bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal growth in college student self-efficacy and intercultural competence attenuated by anxiety/depression
Authors: Peifer Janelle , Taasoobshirazi Gita , Meyer-Lee Elaine 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionA wide range of stakeholders, including prospective students, parents, accreditors, future employers, and the general public, require detailed data on college outcomes. However, there are many challenges to producing such complex research tracking change over time in the higher education setting.MethodsThis multi-method longitudinal study at three different colleges was grounded in Input-Environment-Output and Social Cognitive theoretical frameworks. It examined: potential change on five different key psychosocial outcomes (i.e., self-efficacy, anxiety, intercultural competence, ethnic identity, and cognitive empathy), associations between these variables, and the role of race/ethnicity.ResultsMultilevel growth modeling revealed within and between subject changes over time. The findings provide evidence that liberal arts colleges focused on global learning can produce significant growth for students of all races on self-efficacy and intercultural competence, both outcomes that are valued for workforce readiness. However, the results also show that anxiety and depression symptoms attenuate growth in intercultural competence, which is concerning given other recent data on students’ mental health and wellness concerns.DiscussionWe discuss implications for student development practitioners and faculty alongside potential future directions for research in other higher education settings.
Exercise improves intestinal IgA production by T-dependent cell pathway in adults but not in aged mice
Authors: Hernández-Urbán Angel Joel , Drago-Serrano Maria Elisa , Cruz-Baquero Andrea , García-Hernández Ana Lilia , Arciniega-Martínez Ivonne Maciel , Pacheco-Yépez Judith , Guzmán-Mejía Fabiola , Godínez-Victoria Marycarmen 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionHypermutated high-affinity immunoglobulin A (IgA), neutralizes toxins and drives the diversification of bacteria communities to maintain intestinal homeostasis although the mechanism underlies the impact of moderate aerobic exercise (MAE) on the IgA-generation via T-dependent (TD) is not fully know. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of long-time MAE on the production of IgA through the TD pathway in Peyer´s patches of the small intestine from aged mice.MethodsMAE protocol consisted of twenty 3-month-old (young) BALB/c mice running in an endless band at 0° inclination and a speed of 10 m/h for 5 days a week and resting 2 days on the weekend until reaching 6-month-old (adulthood, n=10) or 24-month-old (aging, n=10). Groups of young, adult, or elderly mice were included as sedentary controls (n=10/per group). At 6 or 24 months old, all were sacrificed, and small intestine samples were dissected to prepare intestinal lavages for IgA quantitation by ELISA and to obtain suspensions from Peyer´s patches (PP) and lamina propria (LP) cells for analysis of T, B, and plasma cell subpopulations by flow cytometry and mRNA analysis expression by RT-qPCR of molecular factors related to differentiation of B cells to IgA+ plasma cells, class switch recombination, and IgA-synthesis. Statistical analysis was computed with two-way ANOVA (factor A=age, factor B=group) and p&lt;0.05 was considered for statistically significant differences.ResultsCompared to age-matched sedentary control, in exercised elderly mice, parameters were either increased (IgA concentration, IL-21, IL-10 and RDH mRNA expression), decreased (α-chain mRNA, B cells, mIgA+ B cells, mIgM+ B cells and IL-4 mRNA) or unchanged (PP mIgA+ plasmablasts and LP cyt-IgA+ plasma cells). Regarding the exercised adult mice, they showed an up-modulation of IgA-concentration, mRNA expression IL-21, IL-10, and RDH and cells (PP B and T cells, mIgM+ plasmablasts and LP cyt-IgA+plasma cells).ConclusionOur findings suggest that MAE restored the IgA production in adult mice via the TD cell pathway but does not in aged mice. Other studies are necessary to know in more detail the impact of long-time MAE on the TD pathway to produce IgA in aging.
Local recurrence and metastatic disease in pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas
Authors: Araujo-Castro Marta , García Sanz Iñigo , Mínguez Ojeda César , Hanzu Felicia , Mora Mireia , Vicente Almudena , Blanco Carrera Concepción , de Miguel Novoa Paz , López García María del Carmen , Lamas Cristina , Manjón-Miguélez Laura , del Castillo Tous María , Rodríguez de Vera Pablo , Barahona San Millán Rebeca , Recasens Mónica , Tomé Fernández-Ladreda Mariana , Valdés Nuria , Gracia Gimeno Paola , Robles Lazaro Cristina , Michalopoulou Theodora , Álvarez Escolá Cristina , García Centeno Rogelio , Barca-Tierno Verónica , Herrera-Martínez Aura D. , Calatayud María 
Published: December 2023

PurposeTo evaluate the rate of recurrence among patients with pheochromocytomas and sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs; together PPGLs) and to identify predictors of recurrence (local recurrence and/or metastatic disease).MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study included information of 303 patients with PPGLs in follow-up in 19 Spanish tertiary hospitals. Recurrent disease was defined by the development of local recurrence and/or metastatic disease after initial complete surgical resection.ResultsA total of 303 patients with PPGLs that underwent 311 resections were included (288 pheochromocytomas and 15 sympathetic PGLs). After a median follow-up of 4.8 years (range 1-19), 24 patients (7.9%) had recurrent disease (3 local recurrence, 17 metastatic disease and 4 local recurrence followed by metastatic disease). The median time from the diagnosis of the PPGL to the recurrence was of 11.2 months (range 0.5-174) and recurrent disease cases distributed uniformly during the follow-up period. The presence of a pathogenic variant in SDHB gene (hazard ratio [HR] 13.3, 95% CI 4.20-41.92), higher urinary normetanephrine levels (HR 1.02 per each increase in standard deviation, 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and a larger tumor size (HR 1.01 per each increase in mm, 95% CI 1.00-1.02) were independently associated with disease recurrence.ConclusionThe recurrence of PPGLs occurred more frequently in patients with SDHB mutations, with larger tumors and with higher urinary normetanephrine levels. Since PPGL recurrence may occur at any time after the initial PPGL diagnosis is performed, we recommend performing a strict follow-up in all patients with PPGLs, especially in those patients with a higher risk of recurrent disease.
Converting energy from overhead transmission line vibrations using a low-frequency and low-amplitude harvester in a smart grid
Authors: Tan Yisong , Li Shixun , Zhang Wenqiang , Wang Shuqing , Zhou Yang , He Yutong , Ren Limin 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Overhead transmission line vibration is detrimental to the normal operation of the power grid. It is necessary to remotely monitor overhead transmission lines with sensors in normal operation, and sensors require a constant source of energy. Harvesting energy from transmission line vibrations is an excellent solution to power these sensors.Methods: A low-frequency and low-amplitude vibration energy harvester is proposed, analyzed, produced and experimented in this study. A main constituent of the energy harvester is an outer support, an inner support, four one-way bearings, a bevel gear system and a DC generator. The harvester converts the linear reciprocating motion of the line into reciprocating swing at first and then converts it into fixed-direction rotation. Theoretical analyses are conducted to determine the harvester performance factors. Finally, the harvester is fabricated and tested.Results: The test results are in good accordance with the simulation results. At the vibrating speed as 0.48 m/s, the maximum output power and output voltage are 4.2 W and 24.7 V, respectively. The weather sensor and video recorder installed on the transmission line are powered by the harvester.Discussion: The energy harvester also effectively suppresses the vibration of transmission lines and has great potential in the constructions of smart grids. The harvester provides a feasible solution for harvesting line vibration energy and suppressing line breeze vibration simultaneously.
Identification of driver genes in lupus nephritis based on comprehensive bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Wang Zheng , Hu Danni , Pei Guangchang , Zeng Rui , Yao Ying 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundLupus nephritis (LN) is a common and severe glomerulonephritis that often occurs as an organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the complex pathological mechanisms associated with LN have hindered the progress of targeted therapies.MethodsWe analyzed glomerular tissues from 133 patients with LN and 51 normal controls using data obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to enrichment analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was utilized to identify key gene modules. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and random forest were used to identify hub genes. We also analyzed immune cell infiltration using CIBERSORT. Additionally, we investigated the relationships between hub genes and clinicopathological features, as well as examined the distribution and expression of hub genes in the kidney.ResultsA total of 270 DEGs were identified in LN. Using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we clustered these DEGs into 14 modules. Among them, the turquoise module displayed a significant correlation with LN (cor=0.88, p&lt;0.0001). Machine learning techniques identified four hub genes, namely CD53 (AUC=0.995), TGFBI (AUC=0.997), MS4A6A (AUC=0.994), and HERC6 (AUC=0.999), which are involved in inflammation response and immune activation. CIBERSORT analysis suggested that these hub genes may contribute to immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, these hub genes exhibited strong correlations with the classification, renal function, and proteinuria of LN. Interestingly, the highest hub gene expression score was observed in macrophages.ConclusionCD53, TGFBI, MS4A6A, and HERC6 have emerged as promising candidate driver genes for LN. These hub genes hold the potential to offer valuable insights into the molecular diagnosis and treatment of LN.
Overexpression of MTHFD2 represents an inflamed tumor microenvironment and precisely predicts the molecular subtype and immunotherapy response of bladder cancer
Authors: Shi Xiaokai , Peng Xiangrong , Chen Yin , Shi Zebin , Yue Chuang , Zuo Li , Zhang Lifeng , Gao Shenglin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionMethylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 2 (MTHFD2), whose aberrant expression is common in cancers, has recently been identified as a potential regulator of immune response. However, its immune-related role in bladder cancer (BLCA) and its association with immunotherapy efficacy remain unclear.MethodsRNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was applied to analyze the immunological roles and prognostic value of MTHFD2 in pan-cancers. The association of MTHFD2 with several immunological features of tumor microenvironment (TME), including cancer-immunity cycle, immune cells infiltration, immune checkpoints expression, and T cell inflamed score was analyzed in TCGA-BLCA cohort. The predictors of cancer treatments effectiveness, including the expression and mutation of certain genes, molecular subtypes, and several signatures were evaluated as well. These results were validated by another independent cohort (GSE48075). Finally, the predictive value of MTHFD2 for TME and immunotherapy efficacy were validated using immunohistochemistry assay and RNA sequencing data from IMvigor210 cohort, respectively. ResultsMTHFD2 was found to be positively associated with several immunological features of an inflamed tumor microenvironment (TME) in various cancers and could predict BLCA patients’ prognosis. In BLCA, high expression of MTHFD2 was observed to be positively related with the cancer–immunity cycle, the infiltration of several immune cells, and the expression of immunoregulators and T-cell inflamed scores, indicating a positive correlation with the inflamed TME. Moreover, patients with high MTHFD2 expression were more likely to be basal-like subtypes and respond to BLCA treatments, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and target therapy. The clinical data of the IMvigor210 cohort confirmed the higher response rates and better survival benefits of immunotherapy in high-MTHFD2-expression patients.ConclusionCollectively, high MTHFD2 predicts an inflamed TME, a basal-like subtype, and a better response to various therapeutic strategies, especially the ICB therapy, in bladder cancer.
Molecular typing of canine parvovirus type 2 by VP2 gene sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism in affected dogs from Egypt
Authors: Magouz Asmaa , El-Kon Ismail , Raya-Álvarez Enrique , Khaled Enas , Alkhalefa Noura , Alhegaili Alaa S. , El-khadragy Manal F. , Agil Ahmad , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionCanine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) is one of the most common infectious diseases in dogs characterized by severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Little information is available about this topic in Egypt, particularly in the Delta region. This study reports the prevalence and molecular analysis of CPV-2 variants collected from El-Gharbia and Kafrelsheikh governorates in the Delta of Egypt.MethodsIn this study, 320 rectal swabs were collected from infected domestic dogs from two districts in delta Egypt. The samples were investigated by rapid immunochromatographic test and polymerase chain reaction for detection the prevalence of CPV-2 variants. The genetic characterization was performed using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and partial VP2 gene sequence.Results and discussionThe viral antigen was detected in (264/320, 82.5%) of samples by IC test, while PCR was found more sensitive by detecting (272/320, 85%) positive samples. The RFLP technique using MboII restriction enzyme was successfully used for the differentiation of CPV-2c antigenic variants from CPV-2a/2b strains. Interestingly, the molecular and phylogenetic analysis revealed that both CPV-2a and CPV-2c are circulating in the study area. Deduced amino acid sequence analysis showed changes at residue (N426E) and residue (T440A).: Our results indicated that CPV-2 is prevalent among dogs in Egypt, and therefore further molecular and epidemiological studies of CPV-2 are warranted.
Predicting 90-day prognosis for patients with stroke: a machine learning approach
Authors: Abujaber Ahmad A. , Alkhawaldeh Ibraheem M. , Imam Yahia , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Akhtar Naveed , Own Ahmed , Tarawneh Ahmad S. , Hassanat Ahmad B. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundStroke is a significant global health burden and ranks as the second leading cause of death worldwide.ObjectiveThis study aims to develop and evaluate a machine learning-based predictive tool for forecasting the 90-day prognosis of stroke patients after discharge as measured by the modified Rankin Score.MethodsThe study utilized data from a large national multiethnic stroke registry comprising 15,859 adult patients diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Of these, 7,452 patients satisfied the study’s inclusion criteria. Feature selection was performed using the correlation and permutation importance methods. Six classifiers, including Random Forest (RF), Classification and Regression Tree, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Support Vector Machine, and k-Nearest Neighbors, were employed for prediction.ResultsThe RF model demonstrated superior performance, achieving the highest accuracy (0.823) and excellent discrimination power (AUC 0.893). Notably, stroke type, hospital acquired infections, admission location, and hospital length of stay emerged as the top-ranked predictors.ConclusionThe RF model shows promise in predicting stroke prognosis, enabling personalized care plans and enhanced preventive measures for stroke patients. Prospective validation is essential to assess its real-world clinical performance and ensure successful implementation across diverse healthcare settings.
Digital gait markers to potentially distinguish fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, and essential tremor
Authors: Robertson-Dick Erin E. , Timm Emily C. , Pal Gian , Ouyang Bichun , Liu Yuanqing , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Hall Deborah A. , O’Keefe Joan A. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundFragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disease that affects carriers of a 55-200 CGG repeat expansion in the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene, may be given an incorrect initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET) due to overlapping motor symptoms. It is critical to characterize distinct phenotypes in FXTAS compared to PD and ET to improve diagnostic accuracy. Fast as possible (FP) speed and dual-task (DT) paradigms have the potential to distinguish differences in gait performance between the three movement disorders. Therefore, we sought to compare FXTAS, PD, and ET patients using quantitative measures of functional mobility and gait under self-selected (SS) speed, FP, and DT conditions.MethodsParticipants with FXTAS (n = 22), PD (n = 23), ET (n = 20), and controls (n = 20) underwent gait testing with an inertial sensor system (APDM™). An instrumented Timed Up and Go test (i-TUG) was used to measure movement transitions, and a 2-min walk test (2MWT) was used to measure gait and turn variables under SS, FP, and DT conditions, and dual-task costs (DTC) were calculated. ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsPD participants had reduced stride lengths compared to FXTAS and ET participants under SS and DT conditions, longer turn duration than ET participants during the FP task, and less arm symmetry than ET participants in SS gait. They also had greater DTC for stride length and velocity compared to FXTAS participants. On the i-TUG, PD participants had reduced sit-to-stand peak velocity compared to FXTAS and ET participants. Stride length and arm symmetry index during the DT 2MWT was able to distinguish FXTAS and ET from PD, such that participants with shorter stride lengths were more likely to have a diagnosis of PD and those with greater arm asymmetry were more likely to be diagnosed with PD. No gait or i-TUG parameters distinguished FXTAS from ET participants in the regression model.ConclusionThis is the first quantitative study demonstrating distinct gait and functional mobility profiles in FXTAS, PD, and ET which may assist in more accurate and timely diagnosis.
Evaluating different models of maternal stress on stress-responsive systems in prepubertal mice
Authors: Sheng Julietta A. , Handa Robert J. , Tobet Stuart A. 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionMaternal adversity during pregnancy influences neurodevelopment in human and model animal offspring. Adversity can result from stressors coming from many different directions ranging from environmental to nutritional and physiological to immune (e.g., infection). Most stressors result in fetal overexposure to glucocorticoids that have been directly linked to long- and short-term negative impacts on neurological health of offspring. Neuropsychiatric diseases postulated to have fetal origins are diverse and include such things cardiovascular disease, obesity, affective disorders, and metabolic and immune disorders.MethodsThe experiments in the current study compare 3 stressors: prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX), maternal high fat diet (HFD), and maternal caloric restriction (CR). Offspring of mothers with these treatments were examined prepubertally to evaluate stress responsiveness and stress-related behaviors in in male and female mice.ResultsPrenatal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoid, DEX, resulted in decreased neonatal body weights, reduced social interaction behavior, and hypoactive stress response offspring exposed to maternal DEX. Maternal CR resulted in decreased body weights and social interaction behavior in males and females and increased anxiety-like behavior and acute stress response only in males. HFD resulted in altered body weight gain in both sex offspring with decreased anxiety-like behavior in a female-biased manner.DiscussionThe idea that glucocorticoid responses to different stressors might serve as a common stimulus across stress paradigms is insufficient, given that different modes of prenatal stress produced differential effects. Opposite nutritional stressors produced similar outcomes for anxiety-like behavior in both sexes, social-like behavior in females, and a hyperactive adrenal stress response in males. One common theme among the three models of maternal stress (DEX, CR, and HFD) was consistent data showing their role in activating the maternal and fetal immune response. By tuning in on the more immediate immunological aspect on the developing fetus (e.g., hormones, cytokines), additional studies may tease out more direct outcomes of maternal stress in rodents and increase their translational value to human studies.
Determinants of cancer incidence and mortality among people with vitamin D deficiency: an epidemiology study using a real-world population database
Authors: Lai Yi-Chen , Chen Yu-Han , Liang Fu-Wen , Wu Yu-Cih , Wang Jhi-Joung , Lim Sher-Wei , Ho Chung-Han 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThis study aimed to investigate the determinants of cancer incidence and mortality in patients with vitamin D deficiency using a real-world population database.MethodsWe utilized the International Diagnostic Classification Code (ICD9:268 / ICD10: E55) to define patients with vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, the Cox regression model was used to estimate overall mortality and identify potential factors contributing to mortality in cancer patients.ResultsIn 5242 patients with vitamin D deficiency, the development of new-onset cancer was 229 (4.37%) patients. Colon cancer was the most prevalent cancer type. After considering confounding factors, patients aged 50–65 and more than 65 indicated a 3.10-fold (95% C.I.: 2.12–4.51) and 4.55-fold (95% C.I.: 3.03–6.82) cancer incidence, respectively compared with those aged &lt;50. Moreover, patients with comorbidities of diabetes mellitus (DM) (HR: 1.56; 95% C.I.: 1.01–2.41) and liver disease (HR: 1.62; 95% C.I.: 1.03–2.54) presented a higher cancer incidence rate than those without DM/ liver disease. In addition, vitamin D deficiency patients with cancer and dementia histories indicated a significantly higher mortality risk (HR: 4.04; 95% C.I.: 1.05– 15.56) than those without dementia.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study revealed that vitamin D deficiency patients with liver disease had an increased incidence of cancer, while those with dementia had an increased mortality rate among cancer patients.