bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical efficacy of unilateral biportal endoscopy revision for the recurrence of lumbar disc herniation after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Authors: Yuan Cuihua , Wang Qijin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to describe the efficacy of the UBE (unilateral biportal endoscopy, UBE) technique in treating lumbar disc herniation after the failure of PELD (percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy, PELD).
Methods
From December 2019 to December 2021, the clinical data of 21 patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation who recurred after PELD and revision with the UBE technique were retrospectively analyzed in our institution. To observe the clinical efficacy and imaging results of UBE in the treatment of recurrent lumbar disc herniation. Preoperative and postoperative VAS scores (visual analog scale, VAS), intraoperative blood loss (assessed by preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, Hgb); Postoperative re-examination of MRI to observe the space-occupying situation of the prolapsed nucleus pulposus spinal canal (assessed by preoperative and postoperative spinal canal area (cm2)); postoperative infection (assessment by preoperative and postoperative WBC and CRP levels), and finally statistical analysis. The time of revision surgery, the length of the surgical incision, the amount of sterile saline used during the operation, and the mean hospitalization time were also observed.
Results
The average hospital stay was 5.25 ± 3.35 days. The average surgical incision length was 2.45 ± 0.55 cm, the mean operation time was 50.25 ± 3.15 minutes, and the mean intraoperative sterile saline usage was 7125.50 ± 68.55 ml. The VAS score and Hgb of the patients before and after operation were significantly decreased, and the condition of the prolapsed nucleus pulposus and the space-occupying spinal canal was significantly improved in the postoperative MRI observation, all P༜0.05, the difference was statistically significant; the P values ​​of WBC and CRP changes before and after operation All were ༞0.05, and the difference was not statistically significant; No patient had an infection, nerve, blood vessel injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage after surgery.
Conclusion
UBE can effectively treat the recurrence of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation after transforaminal surgery, but there are some shortcomings such as a large amount of sterile saline and anemia during operation.
Prevalence of five curable sexually transmitted infections among women in Lower River Region of The Gambia
Authors: Butcher Robert , Jarju Sheikh , Obayemi Dolapo , Bashorun Adedapo Olufemi , Vasileva Hristina , Bransbury-Hare Hannah , Agboghoroma Orighomisan , Drammeh Lamin , Holland Martin , Harding-Esch Emma , Clarke Ed 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sub-Saharan Africa is poorly described. We aimed to determine the prevalence of five curable STIs (Chlamydia trachomatis [CT], Neisseria gonorrhoeae [NG], Trichomonas vaginalis [TV], Mycoplasma genitalium [MG], Treponema pallidum [TP]) in a sample of Gambian women from the general population.
Methods
Archived specimens from 420 women aged 15 − 69 years living in The Gambia enrolled in a clinical trial of human papilloma virus vaccine schedules were tested in this study. Urine samples were tested for CT, NG, TV and MG using a commercially available, open-platform multiplex PCR kit. A fragment of the ompA gene was amplified from CT-positive samples and sequenced. Serum samples were tested for TP using the Chembio DPP Syphilis Screen and Confirm test.
Results
Overall, 41/420 (9.8%) women had at least one STI. 32 (7.6%), 9 (2.1%), 1 (0.2%), 1 (0.2%) and 0 (0.0%) were infected with TV, CT, NG, MG and TP, respectively. ompA gene sequence was available from five CT infections: four were genovar D and one was genovar G.
Conclusions
STIs are endemic in The Gambia. Monitoring systems should be established.
Association of pre-pregnancy maternal overweight/obesity and dietary intake during pregnancy with the levels of persistent organic pollutants in the human milk of Brazilian women
Authors: Ferreira Ana Lorena Lima , Freitas-Costa Nathalia , Freire Samary da Silva Rosa , Figueiredo Amanda Caroline Cunha , Padilha Marina , Alves-Santos Nadya Helena , Kac Gilberto 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemical compounds that can bioaccumulate, adhere to lipid matrices, and affect human health. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity or dietary intake during pregnancy and POPs concentrations in the human milk of Brazilian women. A total of 77 women were followed from the third trimester of pregnancy until 119 days postpartum. Pregnancy dietary intake, which was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and pre-pregnancy body mass index were collected at baseline. Human milk samples were collected between 2 and 119 days postpartum, and POPs concentrations were analysed using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression models were used to investigate the association between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, dietary intake during pregnancy, and POPs concentrations in human milk. The analysis was adjusted for the maternal age and schooling, total cholesterol serum levels, and time postpartum and corrected for multiple comparisons using the Benjamini–Hochberg test. Significant associations were observed in the adjusted models between pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (ppDDE), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)74, PCB138, PCB153, PCB170, PCB180, total PCBs, total 4PCBs, total 2 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and total POPs concentrations; and higher daily lipid intake during pregnancy increased human milk hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Collectively, this study showed that pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity and total lipid intake during pregnancy were associated with POPs concentrations in the milk of Brazilian women. To promote adequate nutritional status since preconception and surveillance and control of POP in the environment could be essential to ensure binomial mother-infant health.
MiR-122-5p regulates the mevalonate pathway by targeting p53 in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Xiao-wei , Zheng Yu-Kun , Zhou Zhong-shi , Tu Ji-yuan , Wang Guang-zhong , Cheng Huan-bo , Ma Shang-zhi , Ke Chang , Wang Yan , Jian Qi-pan , Shu Yu-hang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The 5-year survival rate of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is extremely low. microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the occurrence of NSCLC. miR-122-5p interacts with wild-type p53 (wtp53), and wtp53 affects tumor growth by inhibiting the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of these factors in NSCLC. The role of miR-122-5p and p53 was established in samples from NSCLC patients, as well as in human NSCLC cells A549 using the miR-122-5p inhibitor, miR-122-5p mimic, and si-p53. Our results showed that the inhibition of miR-122-5p expression led to the activation of p53, which in turn inhibited the progression of the MVA pathway in the NSCLC cells A549, hindered cell proliferation and migration as well as promoted apoptosis. miR-122-5p was negatively correlated with p53 expression in p53 wild-type NSCLC patients. The expression of key genes in the MVA pathway in tumors of p53 wild-type NSCLC patients was not always higher than that of their corresponding normal tissues. The malignancy of NSCLC was positively correlated with the high expression of the key genes in the MVA pathway. Therefore, miR-122-5p regulated NSCLC by targeting p53, providing potential molecular targets for the development of targeted drugs.
Fungal infection drives metabolic reprogramming in epithelial cells via aerobic glycolysis and an alternative TCA cycle shunt
Authors: Pellon Aize , Nasab Shervin Dohkt Sadeghi , Bidkhori Gholamreza , Vaga Stefania , Begum Neelu , Blagojevic Mariana , Singh Nitesh , Griffiths James , Kotowicz Natalia , Guennec Adrien Le , Henley-Smith Rhonda , Clasen Frederick , Miranda Pryce , Karimpour Nadia , Cook Richard , Richardson Jonathan , Thavaraj Selvam , Naglik Julian , Shoaie Saeed , Moyes David 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Immunometabolic changes induced by the fungal pathobiont Candida albicans drive complex responses in innate immune cells. However, whether and how C. albicans causes remodelling of oral epithelial cell metabolism is unclear. Here, we use in vitro experiments and patient biopsies to demonstrate that oral epithelial cells (OECs) undergo a transient metabolic reprogramming towards increased aerobic glycolysis and decreased activity of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis shows that this pathway supports cytokine release by OECs whilst increased glycolysis exacerbates disease in a murine model of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Hexose supplementation disrupts epithelial cell responses both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that increased aerobic glycolysis in OECs is detrimental. Transcriptomics data-based genome-scale metabolic modelling predicted changes in the TCA cycle and a novel role for glutamic-oxaloacetic aminotransferase 1 (GOT1) in response to C. albicans. Metabolomic and gene expression analyses indicated a partial shut-down of the TCA cycle, along with increased activity of pyruvate carboxylase and GOT1. Pharmacological targeting of GOT1 resulted in improved C. albicans infection outcomes. This study reveals a fundamental role for hexose metabolism, and identifies a novel GOT1-mediated TCA cycle shunt that drives OEC survival and immune responses during mucosal fungal infections.
Non-communicable disease burden among inpatients at a rural district hospital in Malawi
Authors: Olds Peter , Kachimanga Chiyembekezo , Talama George , Mailosi Bright , Ndarama Enoch , Totten Jodie , Musinguzi Nicholas , Hangiwa Dickson , Bukhman Gene , Wroe Emily 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors is high in Malawi. However, resources and training for NCD care remain scarce, especially in rural hospitals. Current care for NCDs in the developing world focuses on the WHO’s traditional 4x4 set. However, we do not know the full burden of NCDs outside of that scope, like neurological disease, psychiatric illness, sickle cell disease, and trauma.
Objective: To understand the burden of NCDs among inpatients in a rural district hospital in Malawi. We broadened our definition of NCDs beyond the traditional 4x4 set of NCDs, and included neurological disease, psychiatric illness, sickle cell disease, and trauma.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all inpatients who were admitted to the Neno District Hospital between July 2017 and October 2018. We broke patients down by age, date of admission, type and number of NCD diagnoses, and HIV status.
Results: Of 2,239 total visits, 27.5% were patients with NCDs. Patients with NCDs were older (37.6 vs 20 years, p<0.001), had longer length of stays (7.9 vs 4.4 days p<0.001), and made up 40.2% of total hospital time. We also found two distinct populations of NCD patients. The first were patients 40 years and older with primary diagnoses of hypertension, heart failure, cancer, and stroke. The second were patients under 40 years old with primary diagnoses of mental health conditions, burns, epilepsy, and asthma. We also found significant trauma burden, accounting for 40% of all NCD visits.
Conclusions: There is a significant burden of NCDs in a rural hospital in Malawi, including those outside of the traditional 4x4 set. We also found high rates of NCDs in the younger population (under 40 years of age). Hospitals must be equipped with adequate resources and training to meet this burden of disease.
Biocontrol of multi-drug resistant pathogenic bacteria in drainage water by locally isolated bacteriophage
Authors: Soliman Rabab M. , Othman Badawi A. , Shoman Sahar A. , Azzam Mohamed I. , Gado Marwa M. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In areas with limited water resources, the reuse of treated drainage water for non-potable purposes is increasingly recognised as a valuable and sustainable water resource. Numerous pathogenic bacteria found in drainage water have a detrimental impact on public health. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the current worldwide delay in the production of new antibiotics may make the issue of this microbial water pollution even more challenging. This challenge aided the resumption of phage treatment to address this alarming issue. In this study, strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their phages were isolated from drainage and surface water from Bahr El-Baqar and El-Manzala Lake in Damietta governorate, Egypt. Bacterial strains were identified by microscopical and biochemical examinations which were confirmed by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. The susceptibility of these bacteria to several antibiotics revealed that most of the isolates had multiple antibiotic resistances (MAR). The calculated MAR index values (> 0.25) categorized study sites as potentially hazardous to health. Lytic bacteriophages against these multidrug resistant strains of E. coli and P. aeruginosa were isolated and characterized. The isolated phages were found to be pH and heat stable and were all members of the Caudovirales order as recognized by electron microscope. They infect 88.9% of E. coli strains and 100% of P. aeruginosa strains examined. Under laboratory conditions, the use of a phage cocktail resulted in a considerable reduction in bacterial growth. The removal efficiency (%) for E. coli and P. aeruginosa colonies increased with time and maximized at 24 hr revealing nearly 100% reduction after incubation with the phage mixture. The study candidates new phages for detecting and control other bacterial pathogens of public health concern to limit water pollution and maintain adequate hygiene.
Study on the differential hepatotoxicity of raw polygonum multiflorum and polygonum multiflorum praeparata and its mechanism
Authors: Huang Chaowen , Jiang Yu , Bao Qing , Wang Lu , Tang Lin , Liu yanjuan , Yang Lei 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background： Polygonum multiflorum (PM), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine herb, is divided into two forms, namely raw polygonum multiflorum (RPM) and polygonum multiflorum praeparata (PMP), according to the processing procedure. Emerging data has revealed the differential hepatotoxicity of RPM and PMP, however, its potential mechanism is still unclear.
Methods： In our study, we investigated the differential hepatotoxicity of RPM and PMP exerted in C57BL/6 mice. First, sera were collected for biochemical analysis and HE staining was applied to examine the morphological alternation of the liver. Then we treated L02 cells with 5mg / mL of RPM or PMP. The CCK8 and EdU assays were utilized to observe the viability and proliferation of L02 cells. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the expression profile of L02 cells. Western blot was performed to detect the expression level of ferroptosis-related protein. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate ROS accumulation.
Results： In our study, a significant elevation in serum ALT, AST and TBIL levels was investigated in the RMP group, while no significant differences were observed in the PMP group, compared to that of the CON group. HE staining showed punctate necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and structural destruction can be observed in the RPM group, which can be significantly attenuated after processing. In addition, we also found RPM could decrease the viability and proliferation capacity of L02 cells, which can be reversed by ferroptosis inhibitor. RNA sequencing data revealed the adverse effect of PM exerted on the liver is closely associated with ferroptosis. Western blot assay uncovered the protein level of GPX4, HO-1 and FTL was sharply decreased, while the ROS content was dramatically elevated in L02 cells treated with RPM, which can be partially restored after processing.
Conclusions： The hepatotoxicity induced by RPM was significantly lower than the PMP, and its potential mechanism is associated with ferroptosis.
Association of Women-Specific Health Factors in the Severity of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mata Ignacio , Rao Shilpa , Li Yadi , Lapin Brittany , Pattipati Sreya , Galvelis Kamalini Ghosh , Naito Anna , Guitierrez Nicolas , Leal Thiago Peixoto , Salim Amira , Salles Philippe , De Leon Maria 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an age-related neurological disorder known for the observational differences in its risk, progression, and severity between men and women. While estrogen has been considered to be a protective factor in the development of PD, there is little known about the role that fluctuations in hormones and immune responses from sex-specific health experiences have in the disease’s development and severity.
Objective
We sought to identify women-specific health experiences associated with PD severity by developing and distributing a women-specific questionnaire across the United States.
Methods
We created a questionnaire that addresses women’s specific experiences and their PD clinical history and deployed it through The Parkinson’s Foundation: PD Generations. To determine the association between women-specific health factors and PD severity, we constructed multivariable logistic regression models based on the MDS-UPDRS scale and the participants’ questionnaire responses, genetics, and clinical data.
Results
For our initial launch in November 2021, we had 304 complete responses from PD GENEration. Univariate and multivariate logistic modeling found significant associations between major depressive disorder, perinatal depression, natural childbirth, LRRK2 genotype, B12 deficiency, total hysterectomy and increased PD severity.
Conclusions
This study is the first nationally available questionnaire for women’s health and PD. It shifts the paradigm in understanding PD etiology and acknowledging how sex-specific experiences may contribute to PD severity. In addition, the work in this study sets the foundation for future research to investigate the reasons behind the sex differences in PD.
A Drug Recommender System for the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Mai Arthur , Voigt Karen , Schübel Jeannine , Gräßer Felix 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
One third (20–30%) of patients suffering from hypertension show increased blood pressure resistant to treatment. This resistance often has multifactorial causes, like therapeutic inertia and inappropriate medication but also poor patient adherence. Evidence-based guidelines aim to support appropriate health care decisions. However, (i) research and appraisal of clinical guidelines is often not practicable in daily routine care and (ii) guidelines alone are often insufficient to make suitable and personalized treatment decisions. Shared decision-making (SDM) can significantly improve patient adherence, but is also difficult to implement in routine care due to time constraints.
Methods
Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSSs), designed to support clinical decision-making by providing explainable and personalized treatment recommendations, are expected to remedy the aforementioned issues. In this work we describe a digital recommendation system for the pharmaceutical treatment of hypertension and compare its recommendations with clinical experts. The proposed therapy recommender algorithm combines external evidence (knowledge-based) – derived from clinical guidelines and drugs’ professional information – with information stored in routine care data (data-based) – derived from 298 medical records and 900 doctor-patient contacts from 7 general practitioners practices. The developed Graphical User Interface (GUI) visualizes recommendations along with personalized treatment information and intents to support SDM. The CDSS was evaluated on 23 artificial test patients (case vignettes), by comparing its output with recommendations from five specialized physicians.
Results
The results show that the proposed algorithm provides personalized treatment recommendations with large agreement with clinical experts. This is true for agreement with all experts (agree_all), with any expert (agree_any), and with the majority vote of all experts (agree_majority). The performance of a solely data-based approach can be additionally improved by applying evidence-based rules (external evidence). When comparing the achieved results (agree_all) with the inter-rater agreement among experts, the CDSS’s recommendations partly agree more often with the experts than the experts among each other.
Conclusion
Overall, the feasibility and performance of medication recommendation systems for the treatment of hypertension could be shown. The major challenges when developing such a CDSS arise from (i) the availability of sufficient and appropriate training and evaluation data and (ii) the absence of standardized medical knowledge such as computerized guidelines. If these challenges are solved, such treatment recommender systems can support physicians with exploiting knowledge stored in routine care data, help to comply with the best available clinical evidence and increase the adherence of the patient by reducing site-effects and individualizing therapies.
Using expert and spectral methods to assess visually attractive urban informal green spaces in Lublin, Poland.
Authors: Kamiński Jan , Soszyński Dawid , Trzaskowska Ewa , Stuczyński Tomasz , Siebielec Grzegorz , Głowienka Ewa , Poręba Ludwika 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Context.
The paper concerns on measuring the values of urban informal green spaces. In times of new challenges importance of informal greenery for landscape ecology and quality of life in the cities increases.
Objectives.
The objectives of the study is to develop the criteria for expert assesment of visual attractiveness of informal green spaces and compare the results of expert assesment with indicators derived from spectral indexes and GIS data.
Methods.
The study area is Lublin in Poland, a medium-sized European city. Expert assessment includes: general assessment - defining overall attractiveness, naturalness, landscape contrast and uniqueness. We juxtaposed the results with spectral indexes: LST, NDVI, LAI and GIS data. The analyses were performed for the target areas and a 300 m buffer zones around them.
Results.
The spectral indexes largely confirm the results of the expert assessment. Clear relationship exists between overall attractiveness and temperature and between landscape contrast and temperature. Areas with greater landscape contrast also have a larger difference in index values between the area and the buffer. There is a positive correlation between overall attractiveness and land slope. Spectral indexes also indicated the value of some sites that received a lower expert assessment.
Conclusions.
We suggest that the most visually attractive areas be called “enchanted natural places" (ENPs). The concept of ENPs can be a tool for formalising the protection of these areas. Spectral indexes confirm the values of ENPs, but also shown the value of sites with lower expert assessment, more common “bushes and shrubs”.