bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainability of a Non-pharmacological, Self-Managed Intervention for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: 3-group Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Cho Yu-Min , Yeh Chao Hsing , Wu Huilin , Huang Xinran , Chen Wanqi , Murphy Thomas J. , Kawi Jennifer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) affects around 1.7 billion people globally, causing significant physical, psychological, and economic burdens. Current treatments often involve medications with risks, creating an urgent need for accessible alternatives. Interventionist-administered Auricular Point Acupressure (APA) has shown effectiveness in reducing pain. To explore whether this low-risk, non-invasive, non-pharmacologic, and non-opioid pain relief method can be expanded digitally, this study developed a self-managed APA program using mobile health technology and coaching videos, allowing individuals to self-administer APA and evaluate its impact and sustainability.
Methods
A 3-group pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted among 37 participants with CMP. The participants were randomly assigned to in-person APA (n=14) with face-to-face APA instruction, self-guided APA (n=12) with remote APA coaching, or control (n=11). All received conventional healthcare, with the APA groups also receiving adjuvant APA intervention for a 4-weeks supplemented with mobile app coaching videos, followed by monthly monitoring for three months. Data on pain intensity, physical disability, physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, fear avoidance of work, and satisfaction were collected at baseline, immediately following the 4-week APA intervention, and during the 2-month and 3-month follow-ups post-intervention.
Results
Both the in-person and self-guided APA groups experienced a 47% reduction in pain intensity. Over 50% of participants achieved at least a 30% reduction in pain, and more than 17% had a 30% reduction in physical disability. Improvements included an 18% boost in physical function, decreased fatigue, improved sleep disturbance, and less depression (with increases noted in the control group), a 50% reduction in fear-avoidance of work, and only 3.8% reported not being satisfied with the APA at the 3-month follow-up. No adverse effects related to APA were reported.
Conclusion
APA improved physical and mental health in participants with CMP, enhanced readiness to return to work, and demonstrated sustainability for at least three months. Coaching videos delivered via a mobile app proved to be a feasible approach for teaching APA, increasing the accessibility of the intervention. This study highlights the impact of APA and recommends further research into its mechanisms and long-term benefits to support integration into standard practice.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05020470; First submitted: 08/19/2021; Researcher View | Pilot Testing A Theory-Driven Self-Management Intervention for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain | ClinicalTrials.gov
Higher dominant muscle strength is mediated by motor unit discharge rates and proportion of common synaptic inputs
Authors: Lecce Edoardo , Vecchio Alessandro Del , Nuccio Stefano , Felici Francesco , Bazzucchi Ilenia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Neural determinants explaining the asymmetrical force and skill observed in limb dominance still need to be comprehensively investigated. To address this gap, we recorded myoelectrical activity from biceps brachii using high-density surface electromyography in twenty participants, identifying the maximal voluntary force (MVF) and performing isometric ramp contractions at 35% and 70%MVF and sustained contractions at 10%MVF. Motor unit discharge characteristics were assessed during ramp contractions, the proportion of common synaptic input to motoneurons was calculated with coherence analysis, and the firing rate hysteresis (∆F) was used to estimate spinal motoneuron intrinsic properties. The dominant limbs presented a greater MVF compared to the non-dominant side (+ 9%, p = 0.001), with similar relative recruitment and derecruitment thresholds of motor units (p > 0.05). The discharge rate was significantly higher on the dominant side (p < 0.001), along with a greater proportion of common synaptic input (+ 14%, p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed in the ∆F (p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that greater strength on the dominant side is associated with higher neural drive to muscles due to a greater proportion of common synaptic inputs rather than differences in motoneuron intrinsic properties. These results underscore neural asymmetries at the motor unit level, corresponding to different mechanical outputs underlying limb dominance.
BMSCs Facilitate Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke By Promoting Vascular Repair and Neurogenesis Through Nogo-A/S1PR2/NgR Signaling Pathway During The Recovery Period
Authors: Ao Guang nan , Liu Yanchao , Wu Lei , Huang Yaxian , Yang Nan , Song Min , nuermaimaiti nuerzhati , Feng Yuhang , He Wangqing , Li Zhenjun , Xu Ningbo , He Xuying 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with limited treatment options, leaving many survivors with long-term neurological issues. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) show promise in improving recovery, but few studies have examined their role during the recovery phase. This present study aims to explore whether and how BMSCs improve neurological function during the recovery period of ischemic stroke(IS).
Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats (weighing 280-300g) underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion(tMCAO). BMSCs and Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (BMSC-Exos) were isolated and characterized by flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and western blotting assay. Neurological function was assessed through postural reflex, tactile, visual, proprioceptive placing tests, rotarod test, and Morris water maze. Angiogenesis and neurogenesis were observed by immunofluorescence staining (IF). Exosomal miRNA profiling was performed using a microRNA array. For the mechanism study, BMSCs + miR-195 CRISPR or BMSCs + miR-195 agomirs were administered intracerebroventricularly. Genes and protein expression levels were measured using qRT-qPCR, Western blotting, and IF staining.
Results
BMSCs enhance neurological function by promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis during ischemic stroke recovery. MiR-195-5p, derived from BMSC exosomes, reduces Nogo-A induced by cerebral ischemia. Mechanistically, miR-195-5p stimulates vascular regeneration by inhibiting the Nogo-A/S1PR2 signaling pathway. Additionally, miR-195-5p inhibits the Nogo-A/NgR1 pathway, promoting neurogenesis.
Conclusions
BMSCs inhibit the Nogo-A/NgR1/S1PR2 signaling pathway via exosomal miR-195, promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis during the ischemic stroke recovery phase, thereby reducing neurological deficits. These findings suggest that targeting Nogo-A with BMSCs during stroke recovery offers a promising therapeutic approach for survivors.
A novel duplication frame-shift mutation in the BAG3 gene in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xu Kaihang , Liu Shiguang , Chen Juan , Jiang Hua 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by heart failure and a dilated heart and is different from ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease. To date, more than 50 genes have been found associated with DCM. Bcl–2–associated athanogene 3(BAG3) gene mutation plays a critical role in DCM. However, BAG3 gene mutation screening requires further research. Identifying BAG3 mutations is important for diagnosing DCM and exploring its molecular mechanism.
Methods: For detecting DCM-related gene mutations in the proband, next-generation sequencing was carried out on DNA samples and the results were verified through Sanger sequencing.
Results: A novel duplication frame-shift mutation, c.633dup (p.His212ThrfsTer43), was detected, within exon 3 in the BAG3 gene from the patient with DCM.
Conclusions: A novel duplication frame-shift mutation, c.633dup, was detected in the BAG3 gene. Results in this study expanded the BAG3 gene mutations and promoted DCM diagnosis.
Evaluation of the Social Effects of Wetland Ecological Restoration in China: From the perspective of satisfaction and perception of residents around Poyang Lake in Jiangxi Province
Authors: Wang Changhai , Guo Junting , Zhang Wei , Xie Mengling , Ko Chit Oo , Liu Haifei , Yin Xinan , Sun Jun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This paper focuses on the social effect assessment of the ecological governance of Poyang Lake wetland in Jiangxi Province. By distributing and collecting 1,098 valid questionnaires to the surrounding residents, this paper deeply explores the feedback of residents’ satisfaction and recognition on the effectiveness of wetland governance measures. Through the comprehensive use of regression analysis and descriptive statistical analysis methods, this paper deeply discusses the impact of the ecological management measures of Poyang Lake wetland on residents’ life quality, environmental protection awareness and community well-being. The study found that the wetland ecological management project was widely praised, and the overall satisfaction of residents was as high as 87.5%, reflecting a significant social effect. Further analysis revealed that satisfaction was affected by multiple factors, including age, education, quality of life and improvement of environmental quality. Residents’ cognition of wetland function is multi-dimensional and profound, but they still need to strengthen popular science education in deep-level ecological functions such as species protection. Based on the research conclusion, three policy suggestions are proposed: first, the government should strengthen ecological education and enhance the public awareness of environmental protection; second, the government should pay attention to the win-win of ecology and people's livelihood, promote the harmonious coexistence of wetland protection and community development; third, the government should improve the relevant infrastructure, strengthen environmental protection facilities, scientific research monitoring and legal construction, and lay a solid foundation for the sustainable protection and utilization of wetland resources.
Brain Resilience to Targeted Attack of Resting BOLD Networks as a Measure of Cognitive Reserve
Authors: Habeck Christian , Argiris Georgette , Stern Yaakov 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in connectome analyses have enabled more precise measurements of brain network integrity. Identifying neural measures that can operate as mechanisms of cognitive reserve (CR) is integral for the study of individual variability in age-related cognitive changes. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that network resilience, or the network's ability to maintain functionality when facing internal or external perturbations that cause damage or error, can function as a CR candidate, modifying the relationship between cognitive and brain changes in a lifespan cohort of cognitively healthy adults. One hundred cognitively healthy older adults from the Reference Ability Neural Network (RANN) longitudinal lifespan cohort (50-80 years) underwent resting-state fMRI and neuropsychological testing at baseline and five-year follow-up. Using undirected weighted adjacency matrices created from the Schaefer et al. (2018) 400-parcellation atlas and 19 additional subcortical regions (419 nodes in total), whole-brain network resilience was assessed through a targeted attack approach, where nodes were sequentially removed by nodal strength and resilience defined as the iteration of the steepest slope in the largest connected component (LCC) decay. We observed that brain resilience (BR) moderated the effect of cortical thickness (CT) changes on longitudinal changes in Fluid Reasoning performance, even after adjusting for baseline differences, demographic factors, and the initial LCC of the unlesioned matrix, indicating that individuals with greater resilience were less sensitive to the effect of cortical thickness changes on changes in cognition. These findings support the use of targeted attack as a measure of cognitive reserve, suggesting that higher brain network resilience may allow individuals with reduced brain integrity to better cope with structural loss and maintain cognitive function.
Visualizing spatiotemporal pattern of vascularization by SWIR fluorescence imaging in a mouse model of perforator flap transplantation
Authors: Feng Sijia , Chen Mo , Li Huizhu , Zhang Xiao , Du Xiner , Fang Lu , Xu Kai , Li Shunyao , Chen Fuchun , Li Yunxia , Xiong Fei , Hu Dan , Mi Jingyi , Qin Xuanfeng , Chen Jun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Vascularization as a spatiotemporally interlaced process involving angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, has seldom been investigated comprehensively regarding the interrelationship of the two intertwining but sequential processes. Here, a shortwave infrared (SWIR) fluorescence imaging strategy with quantum dots (QDs) is designed to dynamically visualize vascularization in vivo and in situ in a perforator transplantation mouse model. The vascularization process could be directly perceived from the established flap model with an optimal observation window at 10 min post-injection. Based on SWIR technology and image processing, it was revealed that temporally, angiogenesis lasted throughout 21 days after surgery while vascular remodeling took a dominant role after 14 days both in vivo and in situ. Moreover, four perforasomes of the flap in situ displayed spatially that Zone IV shortened the vascularization process with sufficient blood supply from the LDCIA, while Zone II recovered slowly from ischemia with a lack of blood supply owing to choke zone theory. This study pioneered to add novel cognition of spatiotemporal pattern of vascularization through visualizing angiogenesis and vascular remodeling simultaneously and dynamically, thus facilitating further investigation into the mechanisms behind vascularization.
Factors Associated with Non-Adherence to Antihypertensive Drugs Among Adult Hypertensive Patients Obtaining Care at Rutongo District
Authors: Nyirakabera Verdiane , Gbadamos Mojeed Akorede 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Hypertension, defined as systolic and diastolic blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher, is a growing public health concern in developing countries like Rwanda, due to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Non-adherence to antihypertensive medications complicates blood pressure control, making it essential to assess adherence levels. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors related to non-adherence among patients at Rutongo District Hospital.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024, involving 300 hypertensive patients aged 18 years and older, on treatment for over six months. Systematic sampling was used to select participants, and adherence was measured with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, with chi-square tests for bivariate associations, and logistic regression to identify non-adherence predictors.
Results: The mean participant age was 50.74 years (SD ±11.98), and 66.7% of total 300 participants were women. The overall adherence rate was 28.3%. Significant factors influencing non-adherence included alcohol consumption, physical activity, hypertension-specific diets, and the number of prescribed medications. Alcohol consumers were five times more likely to be non-adherent (OR=5.47, P<0.001), while those regularly physically active were less likely to be non-adherent (OR=0.396, P=0.012).
Conclusion: Adherence to antihypertensive medication in this study was lower than in comparable studies, with various behavioral and treatment-related factors influencing non-adherence. Collaborative interventions are needed to enhance patient adherence, improve hypertension management, and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The Power of Metaphors in Understanding 'sustainable Campus': University Students' Perceptions Based on Interviews
Authors: Kızıloğlu Esra , Karaboğa Emine Nihan Cici 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A sustainable campus is a campus where universities implement environmental, social and economic principles within the framework of sustainability. In the current era, it is vital that campuses that serve as small cities aiming to leave a more sustainable and livable world to future generations are managed with a sustainable mindset. Therefore, educational institutions should implement sustainable practices on campuses in order to fulfill their responsibilities towards society and contribute to a sustainable future. In this context, it is aimed to reveal how the concepts of sustainability and sustainable campus are perceived in educational institutions and to provide a theoretical basis on how these concepts can be taught more effectively in the education system. The research was conducted to measure the perceptions of students studying in different departments of two state universities located in Konya province in Turkey regarding the concept of "sustainable campus". For this purpose, metaphor analysis and semi-structured interview methods were preferred among qualitative research methods. These methods were used because they allow for a more in-depth and comprehensive understanding to be developed by combining different data sources. As a result of the research, it was seen that sustainability practices and education in universities were inadequate. According to the results obtained from the metaphor and interview data, the sustainable campus perception of the students of the two universities is generally associated with "continuity". The students, who are more sensitive in the areas of environmental awareness and social responsibility, also admitted that they do not have enough knowledge about the concept of sustainable campus.
Predictive Value of the Lowest Serum Albumin Level during Hospitalization in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhao Biao , Zhang Hua-zhen , Liu Tao , Liu Dan , Wang Da-wei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose ___ This study aimed to explore the potential association between the lowest serum albumin concentration during hospitalization and the prognosis of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in order to provide a scientific basis for selecting and optimizing clinical treatment options.
Methods___ A total of 268 patients with ICH were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses and ROC curve analyses were used to identify the correlation between the lowest serum albumin concentration and the prognosis of patients with ICH.
Results ___ 1. The lowest serum albumin concentration, Glasgow coma score (GCS), and hematoma volume were independent influences on the prognosis of patients with ICH (P<0.05). 2. A good outcome in patients with ICH was predicted when the lowest serum albumin levels were >31.8 g/L (AUC=0.849, P<0.001), the GCS was >11 (AUC=0.878, P<0.001), and the hematoma volume was ≤a3.6 mL (AUC=0.863, P<0.001). 3. The lowest serum albumin concentration was statistically different between GCS (3–8, 9–12, 13–15: 29.30 (3.90), 33.80 (6.85), (36.70 (5.55)) (χ2 =69.696, P<0.001) and had a positive correlation with GCS (rs=0.569).
Conclusions___ The lowest serum albumin concentration during hospitalization was an independent influencing factor in the prognoses of patients with ICH, and when serum albumin was greater than 31.8 g/L, it predicted a good outcome. In addition, the degree of consciousness disturbance may have some influence on the serum albumin level, and the specific mechanism needs further study.
A Machine Learning Model Predicts Future Infections in Elderly Patients in the Intensive Care Unit Who Carry Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae by Analyzing Easily Accessible Electronic Medical Records.
Authors: Sun Fei , Zhou Huihui , Jiang Min , Xia Zhaoxin , Gao Ya , Ding Yueting , Men Wanqi , Shen Jilu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) presents a significant challenge in clinical anti-infective therapy among older adults in intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, finding valid methods to rapidly identify patients with a high risk of CRE infection is essential. Creating a fully automated score based on a machine-learning algorithm may be a method to quickly predict the incidence of subsequent CRE infection in CRE Intestinal Carriers among older adults in the ICU.
Methods:Older patients with positive CRE rectal swab screening were identified using electronic medical records from April 1, 2020, and April 31, 2024. Intestinal carriers who acquired CRE infections were compared to those who did not develop CRE infections. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to screen for essential features associated with CRE infection. Finally, three features (mechanical ventilation ≥96h, tigecycline exposure, SOFA score) were used to establish models. Four models, logistic regression model (LR), decision tree (DT), naive Bayes model (NBM), and support vector machine (SVM) classifier, were trained to establish a prediction model and a nomogram. The model's discriminatory capability was evaluated by determining the area under the curve (AUC). Additionally, calibration, decision curve analyses (DCA), and the bootstrapping validation method were conducted to assess the model further.
Result: Of the 1433 patients, CRE colonized 71, and 28 developed CRE infection, of whom 13 developed CRE bloodstream infection (BSI). LR outperformed other classifier models in data and achieved the lowest Brier Score. AUC and the bootstrap value of the developed nomogram were 0.862(95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.780–0.943) and 0.862 (95% CI: 0.776–0.933), respectively. Besides, the calibration curve showed good consistency between the actual diagnosed CRE infection and the predicted probability, and DCA showed that if the threshold probability of CRE infection was between 42% and 98%, using the proposed nomogram to predict subsequent CRE infection in CRE intestinal carriers would obtain a net benefit.
Conclusions:Our analysis revealed that this model would help in the individualized evaluation of the necessity of CRE de-colonization and inform strategies to eliminate the need for CRE infection.