bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Naples prognostic score as a new predictive index of severe abdominal aortic calcification: a population-based study
Authors: Tan Qiang , Zhang Jian , Peng Yanrong , Yang Rui , Zhu Yanbin , Yong Xi , Yin Hongshun , Zheng Jianghua 
Published: February 2025

PurposeAbdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is related to inflammation and nutritional status. The Naples prognostic score (NPS) is an innovative biological marker capable of reflecting systemic inflammation and nutritional status. This research seeks to investigate the correlation of NPS with severe abdominal aortic calcification (SAAC).MethodsThe research evaluated data obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2013 and 2014. The variables were filtered utilizing the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression. Weighted logistic regression models were employed to examine the association of NPS with SAAC. The predictive value of NPS for the risk of SAAC was assessed utilizing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the strength and reliability of the research findings.ResultsThe research encompassed 2,854 participants, among whom 303 (11.87%) exhibited SAAC. The outcomes of multivariate weighted logistic regression revealed that participants with a NPS of 3–4 points was positively correlated with SAAC in comparison to the control group [odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.17–3.67]. The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting the risk of SAAC using NPS was 0.635. The subgroup analysis results indicated that there was no significant difference noted in the association of NPS with SAAC across various population subgroups.ConclusionA positive association of NPS with SAAC has been observed in this research. This study offers valuable insights into the prevention and diagnosis of SAAC. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm causative relationships and assess the role of NPS in clinical decision-making for SAAC.
Acceptance of a mental health app (JoyPopTM) for postsecondary students: a prospective evaluation using the UTAUT2
Authors: Malik Ishaq , Mushquash Aislin R. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMental health (MH) smartphone applications (MH apps) can support the increasing MH needs of postsecondary students and mitigate barriers to accessing support. Evaluating MH app acceptance using technology acceptance models is recommended to improve student engagement with MH apps. The JoyPopTM app was designed to improve youth resilience and emotion regulation. The JoyPopTM app is associated with improved student MH, but its acceptance has yet to be evaluated quantitatively. The present study used the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to evaluate and examine constructs and moderators influencing the acceptance (i.e., behavioural intention) and use of the JoyPopTM app.MethodParticipants were 183 postsecondary students attending a Canadian University who used the app for one week and completed measures before and after using the app. Relationships posited by the UTAUT2 were tested using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).ResultsMost participants accepted the JoyPopTM app. The UTAUT2 model explained substantial variance in behavioural intention and app use. Performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions predicted behavioural intention, and behavioural intention and facilitating conditions predicted app use. Age moderated the association between facilitating conditions and behavioural intention. Experience moderated the relationship between performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and social influence on behavioural intention.DiscussionResults provide insight into factors influencing the acceptance of the JoyPopTM app and its ability to engage students. Results also provide valuable insights for evaluating and optimally designing MH apps.
Causal inference study of plasma proteins and blood metabolites mediating the effect of obesity-related indicators on osteoporosis
Authors: Huang Maomao , Xing Fei , Hu Yue , Sun Fuhua , Zhang Chi , Xv Zhangyu , Yang Yue , Deng Qi , Shi Ronglan , Li Lei , Zhu Jiayi , Xu Fangyuan , Li Dan , Wang Jianxiong 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundOsteoporosis and obesity are both major global public health problems. Observational studies have found that osteoporosis might be related to obesity. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis could overcome the limitations of observational studies in assessing causal relationships.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the causal potential relationship between obesity-related indicators and osteoporosis by using a two-sample MR analysis and to identify potential mediators.MethodA total of 53 obesity-related indicators, 3,282 plasma protein lists, and 452 blood metabolite lists were downloaded from the public data set as instrumental variables, and the osteoporosis GWAS data of the MRC IEU Open GWAS database was used as the outcome indicators. Using two-sample univariate MR, multivariate MR, and intermediate MR, the causal relationship and mediating factors between obesity-related indicators and osteoporosis were identified.ResultsThe IVW model results show that 31 obesity-related indicators may have a significant causal relationship with osteoporosis (P &lt; 0.05), except for waist circumference (id: Ieu-a-71, OR = 1.00566); the remaining 30 indicators could reduce the risk of osteoporosis (OR: 0.983–0.996). A total of 25 plasma protein indicators may have a significant causal relationship with osteoporosis (P &lt; 0.05), and 10 of them, such as ANKED46, KLRF1, and LPO, CA9 may have a protective effect on osteoporosis (OR: 0.996–0.999), while the other 15 such as ATP1B1, zinc finger protein 175, could increase the risk of osteoporosis (OR: 1.001–1.004). For blood metabolite indicators, except for alanine (id: Met a-469, OR: 1.071), the other six blood metabolite indicators including uridine and 1-linoleoylglycerophosphoethanolaminecan may have a protective effect on osteoporosis (P &lt; 0.05, OR: 0.961–0.992). The direction of causal relationship of MR is all correct; the heterogeneity is all not significant and not affected by horizontal pleiotropy. Using multivariate and mediated MR analysis, it was found that the protective effect of obesity-related indicators against osteoporosis may be mediated by histone-lysine N-methyltransferase in plasma proteins and alanine in blood metabolites.ConclusionObesity may confer a protective effect against osteoporosis, potentially mediated by EHMT2 in plasma proteins and alanine in blood metabolites. Further empirical research is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms behind the influence of obesity on osteoporosis. Interventions on obesity-related factors to reduce the risk of osteoporosis while controlling other adverse effects associated with obesity may require further research.
Association between Life’s Essential 8 and Atherogenic Index of Plasma in adults: insights from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Xu Long-Hui , Ding Kai-Wen , Yang Guo-Dong , Han Xiao-Xuan , Cong Xiao , Wang Rong-Hui , Liu Xin-Ru , Li Na , Xu Cui-Ping 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionCardiovascular Disease (CVD) has become a significant global public health challenge, contributing to rising mortality rates. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) and the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP), providing insights into the assessment and improvement of Cardiovascular Health (CVH).MethodsWe conducted an analysis of data from 8,215 U.S. adults aged 20 years and older, utilizing the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2007 to 2018. Based on the LE8 score, CVH was classified into three levels—low, moderate, and high—while AIP was classified into four risk levels: extremely low (AIP&lt;-0.3), low (-0.3≤AIP&lt;0.1), medium (0.1≤AIP&lt;0.24), and high (AIP≥0.24). Weighted ordinal logistic regression analysis was utilized to examine the association between the LE8 score and the AIP risk level, adjusting for potential confounding variables.ResultsA significant negative correlation exists between the LE8 score and the AIP risk level (OR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.49-0.54, P&lt;0.001). Higher CVH were associated with lower AIP risk levels, while lower CVH corresponded to elevated AIP risk levels. Notably, improvements in specific LE8 components—such as body mass index and blood lipids—exhibited a strong relationship with reductions in the AIP risk level.DiscussionThis study suggests that the LE8 may serve as a preventive factor for CVD risk and implies that individuals can actively regulate their metabolic characteristics by optimizing their lifestyle.
Assessment and multi-scenario prediction of ecosystem services in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau based on machine learning and the PLUS model
Authors: Li Yuan , Peng Yu-Ling , Peng Hao-Na , Cheng Wei-Ying 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionMachine learning techniques, renowned for their ability to process complex datasets and uncover key ecological patterns, have become increasingly instrumental in assessing ecosystem services.MethodsThis study quantitatively evaluates individual services—such as water yield, carbon storage, habitat quality, and soil conservation—on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau for the years 2000, 2010, and 2020. A comprehensive ecosystem service index is employed to assess the overall ecological service capacity, revealing spatiotemporal variations in services and exploring the trade-offs and synergies among them. Additionally, machine learning models identify the key drivers influencing ecosystem services, informing the design of future scenarios. The PLUS model is used to project land use changes by 2035 under three scenarios—natural development, planning-oriented, and ecological priority. Based on the land use simulation results for these scenarios, the InVEST model is applied to evaluate various ecosystem services.ResultsDuring 2000-2020, ecosystem services on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau exhibited significant fluctuations, driven by complex trade-offs and synergies. Land use and vegetation cover were the primary factors affecting overall ecosystem services, with the ecological priority scenario demonstrating the best performance across all services.DiscussionThe research integrates machine learning with the PLUS model, providing more efficient data interpretation and more precise scenario design, offering new insights and methodologies for managing and optimizing ecosystem services on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. These findings contribute to the development of more effective ecological protection and sustainable development strategies, applicable to both the plateau and similar regions.
Male partner involvement in postnatal care service utilization and its associated factors in Wolaita Sodo, southern Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Adisu Aklilu , Estifanos Wubshet , Asefa Genet , Lencha Fikre Moga , Haile Addisalem , Kebede Fekadu Abera 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundInvolvement of male partners in postnatal care (PNC) is an effective approach to improving maternal and child health outcomes. Despite this, it has been perceived as a woman's responsibility and continues to be a significant problem in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Furthermore, there is a paucity of evidence regarding male involvement during postnatal care in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the current status of male partners’ involvement in postnatal care and associated factors in the study area, Wolaita Sodo, in southern Ethiopia in 2023.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 629 participants from 1 April to 1 May 2023 using a multistage sampling technique. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with male partner involvement during postnatal care. The level of significant association in the multivariable analysis was determined based on a P-value of &lt;0.05.ResultsThis study found that 32.95% [95% confidence interval (CI): 29.2–36.8] of male partners are involved in postnatal care service utilization. A higher maternal educational level [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 2.95, 95% CI: 1.76–4.94], good knowledge of postnatal care services (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.93–5.3), good knowledge of danger signs and complications (AOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 2.39–8.48), a favorable attitude (AOR: 4.02, 95% CI: 2.50–6.45), distance (AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.15–3.17), and cesarean delivery (AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.39–4.60) were significantly associated with male partner involvement in postnatal care services.ConclusionIn this study, a male partner's involvement in their spouse's PNC service utilization was found to be low. Maternal educational status, good knowledge of PNC services, good knowledge of danger signs and complications, a favorable attitude, distance, and cesarean delivery were associated with male partner’s involvement in PNC. Therefore, strengthening awareness about postnatal care services and danger signs through health education and promoting a positive attitude toward postnatal services are essential.
Body weight in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with disease activity and the adaptive immune system, independent of type I IFN
Authors: Teruya Hiroyuki , Shoda Hirofumi , Itamiya Takahiro , Tsuchida Yumi , Okamura Tomohisa , Fujio Keishi 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between physique and immunological disturbances in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we analyzed the clinical, immunological and transcriptomic characteristics of patients with SLE in relation to body mass index (BMI).MethodsClinical characteristics were obtained from patient charts, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Phenotypes and transcriptomes of peripheral immune cells from patients with SLE in the ImmuNexUT database were analyzed in relation to BMI.ResultsThirty-four SLE patients were included in the analysis. Fever and mucocutaneous symptoms were commonly observed in SLE patients with a low BMI. BMI was negatively correlated with the SLE disease activity (SLEDAI)-2K scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that BMI was an independent explanatory variable for SLEDAI-2K scores, irrespective of anti-dsDNA antibody or complement levels. Although serum interferon (IFN)-alpha and IFN-gamma levels were negatively associated with BMI, causal mediation analysis showed that BMI had a direct effect on SLEDAI-2K scores, independent of IFN-alpha levels. Immunophenotyping indicated that BMI was primarily correlated with T cell subsets. BMI-related gene expression was mainly enriched in the regulatory T cells and B cell subsets. BMI was negatively correlated with several cellular metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism-related pathways in Th1 and effector memory CD8+ T cells, but not with IFN signaling.ConclusionWe characterized the clinical, immunological and transcriptomic profiles of SLE patients with varying BMI. As low BMI was identified as an independent parameter for explaining disease activity, cachexia is considered one of the systemic symptoms of active SLE. Additionally, BMI influenced the phenotypic and transcriptomic alterations of acquired immune cells, independent of IFN signaling. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of SLE.
Metagenomic analysis revealed the bioremediation mechanism of lead and cadmium contamination by modified biochar synergized with Bacillus cereus PSB-2 in phosphate mining wasteland
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Peng Jun , Wang Ziwei , Zhou Fang , Yu Junxia , Chi Ruan , Xiao Chunqiao 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPhosphate mining wasteland is contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which pose significant environmental risks. Ecological restoration of these lands is crucial, but limited research has focused on the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils using modified biochar and functional microorganisms.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the bioremediation of phosphate mining wasteland soil using modified biochar in combination with the phosphate-solubilizing bacterium Bacillus cereus. The effects of this synergistic approach on soil nutrient content, heavy metal immobilization, and microbial community structure were assessed.Results and discussionThe results indicated that the available phosphate content in the soil increased by 59.32%. The content of extractable state Pb2 + and Cd2 + decreased by 65.06 and 71.26%, respectively. And the soil nutrient conditions were significantly improved. Synergistic remediation can significantly increase the diversity and abundance of soil microbial communities (p &lt; 0.05). Janibacter, Lysobacter, Ornithinimicrobium, Bacillus, and Salinimicrobium were the main functional flora during soil remediation, with significant correlations for the promotion of Pb2 + and Cd2 + immobilization and the increase of available phosphate and organic matter. ZitB, czcD, zntA, and cmtR are the major heavy metal resistance genes and regulate metabolic pathways to make microbial community function more stable after soil remediation in phosphate mining wasteland.
Dietary Pediococcus acidilactici improves the intestinal functions by regulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory genes and intestinal microbiota in aged laying hens at 80–91 weeks of age
Authors: Dong Airong , Ding Xuemei , Wang Jianping , Zeng Qiufeng , Bai Shiping , Liu Yan , Xuan Yue , Li Shanshan , Mu Yadong , Peng Huanwei , Zhang Keying 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPediococcus acidilactici CNCM I-4622 (PA) is a homofermentative Gram-positive coccus that produces lactic acid as a major metabolic by-product. However, the potential of PA to improve intestinal function and, as a result, improve production performance and quality in aged laying hens remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PA on egg production, egg quality, intestinal health, and cecal microbiota in aged laying hens.MethodsA total of 180 Lohmann pink laying hens, aged 80 weeks, were randomly assigned to five groups and fed either a basal diet (PA0) or basal diets supplemented with PA at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg (PA50, PA100, PA150, and PA200).ResultsCompared to the PA0 group, PA did not have a significant effect on the production performance of laying hens (p &gt; 0.05). However, the content of diamine oxidase and the expression level of IL-8 mRNA in the PA50, P100, P150, and P200 groups were significantly reduced (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the ileal villus height was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05). The cecal chowder pH and ileal crypt depth were also significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05), while lipase activity in the ileal mucosa of the PA50 group was significantly increased compared to the PA0 group (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of INF-γ and TNF-α mRNA in the jejunal mucosa was significantly down-regulated (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the expression of Claudin mRNA was significantly up-regulated (p &lt; 0.05). Notably, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Fusobacteriota, and Fusobacterium in the PA50 group was significantly higher than that in the PA0 group (p &lt; 0.05).DiscussionAdditionally, cecal metabolomic analysis indicated that following the addition of PA, the pathways enriched with differential metabolites were primarily related to arginine and proline metabolism. Therefore, PA has the potential to improve intestinal morphology and flora, mitigate intestinal inflammatory factors, and strengthen intestinal barrier function. These benefits are attributed to the modulation of arginine and proline metabolic pathways, with optimal effects observed at an addition of 50 mg/kg.
Altered white matter microstructural integrity in patients with postherpetic neuralgia: a combined DTI and DTI-NODDI study
Authors: Qian Wei , Xu Xiaopei , Wu Ying , Yu Lina , Wang Chao , Yan Min , Yu Risheng 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPostherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a debilitating condition resulting from herpes zoster infection, characterized by persistent pain that significantly impacts quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the white matter microstructural alterations associated with PHN and to assess the relationship between diffusion metrics and clinical symptoms.MethodsA total of 29 patients with PHN, 28 patients recovering from herpes zoster (RHZ), and 27 healthy controls (HC) were recruited, and clinical assessments were obtained to evaluate pain intensity and psychological distress. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was collected, followed by analysis of diffusion and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) metrics. Statistical analyses included ANOVA to compare groups and Pearson correlation coefficients to assess relationships between imaging metrics and clinical outcomes.ResultsPHN patients exhibited significantly altered white matter integrity, specifically in neurite density index (NDI) and orientation dispersion index, compared to both RHZ patients and HC. Significant correlations were also found between altered imaging metrics and clinical assessments of pain and emotional distress, with lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and NDI associated with higher pain scores and psychological symptoms.ConclusionOur study highlights significant microstructural changes in white matter tracts in patients with PHN, indicating compromised neural integrity that correlates with increased pain perception and emotional distress. NODDI demonstrated superior sensitivity in detecting these alterations compared to traditional DTI metrics, underscoring its potential for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in managing chronic pain conditions like PHN.