bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral artery disease, antithrombotic treatment and outcomes in European and Asian patients with atrial fibrillation: analysis from two prospective observational registries
Authors: Mei Davide Antonio , Romiti Giulio Francesco , Bucci Tommaso , Corica Bernadette , Imberti Jacopo Francesco , Bonini Niccolò , Vitolo Marco , Shantsila Alena , Tse Hung-Fat , Chao Tze-Fan , Boriani Giuseppe , Proietti Marco , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), the impact of peripheral artery disease (PAD) on oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy use and the risk of outcomes remains unclear.

Objective
To analyse the epidemiology of PAD in a large cohort of European and Asian AF patients, and the impact on treatment patterns and risks of adverse outcomes.

Methods
We analysed AF patients from two large prospective observational registries. OAC prescription and risk of outcomes were analysed according to the presence of PAD, using adjusted Logistic and Cox regression analyses. The primary outcome was the composite of all-cause death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Interaction analyses were also performed.

Results
Fifteen-thousand-four-hundred-ninety-seven patients with AF (mean age 68.9, SD 11.6 years; 38.6% female, 30% from Asia) were included in the analysis. PAD was found in 941 patients (6.1%), with a higher prevalence among European individuals compared to Asian (8.1% vs 1.2%, p < 0.001). On logistic regression analysis, European patients had sixfold higher odds of presenting with PAD compared with Asians (OR 6.23, 95% CI 4.75–8.35).
After adjustments, PAD was associated with lower use of OAC (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.50–0.69). On Cox regression analysis, PAD was associated with a higher risk of the primary composite outcome (HR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08–1.52) and all-cause death (HR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.16–1.69). A significant interaction was observed between PAD and age, with higher effects of PAD found in younger patients (< 65 years) for the risk of the primary outcome (pint = 0.014).

Conclusions
In patients with AF, PAD is associated with lower use of OAC and a higher risk of adverse outcomes, with a greater risk seen in younger patients.
Exploring the ’EarSwitch’ concept: a novel ear based control method for assistive technology
Authors: Hoyle Anna C. , Stevenson Richard , Leonhardt Martin , Gillett Thomas , Martinez-Hernandez Uriel , Gompertz Nick , Clarke Christopher , Cazzola Dario , Metcalfe Benjamin W. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Loss of communication with loved ones and carers is one of the most isolating and debilitating effects of many neurological disorders. Assistive technology (AT) supports individuals with communication, but the acceptability of AT solutions is highly variable. In this paper a novel ear based control method of AT, the concept of ’EarSwitch’, is presented. This new approach is based on detecting ear rumbling, which is the voluntary contraction of the tensor tympani muscle (TTM), resulting in observable movement of the eardrum and a dull rumbling sound. ’EarSwitch’ has the potential to be a discreet method that can complement existing AT control methods. However, only a subset of the population can ear rumble and little is known about the ability of rumbling in populations with neurological disorders.

Methods
To explore the viability of the ’EarSwitch’ concept as an AT control method we conducted in-depth online surveys with (N=1853) respondents from the general population and (N=170) respondents with self-declared neurological disorders including Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).This is the largest ever study to explore ear rumbling and the first to explore whether rumbling is preserved among individuals with neurological disorders. In addition, we validated rumbling, and investigated usability of the ’EarSwitch’ concept as a control input, using in-person otoscopic examination with a subset of participants.

Results
A significant proportion of the population with neurological disorders could benefit from ’EarSwitch’ controllable AT. The upper bound prevalence of the ability to rumble without accompanying movements was 55% in the general population, 38% in the neurological population, and 20% of participants with MND (N=95) reported this ability. During the validation procedure, participants achieved high accuracy in self-reporting the ability to rumble (80%) and proved concept of using the ’EarSwitch’ method to control a basic interface.

Discussion
’EarSwitch’ is a potential new AT control method control, either by itself or as a supplement to other existing methods. Results demonstrate self-reported ear rumbling is present among patients with different neurological disorders, including MND. Further research should explore how well the ability to rumble is preserved in different types and stages of neurological disorders.
Numerical algorithms based on splines for singularly perturbed parabolic partial differential equations with mixed shifts
Authors: Vivek K. , Nageshwar Rao R. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we discuss singularly perturbed time-dependent convection–diffusion problems that arise in computational neuroscience. Specifically, we provide approaches for one-dimensional singularly perturbed parabolic partial differential difference equations (SPPPDDEs) with mixed shifts in the spatial variable using fitted operator spline in compression and adaptive spline. Temporal discretization is done by backward Euler’s method, and spline methods with exponential fitting on uniform mesh are implemented in the spatial domain. For better approximations, the Richardson extrapolation technique is used, which is demonstrated by two numerical examples. The convergence of the proposed methods is investigated and found to be uniform with respect to the perturbation parameter. Graphical representations are provided to show how the shifts affect the proposed solution to the problem.
Evaluation of bone health problems among a group of children with rheumatological diseases
Authors: Lotfy Hala , Mostafa Somaia , Seif Hadeel Mohamed , Shady Hend Mohamed Abu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Bone health problems such as decreased bone mineral density (BMD), osteopenia, and osteoporosis are major concerns during childhood as this period is the most critical for the development of optimum bone mass which is an essential determinant of bone health in adulthood. Secondary bone health problems are common among children with chronic diseases especially autoimmune diseases due to the inflammatory mediators, lack of appropriate physical activity, nutritional deficiencies, and side effects of medications.

Aim of the work
To evaluate BMD among a group of Egyptian children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE), and to study the association between bone health problems with different disease parameters, disease activity, and severity.

Patients and methods
Twenty-one children with JIA and 21 children with JSLE were assessed for bone health problems by thorough history taking, clinical examination, laboratory investigations including 25 (OH) vitamin D level, and evaluation of lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). LSBMD z-score results were adjusted according to height for age z-score (HAZ), we compared the results of LSBMD z-score to the HAZ-adjusted LSBMD z-score (LSBMDhaz) and correlated both with different JSLE and JIA disease parameters.

Results
Patients’ mean age was 9.9 ± 3.0 years, 12 (28.6%) were males and 30 (71.4%) were females. Most patients had decreased LSBMD. Low BMD frequency was higher among JSLE than JIA patients (p-value = 0.03). Mean ± SD of LSBMD z-score was − 1.73 ± 1.98 while the mean of LBMDhaz z-score was − 1.31 ± 1.70, there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods (p-value = 0.073). The LBMDhaz score detected more frequent abnormal LSBMD than non-adjusted LSBMD 29 (69%) and 19 (54.2%) respectively. Low LSBMD was not correlated with JSLE and JIA activity scores (p-value = 0.376 and 0.786 respectively), or the glucocorticoids (GC) dose in SLE and JIA (p-value = 0.203, 0.056 respectively) and duration (p-value = 0.203, 0.056 respectively). Most patients had decreased 25 OH vitamin D levels, 17 (40%) had insufficient and 7 (16.7%) had deficient levels.

Conclusion
Decreased LSBMD and vitamin D levels were detected among most of our JSLE and JIA patients. BMD should be monitored frequently among children with JIA and JSLE independent of disease severity or dose and duration of steroid therapy. Early detection and management of bone health problems improve the quality of life of these children.
A spatial-frequency patching metasurface enabling super-capacity perfect vector vortex beams
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Gao Xinyue , Yao Jing , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhong Tianting , Shi Yuzhi , Li Bo , Lai Puxiang , Li Xiangping , Song Qinghua 
Published: December 2024

AbstractOptical vortices, featured with an infinite number of orthogonal channels of orbital angular momentum, have demonstrated marvelous potentials in optical multiplexing and associated applications. However, conventional vortex beams with global phase modulation approach usually possess a single topological charge (TC) and a uniform radial distance with the donut-shaped intensity, leaving unlimited spatial intensity information unexplored. Here, to break the spatial capacity limitation, we introduce an entirely new concept of a spatial-frequency patching metasurface by patching the field distribution piece-by-piece in the spatial-frequency domain, thereby breaking the symmetry of the beam morphology and allowing for local manipulation of spatial intensity and TC distributions. Moreover, by superimposing two orthogonal circular polarized perfect VBs, our breakthrough offers a super-capacity with at least 13 channels across a 3D parametric space, including morphology, polarization azimuth and ellipticity angle, namely super-capacity perfect vector vortex beams (SC-PVVBs). Furthermore, we have designed an optimized Dammann grating to facilitate an array of SC-PVVBs, thereby unleashing the full potentials across 13 channels/bits for multi-dimensional complex information communications. Our findings promise dense data transmission in an ultra-secure manner using VBs, opening up new avenues in super-capacity optical information technology in an integrated metasurface platform.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Symptom Monitoring in Adult Cancer Survivorship: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tabataba Vakili Sanam , Haywood Darren , Kirk Deborah , Abdou Aalaa M. , Gopalakrishnan Ragisha , Sadeghi Sarina , Guedes Helena , Tan Chia Jie , Thamm Carla , Bernard Rhys , Wong Henry C.Y. , Kuhn Elaine P. , Kwan Jennifer Y.Y. , Lee Shing Fung , Hart Nicolas H. , Paterson Catherine , Chopra Deepti A. , Drury Amanda , Zhang Elwyn , Raeisi Dehkordi Shayan , Ashbury Fredrick D. , Kotronoulas Grigorios , Chow Edward , Jefford Michael , Chan Raymond J. , Fazelzad Rouhi , Raman Srinivas , Alkhaifi Muna ,   on behalf of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Survivorship Study Group
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care may afford new avenues for personalized and patient-centered care. This systematic review explored the role of AI in symptom monitoring for adult cancer survivors.

METHODS
A comprehensive search was performed from inception to November 2023 in seven bibliographic databases and three clinical trial registries. This PROSPERO registered review (ID: CRD42023476027) assessed reports of empirical research studies of AI use in symptom monitoring (physical and psychological symptoms) across all cancer types in adults.

RESULTS
A total of 18,530 reports were identified, of which 41 met review criteria and were analyzed. Included studies were predominantly published between 2021 and 2023, originated in the United States (39.0%) and Japan (14.6%), and primarily used cohort designs (80.5%), followed by cross-sectional designs (12.2%). The mean sample size was 617.14 (standard deviation = 1,401.37), with most studies primarily including multiple tumor types (31.7%) or breast cancer survivors (26.8%). Machine learning algorithms (43.9%) was the most used AI method, followed by natural language processing (29.3%), AI-driven chatbots (17.1%), and decision support tools (9.8%). The most common inputs to the AI algorithms were textual data, patient-reported symptoms, and physiologic measurements. The most examined symptom was pain (34.2% of studies), followed by fatigue and nausea (17.1% of studies each). Overall, the review showed increasing AI technology use in the prediction and monitoring of cancer symptoms.

CONCLUSION
AI is being used to enhance symptom monitoring in various cancer settings. When considering integration into clinical practice, standardization of data capture, the use of analytics, investing in infrastructure, and the end-user experience should be considered for successful implementation and monitoring the improvement of patient outcomes.
General Practitioners' Experiences With Implementing Colon or Prostate Cancer Survivorship Care in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey Nested Within Two Randomized-Controlled Trials
Authors: Vos Julien A.M. , Wollersheim Barbara M. , van Weert Henk C.P.M. , van de Poll-Franse Lonneke V. , van Asselt Kristel M. 
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE
To evaluate general practitioners' (GPs) experiences with providing cancer survivorship care and explore readiness for implementation.

METHODS
This cross-sectional survey study was nested within two randomized-controlled trials conducted in the Netherlands between 2015 and 2023, comparing GP- with specialist-led survivorship care for patients with colon or prostate cancer. An adapted version of the normalisation measure development (NoMAD) survey was distributed among participating GPs. NoMAD assesses the implementation of complex interventions and includes seven items on experiences (score ranges, 0-10) and 19 core items (expressed as % agreement). Higher scores indicate greater normalization, that is, embedding in primary care.

RESULTS
In total, 214 GPs participated (response rate, 69%). The overall experience with providing survivorship care was 7.0 ± 1.6 for prostate cancer and 6.4 ± 1.8 for colon cancer. Lowest scores were seen for willingness to provide care (5.9 ± 2.4 and 5.0 ± 2.5, respectively), expected future involvement (6.6 ± 2.0 and 5.6 ± 2.5), and appropriateness of involvement (6.4 ± 2.1 and 5.6 ± 2.7). GPs in both trials agreed (±75%) there was potential value for patients, but not for their own work (±50%). Survivorship care for colon cancer was often perceived as different from usual care (74%). GPs' self-reported knowledge of care was high in the prostate cancer trial (62%), but not in the colon cancer trial (41%). GPs from both trials agreed that they could easily integrate management of physical and psychosocial effects into their work (±70%), but integrating routine check-ups was rated less positively (±55%). Financial compensation was deemed necessary (±80% agreed). Twenty-one percent was willing to provide care for other cancer types.

CONCLUSION
GPs recognize value of providing survivorship care for patients, but experiences differ on the basis of cancer type. Implementation of prostate versus colon cancer survivorship care appears more feasible.
Time From Screening to Treatment at Accredited Breast Centers in the United States
Authors: Thompson Danielle M. , Fefferman Marie L. , Nicholson Kyra M. , Baron Paul L. , Nguyen Toan T. , Schmitz Kathryn H. , Dietz Jill R. , Bleicher Richard J. , Kuchta Kristine , Simovic Sandra , Yao Katharine A. 
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE
The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) launched the Patient-Reported Observations for Medical Procedure Timeliness quality collaborative to assess time intervals between screening and treatment for patients with breast cancer.

METHODS
Sites submitted monthly timeliness data in calendar days from 2019 to 2021 along with their perceptions of timeliness at their centers and facility characteristics. All patients were included in the interval from screening to diagnosis, whereas only patients with cancer were included in the biopsy to treatment intervals. Institutions were compared and assessed for differences and associations with center characteristics via the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS
Three hundred seventy-three (64.5%) NAPBC-accredited breast centers enrolled, and 311 (83.3%) provided complete timeliness metrics. Two hundred nine (56%) sites did not have trainees, 154 (41.3%) sites were within 10 miles of a major city, and the median number of annual breast cancer cases was 280 (IQR, 189-366). From 2019 to 2021, the time between diagnosis and treatment was as follows: 11-12 days between screening mammogram (MGM) and diagnostic MGM, 8-9 days between diagnostic MGM and biopsy, 32-34 days between biopsy and neoadjuvant therapy, and 39-42 days between biopsy and surgery. The enrolled centers believe that these intervals should be 7, 7, 21, and 28 days, respectively. Higher annual case volume and a larger number of surgeons exclusively devoted to breast disease were significantly associated with longer time intervals.

CONCLUSION
Time from biopsy to first treatment is longer than that centers expected compared with time from screening to diagnosis. There is significant variability across NAPBC in time from screening mammogram to treatment, and some institutions will face more challenges with timely quality measures than others. Further investigation into whether these differences confer outcome differences should be pursued.
The Pretreatment Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Near-Term Prognostic Indicator in Patients with Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy: A Propensity Score Matching Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Weifu , Zhang Kongzhi , Chen Shiguang , Wang Xiaolong , Yu Wenchang 
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background To investigate the predictive value of the pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for estimating the near-term efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in patients with locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods In this retrospective study, data were collected from patients with locally advanced HCC treated with HAIC between January 2018 and June 2022. Patients were categorized based on their pretreatment NLRs and analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM). The primary endpoints in this study were objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results The optimal pretreatment NLR cutoff was 2.90 using the X-tile software (version 3.6.1; Yale Corp., New Haven, CT, USA), and 104 patients were included. These patients were divided into a high-NLR subgroup (>2.9; n = 44) and a low-NLR subgroup (≤2.9; n = 60). 43 matched pairs were analyzed following PSM. PFS (6.7 months vs. 3.8 months, p = 0.007) and ORR (69.8% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in patients with a low pretreatment NLR than in patients with a high pretreatment NLR. Both univariate and multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that a high pretreatment NLR was an independent negative prognostic factor for ORR (hazard ratio [HR], 3.464; 95% CI, 1.383–8.678; p = 0.008) and PFS (HR, 1.634; 95% CI, 1.026–2.600; p = 0.038). No significant differences in the incidence of adverse events were observed between the groups. Conclusion Pretreatment NLR is a readily obtainable and effective biomarker for predicting the near-term efficacy of HAIC in patients with locally advanced HCC.
Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Benzbromarone Combined with Sodium Bicarbonate Tablets in the Treatment of Hyperuricemia
Authors: Zhu Wei-Hong , Huang Ke-Ke , Zhang Xin-Yi , Deng Bao-Zhu 
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. If left untreated, hyperuricemia can progress to gout, which manifests as acute arthritic attacks, and may also lead to uric acid nephrolithiasis and other renal conditions. This widespread condition poses significant risks to human health and quality of life. This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness and safety of using benzbromarone in combination with sodium bicarbonate tablets for the treatment of gout associated with hyperuricemia. Methods The study reviewed the electronic medical records (EMR) of 150 patients with gout and hyperuricemia who were admitted to our hospital between May 2018 and December 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a control group and a research group. The control group received oral sodium bicarbonate tablets, while the research group was treated with oral benzbromarone tablets in addition to sodium bicarbonate tablets. The study compared the treatment outcomes and adverse reactions between the two groups, as well as assessed changes in blood-related indicators, the number of tophi, pain levels, and quality of life before and after treatment. Results The research group demonstrated a higher total effective rate compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Post-treatment, the research group exhibited significantly lower levels of serum uric acid (UA), serum creatinine (Scr), and urea (p < 0.05). Additionally, this group had fewer tophi and lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Quality of life scores were also significantly higher in the research group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of adverse drug reactions between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion The combination of benzbromarone and sodium bicarbonate tablets is highly effective in treating gout associated with hyperuricemia. This treatment not only reduces uric acid levels and the number of tophi but also enhances renal function, alleviates pain, and improves the overall quality of life for patients.