bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T1 mapping combined with arterial spin labeling MRI to identify renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Xie Shuangshuang , Chen Mengyao , Chen Chiyi , Zhao Yumeng , Qin Jiaming , Qiu Caixin , Zhu Jinxia , Nickel Marcel Dominik , Kuehn Bernd , Shen Wen 
Published: August 2024

PurposeWe investigated the capability and imaging criteria of T1 mapping and arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI to identify renal injury in patients with liver cirrhosis.MethodsWe recruited 27 patients with cirrhosis and normal renal function (cirrhosis-NR), 10 with cirrhosis and renal dysfunction (cirrhosis-RD) and 23 normal controls (NCs). All participants were examined via renal T1 mapping and ASL imaging. Renal blood flow (RBF) derived from ASL was measured from the renal cortex, and T1 values were measured from the renal parenchyma (cortex and medulla). MRI parameters were compared between groups. Diagnostic performances for detecting renal impairment were statistically analyzed.ResultsCortical T1 (cT1) and medullary T1 (mT1) were significantly lower in the NCs than in the cirrhosis-NR group. The cortical RBF showed no significant changes between the NCs and cirrhosis-NR group but was markedly decreased in the cirrhosis-RD group. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for discriminating cirrhosis-NR from NCs were 0.883 and 0.826 by cT1 and mT1, respectively. Cortical RBF identified cirrhosis-RD with AUC of 0.978, and correlated with serum creatinine (r = −0.334) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.483). A classification and regression tree based on cortical RBF and cT1 achieved 85% accuracy in detecting renal impairment in the cirrhosis.ConclusionRenal T1 values might be sensitive predictors of early renal impairment in patients with cirrhosis-NR. RBF enabled quantifying renal perfusion impairment in patients with cirrhosis-RD. The diagnostic algorithm based on cortical RBF and T1 values allowed detecting renal injury during cirrhosis.
Identification of candidate SNPs associated with embryo mortality and fertility traits in lactating Holstein cows
Authors: Gonzalez Berrios Carolina L. , Bowden Courtney F. , Saad Hamad M. , Bishop Jeanette V. , Van Campen Hana , Pinedo Pablo , Hansen Thomas R. , Thomas Milton G. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been used in genomic prediction methodologies to enhance the accuracy of associated genetic transmitting abilities in Holstein cows. The objective of this study was to identify and validate SNPs associated with fertility traits impacting early embryo mortality.Methods: The mRNA sequencing data from day 16 normal (n = 9) and embryo mortality (n = 6) conceptuses from lactating multiparous Holstein cows were used to detect SNPs. The selection of specific genes with SNPs as preliminary candidates was based on associations with reproductive and fertility traits. Validation of candidate SNPs and genotype-to-phenotype analyses were conducted in a separate cohort of lactating primiparous Holstein cows (n = 500). After genotyping, candidate SNPs were filtered using a quality control pipeline via PLINK software. Continuous numeric and binary models from reproductive traits were evaluated using the mixed procedure for a generalized linear model-one way ANOVA or logistic regression, respectively.Results: Sixty-nine candidate SNPs were initially identified, but only 23 passed quality control procedures. Ultimately, the study incorporated 466 observations for statistical analysis after excluding animals with missing genotypes or phenotypes. Significant (p &lt;0.05) associations with fertility traits were identified in seven of the 23 SNPs: DSC2 (cows with the A allele were older at first calving); SREBF1 and UBD (cows with the T or G alleles took longer to conceive); DECR1 and FASN (cows with the C allele were less likely to become pregnant at first artificial insemination); SREBF1 and BOLA-DMB (cows with the T allele were less likely to be pregnant at 150 days in milk). It was also determined that two candidate SNPs within the DSC2 gene were tag SNPs. Only DSC2 SNPs had an important allele substitution effect in cows with the G allele, which had a decreased age at first calving by 10 days.Discussion: Candidate SNPs found in this study could be used to develop genetic selection tools to improve fertility traits in dairy production systems.
Nonalcoholic or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and colorectal polyps: evidence from meta-analysis and two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zhai Dong , Xu Sumei , Liu Haoge , Tong Xiaojuan 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionNonalcoholic or metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD or MAFLD) and colorectal polyps are chronic conditions strongly linked to lifestyle factors. However, the precise causal link between NAFLD or MAFLD and the development of colorectal polyps is not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between NAFLD or MAFLD and the risk of colorectal polyps based on a meta-analysis and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies to be included in the meta-analysis. We conducted a thorough search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to identify eligible studies prior to 22 March 2024. Subgroup analyses were performed based on sex, age, and geographical region. Causality between NAFLD/MAFLD and colorectal polyps was explored by using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.ResultsBased on an analysis of 17 studies encompassed within this meta-analysis, a significant correlation was identified between the presence of NAFLD/MAFLD and elevated incidence of colorectal polyps (NAFLD: OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.43–1.73, I2 = 38%, p = 0.06; MAFLD: OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.40–2.00, I2 = 77%, p = 0.002). However, current evidence does not support a causal relationship between NAFLD/MAFLD and the prevalence of colorectal polyps (OR = 0.9998315, 95% CI: 0.9987566–1.000907, P = 0.7587638).ConclusionNAFLD/MAFLD demonstrated a significant positive correlation with an elevated risk of developing colorectal polyps. However, the MR analysis suggested that no causal relationship existed between NAFLD/MAFLD and colorectal polyps. Therefore, further research is required to identify the underlying mechanism of causal link between these diseases.
Vaccine and antiviral drug promise for preventing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, and their combination for its treatment
Authors: Sumi Tomonari , Harada Kouji 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionMost healthy individuals recover from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas a remarkable number continues to suffer from unexplained symptoms, known as Long COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). It is therefore imperative that methods for preventing and treating the onset of PASC be investigated with the utmost urgency.MethodsA mathematical model of the immune response to vaccination and viral infection with SARS-CoV-2, incorporating immune memory cells, was developed.Results and discussionSimilar to our previous model, persistent infection was observed by the residual virus in the host, implying the possibility of chronic inflammation and delayed recovery from tissue injury. Pre-infectious vaccination and antiviral medication administered during onset can reduce the acute viral load; however, they show no beneficial effects in preventing persistent infection. Therefore, the impact of these treatments on the PASC, which has been clinically observed, is mainly attributed to their role in preventing severe tissue damage caused by acute viral infections. For PASC patients with persistent infection, vaccination was observed to cause an immediate rapid increase in viral load, followed by a temporary decrease over approximately one year. The former was effectively suppressed by the coadministration of antiviral medications, indicating that this combination is a promising treatment for PASC.
Impact of changes in antihypertensive medication on treatment intensity at hospital discharge and 30 days afterwards
Authors: Japelj Nuša , Kerec Kos Mojca , Jošt Maja , Knez Lea 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionLittle is known about the cumulative effect of changes in antihypertensive medications on treatment intensity. This study analyzed how changes in antihypertensive medications affect the intensity of antihypertensive treatment at hospital discharge and 30 days afterwards.MethodsA prospective observational study of 299 hospitalized adult medical patients with antihypertensive therapy was conducted. The effect of medication changes on treatment intensity was evaluated by the Total Antihypertensive Therapeutic Intensity Score (TIS).ResultsAt discharge, antihypertensive medications were changed in 62% of patients (184/299), resulting in a very small median reduction in TIS of −0.16. Treatment intensity was reduced more with increasing number of antihypertensive medications at admission, whereas it increased with elevated inpatient systolic blood pressure. Thirty days after discharge, antihypertensive medications were changed in 37% of patients (88/239) resulting in a median change in TIS of −0.02. Among them, 90% (79/88) had already undergone a change at discharge. The change in treatment intensity after discharge was inversely correlated with a change at discharge.DiscussionChanges in antihypertensive medication frequently occurred at discharge but had a minimal impact on the intensity of antihypertensive treatment. However, these adjustments exposed patients to further medication changes after discharge, evidencing the need for treatment reassessment in the first month post-discharge.
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 2-mediated metabolism promotes lung tumorigenesis by inhibiting mitochondrial-associated apoptotic cell death
Authors: Zhang Jing , He Wenjuan , Liu Dongmei , Zhang Wenyu , Qin Huan , Zhang Song , Cheng Ailan , Li Qiang , Wang Feilong 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundIt is unknown how cancer cells override apoptosis and maintain progression under nutrition-deprived conditions within the tumor microenvironment. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK or PCK) catalyzes the first rate-limiting reaction in gluconeogenesis, which is an essential metabolic alteration that is required for the proliferation of cancer cells under glucose-limited conditions. However, if PCK-mediated gluconeogenesis affects apoptotic cell death of non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its potential mechanisms remain unknown.MethodsRNA-seq, Western blot and RT-PCR were performed in A549 cell lines cultured in medium containing low or high concentrations of glucose (1 mM vs. 20 mM) to gain insight into how cancer cells rewire their metabolism under glucose-restriction conditions. Stable isotope tracing metabolomics technology (LC-MS) was employed to allow precise quantification of metabolic fluxes of the TCA cycle regulated by PCK2. Flow Cytometry was used to assess the rates of early and later apoptosis and mitochondrial ROS in NSCLC cells. Transwell assays and luciferase-based in vivo imaging were used to determine the role of PCK2 in migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Xenotransplants on BALB/c nude mice to evaluate the effects of PCK2 on tumor growth in vivo. Western blot, Immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assays to evaluate the protein levels of mitochondrial apoptosis.ResultsThis study report that the mitochondrial resident PCK (PCK2) is upregulated in dependent of endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced expression of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) upon glucose deprivation in NSCLC cells. Further, the study finds that PCK2-mediated metabolism is required to decrease the burden of the TCA cycles and oxidative phosphorylation as well as the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. These metabolic alterations in turn reduce the activation of Caspase9-Caspase3-PARP signal pathway which drives apoptotic cell death. Importantly, silencing PCK2 increases apoptosis of NSCLC cells under low glucose condition and inhibits tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionIn summary, PCK2-mediated metabolism is an important metabolic adaptation for NSCLC cells to acquire resistance to apoptosis under glucose deprivation.
Effect of eight-week high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training programme on body composition, cardiometabolic risk factors in sedentary adolescents
Authors: Sun Fucheng , Williams Craig A. , Sun Qiang , Hu Feng , Zhang Ting 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess and compare the effect of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) programme on body composition and cardiovascular metabolic outcomes of sedentary adolescents in China.MethodsEighteen sedentary normal-weight adolescents (age: 18.5 ± 0.3 years, 11 females) were randomized into three groups. HIIT group protocol consisted of three sessions/week for 8-week of “all out” sprints to reach 85%–95% of HRmax, and MICT group protocol undertook three sessions/week for 8-week of continuous running to reach 65%–75% of HRmax. The control group resumed normal daily activities without any intervention. Blood pressure and body composition were measured, and fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and 48 h post-trial. Mixed-design ANOVA analysis was employed followed by post hoc t-tests and Bonferroni alpha-correction was used to evaluate interaction, between-group, and within-group differences, respectively.ResultsResults indicated that HIIT and MICT similarly affected body fat mass (p = 0.021, ES = 0.19; p = 0.016, ES = 0.30, respectively), body fat percentage (p = 0.037, ES = 0.17; p = 0.041, ES = 0.28, respectively), visceral fat area (p = 0.001, ES = 0.35; p = 0.003, ES = 0.49, respectively) of body composition. A positive outcome was observed for waist/hip ratio (p = 0.033, ES = 0.43) in HIIT, but not MICT (p = 0.163, ES = 0.33). No significant differences were found between groups for any clinical biomarkers. However, pairwise comparison within the group showed a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.018, ES = 0.84), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.008, ES = 1.76), and triglyceride (p = 0.004, ES = 1.33) in HIIT, but no significant differences were found in the MICT and Control group.ConclusionBoth 8-week HIIT and MICT programmes have similar positive effects on reducing body fat mass, fat percentage, and visceral fat area. However, sedentary adolescents may have limited scope to decrease insulin resistance after these 8-week interventions. Notably, the 8-week HIIT intervention was highly effective in increasing cardiometabolic health compared to the MICT. The exercise intensity threshold value and metabolic outcomes of high-intensity interval sprints should be explored further to extend the long-term benefit in this cohort.
Prevalence of sickness presenteeism and associated factors among primary school teachers in Gondar city, northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mamaye Yimer , Yenealem Dawit Getachew , Fentanew Molla , Abebaw Tadiwos , Melaku Christian , Bezie Anmut Endalkachew , Abie Alebachew Bitew , Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundSickness presenteeism, the phenomenon of people going to work despite being ill, is an occupational and psychosocial condition that hurts both the health of workers and organizational productivity. It negatively affects health, increases health-related costs, and the risk of contagious diseases. Primary school teachers are particularly vulnerable to this problem, although little is known about its scope and associated factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sickness presenteeism among school teachers in Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was employed and the study period was from April 18 to May 18, 2023. A sample of 633 primary school teachers was recruited using two-stage stratified random sampling. Data were collected using structured self-administered questionnaires. Epi-data version 4.6 and STATA version 14 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was used. A multivariable logistic regression model with an adjusted odds ratio was fitted for statistical significance.ResultsA total of 603 school teachers participated in this study, with a response rate of 95.26%. The overall prevalence of sickness presenteeism in the last 12 months was 54.7% (N = 330) [95% CI (50.9, 58.7)]. Private school teachers [AOR: 2.21, 95% CI (1.14, 4.28)], low supervisor support [AOR: 1.53, 95% CI (1.06, 2.20)], lack of staff replacement availability [AOR: 2.74, 95% CI (1.85, 4.06)], low colleague support [AOR: 2.17, 95% CI (1.40, 3.37)], unsuitable household conditions [AOR: 1.49, 95% CI (1.08, 2.34)], and strict attendance control [AOR: 2.54, 95% CI (1.67, 3.85)] were factors significantly associated with sickness presenteeism.ConclusionThe prevalence of sickness presenteeism was relatively high among primary school teachers because of factors such as low support from supervisors and colleagues, strict attendance control, lack of staff replacement, unsuitable household conditions, and private school type. Strategies to promote teachers’ health include fostering a culture of support and collaboration among colleagues, recruiting adequate staff, and implementing liberal attendance policies.
Dietary Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Related to Obesity and Highly Underweight Among Urban Chinese High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huo Yujia , Monma Takafumi , Kataoka Chie , Takeda Fumi 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify dietary knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to obesity and highly underweight among urban Chinese high school students.MethodsUsing the data of 403 high school students from a cross-sectional survey in 2022, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted with the body mass index as the objective variable (reference: normal weight), dietary knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors as the explanatory variables, adjusted for sex.ResultsBoth obesity and highly underweight were most strongly related to incorrect dietary knowledge of desirable types of diets. Additionally, obesity was related to inappropriate dietary attitudes regarding the importance of diet, eating at irregular meal-times, and eating without chewing well, while highly underweight was related to picky eating and not having three meals per day, but not related to attitudes.ConclusionThe incorrect knowledge of desirable type of diet was related to both obesity and highly underweight, while other risk factors of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to obesity or highly underweight differed respectively. These findings should be useful in examining effective nutrition education for urban Chinese high school students.
Photoluminescence of Chemically and Electrically Doped Two-Dimensional Monolayer Semiconductors
Authors: Kim Hyungjin , Adinolfi Valerio , Lee Sin-Hyung 
Published: August 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayers exhibit unique physical properties, such as self-terminating surfaces, a direct bandgap, and near-unity photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY), which make them attractive for electronic and optoelectronic applications. Surface charge transfer has been widely used as a technique to control the concentration of free charge in 2D semiconductors, but its estimation and the impact on the optoelectronic properties of the material remain a challenge. In this work, we investigate the optical properties of a WS2 monolayer under three different doping approaches: benzyl viologen (BV), potassium (K), and electrostatic doping. Owing to the excitonic nature of 2D TMDC monolayers, the PL of the doped WS2 monolayer exhibits redshift and a decrease in intensity, which is evidenced by the increase in trion population. The electron concentrations of 3.79×1013 cm−2, 6.21×1013 cm−2, and 3.12×1012 cm−2 were measured for WS2 monolayers doped with BV, K, and electrostatic doping, respectively. PL offers a direct and versatile approach to probe the doping effect, allowing for the measurement of carrier concentration in 2D monolayer semiconductors.
RECREATION AND REHABILITATION TECHNOLOGIES IN PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORTS: WAYS OF IMPROVING BODY FUNCTIONING
Authors: ZHARA H. , DOVBYSH S. 
Published: August 2024

In this article, the authors explore a wide range of methods and strategies aimed at improving the functioning of the body. Various aspects of physical rehabilitation, physical recreation, therapeutic physical culture and approaches to preserving and improving health, physical form, and mental state of a person are analysed.
The main emphasis is pointed on recreational and rehabilitation technologies, which include a variety of methods, exercises and procedures aimed at restoring the body's functions after injuries, diseases or operations, as well as maintaining and improving physical and mental well-being.
Special attention is paid to an individual approach to each patient and the development of complex rehabilitation programs that take into account all the peculiarities of functioning in accordance with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), the existing nosology, and the personalized needs of each person.
The study includes an analysis of current trends in physical culture and sports, an overview of physical rehabilitation methods, and highlighting innovative approaches to a healthy lifestyle and improving the quality of life in general. In particular, the article discusses various methods of exercises and procedures that contribute to the restoration and maintenance of the body's health. The authors draw attention to how these methods can be effective for patients after various types of injuries, operations or diseases. The study also includes an analysis of innovative approaches to a healthy lifestyle, in particular, in the context of increasing physical activity, achieving optimal motor capacity and psychological well- being.
Important aspects and promising areas of further research are the developments of individual programs that help people achieve their goals in maintaining and improving health. This article is a valuable source of information for professionals in the fields of medicine, public health, physical rehabilitation, and sports, as well as anyone interested in healthy living and improving the quality of life in general.