bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment efficacy for infantile epileptic spasms syndrome in children with trisomy 21
Authors: Chen Henry , Numis Adam L. , Shellhaas Renée A. , Mytinger John R. , Samanta Debopam , Singh Rani K. , Hussain Shaun A. , Takacs Danielle , Knupp Kelly G. , Shao Li-Rong , Stafstrom Carl E. 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundInfantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome (IESS) is the most common epilepsy syndrome in children with trisomy 21. First-line standard treatments for IESS include adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), oral corticosteroids, and vigabatrin. Among children with trisomy 21 and IESS, treatment with ACTH or oral corticosteroids may yield higher response rates compared with vigabatrin. However, supporting data are largely from single-center, retrospective cohort studies.MethodsLeveraging the multi-center, prospective National Infantile Spasms Consortium (NISC) database, we evaluated the efficacy of first-line (standard) treatments for IESS in children with trisomy 21. We assessed clinical spasms remission at two weeks, clinical spasms remission at three months, and improvement of EEG (resolution of hypsarrhythmia) three months after initiation of treatment.ResultsThirty four of 644 (5.3%) children with IESS were diagnosed with trisomy 21. In all children with trisomy 21, epileptic spasms was their presenting seizure type. Twenty of 34 (59%) children were initially treated with ACTH, nine (26%) with oral corticosteroids, and five (15%) with vigabatrin. Baseline demographics did not vary among treatment groups. The overall clinical remission rate after two weeks of treatment was 53% including 13 of 20 (65%) receiving ACTH, three of nine (33%) receiving oral corticosteroids, and two of five (40%) receiving vigabatrin (p = 0.24). The continued clinical response rate at three months was 32% including 8 of 20 (40%) receiving ACTH, two of nine (22%) receiving oral corticosteroids, and one of five (20%) receiving vigabatrin. Thirty of the 34 (88%) children presented with hypsarrhythmia (88%). EEG improvement at three months was better for children treated with ACTH (74%) or oral corticosteroids (83%) than vigabatrin (20%; p = 0.048). Adjustment for time from epileptic spasms onset to treatment did not alter results.ConclusionsIn our cohort, epileptic spasms were the first presenting seizure type in all children with trisomy 21. Among first-line standard treatment options, ACTH may have superior efficacy for clinical and electrographic outcomes for IESS in children with trisomy 21.
Quantitative vessel mapping on increment cores: a critical comparison of image acquisition methods
Authors: Peters Richard L. , Klesse Stefan , Van den Bulcke Jan , Jourdain Lisa M. Y. , von Arx Georg , Anadon-Rosell Alba , Krejza Jan , Kahmen Ansgar , Fonti Marina , Prendin Angela Luisa , Babst Flurin , De Mil Tom 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionQuantitative wood anatomy is critical for establishing climate reconstruction proxies, understanding tree hydraulics, and quantifying carbon allocation. Its accuracy depends upon the image acquisition methods, which allows for the identification of the number and dimensions of vessels, fibres, and tracheids within a tree ring. Angiosperm wood is analysed with a variety of different image acquisition methods, including surface pictures, wood anatomical micro-sections, or X-ray computed micro-tomography. Despite known advantages and disadvantages, the quantitative impact of method selection on wood anatomical parameters is not well understood.MethodsIn this study, we present a systematic uncertainty analysis of the impact of the image acquisition method on commonly used anatomical parameters. We analysed four wood samples, representing a range of wood porosity, using surface pictures, micro-CT scans, and wood anatomical micro-sections. Inter-annual patterns were analysed and compared between methods from the five most frequently used parameters, namely mean lumen area (MLA), vessel density (VD), number of vessels (VN), mean hydraulic diameter (Dh), and relative conductive area (RCA). A novel sectorial approach was applied on the wood samples to obtain intra-annual profiles of the lumen area (Al), specific theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Ks), and wood density (ρ).ResultsOur quantitative vessel mapping revealed that values obtained for hydraulic wood anatomical parameters are comparable across different methods, supporting the use of easily applicable surface picture methods for ring-porous and specific diffuse-porous tree species. While intra-annual variability is well captured by the different methods across species, wood density (ρ) is overestimated due to the lack of fibre lumen area detection.DiscussionOur study highlights the potential and limitations of different image acquisition methods for extracting wood anatomical parameters. Moreover, we present a standardized workflow for assessing radial tree ring profiles. These findings encourage the compilation of all studies using wood anatomical parameters and further research to refine these methods, ultimately enhancing the accuracy, replication, and spatial representation of wood anatomical studies.
Differential affection of the visual information sub-streams in a patient with visual agnosia
Authors: Lederer Kirstin , Fimm Bruno , Munzert Jorn , Reiser Mathias , Maurer Heiko , Binkofski Ferdinand , Pellicano Antonello 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionVisual agnosia is a deficit of object recognition addressed to the damage of the ventral stream (VS). The dorsal stream (DS) is usually intact in these patients, and it can be derived from well-preserved reaching and grasping of visually presented objects. In this study, we presented a new case of a visual agnosic patient (AC) with an extensive lesion of the secondary visual cortex.MethodsWe examined the kinematics of his grasping behavior towards common day-to-day objects compared to a healthy control group. Both colored and color-masked objects were presented, and participants were instructed to grasp-then-name and name-then-grasp them.ResultsThe agnosic deficit was particularly evident when no color information was available to the patient: Although AC was able to recognize most colored objects with marked delay, his recognition of color-masked objects was very poor. Furthermore, the color-masked condition determined larger impairments in kinematic performance relative to the control group.DiscussionResults support the view that spared color processing in the VS allows for partial compensation of deficits. Color information is also processed along the DS, contributing to visuomotor transformations.
Developing the Chinese version of the Index of Sojourner Social Support: the roles of socio-emotional and instrumental support in internal migrant university students
Authors: Fu Hanzhi 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis study aims to validate the Index of Sojourner Social Support (ISSS)—a widely-used scale for measuring social support in cross-cultural (including cross-national and internal) migrations—in Chinese contexts among internal migrant university students and explore how such support can facilitate their psychological adjustment.MethodsOne thousand six hundred ninety-two university students who migrated from all around China to the city of Shanghai participated in this study. The ISSS was translated according to strict procedures. Item analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability analysis, measurement equivalence test, criterion validity test, and incremental validity test of the Chinese version of the ISSS (ISSS-C) were carried out.ResultsThe ISSS-C generated by this study had two dimensions (socio-emotional support and instrumental support) of 18 items. The model fit was excellent (χ2/df = 5.64, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, SRMR = 0.03, and RMSEA = 0.06). The McDonald's omegas for its two subscales were both 0.96. The measurement equivalence of the ISSS-C and criterion validity were also excellent. Instrumental support significantly influenced students' psychological adjustment to the host culture, partially establishing incremental validity for the scale.DiscussionThe ISSS-C exhibits good psychometric properties and is appropriate for measuring social support perceived by migrant university students in Chinese cultural contexts. Further, instrumental support can assist them in psychologically adjusting well to local environments.
Age modulates, religious coping mediates: the role of attitude to self in cancer patients’ quality of life
Authors: Onyedibe Maria-Chidi C. , Chidebe Runcie C.W. , Andersen Barbara L. , Ugwoke Uzoamaka F. , Ugwu Lawrence Ejike 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundCancer significantly impacts psychological well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This is particularly evident in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) where healthcare disparities exacerbate distress. Cognitive vulnerabilities, including negative generalization, self-criticism, and high standards, may influence HRQoL through their effects on coping mechanisms. Religious coping, shaped by cultural norms in LMICs, may mediate these relationships, with age as a potential moderator.ObjectiveThis study examines how attitudes toward self (ATS), religious coping, and age influence HRQoL among cancer patients in an LMIC context.MethodsA cross-sectional study of 565 cancer patients in a University Teaching Hospital, Southwest Nigeria completed a standardized and validated self-report measures of ATS, HRQoL, and religious coping. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using SPSS (Version 29) and SmartPLS (Version 4).ResultsNegative generalization (β = −0.25, p &lt; 0.001) and self-criticism (β = −0.19, p &lt; 0.001) reduced physical well-being, while high standards positively influenced emotional well-being (β = 0.27, p &lt; 0.001) but negatively impacted functional well-being (β = −0.13, p &lt; 0.01). Negative religious coping (NRC) mediated the relationships between ATS and HRQoL, amplifying negative effects on physical (β = −0.25, p &lt; 0.001) and functional well-being (β = −0.32, p &lt; 0.001). Age moderated these relationships, with older patients showing sharper declines in physical (β = −0.09, p &lt; 0.01) and functional well-being (β = −0.10, p &lt; 0.01). Positive religious coping had limited effects.ConclusionThe study highlights the significant impact of cognitive vulnerabilities and maladaptive religious coping on the HRQoL of older cancer patients in LMICs. These findings underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions that integrate cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with culturally and religiously sensitive approaches to improve patient outcomes. Policymakers and healthcare providers should prioritize training and resource allocation to address these challenges. Future research should focus on longitudinal patterns of coping, as well as gender-related differences, to develop more inclusive and effective strategies for enhancing the well-being of cancer patients.
Social capital and physical activity: a literature review up to March 2024
Authors: Gao Zhendong , Chee Chen Soon , Omar Dev Roxana Dev , Liu Yutong , Gao Jianhong , Li Rui , Li Fangyi , Liu Xiaoxiao , Wang Tao 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundSocial capital, as a multidimensional social science concept, plays a crucial role in promoting physical activity. Despite numerous studies exploring the relationship between social capital and physical activity, there is still a lack of systematic understanding of how different dimensions of social capital influence physical activity levels. This study aims to systematically review the literature up to 2024 on the relationship between social capital and physical activity, uncover the role of social capital in promoting physical activity, and identify its multidimensional impacts.MethodsWe used a combination of search terms including “social capital” and “physical activity” to search the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, and PsychINFO databases for English literature published up to March 1, 2024.ResultsWe identified 2,021 unique articles and reviewed 115 studies that met our inclusion criteria. These studies evaluated various dimensions of social capital, with key dimensions including social participation (34%), social networks (30%), social cohesion (30%), social trust (29%), overall social network (26%), social support (19%), safety (19%), norms of reciprocity (13%), social control (10%), satisfaction with the environment (8%), collective efficacy (4%), norms for physical activity (3%), and voting (1%). In studies exploring the relationship between social capital and physical activity, the majority of positive results in the hypothesized direction were observed in dimensions such as social cohesion, trust, participation, reciprocity, satisfaction with the environment, and overall social networks. In contrast, dimensions such as voting, collective efficacy, safety, control, and physical activity norms predominantly showed null or negative results. The results for social support were mixed, displaying positive, negative, and null outcomes, while findings for social networks were also predominantly mixed.ConclusionThis study reveals the significant role of social capital in promoting physical activity, particularly in the dimensions of social cohesion, social trust, social participation, norms of reciprocity, satisfaction with environment, and overall social network. When designing public health interventions in the future, it is crucial to tailor strategies to different populations and contexts to better leverage social capital in promoting physical activity.
Longitudinal relationship between baseline Weight-Adjusted Waist Index and stroke risk over 8 years in Chinese adults aged 45 and older: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xiaoqiang , Zhou Xiangmao , Du Hui , Wang Hui , Tan Zhijian , Zeng Yaqing , Song Zhibin , Zhang Guifeng 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThis study explores the longitudinal relationship between the Weight-Adjusted Waist Index (WWI), an innovative obesity metric, and stroke incidence in aged 45 and older Chinese adults.MethodsData from 9,725 individuals aged 45 years and older were analyzed from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011–2020). Baseline characteristics were analyzed across different quartiles of the WWI. Stroke incidents were determined through self-reported doctor diagnoses. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and curve fitting assessed the WWI-stroke risk relationship, adjusting for various demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors.ResultsHigher WWI quartiles were associated with older age and higher prevalence of stroke and adverse health conditions. In the fully adjusted model, participants in the highest WWI quartile had an odds ratio of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.19, 1.92) for stroke compared to the lowest quartile. Curve fitting revealed a linear relationship between WWI and stroke risk, consistent across various demographic and clinical subgroups.ConclusionHigher WWI is linked to an increased risk of stroke in aged 45 and older Chinese adults over an eight-year period. WWI may serve as an effective tool for predicting long-term stroke risk within this population. However, the study is limited by the reliance on self-reported stroke diagnoses and the presence of potential residual confounding factors.
Association between frailty and postherpetic neuralgia in the older adult with herpes zoster
Authors: Shen Yunyan , Lin Ping 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionChronic pain is closely related to frailty.MethodsA total of 300 older adult patients diagnosed with HZ were selected and admitted to our hospital in 2024. A basic data questionnaire gathered baseline information, and the FRAIL scale was employed to evaluate their initial frailty status. Patients who were non-frail at baseline were followed up for 3 months. They were categorized into the PHN group and the non-PHN group based on the occurrence of neuropathic pain during follow-up. Diverse scales were employed to evaluate frailty, nutritional status, anxiety, and depression among participants. The Chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis tests were employed to compare the two groups. The logistic regression model was undertaken to explore the impact of PHN on frailty.ResultsAmong the 300 older adult patients with HZ who satisfied the inclusion criteria, follow-up data were collected from 215 patients, comprising 85 cases in the PHN group and 130 cases in the non-PHN group. A prospective analysis of the 215 baseline non-frail patients showed that the incidence of frailty in older HZ patients was 14.9%. Univariate analysis revealed that the distributions of lesion site, lesion area, depression status, anxiety status, COPD, and nutritional score were statistically significant between the two groups (χ2 = 6.127, 4.846, 13.316, 12.967, 6.234, H = 2.592, P &lt; 0.05). Nevertheless, the distributions of age, gender, marital status, education level, hypertension, and diabetes were not statistically significant (P &gt; 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that, after comprehensive adjustment for age, gender, lesion site, lesion area, depression status, anxiety status, COPD, and nutritional score, patients with PHN exhibited an higher risk of frailty compared to the non-PHN cohort (22 cases, OR = 3.279, 95% CI = 1.327–8.105; P = 0.010).ConclusionPostherpetic neuralgia increases the risk of frailty and is a significant factor influencing the progression of frailty in the older adult.
Associations between interpersonal violence and cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use, and dual use among Mexican adolescent students
Authors: Rodríguez-Bolaños Rosibel , Díaz-Andrade Evangelina , Ramírez-Palacios Paula , Rojas-Carmona Anabel , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia , Barrientos-Gutiérrez Inti , Cruz-Jiménez Lizeth , Vidaña-Pérez Dèsirée , Arillo-Santillán Edna , Thrasher James F. 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveTo assess associations between experienced violence and the use of combustible cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and of both products (“dual use”) among adolescent students from Mexico.MethodsData comes from an online survey among 3,046 adolescents (12–19 years) conducted between September and December 2021. Students reported experiences of neglect, physical, psychological, and sexual violence perpetrated by household members, and digital violence (by anyone) in the previous 12 months, as well as current (last 30 day) use of cigarettes and e-cigarette. In multinomial logistic models, exclusive cigarette use, exclusive e-cigarette use, and dual use (reference = no use) were regressed on experienced violence and covariates.ResultsThe prevalence of exclusive use of cigarettes was 1.4%, exclusive e-cigarette use was 6.1, and 2.4% for dual use. Almost half (46.9%) of adolescents reported having been the target of physical violence, followed by psychological violence (42.6%), neglect (34.9%), digital violence (12.3%), and sexual violence (5.2%). In adjusted multinomial models, adolescents who experienced physical violence (Adjusted Relative Risk Ratios: ARRR = 2.28, 95% CI [1.05–4.96]) were more likely to exclusively smoke cigarettes. Adolescents were also more likely to exclusively use e-cigarettes if they had been targeted by psychological or digital violence (ARRR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.05–2.29] and ARRR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.12–2.54], respectively). Experience of physical, digital, neglect, and sexual violence were positively associated with dual use.ConclusionExperiences of violence may increase the likelihood of tobacco use, particularly dual use. Prevention programs may need to include the family environment to reduce violence.
Efficacy and safety of anemoside B4 in canine pneumonia treatment: a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ji Jinzhao , Ding Xiaoqing , Liu Chuanli , Dai Lingling , Yu Junting , Li Linghao , Wan Shaobing , Song Yangyang , Zhao Junqing , Su Zhetong , Jia Kun , Li Shoujun 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundCanine pneumonia is a serious respiratory disease often associated with Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD). Current treatment strategies primarily rely on antibiotics and corticosteroids; however, the emergence of antibiotic resistance and potential side effects from prolonged corticosteroid use limit the effectiveness of these therapies in clinical practice. These challenges highlight the urgent need for alternative treatments. Anemoside B4 (AB4), derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Pulsatilla, has shown promise in preclinical studies for modulating inflammatory responses and improving clinical symptoms of pneumonia. Therefore, AB4 may offer a valuable alternative treatment option for canine pneumonia in veterinary medicine.MethodsA prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Veterinary Drug Research and Evaluation Center of South China Agricultural University. Seventy-two dogs with mild-to-moderate pneumonia were randomly assigned to one of three groups: AB4, placebo, or Chuanxinlian injection (CXL). The primary outcome was the effect of AB4 on comprehensive clinical scoring of canine pneumonia; secondary outcomes included recovery times for primary symptoms and efficacy assessments. Additionally, AB4′s safety in clinical applications was evaluated.ResultsThe AB4 group demonstrated significantly lower composite clinical scores on Days 7 and 14 compared to the placebo group (p = 0.033 and p = 0.000, respectively). Significant differences in recovery times for fever and dyspnea were observed between the AB4 and placebo groups (p = 0.041 and p = 0.024, respectively). Moreover, the cure rate and overall efficacy on Day 14 were significantly higher in the AB4 group than those in the placebo group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.009, respectively).ConclusionThese findings suggest that AB4 may be a promising treatment option for canine pneumonia, potentially serving as an alternative to traditional therapies. Further research is needed to explore its clinical potential in veterinary medicine.