bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Psychedelics on Individuals with a Personality Disorder: Results from two Prospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Gordon Alexandra R. , Carrithers Brennan M. , Pagni Broc A. , Kettner Hannes , Marrocu Alessia , Nayak Sandeep , Weiss Brandon J. , Carhart-Harris Robin L. , Roberts Daniel E. , Erritzoe David , Zeifman Richard J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Personality disorders (PDs) are characterized by impairments in psychological functioning for which pharmacologic treatments have demonstrated limited efficacy. Psychedelics may offer a possible PD treatment, given preliminary evidence for their potential long-term positive effects on psychological functioning. However, little is known about safety or potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics among individuals with a PD. Therefore, we examined the effects of psychedelic use on mental health among individuals who reported a PD diagnosis.
Methods: Study 1 included three prospective observational studies where 21 individuals who reported a PD diagnosis completed mental health measures (depression symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal ideation [SI]) before, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks after psychedelic use. Study 2 was a prospective observational study where 55 individuals who reported a PD diagnosis completed mental health measures (anxiety, depressive symptoms, cognitive flexibility, expressive suppression, and cognitive reappraisal) before, 2-4 weeks, and 2-3 months after psychedelic use.
Results: In Study 1, all participants with high baseline risk of suicidal behavior (6.67%) became low-risk post-psychedelic use. Post-psychedelic increases in SI were rare (6.67%) with no increases to high risk of suicidal behavior. SI reduced at 4 weeks (Hedges’ g=0.52). There were few cases of clinically significant worsening anxiety (Study 1:0.0%; Study 2:7.7%-8.2%) and depression symptoms (Study 1:0.0%-7.1%; Study 2:0.0%). However, across both studies, psychedelic use was associated with reductions in anxiety (Study 1:g=-0.46–-0.57; Study 2:g=-0.52–-0.89) and depression (Study 1 g=-0.54–-0.59; Study 2 rs=.52–.57). In Study 2, there were transient increases in cognitive flexibility at 2-4 weeks (g=0.26) and sustained increases in cognitive reappraisal up to 2-3 months (g=0.36). Increases in cognitive reappraisal were associated with reductions in anxiety (r=-.33) and depression (rs=-.37).
Conclusion: For individuals who reported a PD diagnosis, psychedelic use was associated with improvements in mental health outcomes. There were no clinically significant post-psychedelic increases in SI but there were a few cases of clinically significant increases in anxiety and depression severity. The studies are limited by a small sample size, self-reported data, and lack of differentiation between PDs. Further research is needed to explore the safety and potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics among individuals with PD.
Clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of neonatal invasive candidiasis: a 20-case study series from a tertiary neonatal critical care unit in Oman
Authors: Abdelhadi Basem , Ajmi Mujtaba Al , Hashami Hilal Al , Rawahi Manal Al 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: One of the well-known causes of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population is neonatal invasive candidiasis. In neonatal critical care units, candida sepsis is now the third most frequent cause of late-onset sepsis.
The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of related risk factors, clinical traits, and results related to invasive candidiasis in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Royal Hospital in Oman.
Methods: A case-control retrospective analysis of 20 newborns admitted between January 2006 and December 2020 to the neonatal intensive care unit at Royal Hospital. In terms of gestational age, birth weight, and day of birth, cases and controls were matched.
Results: There were 60 infants in all-20 cases and 40 controls. The two groups' demographics, including age, sex, and weight, were comparable. The case group compared to the control group had a mean gestational age of 32.2±6.1 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1978±1202 grammes against 1930±1040 grammes, respectively. Seventy-five percent of the isolated species were Candida albicans. Sixty-five percent of the instances happened in the second and third week of life. Compared to the control group, the case group's mean NICU stay was longer. Several risk factors, including maternal age, the presence of a central line, invasive mechanical ventilation, total parenteral nutrition, necrotizing enterocolitis, surgery, and an extended hospital stay, were found to be related with an elevated risk for invasive candidiasis using univariate analysis. In the case group, the overall mortality rate was 45%, but in the control group, there was no death in the cohort.
Conclusion: The following factors were linked to an elevated risk of invasive candidiasis in this case series: complete parenteral feeding, prolonged hospital stay, central line presence, preterm, and abdominal surgery. Those with risk characteristics should be highly suspected for neonatal candidiasis, particularly if their stay in the NICU is longer than seven days. Antifungal prophylaxis should be taken into consideration for these newborns, and presumed antifungal medication should be started as soon as possible.
HDAC inhibitors modulate Hippo pathway signaling in hormone positive breast cancer
Authors: Lin Ting-I , Tseng Yi-Ru , Lin Chih-Yi , Chung Wei-Ting , Ni Yi-Hsin , Liu Chun-Yu , Tsai Yi-Fang , Huang Chi-Cheng , Tseng Ling-Ming , Chao Ta-Chung , Lai Jiun-I 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Breast cancer has constantly been the leading causes of death in women, and hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative is the majority subtype. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have shown clinical benefit in HR (+) breast cancer patients. The hippo pathway proteins YAP/TAZ are often viewed as pro-tumorigenic, however, recent studies support a role of YAP as a tumor suppressor in HR (+) breast cancer downregulation of estrogen receptor (ER) expression. Few studies have investigated the link between HDACi and the Hippo pathway. In our study, we demonstrate that HDAC inhibitors induce transcriptional down-regulation of YAP expression, while conversely activating a TEAD mediated transcriptional program with upregulation of canonical Hippo pathway genes. We further identified 4 Hippo canonical genes (CCDC80, GADD45A, F3, TGFB2) that were upregulated by HDAC inhibitors and associated with significantly improved survival in a HR (+) breast cancer cohort. Patients with high CCDC80 or GADD45A expression had significantly better survival outcomes compared to patients with low expression. Our study provides a novel mechanism of action for the clinical benefit of HDAC inhibitors, while providing further experimental support that Hippo-TEAD transcriptional activation is associated with better outcomes in HR (+) breast cancer.
Assessment of Quality of Life and Socioeconomic Inequality in Children with Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Authors: Kamal niaz Mustafa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate health-related QoL in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) and to determine socioeconomic inequality in CCHD.
Design:
Case-Control Study.
Methods
This study was conducted at Children’s Heart Hospital and Primary Healthcare Centers in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq between December 01, 2021, and May 01, 2022. The study included 200 healthy and 200 with CCHD. For this purpose, a 5 Likert Scale QoL questionnaire was used to collect the data of patients and their parents through a direct face-to-face interview. Then, children's sociodemographic data and parents' socioeconomic status (SES) were investigated together with another 22 items in 6 domains. The socioeconomic status dimension is based on the validated SES index in Iraq.
Findings:
Studied children had equal gender and age distribution. CCHD was more prevalent in families with low SES, and ECI was − 0.44. Children with CCHD had significantly lower mean scores for the overall QoL dimension (Mean rank = 124) compared to healthy children (Mean rank = 277) (P ≤ 0.001). The mean SpO2 levels of healthy children were 9% higher than CCHD children (P < 0.001). Moreover, parents with CCHD children stated that 57% of their children had moderate to excellent health, while those with healthy children reported 98% (P = 0.001).
Conclusions
Significant deficits in all QoL dimensions were found in CCHD children. Also, we discovered an unequal distribution of CCHD in families with lower SES.
Clinical evidence:
The observed disparities in the prevalence of CCHD and its impact on quality of life underscore the critical significance of socioeconomic factors in contributing to the health outcomes of affected children. The intricate interplay between socioeconomic status and pediatric health, particularly in the context of congenital heart diseases, necessitates a comprehensive understanding to inform targeted interventions and support systems for affected families.
WITHDRAWN: Characterization of X-ray beam for Half and Quarter Value Layers
Authors: SOLOMON GIRMA BINIYAM , Diyor KHAZRATOV , Kuvondik KODIROV , Federico DOGO 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Association of Fetal Macrosomia and higher Blood Cadmium level among PFAS exposure participant from NHANES 2017-2018
Authors: Ripon Rezaul Karim 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Concern about potential reproductive health effects has arisen from the interaction between environmental contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and blood cadmium levels. Exposure to PFAS above the limit of detection impacts the reproductive health of people with elevated blood cadmium levels.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between blood cadmium levels and different reproductive health outcomes in a large cohort exposed to PFAS above the limits of detection, considering sociodemographic factors and reproductive history.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 143M NHANES participants from 2017-2018. Descriptive statistics for PFAS exposure were analyzed and bivariate and adjusted regression analyzes were used to evaluate the relationship between blood cadmium levels and reproductive health outcomes. Age, race, educational level, marital status, income-poverty ratio, and reproductive history were variables considered in the analysis.
Results: 16% of participants whose PFAS and blood cd are above the detection limit showed fetal macrosomia. Participants with higher educational levels, particularly college graduates or higher, showed higher odds of experiencing detrimental Blood cadmium above the detection limit (aOR = 1.131, 95% CI: 1.008-1.269, p = 0.0355). Furthermore, people who had never been married were significantly more likely (aOR = 1.305, 95% CI: 1.122-1.518, p = 0.0006), and fetal macrosomia was significantly more likely (aOR = 1.065, 95% CI: 1.007-1.126, p = 0.0285) whose blood cd level is higher.
Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic factors when it comes to environmental exposures and their effects on reproductive health. To inform public health interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of environmental pollutants on reproductive health, future research should further investigate these relationships.
Comparison between electron density imaging with dual-energy computed tomography without contrast medium and magnetic resonance imaging for high-grade glioma
Authors: Yamauchi Takahiro , Ishida Tomokazu , Itoh Toshihide , Tsubota Tadahiro , Takata Kenji , Higashino Yoshifumi , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Kikuta Ken-ichiro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been used for the prediction of glioma grading and malignancy, in addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. In DECT, electron density (ED) can be quantitatively measured and determined with high accuracy. However, no studies have demonstrated whether DECT alone can detect tumor-infiltrating areas or evaluate malignancy. Therefore, we evaluated the use of ED imaging with DECT showing high-density areas of high-grade glioma (HGG), compared it with MRI gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted image (GdT1) enhancing area, and analyzed its effectiveness in evaluating malignancy.
Methods
Ten patients with enhanced masses on GdT1 MRI were enrolled in this retrospective study. Ten slices of ED and GdT1 images of 10 patients with HGG were analyzed by three raters. The relationships between the area of high ED on DECT and enhanced area on GdT1 and between the relative ED of the high ED area and contralateral white matter on DECT were determined.
Results
Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between areas of high ED and Gd enhancement among all raters (rater A: R2 = 0.910, P < 0.0001, B: R2 = 0.857, P = 0.0001, C: R2 = 0.717, P = 0.002), and the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.75. A comparison of the relative ED between the tumor and contralateral white matter revealed that the mean and maximum relative ED of the tumor area was significantly higher than that of the contralateral white matter (mean: P = 0.049, maximum: P = 0.0002).
Conclusions
ED images of DECT show a high ED area similar to the Gd enhancement area in HGG, and the mean and maximum relative EDs of this area are significantly higher than those of the contralateral white matter.
Does intensive anti-VEGF treatment in the first year predict subsequent treatment burden in exudative age-related macular degeneration?
Authors: Matagrin Benjamin , Fenniri Inès , Chirpaz nicolas , Billant Jeremy , Agard Emilie , Chudzinski Roman , BURILLON Carole , Dot Corinne 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Anti-VEGF’s have changed the prognosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ranibizumab and aflibercept have proven their functional efficacy, but their use has revealed in real life a wide variety of patient profiles with varied responses to treatment. This work focused on patients receiving "intensive" IVT treatment with a sustained injection rhythm, also referred to as having a high treatment burden.
Objective
The main objective of this work was to determine, in real-life conditions, the proportion of patients receiving "intensive" treatment among those being followed for exudative AMD. Secondary objectives were to analyze the long-term functional outcomes of these patients, their anatomical characteristics, and the evolution of their treatment regimen.
Method
A retrospective descriptive single-center real-life study was conducted on patients treated for exudative AMD with intensive treatment (intervals of less than 8 weeks during the first year of treatment). A subgroup analysis compared patients who exceeded Q8 during follow-up (Group 1) versus patients remaining in intensive treatment (Group 2).
Results
A total of 301 records were analyzed, with 24.9% of the eyes (n = 75) considered under intensive treatment. The mean age was 84 years (± 7.5), and 61% were men. Type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) accounted for 64% of our cohort, type 2 CNV represented 29.3%, and type 3 was involved in 6.7%. The mean follow-up was 5.6 years (± 3.6), with an average number of 41 IVT (± 26.7). Visual acuity was maintained at 0.53 (± 0.2) baseline vs. 0.61 (± 0.2) after 5 years of follow-up (p = 0.02). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and subretinal fluid (SRF) were significantly reduced during our follow-up, and PED height remained stable. Almost half of the eyes (44%) had an extension of their interval (> Q8) beyond the first year; however, this objective was achieved on average after 4.5 years of treatment. The visual acuity of Group 2 (< Q8), despite receiving more injections, was superior to that of Group 1 (> Q8) with baseline values of 0.57 (± 0.2) and 0.48 (± 0.2) (p = 0.161) respectively, and at 5 years 0.79 (± 0.2) and 0.54 (± 0.2) (p = 0.026). Similarly, CRT, PED height, and SRF were higher in Group 2. The distribution of neovascular types showed more type 2 in Group 1 (45.5% vs. 16.7%).
Conclusion
Patients requiring intensive treatment represent about ¼ of our AMD patient population. Despite the high treatment burden, these patients maintain their visual acuity at 5 years. An extension of intervals is observed in nearly half of the patients, occurring late. Intensive treatment during the first year appears to be predictive of a future hight treatment burden.
Detecting abyssal megabenthos in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt – Comparing quantitative assessments via manually processed OFOS-videos with AUV-images utilising deep learning models
Authors: Scepanski Dominik , Werner Johannes , Augustin Nico , Rothenbeck Marcel , Arndt Hartmut 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

As the deep sea alone covers over 50 % of the Earth's surface and represents the largest benthic system, the assessment of deep-sea megafauna communities is of great importance. However, even today the number of studies investigating this system is small and is further hampered by the resource- and time-consuming nature of traditional manual surveys. Therefore, it is of great importance to find efficient sampling methods and optimize processing techniques. On the one hand, sampling can be done by a variety of non-invasive methods, such as video documentation using seabed observation systems (OFOS) or seabed mapping using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). On the other hand, automated data analysis could be a faster alternative to manual processing by incorporating deep learning models. Here, we compare both sampling and processing techniques by providing novel and unique data on epi-megafauna from two overlapping abyssal plains at 10°N in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt. The 2017 datasets provided by OFOS were processed manually, while a manually trained deep learning detection model based on the YOLO V5 algorithm was used to process the 2014/15 AUV dataset. Megafauna composition, total density and higher taxonomic densities as well as the occurrence of Sargassum patches were calculated and compared between the datasets. Significantly higher densities with additional megafauna forms were observed when the datasets were collected by an AUV and processed by the model. The results were discussed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches to sampling and processing.
Clinical Utility of Assessing CDKN2A Status in Recurrent Astrocytomas
Authors: Jangir Hemlata , Yadav Sahil , Hayagrivas M B , Singh Jyotsna , Das Sumanto , Das Saumya , Roy Charli , Sharma Mehar Chand , Sarkar Chitra , Suri Ashish , Suri Vaishali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: IDH-mutant astrocytomas exhibit a more indolent natural history and better prognosis compared to their IDH-wild type counterparts. The 2021 WHO classification integrated CDKN2A/Bhomozygous deletion as a crucial criterion for grading these tumors, emphasizing its prognostic implications. FISH assay is commonly used to assess CDKN2A status, but guidelines for interpreting FISH results for glioma prognostication are not well-defined in the literature.
Methods: We conducted an ambispective study involving 22 cases of recurrent IDH-mutant astrocytomas, including primary tumor samples. Histopathological assessments, including WHO grading and molecular profiling, were performed. Immunohistochemistry confirmed IDH mutation status, and FISH analysis evaluated CDKN2A homozygous deletion.
Results: Homozygous CDKN2A deletion was detected in only 1/22(4.8%) of primary tumors, which was grade 3 astrocytoma and 35.3% of recurrent grade 2/3 tumors. Patients harboring CDKN2A deletions exhibited significantly reduced overall survival compared to those without (67.7 vs 137.6 months). Progression-free survival did not significantly differ between groups.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the clinical relevance of CDKN2A assessment in recurrent IDH-mutant astrocytomas and its utility as a prognostic marker. We propose a selective approach to FISH testing, focusing on primary grade 3 and all recurrent cases, to optimize diagnostic accuracy and inform personalized treatment strategies.
Transferosomal Formulation of Rotigotine Hcl and Rasagiline Mesylate: a Step Towards Minimally Invasive Parkinson's Disease Therapy
Authors: Patel Shivani , Jha Lalit Lata , Patel Riya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a clinical syndrome with symptoms like rest tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, instability of posture, and a diversity of other motor and non-motor symptoms. The disease study prognosis is that the number of PD cases will double from 7 million in 2015 to 13 million in 2040. The majority of the treatments for PD include surgery and medications. The drawback of available treatments is that they are invasive and lead to systemic side effects.
Aim
This research aims to prepare transferosome patches of both drugs of different BCS classes, Rotigotine HCL (RTG) BCS class II and Rasagiline mesylate (RSM) BCS class III, and evaluate them with different parameters to check the synergistic effects of both drugs with the in vivo study.
Method
A transferosomal patch of drugs was prepared by thin film hydration followed by a homogenization casting method. The patches were optimized with the central composite design. The optimized batch was further evaluated with various parameters like thickness, folding endurance, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation, pharmacokinetics, and in vivo skin irritancy studies.
Results
After the evaluation of the drugs, loaded transferosome patches show good tensile strength; drug content was found within the range in both cases and shows the controlled release of the drugs; pharmacokinetic studies show the quick onset of action; and in vivo, skin irritancy results show no damage to the tissue at the site of action.
Conclusion
From the results, it has been observed that the prepared transferosome patch can treat PD with the synergistic effects of the drugs via the topical route.
­A developed approach to detect flooded areas (case study: Firozkoh county in Tehran province)
Authors: KhoshAmooz Giti 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Floods have severe consequences on infrastructure, agriculture, human lives, and the economy, making them one of the most destructive water-related disasters. To effectively manage this disaster, monitoring and analysis are crucial. In this research, a developed approach was presented to identify flooded areas, with a focus on Firozkoh county in Tehran province, Iran. Specifically, a flood event that occurred on July 28th, 2022, was investigated. To detect flooded areas, Sentinel1 images before and after the flood were collected and preprocessed. These areas appear in dark tones in radar images. However, it is important to note that water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs exhibit similar characteristics, and shadows can be mistakenly classified as flooded areas. Therefore, the proposed approach in this study deal with these challenges. At the end, a total of 1369.29 hectares was identified as flooded areas in the case study. To validate the accuracy of the results, TWI and SPI indexes maps were computed and overlaid. This comparison confirmed an accuracy rate of 67%. Additionally, the tweets posted during the flood were examined. Most of them had a hashtag or comment about Mozdaran, a village in Firozkoh county and it is approved by the heat map of detected flooded areas. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the detection and analysis of flooded areas, offering potential strategies for managing such disasters effectively.