bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hearing loss in college students: a meta-analysis
Authors: Kornisch Myriam , Barton Ashley , Park Hyejin , Lowe Rebecca , Ikuta Toshikazu 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionHearing loss among college students, specifically noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), appears to be increasing. This may be particularly challenging for this population as college students are required to listen to lectures in classrooms that may have suboptimal listening environments. College-aged musicians are at a particularly high risk due to repeated and extended exposure to loud noise. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was (1) to examine the prevalence of hearing loss in college students and (2) to emphasize the importance of detecting hearing loss at 6,000 Hz.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted using the PRISMA model. The literature search yielded 8 studies (1,950 subjects) that tested hearing loss using an audiogram and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAEs). All studies used audiologic tests to detect hearing loss among college students between the ages of 17–35 years.ResultsResults indicate that the prevalence of hearing loss in college students is 19%. In addition, the prevalence of hearing loss at 6,000 Hz is 85% among student musicians. For this meta-analysis, slight sensorineural hearing loss, or thresholds greater than 20 dB bilaterally or unilaterally, qualified as hearing loss.DiscussionDecreased hearing at 6,000 Hz may lead to an individual’s inability to hear important environmental factors and high frequency speech sounds. College students without full auditory function at this frequency may have difficulties performing in class based on decreased attention, comprehension, and memory. Although students may not realize the influence of their 6,000 Hz hearing loss or be unaware of its presence, it could significantly change their likelihood to succeed in college. Therefore, implementing a hearing conservation program may be advised for colleges and universities to help prevent hearing loss in students, particularly for collegiate musicians. In addition, it may be beneficial to screen hearing in college students at 6,000 Hz for better detection of hearing loss overall.
A cross-sectional study exploring the relationship between symptoms of anxiety/depression and P50 sensory gating in adult patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis
Authors: Liu Xinyi , Liu Sitong , Ren Runtao , Wang Xue , Han Chunyu , Liu Zhandong 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a clinical disease that affects multiple body systems. It is characterized by persistent or recurring fatigue, which may be linked to immune, neuroendocrine, and energy metabolism dysfunctions. Individuals with CFS may experience pain, sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression. This research analyzed the fundamental characteristics of anxiety/depression symptoms in patients with CFS and investigated the association between these symptoms and the P50 SG (sensory gate) ratio.MethodsTwo hundred and forty-nine subjects fulfilled the CDC-1994 criteria for CFS and were included in the study. The subjects successively completed the Symptom CheckList-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale-14 (HAMA-14), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD-24). Auditory-evoked potential P50 were measured using the 128-lead-electroencephalograph.ResultAccording to HAMA and HAMD, 17.3% (n = 43) of the patients did not exhibit anxiety/depression, with a threshold score of 7 and 7 for HAMA and HAMD. When the threshold score was 14 and 20 respectively, 43.3% (n = 108) of the patients did not exhibit anxiety/depression. The SCL-90-R results indicated that 69.5% (n = 173) of these individuals with the score arranging from 0 to 160 did not present mental problems. There was a correlation between somatization scores and P50 SG ratio in the overall sample and no anxiety or depression (NAOD) group delimited by 14 and 20, respectively, (p &lt; 0.05). Regression analysis showed that anxiety and depression were risk factors associated with an abnormal P50 SG ratio.DiscussionA significant correlation exists between the P50 SG ratio and clinical symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Abnormalities in brain function among patients with CFS may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the condition, leading to their classification as being prone to functional neurological disorders. The P50 SG ratio cannot be used as a diagnostic marker for CFS but show some significance on the mechanism, classification, treatment, and prognosis of CFS.
New insights into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and oxidative balance score
Authors: Peng Lei , Li Lurong , Liu Jiahao , Li Yuanyuan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has not been studied, which remains inadequately recognized. This is a cross-sectional study in a US adult population to explore the relationship between MASLD and oxidative balance scores (OBS), which containing integrating dietary nutrition and lifestyle factors.MethodsWe analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during 2017–2018. Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline curve (RCS) and subgroup analysis were used to investigate the association between OBS and MASLD. Cox regression analysis was utilized to assess the association between OBS and all-cause mortality among individuals.ResultsThe multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the highest quartile of OBS (Q4) was 0.30 (0.12, 0.77) (p = 0.012) compared to the lowest quartile of OBS (Q1). The RCS regression and subgroup analysis indicated an inverted relationship between OBS and the development of MASLD. The OBS Q4 group (HR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.87; p = 0.035) exhibited a lower risk of all-cause death than the Q1 group.ConclusionOBS is statistically significantly and negatively correlated with the risk of MASLD and all-cause mortality in US adults. More prospective investigations are required to substantiate our findings.
Differential clinical characteristics across traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Syndromes in patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang David D. , Pucka Andrew Q. , O’Brien Andrew R. W. , Harte Steven E. , Harris Richard E. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPain is a common, debilitating, and poorly understood complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). The need for clinical pain management of SCD is largely unmet and relies on opioids as the main therapeutic option, which leads to a decreased quality of life (QoL). According to the literature, acupuncture has shown certain therapeutic effects for pain management in SCD. However, these clinical studies lack the guidance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Syndrome Differentiation principles for treatment.AimTo characterize differences in clinical presentation amongst TCM diagnosed Syndromes in SCD patients.MethodFifty-two patients with SCD and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in an ongoing trial of acupuncture. Each participant completed a series of questionnaires on pain, physical function, fatigue, sleep, anxiety, depression and QoL and underwent cold- and pressure-based quantitative sensory testing at baseline. Data on prescription opioid use over the 12 months prior to study enrollment was used to calculate mean daily morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Differences among the three TCM Syndromes were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc testing. Two-sample t-tests were used to compare SCD and HC groups.ResultsTCM diagnosis criteria classified SCD patients into one of three TCM Syndromes: (a) Equal; (b) Deficiency; and (c) Stagnation. The Stagnation group exhibited higher pain interference, physical dysfunction, nociplastic pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, MME consumption and lower sleep quality and QoL compared to the Equal group. Few differences were observed between HCs and the Equal SCD group across outcomes. Deficiency and Stagnation groups were differentiated with observed- and patient-reported clinical manifestations.ConclusionThese findings suggest that TCM diagnosed Syndromes in SCD can be differentially characterized using validated objective and patient-reported outcomes. Because characteristics of pain and co-morbidities in each SCD patient are unique, targeting specific TCM “Syndromes” may facilitate treatment effectiveness with a Syndrome-based personalized treatment plan that conforms to TCM principles. These findings lay the foundation for the development of tailored acupuncture interventions based on TCM Syndromes for managing pain in SCD. Larger samples are required to further refine and validate TCM diagnostic criteria for SCD.
Recurrent respiratory tract infections in children might be associated with vitamin A status: a case-control study
Authors: Zhang Xuguang , Dai Xuezheng , Li Xianan , Xie Xun , Chen Yiru , Chen Yanping , Guan Haoyang , Zhao Yan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundRecurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs) are common in children and its development might be associated with vitamin A deficiency according to recent research. The aim of this study was to understand the relation between vitamin A status and RRTIs in children, and the relation between dietary intake of vitamin A and RRTIs.Methods2,592 children aged 0.5–14 years from Heilongjiang province of China participated in the survey. The RRTI group consisted of 1,039 children with RRTIs, while 1,553 healthy children were included in the control group. The levels of serum vitamin A were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); dietary information was collected with the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).ResultsSerum vitamin A concentration in the RRTI group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.27 ± 0.09 mg/L vs. 0.29 ± 0.09 mg/L) (P &lt; 0.01). The levels of vitamin A was obviously associated with the occurrence of RRTIs. The odds ratios (ORs) for vitamin A insufficiency and deficiency were 1.32 (95% CI: 1.09–1.60) and 1.95 (95% CI: 1.50–2.55) respectively; whereas 1.48 (95% CI: 1.13–1.94) and 6.51 (95% CI: 4.18–10.14) respectively, in children with current respiratory tract infection (RTI) symptoms. Even an insufficient intake of animal liver was associated with lower RRTIs [OR: 0.45 (95% CI: 0.38–0.53)], while only an excessive intake of meat had the same effect [OR: 0.85 (95% CI: 0.68–1.06)].ConclusionsLow serum vitamin A concentration was associated with high incidence of RRTIs in children in northeast China; low serum vitamin A concentrations and the current RTI symptoms were associated with the development of RRTIs; and low intakes of vitamin A-rich foods were also associated with the development of RRTIs.
Ethnic differences in parental experiences during the first six months after PICU discharge in Singapore: a qualitative study
Authors: Poh Pei-Fen , Carey Matthew C. , Manning Joseph C. , Lee Jan Hau , Latour Jos M. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionLiterature on parental experiences after childhood critical illness has limited representation from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Parents from global ethnic majority groups have reported worst psychological outcomes and required more social support after childhood critical illness.AimTo explore the experiences of Chinese, Malay, and Indian parents in the first six months after Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) discharge of their child in Singapore.MethodsSequential semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted to collect data from a convenience sample of 28 parents at one month (n = 28) and at six months (n = 22) after their child's discharge from a multidisciplinary PICU. Framework Analysis was adopted as the qualitative analysis strategy. The PICS-p framework was applied a priori in the Framework Analysis.FindingsThree interdependent domains and seven themes framed the 28 accounts in which ethnically diverse parents reported psychological stressors (PICS-p: emotional health), support received (PICS-p: social health) and practical challenges (transitional health) in the first six months after childhood critical illness. In the emotional health domain, parents were affected by different stressors and had different priorities over their child's survivorship. Only Indian parents reported experiences of stress symptoms, at six months post discharge. Malay parents sought solace from their religion more than Chinese and Indian parents. In the social health domain, parents reported various sources and degree of support received. Familial supports were strong across all groups, while community support was more prominent in Malay as compared to Chinese and Indian parents. A third domain, transitional health, was introduced to capture the difficulties parents faced during the transition from PICU survival to home. Parents from non-Chinese families were more likely to report financial challenges and more involvement of spouses after discharge. Complementary medicine or commercial health products were utilized by Chinese and Malay families.ConclusionThese findings reveal preferred strategies that parents from a global ethnic employ to address the emotional, social and transitional health impacts of their child's critical illness. Future care delivery may consider tailored care plans, communication strategies, and emotional support in PICUs that address the unique ethnic needs of parents during the critical six-months post their child's illness.
The effect of core stability training on the balance ability of young male basketball players
Authors: Gong Jian , Gao Huiyan , Sui Jinghao , Qi Fei 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 10-week Core Stability Training (CST) compared to Traditional Strength Training (TST) on the balance abilities of adolescent male basketball players.Methods: Subjects (age: 15.70 ± 0.75, height: 178.4 ± 8.31, weight: 66.55 ± 8.34) were randomly assigned to either the Core Stability Training group or the Traditional Strength Training group. Three selected balance assessment indicators included the Single-leg Standing with Eyes Closed Test, Star Excursion Balance Test, and Core Four-Direction Endurance Test.Results: 1) The scores were significantly different in both groups before and after the Single-leg Standing with Eyes Closed Test; (p &lt; 0.01, d = 1.692, d = 1.837); 2) In the Star Excursion Balance Test, the scores of the experimental group showed significant difference (p &lt; 0.05) or highly significant difference (p &lt; 0.01) with an average effect size of (d = 1.727) when the left or right foot supported in the other directions before and after the training. However, there was no significant difference in scores in the c direction when the left foot supported (p &gt; 0.05, d = 0.954); 3) In the Core Four-Direction Endurance Test, there were no significant differences in scores for the control group before and after training (p &gt; 0.05, d = 0.567), while the experimental group showed significant differences in scores before and after training (p &lt; 0.05, d = 1.889).Discussion: Both CST and TST were effective in enhancing the balance abilities of adolescent basketball players. CST, in particular, demonstrated improvements in dynamic balance and agility across multiple planes. Basketball coaches are encouraged to consider incorporating CST training programs into their overall training plans for optimal balance enhancement.
Fear of progression, loneliness, and hope in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a cross-sectional relational study
Authors: Li Yanjun , Xiao Tian , Liao Haiyan , Qu Haimei , Ren Pan , Chen Xiaoju 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, fear of disease progression (FoP) has become one of the most common psychological problems in cancer patients. However, there are fewer studies on the FoP in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. We aimed to assess the level of FoP in patients with gastrointestinal tumors and analyze the factors related to FoP. We also aimed to examine the relationship among loneliness, hope and FoP in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted on three Grade A hospitals in southwestern China from November 2021 to July 2022. The demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, Fear of Disease Progression Scale (FoP-Q-SF), Cancer Loneliness Scale (CLS), and Herth Hope Index (HHI) were included in this study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 245 gastrointestinal cancer patients participated in this study. The average (standard deviation) FoP score in patients was 32.94 ± 10.64. In total, 245 gastrointestinal cancer patients participated in this study. The average (standard deviation) FoP score in patients was 32.94  ±  10.64. The average score of CLS was 17.65  ±  6.71, and that for the HHI was 31.27  ±  7.73. Pearson correlation analysis showed that FoP was negatively significant correlated with hope level (r = −0.522) and FoP was positively significant correlated with loneliness (r = 0.545). Linear regression analysis showed that educational level, age, living condition, hope, and loneliness were the significant predictors of FoP and explained 53.10% of the variability in FoP (F = 16.372).ConclusionFindings highlight the need to strengthen attention to FoP in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Our study showed that gastrointestinal cancer patients who have a high school education, are age 45 to 59, live alone, high level of loneliness, and low level of hope have higher FoP. Medical staff should enhance clinical screening of FoP and consider the formulation of relevant interventions for high-risk groups to reduce loneliness among patients, raise their hope level, and reduce their FoP.
School children’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Martinsen Kristin , Lisøy Carina , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Neumer Simon-Peter , Rasmussen Lene-Mari Potulski , Adolfsen Frode , Sund Anne Mari , Ingul Jo Magne 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the daily routines of children, with social distancing and quarantine leading to reduced social interactions and potential increased conflicts within families. These factors can increase the risk for anxiety and depression while reducing overall quality of life.MethodsOur study included 1843 school children aged 8 to 12 from 56 schools over a 2.5-year period before and during the pandemic. This multi-wave cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from an optimization trial of an indicated preventive intervention. The main outcomes were self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, and quality of life was the secondary outcome measure. Furthermore, responses to COVID-relevant questions were measured using a self-composed scale. Our objectives were to compare anxiety and depression symptom levels between cohorts of children who participated in the study before and during the pandemic, to examine if anxiety or depression predicted the COVID response, and whether anxiety and depression and subtypes of anxiety had an impact on quality of life during the pandemic. Linear regression and interaction models were used to examine relevant associations.ResultsLevels of anxiety and depression were higher in all waves compared to pre-pandemic levels. Quality of life was lower during the pandemic than before the pandemic, particularly among children with generalized anxiety symptoms. Quality of life was negatively associated with loneliness.DiscussionOur study revealed that children reported higher anxious and depressive symptoms during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels, as well as reduced quality of life. Lockdowns and restrictions may have contributed to this burden. Additionally, self-reported loneliness was a significant possible consequence of the restrictive measures imposed on children during the pandemic. Additional research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of the pandemic on children, particularly regarding the stability of elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Such studies could examine whether these conditions are indicative of a trajectory toward more severe internalizing disorders.Clinical trial registration: NCT04263558.
Association of Barrett's esophagus with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a bidirectional analysis of Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tan Wei , Cao Yanli , Ge Liang , Li Guangcai , Liu Peijun 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundObservational studies have reported associations between Barrett's esophagus (BE) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the causal relationship remained unclear due to potential confounding biases. Our study aimed to elucidate this causal relationship by deploying a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology.MethodsInstrumental variables (IVs) for Barrett's esophagus were obtained from a public database that comprised 13,358 cases and 43,071 controls. To investigate OSAS, we utilized summary statistics from a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) encompassing 38,998 cases of OSAS and 336,659 controls. Our MR analyses adopted multiple techniques, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, and simple mode.ResultsThe IVW analysis established a causal relationship between Barrett's esophagus and OSAS, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.19 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.11–1.28 (p = 8.88E-07). Furthermore, OSAS was identified as a contributing factor to the onset of Barrett's esophagus, with an OR of 1.44 and a 95% CI of 1.33–1.57 (p = 7.74E-19). Notably, the MR–Egger intercept test found no evidence of directional pleiotropy (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThis study identifies a potential association between BE and an increased occurrence of OSAS, as well as the reverse relationship. These insights could influence future screening protocols and prevention strategies for both conditions.
Social skills training with a tabletop role-playing game, before and during the pandemic of 2020: in-person and online group sessions
Authors: Henning Germano , de Oliveira Reinaldo Rodrigo , de Andrade Marcus Túlio Pereira , Gallo Renato Villela , Benevides Raissa Roberti , Gomes Rodrigo Antonio Fuga , Fukue Lucas Eiji Kong , Lima Arthur Vaciloto , de Oliveira Maria Beatriz Baggio Z. N. , de Oliveira Daniel Amorim Medeiros , Werpp Morgana , Moraes Lucas , Neto Francisco Lotufo 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe area of social skills is broad, in theory and in practice. For social skills training, various clinical practices have been applied in group sessions, as have motivational resources such as role-playing games (RPGs). In recent years, the need arose to assess the clinical impact of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the impact that the pandemic has had on in-person and online social skills training.MethodsWe evaluated six subjects with autism spectrum disorder, with or without another, similar disorder, each of whom attended a total of 12 two-hour RPG sessions over a 12-month period. The original (Portuguese-language) version of the Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents was applied at three different time points (pre-, mid-, and post-intervention).ResultsAfter six in-person tabletop RPG sessions, there was an increase in the mean frequency scores and a decrease in the mean difficulty scores. However, during the pandemic, the remaining six sessions were conducted online and the effect was the opposite.ConclusionOur data indicate that there is a need for further studies assessing social skills training in online contexts.