCs as pellets in a chondrogenic-differentiation medium supplemented with different concentrations of Vaspin. After 21 days, the pellets were processed for cell counting kit assay. The mRNA level of Akt, SOX9 and COL2A1 in the pellets were investigated using quantitative Real-Time polymerase chain reaction, and the protein level of COMP was detected using western blot.

Results
During the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs, Vaspin promoted the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and chondrocyte survival by activating the Akt pathway. These effects were significantly reduced by treatment with an Akt inhibitor. Moreover, Vaspin promoted chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs by increasing the expression of markers in cartilage formation and extracellular matrix secretion. Furthermore, our study also found that Vaspin could increase Akt expression in cartilage cavities and subchondral bone in vivo.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that Vaspin can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and chondrocyte survival via Akt activation. Our study provides new insights into the potential ability of Vaspin to ameliorate the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and chondrocyte survival in OA.
Orai1 downregulation causes proliferation reduction and cell cycle arrest via inactivation of the Ras-NF-κB signaling pathway in osteoblasts
Authors: Guo Yunshan , Fan Jinzhu , Liu Shuguang , Hao Dingjun 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to determine the role of Orai1 in the regulation of the proliferation and cell cycle of osteoblasts.

Methods
The expression of Orai1 was inhibited by Orai1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) in MC3T3-E1 cells. Following Orai1 downregulation, cell proliferation and cell cycle were examined. Furthermore, the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, CDK4, and CDK6 was analyzed. The activity of the Ras-NF-κB signaling pathway was investigated to identify the role of Orai1 in the regulation of osteoblast proliferation.

Results
Orai1 was successfully downregulated in MC3T3-E1 cells by the Orai1 siRNA transfection (p < 0.05). We found that MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation was decreased, and the cell cycle was arrested by Orai1 downregulation (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression of cyclin D1 was decreased by Orai1 downregulation (p < 0.05), as was the activity of the Ras-NF-κB signaling pathway (p < 0.05). Orai1 siRNA did not further reduce cell proliferation, the proportion of cells in the S phase, and cyclin D1 expression after chemical blockage of the Ras signaling pathway in MC3T3-E1 cells (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
The results reveal that Orai1 downregulation may reduce cyclin D1 expression by inactivating the Ras-NF-κB signaling pathway thus blocking osteoblast proliferation and cell cycle.
The Kocher-Langenbeck approach combined with robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw fixation for transverse-oriented acetabular fractures: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Zhao-jie , Gu Ya , Jia Jian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveTransverse-oriented acetabular fractures (TOAFs), including transverse, transverse with posterior wall and T-shaped fractures, are always challenging for double-column reduction and fixation with minimally invasive method. The purpose of this study is to compare the therapeutic effects of robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw fixation versus minimally invasive anterior plate fixation for TOAFs based on the Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach.MethodsPatients suffering TOAFs that were fixed by robot-aided percutaneous anterior column screw fixation or minimally invasive anterior plate fixation associated with posterior fixation via the K-L approach were divided into two groups: group A (screw fixation) and group B (plate fixation). Surgical time, blood loss, incision length for anterior fixation and complications were recorded. Fracture reduction quality was evaluated using criteria described by Matta. Fracture healing was assessed on the series of pelvic radiographs at each follow-up. Functional outcomes were investigated using the modified Postel Merle D’Aubigne score at the final follow-up.ResultsTwenty-nine patients with TOAFs, including 12 patients in group A and 17 patients in group B, were evaluated for study eligibility. The mean surgical time of anterior fracture fixation was 18.7 ± 4.6 min in group A and 33.4 ± 5.0 min in group B (P < 0.001). The amount of intraoperative blood loss was 615.6 ± 178.7 ml in group A and 719.3 ± 199.0 ml in group B (P < 0.001). Incision length for anterior fixation was 9.0 ± 1.8 mm in group A and 81.2 ± 7.3 mm in group B (P < 0.001). The complications related to the surgery of anterior column only occurred in group B (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy in 1 patient and groin discomfort in 1 patient). No significant differences in reduction quality, hospital stay, fracture healing time and functional results were noted between the two groups.ConclusionThe K-L approach combined with robot-aided anterior column screw fixation is a safe and effective option for TOAFs. Compared with minimally invasive anterior plate fixation, robot-aided screw fixation has obvious advantages on surgical time, blood loss, and invasiveness. The K-L approach combined with minimally invasive anterior plate fixation can also be a reliable alternative for TOAFs, with the similar reduction quality and functional results.
Intraoperative navigation system with a multi-modality fusion of 3D virtual model and laparoscopic real-time images in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery: a preclinical study
Authors: Du Chengxu , Li Jiaxuan , Zhang Bin , Feng Wenfeng , Zhang Tengfei , Li Dongrui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopy is widely used in pancreatic surgeries nowadays. The efficient and correct judgment of the location of the anatomical structures is crucial for a safe laparoscopic pancreatic surgery. The technologies of 3-dimensional(3D) virtual model and image fusion are widely used for preoperative planning and intraoperative navigation in the medical field, but not in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery up to now. We aimed to develop an intraoperative navigation system with an accurate multi-modality fusion of 3D virtual model and laparoscopic real-time images for laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.

Methods
The software for the navigation system was developed ad hoc. The preclinical study included tests with the laparoscopic simulator and pilot cases. The 3D virtual models were built using preoperative Computed Tomography (CT) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data. Manual and automatic real-time image fusions were tested. The practicality of the navigation system was evaluated by the operators using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) method.

Results
The 3D virtual models were successfully built using the navigation system. The 3D model was correctly fused with the real-time laparoscopic images both manually and automatically optical orientation in the preclinical tests. The statistical comparative tests showed no statistically significant differences between the scores of the rigid model and those of the phantom model(P > 0.05). There was statistically significant difference between the total scores of automatic fusion function and those of manual fusion function (P = 0.026). In pilot cases, the 3D model was correctly fused with the real-time laparoscopic images manually. The Intraoperative navigation system was easy to use. The automatic fusion function brought more convenience to the user.

Conclusions
The intraoperative navigation system applied in laparoscopic pancreatic surgery clearly and correctly showed the covered anatomical structures. It has the potentiality of helping achieve a more safe and efficient laparoscopic pancreatic surgery.
BMC Endocrine Disorders’ collection of articles on “Reducing inequalities in the Management of Endocrine Disorders”
Authors: Mentis Alexios-Fotios A. , Chrousos George P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEndocrine disorders represent a large component of the so-called “chronic non-communicable diseases”, which are responsible for the lion share of morbidity and mortality in contemporary societies. As discussed in this retrospective collection of articles, solid evidence from diabetes mellitus, the exemplar of common chronic endocrine disorders, highlights profound inequity in all aspects of endocrine disorders’ management and outcomes that should be considered and addressed at large.