bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjustment experiences of adolescents living with well-controlled type 1 diabetes using closed-loop technology
Authors: Kruger Sylvia , Deacon Elmari , van Rensburg Esmé , Segal David 
Published: October 2024

AimThis study aimed to obtain an in-depth understanding of the experiences of adolescents with well-controlled type 1 diabetes who were adjusting to closed-loop technology.MethodInterpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was conducted. Five participants (aged 15–18) were recruited from the Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology in Parktown, South Africa, to participate in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of adjusting to closed-loop technology.ResultsFive superordinate themes emerged (1): learning to trust the technology (2), making diabetes visible (3), building a relationship with diabetes (4), empowering support networks, and (5) transformative positive outcomes. The findings demonstrate that closed-loop technology positively impacts the adjustment to living with type 1 diabetes. However, as highlighted by all participants, the individual’s engagement and management are crucial. Based on the adolescents’ experiences, interventions should focus on psychological factors.
The development of prosocial behavior from late childhood to adolescence: a longitudinal and multicultural study
Authors: Cirimele Flavia , Pastorelli Concetta , Remondi Chiara , Zuffianò Antonio , Thartori Eriona , Gerbino Maria , Di Giunta Laura , Bacchini Dario , Oburu Paul , Skinner Ann T. , Sorbring Emma , Steinberg Laurence , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Yotanyamaneewong Saengduean , Peña Alampay Liane , Al-Hassan Suha M. , Bornstein Marc H. , Chang Lei , Deater-Deckard Kirby , Dodge Kenneth A. , Gurdal Sevtap , Junla Daranee , Eisenberg Nancy , Lansford Jennifer E. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionProsocial behavior (i.e., voluntary actions aimed at benefiting others, such as helping, comforting, and sharing) has proven beneficial for individuals' adjustment during the transition to adolescence. However, less is known about the role of the broader sociocultural context in shaping prosocial development across different cultures. Thus, the present study explored the longitudinal trajectory of prosocial behavior in the transition to adolescence (from ages 9 to 16) by examining the role of the Human Development Index (HDI) in relation to prosocial development.MethodsA sample of 915 children (Time 1: 50.5% males; Mage = 9.24, SD = 0.69) across six countries (Colombia, Jordan, Italy, the Philippines, Thailand, and the United States) participated in the study. Over four time points covering 7 years, prosocial behavior was assessed using a self-report measure.ResultsA second-order Latent Growth Curve Model, controlling for child gender and family SES, showed that prosocial behavior remained stable in contexts with high HDI, whereas increases in prosocial behavior were evidenced as children moved into adolescence in contexts with low HDI. Moreover, cultural differences in the mean level of prosocial behavior were shown during late childhood and the earliest phase of adolescence, whereas the national development of a given context did not account for differences in prosocial behavior during late adolescence.DiscussionFindings underscore that national life expectancy, education, and wealth play a role in age-related changes in other-oriented behaviors during adolescence. The role of sociocultural factors in shaping trajectories of prosocial behavior across six countries is discussed.
Aya Contigo: evaluation of a digital intervention to support self-managed medication abortion in Venezuela
Authors: Cleverley Kathryn , Sergeant Anjali , Zamberlin Nina , Medina Susana , Tam Genevieve , Gill Roopan 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundVenezuela continues to face a humanitarian crisis, where healthcare is difficult to access and abortion is legally restricted. In response to a growing need for life-saving abortion and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, a digital application called Aya Contigo was co-developed with local partners to support self-managed medication abortion. We sought to evaluate this digital health tool among pregnant people seeking abortion in Venezuela.MethodsThis is a mixed-methods pilot evaluation of Aya Contigo, a digital tool for pregnant people seeking abortion in Venezuela. From April to June of 2021, people in the first trimester of pregnancy were recruited via passive sampling. Once enrolled, participants accessed information and resources on the application and were supported by study team members over an encrypted chat. Following medication abortion, participants completed an online survey and a semi-structured interview. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the survey responses. Interviews were coded thematically and analyzed qualitatively with NVivo.ResultsForty participants seeking medication abortion in Venezuela were recruited to the study and given access to Aya Contigo. Seventeen completed the online survey (42.5%), with all participants identifying as women and a mean age of 28 (range 19–38; SD 5.55). Participants expressed confidence in Aya Contigo; 53% (9/17) felt “very supported” and the remaining 47% (8/17) felt “somewhat supported” by the app throughout the self-managed abortion process. The app was rated as highly usable, with an overall System Usability Scale score of 83.4/100. Thirteen respondents participated in a semi-structured phone interview, and qualitative analysis identified key themes relating to the experience of seeking abortion in Venezuela, the user experience with Aya Contigo, and the app's role in the existing ecosystem of abortion and contraceptive care in Venezuela.DiscussionThis mixed-methods pilot study demonstrates that the Aya Contigo mobile application may support pregnant people seeking medication abortion and post-abortion contraceptive services in Venezuela. Participants valued the provision of evidence-based information, virtual accompaniment services, and locally-available sexual and reproductive health resources via the digital tool. Further research and interventions are needed to ensure that all pregnant people in Venezuela can access safe abortion and contraceptive resources.
“Dictionary of immune responses” reveals the critical role of monocytes and the core target IRF7 in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Xu Peichuan , Li Kaihui , Yuan Jinghong , Zhao Jiangminghao , Pan Huajun , Pan Chongzhi , Xiong Wei , Tan Jianye , Li Tao , Huang Guanfeng , Chen Xiaolong , Miao Xinxin , He Dingwen , Cheng Xigao 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundIntervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is widely regarded as the primary contributor to low back pain(LBP). As an immune-privileged organ, upon the onset of IDD, various components of the nucleus pulposus (NP) are exposed to the host’s immune system, accumulating cytokines. Cytokines facilitate intercellular communication within the immune system, induce immune cells polarisation, and exacerbate oxidative stress in IDD. MethodsMachine learning was used to identify crucial immune cells. Subsequently, Immune Response Enrichment Analysis (IREA) was conducted on the key immune cells to determine their cytokine responses and polarisation states in IDD. “CellChat” package facilitated the analysis of cell-cell communication. Differential gene expression analysis, PPI network, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, GSVA, co-expressed gene analysis and key gene-related networks were also performed to explore hub genes and their associated functions. Lastly, the differential expression and functions of key genes were validated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.ResultsThrough multiple machine learning methods, monocytes were identified as the crucial immune cells in IDD, exhibiting significant differentiation capacity. IREA revealed that monocytes in IDD polarize into an IFN-a1 and IFN-b enriched Mono-a state, potentially intensifying inflammation. Cell–cell communication analysis uncovered alteration in ANNEXIN pathway and a reduction in CXCL signaling between macrophages and monocytes, suggesting immune response dysregulation. Furthermore, ten algorithms identified three hub genes. Both experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo have conclusively shown that IRF7 serves as a crucial target for the treatment of IDD, and its knockdown alleviates IDD. Eight small-molecule drugs were predicted to have therapeutic potential for IDD.ConclusionThese findings offer a multidimensional understanding of the pathogenesis of IDD, pinpointing monocytes and key genes as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. They provide novel insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for IDD.
Thyroid hormone regulates both melanin and non-melanin pigmentation in Sinibrama taeniatus via three types of chromophores
Authors: Liu Xiaoqin , Wang Siya , Feng Qilin , Cheng Linfeng , Teng Ran , Wei Lan , Wu Yuanbing , Wang Zhijian , Yuan Dengyue 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionBody color is a prominent phenotypic trait and a significant economic characteristic in fish. While current research mainly examines the effects of genetic factors, less emphasis has been placed on the role of endogenous hormones in fish body color.MethodsIn this study, we investigated the changes in phenotype and pigment content in juvenile Sinibrama taeniatus after a 30-day treatment with gradient concentrations of L-thyroxine. To further understanding of the regulatory roles of thyroid hormone on pigment synthesis, we investigated the expression changes in genes involved in melanin-based and non-melanin-based pigmentation under the different hormonal regimes.ResultsCompared to the control group, the body color of the low-concentration L-thyroxine treatment group (20 nM) was lighter, while that of the high-concentration group (40 nM and 80 nM) was darker. Thyroid hormone treatment simultaneously affected melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores in different ways, leading to an increase of melanin and guanine, and a reduction of pteridine and β-carotene. These findings suggest that thyroid hormone regulates fish body color pigment synthesis through both melanin-based and non-melanin-based mechanisms. Additionally, expression of genes involved in melanin-based (e.g. ctnnb1, wnt10b, and adcy3) and non-melanin-based pigmentation (e.g. xdh, ltk, pnp4a, and mpv17) were modified by thyroid hormone treatment.DiscussionOur results enhanced the understanding of the role of thyroid hormone in fish pigmentation and provide useful information for cultivating fish with desirable body colors in aquaculture.
Enhanced cold tolerance mechanisms in Euglena gracilis: comparative analysis of pre-adaptation and direct low-temperature exposure
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Fu Wen , Du Ming , Yao Rao , Zhang Dan , Li Chao , Chen Zixi , Wang Jiangxin 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionMicroalgae, known for their adaptability to extreme environments, are important for basic research and industrial applications. Euglena, unique for its lack of a cell wall, has garnered attention due to its versatility and the presence of bioactive compounds. Despite its potential, few studies have focused on Euglena’s cold adaptation mechanisms.MethodsThis study investigates the cold adaptation mechanisms of Euglena gracilis, a microalga found in highly diverse environmental habitats, by comparing its growth, photosynthetic performance, and physiological and biochemical responses under two low-temperature cultivation modes: pre-adaptation to 16°C followed by exposure to 4°C (PreC) and direct exposure to 4°C (DirC).Results and discussionIn this study, the PreC group exhibited superior growth rates, higher photosynthetic efficiency, and more excellent antioxidant activity compared to the DirC group. These advantages were attributed to higher levels of protective compounds, enhanced membrane stability, and increased unsaturated fatty acid content. The PreC group’s ability to maintain higher cell vitality under cold stress conditions underscores the significance of pre-adaptation in enhancing cold tolerance. The findings from this research provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying cold adaptation in E. gracilis, emphasizing the benefits of pre-adaptation. These insights are crucial for optimizing the cultivation of algal species under cold stress conditions, which is essential for both biotechnological applications and ecological studies. This study not only advances our understanding of Euglena’s adaptive responses to low temperatures but also contributes to the broader field of algal research and its industrial exploitation.
Intermittent low-intensity and moderate-intensity exercise effects on cognition in community-dwelling older adults: a pilot study exploring biological mechanisms
Authors: Gujral Swathi , Cameron Judy L. , Conaty Kayla , Ziady Sumer , Sahu Amrita , Jakicic John M. , Rogers Renee J. , Rosano Caterina , Vallejo Abbe N. , Erickson Kirk I. , Ibrahim Tamer S. , Aizenstein Howards , Reynolds Charles F. , Butters Meryl A. 
Published: October 2024

Background/objectiveTo examine the cognitive benefits of 6 months of prescribed intermittent exercise (10-min bouts totaling 150 weekly minutes) in community-dwelling older adults, comparing effects of low-intensity movement (LIM) and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (aerobic exercise; AE) training; and exploring biological mechanisms of exercise-related cognitive improvement.MethodTwenty-five adults (&gt;60 years old) participated in a 6-month controlled trial and were randomized into LIM or AE intermittent training. Cognition was assessed using a neuropsychological test battery including the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), California Verbal Learning Test, 2nd Edition (CVLT-II), and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS). Neuroimaging measures were collected using a 7 T human MRI scanner. Serologic neurotrophic and inflammatory factors were analyzed using Luminex multiplex assays [brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)]; interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1).ResultsLIM and AE intermittent training had dissociable effects on cognition, with LIM resulting in improved learning and memory and AE resulting in improved executive functioning. Intervention groups differed on change in cognitive performance on CVLT-II learning and D-KEFS trail making test. Increase in right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) surface area was linked to executive improvement (i.e., phonemic fluency) regardless of intervention group. A decline in circulating PAI-1 was linked to learning and memory improvement in response to LIM over 6 months.ConclusionModerate-intensity AE and LIM intermittent training likely have distinct cognitive benefits, though low-intensity activity is often included as a control group in exercise trials in aging.
Effect of traditional Chinese exercises on the physical and mental health of stroke patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Shao Yan , Han Jing-Yuan , Li Hai-Long , Ren Zhu-Ping , Yang Hui 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThis meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese exercises on stroke and explore the dose-response relationship between the type of exercise and exercise duration with respect to physical and mental health.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database, and China Science and Technology Journal Database to identify published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to stroke patients and traditional Chinese exercise that met the evaluation criteria, from the inception of the database until September 2022. After assessing the quality of the literature, we used RevMan5.4 for data analysis.ResultsA total of 27 RCTs were included. The results of the meta-analysis revealed that motor function [MD = 4.79, 95% CI: (4.14, 5.43), p &lt; 0.001], balance function [MD = 5.25, 95% CI: (3.93, 6.56), p &lt; 0.001], and mental health [MD = −2.42, 95% CI: (−3.92 to −0.92), p = 0.002] were significantly better in the experimental group than in the control group.ConclusionTraditional Chinese exercises have a positive effect on the physical and mental health of stroke patients, with the most significant benefit observed in balance function. While traditional Chinese exercises improve exercise capacity and mental health in stroke patients, these improvements are not directly correlated with longer practice time, and there appear to be certain limitations regarding duration.
Efficacy and safety of subcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin in the treatment of Chinese postherpetic neuralgia compared to analgesics: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Lin Ping 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this meta-analysis is to investigate the efficacy and safety of a subcutaneous injection of botulinum toxin in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) compared to analgesics.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception to 10 September 2023. The primary clinical outcomes included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and clinical effective rates. The secondary clinical outcome included the adverse event rate during follow-up.ResultsA total of 14 studies with 1,358 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among the included patients, 670 participants received botulinum toxin A injections and 688 participants received other medication treatments. The botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A) group exhibited lower pain scores [week 2: Mean difference (MD): −1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): −2.63 to −1.20, and p &lt; 0.00001; week 4: MD: –1.69, 95% CI: −2.69 to −0.68, and p &lt; 0.00001; week 8: MD: –1.66, 95% CI: −2.20 to −1.12, and p &lt; 0.00001; week 12:MD: –1.83, 95% CI: −2.70 to −0.96, and p &lt; 0.00001; and week 24: MD: -1.07, 95% CI: −1.16 to −0.99, and p &lt; 0.00001]. The effective rate was significantly higher in patients who received BTX-A for postherpetic neuralgia compared to those who received lidocaine or gabapentin (lidocaine: MD: –1.55, 95% CI: −2.84 to −0.27, and p = 0.02 and gabapentin: MD: –1.57, 95% CI: −2.12 to −1.02; and p &lt; 0.00001). There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events between the treatment groups [odds ratio (OR): 1.25, 95% CI: 0.43 to 3.61, and p = 0.69].ConclusionOur meta-analysis showed that BTX-A has certain advantages in relieving postherpetic neuralgia compared to analgesics. In addition, BTX-A is safe for treating postherpetic neuralgia, with no notable side effects.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021289813.
COVID-19 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS): a propensity matched analysis (2020-2021)
Authors: Sivasubramanian Barath Prashanth , Joshi Shashvat , Ravikumar Diviya Bharathi , Madhumithaa Jagannathan  , Babu Sonia , Sripathi Shanthi Reddy , Javvaji Avinash , Jain Priyanshu , Kumar Shanmugam Dinesh , Swami Kannan Bharath Duraisamy , Tirupathi Raghavendra , Dalal Rutul 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundBy 2023, COVID-19 had caused 6.8 million deaths in the United States. COVID-19 presents more severely in leukemia compared to solid tumors (OR 1.6, p&lt;0.05). However, data on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) are limited. We investigated the mortality in AML and MDS patients with COVID-19.MethodsData from the 2020-2021 National Inpatient Sample was used to conduct a cross-sectional analysis. We identified AML and MDS patients with COVID-19 hospitalizations through ICD-10 codes. Analysis was done by propensity matching and multivariate regression with a p-value of ≤0.05.ResultsOf 28,028 AML admissions, 336 (1.2%) were admitted for COVID-19. AML-COVID-19 cohort had a lower hospitalization risk (aOR 0.3, p=0.000) and higher mortality (21.7% vs 8.7%; aOR 1.6, p=0.023) than AML patients admitted for other causes. AML patients post-HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) had a higher risk of COVID-19 (20.2% vs 9.8%; aOR 2.6, p=0.000) and increased mortality (19.1% vs 6.7%; aOR 4.1, p=0.000) compared to other causes. Similarly, of 28,148 MDS patients, 769 (2.7%) were admitted for COVID-19. The MDS-COVID-19 cohort had a lower hospitalization risk (aOR 0.59, p=0.000) and higher mortality (19.6% vs 6.6%; aOR 2.2, p=0.000) compared to other causes. In MDS, HSCT did not alter the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations (3% vs 3.9%; aOR 0.9, p=0.662), but these patients had higher mortality (17.4% vs 5.1%; aOR 4.0, p=0.032).ConclusionCOVID-19 hospitalization was low in AML and MDS but carried a high mortality risk. Post-HSCT, the mortality is high, warranting research into understanding the underlying factors.
Precuneal hyperperfusion in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-comorbid nociplastic pain
Authors: Takahashi Miwako , Kasahara Satoshi , Soma Tsutomu , Morita Taito , Sato Naoko , Matsudaira Ko , Niwa Shin-Ichi , Momose Toshimitsu 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNociplastic pain (NP), a third category of chronic pain, offers a framework for elucidating its pathophysiology and treatment strategies. One of the characteristics of NP is comorbidity of symptoms other than pain, such as psychological and cognitive problems; therefore, these can be clues to understanding NP. Recently, we reported several cases with comorbid symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Notably, ADHD medications, including methylphenidate (MP) and atomoxetine, improved chronic pain as well as the symptoms of ADHD. However, in clinical settings, identifying comorbid ADHD in patients with chronic pain is challenging, and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. To explore the common characteristics of brain function in patients with ADHD-comorbid NP, we identified brain regions where cerebral blood flow (CBF) distributions changed between pre- and post-treatment using single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Additionally, we examined brain regions where CBF values correlated with clinical scores.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 65 patients (mean age 53 ± 14 years; 30 males and 35 females) with ADHD-comorbid NP who underwent CBF-SPECT before and after ADHD medication initiation. Clinical scores included the clinical global impression severity (CGI-S), pain numerical rating scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale, pain catastrophizing scale, and Conners’ adult ADHD rating scale-self report scores. Voxel-based statistical methods were used to compare pre- and post-treatment CBF-SPECT images to identify significant differences and investigate brain regions correlated with clinical scores.ResultsThe CBF was higher in the precuneus, insular gyrus, and thalamus before treatment than after treatment (paired t-test, cluster-definition p &lt; 0.001, cluster-extent threshold p &lt; 0.05, with family-wise error [FWE] correction). The hyperperfusion in the precuneus was positively correlated with the CGI-S score and significantly reduced after treatment with MP (paired t-test, cluster-definition p &lt; 0.005, cluster-extent threshold p &lt; 0.05, with FWE correction).ConclusionThe finding of precuneal hyperperfusion may provide insight into the mechanisms of NP and help identify patients who would benefit most from ADHD medications.