bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative age effect on the physical activity and sedentary behavior in children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years old: A cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Mori Takaaki , Aoki Takumi , Oishi Kan , Harada Tetsuo , Tanaka Chiaki , Tanaka Shigeho , Tanaka Hideki , Fukuda Kazuhiko , Kamikawa Yasuko , Tsuji Nobuhiro , Komura Keisuke , Kokudo Shohei , Morita Noriteru , Suzuki Kazuhiro , Watanabe Masashi , Kasanami Ryoji , Hara Taketaka , Miyazaki Ryo , Abe Takafumi , Yamatsu Koji , Kume Daisuke , Asai Hedenori , Yamamoto Naofumi , Tsuji Taishi , Nakaya Tomoki , Ishii Kojiro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
A few studies have shown that relatively younger children and adolescents (those born later in the same school year) were less likely to engage in physical activity in a phenomenon termed the relative age effect. Although these studies mainly targeted elementary and middle school students, limited studies have reported on the relative age effect on physical activity in ordinary high school students. Moreover, the relative age effect on sedentary behavior might show an opposite association with physical activity. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the relative age effects on physical activity and sedentary behavior across different school stages in Japanese children and adolescents.
Methods
A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 21,491 children and adolescents (elementary, middle, and high school students aged 10–18 years) in various Japanese regions from January 2018 to July 2019. Overall, 18,281 children and adolescents (10,299 boys and 7,982 girls) were finally included in our analysis. Data on the birth month, as well as the frequency and duration of their physical activity (vigorous, moderate, and moderate-to-vigorous intensity) and sedentary behavior (weekday and weekend total sedentary time, television viewing, playing video games, and Internet use) were obtained. We utilized two-part model regression analyses Statistically significant association with birth month indicated that a relative age effect was observed.
Results
The relatively younger individuals were less likely to engage in physical activity (especially vigorous physical activity); this association was observed in middle and high school students. Conversely, relatively younger boys spent more time on the weekend with sedentary behaviors and Internet use. Because of the school stage, the relative age effect on physical activity was observed in middle and high school students, whereas the relative age effect on sedentary behavior was observed on the weekend with sedentary behaviors, playing video games and Internet use for male high school students and on television viewing for female middle school students.
Conclusion
The relative age effect on physical activity can persist after middle school, and relatively younger individuals are more likely to replace physical activity with sedentary behavior.
White Matter Microstructural Alterations and Brain Metabolism distributions in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Fu Peng , Han Wei , Liu Yansong , Yang Yifeng , Jiao Yuying , Hu Yujie , Yang Yang , Zhan Linhan , Wang Yangyang , Zhao Changjiu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to use simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MRI based on Automated Fiber Quantification (AFQ) to determine whether there is a relationship between white matter microstructure changes and glucose metabolism distribution in PD.The study involved 38 subjects, including 23 PD patients and 15 age and sex-matched healthy controls（HC）. Primary clinical data and cognitive assessments were collected. All subjects underwent a simultaneous 18F-FDG PET/MR scan. AFQ was utilized to calculate tract-wise diffusion properties of 20 major white matter tracts. PD patients showed reduced mean Mini-Mental State Examination （MMSE） and Montreal Cognitive Assessment （MoCA）scores compared to HC subjects (P < 0.05). PD patients showed higher mean diffusivity (MD) (P = 0.047) and axial diffusivity (AD) (P = 0.02) along the right corticospinal tract (CST) compared to HC. The microstructural change of CST was mainly located in the parietal part (node 67-100). Compared to HC, PD patients had FDG hypermetabolism in the right paracentral lobule (P = 0.0204) and bilateral putamen (left: P = 0.0075; right: P = 0.0155) and hypometabolism in the right calcarine (P = 0.0489). Hypermetabolism was found in the right paracentral lobule, which connects with the cortex of the right CST, and positively correlated with MD (r = 0.612, P < 0.001) and AD (r = 0.516, P < 0.001).We observed microstructural changes and glucose metabolism distribution characteristics in PD patients. These results may provide imaging evidence for studying the pathology of PD.
Urban slum housing quality, and its public health implications in Nigeria: A case of residents of Urban slum in Enugu metropolis, South East, Nigeria
Authors: OGBONNA SALOMEY N. , OCHIE CASMIR N. , Aniwada Elias C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introductions
Housing remains strategic social determinant of health. In Sub-Saharan Africa, a majority of urban dwellers live in slums with attendant health implications. This study assessed the housing conditions of the slum residents of Enugu metropolis and the public health implications.
Methods:
This is a community-based cross sectional study of 459 slum residents of Enugu metropolis. Ethical clearance was obtained from UNTH Ethics Committee (HREC). Data was collected using pretested semi-structured interviewer administered, questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Data ware summarized using mean and standard deviation, frequency and proportion as appropriate and presented in tables and figure. Chi square test was used for association at p value ≤ 0.05 significance.
Results
Mean age (SD) of the respondents was 32.93(12.34) years. Higher proportion 180 (39.2%) were 18-27years, females 282 (61.4%), married 297 (64.7%), attained secondary education 273 (59.5%), Igbo 453 (98.7%), and self-employed 327 (71.2%). They demonstrated good knowledge of standard housing specifications 231 (50.3%) and effects of housing conditions on health 297 (64.7%). Also, most lived in a room apartment 201 (43.8%) and cooked in separate kitchen 150 (32.7%) with gas cooker as major source of heat supply for cooking 249 (54.2%). Sixty-three (13.7%) of them adopted unhygienic methods as toilet facilities. Higher proportion, 171 (37.3%) used pipe-borne water, and electricity as the major source of light 447 (97.4%). Most prevailing health condition was malaria/fever 258 (97.4%). Despite having pests and rodents infested dwellings, only 156 (34.0%) had insecticides in the house. Equally, 132 (28.8%) of them lived with broken floors.
Conclusions
Despite good knowledge of the public health implications of poor housing, the dwellings remained substandard.
Recommendation: There is need for health campaign against the poor living conditions in the slum.
Catalytic modulation of the tumor microenvironment using cascade enzymes for synergistic boron neutron capture therapy in the treatment of gliomas
Authors: Dai Qi , Yang QiYao , Zhang Zhicheng , Qin Yaxin , Sun Xiaoyan , Bao Xiaoyan , Wu Linjie , Jiang Ruolin , Tan Xin , Ying Xufang , Ben Zhiqing , Huang Hefa , Quan Rui , Zhuang Ruirong , Xu Benhua , Han Min , Wei Qichun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system. Despite traditional treatments such as surgical resection, combined postoperative chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, it remains challenging to significantly improve the long-term survival rate of patients. This is primarily due to the incomplete surgical removal of the tumor and its resistance to radiotherapy. Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a radiotherapy that can selectively kill tumor cells. Current research has demonstrated that BNCT offers effective local disease control for gliomas and head and neck tumors. However, the existing boron-containing drugs are still unsatisfactory due to their low boron content and poor targeting ability. The synergistic treatment has provided new ideas for the development of BNCT, and the emergence of nanosystems offers the possibility of prolonged retention and pinpoint delivery of boron drugs in the tumor cites. The unique tumor microenvironment(TME) of gliomas, characterized by the blood brain barrier (BBB), oxidative stress, hypoxia and angiogenesis, renders conventional treatments ineffective and poor prognosis. Therefore, to combine the TME regulation and BNCT therapy, we prepared a stable nanosystem in this study. It is a borane-contained cationic liposome modified with cRGD peptide which enhances the tumor-targeting ability. And the enzymes Lactate oxidase(LOX) and Catalase(CAT) are absorbed on the surface of the nanosystem which reduce the concentration of lactic acid through a cascade reaction to generate O2 and decrease the protein expression level of HIF-1α. This nanosystem exhibited a more potent anti-tumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. Also it reduced tumor stemness in vivo, which improves the prognosis. Therefore, the novel nanosystem combined microenvironment regulation therapy and BNCT shows the great potential application in anti-tumor treatment.
Effect of Early Clinical Exposure based Health Systems Science course in the Korean Medical Education: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lee Hye-Yoon , Im Sunju , Shin Sang-Won , Kim Jung-Ae , Song Jin-Mi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Health professions are required to understand social structures and systems, as well as basic and clinical medical knowledge. Accordingly, Health Systems Science (HSS) is recognized as a third party of medical education. The curriculum for HSS is currently being developed and implemented in Korea. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of HSS in Korean medical education.
Methods
The HSS course using early clinical exposure (ECE) was implemented in Korean medical education and comprised lectures, four ECEs, and group activities. Students and clinical directors evaluated the course using questionnaires focused on systems thinking, productivity of group activities, and satisfaction.
Results
The study showed significant improvements in systems thinking, especially in team learning (p = .028) and overall systems thinking (p = .017). Key habits related to systems thinking also improved significantly over 15 weeks. ECE reports highlighted student engagement with various HSS domains, focusing on patient care, healthcare structure, and policy. Per the clinical directors’ evaluations, “healthcare structure and process” was the most effective domain among the core domains of HSS. Per the students’ evaluations, the overall satisfaction was higher than the college’s average score, and especially “course structure” and “instructional expertise” domains were rated most effective.
Conclusion
The HSS course with ECE is an effective method for fostering students' systems thinking habits and enhancing their understanding of healthcare systems and patient-centered care. Verifying whether students' interest in various domains and their systems thinking abilities are sustained over time is necessary, and further research is required to design a longitudinal course with continuity.
Risk factors associated with unplanned readmissions and frequent emergency department visits after pediatric tracheostomy: a nation-wide inpatient database study in Japan
Authors: Ito-Shinjo Ai , Shinjo Daisuke , Nakamura Tomoo , Kubota Mitsuru , Fushimi Kiyohide 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Children who undergo tracheostomy sometimes experience unexpected readmissions and frequent emergency department (ED) visits. Revealing the risk factors of medical resource use may help improve health outcomes. This study aimed to describe the clinical features of children who underwent tracheostomy and to determine the risk factors associated with unplanned readmission and frequent out-of-hour ED visits.
Methods
Data of children aged between 0 and 18 years who underwent tracheostomy and were discharged between April 2016 and March 2019 were retrieved from the Japanese National Inpatient Database and retrospectively analyzed. Risk factors for readmission and frequent out-of-hour ED visits within 180 days of tracheostomy were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results
A total of 1112 patients underwent tracheostomy during the study period. A total of 483 (43%) patients were readmitted and 220 (20%) visited the ED frequently. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that less than 1 years-of-age (Odds ratio [OR]:1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.26–2.47; p < .05), tube feeding (OR:1.36; 95% CI:1.03–1.80; p < .05), neuro-impairment (OR:1.52; 95% CI:1.02–2.25; p < 05), and mechanical ventilation (OR:1.94; 95% CI:1.29–2.92; p < .05) were risk factors for readmissions. Moreover, less than 1 years-of-age (OR:1.53; 95% CI:1.03–2.27; p < .05), home oxygen therapy (OR:1.94; 95% CI: 1.29–2.92; p < .05), and unplanned tracheostomy (OR:2.38; 95% CI: 1.05–5.40; p < .05) were risk factors for ED visits.
Conclusions
This study describes the clinical features and risk factors for readmission and frequent out-of-hour ED visits after tracheostomy. This study may help improve health outcomes, healthcare plans, and evidence-based policymaking.
Fundus Evaluation in Myopia: Essential for Pre- and Post-refractive Surgery
Authors: Xu Linlin , Song Wenqi , Xu Huijuan , Han Yunfei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate fundus conditions and analyze ocular examination parameters among myopic patients before and after refractive surgery.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 116 patients (144 eyes) divided into three groups: normal retina (normal group), retinal lesion not requiring treatment (untreated group) and retinal lesion requiring treatment (treated group). The treated group received preventive treatment for retinal diseases before refractive surgery. Demographic information, visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), axis length (Axl), pupil diameter (PD), corneal tomography, and fundus images were collected and compared pre-operatively and post-operatively at 1 day, 6 months and 12 months.
Results
The treated group exhibited significantly higher pre-operative Axl and SE value compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). This group also displayed the most severe retinal diseases, with 52.5% presenting retinal holes or tears and 47.5% exhibiting lattice degeneration. SMILE surgery was performed in 78% of the normal group, 50% of the untreated group and 32.5% of the treated group. Postoperatively, all three groups demonstrated positive surgical outcomes with stable retinal conditions, and no new retinal holes or detachments during follow-ups.
Conclusions
Higher myopia and longer axial lengths increased retinopathy risk. Detailed preoperative fundus exams, long-term follow-ups and prophylactic treatment before surgery are essential.
Identification and Validation of Cellular Senescence-Related Signature to Predict Survival and Immunotherapeutic Responses in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Li Mengna , Cen Xintao , Yan Yan , Li Li , Lai Wei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the most lethal skin cancer with an increasing incidence worldwide. Cellular senescence plays essential roles in tumorigenesis, development, and immune modulation in cancers. However, the correlations of the cellular senescence with tumor progression and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in SKCM were poorly understood.
Methods: In this study, we explored the expression profiles of 279 cellular senescence-related genes (SRGs) in 469 SKCM patients included from the TCGA database. The univariate and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis were conducted to construct a cellular senescence-related signature (CSRS). Kaplan–Meier survival curves as well as receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to validate the predictive ability of prognostic signature. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to stratify SKCM patients into different clusters and compared them in overall survival. The GSE65904 dataset was further used to validate the stability and applicability of the CSRS. Then, we explored the correlations of the CSRS with tumor-infiltrating immune cells and response to immunotherapy. Finally, the expression levels of prognosis related SRGs were validated based on immunohistochemistry, and the function of RUVBL2 was explored in SKCM cells.
Results: We developed a prognostic prediction CSRS for patients with SKCM and verified patients in low-risk group were associated with better prognosis. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that the CSRS could predict the infiltration of immune cells and immune status of the immune microenvironment in SKCM, and patients with low-risk score might benefit from immunotherapy. Our results implied that a high level of cellular senescence may stimulate immunosurveillance mechanisms and potentiate the tumor suppressive function for SKCM in a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-depended manner. In addition, all the SKCM patients in this study were classified into three clusters based on the mRNA expression profiles of 113 SRGs, which revealed that cluster 1 suffered a poor prognosis relative to clusters 2 and 3. Finally, we found that RUVBL2 was significantly upregulated in SKCM cells, and knockdown of RUVBL2 inhibited the SKCM cells proliferation.
Conclusions: The CSRS developed in this study can be applied not only as a prognostic tool but also as guidance for individualized immunotherapy for SKCM patients.
Neuromodulation perception by the general public: lessons from a large-scale online survey
Authors: Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Junor Andrea , Kaiser Marcus 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The development of neurotechnologies offers exciting opportunities for novel brain interventions. Public perception plays a crucial role in determining the success and acceptance of these interventions. This study aimed to understand the general non-expert population's representation of neuromodulation (changing brain functioning) and their preferences for common methods such as pharmaceutical drugs, brain implants, ultrasound, magnetic, and electrical stimulations. We conducted a comprehensive online survey with 784 participants to assess their perception of neuromodulation before and after providing information. We also asked the participants to rank their preferences for different neuromodulation techniques after being provided with information. Statistical analyses included inferential non-linear models and free-text data mining. Our findings revealed that overall, neuromodulation was positively perceived by the participants. Furthermore, providing information resulted in a significant improvement in participants' perception of neuromodulation. Ultrasound stimulation emerged as the most preferred treatment choice, while pharmaceutical drugs were considered a middle-choice option and brain implants ranked last due to safety concerns. Healthcare providers could benefit from enhancing patient education and awareness to promote informed decision-making and improve treatment adherence. Additionally, stakeholders have to address the existing distrust surrounding pharmaceutical drugs and prioritize the development and promotion of safe, non-invasive neuromodulation treatments.
Case report: Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease with recurrent nausea and vomiting
Authors: Qiu Yue , Zhang Siyuan , Chen Xiu , Yuan Ping , Wu Yong , Li Jiaohong , Tian Yun , Shen Lu , Lv Zhiyu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disease involving multiple systems and is characterized by the widespread presence of eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in neurons and systemic visceral cells. We report a case of sporadic adult-onset NIID in a 72-year-old female who presented with recurrent nausea and vomiting as her initial symptoms. Head MRI revealed a subcortical lace sign in the corticomedullary junction and hyperintense signals in the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP sign). Notably, her GGC repeat size in the 5′ region of the human-specific NOTCH2NLC gene tested positive for NIID. The skin biopsy revealed diagnostically positive intranuclear inclusions in the cells of the sweat glands, fibroblasts, and adipocytes due to positive anti-p62 antibodies. NIID patients may present symptoms of other systems before neurological involvement, leading to frequent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. The diagnostic process for NIID currently involves either NOTCH2NLC genetic analysis or a skin biopsy of the patient on the basis of a suspicious head MRI to confirm the diagnosis. This article covers a case of NIID with unusual symptoms to help clinicians deepen their understanding of the clinical spectrum of NIID.
Lymph node macrophage-targeted interferon alpha boosts anticancer immune responses by regulating CD169-positive phenotype of macrophages
Authors: Fukuda Ryo , Fujiwara Yukio , Maeda Hitoshi , Pan Cheng , Minayoshi Yuki , Yano Hiromu , Mizuta Yuki , Takano Mei , Yamada Rin , Saito Yoichi , Hirata Kenshiro , Imoto Shuhei , Yamasaki Keishi , Oniki Kentaro , Saruwatari Junji , Otagiri Masaki , Watanabe Hiroshi , Komohara Yoshihiro , Maruyama Toru 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
CD169+ macrophages in lymph nodes (LNs) activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which play a crucial role in anticancer immunity, through antigen presentation and co-stimulation by CD169. Interferon alpha (IFNα) is capable of inducing the CD169+ phenotype of macrophages; however, its clinical applications have been hindered by pharmacokinetic limitations—low LN distribution and an inability to target macrophages. To overcome these issues, this study genetically fused mouse IFNα (mIFNα) with mannosylated mouse serum albumin (Man-MSA), and investigated the antitumor effects of the hybrid protein (Man-MSA-mIFNα) or its add-on effects with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blockade.
Methods
To confirm CD169+ macrophage-mediated T cell priming, positional information about individual immune cells in LNs of cancer patients was obtained. Traits of Man-MSA-mIFNα, which was prepared using Pichia pastoris to form the high-mannose structure, were characterized by several physicochemical methods. To evaluate the lymphatic drainage of Man-MSA-mIFNα, radioiodine or Cy5-labeled Man-MSA-mIFNα was subcutaneously administered in mice, and then the radioactivity or fluorescence in LNs was analyzed. CD169-diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor (CD169-DTR) mice in which LN CD169+ macrophages can be depleted by DT injection were used to verify whether the antitumor effect of Man-MSA-mIFNα is dependent on LN CD169+ macrophages.
Results
Multiplex tissue imaging predicted close proximity of CD169+ macrophages and T cells and positive correlation between the number of CD169+ macrophages and T cells in neighborhoods in LNs of cancer patients. Physicochemical analyses showed that Man-MSA-mIFNα was formed from the fusion of the intact Man-MSA and mIFNα. Man-MSA-mIFNα efficiently induced the CD169+ phenotype of macrophages by its high LN distribution and macrophage-targeting capability, and significantly exerted antitumor activity through CTL activation in the LNs, whereas its antitumor effects were canceled in CD169-DTR mice. Finally, combination therapy with PD-L1 blockade markedly suppressed tumor growth in MB49-bearing mice, which exhibit resistance to PD-L1 blockade monotherapy.
Conclusions
The present study successfully designed and developed Man-MSA-mIFNα, which efficiently induces the CD169+ phenotype in LN macrophages, contributing to the antitumor immunity. The findings suggest that our novel strategy targeting CD169⁺ macrophages could be a promising immunotherapy for cancer patients who are unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors.