bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time-frequency transformation integrated with a lightweight convolutional neural network for detection of myocardial infarction
Authors: Sheth Kashvi Ankitbhai , Upreti Charvi , Prusty Manas Ranjan , Satapathy Sandeep Kumar , Mishra Shruti , Cho Sung-Bae 
Published: December 2024

AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI) is a life-threatening medical condition that necessitates both timely and precise diagnosis. The enhancement of automated method to detect MI diseases from Normal patients can play a crucial role in healthcare. This paper presents a novel approach that utilizes the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) for the detection of myocardial signals. The DWT is employed to break down ECG signals into distinct frequency components and subsequently to selectively filter out noise by thresholding the high-frequency details, resulting in denoised ECG signals for myocardial signal detection. These denoised signals are fed into lightweight one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for binary classification into Myocardial Infarction (MI) and Normal categories. The paper explores three distinct approaches: utilizing all signals, incorporating under-sampling and up-sampling to address class imbalances, with both noised and denoised signals. Evaluation of the suggested model is done with the help of two publicly available datasets: PTB-XL, a large publicly available electrocardiography dataset and PTB Diagnostic ECG Database. Results obtained through 5-fold cross-validation on the trained model show that the model has achieved an accuracy of 96%, precision of 97% and F1 score of 95%. On cross-validation with the PTB-ECG dataset, this paper achieved an accuracy of 91.18%.
Self-efficacy, social support and oral health-related quality of life in patients with kidney transplantation and under hemodialysis
Authors: Ernst Bero Luke Vincent , Kreher Deborah , Patschan Daniel , Haak Rainer , Ebert Thomas , de Fallois Jonathan , Schmalz Gerhard 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Aim of this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was to compare self-efficacy, social support, oral hygiene-related self-efficacy (OHRSE) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) between patients under chronic hemodialysis (HD) and patients after kidney transplantation (KTx) as well as a healthy comparison group (HC).

Methods
Patients under HD were recruited during their routine outpatient dialysis therapy, KTx patients during their maintenance appointment and HC patients during their regular dental check-up in the dental clinic. General self-efficacy, the OHRSE, social support (F-SozU-K14) and the OHRQoL (OHIP-G5) were assessed by specific validated questionnaires. The survey was performed by one experienced dentist.

Results
44 HD, 40 KTx and 45 HC patients were included, between which the age and gender distribution was comparable (p > 0.05).
With a median of 1.5 [IQR: 0–3], HD patients showed higher OHIP-G5 than the participants in KTx group (p < 0.01). Similarly, a significant difference was found between KTx (0, [0–0.5]) and HC (0, [0–3]; p < 0.01).
HD patients showed a lower sum score of OHRSE, tooth-brushing, interdental-cleaning and dental-visit self-efficacy than the HC (p < 0.01). Similarly, HD patients had a lower sum score of OHRSE, tooth-brushing and dental-visit self-efficacy than the KTx group (p < 0.01). Moreover, the KTx group had a lower interdental-cleaning self-efficacy (p < 0.01) and sum score (p = 0.02) than the HC. The sum score of the general self-efficacy was comparable between the three groups (p = 0.19). The F-SozU-K14 revealed higher values in KTx (65.40 ± 5.33) compared with HD (60.95 ± 9.28) and HC group (61.71 ± 9.24; p = 0.03).
Only in the KTx group, a significant association between F-SozU-K14 and OHIP-G5 was revealed (p = 0.05).

Conclusions
Patients under HD show a reduced OHRSE compared to KTx and HC and a slightly reduced OHRQoL compared to KTx patients. While general self-efficacy was comparable between groups, social support of HD patients was lower than of KTx patients. The OHRSE and OHRQoL might receive increased attention in dental care of HD patients.
Green space quantity and exposure in relation to the risk of immune-mediated diseases: a scoping review
Authors: Galitskaya Polina , Luukkonen Anna , Roslund Marja I. , Mänttäri Miia , Yli-Viikari Anja , Tyrväinen Liisa , Sinkkonen Aki , Laitinen Olli 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe growing global incidence of immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) is worrisome, with evidence suggesting that environmental factors, notably urbanization and the reduction of green spaces, may act as potential instigators. However, conflicting findings in studies necessitate a closer examination of recent research (January 2020 – February 2024) to elucidate the factors contributing to these inconsistencies. This review explores study protocols to avoid erroneously endorsing the null hypothesis of no association between green space coverage and IMID risks. A literature search adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines yielded 46 relevant papers from Google Scolar and Pub Meb. The studies varied in design, with 17 being longitudinal, 24 cross-sectional, and five focusing on longitudinal parent-offspring connections. Geographic scope differed, with 21 multi-location and 25 single-location studies. Participant numbers ranged from 144 to 982,131 across diverse demographics. Additionally, some studies examined disease frequencies in large groups (several million people) residing in specific regions. Green space metrics encompassed NDVI, land cover data, plant biodiversity, and novel indexes, measured within 7.5–5000 m diameter buffers around residences or schools. The review advises against making definitive statements regarding the relationship between urban green spaces and the prevalence of IMIDs. It suggests that inconsistencies in study results may stem from variations in study designs and methodologies, as well as the complex, interacting mechanisms through which green spaces affect immune health. Future research recommendations include larger cohorts, early-life exposure data, and testing specific hypotheses related to vegetation types and participants’ genetic predispositions.
Información es poder (information is power): menopause knowledge, attitudes, and experiences in midlife Hispanic women and Latinas
Authors: Cortés Yamnia I. , Cazales Andrea , Mărginean Valentina , Duran Mayra , Trocel Lorena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Latinas constitute nearly 20% of midlife women in the United States (U.S.), but remain underrepresented in menopause research. Many midlife Latinas are disadvantaged by limited English proficiency, less formal education, living below the federal poverty level, lack of health insurance, and social isolation and discrimination — factors that negatively affect menopause-related symptoms and health outcomes. This study aimed to understand knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of the menopause transition among midlife Latinas.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using five focus groups with 29 Hispanic/Latina midlife women. An emergent content analysis was performed by four bilingual coders. Data on socio-demographics, menopausal symptoms, menopause knowledge, and attitudes toward menopause and hormone therapy were collected over the phone. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize study participants.

Results
Participants were aged 50.3 ± 6.3 years, 45% postmenopausal, 79% viewed menopause positively, and 55% reported having “little knowledge” about menopause. Seven themes emerged: 1) menopause is a stage of life (una etapa de vida); 2) not wanting to become an old lady (no quererme hacer viejita); 3) in our culture, we do not ask [about menopause]; 4) family dynamics; 5) each body is different (todo cuerpo es diferente); 6) menopause self-management and treatment options; 7) information is power (información es poder).

Conclusions
Although Latinas reported having a positive view of menopause, we found a need for culturally-tailored comprehensive menopause education. The importance of involving family members in menopause education was also revealed. Our next steps are to determine the best menopause messaging strategies and educational formats for midlife Latinas.
Flourishing and job satisfaction in employees working in UK clinical trial units: a national cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hall Sophie S. , Riga Evgenia , Sprange Kirsty , Hagan Pamela , Carr Lucy , Taylor Jodi , Thomson Louise , Mitchell Eleanor J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
To evaluate healthcare interventions in clinical trials, it is crucial to attract and retain a skilled workforce. The job demands associated with developing and running clinical trials have been linked with difficulties in recruiting and retaining skilled Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) staff. Flourishing conceptualises positive aspects of wellbeing which may help staff to thrive within a demanding job role. This study explored the association between flourishing and job satisfaction among staff based in UK Clinical Research Collaboration (UKCRC)-registered CTUs.

Methods
A national online survey of UKCRC-registered CTUs was conducted which combined psychometric measures of flourishing (eudaimonic workplace wellbeing scale) and job satisfaction (including measures of turnover intention and workplace engagement), alongside free-text questions.

Results
Four hundred and eighty-four staff from 52 UKCRC CTUs completed the survey. Overall, participants reported 'average’ levels of job satisfaction and work engagement, but there was evidence that CTU staff reported slightly lower levels of flourishing and moderate levels of turnover intention. Salary, role, and flexible working arrangements were associated with levels of flourishing. When these factors were controlled for, higher levels of flourishing were still predictive of job satisfaction and turnover, but not work engagement. Qualitative analysis of free text responses revealed that elements of the working environment, such as supportive relationships, flexible working, and development opportunities, can act as resources to help employees flourish in their jobs.

Conclusions
Through exploring flourishing in CTU staff we identified factors which may help CTU employees thrive in their role, and in turn increase job satisfaction and commitment to their place of work. CTUs should consider the importance of developing a working environment which supports staff to feel valued, experience autonomy and supportive working relationships, as well as opportunities to develop and engage in meaningful work. Efforts to understand and protect the wellbeing of CTU staff are vital to attract and retain staff to design and conduct clinical trials. The learning from this may be applicable to other healthcare workforces facing a recruitment and retention crisis.
Immune alterations and overexpression of CTCF in endometrial carcinoma: insights from molecular subtyping
Authors: Wei Caiping , Chen Guowei , Chen Kun , Fang Shuang , He Hongying 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent epithelial malignancy originating in the female endometrium, and its global incidence has been on the rise over the past decade. Despite significant scientific progress has been achieved recently, the genetic factors underlying EC pathogenesis remain poorly understood, warranting further investigation.

Methods
We employed transcriptomic datasets from the Genomic Data Commons database to extract variable and clinical data. Quantile normalization and log2 transformations were applied to obtain a gene expression matrix for the sample cohort. Various assays, such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), wound healing assay, transwell assay, and TUNEL assay, were employed in the study to examine the involvement of CTCF in EC cell biology. Additionally, in vivo experiments were conducted using a subcutaneous transplantation tumor model in athymic nude mice. The potential mechanism of action of CTCF was also illustrated by identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functions after interfering with CTCF gene expression through the GSPAdb online database.

Results
After categorizing 543 samples into cohorts with high and low ImmuneScores, we discovered 1025 genes that were differentially expressed, including 745 genes that were up-regulated and 280 genes that were down-regulated in the high scores group compared to the low scores group. Tumor mutation burden (TMB) analysis highlighted 11 genes with the highest mutation frequency. Furthermore, 16 immune checkpoints and 50 immune regulatory factors exhibited differential expression. Among these, CTCF was up-regulated in EC. We found that CTCF knockdown could diminish EC's invasive ability and metastatic potential while enhancing apoptosis. In vivo experiments corroborated that CTCF knockdown could reduce tumor growth. The GSPAdb online database identified differential expression pathways mainly enriched in cellular metabolism as well as some intracellular classical signaling pathways after interfering with CTCF gene expression. In addition, we identified potential downstream regulators of CTCF through protein interaction networks.

Conclusion
This study unveiled comprehensive molecular characteristics and DEGs in EC, emphasizing the up-regulation of CTCF in EC. Our findings collectively suggest that CTCF represents a promising therapeutic target, and our gene molecular typing model offers a novel approach for prognostic evaluation in EC.
Helicopter hoist operations in German mid-range mountains retrospective analysis of incidence, medical characteristics, and mission tactics
Authors: Heinrich Sebastian , Wielant Christoph , Lerch Frank , Friedrich Mirko , Braun Jörg , Reifferscheid Florian , Busch Hans-Jörg ,   for the Scientific Working Group of German Air Rescue
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Helicopter hoist operations (HHO) are an important option for rescue operations in rugged and challenging terrain. German mid-range mountains are characterized by the versatility of ground conditions, few urban structures, and frequent use for local leisure activities, including the practice of more or less high-risk outdoor sports. This retrospective analysis aims to investigate the incidence of rescue missions in German mid-range mountains requiring HHO. The contributing air rescue bases' operational tactics and the underlying medical characteristics, such as injury patterns and the provided medical care, are also reported.

Methods
This study is a retrospective analysis of the documentation of HHO missions carried out at the air rescue bases in Freiburg, Nuremberg, and Bautzen staffed by emergency physicians between 01/2020 and 07/2022. Data was extracted from the German Air Rescue database. To assess the topics of interest, we conducted basic descriptive statistics.

Results
Data selection retrieved 410 HHO-associated rescue missions. A total of 304 datasets, including HHO, were suitable for further statistical processing. Air rescue base Freiburg contributed 152, Nuremberg 63, and Bautzen 89 missions. HHO missions showed an increased frequency in the summer season and from Friday to Sunday. In this collective, 75% of the underlying diagnoses were trauma-associated; in 33% of all patients, traumatic injury of the pelvis or lower limb occurred. 28% of the patients were in a potential or actual life-threatening condition and were scored NACA 4 or higher. The rates of invasive medical treatment, such as endotracheal intubation (5%) or venous access (79%), were considerably higher than in overall emergency missions. In terms of mission tactics and cooperation with mountain rescue services, different approaches of the three air bases resulted in differences regarding first-on-scene rates and time spans.

Conclusion
The results show a relevant year-round need to deploy emergency medical expertise to inaccessible terrain in the three regions examined. Detailed analysis showed relevant differences in operational tactics between the three bases and potential for optimization. Simultaneous alerting of the hoist helicopter and reliable and precise coordination with other rescue organizations involved, especially the local mountain rescue service and the rescue coordination center, can help to shorten both the treatment-free interval and the prehospital time for patients in inaccessible terrain.
Trial registration: The study is registered at DRKS (DRKS00033493).
SMART: spatial transcriptomics deconvolution using marker-gene-assisted topic model
Authors: Yang Chen Xi , Sin Don D. , Ng Raymond T. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractWhile spatial transcriptomics offer valuable insights into gene expression patterns within the spatial context of tissue, many technologies do not have a single-cell resolution. Here, we present SMART, a marker gene-assisted deconvolution method that simultaneously infers the cell type-specific gene expression profile and the cellular composition at each spot. Using multiple datasets, we show that SMART outperforms the existing methods in realistic settings. It also provides a two-stage approach to enhance its performance on cell subtypes. The covariate model of SMART enables the identification of cell type-specific differentially expressed genes across conditions, elucidating biological changes at a single-cell-type resolution.
Acute myocardial infarction presenting as headache: a case report
Authors: Emara Ahmed , Hassan Amr K. , Khairy Ahmed M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is straightforward when it presents with typical symptoms. However, some patients can be asymptomatic, and some can present with atypical symptoms.

Case presentation
We present a very rare case of acute myocardial infraction that presented with headache and right upper limb numbness of 2-day duration in a 61-year-old female Middle Eastern patient. The patient underwent percutaneous coronary intervention to a totally occluded right coronary artery with two drug-eluting stents. The headache and numbness immediately disappeared after revascularization, and the patient was discharged on anti-ischemic medications. This report concerns a case of cardiac cephalalgia.

Conclusion
Myocardial infarction can present in several different ways and should be included in the differential diagnosis for headache.
Pharmacy-based preventive services for opioid use disorder: a survey of U.S. pharmacists
Authors: Wu Li-Tzy , King Jacquie , Hefner Kathryn , Schactman Mark , John William , Hagemeier Nicholas , Matthews Abigail G. , Levitt Nathaniel , Mannelli Paolo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Pharmacists play a key role in combating the opioid-related overdose epidemic in the United States (US), but little is known about their experience and willingness to deliver preventive services for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Aims
This study seeks to identify correlates of pharmacists’ concerns about drug use problems (prescription drug misuse/use disorder and illicit drug use/use disorder) as well as their practice experience delivering preventive services for OUD (e.g., asked about opioid use, provided advice, made a referral) and willingness to provide services to patients with drug use problems.

Design
An online survey of licensed US pharmacists was conducted. Participants were recruited from Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Networks (CPESN) and state pharmacist associations (N = 1146).

Findings
Overall, 75% of surveyed pharmacists indicated having concerns about opioid use problems, and 62% had concerns about non-opioid drug use problems at their pharmacies. Pharmacists who were White, practiced at a rural location, worked at a chain pharmacy, had not received opioid-related training in the past year, or practiced screening patients for opioid use had elevated odds of perceiving concerns about opioid use problems in their practice settings. Pharmacists who were White, practiced at a rural location, or had not received opioid-related training in the past year had elevated odds of perceiving concerns about non-opioid (illicit) drug use problems. Being male, being White, or having received opioid-related training were associated with increased odds of screening patients for opioid use problems. Being White, having practiced at a rural location (vs. an urban location), being a pharmacy owner/manager, or having received opioid-related training were associated with increased odds of delivering opioid-related advice/intervention. Being male or having received opioid-related training were associated with increased odds of making a referral to OUD treatment. Finally, being male, being White, having practiced pharmacy services for under 6 years, having received opioid-related training for 2 h in the past year, or having performed OUD-related preventive services (asked about opioid use, provided advice, or made a referral) were associated with increased levels of commitment/readiness for providing care to patients with drug use problems.

Conclusions
The overall findings highlight pharmacists’ involvement with OUD preventive services. It is critical to promote opioid-related preventive service training for pharmacists and provide incentives/tools to help initiate a structured practice of delivering such preventive services.
Preparation and characterisation of zirconia/hydroxyapatite bioactive composites as potential dental implants
Authors: Xing Zhongyuan , Pang Yongxin , Li Eric , Zhang Jian Yong , Xu Donglai 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn dental implants, zirconia is well-known as a crown material due to its excellent acid and base resistances and appearance close to natural teeth. In addition, its extraordinary mechanical properties render zirconia to be a potential candidate as an implant component of a whole implanted tooth, if its biocompatibility can be improved to promote adhesion to natural hard tissues. This study aims to enhance the bioactivity of zirconia with the aim of improving its integration with gum bone. Hydroxyapatite is the major component of natural bone and is thus selected as the modifier to improve the bioactivity of zirconia. A series of zirconia/hydroxyapatite composites with varied compositions were prepared under different conditions in order to find the optimal composites for the target application. Various analytical technologies and mechanical tests are employed to characterise the structure and properties of resultant composites. Results show that the component ratio and sintering temperature have a significant influence on the composite properties. An increase in hydroxyapatite component tends to enhance bioactivity but decline mechanical strength. Composites containing 10 wt% of hydroxyapatite maintain sufficient mechanical strength under the optimal sintering conditions whilst possessing excellent bioactivity, demonstrating that hydroxyapatite-modified zirconia has the potential as dental implant materials. Sintering results suggest that mechanical strength is obtained at 1400 °C for 2 h for the composite containing 10 wt% of hydroxyapatite.