bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the management of chronic ankle instability: a study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chia Cheryl Shu Ming , Fu Sai-Chuen , He Xin , Cheng Yang Yang , Franco-Obregón Alfredo , Hua Yinghui , Yung Patrick Shu-Hang , Ling Samuel Ka-Kin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic ankle instability is associated with long-term neuromuscular deficits involving poor postural control and peroneal muscular impairment. Symptoms of chronic ankle instability hinder engagement in physical activity and undermine the patient’s quality of life. Despite the existence of various treatment modalities, none has conclusively provided evidence of clinical effectiveness in counteracting neuromuscular deficits, such as arthrogenic muscle inhibition of the peroneal longus (PL). Pulse electromagnetic field therapy employed as an adjunct biophysical therapy can potentially improve stability by mitigating peroneal muscle weakness and by activating the peroneal muscle. We postulate that by combining standard care (muscle strengthening, balance training, and range of motion exercise) with pulse electromagnetic field therapy, postural control stability and peroneal muscle weakness will significantly improve.

Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 48 adults with chronic ankle instability will be recruited and randomly allocated into either the intervention or control groups. The intervention group (n = 24) will receive active pulse electromagnetic field therapy and standard exercise training, while the control group (n = 24) will receive sham pulse electromagnetic field therapy and standard exercise training for 8 weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, week 4, 8 as well as at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up visits.

Discussion
Chronic ankle instability is a common debilitating condition without a curative conservative treatment. Investigating different treatment modalities will be essential for improving rehabilitation outcomes in this clinical population. This study will investigate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on the functional and clinical outcomes in the chronic ankle instability population. This trial may demonstrate this non-invasive biophysical therapy to be an effective measure to help patients with CAI.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05500885. Registered on August 13, 2022.
Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth infections among schoolchildren living along the shore of Lake Hawassa, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Belay , Vaz Nery Susana , Lambiyo Tariku , Shimelis Techalew 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are major public health problems in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to water. In Ethiopia, there is limited data available for monitoring the efficacy of interventions aimed at reducing helminth infections. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence of S. mansoni and STH infections, as well as factors associated with this prevalence, among schoolchildren and compared the findings with those of earlier studies. We also evaluated the diagnostic agreement between two parasitological methods.

Methods
A cross-sectional study involving 363 schoolchildren from three rural primary schools located along the shore of Lake Hawassa, Sidama Regional State, southern Ethiopia, was conducted in October and November 2023. The schoolchildren were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Socio-demographic data were collected using pre-structured questionnaires. A single stool sample was collected from each study participant and processed using direct wet mount (DM) microscopy and the formol-ether concentration technique (FECT) to detect helminth ova.

Results
The overall prevalence of helminths was 59.8%, with 36.6% of participating children having a single infection and 23.1% having multiple infections. Schistosoma mansoni and STHs were present in 33.9% and 38.8% of children, respectively. The STHs included Ascaris lumbricoides (28.9% of children), Trichuris trichiura (10.7%), hookworms (5.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (2.8%). Diagnostic agreement between the DM microscopy method and FECT was substantial [kappa (κ) = 0.710] for the detection of Hymenolepis nana and almost perfect (κ = 0.827) for the dection of A. lumbricoides, but only fair for the detection of other detected helminths. Children at Finchawa primary school had a lower prevalence of S. mansoni infection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.13–0.76] than those at St Paul’s Tullo Catholic primary school. STH infections were more common among children who sometimes (vs. always) washed their hands before meals (AOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.01–3.54) and those who regularly played with soil (AOR 2.56; 95% CI 1.47–4.46).

Conclusions
This study showed a reduction in STH infections from a high prevalence in 2015 to a moderate prevalence at the present time, despite a similar moderate prevalence of S. mansoni infection. Thus, it is crucial to intensify deworming interventions to reduce the burden of helminths in the study area. Additionally, there is a need to enhance the capacity of clinical laboratories to perform FECT in Ethiopian clinical settings where DM is often employed to diagnose helminths.

Graphical Abstract
Correlation between lipid accumulation product and epigenetic age acceleration in American adults: a cross-sectional analysis using NHANES data
Authors: Li Qiqiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The risks of obesity and epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) have drawn widespread attention. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is a simple and reliable indicator of obesity; however, the relationship between LAP and EAA remains unclear.

Methods
Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2002 were used. The EAA was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire in the database. LAP was calculated based on triglycerides and waist circumference. The association between LAP and EAA was analyzed using logistic regression models, subgroup analysis, and smooth curve fitting.

Results
A total of 1796 participants were included in the study, of whom 1055 had EAA. After adjusting for relevant covariates, participants with EAA generally had higher LAP levels than those without EAA (258.1 vs. 244.6). Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals in the highest LAP quartile (Q4) were more likely to have EAA than those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.31–2.39; P < 0.001). The area under the curve of the adjusted logistic regression analysis was 0.706.

Conclusion
This research indicates that elevated LAP levels are independently linked to an increased risk of EAA, and early intervention to reduce high LAP levels is necessary to mitigate the progression of EAA.
Controversies and insights into PTBP1-related astrocyte-neuron transdifferentiation: neuronal regeneration strategies for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: McDowall Simon , Bagda Vaishali , Hodgetts Stuart , Mastaglia Frank , Li Dunhui 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPromising therapeutic strategies are being explored to replace or regenerate the neuronal populations that are lost in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Several research groups have attempted direct reprogramming of astrocytes into neurons by manipulating the expression of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) and claimed putative converted neurons to be functional, which led to improved disease outcomes in animal models of several neurodegenerative disorders. However, a few other studies reported data that contradict these claims, raising doubt about whether PTBP1 suppression truly reprograms astrocytes into neurons and the therapeutic potential of this approach. This review discusses recent advances in regenerative therapeutics including stem cell transplantations for central nervous system disorders, with a particular focus on Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. We also provide a perspective on this controversy by considering that astrocyte heterogeneity may be the key to understanding the discrepancy in published studies, and that certain subpopulations of these glial cells may be more readily converted into neurons.
Enhanced prefrontal nicotinic signaling as evidence of active compensation in Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Power Saige K. , Venkatesan Sridevi , Qu Sarah , McLaurin JoAnne , Lambe Evelyn K. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Cognitive reserve allows for resilience to neuropathology, potentially through active compensation. Here, we examine ex vivo electrophysiological evidence for active compensation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) focusing on the cholinergic innervation of layer 6 in prefrontal cortex. Cholinergic pathways are vulnerable to neuropathology in AD and its preclinical models, and their modulation of deep layer prefrontal cortex is essential for attention and executive function.

Methods
We functionally interrogated cholinergic modulation of prefrontal layer 6 pyramidal neurons in two preclinical models: a compound transgenic AD mouse model that permits optogenetically-triggered release of endogenous acetylcholine and a transgenic AD rat model that closely recapitulates the human trajectory of AD. We then tested the impact of therapeutic interventions to further amplify the compensated responses and preserve the typical kinetic profile of cholinergic signaling.

Results
In two AD models, we found potentially compensatory upregulation of functional cholinergic responses above non-transgenic controls after onset of pathology. To identify the locus of this enhanced cholinergic signal, we dissected key pre- and post-synaptic components with pharmacological strategies. We identified a significant and selective increase in post-synaptic nicotinic receptor signalling on prefrontal cortical neurons. To probe the additional impact of therapeutic intervention on the adapted circuit, we tested cholinergic and nicotinic-selective pro-cognitive treatments. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase further enhanced endogenous cholinergic responses but greatly distorted their kinetics. Positive allosteric modulation of nicotinic receptors, by contrast, enhanced endogenous cholinergic responses and retained their rapid kinetics.

Conclusions
We demonstrate that functional nicotinic upregulation occurs within the prefrontal cortex in two AD models. Promisingly, this nicotinic signal can be further enhanced while preserving its rapid kinetic signature. Taken together, our work suggests that compensatory mechanisms are active within the prefrontal cortex that can be harnessed by nicotinic receptor positive allosteric modulation, highlighting a new direction for cognitive treatment in AD neuropathology.
Enhancing hospital protection measures reduces frontline medical workers’ stress during the pandemic
Authors: Xiaoxia Zhou , Yan Feng , Junwei Wang , Bingyao Zhang , Fei Xu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFrontline medical workers (FMWs) faced high stress levels in frontline clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress by enhancing protection measures, which includes refining the selection process, improving protective measures for their work in frontline clinics, and determining the appropriate time for evacuation. A Chinese-language-version stress questionnaire, covering stress-related issues and sociodemographic characteristics, was administered to FMWs in Shanghai during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, yielding 107 valid responses. The questionnaire’s reliability and validity were subsequently confirmed. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to the stress-related questions, with the KMO and Bartlett’s test values of 0.886, 877.8522 (df = 120, p < 0.0001), respectively. Structure equation modeling (SEM) was used to confirm the factors and measure the relationships among the stress-related questions, factors and sociodemographic characteristics. The parameters of SEM named SOFAIDC were significant with SRMSR, RMSEA, AGFI, NFI, and PNFI being 0.0422, 0.0507, 0.9946, 0.9958, and 0.7615, respectively. Paired sample t-tests revealed the significant decrease in FMWs’ stress score of the current week and the previous week, with all t-values being negative and significant (p < 0.01). A latent growth model (LGM) named LGM30 verified the overall decreasing stress trend over the weeks, with high R-squares (> 0.80), significant positive linear and negative quadratic time parameters. Based on the trajectory analysis, a stress scorecard with an AUC of 0.856 was developed. This study found that there are four factors for FMWs’ psychological stress (anxiety about infection, exhaustion, lack of cognition for infection, and hesitant feeling), and improving targeted hospital protection could alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress through SOFAIDC, as all the total effect of factors or items from the feeling of being protected by hospital were negative. Meanwhile, although overall FMWs’ stress trend has decreased, 22.43% of FMWs have maintained or experienced a high stress trend, and the stress might increase over weeks in frontline clinics. To perfect hospital protection to alleviate FMWs’ psychological stress, the scorecard could be used to select FMWs with low-stress trends, LGM30 could be used to determine the withdrawal time (such as week 8), and targeted hospital protections could be designed based on the relationships between feeling of being protected by the hospital and factors in SOFAIDC, such as providing adequate protective equipment, improving the rationality of FMWs’ work schedules, recruiting personnel with higher education levels, and paying adequate monetary compensation.
Enhanced correlations due to ballistic transport
Authors: De Angelis D. , De Nardis J. , Scopa S. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We investigate the nature of density-density correlations in a 1D gas of hard-core particles initially prepared at equilibrium (either at zero or finite temperature) on a semi-infinite line and subsequently let to expand into the other (initially empty) half of the system. Using a combination of analytical techniques based on exact methods and asymptotic hydrodynamic approaches, we discuss the behavior of the gas as its initial temperature varies, and back up our derivations with numerical exact diagonalization of the model. Our findings reveal that, irrespective of the initial temperature, the non-equilibrium behavior of density-density correlations at sufficiently large times is characterized by algebraic decay. Furthermore, we provide analytical results based on quantum generalized hydrodynamics that match with the numerical data both at zero and finite temperature.
Revisiting the J-Shape: Human Development and Fertility in the United States
Authors: Schubert Henrik-Alexander , Dudel Christian , Kolobova Marina , Myrskylä Mikko 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Economic and social development are closely linked with fertility. Several studies have shown that the relationship follows an inverse J-shape: the association is negative at low and intermediate levels of development and reverses to become positive at high development levels. However, more recent research building on subnational and U.S. data found only mixed evidence for the inverse J-shape. In this article, we draw on subnational data on development and fertility in the U.S. states between 1969 and 2018 to examine the relationship between development and fertility. Using a longitudinal approach and addressing several criticisms of the fertility reversal hypothesis, our results support the inverse J-shaped pattern under most model specifications. However, this pattern might have vanished since the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms that link development and fertility, showing that gender equality and economic uncertainty mediate the relationship between development and fertility.
Integrated quantum communication network and vibration sensing in optical fibers
Authors: Liu Shuaishuai , Tian Yan , Zhang Yu , Lu Zhenguo , Wang Xuyang , Li Yongmin 
Published: December 2024

Communication and sensing technologies play crucial roles in various aspects of modern society. The seamless combination of communication and sensing systems has attracted significant interest in recent years. Without adding core devices, vibration-sensing functions can be integrated to build a quantum network with high efficiency and versatility. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a network architecture that integrates a downstream quantum access network (DQAN) and vibration sensing in optical fibers. By encoding the key information of eight users simultaneously on the sidemode quantum states of a single laser source and successively separating them using a specially designed narrow-bandwidth filter network, we achieved a secure and efficient DQAN with an average key rate of 1.94×104 bits per second over an 80 km single-mode fiber. Meanwhile, vibration locations with spatial resolutions of 131, 25, and 4 m at vibration frequencies of 100 Hz, 1 kHz, and 10 kHz, respectively, were implemented using the existing DQAN system infrastructure. The results indicate that the backward probe beam has a negligible effect on the DQAN system. Our integrated architecture provides a viable and cost-effective solution for building a quantum communication sensor network and paves the way for the functionality expansion of quantum communication networks.
College students’ sense of belonging and alcohol use amidst COVID-19: Evidence from a 21-day daily diary study
Authors: Gopalan Maithreyi , Jung Jilli , Shou-Chun Chiang , Linden-Carmichael Ashley , Lanza Stephanie 
Published: December 2024

Objective
Alcohol use, combined with the heightened mental health crisis among college students highlighted during the pandemic, remains a significant public health concern. We examine (1) how college students’ daily assessed sense of belonging with their institution, a key protective factor for better collegiate mental health, is associated with same-day alcohol-use behaviors (2) and how the associations are moderated by key sociodemographic characteristics relevant to this population (women, minoritized students, first-generation [FG], and students identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer [LGBTQ]) amidst COVID-19.

Method
We used mixed models using data from a 21-day daily diary study of college students (N = 2,012) in Spring 2021.

Results
Results revealed that on days when students felt more uncertainty about their sense of belonging to their college (i.e., low belonging), they were less likely to drink, and drink less overall. This effect was observed after students were back on campus after pandemic-related college closures ended. Heterogeneity by minoritized student subgroups were also observed.

Conclusions
College students’ sense of belonging continues to be an important psychosocial determinant of health and health behaviors among young adults; at times in unintended ways. This reiterates the importance of examining dynamic relationships between belonging and population health.
Public health significance statements: These results provide important insight into the linkages between a key psychosocial factor—students’ sense of belonging in college—and their alcohol use patterns amidst COVID-19. Institutional programming and prevention efforts to curb alcohol misuse should be implemented with consideration of how those linkages may differ dynamically considering both between- and within-person variance in belonging.
Impact of CD40 (rs1883832) and CD40L (rs1126535) gene variants on laryngeal cancer susceptibility and their association with serum biomarker levels of sCD40 and sCD40L
Authors: Gümüş Alper , Sönmez Dilara , Demirkol Şeyda , Tolgahan Hakan Mehmet , Verim Ayşegül , Süoğlu Yusufhan , Yaylım İlhan , Ergen Arzu 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
The most prevalent head and neck cancer type is laryngeal cancer. Laryngeal cancer susceptibility is increased by a combination of genetic variables and environmental factors. Genetic predispositions that influence the functioning of the immune system can affect tumor development. Our study investigates the impact of alterations in CD40 (rs1883832) and CD40L (rs1126535) genes and the levels of their proteins on the development of laryngeal cancer.

Materials and methods
The PCR-RFLP method was used for genotyping SNPs in 96 patients with laryngeal cancer and 127 healthy individuals. Additionally, ELISA was utilized to measure circulating levels of sCD40 and sCD40L.

Results
We identified a significant difference in the genotype distribution of CD40 (rs1883832) between laryngeal cancer patients and healthy individuals (p = 0.05). The C allele was dominant, and the CC genotype was more frequently observed in patients with laryngeal cancer (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 0.98–5.54). In contrast, no statistically significant difference in the genotypes of CD40L (rs1126535) was detected between laryngeal cancer patients and the control group (p = 0.12). Additionally, no significant differences in serum sCD40 or sCD40L levels were observed between the groups (p = 0.48 and p = 0.15, respectively). However, a moderate positive correlation was found between sCD40 and sCD40L levels in the laryngeal cancer group (r = 0.52, p<0.01), a relationship that was not observed in the control group.

Discussion
According to the current findings, it is suggested that the CD40 (rs1883832) gene variation found in patients may indicate an individual’s susceptibility to developing laryngeal cancer. On the other hand, CD40L (rs1126535) seems to not play a significant role. While serum sCD40 and sCD40L levels did not show significant differences between patients and controls, the correlation in cancer patients suggests that these markers may be relevant in tumor progression. Further research is required to clarify the functional implications of these genetic variants and their potential use as biomarkers for laryngeal cancer.
Numerical and experimental analysis of the ballistic performance of soft bulletproof vests for women
Authors: Pinkos Justyna , Stempien Zbigniew , Grzegorska Karolina , Kulinska Maria , Smędra Anna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental analysis of the ballistic performance of soft bulletproof vests designed for women. The study involved a woman aged between 24 and 28 with a breast size of 85C. Two ballistic packages made from Twaron® CT 709 fabric were designed and constructed for her, featuring cut-and-sew formed breast cups and differing significantly in the number of layers (16 and 30 layers). The impact of the number of layers on breast deformation during the shooting was analyzed using numerical modeling and experiments, which included a Parabellum 9 mm × 19 mm FMJ® bullet and a Roma No. 1 plasticine substrate formed based on a plaster cast representing a woman’s figure. The research found that even significantly increasing the number of layers in the ballistic package did not lead to a substantial reduction in breast deformation during shooting. The likely reason for this is the cut-and-sew formed breast cups in the ballistic package, which easily undergo transverse deformation upon bullet impact. This suggests a need for further research to optimize the design of protective cups, which are crucial for proper force distribution and minimizing injuries during bullet impact. The conclusions drawn from this study could contribute to the development of more advanced and effective soft ballistic protection solutions for women.