bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioinformatics insights into the genes and pathways on severe COVID-19 pathology in patients with comorbidities
Authors: Mujalli Abdulrahman , Alghamdi Kawthar Saad , Nasser Khalidah Khalid , Al-Rayes Nuha , Banaganapalli Babajan , Shaik Noor Ahmad , Elango Ramu 
Published: December 2022

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection is known for its severe clinical pathogenesis among individuals with pre-existing comorbidities. However, the molecular basis of this observation remains elusive. Thus, this study aimed to map key genes and pathway alterations in patients with COVID-19 and comorbidities using robust systems biology approaches.Methods: The publicly available genome-wide transcriptomic datasets from 120 COVID-19 patients, 281 patients suffering from different comorbidities (like cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and obesity), and 252 patients with different infectious diseases of the lung (respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and MERS) were studied using a range of systems biology approaches like differential gene expression, gene ontology (GO), pathway enrichment, functional similarity, mouse phenotypic analysis and drug target identification.Results: By cross-mapping the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across different datasets, we mapped 274 shared genes to severe symptoms of COVID-19 patients or with comorbidities alone. GO terms and functional pathway analysis highlighted genes in dysregulated pathways of immune response, interleukin signaling, FCGR activation, regulation of cytokines, chemokines secretion, and leukocyte migration. Using network topology parameters, phenotype associations, and functional similarity analysis with ACE2 and TMPRSS2—two key receptors for this virus-we identified 17 genes with high connectivity (CXCL10, IDO1, LEPR, MME, PTAFR, PTGS2, MAOB, PDE4B, PLA2G2A, COL5A1, ICAM1, SERPINE1, ABCB1, IL1R1, ITGAL, NCAM1 and PRKD1) potentially contributing to the clinical severity of COVID-19 infection in patients with comorbidities. These genes are predicted to be tractable and/or with many existing approved inhibitors, modulators, and enzymes as drugs.Conclusion: By systemic implementation of computational methods, this study identified potential candidate genes and pathways likely to confer disease severity in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing comorbidities. Our findings pave the way to develop targeted repurposed therapies in COVID-19 patients.
Leadless biventricular left bundle and endocardial lateral wall pacing versus left bundle only pacing in left bundle branch block patients
Authors: Strocchi Marina , Wijesuriya Nadeev , Elliott Mark K. , Gillette Karli , Neic Aurel , Mehta Vishal , Vigmond Edward J. , Plank Gernot , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Niederer Steven A. 
Published: December 2022

Biventricular endocardial (BIV-endo) pacing and left bundle pacing (LBP) are novel delivery methods for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Both pacing methods can be delivered through leadless pacing, to avoid risks associated with endocardial or transvenous leads. We used computational modelling to quantify synchrony induced by BIV-endo pacing and LBP through a leadless pacing system, and to investigate how the right-left ventricle (RV-LV) delay, RV lead location and type of left bundle capture affect response. We simulated ventricular activation on twenty-four four-chamber heart meshes inclusive of His-Purkinje networks with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Leadless biventricular (BIV) pacing was simulated by adding an RV apical stimulus and an LV lateral wall stimulus (BIV-endo lateral) or targeting the left bundle (BIV-LBP), with an RV-LV delay set to 5 ms. To test effect of prolonged RV-LV delays and RV pacing location, the RV-LV delay was increased to 35 ms and/or the RV stimulus was moved to the RV septum. BIV-endo lateral pacing was less sensitive to increased RV-LV delays, while RV septal pacing worsened response compared to RV apical pacing, especially for long RV-LV delays. To investigate how left bundle capture affects response, we computed 90% BIV activation times (BIVAT-90) during BIV-LBP with selective and non-selective capture, and left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP), simulated by pacing 1 cm below the left bundle. Non-selective LBP was comparable to selective LBP. LBBAP was worse than selective LBP (BIVAT-90: 54.2 ± 5.7 ms vs. 62.7 ± 6.5, p &lt; 0.01), but it still significantly reduced activation times from baseline. Finally, we compared leadless LBP with RV pacing against optimal LBP delivery through a standard lead system by simulating BIV-LBP and selective LBP alone with and without optimized atrioventricular delay (AVD). Although LBP alone with optimized AVD was better than BIV-LBP, when AVD optimization was not possible BIV-LBP outperformed LBP alone, because the RV pacing stimulus shortened RV activation (BIVAT-90: 54.2 ± 5.7 ms vs. 66.9 ± 5.1 ms, p &lt; 0.01). BIV-endo lateral pacing or LBP delivered through a leadless system could potentially become an alternative to standard CRT. RV-LV delay, RV lead location and type of left bundle capture affect leadless pacing efficacy and should be considered in future trial designs.
The two-stage therapeutic effect of posture biofeedback training on back pain and the associated mechanism: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fundoiano-Hershcovitz Yifat , Horwitz David L. , Tawil Candy , Cohen Oded , Goldstein Pavel 
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Back pain is an extremely common symptom experienced by people of all ages and the number one cause of disability worldwide.2 Poor posture has been identified as one of the factors leading to back pain. Digital biofeedback technology demonstrates the promising therapeutic ability in pain management through posture training. One common goal of such an approach is to increase users’ posture awareness with associated movement correction. However, we lack a deep understanding of the biofeedback therapeutic mechanisms and the temporal dynamics of efficacy.Objective: This study investigates the temporal dynamics of the biofeedback learning process and associated outcomes in daily life settings, testing the mechanism of the biofeedback-associated pain reduction.Methods: This retrospective real-world evidence study followed 981 users who used the UpRight posture biofeedback platform. Piecewise mixed models were used for modeling the two-stage trajectory of pain levels, perceived posture quality, and weekly training duration following an 8-week biofeedback training. Also, the mediation effect of perceived posture quality on the analgesic effect of training duration was tested using Monte Carlo simulations based on lagged effect mixed models.Results: The analysis revealed significant pain level reduction (p &lt;.0001) and posture quality improvement (p &lt;.0001) during the first 4 weeks of the training, maintaining similar pain levels and perceived posture quality during the next 4 weeks. In addition, weekly training duration demonstrated an increase during the first 3 weeks (p &lt;.001) and decreased during the next 5 weeks (p &lt;.001). Moreover, training duration predicted following-week perceived posture quality (p &lt;.001) and in turn perceived posture quality predicted following-week pain (p &lt;.001) (p = 0.30). Finally, perceived posture quality mediated the effect of weekly training duration on the pain levels in 2 weeks (p &lt;.0001).Conclusion: Our findings provide a better understanding of the therapeutic dynamic during digital biofeedback intervention targeting pain, modeling the associated two-stage process. Moreover, the study sheds light on the biofeedback mechanism and may assist in developing a better therapeutic approach targeting perceived posture quality.
Gender differences in attitudes toward assisted reproduction in the Spanish population: The weight of religiosity and conservatism
Authors: Aurrekoetxea-Casaus Maite , Ronda Lorena , Govillard Leila 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe continuous increase in assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs) has generated different ethical dilemmas in the scientific and academic debate. However, there are a few occasions when Spanish citizenship pronounces itself on this issue. It seems that the population has assumed ARTs without questioning despite being a subject crossed by gender mandates that make women the center of ART application. This study delves into the attitudes of the Spanish population toward assisted reproduction and the persistence of gender mandates in the choice of ARTs, beyond the apparent (almost fixed image of the) total acceptance of ARTs.MethodsA questionnaire was applied to a sample of 1,030 randomly selected people. Variables included attitudes toward the different possibilities of assisted reproduction, different approaches depending on whether infertility or sterility fell on the woman or the man and other scenarios related to genetic dilemmas.ResultsThe mean difference test confirmed the high acceptance of ARTs by the Spanish population and revealed significant gender differences. Women accepted ARTs for infertility and genetic disorders, while men accepted ARTs for choosing a baby's sex. However, gender was not the only relevant variable in the conducted linear regression model; religiosity and political conservatism were also explanatory variables for the acceptance of ARTs.ContributionThis study is a clear contribution to the debate on the impact of “medicalization” on women regarding assisted reproduction, showing the persistence of motherhood as a gender mandate.
Association of DNA methylation with energy and fear-related behaviors in canines
Authors: Sanders Abigail R. , Bhongir Neha , vonHoldt Bridgett , Pellegrini Matteo 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionBehavioral traits are influenced by gene by environment interactions. To study the genetic and epigenetic components of behavior, we analyzed whether dog behavioral traits could be predicted by their DNA methylation and genotypes.MethodsWe conducted an analysis on dog behaviors such as sociability, trainability and energy as measured by Canine Behavioral and Research Assessment Questionnaire (C-BARQ) behavioral surveys paired with buccal swabs from 46 dogs. Previously we used targeted bisulfite sequencing to analyze DNA methylation and collected genotype data from over 1,500 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Owner-reported C-BARQ responses were used to quantify 14 behavioral trait values.ResultsUsing Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression analysis we found behavioral traits such as energy, attachment/attention-seeking, non-social fear, and stranger-directed fear to be significantly associated with DNA methylation across 3,059 loci. After we adjusted for age as a confounding variable, energy and stranger-directed fear remained significantly associated with methylation. We found that most behavioral traits were not predictable by our limited set of SNPs.DiscussionBy identifying individual genes whose methylation is significantly associated with behavioral traits, we generate hypotheses about possible mechanisms involved in behavioral regulation. Overall, our study extends previous work in behavioral epigenetics, shows that canine behaviors are predictable by DNA methylation, and serves as a proof of concept for future studies in behavioral epigenetics.
School bullying among migrant children in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Zhengmin , Tu Ying , Qin Zaihua , Liu Xiaoqun , Lu Dali 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundBullying is a serious public health concern affecting the physical and mental health of children. Migrant children are at higher risk of developing health problems. We conducted this study to investigate the prevalence of school bullying and its possible influencing factors of migrant children.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out in Hunan Province, China from April to July 2018. Multi-stage cluster sampling was adopted to achieve a representative sample covering both urban and rural areas. Migrant children are defined as those who migrate with one or both parents to other places and who do not have a hukou in their city of residence. The Chinese version of Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire was applied to measure children’s involvement in school bullying.ResultsA total of 7,607 students were surveyed, including 995 migrant children and 6,612 non-migrant children. The prevalence of school bullying was significantly higher in migrant children than in non-migrant children (χ2 = 22.740; p &lt; 0.001). Binary regression analysis showed that male, middle school identity, more times of playing violent games, more social friends owning and being beaten by parents or caregivers may increase the risk of involvement of school bullying in migrant children.ConclusionMigrant children showed a higher prevalence of school bullying than non-migrant children. Gender, grade, frequency of playing violent games, number of social friends and being beaten by parents or caregivers were associated with school bullying in migrant children.
Social support needs of first-time parents in the early-postpartum period: A qualitative study
Authors: Schobinger Elisabeth , Vanetti Mélanie , Ramelet Anne-Sylvie , Horsch Antje 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe early postpartum period is a critical time for first-time parents as they adapt to their new role. Perceived lack of social support is a risk factor for developing mental health problems. Insufficient or inappropriate professional support for both parents has been reported by many studies. Social support that appropriately meets parents' needs is an important protective factor for parents' wellbeing; however, little is known about the social support needs of both first-time parents.Aims and objectivesTo describe both first-time parents' formal social support needs in the early postpartum period.MethodIndividual semi-structured interviews were conducted with first-time parents recruited on the postpartum ward of a Swiss university hospital. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes.ResultsFifteen mothers and eleven fathers were interviewed. Twelve themes were identified. Mothers' themes were “experiencing postpartum changes,” “creation of a family unit,” “self-esteem,” “emotional needs,” “difficulty in communicating their needs,” and “the postpartum stay.” Fathers' themes were “to be included in care procedures on the postpartum ward,” “to be reassured,” “to anticipate their postpartum stay” and “to consider their need as non-priority.” Parental shared needs were: “to care for their newborn,” and “returning home.”ConclusionMothers' and fathers' needs differed. Mothers needed more emotional support than fathers and fathers considered themselves as the main support for their partner. Fathers wanted to be integrated in the care of their newborn.
The use of virtual reality and augmented reality in psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Tan Bhing-Leet , Shi Jing , Yang Suyi , Loh Hannah , Ng Desiree , Choo Cherie , Medalia Alice 
Published: December 2022

ObjectivesVirtual reality and augmented reality have been used in psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders in recent years, to provide functional training in a scaffolded and appealing manner. This systematic review attempted to evaluate (1) how virtual reality or augmented reality technology was deployed, when used as an intervention for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders; and (2) how virtual or augmented reality-assisted psychosocial rehabilitation programs impacted on the functional domains of community living, employment and social participation.MethodsThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was adopted and a search of publications between June 2012 and June 2022 was carried out. The target groups were adults with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Interventions that targeted at least one functional domain were included.ResultsThe database search generated 1,267 records and 38 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies utilized augmented reality while the rest utilized virtual reality. The virtual scenarios were displayed in various ways, such as head-mounted displays, computer screens, mobile devices and cave rooms. A few studies also used features such as speech recognition, eye tracking and motion-capture device to provide real-time feedback to participants during rehabilitation. Eleven studies reported interventions that addressed community living, 15 studies addressed vocational skills and nine studies trained participants in social skills or social cognition. Three studies sought to improve quality of life using virtual scenarios to expose participants to various situations. Majority of these studies reported preliminary promising results, with improvement in the functional domains addressed. However, several studies had small sample sizes and many single-arm pretest-posttest studies were assessed to be of serious or critical risk of bias.ConclusionVirtual reality and augmented reality are deployed in various ways to augment psychosocial rehabilitation for adults with neurodevelopmental disorders. Most interventions target skills training or strategy learning in the areas of community living, work and social participation. Preliminary positive findings of their effects on functional performance were reported. Larger and robust studies using ecologically valid outcome measures will be needed to establish their effects on real-world functional outcomes.Systematic review registrationidentifier: CRD42022335443.
Exercise improves mental health status of young adults via attenuating inflammation factors but modalities matter
Authors: Liu Jianxiu , Zhang Yao , Li Xingtian , Wang Dizhi , Shi Bolan , You Yanwei , Min Leizi , Luo Bicheng , Li Yanchun , Di Qian , Ma Xindong 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe mental health of young adults is a global public health challenge. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise benefits mental health. However, it is still unclear which exercise mode is optimal for protecting mental health and its association with the immune system. This study aimed to compare the intervention effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training (MVCT) on mental health and assess the underlying mechanism of exercise interventions to improve the immune system, which facilitated the mental health status.MethodsThis is a double-blinded RCT study conducted from October 13, 2020 to January 25, 2021 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04830059). Ninety-three participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the HIIT (N = 33), MVCT (N = 32), and control groups (N = 28) with a mean age of 25.26 (SD = 2.21), and 43% of males enrolled in the study. Professional coaches guided participants in HIIT and MVCT groups to perform 40 min of exercise training three times a week for 12-week while those in the control group received 1 h of health education twice a week. Questionnaires related to mental health status and blood samples of inflammatory factors, including immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), albumin (Alb), globulin (GLO), lymphocytes (LYM), and lymphocyte percentage (LYM) were assessed before and after the intervention.ResultsWe found that blood inflammation factors increased significantly in the control group during 12 weeks (ΔIgA = 0.16 g/L, ΔIgM = 0.092 g/L, ΔAlb = 2.59 g/L, ΔGlo = 3.08 g/L, ΔLYM = 0.36, and ΔLYM% = 3.72%, p &lt; 0.05), and both MVCT and HIIT intervention could effectively defend the increased inflammatory response compared with the control group (IgA: MVCT β = −0.14, p &lt; 0.001, HIIT β = −0.096, p &lt; 0.05; IgM: MVCT β = −0.12, p &lt; 0.001; HIIT β = −0.068, p &lt; 0.05; Alb: MVCT β = −1.64, p &lt; 0.05, HIIT β = −1.14, p &gt; 0.05; Glo: MVCT β = −3.17, p &lt; 0.001, HIIT β = −2.07, p &lt; 0.01; LYM: MVCT β = −0.34, p &lt; 0.05, HIIT β = −0.35, p &lt; 0.05). However, the MVCT intervention modality was more conducive to enhancing positive affect (β = 0.52, p = 0.018) and well-being (β = 1.08, p = 0.035) than HIIT. Furthermore, decreased IgA, Alb, and Glo were associated with improved mental health.ConclusionBoth 12-week HIIT and MVCT are beneficial to the immune system. The MVCT intervention mode is recommended to prevent mental health problems and attenuate immune inflammation, and the immune system is a potential mechanism that exercises improving mental health.Clinical trial registration[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04830059].
Does antenatal depression predict post-partum depression and obstetric complications? Results from a longitudinal, long-term, real-world study
Authors: Luciano Mario , Di Vincenzo Matteo , Brandi Carlotta , Tretola Lucia , Toricco Rita , Perris Francesco , Volpicelli Antonio , Torella Marco , La Verde Marco , Fiorillo Andrea , Sampogna Gaia 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundMain aims of the present paper are to: (1) assess the prevalence of antenatal depression (AD) and identify its predictors; (2) analyse the impact of AD on obstetric outcomes and on the incidence of post-partum depression.MethodsAll pregnant women referring to the Gynecology and Obstetrics inpatients unit of the University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli” were invited to participate. Upon acceptance, women completed the Italian version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and an ad-hoc questionnaire on the women's sociodemographic, gynecological and peripartum characteristics as well as their psychiatric history. Women were assessed at each trimester of pregnancy, immediately after the childbirth and after one, three, 6 and 11 months.Results268 pregnant women were recruited, with a mean of 32.2 (±5.81) years. Ninety-seven women (36.2%) reported the presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Predictors of AD were personal history of depression, a family history for depressive disorders and problematic relationships with the partner. The presence of AD was associated to a reduced gestational age at the time of delivery, a lower APGAR score at 1 and 5 min, labor induction and admission of the new-born into neonatal intensive care unit. Mothers with antenatal depression are less likely to natural breastfeed. Lastly, antenatal depression was a risk factor for higher EPDS scores at follow-ups.ConclusionsOur results support the idea that women should be screened during pregnancy and post-partum for the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Health professionals should be adequately trained to detect psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy.