bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Utilizing tACS to enhance memory confidence and EEG to predict individual differences in brain stimulation efficacy
Authors: Wynn Syanah C. , Marshall Tom R. , Nyhus Erika 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The information transfer necessary for successful memory retrieval is believed to be mediated by theta and gamma oscillations. These oscillations have been linked to memory processes in electrophysiological studies, which were correlational in nature. In the current study, we used transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to externally modulate brain oscillations to examine its direct effects on memory performance. Participants received sham, theta (4 Hz), and gamma (50 Hz) tACS over frontoparietal regions while retrieving information in a source memory paradigm. Linear regression models were used to investigate the direct effects of oscillatory noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on memory accuracy and confidence. Our results indicate that both theta and gamma tACS altered memory confidence. Specifically, theta tACS seemed to lower the threshold for confidence in retrieved information, while gamma tACS appeared to alter the memory confidence bias. Furthermore, the individual differences in tACS effects could be predicted from electroencephalogram (EEG) measures recorded prior to stimulation, suggesting that EEG could be a useful tool for predicting individual variability in the efficacy of NIBS.
Challenges in measuring individual differences of brain function
Authors: Xu Ting , Kiar Gregory , Zuo Xi-Nian , Vogelstein Joshua T. , Milham Michael P. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
With a growing interest in personalized medicine, functional neuroimaging research has recently shifted focus from the evaluation of group-level summaries to associating individual differences in brain function with behaviors. However, this new focus brings forth challenges related to accurately measuring the sources of individual variation in functional signals. In this perspective, we highlight the impact of within-individual variations and discuss the concept of measurement reliability as a critical tool for accounting for within- and between-individual variations when measuring individual differences in brain function.
An Asymmetric Model of the Tropical Cyclone Surface Wind Field and Probabilistic Climatology of Structural Parameters
Authors: Uhlhorn Eric W. , Tolwinski-Ward Suz , Lorsolo Sylvie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
A new parametric model of a tropical cyclone’s (TC) surface wind field is proposed, in which parameters are calibrated on over 20 years of direct surface wind measurements from aircraft reconnaissance. The model extends previous formulations by representing structural asymmetries in the inner core and far field. The surface wind representation eliminates the need for uncertain aircraft flight (gradient) level-to-surface extrapolation or pressure gradient formulation conversions to wind speed. Parameters are expanded to wavenumber-1 asymmetric Fourier components around symmetric mean values; symmetric values are found to depend primarily on maximum wind speed and geographic location, while some asymmetric parameters show statistically significant relationships with motion and environmental vertical shear, consistent with recent studies. Finally, a probabilistic representation of the climatology of basin-wide TC wind field structure is constructed by fitting a multivariate statistical distribution to the optimized model parameters. The low-dimensional formulation is suitable for computationally efficient reconstruction of historical TC wind fields, from depression to Saffir–Simpson category-5 intensities, as well as for stochastic simulation in the context of catastrophe risk modeling.
Early experience managing intravascular coagulum using polidocanol endovenous microfoam: Risk factor analysis
Authors: Mesa-Damiano Mariam , Melesio Francisco J , Quiñones-Rodriguez Jailenne I , Malgor Rafael D , Rodriguez Limael E 
Published: December 2024

Objective A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify potential risk factors that lead to increased incidence of intravascular coagulum (IC) observed in clinical practice using polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM 1%, VarithenaTM [polidocanol injectable microfoam], Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Mass). Methods Patients ( n = 119) who received polidocanol endovenous microfoam (PEM) treatment for chronic venous insufficiency between December 2021 and January 2024 at a private outpatient vascular surgery clinic were observed to identify potential risk factors in the development of IC. The patients were stratified into two groups: IC ( n = 16) versus non-IC ( n = 103). Patients who returned with increased pain and irritation at the treatment site in the early post ablation period within 2-6 weeks of treatment and had coagulum aspirated at the subsequent follow-up visit met the study criteria and were included in the IC group. In addition, patient demographics, comorbidities, and duplex ultrasound reports were analyzed using deidentified chart records. Results There were 119 patients treated in the study period with a mean age of 62 years. Females were the most common sex 66% ( n = 78) and Latinos represented the largest ethnicity 60% ( n = 71). Overall, 13% ( n = 16) of the patients developed an intravascular coagulum. The mean time to onset of IC was 45 days (range: 7-106 days) post-ablation. There was no difference between the groups (IC vs non-IC) for age, sex, ethnicity, or index VCSS scores. On univariate analysis, patients who developed IC had lower PEM injection volumes when compared to non-IC patients (4.1 vs 6.3 mL, p = .04). High reflux at the GSV (>1800 ms) and Latino ethnicity were also found to be significant risk factors. When these factors were evaluated in multivariate analysis, lower PEM injection volumes was the only factor that remained significant for the development of IC ( p = .006). Conclusion Lower polidocanol endovenous microfoam injection volumes is a risk factor for developing intravascular coagulum. Further studies are needed to identify the ideal injection volume per segment of vein treated.
Correlation analysis of serum inflammatory cytokine levels and immune markers in children with severe hand, foot and mouth disease
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhou Qian 
Published: December 2024

Objective To identify the correlation between serum inflammatory cytokines and immune markers in children with severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). Methods Paediatric patients with severe or mild HFMD from Linping Campus, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, were included in this retrospective study. Data comprising demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms and signs, laboratory findings and other factors were collected. Serum interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at 1, 3, and 5 days after admission. Risk factors were screened using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 200 patients with HFMD (120 severe and 80 mild cases) were included. Younger age and longer fever duration were associated with severe HFMD, as were increased white blood cell, neutrophil and platelet counts, blood glucose, immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG. IL-6 and IL-10 levels were higher in patients with severe versus mild HFMD on days 1, 3 and 5. TNF-α was higher in the severe group on day 3. Increased white blood cell and neutrophil counts, IL-6, IL-10, and IgG levels, age, fever duration, and blood glucose level were found to be risk factors associated with the occurrence of severe HFMD. Conclusions Inflammatory cytokines and immune indexes may be related to the occurrence of severe HFMD.
Success rate of acceleromyographic neuromuscular monitoring based on the depth of anesthesia at the time of sugammadex antagonism: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: You Hwang-Ju , Lee Seok-Jin , Jung Ji-Yoon , Cho Sung-Ae , Kwon Woojin , Kim Jin-Bum , Sung Tae-Yun 
Published: December 2024

Objective We aimed to compare the success of non-normalized acceleromyographic neuromuscular monitoring and recovery profiles based on the depth of anesthesia at the time of sugammadex administration. Methods Patients undergoing general anesthesia were prospectively and randomly allocated to two groups. In the BIS60 group, sugammadex was administered when there was a bispectral index (BIS) <60 and anesthesia was maintained until a train-of-four ratio ≥1.0 was obtained, whereas in the BIS70 group, anesthesia was stopped at the completion of surgery, sugammadex was administered when the BIS was >70, and the recovery of neuromuscular function was monitored. The recovery profile and the incidence of emergence agitation of the two groups were compared. Results The success rate of neuromuscular monitoring was significantly higher for the BIS60 group than for the BIS70 group (100% vs. 37.5%, respectively). The time taken for recovery for the two groups was comparable. The incidence of emergence agitation was significantly lower in the BIS60 group than in the BIS70 group (23.3% vs. 56.3%, respectively). Conclusion After the administration of sugammadex, the maintenance of anesthesia until the full recovery of neuromuscular function increases the success rate of neuromuscular monitoring without delaying recovery and reduces the risk of emergence agitation. Clinical trial registration: CRIS registration number KCT0007899 ( https://cris.nih.go.kr/ )
Neonatal lupus erythematosus: 24 years of experience from a tertiary centre at Chandigarh, North India
Authors: Pilania Rakesh Kumar , Thangaraj Abarna , Sil Archan , Dhaliwal Manpreet , Sharma Saniya , Jindal Ankur Kumar , Vignesh Pandiarajan , Garg Ravinder , Aggarwal Pankaj , Kumar Rupesh , Naganur Sanjeev , Rawat Amit , Suri Deepti 
Published: December 2024

Objective To study the clinical features and laboratory parameters of neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) from India. Patients and methods We analyzed case records of children diagnosed with NLE in the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic at tertiary care centre from North India during the period January 1999 - December 2023. Results Twenty-four babies are diagnosed with NLE during the study period. Median age at diagnosis was 60 days with a female predisposition (Male to female- 1:2). Cutaneous manifestations were reported in 14 (58%) patients. Hepatomegaly was noted in 15 (62.5%), and splenomegaly in 2 (8%). Elevated transaminases were noted in 14 (58%) patients, and cholestatic jaundice in one. Hematological manifestations were noticed in 20 (83.3%), and neurological manifestations were noticed in 8 patients. Most non-cardiac manifestations were self-limiting. Intravenous immunoglobulin was used for phrenic nerve palsy and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Oral corticosteroid was used in a patient with refractory cytopenia, and four patients required transfusions. Cardiac involvement was reported in 13 (54%) patients – 3rd-degree heart block in 9 patients, and 6 were managed with epicardial pacemaker insertion. One patient required pacemaker reimplantation due to infective endocarditis. Congenital hydrops was seen in 3 patients, and required respiratory support and recovery was uneventful. Conclusion NLE is associated with significant morbidity. More than half had cardiac manifestation, of which 70% had 3rd-degree heart block requiring pacemaker insertion. Other rare clinical manifestations like phrenic nerve palsy and seizures are noticed in our cohort.
Non-invasive telemonitoring programs for patients with chronic heart failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Parente Hilson A , Hornemann Sophie B , Faria Ismael MM de , Salgado Diamantino R , Correia Marcelo G , Azevedo Fabiula S de 
Published: December 2024

Aims To assess whether telemonitoring improves outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods and results A literature search was conducted on studies of randomized controlled trials involving non-invasive telemonitoring and heart failure using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, all-cause hospitalization, and hospitalization for heart failure. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, health-related quality of life as assessed by validated questionnaires, healthcare costs and cost-effectiveness, and self-care behaviors. We performed a meta-analysis using a random effects model for the primary outcomes. The effect measure was odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval, and heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Higgins I2 value. We screened 212 references, and 34 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. A total of 16179 participants with heart failure were included. Non-invasive telemonitoring reduced all-cause mortality by 18% (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.95; participants = 15,211; studies = 28; I2 = 34%; GRADE: moderate-quality evidence) and heart failure hospitalization by 20% (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.94; participants = 7491; studies = 18; I2 = 31%; GRADE: moderate-quality evidence). Non-invasive telemonitoring didn’t demonstrate significant benefit on all-cause hospitalization (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.05; participants = 11,565; studies = 25; I2 = 49%). Conclusion Telemonitoring programs in patients with heart failure were associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization without harmful events.
Circulating tumor DNA-guided treatment decision in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Op ’t Hoog Catharina J. P. , Bosman Sabien J. E. , Boerrigter Emmy , Mehra Niven , van Oort Inge M. , van Erp Nielka P. , Kievit Wietske 
Published: December 2024

Background: The androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI), abiraterone acetate and enzalutamide, are commonly used in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, early resistance to ARPI treatment occurs frequently. Traditionally, the response is evaluated 3–6 months after the start of treatment. However, recent findings indicate that by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) at baseline and 4 weeks after ARPI treatment initiation, patients with a nondurable response can be identified after 4 weeks of treatment, enabling an early switch to alternative treatments. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of ctDNA-guided treatment switch after 4 weeks of ARPI therapy in mCRPC patients compared to standard of care. Design: A cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted by creating a Markov state transition model to simulate progression, mortality, and treatment costs over a 5-year time horizon comparing ctDNA-guided care versus standard of care. The outcomes measured were incremental treatment costs per life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. Results: The analysis showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €65,400.86 per QALY gained and an incremental net monetary benefit of €2716.62. Thereby, the use of ctDNA-guided treatment was cost-effective in comparison to standard care in 74% of the simulations using a willingness-to-pay threshold of €80,000 per QALY gained. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the cost-effectiveness of using a ctDNA-guided early therapy switch in non-responders after only 4 weeks of first-line ARPI therapy in mCRPC patients. This paves the way for implementing ctDNA-guided treatment decisions in clinical practice.
Assessing technology usage in relation to the quality of life of autistic children
Authors: Costescu Cristina , Tufar Ioana , Chezan Laura , Șogor Mălina , Confederat Alexandra 
Published: December 2024

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and duration of technology use by autistic children, their primary activities when engaging with technology, and the association between technology use and quality of life. We assumed that technology serves as a means of communication with peers, and it is associated with an improved quality of life. Methods The study sample consisted of 61 parents of autistic children aged 5–10 years old. The Quality of Life for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Scale was used to measure children's quality of life based on parent report, and the Technology Use Scale was used to measure the amount of time spent using technology and its purpose. Data collected were analyzed to identify correlations between technology use and quality of life. Results Findings indicate that autistic children primarily use technology for relaxation purposes and a smaller proportion of children in the sample used technology for socialization. A positive correlation was found between technology use for social interactions and higher parental perceptions of quality of life. These findings suggest that while social use of technology is less frequent, it is associated with improved well-being. Conclusions We concluded that technology use among autistic children is predominantly for leisure activities; however, when used for socialization, it is linked to a better perceived quality of life. Future research should further explore the specific benefits and potential risks of technology use for communication and socialization in autistic children. Additionally, the efficacy of technology-based interventions in improving social skills and overall well-being should be evaluated.
Organized Thrombus Masquerading as Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: A Set of Two Cases
Authors: M Apoorva , Charaniya Riyaz , Raval Pratik , Shah Jayal 
Published: December 2024

Background Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) often impacts young women who lack traditional risk factors. Diagnosing SCAD can be challenging due to its diverse angiographic presentations and resemblance to other conditions, such as organized thrombus. Case Summary We present two cases involving middle-aged male smokers, each experiencing chest pain lasting over 12 hours. Both patients exhibited ST-segment elevation in the anterior leads on ECG, anterior wall hypokinesia, and an LVEF of 40% on 2D echocardiography. Immediate coronary angiography revealed dye staining and multiple radiolucent lumens in the LAD, indicative of SCAD. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) identified an organized thrombus with a distinctive “Swiss cheese” pattern, differing from the usual radiolucent false lumen associated with SCAD. Both patients were successfully treated with PCI, including thrombus aspiration and stent placement. Take-home message Relying solely on angiography for SCAD diagnosis may overlook organized thrombus. Redefining SCAD criteria and utilizing multimodal imaging like OCT in all cases is essential.
Communication about incurable illness and remaining life between spouses and patients with incurable illness receiving specialized home care: effects of a family caregiver-targeted web-based psycho-educational intervention
Authors: Doveson Sandra , Tibell Louise Häger , Årestedt Kristofer , Holm Maja , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Alvariza Anette , Wallin Viktoria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Web-based interventions targeted at family caregivers has become a quickly expanding research field, none the least since a growing number of patients with incurable illness are being cared for at home. Spouses, who are also family caregivers, constitute an especially vulnerable group in need of support when they are cohabitating with the ill patient and research shows that communication regarding the illness is important, yet challenging. This study therefore explored effects of a family caregiver-targeted web-based psycho-educational intervention on communication about incurable illness and remaining life between spouses and patients receiving specialized home care.

Methods
The study had a pre-post-design. An intervention containing videos and texts about family caregiving was developed and made accessible via a website. Thirty-nine spouses (67% women, median age: 61) were recruited from specialised home care services. At baseline, and after 4 weeks of access to the website, spouses completed a questionnaire about communication with the patient regarding incurable illness and remaining life. Data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results
No significant changes were found between baseline and follow-up. Most spouses did, however, report having talked with the patient about the illness being incurable (64%) and how the illness affected the patient physically (64%) and psychologically (77%) during the past month already at baseline. Regarding communication about the remaining life and how to manage once the patient had passed away, 46–59% instead reported not having had these conversations with the patient ever.

Conclusions
A majority of the spouses had talked about aspects of the illness and its consequences already at baseline, indicating that these matters are important to spousal caregivers of patients with incurable illness. However, a sizeable portion had not ever talked to the patient about how to manage once the patient had passed away, suggesting there are barriers to such conversations that need to be further explored. Future research on web-based psychoeducational interventions targeted at family caregivers need to address barriers and the diverse support needs regarding communication, especially about the remaining life, among spouses of patients with incurable illness.

Trial registration
The study was first registered on clinicaltrials.gov(NCT03676283) on 2018.09.12.
Health care costs of home care enzyme replacement therapy for patients with lysosomal storage diseases in Germany
Authors: Heinrich Ria , Claus Franziska , Schoenfelder Tonio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) can be treated with intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). ERT is being administered either in specialized clinics or in the home care setting. Studies indicate that home-based ERT can be considered safe and positively effects patient reported outcomes. Due to the higher level of individual care required by nurses when administering ERT at home, questions arise whether this will result in additional costs for health care systems. Since cost data to the German health care system are currently unavailable, this study aims to assess home care ERT costs of LSD patients.

Methods
The longitudinal study assessed the direct costs of home-based ERT for patients with LSD diseases Fabry, Pompe, Gaucher, and MPS I from 2019 to 2021 on a patient-by-patient basis by evaluating the healthcare documentation. Costs assessed included ERT drug and further administration equipment, time needed to prepare, administer, and post-process the infusion, and travel expenses of nursing staff.

Results
Data from 62 patients was analyzed: of these, 29 (46.8%) with Fabry disease, 19 (30.6%) with Pompe disease, 10 (16.1%) with Gaucher disease, and 4 (6.5%) with MPS I. Patients ranged in age from 3 to 79 (mean 40 years); 42% of patients reported comorbidities (19.4% with hypertension, and 10% with heart disease). Mean total ERT-related costs were €369,047 per year across all patients. Approximately 98.5% of these costs were attributable to the infusion therapy and administration itself (€363,880), and approximately 1.5% were attributable to personnel and travel costs. Patients with Pompe disease incurred the highest average annual costs (€483,907) and patients with Fabry disease the lowest (€264,896). Cost differences among underlying LSDs were due primarily to ERT drug costs; the drug infused for Fabry disease costs about half as much as that for Gaucher or for Pompe disease. Despite MPS I patients requiring about twice as many infusions, significantly lower drug costs for this disease resulted in the second lowest total mean costs of all LSD subtypes analyzed.

Conclusion
As total costs are almost entirely driven by infusion-related material, especially the ERT drug, moving ERT into the home environment is not expected to increase costs.