bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the moderating role of cannabis use on the relationship between alcohol consumption and inflammation in individuals with alcohol use disorder
Authors: Grodin Erica N. , McManus Kaitlin R. , Ray Lara A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractInflammation appears to be a critical mechanism in the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and a consequence of chronic alcohol use. The potential anti‐inflammatory properties of cannabis may modulate the proinflammatory effects of alcohol. This study sought to extend previous work investigating the relationship between alcohol consumption, cannabis use and circulating interleukin (IL)‐6 levels in a sample with AUD. One hundred and thirty‐three individuals with an AUD provided blood samples to assess IL‐6 and answered questions regarding alcohol and cannabis use. An ordinary least squares multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess the effect of alcohol and cannabis use on IL‐6. A moderation analysis examined cannabis use as a potential moderator of the relationship between alcohol use and circulating IL‐6 levels. Alcohol use was predictive of higher log IL‐6 levels (standardized β = 0.16, p = 0.03), while cannabis use was not predictive of log IL‐6 levels (p = 0.36). Days of cannabis use moderated the relationship between alcohol use and IL‐6 levels, such that the relationship between alcohol use and IL‐6 levels was only significant in individuals with AUD without recent cannabis use. This study extends previous work to a clinical sample with an AUD and underscores the importance of considering cannabis use in studies on alcohol use and inflammation. This study also indicates the need for in‐depth analyses on cannabinoids and inflammation and the interaction between cannabinoids and alcohol use on inflammation.
Impact of chronic sleep deprivation on male reproductive health: Insights from testicular and epididymal responses in mice
Authors: Zheng Zhenming , Wang Hui , Chen Zhimin , Gao Hui , Gao Pan , Gao Jingjing , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xiansheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundSleep deprivation (SD) can cause damage to the male reproductive system. However, the duration required for such damage and the specific sequence and severity of damage to the testis and epididymis remain unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of different durations of SD on different parts of the testis and epididymis caput, corpus, and cauda.MethodsAdult ICR mice were randomly assigned to five groups: the SD group (SD for 18 h/day for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks), the SD + Vit E group (supplemented with Vit E 50 mg/kg/d during 4 weeks of SD, the SD+NS group (saline supplementation during 4 weeks of SD), the SD + RS group (5 weeks of recovery sleep after 4 weeks of SD), and a normal sleep control (Ctrl) group. Following the interventions, sperm parameters, testicular and epididymal histopathology, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress markers were compared between the groups.ResultsCompared to the Ctrl group, the SD group showed a decrease in sperm motility and concentration from SD 2 W and SD 3 W, respectively. Decreases in sperm concentration and motility were more pronounced in the cauda compared to the caput and corpus. Pathological damage was less severe in the epididymis caput than in the corpus and cauda. After 4 weeks of SD, inflammation and oxidative stress increased in both testes and epididymis. Both sleep recovery and vitamin E supplementation showed significant improvements, though they did not fully reach the level of the Ctrl group.ConclusionChronic SD for more than 2 weeks causes varying degrees of damage to the testis, epididymis caput, corpus, and cauda in male mice. This damage is not fully reversible after 5 weeks of sleep recovery and antioxidant stress treatment. These findings help us to identify and prevent SD damage to the male reproduction at an early stage.
The role of advocacy in sustaining male contraceptive research and development
Authors: Vahdat Heather L. , Nickels Logan M. , Shane Kevin , Serfaty David , Sitruk‐Ware Regine 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNovel male contraceptives have been in development for well over half a century, and despite a robust predicted global market for new methods, funding for research and development has been extremely limited. While the pharmaceutical industry previously supported male contraceptive research and development, industry partners are only spectators in the current space, awaiting a product that has been de‐risked by the public sector before re‐entering the field. Current male contraceptive development efforts are thus primarily funded by nonprofit, non‐governmental, and government agencies who also act as the primary advocates for the field. Specific organizations include the International Consortium on Male Contraception, the Population Council, the Male Contraceptive Initiative, the World Health Organization, and the US National Institutes of Health. The funding provided by these public agencies, alongside their social and policy‐based advocacy efforts such as market research, public education, and calls to action have kept the male contraceptive product development space afloat, resulting in a pipeline of potential products advancing towards market approval. However, as these products mature into more expensive clinical stages of development, they continue to face significant funding challenges, which many programs may not overcome. To fully realize the benefits of novel male contraceptive options, it is incumbent on philanthropic entities, impact investors, venture capital, and/or the pharmaceutical sector to provide significant and timely support for male contraceptive research and development.
The Swedish PedsQL gastrointestinal symptoms scale and symptoms module showed good psychometric performance
Authors: Bräutigam Matilda , Abrahamsson Kate , Gatzinsky Vladimir , Saalman Robert , Hadi Lana , Nilsson Suzanne , Dellenmark‐Blom Michaela 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimThere is no validated symptom scale for Swedish children with gastrointestinal disorders. Our aim was to validate the Swedish version of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) gastrointestinal symptoms scale and symptoms module.MethodsFamilies were recruited from two hospitals in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 1 March 2021 to 31 October 2022. The instruments were completed by 115 children with functional, congenital or organic acquired gastrointestinal disorders and 149 of their parents. These were the gastrointestinal symptoms scales, symptoms module and the 4.0 Generic core scale. Data were analysed for feasibility, construct validity and reliability, including internal consistency, re‐test reliability and child–parent agreement.ResultsFeasibility was good, with a failure to respond of ≤5%. Construct validity showed strong correlation in the PedsQL gastrointestinal symptoms module. The known‐group validity agreed with the expectations associated with the disease characteristics (p < 0.05). Cronbach's alpha was 0.96, which indicated excellent internal reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient for the child self‐report and parent‐proxy report was 0.74, which indicated good agreement.ConclusionThe Swedish PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Scales, the symptoms module provided acceptable measurement properties and can be used to evaluate symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and quality of life during clinical work or research projects.
Development and validation of the Nature Experiences Questionnaire: A brief multidimensional measure of nature connection
Authors: Hague Leah , Brough Paula , Buckley Ralf , Burton Nicola , Spedding Jason 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNature connection is a common construct in research examining relationships between the natural environment and human well‐being. The multidimensionality of the concept is often described but rarely reflected in existing unidimensional measures, which can also be limited by poor psychometric characteristics. This research aimed to develop and validate a new brief (9‐item) multidimensional self‐report measure: The Nature Experiences Questionnaire (NEQ). Scale items were formulated from a review of relevant literature and in consultation with experts. Study 1 investigated the underlying structure using exploratory factor analysis in a sample of 142 undergraduate psychology students. The resulting three‐factor solution was replicated in Studies 2 and 3 using confirmatory factor analyses in independent samples of community members (n = 231) and workers (n = 2629). The NEQ was positively correlated with two existing measures of nature connection, and the three subscales (nature affect, cognitions and behaviour) predicted more variance in well‐being. The NEQ demonstrated robust psychometric properties over time and was predictive of worker well‐being, relaxation from work and job satisfaction. The implications and recommendations for the use of this measure are discussed.
Development of hepatic fibrosis in common variable immunodeficiency‐related porto‐sinusoidal vascular disorder
Authors: Hercun Julian , Asif Bilal , Vittal Anusha , Ahmed Abdel , Gopalakrishna Pillai Harish Kumar , Bergerson Jenna R. E. , Holland Steven , Uzel Gulbu , Strober Warren , Fuss Ivan J. , Koh Christopher , Kleiner David E. , Heller Theo 
Published: August 2024

SummaryBackground and AimsLiver involvement is an increasingly recognised complication of common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH), a subgroup of porto‐sinusoidal vascular disorder, and manifestations of portal hypertension (PH) unrelated to cirrhosis are the most common findings. Nonetheless, the evolution of liver disease over time remains unknown.MethodsRetrospective review of patients followed at the National Institutes of Health with CVID‐related liver disease and liver biopsy from 1990 to 2020. Clinical, imaging and histological follow‐up were recorded as part of clinical research protocols.ResultsForty patients were included, with a median age of 37.5 years at initial biopsy, 73% presenting with clear evidence of NRH, and a median fibrosis stage of 1. At biopsy, median platelet count was 100 × 109/L, spleen size 19.5 cm, hepatic venous pressure gradient 9.5 mmHg and 37.5% of patients had signs of PH. Cumulative incidence of PH was 65% at 5 years. In a subgroup of 16 patients, a follow‐up liver biopsy, performed at a median time of 3 years after the index biopsy, revealed an increase in fibrosis by ≥2 stages in 31% of cases and an increase to an overall stage of 2.2 (p = 0.001). No clinical or histological factors were associated with progression of fibrosis.ConclusionsIn this CVID cohort, NRH is the most common initial histological finding; however, unexpectedly fibrosis progresses over time in a subgroup of patients. A better understanding of the underlying causal process of liver disease CVID might lead to improved outcomes.
Spiritual and environmental well‐being: Factors supporting adaptation of Pacific peoples during pandemic times
Authors: Scheyvens Regina , Movono Apisalome , Auckram Jessie , Faaiuaso Leilani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMost Western models of well‐being focus only on social, mental, financial and physical well‐being. Collecting data on how tourism‐dependent communities in the South Pacific had adapted to the dramatic impacts of the pandemic, we became aware of the significance of spiritual and environmental dimensions of well‐being. We also identified several Pacific well‐being models that incorporate these dimensions. This article thus examines how COVID‐19 lockdowns influenced the spiritual and environmental well‐being of Pacific peoples living in tourism‐dependent areas. It demonstrates that many people were able to adapt well despite dramatic changes in their financial situation and restrictions on their mobility. They often showed deep appreciation about having more time for religious practices and to care for others in their communities, and they enjoyed working more with nature, on the land or in the ocean, and looking after the environment. We conclude that if the tourism industry can rebuild in ways that support spiritual and environmental well‐being, this could mean tourism will be appreciated more by resident communities as something which compliments – rather than competes with – their culture and way of life.
Negative family expressiveness and adolescents' externalizing problems: Respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a moderator and anger regulation as a mediator
Authors: Li Man , Xu Tong , Li Min , Qiu Lirong , He Fengjiao , Lan Qili , Zhang Linlin , Wang Li 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFamily environment, emotion regulation and biological sensitivity have been shown to be associated with adolescents' externalizing problem behaviours. However, findings regarding respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity are mixed and sometimes contradictory. This study aims to clarify the roles of RSA reactivity and anger regulation in the relationship between negative family expressiveness (NFE) and adolescents' externalizing behaviour by measuring RSA reactivity during the Parent–Adolescent Interaction Task (PAIT), designed to simulate a naturalistic negative family environment. In this study, 125 Chinese adolescents (M = 13.95 years, SD = 0.95; 48% male) completed questionnaires assessing negative family expressiveness, anger regulation and externalizing problems. Additionally, we collected electrocardiogram and respiration data during both the resting period and a 10‐min PAIT. Results showed that anger regulation mediated the relationship between NFE and externalizing problem behaviours. Moreover, adolescents' RSA reactivity moderated this mediation effect, even after controlling for baseline RSA. Greater RSA suppression potentially indicated greater susceptibility, with the relationship between NFE and anger regulation being more pronounced in adolescents with greater RSA suppression compared to those with lesser RSA suppression. These findings highlight the importance of considering physiological systems, especially within the context of adverse family environments, when studying the relationships with externalizing problems.
Impacts of exposure to and subsequent discontinuation of clozapine on tripartite synaptic transmission
Authors: Okada Motohiro , Fukuyama Kouji , Motomura Eishi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeClozapine is an effective antipsychotic for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia, but its discontinuation leads to discontinuation syndrome/catatonia complicated by benzodiazepine‐resistance and rhabdomyolysis.Experimental ApproachThis study determined time‐dependent effects of exposure and subsequent discontinuation of clozapine on expression of connexin43, 5‐HT receptors, intracellular L‐β‐aminoisobutyrate (L‐BAIBA) and 2nd‐messengers and signalling of AMPK, PP2A and Akt in cultured astrocytes and rat frontal cortex.Key ResultsIntracellular L‐BAIBA levels increased during clozapine exposure but immediately recovered after discontinuation. Both exposure to clozapine and L‐BAIBA increased connexin43 and signalling of AMPK/Akt time‐dependently, but reduced PP2A signalling, 5‐HT receptor expression and IP3 level. These changes recovered within 2 weeks after discontinuation, while 5‐HT receptors and IP3 transiently increased during the recovery process. L‐BAIBA activated AMPK signalling, leading to attenuated PP2A signalling. Astroglial D‐serine release was increased by clozapine exposure but continued to increase within 1 week after discontinuation via activation of IP3 receptor function.Conclusion and ImplicationsClozapine discontinuation restored PP2A signalling due to decreased L‐BAIBA, increased 5‐HT receptor expression via probably enhanced 5‐HT receptor recycling, but increased astroglial D‐serine release persisted by transiently activated IP3 receptors via transiently increased IP3 level. Decreased L‐BAIBA caused by clozapine discontinuation is, at least partially, involved in the transiently increased 5‐HT receptor and astroglial D‐serine release.
Identification of copy‐number variants in patients with overgrowth disorders
Authors: Parra Alejandro , Tenorio‐Castano Jair , Nevado Julián , Cazalla Mario , Miranda‐Alcaraz Lucía , Gallego‐Zazo Natalia , Silván Cristina , Arias Pedro , Pozo‐Román Jesús , Ballesta‐Martínez María Juliana , Guillén‐Navarro Encarna , Arroyo Ignacio , Lotersztein Vanesa , Cosentino Viviana , González‐Meneses Antonio , Galán Enrique , Rosell Jordi , Ramos Feliciano ,   Spanish OverGrowth Registry Initiative, Lapunzina Pablo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractOvergrowth syndromes (OGS) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders whose main characteristic is that the weight, height or the head circumference are above the 97th centile or 2–3 standard deviations above the mean for age, gender, and ethnic group. Several copy‐number variants (CNVs) have been associated with the development of OGS, such as the 5q35 microdeletion or the duplication of the 15q26.1‐qter, among many others. In this study, we have applied 850K SNP‐arrays to 112 patients and relatives with OGS from the Spanish OverGrowth Registry Initiative. We have identified CNVs associated with the disorder in nine individuals (8%). Subsequently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was performed in these nine samples in order to better understand these genomic imbalances. All the CNVs were detected by both techniques, settling that WGS is a useful tool for CNV detection. We have found six patients with genomic abnormalities associated with previously well‐established disorders and three patients with CNVs of unknown significance, which may be related to OGS, based on scientific literature. In this report, we describe these findings and comment on genes associated with OGS that are located within the CNV regions.
The systemic impact of non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implantitis with or without adjunctive systemic metronidazole: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Liñares Antonio , Dopico Jose , Blanco Carlota , Pico Alex , Sobrino Tomás , Blanco Juan , Leira Yago 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the systemic effect of non‐surgical peri‐implantitis treatment (NSPIT) with or without the administration of systemic metronidazole.MethodsIn this secondary analysis from a previously published clinical trial (NCT03564301), peri‐implantitis patients were randomized into two groups: test, receiving NSPIT plus 500 mg of oral systemic metronidazole three times a day for 7 days (n = 10); and control group, receiving NSPIT plus placebo (n = 11). Serum samples were obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months after therapy to determine levels of inflammatory biomarkers, lipid fractions and complete blood counts.ResultsBoth treatment modalities produced improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters. After 6 months from NSPIT, a substantial reduction in C‐reactive protein (6.9 mg/dL; 95% CI: 3.7 to 9.9, p < .001) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (21.8 mg/dL; 95% CI: −6.9 to 50.5, p = .013) as well as a modest increase in neutrophils counts (0.4 × 103/μL; 95% CI: −0.4 to 1.1, p = .010) was observed in the control group while the test group showed a significant reduction of TNF‐α (110.1; 95% CI: 38.9 to 181.4, p = .004).ConclusionsNSPIT showed a short‐term beneficial systemic effect regardless of adjunctive use of systemic metronidazole.
Control or coexist with urban baboons: Exploring residents' views and values in Cape Town
Authors: Psiuk Kinga , Enqvist Johan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHumans and wildlife increasingly share urban space, which elevates the risk of negative interactions. Management efforts conventionally focus on controlling species that are considered problematic, but polarization in affected communities' perceptions and values may pose a greater problem for management in cities where ideas about preferred human–wildlife interactions vary greatly. This study uses Q‐method to investigate what type of human‐baboon relations are desirable among residents from seven areas in Cape Town regularly visited by chacma baboons. Two main perspectives emerged, each is motivated by a distinct set of values: 'Live with Baboons' is focused on positive outcomes for nature and society, recognizing humans' responsibility to mitigate negative interactions; whereas 'Control and Manage Baboons' views nature as something that should be controlled in order to maintain a stable and safe human society. Despite differences, the two perspectives also agree in rejecting abusive language toward baboons, recognizing that contexts differ and require different solutions, and acknowledging that resolving conflict requires collaboration. This has important bearing for recent public engagement processes led by local authorities to review management strategies. Residents' values and perceptions are manifestations of different lived realities and actively engaging with them can help to nuance dichotomies in the baboon discourse.
A case study of inclusion of rural populations in research: Implications for science and health equity
Authors: Noonan Devon , Lam Wendy K. K. , Goodrich James , Sullivan Sydney , Bentley‐Edwards Keisha , Koeberl Dwight , Palipana Anushka , McClernon F. Joseph 
Published: August 2024

AbstractPrior research highlights that rural populations have been historically underrepresented/excluded from clinical research. The primary objective of this study was to describe the inclusion of rural populations within our research enterprise using Clinical Research Management System demographic information at a large academic medical center in the Southeast. This was a cross‐sectional study using participant demographic information for all protocols entered into our Clinical Research Management System between May 2018 and March 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the representation of rural and non‐rural participants and demographic breakdown by age, sex, race, and ethnicity for our entire enterprise and at the state level. We also compared Material Community Deprivation Index levels between urban and rural participants. Results indicated that 19% of the research population was classified as rural and 81% as non‐rural for our entire sample, and 17.5% rural and 82.5% urban for our state‐level sample. There were significant differences in race, sex, and age between rural and non‐rural participants and Material Community Deprivation Indices between rural and non‐rural participants. Lessons learned and recommendations for increasing the inclusion of rural populations in research are discussed.