bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study investigating how the albumin-globulin ratio relates to depression risk within U.S. adults: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Xu Qi , Wang Jiale , Li Hanzhi , Chen Xiaohui 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between the albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR) and depression is not well understood. This analysis aims to investigate the relationship between AGR in conjunction with depression in U.S. adults.MethodsThis study analyzed information from 31,363 individuals collected by NHANES during the years 2005 to 2018. The PHQ-9 scale was employed to gauge depression, where a score of 10 or above signified depression. Weighted multivariable logistic modeling along with smooth curve fitting were applied to explore the AGR-depression connection. To confirm our findings, we carried out sensitivity analyses, subgroup analyses, and interaction tests.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, a higher AGR is associated with a lower risk of depression (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47–0.79). Dividing AGR into quartiles revealed that participants in the highest quartile (Q4) of AGR had a markedly lower risk of depression than those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.53–0.77). Using smooth curve fitting, we suggested a possible linear inverse association connecting AGR with depression. Further subgroup and sensitivity analyses supported these findings, although factors such as diabetes and hypertension might influence the relationship.ConclusionOur findings indicate that elevated AGR levels correlate with a lower risk of depression. The findings suggest AGR as a potential biomarker for depression screening and prevention. Further studies are required to determine causality and clarify the mechanisms between AGR and depression.
Detecting two Schistosoma circulating antigens – CCA and CAA – in urine and serum to improve diagnosis of human schistosomiasis
Authors: Hoekstra Pytsje T. , de Dood Claudia J. , Abdoel Theresia , Hilt Stan , van Diepen Angela , Polman Katja , Kremsner Peter , van Lieshout Lisette , Kreidenweiss Andrea , Adegnika Ayola Akim , Fusco Daniela , Rasomoelina Tahinamandranto , Rakoto Andrianarivelo Mala , Rakotozandrindrainy Raphaël , Rakotoarivelo Rivo Andry , Sicuri Elisa , van Dam Govert J. , Corstjens Paul L. A. M. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is caused by infection with parasitic Schistosoma worms and affects more than 250 million people globally. The detection of schistosome derived circulating cathodic and anodic antigens (CCA and CAA) has proven highly valuable for detecting active Schistosoma infections, causing both intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis.AimThe combined detection of CCA and CAA was explored to improve accuracy in detecting Schistosoma infections.MethodsParallel detection of CCA and CAA was performed on two banked sample sets with matching serum and urine samples from Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) and S. haematobium (Sh) infected individuals using the non-concentration based lateral flow (LF) test comprising the sensitive luminescent up-converting reporter particle (UCP) technology.ResultsParallel detection of CCA and CAA increased the positivity rate for detecting both Sm and Sh infections compared to the detection of either antigen separately, demonstrating the added value of detecting both antigens in a single sample to confirm diagnosis, independent from the Schistosoma species. Significantly higher CCA concentrations in urine were observed in Sm infected individuals compared to Sh infected individuals, while serum CCA-concentrations were similar between species. CAA concentrations were higher in serum compared to those in urine, irrespective of species. When exploring the relationship of CCA and CAA in urine, the CCA/CAA ratio in Sm infected individuals was significantly higher than in Sh infected individuals, while no differences were observed in serum.Discussion and conclusionParallel detection of CCA and CAA via the UCP-LF platform showed added diagnostic value through an increased positivity rate for the detection of Sm and Sh infections, compared to only detecting either of the antigens. The combined and quantitative detection of CCA and CAA is indicative for identifying the infecting species, but needs further exploration.
Effects of probiotics on the prevention and treatment of children with allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Luo Xinyi , Wang Huan , Liu Huixia , Chen Yue , Tian Li , Ji Qing , Xie Dengpiao 
Published: October 2024

Background and aimRecent studies have demonstrated the anti-allergic effects of probiotics in humans. However, their role in preventing and treating pediatric allergic rhinitis has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to systematically review the efficacy and preventive effects of probiotics on pediatric allergic rhinitis.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases for all relevant studies on probiotics and pediatric allergic rhinitis. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were included, data were extracted, and meta-analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 28 studies with 4,765 participants were included in this study. The pooled results showed that the use of probiotics was associated with a significant improvement in total nose symptom scores (SMD, −2.27; 95% CI, −3.26 to −1.29; P &lt; 0.00001), itchy nose scores (SMD, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.07; P = 0.02), sneezing scores (SMD, −0.47; 95% CI, −0.84 to −0.10; P = 0.01), eye symptoms (SMD, −3.77; 95% CI, −5.47 to −2.07; P &lt; 0.00001), and Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (SMD, −2.52; 95% CI, −4.12 to −0.92; P &lt; 00001). However, the use of probiotics was not associated with the incidence of allergic rhinitis (RR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.74–1.08; P = 0.26).ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that probiotics were effective and safe for improving pediatric allergic rhinitis symptoms and quality of life. However, probiotics could not prevent pediatric allergic rhinitis.
Community-based interventions for mitigating cognitive-linguistic decline in older adults
Authors: Tian Xiaoming , Ding Wenshu 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis study focuses on exploring the effectiveness of interventions in two community-based language rehabilitation care centers located in an economically underdeveloped region of northwest China.MethodThe research focuses on 35 older adults with cognitive-linguistic decline enrolled in both centers. The interventions provided to the participants include auditory training, sign language use enhancement, second language interest classes, and the promotion of elderly-mode applications on smartphones.ResultsThe interventions were particularly effective in enhancing auditory processing and language comprehension skills. Additionally, the promotion of elderly-mode applications on smartphones proved to be a valuable tool in improving participants’ language cognition.ConclusionThe study underscores the importance of tailored community-based interventions in improving language skills and cognition and provides a basis for further research in this area.
Psychological responses and factors associated with depression and anxiety in entry personnel under quarantine during pandemic in China
Authors: Chen Liping , Chu Qiao , Xu Chenhui , Zhou Feng , Hu Xiaolong , Wang Zhaoxin , Jin Ying , Lv Yipeng 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted critical concerns surrounding mental health. Social isolation measures, such as the quarantine of incoming travelers, are essential public health strategies for the prevention and control of infectious diseases. However, quarantine can lead to adverse psychological outcomes, including feelings of confinement, boredom, perceived scarcity of supplies and information, financial hardship, and social stigma. This study aims to assess the mental states of quarantined individuals, investigate the factors affecting their mental well-being, and examine their coping mechanisms, with the objective of providing recommendations to enhance mental health in anticipation of future outbreaks, such as Disease X.MethodsWe surveyed 327 individuals in quarantine from September 22, 2020 to January 9, 2021, collecting general demographic data and information related to COVID-19. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales, respectively, while stress coping was evaluated with a simplified version of the Cope scale. We analyzed the relationships between independent variables and mental health outcomes.ResultsAmong the individuals undergoing entry quarantine, 27.8% reported symptoms of depression, and 20.5% reported symptoms of anxiety. Students were more likely to experience depression compared to those with permanent jobs or no occupation. Significant risk factors for both depression and anxiety included pre-existing health conditions, lack of medical insurance, concerns about shortages of daily necessities during quarantine, and high scores for “guilt and self-blame.” Additionally, participants who worried about the impact of the epidemic on their studies or work, and those with high scores for “denial,” were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. On the other hand, participants who were concerned about potential rejection or discrimination from the outside world after quarantine were more prone to anxiety symptoms.ConclusionAttention should be paid to the negative psychological reactions of the entry quarantined personnel, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, those without medical insurance, and students studying abroad. Accurate and effective epidemic dynamic information and preventive and control measures can be provided to the public to prevent fear and stigma against quarantined personnel.
Caregiver, community health worker, and dentist feedback on a behavioral intervention for caregivers of children with severe early childhood caries
Authors: Patano Paige , Borowski Teresa G. , Izquierdo Melanie , Wong Calvin , Avenetti David , Lee Helen H. , Buscemi Joanna 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionSevere early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a common disease within marginalized pediatric populations. S-ECC is often treated under general anesthesia to facilitate extensive treatment in young children, but treatment does not address etiology of an infectious disease that is rooted in health behaviors. Without behavior changes related to toothbrushing and sugar consumption, many children experience recurrent disease and some require subsequent surgeries. To improve post-surgery oral health, we developed PROTECT (Preventing Recurrent Operations Targeting Early Childhood Caries Treatment), a community health worker (CHW)-delivered behavioral intervention for caregivers that focuses on children’s oral health behaviors. The purpose of this study was to use qualitative research methods to receive feedback on the planned protocol for a pilot study of PROTECT, a six-month intervention initiated at the time of a child’s surgery to treat severe early childhood caries.MethodsStudy participants included caregivers of children presenting for surgery [n = 12], CHWs [n = 8] and dentists [n = 8] in a series of audio-video recorded semi-structured interviews. Five coders used Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework for data analysis.ResultsParticipant feedback on the pilot study protocol yielded the following themes: (1) right time, population, and type of support; (2) flexible intervention delivery and content; (3) inclusion of other social determinants of health; and (4) cultural considerations. Implementing a behavioral intervention for caregivers in the immediate time during a child’s surgery for treating dental caries was widely deemed important and timely in order to affect post-surgical behavioral and clinical outcomes. Flexibility in content, timing, and communication were all named as facilitators to participant engagement and study retention. Caregivers and CHWs emphasized the relevance of addressing other social determinants of health. CHWs emphasized the importance of training in becoming aware of culture and practicing with understanding and humility, given the influence on health beliefs, behaviors, and family dynamics. Cultural considerations in intervention delivery were deemed an important factor for participant retention and engagement.DiscussionParticipant feedback led to critical modifications of the pilot study protocol, specifically in intervention content and CHW-led delivery.
Non-communicable diseases in the world over the past century: a secondary data analysis
Authors: Taheri Soodejani Moslem 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionWe analyzed the changes in the top 10 non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over the past century across the World Health Organization (WHO) regions.Materials and methodsThe data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies. After we accessed this source, all NCDs were sorted according to their prevalence in 2019, and the 10 most common NCDs were selected. Then, the incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates of these 10 NCDs were compared to the rates in 2000.ResultsDiabetes and kidney disease had the highest increase in incidence (49.4%) and prevalence (28%) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Substance use disorders had a huge increase (138%) in the mortality rates among women in the Americas region. On the other hand, women in Southeast Asia experienced the greatest decrease in incidence (−19.8%), prevalence (−15.8%), and mortality rates (−66%).ConclusionIn recent years, nearly all NCDs have shown an increase, yet mortality rates have declined across all regions. Lifestyle can be a major cause of this increase, but advancements in health and medical services, such as screening and treatment, have played a crucial role in improving survival rates.
The association between physical activity and anxiety in college students: parallel mediation of life satisfaction and self-efficacy
Authors: Deng Jiaxin , Liu Yongfeng , Wang Tong , Li Weicheng 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the functions that physical activity (PA), life satisfaction, and self-efficacy have in the process of coping with anxiety among Chinese college students, and to explore the mediating role of life satisfaction and self-efficacy in this process.MethodsParticipants were 358 college students (186 males, 172 females, mean age 20.88, SD = ±1.80). Psychosocial tests including the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), College Student Life Satisfaction Scale (CSLSS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) were completed. Correlations between variables were calculated using Pearson’s test. The mediation model was tested using the SPSS 26.0 PROCESS macro and regression bootstrap.ResultsPhysical activity showed a negative correlation with anxiety (β = −0.1617, p &lt; 0.001., life satisfaction and self-efficacy played a role in the relationship between physical activity and anxiety. More importantly, physical activity was associated with anxiety through parallel mediating effects of life satisfaction and self-efficacy, with a total mediating effect of 55.34%.ConclusionBy increasing college students’ participation in physical activity, it helps to promote the growth of their life satisfaction and self-efficacy, which is the key to reducing anxiety and promoting college students’ mental health.
A pilot study to establish feasibility and acceptability of a yoga and self-management education intervention to support caregivers and care receivers with persistent pain
Authors: Schmid Arlene A. , Fruhauf Christine A. , Fox Aimee L. , Sharp Julia L. , Portz Jennifer Dickman , Leach Heather J. , Van Puymbroeck Marieke 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionApproximately 75% of caregivers providing unpaid care to family members or friends experience persistent pain. Simultaneously, individuals who require caregiving commonly experience pain. The inherent complexity of pain is enhanced by relationship dynamics of two closely tied individuals (i.e., caregiving dyad = caregivers and care recipients). Currently there are no proven pain interventions that target the caregiving dyad. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility of a new behavioral multi-modal intervention, the Merging Yoga and self-management to develop Skills (MY-Skills) intervention.MethodsEach participant was part of a caregiving dyad and all participants had moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain, a score of ≥4 of 6 on the short mini-mental status exam, were ≥18 years old, sedentary, able to speak English, able to stand, and living at home. Participants were randomized to MY-Skills or the control group. MY-Skills was offered twice a week for eight weeks and each two-hour session included yoga and self-management education developed specifically for caregiving dyads experiencing persistent pain. MY-Skills was group based and developed as an in-person intervention. Due to Covid-19, the intervention was moved online and data are presented for in-person and online cohorts. Benchmarks for feasibility were set a priori, addressing: recruitment, attrition, attendance, safety, acceptability/satisfaction, and study completion.ResultsThirteen participants completed the in-person MY-Skills intervention (caregivers n = 7, care-receivers n = 6) and 18 individuals completed the online MY-Skills intervention (9 dyads). Most participants had pain for ≥10 years. Recruitment and attrition benchmarks for the in-person intervention were not met; yet they were met for the online version. In-person and online MY-Skills intervention attendance, safety, acceptability/satisfaction, and completion exceeded benchmark criteria.DiscussionThe MY-Skills intervention appears feasible and acceptable, however changes to recruitment criteria are necessary. Additional testing and larger sample sizes are required to test efficacy.
Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, #NCT03440320.
Comparison of the efficacy of tibial transverse transfer and periosteal distraction techniques in the treatment of diabetic foot refractory ulcers
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Fang , Chen Yiguo , Wang Wei 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of comparing tibia transverse transport (TTT) and periosteal distraction in treating diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 19 patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated with both procedures between February 2020 and November 2022, 8 of whom were treated with the tibial transverse transfer technique (transfer group) and 11 with the osteochondral distraction technique (distraction group), was performed to compare and analyze the clinical efficacy of the two methods.ResultsAll wounds were healed in both groups, and the healing time ranged from 15 to 41days with a mean of 28d. The limb preservation rate was 100%. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and pain score in the operative area were significantly less in the distraction group than in the removal group, with statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.05). Intra-group comparison between the two groups of patients after surgery revealed that the skin temperature, ABI, TcPO2, SWM and VAS of the affected limb were significantly improved compared with those before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The expression levels of VEGF, bFGF, EGF and PDGF were significantly higher than before surgery in both groups, and the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in skin temperature, ABI, TcPO2, SWM, VAS, VEGF, bFGF, EGF and PDGF between the two groups at the corresponding time points preoperatively and postoperatively (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe Periosteal distraction technique can significantly promote the healing of diabetic foot ulcers. It has the same efficacy as TTT in promoting the healing of diabetic foot ulcer wounds and improving the peripheral circulation of affected limbs. In addition, the periosteal distraction technique has the advantages of small trauma, simple operation, few complications, and convenient nursing care.
The impact of preoperative fasting time on patients undergoing partial nephrectomy and analysis of risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage
Authors: Wang Chunji , Cui Jiazhao , Gao Zihui 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis study investigates the impact of preoperative fasting time on patients undergoing partial nephrectomy and analyzes the risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage to provide clinical reference for physicians treating patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 74 patients who underwent partial nephrectomy for renal tumors between January 2022 and March 2024. Baseline and perioperative data were collected. The effects of long-term and short-term preoperative fasting on patients undergoing partial nephrectomy were compared. Additionally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hemorrhagic complications following partial nephrectomy.ResultsAmong the patients in this study, 26 (35.14%) underwent short-term preoperative fasting, while 48 (64.86%) underwent long-term preoperative fasting. The hemoglobin difference in the short-term fasting group was 21.08 ± 12.44 ml, compared to 13.65 ± 11.69 ml in the long-term fasting group, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.020). Differences in serum calcium (p = 0.003), serum magnesium (p = 0.031), and serum phosphorus (p = 0.001) between the short-term and long-term fasting groups were also statistically significant. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses identified the type of surgery (p = 0.050) and preoperative fasting time (p &lt; 0.001) as independent risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage following partial nephrectomy.ConclusionPatients undergoing partial nephrectomy with short-term preoperative fasting experience a more significant decrease in hemoglobin compared to those with long-term fasting. The type of surgery and preoperative fasting time are independent risk factors for postoperative hemorrhage in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.