bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of the Immune System in a Natural History Study of 1299 Individuals with Down Syndrome
Authors: Gansa William , Menon Kartikeya , Sazeides Christos , Stewart O'Jay , BOGUNOVIC Dusan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Dysregulation of the immune system in individuals with Down syndrome is thought to play a major role in the pathophysiology of many clinical presentations. This natural history of disease study took a comprehensive evaluation of the prevalence of different immune related diagnoses in a cohort of 1299 patients with Down syndrome compared to a 2605 control cohort of patients without Down syndrome at Mount Sinai Health System in NY, NY over the past 18 years. We conducted a stepwise analysis of the odds of receiving a diagnosis at the Chapter, Sub-chapter and Diagnosis level of the ICD-CM-10 code system. Individuals in our Down syndrome cohort had higher odds of a diagnosis with inflammatory and autoimmune presentations such as Alopecia areata (OR 6.06, p = 0.01), Other sepsis (OR 4.79, p < 0.001, Purpura and Other hemorrhagic conditions (OR 2.31, p < 0.001), and Rosacea (OR 3.11, p < 0.001). They also presented with lower odds of a diagnosis of Herpesviral infection (OR 0.42, p = 0.01), and Viral warts (OR 0.51, p = 0.04). We posit that dysregulation of the immune system in individuals with Down syndrome has impact on infectious diseases, including lowering the incidence of viral disease, and increasing its severity. Our data also suggests inflammation and autoimmune mediated diseases, in particular of the skin, is exacerbated in individuals with Down syndrome. Finally, there may be a need for greater clinical attention to non-emergent conditions within the Down syndrome patient population as those can also greatly affect quality of life.
Molecular mechanism of ruminal epithelial inflammatory damage in sheep with subacute acidosis
Authors: Yan Zhenxing , Duan Hongwei , Lv Jianshu , Yang Shuai , Wu Jianxin , Zeng Jianlin , Ma Xiaojun , Du Xianghong , Zhao Xingxu , Hu Junjie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The long-term feeding of high-concentrate diets to ruminants will damage the structure and function of their rumen flora, leading to changes in the gastrointestinal patterns of digestive nutrients and metabolic factors, and causing subacute rumen acidosis (SARA).
Methods
28 small-tailed Han sheep were randomly selected and divided into three groups, namely the control group, SARA model group, and treatment group. The control group was fed low concentrate fodder, the model group was fed high concentrate fodder, and the treatment group was fed the HC first and then the LC after successfully establishing the model (n = 9).
Results
SARA-model sheep had high concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their rumen fluid and blood, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was significantly elevated in the rumen fluid, with no difference in the blood. The levels of inflammation-related proteins, namely cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-α, and Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), were significantly increased in the rumen epithelium of SARA-model sheep. Phosphorylation levels of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the SARA group were significantly higher than those in the control and treatment groups. The phosphorylation levels of NF-κB and MAPKs inflammatory mediators and protein levels of inflammatory factors in the SARA-model sheep rumen abdominal sac were significantly higher than those in the rumen dorsal sac. The expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1 and claudin-4 decreased compared with that in the control group. The expression of light chain 3 (LC-3) increased in rumen epithelium of SARA sheep, while the trend of autophagy substrate sequestosome-1 (P62) was opposite to that of LC-3.
Conclusions
These results indicate that SARA leads to a high concentration of ruminal LPS, which significantly increases the expression and synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the rumen epithelium, through the over-activation of NF-κB and MAPK inflammatory pathways, thereby inducing rumenitis, damaging the integrity of rumen epithelium; moreover, damage to the rumen abdominal sac is more serious than that to the rumen dorsal sac. In the process of rumen gastritis, autophagy is involved in the regulation and inhibition of the inflammatory response.
Applying Text Analysis to Evaluate the Common Knowledge Effect on Discussion Processes
Authors: Arima Yoshiko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the appropriateness of text analysis in an experimental study to ascertain the common knowledge effect on the discussion process. Two mock jury experiments were conducted wherein 204 participants were given information about a fictitious murder case, choosing from verdicts of “guilty”, “not guilty”, and “presumed innocent”. Experiment 1 set conditions using the information distributed to each group member. Latent Dirichlet allocation topic model was conducted to explore topics in chatlogs that would be influenced by the information allocated to each member. ANOVA revealed that the experimental conditions, “sharing (high/low) × information (alibi/dummy)” had effects on topic ratios. Experiment 2 investigated false memory related to the topics identified in Experiment 1. The results of the Deese, Roediger, and McDermott experiments conducted pre and post-discussion revealed that false memories increased post-discussion. Mediation analysis suggested that a certain topic ratio correlated with false memory.
Influence of educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence on metacognitive awareness in nursing students: the role of self-directed learning ability
Authors: Li shasha , Jia Xuejing , zhao Yanjun , Ni Yingyuan , Xu Lijun , Li Yue 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the mechanisms influencing metacognitive awareness among nursing students, encompassing educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability. These findings could serve as a theoretical reference for developing metacognitive intervention strategies tailored to nursing students.
Method
Students from two nursing institutions in China were recruited through stratified sampling (n = 600). Data were collected using five self-report instruments: the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, Medical Education Environment Evaluation Scale, Learning Motivation Scale, Emotional Intelligence Scale, and Self-Directed Learning Ability Scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to test the measurement model, and structural equation modeling utilized multiple indexes to assess the degree of model fit. Bootstrapping was conducted to evaluate total, direct, and indirect effects.
Results
Metacognitive awareness exhibited a significant positive relationship with educational environment, learning motivation, emotional intelligence, and self-directed learning ability (all p < 0.01). The model depicting factors influencing metacognitive awareness demonstrated a good fit. Path analyses revealed that educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence directly impacted self-directed learning ability. Moreover, educational environment and self-directed learning ability directly influenced metacognitive awareness. Lastly, educational environment, learning motivation, and emotional intelligence influenced metacognitive awareness through the mediation of self-directed learning ability.
Conclusion
Nursing institutions and educators can utilize the proposed model to devise educational plans aimed at enhancing metacognitive awareness among nursing students, with a specific focus on the indirect impact of self-directed learning ability.
Exploring the effect of sedentary behavior on increased adiposity in middle-aged adults
Authors: Macías Nayeli , Monterubio Eric , Salmerón Jorge , Meneses-León Joacim , Flores Yvonne N. , Jáuregui Alejandra , Salvo Deborah , Villa Umberto , Olvera Armando , Gallegos-Carrillo Katia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background. Evidence about sedentary behaviors (SBS) and body adiposity association may be inconclusive due to potential recall bias errors in the SBS self-report questionnaires.
Objective. To assess the association between SBS and body adiposity. We also compared this association using noncorrected and corrected self-reported SBS data.
Methods. A total of 1,285 adults participating in the Health Worker Cohort Study (HWCS) were evaluated at baseline in 2004 and follow-up in 2010. Body adiposity was measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). SBS were obtained with a self-administered questionnaire in the total sample and accelerometry in a subsample of 142 HWCS participants. Accelerometry was used to correct self-reported SBS with a generalized linear model. The agreement was assessed with a kappa analysis of terciles and Bland‒Altman for continuous values. After adjusting for confounders, we used a fixed effect model to evaluate the association between noncorrected and corrected SBS and body adiposity.
Results. The participants’ noncorrected self-reported SBS at baseline and follow-up were 2.8±1.8 and 2.3±1.6 hours/day, and adiposity was 24.9±8.1 and 26.8±8.5 kg, respectively. Corrected sedentary behavior was 7.6 hours/day at baseline and follow-up. Each additional hour of corrected SBS was associated with an 847-gram increase in adiposity during the 6.8 years from the baseline to the follow-up assessment. Conversely, noncorrected self-reported SBS were associated with a 97-gram reduction for every hour of increased SBS.
Conclusions. The increased SBS are associated with increased adiposity for the corrected self-reported SBS. It is imperative to implement public health strategies to reduce sedentary behavior.
Large-scale nanostructured porous silicon layers using silicon as counter electrode in the anodization process
Authors: Ramadan Rehab 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fabrication of porous silicon (PSi) with varying porosities can be created through an electrochemical etching process using diluted hydrofluoric acid. Traditionally, platinum has been used as the counter electrode in this process, but it can be quite costly. In this work, a new modification in the electrochemical etching process was developed. The modification involves utilizing a heavily doped Si substrate as the counter electrode to fabricate a large-scale nanostructured PSi layer. This is a crucial advancement as it eliminates the need for expensive platinum wire and enables the creation of a uniform porous silicon layer on a larger scale. The morphology, optical and electrical properties of the PSi samples using Si and platinum electrodes were studied, and the results indicate that there is no significant difference between the two. With this new modification, it is now possible to fabricate large-scale nanostructured PSi layers using cost-effective procedures.
Causal relationships between prostate cancer and six psychiatri c disorders: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: wu xiaojing , Zhang Weiping , Chen Huijun , Weng Jianfei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and survival have increased significantly with the development and use of screening techniques. The PCa patient population has a higher risk of psychiatric health issues than the overall population. It has not been demonstrated that PCa and psychiatric disorders are related genetically.
Methods
The current investigation employed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization design, incorporating a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to systematically screen for genetic instrumental variables related to PCa and six psychiatric disorders, namely major depressive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The primary method for assessing causal associations between the two disorders was Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW), supplemented by additional analyses utilizing the MR-Egger and Weighted Median methods, as well as sensitivity analyses to confirm their dependability. In order to confirm the good outcomes of the MR study, we also chose another set of prostate cancer GWAS data from the same pedigree population. To make the results more reliable, we conducted a meta-analysis.
Results
Genetically predicted PCa was associated with higher odds of BD (OR = 1.06,95%, CI = 1.02–1.10, PIVW=0.0055) and lower odds of MDD (OR = 0.97,95% CI = 0.95-1.00, PIVW=0.0261) in the forward MR analysis from PCa to psychiatric disorders. Reverse MR analysis showed that genetically expected BD (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.01–1.10, PIVW=0.0303) was associated with higher odds of PCa. No causal association was found between the other four psychiatric disorders and PCa in the two-way analysis. Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were not observed in all results, and the robustness of the results was demonstrated by the leave-one-out results. MR analyses performed with the optional additional PCa GWAS were directionally consistent with the main analysis, confirming a causal association between MDD and PCa, but greater heterogeneity was observed in the bidirectional causal association of BD.
Conclusions
Our research suggested a potential genetic causal relationship between BD, MDD, and PCa. There was no genetically based causal relationship found between PCa, ADHD, sleeplessness, anxiety disorders, and AD. The results of this study have significant ramifications for the future screening and management of PCa patients, particularly with regard to the inclusion of psychological therapies and support.
Diagnosis and Treatment Strategies for Pediatric Urogenital Tract Foreign Bodies: A Retrospective Study
Authors: tao chengpin , Peng Bo , Mao Changkun , Yu Xin , Cao Yongsheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Foreign bodies in the pediatric urogenital tract are rare but urgent clinical conditions that can cause severe symptoms and complications. The current management remains challenging.
Objective: This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies for pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies. Through a retrospective analysis of patient data, valuable insights into the management of this condition are offered to facilitate the development of more effective management strategies.
Methods: A single-center retrospective study design was employed, reviewing clinical data of 30 pediatric patients with urogenital tract foreign bodies admitted to Anhui Children's Hospital from October 2016 to May 2023. This included 16 cases of urethral and bladder foreign bodies and 14 cases of vaginal foreign bodies. Among them, there were 14 males and 16 females, with an average age of 7.4 years. Treatment methods included transvaginal endoscopic removal, cystoscopic removal, pneumovesicum laparoscopy removal, and perineal incisional foreign body removal. Surgical time, blood loss, hospitalization days, and postoperative follow-up results were recorded.
Results: Key clinical presentations included vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, hematuria, dysuria, urinary retention, and perineal pain. Preoperative routine examinations included ultrasound, abdominal radiography, and, in some cases, CT scans. All 30 patients underwent successful surgery, with an average surgical time of 39.6±28.3 minutes, minimal intraoperative bleeding, and an average postoperative hospital stay of 2.8±2.2 days. Follow-up from 3 months to 1 year revealed no abnormalities in the urogenital system, no residual foreign bodies, and no occurrence of severe complications. No cases of recurrent foreign body insertion were observed.
Conclusion: Early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies are crucial to reduce patient suffering and the risk of complications. The choice of surgical method depends on the type, size, and location of the foreign body, with endoscopy being the preferred option. Laparoscopic cystoscopy and open surgery are also effective treatment modalities. Strengthening supervision and education for children, guiding their curiosity correctly, can help prevent the occurrence of pediatric urogenital tract foreign bodies.
Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera: the “RAMP” Italian multicenter prospective study
Authors: Palandri Francesca , Auteri Giuseppe , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Caocci Giovanni , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Mendicino Francesco , Latagliata Roberto , Iurlo Alessandra , Branzanti Filippo , Garibaldi Bruno , Trawinska Malgorzata M. , Cattaneo Daniele , Krampera Mauro , Mulas Olga , Martino Enrica A. , Cavo Michele , Vianelli Nicola , Impera Stefana , Efficace Fabio , Heidel Florian H.. , Breccia Massimo , Elli Elena M. , Palumbo Giuseppe A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Ruxolitinib is beneficial in patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV). Information on ruxolitinib adherence is scant.
Methods
The Ruxolitinib Adherence in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera (RAMP) prospective multicenter study (NCT06078319) included 189 ruxolitinib-treated patients. Patients completed the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and Distress Thermometer and Problem List (DTPL) at the earliest convenience, after registration in the study, and at later timepoints.
Results
At week-0, low adherence (ARMS > 14) and high distress (DT ≥ 4) were declared by 49.7% and 40.2% of patients, respectively. The main reason for low adherence was difficult ruxolitinib supply (49%), intentional (4.3%) and unintentional (46.7%) non-take. In multivariable regression analysis, low adherence was associated to male sex (p = 0.001), high distress (p < 0.001), and treatment duration ≥ 1 year (p = 0.03). Over time, rates of low adherence and high distress remained stable, but unintentional non-take decreased from 47.9–26.0% at week-48. MF patients with stable high adherence/low distress were more likely to obtain/maintain the spleen response at week-24.
Conclusions
Low adherence to ruxolitinib represents an unmet clinical need that require a multifaceted approach, based on reason behind it (patients characteristics and treatment duration). Its recognition may help distinguishing patients who are truly refractory and those in need of therapy optimization.
Long-Term Feeding Outcomes after Infant Tracheostomy
Authors: Stekolchik Elena , Hossain M. Jobayer , Northam J. Heather , Rani Seema , Strang Abigail , Chidekel Aaron 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective: To characterize long-term feeding outcomes and identify factors which impact feeding at age 5 in a group of infants who underwent tracheostomy.
Study Design: Retrospective review of feeding outcomes at age 5 in a group of infants who underwent tracheostomy at a children’s hospital over a 16-year period.
Results: 145 patients were included. At age 5, 49% of those patients demonstrated feeding dysfunction and remained dependent on a feeding tube. Cardiovascular comorbidities (p=0.009), long-term tracheostomy dependence (p < 0.001), higher birth weight (p=0.011), older age at tracheostomy decannulation (p < 0.001) and older gestational age (p=0.007) were associated with feeding tube dependence at age 5.
Conclusion: The long-term feeding outcomes of infants who require tracheostomy demonstrate high levels of feeding impairment at age 5. Cardiovascular comorbidities, older gestational age, higher birth weight, older mean age at decannulation and long-term tracheostomy were associated with long-term feeding impairment.
Gender - and age-related differences in plasma metabolic fingerprinting of healthy populations
Authors: Xie Yang , Tao Qing , Li Jun , Wu Yonghui , Liu Zide , Chen Youxiang , Zeng Chunyan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background/Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate potential differences in the plasma metabolic fingerprinting of healthy individuals based on sex and age.
Methods: Blood specimens were collected from patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University for health check-ups. The specimens were randomly divided into discovery and validation groups, maintaining a 1:1 ratio. Small molecule metabolites in each sample were detected using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Results: Plasma metabolites exhibited significant variations between sexes and age groups in our population. A comparison between men and women revealed 13 differential metabolites, with acetylcholine having the highest differential expression (AUC = 0.909). A diagnostic model (model 1) combining PC 36:4, acetylcholine, L-threonine, and arginine showed an AUC value of 0.973, a sensitivity of 91%, and a specificity of 94%. Model 2, which combined creatinine, L-methionine, acetylcholine, and L-tyrosine, had an AUC value of 0.955, a sensitivity of 94%, and a specificity of 88%. When comparing age groups, the OPLSDA model exhibited moderate stability and higher predictive efficacy in the 18-44 and 45-67 age groups. The differential metabolites were predominantly lipid molecules, with the highest AUC found in Dehydroisoandrosterone-3-sulfate. Additionally, we observed that LysoPC 20:1, LysoPC 20:0, PI 38:5, PC 40:3, 3-Hydroxydodecanoic acid 12:0(3-OH), Choline, N-Formyl-L-methionine, and Homocystine positively correlated with age, while Dehydroisoandrosterone-3-sulfate and Piperine were negatively correlated with age.
Conclusion: These differential metabolites provide insights for the prevention and treatment of age- and gender-related diseases.
Role of Eight-Week Therapy with Ashwagandha Root Extract in Improving Sexual Health in Healthy Men: Findings of a Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Mutha Amit , Beldar Amit , Mulay Alok , Tejuja Anupama , Mutha Sonali , Langade Deepak 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedy, an adaptogen, can improve sexual dysfunction in men and women. This 8-week prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract (ARE) on improving sexual health in healthy adult men based on Satisfying Sexual Events (SSEs), Sexual Desire Inventory (SDI-2), International Index of Erectile functon(IIEF) score, semen parameters and the Quality Of Life (QOL) using the SF-12 tool. A total of 100 healthy men aged 30 to 50 years were randomly assigned to receive ARE 300 mg twice daily (n=50), or identical placebo (n=50) in a 1:1 ratio for 8 weeks. Study assessments were done at baseline, week 2, week 4, and week 8. Three participants from ARE and four participants from placebo group were excluded due to follow-up loss. The efficacy analyses were done on Per-Protocol (PP) dataset of 93, whereas safety analyses were done on all 100 participants. Significant improvements were observed with ARE for semen volume (p=0.005), sperm number (p=0.006), sperm concentration (p=0.007), and sperm morphology (p=0.007). The improvement in scores were better with ARE for SDI-2 (p<0.05), orgasm and sexual desire domains of IIEF (p<0.05), and SF-12 (p<0.0001). No patients reported any adverse events.