bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using an app-based screening tool to predict deficits in written word spelling at school entry
Authors: Schöfl Martin , Steinmair Gabriele , Zepnik Sabine , Weber Christoph 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThe first year of schooling is crucial for the further development of spelling abilities in children, which makes early assessment and intervention essential. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an efficient and cost-free screening tool for identifying spelling problems in community school settings around the time of school entry.MethodsA broad range of precursors of spelling (vocabulary, grammar, letter knowledge, phonological awareness, phonological working memory, rapid automatized naming) were assessed in 522 Austrian first graders (6–7 years of age) in the first weeks of schooling. At the end of first grade, spelling abilities were assessed by newly developed spelling tasks based on the trochaic foot. By applying logistic regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), we aimed to select a set of important predictors of spelling problems at the end of grade 1 (i.e., scoring below the 16th percentile in the spelling test).ResultsOur analysis identified letter knowledge (i.e., an aspect of phonological information processing) and sentence repetition (i.e., a measure of grammatical knowledge) as important predictors of spelling problems. The screening tool has acceptable diagnostic accuracy [area under the curve (AUC) = 0.0.725 and DeLong 95% CI (0.666, 0.784)]. Further analyses indicated that the AUC differs neither between boys and girls nor between children with and without German as their first language.DiscussionThese results suggest that administering the screening tool during the first weeks of schooling is a valid approach to identifying spelling deficits, which in turn enables early targeted pedagogical interventions. Practical implications for spelling instructions are discussed.
Mendelian randomization studies of lifestyle-related risk factors for stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Yi , Tang Xin , Liu Yi , Liu Shu Yi 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveStroke risk factors often exert long-term effects, and Mendelian randomization (MR) offers significant advantages over traditional observational studies in evaluating the causal impact of these factors on stroke. This study aims to consolidate and evaluate the relationships between potential causal factors and stroke risk, drawing upon existing MR research.MethodsA comprehensive search for MR studies related to stroke was conducted up to August 2023 using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus. This meta-analysis examines the relationships between potential causative factors and stroke risk. Both random-effects and fixed-effects models were utilized to compile the dominance ratios of various causative elements linked to stroke. The reliability of the included studies was assessed according to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology incorporating Mendelian Randomization (STROBE-MR) guidelines.ResultsThe analysis identified several risk factors for stroke, including obesity, hypertension, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and smoking. Protective factors included high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and educational attainment. Subgroup analysis revealed that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) are risk factors for ischemic stroke (IS).ConclusionThis study confirms that variables such as obesity, hypertension, elevated LDL-C levels, CKD, and smoking are significantly linked to the development of stroke. Our findings provide new insights into genetic susceptibility and potential biological pathways involved in stroke development.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024503049.
Preclinical characterization of MTX-101: a novel bispecific CD8 Treg modulator that restores CD8 Treg functions to suppress pathogenic T cells in autoimmune diseases
Authors: Gardell Jennifer L. , Maurer Meghan E. , Childs Monica M. , Pham Minh N. , Meengs Brent , Julien Susan H. , Tan Cong , Boster Daniel R. , Quach Phoenicia , Therriault Jon H. , Hermansky Gleda , Patton Daniel T. , Bowser Justin , Chen Alex , Morgan Nadine N. , Gilbertson Emily A. , Bogatzki Lisa , Encarnacion Kaelen , McMahan Catherine J. , Crane Courtney A. , Swiderek Kristine M. 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionRegulatory CD8 T cells (CD8 Treg) are responsible for the selective killing of self-reactive and pathogenic CD4 T cells. In autoimmune disease, CD8 Treg may accumulate in the peripheral blood but fail to control the expansion of pathogenic CD4 T cells that subsequently cause tissue destruction. This CD8 Treg dysfunction is due in part to the expression of inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR; KIR2DL isoforms [KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2, and KIR2DL3]); these molecules serve as autoimmune checkpoints and limit CD8 Treg activation.MethodsHere we describe the pre-clinical characterization of MTX-101, a bispecific antibody targeting inhibitory KIR and CD8. Using human peripheral blood mononuculear cells (PBMC) derived from healthy donors and autoimmune patients, humanized mouse models, and human derived tissue organoids, we evaluated the molecular mechanisms and functional effects of MTX-101.ResultsBy binding to KIR, MTX-101 inhibited KIR signaling that can restore CD8 Treg ability to eliminate pathogenic CD4 T cells. MTX-101 bound and activated CD8 Treg in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), resulting in increased CD8 Treg cytolytic capacity, activation, and prevalence. Enhancing CD8 Treg function with MTX-101 reduced pathogenic CD4 T cell expansion and inflammation, without increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines or activating immune cells that express either target alone. MTX-101 reduced antigen induced epithelial cell death in disease affected tissues, including in tissue biopsies from individuals with autoimmune disease (i.e., celiac disease, Crohn’s disease). The effects of MTX-101 were specific to autoreactive CD4 T cells and did not suppress responses to viral and bacterial antigens. In a human PBMC engrafted Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD) mouse model of acute inflammation, MTX-101 bound CD8 Treg and delayed onset of disease. MTX-101 induced dose dependent binding, increased prevalence and cytolytic capacity of CD8 Treg, as well as increased CD4 T cell death. MTX-101 selectively bound CD8 Treg without unwanted immune cell activation or increase of pro-inflammatory serum cytokines and exhibited an antibody-like half-life in pharmacokinetic and exploratory tolerability studies performed using IL-15 transgenic humanized mice with engrafted human lymphocytes, including CD8 Treg at physiologic ratios.ConclusionCollectively, these data support the development of MTX-101 for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Association between Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT) and Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC): a Brazilian cross-sectional study
Authors: Gomes Brenda Lorrana de Almeida , Mota Renan Felipe Neves , Braga Renata Sant'ana , Nunes Cynthia Assis de Barros , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Rodrigues Ana Paula dos Santos , Batista Sandro Rogério Rodrigues , Pagotto Valéria 
Published: November 2024

AimTo analyze the association between Primary Health Care (PHC) performance and institutional ability to provide care for individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).MethodsCross-sectional study conducted with primary care nurses and physicians in Brazil. The performance of PHC was assessed by using the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCAT), whereas institutional ability for the care of people with NCDs was assessed through the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the association between the PHC attributes measured in the PCAT (independent variables) and the ACIC dimensions (dependent variables).ResultsIn total, 308 health professionals −190 nurses (61.7%) and 118 physicians (38.3%)—at mean age 37.5 years and mean time of 6.5 years working in PHC participated of the study. On a scale of 0 to 10, the overall PCAT score was 6.74, while the ACIC score was 5.20. The PCAT score was High in only 58.8% of respondents (score ≥6.6). The ACIC scores showed basic institutional ability to care for people with NCDs. All ACIC dimensions have shown positive correlation to PCAT attributes, except for accessibility, continuity of care and care coordination.ConclusionA positive association was found between PHC performance and institutional ability to care for people with NCDs. Results have evidenced the need of investing in PCH by providing technical, political, logistical and financial support to PHC units to improve PHC organization points and care for people with NCDs.
Differential expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in urinary exosomes: potential indicators for monitoring acute gout attack
Authors: Wang Jitu , Lin Yubin , Liu Na , Hu Mei , Zhang Man 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundGout is the most prevalent form of inflammatory arthritis, characterized by significant pain during acute episodes. Current diagnostic and monitoring techniques are invasive and fail to predict the onset of acute attacks. Recent studies have implicated ferroptosis-related proteins in the pathogenesis of inflammation and gout; however, their clinical relevance in gout patients remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of these proteins in urinary exosomes from gout patients and to investigate their potential as noninvasive biomarkers.MethodsUtilizing data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry and advanced bioinformatics techniques, we assessed the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins in the urinary exosomes of three groups: acute gout patients (AD group), intermittent gout patients (ID group), and normal controls (NC group). We constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the clinical utility of these proteins in monitoring acute gout attacks.ResultsOur analysis of urinary exosome proteomics identified 13 ferroptosis-related proteins. Notably, in comparison to the ID group, the proteins ACSL4, VDAC2, GPX4, and GSS were significantly upregulated in the AD group. ROC curve analysis revealed that the presence of ACSL4, VDAC2, and GPX4 in urinary exosomes possesses substantial predictive value for acute gout attacks.ConclusionIn patients with gout, numerous protein alterations occur within urinary exosomes. Specifically, changes in ferroptosis-related proteins such as ACSL4, VDAC2, GPX4, and GSS may serve as promising biomarkers for the monitoring of acute gout attacks.
Social determinants of health associated with increased prevalence of childhood malnutrition in Africa
Authors: Saidu Samuel Faraday , Danielson Ramona Ann 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionChildhood malnutrition remains a critical public health concern in Africa, with significant long-term consequences for children’s growth, development, and overall health.MethodsThis study examined the association between the prevalence of underweight and stunting of children &lt;5 and six social determinants of health. Data were taken from publicly available data sources. After data quality criteria were met, data were analyzed for 50 African countries using descriptive statistics and one-way ANOVA. A quartile analysis was performed on each predictor variable. Countries were also analyzed according to five subregions.ResultsThe average prevalence of children &lt;5 who were underweight was 14.5% and who were stunted was 26.8%. There were significant differences by region in the prevalence of underweight but not stunting, and in average access to basic sanitation services, basic drinking-water services, literacy rate, and HAQ index. The quartile analysis indicated basic sanitation services, prevalence of open defecation, basic drinking-water services, literacy rate, HAQ Index, and Political Stability Score were statistically significantly associated (p &lt; 0.05) with underweight, while all of these except open defecation were associated (p &lt; 0.05) with stunting.DiscussionThis study emphasizes the variations in underweight and stunting prevalence, but also demonstrates patterns among how the risk for these child malnutrition outcomes are distributed. The results offer a multifaceted understanding of factors influencing childhood malnutrition. By focusing on key underlying social determinants of health, substantial improvements in nutritional outcomes may be achieved, ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of children across the African continent.
The correlation between multi-mode ultrasonographic features of breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis
Authors: Xu Shijian , Wang Qi , Hong Zhe 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the correlation between multi-mode ultrasonographic features of breast cancer and axillary lymph node metastasis.MethodA total of 196 patients with surgically confirmed breast cancer between September 2019 and December 2023 were included. Data on preoperative B-mode ultrasound (US), color Doppler, and shear wave elastography (SWE) features of breast cancer masses were collected and analyzed to determine their correlation with axillary lymph node metastasis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of B-mode US, color Doppler, SWE, and the multi-mode predictive model for evaluating axillary lymph node metastasis were compared.ResultsAmong the 196 patients, 70 had positive axillary lymph nodes, while 126 had negative axillary lymph nodes. There was no significant difference in the color features between the negative and positive axillary lymph node groups. Multifocality/multicentricity, architectural distortion, microcalcifications, and the “stiff rim” sign in SWE were identified as independent risk factors to predict axillary lymph node metastasis according to binary logistic regression analysis. The AUC of the predictive model based on these independent risk factors was 0.803 (95% CI: 0.739–0.867), which was significantly higher than that of B-mode US or SWE alone.ConclusionMultifocality/multicentricity, architectural distortion, microcalcifications, and the “stiff rim” sign in SWE were found to be valuable for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer. The predictive model developed in this study, combining the multi-mode ultrasonographic features of breast cancer masses, could serve as a noninvasive and convenient method to predict axillary lymph node status. This approach could aid in clinical decision-making and individualized treatment to improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Multi-omics association study integrating GWAS and pQTL data revealed MIP-1α as a potential drug target for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Liu Jingwen , Pan Renbing 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundErectile dysfunction (ED) brings heavy burden to patients and society. Despite the availability of established therapies, existing medications have restricted efficacy. Therefore, we utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to find the drug targets that might enhance the clinical outcome of ED.MethodsGenetic instruments associated with circulating inflammatory proteins were obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 8,293 European participants. Summary statistics for ED were extracted from a meta-analysis of the United Kingdom Biobank cohort compromised of 6,175 cases and 217,630 controls with European descent. We utilized multi-omics method and MR study to explore potential drug targets by integrating GWAS and protein quantity trait loci (pQTL) data. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was applied as the primary approach. Cochran’s Q statistics was employed to investigate the presence of heterogeneity. Furthermore, we identify the potential therapeutic drug targets for the treatment of ED utilizing molecular docking technology.ResultsThis MR analysis of integrating GWAS and pQTL data showed that macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha (MIP-1α) was causally associated with the risk of ED (OR:1.19, 95%CI:1.02–1.39, p = 0.023). Meanwhile, the results of the weighted median model were consistent with the IVW estimates (OR:1.26, 95%CI:1.04–1.52, p = 0.018). Sensitivity analysis revealed no horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. Furthermore, four anti-inflammatory or tonifying small molecular compounds, encompassing echinacea, pinoresinol diglucoside, hypericin, and icariin were identified through molecular docking technology.ConclusionThis study identified MIP-1α as an underlying druggable gene and promising novel therapeutic target for ED, necessitating further investigation to detect the potential mechanisms by which MIP-1α might impact the development of ED.
Integrating large language models in mental health practice: a qualitative descriptive study based on expert interviews
Authors: Ma Yingzhuo , Zeng Yi , Liu Tong , Sun Ruoshan , Xiao Mingzhao , Wang Jun 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundProgress in developing artificial intelligence (AI) products represented by large language models (LLMs) such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT has sparked enthusiasm for their potential use in mental health practice. However, the perspectives on the integration of LLMs within mental health practice remain an underreported topic. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how mental health and AI experts conceptualize LLMs and perceive the use of integrating LLMs into mental health practice.MethodIn February–April 2024, online semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 experts (12 psychiatrists, 7 mental health nurses, 2 researchers in medical artificial intelligence) from four provinces in China, using snowballing and purposive selection sampling. Respondents’ discussions about their perspectives and expectations of integrating LLMs in mental health were analyzed with conventional content analysis.ResultsFour themes and eleven sub-themes emerged from this study. Firstly, participants discussed the (1) practice and application reform brought by LLMs into mental health (fair access to mental health services, enhancement of patient participation, improvement in work efficiency and quality), and then analyzed the (2) technological-mental health gap (misleading information, lack of professional nuance and depth, user risk). Based on these points, they provided a range of (3) prerequisites for the integration of LLMs in mental health (training and competence, guidelines for use and management, patient engagement and transparency) and expressed their (4) expectations for future developments (reasonable allocation of workload, upgrades and revamps of LLMs).ConclusionThese findings provide valuable insights into integrating LLMs within mental health practice, offering critical guidance for institutions to effectively implement, manage, and optimize these tools, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of mental health services.
ДОГОВОР 1417 ГОДА В РАМКАХ РУССКО-ГАНЗЕЙСКИХ ОТНОШЕНИЙ
Authors: В.С. Головашкин 
Published: November 2024

Первая четверть XV века ознаменовалось кризисом в русско-ганзейских отношениях. По какой-то причине противоречия продолжали накапливаться, несмотря на договор 1392 года, который не помог избежать эскалации конфликта между Великим Новгородом и Ганзейским союзом. Наряду с известными проблемами в торговле и дипломатии, анализ заключений ганзетагов, купеческой переписки и посланий городов помог выявить уникальные причины пролонгации Нибурова мира в 1417 году и охарактеризовать кризисную ситуацию указанного периода. Автор исследования акцентирует внимание на борьбе условного лидера Ганзейского союза Любека и ливонских городов за главенство на Немецком подворье в Новгороде во время расстройства торговых связей. Подобное положение дел становится определяющим в развитии правовых отношений и договорной практики в рамках русско-ганзейских отношений в XV веке.
The first quarter of the XV century was marked by a crisis in Russian-Hanseatic relations. For some reason, the contradictions continued to accumulate, despite the peace treaty of 1392, which did not help to avoid escalation of the conflict between Veliky Novgorod and the Hanseatic League. Along with well-known problems in trade and diplomacy, an analysis of the conclusions of the Hanseatic League, merchant correspondence and messages from the cities helped to identify the unique reasons for the extension of the Peace of Niebuhr in 1417 and characterize the crisis of this period. The author of the study focuses on the struggle of the conditional leader of the Hanseatic League of Lubeck and Livonian cities for dominance in the German compound in Novgorod during the rupture of trade relations. This situation becomes crucial in the development of legal relations and contractual practice within the framework of Russian-Hanseatic relations in the XV century.
НАУЧНЫЕ ИНТЕРЕСЫ В.Н. СТОРОЖЕВА В ПИСЬМАХ К С.Ф. ПЛАТОНОВУ
Authors: В.В. Митрофанов 
Published: November 2024

Публикуемые письма известного археографа В.Н. Сторожева расширяют круг корреспондентов выдающегося отечественного историка С.Ф. Платонова. Небольшая подборка сохранившейся корреспонденции позволяет проследить не только взаимные отношения между ними, но и, что важно, определить круг вопросов, интересовавших их. Конкретизируются научные интересы В.Н. Сторожева, становятся известными новые подробности дискуссии, развернувшаяся вокруг третьего тома «Истории России» Д.И. Иловайского. В опубликованной рецензии С.Ф. Платонова В.Н. Сторожев увидел мягкость критики и высказывал своё недоумение. Большая заслуга принадлежит В.Н. Сторожеву в публикации целого пласта актовых материалов, касающихся истории дворянства XVII в. ряда губерний центральной России. Его археографическая и публикаторская деятельность отличалась целеустремлённостью и была плодотворной, однако, не все задуманные планы удалось осуществить. Письменное общение было непродолжительным и прекратилось в начале 1900-х гг.
The published letters of the famous archaeographer V.N. Storozhev expand the circle of correspondents of the outstanding Russian historian S.F. Platonov. A small selection of preserved correspondence allows us to trace not only the mutual relations between them, but also, importantly, to determine the range of issues that interested them. The discussion that unfolded around the third volume of D.I. Ilovaisky's History of Russia is being concretized and filled with new facts. In the published review by S.F. Platonov, V.N. Storozhev saw the mildness of criticism, and expressed his displeasure. Great merit belongs to V.N. Storozhev in the publication of a whole layer of assembly materials concerning the history of the nobility of the XVII century in a number of provinces of central Russia. His archaeographic and publishing activities were characterized by purposefulness and were fruitful, but not all his plans were realized. Written communication was not long-lasting and stopped in the early 1900s.