bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic disparities in female genital circumcision: finding from a case-control study in Mahabad, Iran
Authors: Laleh Shahla Shafaati , Roshanaei Ghodratollah , Soltani Farzaneh , Mehran Fatemeh Ghamari 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Female genital circumcision (FGC) is still a challenge in reproductive health. This study investigated socioeconomic disparities in FGC in the Kurdish region of Mahabad, Iran.

Methods
A case-control study was conducted in three comprehensive health centers on 130 circumcised girls as the case group and 130 girls without a history of circumcision as the control group, according to the residential area and the religious sect. The participants completed a previously validated demographic and circumcision information questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression model with a backward method at a 95% confidence level was used to determine the relationship between socioeconomic variables and FGC.

Results
Multivariate logistic regression showed that a family history of FGC (AOR 9.90; CI 95%: 5.03–19.50), age ranging between 20 and 30 years (AOR 8.55; CI 95%: 3.09–23.62), primary education (AOR 6.6; CI 95%: 1.34–33.22), and mothers with primary education (AOR 5.75; CI 95%: 1.23–26.76) increased the chance of FGC.

Conclusion
The present study provided evidence on socioeconomic factors related to FGC in girls. A family history of FGC, age ranging between 20 and 30 years, and girls’ and their mothers’ education level were strong predictors of FGC. The findings indicate the need to design effective interventions to address these factors to help eradicate FGC.
“Such conversations are not had in the families”: a qualitative study of the determinants of young adolescents’ access to sexual and reproductive health and rights information in Rwanda
Authors: Mbarushimana Valens , Conco Daphney Nozizwe , Goldstein Susan 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information during adolescence has become a global concern. This study explored factors that enable or prevent young adolescents from accessing to SRHR information from the perspective of the key informants in Rwanda.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 16 purposively selected key informants from public and private institutions in Rwanda. This selection was based on their positions and expertise in delivering SRHR information to adolescents. The interview guide questions were designed based on the social-ecological theoretical framework of adolescent health. The interview transcripts were recorded, transcribed, translated and thematically analysed in Nvivo 11.

Results
The study reflected that multiple enablers and barriers at the individual, relationship, community and societal levels determined young adolescents’ access to SRHR information. These determinants include information-seeking behaviour and age of starting sexuality education at the individual level; and parents’ limited communication with young adolescents due to taboos, lack of skills, limited parental availability, beliefs, lack of appropriate language and peer norms at the relationships level. Enablers and barriers at the community level were the diversity of SRHR sources, the scope of sexuality education programmes, and cultural and religious beliefs. Finally, the perceived enablers and barriers at the societal level consisted of inadequate resources, inappropriate SRHR policy-making processes and unfriendly SRHR laws.

Conclusion
Enabling access to SRHR information requires addressing multiple factors within the social-ecological environment of young adolescents. Addressing these factors may facilitate improved access to SRHR information for this age group.
Disability status, partner behavior, and the risk of sexual intimate partner violence in Uganda: An analysis of the demographic and health survey data
Authors: Kwagala Betty , Galande Johnstone 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Women with disabilities in developing countries experience significant marginalization, which negatively affects their reproductive health. This study examined the association between disability status and sexual intimate partner violence; the determinants of sexual intimate partner violence by disability status; and the variations in the determinants by disability status.

Methods
The study, which was based on a merged dataset of 2006, 2011 and 2016 Uganda Demographic Surveys, used a weighted sample of 9689 cases of married women selected for the domestic violence modules. Data were analyzed using frequency distributions and chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regressions. Other key explanatory variables included partner’s alcohol consumption and witnessing parental violence. A model with disability status as an interaction term helped to establish variations in the determinants of sexual intimate partner violence by disability status.

Results
Sexual IPV was higher among women with disabilities (25% compared to 18%). Disability status predicted sexual intimate partner violence with higher odds among women with disabilities (aOR = 1.51; 95% CI 1.10–2.07). The determinants of sexual intimate partner violence for women with disabilities were: partner’s frequency of getting drunk, having witnessed parental violence, occupation, and wealth index. The odds of sexual intimate partner violence were higher among women whose partners often or sometimes got drunk, that had witnessed parental violence, were involved in agriculture and manual work; and those that belonged to the poorer and middle wealth quintiles. Results for these variables revealed similar patterns irrespective of disability status. However, women with disabilities in the agriculture and manual occupations and in the poorer and rich wealth quintiles had increased odds of sexual intimate partner violence compared to nondisabled women in the same categories.

Conclusion
Determinants of sexual intimate partner violence mainly relate to partners’ behaviors and the socialization process. Addressing sexual intimate partner violence requires prioritizing partners’ behaviors, and gender norms and proper childhood modelling, targeting men, women, families and communities. Interventions targeting women with disabilities should prioritize women in agriculture and manual occupations, and those above the poverty line.
Antioxidative, anticancer, and antibacterial activities of a nanogel containing Mentha spicata L. essential oil and electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
Authors: Rasti Fatemeh , Yousefpoor Yaser , Abdollahi Abbas , Safari Mojdeh , Roozitalab Ghazaal , Osanloo Mahmoud 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
As the largest organ, the skin has been frequently affected by trauma, chemical materials, toxins, bacterial pathogens, and free radicals. Recently, many attempts have been made to develop natural nanogels that, besides hydrating the skin, could also be used as antioxidant or antibacterial agents.

Methods
In this study, the chemical composition of the Mentha spicata essential oil was first investigated using GC–MS analysis. Its nanoemulsion-based nanogel was then investigated; successful loading of the essential oil in the nanogel was confirmed using FTIR analysis. Besides, nanogel’s antioxidative, anticancer, and antibacterial activities were investigated.

Results
Carvone (37.1%), limonene (28.5%), borneol (3.9%), β-pinene (3.3%), and pulegone (3.3%) were identified as five major compounds in the essential oil. By adding carboxymethylcellulose (3.5% w/v) to the optimal nanoemulsion containing the essential oil (droplet size of 196 ± 8 nm), it was gelified. The viscosity was fully fitted with a common non-Newtonian viscosity regression, the Carreau-Yasuda model. The antioxidant effect of the nanogel was significantly more potent than the essential oil (P < 0.001) at all examined concentrations (62.5–1000 µg/mL). Furthermore, the potency of the nanogel with an IC50 value of 55.0 µg/mL was substantially more (P < 0.001) than the essential oil (997.4 µg/mL). Also, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli after treatment with 1000 µg/mL nanogel was about 50% decreased compared to the control group. Besides, the prepared electrospun polycaprolactone-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose nanofibers mat with no cytotoxic, antioxidant, or antibacterial effects was proposed as lesion dressing after treatment with the nanogel. High potency, natural ingredients, and straightforward preparation are advantages of the prepared nanogel. Therefore, it could be considered for further consideration in vivo studies.
Selective gene expression profiling contributes to a better understanding of the molecular pathways underlying the histological changes observed after RHMVL
Authors: Arlt Janine , Vlaic Sebastian , Feuer Ronny , Thomas Maria , Settmacher Utz , Dahmen Uta , Dirsch Olaf 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn previous studies, five vasoactive drugs were investigated for their effect on the recovery process after extended liver resection without observing relevant improvements. We hypothesized that an analysis of gene expression could help to identify potentially druggable pathways and could support the selection of promising drug candidates.MethodsLiver samples obtained from rats after combined 70% partial hepatectomy and right median hepatic vein ligation (n = 6/group) sacrificed at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 7days were selected for this study. Liver samples were collected from differentially perfused regions of the median lobe (obstruction-zone, border-zone, normal-zone). Gene expression profiling of marker genes regulating hepatic hemodynamics, vascular remodeling, and liver regeneration was performed with microfluidic chips. We used 3 technical replicates from each sample. Raw data were normalized using LEMming and differentially expressed genes were identified using LIMMA.ResultsThe strongest differences were found in obstruction-zone at 24 h and 48 h postoperatively compared to all other groups. mRNA expression of marker genes from hepatic hemodynamics pathways (iNOS,Ptgs2,Edn1) was most upregulated.ConclusionThese upregulated genes suggest a strong vasoconstrictive effect promoting arterial hypoperfusion in the obstruction-zone. Reducing iNOS expression using selective iNOS inhibitors seems to be a promising approach to promote vasodilation and liver regeneration.
Cirsiliol regulates mitophagy in colon cancer cells via STAT3 signaling
Authors: Jiang Tao , Peng Lulu , Wang Qian , Huang Bingyu , Peng Dewei , Men Lintong , Jiang Yue , Zhu Mengying , Wang Moran , Lin Li , Lv Jiagao , Li Sheng 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundMitophagy is a type of selective autophagy for dysfunctional mitochondria and plays a key role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, whether mitophagy plays a role in colon cancer remains unclear. Cirsiliol is a natural product and has been found to exert anti-cancer effects in multiple tumors. The effects of cirsiliol in the tumorigenesis and progression of colon cancer remain unknown.MethodsCCK8 assay, plate cloning assay, and cell scratch assay were performed to determine cell viability, colony formation, and wound healing abilities of HCT116 and SW480 cells. JC-1 staining, H2DCFDA staining, and Mito-Tracker Red staining were carried out to evaluate mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and mitochondrial morphology. Molecular docking technology was utilized to predict interaction of cirsiliol and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Immunofluorescence staining was used to measure nuclear translocation of STAT3. The protein levels of phosphorylated STAT3 (Y705), total STAT3, and mitophagy proteins were detected by western blot.ResultsIn this study, we first found that cirsiliol inhibited cell viability, colony formation, and wound healing abilities of HCT116 and SW480 colon cancer cells. Moreover, cirsiliol suppressed Δψm, increased ROS production, and disrupted mitochondrial morphology via inhibiting the levels of mitophagy proteins including PINK1, Parkin, BNIP3, and FUNDC1. Application of mitophagy activator improved the levels of mitophagy-related proteins, and ameliorated Δψm and ROS levels. According to the result of molecular docking, we found that cirsiliol potentially bound to the SH2 domain of STAT3, the key domain for the functional activation of STAT3. Moreover, it was found that cirsiliol inhibited constitutive and IL‑6‑induced STAT3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Comparing with cirsiliol group, we found that overexpression of STAT3 restored the expressions of mitophagy proteins.ConclusionsCirsiliol targets STAT3 to inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation by regulating mitophagy.
Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus using ultrasonic layer-specific strain technology and its association with cardiovascular events: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Zhang Hebin , Yang Cunxin , Gao Feng , Hu Shanting , Ma Hui 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune disease with potential cardiovascular involvement. Layer-specific strain (LSS) analysis is a new method that allows early detection of subtle left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate LV systolic function in patients with SLE using conventional echocardiographic measurements and longitudinal strain (LS) and circumferential strain (CS) by LSS. Furthermore, the association between echocardiographic parameters and the occurrence of cardiovascular events was assessed.

Methods
A total of 162 patients with SLE (the SLE group) who underwent a dedicated multidisciplinary assessment, including echocardiography, were analyzed at the time of their first visits. The control group consisted of 68 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. LS and CS on endocardial, mid-myocardial, and epicardial layers at 17 cardiac segments were measured. Transmural strain gradient was calculated as the differences in systolic strain between the endocardial and epicardial layers.

Results
Compared with control subjects, patients with SLE had significantly lower LV ejection fraction, LS, and CS values in all layers (P < 0.05); LV LS and CS gradient were all lower than control subjects (P < 0.05). During a median follow-up period of 83 months (interquartile range: 64–95 months), 59 patients (36.4%) developed cardiovascular events. Using multivariate Cox regression analysis, we found that LV endocardial LS (hazard ratio, 1.014; 95% CI, 1.002–1.035; P = 0.025) and CS (hazard ratio, 1.051; 95% CI, 1.027–1.077; P < 0.001) demonstrated independent associations with cardiovascular events; whereas LV ejection fraction was not significantly associated with cardiovascular events. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients with SLE with lower LV endocardial LS and CS (based on the cutoff values of -21.5% and -29.0%, respectively) experienced higher cumulative rates of cardiovascular events compared with those with higher LV endocardial LS and CS.

Conclusions
In patients with SLE, LV systolic function measured by LV endocardial LS and CS were significantly lower than that of the control group and were associated with cardiovascular events, potentially representing a new technology to improve risk stratification in these patients
TIMM8A is associated with dysfunction of immune cell in BRCA and UCEC for predicting anti-PD-L1 therapy efficacy
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Yuan Zile , Cheng Sheng , Wang Hongyi , Liao Yuxuan , Zhou Dawei , Wu Zhiqiang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
TIMM8A is a protein-coding gene located on the X chromosome. There is evidence that TIMM8A plays an important role in mitochondrial morphology and fission. Studies have shown that mitophagy and fission could affect the function of immune cells. However, there is currently no research on this gene’s role in cancer occurrence and progression.

Methods
TIMM8A expression was analyzed via the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) site and UALCAN database. We evaluated the influence of TIMM8A on clinical prognosis using Kaplan-Meier plotter, the PrognoScan database, and Human Protein Atlas (HPA). The correlations between TIMM8A and cancer immune infiltrates were investigated via TIMER. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) was used to evaluate the potential of tumor immune evasion. Functions of TIMM8A mutations and 50 genes significantly associated with TIMM8A mutations in breast cancer (BRCA) and uterine corpus endometrial cancer (UCEC) were analyzed by GO and KEGG in LinkedOmics database.

Results
We investigated the role of TIMM8A in multiple cancers and found that it was significantly associated with poor prognosis in BRCA and UCEC. After analyzing the effect of TIMM8A on immune infiltration, we found Th2 CD4+ T cells might be a common pathway by which TIMM8A contributed to poor prognosis in BRCA and UCEC. Our results suggested that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and tumor-associated M2 macrophages (TAM M2) might be important factors in immune evasion through T cell rejection in both cancers, and considered TIMM8A as a biomarker to predict the efficacy of this therapy in BRCA and UCEC. The results of TIMM8A enrichment analysis showed us that abnormally expressed TIMM8A might affect the mitochondrial protein in BRCA and UCEC.

Conclusions
Contributed to illustrating the value of TIMM8A as a prognostic biomarker, our findings suggested that TIMM8A was correlated with prognosis and immune infiltration, including CD8+ T cells, Th2 CD4+ T cells, and macrophages in BRCA and UCEC. In addition, TIMM8A might affect immune infiltration and prognosis in BRCA and UCEC by affecting mitophagy. We believed it could also be a biomarker to predict the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy and proposed to improve the efficacy by eliminating MDSC and TAM M2.
Estimating disability-adjusted life years for breast cancer and the impact of screening in female populations in China, 2015–2030: an exploratory prevalence-based analysis applying local weights
Authors: Yan Xin-Xin , Zhu Juan , Li Yan-Jie , Cao Meng-Di , Wang Xin , Wang Hong , Liu Cheng-Cheng , Wang Jing , Li Yang , Shi Ju-Fang 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background
Most cancer disability-adjusted life year (DALY) studies worldwide have used broad, generic disability weights (DWs); however, differences exist among populations and types of cancers. Using breast cancer as example, this study aimed to estimate the population-level DALYs in females in China and the impact of screening as well as applying local DWs.

Methods
Using multisource data, a prevalence-based model was constructed. (1) Overall years lived with disability (YLDs) were estimated by using numbers of prevalence cases, stage-specific proportions, and local DWs for breast cancer. Numbers of females and new breast cancer cases as well as local survival rates were used to calculate the number of prevalence cases. (2) Years of life lost (YLLs) were estimated using breast cancer mortality rates, female numbers and standard life expectancies. (3) The prevalence of and mortality due to breast cancer and associated DALYs from 2020 to 2030 were predicted using Joinpoint regression. (4) Assumptions considered for screening predictions included expanding coverage, reducing mortality due to breast cancer and improving early-stage proportion for breast cancer.

Results
In Chinese females, the estimated number of breast cancer DALYs was 2251.5 thousand (of 17.3% were YLDs) in 2015, which is predicted to increase by 26.7% (60.3% among those aged ≥ 65 years) in 2030 (2852.8 thousand) if the screening coverage (25.7%) stays unchanged. However, if the coverage can be achieved to 40.7% in 2030 (deduced from the “Healthy China Initiative”), DALYs would decrease by 1.5% among the screened age groups. Sensitivity analyses found that using local DWs would change the base-case values by ~ 10%.

Conclusion
Estimates of DALYs due to breast cancer in China were lower (with a higher proportion of YLDs) than Global Burden of Disease Study numbers (2527.0 thousand, 8.2% were YLDs), suggesting the importance of the application of population-specific DWs. If the screening coverage remains unchanged, breast cancer-caused DALYs would continue to increase, especially among elderly individuals.
Feasibility and psychophysical effects of immersive virtual reality-based mirror therapy
Authors: Heinrich Chris , Morkisch Nadine , Langlotz Tobias , Regenbrecht Holger , Dohle Christian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundVirtual reality (VR) has been used as a technological medium to deliver mirror therapy interventions with people after stroke in numerous applications with promising results. The recent emergence of affordable, off-the-shelf head-mounted displays (like the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive) has opened the possibility for novel and cost-effective approaches for immersive mirror therapy interventions. We have developed one such system, ART-VR, which allows people after stroke to carry out a clinically-validated mirror therapy protocol in an immersive virtual environment and within a clinical setting.MethodsA case cohort of 11 people with upper limb paresis following first time stroke at an in-patient rehabilitation facility received three interventions over a one week period. Participants carried out the BeST mirror therapy protocol using our immersive VR system as an adjunct therapy to their standard rehabilitation program. Our clinical feasibility study investigated intervention outcomes, virtual reality acceptance and user experience.ResultsThe results show that the combination of an immersive VR system and mirror therapy protocol is feasible for clinical use. 9 out of 11 participants showed some improvement of their affected hand after the intervention. The vast majority of the participants (9/11) reported experiencing some psycho-physical effects, such as tingling or paraesthesia, in the affected limb during the intervention.ConclusionsOur findings show that immersive VR-based mirror therapy is feasible and shows effects comparable to those of conventional mirror therapy.Trial RegistrationTrial was registered with the ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN34011164) on December 3, 2021, retrospectively