bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical activity partially mediates the association between health literacy and mild cognitive impairment in older adults: cross-sectional evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Meier Clément , Wieczorek Maud , Aschwanden Damaris , Ihle Andreas , Kliegel Matthias , Maurer Jürgen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Individuals’ health literacy (HL) is positively associated with healthy behaviors and global cognitive functioning. Current evidence also suggests that physical activity may prevent or delay cognitive decline and dementia. This study examines the potential mediating role of physical activity in the association between HL and cognition in a population-based sample of adults aged 58+ in Switzerland. We used data from 1645 respondents to Wave 8 (2019/2020) of the Survey on Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe in Switzerland. HL was assessed using the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was defined as a 1.5 SD below the mean of age- and education-specific global cognition score. The frequency of moderate and vigorous physical activity was self-reported. The associations were assessed using probit regression models, controlling for social, health, and regional characteristics. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediation hypothesis. Higher HL was associated with a higher likelihood of being engaged in moderate (P &lt; .001) and vigorous (P &lt; .01) physical activity and with a lower likelihood of having MCI (P &lt; .05). In addition, both moderate (P &lt; .05) and vigorous (P &lt; .01) physical activity were associated with a lower probability of having MCI. Mediation analysis indicated that the association between HL and MCI was partially mediated by both moderate (12.9%) and vigorous (6.7%) physical activity. Given that physical activity may partially mediate the association between HL and MCI, improving HL in older adults could potentially foster engagement in physical activity, which could, in turn, act as a protective factor against MCI.
Human ovarian tissue xenotransplantation: advancements, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Thuwanut Paweena , Leonel Ellen C R , Rocha Ruiz Thalles Fernando , Sirayapiwat Porntip , Kristensen Stine Gry , Amorim Christiani A 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation has emerged as a promising fertility preservation technique for individuals facing premature ovarian insufficiency due to various medical conditions or treatments. Xenotransplantation, involving the transplantation of ovarian tissue into animal hosts, has played a pivotal role in refining ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation techniques and addressing key challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of ovarian tissue xenotransplantation research, focusing on its applications in investigating ovarian biology, optimizing ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation protocols, and assessing safety concerns. It also explores the utilization of xenografting of human ovarian tissue in mouse models in the last 10 years. Key findings from preclinical studies investigating grafting site optimization, cryopreservation protocol refinement, the development of strategies to mitigate chemotherapy-induced damage, follicle development, tissue revascularization, and the risk of malignant cell reintroduction are summarized. Moreover, the review examines the ethical considerations surrounding the use of animals in ovarian tissue xenotransplantation research and suggests emerging alternative models that aim to minimize animal use while maximizing clinical relevance.
Aspirational “Total Peace”: Feminism in the Face of Resurging Violence in Chocó, Colombia
Authors: Gindele Rebecca , Cabanzo Miyerlandy , Zulver Julia Margaret 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Following a historic election result in Colombia, the left-wing government has proposed a policy of “Total Peace” for the country. President Petro and Vice President Márquez have promised to put human rights—including women’s rights—at the center of plans for peace and development, with a particular emphasis on the rights of communities historically marginalized from political power. However, the country continues to face mounting and escalating violence at the hands of armed groups. This article analyzes the situation faced by women in the department of Chocó, on the Pacific coast of Colombia, in their peacebuilding efforts amid conditions of adverse security. Despite what might be considered a failure of the peace dividends they were promised, women leaders have continued their resistance. They (i) take advantage of small political empowerment opportunities to sow the seeds for transformative growth and (ii) model a forward-looking and aspirational version of what Total Peace could look like rather than solely reacting to new sites of violence. Indeed, drawing on a situated anti-violence, anti-misogyny, and anti-racist vision of peace, women in Chocó use the peace accord as a platform to make advances in their historical agenda of gender, ethnic, racial, and environmental rights, even though the document itself has not delivered as promised.
Surveillance of Clostridioides difficile on hospital admission and outpatient antibiotic use in Germany—a 9 year ecological analysis
Authors: Saydan Selin , Schwab Frank , Holstiege Jakob , Bätzing Jörg , Behnke Michael , Schneider Sandra , Clausmeyer Jörg , Gastmeier Petra , Geffers Christine , Maechler Friederike 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic consumption is considered an important risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). This ecological analysis investigates the influence of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in statutory health insurance (SHI) on the admission prevalence of CDI in German hospitals participating in voluntary CDI surveillance through the hospital infection surveillance system (Krankenhaus-Infektions-Surveillance-System; KISS).

Methods
The annual CDI admission prevalence of a hospital at the federal state level was associated with the outpatient antibiotic consumption of the corresponding federal state. The quantification of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions was determined as the average DDD per 1000 insured persons per day. The risk factors for CDI on hospital admission included the annual consumption of the eight substance groups aminopenicillin combinations/staphylococcal penicillins, basic penicillins, cephalosporins, quinolones, lincosamides/macrolides, nitrofurantoin/fosfomycin/nitroxoline, sulphonamides/trimethoprim and tetracyclines, the type of care provided by the hospital, and the calendar year, and were examined using multivariable regression analyses (generalized estimating equations models).

Results
Between 2011 and 2019, the number of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions decreased from 13.9 to 10.4 DDD per 1000 insured persons per day (−25%), and the CDI admission prevalence decreased from 0.22 to 0.12 per 100 patients (−45%). Basic penicillins and cephalosporins were identified as risk factors for increased CDI admission prevalence, while nitrofurantoin/fosfomycin/nitroxoline and sulphonamides/trimethoprim were associated with decreased CDI admission prevalence.

Conclusions
A decrease in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions with known risk of developing CDI was associated with a decrease in hospital CDI admission prevalence. Our ecological analysis indicates that rational and restrained antibiotic use in the outpatient setting may reduce the incidence of CDI in the population requiring inpatient treatment.
Automated abdominal aortic calcification and major adverse cardiovascular events in people undergoing osteoporosis screening: the Manitoba Bone Mineral Density Registry
Authors: Smith Cassandra , Sim Marc , Ilyas Zaid , Gilani Syed Zulqarnain , Suter David , Reid Siobhan , Monchka Barret A , Jozani Mohammed Jafari , Figtree Gemma , Schousboe John T , Lewis Joshua R , Leslie William D 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) images from bone density machines enable the automated machine learning assessment of abdominal aortic calcification (ML-AAC), a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The objective of this study was to describe the risk of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE, from linked health records) in patients attending routine bone mineral density (BMD) testing and meeting specific criteria based on age, BMD, height loss, or glucocorticoid use have a VFA in the Manitoba BMD Registry. The cohort included 10 250 individuals (mean age 75.5 yr, 94% women without CVD) with VFA (February 2010 to March 2017). ML-AAC24 scores were categorized (low &lt;2; moderate 2–&lt;6; high ≥6). Over follow-up (mean 3.9 yr), 1265 people (12.3%) experienced a MACE. Among those with low, moderate, and high ML-AAC24, MACE rates per 1000 person-years were 18.4 (95% CI 16.4-20.5), 34.1 (95% CI 30.9-37.4), and 55.6 (95% CI 50.8-60.1), respectively. A similar gradient was observed after stratifying by age and sex. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for low vs moderate and high groups were 1.9 (95% CI 1.6-2.2) and 3.0 (95% CI 2.6-3.5), respectively. In those most likely to benefit from pharmaceutical intervention (&lt;80 yr, not on statins), MACE rates among those with low, moderate, and high ML-AAC24 were 13.5 (95% CI 11.5-15.8), 26.0 (95% CI 22.1-30.3) and 44.1 (95% CI 37.0-52.0). Corresponding IRRs for low vs moderate 1.9 (95% CI 1.5-2.4) and high ML-AAC24 was 3.3 (95% CI 2.6-4.1]), respectively. In routine osteoporosis screening, individuals with moderate and high ML-AAC24 had substantially greater MACE rates compared to those with low ML-AAC24. Consequently, AAC detection during osteoporosis screening (especially in women) may guide intensification of preventative cardiovascular strategies.
X-ray timing and spectral characteristics of compact symmetric objects
Authors: Swain Subhashree , Stalin C S , Paliya Vaidehi S , Saikia D J 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Compact Symmetric Objects (CSOs) are a distinct category of jetted active galactic nuclei whose high-energy emission is not well understood. We examined the X-ray characteristics of 17 bona fide CSOs using observations from Chandra, XMM–Newton, and NuSTAR. Among the sources with XMM–Newton observations, we found two sources, J0713+4349 and J1326+3154 to show clear evidence of variations in the soft (0.3–2 keV), the hard (2–10 keV), and the total energy (0.3–10 keV) bands with the normalized excess variance (F$_{\mathrm{ var}}$) as large as 1.17$\pm$0.27. Also, the F$_{\mathrm{ var}}$ is found to be larger in the hard band relative to the soft band for J1326+3154. From the analysis of the hardness ratio (HR) with count rate, we found both sources to show a harder when brighter (HWB) trend. Similarly, in the Chandra observations, we found one source, J0131+5545, to show flux variations in the total energy band (0.5–7 keV). We discuss possible reasons for about 82 per cent of the CSOs being non-variable. From spectral analysis, carried out in a homogeneous manner, we found the existence of obscured as well as unobscured CSOs. Three CSOs, J0111+3906, J1407+2827, and J2022+6136, were found to have the intrinsic neutral hydrogen column density N$_{\rm H,z} \gt 10^{23}$ cm$^{-2}$, consistent with earlier analyses. For the majority of the CSOs, the observed hard X-ray emission is expected to be dominated by their mildly relativistic jet emission. For the sources, J0713+4349, J1347+1217, J1407+2827, J1511+0518, and J2022+6136, the confirmed detection of Fe K $\alpha$ emission line suggests a significant contribution from the disc/corona. Our results point to diverse X-ray characteristics of CSOs.
Considerations with stacking absorption spectra: cold H i gas in cirrus region of the Milky Way
Authors: Lynn Callum , Marchal Antoine , McClure-Griffiths N M , Miville-Deschênes Marc-Antoine , Murray Claire E , Nguyen Hiep , Dempsey James , Teodoro Enrico Di , van Loon Jacco Th , Dickey John M , Lee Min-Young , Joncas Gilles , Ma Yik Ki , Pingel Nickolas M , Stanimirović Snežana , Kemp Ian , Gibson Steven , Dénes Helga 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
We use the Milky Way neutral hydrogen (H i) absorption and emission spectra from the Galactic Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (GASKAP) Phase II Pilot survey along with toy models to investigate the effects of stacking multicomponent spectra on measurements of peak optical depth and spin temperature. Shifting spectra by the peak in emission, ‘primary’ components shifted to 0 km s$^{-1}$ are correctly averaged. Additional components on individual sightlines are averaged with non-centred velocities, producing a broader and shallower ‘secondary’ component in the resulting stack. Peak optical depths and brightness temperatures of the secondary components from stacks are lower limits of their true average values due to the velocity offset of each component. The spin temperature however is well correlated with the truth since the velocity offset of components affects the emission and absorption spectra equally. Stacking 462 GASKAP absorption-emission spectral pairs, we detect a component with a spin temperature of $1320 \pm 263$ K, consistent with gas from the unstable neutral medium and higher than any previous GASKAP detection in this region. We also stack 2240 pilot survey spectra containing no Milky Way absorption, revealing a primary narrow and secondary broad component, with spin temperatures belonging to the cold neutral medium (CNM). Spatially binning and stacking the non-detections across the plane-of-sky by their distance from CNM absorption detections, the primary component’s optical depth decreases with distance from known locations of cold gas. The spin temperature however remains stable in both components, over an approximate physical plane-of-sky distance of $\sim 100$ pc.
Optical spectral transmission to monitor disease activity in arthritis patients: longitudinal follow-up comparison with clinical parameters
Authors: Triantafyllias Konstantinos , Alhaddad Mohammed , Baraliakos Xenofon , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Schwarting Andreas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
To examine the longitudinal associations of optical spectral transmission (OST) with clinical inflammatory arthritis activity markers in order to investigate its potential in monitoring disease activity.

Methods
OST measurements were performed in 1312 wrist and finger joints of 60 patients with clinical suspicion of inflammatory activity, within the context of known rheumatic inflammatory diseases at two separate time intervals. In each time point, patients underwent additional clinical and laboratory examinations. The change of OST values was statistically compared with changes in clinical activity parameters like DAS28 and swollen joint counts (SJC). Additionally, the diagnostic performance of OST was assessed in comparison to a historic control group (2508 joints of 114 healthy subjects) using receiver operating characteristics (ROC). The relationships between OST values, clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as patient characteristics, were evaluated through correlation analyses.

Results
Mean OST scores were significantly higher in the inflammatory arthritis group compared with the control group (P &lt; 0.001). OST correlated significantly with clinical activity markers like DAS28, SJC and TJC in both time points (all; P &lt; 0.05). Longitudinal changes of OST values (ΔOST) were significantly associated with changes in DAS28 (ΔDAS28) (r = 0.377; P = 0.004) and ΔSJC (r = 0.488; P &lt; 0.001) over the same time period. The area under the curve of the baseline receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.781 (95%CI 0.82–0.94).

Conclusion
OST was able to reliably assess disease activity and correlated longitudinally with arthritis activity markers, showing promising potential during monitoring of inflammatory arthritis.
Chikungunya infection in children: clinical profile and outcome
Authors: Naik Korra Dhanunjaya , Delhi Kumar C G , Abimannane Anitha , Dhodapkar Rahul , Biswal Niranjan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The clinical profile and outcomes of children with chikungunya infection differ from those observed in adults. As there is a paucity of data on chikungunya infection in children, this study aimed to find the clinical course, complications, and mortality rates of chikungunya infection in children. This was a combined retrospective and prospective observational study. Children aged 1 month to 15 years who tested positive for chikungunya infection by IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in serum or body fluids were included. The demographic details, clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, treatment given, and outcomes were recorded in a structured proforma. Fifty-eight cases (41 retrospective and 17 prospective) were recruited, out of which 30 (52%) were males. The median age was 8 (3–11) years. The most common clinical feature at admission was fever observed in 55 patients (94.8%), followed by vomiting [25 (43.1%)] and myalgia [23 (39.7%)]. Commonly observed clinical signs were skin rash [32 (55.2%)], hepatomegaly [25 (43.1%)], and anemia [22 (37.9%)]. Frequently observed acute complications were lymphopenia [46 (79.3%)], hyponatremia [32 (55.2%)], capillary leak [27 (46.6%)], and thrombocytopenia [26 (44.8%)]. Of 58 cases, 8 (13.8%) children had co-infection with other microbes. Overall, 55 (94.8%) children had complete recovery, 2 (3.4%) children died of complications (one with acute encephalitis and one child with acute respiratory distress syndrome), and 5 children had prolonged arthralgia. Children with chikungunya had more skin manifestations and neurological manifestations than arthralgia. Also, a significant proportion of children developed serious complications like a capillary leak.
Envenomation by ‘dead’ snakes: a review
Authors: Naik B Sadananda 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Venomous snakes are a potential hazard even after their death. Dead snakes or their severed heads can inflict bites under various bizarre circumstances and may result in envenomation. In this review, an effort has been made to discuss the circumstances under which envenomation from dead snakes can occur, the incidence and pathomechanics of such envenomation, clinical manifestations and management and preventive measures, as well as a review of the literature on this unique mode of snake envenomation.
Evaluation of a nanostructured CpG-ODN/ascorbyl palmitate as a safe and effective adjuvant for anticrotalic PLA2 serum
Authors: Fusco Luciano S , Lopez Gisela L , Maslovski Franco , Brignone Sofía , Chaves María G , Calvete Juan J , Franco Yanet G , Hernandez David , Van de Velde Andrea , Marin Constanza , Palma Santiago , Maletto Belkys , Moron Gabriel , Leiva Laura C 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The WHO states that antivenom is the only safe and effective treatment to neutralize snake venom. Snakebite antivenom typically involves horse hyperimmunization with crude venom and Freund's adjuvant.

Methods
In the current work, we analyzed the ascorbyl palmitate liquid crystal structure with snake protein or PLA2, the carrier charge capacity, and we evaluated the immune response induced by the enzyme P9a(Cdt-PLA2) formulated in a nanostructure using CpG-ODN, determining the titer of IgG antibodies. BALB/c mice were subcutaneously immunized on days 0, 15 and 30 with P9a(Cdt-PLA2)/CpG-ODN/Coa-ASC16 or P9a(Cdt-PLA2)/Freund's adjuvant (complete first and incomplete-booster). On day 48 the mice were sacrificed. The neutralization ability of antibodies from animals immunized with P9a(Cdt-PLA2)/CpG-ODN/Coa-ASC16 or P9a(Cdt-PLA2)/Freund's adjuvant was tested against PLA2 activity and venom lethality.

Results
In both groups of immunized mice, the antibody titers in blood samples at the assayed time were high (approximately 1×105). The antibodies were able to neutralize P9a(Cdt-PLA2) activity in vitro and lethality in vivo. Microscopic analysis showed that P9a(Cdt-PLA2)/CpG-ODN/Coa-ASC16 produces minimal damage at injection sites compared with Freund's adjuvant.

Conclusion
The Coa-ASC16/CpG-ODN formulation shows promise as a safe and effective adjuvant against crotalic PLA2, inducing a strong humoral response and reducing local tissue damage compared with Freund's adjuvant.
Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells on cholesterol homeostasis‐associated genes in AD‐like rats
Authors: Karimi Darabi Mehrnaz , Rafeeinia Arash , Pezeshki Seyedeh Pardis , Nazeri Zahra , Kheirollah Alireza , Cheraghzadeh Maryam 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCholesterol is vital for nerve processes. Changes in cholesterol homeostasis lead to neurodegeneration and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, extensive research has confirmed the influential role of adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in managing AD. The present study aims is to investigate a new approach concerning AD by MSCs with particular reference to the cholesterol homeostasis pathway and its regulatory miRNAs in an AD‐like rat model. Three groups of 24 male Wistar rats have been divided: healthy rats (control), Alzheimer's rats (AD), and Alzheimer's rats that received MSCs (AD + MSC). Cholesterol level was measured using the GC‐mass technique. The mRNA and expression levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), apolipoprotein E (APOE), ATP‐binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and CYP46A1 genes, as well as their regulating miRNAs, were assessed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blotting techniques, respectively. Intraventricular transplantation of MSCs improved behavioral disorders and decreased the count of Aβ plaques in brain tissue. Transplantation of these cells also led to a significant decrease in cholesterol levels and HMGCR, ApoE, and ABCA1 and a remarkable increase in CYP46A1 mRNAs and protein expression. These cells considerably changed the expression of microRNAs regulating these genes. These results indicated that the examined miRNAs could be used as promising biomarkers for AD management. Additionally, the potential therapeutic role of MSCs in improving cholesterol levels the expression levels of the targeted miRNAs and their related genes in the cholesterol homeostasis pathway was established.