bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiotensin 1 peptide-conjugated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots for cardiac-specific hydrogen sulfide targeted therapy in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Qing , Xue Xiaofei , Wang Pei , Yu Yue , Wang Jun , Jiang Qixia , Xiao Jian 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionMyocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a major obstacle in cardiovascular therapies. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) shows promise for mitigating I/R injury, but conventional delivery methods, such as NaHS injections or adenovirus-mediated CSE gene therapy, face low efficiency and systemic side effects. This study explores the use of angiotensin 1 (AT1) peptide-conjugated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) for targeted delivery of cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) plasmids to the myocardium, aiming to boost local H2S production and minimize I/R injury.MethodsCdSe/ZnS QDs were conjugated with AT1 peptides to create a nanocarrier system capable of delivering the CSE plasmid specifically to the myocardium. In vivo fluorescence imaging confirmed heart-specific accumulation. Myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, cell death, and oxidative stress were evaluated. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitophagy markers, including CHOP/GRP78/eIF2α, were analyzed, and the CHOP gene's role was further assessed using an adenovirus vector.ResultsThe AT1-conjugated nanocarriers significantly increased CSE expression in the myocardium, as confirmed by fluorescence imaging, without affecting other organs. This localized delivery reduced myocardial infarct size, improved cardiac function, and decreased oxidative stress and cell death. Importantly, a reduction in endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitophagy markers was observed, suggesting that cardioprotection was mediated via the CHOP/GRP78/eIF2α signaling pathway. Reintroduction of CHOP using an adenovirus vector reversed these protective effects, confirming the pathway's involvement.DiscussionThis study demonstrates that AT1 peptide-conjugated QDs can effectively deliver CSE plasmids to the heart, providing significant protection against I/R injury through enhanced localized H2S production. This approach offers a promising, targeted, and side-effect-free therapy for myocardial I/R injury, with potential for clinical translation.
Synergistic effects of peripheral GABA and GABA-transaminase inhibitory drugs on food intake control and weight loss in high-fat diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Nagao Tomoka , Braga Jason D. , Chen Siyi , Thongngam Masubon , Chartkul Maesaya , Yanaka Noriyuki , Kumrungsee Thanutchaporn 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundDeveloping anti-obesity interventions targeting appetite or food intake, the primary driver of obesity, remains challenging. Here, we demonstrated that dietary γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) with GABA-degradation inhibitory drugs could be an anti-obesity intervention possessing strong food intake-suppressive and weight-loss effects.MethodsHigh-fat (HF)-diet-induced obese mice were divided into six groups receiving either the HF diet or the 2% GABA-HF diet with daily administration of PBS or the GABA-degradation inhibitory drugs, vigabatrin and ethanolamine-O-sulfate (EOS). In 24-h fast-induced refeeding, lean mice with a basal diet were used, and food intake was measured from 0.5 to 24 h after refeeding.ResultsCoadministration of the 2% GABA-HF diet with vigabatrin or EOS significantly decreased food intake (−53%, −35%) and body weight (−22%, −16%) within 11 days in obese mice, along with a marked increase in plasma GABA levels. Mice receiving dietary GABA alone or the drugs alone exhibited no such effects. Hypothalamic GABA levels increased in drug-treated mice, regardless of diet. At 0.5 h after refeeding, food intake was similar in all groups. However, at 0.5 h, plasma GABA levels were markedly increased only in mice receiving coadministration of dietary GABA and the drugs, and their food intake was completely inhibited for over 6 h, while mice in other groups gradually increased their food intake.ConclusionCombining dietary GABA with GABA-degradation inhibitory drugs effectively suppresses food intake and promotes weight loss in obese mice, primarily through increased plasma GABA availability. These findings may advance the development of food intake-controlling strategies for obesity management.
Effects of different cold-resistant agents and application methods on yield and cold-resistance of machine-transplanted early rice
Authors: Yuan Shuai , Qin Shiqi , Shi Quan , Chen Pingping , Tu Naimei , Zhou Wenxin , Yi Zhenxie 
Published: October 2024

Cold stress is a critical factor affecting rice production worldwide. The application of cold-resistant agents may improve the cold resistance and yield of crops. To screen for suitable cold-resistant agents for machine-transplanted early rice, the effects of uniconazole, abscisic acid, and zinc-amino acids chelate and their spraying times (seed soaking stage, one leaf and one heart stage, two leaves and one heart stage, 7 days before the transplanting stage, and regreening stage) on the yield and cold resistance of machine-transplanted early rice were investigated. Moreover, the application method (spraying amount: 750 and 1125 g ha−1; spraying time: 7 days before the transplanting stage, transplanting stage, regreening stage, and transplanting stage and regreening stage) for the most suitable cold-resistant agent was optimized. The zinc-amino acids chelate was better than the other two cold-resistant agents for promoting rice tillering and increasing the leaf area index, dry matter weight, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, POD) and yield (i.e., 9.22% and 7.14% higher than uniconazole and abscisic acid, respectively), especially when it was applied in the regreening stage. The examination of spraying amounts and times indicated that the zinc-amino acids chelate dosage had no significant effect on the yield and cold resistance of early rice. However, the rice yield and antioxidant enzyme activities were highest when samples were sprayed once in the transplanting stage and the regreening stage. On the basis of the study results, 750 g ha−1 zinc-amino acids chelate applications in the transplanting and regreening stages of machine-transplanted early rice plants may be ideal for increasing cold stress resistance and yield.
Patient characteristics of completion and dropout of mentalization-based treatment for adolescents with conduct disorder
Authors: Hauschild Sophie , Dragovic Drago , Kasper Lea , Sobanski Esther , Taubner Svenja 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionConduct disorder (CD) is a severe mental disorder in youth. Yet, providing psychological interventions for adolescents with CD is challenging. This patient group is often characterized by risk factors for therapy dropout such as, e.g., CD symptoms and being in middle adolescence. On the other hand, little is known about characteristics of adolescents with CD who complete treatment. To gain more insight into what might become a successful therapy with adolescents with CD, this study explores baseline characteristics and drop-out occurrence in patients with CD referred to mentalization-based treatment for adolescents with CD (MBT-CD). More specifically, this study aims at identifying clusters of adolescent patients based on age, CD symptom severity and personality pathology at the beginning of treatment which may have come along with a higher or lower dropout occurrence.MethodsFollowing implications of an elbow plot, a 3-means cluster-analysis was conducted on self-report baseline data of N = 32 adolescents with CD (n = 11 dropouts, n = 21 completers) who participated in a feasibility study on MBT-CD. Additionally, in an exploratory stepwise logistic regression, variables were explored as potential predictors of dropout.ResultsCluster 1 consisted of n = 14 adolescents, of whom n = 8 (57%) dropped out. Cluster 2 consisted of n = 5 adolescents of whom 1 (20%) dropped out. Cluster 3 consisted of N = 13 adolescents, of whom only n = 2 (15%) dropped out. Cluster 2 showed descriptively the highest CD symptom severity. While adolescents in Clusters 1 and 3 showed in part similarities in CD symptom severity, personality pathology was descriptively markedly higher in Cluster 1. In the stepwise logistic regression, only intimacy personality pathology was identified as potential predictor for dropout.DiscussionThis study’s exploratory findings point to different types of adolescents with CD coming along with different chances for therapists to conduct a (successful) psychotherapy. Herein, low personality functioning in the intimacy domain, rather than CD symptoms as aggressiveness, may play a crucial role. While findings are limited by the small sample size, they may be able to shed increasing light on conducting (successful) psychotherapy with a scarcely researched patient group.
A ten-year overview of cancer genetic family history screening in Georgia’s Latina population
Authors: Ramirez Leon D. , Barber L. E. , Gabram-Mendola S. , Snyder C. , Vadaparampil S. T. , Fuzzell L. , McCullough L. E. , Durham L. , Guan Y. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundPopulation-based cancer genetic family history (FH) screening to identify families at high risk for BRCA-associated cancers has been endorsed by national public health policies. This report aimed to describe the utilization of FH screening services from 2013 to 2022 according to rurality and socioeconomic deprivation among Latinas in Georgia.MethodsWomen who attended a medical appointment at participating Georgia Public Health Clinics were invited to complete FH screening. Screening results and participant zip code were reviewed. Area deprivation index (ADI) was measured at the census block group level and dichotomized (more deprived and less deprived). Rurality was measured through Rural–Urban Commuting Area (RUCA) codes and dichotomized (urban and rural). The ADI and RUCA codes were linked to participant data by zip code to characterize FH utilization among the Latina community.ResultsOf the 9,330 adult Latinas in Georgia that completed cancer genetic FH screening, 9,066 (97.17%) women screened negative, and 264 (2.83%) screened positive (i.e., FH suggestive of higher risk for carrying BRCA1/2 mutations compared to the general population). Screening completion was higher among Latinas in urban areas (n = 7,871) compared to rural areas (n = 1,459). Screening completion was also higher in more socially deprived areas (n = 5,207) compared to less socially deprived areas (n = 4,123).ConclusionGeorgia’s FH screening program reached Latinas across Georgia, particularly those living in urban, socially deprived areas. To ensure equitable cancer genetic screening dissemination, future efforts should prioritize tailored outreach in rural regions and comprehensive evaluations to identify key determinants of screening trends among Georgia’s Latina population.
Exploring the determinants of online health service usage intentions under the threat of air pollution
Authors: Xu Xueru , Wang Tao , Liu Chuang , Luo Li , Liu Xiaofei 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe rapid evolution of online health services (OHS) has significantly improved healthcare accessibility. However, the impact of air pollution on individuals’ willingness to engage with OHS remains underexplored in the existing literature. This study addresses this gap by investigating how air pollution threats influence the intention to use OHS, grounded in Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and Rational Choice Theory (RCT).MethodsUsing cross-sectional survey data, a theoretical model was developed and tested to examine the relationships between threat appraisal, coping appraisal, perceived benefits, perceived costs, and OHS usage intentions.ResultsThe findings indicate that threat appraisal, coping appraisal, and perceived benefits positively affect the intention to use OHS, while perceived costs negatively impact usage intention. Additionally, age significantly moderates the relationship between coping appraisal and the intention to use OHS.DiscussionThis study extends the application of PMT and RCT in the context of OHS. It provides valuable insights into the factors influencing users’ intentions to utilize these services, with implications for improving OHS adoption in environments affected by air pollution.
Prevalence, subtypes, and risk factors of adverse childhood experiences among Chinese residents: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yinhai , Lu Yuanwei , Wen Xiuying , Zhou Tong , Ke Xiong 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAddressing the long-term physical and mental health impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) remains a significant public health challenge. Additionally, ACEs can contribute to intergenerational transmission, affecting future generations. While previous studies have primarily focused on children and adolescents, there is limited data on ACE subtypes and influencing factors among the general adult population, particularly in China. This study aims to explore the prevalence, subtypes, and factors influencing ACEs among Chinese adults.MethodA total of 1,932 Chinese residents from southwest China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou provinces, and Chongqing Municipality) participated in the study, consisting of 867 men (44.9%) and 1,065 women (55.1%). Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify ACE clusters, and regression analysis examined associations between ACE clusters and demographic factors, physical illness, and mental health outcomes.ResultsThe findings revealed that 28.7% of participants had experienced at least one ACE, while 13.2% had experienced three or more ACEs. Three distinct ACE clusters were identified: a low ACE group, a high emotional and physical abuse/family dysfunction group, and a high ACE/sexual abuse group. Regression analysis showed significant associations between childhood adversity and demographic factors (age, education, birthplace), as well as physical and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression). ANOVA further confirmed significant differences in depression and anxiety scores across the clusters.ConclusionThese findings offer critical insights for developing targeted public health interventions. Policymakers should consider strategies to reduce childhood ACEs and mitigate their long-term consequences, with particular attention to high-risk groups.
Selected lifestyle factors as students transition from secondary school to university in Slovakia
Authors: Buková Alena , Tomková Petra , Uher Ivan , Kimáková Tatiana , Vojtaško Ľuboš , Salonna Ferdinand 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe study aimed to evaluate self-perceived changes in lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity (PA), following the transition from secondary school to university. A secondary objective was to examine the relationship between lifestyle variables and weekly PA frequency. Key factors assessed included sleep quality, dietary habits, alcohol and tobacco consumption, and PA frequency.MethodsThe study surveyed 1,665 first-year undergraduate students at Slovak public universities (mean age: 20.73 years, SD ±1.39) using adapted versions of Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire (CEVS-II) and the Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (B-PSQI). Data collection took place between December 2022 and February 2023.ResultsSignificant declines were observed in most lifestyle variables after students transitioned to university. The proportion of students engaging in irregular, or no PA increased from 37% before university to 46% during their studies (p &lt; 0.01). Reports of tiredness upon waking also rose, from 52 to 64% (p &lt; 0.01). Meal frequency decreased, particularly among males, with the percentage of students eating only 1–2 meals per day rising from 9 to 15% (p &lt; 0.05). Conversely, the regularity of breakfast consumption increased, increasing from 65 to 73% (p &lt; 0.01). No significant changes were observed in tobacco smoking habits.ConclusionThe findings highlight a notable reduction in PA and other lifestyle factors during the transition to university life. These results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support healthy behaviors during this critical life phase.
Modeling disagreement in automatic data labeling for semi-supervised learning in Clinical Natural Language Processing
Authors: Liu Hongshu , Seedat Nabeel , Ive Julia 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionComputational models providing accurate estimates of their uncertainty are crucial for risk management associated with decision-making in healthcare contexts. This is especially true since many state-of-the-art systems are trained using the data which have been labeled automatically (self-supervised mode) and tend to overfit.MethodsIn this study, we investigate the quality of uncertainty estimates from a range of current state-of-the-art predictive models applied to the problem of observation detection in radiology reports. This problem remains understudied for Natural Language Processing in the healthcare domain.ResultsWe demonstrate that Gaussian Processes (GPs) provide superior performance in quantifying the risks of three uncertainty labels based on the negative log predictive probability (NLPP) evaluation metric and mean maximum predicted confidence levels (MMPCL), whilst retaining strong predictive performance.DiscussionOur conclusions highlight the utility of probabilistic models applied to “noisy” labels and that similar methods could provide utility for Natural Language Processing (NLP) based automated labeling tasks.
Spaceborne lidar measurement of global cloud properties through machine learning
Authors: Hu Karen , Lu Xiaomei 
Published: October 2024

With a large footprint size, multiple scattering measurements of clouds from spaceborne lidar provide useful information about cloud physical properties, such as cloud optical depths and cloud droplet size, both during daytime and nighttime. A neural network algorithm, with a subset of cloud backscatter profiles of dual-polarization and dual-wavelength Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) lidar measurements during daytime as input variables and cloud physical properties derived from collocated Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) multi-spectral measurements as output, is developed and evaluated with an independent subset of the collocated CALIPSO and MODIS measurements. The study suggests that with a receiver footprint size of 110 m, CALIPSO lidar measurements are sensitive to liquid-phase cloud optical depth variations from 0 to 25. A larger footprint size, thus more multiple scattering, is required for lidar to have sensitivities to all liquid-phase clouds. The technique can be applied to all 17 years of CALIPSO daytime and nighttime measurements and, thus, provides useful information about global distributions of cloud physical properties both during day and night.
A comparative study of single-stage bilateral vs. unilateral medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty on complications, clinical outcomes, and costs
Authors: Tu Kao-Chang , Shih Han-Ting , Wang Shun-Ping , Chen Kun-Hui 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThis retrospective study aimed to evaluate the short-term recovery and cost-effectiveness of bilateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) compared to staged unilateral UKA. The study analyzed postoperative pain scores, medical costs, and complications in patients with knee osteoarthritis who underwent these procedures.MethodsA total of 226 patients who received either unilateral UKA (Group A, n = 170) or bilateral UKA (Group B, n = 56) using the mobile-bearing UKA were included in the study. Patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative pain scores, knee range of motion, length of hospital stay, self-controlled analgesic use, total medical costs, and complications were retrospectively collected from medical records.ResultsThe demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups. Group B had a longer surgical time and higher medical costs than Group A. However, there were no significant differences in hospital stay, pain scores, or knee range of motion between the two groups. Complications were infrequent and not significantly different. Insert dislocation and loosening were the most common complications. Patient-controlled analgesia effectively reduced pain scores in Group A but not in Group B.ConclusionBilateral UKA does not significantly affect hospital stay, postoperative pain, or complications compared to unilateral UKA. Although bilateral UKA requires longer surgical time and incurs higher costs, it offers the potential benefit of reducing anesthesia-related complications and overall health insurance expenditures. This study recommends bilateral UKA as a suitable option for patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis, given its comparable short-term outcomes and potential cost-saving advantages.Level of EvidenceIII
The effect of Traumeel LT ad us. vet. on the perioperative inflammatory response after castration of stallions: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study
Authors: Laves Julia , Wergin Melanie , Bauer Natali , Müller Simon Franz , Failing Klaus , Büttner Kathrin , Hagen Alina , Melzer Michaela , Röcken Michael 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionStallion castration is a standard procedure with a risk of post-surgical complications. Castration induces an acute phase response (APR). Serum Amyloid-A (SAA) is a well-studied major acute phase protein (APP), that has been shown to be a good marker for the development of post-surgical complications. The current gold standard for reducing the APR after castration is Flunixin-Meglumin, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) inhibiting COX1/2. In contrast, Traumeel LT ad us. vet. can modulate the APR by induction of the inflammation resolution. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Flunixin-Meglumin and Traumeel LT ad us. vet. on the acute phase response.Material and methodsA total of 60 stallions were recruited and 54 stallions entered the study with 27 stallions in each treatment group. The stallions were treated pre- and postoperatively with either Flunixin-Meglumin (FL) or with Traumeel LT ad us. vet. (TR). Blood was taken before and 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after castration. The following main parameters were assessed: SAA, fibrinogen, iron, white blood cells, neutrophils, Interleukin1ß, and cortisol. Wound healing and pain were assessed at 8 time points.ResultsThe main variable SAA was increased after surgery reaching a mean value of 122 µg/ml in the FL group and a mean SAA of 226 µg/ml in the TR group 48 h after surgery, reaching a significant difference only at the 24 h timepoint (p = 0.03). All stallions had the highest pain summary score 8 hours after surgery, with decreasing values thereafter. The pain scores were not statistically different at any time point. In the FL group five stallions developed a suture dehiscence compared to only one stallion in the TR group (p = 0.001).DiscussionWithin the limitations of this study, Traumeel LT ad us. vet. seems to have proresolving effects on the inflammation induced by surgery making it a valuable treatment to reduce the APR induced by castration. Due to its different mode of action, Traumeel LT ad us. vet. might be an alternative treatment option if gastrointestinal side effects or renal side effects of NSAIDs should be avoided. Further studies are needed combining Traumeel LT ad us. vet. and Flunixin.