bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum levels of Vanin-2 increase with obesity in relation to inflammation of adipose tissue and may be a predictor of bariatric surgery outcomes
Authors: Geng Shan , Chen Dongmei , Wang Yanping , Yu Xingrui , Zuo Dan , Lv Xinlu , Zhou Xuelian , Hu Chengju , Yang Xuesong , Ma Xujue , Hu Wenjing , Xi Jiazhuang , Yu Shaohong 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveExcessive obesity can lead to dysfunction in adipose tissue, which contributes to the development of comorbidities associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, among others. Previous research has mainly focused on the Vanin family in systemic inflammatory diseases or predicting its role in tumor prognosis, while neglecting its role as a secretory protein in adipose tissue inflammation and metabolism. The objective of this study was to compare the changes in Vanin-2 levels in the circulating blood of normal and obese individuals, and to assess its correlation with inflammatory factors in vivo. Furthermore, the study aimed to systematically evaluate its effectiveness in human weight loss surgery.MethodsSerum concentrations of Vanin-2 and inflammatory indicators were measured in 518 volunteers. Furthermore, the concentrations of Vanin-2 were measured both before and after weight loss through a dietetic program or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Additionally, we assessed the levels of insulin, adiponectin, and inflammation-related factors. The hormonal profile and changes in body weight were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after surgery.ResultsSerum levels of Vanin-2 were found to be significantly increased in individuals with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) group (controls 438.98 ± 72.44, OW/OB 530.89 ± 79.39 ug/L; p &lt; 0.001). These increased levels were associated with IL-18, BMI, FAT%, and HOMA-IR. However, levels of Vanin-2 remained unchanged after conventional dietary treatment. On the other hand, weight loss induced by LSG resulted in a significant decrease in Vanin-2 concentrations from 586.44 ± 48.84 to 477.67 ± 30.27 ug/L (p &lt; 0.001), and this decrease was associated with the Vanin-2 concentrations observed before the operation.ConclusionSerum Vanin-2 is a highly effective biomarker for assessing adipose tissue inflammation in obesity and has the potential to serve as a predictor of bariatric surgery outcomes.
There was a similar U-shaped nonlinear association between waist-to-height ratio and the risk of new-onset hypertension: findings from the CHNS
Authors: Wang Zhenwei , Shi Qian , Yan Xuejiao , Tang Junnan , Zhang Jinying 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with hypertension has not been adequately explained, so in this study we sought to clarify the predictive role of WHtR on the incidence of hypertension as well as the potential nonlinear associations in the general population.MethodsIn this large prospective cohort study, a total of 4,458 individuals from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were included in the analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analyses, subgroup analyses, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses were used to examine the association of WHtR with the risk of new-onset hypertension.ResultsHypertension occurred in 32.8% of participants during the maximum six-year follow-up period. Compared with the group with lower WHtR, the group with higher WHtR had a higher incidence of hypertension (p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the risk of hypertension was 1.45 times higher in the high WHtR group than in the low WHtR group, and that the risk of hypertension increased by 30.4% for every 0.1 unit increase in WHtR (p &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analyses also validated the stratified associations between WHtR and the risk of new-onset hypertension in most subgroups (p &lt; 0.05). ROC analyses also revealed that WHtR was superior to body mass index in predicting new-onset hypertension (AUC: 0.626 vs. 0.607, p = 0.009). Further RCS analysis detected a nonlinear association between WHtR and risk of new-onset hypertension (P for nonlinearity &lt;0.001).ConclusionWHtR was nonlinearly associated with the risk of new-onset hypertension in the general population.
Chromosomal dynamics in Senna: comparative PLOP–FISH analysis of tandem repeats and flow cytometric nuclear genome size estimations
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong , Kang Byung Yong , Kim Hyun Hee 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionTandem repeats (TRs) occur abundantly in plant genomes. They play essential roles that affect genome organization and evolution by inducing or generating chromosomal rearrangements such as duplications, deletions, inversions, and translocations. These impact gene expression and chromosome structure and even contribute to the emergence of new species.MethodWe investigated the effects of TRs on speciation in Senna genus by performing a comparative analysis using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with S. tora-specific TR probes. We examined the chromosomal distribution of these TRs and compared the genome sizes of seven Senna species (estimated using flow cytometry) to better understand their evolutionary relationships.ResultsTwo (StoTR03_159 and StoTR04_55) of the nine studied TRs were not detected in any of the seven Senna species, whereas the remaining seven were found in all or some species with patterns that were similar to or contrasted with those of S. tora. Of these studies species, only S. angulata showed significant genome rearrangements and dysploid karyotypes resembling those of S. tora. The genome sizes varied among these species and did not positively correlate with chromosome number. Notably, S. angulata had the fewest chromosomes (2n = 22) but a relatively large genome size.DiscussionThese findings reveal the dynamics of TRs and provide a cytogenetic depiction of chromosomal rearrangements during speciation in Senna. To further elucidate the dynamics of repeat sequences in Senna, future studies must include related species and extensive repeatomic studies, including those on transposable elements.
Examining acute environmental effects on affective state, expectancy, and intention in sport climbing
Authors: Hösl Benedikt , Niedermeier Martin , Kopp Martin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionPsychological research has shown that, among other variables, affective state, expectancy, and behavioral intention influence whether or not a (physically active) behavior is performed. Environmental effects during physical activity on affective state have been well studied; however, research regarding environmental effects on expectancy or intention is limited. Sport climbing is a form of physical activity that is performed both indoors and outdoors and is therefore considered as suitable to study environmental effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate environmental effects during sport climbing on affective state, expectancy, and intention. The nature of the relationship between some of these parameters should also be explored.MethodsUsing a within-subjects design, 48 participants were to climb both once indoors in a climbing gym and once outdoors at a crag. The design included questionnaire-based surveys at multiple time points. Affective state, expectancy, and behavioral intention were measured at different test time points.ResultsTwo-factor repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed significant main effects of the factors environment (indoor – outdoor) and time (T1 – T2 – T3) for affective state, indicating more positive affective state during outdoor climbing. No environment*time interactions were found. Furthermore, significantly higher intention (d = 0.32; p = 0.032) was measured after the outdoor condition (M = 32.5, SD = 4.1) compared to the indoor condition (M = 31.2, SD = 4.7). Multiple linear regressions revealed that expectancies (measured before and after the session) significantly predicted post-climbing intention only indoors.ConclusionThe results at least partly suggest environmental effects on behaviorally relevant variables during climbing. Outdoor climbing might provide more favorable characteristics for physically active behavior compared to indoor climbing. Health psychologists or public health professionals who focus on increasing physical activity for their clients could recommend outdoor climbing over indoor climbing.
Parenting and family self-sufficiency services contribute to impacts of Early Head Start for children and families
Authors: Chazan-Cohen Rachel , Von Ende Adam , Lombardi Caitlin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThere is evidence that two-generation early childhood programs, those that strive to support not only child development, but also optimal parenting and family wellbeing, help to foster resilience for young children and their families in the face of adversity.MethodsUsing data from a large experimental evaluation, the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project, this paper explores how parenting and family self-sufficiency services embedded in Early Head Start (EHS), a federally funded, nationally implemented two-generation early childhood program for low-income families lasting from pregnancy and until children are three, contribute to the impacts of the program for both the children and their families.ResultsParenting support in any modality (home visiting, case management or parent education) contributed to program impacts on important child and family outcomes, but not parent employment. Somewhat surprisingly, family receipt of employment services did not lead to any of the impacts of the program, while education and job training services did. When EHS parents received education or job training services, it led to impacts not only on mother employment, but also on other important family and child outcomes.DiscussionThese findings validate and reinforce the two-generation approach of EHS, specifically supporting the focus on parenting and parent education and job training.
The consumption of psychoactive substances among French physicians: how do they perceive the creation of a dedicated healthcare system?
Authors: Jullian Bénédicte , Deltour Marine , Franchitto Nicolas 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionSubstance use among physicians can have negative impacts on their health, quality of life, and patient care. While Physician Health Programs (PHPs) have proven effective, many physicians with substance use disorders (SUDs) still face obstacles in seeking help. Our study explores the expectations, attitudes, and experiences of French physicians regarding the implementation of a specialized healthcare system (SHS) for addiction, and their opinions on the factors that could improve the effectiveness of such a service, with a focus on substance use disorders (SUDs).MethodsWe conducted a web-based survey from April 15 to July 15, 2021, which included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, substance use, and attitudes toward a specialized healthcare system (SHS) for physicians with SUDs.ResultsOf the 1,093 respondents (62.5% female), 921 consumed alcohol (84.2%), and 336 (36.4%) were categorized as hazardous drinkers (AUDIT-C ≥ 4 for women and ≥ 5 for men). The mean AUDIT-C score was 3.5 (±1.7 SD), with a range from 1 to 12. Factors associated with hazardous alcohol consumption included coffee consumption [OR 1.53 (1.11–2.12)], psychotropic drug use [OR 1.61 (1.14–2.26)], cannabis use [OR 2.96 (1.58–5.55)], and other drug use [OR 5.25 (1.92–14.35)]. On the other hand, having children was associated with non-hazardous alcohol consumption [OR 0.62 (0.46–0.83)]. Only 27 physicians (2.9%) had consulted a specialist in addiction medicine, while 520 (56.4%) expressed interest in such a consultation. The main barriers to accessing a dedicated consultation were denial (16.3%), physician self-medication (14.3%), fear of judgment (12.8%), and confidentiality concerns (10.2%).ConclusionA specialized consultation with trained professionals in a neutral location can improve access to care for healthcare workers and maintain patient confidentiality and anonymity. Prevention and awareness can reduce addiction stigma and help peers in need. The improvement of healthcare workers’ addiction culture and detection of addictive behavior in peers depends on academic addiction medicine.
A cost-utility analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing in high-risk breast cancer patients and family members in Thailand: a cost-effective policy in resource-limited settings
Authors: Lertwilaiwittaya Pongtawat , Tantai Narisa , Maneeon Satanun , Kongbunrak Sophittha , Nonpanya Nongyao , Hurst Anna C. E. , Srinonprasert Varalak , Pithukpakorn Manop 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundScreening for germline pathogenic BRCA1 or BRCA2 variants (gBRCA) in high-risk breast cancer patients is known to be cost-effective in high-income countries. Nationwide adoption of genetics testing in high-risk breast cancer population remains poor. Our study aimed to assess gBRCA health economics data in the middle-income country setting of Thailand.MethodsDecision tree and Markov model were utilized to assess cost-utility between the testing vs. no-testing groups from a societal and lifetime perspective and lifetime. We interviewed 264 patients with breast/ovarian cancer and their family members to assess relevant costs and quality of life using EQ-5D-5L. One-way sensitivity, probabilistic sensitivity (Monte Carlo simulation), and budget impact analyses were done to estimate the outcome under Thailand's Universal Health Coverage scheme.ResultsThe predicted lifetime cost and Quality-adjusted Life Years (QALY) for those with breast cancer were $13,788 and 10.22 in the testing group and $13,702 and 10.07 in the no-testing group. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for gBRCA testing in high-risk breast cancer patients was $573/QALY. The lifetime cost for the family members of those with gBRCA was $14,035 (QALY 9.99), while the no-testing family members group was $14,077 (QALY 9.98). Performing gBRCA testing in family members was cost-saving.ConclusionCost-utility analysis demonstrated a cost-effective result of gBRCA testing in high-risk breast cancer patients and cost-saving in familial cascade testing. The result was endorsed in the national health benefits package in 2022. Other middle-income countries may observe the cost-effective/cost-saving aspects in common genetic diseases under their national health schemes.
Ciprofloxacin and pegylated G-CSF combined therapy mitigates brain hemorrhage and mortality induced by ionizing irradiation
Authors: Kiang Juliann G. , Cannon Georgetta , Olson Matthew G. , Zhai Min , Woods Akeylah K. , Xu Feng , Lin Bin , Li Xianghong , Hull Lisa , Jiang Suping , Xiao Mang 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionBrain hemorrhage was found between 13 and 16 days after acute whole-body 9.5 Gy 60Co-γ irradiation (IR). This study tested countermeasures mitigating brain hemorrhage and increasing survival from IR. Previously, we found that pegylated G-CSF therapy (PEG) (i.e., Neulasta®, an FDA-approved drug) improved survival post-IR by 20–40%. This study investigated whether Ciprofloxacin (CIP) could enhance PEG-induced survival and whether IR-induced brain hemorrhage could be mitigated by PEG alone or combined with CIP.MethodsB6D2F1 female mice were exposed to 60Co-γ-radiation. CIP was fed to mice for 21 days. PEG was injected on days 1, 8, and 15. 30-day survival and weight loss were studied in mice treated with vehicles, CIP, PEG, or PEG + CIP. For the early time point study, blood and sternums on days 2, 4, 9, and 15 and brains on day 15 post-IR were collected. Platelet numbers, brain hemorrhage, and histopathology were analyzed. The cerebellum/pons/medulla oblongata were detected with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), p53, p16, interleukin-18 (IL-18), ICAM1, Claudin 2, ZO-1, and complement protein 3 (C3).ResultsCIP + PEG enhanced survival after IR by 85% vs. the 30% improvement by PEG alone. IR depleted platelets, which was mitigated by PEG or CIP + PEG. Brain hemorrhage, both surface and intracranial, was observed, whereas the sham mice displayed no hemorrhage. CIP or CIP + PEG significantly mitigated brain hemorrhage. IR reduced GFAP levels that were recovered by CIP or CIP + PEG, but not by PEG alone. IR increased IL-18 levels on day 4 only, which was inhibited by CIP alone, PEG alone, or PEG + CIP. IR increased C3 on day 4 and day 15 and that coincided with the occurrence of brain hemorrhage on day 15. IR increased phosphorylated p53 and p53 levels, which was mitigated by CIP, PEG or PEG + CIP. P16, Claudin 2, and ZO-1 were not altered; ICAM1 was increased.DiscussionCIP + PEG enhanced survival post-IR more than PEG alone. The Concurrence of brain hemorrhage, C3 increases and p53 activation post-IR suggests their involvement in the IR-induced brain impairment. CIP + PEG effectively mitigated the brain lesions, suggesting effectiveness of CIP + PEG therapy for treating the IR-induced brain hemorrhage by recovering GFAP and platelets and reducing C3 and p53.
The associations between social support, self-regulatory fatigue, and health-promoting behaviors among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Fan , Ge Yuanhui , Ding Yiqian , Liu Tao 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes in China is increasing annually, posing a serious public health challenge. Health-promoting behaviors are crucial for enhancing the quality of life in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, the relationship between self-regulatory fatigue in type 2 diabetes, social support, and health-promoting behaviors remains unclear.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the interconnections among social support, self-regulatory fatigue, and health-promoting behaviors, as well as to examine the mediating role of self-regulatory fatigue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed using the Self-Regulatory Fatigue Scale (SRF-S), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), and the Health Promotion Scale for People with Diabetes Mellitus (T2DHPS). These scales assessed social support, self-regulatory fatigue, and health-promoting behaviors in 316 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, exploring the relationships among these variables. SPSS and AMOS were used for statistical analysis to investigate the mediating effects.ResultsSocial support in type 2 diabetes mellitus positively predicted health-promoting behaviors (β = 0.401, p &lt; 0.001). The regression coefficients of self-regulatory fatigue in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus social support (β = −0.502, p &lt; 0.001), and health-promoting behaviors (β = −0.331, p &lt; 0.001), both exhibiting significant differences. Self-regulatory fatigue mediated the relationship between social support and health-promoting behaviors in these patients, with a mediation effect of 0.166, consisting of 29.28% of the total effect.ConclusionA significant interplay exists among social support, self-regulatory fatigue, and health-promoting behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The findings suggest that self-regulatory fatigue mediates the relationship between social support and health-promoting behaviors. Healthcare professionals should focus on enhancing patients' social support to mitigate self-regulatory fatigue and improve health behaviors.
Children then, adults now: long-term outcomes—performance at 15, 20, and 25 years of cochlear implant use
Authors: Moura João Elói , Martins Jorge Humberto , Alves Marisa , Oliveira Graça , Ramos Daniela , Alves Helena , Caiado Ricardo , Teixeira António , Silva Luís Filipe , Migueis Jorge 
Published: December 2023

MotivationSevere to profound sensorineural hearing loss interferes with a child's development at the cognitive, linguistic, academic, and social levels. Since the beginning of the pediatric auditory rehabilitation program through cochlear implantation in the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Service of the Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Portugal, its mentors defended the early diagnosis of hearing loss followed by timely intervention, and this was considered the starting point to optimize (re)habilitation through this method. Three decades or so later, recently we conducted this study to evaluate the performance of patients implanted in the initial phase of the cochlear implantation program.ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the performance of individuals with severe to profound congenital hearing loss who underwent pediatric cochlear implantation and have used the cochlear implant for at least 25 years, to analyze the beneficial effect of early intervention in improving performance results.MethodsThe study sample is composed of 31 individuals with severe to profound congenital hearing loss and no other comorbidities, divided into two groups (Group 1: age at implantation was under 3 years; Group 2: age at implantation was over 3 years). All 31 subjects were evaluated at 15, 20, and 25 years of cochlear implant (CI) use with a comprehensive set of tests. In addition, data were collected regarding the academic level of each participant. The results of both groups were compared to find out if there is an effect of age at implantation on auditory performance, and if there is an improvement in the performance with CI over time (15, 20, and 25 years of use).ResultsThe results show that there is a positive effect, with statistical significance, of early implantation on auditory performance, and telephone use. In both groups, there is an increase in performance over time, but it tends to stabilize after 20 years of CI use.Discussion and conclusionThe results obtained in this work support the importance of early intervention in patients with severe to profound hearing loss who are cochlear implant users and show that CI is an effective and reliable method in the treatment of these patients, contributing to their improved socio-educational integration, and that the benefits last over time.
Financial Hardship on Food Security in Ageing Populations
Authors: Phulkerd Sirinya , Thapsuwan Sasinee , Chamratrithirong Aphichat , Gray Rossarin Soottipong , Pattaravanich Umaporn , Ungchusak Chantana , Saonuam Pairoj 
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of food security, and the association of food security with financial hardship and socio-demographic characteristics among the ageing population in Thailand.Methods: The study extracted data on 1,197 persons age 60 years or older from a nationally-representative sample survey of Thai households. The food security data were collected using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the association between financial hardship, socio-demographic characteristics, and food security.Results: Of the total sample, 71% had food security. The least probability of having food security was observed in the respondents who sometimes and often had income problems (p &lt; 0.001), and felt dissatisfied with their financial situation (p &lt; 0.001). The respondents who were female, at oldest-old age, with lower than primary school education and in the Northeast were less likely to have food security.Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for government assistance for those who are experiencing financial hardship to help them manage their finances and food security more effectively, taking into account different socio-demographic characteristics.