bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of exercise training on cardiac autonomic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Raje Sohini , Maiya G Arun , R Padmakumar , Prabhu Mukund A. , Nayak Krishnananda , KN Shivashankara , Shastry BA , Nataraj Megha 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is an underdiagnosed complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac autonomic reflex tests (CARTs) are the gold standard; they are non-invasive and clinically feasible for screening CAN. The objective of the present meta-analysis was to examine exercise’s effect on cardiac autonomic function using CARTs in T2DM.

Methods
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Checklist (PRISMA) was used. Electronic databases were systematically used to retrieve relevant studies after title and abstract screening. Studies utilizing exercise training with cardiac autonomic function (CARTs) outcomes in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1, using the random effects model, and appropriate tests for heterogeneity. The Cohrane ROB-2 tool was used for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the ROBINS-I tool for non-RCT for risk of bias assessment were used.

Results
Three studies were included (two for meta-analysis), considering the outcome of the E:I ratio, 30:15 ratio, and Valsalva ratio. The studies did not show any influence on the E:I and 30:15 ratio in the pooled analysis with a low risk of ineffectiveness for the exercise intervention. Exercise training significantly affected the Valsalva ratio. A different type of exercise intervention was utilized in all three studies. There was a low to moderate certainty for the evidence.

Conclusion
The results indicate that further robust and high-quality randomized controlled trials utilizing cardiac autonomic reflex tests (which have clinical and physiological relevance) in type 2 diabetes mellitus are required for drawing conclusions.

Systematic review registration
PROSPERO CRD42023445561.
Global biogeography and projection of antimicrobial toxin genes
Authors: Liu Ya , Geng Yu , Jiang Yiru , Sun Jingyu , Li Peng , Li Yue-zhong , Zhang Zheng 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Antimicrobial toxin genes (ATGs) encode potent antimicrobial weapons in nature that rival antibiotics, significantly impacting microbial survival and offering potential benefits for human health. However, the drivers of their global diversity and biogeography remain unknown.

Results
Here, we identified 4400 ATG clusters from 149 families by correlating 10,000 samples worldwide with over 200,000 microbial genome data. We demonstrated that global microbial communities universally encode complex and diverse ATGs, with widespread differences across various habitats. Most ATG clusters were rare within habitats but were shared among habitats. Compared with those in animal-associated habitats, ATG clusters in human-associated habitats exhibit greater diversity and a greater proportion of sharing with natural habitats. We generated a global atlas of ATG distribution, identifying anthropogenic factors as crucial in explaining ATG diversity hotspots.

Conclusions
Our study provides baseline information on the global distribution of antimicrobial toxins by combining community samples, genome sequences, and environmental constraints. Our results highlight the natural environment as a reservoir of antimicrobial toxins, advance the understanding of the global distribution of these antimicrobial weapons, and aid their application in clinical, agricultural, and industrial fields.
Post-COVID-19 resurgence of scabies’ cases in the Lazio Region, Italy: a new emerging public health threat?
Authors: Spaziante Martina , Agresta Alessandro , D’Amato Maurizio , De Carli Gabriella , Tonziello Gilda , Vantaggio Valentina , Malatesta Giorgio Nicolò , Girardi Enrico , Barca Alessandra , Scognamiglio Paola , Vairo Francesco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Scabies represents a global health issue and in 2017 was added to the World Health Organization’s list of neglected tropical diseases. In European and Middle Eastern countries, cases are sporadic while recent surveillance data have pointed out an increasing incidence among vulnerable populations. Regional cases for Lazio, Italy, reported from 2017 to 2023 to the national infectious disease surveillance system were analyzed. In Lazio, just after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic onset, a significant and immediate reduction in the incidence of scabies was recorded (− 79.6%) followed by a progressive and relevant increase (143.4% from 2020 to 2021, 142.3% from 2021 to 2022 and 170.3% from 2022 to 2023). Consistently, the number of scabies outbreaks, after a decrease following the first COVID-19 wave, has progressively increased over time, mainly due to the occurrence of outbreaks in long term facilities (750% from 2020 to 2023). The increased incidence may also be driven by the “pseudo-resistance” phenomenon (under dosed/early-discontinued treatment, suboptimal adherence, reduced drug bioavailability), but also by reduced in-vitro susceptibility to the mainly used scabicides. The rapidly evolving epidemiology of scabies in our country, as documented also in other regions, calls for a comprehensive approach to effectively address the problem.
Retention in engineering pathways: an ecological belonging intervention supports help-seeking and continued enrollment
Authors: Bahnson Matthew , Godwin Allison , Schunn Christian , McChesney Eric , DeAngelo Linda 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The demand for engineers in the workforce continues to rise, which requires increased retention and degree completion at the undergraduate level. Engineering educators need to better understand opportunities to retain students in engineering majors. A strong sense of belonging in engineering represents one important contributor to persistence. However, research has not investigated how academic help-seeking behaviors relate to belonging and downstream outcomes, such as persistence in engineering. Interventions to support and develop belonging show promise in increasing student retention, with particularly positive influences on women, Black, Latino/a/x, and indigenous students. As part of a larger research project, a quasi-experimental intervention to develop a classroom ecology of belonging was conducted at a large Midwestern university in a required first-year, second-semester engineering programming course. The 45-min intervention presented students with stories from past students and peers to normalize academic challenges within the ecology of the classroom as typical and surmountable with perseverance, time, and effort.

Results
With treatment (n = 737) and control (n = 689) participant responses, we investigated how the intervention condition affected students' comfort with seeking academic help and feeling safe being wrong in class as influences on belonging. Using path analysis, a form of structural equation modeling, we measured the influence of these attitudinal variables on belonging and the influence of belonging beyond a student’s grade point average on enrollment as an engineering major the following fall. The path analysis supports the importance of academic help-seeking and feeling safe to be wrong for belonging, as well as the importance of belonging on continued enrollment. A group path analysis compared the treatment and control groups and demonstrated the positive impact of the intervention on enrollment for the treatment participants.

Conclusions
The analyses demonstrate the importance of academic help-seeking in students’ sense of belonging in the classroom with implications for identifying effective tools to improve students’ sense of belonging through supporting help-seeking behaviors.
Intracranial desmoid tumor simulating a trigeminal schwannoma: case report and literature review
Authors: Fernandes Beatrice Silva , Vasconcelos Jessica Fernandes , Goncalves Paulo Eduardo , de Souza Junior Joilson Francisco , Gurgel Ricardo Queiroz , Oliveira Arthur Maynart Pereira 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Desmoid tumor (DT) is a non-encapsulated and locally aggressive benign neoplasm. Although it does not have malignant behavior, it has a high capacity for local growth. Intracranial DTs are extremely rare and constitute a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. In these cases, neurosurgical intervention is the best option and should be performed early; however, it is still little discussed in the literature.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 50-year-old male patient, complaining of pain in the region of the right ear and discomfort in the region of the maxilla on the same side for 5 months. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance image (MRI) of the skull base and face showed a homogeneous contrast uptake lesion in the region of Meckel’s cave extending inferiorly to the infratemporal fossa with an intracranial and extracranial portion. The patient underwent partial resection of the lesion. The anatomopathological examination showed an infiltrative fibroproliferative lesion (“desmoid-like”), and immunohistochemistry showed myofibroblastic differentiation leading to the possibility of DT. Despite two attempts, the difficult related to skull base location and local invasiveness and the sarcomatous transformation our patient evolved with death 23 months after the diagnosis.

Conclusions
Intracranial DT is a rare and difficult-to-control condition, because despite being considered benign, its infiltrative nature becomes a challenge in neurosurgical management. Neurosurgery has a positive impact on the quality of life of these patients, considering the improvement of symptoms and the possibility of making a more appropriate diagnosis.
The role of simultaneous stereotactic biopsy and radiofrequency ablation in the management of brain neoplasms in countries with limited financial resources
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed Ashraf , El Gayar Abdelrahman , El Molla Shafik T , Radwan Hesham , El Serry Tarek H , Al Abyad Ashraf 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Heat can help control the progression of intra-axial cerebral neoplasms in selected cases. RF (Radiofrequency) is available and cost effective in resource-limited settings. RF stereotactic heat was delivered simultaneously with the biopsy in brain tumors.

Objective
We evaluated the safety and feasibility of stereotactic RF ablation of intra-axial brain neoplasms during stereotactic brain biopsy procedure.

Methods
Twenty-two adult patients were treated with interstitial hyperthermia by RF plus stereotactic brain tumor biopsy in Ain shams University Hospitals from 2022 to 2024. Follow-up for tumor progression was done over a period of 12 months.

Results
A total of 22 participants have been enrolled; follow-up period was 12 months. There were 12 (54.5%) females and 10 (45.5%) males. The mean and median ages were 53.6 years (range 25–72) and 54 years, respectively. 72.6% had at least a single baseline comorbidity. From the ablated tumors, 17 were primary, 4 were metastatic, and 1 was in-field necrosis. Median tumor volume was 6 cm3 and mean was 10.2 cm3 (range, 0.5–40 cm3). The one-year estimated survival rate was 86.6%, and this was impacted by disease etiology.

Conclusions
Results from this study demonstrate that RF ablation is a safe technique that it can be used simultaneously with stereotactic biopsy in selected cases of intra-axial brain neoplasms. A potential trend of longer progression-free interval of tumor is presumed in the cases. In resource-limited settings, RF ablation can be a safe and available alternative to LITT (Laser Interstitial Thermocoagulative Therapy) that can deliver heat to intracranial tumors.
The effect of mild-stage Alzheimer’s disease on the acoustic parameters of voice
Authors: Arslan-Sarımehmetoğlu Emel , Barmak Elife 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Our study aimed to reveal the differences by comparing the objective and subjective voice features of individuals diagnosed with mild-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with those with normal cognitive abilities.

Methods
The study comprised 51 participants, who were divided into two groups: those with AD (study group, n = 28) and those with normal cognitive abilities (control group, n = 23). In the objective voice assessments of the participants, s/z ratio, maximum phonation time (MPT), F0, F1, F2, F3, jitter, shimmer, and NHR values were examined. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Voice-Related Quality of Life Scale (V-RQOL) were employed for the subjective assessments.

Results
In both males and females, the jitter and shimmer values in the study group were considerably higher than those in the control group (p < 0.000). The MPT of male participants in the study group was significantly lower than that of male participants in the control group (p < 0.036). Regarding VHI-10 and V-RQOL, the groups showed no statistically significant variation (p > 0.005).

Conclusion
Differences in shimmer, jitter, and MPT values based on gender among individuals with mild-stage AD indicate an impact on voice quality. It is suggested that clinicians should consider voice parameters during the assessment and intervention processes for mild-stage AD.
Vasoinhibin is Generated by the Renin-angiotensin System
Authors: Núñez Francisco Freinet , Siqueiros-Marquez Lourdes , Adán-Castro Elva , Zamora Magdalena , Robles Juan Pablo , Ruíz-Herrera Xarubet , Bertsch Thomas , Triebel Jakob , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Clapp Carmen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Vasoinhibin is a fragment of the hormone prolactin (PRL) that inhibits angiogenesis, vasopermeability, and vasodilation. Cathepsin D (CTSD) cleaves the N-terminal of PRL to generate vasoinhibin in the retina of neonate mice as revealed by the CTSD inhibitor, pepstatin A. However, pepstatin A also inhibits renin. Because renin is expressed in the retina and the renin-angiotensin system gives rise to peptides with positive and negative effects on blood vessel growth and function, we investigated whether renin cleaves PRL to vasoinhibin in the newborn mouse retina and in the circulation. Newborn mouse retinal extracts from wild-type and CTSD-null newborn mice cleaved PRL to a 14 kDa vasoinhibin and such cleavage was prevented by heat-inactivation, pepstatin A, and the selective renin inhibitor VTP-27999 suggesting the contribution of renin. In agreement, recombinant renin cleaved different species PRLs to the expected 14-kDa vasoinhibin, a mass consistent with a consensus renin cleavage site located at Leu124-Leu125 in rat and mouse PRLs and at Leu126-Leu127 in human, bovine, and ovine PRLs. Dehydration followed by rehydration (D/R) in rats increased the levels of renin and PRL in plasma. Further increase in PRL circulating levels by the dopamine D2 receptor blocker, sulpiride, enabled detection of 14 kDa vasoinhibin in D/R rats. Moreover, the incubation of PRL with plasma from D/R rats generated a 14-kDa vasoinhibin that was prevented by VTP-27999. These findings add renin to the list of PRL-cleaving proteases and introduce vasoinhibin as a putative renin-angiotensin system-mediated mechanism for regulating blood vessel growth and function.
Gene expression differences in the olfactory bulb associated with differential social interactions and olfactory deficits in Pax6 heterozygous mice
Authors: Daems Carmen , Baz El-Sayed , D'Hooge Rudi , Callaerts-Végh Zsuzsanna , Callaerts Patrick 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Mutations in the highly conserved Pax6 transcription factor have been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders and behavioral abnormalities, yet the mechanistic basis of the latter remain poorly understood. Our study, using behavioral phenotyping, has identified aberrant social interactions, characterized by withdrawal behavior, and olfactory deficits in Pax6 heterozygous mutant mice. The molecular mechanisms underlying the observed phenotypes were characterized by means of RNA-sequencing on isolated olfactory bulbs followed by validation with qRT-PCR. Comparative analysis of olfactory bulb transcriptomes further reveals an imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition, synaptic dysfunction, and alterations in epigenetic regulation as possible mechanisms underlying the abnormal social behavior. We observe a considerable overlap with autism-associated genes and suggest that studying Pax6-dependent gene regulatory networks may further our insight into molecular mechanisms implicated in autistic-like behaviors in Pax6 mutations, thereby paving the way for future research in this area.
Trends, gender, and racial disparities in patients with mortality due to paroxysmal tachycardia: A nationwide analysis from 1999–2020
Authors: Goyal Aman , Saeed Humza , Yamin Saif , Abdullah  , Sultan Wania , Arshad Muhammad Khubaib , Sulaiman Samia Aziz , Changez Mah I. Kan , Mahalwar Gauranga 
Published: February 2025

Background
Paroxysmal tachycardia encompasses various heart rhythm disorders that cause rapid heart rates. Its episodic occurrence makes it difficult to identify and measure its prevalence and trends in the population. Additionally, there is limited data on disparities and trends in mortality due to paroxysmal tachycardia, which is essential for assessing current medical approaches and identifying at-risk populations.

Methods
Our study examined death certificates from 1999 to 2020 using the CDC WONDER Database to identify deaths caused by paroxysmal tachycardia in individuals aged 25 and older, using the ICD-10 code I47. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) and annual percent changes (APC) were calculated by year, gender, age group, race/ethnicity, geographic location, and urbanization status. Trends in AAMRs were analyzed using the Joinpoint Regression Program to identify significant changes and inflection points in mortality trends throughout the study period.

Results
Between 1999 and 2020, 155,320 deaths were reported in patients with paroxysmal tachycardia. Overall, AAMR decreased from 4.8 to 3.7 per 100,000 population between 1999 and 2020, despite showing a significant increase from 2014 to 2020 (APC: 4.33; 95% CI: 3.53 to 5.56). Men had consistently higher AAMRs than women (4.7 vs. 2.2). Furthermore, we found that AAMRs were highest among Non-Hispanic (NH) Black or African Americans and lowest in NH Asian or Pacific Islanders (4 vs. 1.9). Nonmetropolitan areas had higher AAMRs than metropolitan areas (3.6 vs. 3.2).

Conclusions
Our analysis showed a significant decrease in mortality from paroxysmal tachycardia since 1999, although there has been a slight increase in recent years. However, disparities remain, with higher AAMRs among men, NH Black or African Americans, and residents of non-metropolitan areas. These findings call for immediate public health actions to curb the rising trends and reduce potential disparities.
Multilevel analysis of factors associated with suicide attempts: Evidence from 2022/2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Asnake Angwach Abrham , Seifu Beminate Lemma , Fente Bezawit Melak , Asebe Hiwot Altaye , Bezie Meklit Melaku , Negussie Yohannes Mekuria , Asmare Zufan Alamrie , Melkam Mamaru 
Published: February 2025

Background
This issue represents a major global public health concern, accounting for approximately 703,000 deaths each year. Despite Mozambique having the 9th highest suicide rate in the world and the highest in Africa, there is no national data quantifying the burden of suicide attempts. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicide attempts and identify individual and community-level factors associated with them using mixed-effects logistic regression. This study is crucial for developing early interventions, which can help reduce the risk of suicide and enhance overall mental health outcomes for young people.

Method
The data used in this study were drawn from the 2022/2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS). A weighted sample of 10,909 individuals (7,716 males and 3,149 females) aged 15–29 was included. The fitted model was evaluated using AIC and BIC, with the model having the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) is another statistical measure used to assess the quality of a model, similar to the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). The results of the final model were presented as Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Variables were considered statistically significant if their p-value was less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis.

Results
About 3.60% (95% CI: 3.33%-4.03%) of participants were seriously considered suicide attempt in the past 12 months of before the survey. Educational status, occupation, marital status, depression, anxiety, and geographic region were significant factors associated with suicidal attempt.

Conclusion
The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the intricate relationships between suicide attempts and their predictors. Additionally, the results highlight the need for targeted interventions and mental health promotion strategies that consider the identified individual and community-level factors to reduce suicide rates in Mozambique.
Three-dimensional analysis using a dental model scanner: Morphological changes of occlusal appliances used for sleep bruxism under dry and wet conditions
Authors: Ozawa Aya , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Okura Kazuo , Okawa Toshinori , Abe Susumu , Kamoi Kohei , Uyama Emi , Hamada Kenichi , Matuka Yoshizo 
Published: February 2025

Objective
This study used a dental model scanner and best-fit alignment to analyze the deformation patterns of stabilized occlusal appliances (OcAs) used to treat sleep bruxism when stored in wet or dry conditions.

Methods
Eight OcAs were prepared using polymethyl methacrylate, stored in water at room temperature for 4 weeks (wet storage), and then in air for 4 weeks (dry storage). After being stored in water for one month for hydration, they were 3D-scanned and digitized on days 0, 28, and 56. 3D-deformation patterns were obtained by comparing the storage-D group data using a best-fit alignment program that aligns the nearest points of the corresponding images in a virtual space and calculates the difference between the two images. The maximum deviation and deformed area in the ± direction, and the volume of the wet (W) and the dry (D) condition groups were compared using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test.

Results
OcA showed no obvious deformities in the W group at 4 weeks. However, in the D Group, a typical deformation pattern was detected at 4 weeks, with the posterior margin of the molars shrinking anteriorly, the palatal side of the molars lifted, and the buccal side retracted inward. The Ⅾ group was significantly larger than the W groups in terms of maximum deviation in the ± direction, deformed area, and volume.

Conclusions
After 4 weeks of storage under dry conditions, OcA showed a typical deformation pattern of shrinkage toward the center, with in-center lifting toward the palatal side. Significantly greater surface deviations, deformation areas, and deformation volumes were observed under dry conditions than in wet conditions.
Some results on value distribution concerning Hayman's alternative
Authors: Zhuang Xinyu , Zheng Ruilin , He Zhiying , Fang Mingliang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this article, we study the value distribution of meromorphic functions concerning Hayman’s alternative. We extend and improve some results due to Zhu [A far-reaching form of Hayman’s inequality; fixed points of meromorphic functions and their derivatives, Kexue Tongbao (Chinese) 31 (1986), no. 11, 801–804], Hua and Chuang [On a conjecture of Hayman, Acta Math. Sinica (N.S.) 7 (1991), no. 2, 119–126], and Charak and Singh [A value distribution result related to Hayman’s alternative, Commun. Korean Math. Soc. 34 (2019), no. 2, 495–506].