bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory/glial abnormalities: the involvement of the membrane and neurotransmitter dysfunction in schizophrenia
Authors: Zhang Yongping , Yin Jingwen , Yan Haifeng , Yan Ling , Li Yuyu , Zhang Cai , Li Yajuan , Liu Baiping , Lin Juda , Zhang Liqiang , Hu Xueqiong , Song Cai 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionMacrophages or T-lymphocytes triggered inflammation and, consequently, activated glial cells may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter dysfunction in schizophrenia (SZ), while omega(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can attenuate some SZ symptoms through anti-inflammatory effects. However, the correlations between macrophage/T-lymphocyte-produced cytokines and glia phenotypes, between inflammatory status and PUFAs composition, between cytokines and neurotransmitter function, and between n-3 PUFAs and neurotransmitter abnormality in SZ are unclear.MethodsChanges in T-helper (h) patterns, peripheral macrophage/glial markers, PUFAs profile, membrane fluidity, and neurotransmitter functions were evaluated in SZ patients (n = 50) and healthy controls (n = 30) using ELISA, gas chromatography, fluorescence anisotropy techniques, and HPLC, respectively.ResultsCompared to the control, blood lymphocyte proliferation, the concentration of macrophage/microglia phenotype M1 markers, including cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α (Th1) and IL-6 (Th2), and astrocyte phenotype A1 marker S100β was significantly increased, while IL-17 and n-3 PUFAs contents, n-3/n-6 ratio, and membrane fluidity (FLU) were significantly decreased in SZ. Moreover, increased DA and HVA, decreased 5-HT and NE, and their metabolites appeared in SZ. Moreover, negative correlations between IL-6 and A2 marker Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) or n-3 PUFAs EPA and between IL-1β and FLU or 5HIAA, while positive correlations between EPA and 5-HIAA and between FLU and DHA were found in SZ.DiscussionThese findings showed (1) no clear Th pattern, but pro-inflammatory-dominant immunity occurred; (2) the pro-inflammatory pattern may result in the activated microglia M1 and astrocyte A1 phenotype; and (3) increased pro-inflammatory cytokines were related to decreased n-3 PUFA and decreased membrane fluidity and dysfunctional neurotransmitter systems in SZ.
UPSIT subitems may predict motor progression in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsuan , Fang Ting-Chun , Lei Hsin-Bei , Chiu Shih-Chi , Chang Ming-Hong , Guo Yi-Jen 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe relationship between hyposmia and motor progression is controversial in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether preserved identification of Chinese-validated University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) odors could predict PD motor progression.MethodsPD patients with two consecutive clinical visits while taking medication were recruited. Based on mean changes in Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale part 3 score and levodopa equivalent daily dosage, the participants were categorized into rapid progression, medium progression, and slow progression groups. Odors associated with the risk of PD motor progression were identified by calculating the odds ratios of UPSIT item identification between the rapid and slow progression groups. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of these odors was conducted to determine an optimal threshold for rapid motor progression.ResultsA total of 117 PD patients were screened for group classification. Preserved identification of neutral/pleasant odors including banana, peach, magnolia, and baby powder was significantly correlated with rapid motor progression. The risk of rapid progression increased with more detected risk odors. Detection of ≥1.5 risk odors could differentiate rapid progression from slow progression with a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 45.8%, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.687.ConclusionPreserved identification of neutral/pleasant odors may help to predict PD motor progression, and detection of ≥1.5 UPSIT motor progression risk odors could improve the predictive power. In PD patients with a similar level of motor disability during initial screening, preserved pleasant/neutral odor identification may imply relatively better cortical odor discriminative function, which may suggest the body-first (caudo-rostral) subtype with faster disease progression.
High-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-induced prediabetes preconception in Sprague–Dawley rats as a risk factor for the development of preeclampsia: assessing changes in placental metabolic insults
Authors: Ludidi Asiphaphola , Siboto Anelisiwe , Nkosi Ayanda , Xulu Nombuso Duduzile , Khathi Andile , Sibiya Ntethelelo Hopewell , Ngubane Phikelelani Siphosethu 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionHyperglycemia preconception deranges the establishment of a functional placenta; however, the risk of developing preeclampsia (PE) in prediabetic patients remains obscure. The aim was to assess abnormal placental changes as a risk factor for the development of PE in high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) diet-induced prediabetic (PD) rats.MethodsHFHC diet-induced female prediabetic Sprague–Dawley rats were mated, and blood glucose concentrations, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and body weights were monitored on gestational days (GNDs) 0, 9, and 18. On GND 18, animals were euthanized. Blood and placentas were collected for biochemical analysis.ResultsPrediabetic rats showed significantly increased blood glucose concentration, proinflammatory cytokines, MAP, placental weight, and fetoplacental ratio compared with non-prediabetic (NPD) rats. Prediabetic rats showed significantly decreased placental vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and placental growth factor (PLGF) and plasma nitric oxide (NO) compared with NPD.DiscussionPrediabetes may have promoted endothelial dysfunction in the placenta and hypoxia, thus reducing PLGF and VEGFR1, which may have promoted proinflammation, endothelial dysfunction associated with NO decline, and hypertension, which is also observed in preeclamptic patients. Prediabetes may have promoted lipogenesis in placentas and fetuses that may have induced macrosomia and IUGR, also observed in preeclamptic patients. The findings from this study highlight the need for screening and monitoring of prediabetes during pregnancy to reduce the risk of developing preeclampsia.
Efficacy and safety of ondansetron for morning sickness in pregnancy: a systematic review of clinical trials
Authors: Ashour Ahmed M. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Ondansetron is a selective antagonist of the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor that is commonly used to treat morning sickness. It is estimated that 70%–80% of pregnant women suffer from morning sickness, a condition characterized by nausea and vomiting. However, it is still controversial regarding its safety during pregnancy, and continued research will be necessary to fully understand the risks and benefits associated with its use. Therefore, we aimed to identify and provide details of the efficacy and safety of ondansetron in clinical trials.Methods: A search was conducted of the ClinicalTrials.gov database on 13 April 2023, using the search term “ondansetron and pregnancy.” Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined to identify relevant clinical trials. The inclusion criteria encompassed clinical trials related to pregnancy that utilized ondansetron as a treatment, while other clinical trials were excluded from consideration. All data extractions such as study title, study status, study type, intervention details, and outcome were collected.Results: A total of 18 clinical trials were identified, of which only 6 focused on studying the effects of ondansetron. Their respective study titles, statuses, conditions, interventions, outcome measures, and enrollment sizes have been written in detail. The information collected from these trials will contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits and risks of ondansetron in the context of pregnancy and its complications.Conclusion: Ondansetron has been shown to be an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting, including pregnancy-related morning sickness. Further research is needed to better understand the potential risks and benefits associated with its use in pregnant women.Systematic Review Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier
Construct and criterion validity of muscle ultrasonography for assessment of skeletal muscle in patients recovering from COVID-19
Authors: Mayer Kirby P. , Kosmac Kate , Wen Yuan , Parry Selina M. , Dhar Sanjay , Foster Sarah , Starck Jonathan , Montgomery-Yates Ashley A. , Dupont-Versteegden Esther E. , Kalema Anna G. 
Published: October 2023

Background: The purpose was to investigate the content, construct, and criterion validity of muscle ultrasound in a mixed cohort of participants recovering from mild and critical COVID-19.Methods: A secondary analysis of a prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on data obtained from a battery of muscle and physical function assessments including a muscle biopsy and muscle ultrasonography (US). Rectus femoris (RF) muscle thickness (mT), quadricep complex (QC) mT, RF muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) using 2D freeform trace and estimated from Feret’s diameter, and RF echo intensity (EI) were assessed with US. Muscle fiber CSA, fiber type, protein content in muscle fibers, extracellular matrix content (ECM; wheat-germ agglutin), and percent area of collagen in ECM (picrosirius red) were examined from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies. Spearman rho correlations (r) were performed to assess validity of ultrasound parameters.Results: Thirty-three individuals participated including 11 patients surviving critical COVID-19, 15 individuals recovering from mild-COVID, and 7 controls. There were several significant correlations between RF mT, QC mT, RF CSA, and RF EI with age, comorbid burden, body-mass index, and measures of muscle strength, muscle power, and physical function (range r = 0.35–0.83). RF Feret’s CSA correlated to CSA of type II muscle fibers (r = 0.41, p = 0.022) and the average size of all muscle fibers (r = 0.39, p = 0.031). RF EI was correlated with collagen in muscle ECM (r = 0.53, p = 0.003) and protein content in muscle tissue (r = −0.52, p = 0.012).Conclusion: Muscle size and quality measured using US has moderate content and construct validity, and to lesser extent, fair to moderate criterion validity in a mixed cohort of individuals recovering from COVID. Muscle ultrasound quality (EI) appears to be sensitive at detecting muscle dysfunction as it is associated with strength, power, physical function, and collagen distribution in a mixed group of individuals recovering from COVID-19.
Improving the cancer adult patient support network (iCAN): a pilot study on a communication model and modified focus group
Authors: Campisi Giuseppina , Bazzano Monica , Mauceri Rodolfo , Panzarella Vera , La Mantia Gaetano , Di Fede Olga 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundMany consider that cancer has the greatest impact of any disease in the world, and it can drastically limit patients’ quality of life. Combating such a life-threatening disease can pose many challenges to daily life, highlighted by demonstrating the need to discuss one’s health status within a focus group and encourage treatment compliance.Aimthe purposes of this study were to share the authors’ experience of a modified focus group in an Oral Medicine Unit, termed “Improving Cancer Adult Patients Support Network” (iCAN), and to evaluate how effective communication could improve patients’ quality of life and empower them by virtue of enhanced knowledge and an awareness of cancer management.Methodsthe paper adhered to the COREQ checklist regarding its reporting procedures. The iCAN format was precisely reproduced four times with four groups, consisting of 12 adult male and female patients with solid cancers. They discussed several main topics relating to cancer treatment, as chosen by a majority of the participants. Four specialists were involved in the discussion of the selected topics The iCAN format was faithfully reproduced during each meeting, with the participants in the roles of moderator and health specialists. Finally, a satisfaction questionnaire was administered.Resultsthe most reliable results demonstrated a marked change in lifestyle and eating habits in more than 50% of participants. More than 80% were unaware of the side effects of cancer treatments in general and the oral mucosa in particular. Each meeting reported a maximum degree of satisfaction experienced by the participants.ConclusioniCAN focus group meetings appear to have facilitated a process of narrative interviewing, thereby improving the doctor-patient relationship underlying the humanization of the care process.
The epidemiology of Aedes-borne arboviral diseases in Zhejiang, Southeast China: a 20 years population-based surveillance study
Authors: Ren Jiangping , Chen Zhiping , Ling Feng , Liu Ying , Chen Enfu , Shi Xuguang , Guo Song , Zhang Rong , Wang Zhen , Sun Jimin 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveAedes-borne arboviral diseases were important public health problems in Zhejiang before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics and change of the epidemiology of Aedes-borne arboviral diseases in the province.MethodsDescriptive analyses were conducted to summarize the epidemiology of Aedes-borne arboviral diseases during 2003–2022.ResultsA total of 3,125 cases, including 1,968 indigenous cases, were reported during 2003–2022. Approximately three-quarters of imported cases were infected from Southeast Asia. The number of annual imported cases increased during 2013–2019 (R2 = 0.801, p = 0.004) and peaked in 2019. When compared with 2003–2012, all prefecture-level cities witnessed an increase in the annual mean incidence of imported cases in 2013–2019 (0.11–0.42 per 100,000 population vs. 0–0.05 per 100,000 population) but a drastic decrease during 2020–2022 (0–0.03 per 100,000 population). The change in geographical distribution was similar, with 33/91 counties during 2003–2012, 86/91 during 2013–2019, and 14/91 during 2020–2022. The annual mean incidence of indigenous cases in 2013–2019 was 7.79 times that in 2003–2012 (0.44 vs. 0.06 per 100,000 population). No indigenous cases were reported between 2020–2022. Geographical extension of indigenous cases was also noted before 2020—from two counties during 2003–2012 to 44 during 2013–2019.ConclusionDengue, chikungunya fever, zika disease, and yellow fever are not endemic in Zhejiang but will be important public health problems for the province in the post-COVID-19 era.
Using the RE-AIM framework to assess national teledermatology expansion
Authors: Lamkin Rebecca P. , Peracca Sara B. , Jackson George L. , Hines Aliya C. , Gifford Allen L. , Lachica Olevie , Li Donglin , Morris Isis J. , Paiva Marcelo , Weinstock Martin A. , Oh Dennis H. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundTeledermatology has been utilized in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for decades but continues to have incomplete penetration. VA has funded an initiative to enhance access to dermatology services since 2017 to support asynchronous teledermatology for Veterans living in rural areas. As part of an ongoing evaluation of this program, we assessed the teledermatology activity between the fiscal years 2020 and 2022. We focused on the second cohort of the initiative, comprising six VA facilities and their 54 referral clinics.MethodsWe studied teledermatology programs at cohort facilities using the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance framework. We used a mixed-methods design including annual online reports completed by participating facilities and VA administrative data. When possible, we compared the data from the 3 years of teledermatology funding with the baseline year prior to the start of funding.FindingsReach: Compared with the baseline year, there was a 100% increase in encounters and a 62% increase in patients seen at the funded facilities. Over 500 clinicians and support staff members were trained. Effectiveness: In FY 2022, primary or specialty care clinics affiliated with the funded facilities had more dermatology programs than primary or specialty care clinics across the VA (83% vs. 71% of sites). Adoption: By the end of the funding period, teledermatology constituted 16% of dermatology encounters at the funded facilities compared with 12% nationally. This reflected an increase from 9.2% at the funded facilities and 10.3% nationally prior to the funding period. Implementation: The continued funding for staff and equipment facilitated the expansion to rural areas. Maintenance: By the end of the funding period, all facilities indicated that they had fully implemented their program for patients of targeted primary care providers. The Program Sustainability Index scores generally increased during the funding period.ConclusionsTargeted funding to support asynchronous teledermatology implementation for rural Veterans increased its reach, adoption, and implementation, ultimately improving access. Providing program guidance with staffing and training resources can increase the impact of these programs. Ongoing efforts to maintain and increase communication between primary care and dermatology will be needed to sustain success.
Behavior and self-efficacy modulate learning in virtual reality simulations for training: a structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Mousavi S. M. Ali , Powell Wendy , Louwerse Max M. , Hendrickson Andrew T. 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: There is a rising interest in using virtual reality (VR) applications in learning, yet different studies have reported different findings for their impact and effectiveness. The current paper addresses this heterogeneity in the results. Moreover, contrary to most studies, we use a VR application actually used in industry thereby addressing ecological validity of the findings.Methods and Results of Study1: In two studies, we explored the effects of an industrial VR safety training application on learning. In our first study, we examined both interactive VR and passive monitor viewing. Using univariate, comparative, and correlational analytical approaches, the study demonstrated a significant increase in self-efficacy and knowledge scores in interactive VR but showed no significant differences when compared to passive monitor viewing. Unlike passive monitor viewing, however, the VR condition showed a positive relation between learning gains and self-efficacy.Methods and Results of Study2: In our subsequent study, a Structural Equation Model (SEM) demonstrated that self-efficacy and users’ simulation performance predicted the learning gains in VR. We furthermore found that the VR hardware experience indirectly predicted learning gains through self-efficacy and user simulation performance factors.Conclusion/Discussion of both studies: Conclusively, the findings of these studies suggest the central role of self-efficacy to explain learning gains generalizes from academic VR tasks to those in use in industry training. In addition, these results point to VR behavioral markers that are indicative of learning.
Police officers’ perspective on doping and prevention among recreational athletes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kvillemo Pia , Gripenberg Johanna , Strandberg Anna K. , Elgán Tobias H. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionThe use of anabolic androgenic steroids among recreational athletes has received growing attention in recent decades. Several countries have implemented bans on doping; however, recreational athletes and other subpopulations continue to use doping substances. Recognizing that the police play a crucial role in preventing the use and dealing of doping substances in Sweden, efforts have been made to intensify police interventions and enhance collaboration with other key actors. This study examined police officers’ perceptions of doping as defined in Swedish law, related problems, and suggestions for effective prevention of doping in the society.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study was conducted using a web survey of police officers (N = 597). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and free-form text responses were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsParticipant responses to the survey (73.7% response rate) indicated that approximately 62.6% thought that doping is a societal problem, and approximately 26% perceived that the availability of doping substances has increased over the past three years. A total of 95.6% of respondents believed that doping occurred in connection with other crimes such as intimate partner violence (88.2%) and drug-related crimes (88.0%). Further, 96.3% of respondents perceived that it was their duty to prevent doping, but 63.8% indicated that doping-related work was not prioritized within their local police district.DiscussionPolice officers perceived doping as a societal problem and expressed motivation to counteract it, highlighting increased knowledge, legislative changes, intensified doping prevention in gyms, and commitment from other societal actors to increase the effectiveness of doping prevention. Suggestions for increasing the efficiency of doping prevention included education and increased knowledge at all levels in the police organization, intensified prevention efforts at gyms, legislative changes to permit simplified doping test procedures, and breach of secrecy for postal items. There was also a suggestion for further engagement from other actors, such as healthcare workers, school officials, and non-governmental organizations.