bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Marriage on Breastfeeding Duration: Examining the Disproportionate Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Low-Income Communities
Authors: Kihlstrom Anna Charlotta , Stiller Tara , Sultana Nishat , Njau Grace , Schmidt Matthew , Stepanov Anastasia , Williams Andrew D. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background. Marriage promotes breastfeeding duration through economic and social supports. The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected marginalized communities and impacted women's employment and interpersonal dynamics. This study examined how marital status affects breastfeeding duration across socioeconomic and racially minoritized groups during COVID-19, aiming to inform social support strategies for vulnerable families in public health crises.
Methods. Data were drawn from the 2017-2021 North Dakota Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System(weighted n=41433). Breastfeeding duration was self-reported, and 2-, 4-, and 6-month duration variables were calculated. Marital status(married, unmarried) and education (<high school education, ≥high school education) were drawn from birth certificates. Income(≤$48,000, >$48,000) and race/ethnicity (White, American Indian, Other) were self-reported. Infant birth date was used to identify pre-COVID(2017-2019) and COVID(2020-2021) births. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between marital status and breastfeeding duration outcomes. Models were fit overall, by COVID-19 era and by demographic factors. Lastly, demographic-specific models were further stratified by COVID era. Models were adjusted for maternal health and sociodemographic factors.
Results. Overall, married women consistently had 2-fold higher odds of breastfeeding across all durations during both pre-COVID and COVID eras. Pre-COVID, marriage was a stronger predictor for all breastfeeding durations in low-income women (4-month duration OR4.07,95%CI 2.52,6.58) than for high-income women (4-month duration OR1.76,95%CI 1.06,2.91). Conversely, during COVID, marriage was a stronger predictor of breastfeeding duration for high-income women (4-month duration OR 2.89,95%CI1.47,5.68) than low-income women (4-month duration OR 1.59,95%CI0.80, 3.15). Findings were similar among American Indian women and those with less than high school education, in that both groups lost the benefit of marriage on breastfeeding duration during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion. Marriage promotes breastfeeding duration, yet the benefit of marriage was reduced for low-socioeconomic and racially minoritized populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Policies like paid parental leave and enhanced access to lactation consultants could help mitigate disproportionate impacts during public health crises. Continued research examining how major societal disruptions intersect with social determinants to shape breastfeeding outcomes can inform more equitable systems of care.
The relationship between genetic variation in Aquaporin-4, sleep quality measures and Alzheimer’s disease-related phenotypes.
Authors: Laws Simon , Porter Tenielle , Armstrong Ayeisha Milligan , O'Brien Eleanor , Doré Vincent , Bourgeat Pierrick , Turner Mitchell , Maruff Paul , Rowe Christopher , Brown Belinda , Villemagne Victor , Rainey-Smith Stephanie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Genetic variants within the Aquaporin-4 gene (AQP4) have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis, rate of cognitive decline, and brain amyloid-β (Aβ) burden. Additionally, AQP4 variants have been reported to moderate the relationship between sleep and brain Aβ burden. As yet, the impact of interactions between AQP4 variants and sleep on other AD-related phenotypes, and measures of disease progression, remains largely unexplored. The current study sought to assess relationships between AQP4 variants, self-reported sleep measures, and AD-related phenotypes, including cognition, brain Aβ burden, and brain volumetrics, in a cohort of cognitively unimpaired individuals at an increased risk of AD due to brain Aβ accumulation. Analyses used data from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study. When assessing the relationship between AQP4 variants and sleep components, several associations were observed. Specifically, AQP4 variants were both directly, and in interaction with sleep latency and overall quality, associated with cross-sectional and longitudinal Aβ burden, however these associations did not survive correction for multiple testing. When assessing effects on cognition, AQP4 variants were associated directly, as well as in interaction with sleep disturbances and duration, with several cognitive domains both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Finally, AQP4 variants were associated directly, and in interaction with sleep duration, latency and overall quality, with regional brain volumes, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The findings from this study provide further evidence for the relationship between AQP4 genetic variation and AD-related phenotypes, as well as for the interaction between sleep and these genetic variants.
Analysis of risk factors and development of prediction model for improvement of ejection fraction in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy after percutaneous coronary intervention: a case control study
Authors: Su Lifang , Fu Xianghua , Wang Yanbo , Jiang Yunfa , Fu Yang , Wang Qing , Zhi Wei , Li Yi , Guan Zhengkun , Gu Xinshun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of relevant studies investigating left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improvement in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing LVEF improvementafter PCI in patients with ICM.
Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included consecutive patients diagnosed with ICM who underwent PCI at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 2019 and March 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups based on changes in LVEF. The improved LVEF group included patients with ≥10% improvement, whereas the other group included patients who exhibited <10% improvement or deterioration. Clinical data were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors affecting LVEF improvement, and nomogram prediction model for 6-month improvement in LVEF were developed based on logistic regression.
Results: Overall, 123patients were enrolled in our study, with 52 patients showing ≥10% improvement and 71 patients showing <10% improvement or deterioration. Patients in the improved LVEF group were significantly more likely to have a lower prior myocardial infarction (MI), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (MR) compared with the non-improved LVEF group. A nomogram predictive model was developed based on prior MI，LVEDD，LVEDV and moderate or severe MR, the AUC of the model is 0.734, indicating good discriminatory ability. The calibration curve and decision curve analysis show that the model has good consistency and clinical application value. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified two independent factors for LVEF improvement: prior MI and moderate or severe MR.
Conclusions: Prior MI, higher LVEDD, higher LVEDV, and moderate or severe MR were not conducive to LVEF improvement. The model based on prior MI, higher LVEDD, higher LVEDV, and moderate or severe MR have good predictive value for LVEF improvement. Prior MI and moderate or severe MR were independent risk factors for LVEF improvement in patients with ICM.
Activating the AMPK-p53 Axis by Mitochondrial Impairment: Unveiling a Novel Anti-Liver Cancer Mechanism of Sulfane Sulfur
Authors: Zheng Xue , Luo Yuhua , Huo Rui , Wang Yiwen , Chen Youbang , Chen Mianrong , Zhao Qi , Li Kexin , Zhang Hanyi , Li Xiaotong , Li Xiang , Zhang Hui , He Zaopeng , Huang Li , Yang Chun-tao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, notoriously refractory to conventional chemotherapy. Historically, sulfane sulfur-based compounds have been explored for the treatment of HCC, but their efficacy has been underwhelming. We recently reported a novel sulfane sulfur donor, PSCP, which exhibited improved chemical stability and structural malleability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PSCP on HCC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We utilized bioinformatics algorithms for clustering, function enrichment, feature screening and survival analysis on proteomic data from the Cancer Proteome Atlas (CPTAC) and transcriptomic data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The impact of PSCP on HCC were assessed in vitroand in vivo, focusing on the expression and activity of p53 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), as well as mitochondrial function. The molecular target of PSCP was identified using Autodock, and binding interactions were visually analyzed. Sulfur metabolism was found to be reprogrammed in HCC, with downregulation of sulfur-related pathways correlating with poor patient prognosis. PSCP treatment significantly inhibited HCC tumor growth in an allograft model, reduced cell viability and proliferation, and induced apoptosis. PSCP potently increased p53 expression and induced AMPK phosphorylation in SNU398 HCC cells. AMPK suppression diminished PSCP-induced p53 upregulation. PSCP also impaired mitochondrial function by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory complex I. The supplementation of ATP significantly countered PSCP-induced SNU398 cell injury. Our findings suggest that the reprogramming of sulfur-related metabolic pathways is pivotal in HCC. PSCP presents as a promising therapeutic strategy by activating the mitochondrial-AMPK-p53 signaling axis.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance of Fe3O4/Phthalhydrazide/Chitosan Composites for Tetracycline Degradation
Authors: kakhki Roya Mohammadzadeh , Atarodi hamidreza 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the photocatalytic performance of two novel nanocomposites, Fe3O4/chitosan and Fe3O4/phthalhydrazide/chitosan, for the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. The synthesized photocatalysts were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to confirm their structural and morphological properties. The isoelectric point (pHiep) of the Fe3O4/phthalhydrazide/chitosan composite was determined to be 9.2, indicating optimal electrostatic stability. Photocatalytic tests revealed that the Fe3O4/phthalhydrazide/chitosan composite exhibited significantly higher degradation efficiency, achieving 88% removal of TC after 120 minutes, compared to 53% for the Fe3O4/chitosan composite. The effect of catalyst dose on photocatalytic activity was also examined, with optimal performance noted at 0.01 g to 0.02 g catalyst concentration. Additionally, the influence of TC concentration on degradation efficiency was analyzed, highlighting decreased photocatalytic activity at higher concentrations due to competitive adsorption on active sites. Mechanistic studies utilizing scavengers indicated the involvement of reactive species, which further elucidated the degradation pathways of tetracycline. Overall, the incorporation of phthalhydrazide into the Fe3O4/chitosan composite significantly enhanced its photocatalytic efficiency, providing a promising approach for environmental remediation of pharmaceutical pollutants. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing catalyst design and operating conditions to improve the efficacy of photocatalytic processes in wastewater treatment applications.
Research on the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of the CO 2 gas concentration and water–gas interface exchange flux in deep and large reservoirs in the upper reaches of the Yellow River
Authors: Wu Wei , Hou Zhuo , Li Chen , Chen Hang , Ren Lei , Xu Sheng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has become one of the most important concerns, and relatively few systematic studies have been conducted on the source‒sink relationships of GHGs and their influencing factors in deep reservoirs. To characterize the dissolved CO2 in the water column at different periods in deep and large reservoirs and to reveal CO2 exchange processes at the water‒gas interface, three typical deep and large reservoirs in the upper Yellow River section of the Longyangxia‒Liujiaxia River, namely, Longyangxia, Lijiaxia, and Liujiaxia, were selected as the study objects, and the hydrochemical equilibrium method and thin boundary layer diffusion model (TBL model) were adopted to estimate the CO2 dissolved concentration (pCO2) and interfacial exchange flux (FCO2). The results revealed that (1) the mean values of pCO2 in the Long-Liu reservoirs in the upper reaches of the Yellow River were 765.00 ± 385.58 µatm (stratification period) and 739.00 ± 305.01 µatm (mixing period), and the mean values of FCO2 were 12.27 ± 15.13 mmol/(m2·d) (stratification period) and 9.11 ± 8.01 mmol/(m2·d) (mixing period). (2) Influenced by the carbonate balance of the water column, pCO2 was regulated mainly by water temperature (WT), dissolved oxygen (DO), alkalinity (Talk) and DOC. (3) The pCO2 and FCO2 values of three typical deep and large reservoirs in the upper Long-Liu section of the Yellow River had obvious spatial and seasonal variations, and all of them were manifested as sources of atmospheric CO2. This study provide theoretical support for the study of greenhouse gas emissions from reservoir aquatic ecosystems under the influence of hydropower development.
Breast-NEOprAIdict: a deep learning solution for predicting pathological complete response on biopsies of breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Valderrama Natalia Fernanda , Morel Louis-Oscar , Mweze Daniel Tshokola , Derangère Valentin , Desmoulins Isabelle , Mayeur Didier , Kaderbhai Courèche , Ilie Silvia , Hennequin Audrey , Roussot Nicolas , Bergeron Antony , Beltjens Françoise , Pescia Carlo , Morel Henri-Philippe , Coutant Charles , Arnould Laurent , Vinçon Nathan , Ladoire Sylvain 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In precision medicine, predicting tumor chemosensitivity is crucial for providing optimal treatment to cancer patients. This study introduces Breast-NEOprAIdict, a deep learning model aimed at predicting pathological complete response (pCR) in early breast cancer (eBC) patients treated with standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). This prediction is based on an analysis of the initial tumor diagnostic biopsy. We used two extensive cohorts (total n = 1140 patients) spanning various molecular subtypes of eBC (HER2-amplified (HER2+), estrogen-receptor positive/HER2 non amplified (ER+/HER2-), and triple-negative (TN) tumors): the PRIMUNEO prospective cohort (n = 500) for training and internal validation and the CGFL Breast Cancer Neoadjuvant database (n = 640) for external validation. Breast-NEOprAIdict demonstrated good performance on the external validation dataset for HER2 + tumors (Area Under the Curve (AUC): 0.652 (P = 0.001), Odds Ratio (OR): 2.42 (P = 0.0131)), ER+/HER2- tumors (AUC: 0.814 (P = 0.003), OR: 20.56 (P = 0.00413)) and TN tumors (AUC: 0.677 (P = 0.001), OR: 3.44 (P = 0.00373)) compared to standard clinicopathological features. We also evaluated the robustness of our algorithm through testing on several scanned sections per patient. Breast-NEOprAIdict exhibited strong consistency in the external validation cohort, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.933 (P < 0.001) for HER2+, 0.932 (P < 0.001) for ER+/HER2- tumors, and 0.939 (P < 0.001) for TN. Breast-NEOprAIdict is a new tool for identifying eBC that are differentially sensitive to standard NAC and could help to select the most appropriate treatment strategy in HER2+, ER+/HER2- and TN eBC.
Echocardiographic Determinants of Oxygen Uptake During Exercise in Patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot and Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation
Authors: Alborikan Sahar , Althunayyan aeshah , Pandya Bejal , Vonklemperer katherine , Walker Fiona , Cullen Seamus , Bhan Amit , Badian Sveeta , Encarnacion Delfin , Monteiro Ricardo , Petersen Steffen , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev , Lloyd Guy 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Reduced exercise capacity in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot cannot be explained wholly by severe pulmonary regurgitation alone. We investigated the effect of pulmonary regurgitation and other measures of left and right ventricular function to identify the principal determinants of exercise performance.
Methods: 100 patients with TOF were evaluated, 60 with severe PR and 40 with no or minimal PR. Patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with concurrent echocardiography. Echocardiography was performed at rest and during exercise (both at low and high intensity for the appropriate parameters). Contractile reserve was expressed as the percentage increase at the relevant time point. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was used to generate a predictive model for exercise function.
Results: There was no difference in exercise performance between those with and without pulmonary regurgitation when judged by peak absolute oxygen consumption VO2 (1695±627vs1744±521, ml/min, p>0.05), or a range of other submaximal cardiopulmonary parameters. Right ventricular volumes were higher in those with pulmonary regurgitation while left ventricular long axis function was reduced. There were no associations between exercise measures with the degree of pulmonary regurgitation and right ventricular volume at rest or during exercise. There was lower contractile reserve of the right ventricle in those with pulmonary regurgitation (fractional area change 20±15 % vs 23±16 %, p<0.05) balanced by improved reserve of the left ventricle. Augmentation of the left ventricular global longitudinal strain and right ventricular fractional area curve together showed the strongest association with peak VO2.
Conclusions: There was an overall marked reduction in exercise capacity in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot, but no difference between those with and without PR. The degree of exercise limitation is more dependent upon the ability of right and left ventricles.
An Evaluation of Speech Therapy Care in the Surrounding Area of an Interdisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Schaffrath Katharina , Ooms Mark , Seidel Simone , Hölzle Frank , Modabber Ali 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The anatomical deformation in cleft patients requires speech therapy to support cleft patients as best as possible. The aim of this study was to evaluate the standard of knowledge of therapists concerning clefts. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine whether there was a difference between therapists with and without treatment experience in cleft patients as well as among therapists with more or less years of general professional experience. We developed a questionnaire about different areas of speech therapy: “General,” “Speech therapy,” “Development opportunities and influences,” and “Interdisciplinary collaboration.” For a total of 50 questions, we used single-, multiple-choice questions and the visual analog scale (VAS). Speech therapists with experience in treating cleft patients (n = 42) felt more confident regarding their knowledge and abilities than therapists without experience (n = 62), especially concerning nonspecialist disciplines and cleft specifications. No difference was found in therapy duration, indications, influences, and potential for development. Professional experience (years) and cleft experience correlate; with more knowledge in the group with more than eight years of experience. Cleft centers remain first choice for patients’ care thanks to the higher number of patients, daily treatment routine, the direct contact among examiners, and a common treatment concept.
Physicochemical characteristics of lignins from corncob and agave tequila bagasse warrant their use for sustainable materials
Authors: Maldonado-Pérez Azalea , Cetina Abraham , Vázquez-Torres Humberto , Mercado Mónica Vázquez-Del , Escalante Alfredo , Toriz Guillermo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Corncob and agave tequila bagasse are agricultural residues composed of lignin, cellulose and hemicelluloses. Despite being the second most abundant biopolymer, commercial applications of lignin are restricted owed to its heterogeneous and complex chemical structure. However, lignin properties (UV-absorption, biodegradation, biocompatibility, antioxidant, etc.) forecast production of sustainable high-added value materials. The aim of this contribution was to characterize the material properties of organosolv lignins from corncobs (CC) and agave tequila bagasse (T), to aid in the development of sustainable materials. The physicochemical characteristics of both polymers were determined. The degree of polymerization was 16, determined by GPC for both residues, resulting in similar thermal properties (TGA and DSC). Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies showed that T was composed mainly of syringyl (S) units, while CC contains p-hydroxyphenyl (H), syringyl (S), and guaiacyl (G) units. The surface composition as investigated by XPS, showed that T has more hydroxyl groups available on the surface and a higher surface area (12.2 m2/g) as compared to CC. Hydrodynamic size, determined by light scattering, ranged from 255–712 nm for T, while CC particles had a wider distribution (from 70-1000 nm), with an 8-fold polydispersity index as compared with T; the z potential was in the vicinity of -30 mV for T and − 20 mV for CC. Spherical nanoparticles with diameters of 42 nm for T and 49 nm for CC were observed. Based upon the specific material properties of each lignin, sustainable, high value-added products can be obtained.
HIF-1α-regulated Galectin-3 affords the vasculogenic mimicry and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Fei , Jin Meishan , Fu Yu , Liang Zhuoshuai , Shi Jikang , Jiang Jing , Liu Yawen , Cheng Yi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In present study, we explore the role of HIF-1α-regulated Galectin-3 in VM and poor prognosis of HCC as well as the potential regulatory mechanism. Immunohistochemistry method was used to evaluate HIF-1α and CD31/PAS expression in HCC patients. Vitro experiments were conducted to reveal the molecular mechanisms that regulate Galectin-3 expression under hypoxia. Moreover, the effects of Galectin-3 on the biological function of HCC cells were investigated using MTS kit, wound-healing assay, cell transwell assay, flow cytometry assay and three-dimensional culture under hypoxia. HIF-1α expressions were significantly higher in HCC tissues than those in adjacent hepatic tissues in cirrhosis-free patients with HCC (P = 0.023). The patients with positive-HIF-1α expression had worse overall survival (P = 0.002). HIF-1α was positively correlated with Galectin-3 in HCC tumor tissues (P < 0.05). Higher expression of Galectin-3 linked to poor overall survival (P = 0.002). HIF-1α and Galectin-3 were correlated with VM of HCC (P < 0.05). Hypoxia promotes proliferation, migration, invasion and VM formation of HCC cells, and suppresses to apoptosis (P < 0.05). Galectin-3 is the target genes of HIF-1α transcription factor. Silencing Galectin-3 abolished effect of hypoxia microenvironment on the function of HCC cells. In conclusion, HIF-1α-regulated Galectin-3 contributes to the vasculogenic mimicry and poor prognosis of HCC.