bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between maternal khat use and other determinants and low birth weight in Halaba Zone, South Ethiopia: an unmatched case–control study
Authors: Wogayehu Biruk , Demissie Tsegaye , Wolka Eskinder , Alemayehu Mekuriaw 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionEarly newborn mortality, morbidity, and long-term health outcomes are significantly predicted by birth weight. Many babies are born underweight in Ethiopia, but few case–control studies have previously examined the risk variables associated with khat consumption and low birth weight (LBW). Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify maternal khat use and maternal sociodemographic and obstetric risk factors associated with LBW in the Halaba Kulito General Hospital, southern Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based case–control study design was used on 334 neonates (111 cases and 223 controls) at Halaba General Hospital in Halaba Zone, southern Ethiopia, from 01 October 2023 to 27 February 2024. A consecutive sampling method was used to select both the cases and controls. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted using Stata 14.0 to estimate the effect of maternal khat use and other factors on low birth weight. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered a significant difference in low birth weight between the cases and controls.ResultsWe found that the mean age of the cases and controls at birth was 25.4 ± 4.57 years and 24.2 ± 3.96 weeks, respectively. Illiteracy [adjusted OR (AOR) = 3.7, 95%CI 1.34, 10.45], rural residence (AOR = 4.1, 95%CI 1.51, 11.35), gestational age &lt;37weeks (AOR = 16.5, 95%CI 7.05, 38.55), maternal mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) &lt;23 cm (AOR = 4.7, 95%CI 1.89, 11.65), weight gain &lt;12 kg (AOR = 4.8, 95%CI 1.22, 18.59), monthly khat use (AOR = 9.5, 95%CI 2.13, 41.98), weekly khat use (AOR = 11.1, 95%CI 3.69, 33.40), and daily khat use (AOR = 14.1, 95%CI 4.74, 42.03) were the determinant factors for delivering a newborn with low birth weight.ConclusionThe evidence from this study suggests that illiteracy, rural residence, gestational age &lt;37weeks, maternal MUAC &lt;23 cm, weight gain &lt;12 kg, monthly khat use, weekly khat use, and daily khat use were independent predictors of low birth weight. Suggested strategies involve the early identification and management of identified modifiable variables. We recommend that stakeholders in khat control commit to providing health education and awareness, incorporating khat use among women in the khat control policy, and designing interventions for the cessation of khat use among women.
Deciphering the role of Wnt/β-catenin and miR-214 in knee osteoarthritis: molecular and clinical insights
Authors: Samman Waad A. , Mosalam Esraa M. , Saif Dalia S. , Abdallah Mahmoud S. , Zidan Abdel-Aziz A. , Sallam Amany Said , Abdelsattar Shimaa , Khalil Fatma Omar , Elashkar Amany E. , Mohamed Somia Mokabel , Al-Ghannam Mohamed , Abo Mansour Hend E. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionUnderstanding the molecular mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) may be beneficial in fetching new therapeutics. Our study aims to investigate the implication of Wnt/ β-catenin pathway in development of KOA by detection of the downstream target genes and their crosstalk with miR-214 in patients with KOA and to correlate that with the clinical findings.MethodsSixty participants were involved in the study. The levels of miR-214, β-catenin, Wnt4, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), Bax, caspase 3, and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (pGSK3β) were determined. All participants were assessed clinically and radiologically regarding knee joint pain, stiffness, range of motion, and knee medial cartilage thickness. Besides, a correlation between Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score, clinical, and radiological data, and the measured parameters was conducted.Results and discussionPatients with KOA showed downregulated miR-214 with upregulated β-catenin, Wnt4, MMP3, Bax, caspase 3, and pGSK3β compared to healthy individuals. Statistically significant positive correlation between WOMAC score, knee joint pain regarding Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) with β-catenin, pGSK3β, Wnt4, MMP3, Bax, and caspase 3, and significant negative relationship between them and knee joint medial cartilage thickness; while there was a statistically significant negative correlation between WOMAC, and clinical findings of osteoarthritis and miR-214 and significant positive relationship between it and knee joint medial cartilage thickness. This study provides valuable insights into involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin and miR-214 in KOA pathogenesis. By targeting these molecular components, future therapeutics may modulate their activity and mitigate chondrocyte apoptosis and matrix degradation, potentially halting KOA progression.
Identification of telomere-related gene subtypes and prognostic signatures in osteosarcoma
Authors: Song Zhaoguang , Yu Wenyan , Yin Xuqing 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundOsteosarcoma (OS) is the prevalent primary bone cancer, with a high proclivity for local invasion and metastasis. Previous studies have indicated that telomeres are closely related to prognosis of cancer, but the significance of telomere-related features in OS remains uncertain. Thus, the goal of this work is to identified telomere-related subtypes based on the telomere-related genes (TRGs).MethodsThe data of OS was collected from TARGET and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. Firstly, we identified the subtypes mediated by TRGs in OS. Subsequently, we analyzed the immune characteristics of telomeres-related subtypes in OS. Moreover, we built a telomere-related signature via univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses, and analyzed the correlation of telomere-related signature with TME. Finally, we analyzed the expression of hub TRGs in OS.ResultsWe discovered that TRGs could distinguish OS patients into two telomeres-related subtypes (C1 and C2). The survival rate of OS patients in C2 was inferior to that of patients in C1. The scores of stromal, immune and ESTIMATES were observably increased, and tumor purity was decreased in C1 subtypes compared to C2 subtypes. Differentially expressed genes between C1 and C2 were highly enriched in immune-related pathways. Moreover, C1 and C2 subtypes had different immune characteristic. Furthermore, a telomere prognostic model including six genes (PDK2, PPARG, MORC4, SP110, TERT and MAP3K5) was established to predict the prognosis of OS patients. High-risk group was correlated with inferior prognosis of OS patients, and risk score model was correlated with TME. Finally, we discovered that expression of PDK2, PPARG, MORC4, SP110, TERT and MAP3K5 was significantly decreased in OS cells.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study has uncovered the importance of TRGs in defining distinct subtypes of OS with different survival outcomes and immune contexts. The telomere-related signature we developed may serve as a valuable tool for prognosis prediction and could inform future therapeutic strategies targeting the TME in OS.
Neuroprotective effects of ethanol extraction from Rubia yunnanensis Diels on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion: modulation of the System Xc-/GSH/GPX4 axis to alleviate oxidative stress and ferroptosis
Authors: Cheng Jianghao , Ma Xiaoxia , Tao Jie , Jiang Xiaoli , Chen Pu , Duan Xiaohua 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionVascular dementia (VD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH), which considerably impact patients’ quality of life. Ethanol extraction from Rubia yunnanensis (RY-A) has gained attention for its potential neuroprotective effects, but its effects and mechanisms of action on CCH are unknown.MethodsAfter 30 days of RY-A gavage treatment in a CCH rat model, its effects were evaluated using the Morris water maze test, cerebral blood flow measurements, and HE staining of the brain. These findings, combined with serum medicinal chemistry, RNA-seq, and metabolomics analyses, revealed the active compounds and mechanisms of RY-A in CCH rats. The results were further validated using assay kits and Western blot techniques.ResultsRY-A treatment significantly attenuated neurological damage and improved cognitive function in CCH rats. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry identified 511 blood-entry compounds of RY-A. RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis showed that RY-A might help to normalize changes in gene and metabolite expression caused by CCH. RY-A induced neuroprotective effects by increasing the production of key proteins involved in ferroptosis inhibition, such as SLC7A11, SLC3A2, GSS, and GPX4, while increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and alleviating oxidative stress.ConclusionRY-A inhibited oxidative stress and ferroptosis by activating the System Xc-/GSH/GPX4 pathway and balancing iron metabolism, thereby attenuating CCH-induced neurological damage and cognitive deficits.
An emotion recognition method based on frequency-domain features of PPG
Authors: Zhu Zhibin , Wang Xuanyi , Xu Yifei , Chen Wanlin , Zheng Jing , Chen Shulin , Chen Hang 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThis study aims to employ physiological model simulation to systematically analyze the frequency-domain components of PPG signals and extract their key features. The efficacy of these frequency-domain features in effectively distinguishing emotional states will also be investigated.MethodsA dual windkessel model was employed to analyze PPG signal frequency components and extract distinctive features. Experimental data collection encompassed both physiological (PPG) and psychological measurements, with subsequent analysis involving distribution patterns and statistical testing (U-tests) to examine feature-emotion relationships. The study implemented support vector machine (SVM) classification to evaluate feature effectiveness, complemented by comparative analysis using pulse rate variability (PRV) features, morphological features, and the DEAP dataset.ResultsThe results demonstrate significant differentiation in PPG frequency-domain feature responses to arousal and valence variations, achieving classification accuracies of 87.5% and 81.4%, respectively. Validation on the DEAP dataset yielded consistent patterns with accuracies of 73.5% (arousal) and 71.5% (valence). Feature fusion incorporating the proposed frequency-domain features enhanced classification performance, surpassing 90% accuracy.ConclusionThis study uses physiological modeling to analyze PPG signal frequency components and extract key features. We evaluate their effectiveness in emotion recognition and reveal relationships among physiological parameters, frequency features, and emotional states.SignificanceThese findings advance understanding of emotion recognition mechanisms and provide a foundation for future research.
Comparison of six-week flywheel and traditional resistance training on deceleration and dynamic balance in elite badminton players
Authors: Yuan Shurui , Lu Zepeng , Tan Shiwen , Zhang Zijie , Jing Shiwei , Liu Haoyang , Zhou Zhihui , Bao Dapeng 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of flywheel resistance training (FRT) and traditional resistance training (TRT) on deceleration and dynamic balance performance in elite badminton players.MethodsSeventeen elite male badminton players (age: 21.36 ± 2.10 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned to either a flywheel resistance training group (FT: n = 8) or a traditional resistance training group (RT: n = 9). The FT group performed flywheel resistance training twice a week for 6 weeks, while the RT group participated in traditional resistance training for the same period. Deceleration and dynamic balance performance were assessed at baseline and following the intervention using the dynamic posture stability index (DPSI) test, 5-0-5 change of direction (COD) test, deceleration deficit (DD) test, and isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test.Results and DiscussionRepeated-measures ANOVA revealed a significant time × group interaction for DPSI of both legs and peak force in the IMTP test (p &lt; 0.05, partial η2 = 0.42–0.79), with better post-test performance compared to pre-test result in the FT group (ES = 0.30–2.10), and the improvements were higher than that of the RT group. No significant differences were observed in the DD test and COD test between FT and RT groups (p &gt; 0.05); however, the magnitude of improvement in DD for the FT group (ES = 0.99) was greater than that of the RT group (ES = 0.52). This pilot study demonstrates that, compared to traditional resistance training, flywheel resistance training enhances deceleration performance and improves dynamic balance in elite badminton players.
Aerobic exercise improves inflammation and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle by regulating miR-221-3p via JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Li Nan , Zhang Liang , Guo Qiaofeng , Shi Haiyan , Gan Yanming , Wang Weiqing , Yang Xiaoying , Zhou Yue 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundExercise improves insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism while the mechanisms remain unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and served as a potential therapeutic target. The study aimed to explore how aerobic exercise prevents chronic inflammation and insulin resistance (IR) in skeletal muscle.MethodsFifty C57BL/6J male mice were divided into a normal (CON) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, followed by treadmill training for 8 weeks. Glucose levels were evaluated by glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test and kits. Chronic inflammatory states were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence stain. The role of miR-221-3p was determined using miRNA sequencing and dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Metabolic alterations in skeletal muscle were investigated by Real-time PCR and Western blot.ResultsAerobic exercise reduced body weight, fasting blood glucose gain, and improved insulin sensitivity. It suppressed inflammation by altering IL-1β, IL-10 levels, and macrophage polarization in the skeletal muscle. Moreover, exercise prevented chronic inflammation by diminished miR-221-3p and downstream JAK/STAT pathways.ConclusionAerobic exercise improved chronic inflammation and IR in the skeletal muscle, with miR-221-3p as a key modulator of macrophage polarization.
Characterization of fatty acid desaturase gene family in Glycine max and their expression patterns in seeds after Fusarium fujikuroi infection
Authors: Li Xinyuan , Munir Maira , Zeng Weiying , Sun Zudong , Chang Xiaoli , Yang Wenyu 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe family of membrane-bound fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes play a vital role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. The seed-borne pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi causes seed decay disease during pre-harvest and post-harvest stages of soybean, leading to a significant reduction in yield and quality. Therefore, it is very meaningful to characterize the diversity and function of the GmFAD gene family in soybean and to elucidate their roles in seed resistance to F. fujikuroi.ResultsIn this study, 30 full-length GmFAD genes were identified from the soybean genome. A range of analysis was conducted to characterize gene and protein structures, chromosomal locations, conserved motif and conserved structural domains, and results showed that GmFAD genes were clustered into seven subfamilies (FAB2, ADS, SLD, DES, FAD6, FAD2, FAD3/7/8), which is also supported by phylogenetic analysis. The diversity and expansion of the GmFAD gene family were mainly caused by segmental duplication, and their encoding proteins were observed to locate in chloroplast or endoplasmic reticulum. The promoters of GmFAD genes contained a set of cis-acting elements in response to plant hormone, defense and stress, light, and plant growth and development, indicating these genes have the complex expression regulation and diverse functions. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment pathway analyses showed that GmFAD genes were closely related to the biosynthesis and metabolism of lipid and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). In addition, the expression of GmFADs was significantly changed in soybean seeds when challenged by the seed decay pathogen F. fujikuroi. Specifically, GmFAB2.1/2.2, GmFAD3.3/3-2B/7-1//8-2, and GmFAD2.3/2.5 genes displayed distinct temporal expression patterns in the resistant ND25 and susceptible CX12, highlighting their potential roles in soybean resistance against F. fujikuroi infection.ConclusionOur findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the GmFAD gene family and their intricate roles in soybean resistance against the seed-borne pathogen F. fujikuroi. Moreover, several distinct genes provide valuable candidates for further application in soybean resistant breeding.
Behavioral and neural effects of temporoparietal high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation in logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia: a preliminary study
Authors: Granadillo Elias D. , Fellmeth Mason , Youssofzadeh Vahab , Heffernan Joseph , Shah-Basak Priyanka P. , Pillay Sara B. , Ustine Candida , Kraegel Peter , Schold Shelby , Mueller Kimberly D. , Ikonomidou Chrysanthy , Okonkwo Ozioma , Raghavan Manoj , Binder Jeffrey R. 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundHigh-definition-tDCS (HD-tDCS) is a recent technology that allows for localized cortical stimulation, but has not yet been investigated as an augmentative therapy while targeting the left temporoparietal cortex in logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA). The changes in neuronal oscillatory patterns and resting-state functional connectivity in response to HD-tDCS also remains poorly understood.ObjectiveWe sought to investigate the effects of HD-tDCS with phonologic-based language training on language, cognition, and resting-state functional connectivity in lvPPA.MethodsWe used a double-blind, within-subject, sham-controlled crossover design with a 4-month between-treatment period in four participants with lvPPA. Participants completed language, cognitive assessments, and imaging with magnetoencephalography (MEG) and resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) prior to treatment with either anodal HD-tDCS or sham targeting the left supramarginal gyrus over 10 sessions. Language and cognitive assessments, MEG, and fMRI were repeated after the final session and at 2 months follow-up. Preliminary data on efficacy was evaluated based on relative changes from baseline in language and cognitive scores. Language measures included metrics derived from spontaneous speech from picture description. Changes in resting-state functional connectivity within the phonological network were analyzed using fMRI. Magnitudes of source-level evoked responses and hemispheric laterality indices from language task-based MEG were used to assess changes in cortical engagement induced by HD-tDCS.ResultsAll four participants were retained across the 4-month between-treatment period, with satisfactory blinding of participants and investigators throughout the study. Anodal HD-tDCS was well tolerated with a side effect profile that did not extend past the immediate treatment period. No benefit of HD-tDCS over sham on language and cognitive measures was observed in this small sample. Functional imaging results using MEG and fMRI indicated an excitatory effect of anodal HD-tDCS compared to sham and suggested that greater temporoparietal activation and connectivity was positively associated with language outcomes.ConclusionAnodal HD-tDCS to the inferior parietal cortex combined with language training appears feasible and well tolerated in participants with lvPPA. Language outcomes may be explained by regression to the mean, and to a lesser degree, by ceiling effects and differences in baseline disease severity. The intervention has apparent temporoparietal correlates, and its clinical efficacy should be further studied in larger trials.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT03805659.
Changes in cognition, coping, pain and emotions after 12-months access to the digital self-management program EPIO
Authors: Strand Elin Bolle , Varsi Cecilie , Børøsund Elin , Eide Hilde , Schreurs Karlein M. G. , Waxenberg Lori B. , Weiss Karen E. , Morrison Eleshia J. , Støle Hanne Stavenes , Kristjansdottir Ólöf Birna , Stubhaug Audun , Solberg Nes Lise 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPsychosocial pain self-management interventions can be of support for people living with chronic pain. Since psychosocial support is not always accessible, digital health interventions may increase outreach of these types of evidence-based interventions.ObjectivesTo explore participants' experiences from 12-month access to the digital pain self-management program EPIO, particularly in terms of any behavioral and/or psychological changes experienced.MethodsParticipants (N = 25) engaged in individual semi-structured interviews following 12-month access to the EPIO intervention. Qualitative thematic analyses were conducted seeking to identify any behavioral and/or psychological changes experienced through intervention use, and what contributed to these changes.ResultsParticipants were predominantly women (72%), median age 46 (range 26–70), with a range of self-reported pain conditions and the majority reporting pain duration &gt;10 years (64%). Analyses identified three main themes and subsequent sub-themes: (1) Changes in Cognition; insight and self-awareness, acceptance and shifting focus, (2) Changes in Coping; pain, emotions, and activity pacing, and (3) Content and Functionality Specific Engagement; breathing and other mind-body exercises, thought-reflection exercises, and functionalities.ConclusionsPeople with chronic pain experienced positive behavioral and/or psychological changes in terms of cognition and coping after 12 months access to the EPIO digital pain self-management program. The most prominent changes included increased understanding of the connection between own thoughts, feelings, and behavior, gaining concrete strategies to cope with everyday life living with pain, and utilizing these strategies to reduce pain and interference of pain, as well as to improve emotion regulation and psychological wellbeing.
Distinct roles of early life deprivation and unpredictability in shaping mating-related behaviours and sexual harassment perceptions
Authors: Xu Chen , Sun Shijin , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Zhechen 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundEvolutionary-developmental theories propose that early life adversity (ELA) shapes mating patterns. However, evidence is mixed, and the extent to which ELA influences attitudes and perceptions remains underexplored. This research takes a dimensional approach to examine how different forms of ELA relate to mating outcomes and social perceptions in men across two distinct samples.MethodsStudy 1 analysed a U.S. sample (N = 1036) using Add Health Wave V data. Study 2 examined a Chinese sample (N = 292), collecting data on childhood SES, childhood environmental unpredictability, sociosexual orientation, and perceptions of sexual harassment.ResultsStudy 1 found that financial deprivation was associated with a higher number of partner pregnancies and live births but not with the number of sexual partners. Study 2 revealed that childhood unpredictability was positively associated with misperceptions of sexual interest, defined as perceiving mutual romantic interest even when one party experiences unwanted sexual attention. Additionally, childhood SES was positively associated with misperceptions of sexual interest but negatively associated with recognising boundary violations.ConclusionThese findings suggest that ELA may influence mating-related outcomes through distinct pathways: childhood unpredictability shapes sociosexual orientation, while deprivation-based adversity involves more multifaceted mechanisms, such as cognitive socialisation processes. This research underscores the need for more nuanced predictions within life history theory and highlights the importance of integrating frameworks that account for the cognitive and developmental consequences of deprivation.