bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repurposing FDA-approved disulfiram for targeted inhibition of diphtheria toxin and the binary protein toxins of Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Borho Joscha , Kögel Merle , Eckert Amelie , Barth Holger 
Published: September 2024

Many bacteria act pathogenic by the release of AB-type protein toxins that efficiently enter human or animal cells and act as enzymes in their cytosol. This leads to disturbed cell functions and the clinical symptoms characteristic for the individual toxin. Therefore, molecules that directly target and neutralize these toxins provide promising novel therapeutic options. Here, we found that the FDA-approved drug disulfiram (DSF), used for decades to treat alcohol abuse, protects cells from intoxication with diphtheria toxin (DT) from Corynebacterium diphtheria, the causative agent of diphtheria, lethal toxin (LT) from Bacillus anthracis, which contributes to anthrax, and C2 enterotoxin from Clostridium botulinum when applied in concentrations lower than those found in plasma of patients receiving standard DSF treatment for alcoholism (up to 20 µM). Moreover, this inhibitory effect is increased by copper, a known enhancer of DSF activity. LT and C2 are binary toxins, consisting of two non-linked proteins, an enzyme (A) and a separate binding/transport (B) subunit. To act cytotoxic, their proteolytically activated B subunits PA63 and C2IIa, respectively, form barrel-shaped heptamers that bind to their cellular receptors and form complexes with their respective A subunits LF and C2I. The toxin complexes are internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis and in acidified endosomes, PA63 and C2IIa form pores in endosomal membranes, which facilitate translocation of LF and C2I into the cytosol, where they act cytotoxic. In DT, A and B subunits are located within one protein, but DT also forms pores in endosomes that facilitate translocation of the A subunit. If cell binding, membrane translocation, or substrate modification is inhibited, cells are protected from intoxication. Our results implicate that DSF neither affects cellular binding nor the catalytic activity of the investigated toxins to a relevant extend, but interferes with the toxin pore-mediated translocation of the A subunits of DT, LT and C2 toxin, as demonstrated by membrane-translocation assays and toxin pore conductivity experiments in the presence or absence of DSF. Since toxin translocation across intracellular membranes represents a central step during cellular uptake of many bacterial toxins, DSF might neutralize a broad spectrum of medically relevant toxins.
A comprehensive review of training methods for physical demands in adolescent tennis players: a systematic review
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Xie Jia , Dong Gengxin , Bao Dapeng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundAdolescent tennis players encounter critical physical demands, but the lack of comprehensive analysis of training types hampers the selection of optimal training programs. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review to analyze the effectiveness and limitations of various training types on the physical demands of adolescent tennis players, summarizing the optimal training methods to enhance these physical qualities.MethodsFrom March 2024, a comprehensive search was conducted across four electronic databases: SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCOhost (SPORTDiscus), and Web of Science. Additionally, Google Scholar and other sources of gray literature were referenced. Original research articles with an experimental design were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and the overall scientific evidence was determined through the best evidence synthesis (BES).ResultsEighteen articles on exercise training met all inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. These studies maintained a high standard of quality, making their findings relatively credible. Among them, five studies investigated plyometric training, five focused on neuromuscular training, three explored functional training, two examined traditional strength training, and three assessed High-Intensity Interval Training.ConclusionTo enhance speed, strength, power, agility, and dynamic balance, it is recommended to prioritize plyometric training, neuromuscular training, and functional training over traditional tennis training. Functional training is particularly effective for improving flexibility and balance, while plyometric training is more suited for increasing power and speed. Neuromuscular training, when performed before routine workouts, is beneficial for enhancing speed, flexibility, and strength. Hard surface training is ideal for boosting power, whereas sand training excels in improving strength, speed, and balance. Combining HIIT with strength training is especially advantageous for enhancing short-distance sprinting, repeated sprint ability, and power. By appropriately combining and utilizing these training methods, the physical capabilities and sports performance of adolescent tennis players can be comprehensively optimized.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024578147.
Effects of multisession prefrontal cortex tDCS or taVNS on stress, perceived stress and sleep quality: a double-blind, randomized controlled study
Authors: dos Reis Laya Dalila , Pereira Generoso Laura , Pereira Gabrielly Santos , Teixeira Barú João Paulo da Silva , Candido Natalie Lange , Maziero Capello Maria Gabriela , de Castro Renato Ortolani Marcondes , Cardoso Edvaldo José Rodrigues , Scoz Robson Dias , Ferreira Luciano Maia Alves , da Silva Marcelo Lourenço , da Silva Josie Resende Torres 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionChronic stress is a condition characterized by prolonged stimulation, leading to mental and physical weakness. It can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental health and cognitive function, potentially causing various health issues. This article explores the potential of non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, specifically transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), in managing chronic stress and improving sleep quality.MethodsThe study conducted a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial with participants experiencing chronic stress. In total, 100 participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: the anodal tDCS group (n = 50), the sham tDCS group (n = 50), the taVNS group (n = 50), or the sham taVNS group (n = 50). Within each condition, participants received five sessions of either active treatment or sham treatment, with 20 min of tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (2 mA) for the tDCS groups, or taVNS on the left ear (20 Hz) for the taVNS groups. At baseline, post-intervention, and 4 weeks thereafter, we evaluated stress using the Lipp’s Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults (LSSI), perceived stress through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and sleep quality via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsThe tDCS and taVNS interventions resulted in reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality, and enhanced perception of stress.DiscussionThese findings suggest that tDCS and taVNS hold promise as effective treatments for chronic stress, offering a safe and accessible approach to improving individuals’ wellbeing and overall quality of life.Clinical trial registrationhttps://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-2ww2ts8, identifier UTN: U1111-1296-1810; Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (REBEC) RBR-2ww2ts8.
Mood states and well-being of spouses of fibromyalgia patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Treister-Goltzman Yulia , Peleg Roni 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundWe carried out a systematic review of the medical literature on potential effects of caregiving on the health and well being of spouses of Fibromyalgia (FM) patients and pooled the results in a meta-analysis.MethodsThe review is comprised of original studies that examined the mood states and well-being of husbands/wives, or long-term intimate partners, of FM patients. The authors searched the PubMed, Scopus, APA PsycNet and Web of Science databases using the key words “fibromyalgia and spouses,” “fibromyalgia and partners,” and “fibromyalgia and husbands.” Of 570 papers that were initially identified using the search words, 18 papers were considered eligible. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist (JBICAC) and Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) tools to assess the risk of bias in the analytical cross-sectional and qualitative studies, respectively.ResultsThe overall score in mood states was significantly higher among spouses of FM patients than among spouses of individuals without FM (SMD [95% CI] = 0.52 [0.30; 0.74]). The strongest evidence was found for depression, SMD [95% CI] = 0.68 [0.33; 1.03]. The overall standardized score of quality of life was significantly lower among spouses of FM patients, SMD [95% CI] = −0.59 [−0.79; −0.38], with significant differences in physical function and role, emotional role, and mental health subscales.LimitationLimitation of this review is the scant number of studies that addressed several health domains, which made it impossible to carry out meta-analyses in these domains.ConclusionSpouses of FM patients show the emotional and physical consequences of caregiving, and impaired quality of life. Addressing these problems can prevent deterioration of their health and improve their quality of life.
Validation of the personal suicide stigma questionnaire among adolescents with suicide attempts in mainland China
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Miao Qunfang , Wang Jiannv , Qiu Lingjing , Zhang Jinsheng , Li Peiqing , Huang Yaoyao 
Published: September 2024

ObjectivesThe study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the personal suicide stigma questionnaire (PSSQ) into simplified Chinese and evaluate its psychometric properties among adolescents who have attempted suicide in mainland China.MethodsFollowing Brislin’s translation model and using purposive sampling, we surveyed 440 adolescents who had attempted suicide at Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital in Zhejiang Province, China. Content validity was determined by a panel of experts, and the construct validity of the scale was assessed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Reliability analysis was evaluated using Cronbach’s α coefficient, test–retest reliability, and half-split reliability.ResultsThe Chinese version of the PSSQ consists of three dimensions and 14 items. After two rounds of expert consultation, the item-content validity index for all items exceeded 0.70, and the scale-content validity index exceeded 0.90. EFA extracted three factors and retained all 14 items. The CFA indicators demonstrated a good fit. The Cronbach’s α coefficient of the scale was 0.880, the half-split reliability was 0.681, and the test–retest reliability was 0.862. It is evident that the PSSQ and its subscales demonstrate stable structural validity and good internal consistency in measuring self-stigma among individuals with suicidal tendencies, indicating that the PSSQ is a reliable tool for assessing the degree of personal stigma in Chinese adolescents who have attempted suicide.ConclusionThis study ensured the linguistic and cultural appropriateness of the Chinese version of the PSSQ through cross-cultural adaptation and validation of its reliability and validity, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of assessing personal stigma among Chinese adolescents who have attempted suicide. The validation of the Chinese version of the scale not only enriches the research tools available for studying personal stigma related to suicide in mainland China, but also provides a reliable quantitative tool for future research on the psychological states of individuals who have attempted suicide, the impact of stigma, and the effectiveness of interventions.
Factors associated with self-management in older adults with multiple chronic conditions: a qualitative study
Authors: Sadeghi Hajar , Mohammadi Shahbolaghi Farahnaz , Hosseini Mohammadali , Fallahi-Khoshknab Masoud , Ghaedamini Harouni Gholamreza 
Published: September 2024

Background and purposeRecognizing the importance of self-management in older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) is crucial for their quality of life. This qualitative study explored the factors linked to self-management among older adults with MCCs.Materials and methodsThe present study was conducted in three stages: an integrated review, qualitative interviews, and Delphi. The search used electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, SID, and Iranmedex. The results of 33 studies that met the inclusion criteria were analyzed using conventional content analysis. A data matrix was formed; and purposeful sampling was conducted among older adults with MCCs, family caregivers, and specialists. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis of 29 interviews was conducted simultaneously with data collection using oriented qualitative content analysis and the Elo and Kyngäs approach. Three rounds of Delphi were conducted via email correspondence with a group of 30 experts to develop and validate the proposed variables.ResultsThe factors that influence self-management can be categorized into various categories. Biological factors, cognitive factors, co-morbidities, socio-economic factors, health-related behaviors, mental health, interactions with healthcare teams, Family relationships, medical facility resources, employee empowerment, health policy development, and cultural influences.ConclusionSelf-management in older Iranian adults with MCCs is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. By identifying the relevant factors, it is possible to design operational plans that promote self-management among the older adult population and are tailored to fit the specific needs of Iranian society.
Growth and development and trends in overweight and obesity among 7–12 years old Hmong children in China: an analysis of eight successive national surveys from 1985 to 2019
Authors: Pan Qi , Li Yuyu , Chen Xiaolong , Dai Xinyi , Zhang Xueliang , Tu Chunjing 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundTo explore the dynamic changes and trends in the body shape of Hmong children aged 7–12 years from 1985 to 2019, and to predict them, to provide a reference for the physical health level of Hmong children.MethodsThe body shape data of Hmong children aged 7–12 years old from the Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) in 1985, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2014, and 2019 were used for longitudinal comparative analysis, and the grey GM(1,1) model was established based on this as a time series. Forecast the future development trend in 2025 and 2030.Results1) From 1985 to 2019, all indicators of body shape of Hmong primary school students showed an upward trend, the increase in height (FBoys = 3.91, p &gt; 0.05; FGirls = 3.91, p &gt; 0.05), weight (FBoys = 8.04, p &lt; 0.01; FGirls = 6.36, p &lt; 0.05) and BMI (FBoys = 19.15, p &lt; 0.01; FGirls = 10.24, p &lt; 0.01) increased with age, rate of growth: Weight &gt; BMI &gt; Height, girls grow faster than boys; 2) The prevalence of overweight and obesity increased year by year, from 5.2 and 1.2% in 1991 to 12.4% (χ2linear trend = 3.89, p &lt; 0.05) and 8.7% (χ2linear trend = 3.98, p &lt; 0.05) in 2014, respectively, showing a significant growth trend, especially after 2000, overweight and obesity have entered a stage of rapid growth; 3) The forecast results show that the height, weight and BMI will continue to increase in 2025 and 2030, but the growth rate will decrease, the increase of weight and BMI is greater than the height, overweight and obesity are still expected to increase rapidly.ConclusionThe growth and development level of Hmong elementary children continues to increase, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing year by year, requiring early prevention and intervention to promote the healthy development of physical fitness of Hmong, as well as other ethnic minority students.
Longitudinal associations between leisure activities and subjective happiness among middle-aged and older adults people in China: national cohort study
Authors: Feng Chengkai , Shi Zhenguo , Tian Yuge , Ma Chao , Sun Qian 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundLeisure activities serve as key measures to enhance the subjective happiness of middle-aged and older adults individuals and to positively address the challenges of an aging society; however, the trajectory of changes in their participation in leisure activities and how these changes relate to shifts in subjective happiness have not been adequately explored.MethodsThis study selected data from the China Health and Aging Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which included a total of 5,190 middle-aged and older adults people. Linear and nonlinear latent growth models, parallel latent growth models and cross-lagged models were constructed to investigate the influence and lagged relationship between the trajectory of changes in the level of participation in leisure activities on the trajectory of changes in the subjective well-being of middle-aged and older adults people.ResultsThe initial level of physical activity participation of middle-aged and older adults people significantly predicted the initial level (β = 1. 203, p &lt; 0.001) and rate of change (β = −0.138, p = 0.016) of their subjective well-being, and the trajectory of change of middle-aged and older adults people’s physical activity also significantly predicted the rate of change of their subjective well-being (β = 0.582, p = 0.003). Meanwhile, the initial level of social activity of middle-aged and older adults people also effectively predicted the initial level of their subjective well-being (β = 0.048, p &lt; 0.001). At the same time, the covariates (gender, age, level of education, marital status, chronic disease) also predicted the initial level and rate of change of leisure activity participation level and subjective well-being. Finally, the cross-lagged model test confirmed the predictive effect of leisure activity participation level on subjective well-being of middle-aged and older adults people.ConclusionThis study confirms that the level of participation in leisure activities of Chinese middle-aged and older adults people has a significant predictive effect on their subjective happiness and that there is a significant correlation between the trajectory of changes in the level of participation in leisure activities and the trajectory of changes in subjective happiness.
The mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between self-care ability and disability level in older adult patients with chronic diseases
Authors: Wang Tiemei , Wang Senlin , Wu Nianwei , Liu Yan 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveThis study investigates the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between self-care ability and disability level in older adult patients with chronic diseases.MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to select 372 older adult patients with chronic diseases from five tertiary hospitals in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. General demographic information was collected using a questionnaire, and self-efficacy, self-care ability, and disability were assessed using standardized scales. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, and the PROCESS macro was employed to test the mediating effect of self-efficacy.ResultsThe mean score for self-efficacy was 26.09 ± 7.20, for self-care ability was 113.19 ± 23.31, and for disability was 154.19 ± 29.32. Self-efficacy was positively correlated with self-care ability (r = 0.73, p &lt; 0.001. and negatively correlated with disability (r = −0.84, p &lt; 0.001. and self-care ability and disability (r = −0.91, p &lt; 0.001.. The indirect effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between self-care ability and level of disability was −0.03 (95% CI −0.08 to −0.04), accounting for 16.67% of the total effect.ConclusionSelf-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between self-care ability and disability in older adult patients with chronic conditions. Healthcare providers can improve self-care behaviours and self-efficacy in older adult patients through effective interventions to reduce the incidence of disability.
Light gradient boost tree classifier predictions on appendicitis with periodontal disease from biochemical and clinical parameters
Authors: Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Thirukkumaran Prathiksha Vedhavalli , Natarajan Prabhu Manickam , Ardila Carlos M. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionUntreated periodontitis significantly increases the risk of tooth loss, often delaying treatment due to asymptomatic phases. Recent studies have increasingly associated poor dental health with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, obesity, pneumonia, cardiovascular disease, and renal illness. Despite these connections, limited research has investigated the relationship between appendicitis and periodontal disease. This study aims to predict appendicitis in patients with periodontal disease using biochemical and clinical parameters through the application of a light gradient boost tree classifier.MethodsData from 125 patient records at Saveetha Institute of Dental College and Medical College were pre-processed and analyzed. We utilized data preprocessing techniques, feature selection methods, and model development approaches to estimate the risk of appendicitis in patients with periodontitis. Both Random Forest and Light Gradient Boosting algorithms were evaluated for accuracy using confusion matrices to assess their predictive performance.ResultsThe Random Forest model achieved an accuracy of 94%, demonstrating robust predictive capability in this context. In contrast, the Light Gradient Boost algorithms achieved a significantly higher accuracy of 98%, underscoring their superior predictive efficiency. This substantial difference highlights the importance of algorithm selection and optimization in developing reliable predictive models. The higher accuracy of Light Gradient Boost algorithms suggests effective minimization of prediction errors and improved differentiation between appendicitis with periodontitis and healthy states. Our study identifies age, white blood cell count, and symptom duration as pivotal predictors for detecting concurrent periodontitis in acute appendicitis cases.ConclusionsThe newly developed prediction model introduces a novel and promising approach, providing valuable insights into distinguishing between periodontitis and acute appendicitis. These findings highlight the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and support informed clinical decision-making in patients presenting with both conditions, offering new avenues for optimizing patient care strategies.