bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
War Experience, Daily Stressors and Mental Health Among the Inter-taliban Generation Young Adults in Northern Afghanistan: A Cross-Sectional School-Based Study
Authors: Razjouyan Katayoon , Farokhi Hossein , Qaderi Farah , Qaderi Pashtoon , Masoumi Seyed Javad , Shah Asghar , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Ahmadi Attaullah , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo III , Ozaki Akihiko , Kotera Yasuhiro , Shah Jaffer , Negin Fawzia , Qaderi Shohra 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesThe specific objectives of the study are to examine the mental health (depression and anxiety) of the first generation of post-Taliban government and compare these measures with its preceding generation, and to assess war experience of the first generation of post-Taliban government. We also wanted to assess the daily stressors and their contribution to the mental health, and to assess mental health as a result of war experiences and daily stressors with respect to demographic measures such as sex, marital status, age, mother's age, birth order, and ethnicities.MethodsIn a cross-sectional design, 621 high school students, were randomly selected to participate in the study to assess war experience, daily stressors, and mental health among the first generation of young adults under post-Taliban government.ResultsThe participants had 17.37 ± 0.9 mean years of ages, 94.8% of them were unmarried. Poor mental health was significantly associated with higher exposure to war, but not with the age of participants (P = 0.08). There was no association between war experiences and the age and ethnicity of our participants (p = 0.9, p = 0.7). Age differences were negligible for daily stressors too (P = 0.07). Daily stressors scores were higher for female than male students (P = 0.02). The majority of young adults surveyed, declared themselves in agreement with statements such as the security situation in Afghanistan makes me frustrated (56%), air pollution as a concern (41%), and not having anyone to talk about what is in their heart (28.8%). Gender differences were highly significant for mental health, as appraised by both The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL) –depression and HSCL-anxiety. Girls presented higher rates of depression, anxiety, and daily stressors than boys, and boys presented higher rates of war experiences than girls.ConclusionWar experience, daily stressors, and mental health were irrelevant with age, ethnicity and marital status. Factor such as being the first-born child of the family, higher reported war experiences, and daily stressors all negatively impact mental health. Alongside war and its direct effects, the existing socio-cultural context must be considered as a potential factor mediating the mental health of girls in Afghanistan.
Paying Attention to Women's Ageing Bodies in Recovery From Substance Use
Authors: Shaw April , Reith Gerda , Pickering Lucy 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundHealth-related research on women who use drugs (WWUD) tends to focus on reproductive and sexual health and treatment. Missing from the picture is an exploration of mid-life and older women's bodily experiences of transitioning from long-term substance use into recovery. While there are a growing number of studies that explore the intersection of drug use and ageing, the gaps in analysis lie in the intersections between drug use, recovery, ageing, gender, and the body.MethodsIn-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken with 19 women in the UK who self-identified as “in recovery” from illicit drug use. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis techniques. The study received ethical approval from the University of Glasgow.ResultsKey findings from the interviews relate to the women's personal sense of power in relation to current and future health status, the challenges they endured in terms of ageing in recovery and transitioning through the reproductive life cycle, and the somatic effects of trauma on women's recovery. The findings demonstrate that health in recovery involves more than abstinence from drugs.DiscussionMoving from the body in active drug use to the body in recovery is not without its challenges for mid-life and older women. New sensations and feelings—physical and mental—must be re-interpreted in light of their ageing and drug-free bodies. This study reveals some of the substantive sex-based differences that older women in active drug use and recovery experience. This has important implications for healthcare and treatment for women in drug services and women with histories of drug use more generally.
Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression Among the General Population in Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bello Umar Muhammad , Kannan Priya , Chutiyami Muhammad , Salihu Dauda , Cheong Allen M. Y. , Miller Tiev , Pun Joe Wing , Muhammad Abdullahi Salisu , Mahmud Fatima Ado , Jalo Hussaina Abubakar , Ali Mohammed Usman , Kolo Mustapha Adam , Sulaiman Surajo Kamilu , Lawan Aliyu , Bello Isma'il Muhammad , Gambo Amina Abdullahi , Winser Stanley John 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundMedical and socio-economic uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have had a substantial impact on mental health. This study aimed to systematically review the existing literature reporting the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the general populace in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine associated risk factors.MethodsA systematic search of the following databases African Journal Online, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from database inception until 30th September 2021. Studies reporting the prevalence of anxiety and/or depression among the general populace in African settings were considered for inclusion. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Meta-analyses on prevalence rates were conducted using Comprehensive Meta-analysis software.ResultsSeventy-eight primary studies (62,380 participants) were identified from 2,325 studies via electronic and manual searches. Pooled prevalence rates for anxiety (47%, 95% CI: 40–54%, I2 = 99.19%) and depression (48%, 95% CI: 39–57%, I2 = 99.45%) were reported across Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sex (female) and history of existing medical/chronic conditions were identified as major risk factors for anxiety and depression.ConclusionsThe evidence put forth in this synthesis demonstrates the substantial impact of the pandemic on the pervasiveness of these psychological symptoms among the general population. Governments and stakeholders across continental Africa should therefore prioritize the allocation of available resources to institute educational programs and other intervention strategies for preventing and ameliorating universal distress and promoting psychological wellbeing.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021228023, PROSPERO CRD42021228023.
The Mediating Role of Worker-Occupation Fit in the Relationship Between Occupational Stress and Depression Symptoms in 1988 Medical Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sun Ruican , Lv Keyao , He Zirui , Liao Liang , Wang Hongping , Lan Yajia 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveOccupational stress is generally acknowledged as a global phenomenon with significant health and economic consequences. The medical worker is a vulnerable group at a high-level risk for depression symptoms. This study aimed to examine the mediating effect of worker-occupation fit (WOF) in relation to occupational stress and depression symptoms among 1988 medical workers in China.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted during June and October 2020 in Henan Province, China. The participants were medical workers from four targeted hospitals (included one general and three specialized hospitals). The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21 Scale), Worker-Occupation Fit Inventory (WOFI), as well as questions about demographic and occupational information were administered in questionnaires distributed to 1988 medical workers. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine the mediating role of worker occupation fit.ResultsIn this study, there are 43.5% (n = 864) of medical workers experienced depression symptoms. The mean score of WOF was 31.6 ± 7.1, characteristic fit, need supply fit and demand ability fit were 11.3 ± 2.5, 10.1 ± 2.7, 12.9 ± 2.2, respectively. The occupational stress was negatively related to worker occupation fit (r = −0.395, P &lt; 0.001), characteristic fit (r = −0.529, P &lt; 0.001), need supply fit (r = −0.500, P &lt; 0.001), and demand ability fit (r = −0.345, P &lt; 0.001). The occupational stress and depression symptoms have a positive relationship (r = 0.798, P &lt; 0.001). The proportion of worker occupation fit mediation was 6.5% of total effect for depression symptoms.ConclusionOccupational stress has been identified as a risk factor for depression symptoms. Practical strategies for improving medical workers' WOF level would help them better cope with various work-related stressors to reduce depression symptoms. Hospital administrators could reduce medical workers' depression symptoms by taking comprehensive measures to improve the WOF.
Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Essential Workers in a Community-Based Cohort in the United States
Authors: Wei Chih-Fu , Lan Fan-Yun , Hsu Yu-Tien , Lowery Nina , Dibona Lauren , Akkeh Ream , Kales Stefanos N. , Yang Justin 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesThe objective of this paper is to identify the risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection that are related to occupation type as well as workplace conditions. Identifying such risk factors could have noteworthy implications in workplace safety enhancement and emergency preparedness planning for essential workers.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of visits at a community-based SARS-CoV-2 testing site in the greater Boston area between March 18th and June 19th, 2020, for individuals between 14 and 65 years of age. Nasopharyngeal swab specimen, medical review, and self-administered questionnaire were obtained, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was determined with real-time, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Medical record-verified job classification, customer-facing, and work patterns were extracted from each individual's response through chart review and validated by licensed clinicians. The occupational patterns were coded by occupational medicine physicians with pre-specified criteria and were analyzed with logistic regression and inverse probability weighting.ResultsAmong the 780 individuals included in the final analysis, working in healthcare-related jobs was associated with a four-fold increase in risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Adjusted OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 1.45–11.02). Individuals with customer-facing jobs had a two times risk increase (Adjusted OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.12–3.45) in having a positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assay result compared to participants with non-customer facing positions.ConclusionsIn this U.S. community-based population during the initial wave of the pandemic, a significant increase in risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed in those employed in the healthcare sector or with customer-facing positions. Further research is warranted to determine if these correlations continued with the buildup of population immunity together with the attenuation of SARS-CoV-2 virulence.
Association Between Self-Rated Political Orientation and Attitude Toward the Cash Transfer Policy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey Conducted in South Korea
Authors: Kim Jin-Hwan , Jang Deok Hyun , Jang Won Mo 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThis study assessed the relationship between self-rated political orientation and attitude toward the cash transfer policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis cross-sectional study conducted in South Korea during the pandemic included a stratified sample of 1,004 respondents (aged 19 years and older). We tested the hypotheses that political orientation shapes attitudes toward social policies and that other socioeconomic factors might have relatively minor importance. Logistic regression was used to identify associations between political orientation and attitude toward the cash transfer policy. Average marginal effects were calculated to determine the effect size of each variable.ResultsPolitical orientation, age, and residential area were correlated with attitudes toward the policy. Compared to the conservatives, the non-committed and the moderate showed about 10% more favorable attitudes, and the progressive group showed robust support. People in their 30s and 40s showed similar attitudes to the 18–29 group, while older people showed much lower support. Compared to the Seoul metropolitan area, residents of the Ho-nam area showed favorable attitudes, and those of the Yeong-nam area had relatively unfavorable attitudes.ConclusionsThis study suggests that attitudes toward the cash transfer policy are mainly associated with political orientation. Although these results illuminate pandemics' social and political dimensions, further efforts are needed to fully understand the determinants and mechanisms of attitudes toward policies outside the traditional health policy scope.
Prognostic and Immune Implications of a Novel Pyroptosis-Related Five-Gene Signature in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Wang Kainan , Li Ning , Zhang Qianran , Chen Fengxi , Li Man 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with enormous heterogeneity. Pyroptosis has a significant impact on the development and progression of tumors. Nonetheless, the possible correlation between pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and the BC immune microenvironment has yet to be investigated.Materials and methodsIn The Cancer Genome Atlas Breast Cancer cohort, 38 PRGs were shown to be significantly different between malignant and non-malignant breast tissues. The 38 PRGs’ consensus clustering grouped 1,089 individuals into two pyroptosis-related (PR) patterns. Using univariate and LASSO-Cox analyses, a PR five-gene predictive signature was constructed based on the differentially expressed genes between two clusters. The tools estimation of stromal and immune cells in malignant tumours using expression data (ESTIMATE), cell type identification by estimating relative subsets Of RNA transcripts (CIBERSORT), and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were used to investigate the BC tumor microenvironment (TME).ResultsIn TME, the two PR clusters displayed distinct clinicopathological characteristics, survival outcomes, and immunocyte infiltration features. The developed five-signature model (SEMA3B, IGKC, KLRB1, BIRC3, and PSME2) classified BC patients into two risk groups based on the estimated median risk score. Patients in the low-scoring category had a higher chance of survival and more extensive immunocyte infiltration. An external validation set can yield similar results.ConclusionOur data suggest that PRGs have a significant impact on the BC immunological microenvironment. The PR clusters and associated predictive signature stimulate additional research into pyroptosis in order to optimize therapeutic strategies for BC patients and their responses to immune therapy.
Breast Reconstruction Does Not Affect the Survival of Patients with Breast Cancer Located in the Central and Nipple Portion: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Database Analysis
Authors: Xiong Mingchen , Liu Zeming , Lv Wenchang , Zhao Chongru , Wang Yichen , Tan Yufang , Zhang Qi , Wu Yiping , Zeng Hong 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundTumors in the central and nipple portion (TCNP) are associated with poor prognosis and aggressive clinicopathological characteristics. The availability and safety of postmastectomy reconstruction in breast cancer patients with TCNP have still not been deeply explored. It is necessary to investigate whether reconstruction is appropriate for TCNP compared with non-reconstruction therapy in terms of survival outcomes.MethodsUsing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we enrolled TCNP patients diagnosed between the years 2010 and 2016. The propensity score matching (PSM) technique was applied to construct a matched sample consisting of pairs of non-reconstruction and reconstruction groups. Survival analysis was performed with the Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the factors associated with breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsIn the overall cohort, a total of 6,002 patients were enrolled. The patients in the reconstruction group showed significantly better BCSS (log-rank, p &lt; 0.01) and OS (log-rank, p &lt; 0.01) than those in the non-reconstruction group (832 patients) after PSM. However, the multivariate Cox regression model revealed that breast reconstruction was not associated with worse BCSS and OS of TCNP patients.ConclusionOur study provided a new perspective showing that breast reconstruction did not affect the survival and disease prognosis in the cohort of TCNP patients from SEER databases, compared with non-reconstruction. This finding provides further survival evidence supporting the practice of postmastectomy reconstruction for suitable TCNP patients, especially those with a strong willingness for breast reconstruction.
A Signature of Three Apoptosis-Related Genes Predicts Overall Survival in Breast Cancer
Authors: Zou Rongyang , Zhao Wanjun , Xiao Shuguang , Lu Yaxing 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe commonest malignancy in women is known as breast cancer (BC). Numerous studies demonstrated that apoptosis appears to be critical to the management and clinical outcome of BC patients. The purpose of this study is to explore the potential connection between apoptosis and BC and establish the apoptosis-associated gene signature in BC.MethodsThe data of BC patient transcripts and related clinical information comes from the Cancer Genome Atlas Database (TCGA), and the genes related to apoptosis come from the Molecular Characterization Database (MSigDB). We identified the abnormally expressed apoptosis-related genes in BC samples. The optimal apoptosis-related genes screened by Cox regression analysis were designed to construct a prognostic model for predicting BC patients. Using the Nom Chart to Predict 1-Year, 3-Year, and 5-Year overall survival for BC patients. The gene signature-related functional pathways were explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).ResultsThree genes [alpha subunit of the interleukin 3 receptor (IL3RA), apoptosis-inducing factor mitochondrial-associated 1 (AIFM1), and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase catalytic alpha (PIK3CA)] correlated with apoptosis were shown to be strongly linked to the overall survival of BC. Survival analysis shows that the risk score is directly proportional to the poor prognosis of BC patients. Risk assessment based on three genetic characteristics (age, pathological stage N, and pathological stage M) can independently predict the prognosis of patients with BC. The Nom chart is most suitable for assessing the long-term survival rate of BC patients. The results of GSEA demonstrated that numerous cell cycle-related pathways were abundant in the high-risk group.ConclusionWe constructed an apoptosis-associated gene signature in BC, which had a potential clinical application prospect for BC patients.
Internal Orifice Alloy Closure—A New Procedure to Treat Anal Fistula
Authors: Li Ming , Fang Xiaoli , Zhang Jun , Deng Heng 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe internal orifice plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of the most complex fistula-in-ano. The treatment of the internal orifice is considered to be the key to the success of anal fistula surgery. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a new sphincter-sparing surgical approach for anal fistula.Materials and MethodsAll hospitalized anal fistula patients were included in this study. Preoperative anorectal ultrasound was done on all the patients. Transanal internal orifice alloy closure (IOAC) was performed through a disposable titanium nickel alloy anal fistula stapler. The external sphincter was not cut. An anal fistula brush was used to curette and clean fistulas. Postoperative anorectal color ultrasound was used for evaluation 2 months postoperatively.ResultsTwenty-one patients (male/female: 18/3, age: 39.7 ± 10.5 years) with fistula-in-ano were included (follow-up: 6–11 months).In total, 38.1% (8) had multiple tracts, and 9.5% (2) belonged to a high anal fistula. In total, 23.8% (5) of anal fistula patients were complicated by Crohn’s disease. The fistula healed completely in 85.7% (18/21) and did not heal in 14.3% (3/21). Three patients who did not heal had conventional surgery reperformed and eventually healed. Except for three patients undergoing additional traditional anal fistula surgery, the Wexner incontinence scores of other patients did not change after surgery compared with before surgery.ConclusionsIOAC is a novel sphincter-saving technique that is simply effective in treating anal fistula containing Crohn’s anal fistula.
Combination of the Ilizarov Method and Intramedullary Fixation for the Treatment of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia in Children: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Yalikun Ainizier , Yushan Maimaiaili , Hamiti Yimurang , Lu Cheng , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang 
Published: May 2022

PurposeCongenital pseudoarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare disease in children, and its treatment remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of patients with CPT treated by using the Ilizarov method combined with intramedullary fixation.MethodEighteen patients evaluated retrospectively from January 2009 to January 2020 were treated using the Ilizarov method combined with intramedullary fixation. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and complications were all recorded and investigated during the period of follow-up. Ankle function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores at the last follow-up.ResultThe average follow-up was 39.2 months (25–85 months) for all 18 patients. The mean age was 6.2 years (3.5–11.2 years). Fourteen (77.8%) patients had a primary bone union at the site of pseudarthrosis, while four obtained union after secondary surgical intervention. The mean duration of the Ilizarov method was 8.1 months (4.2–13.5 months). Eight (44.4%) patients had a pin-tract infection during treatment. Four (22.2%) patients had proximal tibial valgus with a mean angle of 12.1° (5–25°), while seven (38.9%) patients had ankle valgus deformities with a mean of 10.3° (5–20°). Eleven (61.1%) patients had an average 1.4 cm of limb length discrepancy (LLD) (0.6–3.1 cm) postoperatively. Five (27.8%) patients had refracture and recovered after a secondary surgery. At the last follow-up, the average postoperative AOFAS score was 72 (55–84).ConclusionThe Ilizarov method combined with intramedullary fixation is an effective method for the treatment of CPT, which can facilitate bony union and help to prevent refracture. Management of fibular pseudarthrosis is associated with functional outcomes. It is necessary to follow up until skeletal maturity and evaluate long-term clinical outcomes.