bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral Microbleeds and Their Association With Inflammation and Blood-Brain Barrier Leakage in Small Vessel Disease
Authors: Cai Lupei , Tozer Daniel J. , Markus Hugh S. 
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND:
How cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are formed, and how they cause tissue damage is not fully understood, but it has been suggested they are associated with inflammation, and they could also be related to increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage. We investigated the relationship of CMBs with inflammation and BBB leakage in cerebral small vessel disease, and in particular, whether these 2 processes were increased in the vicinity of CMBs.

METHODS:
In 54 patients with sporadic cerebral small vessel disease presenting with lacunar stroke, we simultaneously assessed microglial activation using the positron emission tomography ligand [11C]PK11195 and BBB leakage using dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, on a positron emission tomography–magnetic resonance imaging system. To assess local inflammation and BBB leakage, 3 one-voxel concentric shells were generated around each CMB on susceptibility-weighted imaging and resampled to positron emission tomography and T1 mapping images, respectively. In these 3 shells, we calculated the mean of PK11195 nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) as a marker of microglial activation, as well as the mean influx rate as a marker of BBB leakage. In addition, 93 blood biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and endothelial activation were measured to quantify systemic inflammation.

RESULTS:

No significant associations were found between the number of CMBs and the measures for microglial activation (
β
=2.6×10
−5
,
P
=0.050) and BBB leakage (
β
=−0.0001,
P
=0.400) in the white matter. There was no difference in measures of microglial activation (
P
=0.403) or BBB leakage (
P
=0.423) across the 3 shells surrounding the CMBs. Furthermore, after correcting for multiple comparisons, no associations were observed between systemic inflammation biomarkers and the number of CMBs.

CONCLUSIONS:
We found no evidence that CMBs are associated with either microglial activation assessed by [11]CPK11195 positron emission tomography or BBB leakage assessed by dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, either globally or locally, in sporadic cerebral small vessel disease. There was also no association with markers of systemic inflammation.
On the MJO Phase Speed among Different Background Moisture and Zonal Wind Base States
Authors: Shaaban Ahmed , Roundy Paul 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The variability of the phase speed of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) is poorly understood. The authors assess how the phase speed of the convective signal of the MJO associates with the background states over eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean. Relaxation of the coupling between tropical modes and their circulation has been previously linked to faster propagation; for example, the MJO speeds up over the eastern Pacific where its convective signal decouples from the circulation. In contrast, our results show that fast MJO events happen to exist during periods of wetter background states (>90 days) from East Africa across the Indian Ocean, whereas slow MJO is associated with dry background states. We found that fast MJO exhibits strong active and inactive phases with a structure suggesting more hierarchical convection. Results indicate that the association of the phase speed of the MJO as seen in the integrated filtered moist static energy with its tendency is stronger than the association of the phase speed as observed in the dry static energy with its tendency which is consistent with the acceleration of the MJO during wet background states. Also, our results indicate that the MJO may be faster during periods of enhanced low-level moisture because these periods have anomalously weak upper-tropospheric easterly background winds, which reduce the westward advection of the MJO by the background easterly wind, resulting in higher eastward phase speed of the MJO. The acceleration of the MJO by the background zonal wind overwhelms the deceleration associated with the moist-wave dynamics.

Significance Statement
This study shows that the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), which is the dominant subseasonal weather signal in the tropics, moves eastward more quickly across eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean when the region is abnormally moist. The faster propagation does not appear to result from the higher moisture but instead from encountering weaker-than-normal upper-air winds from the east that tend to occur during moist periods.
“Africans Do Not Fail”: Examining the Model Minority Stereotype and Anti-Blackness at a New York City Public School
Authors: Agyepong Mercy 
Published: January 2025

Background/Context: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of the model minority label to reference the educational achievement of African immigrant students. Yet, despite the growing image of African immigrants as model minorities, there is little empirical research on K–12 African immigrant students’ academic achievement and the prevailing notion of this group as model minorities. Focusing on West African students and their teachers and counselors, this study examines the perceptions and realities of these students’ academic abilities, academic achievements, and the model minority stereotype at Wilson High School (pseudonym), a predominantly Black New York City public school. Research Question: The study explores the following questions: (1) How are West African immigrant students perceived and treated at Wilson High School by the adults whom they interact with the most, specifically teachers and counselors? (2) In what ways, if at all, do these perceptions and treatments align with the model minority stereotype and West African students academic achievement? Research Design: Wilson is a high school with about 500 students located in the Bronx, a NYC borough known to be the site of settlement for Western Africans, the largest group of Africans in the United States. For this critical ethnographic study, I spent 10 months at Wilson engaging in data collection, including in-school observations and in-depth one-on-one semi-structured interviews with ten West African students, nine of their teachers, and a school guidance counselor. Data analysis involved an inductive approach to analyzing emerging themes with a specific focus on Carspecken’s reconstructive horizon analysis. Conclusions/Recommendations: The first theme in this study reveals that the model minority stereotype best characterized adults’ perceptions of West African immigrant students (WAISs) at Wilson even though WAISs’ grade point averages contradicted these perceptions. Second, in this mostly Black school, teachers and counselors believed that African culture promoted high educational aspirations, whereas American culture, particularly African American culture, encouraged oppositional attitudes toward educational success. Third, perceptions of African youth as model students afforded them symbolic capital and beneficial treatment at Wilson. The themes found in this study highlight the complex ways in which the model minority stereotype influences adults’ perceptions and treatment of African students, which shapes African students’ school experiences. This article recommends that further exploration of the racialization of African immigrant students include an emphasis on their growing positioning as model minorities.
Facial Emotion Recognition Ability in Individuals with Remitted Schizophrenia in Comparison to Healthy Population: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mina Shaily , Chaudhary Sonali 
Published: January 2025

Background: Facial emotion recognition is one of the significant domains of social cognition that underlie social interactions. These deficits can influence the functional outcome in individuals with schizophrenia by impairing judgment toward others and reducing their capability to function. We aimed to assess the facial emotion recognition deficits in individuals with schizophrenia in comparison to healthy individuals and find their association with clinical and demographic profiles. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared individuals with schizophrenia in a stable remitted phase of illness to an age, gender, and education-matched healthy population, including 30 participants in each group. The assessment was done using Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III), AIIMS Facial Toolbox for Emotion Recognition (AFTER), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Intergroup comparison was done using the Independent sample t-test, and the association of facial emotional deficit with any clinical or demographic factor was analyzed using Pearson’s correlation. Results: The schizophrenia group performed significantly worse than healthy controls on identifying positive and negative emotions except for happiness. The time to recognize emotion was also found to be significantly more in the schizophrenia group than in controls. Also, significant cognitive deficits were found in the schizophrenia group in comparison to the healthy population. Negative emotions were found to be more correlated to psychopathology. Conclusion: Individuals with schizophrenia appear to have a stable deficit in facial emotion recognition (more in negative emotions). Cognitive deficits are seen more in individuals with schizophrenia as compared to healthy populations, even in their stable phase of illness.
Brain serotonin, oxytocin, and their interaction: Relevance for eating disorders
Authors: Ismaylova Elmira , Nemoda Zsofia , Booij Linda 
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Eating disorders are characterized by maladaptive eating behaviors and preoccupations around body shape, weight, and eating. The serotonin system has been among the most widely studied neurobiological factors in relation to eating disorders. Recent research also highlighted the role of oxytocin. Aims and methods: This article aims to review animal and human studies on the involvement of central serotonin and oxytocin, and their interplay in eating disorders in particular. We synthesize results from studies using animal models of eating disorders and from research conducted in healthy individuals and clinical populations. Results/Outcomes: Altered serotonin neurotransmission and oxytocin levels in the brain—particularly in the hypothalamus, brainstem, and limbic regions—were associated with disturbances in eating behaviors and related maladaptive cognitions and emotions. These brain regions were found to constitute a typical neural network through which both central serotonin and oxytocin might operate in a bidirectional manner. Conclusions/Interpretation: Based on the preceding findings, we describe a developmental biopsychosocial model relevant to eating disorders, including the role of serotonin–oxytocin interactions in the brain. While it is clear that eating disorders are multifactorial in which many biopsychosocial pathways are involved, the current review highlights the importance of well-designed translational research when studying mechanisms of serotonin–oxytocin interactions in the brain. Such research would help to better understand the effects of joint central oxytocin and serotonin administration as a possible preventive or therapeutic intervention for eating disorders.
Evolving Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): A Review Article of Preventive Agents and Vaccines for RSV
Authors: Howard Nick , Pudim Edward 
Published: January 2025

Objective: The objective was to describe the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and recommendations for the use of newly approved preventive agents and vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and discuss their uptake during the 2023 to 2024 RSV season. Data sources: A literature search of PubMed was performed (January 2020 to February 2024) with the search terms RSV vaccine, preventive antibody, and RSV prevention. Utilization data were collected from TriNetX using the US Collaborative Network (May 2024) using the terms palivizumab, nirsevimab, and RSV prefusion F protein. Study selection and data extraction: Relevant English-language studies assessing the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved preventive agents and vaccines for RSV in humans were considered. Population-level utilization data were extracted from TriNetX. Data synthesis: Nirsevimab was observed to have noninferior efficacy and safety compared with palivizumab with less frequent administration. Nirsevimab is recommended to replace palivizumab for RSV prophylaxis in all eligible infants. Arexvy and Abrysvo are effective at reducing the risk of RSV infection in adults aged ≥60 years, and Arexvy is indicated in adults aged ≥50 years. These vaccines are equally recommended for use in the elderly adult population, but only Abrysvo is indicated and recommended for maternal administration. Most infants only require prophylaxis through either maternal RSV vaccination or nirsevimab administration Relevance to patient care and clinical practice: This review compares the indications for use, guideline recommendations, and clinical trial efficacy and safety data for palivizumab, nirsevimab, Abrysvo, and Arexvy to guide clinical decision-making. Conclusions: Novel RSV preventive agents, including Abrysvo, Arexvy, and nirsevimab, offer less burdensome dosing and administration compared with palivizumab, show promising efficacy and safety data, and expand the populations eligible for RSV prevention. Updated clinical guidance supports immediate adoption of these agents in practice, and population-level data suggest these agents were used during the 2023 to 2024 RSV season.
Poststroke Ipsilesional Motor Performance: Microstructural Biomarkers and Their Associations With Executive Function
Authors: Kim Youngkook , Jun So Yeon , Oh Jeehae , Koo Jaeun , Lee Eunji 
Published: January 2025

Background Unilateral hemispheric stroke can impair the ipsilesional motor performance, which is crucial for attaining optimal functional outcomes poststroke. However, the specific brain structures contributing to ipsilesional motor performance impairment remain unclear. Objective To explore the link between ipsilesional motor performance and the microstructural integrity of relevant neural pathways. Methods This study enrolled 60 consecutive patients in the early subacute phase of stroke recovery. Ipsilesional motor performance was assessed using the Box and Block Test. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the associations between ipsilesional motor performance and the microstructural integrity of relevant white matter tracts (Biomarker models) and cognitive function test scores (Cognition models). Results Biomarker models, including the genu of the corpus callosum, ipsilesional cingulum, fornix, uncinate fasciculus, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and contralesional inferior longitudinal fasciculus, showed a significant association with ipsilesional motor performance. Cognition models, including Mini-Mental State Examination and Trail Making Test-B, were significantly associated with ipsilesional motor performance. Final regression models (combined Cognition and Biomarker models) revealed that the performance time of Trail Making Test-B, in combination with biomarkers, including the genu of the corpus callosum, ipsilesional superior longitudinal fasciculus, and ipsilesional cingulum, predicted ipsilesional motor performance with high explanatory power ( adjusted R2 = .721, .709, and .696, respectively). Conclusions This study demonstrated that executive function is associated with poststroke ipsilesional motor performance, as evidenced by the microstructural biomarkers involved in executive function. Our findings highlight that the comprehensive role of cognitive functioning rather than the motor system is closely linked to poststroke ipsilesional motor performance.
Physical violence and its associations: Insights from nationally representative data in India
Authors: Mary P Monisha , Jacob Ankeeta Menona , Shetty Avinash K 
Published: January 2025

Background: Empowerment is vital for individuals’ control over their lives but is often constrained for women in India due to deep-rooted patriarchal norms. This affects health, and resource distribution, and increases domestic violence. Domestic violence including physical, sexual, emotional, economic, and psychological abuse is a significant human rights and public health issue. Understanding the link between women’s empowerment and attitudes toward physical violence is essential for addressing this problem. Objectives: To explore the relationship between various aspects of women’s empowerment and their attitudes toward the justification of physical violence in specific circumstances. The study aimed to provide insights into how empowerment can serve as a protective factor against domestic violence. Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), collected from 2019 to 2021. The study was carried out between July 2023 and March 2024. Methods: Data from NFHS-5, focusing on women aged 15–49 who completed the domestic violence module, were analyzed. Women’s empowerment was measured through employment, asset ownership, and decision-making autonomy. The study assessed 8 indicators of employment, 12 of asset ownership, 9 of decision-making, 5 justifying physical violence, and 11 indicators of physical abuse. Frequencies, percentages, Fischer’s exact test, and logistic regression were used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of 4562 women, 23 (0.7%) were employed, 3397 (74.5%) owned mobile phones, and 744 (21.9%) used them for transactions. Joint financial decisions were made by 2692 (75.2%) couples. Restrictions on meeting friends were reported by 376 (10.1%), and 431 (11.6%) had trust issues with partners. Physical violence was justified by 934 (20.5%) for neglecting children, and 3365 (90.4%) experienced partner violence. Land ownership was reported by 383 (8.4%) women. Empowered women were less likely to justify or experience violence, with mobile phone use and decision-making autonomy linked to reduced violence. Conclusion: Women’s empowerment through employment, asset ownership, and decision-making is associated with reduced justification and prevalence of physical violence. Despite progress, entrenched societal norms persist. Interventions should focus on economic and social empowerment, addressing cultural attitudes and promoting gender equality.
Safety and efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation in patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Thorndal Camilla , Kragsnaes Maja Skov , Nilsson Anna Christine , Holm Dorte Kinggaard , dePont Christensen Rene , Ellingsen Torkell , Kjeldsen Jens , Bjørsum-Meyer Thomas 
Published: January 2025

Background: Little is known about the involvement of gut microbiota in the disease course of diverticulitis and the potential benefits of manipulating the gut milieu. We propose to conduct a randomised placebo-controlled feasibility trial of faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) given as capsules to patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. Objectives: The objective is primarily to investigate the feasibility of clinical safety, explore efficacy associated with FMT in this patient population, and examine changes in patient-reported quality of life and the composition and function of the gut microbiota. Design: Study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial. Methods and analysis: Participants with acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis, as confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan, will be recruited from Odense University Hospital (Denmark) and randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group will consist of 20 patients who receive encapsulated FMT. The control group will also consist of 20 patients, receiving placebo capsules. Primary safety endpoint: Patient safety is monitored by (a) the number of re-admissions and (b) the number of adverse events within 3 months of FMT/placebo; Primary efficacy endpoint: Reduction in the proportion of patients treated with antibiotics within 3 months following FMT/placebo; Secondary outcome: Change from baseline to 3 months in the GI-QLI questionnaire. Results will be analysed using an intention-to-treat approach. Adverse events or unintended consequences will be reported. Ethics and discussion: This is the first study to investigate the safety and efficacy of FMT in patients with acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. The project has the potential to broaden the knowledge and literature on the role of the intestinal microbiota in diverticulitis, and we believe it will elevate our understanding of cause and effect. Trial registration: Informed consent is obtained from all participants. The study is approved by the regional ethics committee (ref. S-20230023) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (ref. 24/2435). The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06254625) on 10th February 2024.
Increased gastrointestinal bleeding-related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gao Xu , Yeo Yee Hui , Lv Fan , He Xinyuan , Park Justin , Samaan Jamil , Zhao Yunyu , Han Ng Wee , Wang Jinhai , Ji Fanpu , Melmed Gil Y. 
Published: January 2025

Background: Despite its significant health burden, there is a lack of national-level temporal patterns in gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) mortality. Objectives: To comprehensively decipher the annual and monthly trend of GIB-related mortality in the United States. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: We analyzed the National Vital Statistic System database, which documents more than 99% of the annual deaths in the United States for GIB-related deaths from January 2010 to May 2023. Annual and monthly age-standardized mortality rates were estimated and categorized by age, sex, and bleeding site. Joinpoint regression was performed for trend analysis. Prediction modeling was conducted to determine the GIB-associated excess mortality. Results: A total of 529,094 and 210,641 GIB-associated deaths occurred before and after 2020, respectively. Following a stably decreasing trend between 2010 and 2019, there was an excess mortality rate during the pandemic which peaked in 2021. The monthly mortality trend showed spikes corresponding to the outbreak of variants. Importantly, excess GIB-related mortality resolved in 2023, with the convergence of predicted and observed mortality rates. Subgroup analysis showed that young males (aged 19–44 years) were affected the most during the pandemic, with excess mortality rates of 35.80%, 52.77%, and 31.46% in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. While the increasing trend of upper GIB was accentuated during the pandemic, lower GIB showed a reversal of the pre-pandemic decreasing trend. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate the trend of GIB-related mortality, underscoring an increased excess death during the pandemic followed by a resolution in 2023. We identify subpopulations vulnerable to the pandemic.