bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased mitochondrial D-loop region methylation mediates an increase in mitochondrial DNA copy number in CADASIL
Authors: Zhang Jiewen , Shang Junkui , Wang Fengyu , Huo Xuejing , Sun Ruihua , Ren Zhixia , Wang Wan , Yang Miaomiao , Li Gai , Gao Dandan , Liu Ruijie , Bai Pingping , Wang Shuyi , Wang Yanliang , Yan Xi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundCerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a typical neurodegenerative disease associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Methylation of the D-loop region and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) play a critical role in the maintenance of mitochondrial function. However, the association between D-loop region methylation, mtDNAcn and CADASIL remains unclear.MethodsOverall, 162 individuals were recruited, including 66 CADASIL patients and 96 age- and sex-matched controls. After extracting genomic DNA from the peripheral white blood cells, levels of D-loop methylation and mtDNAcn were assessed using MethylTarget sequencing and real-time PCR, respectively.ResultsWe observed increased mtDNAcn and decreased D-loop methylation levels in CADASIL patients compared to the control group, regardless of gender stratification. Besides, we found a negative correlation between D-loop methylation levels and mtDNAcn. Mediation effect analysis shows that the proportion of the association between mtDNAcn and CADASIL that is mediated by D-loop methylation is 11.6% (95% CI 5.6, 22.6). After gender stratification, the proportions of such associations that are mediated by D-loop methylation in males and females were 7.2% (95% CI 2.4, 19.8) and 22.0% (95% CI 7.4, 50.1), respectively.ConclusionDecreased methylation of the D-loop region mediates increased mtDNAcn in CADASIL, which may be caused by a compensatory mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with CADASIL.
What explains gender inequality in HIV infection among high-risk people? A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition
Authors: Sajadipour Mansour , Rezaei Satar , Irandoost Seyed Fahim , Ghaumzadeh Mohammadreza , Salmani nadushan Mohamadreza , Gholami Mohammad , Salimi Yahya , Jorjoran Shushtari Zahra 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Despite clear evidence on role of gender in vulnerability and exposure to HIV infection, information on gender-related inequalities in HIV and related factors are rarely documented. The aim of this study was to measure gender inequality in HIV infection and its determinates in Tehran city, the capital of Iran.

Methods
The study used the data of 20,156 medical records of high-risk people who were admitted to Imam Khomeini Voluntary Counseling and Testing site in Tehran from 2004 to 2018. The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition was used to quantify the contribution of explanatory variables to the gap in the prevalence of HIV infection between female and male.

Results
The age-adjusted proportion of HIV infection was 9.45% (95%Cl: 9.02, 9.87). The absolute gap in the prevalence of HIV infection between male and female was 4.50% (95% CI: − 5.33, − 3.70%). The Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition indicated that most explanatory factors affecting the differences in HIV infection were job exposure, drug abuse, history of imprisonment, injection drug, heterosexual unsafe sex, and having an HIV-positive spouse.

Conclusion
The results can provide evidence for health policymakers to better planning and conducting gender-based preventive and screening programs. Policies aiming at promoting HIV preventive behaviors among male may reduce the gap in HIV infection between female and male in Iran.
Trends of limb amputation considering type, level, sex and age in Saskatchewan, Canada 2006–2019: an in-depth assessment
Authors: Essien Samuel Kwaku , Kopriva David , Linassi A. Gary , Zucker-Levin Audrey 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMost epidemiologic reports focus on lower extremity amputation (LEA) caused specifically by diabetes mellitus. However, narrowing scope disregards the impact of other causes and types of limb amputation (LA) diminishing the true incidence and societal burden. We explored the rates of LEA and upper extremity amputation (UEA) by level of amputation, sex and age over 14 years in Saskatchewan, Canada.MethodsWe calculated the differential impact of amputation type (LEA or UEA) and level (major or minor) of LA using retrospective linked hospital discharge data and demographic characteristics of all LA performed in Saskatchewan and resident population between 2006 and 2019. Rates were calculated from total yearly cases per yearly Saskatchewan resident population. Joinpoint regression was employed to quantify annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Negative binomial regression was performed to determine if LA rates differed over time based on sex and age.ResultsIncidence of LEA (31.86 ± 2.85 per 100,000) predominated over UEA (5.84 ± 0.49 per 100,000) over the 14-year study period. The overall LEA rate did not change over the study period (AAPC -0.5 [95% CI − 3.8 to 3.0]) but fluctuations were identified. From 2008 to 2017 LEA rates increased (APC 3.15 [95% CI 1.1 to 5.2]) countered by two statistically insignificant periods of decline (2006–2008 and 2017–2019). From 2006 to 2019 the rate of minor LEA steadily increased (AAPC 3.9 [95% CI 2.4 to 5.4]) while major LEA decreased (AAPC -0.6 [95% CI − 2.1 to 5.4]). Fluctuations in the overall LEA rate nearly corresponded with fluctuations in major LEA with one period of rising rates from 2010 to 2017 (APC 4.2 [95% CI 0.9 to 7.6]) countered by two periods of decline 2006–2010 (APC -11.14 [95% CI − 16.4 to − 5.6]) and 2017–2019 (APC -19.49 [95% CI − 33.5 to − 2.5]). Overall UEA and minor UEA rates remained stable from 2006 to 2019 with too few major UEA performed for in-depth analysis. Males were twice as likely to undergo LA than females (RR = 2.2 [95% CI 1.99–2.51]) with no change in rate over the study period. Persons aged 50–74 years and 75+ years were respectively 5.9 (RR = 5.92 [95% Cl 5.39–6.51]) and 10.6 (RR = 10.58 [95% Cl 9.26–12.08]) times more likely to undergo LA than those aged 0–49 years. LA rate increased with increasing age over the study period.ConclusionThe rise in the rate of minor LEA with simultaneous decline in the rate of major LEA concomitant with the rise in age of patients experiencing LA may reflect a paradigm shift in the management of diseases that lead to LEA. Further, this shift may alter demand for orthotic versus prosthetic intervention. A more granular look into the data is warranted to determine if performing minor LA diminishes the need for major LA.
Assessing neo-natal mortality trends in Pakistan: an insight using equity lens
Authors: Dawood Zainab , Majeed Naeem 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Almost 2.5 million neonates died in the first year of life in the year 2017. These account for almost half of the total deaths of children under the age of 5 years. Overall, child mortality has declined over the past two decades. Comparatively, the pace of decline in neonatal mortality has remained much slow. Significant inequalities in health across several dimensions – including wealth, ethnicity, and geography – continue to exist both between and within countries, and these contribute to neonatal mortality. This study aims to quantify the magnitude of inequalities in neonatal mortality trends by wealth quintile and place of residence with province wise segregation.

Methods
The study was done using raw data from the last three Pakistan Demographic & Health Surveys (2017–18, 2012–13 and 2006–07). The concentration curves were drawn in Microsoft Excel 365 using scatter plot as graph type while the frequencies were calculated using SPSS 24.

Results
The situation of inequity across provinces and in rural vs urban areas has slightly declined, however, gross inequities continue to exist.

Conclusions
Presentation of outcomes data, such as neonatal mortality in various wealth quintiles is an effective way to highlight the inequities amongst income groups as it highlights the vulnerable and at-risk groups. In other countries, rural-urban distribution, or ethnic groups may also reflect similar differences and help in identifying high-risk groups.
Methodological guidelines to estimate population-based health indicators using linked data and/or machine learning techniques
Authors: Haneef Romana , Tijhuis Mariken , Thiébaut Rodolphe , Májek Ondřej , Pristaš Ivan , Tolonen Hanna , Gallay Anne 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
The capacity to use data linkage and artificial intelligence to estimate and predict health indicators varies across European countries. However, the estimation of health indicators from linked administrative data is challenging due to several reasons such as variability in data sources and data collection methods resulting in reduced interoperability at various levels and timeliness, availability of a large number of variables, lack of skills and capacity to link and analyze big data. The main objective of this study is to develop the methodological guidelines calculating population-based health indicators to guide European countries using linked data and/or machine learning (ML) techniques with new methods.

Method
We have performed the following step-wise approach systematically to develop the methodological guidelines: i. Scientific literature review, ii. Identification of inspiring examples from European countries, and iii. Developing the checklist of guidelines contents.

Results
We have developed the methodological guidelines, which provide a systematic approach for studies using linked data and/or ML-techniques to produce population-based health indicators. These guidelines include a detailed checklist of the following items: rationale and objective of the study (i.e., research question), study design, linked data sources, study population/sample size, study outcomes, data preparation, data analysis (i.e., statistical techniques, sensitivity analysis and potential issues during data analysis) and study limitations.

Conclusions
This is the first study to develop the methodological guidelines for studies focused on population health using linked data and/or machine learning techniques. These guidelines would support researchers to adopt and develop a systematic approach for high-quality research methods. There is a need for high-quality research methodologies using more linked data and ML-techniques to develop a structured cross-disciplinary approach for improving the population health information and thereby the population health.
Determinants of adverse birth outcomes among women delivered in public hospitals of Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Abadiga Muktar , Mosisa Getu , Tsegaye Reta , Oluma Adugna , Abdisa Eba , Bekele Tilahun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Adverse birth outcome is a common health problem consisting of several health effects involving pregnancy and the newborn infant. Infants with one or more adverse birth outcomes are at greater risk for mortality and a variety of health and developmental problems. Factors such as the age of the mother, antepartum hemorrhage, history of abortion, gestational age, anemia, and maternal undernutrition have predisposed the mother to adverse birth outcome. For appropriate prevention of the adverse birth outcomes, data pertaining to determinants of adverse birth outcomes are important. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the determinants of adverse birth outcomes among women who give birth in public hospitals of western Ethiopia.

Methods
An institutional-based unmatched prospective case-control study was conducted from February 15 to April 15, 2020, in selected public hospitals of western Ethiopia. From mothers who gave birth in public hospitals of Wollega zones, 165 cases and 330 controls were selected. Mothers with adverse birth outcomes were cases and mothers without adverse birth were controls. Data was collected by structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. In addition to the interview, the data collectors abstracted clinical data by reviewing the mother and the babies’ medical records. The collected data were entered into Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Finally, multivariable logistic regression was used to identify determinants of adverse birth outcomes at P-value < 0.05.

Results
A total of 495 mothers (165 cases and 330 controls) were included in the study with a mean age of 28.48 + 5.908. Low ANC visit (AOR = 3.92: 95% CI; 1.86, 8.2), premature rupture of membrane (AOR = 2.83: 95% CI; 1.72,4.64), being Anemic (AOR = 2: 95% CI; 1.16,3.44), pregnancy induced-hypertension (AOR = 2.3:95% CI; 1.4,3.85), not getting dietary supplementation (AOR = 2.47:95% CI; 1.6,3.82), and physical abuse (AOR = 2.13: 95% CI; 1.05,4.32) were significantly associated with the development of the adverse birth outcome.

Conclusion
Low antenatal care visit, being anemic, premature rupture of membrane, pregnancy-induced hypertension, not getting dietary supplementation, and physical abuse were determinants of adverse birth outcomes. The clinicians should play a pivotal role to improve antenatal care follow up, counsel, and supplement recommended diets and minimize violence and abuse during pregnancy.
Research lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic: collecting longitudinal physical and mental health outcomes
Authors: Grove Kristen , Harrold Megan , Mohd Sheeraz , Natarajan Varsha , Hurn Elizabeth , Pearce Jane , Cavalheri Vinicius , Watson Carol , Edgar Dale W. ,   LATER-19 Coinvestigator Group, Maiorana Andrew , Jacques Angela , White Ann , Vicary Caitlin , Watson Carol , Roffman Caroline , Synnott Emma-Leigh , Chih Hui Jun , Suttie Ian , Lin Ivan , Larsson Jade , Tearne Jessica , Woodhouse Linda , van der Lee Lisa , Naylor Louise , Elliott Mercedes , Gittings Paul , Winship Peta , Timms Robyn , Wulff Sheldon , Hebden-Todd Tracy 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Participant enrolment, assessment and/or delivery of intervention in many clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic were severely impacted by public health measures limiting physical contact. This report describes the lessons learned in completing a repeated measures cohort study involving suspected and confirmed COVID-19 survivors at three sites in Perth, Western Australia.

Main body
An observational analysis of the conduct and data completeness results of the LATER-19 trial. People with COVID19 symptoms who were tested between February and November 2020 were recruited. In both those who tested positive and those who tested negative (control group) for COVID19, data on physical function and mental health were collected at two time points up to eight months after COVID19 testing. Recruitment of the controls was targeted from hospital records for comparison, it was balanced for age and sex and for the non-hospitalised group also comorbidities.
A sample of 344 participants was recruited: 155 (45.1%) COVID-19 positive. Taking the research design and environmental adaptations into account, we recorded > 90% participant engagement during the trial. Of the 637 planned assessments, objective measures were completed on 602 (94.5%) occasions; 543 (90.2%) were on-site and 59 (9.8%) were remote. A total of 577 (90.6%) mental health/symptoms surveys, 569 (89.3%) 1-min sit-to-stand tests, and 520 (81.6%) handgrip strength tests were completed.

Conclusion
The sample size and high completion rate of planned assessments during the LATER-19 trial potentially increases the contextual, groupwise generalisability of the results. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of a simple, rapid, reproducible and adaptable battery of assessments, leveraging telehealth and digital solutions.

Trial registration number
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registration (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621001067864.
Improved up-and-down procedure for acute toxicity measurement with reliable LD50 verified by typical toxic alkaloids and modified Karber method
Authors: Zhang Yan-Yu , Huang Yu-Feng , Liang Jie , Zhou Hua 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundUp-and-down procedure (UDP) was recommended to replace traditional acute toxicity methods. However, it was limited due to the long experimental period (20–42 days). To improve UDP, an improved UDP method (iUDP) was developed by shortening observation time between sequence dosages. The aim of this study was to test the reliability of iUDP to provide a reliable method for the acute toxicity measurement of valuable or minor amount compounds.MethodsOral median lethal dose (LD50) of nicotine, sinomenine hydrochloride and berberine hydrochloride were measured both by iUDP and modified Karber method (mKM).ResultsLD50of the three alkaloids measured by iUDP with 23 mice were 32.71 ± 7.46, 453.54 ± 104.59, 2954.93 ± 794.88 mg/kg, respectively. LD50of the three alkaloids measured by mKM with 240 mice were 22.99 ± 3.01, 456.56 ± 53.38, 2825.53 ± 1212.92 mg/kg, respectively. The average time consumed by the two methods were 22 days and 14 days respectively. Total grams of the alkaloids used by the two methods were 0.0082 and 0.0673 (nicotine), 0.114 and 1.24 (sinomenine hydrochloride), 1.9 and 12.7 (berberine hydrochloride).ConclusioniUDP could replace mKM to detect acute toxicity of substances with comparable and reliable result. And it is suitable for valuable or minor amount substances.
Developmental deficits and staging of dynamics of age associated Alzheimer’s disease neurodegeneration and neuronal loss in subjects with Down syndrome
Authors: Wegiel Jerzy , Flory Michael , Kuchna Izabela , Nowicki Krzysztof , Wegiel Jarek , Ma Shuang Yong , Zhong Nanbert , Bobrowicz Teresa Wierzba , de Leon Mony , Lai Florence , Silverman Wayne P. , Wisniewski Thomas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe increased life expectancy of individuals with Down syndrome (DS) is associated with increased prevalence of trisomy 21–linked early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) and dementia. The aims of this study of 14 brain regions including the entorhinal cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum in 33 adults with DS 26–72 years of age were to identify the magnitude of brain region–specific developmental neuronal deficits contributing to intellectual deficits, to apply this baseline to identification of the topography and magnitude of neurodegeneration and neuronal and volume losses caused by EOAD, and to establish age-based staging of the pattern of genetically driven neuropathology in DS. Both DS subject age and stage of dementia, themselves very strongly correlated, were strong predictors of an AD-associated decrease of the number of neurons, considered a major contributor to dementia. The DS cohort was subclassified by age as pre-AD stage, with 26–41-year-old subjects with a full spectrum of developmental deficit but with very limited incipient AD pathology, and 43–49, 51–59, and 61–72-year-old groups with predominant prevalence of mild, moderately severe, and severe dementia respectively. This multiregional study revealed a 28.1% developmental neuronal deficit in DS subjects 26–41 years of age and 11.9% AD-associated neuronal loss in DS subjects 43–49 years of age; a 28.0% maximum neuronal loss at 51–59 years of age; and a 11.0% minimum neuronal loss at 61–72 years of age. A total developmental neuronal deficit of 40.8 million neurons and AD-associated neuronal loss of 41.6 million neurons reflect a comparable magnitude of developmental neuronal deficit contributing to intellectual deficits, and AD-associated neuronal loss contributing to dementia. This highly predictable pattern of pathology indicates that successful treatment of DS subjects in the fourth decade of life may prevent AD pathology and functional decline.
Towards data sharing economy on Internet of Things: a semantic for telemetry data
Authors: Halim Dareen K. , Hutagalung Samuel 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInternet of Things (IoT) provides data processing and machine learning techniques with access to physical world data through sensors, namely telemetry data. Acquiring sensor data through IoT faces challenges such as connectivity and proper measurement requiring domain-specific knowledge, that results in data quality problems. Data sharing is one solution to this. In this work, we propose IoT Telemetry Data Hub (IoT TeleHub), a general framework and semantic for telemetry data collection and sharing. The framework is principled on abstraction, layering of elements, and extensibility and openness. We showed that while the framework is defined specifically for telemetry data, it is general enough to be mapped to existing IoT platforms with various use cases. Our framework also considers the machine-readable and machine-understandable notion in regard to resource-constrained IoT devices. We also present IoThingsHub, an IoT platform for real-time data sharing based on the proposed framework. The platform demonstrated that the framework could be implemented with existing technologies such as HTTP, MQTT, SQL, NoSQL.
Esmolol response in septic shock patients in relation to vascular waterfall phenomenon measured by critical closure pressure and mean systemic filling pressure: a prospective observational study
Authors: Liu Zehan , Pan Chuanliang , Liu Jianping , Liu Hui , Xie Hui 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Bedside measurements of critical closure pressure (Pcc) and mean systemic circulation filling pressure (Pmsf) were utilized to evaluate the response to esmolol in septic shock patients, in relation to the vascular waterfall phenomenon and body oxygen supply and demand.

Methods
This prospective observational self-controlled study included patients with septic shock, newly admitted to the intensive care unit, between August 2019 and January 2021. Pcc and Pmsf, along with the heart rate and other hemodynamic indicators were observed and compared before and 1 h after esmolol IV infusion.

Results
After 24 h of initial hemodynamic optimization, 56 patients were finally enrolled. After start of esmolol infusion, patients had a significant decrease in cardiac index (CI) (4.0 vs. 3.3 L/min/m2, P < 0.001), a significant increase in stroke index (SI) (34.1 vs. 36.6 mL/m2, P < 0.01), and a significant decrease in heart rate (HR) (116.8 vs. 90.6 beats/min, P < 0.001). After 1 h of treatment with esmolol, patients had a significant increase in Pcc (31.4 vs. 36.7 mmHg, P < 0.01). The difference between Pcc and Pmsf before and after treatment was statistically different (4.0 vs. 10.0 mmHg, P < 0.01). After heart rate control with esmolol, the patients had a significant increase in the body circulation vascular resistance indices (RIs) (15.14 vs. 18.25 mmHg/min/m2/L, P < 0.001). There was an increase in ScvO2 in patients after treatment with esmolol, but the difference was not statistically significant (68.4% vs. 69.8%, P > 0.05), while Pcv-aCO2 was significantly lower (6.3 vs. 4.9 mmHg, P < 0.001) and patients had a significant decrease in blood lactate levels (4.0 vs. 3.6 mmol/L, P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Patients with septic shock whose heart rate is greater than 95 beats/min after hemodynamic optimization were treated with esmolol, which could effectively control heart rate and reduce CI, as well as improve Pcc and increase the difference between Pcc and Pmsf (known as “vascular waterfall” phenomenon), without affecting MAP, CVP, Pmsf and arteriovenous vascular resistance, and improve the balance of oxygen supply and demand in the body.