bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise in patients with mild juvenile scoliosis
Authors: Yuan Wangshu , Wang Hai , Yu Keyi , Shen Jianxiong , Chen Lixia , Liu Ying , Lin Youxi 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Study design
A combined retrospective and prospective analysis on the therapeutic effect of physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) in mild juvenile idiopathic scoliosis (JIS) patients.

Background
At present, patients with mild JIS are generally treated by observation without any interventional treatment. This study analyzed the effects of PSSE on mild JIS, which provided a new approach for the treatment of JIS.

Method
A total of 52 patients with mild JIS (Cobb angle 10–19°), aged 4–9 years, self-selected into an observation group and a PSSE group. Patients performed the corrective posture exercises daily based on the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) to the best of their ability, and performed the over-corrective training based on Schroth methods for 30 min each day. Before and one year after the treatment, the Cobb angle and the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) were evaluated, and the results were compared between the two groups.

Results
After one year of treatment, the Cobb angle in the PSSE group decreased from 15.0(11.0–17.0)° to 5.0(2.0–12.0)°(p ≤ 0.001), while the Cobb angle in the observation group increased from 13.5(11.0–17.3)° to 16.0(10.8–20.0)° (p = 0.010). The ATR in the PSSE group decreased from 5.0(2.0–7.0)° to 3.0(2.0–4.0)° (p = 0.009), while the change of ATR in the observation group was not significant. Compared with the observation group, 69.57% of patients in PSSE group had a decreased Cobb angle of more than 5 degrees, which was statistically significant(p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion
For mild JIS, PSSE decreased the Cobb angle and ATR.
Expiratory high-frequency percussive ventilation: a novel concept for improving gas exchange
Authors: Peták Ferenc , Fodor Gergely H. , Schranc Álmos , Südy Roberta , Balogh Ádám L. , Babik Barna , Dos Santos Rocha André , Bayat Sam , Bizzotto Davide , Dellacà Raffaele L. , Habre Walid 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Although high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) improves gas exchange, concerns remain about tissue overdistension caused by the oscillations and consequent lung damage. We compared a modified percussive ventilation modality created by superimposing high-frequency oscillations to the conventional ventilation waveform during expiration only (eHFPV) with conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and standard HFPV.

Methods
Hypoxia and hypercapnia were induced by decreasing the frequency of CMV in New Zealand White rabbits (n = 10). Following steady-state CMV periods, percussive modalities with oscillations randomly introduced to the entire breathing cycle (HFPV) or to the expiratory phase alone (eHFPV) with varying amplitudes (2 or 4 cmH2O) and frequencies were used (5 or 10 Hz). The arterial partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were determined. Volumetric capnography was used to evaluate the ventilation dead space fraction, phase 2 slope, and minute elimination of CO2. Respiratory mechanics were characterized by forced oscillations.

Results
The use of eHFPV with 5 Hz superimposed oscillation frequency and an amplitude of 4 cmH2O enhanced gas exchange similar to those observed after HFPV. These improvements in PaO2 (47.3 ± 5.5 vs. 58.6 ± 7.2 mmHg) and PaCO2 (54.7 ± 2.3 vs. 50.1 ± 2.9 mmHg) were associated with lower ventilation dead space and capnogram phase 2 slope, as well as enhanced minute CO2 elimination without altering respiratory mechanics.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrated improved gas exchange using eHFPV as a novel mechanical ventilation modality that combines the benefits of conventional and small-amplitude high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, owing to improved longitudinal gas transport rather than increased lung surface area available for gas exchange.
Incorporating a gender lens into nutrition and health-related policies in Fiji: analysis of policies and stakeholder perspectives
Authors: McKenzie Briar L. , Waqa Gade , Mounsey Sarah , Johnson Claire , Woodward Mark , Buse Kent , Thow Anne Marie , McLean Rachael , Webster Jacqui 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundGender equality, zero hunger and healthy lives and well-being for all, are three of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that underpin Fiji’s National Development Plan. Work towards each of these goals contributes to the reduction of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). There are gender differences in NCD burden in Fiji. It is, however, unclear whether a gender lens could be more effectively included in nutrition and health-related policies.MethodsThis study consisted of three components: (i) a policy content analysis of gender inclusion in nutrition and health-related policies (n = 11); (ii) policy analysis using the WHO Gender Analysis tool to identify opportunities for strengthening future policy; and (iii) informant interviews (n = 18), to understand perceptions of the prospects for gender considerations in future policies.ResultsGender equality was a goal in seven policies (64%); however, most focused on women of reproductive age. One of the policies was ranked as gender responsive. Main themes from key informant interviews were: 1) a needs-based approach for the focus on specific population groups in policies; 2) gender-related roles and responsibilities around nutrition and health; 3) what is considered “equitable” when it comes to gender, nutrition, and health; 4) current considerations of gender in policies and ideas for further gender inclusion; and 5) barriers and enablers to the inclusion of gender considerations in policies. Informants acknowledged gender differences in the burden of nutrition-related NCDs, yet most did not identify a need for stronger inclusion of gender considerations within policies.ConclusionsThere is considerable scope for greater inclusion of gender in nutrition and health-related policies in Fiji. This could be done by: 1) framing gender considerations in ways that are actionable and inclusive of a range of gender identities; 2) undertaking advocacy through actor networks to highlight the need for gender-responsive nutrition and health-related policies for key stakeholder groups; 3) ensuring that data collected to monitor policy implementation is disaggregated by sex and genders; and 4) promoting equitable participation in nutrition related issues in communities and governance processes. Action on these four areas are likely critical enablers to more gender equitable NCD reduction in Fiji.
Selling sex in the context of substance use: social and structural drivers of transactional sex among men who use opioids in Maryland
Authors: Rosen Joseph G. , Schneider Kristin E. , Allen Sean T. , Morris Miles , Urquhart Glenna J. , Rouhani Saba , Sherman Susan G. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Transactional sex is an important driver of HIV risk among people who use drugs in the USA, but there is a dearth of research characterizing men’s selling and trading of sex in the context of opioid use. To identify contextually specific factors associated with selling or trading sex in a US population of men who use drugs, we cross-sectionally examined social and structural correlates of transactional sex among men who use opioids (MWUO) in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City, Maryland.

Methods
Between July 2018 and March 2020, we used targeted sampling to recruit men reporting past-month opioid use from 22 street-level urban and suburban recruitment zones. MWUO completed a 30-min self-administered interview eliciting substance use histories, experiences with hunger and homelessness, criminal justice interactions, and transactional sex involvement. We identified correlates of recent (past 3 months) transactional sex using multivariable log-binomial regression with cluster-robust standard errors.

Results
Among 422 MWUO (mean age 47.3 years, 73.4% non-Hispanic Black, 94.5% heterosexual), the prevalence of recent transactional sex was 10.7%. In multivariable analysis, younger age (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.98, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.97–0.99, p < 0.001), identifying as gay/bisexual (aPR = 5.30, 95% CI 3.81–7.37, p < 0.001), past-month food insecurity (aPR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.05–3.00, p = 0.032), and injection drug use in the past 3 months (aPR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.02–3.01, p = 0.043) emerged as statistically significant independent correlates of transactional sex.

Conclusions
Synergistic sources of social and structural marginalization—from sexuality to hunger, homelessness, and injection drug use—are associated with transactional sex in this predominantly Black, heterosexual-identifying sample of MWUO. Efforts to mitigate physical and psychological harms associated with transactional sex encounters should consider the racialized dimensions and socio-structural drivers of transactional sex among MWUO.
A novel microRNA signature for the detection of melanoma by liquid biopsy
Authors: Sabato Claudia , Noviello Teresa Maria Rosaria , Covre Alessia , Coral Sandra , Caruso Francesca Pia , Besharat Zein Mersini , Splendiani Elena , Masuelli Laura , Battistelli Cecilia , Vacca Alessandra , Catanzaro Giuseppina , Po Agnese , Anichini Andrea , Maio Michele , Ceccarelli Michele , Di Giacomo Anna Maria , Ferretti Elisabetta 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and metastatic disease is associated with a significant survival rate drop. There is an urgent need for consistent tumor biomarkers to scale precision medicine and reduce cancer mortality. Here, we aimed to identify a melanoma-specific circulating microRNA signature and assess its value as a diagnostic tool.

Methods
The study consisted of a discovery phase and two validation phases. Circulating plasma extracellular vesicles (pEV) associated microRNA profiles were obtained from a discovery cohort of metastatic melanoma patients and normal subjects as controls. A pEV-microRNA signature was obtained using a LASSO penalized logistic regression model. The pEV-microRNA signature was subsequently validated both in a publicly available dataset and in an independent internal cohort.

Results
We identified and validated in three independent cohorts a panel of melanoma-specific circulating microRNAs that showed high accuracy in differentiating melanoma patients from healthy subjects with an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00, 0.94 and 0.75 respectively. Investigation of the function of the pEV-microRNA signature evidenced their possible immune suppressive role in melanoma patients.

Conclusions
We demonstrate that a blood test based on circulating microRNAs can non-invasively detect melanoma, offering a novel diagnostic tool for improving standard care. Moreover, we revealed an immune suppressive role for melanoma pEV-microRNAs.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000144 aggravates ovarian Cancer progression by regulating ELK3 via sponging miR-610
Authors: Wu Dandan , Liu Jia , Yu Liji , Wu Shaofang , Qiu Xiaomei 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Ovarian cancer is a common cause of death among women and a health problem worldwide. Circ_0000144 has been confirmed to be an oncogene involved in cancer progression, such as gastric cancer. However, the role of circ_0000144 in ovarian cancer remains unclear and needs to be elucidated. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of circ_0000144 in ovarian cancer.

Methods
Differentially expressed circ_0000144 expression in ovarian cancer and normal tissues was identified by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In vitro assays were performed to explore the biological functions of circ_0000144 in ovarian cancer cells. An in vivo xenograft model was used to investigate the efficacy of circ_0000144 in the progression of ovarian cancer.

Results
Circ_0000144 was significantly upregulated in ovarian cancer cells and tissues. Circ_0000144 overexpression significantly promoted ovarian cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. This study further demonstrated that circ_0000144 downregulated ELK3 levels by sponging miR-610 in ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, circ_0000144 significantly promotes ovarian cancer tumorigenesis in vivo.

Conclusion
Our data indicate that circ_0000144 could enhance the carcinogenesis of ovarian cancer by specifically targeting miR-610, which may serve as a novel target for the diagnosis and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
mRNAs encoding neurodevelopmental regulators have equal N6-methyladenosine stoichiometry in Drosophila neuroblasts and neurons
Authors: Sami Josephine D. , Spitale Robert C. , Cleary Michael D. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractN6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in metazoans and is particularly abundant in the central nervous system. The extent to which m6A is dynamically regulated and whether m6A contributes to cell type-specific mRNA metabolism in the nervous system, however, is largely unknown. To address these knowledge gaps, we mapped m6A and measured mRNA decay in neural progenitors (neuroblasts) and neurons of the Drosophila melanogaster larval brain. We identified 867 m6A targets; 233 of these are novel and preferentially encode regulators of neuroblast proliferation, cell fate-specification and synaptogenesis. Comparison of the neuroblast and neuron m6A transcriptomes revealed that m6A stoichiometry is largely uniform; we did not find evidence of neuroblast-specific or neuron-specific m6A modification. While m6A stoichiometry is constant, m6A targets are significantly less stable in neuroblasts than in neurons, potentially due to m6A-independent stabilization in neurons. We used in vivo quantitative imaging of m6A target proteins in Mettl3 methyltransferase null brains and Ythdf m6A reader overexpressing brains to assay metabolic effects of m6A. Target protein levels decreased in Mettl3 null brains and increased in Ythdf overexpressing brains, supporting a previously proposed model in which m6A enhances translation of target mRNAs. We conclude that m6A does not directly regulate mRNA stability during Drosophila neurogenesis but is rather deposited on neurodevelopmental transcripts that have intrinsic low stability in order to augment protein output.
Disrupted methylation patterns at birth persist in early childhood: a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Dolinko Andrey V. , Schultz Bryant M. , Ghosh Jayashri , Kalliora Charikleia , Mainigi Monica , Coutifaris Christos , Sapienza Carmen , Senapati Suneeta 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Alterations in the epigenome are a risk factor in multiple disease states. We have demonstrated in the past that disruption of the epigenome during early pregnancy or periconception, as demonstrated by altered methylation, may be associated with both assisted reproductive technology and undesirable clinical outcomes at birth, such as low birth weight. We have previously defined this altered methylation, calculated based on statistical upper and lower limits of outlier CpGs compared to the population, as an ‘outlier methylation phenotype’ (OMP). Our aim in this study was to determine whether children thus identified as possessing an OMP at birth by DNA methylation in cord blood persist as outliers in early childhood based on salivary DNA methylation.

Results
A total of 31 children were included in the analysis. Among 24 children for whom both cord blood DNA and salivary DNA were available, DNA methylation patterns, analyzed using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850 K), between cord blood at birth and saliva in childhood at age 6–12 years remain stable (R2 range 0.89–0.97). At birth, three out of 28 children demonstrated an OMP in multiple cord blood datasets and hierarchical clustering. Overall DNA methylation among all three OMP children identified as outliers at birth was remarkably stable (individual R2 0.908, 0.92, 0.915), even when only outlier CpG sites were considered (R2 0.694, 0.738, 0.828).

Conclusions
DNA methylation signatures in cord blood remain stable over time as demonstrated by a strong correlation with epigenetic salivary signatures in childhood. Future work is planned to identify whether a clinical phenotype is associated with OMP and, if so, could undesirable clinical outcomes in childhood and adulthood be predicted at birth.
COVID-19 prevalence and infection control measures at homeless shelters and hostels in high-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Levesque Justine , Babando Jordan , Loranger Nathaniel , Johnson Shantel , Pugh David 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted homeless populations and service workers, especially within homeless shelter/hostel settings. To date, there have been few evidence syntheses examining outbreaks of COVID-19 among both homeless shelter residents and service workers and no critical review of infection control and prevention (IPAC) measures. This scoping review offers a much-needed synthesis of COVID-19 prevalence within homeless shelters and a review of pertinent IPAC measures.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review that aimed to synthesize academic and gray literature published from March 2020 to July 2021 pertaining to (1) the prevalence of COVID-19 among both residents and staff in homeless shelters and hostels in high-income countries and (2) COVID-19 IPAC strategies applied in these settings. Two reviewers independently screened the literature from several databases that included MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and the WHO’s COVID-19 Global Health Portal. The extracted data was mapped, categorized, and thematically discussed.

Results
Thematic analysis of 77 academic and gray literature documents revealed four key themes: (1) the demographics of COVID-19 in homeless shelters, (2) asymptomatic spread, (3) pre-existing vulnerability of people experiencing homelessness and shelters, and (4) the inconsistency and ineffectiveness of IPAC implementation.

Conclusion
This review offers a useful glimpse into the landscape of COVID-19 outbreaks in homeless shelters/hostels and the major contributing factors to these events. This review revealed that there is no clear indication of generally accepted IPAC standards for shelter residents and workers. This review also illustrated a great need for future research to establish IPAC best practices specifically for homeless shelter/hostel contexts. Finally, the findings from this review reaffirm that homelessness prevention is key to limiting disease outbreaks and the associated negative health outcomes in shelter populations. Limitations of this review included the temporal and database constraints of the search strategy, the exclusion of quality assessments of the literature, and the absence of investigation on the influence of emerging variants on public health policy.

Systematic review registration
This scoping review has not been registered on any database; the protocol is available on York University’s Institutional Repository https://dx.doi.org/10.25071/10315/38513.
Suboptimal blood pressure control and its associated factors among people living with diabetes mellitus in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Akalu Yonas , Yeshaw Yigizie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Tiruneh Sofonyas Abebaw , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu , Angaw Dessie Abebaw , Gebrie Misganew , Dagnew Baye 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Suboptimal blood pressure control among people living with diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the primary causes of cardiovascular complications and death in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, there is a paucity of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of suboptimal blood pressure control in SSA. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate its pooled prevalence and associated factors among people living with DM in SSA.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, African Journals OnLine, HINARI, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and direct Google to access observational studies conducted in SSA. Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used to extract the data, which was exported into STATA/MP version 16.0 for further analyses. Heterogeneity across studies was checked using Cochran’s Q test statistics and I2 test, and small study effect was checked using Funnel plot symmetry and Egger’s statistical test at a 5% significant level. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of suboptimal blood pressure control at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and significance level of p < 0.05.

Results
Of the 7329 articles retrieved, 21 articles were eligible for the meta-analysis. After performing random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure control was 69.8% (95% CI: 63.43, 76.25%). Poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.03–2.80, I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.531) and overweight (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.57–3.68, I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.47) were significantly associated with suboptimal blood pressure control.

Conclusions
The prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure control among diabetic patients in SSA was high, and poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment and overweight were significantly associated with suboptimal blood pressure control. Hence, there is an urgent need for initiatives to improve and control hypertension, and preventive measures should concentrate on modifiable risk factors.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42020187901.
Barriers and facilitators on the HIV care continuum among adults living with HIV in high-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Kim Youngin , Park Min Kyung , Lee Sang A , Lee Youngjin , Shim Mi-So 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
As the life expectancy of people living with HIV increases with the advancements in antiretroviral treatment, the continuity of long-term therapy and health care for people living with HIV has gained more importance. However, the estimated proportion of people living with HIV who have access to treatment or are virally suppressed is unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to build strategies to improve treatment continuity by identifying the barriers and facilitators that affect the HIV care continuum. To enable this, we will conduct a scoping review to explore the barriers and facilitators related to the care continuum in high-income countries for adults living with HIV.

Methods
The review question will be identified based on the JBI guidelines for the development of scoping review protocols. Studies exploring the barriers to and facilitators of the HIV care continuum among adults living with HIV in high-income countries will be included in this review. A literature search will be conducted on the databases (platform) of MEDLINE (Ovid), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library). Four researchers will screen articles for inclusion and subsequently build a charting form and collate the data to provide results.

Discussion
The results of this scoping review will provide comprehensive evidence for the barriers and facilitators to be considered in the care continuum of people living with HIV. Importantly, the results will provide insight for healthcare providers and researchers to develop interventions and research the continuity in caring for people living with HIV.