bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing Unmet Needs of Female Cancer Survivors Seeking Sexual Health Information Through Social Media
Authors: Barnett Rebecca L. , Gomez Daniel A , Tevis Sarah E. , Vemuru Sudheer R , Oliveira Flavia Fairbanks Lima , Rojas Kristin E. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Sexual dysfunction is under-addressed throughout cancer care continua, and survivors often seek information outside of patient-provider relationships. This study aims to describe the demographics of cancer survivors seeking sexual health information through social media while describing preferred methods of information acquisition and the content patients seek online to fill knowledge gaps.
Methods:
An anonymous survey was made available online through a sexual health after cancer program’s social media page. Multiple-choice questions assessed age, cancer diagnosis, sexual health concerns, and resources used for health-related information. Short answer responses allowed for descriptions of unmet educational needs. Descriptive analyses of multiple-choice questions, and qualitative analysis of open response themes were performed.
Results:
Of 302 survey participants, 301 were cancer survivors. Participants ages 18 to 65+ had a variety of cancer types. Most reported that painful sex (36%) or low desire (34%) was their most bothersome problem. The majority (81%) reported interest in seeking sexual health information online. 161 (54%) participants provided free-text responses that were analyzed qualitatively. They expressed a particular need for information about low desire (25%) and discomfort during sex (15%).
Conclusions:
Female cancer survivors with diverse disease sites and ages seek sexual health information through social media to fill knowledge gaps that are often not met through direct provider communication.
Implications for Cancer Survivors:
Cancer patients, young and old, seek sexual health information from diagnosis through survivorship. These results inform tailored educational initiatives for survivors to receive accessible, evidence-based information in the media that they prefer, while highlighting the need to audit existing sources to minimize misinformation exposure.
Retinal optical coherence tomography intensity spatial correlation features as new biomarkers for confirmed Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jin Zi , Wang Xinmin , Lang Ying , Song Yufeng , Zhan Huangxiong , Shama Wuge , Shen Yingying , Zeng Guihua , Zhou Faying , Gao Hongjian , Ye Shuling , Wang Yanjiang , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The nature and severity of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathologies in the retina and brain correspond. However, retinal biomarkers need to be validated in clinical cohorts with confirmed AD biomarkers and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The main objective of this study was to investigate whether retinal metrics measured by OCT aid in the early screening and brain pathology monitoring for confirmed AD.
Methods
This was a case-control study. All participants underwent retinal OCT imaging, and neurological examinations, including amyloid-β (Aβ) positron emission tomography. Participants were subdivided into cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and AD-derived dementia (ADD). Except retinal thickness, we developed the grey level co-occurrence matrix algorithm to extract retinal OCT intensity spatial correlation features (OCT-ISCF), including angular second matrix (ASM), correlation (COR), and homogeneity (HOM), one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in retinal parameters among the groups, and to analyze the correlation with brain Aβ plaques and cognitive scores. The repeatability and robustness of OCT-ISCF were evaluated using experimental and simulation methods.
Results
This study enrolled 82 participants, subdivided into 20 CN, 22 MCI, and 40 ADD. Compared with the CN, the thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer and myoid and ellipsoid zone were significantly thinner (P<0.05), and ASM, COR, and HOM in several retinal sublayers changed significantly in the ADD (P<0.05). Notably, the MCI showed significant differences in ASM and COR in the outer segment of photoreceptor compared with the CN (P<0.05). The changing pattern of OCT-ISCF with interclass correlation coefficients above 0.8 differed from that caused by speckle noise, and was affected by OCT image quality index. Moreover, the retinal OCT-ISCF were more strongly correlated with brain Aβ plaque burden and MoCA scores than retinal thickness. The accuracy using retinal OCT-ISCF (AUC=0.935, 0.830) was better than that using retinal thickness (AUC=0.795, 0.705) in detecting ADD and MCI.
Conclusions
The study demonstrates that retinal OCT-ISCF enhance the association and detection efficacy of AD pathology compared to retinal thickness, suggesting retinal OCT-ISCF have the potential to be new biomarkers for AD.
This project has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2000040786; registration date: 2020-12-10).
The association between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and bone mineral density in adult men: NHANES (2011-2018)
Authors: Sun Zhengyu , Yue Yong , Li Pengcheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR) represents a novel lipid marker. This study examined the correlation between NHHR and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) in adult men.
Methods Data from the 2011 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized in this study, including 5,434 men aged 20-59 years. To analyze the relationship between NHHR and lumbar BMD, multivariate linear regression models and stratified analyses were employed. Fitted smoothing curves and threshold effect analysis were also applied to examine the nonlinear association of NHHR with lumbar BMD.
Results After adjusting for covariates, weighted multivariable linear regression models revealed a negative relationship between NHHR and lumbar BMD (β = -0.005, 95% CI: -0.008 to -0.002, P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses stratified by race, age, and BMI demonstrated this negative association in non-Hispanic black (β = -0.015, 95% CI: -0.025 to -0.005, P = 0.003) and other race (β = -0.006, 95% CI: -0.012 to -0.001, P = 0.013), participants aged 40-49 years (β = -0.011, 95% CI: -0.017 to -0.004, P = 0.001), BMI<25 (β = -0.009, 95% CI: -0.017 to -0.001, P= 0.022) and 25≤BMI<30 (β = -0.010, 95% CI: -0.015 to -0.005, P < 0.001). For the total cohort, other race individuals, and participants aged 30-39 years, a nonlinear relationship was explored with inflection points at 4.76, 5.00, and 2.83, respectively.
Conclusions In adult men aged 20 to 59 years, our research identified a negative relationship between NHHR and lumbar BMD. Among the overall cohort, as well as in other race individuals and participants aged 30-39 years, the relationship exhibited a nonlinear curve with inflection points at 4.76, 5.00, and 2.83, respectively. Consequently, NHHR measurement may serve as a sensitive biomarker for early osteoporosis detection and therapeutic guidance.
Thiazide-associated hyponatremia: a retrospective cohort study comparing hydrochlorothiazide vs indapamide vs chlorthalidone
Authors: Klhůfek Josef , Vodička Martin , Ponížil Petr , Ryšavý Ilja , Fojtík Petr , Kojecký Vladimír , Šálek Tomáš 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Hyponatremia is a crucial complication of therapy with thiazide diuretics.
Aim
This study compares the epidemiological and biochemical profiles and hospital course of patients using hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), indapamide (INDA), and chlorthalidone (CTD) admitted with thiazide-associated hyponatremia.
Method
Retrospectively obtained data from the hospital’s digital registries. The epidemiological and biochemical parameters between the HCTZ, INDA, and CTD groups were compared. The correlation between dose and biochemical parameters in each group was performed. The thiazide groups without diuretic co-medication were compared (HCTZ vs INDA) and the correlation between dose and biochemical parameters in each group was performed.
Results
A comparison of the HCTZ (n = 135), INDA (n = 125), and CTD (n = 27) groups identified difference in serum potassium (s-K; p = 0.03). The hyponatremia correction rate was slower in the CTD group at 96 h after admission (p < 0.001). After the exclusion of diuretic co-medication, the HCTZ group (n = 64/135) showed a higher prevalence of ARBs, s-K (both p < 0.001) and a lower median (IQR) equipotent dose (12.5 (o) mg vs 2.5 (1.2) mg), prevalence of ACE-I (p < 0.001), and eGFR (p = 0.03), when compared to the INDA group (n = 109/125).
Conclusion
Except for s-K, we observed no significant difference in biochemical and epidemiological profiles between HCTZ, INDA, and CTD. After excluding the influence of other diuretics, we observed higher s-K in the HCTZ group compared to the INDA group, potentially explained by the lower equipotent dose of HCTZ. The CTD group showed a statistically significant trend of slower hyponatremia correction.
Prevalence of Iodine Deficiency, Associated Factors, and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Hypertensive Disorders
Authors: Queiroz Adriana Duarte Miranda , Torres Maria Roseneide dos Santos , Ratis Luana Cristina Fernandes , Morais Maria Clara Vieira , Souza Alex Sandro Rolland Rolland 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
this study aimed to determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency, associated factors, and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders.
Methods
a prospective cohort study was conducted in a reference maternity hospital in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, from June 2022 to April 2023. Pregnant women (n = 250) in the third trimester, aged 18 years or older, and with hypertensive disorders were included. Clinical-epidemiological data and urinary samples for iodine concentration were collected; concentrations < 150 µg/L were considered iodine deficiency. A multivariate logistic regression model determined variables associated with iodine deficiency, showing their odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
the prevalence of iodine deficiency was 74.8% (n = 187). Women with chronic arterial hypertension and gestational hypertension showed the highest frequencies of iodine deficiency (27.6% and 26.9%, respectively). Twinning (OR = 3.26; 95%CI 1.79 to 5.96; p < 0.001) and superimposed preeclampsia (OR = 0.37; 95%CI 0.15 to 0.93; p < 0.001) were statistically associated with iodine deficiency. Regarding evaluated outcomes, chorioamnionitis (OR = 1.32; 95%CI 1.23 to 1.42; p < 0.001) and neonatal jaundice (OR = 1.25; 95%CI 1.07 to 1.44; p = 0.004) were associated with a high risk of iodine deficiency.
Conclusion
a high prevalence of iodine deficiency was observed in women with chronic arterial hypertension and gestational hypertension, associated with twinning, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal jaundice, which suggest a need for investigation in these patients. Superimposed preeclampsia was a protective factor for iodine deficiency compared with other hypertensive disorders.
Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis based on Probability Density Evolution Method
Authors: Wang Meng , Gao Xiangling , Ning Chao-Lie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) is a widely used framework to assess the seismic hazard of an interested site. This framework contains uncertainties which can be categorized into the aleatory uncertainty and the epistemic uncertainty. Generally, the aleatory uncertainty is measured by the total probability theorem, and the epistemic uncertainty is quantified by the logic tree. Despite its wide usage, the framework, especially the uncertainty representation by the logic tree faces two controversies. The first controversy is how to determine the assigned weights of the logic tree objectively, and the second controversy is how to interpret the logic-tree output reasonably. To address the two controversies, a probability density evolution method (PDEM)-based PSHA method was proposed in this study from the prospective of uncertainty quantification and propagation. Different from the traditional PSHA procedure, this method quantifies the probability density functions (PDFs) of basic random variables from source rupture to site condition first, and then adopts the generalized F-Discrepancy method to divide the probability space of basic random variables as the representation point set. After that, each representation point produces a seismic hazard curve following the classical PSHA formula. Finally, the generalized density evolution equation (GDEE) was introduced to obtain the PDFs of seismic hazard curves. To illustrate the advantage of the proposed method, a hypothetic site in Shanghai was chosen as a demonstrative example to evaluate the PDFs of peak ground acceleration (PGA) under varying annual exceedance rate of seismic hazards. The investigation indicates that the proposed method can resolve the aforementioned controversies effectively, where the assigned weights of the logic tree can be well determined by the generalized F-Discrepancy method, and the GDEE can obtain the PDFs of seismic hazard curves without much difficulties.
Higher proactivity in later-borns: effects of birth date on personality in a small mammal
Authors: QIU Jingyu , Pillay Neville , Schradin Carsten , Makuya Lindelani , Rödel Heiko G. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In short-lived animals, individuals born earlier in the breeding season frequently reproduce within the season of birth. Consequently, it has been proposed that those born early benefit from a more proactive behavioral type to compete for reproductive resources whereas later-borns adopt a more reactive personality to conserve energy to survive through the non-breeding season and reproduce in the following year. However, being proactive could also benefit later-borns in acquiring decreasing resources in the late breeding season. We investigated personality differences depending on the date of birth in relation to resource variation in a free-living population of the bush Karoo rat (Otomys unisulcatus). This species constructs stick lodges, a critical resource protecting the rats from the harsh semi-desert environments, but the availability of vacant lodges decreases with increasing population density during the breeding season. We predicted an increased occurrence of proactive phenotypes during the later breeding season, contrasting with the commonly assumed decrease in proactive phenotypes in late season due to lack of reproductive opportunity. We behaviorally phenotyped n= 99 individuals through repeated behavioral tests and found consistent individual differences along a proactive-reactive gradient. Most importantly, later-borns showed greater activity, boldness and exploration tendencies, indicating a more proactive personality. In addition, among early-born females, individuals which reproduced showed no differences in personality compared to those which did not reproduce. Our results indicate that seasonal differences in personality types in the bush Karoo rat may be driven by resource constraints in the late season rather than by differences in reproduction opportunities.
An in vivo study of the ameliorative effect of supplementation with Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Glory LP16 in immunocompromised mice
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Wu Yanan , Sun Hang , Zhao Yiyang , Huang Lili 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lacticaseibacillus strains are considered as a safe and healthy probiotic, which can be used to produce "natural food" and has a broad market prospect. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Glory LP16 on immunocompromised mice, and to provide basic scientific basis for food research and development of this strain. Sixty mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: blank group, model group, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Glory LP16 low-dose group (1.6×106 CFU/ only), Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Glory LP16 medium-dose group (1.6×107 CFU/ only) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Glory LP16 high-dose group (1.6×108 CFU/ only). Body weight, immune organ index, cellular immune index, humoral immune index, non-specific immune index, colon pathological tissue section, intestinal flora structure and the content of short chain fatty acid (SCFAs) were determined. The results showed that compared with the model group, the body mass, thymus index, spleen index, optical density index, plantar thickness, hemolytic plaque number, anti-volume, NK cell activity, carbon clearance phagocytosis index, macrophage neutral red phagocytosis rate, macrophage phagocytosis index and macrophage phagocytosis index of mice were increased, intestinal tissue damage was reduced, and intestinal flora richness of mice was increased. Levels of short-chain fatty acids (acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid) also increased. It is speculated that Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Glory LP16 has the function of enhancing immunity in mice.
Cigarette smoke alters calcium flux to induce PP2A membrane trafficking and endothelial cell permeability
Authors: Dabo Abdoulaye , Raghavan Sonya , Ezegbunam Wendy , Thankachen Jincy , Evgrafov Oleg , Majka Sue , Geraghty Patrick , Foronjy Robert 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Alveolar capillary barrier disruption induces local edema and inflammation that impairs pulmonary function and promotes alveolar destruction in COPD. This study aimed to determine how cigarette smoke modulated the serine-threonine phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) to alter the barrier function of human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVECs). Cigarette smoke exposure lowered overall PP2A activity and enhanced endothelial permeability in HLMVECs. However, directly decreasing PP2A activity with Fostriecin significantly reduced endothelial cell permeability. Protein fractionation studies determined that cigarette smoke diminished cytosolic PP2A activity but increased membrane and cytoskeletal activity. These changes coincided with the translocation of PP2A from the cytosol to the membrane, which reduced occludin phosphorylation in the membrane. Cigarette smoke decreased protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity, a PP2A activator which also counters calcium intracellular influx. The decrease in PTP1B activity correlated with reduced calcium efflux in endothelial cells and these changes in calcium flux regulated PP2A activity. Indeed, culturing endothelial cells in low calcium medium prevented the decrease in cytosolic PP2A activity mediated by cigarette smoke. Together, these findings outline a mechanism whereby cigarette smoke acts via calcium to traffic PP2A from the cytosol to the membrane where it dephosphorylates occludin to increase endothelial cell permeability.
Combined application of Boron and Auxin improve the spikelet fertility, crop yield and grain quality in rice crop
Authors: Sarwar Naeem , Naveed Muhammad , Ahmad Shakeel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Climate fluctuations have produced uncertain situation for the farmers as many crops facing abiotic stresses at various stages which decreases the crop productivity. Rice crop is very sensitive at reproductive stage and can produce unfilled grains when faced elevated temperature. We hypothized that optimum level of growth regulators and boron nutrition may enhance the pollen strength which may improve fertilization and filled grains.
Method: Two-year field experiment was designed to see the impact of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and boron (B) fertilization to boost the auxin along with pollen viability for better crop productivity. Fine rice genotype was grown under three cultivation systems i.e. S1 (Aerobic), S2 (Alternative wetting and drying) and S3 (Flooding). Moreover, at flowering stage foliar application of B and NAA was done as follows T0 (Control), T1 (Boron 0.1%), T2 (NAA 40 μmol L-1), T3 (B + NAA).
Results: Results revealed that combined application of NAA and B improved the plant auxin level along with boron contents which improved the sporogenesis process and enhanced the speikelet fertility. Improved physiological parameters were noticed in S3 (Flooded cultivation system) with T3 (B + NAA) application (S3T3) which lead toward higher thousand grain weight, grain yield and biological yield. Moreover, it improved the rice grain quality which was also maintained after cooking.
Conclusion: Therefore, foliar application of NAA and boron at reproductive stage would be a useful strategy for improving rice growth, morpho-physiological and yield attributes in various cultivation systems.
Cost and beyond: A comparative systematic literature review of the economic viability of primary cropping systems
Authors: Gill Suveera , Johal Ramanjit Kaur , Sharma Maitri 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The study aims to assess the economic viability of organic and conventional primary cropping systems through a systematic literature review based on 56 studies from the leading scientific databases, i.e., Scopus and Web of Science (WoS), published up to December 31, 2023. The main results highlight that the yields are lower in organic than in conventional farming, irrespective of the crop and agroecological conditions associated with the region. Due to substantial financial subsidies the state provides in certain geographies, cultivating organics is profitable. Further, high consumer demand in developed economies and adequate export support make them economically viable. Decisively, organic practices address ecological challenges and create a balanced approach to agricultural development, empowering farmers and rural livelihoods. By supporting studies and advancements in organic agriculture, public authorities can use region-specific policies to promote the development of technologies and methodologies, leading to higher yields, reduced environmental impact, and overall progress in the organic farming sector. The study concludes by providing research directions underlining the flaws that currently limit studies on the economic viability of comparative farming systems.