bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of educational intervention on breast cancer knowledge and breast self-examination among female university students in Bangladesh: a pre-post quasi-experimental one group study
Authors: Sarker Rumpa , Islam Md. Saiful , Moonajilin Mst. Sabrina , Rahman Mahmudur , Gesesew Hailay Abrha , Ward Paul R 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer is a global health issue and a leading cause of death among women. Early detection through increased awareness and knowledge on breast cancer and breast cancer screening is thus crucial. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of educational intervention program on breast cancer knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among young female students of a university in Bangladesh.MethodsA quasi-experimental one group (pre-post) study design was conducted at Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh. Educational information on breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE), demonstration of BSE procedure and leaflets were distributed among 400 female students in common room setting in dormitories after obtaining written informed consent. The stepwise procedures of BSE performance were demonstrated with images. Pre-intervention and 15 days post-intervention assessments were conducted to assess the changes in knowledge on breast cancer and practices of BSE. Mc-Nemar’s tests and paired sampledt-tests were performed to investigate the differences between pre- and post-test stages.ResultsSignificant changes were found in knowledge and awareness about breast cancer and BSE practices after the educational session. The significant differences were measures in the mean scores of pre-test vs. post-test: breast cancer symptoms (2.99±1.05 vs. 6.35±1.15;p<0.001), risk factors (3.35±1.19 vs. 7.56±1.04;p<0.001), treatment (1.79±0.90 vs. 4.63±0.84;p<0.001), prevention (3.82±1.32 vs. 7.14±1.03;p<0.001), screening of breast cancer (1.82±0.55 vs. 3.98±0.71;p<0.001) and process of breast self-examination (1.57±1.86 vs. 3.94±0.93;p<0.001). Likewise, a significate percentage of change in BSE practices was obtained between pre-test and post-test (21.3% vs. 33.8%;p<0.001)ConclusionsThis study findings confirm that the study population had poor awareness and knowledge at baseline that was improved significantly after educational session. A nationwide reach-out with community-based interventions is recommended for female population in both rural and urban areas.
Effects of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia on subjective and objective measures of sleep and cognition
Authors: Perrault Aurore A. , Pomares Florence B. , Smith Dylan , Cross Nathan E. , Gong Kirsten , Maltezos Antonia , McCarthy Margaret , Madigan Emma , Tarelli Lukia , McGrath Jennifer , Savard Josée , Schwartz Sophie , Gouin Jean-Philippe , Dang-Vu Thien Thanh 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTStudy ObjectivesTo assess the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) on subjective and objective sleep, sleep-state misperception as well as self-reported and objective cognitive performance.MethodsWe performed a randomized controlled trial with a treatment group and a wait-list control group to assess changes in insomnia symptoms after CBTi (8 sessions/3 months) in 62 participants with chronic insomnia. To this end, we conducted a multimodal investigation of sleep and cognition including subjective measures of sleep difficulties (Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), sleep diaries) and cognitive functioning (Sahlgrenska Academy Self-reported Cognitive Impairment Questionnaire), objective assessments of sleep (polysomnography recording, cognition (attention and working memory tasks), and sleep-state misperception measures, collected at baseline and at 3-months post-randomization. At 6 months post-randomization, we collected similar data from the wait-list group after CBTi. We also assessed ISI one year after CBTi in both groups. Our main analysis investigated changes in sleep and cognition after 3 months (treatment versus wait-list group). In secondary analyses, we pooled data from both groups to observe changes after CBTi.ResultsISI score was reduced and self-reported sleep quality improved after CBTi (treatment group at 3 months and pooled groups after CBTi). Sleep misperception in sleep onset latency and sleep duration decreased after CBTi. In contrast, objective sleep, objective and subjective cognitive functioning did not improve after CBTi.ConclusionsWe showed that CBTi has a beneficial effect on variables pertaining to the subjective perception of sleep, which is a central feature of insomnia. However, we observed no significant effect of CBTi on measures of cognitive functioning.STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCENighttime sleep difficulties and daytime cognitive impairment are the two main complaints of individuals suffering from insomnia. We investigated the effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBTi) on these two aspects of chronic insomnia, using both self-reported and objective measures, as well as sleep-state misperception (i.e., the discrepancy between self-reported and objective sleep). We showed significant changes after CBTi in insomnia severity, subjective sleep quality and perception of sleep, while no consistent benefit emerged for objective measures of sleep and assessments of cognitive functioning. CBTi thus appears to primarily benefit subjective sleep quality as well as the alignment between subjective and objective estimates of sleep.
Association of lipid-regulating drugs with dementia and related conditions: an observational study of data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: McGuinness Luke A , Higgins Julian PT , Walker Venexia M , Davies Neil M , Martin Richard M , Coulthard Elizabeth , Davey-Smith George , Kehoe Patrick G , Ben-Shlomo Yoav 
Published: October 2021

2AbstractBackgroundThere is some evidence that circulating blood lipids play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia. These modifiable risk factors could be targeted by existing lipid-regulating agents, including statins, for dementia prevention. Here, we test the association between lipid-regulating agents and incidence of dementia and related conditions in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), an United Kingdom-based electronic health record database.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed using routinely collected CPRD data (January 1995 and March 2016). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models, allowing for a time-varying treatment indicator, were used to estimate the association between seven lipid-regulating drug classes (vs. no drug) and five dementia outcomes (all-cause, vascular and other dementias, and probable and possible Alzheimer’s disease).ResultsWe analyzed 1,684,564 participants with a total follow-up of 10,835,685 patient-years (median: 5.9 years (IQR:2.7-9.7)). We found little evidence that lipid-regulating agents were associated with incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (probable HR:0.98, 95%CI:0.94-1.01; possible HR:0.97, 95%CI:0.93-1.01), but there was evidence of an increased risk of all-cause (HR:1.17, 95%CI:1.14-1.19), vascular (HR:1.81, 95%CI:1.73-1.89) and other dementias (HR:1.19, 95%CI:1.15-1.24). Evidence from a number of control outcomes indicated the presence of substantial residual confounding by indication (ischaemic heart disease HR: 1.62, 95%CI: 1.59-1.64; backpain HR: 1.04, 95%CI: 1.03-1.05; and Type 2 diabetes HR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.48-1.51).ConclusionLipid-regulating agents were not associated with reduced Alzheimer’s disease risk. There was some evidence of an increased the risk of all-cause, vascular and other dementias, likely due to residual confounding by indication.3Key messagesA large cohort of patients from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) electronic health record database was assembled to examine the association of lipid-regulating agents, such as statins, with dementia outcomes.There was little evidence that lipid-regulating agents were associated with Alzheimer’s disease, but there was some evidence for a harmful association with all-cause, vascular and other dementias. In all cases, the estimated associations were driven by the any statin subgroup, which comprised most participants in our cohort.Evidence from the control outcome analyses indicated strong residual confounding by indication, mostly likely related to vascular factors.
Prediction and predictor elucidation of the onset of metabolic syndrome among young workers using machine learning techniques: A nationwide study in Japan
Authors: Suda Miyuki , Ooka Tadao , Yamagata Zentaro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesPredictive models for the onset of metabolic syndrome (MS) among people in their 30s are scarce. This study aimed to construct a highly accurate model to predict MS onset by age 40 years and to identify the important predictors of MS onset using health checkup data of Japanese company employees aged 30 and 35.MethodsThe study included 6,048 Japanese employees aged 40 years who had undergone periodic health examinations over 10 years. We developed prediction models for MS onset using machine learning methods including the random forest and logistic regression, and evaluated the models using the receiver operating characteristics and precision-recall curves. For the random forest models, the variable importance of each explanatory variable was calculated to identify important predictors of MS onset.ResultsThe random forest had higher predictive power than logistic regression in all models, although the differences were non-significant. Regarding important predictors, diastolic blood pressure was the most important predictor of MS onset for men aged 30 and 35 years, while body mass index was the most important predictor for women aged 30 and 35 years.ConclusionsWe created a machine learning model to predict MS onset at age 40 with high accuracy from health examination data obtained at ages 30 or 35. Sex differences in important predictors of MS onset was shown by the variable importance indices of the random forest. Applying our model in routine healthcare management should provide early and appropriate health interventions to prevent MS onset in young people.
COVID-19 Prevention Facilitators and Barriers among Specific Ethnic Minority Communities in Rural Ohio
Authors: Pordell Paran , Ali Hammad , Martinez Gisela Medina , Taylor Brandi , Kondapally Karthik , Salehi Ellen , de Fijter Sietske , Hayes Nikki , Lloyd Spencer 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors concerning COVID-19 among Guatemalan, Marshallese, and Amish populations in rural Ohio; identify individual, interpersonal, community, and structural level challenges within each community; and provide population-specific recommendations to prevent and mitigate further SARS-CoV-2 transmission among these rural communities.MethodsWe conducted 30 key informant interviews in four rural counties in Ohio, in May 2020. Three teams of two investigators conducted interviews with local health department staff, community members, meat packing plant management, and community leaders from three communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic [Guatemalan (N=12), Marshallese (N=7), Amish (N=11)]. We used the Social Ecological Model to identify and categorize themes.ResultsEmerging and overall themes were identified and defined. Investigators identified COVID-19 knowledge gaps, myths, and misinformation, food insecurity, community cohesion, stigma, community culture and norms, lack of workplace safety policies, and access to testing as key themes to COVID-19 prevention.ConclusionsUnderstanding specific barriers and identifying facilitators that most effectively provide resources, healthcare services, education, and social support tailored to specific communities would help deter SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
EXAMINING THE ROLE OF NON-SURGICAL THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF GERIATRIC INCONTINENCE
Authors: Parker-Autry Candace , Neiberg Rebecca , Leng X. Iris , Matthews Catherine A. , Dumoulin Chantale , Kuchel George , Kritchevsky Stephen B. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine the role of physical function impairments on the change in urinary incontinence symptoms after pelvic floor muscle training in older women.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study of 70 community-dwelling women, older than 70 years, with at least moderate incontinence symptoms. A comprehensive assessment of pelvic floor and physical function was done at baseline. Individualized PFM training prescriptions with behavioral management strategies to reduce incontinence episodes were provided for 12 weeks. Baseline physical function was determined using the Short Physical Performance Battery (total score of ≤9/12 defined impairment). A 3-day bladder diary established daily incontinence episodes. The change in urinary incontinence episodes based on presence of physical function impairment was our primary outcome. Descriptive analyses compared important demographic and clinical characteristics. Longitudinal mixed model linear regression analyses were used to assess for change in incontinence and estimate of improvement based on the presence of physical function impairment adjusted for age, race, and BMI.ResultsParticipants’ mean±SD age was 76.9±5.4 years and 15.7% were African American with no significant differences in age or race between groups. Women with physical function impairment had higher mean ± SD BMI (33.6±14.5 vs 27.4±5.8 kg/m2; p=0.03) and significantly greater baseline incontinence episodes (4.5±2.9 vs. 2.7±2.1 episodes/day; p=0.005) than in women without functional impairment, respectively. After 6 weeks of pelvic floor exercises, women with physical functional impairment had a non-significant decrease in incontinence episodes/day compared to women with normal physical function (mean [95%CI], −1.2 [−2.0,−0.5] vs −0.4 [−1.1, 0.3], p=0.31). Women with physical function impairments also reported lower improvement in their incontinence symptoms compared to women without functional impairment (50.7±5.9% vs 64.2±5.9%, p=0.08).ConclusionsNon-surgical therapy to include pelvic floor muscle training may not significantly decrease urinary incontinence symptoms to a degree that is satisfactory in women older than 70 years seeking treatment for urinary incontinence.
Perceived Stress Among Faculty and First Year Students at a College of Pharmacy
Authors: Verdone Melinda , Murray Milena , Griffin Brooke , Arif Sally , Phillips Jennifer , Komperda Kathy , Winkler Susan , Gilchrist Annette 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeFemale faculty and students could be affected by stressors disproportionately compared to male counterparts, especially those with children or family obligations. A study was undertaken to determine: 1) stress levels of pharmacy faculty and first-year pharmacy students; 2) whether gender affected faculty and/or student stress levels disproportionally; and 3) how child and family care responsibilities influenced stress levels.MethodsAll first-year (P1) students enrolled in a College of Pharmacy were surveyed along with faculty. Stress levels were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10). Additional demographic information, including items related to children and family obligations, was collected.ResultsFaculty reported average perceived stress levels (M=15.50) while first-year students reported high perceived stress levels (M=21.14). Perceived stress levels of female faculty (M=16.43) were higher than those of male faculty (M=12.00). Perceived stress levels of female students (M=22.60) were higher than those of male students (M=16.78). Perceived stress levels of female faculty with younger children (M=18.85) were higher than those of male faculty with younger children (M=9.67). Perceived stress levels of female students with ≥10 hours of family obligations per week (M=22.71) were higher than male pharmacy students with ≥10 hours (M=12.80).ConclusionLower levels of perceived stress for faculty compared to students may be due to the development of coping strategies coinciding with maturity. Results suggest more time spent on family obligations is negatively associated with stress levels for females, but not males. Colleges of pharmacy should invest resources to help reduce stress levels in faculty and student populations, particularly for the female gender.
Non-glycosylated Seipin to Cause a Motor Neuron Disease Induces ER stress and Apoptosis by Inactivating the ER Calcium Pump SERCA2b
Authors: Saito Shunsuke , Ishikawa Tokiro , Ninagawa Satoshi , Okada Tetsuya , Mori Kazutoshi 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTA causal relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the development of neurodegenerative diseases remains controversial. Here, we focused on Seipinopathy, a dominant motor neuron disease, based on the finding that its causal gene product, Seipin, is a hairpin-like transmembrane protein in the ER. Gain-of-function mutations of Seipin produce non-glycosylated Seipin (ngSeipin), which was previously shown to induce ER stress and apoptosis at both cell and mouse levels albeit with no clarified mechanism. We found that aggregation-prone ngSeipin dominantly inactivated SERCA2b, the major calcium pump in the ER, and decreased the calcium concentration in the ER, leading to ER stress and apoptosis. This inactivation required oligomerization of ngSeipin and direct interaction of the ngSeipin C-terminus with SERCA2b, and was observed in Seipin-deficient human colorectal carcinoma-derived cells (HCT116) expressing ngSeipin at a level comparable with that in neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5T). Our results thus provide a new direction to controversy noted above.
Compatibility logic of human enhancer and promoter sequences
Authors: Bergman Drew T. , Jones Thouis R. , Liu Vincent , Siraj Layla , Kang Helen Y. , Nasser Joseph , Kane Michael , Nguyen Tung H. , Grossman Sharon R. , Fulco Charles P. , Lander Eric S. , Engreitz Jesse M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGene regulation in the human genome is controlled by distal enhancers that activate specific nearby promoters. One model for the specificity of enhancer-promoter regulation is that different promoters might have sequence-encoded preferences for distinct classes of enhancers, for example mediated by interacting sets of transcription factors or cofactors. This “biochemical compatibility” model has been supported by observations at individual human promoters and by genome-wide measurements in Drosophila. However, the degree to which human enhancers and promoters are intrinsically compatible or specific has not been systematically measured, and how their activities combine to control RNA expression remains unclear. To address these questions, we designed a high-throughput reporter assay called enhancer x promoter (ExP) STARR-seq and applied it to examine the combinatorial compatibilities of 1,000 enhancer and 1,000 promoter sequences in human K562 cells. We identify a simple logic for enhancer-promoter compatibility – virtually all enhancers activated all promoters by similar amounts, and intrinsic enhancer and promoter activities combine multiplicatively to determine RNA output (R2=0.82). In addition, two classes of enhancers and promoters showed subtle preferential effects. Promoters of housekeeping genes contained built-in activating sequences, corresponding to motifs for factors such as GABPA and YY1, that correlated with both stronger autonomous promoter activity and enhancer activity, and weaker responsiveness to distal enhancers. Promoters of context-specific genes lacked these motifs and showed stronger responsiveness to enhancers. Together, this systematic assessment of enhancer-promoter compatibility suggests a multiplicative model tuned by enhancer and promoter class to control gene transcription in the human genome.
Fast and parallel nanoscale 3D tracking of heterogeneous mammalian chromatin dynamics
Authors: Gustavsson Anna-Karin , Ghosh Rajarshi P. , Petrov Petar N. , Liphardt Jan T. , Moerner W. E. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTChromatin organization and dynamics are critical for gene regulation. In this work we present a methodology for fast and parallel 3D tracking of multiple chromosomal loci of choice over many thousands of frames on various time scales. We achieved this by developing and combining fluorogenic and replenishable nanobody arrays, engineered point spread functions, and light sheet illumination. The result is gentle live-cell 3D tracking with excellent spatiotemporal resolution throughout the mammalian cell nucleus. Correction for both sample drift and nuclear translation facilitated accurate long-term tracking of the chromatin dynamics. We demonstrate tracking of both fast dynamics (50 Hz) and over time scales extending to several hours, and we find both large heterogeneity between cells and apparent anisotropy in the dynamics in the axial direction. We further quantify the effect of inhibiting actin polymerization on the dynamics and find an overall increase in both the apparent diffusion coefficient D* and anomalous diffusion exponent α, and a transition to more isotropic dynamics in 3D after such treatment. We think that our methodology in the future will allow researchers to obtain a better fundamental understanding of chromatin dynamics and how it is altered during disease progression and after perturbations of cellular function.
Finding structure during incremental speech comprehension
Authors: Lyu Bingjiang , Marslen-Wilson William D. , Fang Yuxing , Tyler Lorraine K. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA core aspect of human speech comprehension is the ability to incrementally integrate consecutive words into a structured and coherent interpretation, aligning with the speaker’s intended meaning. This rapid process is subject to multi-dimensional probabilistic constraints, including both linguistic knowledge and non-linguistic information within specific contexts, and it is their interpretative coherence that drives successful comprehension. To study the neural substrates of this process, we extract word-by-word measures of sentential structure from BERT, a deep language model, which effectively approximates the coherent outcomes of the dynamic interplay among various types of constraints. Using representational similarity analysis, we tested BERT parse depths and relevant corpus-based measures against the spatiotemporally resolved brain activity recorded by electro/magnetoencephalography when participants were listening to the same sentences. Our results provide a detailed picture of the neurobiological processes involved in the incremental construction of structured interpretations. These findings show when and where coherent interpretations emerge through the evaluation and integration of multifaceted constraints in the brain, which engages bilateral brain regions extending beyond the classical fronto-temporal language system. Furthermore, this study provides empirical evidence supporting the use artificial neural networks as computational models for revealing the neural dynamics underpinning complex cognitive processes in the brain.