bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genotyped cluster investigations versus standard contact tracing: comparative impact on latent tuberculosis infection cascade of care in a low-incidence region
Authors: Asare-Baah Michael , Séraphin Marie Nancy , Salmon-Trejo LaTweika A.T. , Johnston Lori , Dominique Lina , Ashkin David , Vaddiparti Krishna , Kwara Awewura , Maurelli Anthony T. , Lauzardo Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Cluster and contact investigations aim to identify and treat individuals with tuberculosis (TB) and latent TB infection (LTBI). Although genotyped cluster investigations may be superior to contact investigations in generating additional epidemiological links, this may not necessarily translate into reducing infections. Here, we investigated the impact of genotyped cluster investigations compared to standard contact investigations on the LTBI care cascade in a low incidence setting.

Methods
A matched case-control study nested within a cohort of 6,921 TB cases from Florida (2009–2023) was conducted. Cases (n = 670) underwent genotyped cluster investigations, while controls (n = 670) received standard contact investigations and were matched 1:1 by age. The LTBI care cascade outcomes were compared using Pearson’s chi-square tests.

Results
Of the 5,767 identified contacts, 3,230 (56.0%) were associated with the case group, while 2,537 (44.0%) were identified in the control group. A higher proportion of contacts were evaluated in the control group (85.5%) than in the case group (81.5%, p < 0.001). While the proportion of evaluated contacts diagnosed with LTBI did not significantly differ between the groups (case: 20.4%, control: 21.5%, p = 0.088), a higher percentage of LTBI-diagnosed contacts initiated TB preventive treatment (TPT) in the control group (95.9%) than the case group (92.9%, p = 0.029). TPT completion rates were similar, with 65.2% in the case group and 66.3% in the control group (p = 0.055). TB patients in the case group were more likely to be males, U.S.-born, Asians, residents of long-term care or correctional facilities, with past year histories of alcohol use, homelessness, and drug use.

Conclusion
Despite the demographic and epidemiological differences between cases and controls, cluster investigations identified more contacts, with no significant difference in contacts diagnosed with LTBI, but were less effective than standard contact investigations in evaluating contacts, initiating LTBI treatment, and ensuring completion.
Epigenetic age acceleration and methylation differences in IgG4-related cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Noble Alexandra , Motta Rodrigo , Cabras Silvia , Flores Belen Moron , Nowak Jan , Glapa-Nowak Aleksandra , Geremia Alessandra , Satsangi Jack , Culver Emma 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
IgG4-related cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are chronic fibro-inflammatory hepatobiliary conditions, with genetic, environmental, and immunologic risk factors, in which epigenetic alterations may provide insights into pathophysiology and novel biomarkers. This study is the first to assess methylation signatures in IgG4-SC.

Results
Whole blood DNA methylation profiling and genotyping was performed in 264 individuals; 47 with IgG4-SC, 65 with PSC, 64 with ulcerative colitis (UC), and 88 healthy controls. We identified 19 significant methylation differences between IgG4-SC and controls and 38 between PSC and controls. IgG4-SC and PSC shared 8 probes. Inflammatory genes (including CEP97, IFNAR1, TXK, HERC6, C5orf36, PYY, and MTRNR2L1) were predominantly involved in dysregulated methylation. Epigenetic age acceleration was observed in patients with IgG4-SC, but not in those with PSC or UC. meQTL analyses to identify genetic determinants of methylation revealed a strong human leucocyte antigen (HLA) signal in both PSC and IgG4-SC (HLA-DQB2, HLA-DPA1, HLA-F and HLA-DRA).

Conclusions
We identify novel epigenetic alterations in IgG4-SC and PSC, with biological age acceleration in IgG4-SC, providing insights into disease pathogenesis, and highlight the role of genetic variation especially within the HLA region in shaping the methylome.
Lebanese Cannabis sativa L. extract protects from cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice by inhibiting podocytes apoptosis
Authors: Khalil Alia , Al Toufaily Sahar , Shebaby Wassim , Hage Marissa El , Mroue Dima , Faour Wissam , Mroueh Mohamad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Cisplatin is an anti-cancer drug used to treat a plethora of solid tumors. However, it is associated with dose dependent nephrotoxicity limiting its use as anticancer agent.

Objective
The current study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of native Lebanese Cannabis sativa in both in vitro and in vivo mice model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Methods
Podocytes cell viability was assessed using MTS assay with cisplatin (30µM) in presence or absence of Cannabis oil extract (COE) at 0.5, 1 and 2µg/ml for 24h. Acute renal injury was established in adult female C57BL/6 mice with 20mg/kg, i.p. single dose cisplatin. Mice were divided into control group (vehicle), COE group, cisplatin group and cisplatin plus COE (2.5, 5 and 20mg/kg, i.p.). Animal body weight, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and proteinuria were measured.

Results
Cell viability assay and western blot analysis revealed that COE prevented apoptosis induced by cisplatin in cultured immortalized rat podocytes. In addition, in vitro scratch assay demonstrated the ability of COE to promote and restore the migratory capacity of podocytes in cisplatin-treated cells.
Interestingly, COE treatment improved urinary and serum parameters characterized by a significant decrease in serum creatinine, urea, and proteinuria at various COE doses. Western blot analysis showed that COE inhibited COX-2 protein induction as well as apoptosis marker production (Bax/Bcl2 ratio) in cisplatin-treated mice when compared to mice treated with cisplatin alone.

Conclusion
Collectively, the aforementioned findings indicate that COE could be a promising approach to protect against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Designing an intervention to improve cognitive evaluations in primary care
Authors: O’Brien Kyra S. , Harkins Kristin , Peifer MaryAnne , Kleid Melanie , Coykendall Cameron , Shea Judy , Karlawish Jason , Burke Robert E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Early diagnosis is crucial to the optimal management of patients with cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or AD-related dementias. For some patients, early detection of cognitive impairment enables access to disease-modifying therapies. For all patients, it allows access to psychosocial supports. Patients typically first present their concerns about their cognition to a primary care provider, but in this setting, cognitive impairment is commonly underdiagnosed. There is also high variability in how cognitive evaluations are performed. We sought to understand barriers to and facilitators of cognitive evaluations in primary care, map barriers to implementation strategies, and gain consensus from stakeholders on possible strategies to improve dementia diagnosis in primary care.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews conducted with primary care providers (PCPs). We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to inform our question guide and analysis, and incorporated chart-stimulated recall – using actual patients who had cognitive complaints who had presented to these providers – to understand clinicians’ medical decision-making processes. These data were used to map identified barriers and facilitators to targeted implementation strategies. Then, this candidate list of strategies was presented to an expert stakeholder panel including clinicians and clinical operations specialists. Through a modified Delphi process, the list was narrowed to select the most promising strategies to incorporate in an intervention to improve cognitive evaluations in primary care.

Results
Twenty PCPs were interviewed and mentioned barriers included lack of expertise to perform or interpret an assessment, time pressures, lack of incentives, competing priorities, lack of decision-making supports, and limited access to dementia specialists. Facilitators included the presence of an informant or caregiver and having additional staff to conduct cognitive testing. Implementation mapping resulted in a list of 15 candidate strategies. Using the modified Delphi process, these were narrowed to six.

Conclusions
We used a rigorous process to identify barriers to and facilitators of cognitive assessments in primary care, identify promising implementation strategies to address these barriers, and obtain the feedback of front-line users on these strategies. This holds substantial promise for improving cognitive assessments in primary care in future implementation trials.
Music therapy for autism spectrum disorder: does it have a role?
Authors: Davies Eleri , King Rosemary 
Published: January 2025

SUMMARYMusic therapy attempts to facilitate communication and expression – core problems for autistic people – through the development of experiences and relationships mediated by music. This commentary assesses a Cochrane Review of the effects of music therapy, compared with placebo or standard care, for autistic people, and its conclusion that music therapy is probably associated with an increased chance of global improvement and perhaps a slight increase in quality of life and reduction in total autism symptom severity in the short to medium term. The review was not able to examine longer-term effects as the longest follow-up period was 12 months. The certainty of the evidence was graded from moderate to very low, and therefore the results need to be viewed with caution.
New Horizons in Menopause, Menopausal Hormone Therapy, and Alzheimer's Disease: Current Insights and Future Directions
Authors: Mosconi Lisa , Nerattini Matilde , Williams Schantel , Fink Matthew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the effects of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) on risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) and all-cause dementia are influenced by timing of initiation relative to age, time-since-menopause, and the type of formulation. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of MHT conducted in postmenopausal women ages 65 and older indicated an increased risk of dementia. While RCTs conducted in midlife are lacking, observational research has provided evidence for associations between midlife estrogen-only therapy (ET) use and a reduced risk of AD and dementia, whereas estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) was associated with more variable outcomes. However, existing studies are heterogenous, and conventional endpoints might not adequately assess MHT's potential for AD prevention. Herein, several approaches are being discussed, and the case is being made for utilizing AD biomarkers for assessment of early, AD-specific outcomes in relation to MHT use. From a clinical standpoint, findings that MHT may lower dementia risk warrant consideration as existing therapies like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine lack preventative efficacy, and vaccines for primary or secondary prevention are not yet available. MHT-associated risks, including breast cancer, stroke and venous thromboembolism, are generally considered rare (&lt;10 events/10 000 women). Overall, the literature supports renewed research interest in evaluating MHT as a female-specific, time-sensitive approach for AD risk reduction, which is key to applying cumulated data in clinical decision making concerning AD prevention.
Testing hypotheses of skull function with comparative finite element analysis: three methods reveal contrasting results
Authors: Mitchell D. Rex , Wroe Stephen , Martin Meg , Weisbecker Vera 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Comparative finite element analysis often involves standardising aspects of models to test equivalent loading scenarios across species. However, regarding feeding biomechanics of the vertebrate skull, what is considered ‘equivalent’ can depend on the hypothesis. Using 13 diversely shaped skulls of marsupial bettongs and potoroos (Potoroidae), we demonstrate that scaling muscle forces to standardise specific aspects of biting mechanics can produce clearly opposing comparisons of stress or strain that are differentially suited to address specific kinds of hypotheses. We therefore propose three categories of hypotheses for skull biting mechanics, each involving a unique method of muscle scaling to produce meaningful results: those comparing (1) the skull's efficiency in distributing muscle forces to the biting teeth, via standardising input muscle force to skull size, (2) structural biting adaptation through standardising mechanical advantage to simulate size-adjusted, equivalent bites and (3) feeding ecology affected by size, such as niche partitioning, via standardising bite reaction force.
Exploring the effects of exercise on overall adiposity, targeted fat depots, and cardiometabolic risk in children with obesity
Authors: Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Herrada-Robles Maria , Labayen Idoia , Ruiz Jonatan R. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Previous evidence has highlighted the role of exercise interventions in improving the health of children with overweight/obesity. This article provides an overview of the current understanding regarding exercise interventions and their impact on overall adiposity, specific fat depots, and cardiometabolic health in children with overweight/obesity. Aerobic exercise alone and combined with resistance training have been shown to improve adiposity. Furthermore, these interventions have demonstrated a significant capacity to reduce fat accumulation in various fat depots, with reductions of up to 20% in accumulated fat, potentially leading to significant cardiovascular benefits. Similar positive effects have been observed on diverse cardiometabolic health outcomes including lipids profiles, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and overall cardiometabolic risk in children with overweight/obesity. Data from longitudinal studies also show that promoting regular physical activity from a young age is crucial for improving long-term cardiorespiratory fitness and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases later in life. This review concludes that exercise interventions yield significant positive effects on overall adiposity, specific fat depots, and cardiometabolic health factors in children with overweight/obesity.
The case of Wellness Valley: promoting physical activity and exercise medicine for a sustainable health care system
Authors: Bigica Marco , Crisci Riccardo , Zanuso Silvano 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Today’s health care systems primarily focus on treating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) rather than preventing them. Currently, this approach is not sustainable and requires innovative transformations to face the challenges posed by the aging population, the increasing NCD prevalence, widespread physical inactivity, and growing obesity rates. Regular physical activity and exercise improve quality of life and are effective for the prevention and treatment of numerous NCDs and to reduce health care costs. Physical activity promotion and exercise medicine thus represent cost-effective solutions for a sustainable model of health. The Wellness Valley initiative in Emilia-Romagna, Italy, exemplifies this model by fostering active, healthy lifestyles. In Wellness Valley, physical activity is promoted through multi-stakeholder initiatives of education and engagement, and exercise medicine is supported in the medical community through continuous education and dedicated infrastructure, such as certified health-promoting gyms. With these initiatives in place, the population of Wellness Valley is more physically active compared to the Italian national average. Overall, shifting health models toward preventative strategies centered on healthy active lifestyles and exercise can increase physical activity levels and contribute to alleviating the growing burden of NCDs on health care systems.
Role of high-intensity exercise interventions in the management of frailty: a short systematic review
Authors: Guadalupe-Grau Amelia , Delgado-Hernando Angel , Sierra-Ramón Miguel , Vila-Maldonado Sara , Ara Ignacio , Rodríguez-Gómez Irene 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
This study aimed to summarize the current evidence on the impact of high-intensity exercise training interventions on frailty and physical function in older adults. A systematic review of controlled trials involving frail and prefrail older adults was conducted, examining resistance, power, and aerobic training, as well as combinations of these methods using loads greater than 70% of maximum capacity or maximal intended movement velocity. The review included eight studies with 437 participants, averaging 78.2 yr old. Results showed that high-intensity exercise significantly improved frailty phenotype scores by 0.3 to 3.0 criteria and enhanced physical function metrics, including the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), usual gait speed, and the five-repetition sit-to-stand test. Concurrent supervised training programs involving power-oriented and aerobic exercises yielded the most substantial benefits, particularly in frailty and SPPB scores. In conclusion, high-intensity exercise, especially concurrent training, effectively improved frailty and physical function in older adults. These programs should be incorporated into routine care to reduce frailty and improve the quality of life in this population. Further research should focus on standardizing protocols and evaluating long-term benefits.
Can exercise potentiate the effects of habitual medicines to lower blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose?
Authors: Mora-Rodriguez Ricardo , Morales-Palomo Felix , Alvarez-Jimenez Laura , Mora-Gonzalez Diego , Moreno-Cabañas Alfonso 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
There is an increasing number of well-informed doctors who, in addition to prescribing medicines, advise patients to exercise. As a result, many middle-aged individuals are exercising and taking medicines. However, patients and doctors are not always aware of the possible interactions between these two therapies. This review presents the most current information on the interactions between exercise and the prevalent oral medications taken by individuals with metabolic syndrome. These medications are angiotensin inhibitors to treat hypertension, statins to treat dyslipidemia, and metformin to treat type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological associations between medication and exercise are also presented, along with a discussion of randomized intervention studies that address cause–effect. Conclusions based on the available data are also presented in figures to better describe the medicine–exercise interactions.
Comparing Five Generations of ActiGraph Devices using an Orbital Shaker
Authors: LaMunion Samuel R. , Nguyen Joe , Brychta Robert J. , Troiano Richard P. , Friedl Karl E. , Chen Kong Y. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction
ActiGraph accelerometers are used extensively to objectively assess physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep. Here, we present an objective validation of five generations of ActiGraph sensors to characterize potential differences in output arising from changes to hardware or firmware.

Methods
An orbital shaker generated accelerations from 0 to 3700 milli-g in a randomized order to test the wGT3X-BT, GT9X, CentrePoint Insight Watch (CPIW) 1.0 and 2.0, and the GT3X+ devices used in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Absolute (±50 milli-g) and relative (±5%) raw vector magnitude (VM) agreement to a NIST-calibrated accelerometer (3DM) was the primary outcome for static offset (delta from 3DM VM at 0 g), drift (delta VM start – minus end), and dynamic response.

Results
We observed inter-generation differences [(Mean ± SD) -27.5 ± 8.7 mg (GT9X) to 4.8 ± 32.0 mg (GT3X+)] and intra-generational variability in static offset that carried over to lower shaker accelerations (< ~1300 milli-g), but these variations were mitigated with post-hoc calibration or integrated units (e.g., counts, MIMS). All generations fell within the ±5% of the 3DM across the tested acceleration range and were within ±50 mg of the 3DM below 3000 milli-g’s. Drift was small [0.91 ± 0.27 mg (GT3X+), 0.07 ± 0.31 mg (GT9X)] relative to ≥1000 milli-g VM signal.

Conclusions
Using an orbital shaker and criterion accelerometer we found small differences in the raw output of five ActiGraph generations across a range of accelerations typical of free-living data. However, the devices largely fell within established limits of agreement to the NHANES GT3X+ devices and variability was minimized with auto-calibration or when data was expressed in MIMS or counts.
THE CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS OF REGULATION OF DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS: RUSSIAN AND FOREIGN PRACTICE
Authors: Zemtsova Yu. V. , Nechaeva Polina P. , Shanihina Nadezhda N. 
Published: January 2025

Background. The divorce process is an important indicator of changes in society, reflecting the main trends in the cultural, legal and economic aspects of the life of the state. The article is aimed at studying the evolution of legal regulation in the USSR and modern Russia. In addition, normative legal acts and statistical data reflecting the main aspects of divorce proceedings in the Russian Federation are studied. The author analyzes some features of the family law of foreign countries in the field of regulation of the divorce process. Based on the conducted research, the authors have developed recommendations aimed at transforming Russian family legislation.
Purpose – consider the transformation of the divorce process from the Soviet era to the present day, as well as to update information about the features of the divorce process within the framework of modern law. To develop recommendations on the modernization of family law in the Russian Federation.
Materials and methods. The article applied such methods as the historical and legal method, which tracked changes in the regulation of the divorce process from the Soviet period to the present, analytical, which allowed to study normative legal acts, comparative, through which legal norms and divorce practice in the USSR, Russia and other countries were compared. Within the framework of this study, an analysis of the main normative legal acts regulating the divorce process in Russia was carried out, including the Code of Laws on Marriage, Family and Guardianship (1926), the Code on Marriage and Family of the RSFSR (1969), the Family Code of the Russian Federation (as amended on 03.07.1995) and its latest editions, as well as statistical data from the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System (EMISS) and the Federal State Statistics Service.
Results. The results of the study show that in our country, approaches to regulating the divorce process have undergone changes. The Soviet model of regulating the divorce process reflected not only the desire of the state to strengthen family foundations, but also the desire to use marriage as an instrument of control over social processes. The adoption of the Family Code of the Russian Federation in 1995 is an important step in the transition from strict state control to a more liberal model of regulating family relations, which resulted in the simplification of divorce procedures. The conducted research allows us to trace how changes in legislation have affected the dynamics of divorces, the level of disputes over the division of property and lawsuits related to the upbringing of children. The proposed recommendations will make it possible to adapt family law to modern trends and changes taking place in society.