bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Tic Disorders and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Chinese Children
Authors: Wang Simei , Xu Quanmei , Wang Anqi , Yuan Fang , Luo Xiaona , Wang Yilin , Guo Miao , Zhang Yuanfeng , Zhang Wenjing , Ji Xiaobing , Ren Yun , Chen Yucai 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveTo explore the correlation between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and tic disorders (TDs) in Chinese children.MethodsWe selected 2960 children with TD and 2665 healthy controls, aged 5–14 years, from the Department of Neurology of the Shanghai Children’s Hospital. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and degrees of vitamin D deficiency were compared between patients with TD and healthy children.ResultsThe mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level in the TD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P &lt; 0.001). The proportion of patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the TD group was significantly higher than that in the control group. However, there was no correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and the severity of TD. In addition, for age-wise comparison, mean levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and its deficiency in the TD group were the most significant in children over 9 years of age.ConclusionThere is a correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and TD in Chinese children, but not between 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and the severity of TD. There was a correlation between age and deficiency of 25-hydroxyvitamin D; this deficiency was most pronounced among those over the age of 9 years.
Vincristine Promotes Transdifferentiation of Fibroblasts Into Myofibroblasts via P38 and ERK Signal Pathways
Authors: Xu Hui , Yang Jingwen , Tu Mengyun , Weng Jie , Xie Mengying , Zhou Zhiliang , Zhou Peisen , Wang Liang , Chen Chan , Wang Zhiyi 
Published: May 2022

Background: Vincristine (VCR) is used in the clinic as an anti-tumor drug. VCR can cause pulmonary fibrosis (PF), leading to respiratory failure. The transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts may play a key role in PF. The present study attempted to reveal the molecular mechanism of VCR-induced PF and the possible involvement of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.Methods: Human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HELFs) were treated with different concentrations of VCR. Inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK were added to HELFs. Cell proliferation state was assessed using cell counting kit-8 and by directly counting the number of cells. The expressions of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were investigated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Activation of ERK and P38 was estimated by the expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38), p38 MAPK, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and ERK1/2 using western blot analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the level of collagen I in cell culture supernatants.Results: Results showed that VCR promoted cellular proliferation, secretion of collagen I and the expression of vimentin and α-SMA. High expression of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 was associated with the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. MAPK inhibitors SB203580 and PD98059 suppressed the expression of the above proteins.Conclusion: Our study revealed that VCR could promote the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by regulating the MAPK signal pathway, which may be a promising way to treat VCR-induced PF.
Machine Learning-Based Evaluation on Craniodentofacial Morphological Harmony of Patients After Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhao Xiaoke , Song Guangying , Niu Jianwei , Xu Tianmin 
Published: May 2022

Objectives: Machine learning is increasingly being used in the medical field. Based on machine learning models, the present study aims to improve the prediction performance of craniodentofacial morphological harmony judgment after orthodontic treatment and to determine the most significant factors.Methods: A dataset of 180 subjects was randomly selected from a large sample of 3,706 finished orthodontic cases from six top orthodontic treatment centers around China. Thirteen algorithms were used to predict the value of the cephalometric morphological harmony score of each subject and to search for the optimal model. Based on the feature importance ranking and by removing features, the regression models of machine learning (including the Adaboost, ExtraTree, XGBoost, and linear regression models) were used to predict and compare the score of harmony for each subject from the dataset with cross validations. By analyzing the prediction values, the most optimal model and the most significant cephalometric characteristics were determined.Results: When nine features were included, the performance of the XGBoost regression model was MAE = 0.267, RMSE = 0.341, and Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.683, which indicated that the XGBoost regression model exhibited the best fitting and predicting performance for craniodentofacial morphological harmony judgment. Nine cephalometric features including L1/NB (inclination of the lower central incisors), ANB (sagittal position between the maxilla and mandible), LL-EP (distance from the point of the prominence of the lower lip to the aesthetic plane), SN/OP (inclination of the occlusal plane), SNB (sagittal position of the mandible in relation to the cranial base), U1/SN (inclination of the upper incisors to the cranial base), L1-NB (protrusion of the lower central incisors), Ns-Prn-Pos (nasal protrusion), and U1/L1 (relationship between the protrusions of the upper and lower central incisors) were revealed to significantly influence the judgment.Conclusion: The application of the XGBoost regression model enhanced the predictive ability regarding the craniodentofacial morphological harmony evaluation by experts after orthodontic treatment. Teeth position, teeth alignment, jaw position, and soft tissue morphology would be the most significant factors influencing the judgment. The methodology also provided guidance for the application of machine learning models to resolve medical problems characterized by limited sample size.
The Underlying Cardiovascular Mechanisms of Resuscitation and Injury of REBOA and Partial REBOA
Authors: Stonko David P. , Edwards Joseph , Abdou Hossam , Elansary Noha N. , Lang Eric , Savidge Samuel G. , Hicks Caitlin W. , Morrison Jonathan J. 
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) is used for aortic control in hemorrhagic shock despite little quantification of its mechanism of resuscitation or cardiac injury. The goal of this study was to use pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis and direct coronary blood flow measurements to describe the physiologic changes associated with the clinical use of REBOA.Methods: Swine underwent surgical and vascular access to measure left ventricular PV loops and left coronary flow in hemorrhagic shock and subsequent placement of occlusive REBOA, partial REBOA, and no REBOA. PV loop characteristics and coronary flow are compared graphically with PV loops and coronary waveforms, and quantitatively with measures of the end systolic and end pressure volume relationship, and coronary flow parameters, with accounting for multiple comparisons.Results: Hemorrhagic shock was induced in five male swine (mean 53.6 ± 3.6 kg) as demonstrated by reduction of stroke work (baseline: 3.1 vs. shock: 1.2 L*mmHg, p &lt; 0.01) and end systolic pressure (ESP; 109.8 vs. 59.6 mmHg, p &lt; 0.01). ESP increased with full REBOA (178.4 mmHg; p &lt; 0.01), but only moderately with partial REBOA (103.0 mmHg, p &lt; 0.01 compared to shock). End systolic elastance was augmented from baseline to shock (1.01 vs. 0.39 ml/mmHg, p &lt; 0.01) as well as shock compared to REBOA (4.50 ml/mmHg, p &lt; 0.01) and partial REBOA (3.22 ml/mmHg, p = 0.01). Percent time in antegrade coronary flow decreased in shock (94%–71.8%, p &lt; 0.01) but was rescued with REBOA. Peak flow increased with REBOA (271 vs. shock: 93 ml/min, p &lt; 0.01) as did total flow (peak: 2136, baseline: 424 ml/min, p &lt; 0.01). REBOA did not augment the end diastolic pressure volume relationship.Conclusion: REBOA increases afterload to facilitate resuscitation, but the penalty is supraphysiologic coronary flows and imposed increase in LV contractility to maintain cardiac output. Partial REBOA balances the increased afterload with improved aortic system compliance to prevent injury.
Acute Cannabigerol Administration Lowers Blood Pressure in Mice
Authors: Vernail Victoria L. , Bingaman Sarah S. , Silberman Yuval , Raup-Konsavage Wesley M. , Vrana Kent E. , Arnold Amy C. 
Published: May 2022

Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid compound synthesized by Cannabis sativa, which in its acid form acts as the substrate for both Δ9-tetraydrocannabinol and cannabidiol formation. Given its lack of psychoactive effects, emerging research has focused on cannabigerol as a potential therapeutic for health conditions including algesia, epilepsy, anxiety, and cancer. While cannabigerol can bind to classical cannabinoid receptors, it is also an agonist at α2-adrenoreceptors (α2AR) which, when activated, inhibit presynaptic norepinephrine release. This raises the possibility that cannabigerol could activate α2AR to reduce norepinephrine release to cardiovascular end organs to lower blood pressure. Despite this possibility, there are no reports examining cannabigerol cardiovascular effects. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that acute cannabigerol administration lowers blood pressure. Blood pressure was assessed via radiotelemetry at baseline and following intraperitoneal injection of cannabigerol (3.3 and 10 mg/kg) or vehicle administered in a randomized crossover design in male C57BL/6J mice. Acute cannabigerol significantly lowered mean blood pressure (−28 ± 2 mmHg with 10 mg/kg versus −12 ± 5 mmHg vehicle, respectively; p = 0.018), with no apparent dose responsiveness (−22 ± 2 mmHg with 3.3 mg/kg). The depressor effect of cannabigerol was lower in magnitude than the α2AR agonist guanfacine and was prevented by pretreatment with the α2AR antagonist atipamezole. These findings suggest that acute cannabigerol lowers blood pressure in phenotypically normal mice likely via an α2AR mechanism, which may be an important consideration for therapeutic cannabigerol administration.
The Upside of Negative Emotions: How Do Older Adults From Different Cultures Challenge Their Self-Growth During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: von Humboldt Sofia , Mendoza-Ruvalcaba Neyda Ma. , Arias-Merino Elva Dolores , Ribeiro-Gonçalves José Alberto , Cabras Emilia , Low Gail , Leal Isabel 
Published: May 2022

Background and ObjectiveThe outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has raised increased challenges for older adults’ personal growth in diverse cultural settings. The aim of this study was to analyze negative emotions and their role on older adults’ self-growth in Mexico, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, during the COVID-19 pandemic. For this purpose, a cross-national qualitative research was carried out.MethodsData were collected from 338 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older, using a semi-structured interview protocol. Older adults were asked about negative emotions that significantly contribute to their self-growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Content analysis was used to identify key themes.ResultsSeven main negative emotions (fear, sadness, anger, grief, boredom, loneliness, and shame) significantly contributed to seven themes of self-growth, across the samples: sharing difficult experiences with others, supportive partner, spiritual practices, engagement with life, generativity, volunteering activities, and intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Sharing difficult experiences with others was most pertinent to Mexican (13.9%) and to Italian (3.0%) participants, and a supportive partner to Portuguese (12.1%), and to Spanish participants (6.5%).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicate that negative emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to their older adults’ self-growth. This study highlighted the cultural diversity of experiences during the pandemics and underlined the upside of negative emotions and its relation to older adults’ self-growth during this period.
Side Effects of Endocrine Therapy Are Associated With Depression and Anxiety in Breast Cancer Patients Accepting Endocrine Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study in China
Authors: Zhao Rong , Liu Hulin , Gao Jinnan 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveHormone positive breast cancer patients bear side effects of endocrine therapy and that may be related to depression and anxiety. We sought to find an association between mental health and side effects of endocrine therapy.MethodsA total of 398 patients participated. Sociodemographic, disease profile, and side effects questionnaires were administered. We screened for depressive and anxiety disorders by using the SDS (Self-Rating Depression Scale) and SAS (Self-Rating Anxiety Scale).ResultsThe prevalence of depression and anxiety in our study were 33.4% (133) and 13.3% (53), respectively. Depression was linked to education level (≤8 years, OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 2.22–5.78), night sweats (yes, OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.17–3.09), vaginal dryness (yes, OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.19–4.16), and fatigue (yes, OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.21–3.11); anxiety was associated with education level (≤8 years, OR = 3.13, 95% CI: 1.62–6.08), time to diagnosis (≤ 3 years, OR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.13–4.07), osteopenia (yes, OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.26–4.70), loss of hair (yes, OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.10–7.15), and fatigue (yes, OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.54–5.43). A stratified analysis according to age (≤45 years and &gt; 45 years) was performed as an exploratory. None of factor-age interactions was statistically significant.ConclusionSide effects of endocrine therapy were significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Side effects deserve greater emphasis and clinical interventions are needed to reduce anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients accepting ET.
Changes of Serum Homocysteine and Vitamin B12, but Not Folate Are Correlated With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Case-Control Studies
Authors: Yan Sirui , Liu Hailong , Yu Yaqiong , Han Nashu , Du Wenzhi 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, is characterized by irresistible obsessive thinking and compulsive behavior. Folate is a member of water-soluble vitamins in the human body and sustains many normal daily activities (e.g., exercise, sleep, and memory). Homocysteine, a sulfur-containing non-essential amino acid, has been investigated in numerous psychiatric disorders (e.g., OCD). Vitamin B12 is a type of complex organic compound with cobalt contained. Moreover, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency and high levels of homocysteine were found to have an effect on brain functions and also lead to non-specific psychiatric symptoms.ObjectivesThis study aimed to confirm the epidemiological evidence of OCD and investigate whether vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine have an effect on the etiology of OCD.MethodsA systematic search was conducted on eight databases (i.e., PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database), and the retrieval time was up to March 2021. The available articles involving patients with OCD with/without abnormal serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine were comprehensively reviewed and analyzed.ResultsA total of 5 studies involving 309 patients were included in this meta-analysis, including 172 cases in the experimental group and 137 in the control group. The content of folate in the OCD group was not significantly different from that in the control group (SMD = −0.089, 95%CI −0.755 to 0.577, p = 0.794). And serum homocysteine was significantly higher in the patients with OCD (SMD = 1.132, 95%CI 0.486 to 1.778, p = 0.001). Vitamin B12 was significantly lower in patients with OCD (SMD = −0.583, 95%CI −0.938 to −0.229, p = 0.001).ConclusionsThis meta-analysis shows serum high levels of homocysteine, low levels of vitamin B12, and normal folate level are closely correlated with OCD. However, high-quality case-control studies should be further conducted to explore the correlation between serum levels of vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and OCD.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021262161; PROSPERO (Number CRD#42021262161).
A Scoping Review of Citizen Science Approaches in Chronic Disease Prevention
Authors: Marks Leah , Laird Yvonne , Trevena Helen , Smith Ben J. , Rowbotham Samantha 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundCitizen science approaches, which involve members of the public as active collaborators in scientific research, are increasingly being recognized for their potential benefits in chronic disease prevention. However, understanding the potential applicability, feasibility and impacts of these approaches is necessary if they are to be more widely used. This study aimed to synthesize research that has applied and evaluated citizen science approaches in chronic disease prevention and identify key questions, gaps, and opportunities to inform future work in this field.MethodsWe searched six databases (Scopus, Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, PubMed, and CINAHL) in January 2022 to identify articles on the use of citizen science in prevention. We extracted and synthesized data on key characteristics of citizen science projects, including topics, aims and level of involvement of citizen scientists, as well as methods and findings of evaluations of these projects.ResultsEighty-one articles reported on citizen science across a variety of health issues, predominantly physical activity and/or nutrition. Projects primarily aimed to identify problems from the perspective of community members; generate and prioritize solutions; develop, test or evaluate interventions; or build community capacity. Most projects were small-scale, and few were co-produced with policy or practice stakeholders. While around half of projects included an evaluation component, overall, there was a lack of robust, in-depth evaluations of the processes and impacts of citizen science projects.ConclusionsCitizen science approaches are increasingly being used in chronic disease prevention to identify and prioritize community-focused solutions, mobilize support and advocacy, and empower communities to take action to support their health and wellbeing. However, to realize the potential of this approach more attention needs to be paid to demonstrating the feasibility of using citizen science approaches at scale, and to rigorous evaluation of impacts from using these approaches for the diverse stakeholders involved.
A Retrospective Global Assessment of Factors Associated With COVID-19 Policies and Health Outcomes
Authors: Choi Angela Jeong , Hean Andrew C. , Lee Julia K. , Tran Nguyen D. , Lin Tracy Kuo , Apollonio Dorie E. 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe 2019 Global Health Security (GHS) Index measured the capacities of countries to prepare for and respond to epidemics and pandemics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that GHS Index scores were poorly correlated with ability to respond to infectious disease threats. It is critical to understand how public health policies may reduce the negative impacts of pandemics.ObjectiveTo identify non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) that can minimize morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 and future pandemics, this study examined associations between country characteristics, NPI public health policies, and COVID-19 outcomes during the first year of the pandemic, prior to the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine. This global analysis describes worldwide trends in policy implementation and generates a stronger understanding of how NPIs contributed to improved health outcomes.DesignThis cross-sectional, retrospective study relied on information drawn from publicly available datasets through December 31, 2020.Primary and Secondary Outcome MeasuresWe conducted multivariate regressions to examine associations between country characteristics and policies, and policies and health outcomes.ResultsCountries with higher health service coverage prior to the pandemic implemented more policies and types of policies. Countries with more bordering countries implemented more border control policies (0.78**), and countries with denser populations implemented more masking policies (0.24*). Across all countries, fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths per million were associated with masking (−496.10*, −7.57), testing and tracing (−108.50**, −2.47**), and restriction of movement (−102.30*, −2.10*) policies, with stronger associations when these policies were mandatory rather than voluntary.ConclusionsCountry characteristics, including health service coverage, number of bordering countries, and population density, may predict the frequency and nature of public health interventions. Countries with higher health service coverage may have the infrastructure to react more efficiently to a pandemic, leading them to implement a greater number of policies. Mandatory masking, testing and tracing, and restriction of movement policies were associated with more favorable COVID-19 population health outcomes. While these results are consistent with existing COVID-19 mathematical models, policy effectiveness depends on how well they are implemented. Our results suggest that social distancing policies were less effective in reducing infectious disease risk, which may reflect difficulties with enforcement and monitoring.