bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of the blood levels of specific volatile organic compounds with nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events in US adults
Authors: Jing Li , Chen Tiancong , Yang Zhiyong , Dong Weiwei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardio-cerebrovascular diseases constitute a major global public health burden. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exposure has become progressively severe, endangering human health and becoming one of the main concerns in environmental pollution. The associations of VOCs exposure with nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events have not been identified in observational study with a large sample size, so we aim to examine the association in US adult population.

Methods
Adults aged > 18 years with complete data regarding selected blood levels of VOCs (including benzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m-/p-xylene) and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events were included in the analysis (n = 3,968, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, NHANES, 2013–2018 survey cycle). Participants were classified into low- and high-exposure based on whether above selected VOCs low limit detect concentration or median value. Weighted multivariate logistic analyses and subgroup analyses were used to detect the association between selected VOCs exposure and nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events in US adults.

Results
Weighted multivariate logistic analyses showed that the high-VOCs exposure group had an increased risk of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events compared with the low-VOCs exposure group; the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events for the high-VOCs exposure group were 1.41 (0.91, 2.19), 1.37 (0.96, 1.95), 1.32 (0.96, 1.82), and 1.17 (0.82, 1.67) for benzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m-/p-xylene, respectively, which was not significant assuming statistical significance at a 0.05 significance level (95% CI) for a two-tailed test. Lastly, we found high-VOCs exposure was associated with increased incidence of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events in both daily smokers an non-daily smokers (p-interaction > 0.01), but the association was not statistically significant in non-daily smokers.

Conclusions
This study found that VOCs (benzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and m-/p-xylene) exposure was associated with increased incidence of nonfatal cardio-cerebrovascular events in US adults, and the results need to be confirmed by larger cohort studies.
Joint association of sedentary behavior and physical activity with pulmonary function
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Xie Yujie , Chen Yan , Ding Guodong , Zhang Yongjun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Sedentary behavior may influence the respiratory health, but the joint effects of sedentary behavior and physical activity on pulmonary function remains poorly elucidated. We aimed to estimate the association between sedentary behavior and physical activity with pulmonary function.

Methods
A total of 12,343 participants aged 12–79 years were analyzed from the U.S. NHANES 2007–2012. Participants were categorized into 16 groups according to the cross-tabulation of sedentary behavior time (0–4.0, 4.1–8.0, 8.1–12.0, and > 12.0 h/day) and moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (0, 1–149, 150–299, and ≥ 300 min/week). Generalized linear models were used to test the association of sedentary behavior and MVPA with pulmonary function.

Results
Participants with sedentary behavior > 4.0 h/day were negatively related to FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) (β ranging from -0.015 to -0.009, p < 0.05). Compared with the reference group (0 min of MVPA and > 12.0 h/day of sedentary behavior), the negative association of sedentary behavior ≤ 8.0 h/day with FEV1 may be reduced through appropriate MVPA (β ranging from 0.019 to 0.030, p < 0.05). For sedentary behavior > 8.0 h/day, even MVPA ≥ 300 min/week may not decrease the negative relationships. Similar results were also observed in FVC (forced vital capacity) (β ranging from 0.018 to 0.030, p < 0.05). In participants aged ≥ 45 years, the associations were more notable.

Conclusion
This study indicated the sedentary behavior ≤ 4.0 h/day was a relatively healthy lifestyle for pulmonary function. Only below 8.0 h/day of sedentary behavior, the negative association with pulmonary function may be reduced through appropriate MVPA.
The state of transience, and its influence on the wish to die of advanced disease patients: insights from a qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Belar Alazne , Arantzamendi Maria , Larkin Philip , Saralegui Iñaki , Santesteban Yolanda , Alonso Nerea , Martínez Marina , Centeno Carlos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The experience of Wish to Die is common in patients living with Advanced Disease. It has been studied worldwide and qualitative studies have contributed to the understanding of the complexity of the phenomenon of the WTD but a deeper understanding on the individual’s views is still needed. The objective of this study was to identify common characteristics of the experience of wish to die in advanced disease.

Methods
A phenomenological study was carried out with multicenter participation of patients with advanced disease who had expressed their wish to die to health professionals. Semi-structured interviews were employed to obtain an in-depth perspective of each patient’s lived experience. A phenomenological analysis of the data collected was performed to describe and explore the characteristic aspects of the phenomenon under study.

Results
Fourteen patients with advanced disease were interviewed. Most of them had cancer. In the analysis of the patients’ accounts of their experiences, three common characteristics were identified: a) experiencing a state of transience; b) the attempt to reconnect with oneself; and c) additional disease-related aspects that influence the wish to die. Patients expressed the need for a safe space to address the wish to die and the importance of receiving care that considers both ‘being’ and ‘doing’.

Conclusions
Patients with advanced disease and wish to die experience a state of transience where the patient lives and ephemeral state of existence. Interventions focused on reinforcing the intrinsic value of the individual emerge as essential components of a compassionate accompaniment of those facing the wish to die.
Effect of early serum phosphate disorder on in-hospital and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients: a retrospective study based on MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Luo Yinghao , Peng Yahui , Tang Yujia , Huang Pengfei , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Chunying , Zhang Weiting , Zhou Jing , Liang Longyu , Zhang YuXin , Yu Kaijiang , Wang Changsong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to assess the influence of early serum phosphate fluctuation on the short-term prognosis of sepsis patients.

Methods
This retrospective study used the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database to analyze serum phosphate levels in sepsis patients within 3 days of ICU admission. According to the absolute value of delta serum phosphate (the maximum value minus the minimum value of serum phosphorus measured within three days), the patients were divided into four groups, 0–1.3, 1.4–2.0, 2.1–3.1, and ≥ 3.2 mg/dl. Meanwhile, the direction of delta serum phosphate was compared. With the serum phosphate change group of 0–1.3 mg/dl as the reference group, the relationship between delta serum phosphate and in-hospital mortality and 28-day mortality was analyzed by multivariate Logistics regression analysis.

Results
The study involved 1375 sepsis patients. Serum phosphate changes (0–1.3, 1.4–2.0, 2.1–3.1, and ≥ 3.2 mg/dl) correlated with in-hospital and 28-day mortality variations (p = 0.005, p = 0.008). Much higher serum phosphate fluctuation elevated in-hospital and 28-day mortality. Compared to the 0–1.3 mg/dl change group, adjusted odds ratios (OR) in other groups for in-hospital mortality were 1.25 (0.86–1.81), 1.28 (0.88–1.86), and 1.63 (1.10–2.43), and for 28-day mortality were 1.21 (0.86–1.72), 1.10 (0.77–1.57), and 1.49 (1.03–2.19). Under the trend of increasing serum phosphate, the ORs of in-hospital mortality and 28-day mortality in ≥ 3.2 mg/dl group were 2.52 and 2.01, respectively.

Conclusion
In conclude, the delta serum phosphate ≥ 3.2 mg/dl was associated with in-hospital mortality and 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis.
Perceived discrimination in health care in Germany– results of a population survey
Authors: von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Klein Jens 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
It has consistently been shown that perceived discrimination is associated with adverse health outcomes. Despite this uncontested relevance, there is a lack of research on the experiences of discrimination in health care. Therefore, the following research questions were addressed: (1) How often do people in Germany report having been discriminated in health care due to different reasons? (2) Which socio-demographic groups are most afflicted by perceived discrimination in health care?

Methods
Analyses are based on a cross-sectional online survey conducted in Germany. An adult population sample was randomly drawn from a panel which was recruited offline (N = 2,201). Respondents were asked whether they have ever been discriminated in health care due to the following reasons: age, sex/gender, racism (i.e. migration history, religion, language problems, colour of skin), health issues or disability (i.e. overweight, mental illness/addiction, disability), socio-economic status (SES, i.e. income, education, occupation).

Results
26.6% of the respondents reported discrimination experiences. Perceived discrimination due to health issues or disability was most frequent (15%), followed by age (9%) and SES (8.9%). Discrimination due to racism and sex/gender was less frequently reported (4.1% and 2.5%). Younger age groups, women, and 2nd generation migrants as well as respondents with low income and low education were more likely to report any kind of discrimination in health care. Two groups were found to be at special risk for reporting discrimination in health care across different reasons: women and younger age groups. Discrimination due to racism was more prevalent among respondents who have immigrated themselves than those who were born in Germany but whose parents have immigrated. Discrimination due to SES was significantly associated with (low) income but not with education.

Conclusions
More than a quarter of the adult population in Germany reported experiences of discrimination in health care. Such experiences were more frequent among lower SES groups, migrants, women, and younger people. Results underline the necessity of interventions to reduce the magnitude and consequences of discrimination in health care. Future studies should apply an intersectional approach to consider interactions between social inequality indicators regarding discrimination and to identify risk groups that are potentially afflicted by multiple discrimination.
Small molecule inhibitor targeting the Hsp70-Bim protein–protein interaction in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer overcomes tamoxifen resistance
Authors: Song Ting , Zhang Hong , Zhao Qicheng , Hu Zhiyuan , Wang Ziqian , Song Yang , Zhang Zhichao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Estrogen receptor (ER) positive patients compromise about 70% of breast cancers. Tamoxifen, an antagonist of ERα66 (the classic ER), is the most effective and the standard first-line drug. However, its efficacy is limited by the development of acquired resistance.

Methods
A specific inhibitor of Hsp70-Bim protein–protein interaction (PPI), S1g-2, together with an inhibitor of Hsp70-Bag3 PPI, MKT-077 and an ATP-competitive inhibitor VER155008, were used as chemical tools. Cell viability assays, co-immunoprecipitation and gene knockdown were used to investigate the role of Hsp70 in tamoxifen resistance. A xenograft model was established in which tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer (MCF-7/TAM-R) cells maintained in the presence of 5 μM tamoxifen were subcutaneously inoculated. The anti-tumor efficiency of S1g-2 was measured after a daily injection of 0.8 mg/kg for 14 days.

Results
It was revealed that Hsp70-Bim PPI protects ERα-positive breast cancer from tamoxifen-induced apoptosis through binding and stabilizing ERα36, rather than ERα66, resulting in sustained EGFR mRNA and protein expression. Disruption of Hsp70-Bim PPI and downregulation of ERα36 expression in tumor samples are consistent with the in vitro functions of S1g-2, resulting in about a three-fold reduction in tumor volume.

Conclusions
The in vivo activity and safety of S1g-2 illustrated that it is a potential strategy for Hsp70-Bim disruption to overcome tamoxifen-resistant ER-positive breast cancer.
Does somatosensory discrimination therapy alter sensorimotor upper limb function differently compared to motor therapy in children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kleeren Lize , Mailleux Lisa , McLean Belinda , Elliott Catherine , Dequeker Griet , Van Campenhout Anja , de Xivry Jean-Jacques Orban , Verheyden Geert , Ortibus Els , Klingels Katrijn , Feys Hilde 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Besides motor impairments, up to 90% of the children and adolescents with unilateral cerebral palsy (uCP) present with somatosensory impairments in the upper limb. As somatosensory information is of utmost importance for coordinated movements and motor learning, somatosensory impairments can further compromise the effective use of the impaired upper limb in daily life activities. Yet, intervention approaches specifically designated to target these somatosensory impairments are insufficiently investigated in children and adolescents with uCP. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to compare the effectiveness of somatosensory discrimination therapy and dose-matched motor therapy to improve sensorimotor upper limb function in children and adolescents with uCP, who experience somatosensory impairments in the upper limb. We will further explore potential behavioral and neurological predictors of therapy response.

Methods
A parallel group, evaluator-blinded, phase-II, single-center RCT will be conducted for which 50 children and adolescents with uCP, aged 7 to 15 years, will be recruited. Participants will be randomized to receive 3 weekly sessions of 45 minutes of either somatosensory discrimination therapy or upper limb motor therapy for a period of 8 weeks. Stratification will be performed based on age, manual ability, and severity of tactile impairment at baseline. Sensorimotor upper limb function will be evaluated at baseline, immediately after the intervention and after 6 months follow-up. The primary outcome measure will be bimanual performance as measured with the Assisting Hand Assessment. Secondary outcomes include a comprehensive test battery to objectify somatosensory function and measures of bimanual coordination, unimanual motor function, and goal attainment. Brain imaging will be performed at baseline to investigate structural brain lesion characteristics and structural connectivity of the white matter tracts.

Discussion
This protocol describes the design of an RCT comparing the effectiveness of somatosensory discrimination therapy and dose-matched motor therapy to improve sensorimotor upper limb function in children and adolescents with uCP. The results of this study may aid in the selection of the most effective upper limb therapy, specifically for children and adolescents with tactile impairments.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06006065). Registered on August 8, 2023.
IxPopDyMod: an R package to write, run, and analyze tick population and infection dynamics models
Authors: Stokowski Myles , Allen David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Given the increasing prevalence of tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, modeling the population and infection dynamics of tick vectors is an important public health tool. These models have applications for testing the effects of control methods or climate change on tick populations. There is an established history of tick population models, but code for them is rarely shared, especially not in a convenient format for others to modify and use. We present an R package, called , intended to function as a flexible and consistent framework for reproducible Ixodidae (hard-bodied ticks) population dynamics models. Here we focus on two key parts of the package: a function to create valid model configurations and a function to run a configured model and return the daily population over time. We provide three examples in appendices: one reproducing an existing Ixodes scapularis population model, one providing a novel Dermacentor albipictus model, and one showing Borrelia burgdorferi infection in ticks. Together these examples show the flexibility of the package to model scenarios of interest to tick researches.

Graphical Abstract
ParSCo: celebrating 10 years of a unique parasitology summer course
Authors: Dantas-Torres Filipe , Bezerra-Santos Marcos Antonio , Mendoza-Roldan Jairo Alfonso , Lia Riccardo Paolo , Perles Livia , Barrera Juan Pedro , Fagundes-Moreira Renata , Carbonara Mariaelisa , Varcasia Antonio , Brianti Emanuele , Deak Georgiana , Rojas Alicia , Miró Guadalupe , Volf Petr , Baneth Gad , Otranto Domenico 
Published: February 2024

AbstractParSCo (Parasitology Summer Course) is an intense, 1-week-long summer course organized by the Parasitology Unit of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy, with the support of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP), the European Veterinary Parasitology College (EVPC) and Parasites and Vectors. The course, which is conducted in southern Italy, is planned for parasitologists and post-graduate students working in the field of parasitology. The course consists of theoretical and practical lessons, which include the collection, identification and diagnosis of parasites of pets, livestock and wildlife. The participants in ParSCo are afforded the opportunity to be involved in clinical examination and sample collection for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases (e.g. leishmaniosis, thelaziosis and many tick-borne diseases) present in the Mediterranean Basin. The course is conducted at Casa di Caccia, a hunting lodge situated in the Gallipoli Cognato Forest near the Basento River in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. In addition to the training purpose, ParSCo is a great opportunity for sharing knowledge and expertise while becoming part of the parasitology community in a pleasant environment. In this editorial, we share some information and celebrate 10 years of ParSCo, looking forward to forthcoming sessions of this unique parasitology summer course.
Graphical Abstract
Comparative effectiveness of different modes of exercise interventions in diabetics with frailty in China: a systematic review and a network meta-analysis
Authors: Qin Liu , Junjie Peng , Xinhong Wei , Shengju Fang , Ruifen Sun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
To systematically evaluate the efficacy of different training modes in patients with diabetes decline.

Methods
PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, WANFANG, SinoMed were searched in computer to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of training intervention in patients with diabetes and frailty, and the search time was as of May 21, 2023. After two review authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies, network meta-analysis was performed using Stata14.0 and R4.3.1 software. Fasting blood glucose (FGB), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), two-hour postprandial blood glucose (PBG), total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and body mass index (BMI) were used as outcome measures.

Results
A total of 15 RCTs were included, including 1550 patients. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that integrated training reduced FBG compared with the control group; integrated training, Pilates training, resistance training can reduce HbA1c; Pilates training and resistance training can reduce PBG; integrated training, Pilates training, resistance training can reduce TCH; Pilates training and resistance training can reduce TG; resistance training improves BMI. The results of the best probability ranking showed that multi-group training had the most significant effect on improving PBG and SPPB scores.

Conclusion
The current evidence suggests that multi-group training is the best way to reduce fasting blood glucose and improve physical activity before meals, and Pilates training may be the best way to reduce glycated hemoglobin, blood glucose two hours after meals, improve blood lipid level and BMI in patients with diabetes in China.
Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number for this study: CRD42023427868.
Tacrolimus-induced cholestatic hepatotoxicity after renal transplantation: a case report
Authors: Pourrezagholi Fatemeh , Amini Hossein , Moradi Omid , Ziaie Shadi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In this manuscript, we report a case of tacrolimus-associated hepatotoxicity in a kidney transplant recipient.

Case presentation
In this case report, a 56 years old Arab male patient who received a kidney transplant presented with icterus, weakness, and lethargy two weeks after transplantation and tacrolimus initiation. In laboratory analysis hyperbilirubinemia and a rise in hepatic enzymes were observed. All possible causes of hepatotoxicity were examined. The panel for infectious causes was negative. Drug-induced liver injury was diagnosed. The patient’s immunosuppressive regimen was changed to a cyclosporine-based regimen and after this change bilirubin and hepatic enzymes decreased and the patient was discharged without signs and symptoms of hepatitis.

Conclusion
It seems that the patient’s hyperbilirubinemia was due to tacrolimus, and the patient’s bilirubin decreased after stopping tacrolimus.
Generalized strongly n-polynomial convex functions and related inequalities
Authors: Özcan Serap , Kadakal Mahir , İşcan İmdat , Kadakal Huriye 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis paper focuses on introducing and examining the class of generalized stronglyn-polynomial convex functions. Relationships between these functions and other types of convex functions are explored. The Hermite–Hadamard inequality is established for generalized stronglyn-polynomial convex functions. Additionally, new integral inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type are derived for this class of functions using the Hölder–İşcan integral inequality. The results obtained in this paper are compared with those known in the literature, demonstrating the superiority of the new results. Finally, some applications for special means are provided.