bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting Resilience and mental well-being among Immigrants in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Pandey Mamata , Maina Geoffrey , Fang Yiting , LaPlante Tricia , Kamrul Rejina , Babcock Denise , Pyle Jan , Sachdev Neelu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant impacts on the lives and mental health of individuals across the globe. Due to language barriers and social, economic, and cultural factors, these challenges were amplified for immigrants to Canada putting them in an increasingly vulnerable position.
The objective of the study was to document the challenges experienced, the impacts on mental health and other aspects of life, and support immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: Taking a community participatory approach in collaboration with the Regina Immigrant Women Center 14 language-assisted discussion sessions were hosted virtually between July 2020 and April 2021. The sessions covered credible and current public health measures and participants collectively discussed strategies to address upcoming challenges posed by the pandemic. Discussion on daily life challenges imposed by the pandemic and solutions implemented served as data.
Results: Thematic analysis of participants' perspectives highlighted the impact of social isolation on all age groups. Overall participants mentioned considerable mental stress amplified by uncertainty, fear of infections, and social isolation. Negative impacts of social media and technology use on mental well-being were highlighted. Participants suggested various coping strategies, including religious and spiritual practices, connecting virtually, expressing gratitude, positive self-talk, self-love, and self-care for mental well-being. Participants also shared lessons learned and insights discovered during the pandemic.
Conclusion:The interactive virtual discussion sessions helped maintain social connectedness, providing support and a sense of community for immigrants enhancing resilience and positively impacting mental wellness. Language-assisted virtual discussion sessions can support immigrants during a health emergency.
Financial Hardship After COVID-19 Infection: A National Prospective Veteran Cohort Study
Authors: Govier Diana J. , Bui David P. , Hauschildt Katrina E. , Eaton Tammy L. , McCready Holly , Smith Valerie A. , Osborne Thomas F. , Bowling C. Barrett , Boyko Edward J. , Ioannou George N. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , O'Hare Ann M. , Viglianti Elizabeth M. , Bohnert Amy S.B. , Hynes Denise M. , Iwashyna Theodore J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Research suggests an association between COVID-19 infection and certain financial hardships in the shorter term and among single-state and privately insured samples. Whether COVID-19 is associated with financial hardship in the longer-term or among socially vulnerable populations is unknown. Therefore, we examined whether COVID-19 was associated with a range of financial hardships 18 months after initial infection among a national cohort of Veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA)—the largest national integrated health system in the US. We additionally examined the association between Veteran characteristics and financial hardship during the pandemic, irrespective of COVID-19.
Methods: We conducted a prospective, telephone-based survey. Of 600 Veterans with COVID-19 from October 2020 through April 2021 who were invited to participate, 194 Veterans with COVID-19 and 194 matched comparators without a history of infection participated. Financial hardship outcomes included overall health-related financial strain, two behavioral financial hardships (e.g., taking less medication than prescribed due to cost), and seven material financial hardships (e.g., using up most or all savings). Weighted generalized estimating equations were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of financial hardship by COVID-19 status, and to assess the relationship between infection and Veteran age, VHA copay status, and comorbidity score, irrespective of COVID-19 status.
Results: Among 388 respondents, 67% reported at least one type of financial hardship since March 2020, with 21% reporting behavioral hardships and 64% material hardships; 8% reported severe-to-extreme health-related financial strain. Compared with uninfected matched comparators, Veterans with a history of COVID-19 had greater risks of severe-to-extreme health-related financial strain (RR: 4.0, CI: 1.4-11.2), taking less medication due to cost (RR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.0-8.6), and having a loved one take time off work to care for them (RR: 1.9, CI: 1.1-3.6). Veterans aged <65 years had a greater risk of most financial hardships compared with Veterans aged ≥65 years.
Conclusions: Health-related financial hardships such as taking less medication due to cost and severe-to-extreme health-related financial strain were more common among Veterans with a history of COVID-19 than among matched comparators. Strategies are needed to address health-related financial hardship after COVID-19.
Trial Registration: NCT05394025, registered 05-27-2022
The Influence of Exercise Goal Content on Adolescents' Subjective Well-being: The Chain Mediating Role of Motivation and Psychological Need Satisfaction
Authors: LI Jun , LIU Yefan , CHEN Yujie , LIU Xiaoming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1043 adolescents by cluster stratified sampling method to explore the influence mechanism of exercise goal content on adolescents' subjective well-being. The results show that: (1) Health management, social affiliation and skill development have significant positive effects on adolescents' subjective well-being; Social recognition has a significant negative impact on adolescents' subjective well-being, while image has no significant impact on adolescents' subjective well-being. (2) Psychological need satisfaction and autonomous motivation for exercise mediate the relationship between intrinsic exercise goals and adolescents' subjective well-being. (3) The mediating effect of psychological need satisfaction and controlled motivation for exercise between extrinsic exercise goals and adolescents' subjective well-being is not established. Different types of exercise goals may have different mechanisms on subjective well-being. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the influence of exercise goals on adolescents' negative emotions in follow-up research.
Investigating cellular dynamics and molecular pathways through single-cell RNA sequencing in an imiquimod-induced lupus-like model
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhen , Liu Xu , Li Zijun , Cao Shixiong , Zhang Junmei , Deng Jianghong , Tan Xiaohua , Li Caifeng , Sun Xiaolin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by extensive immune cell dysregulation. The use of Imiquimod (IMQ), a topical immune response modifier, in animal models generates lupus-like symptoms, providing a valuable platform for probing the disease's mechanisms.
Methods
This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to characterize the splenic cells from both IMQ-induced lupus model mice and control mice. Over 33,000 cells were analyzed and categorized into various immune cell subtypes based on gene expression markers.
Results
Our analysis of over 33,000 splenic cells from IMQ-induced lupus model and control mice revealed significant increases in the proportions of plasma cells, macrophages, and neutrophils in the lupus model. Further, B cell heterogeneity was dissected, revealing novel B cell subtypes and significant pathway enrichment related to B cell receptor signaling and cellular stress responses. In T cells, distinct subtype dynamics and pathway enrichments, including those associated with T cell activation and differentiation, were identified. Analysis of dendritic and neutrophil subtypes revealed specific transcriptional changes and pathway activations related to immune system processes. Lastly, enhanced cellular interactions and regulatory network analyses uncovered altered signaling pathways and key transcription factors like Foxp3, Lef1, and Cebpa, which are implicated in governing immune responses in lupus.
Conclusion
The application of scRNA-seq has unveiled the intricate immune landscape in lupus, demonstrating that IMQ-induced models effectively replicate key aspects of human lupus. The study not only enhances our understanding of lupus pathogenesis but also highlights potential targets for therapeutic intervention based on altered cell proportions, gene expression, and cell-cell interactions.
Efficacy and safety of Jiao Wei Xiao Shi decoction in patients with functional dyspepsia: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Feng , Huang Siyu , Yusup Zilale , Tang Xianmei , Wang Xuzhong , Li Zizhun , Cheng Qihang , Jiao Zhibo , Wu Yunning , Chen Xiaozhou 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Functional dyspepsia (FD) is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder worldwide. Current medicine often faces limitations in the treatment of FD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with a history of thousands of years, offers a great contribution to Chinese people with FD. Jiao Wei Xiao Shi decoction (JWXSD) is a traditional Chinese medical prescription. However, the efficacy of JWXSD in FD is lacking. Therefore, this study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of JWXSD for the treatment of FD.
Methods A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. 72 participants with FD will be randomly allocated to three groups (JWXSD groups, Mosapride group and Placebogroup) at a ratio of 1:1:1. The primary outcome is Nepean Dyspepsia Symptom Index (NDSI). The secondary outcomes include the Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI), Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI). Primary and secondary outcomes will be evaluated at weeks 1, 3, 4, 8, 12 and 16. Adverse events will be assessed during the study.
Discussion The outcomes from this trial will compare JWXSD, mosapride and placebo in FD participants. This study will provide clinical evidence that JWXSD can help to improve FD.
Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400082798. Registered on April 8, 2024.
Neophobic response of bull ants (Myrmecia midas) to odours introduced on their foraging route
Authors: Kambala Venkata Manvitha , Ahmed Yousef , Lee Jasmine , Jose Anwin , Nadir Sahera Syed , C Priyanka B , Gabir Ali , Sun Yingdie , Cheng Ken , Deeti Sudhakar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Goal-oriented learning and navigation is well known in eusocial insects. The solitary foraging of nocturnal bull ants Myrmecia midas in their visually complex environment relies on path integration and landmark learning. While this species seems to be ‘sensitive’ to handling and reacts to visual changes in their surroundings, not much is known about how added olfactory stimuli impact their route navigation on a vertical surface. In the current study, we added one of five different invisible odours on the trees on which foragers normally forage. We found that the bull ants showed neophobic responses to all the odours. The Tea-tree and Lavender odours showed the strongest impact on the bull ants’ navigation by causing detours, U-turns, and avoidance of the sensory stimuli, with the ants meandering more and scanning more frequently. The odours of Olive oil, Flax-seed oil, and Eucalyptus oil had a moderate impact on the ants’ navigation. These findings showed the widespread influence of non-visual chemical cues in shaping bull ant navigation and highlight the induction of neophobic responses stemming from chemical alterations on learned routes. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of the effects of foreign odours, adding to our understanding of the complex learning processes of bull ants in their vertical navigation.
Long term outcomes of drug-coated balloons versus drug-eluting stents in patients with small vessel coronary artery disease
Authors: Refaat Hesham , Arab Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Drug-eluting stents (DES) are a normative care of coronary stenosis. However, their efficacy was limited by stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis especially in small vessel coronary artery disease (SvCAD). The aim of this study was to assess angiographic efficacy and clinical outcomes of drug coated balloons (DCB) as compared with DES in SvCAD setting.
Methods
A total of 100 SvCAD patients with percutaeous angioplasty of culprit coronary arteries < 3 mm diameter and > 70% stenosis were enrolled in this study. The patients were categorized into DES arm and DCB arm. One year clinical outcomes were assessed. The primary endpoint was in-lesion late lumen loss (LLL). The secondary endpoints were vessel thrombosis, major bleeding, all-cause death and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs).
Results
One year clinical follow-up revealed that in-lesion LLL was significantly lower in DCB arm as compared with DES arm (P = 0.004). Composite MACE was significantly higher in DES group compared to DCB group (P < 0.001). Non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and major bleeding in DES group were significantly higher than DCB group (P = 0.04 & P < 0.001 & P = 0.03, respectively). However, there was a numerically; but not significantly, higher incidence of cardiac death (P = 0.65), and vessel thrombosis (P = 0.18) in DES arm compared to DES arm.
Conclusion
In SvCAD setting, DCB has favourable angiographic and clinical outcomes; as evidenced by lower LLL and composite MACE at one year follow up, compared to DES.
Inhibition of NLRP3 oligomerization (active conformation) mediated by RACK1 ameliorates acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Zhang Yinan , Cui Jian , Yang Meng , Yu Chengli , Zhang Haidong , Gong Yuan , Hu Yang , Wang Yue , Yuan Qingxin , Pan An , Li Jiepin , Hu Yaowen , Jin Zecheng , Peng Xuemei , Wu Anyuan , Wang Junwei , Wang Qian , Hu Lihong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aberrant activation of the NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of fatal and perplexing pulmonary diseases. Although pharmacologically inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome brings potent therapeutic effects in several clinical trials and preclinical models, the molecular chaperones and transition detail in the formation of active oligomer from an auto-suppressed state remain controversial. Here, we showed that sesquiterpene bigelovin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and release of the downstreaming pro-inflammatory cytokines by canonical, noncanonical, and alternative pathways at nanomolar ranges. Chemoproteomic target identification disclosed that bigelovin covalently bound to the cysteine 168 of RACK1 and blocked the interaction between RACK1 and NLRP3 monomer, thereby interfering NLRP3 inflammasome oligomerization in vitro and in vivo. Treatment by bigelovin significantly alleviated the severity of NLRP3-related pulmonary disorders in murine models, such as LPS-induced ARDS and silicosis. These results consolidated the intricate role of RACK1 in transiting the NLRP3 state and provided a new anti-inflammatory lead and therapy for NLRP3-driven diseases.
Determinants of shame in the stigmatization of self-reported women with human immunodeficiency virus in Kenya; A secondary analysis of 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey data
Authors: Isiko Isaac , Nyegenye Simon , Okoro Lenz Nwachinemere , Mwesigwa Aaron , Bulus Gadzama Naya , Asingwire Jackson Micheal , Olot Haron , Simiyu Benjamin Wafula 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose:HIV/AIDS is a highly prevalent infectious diseasemostly in sub-Saharan Africa,and several strategies have been put in place to reduce its spread. This study aimed to assess the determinants of shame in the stigmatization of self-reported women with HIV in Kenya.Methods:The data used in this study were obtained from the 2022 KDHS. The statistical analysis included 332 women aged 15-49 years who reported that their test results indicated that they were HIV positive, and the analysis considered the complex survey design; hence, weights were applied. All the statistical analyses were conducted using STATA 17.Results:Women whose HIV status was disclosed by someone else (AOR=1.98, 95% CI: 1.08-3.65, P=0.028) had significantly greater odds of feeling ashamed than did their counterparts whose status was not disclosed. Although not statistically significant, beingaged 20-24 years (AOR=3.65, 95% CI: 0.66-20.14, P=0.24) and experiencingverbal abuse from healthcare workers (AOR=3.73, 95% CI: 0.84-16.56, P=0.08) werealso factors associated withincreased odds of experiencingshame.Conclusion:Factors contributing to shame among HIV-positive women include community gossip, unauthorized disclosure of status, verbal harassment, and negative treatment by health workers; addressing these problems is very important for addressing HIV-related stigma, improving HIV testing rates, and ensuring better access to treatment, especially among women living in rural areas.
Group exercise in long-term care facilities: Alignment with World Health Organization recommendations. A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Authors: Poveda-López Salud , Lillo-Navarro Carmen , Montilla-Herrador Joaquina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Maintaining functional status in institutionalized older people is a challenge for long-term care (LTC) institutions. In this regard, exercise may have positive effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued guidelines which include recommendations of exercise for each population group. Nonetheless, the literature shows that the levels of exercise among institutionalized population are still low.
Aims: This study sought to determine: 1) the characteristics of exercise programs for older people performed by health professionals in LTC facilities, 2) the knowledge and use of the WHO recommendations and guidelines for exercising among older people in LTC facilities; 3) the limitations identified by health professionals regarding the application of the WHO guidelines.
Material and methods: A cross-sectional national survey following STROBE guideline was performed. Sample: professionals developing exercise programs for institutionalized older people. A Delphi study was conducted to create the survey which included sociodemographic data, exercise characteristics, knowledge about WHO recommendations and limitations regarding their application. Descriptive statistics were used on the data, such as Pearson’s χ2 and independent t- test.
Results: Many professionals do not know (27,5%) or do not follow (52%) the guidelines proposed by the WHO. There is a low weekly frequency for strength exercises (30%) and aerobic exercise (51%). The professional contract influences the weekly frequency of exercise. Most identified limitations for using the WHO recommendations were the lack of time and large groups.
Discussion and conclusions: Recommendations of WHO guidelines are familiar to many professionals, however, some are difficult to implement in exercise programs in LTC facilities.
A KAN-based hybrid deep neural networks for accurate identification of transcription factor binding sites
Authors: He Guodong , Ye Jiahao , Hao Huijun , Chen Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Predicting protein-DNA binding sites in vivo is a challenging but urgent task in many fields such as drug design and development. Most promoters contain many transcription factor (TF) binding sites, but only a small number of sites have been identified by time-consuming biochemical experiments. To address this challenge, numerous computational approaches have been proposed to predict TF binding sites from DNA sequences. However, current deep learning methods often face issues such as gradient vanishing as the model depth increases, leading to suboptimal feature extraction.
Results: We propose a model called CRA-KAN (where C stands for convolutional neural network, R stands for recurrent neural network, and A stands for attention mechanism) to predict transcription factor binding sites. This hybrid deep neural network incorporates the KAN network to replace the traditional multi-layer perceptron, combines convolutional neural networks with bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) networks, and utilizes an attention mechanism to focus on DNA sequence regions with transcription factor binding motifs. Residual connections are introduced to facilitate optimization by learning residuals between network layers. Testing on 50 common ChIP-seq benchmark datasets shows that CRA-KAN outperforms other state-of-the-art methods like DeepBind, DanQ, DeepD2V, and DeepSEA in predicting TF binding sites.
Conclusions: The CRA-KAN model significantly improves prediction accuracy for transcription factor binding sites by effectively integrating multiple neural network architectures and mechanisms. This approach not only enhances feature extraction but also stabilizes training and boosts generalization capabilities. The promising results on multiple key performance indicators demonstrate the potential of CRA-KAN in bioinformatics applications.
Influencing factors and mechanisms of health-related quality of life of elderly patients with chronic diseases in rural China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yujie , Wang Xiaoting , Li Yi , Wang Chi , Wang Hui , Zhao Yaodong , Li Min , Ding Hong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The study aimed to understand the factors influencing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the intricate biological, psychological, and social processes that underlie it in elderly chronic disease patients in rural China. To do this, structural equation model(SEM) was utilized to construct a model based on the Wilson and Cleary model.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 1145 senior individuals with chronic illnesses from three cities in Anhui Province, China were chosen by a multi-stage random sampling procedure. Households were surveyed face-to-face using the following instruments: the five-level version of the European Five Dimensional Health Scale (EQ-5D-5L), Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7), 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Chinese Version of the elderly Kihon Checklist (KCL), and a self-designed questionnaire on vision conditions.
Results
This study identified 13 individual and environmental characteristics associated with HRQOL in rural elderly patients with chronic diseases, including gender, age, education, working status, main economic source, drinking, roughage, labor intensity, siesta, social support, marital status, and dwelling status, as well as the directional pathways of action of these factors affecting HRQOL, which included 26 indirect and 6 direct pathways.
Conclusions
This study adds to the body of knowledge on HRQOL and advances our comprehension of the potentially intricate biological and psychological processes that influence HRQOL in older individuals with chronic diseases by revealing the influencing factors and directed pathways of action on HRQOL. Providing timely and personalized therapies to address these causes and processes may eventually improve their HRQOL.