bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive blood-based biomarkers detection of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated-tau181 for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yang Wei , Guan Fulin , Yang Lihui , Shou Guangli , Zhu Fangfang , Xu Yuanyuan , Meng Ying , Li Min , Dong Wanli 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPlasma biomarker has the potential to be the reliable and propagable approach in the early stage diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, conventional methods appear powerless in the detection of these biomarkers at low concentrations in plasma. Here, we determined plasma biomarker concentrations of patients across the AD spectrum by an improved digital enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Confirms the predictive and diagnostic value of this method for AD patients and study the relationships between these biomarkers and cognitive status.MethodsPlasma concentrations of amyloid-beta 40 (Aβ40), amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) and plasma phosphorylated tau at threonine 181 (p-tau181) were determined in 43 AD patients, 33 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and 40 normal cognition (NC) subjects as healthy controls using the improved digital ELISA technique. In addition, all subjects were required to receive neuropsychological assessments.ResultsPlasma p-tau181 level showed certain discrepancies between NC and MCI (p &lt; 0.05), AD (p &lt; 0.01) groups. The level of plasma Aβ42 (p &lt; 0.05) and Aβ40 (p &lt; 0.01) was significantly different between AD and NC group. The p-tau181 level was able to distinguish AD (AUC = 0.8768) and MCI (AUC = 0.7932) from NC with higher accuracy than Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (AUC = 0.8343, AUC = 0.6569). Both p-tau181 (CDR: r = 0.388 p &lt; 0.001; MMSE: r = −0.394 p &lt; 0.001) and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (CDR: r = −0.413 p &lt; 0.001; MMSE: r = 0.358 p &lt; 0.001) showed stronger positive correlation with clinical dementia rating (CDR) and mini mental state examination (MMSE) scores than Aβ42 (CDR: r = −0.280 p = 0.003; MMSE: r = 0.266 p = 0.005) or Aβ40 (CDR: r = 0.373 p &lt; 0.001; MMSE: r = −0.288 p = 0.002) alone.ConclusionPlasma p-tau181 level and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio showed promising values in diagnosis of AD and MCI. Our results indicate that this improved digital ELISA diagnosis approach can facilitate early recognition and management of AD and pre-AD patients.
The diagnostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, albumin to fibrinogen ratio, and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in Parkinson’s disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yi-Ming , Xu Xiao-Hu , Ren Li-Na , Xu Xiao-Fan , Dai Yi-Long , Yang Rui-Rui , Jin Cheng-Qiang 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a prevalent disorder of the central nervous system, marked by the degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral midbrain. In the pathogenesis of PD, inflammation hypothesis has been concerned. This study aims to investigate clinical indicators of peripheral inflammation in PD patients and to explore the diagnostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), albumin-to-fibrinogen ratio (AFR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) in assessing PD risk.MethodsThis study included 186 patients with PD and 201 matched healthy controls (HC) with baseline data. Firstly, the differences of hematological indicators between PD group and healthy participants were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were then conducted. Smooth curve fitting was applied to further validate the relationships between NLR, LMR, AFR, and PD. Subsequently, subgroup analysis was conducted in PD group according to different duration of disease and Hoehn and Yahr (H&amp;Y) stage, comparing differences in clinical indicators. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the diagnostic value of NLR, LMR, and AFR in PD.ResultsCompared to the HC group, the PD group showed significantly higher levels of hypertension, diabetes, neutrophil count, monocyte count, CRP, homocysteine, fibrinogen, and NLR. Conversely, levels of LMR, AFR, lymphocyte count, HDL, LDL, TG, TC, uric acid, and albumin were significantly lower. The multivariate regression model indicated that NLR (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.39–2.31, p &lt; 0.001), LMR (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66–0.85, p &lt; 0.001), and AFR (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.73–0.85, p &lt; 0.001) were significant factors associated with PD. Smooth curve fitting revealed that NLR was positively linked to PD risk, whereas AFR and LMR were inversely associated with it. In ROC curve analysis, the AUC of AFR was 0.7290, the sensitivity was 63.98%, and the specificity was 76.00%. The AUC of NLR was 0.6200, the sensitivity was 50.54%, and the specificity was 71.50%. The AUC of LMR was 0.6253, the sensitivity was 48.39%, and the specificity was 73.00%. The AUC of the combination was 0.7498, the sensitivity was 74.19%, and the specificity was 64.00%.ConclusionOur findings indicate that NLR, LMR, and AFR are significantly associated with Parkinson’s disease and may serve as diagnostic markers.
Case report: Carnivore–ketogenic diet for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease: a case series of 10 patients
Authors: Norwitz Nicholas G. , Soto-Mota Adrian 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundVery-low-carbohydrate diets, including ketogenic and carnivore diets, are gaining popularity for the experimental treatment of a wide range of disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).MethodsParticipants were recruited through a social media survey. Final inclusion required a histologically confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease that was responsive to treatment with a ketogenic or carnivore diet without medication or with successful medication cessation on the diet. Clinical improvement was measured with the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ).ResultsWe report on 10 cases of IBD responsive to ketogenic, mostly carnivore, diets. Clinical presentations were diverse, including six cases of UC and four of Crohn’s disease. Clinical improvements were universal, with clinical improvement scores ranging between 72 and 165 points on the IBDQ. Patients’ diets comprised mostly meat, eggs, and animal fats. Patients report their diets are pleasurable, sustainable, and unequivocally enhance their quality of life.ConclusionKetogenic and carnivore diets hold promise for the treatment of IBD, including UC and Crohn’s disease. These cases are consistent with clinical literature that shows an inverse association between intestinal ketone levels and IBD activity, as well as the therapeutic effects of low residue elimination diets on colonic microbiota metabolism.
The impact of discharge readiness on post-traumatic growth in patients after thyroid cancer surgery: the mediating role of sickness-related stigma
Authors: Huang Bin , Liu Guangzhi , Huang Jiaqian , He Susu , Li Wen , Xiao Shanshan , Song Xiaohua , Chen Hongtao 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between post-traumatic growth, morbidity stigma and readiness for discharge in post-operative thyroid cancer patients.Methods422 post-operative thyroid cancer patients from three tertiary care hospitals in Hunan and Tianjin were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire, the Post-traumatic Growth Scale, the Readiness for Discharge Scale, and the Social Influence Scale.ResultsDischarge readiness positively predicted the level of post-traumatic growth in thyroid cancer patients (P &lt; 0.01), and morbidity stigma negatively predicted post-traumatic growth (P &lt; 0.01), with morbidity stigma playing a mediated role between discharge readiness and post-traumatic growth.ConclusionsReadiness for discharge can positively predict post-traumatic growth, and morbidity stigma plays a mediating role between readiness for discharge and post-traumatic growth. It is suggested that clinical and nursing staff should strengthen patients’ discharge readiness guidance and education, help patients and their families establish an effective feedback mechanism for disease condition and psychological cognitive condition, focus on reducing patients’ sense of shame, and improve patients’ physical and mental health.
Effect of body contour changes on the setup and dosimetric accuracy of radiotherapy after cervical cancer surgery
Authors: Li Yu , Sun Wuji , Liu Shilong , Xia Wenming , Yang Xu , Wang Libo , Ge Chao , Chen Kunzhi , Shi Yinghua , Wang Huidong 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThe body contour of patients with cervical cancer is prone to change between radiotherapy sessions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of body contour changes on the setup and dosimetric accuracy of radiotherapy.Methods15 patients with cervical cancer after surgery were randomly selected for retrospective analysis. The body contours on the once-per-week cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) were registered to the planning CT (pCT) for subsequent evaluation. A body contour conformity index (CIbody) was defined to quantify the variation of body changes. The body volume measured by CBCT was collected, and its relative difference in reference with the first CBCT was calculated and denoted by ΔVn. The relative setup errors, denoted by ΔSELR, ΔSEAP, ΔSESI, and ΔSEvec for left–right, anterior–posterior, superior–inferior, and vectorial shifts, respectively, were defined as the difference in measured setup errors between the reference and following CBCTs. The planned dose was calculated on the basis of virtual CT generated from CBCT and pCT by altering the CT body contour to fit the body on CBCT without deformable registration. The correlations between body contour changes and relative setup errors as well as dosimetric parameters were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficient rs.ResultsCIbody was found to be negatively correlated with the superior–inferior and vectorial relative setup errors ΔSESI (rs = −0.448, p = 0.001) and ΔSEvec (rs = −0.387, p = 0.002), and no significant correlation was found between relative setup errors and ΔVn. Moreover, ΔVn was negatively correlated with ΔD2 (rs = −0.829, p &lt; 0.001), ΔD98 (rs = −0.797, p &lt; 0.001), and ΔTVPIV (rs = −0.819, p &lt; 0.001). ΔD2, ΔD98, and ΔTVPIV were negatively correlated with ΔVn (p &lt; 0.005). No correlation was found for other examined dosimetric parameters.ConclusionThe body contour change of patients could be associated with the setup variability. The effect of body contour changes on dose distribution is minimal. The extent of body change could be used as a metric for radiation therapists to estimate the setup errors.
Training of spatial cognitive abilities reduces symptoms of visually induced motion sickness
Authors: Wang Fan , Pan Shuai , Li Xiao-wen , Lu Jia-mei , Qiu Chuan-jing , Jiang Meng-hang , Jin Zhan-guo , Yan Sheng-guang 
Published: September 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore the effectiveness of enhancing individual spatial cognitive abilities in alleviating the negative symptoms of visually induced motion sickness (VIMS). Additionally, it seeks to develop innovative intervention methods to improve spatial cognition and identify new treatment approaches for VIMS.MethodsThe study investigated the impact of innovative interventions on spatial cognitive abilities and their modulation of VIMS susceptibility. A total of 43 participants were recruited (23 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group). The experimental group underwent six sessions of spatial cognitive ability training, while the control group engaged in activities unrelated to spatial cognition.ResultsThe analysis revealed that the spatial cognitive ability scores of the experimental group significantly improved after the intervention. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited significant differences in nausea, oculomotor, disorientation, and total SSQ scores before and after the intervention, indicating that the intervention effectively mitigated VIMS symptoms.ConclusionThis study developed a virtual reality training method that effectively enhances individual spatial cognitive abilities and significantly alleviates VIMS symptoms, providing a novel and effective approach for VIMS intervention and treatment.
Beyond medications: a multifaceted approach to alleviating comorbid anxiety and depression in clinical settings
Authors: Svensén Sofia , Bolstad Ingeborg , Ødbehr Liv Skomakerstuen , Larsson Gerry 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundComorbid anxiety and depression are common and can make the problems more complex and sometimes resistant to pharmacological treatment. In existing research, the diagnoses are often studied separately, and physical activity, healthy nutrition, psychoeducation, and social support have shown good effects. The aim of the present study was to explore the longitudinal effects of a comprehensive treatment on patients with comorbid anxiety and depression in a clinical context.MethodEighty inpatients (15 men and 65 women) in age range 23–65 years receiving psychiatric treatment in Norwegian clinic participated in the longitudinal study. Treatment was person-centered and was most frequently given for anxiety and depression, e.g., pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy, individually and in groups. In combination with this, physical activity, healthy nutrition, psychoeducation and social support in contacts with authorities and relatives were also a part of treatment. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory at three points in time: baseline, at the end of treatment, and 3 months after treatment. The answers were categorized and combined into four groups according to severity of anxiety and depression to measure effects on comorbidity. Mann Whitney U test, Chi-square, Friedmans test, and McNemar test were used to analyze the data.ResultThe results showed a significant increase of frequencies in the group with mild anxiety and depression 3 months past treatment compared to baseline.ConclusionThrough the comprehensive, person-centered treatment more patients had low levels of both anxiety and depression 3 months after treatment. We suggest that clinics working with comorbid depression and anxiety patients should add physical activity, nutrition advice, social support, and psychoeducation to the traditional treatment regimes. More research concerning comorbid anxiety and depression are urgent to further expand the treatment possibilities.
Deaths in jail: a retrospective analysis of autopsies performed at the Legal Medicine Unit of Pavia (1999-2022)
Authors: Belli Giacomo , Romão Mateus E. , Lacquagni Riccardo , Bertoglio Barbara , Bertolotti Andrea , Tamellini Gaia , Morini Luca , Javan Gulnaz T. , Setti Ilaria , Visonà Silvia D. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe high rate of incarceration, now exceeding 11.5 million people worldwide, has raised concerns about the conditions within penal institutions, such as the consequences of incarceration on the person. This retrospective study aims to investigate the issue of death in custody, exploring the relationship between incarceration, health vulnerabilities, and death from the forensic pathologist’s point of view.MethodsWe analyzed, from a forensic, clinical and toxicological perspective, 86 cases of deaths in detention facilities in North-Western Italy from 1999 to 2022.ResultsThe analysis has shown that suicide, mainly committed by hanging, plastic bag suffocation and butane intoxication, represents the leading type of violent death (52%), followed by accidental deaths (16%). On the other hand, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of natural deaths (42%), followed by infectious diseases (especially HIV-related).DiscussionThe present study identifies the most frequent and critical situations and risk factors related to death in custody and the profile of the inmate who is at a higher risk of death, allowing to highlight the issues to be addressed from a public health point of view. On the whole, it calls for comprehensive reforms, aligned with international human rights standards, addressing mental and physical care gaps, improving correctional officers' education, and training, and focusing on rehabilitation with well-being and dignity.
A systematic review of suicide risk management strategies in primary care settings
Authors: Thangada Monika Sreeja , Kasoju Rahul 
Published: September 2024

Introduction and ObjectiveSuicide is a major public health concern. Recently, suicide rates have increased among traditionally low-risk groups (e.g., white, middle-aged males). Suicide risk assessments and prevention strategies should be tailored to specific at-risk populations. This systematic review examines suicide risk detection and management in primary care, focusing on treatments to reduce suicide rates and improve prevention efforts.MethodologyA systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature was collected and analyzed using Boolean operators with relevant keywords in databases (e.g., PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO) to identify randomized and non-randomized studies focusing on suicide risk factors and management strategies in primary care, published in the past 10 years. The risk of bias 2.0 and Newcastle Ottawa scale was used to assess risk of bias, and data from moderate-quality studies were synthesized.ResultsThirteen moderate-quality studies were reviewed. Key findings include the need for assessing modifiable risk factors like substance use and mental health. General practitioner (GP) engagement post-suicide attempt (SA) improves outcomes and reduces repeat SAs. Effective strategies include comprehensive risk assessments, collaborative treatment, and enhanced GP support. Barriers to effective suicide prevention include insufficient information, judgmental communication, lack of positive therapeutic relationships, and inadequate holistic assessments. These findings highlight the need for tailored suicide prevention strategies in primary care. However, the evidence sample size is small with reduced statistical power that limits generalizability. The included studies were also regional examinations, which restrict their broader relevance.DiscussionSignificant risk factors, barriers, and effective strategies for suicide prevention were identified. For children aged 12 or younger, preexisting psychiatric, developmental, or behavioral disorders, impulsive behaviors, aggressiveness, and significant stressful life events within the family were critical. For adults, loneliness, gaps in depression treatment, and social factors are significant. Barriers to suicide prevention included insufficient information, judgmental communication, lack of positive therapeutic relationships, inadequate holistic risk assessments, lack of individualized care, insufficient tangible support and resources, inconsistent follow-up procedures, variability in risk assessment, poor communication, stigma, and negative attitudes. Effective methods include the Postvention Assisting Bereaved by Suicide training program, continued education, comprehensive clinical assessments, individualized care, and community-based interventions like the SUPRANET program.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024550904.
Cross-cultural adaptation of the awareness and beliefs about cancer measure for Hispanics/Latinos living in the United States
Authors: Contreras Jennifer , Wang Chun , Castillo Wendy Camelo , Caicedo Juan , Guerrero Vázquez Monica , Robalino Tania , Hidalgo-Arroyo Aida , Villalonga-Olives Ester 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe purpose of this study is to culturally adapt the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) measure for use in the Hispanic/Latino population living in the United States (US).MethodsIn accordance with Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) Consortium guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of measures for content and linguistic validity, we conducted: two forward-translations, reconciliation, two back-translations, revision and harmonization, six cognitive interviews, revision, external expert review, and finalization of the version. We used a mixed methods approach, conducting cognitive interviews with Hispanic/Latino community members while also convening an expert panel of six clinicians, health professionals, and community representatives and including the in the entire process. After cross-culturally adapting the ABC measure, we assessed the psychometric properties of the instrument using item response theory analysis. Item parameters, discrimination and category thresholds, and standard errors were calculated. For each of the adapted subdomains, we used item information curves to report the graphical profile of item effectiveness.ResultsTwenty-two Hispanic/Latino community members were enrolled in cognitive interviews, and Hispanics/Latinos fluent in Spanish completed the measure to assess its psychometric properties. Cognitive interviews revealed opportunities to improve items. Key changes from the original measure include the inclusion of gender inclusive language and an inquiry into e-cigarette use on items related to smoking habits. Psychometric property analyses revealed that the anticipated delay in seeking medical help, general cancer beliefs, and cancer screening beliefs and behaviors subdomains had some slope parameters that were &lt; 1; this implies that those items were not able to adequately discriminate the latent trait and had poor performance.DiscussionThe adapted ABC measure for US Hispanics/Latinos meets content and linguistic validity standards, with construct validity confirmed for cancer symptom recognition and barriers to symptomatic presentation subdomains, but revisions are necessary for others, highlighting the need for ongoing refinement to ensure the cultural appropriateness of instruments.
Clinical Characteristics of Candidemia Due to Candida parapsilosis with Serial Episodes: Insights from 5-Year Data Collection at a Tertiary Hospital in Korea
Authors: Won Eun Jeong , Sung Heungsup , Kim Mi-Na 
Published: September 2024

Candida parapsilosis is a common cause of non-albicans Candida species causing candidemia, particularly invasive candidiasis. This study aimed to characterize candidemia due to the C. parapsilosis complex with serial episodes, including clinical and mycological features. Methods: Blood isolates of the C. parapsilosis complex were collected from February 2019 to January 2023 at a tertiary Korean hospital. Species identification was performed using Vitek 2 or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the Sensititre YeastOne® system. Clinical information was collected, and characteristics were analyzed according to single or serial isolates. Results: A total of 586 blood isolates of the C. parapsilosis complex were recovered from 68 candidemia patients during the study period. Of them, only the first isolate per patient was investigated. The only two isolates were resistant to fluconazole and no isolate was resistant to echinocandins, amphotericin B, or 5-FC. A single episode of candidemia occurred in 35 patients, while serial episodes occurred in 33 patients. Underlying liver diseases, use of vasopressors, ICU admission, severe sepsis, and CVC use were more frequent in patients with serial episodes. There was no significant difference in the median MIC values of antifungal agents or the use of azoles or amphotericin B between single and serial episodes. However, patients with serial episodes more frequently received echinocandin therapy. Overall, there was no significant difference in the 30-day mortality rate between patients with single and serial episodes. Conclusion: Our data indicate that several factors related to the underlying conditions of the patients are associated with C. parapsilosis candidemia with serial episodes, rather than the characteristics of Candida itself.