bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula on Beclin-1/Bcl-2-mediated autophagy and apoptosis in osteoblasts
Authors: Lin Yanping , Zhao Rui , Huang Jiachun , Chen Tongying , Yang Haolin , Guo Haiwei , Wan Lei , Zhang Zhihai , Li Ying , Zhu Genfu , Huang Hongxing 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe Beclin-1/Bcl-2 complex plays a pivotal role in regulating both autophagy and apoptosis in osteoblasts affected by osteoporosis. This study first investigates whether the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula can enhance the cellular function of osteoblasts. Additionally, it initially explores the functional mechanism of Beclin-1/Bcl-2-related apoptosis.MethodsOsteoblasts were isolated from the calvaria of three-day-old Sprague-Dawley female rats. The lyophilized power of the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula was prepared from the following ingredients: Fructus Psoraleae, Epimedii Folium, Desertliving Cistanche, Prepared Rehmannia Radix, Radix paeoniae alba, Astragali Radix, Semen Cuscuta, Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, Angelica sinensis, and Jujube. The primary components were detected by HPLC-MS. Beclin-1 overexpressed osteoblasts were constructed by transfection. Gene expression and protein level were examined by qRT-PCR and immunoblotting assay. Cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy were assayed with CCK-8, flow cytometer, MDC staining, and Lyso-Tracker staining, respectively. Osteogenic differentiation was assayed by ALP staining, and mineralization by ARS staining. The complex of Beclin-1/Bcl-2 was detected by immunoprecipitation.ResultsThe results of this study indicated that the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula could enhance both the proliferative activity, differentiation and mineralization of osteoblasts induced by Beclin-1 overexpression. This may be related to its role in activation of the WNT/β-CATENIN by increasing protein expression of WNT1 and β-CATENIN more than 1-fold. The formula effectively inhibited autophagy rate and apoptosis rate of osteoblasts by 50%. Furthermore, the formula was effective in attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress by decreasing protein expression of AFT4, CHOP, eIF2α, and GRP78 more than 50%, which may play functions by suppressing the PERK signaling pathway. However, Mif treatment significantly weakened the effects of the formula.ConclusionBushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula effectively enhanced the osteogenic activity by inhibiting Beclin-1-induced autophagy instead of the binding of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2. This underscores the formula’s multifaceted role in promoting bone health and managing cellular stress, and offers novel insights into its therapeutic potential against osteoporosis.
Altered lumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscle morphometry and contraction change in postpartum pelvic girdle pain and asymptomatic subjects: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Ziling , Hou Yanjun , Chen Xueling , Liu Yanping , Wang Xiangbin 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveLumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscle training is considered a crucial component of exercise rehabilitation for postpartum women with pelvic girdle pain (PGP). However, there is a paucity of research evidence regarding the morphological changes and contraction function of these muscles in postpartum women with PGP. Understanding the alterations in lumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscles function associated with PGP, is crucial for tailoring effective rehabilitation strategies and promoting optimal postpartum recovery. Therefore, this study aims to compare the differences in muscle thickness and contraction function of lumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscle between postpartum women with PGP and asymptomatic controls using ultrasound imaging.MethodsOne hundred and fifty postpartum women with PGP and fifty age-matched asymptomatic postpartum women were recruited in this study. Real-time musculoskeletal ultrasound was utilized to measure the resting muscle thickness of nine lumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscles, including the erector spinalis (ES), latissimus dorsi (LD), quadratus lumbalis (QL), gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius (GMed), piriformis (PF), iliacus muscle (IM), rectus femoris (RF), and biceps femoris (BF). The thickness of the GMax, GMed, RF, and BF muscles were measured at maximum contraction to calculate a contraction: rest ratio.ResultsCompared to the asymptomatic women, those with PGP exhibited reduced resting thickness of the ES and GMax muscles bilaterally, as well as increased resting thickness of the right LD and IM muscles. Furthermore, the PGP group demonstrated decreased thickness of the left GMed and right RF muscles at maximum contraction. The contraction ratio was also diminished for the GMax muscles bilaterally, left GMed, and right RF in women with postpartum PGP. Conclusion: Postpartum women with PGP demonstrated reduced thickness, asymmetry, and diminished contractility of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscles. Exercise prescriptions for postpartum women with PGP should incorporate targeted strengthening of the ES, GMax, GMed, and RF muscles.ConclusionPostpartum women with PGP demonstrated reduced thickness, asymmetry, and diminished contractility of the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex muscle. Exercise prescriptions for postpartum women with PGP should incorporate targeted strengthening of the ES, GMax, GMed, and RF muscles.
Detection of respiratory frequency rhythm in human alpha phase shifts: topographic distributions in wake and drowsy states
Authors: Kalauzi Aleksandar , Matić Zoran , Suljovrujić Edin , Bojić Tijana 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe relationship between brain activity and respiration is recently attracting increasing attention, despite being studied for a long time. Respiratory modulation was evidenced in both single-cell activity and field potentials. Among EEG and intracranial measurements, the effect of respiration was prevailingly studied on amplitude/power in all frequency bands.MethodsSince phases of EEG oscillations received less attention, we applied our previously published carrier frequency (CF) mathematical model of human alpha oscillations on a group of 10 young healthy participants in wake and drowsy states, using a 14-channel average reference montage. Since our approach allows for a more precise calculation of CF phase shifts (CFPS) than any individual Fourier component, by using a 2-s moving Fourier window, we validated the new method and studied, for the first time, temporal waveforms CFPS(t) and their oscillatory content through FFT (CFPS(t)).ResultsAlthough not appearing equally in all channel pairs and every subject, a clear peak in the respiratory frequency region, 0.21–0.26 Hz, was observed (max at 0.22 Hz). When five channel pairs with the most prominent group averaged amplitudes at 0.22 Hz were plotted in both states, topographic distributions changed significantly—from longitudinal, connecting frontal and posterior channels in the wake state to topographically split two separate regions—frontal and posterior in the drowsy state. In addition, in the drowsy state, 0.22-Hz amplitudes decreased for all pairs, while statistically significant reduction was obtained for 20/91 (22%) pairs.DiscussionThese results potentially evidence, for the first time, the respiratory frequency modulation of alpha phase shifts, as well as the significant impact of wakeful consciousness on the observed oscillations.
The mediating effect of social support on the relationship between intimacy and perceived partner responsiveness in endometriosis women of childbearing age
Authors: Chen Jia , Ge Yuanjing , Jin Xiaohong , Huang Haiyan , Shan Xiao , Xu Xujuan 
Published: January 2025

PurposesThe mediating effect of social support on the relationship between intimacy and perceived partner responsiveness (PPR) was examined among the endometriosis women of childbearing age.Method201 endometriosis (EM) women of childbearing age were investigated in the gynecology outpatient clinic and ward of a tertiary general hospital in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province. Intimacy, PPR, and social support were measured by using the scales of Quality of Relationship Index (QRI), PPR Scale (PPRS), and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). A four-step hierarchical regression analysis was conducted.ResultsPositive correlations were found among intimacy and subjective support, support utilization, and PPR. Mediation analysis indicated a partial mediating effect of support utilization on the relationship between intimacy and PPR.ConclusionThere is a positive correlation between intimacy and PPR in EM patients of childbearing age, and the support utilization plays a partial mediating role.
Psychometric proprieties analyses of psychological vulnerability scale for secondary school students
Authors: Araújo Odete , Freitas Otília , Sousa Gilberta , Ribeiro Isilda , Carvalho José Carlos , Martins Silvana 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundThe concept of psychological vulnerability is associated with the individual’s maladaptive cognitive beliefs, such as self-criticism, perfectionism, and the need for external validation and approval, reducing the individual’s ability to cope with negative life experiences. This study aimed to explore psychometric proprieties of the Psychological Vulnerability Scale in secondary school students.MethodsA psychometric study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 1,875 secondary school students (55.5% female) aged 15 to over 18 years. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire that included demographic information, the Psychological Vulnerability Scale, and a Positive Mental Health questionnaire.ResultsAnalysis revealed acceptable skewness values (between −0.557 and 0.6385) and kurtosis (ranging from −1.29 to −0.704). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated excellent global fit indices, confirming the original structure. Invariance testing between genders demonstrated that the Psychological Vulnerability Scale was consistent for boys and girls (configural invariance) and that each item contributed similarly to the construct (metric invariance). The Psychological Vulnerability Scale showed good internal consistency, with an ordinal Cronbach’s alfa above 0.70. Reliability estimates, including inter-item reliability or MacDonald’s Omega, indicated mean item-inter correlations falling within the recommended range of 0.15–0.50.ConclusionThe Psychological Vulnerability Scale is a reliable tool that allows health professionals to assess the psychological vulnerability of individuals in both clinical (e.g., hospitals, health centers) and non-clinical (e.g., schools, universities) contexts throughout the life cycle (e.g., young people, adults, and older adults).
Preventable hospitalizations through ED: does the number of hospital beds matter under the global budget in a single-payer system in Taiwan?
Authors: Chen Hsueh-Fen , Hsieh Hui-Min , Chang Wei-Shan 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundTaiwan implemented global hospital budgeting with a floating-point value, which created a prisoner's dilemma. As a result, hospitals increased service volume, which caused the floating-point value to drop to less than one New Taiwan Dollar (NTD). The recent increase in the number of hospital beds and the call to enhance the floating-point value to one NTD raise concerns about the potential for increased financial burden without adding value to patient care if hospitals expand their bed capacity for volume-based competition. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the supply of hospital beds and hospitalizations following an emergency department (ED) visit (called ED hospitalizations) by using diabetes-related ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) that are preventable and discretionary as an example.MethodsThe study was a pooled cross-sectional design analyzing 2011–2015 population-based claims data in Taiwan. The dependent variable was a dummy variable representing an ED hospitalization, with a treat-and-leave ED visit as the reference group. The key independent variable is the number of hospital beds per 1,000 populations. Multivariate logistic regression models with and without a clustering function were used for the analyses.ResultsApproximately 59.26% of diabetes-related ACSCs ED visits resulted in ED hospitalizations. The relationship between the supply of hospital beds and ED hospitalizations was statistically significant (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.09–1.14; P &lt; 0.001) in the model without clustering but was statistically insignificant in the model with clustering (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.94–1.12; P &gt; 0.05). Several social risk factors were positively associated with the likelihood of ED hospitalizations, such as low income and the percentage of the population without a high school diploma. In contrast, other factors, such as female patients and the Charlson comorbidity index, were negatively associated with the likelihood of ED hospitalizations.ConclusionUnder hospital global budgeting with a floating-point value mechanism, increases in hospital beds likely motivate hospitals to admit ED patients with preventable and discretionary conditions. Our study emphasizes the urgent need to add value-based incentive mechanisms to the current global budget payment. The value-based incentive mechanisms may encourage providers to focus on quality of patient care by addressing social risk factors rather than engage in volume-based competition, which would improve population health while reducing preventable ED visits and hospitalizations.
Lifestyle changes among older adults during and after COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania
Authors: Sauliune Skirmante , Kalediene Ramune , Kalibatas Vytenis , Kaseliene Snieguole , Mesceriakova Olga 
Published: January 2025

The aim of this studyto analyze lifestyle changes among older adults during and after COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania, with a particular focus on eating habits, physical activity, social engagement and harmful habits.MethodsThe representative sample of Lithuanian population over 65 years old (1,503 individuals) was involved in the questionnaire survey, performed in January 2024.ResultsMost of the eating habits and the body weight of the older adults did not change during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania. Respondents noted that their physical activity decreased, face-to-face communication became rarer, while remote communication increased. During pandemic, the increased frequency of snacking was more often indicated by persons with lower than secondary education, working, receiving higher incomes, as well as increased snacking and body weight were more prevalent among younger, single or overweight persons; increased body weight during the pandemic was more often mentioned by the persons who assessed their health poorly. Physical activity decreased more often among rural residents and groups with higher or college education; face-to-face communication has become rarer among younger people, rural residents, pensioners, disabled, people with higher income and those with overweight, while remote communication has increased among women, respondents with a university education and those with an average income (p &lt; 0.05). Nearly half of the respondents indicated that the changes in food consumption and smoking frequency that occurred during the pandemic remained after it. After the pandemic, the habits of consuming fast food, confectionery or other sweets and changes in body weight mostly remained, while the patterns of communication returned to the pre-pandemic level. Most of the healthy lifestyle habits formed during the pandemic persisted after the pandemic. The lifestyle habits formed during the pandemic remained more stable in the groups of older persons, residents of smaller towns, respondents with lower than secondary education, higher income, singles, disabled, obese, and those who assessed their health poorly (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic in Lithuania, there were various changes in eating habits, physical activity, communication patterns, and harmful habits. Certain habits formed during the pandemic continued afterward, particularly among specific groups of the older Lithuanian adults.
Postoperative tibial plateau angle changes and their influence on ground reaction forces 6 months after TPLO: a prospective study
Authors: Volz Frederik , Eberle Daniela , Kornmayer Matthias , Klever Julius , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThe objectives of the study were to investigate the association between change in postoperative (post-op) tibial plateau angle (TPA) in dogs and cranial cruciate ligament disease (CCLD) after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) during 6 months on the post-op outcome.MethodsThe inclusion criteria included 60 dogs with CCLD treated with TPLO fulfilled. TPA measurements were taken immediately post-op and 6 months post-op by three observers, and change in TPA was calculated. The outcome was evaluated using lameness score, owner questionnaire, and gait analysis performed preoperatively and 6 months post-op.ResultsThe mean change in TPA was 0.22 ± 0.75°. The interobserver reliability for TPA measurements was excellent. No differences in TPA measurements between observers were found (p = 0.07–0.105). No association between the change in TPA and outcome was found. The multivariate linear regression model for the symmetry index of peak vertical force (SIPVF) 6 months post-op was significant (R2 = 0.210; p = 0.031), and the TPA at 6 months post-op was the only significant factor (ß = 0.459; 95% CI: 0.41–1.44; p &lt; 0.001), indicating that a lower TPA 6 months post-op results in lower SIPVF values.ConclusionThe study indicated that lower TPAs 6 months post-op lead to a more symmetrical gait in hindlimbs 6 months post-op. No other significant factor between post-op changes in TPA and outcome after TPLO was found. Our results showed little post-op TPA change up to 6 months. This indicates that change in TPA is not present as reported.
Will Dissolved Hydrogen Reveal the Instability of the Anaerobic Digestion Process?
Authors: Platošová Daniela , Rusín Jiří , Svoboda Radek , Vašinková Markéta 
Published: January 2025

Dissolved hydrogen is a critical factor in maintaining the delicate balance among microbial species that drive anaerobic digestion. Since previous findings have demonstrated a correlation between dissolved hydrogen concentration and volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels, we propose to evaluate the use of dissolved hydrogen concentration in digestate as an alternative to traditional VFA measurements. The aim is to determine whether dissolved hydrogen could serve as a faster, more accurate, and more efficient indicator of process instability in anaerobic digestion. An integral part of this task also involves addressing the technical challenge of identifying a suitable sensor that meets our requirements. In this study, we evaluated the ratio of dissolved hydrogen concentration to Total Inorganic Carbon as a potential alternative to the traditional stability indicator, Volatile Fatty Acids/Total Inorganic Carbon (VFA/TIC), also referred to as Flüchtige Organische Säuren/Totales Anorganisches Carbonat (FOS/TAC). The single-stage anaerobic digestion process was carried out in a Terrafors IS rotary drum bioreactor for 150 days at an average temperature of 40 °C and an organic volatile load of 0.092 kg m−3 d−1. Corn silage was dosed on weekdays as the substrate. With a theoretical retention time of 45 days, a biogas production of 0.219 Nm3kgVs−1 with a CH4 content of 31.6% was achieved. The values of the determined VFA/TIC stability indicator ranged from 0.22 to 5.66, with the highest values obtained when the reactor was overloaded. The dissolved hydrogen concentration ranged 0.005–0.196 mg dm−3. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.337 and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.468. The amperometric microsensor has proven to be unsuitable for field applications due to its lack of sensitivity and short lifetime. The proposed ratio of dissolved hydrogen concentration to TIC did not prove to be significantly more effective than the established VFA/TIC indicator.
Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: Risk Factors for Mortality in a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital
Authors: Černiauskienė Kristina , Vitkauskienė Astra 
Published: January 2025

Background and objectives: Due to resistance and the lack of treatment options, hospital-acquired Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) infections are associated with high mortality. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii and patients’ clinical outcomes as well as determine the risk factors for mortality in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study including 196 adult patients with A. baumannii strains isolated from different clinical specimens in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences in 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021 was conducted. Data on patients’ characteristics, comorbid diseases, treatment, length of hospital and ICU stay, and outcome were collected. Carbapenemase-producing isolates were detected phenotypically. To determine risk factors for in-hospital mortality, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: There were 60 (30.6%) women and 136 (69.4%) men with a mean age of 61.7 ± 16.6 years (range, 52–74). More than three-fourths (76.5%, n = 150) of the patients had at least one comorbid disease. The highest number of A. baumannii strains were isolated from patients hospitalized in ICUs (43.4%, n = 85). A. baumannii strains producing three types of β-lactamases were more frequently isolated from women than men (77.8% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.006). Infections caused by A. baumannii strains producing two types of β-lactamases were significantly more often treated with combination therapy than infections caused by strains producing one type of β-lactamase (78.9% vs. 60.0%, p = 0.019). Patients with A. baumannii strains producing two different types of β-lactamases (AmpC plus KPC, AmpC plus ESBL, or ESBL plus KPC) stayed significantly shorter at the ICU compared to patients with A. baumannii strains with no detected β-lactamases (median of 9, IQR 2–18, vs. median of 26, IQR 7–38, p = 0.022). Death occurred in 58.7% (n = 115) of patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that a duration of the effective antibiotic treatment of ≤6 days, invasive mechanical ventilation, combination therapy, aged >58 years, and the absence of co-infection were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: MDR A. baumannii infections pose a significant threat to human health not only due to multidrug resistance but also due to high mortality. The mortality rate of patients with MDR A. baumannii infection was high and was associated with age, invasive mechanical ventilation, the duration of effective antibiotic treatment, no co-infection, and combination therapy. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to reduce the prevalence of MDR A. baumannii infections in healthcare facilities by applying preventive measures and to administer timely effective treatment once A. baumannii infection is detected.