bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do neighbourhood challenges affect the mental health of residents? Insights from the 2018 and 2021 Canadian Housing Surveys
Authors: Saaka Sulemana Ansumah , Mohammed Kamaldeen , Antabe Roger 
Published: December 2024

AbstractNeighbourhood physical and social disorders are shown to have adverse impacts on residents’ mental health. Identifying and addressing neighbourhood challenges is crucial for promoting social cohesion and mental well‐being. Nonetheless, there is a dearth of research on this important topic within Canada, prompting a comprehensive evaluation of the association between neighbourhoods’ challenges and self‐rated mental health. Using the 2018 (N = 61,021) and 2021(N = 40,988) Canadian Housing Surveys and employing logistic regression models for comparative analysis, we found that residents of neighbourhoods with challenges including harassment, drug use, drunkenness, unsafeness at night, noise, smog/air pollution, garbage litter, and vandalism, reported lower odds of positive mental health (PMH) both pre‐pandemic and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Also, females reported lower odds of PMH both pre‐pandemic and during the pandemic. However, residents with post‐secondary educational attainment, those from wealthy households, and those in two‐member households, significantly reported PMH before and during the pandemic. Civic engagement with the local community also correlated more with PMH, but pre‐pandemic only. Provincial variations were further observed. Thus, we concluded that neighbourhood challenges contribute to poor mental health. Socio‐economic and provincial differences underscore the importance of tailored interventions and support systems for mental health across regions. However, it is important to highlight that the self‐reported nature of our data may result in biased perceptions. That is, participants’ existing poorer mental health status may influence their opinions about the neighbourhoods. Also, the tendency of social desirability to influence responses may suggest a bidirectional neighbourhood‐mental health relationship.
Design, Synthesis and Pro‐Inflammatory Activity of Palmitoylated Derivatives of Thioglycolic Acid as New Immunomodulators
Authors: Mohamed Samia M. , Abou‐Ghadir Ola M. F. , El‐Mokhtar Mohamed A. , Aboraia Ahmed S. , Abdel‐Moty Samia G. , Abdel‐Aal Abu‐Baker M. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe immune system is essential for the defense against infections and is critically implicated in various disorders, including immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, inflammation and cancer. The current study includes a new design of palmitoylated derivatives of thioglycolic acids (PTGAs) capable of triggering innate immune responses. The new series were accessible through a three‐step synthetic route, including N‐palmitoylation, Claisen–Schmidt condensation and thia‐Michael addition. Their structures were elucidated using different 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques and their purity was confirmed by elemental analysis. The most active PTGAs induced a 12–26‐fold increase in the expression of TNF‐α and IL‐1β mRNA and triggered a marked release of NO in isolated macrophages. These levels were comparable to the responses elicited by heat‐killed E. coli and S. aureus. The position of the palmitamide chain and aryl substitution had a significant effect on the TNF‐α and IL‐1β mRNA expression and NO release. Simulations of molecular dockings showed that the new PTGA derivatives occupy the same TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer active binding site of the microbial diacylated lipoproteins. The new immunomodulators may have a profound impact on various clinical disorders associated with dysfunctional innate immunity.
Ataxia With Vitamin E Deficiency: Case Series, Vitamin E Therapy Response, Founder Effect, and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Biglari Sajjad , Nikuei Pooneh , Mir Atefeh , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Youssefian Leila , Moghaddam Atefeh Sohanforooshan , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Saeidian Amir Hossein , Khorram Erfan , Fard Mohammad Ali Farazi , Farbood Zahra , Shahrooei Mohammad , Khorshid Hamid Reza Khorram , Esmaeilzadeh Emran 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAtaxia with Vitamin E Deficiency (AVED) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, that caused by pathogenic variants in the TTPA gene, which encodes the alpha‐tocopherol transfer protein. This study investigates eight patients from three consanguineous Iranian families, using exome sequencing (ES) and Sanger sequencing to identify novel pathogenic variants in the TTPA gene. Two variants were identified: c.219T>A (p.Tyr73*) and c.205‐1G>C. the first one (c.219T>A) related to potentially founder effects within regions of homozygosity. Clinical outcomes varied among patients based on vitamin E therapy initiation, with early treatment preventing severe neurological impairment. These findings improve knowledge of TTPA variants, supporting targeted genetic‐based therapy. This study emphasizes the importance of genetic screening in consanguineous communities for the early detection and management of Mendelian diseases, with additional implications for managing rare genetic disorders generally.
Cognitive Remediation in Patients With Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized Trial by Sequential tDCS and Navigated rTMS Targeting the Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Zhou Hetong , Wang Minmin , Xu Ting , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhao Xudong , Tang Lili , Zhao Pengfei , Wang Dandan , Lai Jianbo , Wang Fei , Zhang Shaomin , Hu Shaohua 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundNon‐invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), has emerged as a promising alternative in the precise treatment of clinical symptoms, such as the cognitive impairment of bipolar disorder (BD). Optimizing the neurocognitive effects by combining tDCS and rTMS to strengthen the clinical outcome is a challenging research issue.ObjectiveIn this randomized, controlled trial, we first combined tDCS and neuronavigated rTMS targeting the V1 region to explore the efficacy on neurocognitive function in BD patients with depressive episodes.MethodsEligible individuals (n = 105) were assigned into three groups, Group A (active tDCS‐active rTMS), Group B (sham tDCS‐active rTMS), and Group C (active tDCS‐sham rTMS). All participants received 3‐week treatment in which every participant received 15 sessions of stimulation through the study, 5 sessions every week, with tDCS treatment followed by neuronavigated rTMS every session. We evaluated the cognitive, emotional, and safety outcomes at week‐0 (w0, baseline), week‐3 (w3, immediately post‐treatment), and week‐8 (w8, follow‐up period). The THINC‐integrated tool (THINC‐it), 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale were applied for evaluating the cognitive function and emotional state, respectively. Data were analyzed by repeated measure ANOVA and paired t‐test.ResultsEventually, 32 patients in Group A, 27 in Group B, and 23 in Group C completed the entire treatment. Compared to Groups B and C, Group A showed greater improvement in Symbol Check items (Time and Accuracy) at W3 and Symbol Check Accuracy at W8 (p < 0.01). The W0‐W3 analysis indicated a significant improvement in depressive symptoms in both Group A and Group B (p < 0.01). Additionally, neuroimaging data revealed increased activity in the calcarine sulcus in Group A, suggesting potential neuroplastic changes in the visual cortex following the electromagnetic stimulation.ConclusionsThese findings provide preliminary evidence that the combination of navigated rTMS with tDCS targeting V1 region may serve as a potential treatment strategy for improving cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in BD patients.Trial RegistrationClinical Trial Registry number: NCT05596461
Causal Relationships Between Epilepsy, Anti‐Epileptic Drugs, and Serum Vitamin D and Vitamin D Binding Protein: A Bidirectional and Drug Target Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cheng Zizhang , Zuo Jinyi , Peng Xintao , Zhang Haoran , Su Wenlong , Luan Guoming , Guan Yuguang 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimsPrevious studies suggest potential associations between epilepsy, anti‐epileptic drugs (AEDs), and levels of vitamin D and vitamin D‐binding protein (VDBP). This study aims to investigate the causal relationships among these variables using Mendelian Randomization (MR) methods.MethodsUsing summary data from genome‐wide association studies on serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels (N = 417,580), VDBP concentrations (N = 65,589), and various types of epilepsy (Ncases = 27,559), MR analyses were conducted to determine bidirectional causal relationships among these variables. Additionally, eQTL data from eQTLGen (N = 31,684) were employed to model the effects of AEDs and evaluate their causal impact on both biomarkers.ResultsNo causal relationships were found between serum 25(OH)D or VDBP levels and epilepsy. Although genetically predicted focal epilepsy risk was potentially associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (OR 1.031, 95% CI: 1.006–1.058, p = 0.017), and a higher genetic risk of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy was linked to lower VDBP levels (OR 0.977, 95% CI: 0.961–0.993, p = 0.004), both associations lost significance after multiple correction. Furthermore, significant associations were observed between serum 25(OH)D levels and AED target genes SCN4A, GABBR1, CA13, ALDH5A1, and CA8. No significant associations were found between AED target genes and VDBP levels after correction.ConclusionNo causal relationships were found between genetically determined serum 25(OH)D levels, VDBP, and epilepsy or its subtypes. Furthermore, the use of AEDs, such as Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Progabide, and Valproic Acid, reduces serum 25(OH)D levels, while not affect VDBP levels.
Accelerated Infant Brain Rhythm Maturation in Autism
Authors: Dickinson Abigail , McDonald Nicole , Dapretto Mirella , Campos Emilie , Senturk Damla , Jeste Shafali 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTElectroencephalography (EEG) captures characteristic oscillatory shifts in infant brain rhythms over the first year of life, offering unique insights into early functional brain development and potential markers for detecting neural differences associated with autism. This study used functional principal component analysis (FPCA) to derive dynamic markers of spectral maturation from task‐free EEG recordings collected at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months from 87 infants, 51 of whom were at higher likelihood of developing autism due to an older sibling diagnosed with the condition. FPCA revealed three principal components explaining over 96% of the variance in infant power spectra, with power increases between 6 and 9 Hz (FPC1) representing the most significant age‐related trend, accounting for more than 71% of the variance. Notably, this oscillatory change occurred at a faster rate in infants later diagnosed with autism, indicated by a steeper trajectory of FPC1 scores between 3 and 12 months (p < 0.001). Age‐related spectral changes were consistent regardless of familial likelihood status, suggesting that differences in oscillatory timing are associated with autism outcomes rather than genetic predisposition. These findings indicate that while the typical sequence of oscillatory maturation is preserved in autism, the timing of these changes is altered, underscoring the critical role of timing in autism pathophysiology and the development of potential screening tools.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of controlled‐release phentermine/topiramate in adults with obesity in Korea: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 4 trial (QUEEN's study)
Authors: Hong Sangmo , Kim Won Jun , Kang Eun Seok , Jeong In‐Kyung , Kim Chong Hwa , Lee Ki Young , Kim Sungrae , Oh Seung Joon , Lee Chang Beom 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAimsThis study evaluated the efficacy and safety of a combination of phentermine and delayed‐release topiramate (PHEN/TPM CR) versus placebo as an adjunct to standard lifestyle recommendations in Korean adults.Materials and MethodsThis 56‐week, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 4 trial enrolled adults (age 19–70 years) with obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) at eight sites in South Korea. After a 12‐week lifestyle programme, participants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive PHEN/TPM CR or placebo. PHEN/TPM CR was commenced at 3.75 mg/23 mg daily for 14 days and increased to 7.5 mg/46 mg daily, and to 15 mg/92 mg if 3% weight loss was not achieved after 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were percentage change in body weight from baseline to Week 56.ResultsA total of 232 participants underwent randomization. At 56 weeks, the percentage change in body weight was −8.3% with PHEN/TPM CR and −2.3% with placebo (treatment difference −6.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −7.7 to −4.5, p < 0.001). Participants receiving PHEN/TPM CR were more likely to achieve ≥5% weight loss compared with those receiving placebo (68.5% vs. 25.0%, odds ratio [OR], 6.4; 95% CI, 3.5 to 11.6; p < 0.001). Dizziness, paraesthesia and dry mouth were more common in the PHEN/TPM CR group, although most adverse events were mild or moderate.ConclusionsAdministration of PHEN/TPM CR plus lifestyle intervention in Korean adults with obesity resulted in a greater reduction in body weight and adiposity than lifestyle intervention alone.
Active employees in the future workplace: From job crafting to selfergetic job crafting
Authors: Paraskevopoulou Louiza , Tzoumaka Eugenia , Apospori Eleni , Siachou Evangelia 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe job crafting theory implies, but does not explicitly present the relationship between the self and the job. To fill the gap, we theorize upon the holistic view of the self, and selfergy, a new concept reflecting the unique manner by which employees craft their jobs. Based on the principles of the self‐determination theory, we have advanced the job crafting theory by incorporating the concept of ‘selfergy’ to capture the integration of the self in the job crafting process. We conducted an inductive qualitative study, based on the Gioia methodology, consisted of 29 semi‐structured interviews, within the field of education. The findings highlight that selfergy is a bi‐dimensional concept manifested through personalized crafting and self‐revelation. It is immersed in all job crafting forms (cognitive, task, relationship) and further expressed as selfergetic job crafting. By adopting a sensemaking approach, we present a process model that shows the transition from cognitive to behavioral crafting and the way selfergy is integrated within those. The study introduces the role of emerging themes in the job crafting theory, such as the role of practical wisdom and other/me orientations in the judgment phase as well as the outcome of the personal mark. The findings shed light on the importance of selfergy at work and provide insights to facilitate employees' transition to the selfergetic job crafting process. The outcomes are applicable to the education sector, as well as others with deeper ethical, emotional, and societal implications enabling employees to align with the requirements of the future workplace.
Diagnostic interobserver variability of atypia assessment in columnar cell lesions among a group of expert breast pathologists in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, on behalf of the UK national coordinating committee for breast pathology
Authors: El Sheikh Soha , Mansour Mohamed A , Provenzano Elena , Shaaban Abeer , Lee Andrew , Mir Yasmeen , McMillan‐Slater Rebecca , Carder Pauline , Di Palma Silvana , Boyd Clinton , Makhija Purnima , Warren Madhuri , Pritchard Susan , Deb Rahul , Ellis Ian , Rakha Emad , Quinn Cecily , Pinder Sarah 
Published: December 2024

AimsAtypical ductal hyperplasia and flat epithelial atypia (FEA) have defined diagnostic criteria, yet there is variation in the interpretation of these criteria, particularly when the atypia is present in a background of columnar cell lesions (CCLs). This study focuses upon cases which are especially challenging or difficult to classify reproducibly according to existing criteria.Methods and resultsThirteen breast pathology experts were asked to classify 10 challenging cases with CLLs as atypical or non‐atypical. Interobserver agreement was calculated. After two consensus meetings, which explored the morphological features underlying the decision, the cases were reassessed. Finally, a photomontage was compiled as a visual aid for practising pathologists representing a range of straightforward cases and others where subjective interpretation causes disagreement within current diagnostic criteria. Overall interobserver agreement and pairwise pathologist agreement coefficients were both in the fair range (κ = 0.22 and κ = 0.3–0.4, respectively). This improved to moderate or substantial agreement (κ = 0.6–0.8) after two consensus meetings. The most controversial cases were atypical cases that lacked the regular rounded nuclei of FEA, and non‐atypical cases that had florid architectural changes bordering on architectural atypia.ConclusionAmong expert breast pathologists, interobserver agreement in the diagnosis of atypia in CCLs was higher in cases with classical features of FEA. Consensus was difficult to achieve if nuclear or architectural atypia fell outside the classical definition of FEA, suggesting that this category does not encompass the range of low‐grade cytological atypia in CLLs. This study provides rationale for expanding the definition of atypia in CCLs other than FEA.
Adolescent experiences of weight‐related communication: Sociodemographic differences and the role of parents
Authors: Lessard Leah M. , Wu Rui , Puhl Rebecca M. , Foster Gary D. , Cardel Michelle I. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryBackgroundWeight‐related conversations are common between adolescents and parents. However, there is limited understanding of how these conversations vary across sociodemographic groups, such as sex, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, or parents' level of education. This study assessed the prevalence of weight‐related communication among adolescents and parents across sociodemographic characteristics, and identified adolescents' preferred sources for these discussions.MethodsQuantitative data were collected through online surveys from two independent U.S. samples: adolescents aged 10–17 years of age (N = 2032), and parents of children aged 10–17 years of age (N = 1936). Frequency and sources of weight‐related communication were assessed. Sociodemographic factors were analysed for their associations with these communication patterns.ResultsWhile few differences emerged based on race/ethnicity or grade level, significant variation was observed for sex, sexual orientation, and parental education. Girls, sexual minority youth, high school students, and those with college‐educated parents were more likely to communicate about their own weight, whereas boys were more likely to comment on others' weight. Most adolescents preferred healthcare professionals (71%) and parents (69%) for these conversations, although sexual minority youth preferred mental health professionals considerably more than parents. Among parents, 77% discussed their child's weight, with fathers and Latinx parents engaging more frequently in these conversations, and Black parents engaging least frequently.ConclusionWeight‐related communication is prevalent among adolescents and parents, with variation across sociodemographic characteristics. As healthcare professionals and parents were identified as the preferred sources for weight‐related communication by adolescents across sociodemographic groups, it is important that paediatricians and parents are equipped to engage in these conversations without imparting stigma.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection Among Nursing Home Healthcare Workers: A Longitudinal Study in North‐Eastern Italy
Authors: Rosolen Valentina , Menis Diana , Castriotta Luigi , Barbone Fabio , Larese Filon Francesca 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDuring the pandemic, a surveillance program to monitor COVID‐19 infection among healthcare workers was established in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (FVG), Italy. The aim of our study was to measure the risk of acquiring SARS‐CoV‐2 infection among nursing home employees by job title.MethodsFrom March 1, 2020, to March 31, 2023, a retrospective population‐based longitudinal study was conducted in 8880 nursing home employees. For each employee, all swabs up to the first positive result (n = 211.534) were considered. The study period was divided in six phases based on epidemic waves. Generalized estimated equations method for longitudinal binary data was applied with a time lag of a month, in each phase, obtaining an odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence limit (95% CI) for each job category.ResultsIn Phase 1 (1.3.2020–30.6.2020), compared with administrative assistants, jobs with high patient contact were at increased risk of infection: The OR and 95% CI were 3.52 (1.44–8.56) and 2.96 (1.15–7.66) in healthcare elementary occupation and physicians/nurses, respectively. Corresponding associations in Phase 2 (1.7.2020–31.1.2021) were 1.54 (1.18–2.02) and 1.41 (1.04–1.91). On the contrary, in Phase 6 (20.12.2021–31.3.2023) physicians/nurses were at a decreased risk (0.73 [0.58–0.91]).ConclusionsIn nursing homes, the risk of COVID‐19 infection varied by job title and pandemic phase. Virus higher infectivity, probability of closer contact, and better adherence to infection prevention control may explain part of these differences. Stronger nursing home–specific surveillance in patients and employees should be extended worldwide to control this high global burden of disease communities.
Emerging Therapeutics in the Fight Against EV‐D68: A Review of Current Strategies
Authors: Kalam Nida , Balasubramaniam Vinod R. M. T. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTEnterovirus‐D68 (EV‐D68) was first identified in 1962 in pediatric patients with acute respiratory conditions in California, USA (US). From the 1970s to 2005, EV‐D68 was underestimated due to limited data and serotyping methods. In 2014, the United States experienced outbreaks of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children EV‐D68 positive. WIN‐like compounds (pleconaril, pocapavir, and vapendavir) bind to the virus capsid and have been tested against various enteroviruses (EVs) in clinical trials. However, these compounds encountered issues with resistance and adverse effects, which impeded their approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Presently, the medical field lacks FDA‐approved antiviral treatments or vaccines for EV‐D68. Ongoing research efforts are dedicated to identifying viable therapeutics to address EV‐D68 infections. This review explores the current advancements in antiviral therapies and potential therapeutics to mitigate the significant impact of EV‐D68 infection control.