bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A localized tracing technique to explore intra-amygdala functional and structural correlates of individual variability in behavioral response
Authors: Lipshutz Allie , Saltz Victoria , Anderson Kristin R. , Manganaro Alessia , Dumitriu Dani 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe neurobiological basis for individual variability in behavioral responses to stimuli remains poorly understood. Probing the neural substrates that underlie individual variability in stress responses may open the door for preventive approaches that use biological markers to identify at-risk populations. New developments of viral neuronal tracing tools have led to a recent increase in studies on long range circuits and their functional role in stress responses and social behavior. While these studies are necessary to untangle largescale connectivity, most social behaviors are mediated and fine-tuned by local subregional circuitry.MethodsIn order to probe this local, interregional connectivity, we present a new combination of a neuronal tracing system with immediate early gene immunohistochemistry for examining structural and functional connectivity within the same animal. Specifically, we combine a retrograde transsynaptic rabies tracing system with cFos colocalization immediately after an acute stressor to elucidate local structural and stress-activated connectivity within the amygdala complex in female and male mice.Results and discussionWe show how specific structural and functional connections can predict individual variability along a spectrum of social approach/avoidance following acute social defeat stress. We demonstrate how our robust method can be used to elucidate structural and functional differences in local connectivity that mediate individual variability in behavioral response.
Clinical presentations and outcomes of celiac disease in children and adolescents at a tertiary care center in Lebanon
Authors: Andari Dana , Hanna-Wakim Rima , Khafaja Sarah , Yazbeck Nadine 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionStudies on the clinical presentation of celiac disease and its impact on the growth of children in Lebanon are limited. The aim of this 10-year-retrospective study was to describe the common clinical presentations, diagnostic modalities, and the effect of the gluten-free- diet (GFD) on the growth of children and adolescents with celiac disease.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of subjects aged 6 months to 18 years who visited the Pediatric Gastroenterology clinic at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2023, and who were diagnosed with celiac disease based on serological markers and/or changes on histology of the small intestinal mucosal biopsies for those who underwent upper endoscopy, or HLA typing expressing the HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 gene for few subjects.ResultsThe study included 90 patients with celiac disease, of whom 64 were newly diagnosed during the study period. The mean age at diagnosis of celiac disease was 6.93 years. Females represented 60% of the pediatric subjects with celiac disease. The most common symptoms reported were abdominal pain (51.1%), weight loss or failure to thrive (45.6%), and diarrhea (24.4%). There was a significant increase in the mean weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) and mean body mass index (BMI)-for-age Z-score (BMIZ) 12 months following initiation of GFD; however, the change in height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) at 12 months was not statistically significant. Half of the subjects were in remission at the last clinic follow-up.ConclusionThe most common symptoms that children with celiac disease in this cohort presented with are diarrhea, abdominal pain and failure to thrive. In this cohort, there was a significant increase in the weight parameters with no significant change in the height at 12 months after initiation of the GFD. The recognition of early manifestations, early diagnosis and strict adherence to the diet are of paramount importance to prevent long term complications.
Efferocytosis-related gene IL33 predicts prognosis and immune response and mediates proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo of breast cancer
Authors: He Xiao , Cheng Xianjie , Zhang Zhun , Chen Lanhui , Xie Changjun , Tang Mengjie 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundBreast cancer (BRCA) has a high incidence among women, with poor prognosis and high mortality, which is increasing year by year. Efferocytosis is a process of phagocytosis of abnormal cells and is of great value in tumor research. Our study seeks to create a predictive model for BRCA using efferocytosis-related genes (ERGs) to explore the significance of efferocytosis in this disease.MethodsIn this research, Differential analysis, and univariate Cox regression were employed to identify genes linked to prognosis in BRCA patients. Then the BRCA patients were categorized into distinct groups using consensus clustering based on prognosis genes. Survival analysis, PCA, and t-SNE were performed to verify these groups. The enrichment of metabolic pathways within the detected clusters was evaluated using gene set variation analysis (GSVA) and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Additionally, single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) was used to examine changes in immune infiltration and enrichment. A risk prognostic model was constructed utilizing multivariable Cox regression and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) analyses, and subsequently validated its predictive accuracy by stratifying patients according to the median risk score. Ultimately, some crucial independent prognostic genes were pinpointed and their expression, roles, and immune characteristics were explored in both laboratory and live models.ResultsFindings revealed 52 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 21 were significantly linked to BRCA outcomes. These 21 genes were utilized for consensus clustering to categorize BRCA patients into two subtypes. Subtype B was linked to a worse prognosis compared to Subtype A, though both subtypes were distinguishable. The enriched pathways were mainly concentrated in Subtype A and were actively expressed in this group. Following this, a prognostic risk model was constructed using five risk genes, which was proven to possess significant predictive value. A significant link was identified between the immune microenvironment and the risk-associated genes and scores. IL33 was identified as an independent prognostic gene with important research value. Its in vivo expression results aligned with the data analysis findings, showing low expression in BRCA. Furthermore, overexpression of IL33 significantly inhibited BRCA growth and motility in vitro and in vivo, while also enhancing their vulnerability to destruction by activated CD8+ T cells.ConclusionThe ERG-based risk model effectively predicts the prognosis of BRCA patients and shows a strong link with the immune microenvironment. IL33 stands out as a significant prognostic marker, crucial in the onset and advancement of BRCA. This highlights the necessity for additional studies and indicates that IL33 might be a potential target for BRCA treatment.
Association of inflammation cytokines with cognitive function in first-episode major depressive disorder
Authors: Xi Yan Qing , Wang Zong Qi , Li Guo Juan , Hao Zhuo Qun , Nie Jia Hui , Li Jin Xiang , Tan Yu Ting , Hu Xiao Dong , Wang Gen Wei , Liu Sha , Wang Yan Fang 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveAbnormal cognitive functioning is a core symptom of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and is strongly correlated with MDD prognosis. Current studies suggest that the occurrence of MDD may be related to oxidative stress-induced inflammation, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis disorders, diminished monoamine function and microbe-brain-gut axis, among other pathways. In recent years, the relationship between the immune-inflammatory response and MDD has been a hot topic of research, but how the relationship between immunoinflammation and cognitive function is manifested in MDD is still unclear. In this study, we examined cognitive function characteristics, serum inflammatory factors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and their correlations before and after pharmacological treatment(paroxetine hydrochloride tablets) in patients with first-episode major depressive disorder, aiming to identify objective biomarkers for cognitive function assessment.MethodsWe included 22 patients with first-episode major depressive disorder and 27 healthy volunteers from the community during the same period. The Hamilton Depression Scale-17 (HAMD-17) assessed the severity of depressive symptoms at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status(RBANS) evaluated cognitive function, and serum samples were collected to determine levels of inflammatory and neurotrophic factors at these two time points. For healthy volunteers, only HAMD-17 scale scores, RBANS scale scores, and serum samples were taken at baseline. Spearman’s correlation analyzed the relationship between inflammatory factors, neurotrophic factors, and cognitive function. Multiple linear regression determined factors affecting cognitive function in first-time patients.ResultsBaseline findings indicated that patients’ IL-6 and TNF-α levels exceeded those of healthy individuals, while their IFN-α levels were below; their scores in language, attention, delayed memory, and the RBANS scale were also lower than healthy counterparts. Post-treatment, patients’ BDNF, IL-6, and TNF-α levels remained higher than those of healthy subjects, and their IFN-α levels were still lower; their language and attention scores were also inferior. Association analyses revealed an association between BDNF and visuospatial/constructional ability scores and language scores in patients with MDD at baseline, and a positive relationship between TNF-α and attention score. Multiple regression analysis indicated an association between TNF-α levels and attention scores in MDD patients at baseline.ConclusionsOur study concludes that TNF-α and BDNF correlate with cognitive function in MDD at baseline, and furthermore, TNF-α could potentially serve as an objective biomarker to support the assessment of attentional function at baseline.
The relationship between childhood trauma and romantic relationship satisfaction: the role of attachment and social support
Authors: Quan Lijuan , Zhang Kun , Chen Haiyan 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of childhood trauma on romantic relationship satisfaction among college students, focusing on the mediating role of attachment and the moderating role of social support.MethodsA total of 1,404 college students from Wuhu, Anqing, Chaohu, Bengbu, Fuyang, and Wuhan participated in this study. Participants completed a series of self-report questionnaires, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF), the Adult Attachment Scale (AAS), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and the Romantic Relationship Satisfaction Scale (RRSS). Demographic variables such as grade were collected to control for potential confounding factors. Statistical analyses included correlation analyses, regression models, and moderated mediation analyses using PROCESS Macro.ResultsChildhood trauma negatively predicted romantic relationship satisfaction both directly (β = -0.06, t = -2.11, p &lt; 0.05) and indirectly through attachment (β = -0.07, t = -2.59, p &lt; 0.05). Social support moderated the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment, with the effect of childhood trauma on attachment strengthening as social support increased (low: t = 2.18, p = 0.03; high: t = 4.37, p &lt; 0.001). However, social support did not significantly moderate the direct effect of childhood trauma on romantic relationship satisfaction.DiscussionAttachment mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and romantic relationship satisfaction, while social support moderated the relationship between childhood trauma and attachment. These findings suggest that interventions should focus on improving attachment styles and strengthening social support to mitigate the negative effects of childhood trauma on romantic relationships.
Age-related differences in borderline personality disorder traits and childhood maltreatment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li GuoRong , Lin Yong , Xu Yun , Zhou Yong , Wei YanYan , Xu LiHua , Tang XiaoChen , Wang Zixuan , Hu Qiang , Wang JiJun , Wu HaiSu , Yi ZhengHui , Zhang TianHong 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study investigates age-related differences in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) traits and childhood maltreatment (CM) experiences among adolescents, young adults, and older adults within a clinical sample.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed, involving 2029 outpatients aged 15-50 years from the Shanghai Mental Health Center. BPD traits were assessed using the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4th Edition Plus (PDQ-4+), and CM experiences were evaluated using the Child Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF). Participants were categorized into three age groups: adolescents (15-21 years), young adults (22-30 years), and older adults (31-50 years).ResultsAdolescents reported significantly higher frequencies of BPD traits and diagnoses compared to young adults and older adults (p=0.036). Specifically, identity disturbance and impulsivity were more pronounced in adolescents (p&lt;0.001). Additionally, adolescents reported higher levels of emotional (F=15.987, p&lt;0.001) and physical abuse (F=12.942, p=0.002), while older adults reported higher levels of emotional and physical neglect. Logistic regression analysis identified key BPD criteria and CM subtypes that differentiated adolescents from adults.DiscussionThe findings underscore the importance of age-specific interventions in treating BPD and addressing childhood maltreatment. Adolescents exhibit distinct patterns of BPD traits and CM experiences, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches.
Effectiveness of a pain science education programme in middle school students: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Menés Fernández Laura , Salvat Isabel , Adillón Cristina 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionChronic pain in childhood is a prevalent issue affecting approximately 20% of young people aged 8–16 years. This condition negatively impacts their quality of life, as well as their physical, psychological, and social functioning. In recent years, Pain Science Education has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the conceptualization of pain and mitigate maladaptive pain-related behaviours in children and teenagers. The primary aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the Pain Science Education programme called “Learning Pain” in improving the conceptualization of pain amongst 11–13-year-old children enrolled in their first year of middle school.Materials and methodsA randomised controlled trial with single-blind parallel groups was conducted. Five participating institutes were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received the Pain Science Education intervention through the “Learning Pain” programme consisting of two sessions spaced 1 month apart, or the control group, which underwent only study assessments. Both groups underwent initial assessment and follow-up evaluations at 1 month (short term), 7 months (medium-term), and 13 months (long-term). The main outcome measure was the conceptualization of pain, assessed using the Conceptualization of Pain Questionnaire (COPAQ).ResultsThe “Learning Pain” programme, a specific Pain Science Education intervention, demonstrated effectiveness in improving the conceptualization of pain at 1, 7, and 13 months follow-up assessments.DiscussionThe “Learning Pain” programme, a specific Pain Science Education intervention, enhances the conceptualization of pain in adolescents aged 11–13 years over short, medium, and long-term periods.
Post-purchase behavioral intention in medical aesthetic: the role of image, perceived value, and satisfaction
Authors: Ma Chen-Chung , Ou Tzu-Chi , Tsai Chun-Mei , Chen Tai-Hsiang 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe technicality and professionalism of medical aesthetics have become one of the most fashionable indicators in the world, and image is the key factor of aesthetic development. This study aims to explore the relationship between medical aesthetic image, perceived value, satisfaction and post-purchase behavioral intention.MethodsThe subjects included customers who had consumed and received treatment in the three years, and the questionnaires were collected from returning clients of each unit in the medical aesthetic group from May 17, 2017 to May 31, 2017. We used the structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze the data.ResultsThe results showed that medical aesthetic image was positively associated with perceived value, satisfaction and post-purchase behavioral intention; perceived value was positively associated with satisfaction and post-purchase behavioral intention; satisfaction was positively associated with post-purchase behavioral intention.DiscussionThis study can provide medical aesthetic practitioners with an understanding of consumers' image and perceived value to improve satisfaction. The changes in consumers' perception of aesthetic medicine can be evaluated more objectively, and suggestions can be provided for medical institutions to strengthen their cultural connotation and external image, so as to establish a strong brand image.
Associations of combined exposure to selected metal mixtures with thyroid hormones in children: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Cao Yuhan , Xiang Shiting , Du Yuwei , Chen Meiling , Xue Rumeng , Li Qi , Qiu Jun , Duan Yanying 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundExposure to several metal elements has been found to be associated with thyroid hormone homeostasis. However, evidence for combined exposure is inconclusive, especially for children.ObjectiveTo examine the individual and joint effects of blood metal elements on thyroid hormones in children.MethodsA total of 12,470 children aged 0–14 were collected from January 2018 to December 2021 in Hunan Children's Hospital. The concentrations of lead (Pb), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) in blood were detected via atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (TT3, FT3) and total and free thyroxine (TT4, FT4) were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Generalized linear regression (GLR) model and Quantile-based g-computation (QGC) were employed to estimate the association between metal exposure and thyroid hormone homeostasis.ResultsGLR model showed that a unit increase in ln-transformed Fe was associated with increases in TT3 (β = 0.163; PFDR &lt; 0.001), TT4 (β = 12.255; PFDR &lt; 0.001) and FT3 (β = 0.615; PFDR &lt; 0.001), as well as decreases in TSH (β = −0.471; PFDR = 0.005) and FT4 (β = −1.938; PFDR &lt; 0.001). The result of QGC analysis indicated a positive relationship of the ln-transformed concentration of metal mixture with the levels of TT3 (β = 0.018; P = 0.012), TT4 (β = 2.251; P &lt; 0.001) and FT3 (β = 0.074; P &lt; 0.001) in children. Fe was the predominant contributor among the metal mixture with positive contributions to TT3 (weight = 0.439), TT4 (weight = 0.502) and FT3 (weight = 0.450).ConclusionsThe combined metal exposure was associated with increased levels of TT3, TT4, and FT3 in children and Fe appeared to be the major contributor. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Analyzing the cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios and health expenditures in the aging population: a 20-year comparative study across high-income countries
Authors: Ramadan Majed , AlGhamdi Shadell , Alsiary Rawiah 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe global burden of cancer is expected to increase by 60% over the next two decades, largely due to population aging. The study aims to examine the association between cancer mortality-to-incidence ratios (MIR) with healthcare expenditures (HE), and human development index score for individuals 70 years old or older.MethodThis is an epidemiological study using publicly available data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) for six over the years 1990–2019. A generalized linear model was employed to examine the association between MIR, and health expenditures and health development index score.ResultsIncluded countries showed a statistically significant negative association between MIR and both HE, and HE, indicating that higher HDI and HE are associated with decreased MIR with the highest decrease was for China, the coefficient for HDI is −1.29 (95% CI: –1.35 to −1.24, p &lt; 0.0001), the coefficient for HE is −0.103 (95% CI: –0.17 to −0.03, p &lt; 0.0001). There are variations exist in MIRs between high and low health expenditure countries for each cancer type.ConclusionThe study reveals a significant impact of HE and HDI on cancer outcomes in older adults. Variations between high and low HE nations highlight potentially improved cancer outcomes in high HE countries. Considering the anticipated growth in the aging population worldwide, a rise in cancer cases is expected among older individuals. The implications are profound, suggesting an impending strain on healthcare systems, particularly in nations with a high proportion of elderly and low health expenditures.
The role of Ashwagandha in modulating gut parameters in dogs—a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Bharani Kala Kumar , Devarasetti Ashok Kumar , Bobbili Rajendar , Khurana Amit , Veera Hanuman Donga Durga , Gudepu Roupesh , Guda Swapna 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThis study explored the role of Withania somnifera/Ashwagandha root extract (ARE) on important gut–microbiome parameters in healthy geriatric dogs. We hypothesized that ARE might promote a healthy gut by its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory effects and improve vital parameters for healthy ageing.MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in Telangana, India. Twelve healthy geriatric Beagle dogs aged 12–15 years were enrolled. The dogs were divided into two groups to receive ARE (15 mg/kg, once daily, orally, for 2 months) or a placebo control. Various parameters were assessed, including serum haematology, biochemical markers, stool parameters, and gut–microbiome parameters.ResultsThe erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin levels were significantly increased with ARE (p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, a significant decrease in important serum liver biomarkers (alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST]; p &lt; 0.01 and p &lt; 0.001 at day 60) was observed in the ARE-treated dogs compared to that in the placebo control group. In addition, the levels of L-citrulline were significantly modulated by ARE intervention, whereas the intervention did not affect intestinal-type alkaline phosphatase (I-ALP), lactate, and carbamoyl-phosphate synthase (CPS). Interestingly, the faecal score reduced significantly with ARE (p &lt; 0.001), while the faecal pH remained unaltered. Compared to the baseline, ARE significantly decreased two microbial metabolites, propionic acid, and total short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels after 60 days of intervention, whereas butyrate and acetic acid levels remained unchanged in the faecal samples.ConclusionIn summary, these findings suggest that ARE has gut health promoting benefits in healthy geriatric dogs by improving haematological and biochemical profiles; the levels of L-citrulline; propionic acid; and SCFA; thus, reducing age-related changes by modulating the microbiome and the associated metabolites.