bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between maternal emotional self-disclosure and children's anxiety in the post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Ghasemi Fatemeh , Valizadeh Fatemeh , Mohammadi Rasool , Goodarzi Hanieh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Following pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety is prevalent within the general public. Even after the acute phase has passed and the pandemic has subsided, this anxiety persists within families, particularly among mothers, and can be transmitted to other family members. Evidence suggests that self-disclosure and the expression of emotions promote mental health and reduce anxiety. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal emotional self-disclosure and children's anxiety in the post-COVID-19 era.
Methods: In this cross-sectional correlation study, 305 mothers of elementary school children in Borujerd, Lorestan, Iran, in 2022 were included using a multi-stage sampling method. Data collection tools comprised demographic questionnaires, the Emotional Self-Disclosure Scale, and the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale—Parent Report, all of which were completed by mothers as self-reports. Independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate regression were employed to analyze the data.
Results: After controlling for confounding variables, a significant relationship was found between mothers' emotional self-disclosure and children's anxiety (B = -0.667, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in mothers' mean emotional self-disclosure scores based on their place of residence, education, occupation, and their spouse's age, education, and occupation, as well as the child's gender, educational level, and age (P < 0.001). However, the results were insignificant concerning the mother's age (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: There was an inverse and relatively strong relationship between maternal emotional self-disclosure and child anxiety. This indicates that an increase in maternal emotional self-disclosure is associated with a reduction in child anxiety. Therefore, in similar crises, it is essential to focus on managing and promoting emotional self-disclosure among mothers, particularly those who are well-educated, employed, reside in urban areas, have younger, well-educated, and employed spouses, and have female children of younger age and lower educational levels. This targeted approach can help reduce child anxiety.
Prevalence of Molecular Markers of Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine Resistance in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from West Africa during 2012–2022
Authors: Zhou Ruimin , Li Suhua , Ji Penghui , Ruan Shucheng , Liu Ying , Yang Chengyun , Qian Dan , He Zhiquan , Wang Dan , Lu Deling , Zhang Hongwei , Deng Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is a key drug recommended by the World Health Organization for the chemoprevention of malaria. However, the strategy is affected by the parasite resistance to SP. This study evaluated Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (Pfdhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (Pfdhps) genes, associated with SP resistance, from 508 P. falciparum isolates imported from West African countries to Henan Province, China, during 2012–2022. High mutant prevalence of the genes Pfdhfr (94.7%) and Pfdhps (96.8%) was observed. The mutants Pfdhfr N51I, C59R, S108N, and Pfdhps A437G were at high frequency in all countries analyzed. The overall prevalence of the mutant Pfdhps K540E was low (3.4%), but with a high frequency in Liberia (24.3%). The frequency of mutants Pfdhps I431V, A581G, and A613S was 11.7%, 9.8%, and 16.2%, respectively, all of which had the highest mutant prevalence in Nigeria. The mutant Pfdhps A581G and A613S were identified in the absence of K540E. The partially resistant haplotype (I51R59N108 - G437) was the most common (72.6%), and the fully resistant haplotype (I51R59N108 - G437E540) had a low prevalence of 3.4% and mainly occurred in Liberia. No super resistant haplotype was identified. The mutant Pfdhps I431V and the octuple mutant haplotype I51R59N108 - V431A436G437G581S613 deserve more attention. It is important to continuously monitor the molecular markers associated with SP resistance to better implement intermittent preventive treatment policies in pregnancy (IPTp) and infants (IPTi).
Importance of OsRac1 and RAI1 in signalling of Pigm-1 mediated resistance to rice blast disease
Authors: Yang Dewei , He Niqing , Huang Fenghuang , Chen Jialin , Yu Minxiang , Jin Yidan , Lin Shaojun , Li Shengping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Plants depend heavily on Resistance (R) proteins, many encoding leucine-rich repeat nucleotide-binding site (NLR) proteins, essential for mediating targeted defense against pathogens. In rice, NLR proteins are pivotal immune receptors in combating Magnaporthe oryzae-triggered rice blast. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying how R proteins regulate downstream signaling remains elusive due to the lack of knowledge regarding their direct downstream targets. Pigm-1, a new allele of PigmR, was cloned from Shuangkang 77009 in our laboratory. This study reveals OsRac1, a GTPase, as a signaling molecule involved in Pigm-1-mediated blast resistance, suggesting its potential as a common downstream effector of rice NLR proteins. Additionally, we identified RAI1, a transcriptional activator, as an essential Pigm-1 interactor for blast resistance. The NBS domain of Pigm-1 facilitates its binding to and activation of OsRac1, while the CC domain enables its binding to and activation of RAI1, ultimately inducing cell death. Furthermore, this research demonstrates that molecular marker-assisted selection technology enhances both resistance and yield in the crucial two-line restorer 9311(Pigm-1). This study offers crucial insights into how diverse NLR proteins activate downstream molecules and serves as a valuable reference for molecular breeding of rice blast resistance genes, particularly Pigm-1.
Comparing Scissors and Scalpels to a Novel Surgical Instrument: A Biomechanical Sectioning Study
Authors: Spears Zach , Paras Molly , Fitzsimmons Lauren , De Lacy Logan , Wawrzyn Peter , Conway Sam , Gopalan Srihari , Muckenhirn Kyle , Puccinelli John 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Precision instruments and safe techniques are essential for successful surgical procedures. Despite technological advances, iatrogenic injuries to vital structures continue to occur, adding physical, emotional, and financial costs to patients and surgeons. This study, which was conducted by a collaborative team from the Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation and the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, introduces a novel surgical instrument. The device was designed to mitigate surgical risks by combining the utility of scissors with the reliability of a scalpel and by adding enhanced safety features without compromising functionality.
Methods
The process used to develop a novel instrument included computer-aided design (CAD) modeling, 3D printing for prototyping, and the fabrication of an aluminum prototype. Biomechanical testing of this prototype was then performed against traditional surgical tools.
Results
Compared to conventional bandage and iris scissors, the novel surgical instrument required significantly less force to cut through an Ace™ bandage, stockinette, and gauze (p < 0.01). The number of cuts required to transect those same materials with the novel device was comparable to that of the scalpel and bandage scissors. Additionally, while there were no differences between the novel device and the other devices for an Ace™ bandage and stockinette, the novel device tended to cut a greater percentage of gauze in one pass than did the iris scissors.
Conclusion
The novel surgical instrument designed in this study required less force compared to conventional scissors, demonstrated cutting efficiency similar to that of a scalpel blade, and had more safety features than either instrument. This study highlights the value of collaboration between biomedical engineering and orthopedic surgery departments on innovation in medical technology, through which new technologies with improved design and functionality demonstrate the potential to reduce iatrogenic injuries.
Inequalities Among Homeless Populations During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Marini Giovanna Marina Fernandes , Moura Heriederson Sávio Dias , Ferezin Letícia Perticarrara , Neto Julio Canos , Cunha Jose Henrique da Silva , Teibo Titilade Kehinde Ayandeyi , Arcêncio Ricardo Alexandre , Fiorati Regina Célia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a discernible amplification of inherent vulnerabilities in the global population, with the most susceptible segments exemplified by the Homeless Population experiencing exacerbated adverse impacts.. This study aims to analyze the intersection of vulnerabilities among homeless populations aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This is a parallel convergent mixed methods study, incorporating a cross-sectional quantitative study and a qualitative study. A survey-type questionnaire was employed in the quantitative approach, analyzed using descriptive and inferential techniques, and a semi-structured interview in the qualitative aspect, with interviews analyzed using Minayo's thematic analysis methodology.
Results
Significant associations were identified between the vulnerabilities faced by the homeless population, which were further compounded with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period witnessed a critical intersection of these vulnerabilities, resulting in an even deeper social destabilization for this group.
Conclusions
Individuals experiencing homelessness confront a complex accumulation of intertwined inequalities, intensifying their social vulnerability. This scenario underscores the intersection of vulnerabilities within this group and emphasizes the urgent need for an integrated approach to understand their health and the pandemic's impact on these individuals.
Resolving the conundrum of the mid-winter suppression in the North Pacific
Authors: Spensberger Clemens , Haualand Kristine , Spengler Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the North Pacific, a maximum in baroclinic instability during mid winter does not yield higher baroclinic activity, a conundrum termed the “mid-winter suppression” of eddy activity. The degree of instability is typically measured by the Eady growth rate. A recently proposed classification into subtropical and eddy-driven jets sheds new light on this conundrum. While the strength of the subtropical jets increases during midwinter, the strength of the eddy-driven jet decreases. Consequently, the Eady growth rate for eddy-driven jets decreases in tandem with the reduced eddy activity during mid-winter, only the environment for subtropical jets becomes more unstable. The increase in baroclinic instability for subtropical jets does, however, not translate into increased eddy activity, as baroclinic growth rates for the subtropical jet remain below growth rates for the eddy-driven jet throughout winter. Thus, the conundrum of the mid-winter suppression can be resolved by considering the environments around subtropical and eddy-driven jet types in isolation.
Urolithin A improves motor dysfunction induced by copper exposure in SOD1 G93A transgenic mice via activation of mitophagy
Authors: Zhang Huan , Gao Chuanyue , Yang Deguang , Nie Lulin , He Kaiwu , Chen Chongyang , Li Shangming , Huang Guanqin , Zhou Li , Huang Xinfeng , Wu Desheng , Liu Jianjun , Huang Zhenlie , Li Weihua , Zhang Zhaohui , Yang Xifei , Zou Liangyu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aim
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease pathologically characterized by selective degeneration of motor neurons resulting in a catastrophic loss of motor function. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of copper (Cu) exposure on progression of ALS and explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Urolithin A (UA) on ALS.
Methods
0.13 PPM copper chloride drinking water was administrated in SOD1G93A transgenic mice at 6 weeks, UA at a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day was given for 6 weeks after a 7-week Cu exposure. Motor ability was assessed before terminal anesthesia. Muscle atrophy and fibrosis, motor neurons, astrocytes and microglia in the spinal cord were evaluated by H&E, Masson, Sirius Red, Nissl and Immunohistochemistry Staining. Proteomics analysis, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to detect protein expression. Mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured using an assay kit.
Results
Cu-exposure worsened motor function, promoted muscle fibrosis, loss of motor neurons, and astrocyte and microglial activation. It also induced abnormal changes in mitochondria-related biological processes, leading to a significant reduction in ATP levels and an increase in MDA levels. Upregulation of P62 and downregulation of Parkin, PINK1, and LAMP1 were revealed in SOD1G93A mice with Cu exposure. Administration of UA activated mitophagy, modulated mitochondria dysfunction, reduced neuroinflammation, and improved gastrocnemius muscle atrophy and motor dysfunction in SOD1G93A mice with Cu exposure.
Conclusions
Mitophagy plays critical role in ALS exacerbated by Cu exposure. UA administration may be a promising treatment strategy for ALS.
Five years follow-up of patients with non-melanoma skin cancer treated with HeberFERON.
Authors: Roberts Yaquelin Duncan , Vega Yanelda García , Caballero Sonia Collazo , García María Rodríguez , Sedano Manuel Salazar , Rojas José Luis Rodríguez , Iglesias Angela Tuero , Silva Carmen Valenzuela , Basart Naylet Castro , Iglesias Elizeth García , Lamela Laura Pereda , Rodríguez Reinier Hernández , Hernandez Ernesto Arteaga , González Verena Muzio , Rivero Iraldo Bello 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common tumor. The combination of IFN-alpha 2b and IFN-gamma has been used as a new therapeutic opportunity to treat basal cell carcinomas and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. The aim of this report is to record prospectively the recurrence and new lesions rates in patients participating in phase II clinical trials.
Methods
Phase II clinical trials (double-blind randomized one center study, InCarbacel-III, in patients with basal cell carcinoma; and open, non-randomized multicenter study, CECIN, in patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, with the use of the combination of IFN-alpha 2b and IFN-gamma) were conducted to evaluate the efficacy, safety and the 5-year duration of clinical responses. Both studies were approved by institutional ethics committees, from the Hermanos Ameijeiras (INCARBACEL-III) and Amalia Simoni (INCARBACEL-III and CECIN) hospitals, in Havana and Camaguey respectively. All patients gave their written informed consent to participate in them.
The investigational treatment was administered, peri- or intralesionally, three times per week, during 3 weeks. Clinical (RECIST 1.0) responses were evaluated three months after the end of treatment.
Results
The combination of IFNs in InCarbacel-III study showed the best clinical response (complete response of 64.3%, overall response of 85.7%) with the highest doses (10.5 MIU); without patient’s recurrence at 5 years follow-up (3.5 MUI and 10.5 MUI groups). The frequency of new lesions decreased in the treated patients 8 times. In the CECIN study 14 patients achieved complete response and 4 partial responses (overall response rate 67%). Up to the 5-year follow-up none of the patients with complete response had recurrence or new lesion. In both studies the cosmetic results were excellent and the reported adverse events were mostly of mild intensity.
Conclusions:
The use of the combination of IFN-alpha 2b and IFN-gamma showed efficacy in basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma promoting a long term response for at least 5 years and decreasing the rate of new lesions, safely and with excellent cosmetic effects.
Research on 3D Reconstruction Method of Fruit Trees Based on Camera Pose Recovery and Neural Radiation Field Theory
Authors: Wang Huiyan , Wang Jianhang , Liu Binxiao , Gong Jinliang , Zhang Yanfei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A method integrating camera pose recovery techniques with neural radiation field theory is proposed in this study to address issues such as detail loss and color distortion encountered by traditional stereoscopic vision-based 3D reconstruction techniques when dealing with fruit trees exhibiting high-frequency phenotypic details. The high cost of information acquisition devices equipped with image pose recording functionality necessitates a cost-effective approach for fruit tree information gathering while enhancing the resolution and detail capture capability of the resulting 3D models. To achieve this, a device and scheme for capturing multi-view image sequences of fruit trees are designed. Firstly, the target fruit tree is surrounded by a multi-angle video capture using the information acquisition platform, and the resulting video undergoes image enhancement and frame extraction to obtain a multi-view image sequence of the fruit tree. Subsequently, a motion recovery structure algorithm is employed for sparse reconstruction to recover image poses. Then, the image sequence with pose data is inputted into a multi-layer perceptron, utilizing ray casting for coarse and fine two-layer granularity sampling to calculate volume density and RGB information, thereby obtaining the neural radiation field 3D scene of the fruit tree. Finally, the 3D scene is converted into point clouds to derive a high-precision point cloud model of the fruit tree. Using this reconstruction method, a crabapple tree including multiple periods such as flowering, fruiting, leaf fall, and dormancy is reconstructed, capturing the neural radiation field scenes and point cloud models. Reconstruction results demonstrate that the 3D scenes of the neural radiation field in each period exhibit real-world level representation. The point cloud models derived from the 3D scenes achieve millimeter-level precision at the organ scale, with tree structure accuracy exceeding 96% for multi-period point cloud models, averaging 97.79% accuracy across all periods. This reconstruction method exhibits robustness across various fruit tree periods and can meet the requirements for 3D reconstruction of fruit trees in most scenarios.
Conducting applied health research in alcohol-related liver disease: a rapid qualitative inquiry with healthcare providers
Authors: Hemrage Sofia , Parkin Stephen , Deluca Paolo , Drummond Colin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Current treatment options for alcohol-related liver disease are limited by evidence, clinical and practice gaps. Applied health research can promote the generation of high-quality evidence by embedding experimental research designs in clinical settings. The present qualitative inquiry aims to explore healthcare providers’ experiences of conducting applied health research in alcohol-related liver disease.
Methods: A rapid qualitative approach was adopted to fulfil the exploratory nature of the present qualitative inquiry. Sixteen healthcare providers with varying roles (administrative, clinical, nursing) and formal duties (clinical, research) were interviewed. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to identify relevant themes and subthemes from the data.
Results: Three major themes emerged from the interview data. These include the motives to support alcohol-related liver disease research within clinical settings, descriptions of the research-clinical interface, and the challenges encountered while facilitating and conducting research. Identified barriers to applied health research included intraprofessional and extraprofessional role conflicts, time constraints and insufficient resource availability.
Conclusion: Although healthcare providers expressed a strong commitment towards advancing research in ARLD, structural and organisational challenges affected their involvement. These challenges underly the existing research gap in alcohol-related liver disease care. The findings favour the adoption of a community-based participatory research approach to advance evidence-making interventions in alcohol-related liver disease treatment, improve patient outcomes and foster an egalitarian research culture.
Predictors of ‘No Problem’ as the Health‑related Quality of Life Status of People Living with HIV on Differentiated Service Delivery in a Nigerian State using the EQ-5D-5L
Authors: Isah Abdulmuminu , Onyia Ifunanya Mary-Ann , Onugwu Onyinyechi Loveth , Eze Cynthia C. , Okeke Bethel , Ezenri Gabriel , Onwuali Victor , Ezeodimegwu Augustus , Onyekwuo Princess , Adibe Maxwell Ogochukwu , Udeogaranya Patrick Ogochukwu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Differentiated service delivery (DSD) aims to improve the overall quality of care that is provided to people living with HIV (PLHIV). One critical measure of self-reported satisfaction with the level of care is quality of life. This study aimed to determine the socio-demographic predictors of the quality of life (QoL) of PLHIV on DSD in a Southeastern Nigerian State.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among PLHIV on DSD across Abia State, Nigeria, from February-April 2022. A sample size of 361 was estimated from the three DSD models in the state: community pharmacy-based, PLHIV-led community antiretroviral group, and health worker/facility-based models. A generic QoL tool (EQ-5D-5L) was used to obtain responses from all consenting PLHIV. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the variables. Variations in the QoL index value and the predictors of the QoL were determined using one-way ANOVA and binary logistics regression (no problem versus others), respectively. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total number of 312 questionnaires were completed (response rate = 86.4%). Female gender was indicated by 162(51.9%) respondents, while 114(36.5%) stated that they were married. The highest level of education by most respondents (n=134, 42.9%) was secondary school. About a-third (115, 36.9%) reported that they have had HIV for 6-10 years. For their QoL, 284(76.3%) PLHIV had no problems (self-care), 66(21.2%) had slight problems (usual activities) and 11(3.5%) had severe problems (anxiety/depression). The index value for all the respondents was 0.837±0.006. PLHIV that were aged <20 years had a value of 0.782±0.221(F=3.923, p=0.004), while those without formal education had 0.711±0.232 (F=7.981, p≤0.001). Characteristics that were predictive of no problems status were 16-20 years of diagnosis (β=3.634, p=0.025) [mobility]; self-employment (β=11.204, p=0.013) and 16-20 years of diagnosis (β=15.561, p=0.001) [self-care]; tertiary education (β=0.246, p=0.036) [usual activities]; female gender (β=2.040, p=0.014), and 16-20 years of diagnosis (β=4.777, p=0.005) [pain/discomfort]; and 31-40 years (β=0.147, p=0.005), and not being married (β=0.363, p=0.013)[anxiety/depression].
Conclusions:The PLHIV accessing DSD at Abia State had a good quality of life. Their gender, level of education, employment status, and age were factors that were predictive of good QoL among them.