bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Responsiveness to exoskeleton loading during bimanual reaching is associated with corticospinal tract integrity in stroke
Authors: Brunfeldt Alexander T. , Bregman Barbara S. , Lum Peter S. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundDevice-based rehabilitation of upper extremity impairment following stroke often employs one-sized-fits-all approaches that do not account for individual differences in patient characteristics.ObjectiveDetermine if corticospinal tract lesion load could explain individual differences in the responsiveness to exoskeleton loading of the arms in chronic stroke participants.MethodsFourteen stroke participants performed a bimanual shared cursor reaching task in virtual reality while exoskeletons decreased the effective weight of the more-impaired arm and increased the effective weight of the less-impaired arm. We calculated the change in relative displacement between the arms (RC) and the change in relative muscle activity (MC) between the arms from the biceps and deltoids. We calculated corticospinal tract lesion load (wCSTLL) in a subset of 10 participants.ResultsExoskeleton loading did not change RC (p = 0.07) or MC (p = 0.47) at the group level, but significant individual differences emerged. Participants with little overlap between the lesion and corticospinal tract responded to loading by decreasing muscle activity in the more-impaired arm relative to the less-impaired arm. The change in deltoid MC was associated with smaller wCSTLL (R2 = 0.43, p = 0.039); there was no such relationship for biceps MC (R2 &lt; 0.001, p = 0.98).ConclusionHere we provide evidence that corticospinal tract integrity is a critical feature that determines one’s ability to respond to upper extremity exoskeleton loading. Our work contributes to the development of personalized device-based interventions that would allow clinicians and researchers to titrate constraint levels during bimanual activities.
A potential brain functional biomarker distinguishing patients with Crohn’s disease with different disease stages: a resting-state fMRI study
Authors: Huang Mengting , Ma Guina , Zou Yan , Ma Hui , Fan Wenliang , Li Xin , Zhu Liangru , Han Ping , Wang Huan , Shi Heshui 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe previous studies have demonstrated that patients with Crohn’s disease in remission (CD-R) have abnormal alterations in brain function. However, whether brain function changes in patients with Crohn’s disease in activity (CD-A) and the relationship with CD-R are still unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the different levels of disease activity may differentially affect the brain function and to find the brain functional biomarker distinguishing patients with different disease stages by measuring the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF).Methods121 patients with CD and 91 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. The clinical and psychological assessment of participants were collected. The criteria for the disease activity were the Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) scores. CD-R refers to CD patients in remission which the CDAI score is less than 150. Conversely, CD-A refers to CD patients in activity which the CDAI score is ≥150. The ALFF was compared among three groups by performing one-way analysis of variance, followed by a post hoc two-sample t-test. Differences among the groups were selected as seeds for functional connectivity analyses. We also investigated the correlation among clinical, psychological scores and ALFF. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the unique contribution of the ALFF characteristics of the disease stages.ResultsThere were widespread differences of ALFF values among the 3 groups, which included left frontal pole (FP_L), right supramarginal gyrus (SG_R), left angular gyrus (AG_L), right cingulate gyrus (CG_R), right intracalcarine cortex (IC_R), right parahippocampal gyrus (PG_R), right lingual gyrus (LG_R), right precuneous cortex (PC_R), left occipital fusiform gyrus (OFG_L). Significant brain regions showing the functional connections (FC) increased in FP_L, SG_R, PC_R and OFG_L between CD-A and HCs. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate had a negative correlation with the ALFF values in PC_R in the patients with CD. The phobic anxiety values had a negative correlation with the ALFF values in OFG_L. The psychoticism values had a negative correlation with ALFF values in the IC_R. And the hostility values had a positive correlation with the ALFF values in CG_R. Significant brain regions showing the FC increased in FP_L, SG_R, CG_R, PG_R, LG_R and OFG_L between CD-R and HCs. In binary logistic regression models, the LG_R (beta = 5.138, p = 0.031), PC_R (beta = 1.876, p = 0.002) and OFG_L (beta = 3.937, p = 0.044) was disease stages predictors.ConclusionThe results indicated the significance of the altered brain activity in the different disease stages of CD. Therefore, these findings present a potential identify neuroimaging-based brain functional biomarker in CD. Additionally, the study provides a better understanding of the pathophysiology of CD.
Diagnostic and prognostic potential of exosome non-coding RNAs in bladder cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yani , Shi Kesong , Fu Xinyao , Guo Hua , Gao Tian , Yu Haiquan 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundBladder cancer stands as the predominant malignant tumor in the urological system, presenting a significant challenge to public health and garnering extensive attention. Recently, with the deepening research into tumor molecular mechanisms, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as potential biomarkers offering guidance for the diagnosis and prognosis of bladder cancer. However, the definitive role of ncRNAs in bladder cancer remains unclear. Hence, this study aims to elucidate the relevance and significance of ncRNAs through a Meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic meta-analysis was executed, including studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of ncRNAs and their associations with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Key metrics such as hazard ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratios were extracted and pooled from these studies. Potential publication bias was assessed using Deeks’ funnel plot, and the robustness of the results was ascertained through a sensitivity analysis.ResultsElevated ncRNA expression showed a positive correlation with improved OS, evidenced by a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.66-0.96, P&lt;0.001). Similarly, a significant association was observed between heightened ncRNA expression and DFS, with an HR of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.73-0.99, P&lt;0.001). Diagnostic performance analysis across 17 articles yielded a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 and a specificity of 0.83. The diagnostic odds ratio was recorded at 2.71, with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) standing at 0.85.ConclusionExosome ncRNAs appear to possess potential significance in the diagnostic and prognostic discussions of bladder cancer. Their relationship with survival outcomes and diagnostic measures suggests a possible clinical utility. Comprehensive investigations are needed to fully determine their role in the ever-evolving landscape of bladder cancer management, especially within the framework of personalized medicine.
East Asian American cultural essentialism
Authors: Chiou Andy Y. , Feng Jing Betty 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPast research on the “bamboo ceiling” tend to focus on the barriers it presents, with few studies examining individuals who break through the bamboo ceiling. The purpose of this study is to explain the psychological factors driving the individual differences between East Asian Americans who break through the bamboo ceiling and those who do not.MethodologyThis two-study sequential mixed-methods exploratory research study included 19 one-on-one semi-structured interviews and 338 survey respondents by East Asian Americans.ResultsIn Study 1, based on 19 one-on-one semi cultural essentialism and bicultural identity integration emerged from the interview data as contributing factors. Interviewees who exhibited essentialist or social constructionist beliefs showed different behavioral and career patterns. This mediating relationship was supported in Study 2. Taken together, it was found that East Asian Americans who had less essentialist views of culture were more likely to have a fluid and integrated bicultural identity and more likely to break the bamboo ceiling in their careers.DiscussionThe findings from both qualitative and quantitative data suggest that having more fluid concepts of culture, associating with more integrated bicultural identities, may improve career prospects in a multicultural work environment. This article offers practical implications for Asian Americans who desire to achieve their career goals to be authentic self while remaining adaptable and developing a mindset of “flexibility.”
Case report: Cutaneous metastases as a first manifestation from breast cancer with concurrent gastric metastases
Authors: Xu Lulu , Wang Congcong , Yang Xiaoling , Dong Liangliang 
Published: March 2024

Background: Breast cancer represents a leading cause of malignancy among Chinese women, posing a significant health burden. The diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, particularly to uncommon sites like the skin and stomach, presents distinct challenges.Case introduction: This case report describes a 71-year-old Chinese women with a persistent back rash lasting more than 6 months. Physical examination revealed red papules on her back. Immunohistochemistry confirmed positive for cytokeratin 7(CK7), GATA-3 and GCDFP15, as well as negative staining of cytokeratin 20 (CK20), suggesting breast cancer metastasis. Further evaluation revealed a breast nodule and axillary lymph node enlargement, with biopsies confirming invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed thickening of the gastric and ascending colon walls. Gastroscopy revealed chronic superficial atrophic gastritis. However, gastric metastasis was further confirmed by pathology. The patient initiated endocrine therapy with fulvestrant and exemestane, resulting in rash resolution and stable breast and stomach lesions after 3 months. Overall, the patient is experiencing an improvement in her condition and remains stable while continuing treatment.Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering atypical metastatic patterns in breast cancer and the potential efficacy of endocrine therapies in managing such cases. Moreover, it emphasizes the need for vigilance in breast cancer patients, especially those with ILC, as gastrointestinal symptoms may indicate gastric metastasis (GMs). Ultimately, early detection and appropriate treatment strategies, such as endocrine therapy, can contribute to improved outcomes in these challenging cases.
Integrated virtual screening and in vitro studies for exploring the mechanism of triterpenoids in Chebulae Fructus alleviating mesaconitine-induced cardiotoxicity via TRPV1 channel
Authors: Song Liangliang , Mi Shuo , Zhao Ying , Liu Ziqin , Wang Jing , Wang Hongyue , Li Wenhui , Wang Jiasheng , Zu Wenting , Du Hong 
Published: March 2024

Background: In traditional Mongolian or Tibetan medicine in China, Chebulae Fructus (CF) is widely used to process or combine with aconitums to decrease the severe toxicity of aconitums. Researches in this area have predominantly focused on tannins, with few research on other major CF components for cardiotoxicity mitigation. The present study aimed to clarify whether triterpenoids can attenuate the cardiotoxicity caused by mesaconitine (MA) and investigate the mechanism of cardiotoxicity attenuation.Methods: Firstly, the pharmacophore model, molecular docking, and 3D-QSAR model were used to explore the mechanism of CF components in reducing the toxicity of MA mediated by the TRPV1 channel. Then three triterpenoids were selected to verify whether the triterpenoids had the effect of lowering the cardiotoxicity of MA using H9c2 cells combined with MTT, Hoechst 33258, and JC-1. Finally, Western blot, Fluo-3AM, and MTT assays combined with capsazepine were used to verify whether the triterpenoids reduced H9c2 cardiomyocyte toxicity induced by MA was related to the TRPV1 channel.Results: Seven triterpenoids in CF have the potential to activate the TRPV1 channel. And they exhibited greater affinity for TRPV1 compared to other compounds and MA. However, their activity was relatively lower than that of MA. Cell experiments revealed that MA significantly reduced H9c2 cell viability, resulting in diminished mitochondrial membrane potential and nuclear pyknosis and damage. In contrast, the triterpenoids could improve the survival rate significantly and counteract the damage of MA to the cells. We found that MA, arjungenin (AR), and maslinic acid (MSA) except corosolic acid (CRA) upregulated the expression of TRPV1 protein. MA induced a significant influx of calcium, whereas all three triterpenoids alleviated this trend. Blocking the TRPV1 channel with capsazepine only increased the cell viability that had been simultaneously treated with MA, and AR, or MSA. However, there was no significant difference in the CRA groups treated with or without capsazepine.Conclusion: The triterpenoids in CF can reduce the cardiotoxicity caused by MA. The MSA and AR function as TRPV1 agonists with comparatively reduced activity but a greater capacity to bind to TRPV1 receptors, thus antagonizing the excessive activation of TRPV1 by MA.
Benefit finding in individuals undergoing maintenance hemodialysis in Shanghai: a latent profile analysis
Authors: Yang Jie , Li Yong-qi , Gong Yan-lin , Yan Hong-li , Chen Jing , Liu Ling-ling , Wu Jing , Chu Jing 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThis multi-center cross-sectional study aimed to delineate latent profiles of benefit finding (BF) in individuals undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) in Shanghai and examine associations between these BF profiles, social support, and coping style.MethodsA total of 384 individuals undergoing MHD (mean age = 57.90, SD = 13.36) were assessed using the Benefit Finding Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified distinct BF categories. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) evaluated the correlation between BF groups and demographic variables, while the relationship between BF, social support, and coping style was tested through correlation and multiple regression analyses.ResultsLPA identified three BF groups: rich BF (54.17%), moderate BF (41.14%), and poor BF (4.69%). Regression analyses indicated that positive coping and social support are protective factors for BF. Additionally, older age and heightened understanding of MHD correlated with higher BF levels.ConclusionThe findings highlighted the importance of recognizing different BF profiles in individuals on MHD and working toward promoting BF levels in the rich BF and moderate BF groups, while helping the poor BF group to identify and address their challenges. Medical professionals should consider interventions tailored to individual psychological profiles to improve mental health and quality of life outcomes in this population.
Intermittent theta burst stimulation and functional connectivity in people living with HIV/AIDS who smoke tobacco cigarettes: a preliminary pilot study
Authors: Rakesh Gopalkumar , Adams Thomas G. , Morey Rajendra A. , Alcorn Joseph L. , Khanal Rebika , Su Amanda E. , Himelhoch Seth S. , Rush Craig R. 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWHA) smoke at three times the rate of the general population and respond poorly to cessation strategies. Previous studies examined repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L. dlPFC) to reduce craving, but no studies have explored rTMS among PLWHA who smoke. The current pilot study compared the effects of active and sham intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) on resting state functional connectivity (rsFC), cigarette cue attentional bias, and cigarette craving in PLWHA who smoke.MethodsEight PLWHA were recruited (single-blind, within-subject design) to receive one session of iTBS (n=8) over the L. dlPFC using neuronavigation and, four weeks later, sham iTBS (n=5). Cigarette craving and attentional bias assessments were completed before and after both iTBS and sham iTBS. rsFC was assessed before iTBS (baseline) and after iTBS and sham iTBS.ResultsCompared to sham iTBS, iTBS enhanced rsFC between the L. dlPFC and bilateral medial prefrontal cortex and pons. iTBS also enhanced rsFC between the right insula and right occipital cortex compared to sham iTBS. iTBS also decreased cigarette craving and cigarette cue attentional bias.ConclusioniTBS could potentially offer a therapeutic option for smoking cessation in PLWHA.
Experiencing art creation as a therapeutic intervention to relieve anxiety - a case study of a university’s ceramic art course
Authors: Zhang XiZhi , Wen Kuohsun , Ding Huan , Zhou XiaoHui 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundUniversity students are anxiety prone. Due to their changing their social roles, the proportion of university students with anxiety is relatively high. In this study, using the simple random sampling, we surveyed 53 university students, including sophomores, juniors, and seniors.AimsThis paper examines the relationship between art creation and anxiety.MethodsThis study uses the Self-Assessment Anxiety Scale (SAS). The test form measures the presence and extent of their anxiety problems through a series of questions. We tested the effects of an art creation process on SAS scores and suggest best practices for course settings and teaching methods for art-related subjects.ResultsArt therapy intervention reduced anxiety. The most effective technique was found to be slapping the clay board during the creation process. Other actions relieved anxiety as well. Results suggest that the art creation process is an application of art therapy effective in relieving anxiety in university students.ConclusionKey actions in the process of creating art are closely related to the treatment approaches used in art therapy interventions. This has the potential to not only improve mental health, but also to promote the health and well-being of students. Implications for future research: Rapid societal changes increasing competition for employment creates work and life pressures. University students face challenges with learning, peer competition, and employment, often resulting in anxiety. A diversified curriculum can alleviate anxiety through proper curricular planning and design. Based on this, the university’s arts courses should be able to study how to improve and optimize the existing teaching and learning outcomes and can be integrated with the university’s general education curriculum planning. Through appropriate teaching content and learning methods, the courses of university general education can play a role in reducing students’ anxiety and promote physical and mental health, thus contributing to sustainable development of the society.
Alterations in the white matter structure of major depressive disorder patients and their link to childhood trauma
Authors: Zhao Haomian , Rong Bei , Gao Guoqing , Zhou Mingzhe , Huang Junhua , Tu Ning , Bu Lihong , Xiao Ling , Wang Gaohua 
Published: March 2024

ObjectivesMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is significantly influenced by childhood trauma (CT), affecting brain anatomy and functionality. Despite the unique disease trajectory in MDD patients with CT, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Our objective is to investigate CT’s impact on the white matter structure of the brain in patients with MDD.MethodsThis research employed tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to detect variations between groups in Fractional Anisotropy (FA) throughout the whole brain in 71 medication-free MDD patients and 97 HCs. Participants filled out the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and assessments for depression and anxiety symptoms. The relationship between FA and CTQ scores was explored with partial correlation analysis, adjusting for factors such as age, gender, educational background, and length of illness.ResultsCompared to HCs, the MDD group showed decreased FA values in the right posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). Simple effects analysis revealed that compared to HC-CT, the MDD-CT group demonstrated decreased FA values in right PLIC, IFOF, and bilateral SLF. The MDD-nCT group showed decreased FA values in right PLIC and IFOF compared to HC-nCT. The total scores and subscale scores of CTQ were negatively correlated with the FA in the right SLF.ConclusionThe right SLF may potentially be influenced by CT during the brain development of individuals with MDD. These results enhance our knowledge of the role of the SLF in the pathophysiology of MDD and the neurobiological mechanisms by which CT influences MDD.
Comply or evade: factors influencing private enterprises’ basic old-age insurance responsibilities
Authors: Xu Wanli , Ma Haosen , Peng Zihao , Peng Caodie , Qian Xihong 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionPrivate enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in production and employment in China. However, due to less regulation and a stronger profit motivation than state-owned enterprises with more standardized management, a considerable portion of these private enterprises fall short of fulfilling their basic responsibilities for government-mandated old-age insurance.MethodsThis study establishes a comprehensive research framework aimed at delving into the precise factors contributing to the lax adherence of private enterprises to their basic old-age insurance obligations. This framework takes into account a range of factors, including enterprise profitability, the external environmental context (specifically the level of regional development), and internal organizational dynamics (such as the presence of labor unions and workers’ congresses). To validate this framework, empirical data from a substantial sample of 3,123 private enterprises, which were part of the 10th Chinese Private Enterprise Survey (CPES), were utilized. This study employs the stepwise multiple regression analysis and conducts robustness tests to ensure the model’s effectiveness.ResultsEnterprise profitability, regional development levels, and the existence of labor unions all wield a positive influence on basic old-age insurance coverage that private enterprises extend to their workforce. Moreover, an intriguing aspect emerges: the developmental stage of the region, as well as the presence of labor unions exercise a negative moderating effect on the relationship between enterprise profitability and the coverage rate of basic old-age insurance. In essence, this implies that the basic old-age insurance coverage rate for private enterprises operating in well-developed regions and those with established labor unions is relatively insulated from fluctuations in profitability.DiscussionTo increase the participation rate of private enterprises’ basic old-age insurance, it is important to improve the overall development environment for private enterprises, enhance internal organizational mechanisms, and strengthen regulatory oversight of enterprises in various regions.