bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Online training program maintains motor functions and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Nakanishi Hiroshi , Morigaki Ryoma , Fujikawa Joji , Ohmae Hiroshi , Shinohara Keisuke , Yamamoto Nobuaki , Izumi Yuishin , Takagi Yasushi 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveSeveral systematic reviews have shown that physical exercise positively affects motor function (MF) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). After the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, numerous studies were conducted to reveal the effects of telerehabilitation for patients with PD. However, only a few empirical results of online programs for PD patients have been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of an online physical and cognitive training program on MF and QoL in patients with PD.MethodsWe evaluated the impact of our online program on the QoL and MF of patients with PD by comparing data at baseline and after six months of intervention. For the QoL assessment, we used the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living scale and Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), whereas, for MF, we measured movement status using the modified 20-m walk test and timed up-and-go (TUG) test.ResultsWe enrolled 20 patients for QoL and 19 for MF in this study. For PDQ-39, social support (p = 0.046, δ = 0.320) and cognitions (p = 0.028, δ = 0.268) significantly improved. Additionally, cadence (p = 0.032, g = −0.377) in the modified 20-m walk and exam duration (p = 0.003, δ = 0.296) and forward gait (p = 0.003, δ = 0.341) in the TUG test showed significant differences before and after the intervention.ConclusionOur results suggest that online physical and cognitive training programs positively affect MF and QoL in individuals with PD.
A case-control study on oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with developmental delays in Jordan: caregiver perspective
Authors: Alshatrat Sabha Mahmoud , Al-Omari Wael Mousa , Tabnjh Abedelmalek Kalefh , Al-Bakri Isra Abdulkarim , Selvaraj Siddharthan 
Published: November 2024

Aimthe aim of this study is to assess oral health knowledge and dental behavior among individuals with developmental delays intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in comparison with individuals without (IDD) in Jordan.MethodsA case–control study was conducted among 317 caregivers of individuals with IDD (n = 168) and control (n = 149) groups, which involved the completion of the questionnaire. A closed-ended, validated self-designed questionnaire was distributed. The questionnaire included questions addressing participants’ oral health knowledge and behavior. Convenience sampling was used to select the caregivers from centers associated with IDD by collecting data from nearby locations. Using SPSS® software Version 22 with a 0.05 level of significance data were analyzed. A Chi-square test and contingency-table analysis were performed on the data.ResultsCaregivers for individuals with IDD in Jordan were less knowledgeable about different oral health aspects than control group (P value &lt; 0.05). Fewer individuals in the IDD caregiver group brushed their teeth once or twice daily (83.2%), compared to the control group (93.3%). Only 22.6% of the IDD participants could brush their teeth without assistance. On the other hand, the IDD group consumed significantly less sugary foods and soda than the control group (P value &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe lack of knowledge among IDD caregivers in Jordan is critical which can result in poor oral health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Increasing the knowledge level for the IDD caregivers on the specific needs for IDD individuals is highly important to enhance their understanding of oral health and improve their quality of life. Caregivers with IDD should receive training programs given by oral health professionals about the need for regular dental check-up and effective oral hygiene care reduce the risk of having dental problems and oral disease.
Outcomes of a mentoring scheme to improve career engagement in academia among students from minority ethnic groups
Authors: Nwosu Chiamaka 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionStudent mentorship in higher education institutions is often advocated as a way to improve opportunities for students from minority ethnic groups.MethodsThis study examines this further by applying a linear regression model to explore the relationship between a 6-month pilot mentoring scheme at King's College London and career engagement in academia for students from minority ethnic groups, by investigating whether there were differential impacts by ethnic group, and by degree of exposure to mentoring, measured by the number and mode of mentoring sessions i.e., online, in-person or bimodal (a combination of online and in-person).ResultsThe results reveal that while there were no significant differences in career engagement between Asian and Black students, there were significant differences in career engagement between Black students and students who identified as Mixed or Other. Surprisingly, the number of sessions was negatively related to career engagement. However, the positive, significant interaction effect between the number and mode of sessions suggests that this relationship varies based on the mode of the sessions, with bimodal sessions leading to an increase in career engagement, in contrast to solely in-person sessions which led to a decrease in career engagement in academia.ConclusionThe results from this study point to some differential effects of mentoring by ethnic group, with Black students experiencing less gains in terms of career engagement in academia, relative to students who identified as Mixed or Other ethnic groups. This suggests that Black students may need more tailored support, in-depth mentoring or better-matched role models for improved outcomes.
Mapping student enrolment and admission eligibility for higher education in Ethiopia: affirmative action as equity instrument?
Authors: Tesema Melaku Tesfa , Blömeke Sigrid , Braeken Johan 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionUNICEF’s Education For All steers for equal opportunities for all students and diversity in the student population. In Ethiopia, affirmative action is the policy tool addressing equity in enrolment and admission to higher education, targeting underrepresented groups such as females and students from emerging regions.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study across two-levels of education, regional differences in enrolment and admission eligibility were explored for two census student cohorts at high school (n = 858,557 and n = 785,053) and at the university preparatory program (n = 199,899 and n = 211,706). These population-level data stem from governmental registers from the mandatory national exams. Enrolment and admission eligibility statistics were computed with special attention to gender imparity. The impact of affirmative action was studied by comparison to the corresponding projected statistics computed as if affirmative action did not apply.ResultsIn most regions, clearly more male than female students were enrolled across the different educational levels. Affirmative action benefitted a significant percentage of female and emerging-region students. The gender parity in eligibility rates for admission to preparatory program for most regions was restored, but not for admission to university.DiscussionBeing implemented as policy directive for nearly three decades, affirmative action at most maintained gender imparity levels in enrolment inherited from earlier educational stages but failed in redressing inequity across gender and regions. Policy implications of the results and recommendations are discussed in light of regional differences and the currently implemented type of affirmative action.
Ferroptosis-related biomarkers for adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma treatment: conclusions from machine learning techniques
Authors: Feng Ying , Zhang Zhen , Tang Jiahao , Chen Yan , Hu Dan , Huang Xinwei , Li Fangping 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAdamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is difficult to cure completely and prone to recurrence after surgery. Ferroptosis as an iron-dependent programmed cell death, may be a critical process in ACP. The study aimed to screen diagnostic markers related to ferroptosis in ACP to improve diagnostic accuracy.MethodsGene expression profiles of ACP were obtained from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Limma package was used to analyze the differently expressed genes (DEGs). The intersection of DEGs and ferroptosis-related factors was obtained as differently expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs). Enrichment analysis was processed, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), disease ontology (DO), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) analysis. Machine learning algorithms were undertaken for screening diagnostic markers associated with ferroptosis in ACP. The levels of DEFRGs were verified in ACP patients. A nomogram was drawn to predict the relationship between key DEFRG expression and risk of disease. The disease groups were then clustered by consensus clustering analysis.ResultsDEGs were screened between ACP and normal samples. Ferroptosis-related factors were obtained from the FerrDb V2 and GeneCard databases. The correlation between DEFRGs and ferroptosis markers was also confirmed. A total of 6 overlapped DEFRGs were obtained. Based on the results of the nomogram, CASP8, KRT16, KRT19, and TP63 were the protective factors of the risk of disease, while GOT1 and TFAP2C were the risk factors. According to screened DEFRGs, the consensus clustering matrix was differentiated, and the number of clusters was stable. CASP8, KRT16, KRT19, and TP63, were upregulated in ACP patients, while GOT1 was downregulated. CASP8, KRT16, KRT19, TP63, CASP8, and GOT1 affect multiple ferroptosis marker genes. The combination of these genes might be the biomarker for ACP diagnosis via participating ferroptosis process.DiscussionFerroptosis-related genes, including CASP8, KRT16, KRT19, TP63, and GOT1 were the potential markers for ACP, which lays the theoretical foundation for ACP diagnosis.
Clinical and molecular characterization of familial chylomicronemia in Saudi patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Al-Ashwal Abdullah , AlHelal Manal , AlSagheir Afaf , Alfattani Areej , Ramzan Khushnooda , Imtiaz Faiqa , Alhuthil Raghad 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionFamilial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a severe type of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Despite its rarity, we have encountered more than 100 patients with FCS at our center. Therefore, we aimed to provide a useful resource for clinicians who may encounter such patients and help the scientific community accumulate knowledge to manage this disease.MethodsThis retrospective study described the clinical characteristics and management of FCS patients at (King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).ResultsIn total, 29 pediatric patients were included, with a median age of 2.2 months [IQR: 1.3, 12]. Males predominated (62.0%). Key symptoms included a milky blood sample (72.4%), a family history of HTG (65.5%), hepatosplenomegaly (44.8%), acute pancreatitis (31.0%), and eruptive xanthoma (13.8%). Gemfibrozil (22 patients) reduced TG from 47.6 ± 55.7 to 9.4 ± 7.5 mmol/L (mean reduction 38.2 ± 54.5 mmol/L, P&lt;0.001). Fenofibrate (19 patients) lowered TG from 45.4 ± 56.4 to 18.4 ± 13.1 mmol/L (mean difference 27.1 ± 52.0 mmol/L, P=0.001). While the Niacin-aspirin (4 patients) and diet alone (4 patients) had no significant effect (P=1.000) and (P=0.125), respectively.DiscussionThe rarity of FCS makes it more challenging for scientists and clinicians to achieve advancements in its management. We observed that anti-TG medications, especially fibrate derivatives, can be used safely in pediatric patients. They displayed excellent ability to control TG levels in combination with diet restrictions, and treatment compliance was good. Among fibrate derivatives, gemfibrozil controlled TG levels better than fenofibrate, and neither drug had significant side effects.
Inflammatory Th17 cells are correlated with insulin resistance and erythrocyte parameters in overweight and obese children
Authors: Artemniak-Wojtowicz Dorota , Rumińska Małgorzata , Stelmaszczyk-Emmel Anna , Paluchowska Monika , Pyrżak Beata Ewa , Kucharska Anna Małgorzata 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionObesity is thought to be accompanied by chronic, low-grade, inflammation. The adipocytes are present in the subcutaneous and visceral fat tissue and contribute to the bone marrow cell compartment. Therefore, it poses a question whether the factors influencing adipocyte functions also have an impact on the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow. The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between erythrocyte parameters, the proinflammatory Th17 lymphocytes, and IR markers in children with excessive body weight.MethodsA total of 27 overweight/obese and 15 normal-weight children aged 8–18 years were enrolled in the study. The analysis included anthropometric measurements, evaluation of Th17 cell frequency, erythrocyte parameters, and carbohydrate metabolism parameters.ResultsIn overweight/obese children, erythrocyte count (p = 0.00002), hemoglobin (HGB) concentration (p = 0.005), and frequency of Th17 cells (p = 0.048) were higher. Anthropometric parameters correlated with erythrocyte parameters, as well as Th17 cell frequency in all children. The erythrocyte count correlated with the Th17 subset (p = 0.01, r = 0.38). Moreover, in all children, the correlation between erythrocyte and fasting insulin (FI) (p = 0.00005, r = 0.58), HOMA-IR (p = 0.00005, r = 0.58), and QUICKI (p = 0.000042, r = −0.59), as well as between HGB and FI (p = 0.037, r = 0.32), HOMA-IR (p = 0.37, r = 0.32), and QUICKI (p = 0.049, r = −0.31) was found. In the overweight/obese group, erythrocyte count correlated with insulin 2 h after the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (p = 0.04, r = 0.4), while HGB correlated with glucose and insulin 2 h after OGTT (p = 0.018, r = 0.45; p = 0.04, r = 0.44, respectively).ConclusionsOur study confirmed that the erythrocyte parameters are higher in children with obesity and are positively correlated with insulin resistance and proinflammatory Th17 lymphocyte. Thus, it can be concluded that erythrocyte parameters reflect the risk of developing IR in response to chronic inflammation associated with obesity. These are simple, easily accessible, and repeatable tests that, in the assessment of obese patients, may herald the developing metabolic syndrome and serve as a helpful additional tool for assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
Non-diabetic elderly populations: SIRI as a risk factor and PIV as a protective factor against bone abnormalities
Authors: Yan Manli , Gong Ping , Li Xiang , Huang Haoyue , Wei Hua 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveThe prevalence of osteoporosis and its resultant healthcare challenges are escalating, posing significant burdens on public health systems. Studies have introduced immunoinflammatory indices, which are recognized for effectively reflecting the systemic immunoinflammatory status. Despite their potential, the exploration of these indices in the context of osteoporosis remains limited. The study sought to explore the relationship between immune inflammation-related indices and osteoporosis in non-diabetic elderly populations.MethodsThe clinical data of 438 non-diabetic elderly subjects were retrospectively analyzed and all statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0.ResultsDifferences were observed between the osteoporosis group and the normal bone density group in terms of age, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, hemoglobin, and platelet. A review of prior studies revealed a close association between osteoporosis and chronic inflammation. Immunological indices such as Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte to Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), Systemic Immuno-Inflammatory Index (SII), Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) and Peripheral Immunity Index (PIV) were calculated. The analysis indicated significant differences in MLR, SII, SIRI and PIV. A multifactorial binary logistic regression model was established, incorporating age, MLR, SII, SIRI, and PIV as variables. The results identified age and SIRI as independent risk factors for bone abnormalities in non-diabetic elderly populations, while PIV served as an independent protective factor. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that SIRI and PIV predicted osteoporosis with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.609 and 0.620, respectively. The diagnostic value was enhanced when combined with age, yielding AUC values of 0.725 for PIV combined with age. PIV combined with age was particularly effective as a biomarker for bone abnormalities in this population. The optimal Youden’s index was calculated to be 0.367, corresponding to a sensitivity of 63.8% and a specificity of 72.9%.ConclusionsFor non-diabetic elderly populations, SIRI is a risk factor, while PIV serves as a protective factor against bone abnormalities. Combined with previous studies, we suggest that people at high risk of osteoporosis should avoid or minimize the intake of pro-inflammatory dietary patterns. Meanwhile, research from an immune perspective is expected to open new avenues for osteoporosis treatment.
Preclinical delayed toxicity studies of BCMA CAR T-cell injection in B-NDG mice with multiple myeloma
Authors: Guo Jianmin , Wu Qiqi , Li Hongjian , Liang Chun , Dai Jinlong , Zhang Shuren , Dai Cailing , Zhang Jishuai , Wen Yuying , Yang Wei 
Published: November 2024

PurposeBased on the efficacy data from the previous study of B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell injection, we further examined the delayed toxicity for 8 weeks after a single dose of BCMA CAR T-cell injection to observe possible toxic reactions.MethodsB-NDG mice transplanted with multiple myeloma (MM) cells were given a single dose of BCMA CAR T-cell injection at two dosages or human normal T cells and then subjected to examinations including clinical signs, weight and food intake measurements, haematology, blood biochemical analysis, cytokine assay, T-lymphocyte subpopulation quantification and histopathology on days 28 and 56 after dosing. In addition, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to quantify DNA fragments in different tissues to assess the tissue distribution of CAR and provide a basis for its preclinical safety evaluation and clinical dosing.ResultsIn the delayed toxicity study, no mortality or significant toxic effects such as reductions in food intake, body weight, relevant biochemical parameters and target organ weights were observed in the BCMA CAR T-cell-treated groups. Compared to the model group, restorative changes in clinical signs and clinicopathology indicating therapeutic effects were seen in the BCMA CAR T-cell-treated groups. Human-derived cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-6, IL-12, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) could be detected in all cancer cell–bearing mice by cytokine level measurement. IFN-γ levels showed a geometric increase due to the graft versus host disease (GVHD) response induced in the mice, while the levels of the other cytokines did not show significant changes. Histopathological examination indicated that the BCMA CAR T-cell treatment groups showed mixed cellular infiltration of human-derived T cells, cancer cells, and inflammatory cells in several target organs including the liver, spleen, lung, and kidney, and some of them showed mild tissue damage, but the number of the animals and the severity of damage were significantly less than those of the T-cell control group as well as the model group. The results of the tissue distribution study showed that BCMA CAR T cells were mainly concentrated in the kidney, lung, bone marrow and the related immune organs/tissues, and the distribution of BCMA CAR T cells was highly consistent with that of MM cells, suggesting that BCMA CAR T cells could follow the cancer cells during metastatic targeting of the tissues.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated a low toxicity of BCMA CAR T-cell injection, with manageable side effects and good anticancer activity and without observable adverse effects. This study provides data to support future clinical studies of BCMA CAR T-cell injection for MM.
Nomogram-based prediction of the risk of AVF maturation: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Bin , Wang Hui , Wang Yuzhu , Zhan Shen , Yu Pei 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveEarly identification of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is crucial, as it enables early interventions that can enhance AVF maturation rates and reduce the duration of catheter use. This study aimed to identify factors that may predict arteriovenous fistula maturation in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.MethodsThis retrospective study included a cohort of 532 ESRD patients who underwent AVF creation and routine follow-up at the Beijing Haidian Hospital (Haidian Section of Pecking University Third Hospital) from August 2018 to March 2022. A total of 532 patients were randomly divided into a training cohort (389 cases) and a validation cohort (143 cases). Patients in each cohort were categorized into mature and non-mature groups based on whether they met clinical or ultrasound criteria 3 months after AVF creation. The timing of early intervention for non-maturation AVF was preliminarily discussed after a risk prediction nomogram for non-maturation in newly AVF creation was constructed.ResultsOf the 532 patients, 379 (73.24%) achieved fistula maturation at 3 months postoperatively. We randomly divided the total study population using computer-generated randomization into a training cohort (n = 389) and a validation cohort (n = 143) in an approximately 7:3 ratio. Analysis of the training cohort revealed that the anastomotic diameter (anas1), the internal diameter of the anastomotic vein (V1), brachial artery blood flow (F1) at 1 month, and brachial artery blood flow (F3) at 3 months postoperatively were associated with AVF maturation. A maturation nomogram was developed for the training cohort, yielding an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.938 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.908–0.967), with a sensitivity of 0.911 and a specificity of 0.856. The model was validated in the validation cohort, showing an AUC of 0.927 (95% CI, 0.879–0.975), with a sensitivity of 0.870 and specificity of 0.886. The calibration curve showed strong agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations.ConclusionThe anastomotic diameter (anas1), the internal diameter of the anastomotic vein (V1), brachial artery blood flow (F1) at 1 month, and brachial artery blood flow (F3) at 3 months postoperatively can predict the unassisted maturation of AVF.