bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased e-cigarette use prevalence is associated with decreased smoking prevalence among US adults
Authors: Foxon Floe , Selya Arielle , Gitchell Joe , Shiffman Saul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
If US adults who smoke cigarettes are switching to e-cigarettes, the effect may be observable at the population level: smoking prevalence should decline as e-cigarette prevalence increases, especially in sub-populations with highest e-cigarette use. This study aimed to assess such effects in recent nationally-representative data.

Methods
We updated a prior analysis with the latest available National Health Interview Survey data through 2022. Data were cross-sectional estimates of the yearly prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use, respectively, among US adults and among specific age, race/ethnicity, and sex subpopulations. Non-linear models were fitted to observed smoking prevalence in the pre-e-cigarette era, with a range of ‘cut-off’ years explored (i.e., between when e-cigarettes were first introduced to when they became widely available). These trends were projected forward to predict what smoking prevalence would have been if pre-e-cigarette era trends had continued uninterrupted. The difference between actual and predicted smoking prevalence (‘discrepancy’) was compared to e-cigarette use prevalence in each year in the e-cigarette era to investigate whether the observed decline in smoking was statistically associated with e-cigarette use.

Results
Observed smoking prevalence in the e-cigarette era was significantly lower than expected based on pre-e-cigarette era trends; these discrepancies in smoking prevalence grew as e-cigarette use prevalence increased, and were larger in subpopulations with higher e-cigarette use, especially younger adults aged 18–34. Results were robust to sensitivity tests varying the analysis design.

Conclusions
Population-level data continue to suggest that smoking prevalence has declined at an accelerated rate in the last decade in ways correlated with increased uptake of e-cigarette use.
Systematic evaluation of the efficacy of treatments for cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Sun Haiying , Wang Juan , Fu Peiying , Zhou Ting , Liu Ronghua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Study objective
Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a type of ectopic pregnancy associated with severe complications, including significant hemorrhage, the potential need for hysterectomy, and life-threatening risks. Currently, two classification methods exist for CSP: Vial (type Ia and IIa) and Chinese Expert’s Consensus (type Ib, type IIb, and type IIIb). However, these methods have limitations in guiding the selection of appropriate treatment plans for CSP. The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of various treatments for CSP within our clinic.

Method
Our study included 906 patients with CSP from January 2013 to December 2018. The chi-squared test and logistic analysis were used to compare the clinical characteristics. The median and interquartile range (IQR) was calculated. We also analyzed whether preoperative application of methotrexate (MTX) could improve surgical outcomes and the relevant characteristics of misdiagnosed CSP patients.

Results
There was a significant difference in gestational age, gestational sac diameter, gestational sac width, gestational sac area, remnant myometrial thickness, vaginal bleeding and preoperative hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001) but not in the incidence of residual tissue (p = 0.053). The other factors (intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin decline, first hemoglobin after operation, total hospital stay, hospital stay after operation, transfusion and duration of catheter drain) were significantly different (p < 0.001). For type Ia and type Ib CSP, 39.3% and 40.2% of patients were treated with dilatation and curettage (D&E) under ultrasound, respectively. For type IIa and type IIIb CSP, 29.9% and 62.7% of patients were treated with laparotomy, respectively. There were no differences in surgical methods, residual tissue and reoperation between the MTX and non-MTX groups (p = 0.20), but liver damage, hospital stay and pain perception were more remarkable in the MTX group. It is noteworthy that 14% of the patients were misdiagnosed with an intrauterine pregnancy. The incidence of misdiagnosis in type IIa CSP patients was higher than that in type Ia CSP patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
For type I CSP patients, D&E under ultrasound or D&E under hysteroscopy should be recommended. For type IIIb CSP patients, operative resection should be used. It is currently difficult to choose the appropriate treatment methods for type IIa or type IIb CSP patients.
Herpes simplex virus 1 accelerates the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by modulating microglial phagocytosis and activating NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Wang Zhimeng , Liu Jing , Han Jing , Zhang Tianyi , Li Shangjin , Hou Yanfei , Su Huili , Han Fangping , Zhang Conggang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAccumulating evidence implicates that herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been linked to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). HSV-1 infection induces β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition in vitro and in vivo, but the effect and precise mechanism remain elusive. Here, we show that HSV-1 infection of the brains of transgenic 5xFAD mice resulted in accelerated Aβ deposition, gliosis, and cognitive dysfunction. We demonstrate that HSV-1 infection induced the recruitment of microglia to the viral core to trigger microglial phagocytosis of HSV-GFP-positive neuronal cells. In addition, we reveal that the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway induced by HSV-1 infection played a crucial role in Aβ deposition and the progression of AD caused by HSV-1 infection. Blockade of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling reduces Aβ deposition and alleviates cognitive decline in 5xFAD mice after HSV-1 infection. Our findings support the notion that HSV-1 infection is a key factor in the etiology of AD, demonstrating that NLRP3 inflammasome activation functions in the interface of HSV-1 infection and Aβ deposition in AD.
Cholinergic nucleus degeneration and its association with gait impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhang Xiaodan , Wang Mateng , Lee Shi Yeow , Yue Yumei , Chen Zhaoying , Zhang Yilin , Wang Lulu , Guan Qiongfeng , Fan Weinv , Shen Ting 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The contribution of cholinergic degeneration to gait disturbance in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasingly recognized, yet its relationship with dopaminergic-resistant gait parameters has been poorly investigated. We investigated the association between comprehensive gait parameters and cholinergic nucleus degeneration in PD.

Methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 84 PD patients and 69 controls. All subjects underwent brain structural magnetic resonance imaging to assess the gray matter density (GMD) and volume (GMV) of the cholinergic nuclei (Ch123/Ch4). Gait parameters under single-task (ST) and dual-task (DT) walking tests were acquired using sensor wearables in PD group. We compared cholinergic nucleus morphology and gait performance between groups and examined their association.

Results
PD patients exhibited significantly decreased GMD and GMV of the left Ch4 compared to controls after reaching HY stage > 2. Significant correlations were observed between multiple gait parameters and bilateral Ch123/Ch4. After multiple testing correction, the Ch123/Ch4 degeneration was significantly associated with shorter stride length, lower gait velocity, longer stance phase, smaller ankle toe-off and heel-strike angles under both ST and DT condition. For PD patients with HY stage 1–2, there were no significant degeneration of Ch123/4, and only right side Ch123/Ch4 were corrected with the gait parameters. However, as the disease progressed to HY stage > 2, bilateral Ch123/Ch4 nuclei showed correlations with gait performance, with more extensive significant correlations were observed in the right side.

Conclusions
Our study demonstrated the progressive association between cholinergic nuclei degeneration and gait impairment across different stages of PD, and highlighting the potential lateralization of the cholinergic nuclei’s impact on gait impairment. These findings offer insights for the design and implementation of future clinical trials investigating cholinergic treatments as a promising approach to address gait impairments in PD.
The modified suture-bridge technique for treating avulsion fracture of minors tibial eminence of anterior cruciate ligament: a retrospective study
Authors: Du Yimin , Wang Zhaojun , Wu Shaojun , Zhou Peng , Li Zheng , Yang Jinghong , Zhong Jun , Li Zhong , Liu Juncai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of modified suture-bridge technique fixation for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial avulsion fracture.

Method
Minors who underwent arthroscopic reduction and modified suture bridge fixation of ACL tibial avulsion fracture between January 2018 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Postoperative MRI and X-ray examinations were performed to evaluate the presence of epiphyseal plate injury and fracture healing. Moreover, KT-1000 side-to-side difference, Lachman test, range of motion (ROM), the subjective Knee score of the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm Knee score, and Tegner activity grade score were evaluated preoperatively and at the minimum 1-year follow-up visit.

Results
A total of 16 participants met the inclusion criteria. They had a mean age of 12.6 years (range, 9–16 years); mean time to surgery, 6.9 days (range, 2–13 days) and had a minimum of 12 months clinical follow-up (mean, 25.4 months; range, 12–36 months) after surgery. Postoperative radiographs and MRI showed no injury to the epiphyseal plate, optimal reduction immediately after the operation, and bone union within three months in all patients. All of the following showed significant improvements (pre- vs. postoperatively): mean KT-1000 side-to-side difference (8.6 vs. 1.5; p < 0.05), Lachman tests (2 grade 9 and 3 grade 7 vs. 0 grade 12 and 1 grade 4; p < 0.05), IKDC subjective score (48.3 vs. 95.0; p < 0.05), mean Lysholm score (53.9 vs. 92.2; p < 0.05), mean Tegner activity score (3.2 vs. 8.3; p < 0.05) and mean ROM (42.9°vs 133.1°; p < 0.05).

Conclusion
Arthroscopic reduction and modified suture bridge fixation for ACL tibial avulsion fracture is a dependable and recommended treatment that can effectively restore the stability and function of the knee and is worthy of clinical promotion.
Comparison of step-count outcomes across seven different activity trackers: a free-living experiment with young and older adults
Authors: Nakagata Takashi , Yamada Yosuke , Taniguchi Masashi , Nanri Hinako , Kimura Misaka , Miyachi Motohiko , Ono Rei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
There are now many different types of activity trackers, including pedometers and accelerometers, to estimate step counts per day. Previous research has extensively examined step-count measurements using activity trackers across various settings while simultaneously wearing different devices.; however, older adults frequently display distinct walking patterns and gait speeds compared to younger adults. This study aimed to compare the step-count between older and younger adults by having them simultaneously wear seven different activity trackers in free-living experiments.

Methods
This study included 35 younger adults (21–43 yrs) and 57 physically independent older adults (65–91 yrs). All participants simultaneously wore one pedometer and six activity trackers: ActiGraph GT3X + Wrist and Hip, Omron Active Style Pro HJA-350IT, Panasonic Actimarker, TANITA EZ-064, Yamasa TH-300, and Yamasa AS-200 for seven days. A regression equation was also used to assess inter-device compatibility.

Results
When comparing wrist-worn ActiGraph to the six hip-worn activity trackers, the wrist-worn ActiGraph consistently recorded step counts over 4,000 steps higher than hip-worn activity trackers in both groups (range, 3000–5000 steps). Moreover, when comparing the ActiGraph worn on the wrist to that worn on the hip, the proportion was higher among older adults compared to younger ones (younger: 131%, older: 180%). The Actimarker recorded the highest average step counts among six hip-worn devices, with 8,569 ± 4,881 overall, 9,624 ± 5,177 for younger adults, and 7,890 ± 4,562 for older adults. The difference between the hip-worn ActiGraph and Active Style Pro was just about 70 steps/day overall. The correlation among all devices demonstrated a very high consistency, except for the wrist-worn ActiGraph (r = 0.874–0.978).

Conclusions
Step counts recorded from seven selected consumer-based and research-grade activity trackers and one pedometer, except for the wrist-worn ActiGraph. showed a variation of approximately 1700 steps (range, 1265–2275 steps) steps for both groups, yet maintained a high correlation with each other. These findings will be valuable for researchers and clinicians as they compare step counts across different studies or representative surveys conducted globally.
Effects of walking on epigenetic age acceleration: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Guan-yi , Liu Chao , Xia Yu , Wang Ping-xiao , Zhao Zi-yue , Li Ao-yu , Zhou Chu-qiao , Xiang Cheng , Zhang Jia-lin , Zeng Yi , Gu Peng , Li Hui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Walking stands as the most prevalent physical activity in the daily lives of individuals and is closely associated with physical functioning and the aging process. Nonetheless, the precise cause-and-effect connection between walking and aging remains unexplored. The epigenetic clock emerges as the most promising biological indicator of aging, capable of mirroring the biological age of the human body and facilitating an investigation into the association between walking and aging. Our primary objective is to investigate the causal impact of walking with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA).

Methods
We conducted a two-sample two-way Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationship between walking and EAA. Walking and Leisure sedentary behavior data were sourced from UK Biobank, while EAA data were gathered from a total of 28 cohorts. The MR analysis was carried out using several methods, including the inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and robust adjusted profile score (RAPS). To ensure the robustness of our findings, we conducted sensitivity analyses, which involved the MR-Egger intercept test, Cochran’s Q test, and MR-PRESSO, to account for and mitigate potential pleiotropy.

Results
The IVW MR results indicate a significant impact of usual walking pace on GrimAge (BETA = − 1.84, 95% CI (− 2.94, − 0.75)), PhenoAge (BETA = − 1.57, 95% CI (− 3.05, − 0.08)), Horvath (BETA = − 1.09 (− 2.14, − 0.04)), and Hannum (BETA = − 1.63, 95% CI (− 2.70, − 0.56)). Usual walking pace is significantly associated with a delay in epigenetic aging acceleration (EAA) (P < 0.05). Moreover, the direction of effect predicted by the gene remained consistent across RAPS outcomes and sensitivity MR analyses. There is a lack of robust causal relationships between other walking conditions, such as walking duration and walking frequency, on EAA (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Our evidence demonstrates that a higher usual walking pace is associated with a deceleration of the acceleration of all four classical epigenetic clocks acceleration.
Enzyme replacement therapy and immunotherapy lead to significant functional improvement in two children with Pompe disease: a case report
Authors: Castellar-Leones Sandra Milena , Ortiz-Corredor Fernando , Manrique-Hernández Daniel , Sánchez-Peñarete Diana , Ruiz-Ospina Edicson , Soto-Peña Diana , Correa-Arrieta Cristian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Pompe disease, a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by acid alpha-glucosidase deficiency, results in progressive glycogen accumulation and multisystem dysfunction. Enzyme replacement therapy with recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase is the standard of care; however, some patients develop anti-recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase antibodies, leading to reduced efficacy. This case report presents two infants with early-onset Pompe disease who developed IgG antibodies to enzyme replacement therapy and were subsequently treated with methotrexate, highlighting the importance of monitoring antibody development and exploring alternative therapeutic approaches.

Case presentation
Patient 1, a 10-month-old female from Bogota, Colombia, presented with generalized hypotonia, macroglossia, hyporeflexia, and mild left ventricular hypertrophy. Diagnostic tests confirmed early-onset Pompe disease, and enzyme replacement therapy was started at 12 months. Due to a lack of improvement and high anti-recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase IgG antibody titers (1:1800), methotrexate was started at 18 months. After 8 months of combined therapy, antibody titers were negative and significant improvement in motor function was observed using the Gross Motor Function Measure 88. Patient 2, a 7-year-old female from Bogota, Colombia, was diagnosed with early-onset Pompe disease at 12 months and initiated enzyme replacement therapy. At 5 years of age, she experienced frequent falls and grip strength alterations. Functional tests revealed motor development delay, generalized hypotonia, and positive anti-recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase IgG antibody titers (6400). Methotrexate was initiated, leading to a reduction in falls and antibody titers (3200) after 6 months, with no adverse events or complications. Motor function improvement was assessed using the Motor Function Measurement 32.

Conclusions
The presented cases highlight the importance of monitoring patients for anti-recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase antibody development during enzyme replacement therapy and the potential benefit of methotrexate as an immunomodulatory agent in early-onset Pompe disease. Early diagnosis and timely initiation of enzyme replacement therapy, combined with prophylactic immune tolerance induction, may improve clinical outcomes and reduce the development of anti-recombinant human acid alpha-glucosidase antibodies. The cases also highlight the importance of objective motor function assessment tools, such as Gross Motor Function Measure 88 and Motor Function Measurement 32, in assessing treatment response. Further research is needed to optimize treatment regimens, monitor long-term effects, and address the current limitations of enzyme replacement therapy in Pompe disease.
Skeletal muscle vulnerability in a child with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome
Authors: Chiu Celine , Küchler Alma , Depienne Christel , Preuße Corinna , Marina Adela Della , Reis Andre , Kaiser Frank J. , Nolte Kay , Hentschel Andreas , Schara-Schmidt Ulrike , Kölbel Heike , Roos Andreas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
TCF4 acts as a transcription factor that binds to the immunoglobulin enhancer Mu-E5/KE5 motif. Dominant variants in TCF4 are associated with the manifestation of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a rare disease characterized by severe mental retardation, certain features of facial dysmorphism and, in many cases, with abnormalities in respiratory rhythm (episodes of paroxysmal tachypnea and hyperventilation, followed by apnea and cyanosis). Frequently, patients also develop epilepsy, microcephaly, and postnatal short stature. Although TCF4 is expressed in skeletal muscle and TCF4 seems to play a role in myogenesis as demonstrated in mice, potential myopathological findings taking place upon the presence of dominant TCF4 variants are thus far not described in human skeletal muscle.

Method
To address the pathological effect of a novel deletion affecting exons 15 and 16 of TCF4 on skeletal muscle, histological and immunofluorescence studies were carried out on a quadriceps biopsy in addition to targeted transcript studies and global proteomic profiling.

Results
We report on muscle biopsy findings from a Pitt-Hopkins patient with a novel heterozygous deletion spanning exon 15 and 16 presenting with neuromuscular symptoms. Microscopic characterization of the muscle biopsy revealed moderate fiber type I predominance, imbalance in the proportion of fibroblasts co-expressing Vimentin and CD90, and indicate activation of the complement cascade in TCF4-mutant muscle. Protein dysregulations were unraveled by proteomic profiling. Transcript studies confirmed a mitochondrial vulnerability in muscle and confirmed reduced TCF4 expression.

Conclusion
Our combined findings, for the first time, unveil myopathological changes as phenotypical association of Pitt-Hopkins syndrome and thus expand the current clinical knowledge of the disease as well as support data obtained on skeletal muscle of a mouse model.
Action of dithiocarbimates salts on the honey bee and its pathogen Nosema ceranae
Authors: de Oliveira André Henrique , Rubinger Mayura Marques Magalhães , da Silva Rabello Anderson , Albuini-Oliveira Nathália Matias , Vidigal Antonio Eustáquio Carneiro , de Oliveira Marcelo Ribeiro Leite , Tavares Eder do Couto , Serrão José Eduardo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractApis mellifera, crucial pollinators for both native and cultivated plants, also yield various products such as honey, wax, royal jelly, and propolis, extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Nosema ceranae, a prevalent microsporidian worldwide, stands as a significant pathogen for A. mellifera, showing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Consequently, the exploration of novel compounds for N. ceranae control becomes imperative. Dithiocarbimate derivatives emerge as promising antifungal candidates under evaluation for combating various pathogens, particularly those affecting plants. This study assessed the toxicity profile of six dithiocarbimate derivatives on A. mellifera worker survival and N. ceranae pathogen. Among these, four compounds exhibited minimal bee mortality and proceeded to further evaluation against N. ceranae. In vitro assays demonstrated their inhibitory effects on spore germination. Remarkably, the most potent compound suppressed N. ceranae spores by 62% at a concentration of 20 µmol L−1in vivo. Thus, these dithiocarbimate derivatives represent promising new antifungal agents for combatting nosemosis in honey bee populations.
Approximation properties of a modified Gauss–Weierstrass singular integral in a weighted space
Authors: Singh Abhay Pratap , Singh Uaday 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSingular integral operators play an important role in approximation theory and harmonic analysis. In this paper, we consider a weighted Lebesgue space $L^{p,w}$

L

p
,
w

, define a modified Gauss–Weierstrass singular integral on it, and study direct and inverse approximation properties of the operator followed by a Korovkin-type approximation theorem for a function $f\in L^{p,w}$
f
∈

L

p
,
w

. We use the modulus of continuity of the functions to measure the rate of convergence.
Convergence of gradient descent for learning linear neural networks
Authors: Nguegnang Gabin Maxime , Rauhut Holger , Terstiege Ulrich 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe study the convergence properties of gradient descent for training deep linear neural networks, i.e., deep matrix factorizations, by extending a previous analysis for the related gradient flow. We show that under suitable conditions on the stepsizes gradient descent converges to a critical point of the loss function, i.e., the square loss in this article. Furthermore, we demonstrate that for almost all initializations gradient descent converges to a global minimum in the case of two layers. In the case of three or more layers, we show that gradient descent converges to a global minimum on the manifold matrices of some fixed rank, where the rank cannot be determined a priori.