bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gestational age assessed by optical skin reflection in low-birth-weight newborns: Applications in classification at birth
Authors: Vitral Gabriela Luiza Nogueira , Romanelli Roberta Maia de Castro , Reis Zilma Silveira Nogueira , Guimarães Rodney Nascimento , Dias Ivana , Mussagy Nilza , Taunde Sergio , Neves Gabriela Silveira , de São José Carolina Nogueira , Pantaleão Alexandre Negrão , Pappa Gisele Lobo , Gaspar Juliano de Souza , de Aguiar Regina Amélia Pessoa Lopes 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionA new medical device was previously developed to estimate gestational age (GA) at birth by processing a machine learning algorithm on the light scatter signal acquired on the newborn's skin. The study aims to validate GA calculated by the new device (test), comparing the result with the best available GA in newborns with low birth weight (LBW).MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, non-randomized, and single-blinded clinical trial in three urban referral centers for perinatal care in Brazil and Mozambique. LBW newborns with a GA over 24 weeks and weighing between 500 and 2,500 g were recruited in the first 24 h of life. All pregnancies had a GA calculated by obstetric ultrasound before 24 weeks or by reliable last menstrual period (LMP). The primary endpoint was the agreement between the GA calculated by the new device (test) and the best available clinical GA, with 95% confidence limits. In addition, we assessed the accuracy of using the test in the classification of preterm and SGA. Prematurity was childbirth before 37 gestational weeks. The growth standard curve was Intergrowth-21st, with the 10th percentile being the limit for classifying SGA.ResultsAmong 305 evaluated newborns, 234 (76.7%) were premature, and 139 (45.6%) were SGA. The intraclass correlation coefficient between GA by the test and reference GA was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.785–0.863). However, the new device (test) underestimated the reference GA by an average of 2.8 days (95% limits of agreement: −40.6 to 31.2 days). Its use in classifying preterm or term newborns revealed an accuracy of 78.4% (95% CI: 73.3–81.6), with high sensitivity (96.2%; 95% CI: 92.8–98.2). The accuracy of classifying SGA newborns using GA calculated by the test was 62.3% (95% CI: 56.6–67.8).DiscussionThe new device (test) was able to assess GA at birth in LBW newborns, with a high agreement with the best available GA as a reference. The GA estimated by the device (test), when used to classify newborns on the first day of life, was useful in identifying premature infants but not when applied to identify SGA infants, considering current algohrithm. Nonetheless, the new device (test) has the potential to provide important information in places where the GA is unknown or inaccurate.
Pomegranate peel extract protects against the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis and downregulating LncRNA-MALAT1
Authors: Abo-Saif Mariam Ali , Ragab Amany E. , Ibrahim Amera O. , Abdelzaher Othman F. , Mehanyd Ahmed B. M. , Saber-Ayad Maha , El-Feky Ola A. 
Published: March 2023

Background:Pyroptosis is an inflammatory programmed cell death accompanied by activation of inflammasomes and maturation of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18. Pyroptosis is closely linked to the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC). Pomegranate peel extract (PPE) exhibits a cardioprotective effect due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the protective effect of PPE on the myocardium in a rat model of DC and determine the underlying molecular mechanism.Methods:Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The rats in the treated groups received (150 mg/kg) PPE orally and daily for 8 weeks. The effects on the survival rate, lipid profile, serum cardiac troponin-1, lipid peroxidation, and tissue fibrosis were assessed. Additionally, the expression of pyroptosis-related genes (NLRP3 and caspase-1) and lncRNA-MALAT1 in the heart tissue was determined. The PPE was analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS and NMR for characterizing the phytochemical content.Results:Prophylactic treatment with PPE significantly ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy in the diabetic rats and increased the survival rate. Moreover, prophylactic treatment with PPE in the diabetic rats significantly improved the lipid profile, decreased serum cardiac troponin-1, and decreased lipid peroxidation in the myocardial tissue. Histopathological examination of the cardiac tissues showed a marked reduction in fibrosis (decrease in collagen volume and number of TGF-β-positive cells) and preservation of normal myocardial structures in the diabetic rats treated with PPE. There was a significant decrease in the expression of pyroptosis-related genes (NLRP3 and caspase-1) and lncRNA-MALAT1 in the heart tissue of the diabetic rats treated with PPE. In addition, the concentration of IL-1β and caspase-1 significantly decreased in the heart tissue of the same group. The protective effect of PPE on diabetic cardiomyopathy could be due to the inhibition of pyroptosis and downregulation of lncRNA-MALAT1. The phytochemical analysis of the PPE indicated that the major compounds were hexahydroxydiphenic acid glucoside, caffeoylquinic acid, gluconic acid, citric acid, gallic acid, and punicalagin.Conclusion:PPE exhibited a cardioprotective potential in diabetic rats due to its unique antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties and its ability to improve the lipid profile. The protective effect of PPE on DC could be due to the inhibition of the NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway and downregulation of lncRNA-MALAT1. PPE could be a promising therapy to protect against the development of DC, but further clinical studies are recommended.
The effects of pedometer-based exercise on central and peripheral vascular functions among young sedentary men with CVD risk factors
Authors: Omar Norsuhana , Yeoh Boon Seng , Chellappan Kalaivani , Chui Sara Zijiun , Salamt Norizam , Aminuddin Amilia 
Published: March 2023

Introduction:Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Malaysia and worldwide. This is mainly due to an increase in the prevalence of CVD risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking, and obesity. Increased physical activity has been recommended as a modality to improve CVD risk. Pulse wave velocity (PWVCF), augmentation index (AI), and finger photoplethysmography fitness (PPGF) index have been introduced to assess the vascular functions related to CVD risk factors. The effects of long-term exercise on PPGF index are not established.Materials and Methods:A total of 70 young men who were sedentary with two or more cardiovascular risk factors were recruited. Subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) (n = 34; no change in walking) and pedometer group (PG) (n = 36; minimum target: 8,000 steps/day). PWVCFand AI were measuredviathe Vicorder system. The PPGF index was obtainedviathe finger photoplethysmography method. All parameters were measured at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks.Results:After intervention, the PG had significant increased step count from 4,996 ± 805 to 10,128 ± 511 steps/day (p&lt; 0.001). The PG showed significant improvement in anthropometric variables, lipid, PWVCF, AI, and PPGF index (time and group effectp&lt; 0.001). No changes were observed in CG.Conclusion:This signifies that pedometer-based walking program is beneficial in improving markers of vascular functions among young working sedentary men with CVD risk factors. Pedometer-based exercise should be encouraged to improve cardiovascular health.
Associations between sleep trajectories up to 54 months and cognitive school readiness in 4 year old preschool children
Authors: Tham Elaine Kwang Hsia , Xu Hai-Yan , Fu Xiuju , Goh Rick Siow Mong , Gluckman Peter D. , Chong Yap-Seng , Yap Fabian , Shek Lynette Pei-Chi , Teoh Oon Hoe , Gooley Joshua , Goh Daniel Yam-Thiam , Schneider Nora , Meaney Michael J. , Cai Shirong , Broekman Birit F. P. 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study explores the association between the duration and variation of infant sleep trajectories and subsequent cognitive school readiness at 48–50 months.MethodsParticipants were 288 multi-ethnic children, within the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort. Caregiver-reported total, night and day sleep durations were obtained at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire and 54 months using the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Total, night and day sleep trajectories with varying durations (short, moderate, or long) and variability (consistent or variable; defined by standard errors) were identified. The cognitive school readiness test battery was administered when the children were between 48 and 50 months old. Both unadjusted adjusted analysis of variance models and adjusted analysis of covariance models (for confounders) were performed to assess associations between sleep trajectories and individual school readiness tests in the domains of language, numeracy, general cognition and memory.ResultsIn the unadjusted models, children with short variable total sleep trajectories had poorer performance on language tests compared to those with longer and more consistent trajectories. In both unadjusted and adjusted models, children with short variable night sleep trajectories had poorer numeracy knowledge compared to their counterparts with long consistent night sleep trajectories. There were no equivalent associations between sleep trajectories and school readiness performance for tests in the general cognition or memory domains. There were no significant findings for day sleep trajectories.ConclusionFindings suggest that individual differences in longitudinal sleep duration patterns from as early as 3 months of age may be associated with language and numeracy aspects of school readiness at 48–50 months of age. This is important, as early school readiness, particularly the domains of language and mathematics, is a key predictor of subsequent academic achievement.
The qualitative study of intentional self-harm in Thailand: Focusing on predisposing child-rearing environments and self-harm cessation
Authors: Limsuwan Nida , Lantomrattana Anyamanee , Prachason Thanavadee , Tantrarungroj Thanita , Lorterapong Passaporn , Thongpan Masatha , Waleeprakhon Punjaporn 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionIntentional self-harm in adolescents and young people, including both suicidal behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is a serious issue in mental health systems. However, the majority of studies on self-harm in adolescents and young people focused on a quantitative methodology which might have limitations in explaining this complex phenomenon of intentional self-harm. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the subjective experiences of adolescents and young people who presented with intentional self-harm in order to provide a better understanding of this behavioral phenomenon.MethodsThis is an exploratory qualitative study that uses phenomenological processes and thematic analysis. Twenty subjects aged 13–29 years were included in this study.ResultsThe results revealed six themes regarding predisposing child-rearing environments and nine themes regarding factors related to the cessation of intentional self-harm. Moreover, it demonstrated the important functions of self-harm as an intrapersonal strategy for emotional regulation.DiscussionIn conclusion, this study underscored the importance of understanding the developmental and cessation pathways of these complex behaviors.
Point prevalence and sex-specific associated factors of depression in Latvian general population
Authors: Vinogradova Vineta Viktorija , Kivite-Urtane Anda , Vrublevska Jelena , Rancans Elmars 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the current prevalence of depression, and analyze sex-specific associated socio-demographic and health-related factors for depression in a representative sample of the general adult population of Latvia.MethodsSpecially trained professional interviewers conducted computer-assisted face-to-face interviews with a multistage stratified probability sample from the general Latvian adult population (n = 2,687). A 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) was used for assessment of depression. Respondents were interviewed using the specially developed questionnaire about sociodemographic factors as well as the alcohol use disorder module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) for the univariate and multivariate logistic analyses.ResultsThe point prevalence of depression according to the PHQ-9 was 6.4% (95% CI 5.8–7.6). After adjustment for all independent variables analyzed, being divorced, widowed, or living separately increased the odds of depression [aOR 2.6 (95% CI, 1.2–5.8), p = 0.02] in males. For females, unfinished primary education [aOR 5.2 (95% CI 2.0–13.6), p = 0.001] and economically inactive status [aOR 2.0 (95% CI, 1.1–3.6), p = 0.03] were strongly associated with depression.LimitationsThe cross-sectional design of the study did not allow us to draw conclusions about causality. Patients with bipolar, organic, and symptomatic depression states were not excluded.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression in the general adult population is 6.4%, with the most significant sex-specific factors associated with depression for males – being divorced, widowed, or living separately, and for females it was poor education and economic inactivity.
Trauma-related guilt as a mediator between post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation
Authors: Chou Po-Han , Wang Shao-Cheng , Wu Chi-Shin , Ito Masaya 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAs a mental health issue, suicide is a growing global concern, with patients who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) being at particularly high risk. This study aimed to investigate whether the link between PTSD and suicidal ideation is mediated by trauma-related guilt.MethodsData were obtained from Wave 1, Time 1 (November 2016), and Time 2 (March 2017) of the National Survey for Stress and Health (NSSH) in Japan. The NSSH is an online longitudinal survey conducted on Japan’s national population aged 18 years and older. The cumulative response rate of the survey was 66.7% at Time 2. A total of 1,005 patients with PTSD were included for analyses. The severity of PTSD symptoms was assessed with PTSD DSM-5 Checklist, and the trauma-related guilt were assessed using the two subscales (hindsight-bias/responsibility and global guilt scale) of the trauma-related guilt inventory (TRGI). Suicidal ideation was evaluated using the suicidal ideation attributes scale (SIDAS). Pearson’s correlation was used to investigate the associations among PTSD symptoms, TRGI scores, and SIDAS scores. Causal mediation analysis was applied to evaluate the causal relationship between PTSD, trauma-related guilt, and suicidal ideation.ResultsPearson’s correlation did not show patients’ age, gender, and household income significantly associated with SIDAS scores. On the other hand, severities of PTSD symptoms (r = 0.361, p &lt; 0.001) and trauma-related guilt (r = 0.235, p &lt; 0.001) were positively associated with SIDAS scores. After adjusting for age, gender, and household income, the mediation analysis revealed that trauma-related guilt significantly mediates the effects of PTSD symptoms on suicidal ideation.ConclusionOur results implied that trauma-related guilt may represent a critical link between PTSD and suicidal ideation, which may be a noteworthy target for therapeutic intervention.
Screening of core genes and prediction of ceRNA regulation mechanism of circRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen HongMin , Shi XiaoXiao , Ren Li , Wan YuMing , Zhuo HongYu , Zeng Li , SangDan WangMu , Wang Feng 
Published: March 2023

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) represents a highly aggressive malignant tumor. Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) regulation is a common regulatory mechanism in tumors. The ceRNA network links the functions between mRNAs and ncRNAs, thus playing an important regulatory role in diseases. This study screened the potential key genes in NPC and predicted regulatory mechanisms using bioinformatics analysis.Methods: The merged microarray data of three NPC-related mRNA expression microarrays from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the expression data of tumor samples or normal samples from the nasopharynx and tonsil in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were both subjected to differential analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA). The results from two different databases were intersected with WGCNA results to obtain potential regulatory genes in NPC, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses. The hub-gene in candidate genes was discerned through Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis and its upstream regulatory mechanism was predicted by miRwalk and circbank databases.Results: Totally 68 upregulated genes and 96 downregulated genes in NPC were screened through GEO and TCGA. According to WGCNA, the NPC-related modules were screened from GEO and TCGA analysis results, and the genes in the modules were obtained. After the results of differential analysis and WGCNA were intersected, 74 differentially expressed candidate genes associated with NPC were discerned. Finally, fibronectin 1 (FN1) was identified as a hub-gene in NPC. Prediction of upstream regulatory mechanisms of FN1 suggested that FN1 may be regulated by ceRNA mechanisms involving multiple circRNAs, thereby influencing NPC progression through ceRNA regulation.Conclusion: FN1 is identified as a key regulator in NPC development and is likely to be regulated by numerous circRNA-mediated ceRNA mechanisms.
Combined Effects of Climate and Pests on Fig (Ficus carica L.) Yield in a Mediterranean Region: Implications for Sustainable Agricultural Strategies
Authors: Mellal Mohammed Khalil , Khelifa Rassim , Chelli Abdelmadjid , Djouadi Naima , Madani Khodir 
Published: March 2023

Fig cultivation has long been an agricultural tradition in the Mediterranean region, providing economic and social benefits to local communities. Understanding fig tree yield response to the rapid invasions of fig pests and shifts in climatic conditions is essential for developing appropriate sustainable agricultural strategies. In this context, we investigate whether rapid changes in climate and pest invasions have had a combined effect on fig (Ficus carica L.) tree yield. We used data collected over 10 years in Bejaïa province, Algeria, and conducted a regression analysis to investigate the relationship between fig tree yield and two key factors. Results revealed a significant warming trend (0.057 °C yr−1), and a decrease in precipitation (−27.1 mm yr−1), in the region. Multiple pests, including pathogenic fungi (Diaporthe cinerascens, Fusarium spp.) and ravaging bark beetles (Hypocryphalus scabricollis), have spread in the region. Fig tree yield declined by 25% during the study period and was affected by both factors. Our findings provide valuable insights that can aid farmers and practitioners in mitigating risks that arise from the combined effects of climate change and pest invasions, thereby promoting sustainable farming practices.
Nutritional Awareness Level and its Impact on Sports Activity from the Viewpoint of the Department of Physical and Health Education Students at Al-Ahliyya Amman University
Authors: Alkasasbeh Walaa Jumah , Mobaideen Mohammed Ahmad , Hammad Saleh Mahmoud 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the level of nutritional awareness and its impact on sports activity from the viewpoint of students of the Department of Physical and Health Education at Al-Ahliyya Amman University.
Methods: The researchers used the descriptive method and questionnaire to collect data. The study sample consisted of 132 male and female students from the department of Physical and Health Education at Al-Ahliyya Amman University, and this sample represented 88.6% of the study community, which totaled 150 students. The study used arithmetic averages, standard deviations, percentages, T-tests, Cronbach's alpha equation, and regression coefficient analysis. Using Analysis of Variance and the F-test to analyze the results of the study.
Results: the results showed a high level of nutritional awareness among students, and also confirmed a statistically significant relationship between the level of nutritional awareness and the practice of sports activity، the level of nutritional awareness and its effect on sports activity varied in the variables of sex, school year, age and weight.
Conclusions: The study recommended the need of increasing courses related to nutrition for athletes to increase awareness of the importance of nutrition among specialists in this field.
The Degree of Application of Teachers of the Higher Basic Stage in Zarqa Governorate to Alternative Evaluation Strategies in Distance Education during the Corona Pandemic
Authors: Oliemat Ayman Mohammad Khalaf , Algwari Maha slama , Almashaqba Shifa Sulieman Farhan 
Published: March 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the degree to which teachers of the higher basic stage apply alternative assessment strategies in the first Zarqa Education Directorate in distance education during the Corona pandemic, according to the enrollment variable in professional development programs.
Methods: The study followed the descriptive approach to achieve its goal. A questionnaire was prepared to collect data, and its validity and reliability were confirmed, as it was applied to (273) male and female teachers of the upper basic stage in the first Zarqa Education Directorate were chosen randomly.
Results: The results showed that teachers of the higher basic stage in the first Zarqa Education Directorate apply alternative evaluation strategies in a low degree (M=2.41). Also, there are no statistically significant differences between the means of degrees of their application of alternative evaluation strategies, according to the variable of enrollment in professional development courses.
Conclusions: The study concluded that possessing alternative assessment strategies through training courses does not necessarily mean applying them in teaching practices. Because enrollment in training courses and possession of knowledge in pedagogy may be in order to succeed in the training course for the purposes of career advancement, according to the rank system for teachers, which entails moving from one rank to another to succeed in these courses. Also, enrollment in training courses needs to follow up on the transmission of its impact on the teaching practices of teachers.