bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of COVID-19 lockdown with birth weight in China
Authors: Chen Yumeng , Fan Jingjie , Li Xiaowei , Ye Yufeng , Lv Yanyun , Zheng Suijin , Hu Jianxiong , Pu Yudong , Liu Tao 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundDuring the special period of the global spread of COVID-19, pregnant women are sensitive groups to the impacts of COVID-19 epidemic. However, the effects of lockdown measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 on fetal birthweight remain unclear.ObjectivesThis study investigated the associations of COVID-19 lockdown with birth weight in Chinese population.MethodsWe collected 730,153 data of participants from hospitals of five cities in the south of China, we defined the time period of level I response (1/23-2/24/2020) as level I lockdown, and women who were pregnant during level I lockdown as the exposure group. Women who were pregnant during the same calendar month from 2015 to 2019 were defined as the unexposed group. We quantitatively estimate the individual cumulative exposure dose by giving different weights to days with different emergency response levels. Generalized linear regression models were used to estimate the association between COVID-19 lockdown exposure with birth weight and risk of low birth weight (&lt;2,500 g) and macrosomia (&gt;4,000 g).ResultsThe birth weight of the exposed group is heavier than the unexposed group (3,238.52 vs. 3,224.11 g: adjusted β = 24.39 g [95% CI: 21.88, 26.91 g]). The exposed group had a higher risk of macrosomia (2.8% vs. 2.6%; adjusted OR = 1.17 [95% CI: 1.12, 1.22]). More obvious associations were found between COVID-19 lockdown and macrosomia in women who experienced the lockdown in their early pregnancy. Women who experienced the lockdown at their 4–7 weeks of pregnancy showed statistically significant heavier birth weight than unexposed group (after adjustment): β = 1.28 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.46) g. We also observed a positive association between cumulative exposure dose of COVID-19 lockdown in all pregnant women and birth weight, after divided into four groups, Q1: β = 32.95 (95% CI: 28.16, 37.75) g; Q2: β = 18.88 (95% CI: 14.12, 23.64) g; Q3: β = 19.50 (95% CI: 14.73, 24.28) g; Q4: β = 21.82 (95% CI: 17.08, 26.56) g. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of low birth weight between exposed and unexposed groups.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown measures were associated with a heavier birth weight and a higher risk of macrosomia. Early pregnancy periods may be a more susceptible exposure window for a heavier birth weight and a higher risk of macrosomia. We also observed a positive association between cumulative exposure dose of COVID-19 lockdown and birth weight. The government and health institutions should pay attention to the long-term health of the infants born during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and follow up these mothers and infants is necessary.
The clinical impact of macrophage polarity after Kasai portoenterostomy in biliary atresia
Authors: Nagayabu Kazuya , Fumino Shigehisa , Shimamura Ai , Sengoku Yuki , Higashi Mayumi , Iguchi Masafumi , Aoi Shigeyoshi , Saya Shibata , Hirai Maki , Ogi Hiroshi , Miyagawa-Hayashino Aya , Konishi Eiichi , Itoh Kyoko , Tajiri Tatsuro , Ono Shigeru 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionBiliary atresia (BA) is a cholestatic hepatopathy caused by fibrosing destruction of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, and its etiology has not been clearly revealed. In BA, liver fibrosis progression is often observed even after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE), and more than half of cases require liver transplantation in their lifetime in Japan. Macrophages play an important role in liver fibrosis progression and are classically divided into proinflammatory (M1) and fibrotic macrophages (M2), whose phenotypic transformation is called “macrophage polarity.” The polarity has been reported to reflect the tissue microenvironment. In this study, we examined the relationship between macrophage polarity and the post-KPE clinical course.Materials and methodsThirty BA patients who underwent KPE in our institution from 2000 to 2020 were recruited. Multiple immunostainings for CD68, CD163, CK19, and α-SMA were carried out on liver biopsy specimens obtained at KPE. ROC curves were calculated based on each clinical event, and the correlation with the clinical data was analyzed.Results and discussionThe M2 ratio, defined as the proportion of M2 macrophages (CD163-positive cells), was correlated inversely with the occurrence of postoperative cholangitis (AUC: 0.7602). The patients were classified into M2 high (n = 19) and non-high (n = 11) groups based on an M2 ratio value obtained from the Youden index ( = 0.918). As a result, pathological evaluations (Metavir score, αSMA area fraction, and CK19 area fraction) were not significantly different between these groups. In mild liver fibrosis cases (Metavir score = 0–2), the M2 non-high group had a significantly lower native liver survival rate than the high group (p = 0.02). Moreover, 4 out of 8 cases in the M2 non-high group underwent early liver transplantation within 2 years after KPE.ConclusionsNon-M2 macrophages, including M1 macrophages, may be correlated with postoperative cholangitis, and the M2 non-high group in mild liver fibrosis cases had a significantly lower native liver survival rate than the high group, requiring early liver transplantation in this study. Preventing advanced liver fibrosis is a key factor in improving native liver survival for BA patients, and liver macrophages may play important roles in liver homeostasis and the promotion of inflammation and fibrosis.
Coping during socio-political uncertainty
Authors: El Khoury-Malhame Myriam , Bou Malhab Sandrella , Chaaya Roni , Sfeir Michel , El Khoury Samar 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionWell-being of young adults is known to be compromised in times of significant changes, such as economic and political turmoil. This study focuses on university students in Lebanon during one of the most prominent social unrests of its modern history to determine potential understudied protective factors that would predict the youth capacity to strive.MethodsA sample of 489 university students were asked to fill an online survey including standardized questionnaires of wellbeing (WEMWBS), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (HAM-A), intolerance of uncertainty (IUS-12), coping (Brief COPE) in addition to demographics and questions about their attitudes and future perspectives.ResultsWe found increased rates of mental distress, predominantly in women, with around 80% of the sample being highly intolerant to the uncertainty climate. Results unsurprisingly show that well-being negatively correlated with anxiety, depression and intolerance of uncertainty. Overall, mental distress was found to mediate the relation between uncertainty and wellbeing, and the relation between maladaptive coping and wellbeing. Students who were intolerant of uncertainty and who used maladaptive coping strategies were more likely develop anxiety and depression and subsequently report poorer wellbeing. Conversely, having adaptive strategies was directly linked to higher well-being.DiscussionIn spite of increased distress, some university students managed to preserve their well-being within a climate of severe socio-political uprise. These findings suggest that modifying subjective experience of events and using soft skillset could alleviate young adults’ emotional distress in unstable societies.
Lessons learned from applying established cut-off values of questionnaires to detect somatic symptom disorders in primary care: a cross-sectional study
Authors: von Schrottenberg Victoria , Toussaint Anne , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Teusen Clara , Riedl Bernhard , Henningsen Peter , Gensichen Jochen , Schneider Antonius , Linde Klaus 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionBased on two diagnostic accuracy studies in high-prevalence settings, two distinctly different combinations of cut-off values have been recommended to identify persons at risk for somatic symptom disorder (SSD) with the combination of the Patient-Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) and the Somatic Symptom Disorder—B Criteria Scale (SSD-12). We investigated whether the reported sensitivity and specificity of both recommended cut-off combinations are transferable to primary care.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study, 420 unselected adult primary care patients completed PHQ-15 and SSD-12. Patients scoring ≥9 and ≥ 23 (recommended cut-off combination #1) or ≥ 8 and ≥ 13 (recommended cut-off combination #2) were considered test-positive for SSD, respectively. To assess the validity of the reported sensitivity and specificity in different low- to high-prevalence settings, we compared correspondingly expected proportions of test positives to the proportion observed in our sample.ResultsBased on combination #1, 38 participants (9%) were found to be test positive, far fewer than expected, based on the reported values for sensitivity and specificity (expected minimum frequency 30% with a true prevalence ≥1%). This can only be explained by a lower sensitivity and higher specificity in primary care. For combination #2, 98 participants (23%) were test positive, a finding consistent with a true prevalence of SSD of 15% or lower.DiscussionOur analyzes strongly suggest that the sensitivity and specificity estimates reported for combination #1 are not applicable to unselected primary care patients and that the cut-off for the SSD (≥23) is too strict. Cut-off combination #2 seems more applicable but still needs to be tested in studies that compare screening findings by questionnaires with validated diagnostic interviews as reference standards in primary care populations.
Associations of rumination, behavioral activation, and perceived reward with mothers’ postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Matsunaga Miki , Okajima Junko , Furutani Kaichiro , Kusakabe Noriko , Nakamura-Taira Nanako 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased social isolation for mothers, and rumination exacerbates postpartum depression in mothers with poor social support. Although behavioral activation can help to decrease their depressive symptoms, the mechanism by which behavioral activation reduces postpartum depression remains unclear.MethodsWe examined the effects of rumination and behavioral activation on depression in postpartum women by examining a model mediated by subjective reward perception. A questionnaire was administered to 475 postpartum women (Age: Mean = 30.74 years, SD = 5.02) within 1 year of childbirth using an Internet survey. The measurements included perinatal depression, rumination, and behavioral activation, and we assessed environmental reward. To control for confounding variables, we assessed psychiatric history, social support, parenting perfectionism, and COVID-19 avoidance.ResultsEighty-four (17.68%) mothers had possible postpartum depression. The covariance structure analysis showed that not only was there a direct positive path from rumination to postnatal depression but also a negative path via reward perception.DiscussionThis finding indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic could have increased depression in many of the mothers. Rumination not only directly relates to postpartum depression, but it could also indirectly relate to postpartum depression by decreasing exposure to positive reinforcers. In addition, having a history of psychiatric illness increases the effect of rumination on postpartum depression. These findings suggest that psychological interventions are needed to reduce rumination and increase contact with positive reinforcements to reduce postpartum depression, especially for high-risk groups.
Conventional weight loss therapy in morbid obesity during COVID-19 pandemic: degree of burdens at baseline and treatment efficacy
Authors: Schraml Jessica , Bauer Kerstin , Schild Sandra , Klos Bea , Erschens Rebecca , Stengel Andreas , Nieß Andreas , Zipfel Stephan , Mack Isabelle 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionCOVID-19 affected global physical and psychological health. The purpose of this study was to explore the pandemics impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mental health (anxiety, depression, and perceived stress) and eating behavior in people with severe obesity participating in a multimodal conservative behavioral weight loss (BWL) program conducted via videoconferencing. Additionally, the efficacy of the six-month BWL program in a virtual video-based setting during the pandemic was examined.Methods297 participants of a face-to-face multimodal behavioral weight loss program prior to the pandemic (PrePAN, May 2014–September 2019) and 146 participants of the in terms of content same intervention in a videoconference-based setting during the pandemic (PAN, July 2020–April 2022) were questioned and compared using standardized questionnaires for HRQoL, symptoms of depressive and anxiety disorders, perceived stress, and eating behavior at baseline and at the end of treatment.ResultsSymptoms for anxiety, depression and perceived stress were similar between PrePAN and PAN at baseline. In addition, PAN tended to show lower disinhibition of eating behavior and feelings of hunger than PrePAN. During the pandemic, the BWL intervention resulted in body weight loss (67%) or stabilization (16%) in most of the participants. It also contributed by improving physical HRQoL, lower worries, and improved eating behaviors compared to baseline.ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, baseline mental health of people with morbid obesity was not worse than before the pandemic. Additionally, the BWL intervention in the virtual video-based setting stabilized and improved physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effect of menthol rinsing before intermittent exercise on physiological, physical, and thermo-behavioral responses of male football referees in hot and humid environment
Authors: Roriz Maria , Brito João , Teixeira Filipe J. , Spyrou Konstantinos , Teixeira Vitor Hugo 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn the current experiment, we aimed to evaluate whether eliciting pre-exercise non-thermal cooling sensations would alter perceptual measures, and physical and physiological responses in football referees.MethodsNine highly trained male football referees undertook two 45-minute intermittent exercise protocols in hot and humid conditions (34.2 ± 0.6°C, 62.5 ± 1.0% relative humidity). In a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, 1 of 2 beverages were given before the warm-up: a 0.01% menthol solution or a placebo noncaloric solution. Physical performance was quantified as total distance covered in each of the three 15-minute exercise blocks. Core temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation and thermal comfort were measured at rest and after each exercise block.ResultsNo changes were observed between trials and over time for distance covered. No main effect of mouth rinse was observed for core temperature and heart rate, but both increased over time in all conditions (P &lt; 0.001). Thermal sensation and thermal comfort were significantly improved with menthol after mouth-rinsing (P &lt; 0.05), but with no differences at any other time-point.DiscussionThese results indicate that non-thermal cooling oral stimuli provide immediate behavioral changes but may not influence physiological or physical responses in football referees, during intermittent exercise in hot and humid environments.
Clinical Trial Registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05632692.
Drivers of consumers’ intention to adopt sustainable healthy dietary patterns: evidence from China
Authors: Chen Xiujuan , Jiang Xue , Wu Linhai 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn line with the shift towards sustainable consumption, sustainable healthy dietary patterns (SHDP) have received considerable attention, but no study has examined Chinese consumers’ intention to adopt SHDP.MethodsBased on the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study integrated health consciousness, environmental concerns, and past eating behaviour to construct an expanded TPB framework for analyzing the factors influencing Chinese consumers’ intention to adopt SHDP. The mediating role of attitude between perceived value and consumers’ intention to adopt SHDP was also analyzed. The study empirically tested the research model using structural equation modelling estimation, based on the data collected from 402 local consumers in Wuxi, China.Results and discussionThe results showed that attitude, perceived behavioural control, health consciousness, and past eating behaviuor positively and significantly influenced consumers’ intention to adopt SHDP, whereas perceived value indirectly influenced adoption intention through attitude. Subjective norms and environmental concerns had no significant influence on adoption intention. Based on these findings, interventions through dietary education and information campaigns are recommended to enhance consumers’ value awareness and attitudes towards SHDP. Interventions, such as nudging, should be designed to enhance consumers’ perceived behavioural control and dietary practises. The findings of this study provide important insights for the development of dietary change intervention strategies.
Paneth cell ontogeny in term and preterm ovine models
Authors: Bautista Geoanna M. , Cera Anjali J. , Schoenauer Rebecca J. , Persiani Michele , Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Chandrasekharan Praveen , Gugino Sylvia F , Underwood Mark A. , McElroy Steven J. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPaneth cells are critically important to intestinal health, including protecting intestinal stem cells, shaping the intestinal microbiome, and regulating host immunity. Understanding Paneth cell biology in the immature intestine is often modeled in rodents with little information in larger mammals such as sheep. Previous studies have only established the distribution pattern of Paneth cells in healthy adult sheep. Our study aimed to examine the ontogeny, quantification, and localization of Paneth cells in fetal and newborn lambs at different gestational ages and with perinatal transient asphyxia. We hypothesized that ovine Paneth cell distribution at birth resembles the pattern seen in humans (highest concentrations in the ileum) and that ovine Paneth cell density is gestation-dependent.MethodsIntestinal samples were obtained from 126–127 (preterm, with and without perinatal transient asphyxia) and 140–141 (term) days gestation sheep. Samples were quantified per crypt in at least 100 crypts per animal and confirmed as Paneth cells through in immunohistochemistry.ResultsPaneth cells had significantly higher density in the ileum compared to the jejunum and were absent in the colon.DiscussionExposure to perinatal transient asphyxia acutely decreased Paneth cell numbers. These novel data support the possibility of utilizing ovine models for understanding Paneth cell biology in the fetus and neonate.
Genetic characterization of intramuscular myxomas
Authors: Hatchett William John , Brunetti Marta , Andersen Kristin , Tandsæther Maren Randi , Lobmaier Ingvild , Lund-Iversen Marius , Lien-Dahl Thomas , Micci Francesca , Panagopoulos Ioannis 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Intramuscular myxomas are benign tumors that are challenging to diagnose, especially on core needle biopsies. Acquired chromosomal aberrations and pathogenic variants in codon 201 or codon 227 in GNAS complex locus gene (GNAS) have been reported in these tumors. Here we present our genetic findings in a series of 22 intramuscular myxomas.Materials and methods: The tumors were investigated for the presence of acquired chromosomal aberrations using G-banding and karyotyping. Pathogenic variants in codon 201 or codon 227 of GNAS were assessed using direct cycle Sanger sequencing and Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 methodologies.Results: Eleven tumors carried chromosomal abnormalities. Six tumors had numerical, four had structural, and one had both numerical and structural chromosomal aberrations. Gains of chromosomes 7 and 8 were the most common abnormalities being found in five and four tumors respectively. Pathogenic variants in GNAS were detected in 19 myxomas (86%) with both methodologies. The detected pathogenic variants were p.R201H in nine cases (seven with abnormal and two with normal karyotypes), p.R201C in five cases, all with normal karyotypes, p.R201S in three cases (two with abnormal and one with normal karyotype), p.R201G in one case with a normal karyotype, and p.Q227E in one case with a normal karyotype.Conclusion: Firstly, our data indicate a possible association between chromosomal abnormalities and GNAS pathogenic variants in intramuscular myxomas. Secondly, the presence of the rare pathogenic variants R201S, p.R201G and p.Q227E in 26% (5 out of 19) of myxomas with GNAS pathogenic variants shows that methodologies designed to detect only the common “hotspot” of p.R201C and p.R201H will give false negative results. Finally, a comparison between Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 and direct cycle Sanger sequencing showed that direct cycle Sanger sequencing provides a quick, reliable, and relatively cheap method to detect GNAS pathogenic variants, matching even the most cutting-edge sequencing methods.
APRF1 Interactome Reveals HSP90 as a New Player in the Complex That Epigenetically Regulates Flowering Time in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Isaioglou Ioannis , Podia Varvara , Velentzas Athanassios D. , Kapolas Georgios , Beris Despoina , Karampelias Michael , Plitsi Panagiota Konstantinia , Chatzopoulos Dimitris , Samakovli Despina , Roussis Andreas , Merzaban Jasmeen , Milioni Dimitra , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Haralampidis Kosmas 
Published: January 2024

WD40 repeat proteins (WDRs) are present in all eukaryotes and include members that are implicated in numerous cellular activities. They act as scaffold proteins and thus as molecular “hubs” for protein–protein interactions, which mediate the assembly of multifunctional complexes that regulate key developmental processes in Arabidopsis thaliana, such as flowering time, hormonal signaling, and stress responses. Despite their importance, many aspects of their putative functions have not been elucidated yet. Here, we show that the late-flowering phenotype of the anthesis promoting factor 1 (aprf1) mutants is temperature-dependent and can be suppressed when plants are grown under mild heat stress conditions. To gain further insight into the mechanism of APRF1 function, we employed a co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) approach to identify its interaction partners. We provide the first interactome of APRF1, which includes proteins that are localized in several subcellular compartments and are implicated in diverse cellular functions. The dual nucleocytoplasmic localization of ARRF1, which was validated through the interaction of APRF1 with HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN 1 (HSP90.1) in the nucleus and with HSP90.2 in the cytoplasm, indicates a dynamic and versatile involvement of APRF1 in multiple biological processes. The specific interaction of APRF1 with the chaperon HSP90.1 in the nucleus expands our knowledge regarding the epigenetic regulation of flowering time in A. thaliana and further suggests the existence of a delicate thermoregulated mechanism during anthesis.