bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consciouness and Practice of Personal Hygiene among the High School Students of a Rural Area in Chattogram
Authors: Ghosh Purnasree , Mahmud Sayeed , Deb Ajoy , Muzumder Pranay Kumar , Chowdhury Saimon Raihan Uddin , Urmi Sharmin Sultana , Onamika Mensila 
Published: September 2024

Backround: Good health is a sign of a country's economic well-being. Personal hygiene should be maintained first and foremost for high accuracy in work, low disease suffering and disease prevention. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial because it can prevent many infectious diseases. Personal hygiene habits may have developed during childhood. Children in school are especially prone to disregarding basic personal hygiene.This study was conducted to assess the consciousness and practice of personal hygiene among the students of a rural high school in Chattogram.
Materials and methods: It was a descriptive type of cross-sectionalstudy and data were collected from 314 students of Guman Mardan Pashkarhut High School in Hathazari Upazila, Chattogram from August to October 2023 by interviewer administrative questionnaire.
Results: Among the respondents, most of them 141(45%) were in the age group 11-12 years. About 207 (66%) were girls and 302(96%) were Muslims. Maximum 172 (54.8%) respondents were from class VII and class 8 and 36.5% were from lower middle class. About 241(77%) heard about the term personal hygiene and maximum students, 152(63.1%) heard it from school. Most of the students 241(77%) had idea on basic requirement of personal hygiene. It was found that maximum respondents 300 (96%) know about the importance of handwashing. Among all students, 73% brush twice daily, about 307(97.77%) take shower daily in summer and 302 (96%) practiced in winter, 293 (93.31%) used a towel of their own. During tiffin time, 211(67.20%) had taken home made food.
Conclusion: As most of the children neglect maintenance of personal hygiene, so their habit should be changed. It should be practiced from early childhood to lead a healthy, disease-free productive life.
IAHS Medical Journal Vol 6(2), December 2023; 24-30
Holistic shape variation of the rib cage in an adult population
Authors: Robinson Andrea , Zheng Bowen , von Kleeck B. Wade , Tan Josh , Gayzik F. Scott 
Published: September 2024

Traumatic injuries to the thorax are a common occurrence, and given the disparity in outcomes, injury risk is non-uniformly distributed within the population. Rib cage geometry, in conjunction with well-established biomechanical characteristics, is thought to influence injury tolerance, but quantifiable descriptions of adult rib cage shape as a whole are lacking. Here, we develop an automated pipeline to extract whole rib cage measurements from a large population and produce distributions of these measurements to assess variability in rib cage shape. Ten measurements of whole rib cage shape were collected from 1,719 individuals aged 25–45 years old including angular, linear, areal, and volumetric measures. The resulting pipeline produced measurements with a mean percent difference to manually collected measurements of 1.7% ± 1.6%, and the whole process takes 30 s per scan. Each measurement followed a normal distribution with a maximum absolute skew value of 0.43 and a maximum absolute excess kurtosis value of 0.6. Significant differences were found between the sexes (p &lt; 0.001) in all except angular measures. Multivariate regression revealed that demographic predictors explain 29%–68% of the variance in the data. The angular measurements had the three lowest R2 values and were also the only three to have little correlation with subject stature. Unlike other measures, rib cage height had a negative correlation with BMI. Stature was the dominant demographic factor in predicting rib cage height, coronal area, sagittal area, and volume. Subject weight was the dominant demographic factor for rib cage width, depth, axial area, and angular measurements. Age was minimally important in this cohort of adults from a narrow age range. Individuals of similar height and weight had average rib cage measurements near the regression predictions, but the range of values across all subjects encompassed a large portion of their respective distributions. Our findings characterize the variability in adult rib cage geometry, including the variation within narrow demographic criteria. In future work, these can be integrated into computer aided engineering workflows to assess the influence of whole rib cage shape on the biomechanics of the adult human thorax.
Mechanical force promotes tissue and molecular changes in adipose tissue regeneration post-transplantation
Authors: Ye Yuan , Ma Jian , Guo Bing-yang , Li Xiong-jie , Hu Kui-kui , Tan Mei-jun , Zhang Liang 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionFat grafting often yields inconsistent and suboptimal results, necessitating improved fat processing techniques. A stromal vascular fraction (SVF) gel created using mechanical emulsification demonstrates superior retention rates to conventional Coleman fat grafts.MethodsThis study investigated the mechanisms at play by transplanting fat aspirates from liposuction patients—either processed as Coleman fat grafts or further refined into an SVF gel via mechanical shear force—onto the backs of nude mice.ResultsThe retention rate of the SVF gel after transplantation surpassed that observed for Coleman fat. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence results demonstrated that the SVF gel group could form new adipose tissue characterized by well-organized mature fat structures. Mechanical shear force application induced increased mesenchymal stem cell abundance. Rather than merely surviving regeneration, fat was regenerated after transplantation, and the regenerated cells were mainly from mice, which was supported by microarray analysis. RNA-seq highlighted 601 genes expressed between SVF gel and Coleman fat groups, with 164 genes upregulated (cell cycle processes), and 437 genes downregulated (lipid metabolism).DiscussionThe application of mechanical shear force reduces the risk of complications and fosters cell proliferation and division, thereby enhancing the retention and regeneration of transplanted fat.
Gut microbiota and metabolomic profile changes play critical roles in tacrolimus-induced diabetes in rats
Authors: Jiang Zhenwei , Qian Minyan , Zhen Zeng , Yang Xuping , Xu Caomei , Zuo Li’an , Jiang Jingting , Zhang Wenting , Hu Nan 
Published: September 2024

AimsHyperglycemia is one of the adverse effects of tacrolimus (TAC), but the underlying mechanism is not fully identified. We used multi-omics analysis to evaluate the changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic profile of rats with TAC-induced diabetes.MethodsTo establish a diabetic animal model, Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into two groups. Those in the TAC group received intraperitoneal injections of TAC (3 mg/kg) for 8 weeks, and those in the CON group served as the control. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze fecal microbiota. The metabolites of the two groups were detected and analyzed by nontargeted and targeted metabolomics, including amino acids (AAs), bile acids (BAs), and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).ResultsThe rats treated with TAC exhibited hyperglycemia as well as changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites. Specifically, their gut microbiota had significantly higher abundances of Escherichia-Shigella, Enterococcus, and Allobaculum, and significantly lower abundances of Ruminococcus, Akkermansia, and Roseburia. In addition, they had significantly reduced serum levels of AAs including asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and methionine. With respect to BAs, they had significantly higher serum levels of taurocholic acid (TCA), and glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA), but significantly lower levels of taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). There were no differences in the levels of SCFAs between the two groups. Correlations existed among glucose metabolism indexes (fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin), gut microbiota (Ruminococcus and Akkermansia), and metabolites (glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, GCDCA, TDCA, and TUDCA).ConclusionsBoth AAs and BAs may play crucial roles as signaling molecules in the regulation of TAC-induced diabetes.
The incidence, mortality and disease burden of cardiovascular diseases in China: a comparative study with the United States and Japan based on the GBD 2019 time trend analysis
Authors: Zhu Menglan , Jin Wenyu , He Wangbiao , Zhang Lulu 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are not only the primary cause of mortality in China but also represent a significant financial burden. The World Health Organization highlight that as China undergoes rapid socioeconomic development, its disease spectrum is gradually shifting towards that of developed countries, with increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as ischemic heart disease and stroke. We reviewed the rates and trends of CVDs incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) burden in China and compared them with those in the United States (US) and Japan for formulating CVDs control policies.MethodsData on CVDs incidence, death and DALYs in China, the US and Japan were obtained from the GBD 2019 database. The Joinpoint regression model was used to analyze the trends in CVDs incidence and mortality in China, the US and Japan, calculate the annual percentage change and determine the best-fitting inflection points.ResultsIn 2019, there were approximately 12,341,074 new diagnosed cases of CVDs in China, with 4,584,273 CVDs related deaths, causing 91,933,122 DALYs. The CVDs age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) in China (538.10/100,000) was lower than that in the US and globally, while age-standardized death rate (ASDR) (276.9/100,000) and age-standardized DALY rate (6,463.47/100,000) were higher than those in the two regions. Compared with the US and Japan, from 1990 to 2019, the CVDs incidence rate in China showed an increasing trend, with a lower annual decrease in ASDR and a younger age structure of disease burden. Furthermore, the disease spectrum in China changed minimally, with stroke, ischemic heart disease, and hypertensive heart disease being the top three leading CVDs diseases in terms of incidence and disease burden, also being the major causes of CVDs in the US and Japan.ConclusionThe prevention and control of CVDs is a global issue. The aging population and increasing unhealthy lifestyles will continue to increase the burden in China. Therefore, relevant departments in China should reference the established practices for CVDs control in developed countries while considering the diversity of CVDs in different regions when adjusting national CVDs control programs.
Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 as a potential prognostic biomarker for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Tingting , Li Fangyu , Fei Yihuan , Sun Fangling , Chen Mengqi , Tian Xin , Zheng Wenrong , Zhu Zixin , Wang Wen 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundMost studies have indicated that peripheral insulin-like growth levels factor-1 (IGF-1) is valuable in diagnosing heart failure, although the results have been inconsistent. To help solve the debate, we performed a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between IGF-1 and heart failure (HF).MethodsWe conducted an extensive search across various databases such as Embase, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Medline, and Web of Science on May 30, 2023. From the extensive pool of studies, we selected 16 relevant articles, encompassing a total of 1,380 cases and 1,153 controls, to conduct a rigorous meta-analysis.ResultsThe total results indicated that there is an association between lower IGF-1 level and HF. The random-effects model yielded a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of −0.598 (95% CI: −1.081 to −0.116, P = 0.015). Further subgroup analysis also showed that IGF-1 levels were associated with HF in the age difference ≥5 years subgroup and body mass index difference &gt;1 subgroup. Additionally, significant association between IGF-1 levels and HF were detected in the “serum” samples and “Europe” subgroups. Importantly, we observed IGF-1 showed significant lower levels in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) compared to the controls, not in patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The Begg’s and Egger’s tests revealed no indication of publication bias.ConclusionsOur meta-analysis has provided evidence suggesting a substantial correlation between reduced levels of IGF-1 and the occurrence of HF. Further prospective studies are necessary to ascertain the use of IGF-1 as a reliable biomarker for diagnosing HF, especially for HFrEF. But the diagnosis of HFpEF should be cautious.
Challenges in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia: a case report
Authors: Rogozik Joanna , Grabowski Marcin , Główczyńska Renata 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a serious genetic condition that results in abnormally high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the bloodstream, significantly increasing the risk of early onset of cardiovascular disease. The heterozygous form of FH (HeFH) is widespread, affecting around 1 in 500 people worldwide.Case reportIn this clinical report, we present the case of a patient who suffers from HeFH due to a mutation in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene. A woman exhibited intolerance to statin therapy and did not attain adequate reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels on ezetimibe monotherapy. Genetic testing confirmed the presence of a pathogenic variant for FH with the deletion of exons 7–14. The administration of alirocumab (a dose of 150 mg sc) as the primary therapy did not exhibit the desired therapeutic outcome. Consequently, the patient was given inclisiran therapy (a dose of 284 mg sc), which significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels after 3 months of treatment and during the 1-year follow-up.ConclusionInclisiran therapy has shown promising results for individuals with HeFH who experience statin intolerance. This therapy works by using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target the mRNA of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which leads to a significant reduction of LDL-C levels. This approach can be an alternative for patients without significant reductions in LDL-C levels with PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. For HeFH patients with limited treatment options due to statin intolerance and genetic mutations, inclisiran can represent a promising therapeutic option.
New challenges for higher education: self-regulated learning in blended learning contexts
Authors: Lobos Karla , Cobo-Rendón Rubia , Bruna Jofré Daniela , Santana Javiera 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe study on self-regulated learning in blended learning (BL) environments highlights its crucial relevance for both the academic development of students and the evolution of contemporary educational methods. This research focused on conceptualizing self-regulated learning in university contexts with a BL modality, using direct student perceptions.MethodsAn inductive qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was employed. Responses from 312 undergraduate students who had completed their first or second year were analyzed; 65 participated in 10 focus groups (two per area of knowledge according to OECD classification), and 247 participated through a survey. Descriptive analysis was used to obtain a range of content and meanings associated with students’ perceptions of SRL-BL.ResultsThe study conceptualized SRL-BL as a process where students structure, monitor, and evaluate their learning using self-reflection and digital technologies, with particular emphasis on planning. Significant differences were identified between SRL-BL and traditional SRL; in face-to-face education, teacher supervision is greater, while in SRL-BL, students take on more responsibility and autonomy, developing self-management skills. Although SRL-BL fosters autonomy and responsibility, students face obstacles such as distractions from social media and leisure technologies, which affect their concentration and study planning.DiscussionIt is essential to address the new challenges students face to maintain a high level of SRL in Blended Learning environments (SRL-BL) and the strategies they use to overcome them. The need to update the concept of self-regulated learning (SRL) in the current educational context, influenced by technological advances, is concluded.
Long-term trends in water transparency of Tibetan Plateau lakes and the response to extreme climate events
Authors: Liu Wangming , Xu Huan , He Guowei 
Published: September 2024

Water transparency, as indicated by the Secchi disk depth (Zsd), is a key parameter for assessing the quality of aquatic environments, reflecting the ability of light to penetrate through the water column. In the Tibetan Plateau (TP), where lakes are abundant yet remote and challenging to access, remote sensing techniques offer a promising approach for monitoring Zsd over large spatial scales. In this study, we used the semianalytical -based Zsd algorithm to study the temporal and spatial dynamics of water transparency over TP during the period from 2003 to 2022. The results show that the 173 lakes have a mean value of Zsd is 3.64 ± 2.4 m for long term, and generally with the significantly increasing change trends in the past 20 years. In the central Tibetan Plateau (CTP) region, lake transparency showed a positive correlation with lake surface temperature (r = 0.73) and a negative correlation with precipitation (r = −0.54), highlighting the region’s heightened sensitivity to meteorological changes compared to other areas. The spike in water clarity observed in the CTP region may be linked to alterations in lake hydrodynamics driven by the extremely climate events (i.e., El Niño). These results indicated the importance of considering regional climatic factors when interpreting fluctuations in water transparency.
Circulating immune cells and apolipoprotein A mediation: a Mendelian randomization study on hypertensive disorder of pregnancy
Authors: Liu Jingting , Zhou Yawei , Dong Yijun , Wang Wendi , Li Yan , Pei Jianying 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundStudies using observational epidemiology have indicated that inflammation and immunological dysregulation are important contributors to placental and renal failure, which ultimately results in maternal hypertension. The potential causal relationships between the immunophenotypes and hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) are yet unclear.MethodsWe conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to thoroughly examine the relationship between immunophenotypes and HDP. The GWAS data on immunological traits was taken from public catalog for 731 immunophenotypes and the summarized GWAS data in 4 types of HDP were retrieved from FinnGen database. The link between immune cell traits and HDP was examined through our study methodology, taking into account both direct relationships and mediation effects of apolipoprotein A (apoA). The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method served as the main analysis, while sensitivity analysis was carried out as a supplement.ResultsWe identified 14 highly correlative immunophenotypes and 104 suggestive possible factors after investigating genetically predicted immunophenotype biomarkers. According to the IVW analysis, there was a strong correlation between HDP and HLA DR on DC and plasmacytoid DC. Reverse MR analysis showed that there was no statistically significant effect of HDP on immune cells in our investigation. Mediation analysis confirmed that apoA mediates the interaction between HLA DR on DC and HDP.ConclusionOur results highlight the complex interplay of immunophenotypes, apoA, and HDP. Moreover, the pathophysiological link between HLA DR on DC and HDP was mediated by the level of apoA.
A clinical protocol for a German birth cohort study of the Maturation of Immunity Against respiratory viral Infections (MIAI)
Authors: Hartmann Carina R. , Khan Robin , Schöning Jennifer , Richter Maximilian , Willers Maike , Pirr Sabine , Heckmann Julia , Dirks Johannes , Morbach Henner , Konrad Monika , Fries Elena , Winkler Magdalene , Büchel Johanna , Seidenspinner Silvia , Fischer Jonas , Vollmuth Claudia , Meinhardt Martin , Marissen Janina , Schmolke Mirco , Haid Sibylle , Pietschmann Thomas , Backes Simone , Dölken Lars , Löber Ulrike , Keil Thomas , Heuschmann Peter U. , Wöckel Achim , Sagar  , Ulas Thomas , Forslund-Startceva Sofia K. , Härtel Christoph , Viemann Dorothee 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionRespiratory viral infections (RVIs) are a major global contributor to morbidity and mortality. The susceptibility and outcome of RVIs are strongly age-dependent and show considerable inter-population differences, pointing to genetically and/or environmentally driven developmental variability. The factors determining the age-dependency and shaping the age-related changes of human anti-RVI immunity after birth are still elusive. MethodsWe are conducting a prospective birth cohort study aiming at identifying endogenous and environmental factors associated with the susceptibility to RVIs and their impact on cellular and humoral immune responses against the influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The MIAI birth cohort enrolls healthy, full-term neonates born at the University Hospital Würzburg, Germany, with follow-up at four defined time-points during the first year of life. At each study visit, clinical metadata including diet, lifestyle, sociodemographic information, and physical examinations, are collected along with extensive biomaterial sampling. Biomaterials are used to generate comprehensive, integrated multi-omics datasets including transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, metabolomic and microbiomic methods. DiscussionThe results are expected to capture a holistic picture of the variability of immune trajectories with a focus on cellular and humoral key players involved in the defense of RVIs and the impact of host and environmental factors thereon. Thereby, MIAI aims at providing insights that allow unraveling molecular mechanisms that can be targeted to promote the development of competent anti-RVI immunity in early life and prevent severe RVIs.Clinical trial registrationhttps://drks.de/search/de/trial/, identifier DRKS00034278.