bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stressful life events during the perimenopause: longitudinal observations from the seattle midlife women’s health study
Authors: Thomas Annette Joan , Mitchell Ellen Sullivan , Pike Kenneth C. , Woods Nancy Fugate 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Midlife is a time of increased responsibilities for women who have multiple roles including taking care of children, caring for elderly parents, managing households, and working outside the home. With little time for themselves, women additionally experience stressful life events (SLEs). The purpose of this study was to describe the longitudinal patterns of SLEs of women during midlife and to identify predictors of the SLE longitudinal patterns using baseline data of socio-economic factors and demographic characteristics.

Methods
Women who were part of the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study (SMWHS), a longitudinal study spanning more than 23 years, who had SLEs measured at baseline and at years 2, 7, and 10 were included in these analyses (N = 380 women at baseline). The Life Event Scale (LES), a 70-item scale based on a yes/no response and a Likert-based scoring system with 0 (no effect) to 4 (large effect), was used to determine the total and impact scores of midlife women. The LES was adapted to midlife women from the Norbeck Scale for younger, pregnant women. Analytic strategies consisted of a group-based trajectory model (GBTM) to examine subgroups of women with similar exposure to SLEs using socio-economic factors (gross family income, education, race/ethnicity, employment), demographic variables (age, marital status, being a parent), and menopausal transition stage to differentiate trajectories over time.

Results
Approximately 86% of women had medium high exposure to undesirable SLEs with a slight decrease (65.5%), or a sharp decrease (20.1%), over 10 years. The majority (approximately 64%) had moderate, sustained impact ratings, while approximately 35% had impact ratings that decreased over time. Most women (approximately 88%) reported desirable life events, which were sustained over the ten years, and which may help to balance or offset the high ratings of undesirable stressful life events. The rated impact of these desirable events decreased slightly over time for 65% of the sample. Socio-economic factors, demographic variables, and menopausal transition stages were not significant predictors of any of the four GBTMs.

Conclusion
Midlife women experience SLEs throughout the menopausal transition. Most of these midlife women had had a large amount of sustained stress over 10 years although all trajectories decreased to some extent over time. Since the menopausal transition stages were not significant predictors of the ratings of SLEs, a more complex set of factors, including social as well as biological, may explain the ratings of the women over the course of this ten-year observational study.
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet in young male soccer players
Authors: Leão César , Rocha-Rodrigues Sílvia , Machado Inês , Lemos João , Leal Sandra , Nobari Hadi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Nutrition is vital in health and sports performance by improving anthropometric-related parameters and dietary habits, especially in the youngest ages. The Mediterranean diet (MD) has been highly recognized for its positive health effects and low adverse environmental impact.

Objectives
We aimed to characterize adherence to the MD and analyze its association with anthropometric parameters in young soccer players.

Methodology
In the present study, 132 male young soccer players from under 9 to under 15 categories (aged 7 to 15 years) from a Portuguese football club participated. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for Children and Adolescents (KIDMED) questionnaire was applied to assess adherence to the MD. Anthropometric-related parameters, including body mass, height, triceps skinfold thickness (TSKF), suprailiac skinfold thickness (SISKF), body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (%BF), were determined. The differences between groups were performed accordingly to normal and non-normal distribution. Spearman’s correlations were performed to analyze the hypothetical correlation between KIDMED and BMI.

Results
Players reached an average KIDMED score of 8.36 ± 1.92, showing that 68.2% (n = 90) reached high adherence to the MD, 31.1% (n = 41) had moderate adherence to the MD, and 0.78% (n = 1) had poor adherence to the MD. When the analysis was made for age group and BMI classification, no significant differences were observed in adherence to the MD. Considering the main characteristics of the MD, 50.8% consumed fruit (vs. 49,2%), 52.3% consumed vegetables (vs. 47,7%), and only 20% consumed oleaginous dried fruits (vs. 80%). Dairy consumption throughout the day was 49,2% (vs. no: 50,8%).

Conclusion
Data from the present study showed that many soccer players adhered to the MD, and no differences were observed for age group or BMI classification.
Polydopamine (PDA) coatings with endothelial vascular growth factor (VEGF) immobilization inhibiting neointimal formation post zinc (zn) wire implantation in rat aortas
Authors: Fu Jiayin , Zhu Qiongjun , Chen Zhezhe , Zhao Jing , Wu Shaofei , Zhao Meng , Xu Shihui , Lai Dongwu , Fu Guosheng , Zhang Wenbin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Bioresorbable stents are designed to provide temporary mechanical support to the coronary arteries and then slowly degrade in vivo to avoid chronic inflammation. Zinc (Zn) is a promising material for bioresorbable stents; However, it can cause inflammation and neointimal formation after being implanted into blood vessels.

Methods
To improve biocompatibility of Zn, we first coated it with polydopamine (PDA), followed by immobilization of endothelial vascular growth factor (VEGF) onto the PDA coatings. Adhesion, proliferation, and phenotype maintenance of endothelial cells (ECs) on the coated Zn were evaluated in vitro. Then, a wire aortic implantation model in rats mimicking endovascular stent implantation in humans was used to assess vascular responses to the coated Zn wires in vivo. Thrombosis in aortas post Zn wire implantation, degradation of Zn wires in vivo, neointimal formation surrounding Zn wires, and macrophage infiltration and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in the neointimas were examined.

Results
In vitro data showed that the PDA-coated Zn encouraged EC adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and phenotype maintenance on its surfaces. VEGF functionalization on PDA coatings further enhanced the biocompatibility of Zn to ECs. Implantation of PDA-coated Zn wires into rat aortas didn’t cause thrombosis and showed a faster blood flow than pure Zn or the Zn wires coated with VEGF alone. In addition, the PDA coating didn’t affect the degradation of Zn wires in vivo. Besides, the PDA-coated Zn wires reduced neointimal formation, increased EC coverage, decreased macrophage infiltration, and declined aggrecan accumulation in ECM. VEGF immobilization onto PDA coatings didn’t cause thrombosis and affect Zn degradation in vivo as well, and further increased the endothelization percentage as compared to PDA coating alone, thus resulting in thinner neointimas.

Conclusion
These results indicate that PDA coatings with VEGF immobilization would be a promising approach to functionalize Zn surfaces to increase biocompatibility, reduce inflammation, and inhibit neointimal formation after Zn implantation in vivo.

Graphical Abstract
Engaging community members to ensure culturally specific language is used in research: should I use gay, queer, MSM, or this other new acronym?
Authors: Rubini Kyle , Al-Bakri Taim , Bridel William , Clapperton Andrew , Greaves Mark , Hill Nolan E. , Labrecque Max , MacDonagh Richard , Miguel Glenndl , Orvis Shane , Osbourne-Sorrell Will , Randall Taylor , Reid Marco , Rosser Andrew , Presseau Justin , Vesnaver Elisabeth 
Published: September 2023

AbstractResearchers often use terminology to define their participant groups that is rooted in a clinical understanding of the group’s shared identity(ies). Such naming often ignores the ways that the individuals who comprise these populations identify themselves. One oft-cited benefit of patient-oriented or community-engaged research is that language is local and relevant to impacted communities. This paper aims to contribute to the literature on how this local and relevant language can best be established. We ask how researchers can identify and implement accurate terminology, even when divergent perspectives exist within the communities involved. We draw from our experience with the Expanding Plasma Donation in Canada study, a community-engaged research study, which explored the views of people impacted by the “men who have sex with men” (MSM) blood donation policies in Canada. We describe the collaborative process through which we came to a consensual naming of this population, the challenges we faced, and a set of guiding principles we used to address them. We did not find an all-encompassing term or acronym that worked for all stages of research. Instead, we offer a set of guiding principles that can aid researchers engaging in a similar process: harm reduction, consent and transparency, collaboration and community involvement, recognition of missing voices, and resisting and/or restructuring oppressive standards.
Phubbing behavior, personality, and use of instagram by Brazilian adults: a correlational and predictive study
Authors: de Almeida Santos Adriane , de Oliveira Ferreira Breno , Leitão Consuelena Lopes , da Silva Iolete Ribeiro , de Souza Torres Marck 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPhubbing behavior is a phenomenon that consists in ignoring people in situations of social interaction whilst paying attention to one’s smartphone. The study of this behavior enables reflection on the development of healthy behavior patterns when using technology and the design of intervention strategies to cope with phubbing behavior. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between phubbing behavior, use of Instagram, personality traits (Big Five), and sociodemographic variables (gender, education, and age) among Brazilian adults. This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 1551 adults (61.7% women; 29.9% men), aged between 18 and 76 years (M = 31.6 years; SD = 9.6 years). The results of the correlation analysis indicated that excessive use of Instagram showed a high, positive association ρ (1551) = 0.442 with Phubbing Behavior and a moderate one with neuroticism ρ (1551) = 0.272. Phubbing behavior was positively and moderately with neuroticism ρ (1551) = 0.290, but it had a weak, negative correlation with age ρ (1551) = -0.117; p < 0.001. Multiple linear regression analysis (forward method) indicated that the variables that most strongly impacted Phubbing Behavior were neuroticism (ΔR2 = .236), conscientiousness (ΔR2 = .244) and use of Instagram (ΔR2 = .204). This result indicates that conscientiousness may have a predictive potential to decrease phubbing behavior, whereas neuroticism and use of Instagram may lead to increased phubbing. Multivariate Analysis of Variance indicated that excessive use of Instagram registered higher scores for women (M = 11.48; SD = 0.21) than for men (M = 9.45; SD = 0.27, p < 0.001). It was concluded that while conscientiousness can function as a protective factor for the development of phubbing behavior, high levels of neuroticism and excessive use of Instagram have greater potential to act as risk factors for it. In addition, neuroticism is also a risk factor for excessive use of Instagram, and women are more prone to such overuse.
Effect of a mattress on lumbar spine alignment in supine position in healthy subjects: an MRI study
Authors: Vitale Jacopo Antonino , Borghi Stefano , Bassani Tito , Messina Carmelo , Sconfienza Luca Maria , Galbusera Fabio 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Humans should sleep for about a third of their lifetime and the choice of the mattress is very important from a quality-of-life perspective. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the changes of lumbar angles, evaluated in a supine position using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), on a mattress versus a rigid surface.

Methods
Twenty healthy subjects (10 females, 10 males), aged 32.3 ± 6.5 (mean ± standard deviation), with body mass index 22.4 ± 2.9, completed three evaluations: (i) spine MRI in supine position on a mattress (MAT); (ii) spine MRI in supine position on rigid surface (CON); and (iii) biplanar radiographic imaging in standing position. The following indexes were calculated for both MAT and CON: lumbar lordosis angles L1–L5, L1–S1, L5–S1, and the sacral slope (SS). Further, pelvic incidence (PI) was calculated from the biplanar radiographic images.

Results
Main findings were (i) L1–L5 and SS were greater in MAT than CON (L1:L5: +2.9°; SS: +2.0°); (ii) L5–S1 was lower in MAT than CON (−1.6°); (iii) L1–S1 was greater in MAT than CON only for male subjects (+2.0°); (iv) significant and positive correlations between PI and L1–L5, L1–S1 and SS were observed in both CON and MAT.

Conclusions
The use of a mattress determined small but statistically significant changes in lumbar angles.

Relevance statement
The use of a mattress determines small but statistically significant changes in radiological angles describing the sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine when lying in the supine position.

Key points
• Lordosis angle L1–L5 was greater in MAT than in CON condition (+2.9°).
• Sacral slope was greater in MAT than in CON condition (+2.0°).
• Lordosis angle L5–S1 was lower in MAT than in CON condition (−1.6°).

Graphical Abstract
Surgical intervention for the correction of fecal impaction in an obstipated cat with an old compression injury in the lumbosacral region of the spine
Authors: Munif Mohammad Raguib , Safawat Mst. Sanjida , Hannan Abdul 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Feline obstipation is a clinical condition often manifested by defecation inability that results in fecal impaction. This is frequently associated with a blunt traumatic injury that affects mostly the spine and surrounding structures in the caudal part of the back leading to vertebral compression.

Case presentation
A 6-month-old, female, mixed-breed cat of 1.49-kg BW was presented with a history of prolonged constipation (i.e., obstipation) along with discomfort and weakness. Prior to the presentation, the cat was medically treated with dietary fibers, fecal softeners, and enemas, but obstipation persisted. Clinical examinations revealed that there was straining but not effective for defecation. In addition, the cat had poor appetite and dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, and defects in posture and gait. The lumbosacral region showed a depression that was supposed to be the consequence of an old, untreated regional injury. Radiographic imaging indicated a marked ventral curvature in the lumbosacral spine including major deviations in the positions of the L6 and L7 vertebrae and the sacrum as well. A firm tubular structure was felt on ventral abdominal palpation, and further ultrasonography revealed the tubular impaction. Laparotomy exposed a definite large bowel impaction, and enterotomy was performed to evacuate the firm feces. Postoperatively, supportive medications and care were provided for better recovery. However, the impaction recurred within 3 months after surgery, and euthanasia was a further choice.

Conclusions
Traumatic injuries involving the lumbosacral spine in cats might be serious enough to lead to severe constipation and thereby bowel impaction. Therefore, treatment should be prompt and accurate in any case of spinal injury to avoid further complications.
The relationship between coping self-efficacy and B cells in breast cancer patients
Authors: El-Amir Azza , El-Baiomy Eman M. , Sabry Noha A. , Kassem Loay , Chesney Margaret A. , Wallston Kenneth A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is the most common tumor among women throughout the world. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are associated with stress and depression. Self-efficacy is one of the most important personal characteristics, studied in cancer, and is correlated with depression and immunity. The aim of the study is as follows:
1. Examining the correlation between coping self-efficacy with depression, DHEA levels, and immunity
2. Examining the correlation between depression and DHEA levels
3. Studying the effect of depression and DHEA levels on immunity
4. Examining the intermediate effect of DHEA levels on the correlation between coping self-efficacy and immunity

Methods
Thirty newly diagnosed breast cancer patients recruited from the Oncology Department, Kasr EL-Aini, Cairo University (ages 51.40 + 8.24 years) responded to two questionnaires: Coping Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9); blood samples were collected to measure the phenotype of patients’ cellular immunity and DHEA levels by flowcytometry and ELISA technique.

Results
There was a significant negative correlation between CSES and PHQ-9, a significant positive correlation between PHQ-9 and B-cell count, and there is a significant negative correlation between CSES and B-cell count. The presence of DHEA has no mediatory role on correlation between CSES and B-cell count.

Conclusion
This paper presents a new model of psychoneuroimmunology by suggesting an effect of coping self-efficacy on immunity against breast cancer patients.
Evaluation of the impact of magnetic field homogeneity on image quality in magnetic resonance imaging: a baseline quantitative study at 1.5 T
Authors: Manson Eric Naab , Mumuni Abdul Nashirudeen , Inkoom Stephen , Shirazu Issahaku 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Magnetic resonance images can be affected in a number of ways by magnetic field inhomogeneity. The study aimed to optimize the main magnetic field homogeneity (MFH) by assessing how magnetic field inhomogeneity affects the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and geometric distortion of images acquired along the diameter of a spherical volume phantom from the isocenter of the MRI scanner.

Results
The MFH ranged between 0.10 and 0.60 ppm. The best MFH and the maximum SNR were determined in the isocenter at 400 mm field of view with the application of shim. However, for all the phantom positions, geometrical distortion in images acquired at 200 mm field of view was generally better and worse at 400 mm field of view. MFH could be optimized to reduce geometrical distortion and increase SNR by increasing the receiver bandwidth and the number of excitations whiles complementing it with shimming during image acquisition. According to Chi-square independent test, there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the MFH, SNR, and geometrical distortion values. Compared to findings at higher field strengths, it was observed that MRI systems of higher field strengths (greater than 1.5 T) could offer superior magnetic field homogeneity and SNR without causing observable geometrical distortion.

Conclusions
The optimal field of view for the fast field echo (FFE) sequence required to maximize MFH, SNR, and reduce distortion during image acquisition may vary across MRI systems of different field strengths. To determine the appropriate field of view, the method and results of this study could serve as a guide for medical physicists as part of their routine quality assurance test procedures.
A detailed statistical analysis of the performance of CO-RADS and CT-severity score in the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia compared to RT-PCR test: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hadad Zeina , Afzelius Pia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Reports from international studies regarding the role of CT scan and RT-PCR test in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease has been a subject of controversy. The purpose of this study was to statistically compare the performance of CT in reporting chest CT scans of coronavirus disease according to Coronavirus Disease Reporting and Data System (CO-RADS) and CT severity score (CTSS) with the performance of RT-PCR test.

Results
The analyzed CT scans of 144 participants were consistent with CO-RADS 1 (n = 38), CO-RADS 2 (n = 11), CO-RADS 3 (n = 35), CO-RADS 4 (n = 23), and CO-RADS 5 (n = 37). CTSS in CO-RADS 1 was (0.9 ± 4), CO-RADS 2 (4 ± 2), CO-RADS 3 (10.2 ± 2), CO-RADS 4 (14 ± 6) and CO-RADS 5 (19 ± 7). There was direct correlation between CO-RADS groups and CTSS (p < 0.001). The mean total CTSS was 10 ± 9 for the whole study population. Ninety-five CT scans were compatible with CO-RADS 3, 4 or 5 and 49 CT scans were compatible with CO-RADS 1 or 2, with a positive rate of 66% (95% CI 49%, 65%), PPV (55.41%), NPV (45.18%), accuracy (86.8%) and the overall sensitivity (93.18%) and specificity (76.8%) of CT in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia when categorized and analyzed according to CO-RADS and CTSS. Sixty-four patients had positive initial RT-PCR tests and 80 patients had negative initial RT-PCR test, with a positive rate of 44.4% (95% CI 35%, 51%), PPV (41.13%), NPV (59.51%), accuracy (74.3%), sensitivity (64.2%) and specificity (93.9%). The Kappa (κ) value of average inter-reader agreement was 88% (95% CI 80%, 96%).

Conclusions
RT-PCR test showed higher specificity and NPV compared to CT in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia, while CT showed higher sensitivity, PPV, accuracy and positive rate, respectively. CT was superior to RT-PCR test in detecting COVID-19 pneumonia especially at early stages of the disease.
Dysphagia therapy for head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy by speech-language pathologists in Malaysia
Authors: Hussain Husmeela , Ahmad Kartini , Yahaya Zakinah , Puteh Sharifa Ezat Wan , Ibrahim Hasherah Mohd 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to identify the current practices and challenges faced by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in managing dysphagia among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) in Malaysia.

Method
A sequential, mixed-method study design was utilized in this research. Quantitative data were collected using a survey among 65 SLPs from 34 government hospitals throughout Malaysia. Additionally, 10 SLPs were selected using maximum variation sampling and interviewed for this study.

Results
The survey showed that only 7.8% of SLPs conducted therapy on all patients before RT. Moreover, the frequency of therapy during and after RT has significant relationships with the variable of time to provide intervention [χ2 (3, 63) = 13.93, p = 0.004; χ2 (3, 64) = 12.58, p = 0.007]. This study also revealed varying responses from SLPs regarding the frequency and intensity of performing home therapy programs for patients undergoing RT. Furthermore, SLP practices were divided based on the type of treatments for patients who did not experience dysphagia or mild dysphagia upon the completion of RT. Nevertheless, this study had a high agreement on the type of treatment given to patients who had completed the RT. Qualitative results showed that SLPs faced challenges in terms of a lack of awareness of their role, the establishment of multidisciplinary teams, insufficient SLPs, and inadequate equipment for assessment.

Conclusion
The study findings indicated a low standard of care in managing dysphagia among head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT and urgently call for improvements toward evidence-based practices.