bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Function-on-Function Regression Models With Nonlinear Dynamic Effect and Linear Concurrent Effect
Authors: Jia Shifan , Shi Haolun , Guan Tianyu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We propose a function-on-function regression model that predicts a functional response by both a nonlinear dynamic effect of a functional predictor and a linear concurrent effect of another functional predictor. The nonlinear dynamic effect is characterized by taking an integral of a time-dependent two-dimensional smooth surface and the linear concurrent effect is modeled through a time-varying coefficient. The model structure combines the flexibility of nonlinear modeling with the interpretability of the linear concurrent effect. To approximate the two-dimensional surface, we use tensor product basis expansions, and for the time-varying coefficient in the concurrent effect, we employ B-spline expansions. The expansion parameters for each effect are estimated iteratively to account for the mutual dependencies between these two estimated effects. Each iteration of parameter estimation involves solving a penalized least squares problem. We establish the asymptotic properties of our estimator. The numerical performance of the proposed method is illustrated by simulation studies and two real data applications.
Improving Genomic Prediction of Vitamin C content in Spinach using GWAS-derived Markers
Authors: Rameneni Jana Jeevan , Islam A S M Faridul , Avila Carlos A. , Shi Ainong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Vitamin C (VC), also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate, is a water-soluble antioxidant in plants that promotes skin health and immune function in humans. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a leafy green widely consumed for its health benefits. Recent reports have shown that nutritional content, including VC, can be improved in spinach. However, due to its complex inheritance, new selection methods are needed to improve selection for cultivar development. In this study, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers identified by genome-wide association (GWAS) were used for genomic prediction (GP) to estimate VC content prediction accuracy (PA) for selection in spinach. A set of 147,977 SNPs generated from whole genome resequencing was used for GWAS in a panel of 347 spinach genotypes by six GWAS models. Sixty-two SNP markers distributed on all six spinach chromosomes were associated with VC content. PA for the selection of VC content was estimated with ten different SNP sets across six GP models. The results indicated that the PA can be > 40% after using 1,000 or more SNPs in five of the six models except the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (gBLUP); using GWAS-derived significant SNP markers would increase PA with a high r-value up to 0.82 by 62 associated SNP markers in compressed BLUP (cBLUP). Identified SNP markers resulting on high PA can be used in spinach breeding programs to select for high VC content.
Comparative Assessment of a Virtual Performance Measure with Self-Report and Performance-Based Outcomes in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Razmjou Helen , Denis Suzanne , Robarts Susan , Wainwright Amy , Dickson Patricia , Roszkowski Ania , Murnaghan John 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
The purposes of this study were to examine the reliability and factorial and convergent validity of a virtual performance measure (VPM) in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint and to compare the known-group validity of the VPM with traditional self-report and performance-based outcomes.
Methods
The VPM score was based on the results of 10 videos showing increasing difficulty in performing specific functional tasks. Patients were requested to choose the video that best reflected their own level of function. Clinical presentation and radiological findings were documented. Self-report measures were the lower extremity functional score (LEFS), pain scale, and performance-based measures were the 30- second Chair Stand Test (CST) and the 40-meter fast-paced walk test.
Results
Data of 100 patients, 64 (64%) females, mean age: 67 ± 7 were examined. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient that examined internal consistency of the VPM total score was 0.88. Factor analysis showed two distinct domains. Moderate correlations were observed between the VPM total score and the LEFS, pain score, and 40-meter fast walk test (r > 0.50). The VPM and the LEFS were able to differentiate between candidates and non-candidates for hip arthroplasty and between those with and without assistive walking devices. There was no statistically significant difference between the overall accuracy of the VPM and LEFS in the area under the curve value (0.72 vs. 0.71) with respect to candidacy for surgery.
Conclusions
The VPM is a reliable and valid virtual outcome measure in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Digitally based outcome measures have the potential of enhancing remote measurement of functional difficulties in specific situations.
Sedoanalgesia With Dexmedetomidine in Daily Anesthesia Practices: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: OĞUZ Ali Kendal , SOYALP Celaleddin , TUNÇDEMİR Yunus Emre , TEKELİ Arzu Esen , YÜZKAT Nureddin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Patient safety is important in daily anesthesia practices, and providing deep anesthesia is difficult. There are ongoing debates about the anesthetic agents used today.
Objective: To evaluate the results of deep sedoanalgesia with dexmedetomidine in daily anesthesia practices.
Design: Prospective randomized clinical study
Settings: This study was carried out at Dursun Odabaş Medical Center
Patients: 80 patients aged 18--65 years, ASA I--II, scheduled for elective hysteroscopic intervention under sedoanalgesia
Main outcome measures: The primary aim was to evaluate patients' Ramsey sedation scores, VAS scores, and saturation values under deep sedation. The secondary outcomes were patient, surgeon and anesthesiologist satisfaction and evaluation of hemodynamic parameters.
Interventions: Patients who agreed to participate in the study were randomized into two groups of 40 patients: Group DP (dexmedetomidine‒propofol) and Group RP (remifentanil‒propofol).
A bolus of 1 mg/kg IV propofolwas administered to the patients in theDP group during the procedure. An IV bolus of 1 mcg/kg of 4 mcg/ml isotonic-dexmedetomidine solution was administered for 10 minutes. Then, infusion was started at a dose of 0.4 0.7 mcg/kg/hour.
A bolus of 1 mg/kg IV propofol was administered to patients in theRP group at the time of the procedure. A 0.25 mcg/kg I bolus of 20 mcg/ml isotonic-remifentanil solution was administered. Afterward, the infusion was performed at a dose of 0.025–0.1 mcg/kg/minute.
Results: The VAS score and desaturation rate were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the DP group than in the RP group. The surgeon satisfaction score, patient satisfaction score, anesthesiologist satisfaction scoreand baseline, 1st minute, 5th minute, 10th minute, last measurement, and postop integratedpulmonary index (IPI) values were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in the DP group than in the RP group.
Conclusion: We believe that dexmedetomidine in combination with propofol can provide adequate anesthesia and analgesia for procedures commonly performed in day-case patients, such as hysteroscopy outside the operating room. Moreover, remifentanil provides more stable hemodynamics than does the combination of propofol and reduces the incidence of hypoxemia by affecting patients’ respiratory function less.
Trial Regıstratıon: Clinical Trials ID is NCT05674201
Whole Exome Sequencing in 11 Iranian Patients Expands the Mutational and Clinical Spectrum of Bardet- Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Seyedtaghia Mohammad Reza , Habibi Mohsen , Hashemi-Gorji Farzad , Tehrani-Fateh Sahand , Moghimi Parinaz , Golestani Ahmad , Ghasemi Mohammad-Reza , Sadeghi Hossein , Mirfakhraie Reza , Mosavai Pegah , Miryounesi Mohammad , Salehpour Shadab 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS, OMIM 209900) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical features including renal anomalies, learning disabilities, postaxial polydactyly, retinal dystrophy, obesity, and hypogenitalism. BBS is a heterogeneous syndrome, both genetically and clinically. To date, genetic variants in more than 28 genes have been associated with this syndrome and its subtypes. Most previous studies on BBS have failed to show clear genotype–phenotype correlations.
Design and Methods: In order to investigate the spectrum of genetic variation among Iranian BBS patients, 11 subjects from 9 families with clinically diagnosed BBS were included in this study. Following informed consent, we applied whole exome sequencing (WES) to the proband and their parents. We next performed Sanger sequencing to validate the identified variants.
Results: WES successfully identified three variants in the BBS9 gene: c.2014C>T, c.1789+1 G>A, and a novel deletion of exon 16. Two novel variants were identified in the BBS7gene: c.880G>C and c.719G>A. In addition, one novel variant was found in each of the CEP290 gene (c.5159C>G), TTC8 gene (c.462_465del), and MKKS gene (c.515_516delCT). One previously reported variant was also detected in the BBS10 gene (c.728_731del). Among the clinical manifestations observed, obesity and polydactyly were the most common findings.
Conclusions: Our findings further support the high heterogeneity of BBS: by discovering six novel variants, we expand the mutational spectrum of BBS-related genes and contribute to the understanding of this multisystem disease.
Taste of Morality – How morality modulates sensory experiences
Authors: Gier-Reinartz Nadine , Harms Regina , Mörlein Daniel , Kenning Peter 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Morality affects human behaviour in manifold ways. But can it be tasted? To answer this question, we run a double-blind controlled sensory laboratory experiment to explore how morality impacts the marketing placebo effect (MPE). This effect arises when marketing actions influence the sensory experiences associated with using a product without physically changing it. In our experiment we apply labels for the credence attribute of animal welfare as such a marketing placebo, showing that these marketing actions are able to generate a MPE and, thus, affect the tasting experience on an individual level. More importantly, we find inter-individual differences that can be explained by the individual’s degree of morality.
Provocation of Brachial Plexus and Systemic Symptoms During the Elevated Arm Stress Test in Individuals With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue
Authors: III Charles C Edwards , Byrnes Julia M , Broussard Camille A , Azola Alba M , Swope Meghan E , Marden Colleen L , Swope Renee L , Lum YingWei L , Violand Richard L , Rowe Peter C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: We have noted that some adolescents and young adults with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) report difficulty with arms-overhead activities, suggestive of brachial plexus dysfunction or thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). In the TOS literature, diagnostic maneuvers focus on the provocation of upper limb symptoms (arm fatigue and heaviness, paresthesias, neck and upper back pain), but not on systemic symptoms.
Objectives: To estimate the proportion of patients with fatiguing illness who experience systemic symptoms during a common maneuver used in evaluating TOS—the elevated arm stress test (EAST).
Methods: Patients were eligible for this retrospective study if they had been referred to the Johns Hopkins Chronic Fatigue Clinic between January 2020 and July 2023 and (a) reported difficulty with arms-overhead postures, (b) were evaluated with an abbreviated one-minute EAST, and (c) had not undergone surgery in the upper limb, neck, or skull base. Modified EAST procedure: patients sat with their arms in a “hands up” or “candlestick” position while opening and closing their hands every 2-3 seconds repeatedly for 1 minute, rather than the customary 3 minutes. The test was considered abnormal for local symptoms if the participant experienced pain, fatigue, heaviness, paresthesias, warmth or tremulousness in the upper limb, shoulder, neck, head, or upper back. The test was considered abnormal for systemic symptoms if the participant experienced overall fatigue, cognitive fogginess, lightheadedness, racing heart, diaphoresis, dyspnea, overall warmth, or nausea.
Results: Of 154 patients evaluated during the study period, 64 (42%) met the eligibility criteria (61/64 female, median age 18 years [range, 13 to 50]). Of the 64, 50 (78%) had ME/CFS, 13 (20%) had idiopathic chronic fatigue with associated orthostatic intolerance (OI), and one had idiopathic chronic fatigue without OI. Of the 64, 58% had evidence of joint hypermobility. Local symptoms were provoked by EAST in 62/64 (97%) within a median of 20 seconds. During EAST, 26/64 (41%) reported systemic symptoms (1 had only systemic but no upper limb symptoms), most commonly lightheadedness (19%) and generalized fatigue (11%).
Conclusions: Even with an abbreviated test duration, the EAST maneuver provoked local and systemic symptoms in a substantial proportion of patients with chronic fatigue, OI, and ME/CFS who had reported difficulty with arms-overhead postures. Further studies are needed to explore the prevalence of brachial plexus or TOS symptoms in unselected individuals with ME/CFS or OI, and the proportion with systemic symptoms during and after EAST.
Adverse effects of CoenzymeQ10 in the treatment of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS)
Authors: Olsson Gunnar L. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In an ongoing study of oxidative stress and the effect of CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) at Bragée ME-Center in Stockholm, Sweden, incident and type of adverse effects were studied.
Method
Information of adverse effects were collected in three ways: 1: Study participants ending the study due to adverse effects. 2: Video consultations during the 12 weeks study where changes of symptoms and adverse effects were asked for. 3: At the end of the study the principal investigator (PI) asked for the occurrence of adverse effects.
Results
14 patients (11,7%) ended the study due to adverse effects. Most severe adverse effect was depression. During video visits 300 occurrences of changing symptoms/adverse effects were recorded. Most common were insomnia, headache and gastroenteric dysfunction. At the visit to the PI at the end of the study 47 participants reported adverse effects, most commonly mild reactions such as rashes, insomnia and gastrointestinal symptoms. More severe adverse effects reported were palpitations, depression, headache, and anxiety.
Conclusion
Adverse effects when taking CoQ10 seem to be common. Most often the symptoms are mild. Gastrointestinal symptoms, rashes and insomnia were common. A more severe adverse reaction was depression which previously has not been described.
Non-Communicable Diseases Challenges And Opportunities In Iran: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Torabi Zahra , Shakibazadeh Elham , Tajvar Maryam , Rezaei Negar 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
To reduce noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) morbidity and mortality, policymakers should focus on decreasing risk factors and ensuring equitable access to effective preventive and therapeutic care for acute and chronic NCDs.The primary objective of this study was to identify challenges and opportunities in health promotion for NCDs in Iran.
Method
The analysis included semistructured, in-depth interviews with 14 participants. The participants consisted of policymakers, planners, and experts with experience in the areas of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease management and control in Iran. The interviews were conducted over Skype; recorded, and transcribed verbatim. A deductive approch was used to extract codes and categories through open coding by reading the text and assigning related codes using MAXQDA 10 software.
Results
This qualitative study identified five primary categories and 14 subcategories related to the challenges and opportunities for addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Iran, closely aligned with the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. The first category, Policy Levers for NCD Prevention, highlights the role of legislation and economic growth in shaping effective NCD prevention strategies. The second category, Creating Health-Promoting Environments, focuses on the need to strengthen physical and social infrastructure to support healthier lifestyles. The third category, Community Empowerment for Health, underscores the importance of building social capital and encouraging public participation to improve community-level health outcomes. The fourth category, Empowering Individuals for Health, stresses the necessity of enhancing health literacy and the quality of education to enable individuals to take control of their health. Finally, Transforming Healthcare for Better Health identifies the need for restructuring healthcare systems and eliminating conflicting interests to ensure more effective NCD prevention and management. These findings illustrate the complex landscape of NCD challenges in Iran while offering clear opportunities for intervention through policy, community engagement, individual empowerment, and healthcare system reform.
Conclusion
This study identified key areas for addressing NCDs in Iran. Findings highlights the importance of policy, environment, community, and healthcare system factors. A multi-faceted approach is crucial for effective NCD prevention and control.
Psychological Flexibility as a Moderator of the Association Between Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Positive Parenting, and Negative Parenting: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Okajima Junko , OKAJIMA Isa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
This study investigated whether psychological flexibility moderates the relationship between premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms and depression, anxiety, positive parenting, and negative parenting.
Methods
A sample of 1,538 menstruating mothers with children aged 0 to 3 years (227 with 0-year-olds, 428 with 1-year-olds, 409 with 2-year-olds, and 424 with 3-year-olds) was assessed utilizing the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder Scale (PMDDS), Parental Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (PAAQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).
Results
The interaction effects between PMDDS and PAAQ scores were significantly associated with anxiety and positive parenting, after controlling for other variables. Notably, higher PAAQ scores were associated with increased positive parenting, even in the presence of worsened PMDD symptoms. Furthermore, psychological flexibility, as measured by the PAAQ, had an independent effect on both depression and anxiety, though no moderating effect was observed.
Conclusions
Interventions aimed at enhancing psychological flexibility may be beneficial for mothers with premenstrual dysphoric disorder who are raising infants and toddlers.
Local control and recurrence patterns after stereotactic irradiation delivered in more than 4 fractions for hepatocellular carcinomas and liver metastases: a retrospective study.
Authors: RENAN Alizée , BRUAND Marie , JOLNEROVSKI Maria , DIALLO Aboubacar , DEMOGEOT Nicolas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is a safe and effective treatment for liver metastases or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a dose-response relationship for local control (LC). Proximity to organs at risk (OAR) often requires dose de-escalation. This study evaluated LC and recurrence patterns in patients administered hepatic SBRT in more than 4 fractions due to dosimetric constraints.
Methods
This retrospective study included 33 patients treated with SBRT (Cyberknife®) in more than 4 fractions for HCC or liver metastases, between January 2011 and December 2019. Patients were ineligible for treatment in 3 or 4 fractions due to OAR proximity. Recurrence patterns were analysed according to the volume shared between recurrence and initial target or treatment isodose volumes.
Results
The primary dose ranged from 35-50 Gy delivered in 5 to 7 fractions for the treatment of HCC (39%) or liver metastases (61%) mainly secondary to colorectal cancer (40%).
LC rate was 64%, with 12 patients showing recurrence volume overlap with the initial target volume or treatment isodose. In-field recurrence occurred in only 12.5% of patients with most relapses being out-of-field. No grade ≥3 events were reported.
Conclusion
Despite dose reductions to spare OAR, SBRT showed satisfactory LC with low toxicity. Out-of-field recurrence remains the most common pattern identified and likely related to underlying disease. Prospective data are necessary to determine whether preserving dose while reducing planning target volume (PTV) coverage could enhance LC.
Trial registration
All patients were retrospectively registered, and this study is registered at the Health Data Hub site (number HDH414).
The value of Ki-67 combined with Uroplakin-III in predicting the prognosis of bladder non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Wu Junchao , Qiu Xuede 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To assess the predictive significance of Ki-67, Uroplakin-III, and their combination in bladder non-muscle invasive urothelial cancer patients.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 224 bladder non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma patients who had transurethral resection at the Kunming Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital from January 2017 until December 2019 was performed. Patients were separated into Ki-67 high and low expression groups and Uroplakin-III positive and negative expression groups. Predictive models were built using univariate binary logistic regression, Cox proportional hazards regression model for multivariate analysis, unary linear regression, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, nomogram, and AUC.
Results
Recurrence was substantially linked with tumor grade, Ki-67, and UP-III in univariate binary logistic regression. Tumor progression was linked to tumor number, stage, grade, type, Ki-67, and UP-III. Age, tumor size, stage, grade, type, and Ki-67 affected cancer survival. Ki-67 and UP-III positivity significantly decreased recurrence-free survival (RFS) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. PFS was dramatically lowered by high Ki-67. Age and elevated Ki-67 substantially affected cancer-specific survival. In unary linear regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis, high Ki-67 coupled UP-III positive lowered RFS, PFS, and CSS. AUC = 0.912, 0.870, and 0.942 on the ROC curves demonstrated that the model predicted 5 year RFS, PFS, and CSS rates well. The internal validation sett also performed well.
Conclusions
This study found that Ki-67 and UP-III are independent predictive markers for bladder non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma recurrence, progression, and death. Positive Ki-67 and UP-III expression are related with poor prognosis. Ki-67 with UP-III demonstrated good predictive discrimination and stability.