bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How a speaker herds the audience: multibrain neural convergence over time during naturalistic storytelling
Authors: Chang Claire H C , Nastase Samuel A , Zadbood Asieh , Hasson Uri 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Storytelling—an ancient way for humans to share individual experiences with others—has been found to induce neural alignment among listeners. In exploring the dynamic fluctuations in listener–listener (LL) coupling throughout stories, we uncover a significant correlation between LL coupling and lagged speaker–listener (lag-SL) coupling over time. Using the analogy of neural pattern (dis)similarity as distances between participants, we term this phenomenon the “herding effect.” Like a shepherd guiding a group of sheep, the more closely listeners mirror the speaker’s preceding brain activity patterns (higher lag-SL similarity), the more tightly they cluster (higher LL similarity). This herding effect is particularly pronounced in brain regions where neural alignment among listeners tracks with moment-by-moment behavioral ratings of narrative content engagement. By integrating LL and SL neural coupling, this study reveals a dynamic, multibrain functional network between the speaker and the audience, with the unfolding narrative content playing a mediating role in network configuration.
The promise and limits of inclusive public policy: federal safety net clinics and immigrant access to health care in the U.S.
Authors: Parker Emily , Schut Rebecca Anna , Boen Courtney 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In the United States, exclusionary public policies generate inequalities within and across labor, financial, and legal status hierarchies, which together undermine immigrant well-being. But can inclusive public policies improve immigrant health? We examine whether and how an immigrant-inclusive federal program, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), shaped health care access and use among farmworkers over nearly three decades, paying particular attention to disparities at the intersection of nativity and legal status. Linking historical administrative data on the location and funding of FQHCs with the National Agricultural Workers Survey from 1989–2017, we first document trends in farmworkers’ county-level proximity to FQHCs and identify a steady increase in FQHC access among undocumented farmworkers following the Affordable Care Act. Next, using time-series cross-sectional regressions with a battery of fixed effects, we find that living in a county where FQHCs are available and better resourced is associated with increased health care use among undocumented farmworkers, but not among U.S.-born or documented immigrant farmworkers. We also find that county-level access to FQHCs is associated with reduced reports of language barriers to care among both documented and undocumented foreign-born farmworkers. These findings suggest that FQHCs may improve access for immigrants who are typically excluded from U.S. health care institutions. Still, county-level FQHC infrastructure is not associated with cost-related barriers to care for any nativity or legal status groups. Taken together, our study highlights both the potential and constraints of inclusive public policies for promoting health equity in a welfare state context characterized by commodification and stratification.
Effect of baicalin and baicalin-bovine serum albumin nanoparticle against bendiocarb exposure in rats
Authors: Aslan Coşkun , Eraslan Gökhan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of baicalin and baicalin-bovine serum albumin nanoparticles against bendiocarb exposure in rats.

Methods
Eighty male Wistar Albino rats aged 4–6 weeks were used. Corn oil (vehicle) alone was administered to the control group. To other groups, BSA-nanoparticle equivalent to that binding baicalin at a dose of 20 mg/kg.bw, 20 mg/kg.bw baicalin, baicalin-BSA nanoparticle equivalent to that binding baicalin at a dose of 20 mg/kg.bw, 4 mg/kg.bw bendiocarb, combination of 4 mg/kg.bw bendiocarb and 20 mg/kg.bw baicalin, combination of 4 mg/kg.bw bendiocarb and BSA-nanoparticle equivalent to that binding baicalin at a dose of 20 mg/kg.bw and combination of 4 mg/kg.bw bendiocarb and baicalin-BSA nanoparticle equivalent to that binding baicalin at a dose of 20 mg/kg.bw was administered to animals by oral gavage with vehicle for 21 days, after which organs (liver, kidney, brain, testes, heart and lung) and blood samples were collected. Blood/tissue oxidative stress (MDA, NO, GSH, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, GR, GST, G6PD), serum biochemical (glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, albumin, LDH, AST, ALT, ALP and pseudocholinesterase) and liver and kidney apoptotic/anti-apoptotic (caspase 3, 9, p53, Bcl-2 and Bax) parameters were evaluated. Body weights/organ weights and plasma/liver bendiocarb analyses were obtained.

Conclusion
While bendiocarb administered alone caused oxidative stress/tissue damage, baicalin and baicalin-BSA nanoparticle showed a mitigating effect. However, this effect was more pronounced in the baicalin-BSA nanoparticle group. BSA-nanoparticle alone did not have a significant effect in reversing the adverse effect caused by bendiocarb.
Sterile inflammation induced by respirable micro and nano polystyrene particles in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases
Authors: Laganà Antonio , Visalli Giuseppa , Facciolà Alessio , Saija Caterina , Bertuccio Maria Paola , Baluce Barbara , Celesti Consuelo , Iannazzo Daniela , Di Pietro Angela 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Sterile inflammation is involved in the lung pathogenesis induced by respirable particles, including micro- and nanoplastics. Their increasing amounts in the ambient and in indoor air pose a risk to human health.
In two human cell lines (A549 and THP-1) we assessed the proinflammatory behavior of polystyrene nanoplastics (nPS) and microplastics (mPS) (Ø 0.1 and 1 μm). Reproducing environmental aging, in addition to virgin, the cells were exposed to oxidized nPS/mPS. To study the response of the monocytes to the inflammatory signal transmitted by the A549 through the release of soluble factors (e.g. alarmins and cytokines), THP-1 cells were also exposed to the supernatants of previously nPS/mPS-treated A549. After dynamic-light-scattering (DLS) analysis and protein measurements for the assessment of protein corona in nPS/mPS, real-time PCR and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent (ELISA) assays were performed in exposed cells. The pro-inflammatory effects of v- and ox-nPS/mPS were attested by the imbalance of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in A549, which was able to trigger the inflammatory cascade, inhibiting the immunologically silent apoptosis. The involvement of NFkB was confirmed by the overexpression of p65 after exposure to ox-nPS and v- and ox-mPS. The fast and higher levels of IL-1β, only in THP-1 cells, underlined the NLPR3 inflammasome activation.
Automatic detection and segmentation of lesions in 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging of patients with Hodgkin lymphoma using 3D dense U-Net
Authors: Izadi Mohammad Amin , Alemohammad Nafiseh , Geramifar Parham , Salimi Ali , Paymani Zeinab , Eisazadeh Roya , Samimi Rezvan , Nikkholgh Babak , Sabouri Zaynab 
Published: September 2024

Objective
The accuracy of automatic tumor segmentation in PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) images is crucial for the effective treatment and monitoring of Hodgkin lymphoma. This study aims to address the challenges faced by certain segmentation algorithms in accurately differentiating lymphoma from normal organ uptakes due to PET image resolution and tumor heterogeneity.

Materials and methods
Variants of the encoder-decoder architectures are state-of-the-art models for image segmentation. Among these kinds of architectures, U-Net is one of the most famous and predominant for medical image segmentation. In this study, we propose a fully automatic approach for Hodgkin lymphoma segmentation that combines U-Net and DenseNet architectures to reduce network loss for very small lesions, which is trained using the Tversky loss function. The hypothesis is that the fusion of these two deep learning models can improve the accuracy and robustness of Hodgkin lymphoma segmentation. A dataset with 141 samples was used to train our proposed network. Also, to test and evaluate the proposed network, we allocated two separate datasets of 20 samples.

Results
We achieved 0.759 as the mean Dice similarity coefficient with a median value of 0.767, and interquartile range (0.647–0.837). A good agreement was observed between the ground truth of test images against the predicted volume with precision and recall scores of 0.798 and 0.763, respectively.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the integration of U-Net and DenseNet architectures, along with the Tversky loss function, can significantly enhance the accuracy of Hodgkin lymphoma segmentation in PET/CT images compared to similar studies.
Efficacy of dental flossing and frequency of oral gingivitis in children and adults
Authors: Verhoeven Davis , Verhoeven David 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTooth brushing and flossing are usually both hallmarks of a good oral hygiene routine to prevent decay, gingivitis, and periodontitis. While brushing removes much of the oral bacteria from the front and backs of the teeth, flossing is believed to be necessary to remove bacteria between the teeth. However, the effectiveness of self-flossing has not been established very well. Flossing effectiveness was evaluated two ways in this study: adults and 12 year old children were instructed on how to floss and bacterial colonies were determined before or after 7 days or pediatric and family dentists were blinded to patient surveys that asked about flossing frequency and evaluated the patient for gingivitis. We found a significant number of children did not floss at all despite brushing daily. However, flossing had no effect on the number of bacteria in their mouths nor did flossing have any correlation with reducing gingivitis development. Taken together, self-flossing did not appear to be an effective strategy for reduction of gingivitis in children or adults but could stem from improper technique or simply a lack of doing it.
Chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms (PCNPS) persisting beyond one year from being infected during the ‘Omicron wave’
Authors: Chau Steven Wai Ho , Chue Timothy Mitchell , Lam Tsz Ching , Lai Yee Lok , Chan Rachel Ngan Yin , Wong Paul WC , Li Shirley Xin , Liu Yaping , Chan Joey Wing Yan , Chan Paul Kay-sheung , Lai Christopher Koon-Chi , Leung Thomas WH , Wing Yun Kwok 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe heterogeneity of chronic post-COVID neuropsychiatric symptoms (PCNPS), especially after infection by the Omicron strain, has not been adequately explored. Our pre-registered hypotheses are 1. chronic PCNPS in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 over a year ago during the ‘Omicron wave’ showed a similar clustering pattern with symptoms in patients infected with pre-Omicron strain; 2. these chronic PCNPS are associated with a) clinical risk factors, such as, severity of the acute infection; b) socioeconomic status e.g., level of deprivation; and c) pre-infection vaccination status. We assessed 1205 subjects using app-based questionnaires and cognitive tasks. Partial network analysis on chronic PCNPS in this cohort produced two major symptom clusters (cognitive complaint-fatigue cluster and anxiety-depression symptoms cluster) and a minor headache-dizziness symptoms cluster, like our pre-Omicron cohort. Subjects with high number of symptoms (4 or more) can be further grouped into two distinct phenotypes: a cognitive complaint-fatigue predominant phenotype (CF) and another with symptoms across multiple clusters (AD-CF). Multiple logistic regression showed that both phenotypes are predicted by the level of deprivation before infection (adjusted p-value for CF and AD-CF = 0.025 and 0.0054 respectively). While the severity of acute COVID (adjusted p-value = 0.023) and the number of pre-existing medical conditions predict only the CF phenotypes (adjusted p-value = 0.003), past suicidal ideas predict the AD-CF phenotype (adjusted p-value < 0.001). Pre-infection vaccination status did not predict either phenotype. Our finding suggests that we should recognize the heterogeneity under the umbrella of chronic PCNPS, and a holistic bio-psycho-social approach is essential in understanding them.
Somatosensory differences between symptomatic and non-symptomatic retired contact sport athletes
Authors: Beck Brigitte , Kidgell Dawson J. , King Doug A. , Frazer Ashlyn K. , Tommerdahl Mark , Pearce Alan J. 
Published: September 2024

Aim of the studyInterest continues investigating pathophysiology of athlete cohorts with a history involving cumulative career exposure of repeated concussion and non-concussion impacts. One area yet to be explored involves the somatosensory system. Using a novel sensorimotor technique, this study measured the somatosensory system in retired contact sport athletes exposed to repetitive neurotrauma.Materials and MethodsRetired athletes (n=85, mean age 48.6 ± 10.6 years, all male) completed a self-report survey on their playing career, number of concussions, and continuing symptoms. Participants completed somatosensory vibrotactile tasks assessing reaction time, amplitude discrimination (sequential, simultaneous), and temporal discrimination (temporal order judgment, duration discrimination). Participants were divided between those reporting persistent symptoms (“symptomatic”, n=63) and those without concerns (“non-symptomatic”, n=22).Results“Symptomatic” participants scored higher symptom scores compared to the “non-symptomatic” group (P<0.001). No differences were found between groups for age (P=0.152), number of concussions (P=0.193), total years played (P=0.385), or professional career length (P=0.711). “Symptomatic” group reaction times were slower to the “non-symptomatic” group (P<0.001). Reaction time variability were greater in the “symptomatic” group (P=0.002). Differences between groups were found for amplitude discrimination (sequential: P=0.031; simultaneous: P=0.036) and temporal order judgment (P=0.032). Significant correlations were found between total symptom scores and all somatosensory tasks. Correlations showed associations between total exposure years with temporal order judgement and reaction time.ConclusionsThis novel study showed altered sensorimotor perception in retired athletes with persistent symptoms. Our data adds to the growing pathophysiological evidence in those who experience repetitive neurotrauma during their playing careers.
A Deep Dive into Statistical Modeling of RNA Splicing QTLs Reveals New Variants that Explain Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Wang David , Gazzara Matthew R. , Jewell San , Wales-McGrath Benjamin , Brown Christopher D. , Choi Peter S. , Barash Yoseph 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of putative disease causing variants with unknown regulatory effects. Efforts to connect these variants with splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs) have provided functional insights, yet sQTLs reported by existing methods cannot explain many GWAS signals. We show current sQTL modeling approaches can be improved by considering alternative splicing representation, model calibration, and covariate integration. We then introduce MAJIQTL, a new pipeline for sQTL discovery. MAJIQTL includes two new statistical methods: a weighted multiple testing approach for sGene discovery and a model for sQTL effect size inference to improve variant prioritization. By applying MAJIQTL to GTEx, we find significantly more sGenes harboring sQTLs with functional significance. Notably, our analysis implicates the novel variant rs582283 in Alzheimer’s disease. Using antisense oligonucleotides, we validate this variant’s effect by blocking the implicated YBX3 binding site, leading to exon skipping in the gene MS4A3.
Black Women’s Lived Experiences of Depression and Related Barriers and Facilitators to Utilising Healthcare Services: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Co-produced with Experts by Lived Experiences
Authors: Jieman Anna-Theresa , Soliman Farida , York Keisha , Bhui Kamaldeep , Onwumere Juliana , Wynter Sanisha , Amasowomwan Faith , Johnson Sandra , Jones Janelle M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDepression among Black women is a significant public health concern. However, our understanding of their unique experiences and the barriers and facilitators to utilising healthcare services remains limited. To address these issues, we conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis in collaboration with experts by lived experiences. We searched seven databases (ASSIA, MEDLINE, APA PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts, CINAHL, AMED and EMBASE) from inception to 9thSeptember 2021 and updated to 29thMarch 2024 with an English language restriction. Study quality and confidence in findings were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) and Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research (GRADE-CERQual) approach. Of 15025 papers screened, 45 were eligible for inclusion. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Women reported depression stemming from racial and gender-related stressors, social isolation, and a loss of faith; moreover, the ‘Strong Black Woman’ schema masked depression symptoms. Mistrust of healthcare providers, stigma, religious coping, and pressure to conform to the Strong Black Woman schema hindered healthcare service utilisation. The rapport between women and their healthcare providers, endorsement from faith leaders, and points of crisis enabled service utilisation. Lived experience experts provided reflections and recommendations for practice.HighlightsRecognition of depression may be hampered by schemas connected to Black women’s identity.Trust between Black women experiencing depression and clinicians is essential for effective care.Training which incorporates antiracist principles is needed for competence in discussing issues surrounding race and gender.(Re-)consideration of diagnostic criteria to acknowledge differential presentation and the development of culturally adapted treatments are warranted.Co-producing research with experts by lived experience ensures it is more impactful.
The association between nurse staffing configurations and sickness absence: longitudinal study
Authors: Dall’ora Chiara , Meredith Paul , Saville Christina , Jones Jeremy , Griffiths Peter 
Published: September 2024

AbstractImportanceNurses’ work-related stress and sickness absence are high. The consequences of sickness absence are severe for health systems’ efficiency and productivity.ObjectiveTo measure the association between nurse staffing configurations and sickness absence in hospital ward nursing teams.DesignRetrospective case-control study using hospital routinely collected dataSettingFour general acute care hospitals in EnglandParticipants3,583,586 shifts worked or missed due to sickness absence by 18,674 registered nurses (RN) and nursing assistant (NA) staff working in 116 hospital units.ExposureNursing team skill-mix; temporary staffing hours; understaffing; proportion of long shifts (12+ hours) worked; full-time/part-time work status in the previous 7 days.Main outcomeEpisodes of sickness absence, defined as a sequence of sickness days with no intervening days of work.ResultsThere were 43,097 sickness episodes. In our reduced parsimonious model, being exposed to a skill mix that was richer in RNs was associated with lower RN sickness absence (OR= 0.98; 95% CI = 0.96-0.99). For each 10% increase in proportion of hours worked as long shifts worked in the previous 7 days odds of sickness were increased by 2% (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.02- 1.03) for RNs. Part-time work for RNs was associated with higher sickness absence (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.04 – 1. 15). When RN staffing over the previous week was below average, the odds of sickness absence for NAs increased by 2% for every 10% increase in understaffing across the period (OR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01 - 1.03). For RNs there was a significant interaction between part-time work and RN understaffing, whereby short staffing in the previous week increased sickness absence for full time staff but not among those working part time. NA understaffing was not associated with sickness absence for any staffing group.Conclusions and RelevanceWorking long shifts and working on understaffed wards increases the risk of sickness absence in nursing teams. Adverse working conditions for nurses, already known to pose a risk to patient safety, may also create risks for nurses and the possibility of further exacerbating staff shortages.Key pointsQuestionWhat is the association between variation in nurse staffing configurations and nurses’ sickness absence?FindingsRegistered Nurse (RN) understaffing in the preceding 7 days was associated with sickness absence for Nursing Support (NS) staff, but for RNs the association was only seen when working full time. Exposure to shifts with a skill-mix richer in RNs, to higher bank hours and working lower proportions of 12+ h shifts in the preceding 7 days was a protective factor of RN sickness absence.MeaningTo support nurses’ health and health systems’ productivity and efficiency, investing in avoiding RN understaffing may be warranted.
Epidemiological Analysis of Lower Limb Vascular Trauma over 16 years in Brazil - A Nationwide View
Authors: Sorbello Carolina Carvalho Jansen , Ceratti Marcella Moura , Portela Felipe Soares Oliveira , da Silva Marcelo Fiorelli Alexandrino , Teivelis Marcelo Passos , Zerati Antonio Eduardo , Wolosker Nelson 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLower limb vascular trauma (LLVT) represents a significant public health challenge due to its potential to cause complex injuries that are difficult to manage, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs.Objectiveto investigate the incidence, lethality, population characteristics, and economic burden of LLVT in Brazil, the largest country in South America, from 2008 to 2023.MethodsWe used data from DATASUS (Department of Information and Informatics of the Brazilian Public Health System), which is the world’s largest public health system database. Our analysis focused on LLVT cases surgically treated in Brazil from 2008 to 2023. The study focused on demographic distribution, sex proportion, age groups, regional variations, hospital stays, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, lethality rates and financial expenditures.ResultsThe study encompassed 20,349 LLVT cases and found a decrease in the number of cases over the years. LLVT was predominantly seen in males (70%), with an average patient age of 39.68 years. The Northeast and North regions registered the highest incidence, while the Southeast had the lowest. Most patients had a short hospital stay, averaging two days. The majority of patients did not need to be admitted to the ICU, and those who did stayed for an average of 4.48 days. The lethality was 5.96%, with bilateral LLVT showing a slightly lower mortality rate than unilateral cases. The total expenditure over 16 years, inferred by the amount passed on to SUS, totaled 9,537,664 USD, indicating a substantial economic impact.ConclusionLLVT has a significant impact on public health, mainly because it affects the economically active population, with a high risk of death or mutilating sequelae. Although there has been a general decrease in incidence, the persistence of high costs and high lethality rates indicate the need for targeted preventive measures. Future studies must investigate the causes and potential improvements in managing LLVT in Brazil.