bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of COVID-19 on African American communities in Baltimore’s health enterprise zones: a mixed-methods examination
Authors: Wikkeling-Scott Ludmila F. , Gharipour Mohammad , Mohagheghi Salman 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The CoVID-19 pandemic underscored effects of community resources on the built environment, health and health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to conduct community-engaged research and examine aspects of health, and access to healthcare from the voices of community members, as a foundation for improving health equity through the built environment.

Methods
This study utilized a convergent mixed methods design that included surveys and semi-structured interviews conducted from July 2021 to August 2022 to examine the impact of limited community resources, such as community health clinics on participants during the CoVID-19 pandemic. A convenient sample of 345 male and female African American participants represented five zip codes (21215, 21216, 21217, 21223, and 21229) in with the highest impact from CoVID 19, in Baltimore, Maryland. Quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to describe how the two types supported one another in health, healthcare and healthcare access.

Results
More than half of all participants reported satisfaction with overall health, quality of healthcare provided and access to health care services. However, results indicated extreme differences in factors related to health and wellness after, as comparted to before the onset of the pandemic, Semi-structured interviews, expanded on overall community health, highlighting that overall satisfaction with health does not equal satisfaction with health-related resources and suggested participants felt frustrated and left out of much-needed community health resources to improve health and mental health services for all ages, nutrition services and community activities that make communities thrive. Data integration provided a more realistic view of what participants really experience, due to the expanded analysis of semi-structured interviews, and indicated quantitative and qualitative data did not always support each other.

Conclusions
Future research to improve the built environment, and to address historic health inequities, will require ongoing community engagement to better understand community needs. This study results encourage ongoing research to expand resources for community-engaged research and interventions. Researchers must remain cognoscente of changing needs, and persistent disparities that can only be addressed if policies, supported by these results, are introduced to make equitable investments to forge an environment where healthy communities thrive.
Interventions that may increase control at the end of life in persons with dementia: the cross-cultural CONT-END acceptability study protocol and pilot-testing
Authors: Smaling Hanneke J.A. , Jingyuan Xu , Nakanishi Miharu , Shinan-Altman Shiri , Mehr David R. , Radbruch Lukas , Gaertner Jan , Werner Perla , Achterberg Wilco P. , van der Steen Jenny T. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Interventions such as advance care planning (ACP), technology, or access to euthanasia may increase the sense of control over the end of life. In people with advanced dementia, the loss of cognitive and physical function limits the ability to control care. To date, little is known about the acceptability of these interventions from the perspective of persons with dementia and others involved. This study will examine the cross-cultural acceptability, and factors associated with acceptability, of four end-of-life interventions in dementia which contain an element of striving for control. Also, we report on the development and pilot testing of animation video vignettes that explain the interventions in a standardized manner.

Methods
Cross-sectional mixed-methods vignette study. We assess acceptability of two ACP approaches, technology use at the end of life and euthanasia in persons with dementia, their family caregivers and physicians in six countries (Netherlands, Japan, Israel, USA, Germany, Switzerland). We aim to include 80 participants per country, 50 physicians, 15 persons with dementia, and 15 family caregivers. After viewing each animation video, participants are interviewed about acceptability of the intervention. We will examine differences in acceptability between group and country and explore other potentially associated factors including variables indicating life view, personality, view on dementia and demographics. In the pilot study, participants commented on the understandability and clarity of the vignettes and instruments. Based on their feedback, the scripts of the animation videos were clarified, simplified and adapted to being less slanted in a specific direction.

Discussion
In the pilot study, the persons with dementia, their family caregivers and other older adults found the adapted animation videos and instruments understandable, acceptable, feasible, and not burdensome. The CONT-END acceptability study will provide insight into cross-cultural acceptability of interventions in dementia care from the perspective of important stakeholders. This can help to better align interventions with preferences. The study will also result in a more fundamental understanding as to how and when having control at the end of life in dementia is perceived as beneficial or perhaps harmful.

Trial registration
The CONT-END acceptability study was originally registered at the Netherlands Trial Register (NL7985) at 31 August, 2019, and can be found on the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform.
Network pharmacology -based study on the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme
Authors: Liang Chen , Zhang Binbin , Li Ruichun , Guo Shiwen , Fan Xiaoxuan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundGlioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary malignant brain tumors. Yi Qi Qu Yu Jie Du Fang (YYQQJDF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription for GBM. The present study aimed to use a network pharmacology method to analyze the underlying mechanism of YQQYJDF in treating GBM.MethodsGBM sample data, active ingredients and potential targets of YQQYJDF were obtained from databases. R language was used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GBM tissues and normal tissues, and to perform enrichment analysis and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to perform a protein‒protein interaction (PPI) analysis. A Venn diagram was used to obtain the core target genes of YQQYJDF for GBM treatment. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding between the active ingredient molecules and the proteins corresponding to the core target genes. Cell proliferation assays and invasion assays were used to verify the effect of active ingredients on the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells.ResultsA total of 73 potential targets of YQQYJDF in the treatment of GBM were obtained. Enrichment analyses showed that the biological processes and molecular functions involved in these target genes were related to the activation of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway and the regulation of hypoxia. The neuroactive ligand‒receptor pathway, the cellular senescence pathway, the calcium signaling pathway, the cell cycle pathway and the p53 signaling pathway might play important roles. Combining the results of WGCNA and PPI analysis, five core target genes and their corresponding four core active ingredients were screened. Molecular docking indicated that the core active ingredient molecules and the proteins corresponding to the core target genes had strong binding affinities. Cell proliferation and invasion assays showed that the core active ingredients of YQQYJDF significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study predicted the possible active ingredients and targets of YQQYJDF in treating GBM, and analyzed its possible mechanism. These results may provide a basis and ideas for further research.
A preliminary investigation of presenteeism and cognitive preferences among head nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Wenzhen , Shan Geyan , Wang Shengnan , Wang Hongxia , Wang Wei , Li Yongxin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Individual health is essential for productivity at work. However, presenteeism, which is defined as attending work while ill, is common. Nursing is a profession with a high incidence of presenteeism, leading to diverse negative outcomes. Considering the unique and significant role of head nurses and the influence of cognitive factors on presenteeism, the current study aimed to investigate the incidence of presenteeism among head nurses, their cognitive preference towards presenteeism, and the association between the two.

Methods
This preliminary investigation was a cross-sectional study conducted from July to August 2022. Participants were 233 head nurses recruited via convenience sampling from six hospitals located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. The Nurse Presenteeism Questionniare (NPQ) and an original cognitive preference questionnaire were used to measure head nurses’ experience of presenteeism and cognitive preference towards presenteeism. Descriptive statistics and sample t-tests were performed for data analysis.

Results
In the past six months, 96.6% of the head nurses exhibited signs of presenteeism. The specific symptoms were discomfort in the lower back, dizziness or headache, cold (e.g., stuffy nose or cough), abdominal pain (including menstrual pain), and whole-body fatigue or discomfort. 95.7% of head nurses’ anticipation preference toward presenteeism inclined to rest at home; additionally, more than 80% of the head nurses considered presenteeism detrimental to both individuals and organizations. Further, 63.9% of the head nurses were inclined toward conduct discouragement in the face of subordinates’ presenteeism. There was no significant difference in presenteeism between head nurses with various anticipation preferences (p > 0.05) and benefit preferences (p > 0.05). However, the differences in presenteeism among head nurses with various management preferences were significant (t = 2.60, p = 0.01). Specifically, head nurses who favored encouraging subordinate presenteeism had higher presenteeism scores compared to those who discouraged it.

Conclusions
Presenteeism among head nurses remains a universal workplace phenomenon. There was inconsistency among head nurses’ anticipation preferences, benefit preferences, and presenteeism. However, there was consistency between head nurses’ management preferences and presenteeism.
Development and evaluation of case video-based debriefing on a simulation of high-risk neonatal care for nursing students in South Korea: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Koo Hyun Young , Lee Bo Ryeong , An Hyeran 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The debriefing process after health care simulations should provide a psychologically safe learning environment for nursing students. Case video-based debriefing on a simulation of high-risk neonatal care can help nursing students feel psychologically safe and make learning more effective. In this study, we developed case video-based debriefing materials for a simulation of high-risk neonatal care for nursing students in South Korea and evaluated their effects.

Methods
This mixed-methods study, consisting of a survey and an in-depth interview, was conducted between August and December 2022. The participants were 27 nursing students for the development of the case video-based debriefing and 51 nursing students for the evaluation of its effects (25 in the experimental group and 26 in the control group) at a university in South Korea. A case video-based debriefing on a simulation of high-risk neonatal care was developed, and the experimental group took part in case video-based debriefing. The participants’ self-efficacy, critical thinking, state anxiety, and satisfaction with practice were examined. The experimental group’s learning experiences were explored. Quantitative data were analyzed using the chi-square test, the unpaired t-test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance. Qualitative content analysis was conducted.

Results
In the experimental group, critical thinking and satisfaction with practice increased to a greater extent than in the control group. However, the changes in self-efficacy and state anxiety were not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. Four categories were extracted from nursing students who participated in the case video-based debriefing: “learning facilitated by the simulation,” “expanded learning,” “safe learning environment,” and “efficient utilization of case videos.”

Conclusions
Case video-based debriefing on a simulation of high-risk neonatal care effectively enhanced nursing students’ critical thinking and satisfaction with practice, and it will be utilized to improve nursing students’ competency in high-risk neonatal care.
The difference of intestinal microbiota composition between Lantang and Landrace newborn piglets
Authors: Li Ling , Li Shuai , Luo Junyi , Chen Ting , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yongliang , Sun Jiajie 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
The early development of intestinal microbiota plays a fundamental role in host health and development. To investigate the difference in the intestinal microbial composition between Lantang and Landrace newborn piglets, we amplified and sequenced the V3-V4 region of 16 S rRNA gene in jejunal microbiota of Lantang and landrace newborn.

Results
The findings revealed that the dominant phyla in the jejunum of Lantang piglets were Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, while the dominant phyla of Landrace is Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria. Specifically, Corynebacterium_1, Lactobacillus, Rothia, Granulicatella, Corynebacteriales_unclassified, Corynebacterium, Globicatella and Actinomycetales_unclassified were found to be the dominant genera of Lantang group, while Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Escherichia-Shigella, Actinobacillus and Bifidobacterium were the dominant genera of Landrace. Based on the functional prediction of bacteria, we found that bacterial communities from Lantang samples had a significantly greater abundance pathways of fatty acid synthesis, protein synthesis, DNA replication, recombination, repair and material transport across membranes, while the carrier protein of pathogenic bacteria was more abundant in Landrace samples.

Conclusions
Overall, there was a tremendous difference in the early intestinal flora composition between Landang and Landrace piglets, which was related to the breed characteristics and may be one of the reasons affecting the growth characteristics. However, more further extensive studies should be included to reveal the underlying relationship between early intestinal flora composition in different breeds and pig growth characteristics.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles prevent the formation of pulmonary arterial hypertension through a microRNA-200b-dependent mechanism
Authors: Wan Mengzhi , Lu Caiju , Liu Yu , Luo Feng , Zhou Jing , Xu Fei 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundBone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (BMSC-EVs) have been highly studied with their critical roles as carriers of therapeutic targets such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in the treatment of human diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Herein, we tried to study the potential of BMSC-EVs to deliver miR-200b for the regulation of macrophage polarization in PAH.MethodsRat models of PAH were induced with monocrotaline treatment, followed by miR-200b expression detection in lung tissues, pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and macrophages. miR-200b-containing BMSCs or miR-200b-deficient BMSCs were selected to extract EVs. Then, we assessed the changes in rats with PAH-associated disorders as well as in vitro macrophage polarization and the functions of PASMCs after treatment with BMSC-EVs. Moreover, the interaction between miR-200b, phosphodiesterase 1 A (PDE1A) was identified with a luciferase assay, followed by an exploration of the downstream pathway, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA).ResultsmiR-200b was reduced in lung tissues, PASMCs and macrophages of rats with PAH-like pathology. BMSC-EVs transferred miR-200b into macrophages, and subsequently accelerated their switch to the M2 phenotype and reversed the PAH-associated disorders. Furthermore, miR-200b carried by BMSC-EVs induced PKA phosphorylation by targeting PDE1A, thereby expediting macrophage polarization.ConclusionOur current study highlighted the inhibitory role of BMSC-EV-miR-200b in PAH formation.
Exposure of the static magnetic fields on the microbial growth rate and the sludge properties in the complete-mix activated sludge process (a Lab-scale study)
Authors: Asgari Ghorban , Seid-Mohammadi Abdolmotaleb , Shokoohi Reza , Samarghandi Mohammad Reza , Daigger Glen T. , Malekolkalami Behrooz , Khoshniyat Ramin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
In this study, the effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on improving the performance of activated sludge process to enhance the higher rate of microbial growth biomass and improve sludge settling characteristics in real operation conditions of wastewater treatment plants has been investigated. The effect of SMFs (15 mT), hydraulic retention time, SRT, aeration time on mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentrations, mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) concentrations, α-factor, and pH in the complete-mix activated sludge (CMAS) process during 30 days of the operation, were evaluated.

Results
There were not any differences between the concentration of MLSS in the case (2148.8 ± 235.6 mg/L) and control (2260.1 ± 296.0 mg/L) samples, however, the mean concentration of MLVSS in the case (1463.4 ± 419.2 mg/L) was more than the control samples (1244.1 ± 295.5 mg/L). Changes of the concentration of MLVSS over time, follow the first and second-order reaction with and without exposure of SMFs respectively. Moreover, the slope of the line and, the mean of α-factor in the case samples were 6.255 and, − 0.001 higher than the control samples, respectively. Changes in pH in both groups of the reactors were not observed. The size of the sluge flocs (1.28 µm) and, the spectra of amid I' (1440 cm−1) and II' (1650 cm−1) areas related to hydrogenase bond in the case samples were higher than the control samples.

Conclusions
SMFs have a potential to being considered as an alternative method to stimulate the microbial growth rate in the aeration reactors and produce bioflocs with the higher density in the second clarifiers.
Suppression of the antitumoral activity of natural killer cells under indirect coculture with cancer-associated fibroblasts in a pancreatic TIME-on-chip model
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ah , Kim Hyunsoo , Nam Min-Kyung , Park Jong Kook , Lee Moo-Yeal , Chung Seok , Lee Kyung-Mi , Kuh Hyo-Jeong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Recently, natural killer (NK) cells emerged as a treatment option for various solid tumors. However, the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) can reduce the cytotoxic ability of NK cells in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer-associated fibroblasts within the tumor stroma can suppress immune surveillance by dysregulating factors involved in the cellular activity of NK cells. Herein, the effect of activated pancreatic stellate cells (aPSCs) on NK cell-mediated anticancer efficacy under three-dimensional (3D) coculture conditions was investigated.

Methods
3D cocultures of PANC-1 tumor spheroids (TSs) with aPSCs and NK-92 cells in a collagen matrix were optimized to identify the occurring cellular interactions and differential cytokine profiles in conditioned media using microchannel chips. PANC-1 TSs and aPSCs were indirectly cocultured, whereas NK-92 cells were allowed to infiltrate the TS channel using convective medium flow.

Results
Coculture with aPSCs promoted PANC-1 TSs growth and suppressed the antitumor cytotoxic effects of NK-92 cells. Mutual inhibition of cellular activity without compromising migration ability was observed between aPSCs and NK-92 cells. Moreover, the reduced killing activity of NK-92 cells was found to be related with reduced granzyme B expression in NK cells.

Conclusions
Herein, a novel TIME-on-chip model based on the coculture of PANC-1 TSs, aPSCs, and NK-92 cells was described. This model may be useful for studying the detailed mechanisms underlying NK cells dysregulation and for exploring future therapeutic interventions to restore NK cell activity in the tumor microenvironment.
FAP promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression via activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Jiang Kun , Xu Li-zhe , Ning Jin-zhuo , Cheng Fan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveHerein, we aimed at exploring the FAP expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) along with its clinical implication.MethodsUsing computational tools analysis of different freely accessible gene databases, the expression pattern, clinical importance, co-expressed genes, and signaling pathways of FAP in ccRCC were thoroughly investigated. FAP expression was examined in clinical ccRCC specimens through qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out using flow cytometry, CCK-8, wound-healing and Transwell assays, as well as xenograft tumor model, respectively.ResultsFAP levels were found to be significantly elevated in ccRCC based on bioinformatic data from public databases. Patients who exhibited higher expression levels of FAP had poorer prognoses, according to Kaplan–Meier analysis of survival data. In addition, diagnostic and prognostic value of FAP in ccRCC was figured out by ROC curve and prognostic nomogram model. In vitro study revealed that the over-expression FAP accelerated cell proliferation, migration as well as invasion, and suppressed cell apoptosis, but silencing of FAP had the opposite effect. FAP suppression reduced the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway's stimulation, whereas FAP up-regulation increased the stimulation of the pathway. Blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway with the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 repressesed cancer-promoting effect of FAP. Additionally, we found that the downregulation of FAP was effective at slowing tumor progression in vivo.ConclusionIt is possible that FAP could be a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC because of its role in the ccRCC progression via triggering the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Physical environment features that predict outdoor active play can be measured using Google Street View images
Authors: Boyes Randy , Pickett William , Janssen Ian , Swanlund David , Schuurman Nadine , Masse Louise , Han Christina , Brussoni Mariana 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Childrens’ outdoor active play is an important part of their development. Play behaviour can be predicted by a variety of physical and social environmental features. Some of these features are difficult to measure with traditional data sources.

Methods
This study investigated the viability of a machine learning method using Google Street View images for measurement of these environmental features. Models to measure natural features, pedestrian traffic, vehicle traffic, bicycle traffic, traffic signals, and sidewalks were developed in one city and tested in another.

Results
The models performed well for features that are time invariant, but poorly for features that change over time, especially when tested outside of the context where they were initially trained.

Conclusion
This method provides a potential automated data source for the development of prediction models for a variety of physical and social environment features using publicly accessible street view images.