bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic fluctuations in brain iron content during migraine attacks: insights from relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging
Authors: Birkl Christoph , Filippi Vera , Steiger Ruth , Frank Florian , Magnesius Stephanie , Gizewski Elke R. , Broessner Gregor 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThere is evidence that iron metabolism may play a role in the underlying pathophysiological mechanism of migraine. Studies using R2∗ (=1/T2∗) relaxometry, a common MRI-based iron mapping technique, have reported increased R2∗ values in various brain structures of migraineurs, indicating iron accumulation compared to healthy controls.PurposeTo investigate whether there are short-term changes in R2∗ during a migraine attack.Population26-year-old male patient diagnosed with episodic migraine with aura according to ICHD-3 criteria.Sequence3 T, 64-channel head coil, for quantification of R2∗ relaxation a multi-echo gradient echo (GRE) sequence with TE = 4.92, 9.84, 14.7, 19.6, 24.6 and 29.51 ms, TR = 35 ms, flip angle = 15°, and 0.9 × 0.9 × 0.9 mm3 isotropic resolution was used.AssessmentQuantitative MRI, including R2∗ relaxometry and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), was acquired from a migraine patient on 21 consecutive days, including migraine-free days and days with a migraine attack.Statistical testStatistical analysis was performed using R, the Shapiro–Wilk test, the t-test and Mann Whitney U test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskal–Wallis test, depending on the distribution of the data. p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant.ResultsSignificant difference in R2∗ was found between the left and right hemispheres during a migraine attack. An increase in R2∗ was observed in the left hemisphere, whereas in the right hemisphere R2∗ was found to decrease. In the left cerebral white matter, R2∗ increased by 1.8% (p = 0.021), in the right cerebral white matter, R2∗ anisotropy decreased by 17% (p = 0.011) during a migraine attack.Data conclusionOur study showed a decrease and increase in iron content during the migraine cycle. Furthermore, during a migraine attack, white matter iron content increased, accompanied by a decrease in anisotropic tissue components, suggesting additional changes in vascular components.
Exploring the effect of a sweltering environment on the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Chen Zhaocong , Li Wangchao , Zhu Zhengjie , Miao Xueliang , Jiang Shuai , Li Caiming 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundA substantial body of research has demonstrated a notable impact of hot temperatures on mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, a paucity of studies has addressed the influence of sweltering conditions on CVD mortality.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of sweltering conditions on mortality from CVD among permanent residents of Huizhou City, using the temperature-humidity index (THI) as an indicator.MethodsThis study employs descriptive statistics, distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) and general algebraic modeling system (GAMs) with the THI as an indicator in order to examine the impact of sweltering conditions on the mortality of CVD among permanent residents of Huizhou City.ResultsSweltering conditions increase the risk of death from CVDs and have a cumulative lag effect. The greater the THI, the more pronounced the increase in mortality, and after a certain range, the mortality rate from CVDs increases significantly, and the effect is gender-specific. The lag effect generally peaks in 2–3 days, and the lag effect of stroke mortality is longer and deeper than that of coronary heart disease (CAD) mortality.ConclusionSweltering increased the mortality of cardiovascular diseases in Huizhou city, so we should pay attention to public health intervention strategies under sweltering.
Analysis of the pathogenicity and pathological characteristics of NOTCH3 gene-sparing cysteine mutations in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Gong Zhenping , Wang Wan , Zhao Ying , Wang Yadan , Sun Ruihua , Zhang Haohan , Wang Fengyu , Lu Yaru , Zhang Jiewen 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundCerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is one of the most common inherited cerebral small vessel diseases caused by the NOTCH3 gene mutation. This mutation leads to the accumulation of NOTCH3 extracellular domain protein (NOTCH3ECD) into the cerebral arterioles, causing recurrent stroke, white matter lesions, and cognitive impairment. With the development of gene sequencing technology, cysteine-sparing mutations can also cause CADASIL disease, however, the pathogenicity and pathogenic mechanisms of cysteine-sparing mutations remain controversial.ObjectiveTo analyze the pathogenicity and pathological features of cysteine-sparing mutations in both in vitro and in vivo mouse models.MethodsA cysteine-sparing mutant of NOTCH3ECD R75Q was constructed by lentiviral transfection in vitro, and the NOTCH3 R75Q knock-in mouse model was constructed by CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome engineering in vivo. A cycloheximide pulse-chase experiment was used to analyze the degradation of NOTCH3 extracellular domain proteins, and the deposition characteristics of NOTCH3ECD were quantitatively analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. The characteristics of the smooth muscle cells and granular osmiophilic materials were observed using electron microscopy.ResultsWe elucidated that the NOTCH3 R75Q mutation is pathogenic. NOTCH3ECD R75Q was found to be resistant to protein degradation and more likely to cause abnormal aggregation of NOTCH3ECD, resulting in reduced cell activity in vitro. The NOTCH3 R75Q mouse model showed pathological characteristics of CADASIL, with age-dependent NOTCH3ECD, granular osmiophilic material, and degenerated smooth muscle cells detected in the brain.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze the pathogenicity of NOTCH3 R75Q cysteine-sparing mutations in both in vitro and in vivo models. We demonstrate that NOTCH3ECD induced by NOTCH3 R75Q mutation has toxic effects on cells and reveal the deposition characteristics of NOTCH3ECD in the brain. This provides a feasible model and lays the foundation for further studies on the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of NOTCH3 cysteine-sparing mutations.
Impact of a glutamine-enriched peptide formula on gastrointestinal toxicity and on the interruption of oncologic treatment in patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum
Authors: Salas-Salas Bárbara Gabriela , Ferrera-Alayón Laura , Calleja-Fernández Alicia , Chicas-Sett Rodolfo , Nogués-Ramia Eva , Zafra-Martín Juan , Lloret Marta 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundPatients with rectal cancer may develop gastrointestinal toxicity associated with chemo-radiotherapeutic treatment that conditions their clinical, functional, and nutritional evolution. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of nutritional supplementation with a glutamine-enriched peptide diet (PD) compared to exclusive dietary advice (DA) on gastrointestinal toxicity, interruption of oncologic treatment, and nutritional evolution in patients with rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant treatment.MethodsProspective cohort study with two groups. Patients with rectal cancer in treatment with neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy were recruited. One group of patients received nutritional supplementation with PD, and another group received DA exclusively, from the beginning of radiotherapy until the time of surgery. Intestinal toxicity was evaluated with the CTCAE 5.0 scale, functionality with the ECOG scale and nutritional status with GLIM criteria.ResultsFifty-four patients were initially selected, although 51 were finally enrolled: 25 in the PD group and 26 in the DA group. There was a reduction in the risk of diarrhea in the PD group midway through radiotherapy treatment [RR of 0.218 (95% CI = 0.052–0.923)] and at the end of treatment [RR of 0.103 (95% CI = 0.020–0.537)], as well as a reduction in the risk of developing mucositis at the end of treatment [RR of 0.405 (95% CI = 0.280–0.584)]. The use of a PD also decreased treatment interruptions with radiotherapy in stage III patients (0 vs. 15.8%, p = 0.049) and in malnourished patients (0 vs. 18.2%, p = 0.040).ConclusionThe glutamine-enriched peptide diet had a protective effect on the development of diarrhea and mucositis associated with chemo-radiotherapeutic treatment in patients with colorectal cancer under neoadjuvant treatment, as well as the interruption of radiotherapeutic treatment.
Melanin-concentrating hormone attenuates the hedonic feeding induced by orexin-A in the ventral tegmental area of high-fat diet male mice
Authors: Liu Xiaoning , Yang Helin , Xu Wenguang , Wang Xuezhe , Tang Wenhui , Wang Xiaoxuan , Jiao Yang , Luan Xinchi , Li Pengmeng , Guo Feifei 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe ventral tegmental area (VTA), a pivotal hub in the brain’s reward circuitry, receives inputs from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). However, it remains unclear whether melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and orexin-A (OX-A) neurons in the LHA exert individual or cooperative influence on palatable food consumption in the VTA. This study aims to investigate the modulatory role of MCH and OX-A in hedonic feeding within the VTA of high-fat diet (HFD) mice.MethodsMale mice were subjected to an 8-week high-fat diet. To visualize the projections from the LHA to VTA, we employed fluorescent gold retrograde tracing combined with immunofluorescence staining. Immunofluorescence staining or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the activity of the VTA neurons, expression of OX-A or MCH in the LHA, as well as the activity of their receptors (OXR1 and MCHR1) in the VTA following a sucrose preference test. Single-unit extracellular electrical discharge recordings were conducted to assess the effects of OX-A and MCH on VTA neurons in HFD mice. Additionally, chemogenetic inhibition of MCH neurons and immunofluorescence staining were utilized to observe the regulatory roles of MCH in changes of hedonic feeding induced by OX-A in HFD mice.ResultsSucrose intake resulted in lower activation of VTA neurons in the HFD mice compared to CON mice, while OX-Aergic and MCHergic neurons project from the LHA to the VTA. Although sucrose intake increased the expression of OX-A and MCH in HFD mice, it led to diminished activation of OXR1-positive and MCHR1-positive VTA neurons compared to CON mice. Extracellular single-unit recording revealed that MCH significantly suppressed the firing rate of OX-A-responsive neurons in the VTA. MCH attenuated the hedonic feeding response induced by OX-A in HFD mice, and administration of MCHR1 antagonist (SNAP94847) significantly potentiated the effect of OX-A. Chemogenetic inhibition of MCH neurons improved the activity of OXR1-expressing neurons, which could be reversed by pretreatment with an OXR1 antagonist (SB334867). Furthermore, chemogenetic inhibition of MCH enhanced hedonic feeding behavior, which was counteracted by SB334867 treatment in HFD mice.ConclusionMelanin-concentrating hormone could attenuate the hedonic feeding behavior induced by orexin-A in the VTA of HFD mice.
Resilience promotes self-esteem in children and adolescents with hearing impairment: the mediating role of positive coping strategy
Authors: Qi Ling , Zhang Hongling , Nie Rong , Du Yukai 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe level of self-esteem in adolescents appears to be contingent upon their satisfaction across various domains of life, exerting a notable influence on their mental wellbeing. The purposes of this study were to further validate the influence of resilience and positive coping strategy on their self-esteem and to explore the mediating effect of positive coping strategy in the relationship between resilience and self-esteem.MethodsA total of 657 children and adolescents with a hearing impairment from 14 deaf/special schools in Hubei province completed measures of self-esteem, resilience, and positive coping.Results(1) Self-esteem is positively correlated with resilience and positive coping, (2) resilience is a significant predictor of self-esteem, and (3) the association between resilience and self-esteem was partly mediated by a positive coping strategy.ConclusionThis study indicated the partly mediating effects of positive coping strategy on the association between resilience and self-esteem among Chinese children and adolescents with hearing impairment. These results also highlighted that intervention to promote resilience and coping strategies might be helpful to improve their self-esteem.
Stimulant medications effects in heat-related illness in ADHD patients: a large database study
Authors: Zinabu Samrawit , Gasmelseed Huda , Wheaton Noah , Girma Fikirte , Wong Christian , Tabraiz Sair Ahmad , Mubasher Ayesha , Mack Aaron , Lexima Patrice , Qazi Ozair , Mohammed Ahmad , Sood Aseem , Michael Miriam 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting a significant portion of the population, is commonly managed with stimulant medications. These medications, while effective, have been associated with thermoregulatory dysfunction and an increased risk of heat-related adverse events. The current study sought to compare the incidence of such events in ADHD patients receiving stimulant medications with those not on these treatments.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted utilizing de-identified electronic medical records from a Global Research Network. The study population comprised ADHD patients on stimulant medication aged 6-24 years, with a comparison group of ADHD patients not receiving stimulant medications. Patients were followed from the date of first cohort inclusion (index event) for one year to track heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, hyperthermia, heat stroke, and other heat-related conditions. Propensity score matching was employed to balance baseline characteristics (age, gender) between cohorts. Risk ratios, odds ratios, and hazard ratios were calculated to assess the incidence of heat-related illnesses between groups. Statistical analysis was performed on the TriNetX platform, with survival analysis conducted via Kaplan-Meier estimates.ResultsAnalysis revealed a decreased risk of heat-related illnesses in the stimulant medication group, with a risk ratio of 0.559(95% CI: 0.485, 0.644). The mean number of events was also lower in the stimulants medication group (p=0.028). Additionally, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated a higher probability of remaining free from heat-related illnesses in the stimulant group over a one-year period, with a statistically significant difference (log-rank test, χ² = 93.035, p &lt; 0.0001).DiscussionThese results suggest that stimulant medications may be associated with a reduced risk of heat-related illnesses in ADHD patients, potentially contributing to better overall outcomes in this population. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and to confirm these findings across larger and more varied patient populations.
The relationship between problematic internet use and psychological distress in older Chinese teachers (40+) during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: three cross-sectional studies
Authors: Chen Xiu-Mei , Wang Li-Feng , Liao Xiao-Ling , Wang Shuai , Yang Lan , Chen I-Hua 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundDespite a consensus on the negative implications of problematic internet use (PIU) for mental health, there is a notable gap in research concerning older demographics, particularly older teachers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PIU and its impact on the mental wellbeing of this population.MethodsThree sub-studies were conducted: Study 1 (2020) investigated how fear induced by COVID-19 influenced PIU and psychological distress among 3,929 older teachers. Study 2 (2021) examined the effects of PIU on psychological needs thwarting (the frustration of basic psychological needs) and psychological distress, involving 3,502 participants. Study 3 (2022) explored the impact of PIU on occupational burnout and psychological distress, with 1,276 participants. The Generalized Linear Model in Jamovi 2.3.23 was used to evaluate the three mediation models.ResultsThe three sub-studies revealed a high prevalence of PIU among older teachers (27.4% in Study 1, 27.4% in Study 2, and 24.5% in Study 3). High levels of PIU were associated with elevated psychological distress during the 3 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Study 1, fear of COVID-19 indirectly influenced psychological distress through PIU as a mediator. In Studies 2 and 3, respectively, psychological needs thwarting and occupational burnout mediated the relationship between PIU and psychological distress.ConclusionThis study confirmed the high prevalence of PIU among older school teachers and the detrimental effect of PIU on psychological needs thwarting, occupational burnout, and psychological distress. Given these findings, education authorities and school management should take proactive steps to mitigate PIU and ensure the health and wellbeing of older teachers.
Association of physical activity, sedentary behavior and stroke in older adults
Authors: Bai Long , Wen Zongliang , Yan Xuebing , Wu Shenqin , Chen Jialin 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical activity, sedentary behavior and stroke in people aged 60 years and older.MethodsThe study included 3,010 participants aged 60 and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data on sedentary behavior, physical activity and stroke were obtained through questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using a complex multistage sampling design and weighted multivariate logistic regression. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effects analyses were used to explore non-linear relationships between physical activity, sedentary behavior and stroke.ResultsThere were 244 (7.53%) participants aged 60 years and older who had experienced a stroke. After adjusting for all covariates, physical activity, sedentary behavior and stroke were significantly associated [OR (95% CI) for physical activity: 0.622 (0.443, 0.875), p = 0.009; OR (95% CI) for sedentary behavior: 2.602 (1.557, 4.348), p = 0.003]. C-reactive protein mediated the association between sedentary behavior and stroke among older adults, with a mediation of 3.64%.ConclusionIn people aged 60 years and older, sedentary behavior was positively associated with stroke, whereas physical activity was negatively associated with stroke, and C-reactive protein mediated the relationship between sedentary behavior and stroke.
Myths and misconceptions of intimate partner violence among sexual and gender minorities: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Kurbatfinski Stefan , Letourneau Nicole , Marshall Susanne , McBride Dawn , Novick Jason , Griggs Keira , Perrotta Arielle , Daye Morgan , McManus Carrie , Nixon Kendra 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV), referring to different forms of violence or abuse between two or more intimate partners, negatively impacts physical and mental health, performance in various settings, and familial functioning, leading to long-term adverse outcomes. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals tend to experience similar or greater frequencies of IPV compared to their cisheterosexual counterparts. Stigma and discrimination toward sexual and gender diversity can lead to myths and misconceptions about relationship dynamics among SGM individuals, which can contribute to IPV occurrence within the community. This study sought to: (1) develop a compendium of myths and misconceptions that SGM individuals exposed to IPV and relevant service providers shared they encountered; (2) describe the impacts of these myths and misconceptions on SGM individuals experiencing IPV; and (3) make recommendations to address these myths and misconceptions.MethodsThis qualitative study used data from a larger project focused on SGM IPV where SGM individuals who experienced IPV (n = 18) and service providers who supported SGM individuals experiencing IPV (n = 8) were interviewed using semi-structured formats. Thematic content analysis and inductive approaches were used to identify and organize findings into themes and subcategories.FindingsFive major themes related to SGM IPV myths and misconceptions were identified, touching on aspects including, but not limited to, SGM IPV prevalence, prescribed gender roles and expectations, and societal factors. Impacts and recommendations are also discussed.SignificanceThis appears to be the very first in-depth study describing myths and misconceptions that SGM individuals and relevant service providers have encountered in regard to SGM IPV, helping to promote understanding of SGM intimate partner relationships with particular relevance to public health and social services policies.
Mariam Said, a guardiã de um legado
Authors: Stephano de Queiroz Christina 
Published: December 2024

Em busca de financiamento para digitalizar o acervo de Edward Said, doado à Universidade Columbia em 2009, Mariam Said é hoje uma das principais responsáveis por manter vivo o pensamento do intelectual palestino. Nascida e criada em Beirute, capital libanesa, ela reside em Nova York desde a década de 1970. Graduada na Universidade Americana de Beirute (AUB) e com duas pós-graduações na Universidade Columbia, Mariam trabalhou durante mais de 20 anos em bibliotecas de grandes empresas do mercado financeiro. Junto com o pianista e maestro argentino-israelense Daniel Barenboim, ela dirige a West-Eastern Divan Orchestra e é vice-presidente da Fundação Barenboim-Said. A West-Eastern Divan Orchestra foi criada a partir de conversas realizadas entre Edward Said e Barenboim, que eram amigos muito próximos e tinham o desejo comum de abordar o conflito entre Israel e Palestina por meio de diálogos e da compreensão de diferenças mútuas. Em diversas entrevistas, Mariam afirmou que Edward a considerava o seu legado mais importante. Com sua filha, a atriz e escritora Najla Said, Mariam esteve em São Paulo em novembro de 2023, semanas depois do início do conflito entre Israel e o Hamas. Visitou a cidade para participar de um seminário internacional, organizado pela Cátedra Edward Said da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), pelo Instituto da Cultura Árabe (Icarabe) e o Serviço Social do Comércio em São Paulo (Sesc-SP), com patrocínio da Câmara de Comércio Árabe Brasileira, em memória dos 30 anos do falecimento de Edward Said. A conversa que resultou nessa entrevista começou em um passeio pelo centro da cidade de São Paulo, que contou com uma visita guiada à Sala São Paulo e um almoço no Mercado Municipal. Meses mais tarde, o diálogo prosseguiu por meio de plataformas virtuais. Na entrevista, Mariam Said revela que o arquivo de Edward na Universidade Columbia reúne diversos ensaios e documentos inéditos, que estão à espera do trabalho de pesquisadores e editores interessados em investigá-los.