bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-care practices among hypertensive patients at the primary health care centers in Unaizah city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Siam Bahia Galal Abd El-Razik , Aldakeel Hind Kaliefah , Alrasheeday Awatif M. , Alsaqri Salman H. , Alshammari Bushra , Alshammari Farhan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis study assessed the self-care practices among hypertensive patients at the primary health centers in Unaizah city, Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023, at all primary healthcare centers in Unaizah city. A total of 372 hypertensive patients, aged 18 and older, who had been on follow-up care for at least 6 months were randomly selected using a cluster sampling method. Data regarding socio-demographics, health history, and hypertensive self-care practices (H-SCALE) were collected using a validated questionnaire.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 41.4 ± 9.6 years. Of them, 34.1% were males and 65.9% were females. Only 14.0% were smokers, 55.9% had hypertension for less than 1 year, and 53.8% did not monitor their blood pressure. None of them was addicted to any substance or using alcohol. The most commonly associated chronic disease among the participants was hyperlipidemia (61.3%), followed by diabetes mellitus. The participants were most likely reported engaging in weight management-related self-care activities, followed by healthy diet activities, and medication adherence. The H-SCALE scores increased as the frequency of engagement in self-care activities increased. There were significant differences in H-SCALE scores based on age, gender, education level, and employment status.ConclusionEngaging in self-care activities is associated with better self-care behavior. Age, gender, education level, and employment status are significant predictors of hypertension self-care behaviors. Healthcare providers should educate hypertensive patients on blood pressure monitoring and integrated management of hypertension and other chronic diseases.
Psychological features of systemic sclerosis: results from an observational study
Authors: Romanazzo Sara , Rometsch Caroline , Marangoni Alessia , Guiducci Serena , Cosci Fiammetta 
Published: December 2024

Objectives(a) Assessing mental disorders, psychological distress, psychological wellbeing in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc); (b) identifying psychological features independently contributing to the status of having the diagnosis of SSc.MethodsTwo hundred SSc outpatients were compared with 100 healthy subjects. Mental disorders were assessed via the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Self-reported rating scales were administered: Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), Psychological Well Being scales (PWB). General linear models allowed to verify which psychological feature would individually make unique contributions to overall status of having the diagnosis of SSc.ResultsMajor depressive episode/disorder, panic disorder were more prevalent among patients with SSc (p &lt; 0.05); SCL-90-R somatization and depression were more severe (p &lt; 0.05) in SSc; PWB personal growth, positive relationships with others, purposes in life were poorer (p &lt; 0.05) in patients with SSc if compared to healthy controls. The final general linear model, accounting for 20.4% of variance, showed that having the diagnosis of SSc was associated to lower SCL-90-R paranoid ideation and poorer PWB relationships with others.ConclusionSSc showed to present psychological features in need of assessment since some of them individually made unique contributions to overall status of having the SSc diagnosis.
Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio associated with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Xinyan , Li Keou , Huang Tingxuan , Tang Hongfeng 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveIndividuals with psoriasis face significant physiological and psychological burdens, and their compliance and satisfaction with medication regimens are alarmingly low. In recent years, the comorbidity of psoriasis has become a research focus. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between psoriasis and the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR).MethodsData from 17,941 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning two intervals, 2003–2006 and 2009–2014, served as the foundation for this analysis. We used weighted logistic regression, stratified analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve fitting to validate potential associations between NHHR and psoriasis risk.ResultsIn this investigation, the analysis of three different models highlighted elevated levels of the NHHR as a consistent risk factor for psoriasis. After adjusting for potential confounders, a positive correlation was observed between NHHR and the prevalence of psoriasis (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.15, p &lt; 0.05). Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were conducted to determine if variables such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke impact the association between NHHR and psoriasis. The findings indicated no significant modification of the NHHR-psoriasis link by these factors, as all interaction p-values were above 0.05. The RCS analysis uncovered a nonlinear relationship between psoriasis and the NHHR (p = 0.0176).ConclusionStatistical analysis confirms a significant correlation between the NHHR and the development of psoriasis, suggesting that NHHR may serve as a novel marker for predicting psoriasis risk. This correlation also provides insights for early health management strategies.
Conservative treatments for women with stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Li Mengzhen , Qiu Kexin , Guo Haoran , Fan Mengsi , Yan Li 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness of various conservative treatment strategies for women with stress urinary incontinence.MethodsA comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was conducted from their inception through March 2024, without restrictions on language or location. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of conservative treatments for stress urinary incontinence, using short-term pad test or the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) score as outcome measures, were included. We conducted a network meta-analysis using a random-effects model to compare the effectiveness of different conservative treatment strategies, employing prediction interval plots and league tables, and ranked them according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). The quality of the included studies was assessed following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.ResultsA total of 31 RCTs involving 1,900 patients across 8 intervention categories were included in the analysis. SUCRA rankings indicated that electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 95.9%) was the most effective therapy for improving ICIQ-UI SF scores, followed by biofeedback electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 84.9%), radiofrequency (SUCRA = 77.5%), biofeedback (SUCRA = 57.8%), magnetic stimulation (SUCRA = 45.3%), pelvic floor muscle training (SUCRA = 38.4%), Er: YAG laser (SUCRA = 37.4%), and CO2 laser (SUCRA = 7.4%). In terms of reducing urine leakage, the treatments were ranked in descending order as follows: Er: YAG laser (SUCRA = 97.5%), biofeedback electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 83.4%), biofeedback (SUCRA = 67.0%), radiofrequency (SUCRA = 59.5%), electrical stimulation (SUCRA = 48.4%), pelvic floor muscle training (SUCRA = 43.0%), magnetic stimulation (SUCRA = 27.8%), and CO2 laser (SUCRA = 21.4%). Based on the clustered rankings of the two metrics, biofeedback electrical stimulation was identified as the most effective therapy for improving stress urinary incontinence.ConclusionBased on the combined analysis of two indicators, we found that biofeedback electrical stimulation may be the optimal therapy for the conservative management of stress urinary incontinence.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024569845.
Grey and harbor seals in France (mainland and Saint-Pierre et Miquelon): microbial communities and identification of a microbial source tracking seal marker
Authors: Godino Sanchez Alisson , Serghine Joëlle , Le Mennec Cécile , Noël Cyril , Schaeffer Julien , Goraguer Herlé , Vincent Cécile , Vitré Thomas , Le Guyader Françoise S. , Gourmelon Michèle 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionSeals, protected wild marine mammals, are widely found in waters around the world. However, rising concerns about their increasing numbers in some areas have led to potential worries regarding microbiological contamination of coastal areas by their feces, which could impact bathing and shellfish-harvesting activities. To the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted on the bacterial and RNA viral communities present in the feces of both grey and harbor seals, which are the two main seal species observed in mainland France and overseas.MethodsFecal bacterial (n = 132) and RNA viral (n = 40) communities of seals were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing and viral RNA sequencing methods, respectively. In addition, to identify the specific characteristics of seal fecal microbial communities compared to other animal fecal microbial communities that may also contaminate coastal areas, the bacterial communities of seals were compared to those of wild waterbirds and breeding animals (i.e., cattle and pigs) which could be present in upstream catchments of coastal areas. Finally, ANCOM was used to identify unique and seal-associated Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs), aiming to develop a Microbial Source Tracking (MST) bacterial qPCR marker associated with seals.Results and discussionThe bacterial communities of grey and harbor seals were not found to be significantly different and were characterized by a predominance of Firmicutes, including the genera Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Peptoclostridium, followed by Fusobacteriota with the genus Fusobacterium, and Bacteroidota with the genus Bacteroides. However, variations in bacterial communities between sites and individuals were observed. Similar observations were made for the RNA viral communities being characterized by a predominance of Picobirnaviridae (44% of total reads) and Astroviridae (15%). This study successfully developed a sensitive (89.8%) and specific (97.1%) MST qPCR marker targeting grey seal-associated bacteria belonging to the Bifidobacteriaceae family. This marker can be used to identify potential fecal contamination of coastal areas by seals and complements the MST toolboxes of markers already developed for humans, wild birds and livestock.
Global research trajectories in gut microbiota and functional constipation: a bibliometric and visualization study
Authors: Ong Shun Seng , Xu Lianjie , Ang Ching Wei , Deng Xiaoyue , Lu Hai , Xu Tianshu 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundFunctional constipation (FC) negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with gut microbiota (GM) imbalances. Despite the growing interest in this area, a thorough analysis of research trends is missing. This study uses bibliometric methods to assess the global research on GM’s role in FC, pinpointing key topics, impactful studies, and prominent researchers to guide future research and identify gaps.MethodsIn our study, we conducted a performance analysis and science mapping using bibliometric indicators such as publication trends, author and institutional contributions, productivity, impact, keyword analysis, and collaboration networks. We employed software tools like VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, CiteSpace, and SCImago Graphica to automate the assessment of metrics including country, institutional, and journal distribution, authorship, keyword frequency, and citation patterns.ResultsFrom 2013 to 2024, annual publications on GM and FC rose from 29 to 252, with a slight decrease to 192 in 2024. Average citations per publication peaked at 11.12 in 2021, declining to 6.43 by 2024. China led in research output (37.8%), followed by the United States (14.4%) and Japan (7.5%). Bibliometric analysis identified key authors like CHEN W and ZHANG H, with 30 and 27 articles, respectively. Jiangnan University and Harvard University were top contributors, with 131 and 81 articles. Keywords analysis revealed “constipation,” “gut microbiota,” and “probiotic” as central themes, with a shift toward “gut microbiota” and “intestinal flora” in recent years. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape, highlighting leading authors, institutions, and evolving research priorities in the field.ConclusionOur review synthesizes current GM and FC research, guiding future studies. It suggests exploring GM in various GI disorders, the impact of lifestyle and drugs on GM, advanced research techniques, and probiotics/prebiotics for FC. There’s also a focus on therapies targeting GM’s effect on the gut-brain axis, paving the way for improved FC management.
Unmanned aerial vehicles for human detection and recognition using neural-network model
Authors: Abbas Yawar , Al Mudawi Naif , Alabdullah Bayan , Sadiq Touseef , Algarni Asaad , Rahman Hameedur , Jalal Ahmad 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionRecognizing human actions is crucial for allowing machines to understand and recognize human behavior, with applications spanning video based surveillance systems, human-robot collaboration, sports analysis systems, and entertainment. The immense diversity in human movement and appearance poses a significant challenge in this field, especially when dealing with drone-recorded (RGB) videos. Factors such as dynamic backgrounds, motion blur, occlusions, varying video capture angles, and exposure issues greatly complicate recognition tasks.MethodsIn this study, we suggest a method that addresses these challenges in RGB videos captured by drones. Our approach begins by segmenting the video into individual frames, followed by preprocessing steps applied to these RGB frames. The preprocessing aims to reduce computational costs, optimize image quality, and enhance foreground objects while removing the background.ResultThis results in improved visibility of foreground objects while eliminating background noise. Next, we employ the YOLOv9 detection algorithm to identify human bodies within the images. From the grayscale silhouette, we extract the human skeleton and identify 15 important locations, such as the head, neck, shoulders (left and right), elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and hips (left and right), and belly button. By using all these points, we extract specific positions, angular and distance relationships between them, as well as 3D point clouds and fiducial points. Subsequently, we optimize this data using the kernel discriminant analysis (KDA) optimizer, followed by classification using a deep neural network (CNN). To validate our system, we conducted experiments on three benchmark datasets: UAV-Human, UCF, and Drone-Action.DiscussionOn these datasets, our suggested model produced corresponding action recognition accuracies of 0.68, 0.75, and 0.83.
Changes in body composition revealed by bioelectrical impedance analysis reflect strength and motor performance in myotonic dystrophy type 2
Authors: Frezza Erica , Merra Giuseppe , Greco Giulia , Goglia Mariangela , Seraceno Silvia , Boffa Laura , Mercuri Nicola B. , De Lorenzo Antonino , Massa Roberto 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionIn myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2), metabolic dysfunctions are frequent. Therefore, measurement of muscle mass and body composition by non-invasive methods could help in evaluating disease severity and progression. The aim of our study was to investigate, by means of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), whether DM2 patients have an alteration in their body composition and if this finding correlates with strength and motor performances.MethodsWe obtained anthropometric measures, nutritional data, BIA and blood tests in 18 DM2 patients and correlated them with motor function tests.ResultsThe 33% of male and 22% of female patients had BMI values compatible with severe obesity, whereas 44% of males and 33% of females had a metabolic syndrome. Considering BIA parameters, phase angle was under normal values in 56% of males and 89% of females. This may be regarded as a marker of deranged cell membrane function. Motor tests showed a fair to strong direct correlation with several BIA parameters.ConclusionThese data suggest that BIA findings may be faithful markers of the degree of muscle wasting and impairment in DM2. The different degree of BIA alterations between genders indicate that body composition undergoes sex-related modifications in this disease. The potential of this technique to capture changes in a slowly progressive disorder such as DM2 should be tested in longitudinal studies.
Comparison of outcomes between anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies for intracranial arterial dissections
Authors: Lee Seong-Joon , Kim Min , Park So Young , Park Ji Hyun , Park Bumhee , Jung Woo Sang , Choi Jin Wook , Lim Yong Cheol , Hong Ji Man , Lee Jin Soo 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate real-world data on the differences in outcomes between antiplatelet (AP) and anticoagulation (AC) therapies for intracranial arterial dissection (IAD).MethodsThis study included patients with symptomatic unruptured IAD between 2010 and 2021 that were treated with anti-thrombotics. Patients were dichotomized to AC and AP based on a treatment policy analysis. Primary endpoints were a composite of ischemic early neurological deterioration, recurrent ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or 3-month mortality. Arterial changes were evaluated both in the early (during admission) and late (after discharge) periods. A treatment effectiveness analysis was also performed with AC, AP and a third group of antithrombotic cross-overs. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust significant baseline differences.ResultsIn unruptured IAD patients (N = 311), the AC group (N = 211) presented with a higher rate of ischemic stroke or TIA (74.4% vs. 51.0%, p &lt; 0.001) and steno-occlusive morphology (vs. dilatation, 63.0% vs. 39.0%, p &lt; 0.001) compared to AP group (N = 100). After PSM, there was no difference in rates of primary endpoint (9.4% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.470). The results of the treatment effectiveness analysis resembled that of the treatment policy analysis. However, there was a high rate of cross-overs from AC to AP (57/211 [27.0%]). In this group, there was a higher rate of early arterial changes (26.8% vs. 13.1%, p = 0.019) compared to the AC group.ConclusionIn patients with unruptured IAD, this study did not show differences in primary endpoints according to antithrombotic regimen, while there was a high rate of cross-overs from AC to AP.
Integrative multi-omics approach using random forest and artificial neural network models for early diagnosis and immune infiltration characterization in ischemic stroke
Authors: Lin Ling , Guo Chunmao , Jin Hanna , Huang Haixiong , Luo Fan , Wang Ying , Li Dongqi , Zhang Yuanxin , Xu Yuqian , Zhu Chanyan , Zeng Fengshan , He Huahua , Chen Jie , Zhang Wei , Yu Wenlin 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIschemic stroke (IS) is a significant global health issue, causing high rates of morbidity, mortality, and disability. Since conventional Diagnosis methods for IS have several shortcomings. It is critical to create new Diagnosis models in order to enhance existing Diagnosis approaches.MethodsWe utilized gene expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases GSE16561 and GSE22255 to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IS. DEGs analysis using the Limma package, as well as GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, were performed. Furthermore, PPI networks were constructed using DEGs from the String database, and Random Forest models were utilized to screen key DEGs. Additionally, an artificial neural network model was developed for IS classification. Use the GSE58294 dataset to evaluate the effectiveness of the scoring model on healthy controls and ischemic stroke samples. The effectiveness of the scoring model was evaluated through AUC analysis, and CIBERSORT analysis was conducted to estimate the immune landscape and explore the correlation between gene expression and immune cell infiltration.ResultsA total of 26 significant DEGs associated with IS were identified. Metascape analysis revealed enriched biological processes and pathways related to IS. 10 key DEGs (ARG1, DUSP1, F13A1, NFIL3, CCR7, ADM, PTGS2, ID3, FAIM3, HLA-DQB1) were selected using Random Forest and artificial neural network models. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the IS classification model was found to be near 1, indicating its high accuracy. Additionally, the analysis of the immune landscape demonstrated elevated immune-related networks in IS patients compared to healthy controls.ConclusionThe study uncovers the involvement of specific genes and immune cells in the pathogenesis of IS, suggesting their importance in understanding and potentially targeting the disease.
Alterations in large-scale resting-state network nodes following transcranial focused ultrasound of deep brain structures
Authors: Gorka Stephanie M. , Jimmy Jagan , Koning Katherine , Phan K. Luan , Rotstein Natalie , Hoang-Dang Bianca , Halavi Sabrina , Spivak Norman , Monti Martin M. , Reggente Nicco , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Kuhn Taylor P. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundLow-intensity transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a brain stimulation approach that holds promise for the treatment of brain-based disorders. Studies in humans have shown that tFUS can successfully modulate perfusion in focal sonication targets, including the amygdala; however, limited research has explored how tFUS impacts large-scale neural networks.ObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to address this gap and examine changes in resting-state connectivity between large-scale network nodes using a randomized, double-blind, within-subjects crossover study design.MethodsHealthy adults (n = 18) completed two tFUS sessions, 14 days apart. Each session included tFUS of either the right amygdala or the left entorhinal cortex (ErC). The inclusion of two active targets allowed for within-subjects comparisons as a function of the locus of sonication. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected before and after each tFUS session.ResultstFUS altered resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) within and between rs-network nodes. Pre-to-post sonication of the right amygdala modulated connectivity within nodes of the salience network (SAN) and between nodes of the SAN and the default mode network (DMN) and frontoparietal network (FRP). A decrease in SAN to FPN connectivity was specific to the amygdala target. Pre-to-post sonication of the left ErC modulated connectivity between the dorsal attention network (DAN) and FPN and DMN. An increase in DAN to DMN connectivity was specific to the ErC target.ConclusionThese preliminary findings may suggest that tFUS induces neuroplastic changes beyond the immediate sonication target. Additional studies are needed to determine the long-term stability of these effects.