bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of anxiety sensitivity on observing in mindfulness among clinical populations with anxiety and/or depressive disorders
Authors: Diamond Danielle Moskow , Curtiss Joshua , Carpenter Joseph K. , Ito Masaya , Hofmann Stefan G. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Many individuals who engage in mindfulness techniques experience decreased anxiety. Yet some who engage in mindfulness, particularly those with panic disorder (PD) or elevated anxiety sensitivity (AS) note heightened anxiety when focusing on particular sensations. The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) is the most widely utilized mindfulness questionnaire- however, the Observe facet has shown variability in the literature. This study therefore aimed to determine whether specific aspects of the Observe facet of the FFMQ differ in individuals with PD or elevated anxiety sensitivity (AS).
Methods: We examined a clinical sample of 1521 Japanese individuals who completed online self-report questionnaires, including the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).
Results: Several multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) models investigated differential item functioning among the items in the Observe facet of the FFMQ, based on PD and/or AS. This process was repeated to examine the relationship between the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) subscales and particular items of the Observe facet. Increased AS correlated with more observing generally, and increased AS was associated with greater scores on observing internal items and lower scores on observing external items. When PD and AS were analyzed simultaneously, only AS remained significant. The cognitive subscale showed the same pattern of results as the total ASI-3 subscale.
Conclusions: The findings of this study reveal that AS may modulate the mindfulness experience. The study sheds light on the importance of understanding where an individual observes in order to tailor mindfulness treatments for individuals.
The peripheral epigenome predicts white matter volume contingent on developmental stage: An ECHO study
Authors: Spencer Sophie. , Harker Samantha A. , Barry Fatoumata , Beauchemin Jennifer , Braden B. Blair , Burton Phoebe , D’sa Viren , Koinis-Mitchell Daphne , Mennenga Sarah E. , Deoni Sean C.L. , Lewis Candace R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, are emerging as key areas of interest for their potential roles as biomarkers and contributors to the risk of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and other brain-based disorders. Despite this growing focus, there remains a notable gap in our understanding of how DNA methylation correlates with individual variations in brain function and structure. Additionally, the dynamics of these relationships during developmental periods, which are critical windows during which many disorders first appear, are still largely unexplored. The current study extends the field by examining if peripheral DNA methylation of myelination-related genes predicts white matter volume in a healthy pediatric population [N = 250; females = 113; age range 2 months-14 years; Mage = 5.14, SDage = 3.60]. We assessed if DNA methylation of 17 myelin-related genes predict white matter volume and if age moderates these relationships. Results highlight low variability in myelin-related epigenetic variance at birth, which rapidly increases non-linearly with age, and that DNA methylation, measured at both the level of a CpG site or gene, is highly predictive of white matter volume, in early childhood but not late childhood. These novel findings propel the field forward by establishing that DNA methylation of myelin-related genes from a peripheral tissue is a predictive marker of white matter volume in children and is influenced by developmental stage. The research underscores the significance of peripheral epigenetic patterns as a proxy for investigating the effects of environmental factors, behaviors, and disorders associated with white matter.
Elastogenesis Stimulation by Minoxidil or Nebivolol Reduces Premature Aging of the Aortic Wall in Diabetic Mice
Authors: Henry Auberi , Vanalderwiert Laetitia , Wahart Amandine , Berrio Daniel A Carvajal , Brauchle Eva M , Schenke-Layland Katja , Brinckmann Juergen , Steenbock Heiko , Debelle Laurent , Six Isabelle , Faury Gilles , Jaisson Stéphane , Gillery Philippe , Durlarch Vincent , Sartelet Hervé , Maurice Pascal , Bennasroune Amar , Martiny Laurent , Duca Laurent , Romier Béatrice , Blaise Sébastien 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The approximately fifteen-year reduction in life expectancy observed in diabetic patients, compared to non-diabetic individuals, is believed to be attributed to the early onset of cardiovascular diseases. Among the molecular actors involved in the occurrence of cardiovascular complications, the remodeling of elastic fibers (EFs) in favor of degradation rather than neosynthesis is significant.
Objective
This study aims to modulate the elastogenesis/elastolysis balance in the arterial wall of diabetic db/db mice (a diabetic model where the leptin receptor is deficient) to limit the premature aging of their EFs and aortic stiffening.
Methods
Mice are treated with two antihypertensive agents: minoxidil (an ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener) or nebivolol (a β-blocker also active on KATP channels). The degree of wear and functionality of EF are assessed after these treatments. We complement this analysis by identifying molecular actors from smooth muscle cell cultures.
Results
Our data show that by applying these antihypertensive agents in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in diabetic mice, we efficiently stimulate elastogenesis and inhibit elastolysis. Therefore, treatments restore functional EFs and limit their degradation. This brings blood pressure values of diseased mice close to normal ones (as in unaffected mice). Elastogenesis pathway stimulation and elastolysis inhibition are induced by the opening of sensitive KATP channels and the regulation of the forkhead box transcription factor (FOXO1).
Conclusion
Monitoring these two pathways could, therefore, be sufficient to limit the premature aging of the aorta and to reduce the occurrence of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and aneurysms in diabetic patients.
Do the gait domains change in PD patients with freezing of gait during their ‘interictal’ period?
Authors: Zhao Jiahao , Liu Chen , Wan Ying , Zhu Xiaobo , Song Lu , Liu Zhenguo , Gan Jing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Freezing of Gait (FOG) is one of the disabling symptoms in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). While it is difficult to early detect because of the sporadic occurrence of initial freezing events. Whether the characteristic of gait impairments in PD patients with FOG during the ‘interictal’ period is different from that in non-FOG patients is still unclear.
Methods
The gait parameters were measured by wearable inertial sensors. Exploratory factor analysis was used to investigate the inherent structure of diverse univariate gait parameters, with the aim of identifying shared characteristics among the gait variables.
Results
This cross-sectional study involved 68 controls and 245 PD patients (167 without FOG and 78 with FOG). The analysis yielded six distinct gait domains which were utilized to describe the impaired gait observed during the “interictal” period of FOG. Both PD-nFOG and PD-FOG groups exhibited significant impairments in the pace domain, kinematic domain, gait phase domain, and turning process domain compared to the healthy control. The gait phase domain was different in the PD-FOG group compared to the PD-nFOG group (p corrected = 0.004, Cohen's d = -0.46). And it was identified as independent risk factor for FOG (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.05–2.55, p = 0.030), as well as other risk factors: gender (OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.19–5.99, p = 0.017), MDS-UPDRS IV score (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.10–1.37, p < 0.001), and PIGD subscore (OR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.30–1.73, p < 0.001). The model demonstrated a correct discrimination rate of 0.78 between PD-FOG and PD-nFOG, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.87.
Conclusions
FOG was found to be associated with abnormal alterations in the gait phase domain during the interictal period. Models constructed using gait phase domain, PIGD subscore, gender, and severity of motor complications can better differentiate freezers from no-freezers during ‘interictal’ period.
Systematic Comparison Suggesting Intranasal Transplantation was the Best Route of Administration of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells(hUC-MSCs) in Hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage (HIBD)Rat Model
Authors: Zhou Linyan , Zheng Kun , Zhang Ruibo , He Guangzhen , Xu Jinyun , Jiang Hao , Ren Lan , Zhou Miao , Zhao Liang , Liu Wenting , Gu Jiaowei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims: Hypoxic-ischaemic brain damage (HIBD) remains a common sequelae of various nervous system diseases. Human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) transplantation was considered to be promising in treating HIBD.
However, the best route of administration to transplant hUC-MSCs remains open. In this study, we systematically compared the three routes of administration —— the IntraVenous (IV)， IntraCerebral (IC) and IntraNasal (IN) administration for the first time to guide the best clinical practice.
Methods: The HIBD rat models were built on the 7th (PN7) day after birth of rats. The three routes of administration of hUC-MSCs were conducted on the 14th day (PN14) after birth of rats. And theses three groups (HIBD+IV, HIBD+IN, HIBD+IC) were compared with HIBD and sham group on motor function、learning and memory function improvement by hanging wire, vertical pole test, and Morris water maze (MWM) test on 10th (PN10) and 21st (PN21) day after birth of rats. Moreover, the pathological tests were used to compare the pathological repair effects of three routes of administration: the morphological changes of brain tissue were tested by Haematoxylin and Eosin staining (HE staining); the proliferation of reactive astrocytes were compared by detecting the expression of glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP) by immunohistochemistry; and the number of neuronal apoptosis in cortex and hippocampus were compared by TUNEL staining.
Results: The motor function of rats in HIBD group was significantly lower than that in sham group on the PN10, both in hanging wire and vertical pole tests (P< 0.0001). This shows the effectiveness of our HIBD model. All of the three routes of administration groups showed significant improvement of motor and learning function, reducing the liquefaction necrosis, GFAP expression, and apoptosis rate of nerve cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of HIBD rats. Among the three routes of administration groups, the functional improvement and pathological repair effect of intracerebral (IC) and intranasal (IN) administration were better than those of intravenous (IV) administration stem cells. And no significant difference between intracerebral and intranasal administration. As intranasal (IN) administration is more compliant and convenient in clinical practice than intracerebral (IC) administration, thus we suggest that intranasal (IN) administration is the best route of administration of hUC-MSCs on HIBD treatment.
A latent profile analysis of the functions of binge eating
Authors: O’Loghlen Elyse , Galligan Roslyn , Grant Sharon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to identify naturally occurring groups of individuals experiencing binge eating (BE) symptoms based on their endorsement of varied functions of BE.
Method
Adults (N = 646) with self-reported BE symptoms were examined using latent profile analysis to identify differentiated profiles based on eight established functions of BE. Profiles were also compared on measures of BE symptoms, eating disorder psychopathology, internal shame, body shame, psychological distress, adverse childhood experiences, and demographic variables.
Results
A four-profile solution was selected balancing goodness-of-fit and interpretability. Profiles identified were Emotion Avoidance, Classic, Emotion Reactivity, and Complex, with profiles differing primarily on emotion- and trauma-related functions of BE, and varying on all associated characteristics examined, with the Complex profile showing the most adverse associations.
Discussion
The identification of these distinct profiles suggests that individuals present with differentiated, inter-related patterns or reasons for BE. These clinically relevant profiles may inform binge-eating disorder intervention choice and the targeting of specific maintenance factors within profiles. Further research is needed to examine the clinical utility of these profiles in informing the most suitable psychological treatment for an individual.
Effect of internet usage on the life satisfaction of the spousal caregivers of disabled elderly
Authors: Li Jia , Liang Nan , Wu Yue , Ma Xiangcao , Liao Zangyi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This empirical study assesses the impact of internet usage on the life satisfaction of the spousal caregivers responsible for disabled elderly. Drawing upon the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) (released in November 2023), we investigated the health status and life satisfaction of the spousal caregivers for disabled elderly with the recent rapid development of the internet employing a stratified Proportionate to Size Sampling (PPS) approach. We examined whether the life satisfaction of the elders’ spousal caregivers is associated with Internet use and whether Internet adoption can moderate intergenerational relationships, interpersonal interactions, and political-engagement of such caregivers. The study analyzed 760 samples (with an average age of 60.31 years, and rural households comprising 77.14%). We found there has a positive correlation between internet usage and the life satisfaction of the spousal caregivers. This finding enhances our understanding of the relationship between the internet usage and the life satisfaction of such individuals. Additionally, this study promotes the advancement of the internet to cater to the population aging, aids the elderly in bridging the digital divide, and offers a theoretical foundation for the government to establish targeted elderly-friendly internet policies.
The impact of education level on all-cause mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sztaniszlav Aron , Björkenheim Anna , Magnuson Anders , Bryngelsson Ing-Liss , Edvardsson Nils , Poci Dritan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The association between socioeconomic status and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is well known, but data on the influence of education level on mortality in individuals with atrial fibrillation (AF) are scarce. We investigated education level as a predictor of all-cause mortality in patients diagnosed with AF. This retrospective cohort study used a database created from several Swedish nationwide registries to identify all patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of AF from 1995 through 2008. Education level was categorized as primary, secondary, and academic. All-cause mortality risk was estimated in subpopulations defined by Charlson´s Comorbidity Index and several comorbidities. A total of 272,182 patients (56% male; mean age 72 ± 10 years) were followed over a five-year period. Cox regression models showed a reduction in all–cause mortality risk with increased education level. Hazard ratios (HR) relative to primary education remained significant after stratification and adjustment for several confounders: secondary education HR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.86–0.89; p < 0.001; academic education HR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.67–0.72; p < 0.001. Subpopulation analyses further confirmed that the relative risk reduction associated with a higher education level was statistically significant, regardless of comorbidity.
Bio-physical and socio-economic challenges, farmers’ perception of success and 14- year soil fertility trajectories in smallholder organic market gardens of North-East Zimbabwe
Authors: Tumbure Akinson , Chiduwa Mazvita , Mazuruse Gideon , Nyagadza Brighton , Kusena Kudzai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Some researchers have argued that organic agriculture does not yield intended benefits in African smallholder settings because of degraded soils and lack of organic resources. A multidisciplinary case study analysis of selected organic farming gardens in Makoni, Zimbabwe was done to explore farmer resources, perceptions, market access, preferences, and soil fertility status using survey and interview tools and soil analysis. Lack of agricultural water was identified as a major production challenge by 75% of respondents. Unavailable and unreliable transport and low income from sales were identified as the two main challenges (84 % of respondents) in selling organic produce. Roughly 95% of interviewed farmers currently sell their organic produce not marked as organic in the local district. We also reveal that 14-year organic management of soil fertility at MOFA has resulted in increased on average pH (range 0.6 – 2.1 units), and available P (range x6 – x26) compared to adjacent uncultivated areas. Soil organic matter either stayed the same or increased at 5 out of 6 sites and exchangeable Ca, Mg, and K increased by at least 157%, 21%, and 10%, respectively, all compared to uncultivated land. These improvements are likely the reason why 64% of farmers said they had observed yield increases. We conclude that 14 years of organic agriculture has led to the improvement of soil fertility in the initially low-fertility gardens as measured by pH, organic matter, and nutrient content. However, we recommend strengthening the market access to organic produce to sustain organic farming for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe.
Crosstalk between mitochondrial and lysosomal co-regulators defines clinical outcomes of breast cancer by integrating multi-omics and machine learning
Authors: Chen Huilin , wang zhenghui , Shi Jiale , Peng Jinghui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of mitochondrial and lysosomal co-dysfunction on breast cancer patient outcomes is unclear. The objective of this study is to develop a predictive machine learning (ML) model utilizing mitochondrial and lysosomal co-regulators in order to enhance the prognosis for individuals with BC.
Methods
Differences and correlations of mitochondrial and lysosome related genes were screened and validated. WGCNA and univariate Cox regression were employed to identify prognostic mitochondrial and lysosomal co-regulators. ML was utilized to further selected these regulators as mitochondrial and lysosome-related model signature genes (mlMSGs)and constructed models. The association between the immune and mlMSGs score was investigated through scRNA-seq. Finally, the expression and function of the key gene SHMT2 were confirmed through in vitro experiments.
Results
According to the C-index, the coxboost+ Survivor-SVM model was identified as the most suitable for predicting outcomes in BC patients. Subsequently, patients were stratified into high and low risk groups based on the model, which demonstrated strong prognostic accuracy. While the overall immunoinfiltration of immune cells was decreased in the high-risk group, it was specifically noted that B cell mlMSGs activity remained diminished in high-risk patients. Additionally, the study found that SHMT2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BC cells.
Conclusion
This study shows that the ML model accurately predicts the prognosis of BC patients. Analysis conducted through the model has identified decreased B-cell immune infiltration and reduced mlMSGs activity as significant factors influencing patient prognosis. These results may offer novel approaches for early intervention and prognostic forecasting in BC.
Detection and clinical analysis of human coronavirus infection with acute respiratory tract infection in children in the Xiamen area, China, in 2021-2023
Authors: Su Dequan , Xu Yong jun , Zhang Jinqiang , Ye Pingping , Ou Chunmei , Lin Xiaoyan , Su Wei , Zhuo Zhiqiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose:To investigate human coronavirus (HCoV) infection with acute respiratory tract infection in children in the Xiamen area, China, and to analyze the clinical features of HCoV infection in children.
Methods: A total of 15 283 children with acute respiratory tract infection were hospitalized in Xiamen City Children's Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. Nasopharyngeal swabs from these children were assessed for the presence 13 respiratory tract-associated viruses, namely, Influenza A virus, adenovirus, bocavirus, rhinovirus, human coronavirus, influenza A virus H1N1, parainfluenza virus, chlamydia, metapneumovirus, influenza B virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and seasonal H3N2 virus using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The clinical symptoms and signs of HCoV-positive children were analyzed and compared with those of RSV-infected children hospitalized during the same period.
Results:(1) Of the 15 283 children with acute respiratory infections, 8624 were positive for HCoV.(2) The HCoV detection rate was 0.87% (54/6230) during 2021, 0.82% (53/6439) during 2022, and 1.53% (40/2612) during 2023. The HCoV detection rates (%) for January to December were 0.98, 0.86, 0.83, 0.96, 0.67, 0.57, 0.66, 0.98, 1.02, 1.66, 1.89 and 1.23, respectively.(3) Eighty cases of acute respiratory tract infection with HCoV alone were hospitalized, including 33 cases of bronchopneumonia, 23 cases of acute bronchitis, 10 of acute tonsillitis, 10 of acute tonsillitis, and 4 of acute laryngitis.(4) The common clinical manifestations of HCoV-only infection were cough (72 cases), fever (64 cases), and wheezing (23 cases).(5) The proportion of wheezing in the RSV group was significantly higher than that in the HCoV group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences observed in other clinical manifestations, the incidence of complications, and proportion of cases requiring mechanical ventilation between HCoV group and 103 RSV infected children (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Between January 2021 and June 2023, the detection rate of HCoV in Xiamen was 0.96%. The clinical manifestations and severity of acute respiratory tract infections due to HCoV were similar to those with respiratory syncytial virus infection.
The Brain’s First “Traffic Map” through Unified Structural and Functional Connectivity (USFC) Modeling
Authors: SILEMEK Arzu HAS , Chen Haitao , Sati Pascal , Gao Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The brain’s white matter connections are thought to provide the structural basis for its functional connections between distant brain regions but how our brain selects the best structural routes for effective functional communications remains poorly understood. In this study, we propose a Unified Structural and Functional Connectivity (USFC) model and use an “economical assumption” to create the brain’s first “traffic map” reflecting how frequently each structural connection segment of the brain is used to achieve the global functional communication system. The resulting USFC map highlights regions in the subcortical, default-mode, and salience networks as the most heavily traversed nodes and a midline frontal-caudate-thalamus-posterior cingulate-visual cortex corridor as the backbone of the whole brain connectivity system. Our results further revealed a striking negative association between structural and functional connectivity strengths in routes supporting negative functional connections as well as much higher efficiency metrics in the USFC connectome when compared to structural and functional ones alone. Overall, the proposed USFC model opens up a new window for effective brain connectome modeling and provides a considerable leap forward in brain mapping efforts for a better understanding of the brain’s fundamental communication mechanisms.