bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nicolai F. Mokshin on the Ethnic History of the Chuvash
Authors: Salmin Anton K. 
Published: January 2025

This is the first time Professor Mokshin’s publications devoted to ethnic history of Chuvash people are analyzed. The article addresses various ethnonymic issues, historical and geographical works, as well as anthropological, archaeological, ethnographic and folkloric passages. The author of these lines recollects Nikolai Fyodorovich as an impetuous man, an uncompromising debater who knew how to raise a new point to clarify any dispute. Thus, so far, Academician M. N. Tikhomirov, member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, was considered to have put an end to the discussion about whether the ‘Veda’ ethnonym had been applied to the Chuvash. However, N. F. Mokshin noted that there was actually an uncertainty in M. N. Tikhomirov’s observation. When M. N. Tikhomirov spoke of the Chuvash, he meant the Cheremis, the Vedas, or the Burtas. Therefore, N. F. Mokshin provided a clearer historiography of the identity of “the Veda = the Chuvash”. He also undertook expeditions to Mordovia, Chuvashia and the Gorky Region to find out how the ethnonym ‘Veda’ was used by the Mordovians. At the same time, he was the first to show that Mordovian names and surnames were derived from the word ‘veda’. It is probably no coincidence that it is among the Mordovians that one can find people with Chuvashov surname. N. F. Mokshin also wrote about the affinity of the peoples of the Volga and Urals regions in terms of their traditional practices and beliefs, insisting that the Bulgars and Suvars were two different peoples, not one. He used numerous facts to show the process of the Kypchakization of the Tatars and, consequently, the Tatarization of the Chuvash. N. F. Mokshin’s works are distinguished by their topicality and novelty.
Exploring the potential mediating role of systemic antibiotics in the association between early-life lower respiratory tract infections and asthma at age 5 in the CHILD study
Authors: Medeleanu Maria V. , Reyna Myrtha E. , Dai Darlene L. Y. , Winsor Geoffrey L. , Brinkman Fiona S. L. , Verma Rahul , Nugent Ella , Riaz Nashita , Simons Elinor , Mandhane Piushkumar J. , Azad Meghan B. , Turvey Stuart E. , Moraes Theo J. , Subbarao Padmaja 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveLower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in early life are one of the strongest risk factors for childhood asthma and are often treated with systemic antibiotics (IV or oral). We aimed to explore the association between early-life LRTIs and systemic antibiotics on asthma development and the potential mediating role of antibiotics in this relationship.MethodsData were collected as part of the longitudinal, general Canadian population CHILD Study. LRTIs during the first 18 months of life were identified through parental symptom report at regular study visits. Systemic antibiotic use was defined as at least one dose of oral/intravenous antibiotics between birth and the 18-month visit and were further categorized by indication as either given for a respiratory indication (upper or lower respiratory symptoms) or non-respiratory indication. Asthma was diagnosed by in-study pediatricians at the 5-year study visit. Adjusted logistic regression models and mediation analyses via systemic antibiotics use were performed.ResultsAmong 2,073 participants included in our analysis, 72 (4.9%) had asthma age 5, and 609 (29.3%) used systemic antibiotics before the 18-month visit. Among children who had taken antibiotics, 61.6% also had an LRTI in that period compared to 49.7% among children without exposure to systemic antibiotics (p &lt; .001). Moderate-severe LRTIs before age 18 months were associated with higher odds of 5-year asthma [aOR 4.12 (95%CI 2.04–7.95) p &lt; .001]. Antibiotics taken for respiratory indications were associated with higher odds of asthma at age 5 [aOR 2.36 (95%CI 1.59–3.48) p &lt; .001]. Children who received systemic antibiotics for only non-respiratory indications during the first 18 months of life were not associated with increased odds of asthma [aOR 1.08 (95%CI 0.44–2.30) p = .851]. Using mediation analysis, 21.7% of the association between LRTI and asthma is estimated to be mediated through use of early-life systemic antibiotics. However, a significant direct effect of moderate-to-severe LRTIs on asthma risk remained in adjusted mediation models (p = .014).ConclusionThrough mediation modeling we estimate that the increased risk of asthma at age 5 that is associated with moderate-severe LRTIs in infancy may be partially mediated by systemic antibiotics taken during the first 18 months of life. This underscores the importance of public health strategies focused on antibiotic stewardship and reducing early life LRTIs to mitigate asthma risk.
Effect of agarose/gelatin gel addition on the pro-angiogenic potential of polyhydroxybutyrate/chitosan scaffolds
Authors: Giretová Mária , Medvecký Ľubomír , Demčišáková Zuzana , Luptáková Lenka , Petrovová Eva , Štulajterová Radoslava 
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of gel addition to biopolymeric scaffolds on the pro-angiogenic and basic material characteristics of the final composite for use in regenerative medicine. The studied scaffold consisted of natural biopolymers: polyhydroxybutyrate, chitosan, agarose, and gelatin. The final scaffold was characterized by high macroporosity (90%) and wide pore size distribution. As is known, the pore size is a critical factor for cell ingrowth in grafts after implantation in the body and for angiogenic development and creation of new vessels. After 9 days of cultivation in the culture medium, the scaffold retained its physicochemical properties without any tendency of disintegration. The addition of polymeric gels to the scaffold improved the mechanical stability of the composite. In vitro cytotoxicity testing showed good adherence of the seeded L929 fibroblasts on the scaffold and strong ingrowth of cells into the macropores. No sign of cytotoxicity was identified by both the MTS assay and live/dead cell staining. The quail chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay—as an alternative to in vivo assays—revealed suitable pro-angiogenic properties of the scaffold for the formation and ingrowth of new blood vessels. Moreover, the upregulation of gene expression responsible for the activation of angiogenic cascade clearly demonstrated a positive effect of the prepared composites on angiogenesis as an essential part of new tissue formation and the regeneration process itself.
Placental trophoblast aging in advanced maternal age is related to increased oxidative damage and decreased YAP
Authors: Guo Song , Pan Qihao , Chen Baokang , Huang Yijuan , Li Si , Gou Chenyu , Gao Yu 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe advanced maternal age (AMA) pregnancies escalate rapidly, which are frequently linked to higher risks of adverse outcomes. Advanced maternal age (AMA) placenta exhibited premature aging, presumably resulting in trophoblast dysfunction, inadequate placentation. However, the precise reasons and mechanisms of trophoblast aging in AMA placenta remain unclear, posing a significant limitation to provide effective guidance for prenatal healthcare in clinical settings. Notably, the organism shows heightened vulnerability to oxidative damage as it ages. YAP (Yes-associated protein) was reported to play a critical role in regulation of aging and resisting oxidative damage, yet these roles had not been elucidated in the placenta. Therefore, this study explored the relationship between trophoblast cell aging and oxidative injury and YAP in AMA pregnancy, which not only provided an insight into the mechanisms of trophoblast cell aging, but also provide valuable directions for healthcare during AMA pregnancy.MethodsIn this study, human term placentas were collected from AMA and normal pregnancies for the analysis of aging, oxidative damage and YAP level. HTR8/SVneo cells were manipulated with (hydrogen peroxide) H2O2 to explore the effects of oxidative damage on trophoblast cell senescence and YAP levels. YAP expression in HTR8/SVneo cells was manipulated to investigate its role in trophoblastic senescence and oxidative damage.ResultsCompared with the control group, the AMA placenta exhibits increased aging biomarkers, which is coupled with an elevation in oxidative damage within placental trophoblast cells and a notable decline in YAP levels. Cellular experiments demonstrated that oxidative damage from H2O2 triggered trophoblast cell senescence and resulted in a reduction of YAP levels. Furthermore, employing molecular modification to silence YAP expression in these cells led to an induction of aging. Conversely, overexpressing YAP ameliorated both trophoblast cell aging and the associated DNA oxidative damage that arised from H2O2.ConclusionThe decline of YAP in AMA pregnancy should be responsible for the increased oxidative injury and premature placenta aging, indicating that YAP plays a significant role in combating oxidative damage and delaying aging, thereby providing a new guidance for prenatal care in AMA pregnancies. Maintaining YAP levels or implementing anti-oxidative stress interventions could potentially mitigate the incidence of complications involved AMA pregnancy.
Rapid diagnostic testing combined with an immediate infectious disease consultation increases the rate of septic intensive care unit patients on targeted antibiotic therapy
Authors: Kramme Evelyn , Käding Nadja , Graf Tobias , Schmoll Karolin , Linnen Heidi , Nagel Katharina , Grote-Levi Esther , Hauswaldt Susanne , Nurjadi Dennis , Rupp Jan 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) combined with immediate infectious disease (ID) consultation on the treatment of septic patients with positive blood cultures in intensive care units in a setting without 24/7 service.MethodsAdult ICU patients in a tertiary care hospital with positive blood cultures were included from January 2019 to December 2020. The control group underwent routine laboratory testing, and for the intervention group, RDT was applied with immediate ID consultation.ResultsIn 77 out of the 91 patients in the intervention group, the pathogen was identified by RDT. Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), genotypic testing (ePlex®) was successful for Gram-positive cocci, but inadequate for Gram-negative rods. Phenotypic resistance testing with the Accelerate PhenoTest® took too long to be successfully integrated into the intervention. Adaptation of empirical antibiotic therapy was recommended for 72.7% of the patients. Adherence to the ID consultation post-RDT results was high at 82.3%. In the control group, adaptation of the initial antibiotic therapy would have been recommended for 81.8% of patients, if the species identification had been available. Overall adherence to the local antibiotic therapy guideline for sepsis was significantly lower in the control than in the intervention group (27.8% versus 89.3%, p&lt;0.001).ConclusionIntegration of an RDT system in the microbiological workflow for septic patients in ICU combined with a standardized ID intervention led to a significantly higher percentage of adequate antimicrobial treatment and greater adherence to local antibiotic therapy recommendations, even in a setting where 24/7 service is not available.
Moderating effect of teacher–student relationship and mediating role of self-efficacy on the relationship between peer-assisted learning and mathematics performance
Authors: Asare Bright 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThe teacher–student relationship and self-efficacy will amplify the positive effect of peer-assisted learning on mathematics performance. A strong teacher–student relationship provides a supportive foundation, while higher self-efficacy equips students with the confidence and resilience to fully benefit from peer-assisted learning. This study examined the effect peer peer-assisted learning on mathematics performance as well as the moderating effect of the teacher–student relationship and the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between students’ mathematics performance and peer-assisted learning among students.Design/methodology/approachFor this study, a descriptive-correlation design was used. Three hundred and fifty-one students made up the study’s sample size. Stratified simple random sampling techniques were used to select respondents for this study. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data from targeted respondents. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) run in Amos (v.23) was used to address the proposed hypothesized paths for this study.FindingsThis study’s findings revealed that teacher–student relationship, self-efficacy, and peer-assisted learning had a positive and statistically influenced mathematics performance. Moreover, self-efficacy somewhat mediates the relationship between peer-assisted learning and mathematics performance. Finally, the association between peer-assisted learning and students’ mathematics performance was positively and considerably moderated by the teacher–student relationship.Originality/valuePrevious research has looked at how peer-assisted learning, teacher–student relationships, and self-efficacy influence mathematics performance. To contribute to the literature, this study examines the moderating and mediating effects of teacher–student relationships and self-efficacy on the relationship between peer-assisted learning and mathematics performance.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and risk of nephrolithiasis: a sizeable cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Shengqi , Hua Tianchi , Yin Guicao , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiaoxiang , Qi Lezhong , Jing Xiayong , Fan Qibing , Yu Xiaoping , Li Yifan 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveMetabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and nephrolithiasis are two common metabolic diseases, but their relationship has not yet been thoroughly studied. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association between MAFLD and nephrolithiasis and to assess the effect of MAFLD on the risk of nephrolithiasis.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study included 96,767 adults from China. All participants underwent medical examinations, including physical examinations, medical history tests, and laboratory tests. Based on ultrasound examination, participants were divided into MAFLD and non-MAFLD groups, and the severity of liver steatosis was determined based on ultrasound images. The relationship between MAFLD and nephrolithiasis was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model and subgroup analysis was performed.ResultsThe proportion of participants with MAFLD was significantly higher in the nephrolithiasis group compared to the non-nephrolithiasis group (47.70% vs. 30.45%, P &lt; 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant positive association between MAFLD and nephrolithiasis (adjusted OR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.29 to 1.47). Subgroup analyses indicated that, even after accounting for various factors such as age, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, lipid profiles, and renal function, the positive association between MAFLD and an increased risk of nephrolithiasis remained consistent. Further subgroup analysis revealed that in male patients with MAFLD, the risk of nephrolithiasis increased progressively with increasing severity of liver steatosis. The adjusted multivariable odds ratios were 1.43 (95% CI: 1.33 to 1.53) for mild, 1.48 (95% CI: 1.32 to 1.67) for moderate, and 1.94 (95% CI: 1.47 to 2.58) for severe hepatic steatosis.ConclusionsThis study found a significant positive association between MAFLD and nephrolithiasis. The risk of nephrolithiasis in males with MAFLD increased substantially with increasing severity of liver steatosis. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen prevention and screening for nephrolithiasis in individuals with MAFLD. More research is needed to elucidate the physiological and pathological mechanisms between MAFLD and nephrolithiasis.
Analyzing the impact of glycemic metabolic status on cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality related to the estimated glucose disposal rate: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: He Shiming , Wang Chao , Huang Xin , Jian Guoan , Lu Zihao , Jiang Kun , Xie Guobo , Sheng Guotai , Zou Yang 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveThe Estimated Glucose Disposal Rate (eGDR) serves as a surrogate marker for insulin resistance, with numerous studies highlighting its significant prognostic value. This paper aims to analyze the impact of eGDR on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality across different glycemic metabolic statuses, including normal fasting glucose (NFG), prediabetes, and diabetes.MethodsThis study included 46,016 American adults who underwent health examinations as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018. Multivariable Cox regression was employed to explore the relationships between eGDR and mortality rates under varying glycemic states. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the cumulative incidence of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality across different metabolic statuses. Finally, the predictive value of eGDR for mortality was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsDuring an average follow-up of 115 months, a total of 6,906 (15.01%) participants experienced all-cause mortality, with 1,798 (3.91%) deaths attributed to cardiovascular causes. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that higher eGDR levels were associated with gradually reduced mortality rates. After adjusting for confounders, elevated eGDR levels were protective against both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality; the protective effect was notably stronger for cardiovascular mortality [Cardiovascular mortality hazard ratio: 0.92; All-cause mortality hazard ratio: 0.94]. Further interaction tests indicated that glycemic status significantly modified the protective effect of eGDR (P-interaction&lt;0.0001); specifically, high eGDR conferred stronger protection against cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in individuals with NFG and prediabetes compared to those with diabetes. Receiver operating characteristic analysis suggested that eGDR had superior predictive value for mortality in the NFG and prediabetic populations compared to the diabetic group.ConclusioneGDR is a straightforward surrogate for insulin resistance, acting as a protective factor against cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in American adults, with glycemic status modifying this protective effect. Specifically, high eGDR levels offer stronger protection in individuals with NFG and prediabetes compared to those with diabetes; moreover, eGDR appears to be more suitable for predicting mortality events in the NFG and prediabetic populations.
Comparison of the lower genital tract microbiome composition in patients with benign gynecological disease
Authors: Shi Yonghui , Li Jun , Xie Jinjing , Yang Tianye , Ma Qiongyan , Chen Hua , Guo Wenwei 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveLower genital tract microbiome dysbiosis has been associated with several gynecological diseases. However, the differences in microbiome composition among patients with several gynecological diseases, such as endometrial polyps and uterine myoma, are poorly understood. Studying the lower genital tract microbiome composition in patients with benign gynecological diseases could provide new insights for interpreting the complex interplay between the microbiome and pathogenesis and finding new targets for preventive measures.MethodsA total of 16 patients with endometrial polyps (EPs), 11 patients with uterine myoma (UM), 6 patients with ovarian cysts (OC) and 36 healthy women (HWs) were recruited for this study. Samples were obtained from vaginal secretions. The DNA was isolated from the samples, and the V3-V4 regions were amplified. The sequencing libraries were generated and sequenced on an Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform.ResultsFirmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidota were the most common phyla in all four groups, whereas OC presented the highest abundance of Firmicutes and the lowest abundance of Bacteroidota. At the genus level, Lactobacillus in the OC group was significantly greater than that in the HW group, and Atopobium in the UM group was significantly lower than that in the HW group. The abundance of Gardnerella was greater in the UM group than in the EP group, and the abundance of Streptococcus was greater in the EP group. The richness and evenness of the microbiome were generally consistent among the HW, EP, UM, and OC groups. Principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) revealed no distinct separation trends among the four groups. According to ANOSIM, there was no significant difference in community structure among the four groups.ConclusionsA nonsignificant result was obtained from the microbiome diversity comparison among the different groups. However, we demonstrated that the OC group had a greater abundance of Lactobacillus and that the UM group had a lower abundance of Atopobium, which might contribute to the occurrence of diseases, providing new clues for preventive measures.
Association of ERAP1 and ERAP2 gene polymorphisms and ERAP2 protein with the susceptibility and severity of rheumatoid arthritis in the Ukrainian population
Authors: Kril Iryna , Wiśniewski Andrzej , Tarnowska Agnieszka , Lishchuk-Yakymovych Khrystyna , Bojko Yaryna , Kuśnierczyk Piotr , Chopyak Valentyna V. , Nowak Izabela 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. Although RA is chiefly associated with HLA class II, nevertheless some HLA class I associations have also been observed. These molecules present antigenic peptides to CD8+ T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. HLA-I molecules bind their peptide cargo (8–10 amino acids long) in the endoplasmic reticulum. Peptides longer than 10 amino acids are trimmed by the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidases ERAP1 and ERAP2 to fit the peptide binding groove of the HLA-I molecule. Here, we investigated the possible association of ERAP1 and ERAP2 polymorphisms with RA, and also any possible correlation between serum levels of the ERAP2 protein with disease severity.MethodsWe used Real-Time PCR to genotype ERAP1 and ERAP2 and ELISA test to detect ERAP2 protein.ResultsWe found significant associations of ERAP1 rs30187, rs27044, and rs26618, as well as ERAP2 rs2248374, with susceptibility to RA. ERAP1 rs26653 and ERAP2 rs2248374 were also associated with the Disease Activity Score (DAS28), and some polymorphisms were also associated with anti-citrullinated protein or anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies. RA patients secreted higher concentrations of ERAP2 than controls. Patients with mild disease activity (DAS28 &lt; 3.2) released a concentration of ERAP2 four times lower than that of patients with severe disease activity (DAS28 &gt; 5.1). We detected a higher level of ERAP2 in rheumatoid factor (RF)-positive patients than in RF-negative patients. ERAP2 concentration above 5.85 ng/mL indicated a severe phase of RA.ConclusionsSome ERAP1 and ERAP2 polymorphisms seem to be related to susceptibility to RA or the severity of the disease. The ERAP2 protein tested in serum could be a valuable biomarker of RA severity.