bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selecting PedsQL items to derive the PedsUtil health state classification system to measure health utilities in children
Authors: Kim DeLuca Ellen , Dalziel Kim , Wittenberg Eve , Henderson Nicholas C. , Prosser Lisa A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
There is a lack of preference-based health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures that consistently value health across a full range of child age groups. The PedsQL is a generic HRQoL instrument validated for children 2–18 years, but it is not preference-based. The objective of this study was to derive the PedsUtil health state classification system from the PedsQL as a basis for a preference-based HRQoL measure for children.

Methods
A two-step process was used to select PedsQL items to include in the health state classification system: 1) exclude poorly functioning items according to Rasch analysis in each of the previously established seven dimensions of the PedsUtil health state classification system and 2) select a single item to represent each dimension based on Rasch and psychometric analyses, as well as input from child health experts and parents. All secondary analyses were conducted using data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC). Analyses were stratified by age group (i.e., 2–5 years, 6–13 years, and 14–17 years) to represent the different developmental stages of children and to reflect the study design of the LSAC. Rasch analyses were also performed on five random subsamples for each age group to enhance robustness of results.

Results
Twelve items were excluded from the PedsUtil health state classification system after the first step of the item selection process. An additional four items were excluded in the second step, resulting in seven items that were selected to represent the seven dimensions of the PedsUtil health state classification system: Physical Functioning (“participating in sports activity or exercise”), Pain (“having hurts or aches”), Fatigue (“low energy level”), Emotional Functioning (“worrying about what will happen to them”), Social Functioning (“other kids not wanting to be their friend”), School Functioning (“keeping up with schoolwork”), and School Absence (“missing school because of not feeling well”).

Conclusions
The PedsUtil health state classification system was derived from the PedsQL based on several criteria and was constructed to be applicable to children two years and older. Research is ongoing to elicit preferences for the PedsUtil health state classification system to construct the PedsUtil scoring system.
The construction of machine learning-based predictive models for high-quality embryo formation in poor ovarian response patients with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation
Authors: Xiao Yu-Heng , Hu Yu-Lin , Lv Xing-Yu , Huang Li-Juan , Geng Li-Hong , Liao Pu , Ding Yu-Bin , Niu Chang-Chun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objective
To explore the optimal models for predicting the formation of high-quality embryos in Poor Ovarian Response (POR) Patients with Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation (PPOS) using machine learning algorithms.

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 4,216 POR cycles who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) / intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) at Sichuan Jinxin Xinan Women and Children’s Hospital from January 2015 to December 2021. Based on the presence of high-quality cleavage embryos 72 h post-fertilization, the samples were divided into the high-quality cleavage embryo group (N = 1950) and the non-high-quality cleavage embryo group (N = 2266). Additionally, based on whether high-quality blastocysts were observed following full blastocyst culture, the samples were categorized into the high-quality blastocyst group (N = 124) and the non-high-quality blastocyst group (N = 1800). The factors influencing the formation of high-quality embryos were analyzed using logistic regression. The predictive models based on machine learning methods were constructed and evaluated accordingly.

Results
Differential analysis revealed that there are statistically significant differences in 14 factors between high-quality and non-high-quality cleavage embryos. Logistic regression analysis identified 14 factors as influential in forming high-quality cleavage embryos. In models excluding three variables (retrieved oocytes, MII oocytes, and 2PN fertilized oocytes), the XGBoost model performed slightly better (AUC = 0.672, 95% CI = 0.636–0.708). Conversely, in models including these three variables, the Random Forest model exhibited the best performance (AUC = 0.788, 95% CI = 0.759–0.818). In the analysis of high-quality blastocysts, significant differences were found in 17 factors. Logistic regression analysis indicated that 13 factors influence the formation of high-quality blastocysts. Including these variables in the predictive model, the XGBoost model showed the highest performance (AUC = 0.813, 95% CI = 0.741–0.884).

Conclusion
We developed a predictive model for the formation of high-quality embryos using machine learning methods for patients with POR undergoing treatment with the PPOS protocol. This model can help infertility patients better understand the likelihood of forming high-quality embryos following treatment and help clinicians better understand and predict treatment outcomes, thus facilitating more targeted and effective interventions.
Dried fruit intake and lower risk of type 2 diabetes: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guan Jianbin , Liu Tao , Yang Kaitan , Chen Hao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown controversy about whether dried fruit intake is associated with type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to examine the potential causal effect of dried fruit intake on type 2 diabetes by conducting a two-sample Mendelian randomization study.

Methods
We used genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for MR analysis to explore the causal association of dried fruit intake with T2D. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the main analytical method for MR analysis. In addition, the MR-Egger method and the weighted median method were applied to supplement the IVW method. Furthermore, Cochrane’s Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis were used to perform sensitivity analysis. The funnel plot was used to assess publication bias.

Results
The results from the IVW analysis indicated that dried fruit intake could reduce the risk of T2D [odds ratio (OR) = 0.392, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.241–0.636, p-value = 0.0001]. In addition, the result of additional method Weighted median is parallel to the effects estimated by IVW. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis illustrates that our MR analysis was unaffected by heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Finally, the results of the leave-one-out method showed the robustness of our MR results. And the funnel plot shows a symmetrical distribution.

Conclusion
Our study provides evidence for the benefits of dried fruit intake on T2D. Therefore, a reasonable consumption of dried fruit may provide primary prevention.
Zinc fever in a painter and varnisher: a case report
Authors: Belting Kerstin , Eisenhawer Christian , Merget Rolf , Brüning Thomas , Monsé Christian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Zinc fever is well described in medical literature, particularly in workers after handling zinc-containing materials at high temperatures e.g., in the welding of hot-dip galvanized steel sheets. It is not known whether zinc fever also occurs at low temperatures.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 33-year-old Caucasian atopic painter and varnisher with work-related dyspnea, sweating, as well as multiple occurrences of fever. He was sent to Institute for Prevention and Occupational medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA) for the evaluation of isocyanate asthma, but an inhalative challenge with hexamethylene diisocyanate was negative. Since symptoms were closely related to the use of zinc coatings at room temperature without adequate protective measures, the diagnosis of zinc fever was made. After exposure cessation the worker immediately became symptom-free. The work as painter and varnisher may be associated with various exposures to hazardous substances. Besides solvents, epoxy compounds and isocyanates, which can cause obstructive respiratory diseases; additionally, zinc-containing agents should be considered as health hazards.

Conclusions
This case demonstrates that zinc fever may occur also after application of zinc coatings by spray painting at low temperatures.
A deep learning based cognitive model to probe the relation between psychophysics and electrophysiology of flicker stimulus
Authors: Chandran Keerthi S. , Ghosh Kuntal 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe flicker stimulus is a visual stimulus of intermittent illumination. A flicker stimulus can appear flickering or steady to a human subject, depending on the physical parameters associated with the stimulus. When the flickering light appears steady, flicker fusion is said to have occurred. This work aims to bridge the gap between the psychophysics of flicker fusion and the electrophysiology associated with flicker stimulus through a Deep Learning based computational model of flicker perception. Convolutional Recurrent Neural Networks (CRNNs) were trained with psychophysics data of flicker stimulus obtained from a human subject. We claim that many of the reported features of electrophysiology of the flicker stimulus, including the presence of fundamentals and harmonics of the stimulus, can be explained as the result of a temporal convolution operation on the flicker stimulus. We further show that the convolution layer output of a CRNN trained with psychophysics data is more responsive to specific frequencies as in human EEG response to flicker, and the convolution layer of a trained CRNN can give a nearly sinusoidal output for 10 hertz flicker stimulus as reported for some human subjects.
Prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Libreville, Gabon
Authors: Misso Rick-Leonid Ngoua Meye , Ondo Joseph Privat , Obiang Cédric Sima , Makanga Xavier Nze , Roger Ndong Atome Guy , Engonga Louis-Clément Obame 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major public health problems worldwide. In pregnant women, there is a risk of mother-to-child transmission (vertical transmission) of the infection. The contaminated newborn will most often remain a chronic carrier. Gabon is part of the highly endemic area for hepatitis B. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B in pregnant women at the Estuaire Regional Hospital of Melen, Libreville, Gabon.

Material and methods
The study was carried out at the Laboratory of the Center Hospitalier Régionale Estuaire Melen (CHREM), over a period of 5 years, from January 2018 to December 2022. It was a retrospective and prospective study ranging from January 2018 to December 2022. For the prospective study, the data was collected in the CHREM Laboratory library, by using registers and filing cabinets. For the prospective study, blood samples were taken and analyzed using Abbott Determine® HBsAg kits and the BioMérieux mini Vidas system. The variables studied were age, HBs status, profession, level of study, and residence. The data collected was entered into an Excel file (Microsoft Office 2016) and analyzed using XLSTAT 2016.4.01 and Epi Info™ 7.2.5 software and expressed as means and percentages.

Results
A total of 1615 pregnant women seen in the CHREM laboratory department were included in the study. Of which, 315 were diagnosed as HBsAg carriers, representing a prevalence of 8.36%. Depending on the year, the highest prevalence was observed in 2019 with 20 positive cases out of 267 women screened, i.e., 9.38%. Depending on the districts, the highest prevalence was found in the Essassa and Plein Ciel districts with 16.43% and 18.18%, respectively. According to the age groups, the highest prevalence was observed in the age group 26–30 with 10.16% (p = 0.075) out of 492 patients screened. Depending on the profession, the prevalence was higher among female students with 21.97% (p = 0.020). According to marital status, unmarried had the highest prevalence with 8.8% (p = 0.064). And according to nationality, women of Gabonese nationality had a higher prevalence with 9.52%.

Conclusion
Antenatal transmission of HBV is high in Libreville. The inaccessibility of antiviral therapy for viral hepatitis B makes the immunization of mothers and children a priority in Gabon.
Cancer Prevention for Women Experiencing Homelessness: Onsite Mammography, Navigation, and Education
Authors: McKee Hurwitz Heather , Shah Chirag 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE
Persons experiencing homelessness (PEHs) represent a medically underserved population with a disproportionately high rate of late-stage cancer diagnoses and cancer mortality. During mobile onsite mammography and breast health education events, we studied PEH's barriers to and uptake of cancer screenings.

METHODS
This study used patient surveys and review of the electronic health record. The main outcome measures included mammogram and diagnostic imaging (as needed) results. A questionnaire assessed patient's views and barriers related to social determinants of health. The study included women accessing community organization resources who were 40 years or older or who met criteria for screening mammography.

RESULTS
Forty-six individuals completed mammograms and 41 individuals participated in the survey, for a response rate of 89%. Thirty-five participants (85%) held health insurance provided by a Medicaid managed plan. Thirty-six participants (87%) received a negative mammogram result, and five participants (12%) required follow-up for abnormal results. Of these five, two participants completed diagnostic follow-up with negative results, and three did not complete diagnostic follow-up. In addition to barriers related to housing insecurity, five patients (12%) reported transportation barriers. A majority (n = 28, 68%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, “I'm afraid the mammogram will be painful.” A majority (n = 31, 76%) disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement, “I'm busy and do not have time.” Nearly all participants (n = 37, 90%) responded yes to the statement, “I believe in preventative care screenings.” Eight participants (20%) completed at least one additional cancer screening.

CONCLUSION
By creating enduring programs offering screening, navigation, and education, academic-community partnerships may begin to address the increased cancer mortality among PEHs by improving screening adherence.
Fish Oil, Plasma n-3 PUFAs, and Risk of Macro- and Microvascular Complications Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tian Shufan , Guo Tianyu , Qian Frank , Qiu Zixin , Lu Qi , Li Rui , Zhu Kai , Li Lin , Yu Hancheng , Li Ruyi , Ou Yunjing , Pan An , Liu Gang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To evaluate associations of fish oil supplementation and plasma omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) with risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications among people with type 2 diabetes and to further explore the potential mediating role of metabolism-related biomarkers.

Research Design and Methods
This study included 20 338 participants with type 2 diabetes from the UK Biobank. Diabetic complications were identified through hospital inpatient records.

Results
During 13.2 years of follow-up, 5396 people developed macrovascular complications, and 4868 people developed microvascular complications. After multivariable adjustment, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for patients with fish oil were 0.90 (0.85, 0.97) for composite macrovascular complications, 0.91 (0.84, 0.98) for coronary heart disease (CHD), 0.72 (0.61, 0.83) for peripheral artery disease and 0.89 (0.83, 0.95) for composite microvascular complications, 0.87 (0.79, 0.95) for diabetic kidney disease, and 0.88 (0.80, 0.97) for diabetic retinopathy. In addition, higher n-3 PUFA levels, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were associated with lower risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications. Comparing extreme quartiles of plasma DHA, the HRs (95% CIs) were 0.68 (0.57, 0.81) for composite macrovascular complications, 0.63 (0.51, 0.77) for CHD, and 0.59 (0.38, 0.91) for diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, biomarkers including lipid profile and inflammatory markers collectively explained 54.4% and 63.1% of associations of plasma DHA with risks of composite macrovascular complications and CHD.

Conclusion
Habitual use of fish oil supplementation and higher plasma n-3 PUFA levels, especially DHA, were associated with lower risks of macrovascular and microvascular complications among individuals with type 2 diabetes, and the favorable associations were partially mediated through improving biomarkers of lipid profile and inflammation.
Mechanical forces remodel the cardiac extracellular matrix during zebrafish development
Authors: Gentile Alessandra , Albu Marga , Xu Yanli , Mortazavi Newsha , Ribeiro da Silva Agatha , Stainier Didier Y. R. , Gunawan Felix 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
The cardiac extracellular matrix (cECM) is fundamental for organ morphogenesis and maturation, during which time it undergoes remodeling, yet little is known about whether mechanical forces generated by the heartbeat regulate this remodeling process. Using zebrafish as a model and focusing on stages when cardiac valves and trabeculae form, we found that altering cardiac contraction impairs cECM remodeling. Longitudinal volumetric quantifications in wild-type animals revealed region-specific dynamics: cECM volume decreases in the atrium but not in the ventricle or atrioventricular canal. Reducing cardiac contraction resulted in opposite effects on the ventricular and atrial ECM, whereas increasing the heart rate affected the ventricular ECM but had no effect on the atrial ECM, together indicating that mechanical forces regulate the cECM in a chamber-specific manner. Among the ECM remodelers highly expressed during cardiac morphogenesis, we found one that was upregulated in non-contractile hearts, namely tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (timp2). Loss- and gain-of-function analyses of timp2 revealed its crucial role in cECM remodeling. Altogether, our results indicate that mechanical forces control cECM remodeling in part through timp2 downregulation.
Formation and resolution of meiotic chromosome entanglements and interlocks
Authors: Olaya Iván , Burgess Sean M. , Rog Ofer 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Interactions between parental chromosomes during the formation of gametes can lead to entanglements, entrapments and interlocks between unrelated chromosomes. If unresolved, these topological constraints can lead to misregulation of exchanges between chromosomes and to chromosome mis-segregation. Interestingly, these configurations are largely resolved by the time parental chromosomes are aligned during pachytene. In this Review, we highlight the inevitability of topologically complex configurations and discuss possible mechanisms to resolve them. We focus on the dynamic nature of a conserved chromosomal interface – the synaptonemal complex – and the chromosome movements that accompany meiosis as potential mechanisms to resolve topological constraints. We highlight the advantages of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for understanding biophysical features of the chromosome axis and synaptonemal complex that could contribute to mechanisms underlying interlock resolution. In addition, we highlight advantages of using the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model to understand how entanglements and interlocks are avoided and resolved.
Preventing Progression: A Comprehensive Approach to Managing Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Borodziuk Barbara , Borodziuk Filip , Ciuba Katarzyna , Dąbrowska Paulina , Żuber Michał , Bochyński Karol , Molenda Katarzyna , Dacka Michał , Giżewska Kamila , Białogłowski Konrad 
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease and the most common synucleinopathy. It is a multi-system disease with both motor and non-motor disorders, cause of suffering for patients and a burden for healthcare system. Due to the constantly increasing number of patients and still unknown disease-modifying treatment, it is necessary to look for an effective way to slow down the progression. The article explores factors influencing PD progression, focusing on physical activity, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and medical management. It underscores the need for a multidimensional approach to address the complex nature of PD and offers insights into potential strategies for slowing down Parkinson’s disease progression.
Sports Performance and Intermittent Fasting: Impact on Training and Results, Mechanisms and Health Benefits in Weight Management, Metabolic Health, and Chronic Diseases – A Review of Risks, Current Evidence, and Future Research Directions
Authors: Bieńko Mateusz , Rutkowska Marta , Król Tomasz , Toborek Michalina , Marchaj Magdalena , Korta Karolina , Putra Anna , Niedziela Natalia , Margas Mikołaj 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Intermittent Fasting (IF) has become a popular method in the contemporary medical world as an up-to date technique of the health and wellbeing in the last several years.
Purpose:
This research aims to investigate the both impact of IF on sports performance and therapeutic potential of IF on cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases with focus on obesity, diabetes and impact on cardiometabolic risk.
State of Knowledge:
Intermittent fasting has been found to extend both life and health span by positively impacting weight management, reducing the risk of cardiovascular incidents, promoting cellular repair, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory actions. It improves blood sugar levels, provides protection against hepatosteatosis, enhances lipid metabolism and has beneficial effects on the brain-gut-microbiome system. IF leads to improved mental performance and offers benefits for neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and multiple sclerosis IF has shown beneficial effects on body composition and lean muscle mass without compromising physical performance nor impair strength. However, concerns about nutritional deficiencies, sustainability, and social implications are evident. Common drawbacks of IF include feelings of hunger, irritability, fatigue and hypoglycemia risk. IF is not recommended for pregnant woman and individuals suffering from eating disorders.
Conclusions:
IF is as a promising tool alongside traditional therapeutic strategies, particularly for addressing obesity, diabetes, and managing cardiovascular risk. For athletes it is a valuable tool in managing fat-mass particularly combined with high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However it is not recommended for certain groups. The diverse landscape of IF patterns, coupled with drawbacks, underscores the necessity for long-term research before routinely recommending IF for athletes and patients.