bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Relationship Between Social Stigma and Treatment Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes Patients at Healthcare Centers in Northwest Iran
Authors: Sedaei Maryam , Mohamadi Mohammad Ail , Dadkhah Behrouz 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: The social stigma associated with type 2 diabetes is a significant global mental and social health issue that can hinder treatment adherence among patients. To address this concern, the present study aimed to examine the relationship between social stigma and treatment adherence levels in type 2 diabetes patients attending healthcare centers in northwest Iran.
Methods: In this descriptive-correlation study, 432 patients with type 2 diabetes referred to Ardabil city health service centers were selected by simple random and multi-stage cluster method. The data collection tools included the personal-social profile form, type 2 diabetes stigma assessment scale (DSAS-2), and treatment adherence questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS26 software with descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, analysis of variance, and logistic linear regression model.
Results: The results indicated that the average score for the total social stigma of type 2 diabetes among the studied samples was 59.27 ± 15.52. A high level of perceived social stigma was observed in 55.6% of the patients. The average score for treatment adherence was 97.46 ± 28.79, with an adherence situation at an average level (59.7%). An inverse relationship was identified between the social stigma of diabetes and adherence to treatment (r = -0.29, p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a significant relationship between the average score of social stigma of diabetes and variables such as gender and marital status, as well as between the average score of treatment adherence and the gender of patients. The stepwise multiple linear regression model revealed that 15.1% of the variance in treatment adherence could be explained by age, duration of the disease, and social stigma of diabetes.
Conclusion: Considering the significant inverse relationship between social stigma and treatment adherence, it is concluded that to enhance treatment adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes, necessary measures and interventions should be implemented to reduce social stigma. By addressing social stigma, health field decision-makers can consequently increase treatment adherence in these patients.
Study on the bearing performance of extra-long pile group foundation in accumulation slope under landslide effect
Authors: Wei Zhaolan , Zhang Chuanjiang , Hu Kai , Yang Bowen , Jia Shaomin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The stress state of extra-long pile group foundation in accumulation slope under the action of sliding horizontal load is unknown, and the overall stability analysis is insufficient, which leads to the overall collapse of the bridge. Based on MIDAS GTS software, the influence of pile foundation stress and deformation under the condition of superstructure load and anti-slide pile in typical slope accumulation body is established and analyzed. The findings indicate that:(1) Under the action of landslide, the load of the rear pile foundation is the most unfavorable, and the maximum internal force appears near the pile top or sliding surface, which should be considered in the design;(2) The superstructure load has a limited effect on the improvement of bending moment and horizontal displacement of pile foundation, but has a great influence on shear force;(3) When using anti-slide pile reinforcement, only the back row anti-slide pile reinforcement effect is the best, and the best setting distance is 2–4 times the length of anti-slide pile section. These findings are critical to the design and construction of slope pile foundations and help to analyze their response to sliding loads.
Mendelian Randomization Study of Serum Uric Acid Levels and Urate-Lowering Drugs on Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Outcomes
Authors: Yao Xiaoling , Cai Xin , Zhang Shaoqin , Yang Yuzheng , Yang Xiangyan , Ma Wukai , Jiang Zong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to explore the causal relationships between serum uric acid level and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) using the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach, and to assess the therapeutic impacts of urate-lowering drugs on PAH.
Methods
Utilizing published genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we applied MR and colocalization analysis to assess the link between serum uric acid level and PAH across four GWAS datasets from two distinct European populations. The validity and reliability of these findings were confirmed through multiple statistical methods, alongside an MR analysis of urate-lowering drug targets to investigate their potential effects on PAH treatment.
Results
MR analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between serum uric acid levels and PAH (odds ratio (OR) = 1.106, 95%confidence intervals (CI) 1.021-1.200, P = 0.014), corroborated by a replication MR analysis (OR = 1.859, 95%CI 1.130–3.057, P = 0.015). No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found in the sensitivity analyses. However, urate-lowering drugs did not demonstrate a significant direct therapeutic effect on PAH.
Conclusions
This study is establishing a genetic basis for a causal link between serum uric acid levels and PAH. However, urate-lowering drugs do not appear to have a direct causal effect on PAH improvement. These findings provide a novel reference point for developing future therapeutic strategies for PAH.
New perspective of arthropods' pesonality: diverse personality-plasticity association and complex neurophysiological mechanisms in predatory aggression
Authors: Li Yi-Chi , Yen Yi-Chun , Hsu Yuan-Hao , Tso I-Min 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Although personality has been popularly studied for decades, the relationship between plasticity and personality remains unverified, and the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we addressed such gap by comprehensively integrating field surveys, behavioral tests, transcriptome, and biochemical analyses to study the predatory aggressiveness personality of a wolf spider, Hippasa holmerae. A total of 103 H. holmerae were collected from a field population and their attacking willingness toward a dangerous East Indian harvest ant prey (Carebara diversa) was each evaluated. We found that nearly half of the individuals exhibited high behavioral plasticity while the others exhibited apparent personality, and results of GLM analyses demonstrated that proactive personality could indeed limit adaptive plasticity. The brains of individuals displaying apparent high or low aggression were subjected to transcriptome analyses. The results showed that 19 physiological systems had more than 20% of their associated genes exhibiting differential expression patterns between the high and low aggressive groups. Furthermore, almost all of these differences were due to genes being significantly upregulated in the former. Results of biochemical analyses further showed that the concentration of tryptophan in the brains of highly aggressive individuals was significantly lower than that of low aggressive ones. These gene expression and amine variation patterns were congruent with the characteristics of big and small engine individuals proposed by the pace of life syndrome theory and energy management models. Here we show the personality-plasticity association within a population and empirically demonstrate that personality differences might be caused by the differences in multiple physiological systems. These results highlight the importance of clarifying personality and plasticity in behavioral tests and the importance of comprehensively examining multiple systems while conducting personality mechanistic studies.
Spatiotemporal visualization of SnRK1 activity unveils its multifaceted role during plant growth and development
Authors: Smagghe Wouter , Persyn Freya , Mertens Toon , Smorscek Thomas , De Winne Nancy , De Slijke Eveline Van , Persiau Geert , Eeckhout Dominique , Vanneste Steffen , De Jaeger Geert , Leene Jelle Van 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Plants are able to endure fluctuating environments through complex signaling networks, meticulously balancing growth decisions based on internal and external cues. Central to these networks, Sucrose non-fermenting-1 related kinase 1 (SnRK1) acts as a molecular fuel gauge that promotes survival by restraining growth and favoring catabolism under restrictive conditions. However, the detailed spatiotemporal dynamics of SnRK1's regulation of plant growth remain poorly understood given the lack of adequate tools that can capture these dynamics at cellular resolution. In this study, we employed a separation of phase-based activity reporter of kinase (SPARK)-based sensor to monitor SnRK1 activity at cellular resolution during the plant life cycle. Our findings unveiled a dual role for SnRK1: a constitutive one, tightly linked to meristematic and vascular tissues, and a dynamic one, steering growth according to energy and nutrient availability. Real-time visualization of a growing Arabidopsis root corroborated this dual role, showing SnRK1’s essential role in maintaining the apical root meristem, while also dynamically steering circadian root growth. Applying CRISPR-based tissue-specific knockout (CRISPR-TSKO) of SnRK1, confirmed SnRK1’s pivotal function in root growth and development. Our results highlight the power of ASP-SPARK for real-time, in vivo analysis of SnRK1 activity, advancing our understanding of this key metabolic regulator and paving the way for detailed insights into its relationship with plant growth and stress responses.
Aqueous Asymmetric Pseudocapacitor Featuring High Areal Energy and Power Using Conjugated Polyelectrolytes and Ti3C2Tx MXene
Authors: Wang Xuehang , Yip Benjamin , Chen Chaofan , Jiang Yan , Ohayon David , Bazan Guillermo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Despite the development of various pseudocapacitive materials, full-cell pseudocapacitors have yet to surpass the power density of conventional electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), primarily due to the lack of high-rate pseudocapacitive materials for positive electrodes. This work reports a solid-state conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE), namely CPE-K, that achieves ultrahigh-rate charge storage as a positive electrode, facilitated by a co-ion desorption mechanism. Used without additives or binders, CPE-K retains 70% of its capacitance at 100 A g− 1 with a mass loading of 2.8 mg cm− 2 and exhibits an ultra-long cycling life of 100,000 cycles. Increasing the electrode thickness fourfold has minimal impact on ion diffusivity and accessibility, yielding a high areal capacitance of 915 mF cm− 2. When paired with Ti3C2Tx, a well-known high-rate pseudocapacitive negative electrode, the device leverages the redox-active potentials of both materials, achieves a device voltage of 1.5 V and supports operation rates up to 10 V s⁻¹ or 50 A g⁻¹. This configuration enables the pseudocapacitor to deliver an areal power of 160 mW cm− 2, exceeding the previously unparalleled power of EDLCs, while significantly increasing the areal energy (up to 71 µWh cm− 2). The high areal performance, combined with the additive-free and water-based fabrication process, makes micro-pseudocapacitors promising for on-chip and wearable energy storage applications.
LGR-CE: Encrypted Traffic Classification EncoderBased on Lightweight Graph Representation
Authors: Chen Zhenwei , Wei Xiaoxu , Wang Yongsheng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In recent years, traffic encryption technology has been widely used in user information protection, and the amount of encryptedtraffic in communication networks has increased dramatically. In view of the problems of unclear local key features and lowclassification accuracy in traditional malicious traffic detection and normal application classification, this paper proposes anencrypted traffic classification encoder based on lightweight graph representation. By converting the byte sequence of datapackets into a graph, a byte-level traffic graph is constructed. It is proposed to construct a weighted output of a weight matrix tolightweight the model. The lightweight graph representation is used as the network input. The embedding layer, the trafficencoder layer based on the graph neural network, and the time information extraction layer are mainly designed. The headerand the payload can be embedded separately. It is proposed to use GraphSAGE with sampling averaging to encode eachbyte-level traffic graph into the overall representation vector of each data packet. For end-to-end training, this paper adopts theimproved Transformer model of relative position encoding time series to obtain the final classification results of downstreamtasks. In order to evaluate the reliability of the method, the proposed method was used to classify network encrypted trafficand conduct ablation experiments on two application classification datasets, WWT and ISCX-2012, and finally compared withmore than a dozen other baseline models. The test results show that the F1 score can reach 0.9938. Through lightweightexperiments, it is found that its parameter volume is reduced by 18.2% compared with the original model TFE-GNN. Therefore,the results show that the proposed improved method can improve the accuracy of network traffic application and abnormalbehavior detection when the model parameters are reduced. Considering the two dimensions of model parameters andaccuracy, this paper proposes an encrypted traffic classification encoder based on lightweight graph representation, which isbetter than many existing models.
Comparing real-world Type 2 diabetes management with the Francophone Diabetes Society’s recommendations: using comprehensive geriatric assessment-guided medication reviews of frail older adults living with comorbid diabetes and cancer
Authors: Guerra Clémence , Correard Florian , Montegut Coline , Nakache Jérémie , Mascio Thomas Di , Villani Patrick , Honoré Stéphane , Daumas Aurélie , Couderc Anne-Laure , Bérard Charlotte 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Substantial clinical heterogeneity in older adults with diabetes makes therapeutic management challenging. This study compared real-world type 2 diabetes management of older outpatients who had comorbid cancer with published guidelines in order to identify the circumstances in which antidiabetic treatment de-intensification might be appropriate.
Methods: We retrospectively analysed data from comprehensive geriatric assessment-guided medication reviews of all outpatients with comorbid diabetes referred to our geriatric oncology day hospital unit in 2022-2023.
Results: Of the 738 outpatients who had a medication review, 190 had comorbid diabetes; mean age was 79.5 ± 5.6 years. Despite the high prevalence of frailties and geriatric syndromes observed, the mean HbA1c level was low (6.89% ± 1.03%). Two-thirds (63.5%) of participants had an HbA1c outside the recommended individual target range. Of these, 80% had an HbA1c below the range, suggesting overtreatment. Sulfonylureas and glinides accounted for 18.4% and 11.6% of antidiabetic prescriptions, respectively. A total of 170 diabetes-related therapeutic issues were identified in 67.9% of patients. Having an HbA1c below the individual target range (p < 0.001) and receiving at least three prescribed antidiabetic drugs (p< 0.05) were both significantly associated with having at least one diabetes-related therapeutic issue.
Conclusion: Our study revealed overly aggressive glycaemic control in this frail older population of patients with comorbid cancer and diabetes and highlights poor clinical adherence to official guidelines. Geriatrician-pharmacist collaborations could provide a more comprehensive understanding of patients’ health status and functional category profiles and improve the therapeutic management of older patients with diabetes.
Targeting epigenetic regulators to overcome drug resistance in the emerging human fungal pathogen Candida auris
Authors: Chen Changbin , Zhang Yuping , Zeng Lingbing , HUANG XINHUA , Wang Yuanyuan , Chen Guangsheng , Moses Munika , Zou Yun , Xiong Sichu , Xue Wenwen , Tian Yueru , Guan Ming , Hu Lingfei , Yin Zhe , Zhou Dongsheng , Huang Xiaotian , Dong Yanmei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The frequent use of antifungal agents has contributed to the emergence of previously rare or unidentified drug-resistant fungal species, such as Candida auris, which presents mortality rates exceeding 40% and antifungal resistance rates surpassing 90%. The rise of life-threatening infections caused by these increasingly drug-resistant fungal pathogens, coupled with the limited arsenal of effective antifungal agents, necessitates the urgent development of novel strategies to combat multidrug resistance. In this study, we systematically evaluated the role of post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone H3 in drug resistance in C. auris, focusing on acetylation mediated by the acetyltransferases Gcn5 and Rtt109, as well as methylation by the methyltransferases Set1, Set2, and Dot1. Mutants deficient in these enzymes exhibited varying degrees of antifungal drug sensitivity. Notably, we discovered that the loss of GCN5 and subsequent histone H3 acetylation downregulates key genes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis and drug efflux, resulting in increased susceptibility to major antifungal classes such as azoles and polyenes. Additionally, Gcn5 regulates cell wall integrity and echinocandin resistance through modulation of the calcineurin signaling pathway and the transcription factor Cas5. In invasive infection models using Galleria mellonella and immunocompromised mice, the deletion of GCN5 significantly reduced the virulence of C. auris. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the Gcn5 inhibitor CPTH2, when combined with the antifungal drug caspofungin (CAS), exhibits a synergistic effect against C. auris in both in vitro and in vivo models without significant toxicity to human cells or mice. In conclusion, these findings highlight the critical role of Gcn5 in the resistance and pathogenicity of C. auris, positioning it as a promising therapeutic target for combating invasive fungal infections.
Are Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries Explained by Known Risk Factors?
Authors: Manske Mary Claire , Wilson Machelle , Wise Barton , Hedriana Herman , Melnikow Joy , Tancredi Daniel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the association of maternal race/ethnicity with risk factors for brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) and quantify the proportion of excess BPBI risk due to these factors.
Study design
This retrospective cohort study of all livebirths occurring in California-licensed hospitals from 1996–2012 included 6,278,562 maternal-livebirth infant pairs with 7,762 BPBI diagnoses. Multiple logistic regression and causal mediation analyses were used to evaluate the relationship of race/ethnicity and BPBI risk factors.
Results
Black and Hispanic birthing-individuals were at increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and limited prenatal care utilization but decreased risk of many BPBI risk factors (shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, prolonged second stage of labor, and vaginal delivery).
Conclusions
Black and Hispanic birthing-individuals were at lower risk of many strongly associated risk factors for BPBI, and these factors mediate only a small proportion of their excess BPBI risk, underscoring the importance of identifying alternative risk factors, especially drivers of demographic disparities.
Application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process for Comprehensive Flood Susceptibility Mapping in a Rapidly Developing Industrial Zone of Bangladesh
Authors: Sultana Niger , Habib Muhammad Enamul , Mahmud Abdullah al 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study presents a flood susceptibility model for the Meghna River basin, specifically targeting five unions in Narayanganj and Munshiganj districts, using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). The model incorporates ten key flood causative factors: Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), elevation, slope, precipitation, land use and land cover (LULC), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), proximity to rivers and roads, stream density, and soil type. High-resolution spatial data from USGS, CHIRPS, and Landsat 8 were utilized to generate the necessary layers. The relative importance of each factor was determined through AHP, and the model was validated with historical flood records. The flood susceptibility map reveals that 35.48% of the study area falls under high and very high susceptibility zones, concentrated in low-lying areas with poor drainage. These findings provide critical insights for policymakers and urban planners, enabling informed decisions on flood risk management, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness in the rapidly growing industrial areas along the Meghna River.
Self-adapting foot orthosis inlay facilitates handling and reduces plantar pressure compared to vacuum-based technology.
Authors: Milstrey Alexander , Horst Carolin , Gartung Stella , Stange Richard , Ochman Sabine 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background Orthoses are commonly used in the treatment of various foot and ankle injuries and deformities. An effective technology in foot orthoses is a vacuum system to improve the fit and function of the orthosis. Recently, a new technology was designed to facilitate the wearing of the foot orthoses while maintaining function without the need for vacuum suction.
Methods A plantar dynamic pressure distribution measurement was carried out in 25 healthy subjects (13w/12m, age 23 - 58 y) using capacitive measuring insoles (Pedar-X®, Novel GmbH, Munich) in two differently designed inlays within the VACOpedes® orthosis (Group A: vacuum inlay vs. Group B: XELGO® inlay) and a regular off-the-shelf shoe (Group C, OTS). The peak plantar pressure, mean plantar pressure and maximum force were analyzed in the entire foot and in individual regions of the medial and lateral forefoot, the midfoot and the hindfoot. Finally, the wearing comfort was compared using a visual analog scale from 1 to 10 (highest comfort). In this observational study, paired t-tests were used to adhere to the hierarchical test strategy.
Results The peak pressure of both inlays was significantly lower than in the OTS shoe (A: 230.6 ± 44.6 kPa, B: 218.0 ± 49.7 kPa, C: 278.6 ± 50.5 kPa; p<0.001). In a sub-analysis of the different regions, the XELGO® inlay significantly reduced plantar pressure in the medial forefoot compared to the vacuum orthosis (A: 181.7 ± 45.7 kPa, B: 158.6 ± 51.7 kPa, p<0.002).
The wearing comfort was significantly higher with the XELGO® inlay compared to the vacuum inlay (A: 5.68/10, B: 7.24/10; p<0.001).
Conclusion The VACOpedes® with new XELGO® inlay showed at least equivalent relief in all pressure distribution measurements analyzed, and greater relief in the forefoot area than the VACOpedes® with vacuum inlay, as well as increased wearing comfort.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV – Case series.
CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER
Not applicable.
Lower mantle minerals in Oman ophiolitic chromitite trace its deep origin
Authors: Kusky Timothy , Chen Tao , Zhang Junfeng , zhang yanfei , ZHOU Lian , Jin Zhenmin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Ophiolites, fragments of oceanic lithosphere thrust onto continents, provide key insights into crust and mantle processes. For many years, geologists believed oceanic crust forms through partial melting of the decompressing upper mantle, partly based on studies of Oman and Cyprus ophiolites. However, we report here a lower-mantle mineral assemblage preserved in the Oman ophiolite, challenging this long-standing view. The assemblage includes calcium ferrite- structured magnesiochromite (CF-chromite), magnesiowüstite, amorphous SiO2 (formerly stishovite), amorphous MgSiO3 (formerly bridgmanite), and high-pressure clinoenstatite, indicating formation at pressures exceeding 26 GPa, or depths around 720 km. This discovery reveals interaction between lower and upper mantle systems during oceanic crust formation, reshaping our understanding of this process.