bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of delivering during a war with the risk for postpartum depression, anxiety and impaired maternal-infant bonding
Authors: Klapper-Goldstein Hadar , Pariente Gali , Wainstock Tamar , Dekel Sharon , Binyamin Yair , Battat Talya Lanxner , Broder Orit Wissotzky , Kosef Tamar , Sheiner Eyal
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Examine the impact of war conditions on maternal mental health postpartum outcomes pertaining to depression and anxiety, as well as on maternal-infant bonding (MIB).
Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in women who gave birth in a tertiary medical center, during (October-November 2023) and before (March-May 2020) the Israel-Hamas War. All participants completed validated self-reported questionnaires: The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS>=10), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI>39) and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ>=26).
Results: A total of 502 women were included, 230 delivered during the War and 272 delivered before. Rates of symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) were higher in women delivering during the war (26.6% vs. 12.4%, p<0.001), while multivariable regression revealed two times higher risk (adjusted OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.74, p=0.017). Rate of postpartum anxiety risk was also higher (34.3% vs 17.0%, p<0.001), and reached a trend towards significance accounting for other risk factors (adjusted OR 2.06, 95% CI 0.97-4.36, p=0.058). Finally, delivery during the war was related to specific factors of impaired MIB. However, did not increase the overall impaired score (PBQ>=26) (10.2 ± 14.1 vs 8.3 ± 6.9, p=0.075).
Conclusion: The study revealed increased risk of PPD, marginal significance risk for PPA and some aspects of impairments in MIB among women delivering during the war. Maternal mental illness in the postpartum period has negative impact on the whole family. Therefore, comprehensive screening and adequate resources should be placed in women delivering in war-conflict zones.
The relationship between adherence, life satisfaction, and acceptance of illness among patients with mood disorders
Authors: Jeżuchowska Alicja , Cybulska Anna Maria , Rachubińska Kamila , Reginia Artur , Panczyk Mariusz , Ćwiek Dorota , Grochans Elżbieta , Schneider-Matyka Daria
Published: July 2024

Mood disorders are among the most prevalent and debilitating mental conditions in worldwide populations.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing life satisfaction, disease acceptance and therapeutic adherence among people with mood disorders.
Material: This survey-based study included 103 people with mood disorders. It was performed using the author questionnaire, and standardized research tools, namely: the Adherence to Refills and Medication Scale (ARMS), the A6cceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS).
Results: The level of life satisfaction decreased with an increase in the severity of depressive symptoms (βstd. = -0.665, p < 0.001). Mood disorder patients with more severe depressive symptoms had significantly higher scores on the adherence scale (βstd. = 0.290, p = 0.003). Patients with higher levels of depressive symptoms showed a lower level of acceptance of the disease.
Conclusions: 1. The dosage of medications taken, and the severity of depressive symptoms determine life satisfaction of people with mood disorders. 2. Respondents with greater severity of depressive symptoms scored higher on the adherence scale, which means that they were more likely to be non-adherent to treatment recommendations. The type of mood disorder may affect patient adherence. Subjects with bipolar disorder showed higher and those with anxiety-depressive disorder—lower adherence than patients with depression. 3. Subjects with more severe depressive symptoms showed a lower degree of acceptance of the disease.
Recognizing peer support initiatives organized outside of the clinical setting: insights from a Belgian Delphi method with peer supporters, patients and mental health professionals
Authors: Sylvie Gerard , Els Tobback , Frieda Matthys , Geert Van Isterdael , Pierre Gérain , Nele Van den Cruyce
Published: July 2024

Background: Peer support in mental health involves individuals with lived experience of mental illness providing assistance and encouragement to others facing similar challenges. This care practice is endorsed in best practice guidelines and has been shown to enhance individual-centered, recovery-focused, and rights-based mental health care, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Belgium, there is currently no well-defined framework supporting the practical implementation of peer support in mental health practice, including role descriptions and training needs. Moreover, the added value of peer support compared to formal care is not thoroughly examined at individual and societal levels. This research aims to explore the role and organization of peer support in the mental health care system, focusing on intentional, asymmetric peer interactions organized outside the clinical setting.
Methods: The Delphi method gathered insights from peer supporters, mental health professionals, and patients. Three rounds of data collection and analyses achieved consensus on key statements regarding the added value of peer support and the requirements for a framework enabling peer support as a valid care practice outside clinical settings.
Results: Participants agreed that peer support can play a significant role in various stages of the recovery process, complementing clinical care. They agreed that peer support offers benefits for both patients and peer supporters. Requirements for a framework include logistical, financial, and human resources support, as well as training and status recognition. Consensus emerged on many statements, but divergent views surfaced on the peer supporter’s role limitations in the healthcare system, the balance between regulation and preserving the informal nature of peer support, and the roles of remuneration and training.
Conclusions: This study achieved consensus on 38 statements, outlining requirements to optimize the organization of intentional, asymmetric peer interactions organized outside clinical settings. It underscores the added value of such peer support in Belgian mental health care.
Trial registration: Ethical approval was not required as experts freely shared their experiences on peer support within a national expert group, contributing to policy recommendations and publications.
Italian HCV eradication screening protocol and genotypes characterization (2022–2023) in Ferrara’s province: a real-world study
Authors: Landini Nicolò , Chiericati Chiara , Boni Michela , Simone Loredana , Trombini Massimo , Zanforlin Chiara , Palmonari Caterina
Published: July 2024

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide health hazard, and in chronic form (nowadays affecting 58 million people as World Health Organization estimation) can be lethal. To forestall it, preventive screening is a mandatory approach. Since 2021, Italy conducts a national-wide screening program to eradicate the virus from its population. The team perfected an innovative method throughout the period between 2022 and 2023, to answer that medical necessity and map HCV genotypes spreading. The medical protocol introduced dedicated double invitations and pre-prepared medical consumables. The population was divided in three separate groups: born between 1969 to 1989, addiction services, and prison. Two screening levels were carried out: anti-HCV antibodies (indirect chemiluminescence immunoassay) and quantitative HCV RNA reverse transcription. 51,283 adherents were registered: 447 resulted positive to the first screening round, and 88 to the second (393 and 77 patients respectively from population born between 1969–1989). The medical protocol introduced allowed to substantially increase patients and medical staff compliance to HCV screening (adherence: 51.83%, the highest in Italy). HCV genotypes’ prevalence was mapped as well, distinguishing by patients’ age, biological sex and origin the different strains distribution in the population, over five groups comprehending subtypes 1a, 1b, 2a/2c, 3a, 4a/4c/4d.
Promoting Resilience and mental well-being among Immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Pandey Mamata , Maina Geoffrey , Fang Yiting , LaPlante Tricia , Kamrul Rejina , Babcock Denise , Pyle Jan , Sachdev Neelu
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on the lives and mental health of individuals across the globe. Due to language barriers and social, economic, and cultural factors, these challenges were amplified for immigrants to Canada putting them in an increasingly vulnerable position.
The objective of the study was to document the challenges experienced, the impacts on mental health and other aspects of life, and support immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: Taking a community participatory approach in collaboration with the Regina Immigrant Women Center 14 language-assisted discussion sessions were hosted virtually between July 2020 and April 2021. The sessions covered credible and current public health measures and participants collectively discussed strategies to address upcoming challenges posed by the pandemic. Discussion on daily life challenges imposed by the pandemic and solutions implemented served as data.
Results: Thematic analysis of participants' perspectives highlighted the impact of social isolation on all age groups. Overall participants mentioned considerable mental stress amplified by uncertainty, fear of infections, and social isolation. Negative impacts of social media and technology use on mental well-being were highlighted. Participants suggested various coping strategies, including religious and spiritual practices, connecting virtually, expressing gratitude, positive self-talk, self-love, and self-care for mental well-being. Participants also shared lessons learned and insights discovered during the pandemic.
Conclusion:The interactive virtual discussion sessions helped maintain social connectedness, providing support and a sense of community for immigrants enhancing resilience and positively impacting mental wellness. Language-assisted virtual discussion sessions can support immigrants during a health emergency.
Financial Hardship After COVID-19 Infection: A National Prospective Veteran Cohort Study
Authors: Govier Diana J. , Bui David P. , Hauschildt Katrina E. , Eaton Tammy L. , McCready Holly , Smith Valerie A. , Osborne Thomas F. , Bowling C. Barrett , Boyko Edward J. , Ioannou George N. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , O'Hare Ann M. , Viglianti Elizabeth M. , Bohnert Amy S.B. , Hynes Denise M. , Iwashyna Theodore J.
Published: July 2024

Background: Research suggests an association between COVID-19 infection and certain financial hardships in the shorter term and among single-state and privately insured samples. Whether COVID-19 is associated with financial hardship in the longer-term or among socially vulnerable populations is unknown. Therefore, we examined whether COVID-19 was associated with a range of financial hardships 18 months after initial infection among a national cohort of Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)—the largest national integrated health system in the US. We additionally examined the association between Veteran characteristics and financial hardship during the pandemic, irrespective of COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a prospective, telephone-based survey. Of 600 Veterans with COVID-19 from October 2020 through April 2021 who were invited to participate, 194 Veterans with COVID-19 and 194 matched comparators without a history of infection participated. Financial hardship outcomes included overall health-related financial strain, two behavioral financial hardships (e.g., taking less medication than prescribed due to cost), and seven material financial hardships (e.g., using up most or all savings). Weighted generalized estimating equations were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of financial hardship by COVID-19 status, and to assess the relationship between infection and Veteran age, VHA copay status, and comorbidity score, irrespective of COVID-19 status.
Results: Among 388 respondents, 67% reported at least one type of financial hardship since March 2020, with 21% reporting behavioral hardships and 64% material hardships; 8% reported severe-to-extreme health-related financial strain. Compared with uninfected matched comparators, Veterans with a history of COVID-19 had greater risks of severe-to-extreme health-related financial strain (RR: 4.0, CI: 1.4-11.2), taking less medication due to cost (RR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0-8.6), and having a loved one take time off work to care for them (RR: 1.9, CI: 1.1-3.6). Veterans aged <65 years had a greater risk of most financial hardships compared with Veterans aged ≥65 years.
Conclusions: Health-related financial hardships such as taking less medication due to cost and severe-to-extreme health-related financial strain were more common among Veterans with a history of COVID-19 than among matched comparators. Strategies are needed to address health-related financial hardship after COVID-19.
Trial Registration: NCT05394025, registered 05-27-2022
The Influence of Exercise Goal Content on Adolescents' Subjective Well-being: The Chain Mediating Role of Motivation and Psychological Need Satisfaction
Authors: LI Jun , LIU Yefan , CHEN Yujie , LIU Xiaoming
Published: July 2024

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1043 adolescents by cluster stratified sampling method to explore the influence mechanism of exercise goal content on adolescents' subjective well-being. The results show that: (1) Health management, social affiliation and skill development have significant positive effects on adolescents' subjective well-being; Social recognition has a significant negative impact on adolescents' subjective well-being, while image has no significant impact on adolescents' subjective well-being. (2) Psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation for exercise mediate the relationship between intrinsic exercise goals and adolescents' subjective well-being. (3) The mediating effect of psychological need satisfaction and controlled motivation for exercise between extrinsic exercise goals and adolescents' subjective well-being is not established. Different types of exercise goals may have different mechanisms on subjective well-being. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the influence of exercise goals on adolescents' negative emotions in follow-up research.
Investigating cellular dynamics and molecular pathways through single-cell RNA sequencing in an imiquimod-induced lupus-like model
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhen , Liu Xu , Li Zijun , Cao Shixiong , Zhang Junmei , Deng Jianghong , Tan Xiaohua , Li Caifeng , Sun Xiaolin
Published: July 2024

Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by extensive immune cell dysregulation. The use of Imiquimod (IMQ), a topical immune response modifier, in animal models generates lupus-like symptoms, providing a valuable platform for probing the disease's mechanisms.
Methods
This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize the splenic cells from both IMQ-induced lupus model mice and control mice. Over 33,000 cells were analyzed and categorized into various immune cell subtypes based on gene expression markers.
Results
Our analysis of over 33,000 splenic cells from IMQ-induced lupus model and control mice revealed significant increases in the proportions of plasma cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in the lupus model. Further, B cell heterogeneity was dissected, revealing novel B cell subtypes and significant pathway enrichment related to B cell receptor signaling and cellular stress responses. In T cells, distinct subtype dynamics and pathway enrichments, including those associated with T cell activation and differentiation, were identified. Analysis of dendritic and neutrophil subtypes revealed specific transcriptional changes and pathway activations related to immune system processes. Lastly, enhanced cellular interactions and regulatory network analyses uncovered altered signaling pathways and key transcription factors like Foxp3, Lef1, and Cebpa, which are implicated in governing immune responses in lupus.
Conclusion
The application of scRNA-seq has unveiled the intricate immune landscape in lupus, demonstrating that IMQ-induced models effectively replicate key aspects of human lupus. The study not only enhances our understanding of lupus pathogenesis but also highlights potential targets for therapeutic intervention based on altered cell proportions, gene expression, and cell-cell interactions.
Efficacy and safety of Jiao Wei Xiao Shi decoction in patients with functional dyspepsia: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Feng , Huang Siyu , Yusup Zilale , Tang Xianmei , Wang Xuzhong , Li Zizhun , Cheng Qihang , Jiao Zhibo , Wu Yunning , Chen Xiaozhou
Published: July 2024

Background Functional dyspepsia (FD) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current medicine often faces limitations in the treatment of FD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with a history of thousands of years, offers a great contribution to Chinese people with FD. Jiao Wei Xiao Shi decoction (JWXSD) is a traditional Chinese medical prescription. However, the efficacy of JWXSD in FD is lacking. Therefore, this study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of JWXSD for the treatment of FD.
Methods A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. 72 participants with FD will be randomly allocated to three groups (JWXSD groups, Mosapride group and Placebogroup) at a ratio of 1:1:1. The primary outcome is Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI). The secondary outcomes include the Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI), Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI). Primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at weeks 1, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Adverse events will be assessed during the study.
Discussion The outcomes from this trial will compare JWXSD, mosapride and placebo in FD participants. This study will provide clinical evidence that JWXSD can help to improve FD.
Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400082798. Registered on April 8, 2024.
Neophobic response of bull ants (Myrmecia midas) to odours introduced on their foraging route
Authors: Kambala Venkata Manvitha , Ahmed Yousef , Lee Jasmine , Jose Anwin , Nadir Sahera Syed , C Priyanka B , Gabir Ali , Sun Yingdie , Cheng Ken , Deeti Sudhakar
Published: July 2024

Goal-oriented learning and navigation is well known in eusocial insects. The solitary foraging of nocturnal bull ants Myrmecia midas in their visually complex environment relies on path integration and landmark learning. While this species seems to be ‘sensitive’ to handling and reacts to visual changes in their surroundings, not much is known about how added olfactory stimuli impact their route navigation on a vertical surface. In the current study, we added one of five different invisible odours on the trees on which foragers normally forage. We found that the bull ants showed neophobic responses to all the odours. The Tea-tree and Lavender odours showed the strongest impact on the bull ants’ navigation by causing detours, U-turns, and avoidance of the sensory stimuli, with the ants meandering more and scanning more frequently. The odours of Olive oil, Flax-seed oil, and Eucalyptus oil had a moderate impact on the ants’ navigation. These findings showed the widespread influence of non-visual chemical cues in shaping bull ant navigation and highlight the induction of neophobic responses stemming from chemical alterations on learned routes. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the effects of foreign odours, adding to our understanding of the complex learning processes of bull ants in their vertical navigation.
Long term outcomes of drug-coated balloons versus drug-eluting stents in patients with small vessel coronary artery disease
Authors: Refaat Hesham , Arab Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Background
Drug-eluting stents (DES) are a normative care of coronary stenosis. However, their efficacy was limited by stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis especially in small vessel coronary artery disease (SvCAD). The aim of this study was to assess angiographic efficacy and clinical outcomes of drug coated balloons (DCB) as compared with DES in SvCAD setting.
Methods
A total of 100 SvCAD patients with percutaeous angioplasty of culprit coronary arteries < 3 mm diameter and > 70% stenosis were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized into DES arm and DCB arm. One year clinical outcomes were assessed. The primary endpoint was in-lesion late lumen loss (LLL). The secondary endpoints were vessel thrombosis, major bleeding, all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).
Results
One year clinical follow-up revealed that in-lesion LLL was significantly lower in DCB arm as compared with DES arm (P = 0.004). Composite MACE was significantly higher in DES group compared to DCB group (P < 0.001). Non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and major bleeding in DES group were significantly higher than DCB group (P = 0.04 & P < 0.001 & P = 0.03, respectively). However, there was a numerically; but not significantly, higher incidence of cardiac death (P = 0.65), and vessel thrombosis (P = 0.18) in DES arm compared to DES arm.
Conclusion
In SvCAD setting, DCB has favourable angiographic and clinical outcomes; as evidenced by lower LLL and composite MACE at one year follow up, compared to DES.
Inhibition of NLRP3 oligomerization (active conformation) mediated by RACK1 ameliorates acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Cui Jian , Yang Meng , Yu Chengli , Zhang Haidong , Gong Yuan , Hu Yang , Wang Yue , Yuan Qingxin , Pan An , Li Jiepin , Hu Yaowen , Jin Zecheng , Peng Xuemei , Wu Anyuan , Wang Junwei , Wang Qian , Hu Lihong
Published: July 2024

Aberrant activation of the NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of fatal and perplexing pulmonary diseases. Although pharmacologically inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome brings potent therapeutic effects in several clinical trials and preclinical models, the molecular chaperones and transition detail in the formation of active oligomer from an auto-suppressed state remain controversial. Here, we showed that sesquiterpene bigelovin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and release of the downstreaming pro-inflammatory cytokines by canonical, noncanonical, and alternative pathways at nanomolar ranges. Chemoproteomic target identification disclosed that bigelovin covalently bound to the cysteine 168 of RACK1 and blocked the interaction between RACK1 and NLRP3 monomer, thereby interfering NLRP3 inflammasome oligomerization in vitro and in vivo. Treatment by bigelovin significantly alleviated the severity of NLRP3-related pulmonary disorders in murine models, such as LPS-induced ARDS and silicosis. These results consolidated the intricate role of RACK1 in transiting the NLRP3 state and provided a new anti-inflammatory lead and therapy for NLRP3-driven diseases.
Determinants of shame in the stigmatization of self-reported women with human immunodeficiency virus in Kenya; A secondary analysis of 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey data
Authors: Isiko Isaac , Nyegenye Simon , Okoro Lenz Nwachinemere , Mwesigwa Aaron , Bulus Gadzama Naya , Asingwire Jackson Micheal , Olot Haron , Simiyu Benjamin Wafula
Published: July 2024

Purpose:HIV/AIDS is a highly prevalent infectious diseasemostly in sub-Saharan Africa,and several strategies have been put in place to reduce its spread. This study aimed to assess the determinants of shame in the stigmatization of self-reported women with HIV in Kenya.Methods:The data used in this study were obtained from the 2022 KDHS. The statistical analysis included 332 women aged 15-49 years who reported that their test results indicated that they were HIV positive, and the analysis considered the complex survey design; hence, weights were applied. All the statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 17.Results:Women whose HIV status was disclosed by someone else (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.08-3.65, P=0.028) had significantly greater odds of feeling ashamed than did their counterparts whose status was not disclosed. Although not statistically significant, beingaged 20-24 years (AOR=3.65, 95% CI: 0.66-20.14, P=0.24) and experiencingverbal abuse from healthcare workers (AOR=3.73, 95% CI: 0.84-16.56, P=0.08) werealso factors associated withincreased odds of experiencingshame.Conclusion:Factors contributing to shame among HIV-positive women include community gossip, unauthorized disclosure of status, verbal harassment, and negative treatment by health workers; addressing these problems is very important for addressing HIV-related stigma, improving HIV testing rates, and ensuring better access to treatment, especially among women living in rural areas.
Group exercise in long-term care facilities: Alignment with World Health Organization recommendations. A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Authors: Poveda-López Salud , Lillo-Navarro Carmen , Montilla-Herrador Joaquina
Published: July 2024

Background: Maintaining functional status in institutionalized older people is a challenge for long-term care (LTC) institutions. In this regard, exercise may have positive effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines which include recommendations of exercise for each population group. Nonetheless, the literature shows that the levels of exercise among institutionalized population are still low.
Aims: This study sought to determine: 1) the characteristics of exercise programs for older people performed by health professionals in LTC facilities, 2) the knowledge and use of the WHO recommendations and guidelines for exercising among older people in LTC facilities; 3) the limitations identified by health professionals regarding the application of the WHO guidelines.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional national survey following STROBE guideline was performed. Sample: professionals developing exercise programs for institutionalized older people. A Delphi study was conducted to create the survey which included sociodemographic data, exercise characteristics, knowledge about WHO recommendations and limitations regarding their application. Descriptive statistics were used on the data, such as Pearson’s χ2 and independent t- test.
Results: Many professionals do not know (27,5%) or do not follow (52%) the guidelines proposed by the WHO. There is a low weekly frequency for strength exercises (30%) and aerobic exercise (51%). The professional contract influences the weekly frequency of exercise. Most identified limitations for using the WHO recommendations were the lack of time and large groups.
Discussion and conclusions: Recommendations of WHO guidelines are familiar to many professionals, however, some are difficult to implement in exercise programs in LTC facilities.
A KAN-based hybrid deep neural networks for accurate identification of transcription factor binding sites
Authors: He Guodong , Ye Jiahao , Hao Huijun , Chen Wei
Published: July 2024

Background: Predicting protein-DNA binding sites in vivo is a challenging but urgent task in many fields such as drug design and development. Most promoters contain many transcription factor (TF) binding sites, but only a small number of sites have been identified by time-consuming biochemical experiments. To address this challenge, numerous computational approaches have been proposed to predict TF binding sites from DNA sequences. However, current deep learning methods often face issues such as gradient vanishing as the model depth increases, leading to suboptimal feature extraction.
Results: We propose a model called CRA-KAN (where C stands for convolutional neural network, R stands for recurrent neural network, and A stands for attention mechanism) to predict transcription factor binding sites. This hybrid deep neural network incorporates the KAN network to replace the traditional multi-layer perceptron, combines convolutional neural networks with bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) networks, and utilizes an attention mechanism to focus on DNA sequence regions with transcription factor binding motifs. Residual connections are introduced to facilitate optimization by learning residuals between network layers. Testing on 50 common ChIP-seq benchmark datasets shows that CRA-KAN outperforms other state-of-the-art methods like DeepBind, DanQ, DeepD2V, and DeepSEA in predicting TF binding sites.
Conclusions: The CRA-KAN model significantly improves prediction accuracy for transcription factor binding sites by effectively integrating multiple neural network architectures and mechanisms. This approach not only enhances feature extraction but also stabilizes training and boosts generalization capabilities. The promising results on multiple key performance indicators demonstrate the potential of CRA-KAN in bioinformatics applications.
Influencing factors and mechanisms of health-related quality of life of elderly patients with chronic diseases in rural China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yujie , Wang Xiaoting , Li Yi , Wang Chi , Wang Hui , Zhao Yaodong , Li Min , Ding Hong
Published: July 2024

Background
The study aimed to understand the factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the intricate biological, psychological, and social processes that underlie it in elderly chronic disease patients in rural China. To do this, structural equation model(SEM) was utilized to construct a model based on the Wilson and Cleary model.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 1145 senior individuals with chronic illnesses from three cities in Anhui Province, China were chosen by a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Households were surveyed face-to-face using the following instruments: the five-level version of the European Five Dimensional Health Scale (EQ-5D-5L), Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Chinese Version of the elderly Kihon Checklist (KCL), and a self-designed questionnaire on vision conditions.
Results
This study identified 13 individual and environmental characteristics associated with HRQOL in rural elderly patients with chronic diseases, including gender, age, education, working status, main economic source, drinking, roughage, labor intensity, siesta, social support, marital status, and dwelling status, as well as the directional pathways of action of these factors affecting HRQOL, which included 26 indirect and 6 direct pathways.
Conclusions
This study adds to the body of knowledge on HRQOL and advances our comprehension of the potentially intricate biological and psychological processes that influence HRQOL in older individuals with chronic diseases by revealing the influencing factors and directed pathways of action on HRQOL. Providing timely and personalized therapies to address these causes and processes may eventually improve their HRQOL.
Short-term passenger flow prediction for urban rail systems: A deep learning approach utilizing multi-source big data
Authors: Cui Hongmeng , Si Bingfeng , Chi Dazhuang , Li Yueqing , Li Ge , Chen Yuanmeng
Published: July 2024

Predicting short-term passenger flow in urban rail transit is crucial for intelligent and real-time management of urban rail systems. This study utilizes deep learning techniques and multi-source big data to develop an enhanced spatial-temporal long short-term memory (ST-LSTM) model for forecasting subway passenger flow. The model includes three key components: (1) a temporal correlation learning module that captures travel patterns across stations, aiding in the selection of effective training data; (2) a spatial correlation learning module that extracts spatial correlations between stations using geographic information and passenger flow variations, providing an interpretable method for quantifying these correlations; and (3) a fusion module that integrates historical spatial-temporal features with real-time data to accurately predict passenger flow. Additionally, we discuss the model's interpretability. The ST-LSTM model is evaluated with two large-scale real-world subway datasets from Nanjing and Beijing. Experimental results show that the ST-LSTM model effectively captures spatial-temporal correlations and significantly outperforms other benchmark methods.
Artemisia annua L. extract regulates bone-fat metabolism on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis via regulating PGC-1α/Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress
Authors: Lai Liyong , Xia Tianshuang , Ding Luying , Li Kun , Xu Shengyan , Jiang Yiping , Fan Weiqing , Yue Xiaoqiang , Xin Hailiang
Published: July 2024

Artemisia annua L. is a well-known traditional herb medicine, and possesses antioxidant, antiobesity and antiosteoporosis properties. This paper aimed to explore the role and mechanism of Artemisia annua L. on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). Artemisia annua L. extract (AE) improved bone mineral density (BMD) and micro-architectural parameters in GIOP mice femur. Biological indicators showed that AE protected bone formation and inhibited fat formation in GIOP mice, and the potential mechanism was regulating oxidative stress (OS) via promoting the nuclear expression of Nrf2. To further investigate the mechanism of AE on GIOP, MC3T3-E1 cells injured by dexamethasone (DEX) were used for in vitro study. AE promoted proliferation and mineralization, upregulated the expression of Runx2, and downregulated the expression of PPARγ in DEX-injured MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, AE reduced the level of oxidative factors and promoted the level of antioxidant enzymes in DEX-injured MC3T3-E1 cells. Western blot showed that AE activated the PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway, which may be the potential mechanism of AE playing antioxidant role. Furthermore, PGC-1α or Nrf2 knockdown by siRNA reversed the antioxidant effect of AE. These results revealed that AE exerts anti-GIOP effects via egulating bone-fat metabolism via regulating PGC-1α/Nrf2-mediated OS.
Examining the Relevance of Gastrointestinal Symptom-Specific Anxiety in Self-Reported IBS and Gluten-Related Conditions: Findings from Two Cross-Sectional Studies
Authors: Bertalan Eszter , Horváth Zsolt , Gajdos Panna , Magyaródi Tímea , Rigó Adrien
Published: July 2024

Background
The present study examines the role of gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety in gluten-related conditions (e.g. celiac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity) and in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Visceral Sensitivity Index is widely used instrument for assessing gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, originally used among IBS individuals, but it proved applicable to other health conditions characterized with gastrointestinal symptom presence (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, eating disorders). The coexistence and symptom overlap between IBS and gluten-related conditions may provide a rationale for investigating gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety in the latter population.
Methods
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted; consisting of 304 self-reported IBS individuals (Mage=34.48; SDage=12.18) and 341 individuals with self-reported gluten-related disorders (Mage=36.65; SDage=11.02). Self-reported questionnaire assessed the level of gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, trait anxiety, negative affectivity, perceived gastrointestinal symptoms in IBS and gluten-related conditions, quality of life and well-being.
Results
The confirmatory factor analyses supported a unidimensional structure of the Hungarian version of the Visceral Sensitivity Index with adequate fit and high internal consistency in both samples. Invariance testing revealed variations in item interpretation, suggesting caution in statistical comparisons of Visceral Sensitivity Index scores. Gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety demonstrated medium-strong correlations and mediating role between trait anxiety, negative affectivity, perceived gastrointestinal symptom frequency, and quality of life indicators in both samples.
Conclusions
Gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety may be relevant not only for IBS, but also for gluten-related conditions, may reflecting mental aspects of quality of life. The Visceral Sensitivity Index proves reliable for measuring gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety in IBS and gluten-related disorders, suggesting its assessment in conditions where gastrointestinal symptoms prevail.
A Neural Network-Based Pipeline Parallel Strategy Solver for Heterogeneous Environments
Authors: Ou Jie , Chen Yueming , Tian Wenhong , Zhang Hongjie
Published: July 2024

The escalating interest in language models has accentuated the significance of distributed training approaches, specifically pipeline parallelism. Most investigations primarily employ dynamic programming, these methods face inherent limitations in computational efficiency and do not offer a straightforward end-to-end resolution pathway. Furthermore, their applicability is significantly curtailed in heterogeneous environments. Addressing this challenge, we introduce a novel Neural Network-based Pipeline Parallel strategy solver (NNPiper) tailored for heterogeneous environments. NNPiper can perceive computational and communication costs, the number of stages to be divided, and the number of micro-batches, and it can directly provide the strategy for allocating specific devices to each pipeline stage, without requiring online training based on actual cluster data. Our unique neural network model and training method, the Virtual Contrastive Training Algorithm (VCTA), enables efficient training of NNPiper without collecting large amounts of real data. Compared with the state-of-the-art method, NNPiper can improve the theoretical training speed on average by 17.975%, in the completely heterogeneous environment for the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models.
Cervical Cancer Screening Data from the Case-based National Electronic Registry in Bangladesh
Authors: Nessa Ashrafun , Azad Abul Kalam , U Shekh Md. Nizam , Khan Muhammad Abdul Hannan , Zaman Shreshtha , Khan Abdus Salam
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to review the cervical cancer surveillance situation of Bangladeshi women based on the data of the national cervical cancer screening, treatment, and follow-up programme which uses longitudinal data tracking through a DHIS2-based electronic registry. Methods: Women aged 30 to 60 were enrolled in the DHIS2 electronic registry in health facilities of all tiers and screened for cervical cancer using the VIA method. The VIA-positive women had their colposcopy in the nearest colposcopy centres. The VIA- and colposcopy-positive women were treated and followed up at certain intervals following the national standard protocol. During each encounter, required data were captured in DHIS2. Data from the DHIS2 covering January 2018 to May 2023 were extracted and analysed for this study. Results: In 6,895 health facilities, 1,562,963 women were enrolled. Among them, 1,557,002 (99.6%) availed VIA tests at 1,094 centres. Primary healthcare facilities performed 74.4% enrolments and 72% VIA tests. 51,913 (3.3%) women were VIA-positive, of which only 20,954 (40.4%) attended for colposcopy. Among the colposcopy-positive women, 6.3% (1,327) and 6.2% (1,302) women had CIN II/III and cervical carcinoma respectively; 81.6% (5,062) of the cervical pre-cancerous women received thermal ablation and 17.6% (1089) received Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP). Distribution of histopathology reports (n = 3,079) revealed 16.1% (n = 495) squamous cell carcinoma, 4.0% (n = 123) micro-invasive squamous cell carcinoma, 11.7% (n = 36) CIN II and 8.1% (n = 250) CIN III. Conclusions: The sustainable national cervical cancer screening and treatment programme for women in Bangladesh using an effective DHIS2-based electronic case-based tracking system can be a valuable lesson for other countries.
Positive anti-TG antibody is associated with increased breast cancer risk in Turkish peri-postmenopausal women: A retrospective study
Authors: Donmez Bengisu , Serdar Muhittin A. , Uras Cihan , Arıkan Akif Enes , Tokat Fatma , Avdan Selin Naz , Ozpınar Aysel
Published: July 2024

Background:
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism and cell growth, including in breast tissue. Although a potential link between thyroid health and breast cancer risk has been suggested in the literature, highly conflicting results have been obtained, and the relationship between them remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the possible association between breast cancer and thyroid health in Turkish women with breast cancer.
Methods:
For this retrospective study, data from 66587 women aged between 18 and 80 years who had any complaints of thyroid function tests were collected, and the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) levels of 3115 women with breast cancer and peri-postmenopausal women with breast cancer who met the inclusion criteria were analysed. The relationship between thyroid function and breast cancer risk was examined using logistic regression analysis. In addition, this association in peri-postmenopausal women was further investigated with receiver processing characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results:
A total of 3115 Turkish women, including a subgroup of peri-postmenopausal women aged 40 years and older, participated in the study. The fT4, TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-TG levels were assessed in both the overall group and the peri-postmenopausal subgroup. The median anti-TG level was significantly greater in women with breast cancer and peri-postmenopausal breast cancer than in women with anti-TG-negative breast cancer (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the median fT4, TSH, or anti-TPO levels between the groups (p > 0.05). A significant positive association was observed between anti-TG antibody levels and breast cancer in Turkish women (OR = 3.325, 95% CI = 1.625–6.803, p = 0.001), with a stronger association in peri-postmenopausal women (OR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.691–7.540, p = 0.001)
Conclusions:
In conclusion, our study indicated that anti-TG positivity is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. These findings highlight the importance of routine screening for thyroid antibody levels in women, particularly those in the peri-postmenopausal period. However, further prospectively designed studies are necessary to confirm these results.
Lianas detrimentally affect carbon storage potential and recovery times of tropical secondary forests
Authors: Heijden Geertje van der , Meunier Félicien , Verbeeck Hans , Schnitzer Stefan
Published: July 2024

Tropical secondary forests are important carbon sinks and their carbon sequestration capacity is often greater than that of old-growth forests1–4. Lianas (woody vines) are present in most tropical forests, but areparticularly prevalent in secondary forests5, where they exert strong competitive effects on trees, severely reducing carbon uptake6–8. However, no experimental study has yet examined whether lianas limit the rate of carbon recovery and carbon storage capacity of tropical forests. Here we use a unique combination of 10 years of empirical data from the world’s longest running liana removal study and modelling to simulate the long-term effects of lianas on forest succession. We show, for the first time, that lianas have strong and prolonged negative effects on carbon uptake throughout secondary forest succession. Lianas diminish the carbon storage potential of secondary forests by ~ 25% and delay the carbon recovery time to old-growth carbon standards by approximately a century. Liana proliferation, as observed in multiple forested regions across the globe9–11, may therefore endanger both carbon uptake and carbon storage in tropical forests, with cascading effects on climate change.
A Study on the Prevalence of E. coli in the Urinary Tract Infection and the Risk Factors Associated with It
Authors: GHOSH RAJRUPA , Sarwar Shiblee
Published: July 2024

Millions of people worldwide suffer from infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) brought on by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli), which represents a substantial global health burden. It is essential to comprehend the epidemiology and risk factors that are linked to these illnesses in order to develop appropriate therapy and preventative techniques. The frequency, distribution patterns, and risk factors of UTIs linked to E. coli are examined in this study, with particular attention paid to age, gender, underlying medical problems, and opiate usage. The study intends to improve knowledge of UTI the pathogenesis of clinical symptoms, diagnostic techniques, treatment strategies, and preventive measures by analysis of clinical information, statistical models, and previous research. The results highlight how crucial it is to treat E. coli UTIs holistically, using alternative treatments, and with caution when using antibiotics. The study emphasises the necessity of ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of UTIs caused by E. coli by means of focused interventions, policy formulation, and public health campaigns. In the end, this dissertation advances knowledge, directs future research paths, and enhances clinical results in the treatment of E. coli-caused UTIs.
Antireligious Work in the East Siberian Region in 1936 in the Survey of a Representative of The League of Militant Atheists
Authors: Drobotushenko Evgeny V. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: July 2024

The article characterizes the antireligious work of Irkutsk, Cheremkhovsky and Ziminsky districts of the East Siberian Territory in the middle of the fourth decade of the XXth century based on the memos by M. P. Kuznetsov, a representative of the Central Council of the League of Militant Atheists (Union of the Militant Godless). On behalf of the Council and the Permanent Central Commission on Cults, he made a trip to a number of regions of Eastern Siberia, as a result of which he compiled several memos. Two of them are devoted to assessing the state of anti-religious work in Irkutsk, the administrative center of the East Siberian Region, as well as in Cheremkhovsky and Ziminsky districts. The documents are interesting due to both statistical data and analytical comments of the author. The research is based on the complex use of the fundamental principles of historical knowledge, as well as general and special scientific methods. We draw a conclusion that the subjectivism of the author of the memos is obvious and given the fact that he was a representative of the League of Militant Atheists, the data presented by him should be treated with caution. At the same time, the documents under consideration are an interesting source on the history of religions in Eastern Siberia. They supplement the available data on Irkutsk, Cheremkhovsky and Ziminsky districts of the East Siberian Region. Taking into account the availability of similar memos on a number of other administrative units of Eastern Siberia, it becomes possible to make a comparative analysis of the anti-religious activities of the authorities from the standpoint of an objective assessment of the available materials.