bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex-specific differences in brain activity dynamics of youth with a family history of substance use disorder
Authors: Schilling Louisa , Singleton S. Parker , Tozlu Ceren , Hédo Marie , Zhao Qingyu , Pohl Kilian , Jamison Keith , Kuceyeski Amy 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

An individual’s risk of substance use disorder (SUD) is shaped by a complex interplay of potent biosocial factors. Current neurodevelopmental models posit vulnerability to SUD in youth is due to an overreactive reward system and reduced inhibitory control. Having a family history of SUD is a particularly strong risk factor, yet few studies have explored its impact on brain function and structure prior to substance exposure. Herein, we utilized a network control theory approach to quantify sex-specific differences in brain activity dynamics in youth with and without a family history of SUD, drawn from a large cohort of substance-naïve youth from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. We summarize brain dynamics by calculating transition energy, which probes the ease with which a whole brain, region or network drives the brain towards a specific spatial pattern of activation (i.e., brain state). Our findings reveal that a family history of SUD is associated with alterations in the brain’s dynamics wherein: i) independent of sex, certain regions’ transition energies are higher in those with a family history of SUD and ii) there exist sex-specific differences in SUD family history groups at multiple levels of transition energy (global, network, and regional). Family history-by-sex effects reveal that energetic demand is increased in females with a family history of SUD and decreased in males with a family history of SUD, compared to their same-sex counterparts with no SUD family history. Specifically, we localize these effects to higher energetic demands of the default mode network in females with a family history of SUD and lower energetic demands of attention networks in males with a family history of SUD. These results suggest a family history of SUD may increase reward saliency in males and decrease efficiency of top-down inhibitory control in females. This work could be used to inform personalized intervention strategies that may target differing cognitive mechanisms that predispose individuals to the development of SUD.
Comparing Minimally Invasive Bariatric Techniques: A Systematic Review of Robotic Sleeve Gastrectomy vs. Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Authors: Ansari Yusuf-Zain , Elsabbagh Tarek , Russell Ramdhan , Shimoni Yuval , Prasannakumar Rupesh , Siddiqui Faiz , Ansari Daniyal , Sivan Vijay , Marizcurena Florencia , Tohamy Aley 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Within bariatric surgery, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and robotic sleeve gastrectomy (RSG) have emerged as minimally invasive procedures for weight loss and metabolic management. While both offer benefits for obesity, the comparative effects in terms of weight loss, efficacy, and safety remain uncertain.
Methods
A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library was conducted to collect both prospective and retrospective studies assessing the effectiveness and safety of RSG and ESG in treating morbid obesity. Regression analysis was performed.
Results
We collected eleven studies (1182 patients) evaluating RSG and fourteen studies (3077 patients) evaluating ESG. Average patient ages for RSG were 42.79±11.31 years (63.9% females) with preoperative Body Mass Index of 47.81+8.00 and 38.52±9.69 years (86.1% females) with BMI of 35.20±4.29 for ESG. Mean operation time was 104.93 minutes for RSG, and 68.4 for ESG. RSG yielded a Estimated Weight Loss % (%EWL) of 51.26% at 18 months, while ESG yielded 73.01%. Complication rates were 2.71% (32/1182) for RSG and 8.88% (273/3077) for ESG, while reoperation rates were 0.59% for RSG and 1.34% for ESG. Average hospital stays were 2.71 days for RSG and 0.68 days for ESG.
Conclusion
The long-term clinical results of RSG and ESG for morbid obesity show similarly favorable outcomes. ESG has shorter operative times and hospital stays, but more complications. Additional research with larger cohorts and randomized trials is needed to determine the preferred procedure.
“We sometimes stress our own wives” - Perceptions of Maternal Mental Health Challenges and Recommendation towards Emotional and Psychological Support from Mothers, Fathers, Nurses, and Community Health Workers in Western Kenya
Authors: Dieteren Charlotte , Katuwal S. , De Sanctis T. , Waiyaiya E. , Wairimu R. N. , Otieno M. , Tol W. , Sidze E. M. , Janssens W. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), maternal mental health (MMH) during and after pregnancy is often neglected despite ongoing global efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. The complex nature of MMH problems and their stigmatization require a thorough understanding from the perspective of the different parties involved. Hence, we assessed the drivers of MMH problems, challenges in seeking help, and perceptions towards emotional and psychological support for pregnant women among four stakeholder groups in Western Kenya.Methodology A qualitative approach was taken to examine the perspectives towards MMH among mothers, fathers, nurses and community health workers (CHWs). Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were organized among the four groups. Participants were drawn from three hospitals in Kisumu County, Western Kenya. The socio-ecological model for health behavior structured the analyses, with an initial deductive approach. The identification of specific themes within each level was conducted inductively. Additionally, suggestions for locally acceptable MMH care were collected.Results In total, ten FGDs were held with 73 participants. We found a large level of consensus among stakeholders regarding common causes, consequences and coping strategies for MMH challenges, such as poverty, stigma, intimate partner violence and a lack of social support. In contrast to mothers, fathers also highlighted domestic disputes stemming from disagreements over (resuming) sexual activity. Nurses predominantly mentioned medical consequences of MMH challenges, while CHWs had a more holistic perspective. Participants expressed a need and made recommendations for contextualized MMH care, particularly for a group-based intervention led by CHWs with partner involvement.Conclusions The findings show that there is a need for MMH support in rural, low-resource settings. Mothers and CHWs showed a high level of convergence illustrating the importance of the liaison function of the CHWs between the nurses and mothers. Group-based MMH care was perceived as suitable by all stakeholders. The results of this study guided the design of an MMH intervention that was tested for feasibility and acceptability in the same setting.
A Pilot Study on Initial Stimulation Parameters for Neuroprosthetic Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Kinesthetic Sensation in Paretic Fingers of Patients with Chronic Hemiplegia
Authors: Tanabe Masaya , Kimura Akira 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether the optimal frequency of Neuro Prosthetic Functional Electrical Stimulation (NP-FES) to reawaken awareness of paralyzed hand movement for the purpose of disuse prevention in persons with chronic hemiplegia left with a paralyzed limb differs from that in the acute phase.
Design: Intervention study.
Setting: Japanese nursing home day care and community residents.
Participants: Eleven Elderly persons with hemiplegia aged 50-90 years.
Interventions: NP-FES applies 70Hz, 120Hz
Control: NP-FES applies 35Hz
Main Outcome Measures: Interviewing whether the patient was again aware of the movement of the paralyzed hand, wrist extension angle, Body Mass Index, and Pain.
Results: Awareness of the movement of the paralyzed hand again was answered positively in nine of the eleven participants. The wrist extension angle was stabilized and less pain was observed in five subjects at 70 Hz and in three subjects at 120 Hz.
Conclusions: Initial stimulation parameters for NP-FES to reawaken awareness of paralyzed hand movements in persons with chronic hemiplegia suggested different parameters than in the acute phase.
Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT in multiple myeloma and its correlation with clinical parameters – institutional pilot study
Authors: Gauthaman Dinesh Kumar , Muthukrishnan Indirani , K Ashish Acharya , Simon Shelley 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective:
This study evaluates the role of Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT in staging and follow-up of multiple myeloma (MM) and its correlation with clinical parameters.
Methods:
Thirteen participants (9 males, 4 females; median age 65 years) with MM were recruited in this prospective observational study. Six participants were included for staging evaluation, seven were included for follow-up evaluation and underwent Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT. Focal PET-positive bone marrow lesions or diffuse bone marrow uptake (uptake more than liver) was considered a positive scan. Quantitative variables like SUVmax, SUVmean, total bone marrow volume and uptake (TBMV & TBMU) and tumor to background ratio (TBRmax) were obtained. Durie Salmon Plus Staging (DSPS) was used for MM staging by PET/CT and was compared with the International Staging System (ISS). Statistical comparison was performed between PET/CT quantitative variables and laboratory parameters.
Results:
Twelve participants (12/13) had positive Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT, among which one was diagnosed to have anaemia of chronic disease. One participant (1/13) who was clinically negative on follow-up had negative Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT in MM (95% CI) was observed to be 100%, 50%, 91.6% and 100%, respectively. The correlation between DSPS and ISS in the patients who came for staging scans was found to be statistically significant (p-value 0.02). In quantitative analysis, either of the quantitative variables in Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT was positively correlated with clinical parameters related to tumor burden like CRAB score, Serum Protein Electrophoresis M-protein, beta 2 microglobulin, LDH, percentage of plasma cells infiltrates in bone marrow aspiration, ISS, serum free light chain and negatively correlated with haemoglobin, albumin (p-value < 0.5).
Conclusion:
Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT is a promising tracer and the only available non-invasive tool to assess the whole-body disease burden of CXCR4 receptors in staging and follow-up of MM. In addition, it has a vital role in the development of CXCR4-targeted theranostics. Dual tracer imaging using F-18 FDG and Ga-68 Pentixafor PET/CT may help in evaluating tumor heterogeneity in MM and add prognostic value at diagnosis and follow-up.
Alternative Splicing Analysis in a Spanish ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders) Cohort: In silico Prediction and Validation
Authors: Dominguez-Alonso S , Tubío-Fungueiriño M , González-Peñas J , Fernández-Prieto M , Parellada M , Arango C , Carracedo A , Rodriguez-Fontenla C 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are complex and genetically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions. Although alternative splicing (AS) has emerged as a potential contributor to ASD pathogenesis, its role in large-scale genomic studies has remained relatively unexplored. In this comprehensive study, we utilized computational tools to identify, predict, and validate splicing variants within a Spanish ASD cohort (360 trios), shedding light on their potential contributions to the disorder. We utilized SpliceAI, a newly developed machine-learning tool, to identify high-confidence splicing variants in the Spanish ASD cohort and applied a stringent threshold (Δ ≥ 0.8) to ensure robust confidence in the predictions. The in silico validation was then conducted using SpliceVault, which provided compelling evidence of the predicted splicing effects, using 335,663 reference RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets from GTEx v8 and the sequence read archive (SRA). Furthermore, ABSplice was employed for additional variant validation and to elucidate the tissue-specific impacts of the splicing variants. Notably, our analysis suggested the contribution of splicing variants within CACNA1I, CBLB, CLTB, DLGAP1, DVL3, KIAA0513, OFD1, PKD1, SLC13A3, and SCN2A. Complementary datasets, including more than 42,000 ASD cases, were employed for gene validation and gene ontology (GO) analysis. These analyses revealed potential tissue-specific effects of the splicing variants, particularly in adipose tissue, testis, and the brain. These findings suggest the involvement of these tissues in ASD etiology, which opens up new avenues for further functional testing. Enrichments in molecular functions and biological processes imply the presence of separate pathways and mechanisms involved in the progression of the disorder, thereby distinguishing splicing genes from other ASD-related genes. Notably, splicing genes appear to be predominantly associated with synaptic organization and transmission, in contrast to non-splicing genes (i.e., genes harboring de novo and inherited coding variants not predicted to alter splicing), which have been mainly implicated in chromatin remodeling processes. In conclusion, this study advances our comprehension of the role of AS in ASD and calls for further investigations, including in vitro validation and integration with multi-omics data, to elucidate the functional roles of the highlighted genes and the intricate interplay of the splicing process with other regulatory mechanisms and tissues in ASD.
Ethnicity-specific microbiome in early childhood caries: from the functional perspectives of oral biofilm
Authors: Hsu Kuei-Ling C. , Shaffer Isaac , Furstenau Tara N. , Ernst Robert K. , Fofanov Viacheslav Y. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

National surveillance data has long shown a significant disparity in tooth decay among young children (early childhood caries, ECC). While factors including household poverty level, culture, health insurance, and infrastructure have been studied, the biomedical perspective is less explored. Using RNASeq technology, our findings show that, besides Streptococcus mutans, which is most commonly associated with caries, several additional dental plaque bacteria are significantly overexpressed in caries lesions. Notably, the bacterial species and functional profiles differ markedly between African American and Latin American Hispanic children. In African American children, gene expression profiles linked to Pseudopropionibacterium propionicum and Cardiobacterium hominis; in contrast, in Latin American Hispanic children, gene expression profiles were dominated by Propionibacterium acidifaciens, Selenomonas sp., Rothia dentocariosa, Atopobium parvulum, and Streptococcus sanguinis. This study underscores the diverse metabolic pathways in plaque bacteria contributing to ECC in minority populations, identifying significant bacterial species beyond common cariogenic bacteria. Main Text:
Predictive Markers of Rapid Disease Progression and Chemotherapy Resistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Patients Following Postoperative Adjuvant Therapy
Authors: Ma Tao , Hao Xiao-meng , Chen Hong-dan , Zheng Min-hui , Chen Xiao-geng , Cai Shuang-Long , Zhang Jin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a diverse category with a subset that displays particularly aggressive characteristics, referred to in this study as "rapid relapse" TNBC (rrTNBC). This term is defined as the occurrence of distant metastasis or death within 24 months post-diagnosis. The paper mainly studies the clinicopathologic traits of TNBC patients experiencing rapid disease progression and chemotherapy resistance and identify predictive markers for this outcome.
Methods
A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 2,294 TNBC patients who underwent surgery at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital. Of these, 369 were categorized as experiencing rapid relapse, while 1,925 did not relapse rapidly. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine potential markers predictive of rapid relapse post-chemotherapy.
Results
Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses pinpointed several predictors of rapid relapse in TNBC patients post-chemotherapy. These include age at diagnosis (≥ 50 years, OR = 0.413, 95% CI: 0.289–0.590), postoperative pathological T staging (T2, OR = 2.557, 95% CI: 1.766–3.703; T3 + T4, OR = 3.725, 95% CI: 1.355–10.454), and N staging (N1, OR = 3.056, 95% CI: 2.021–4.619; N2, OR = 6.917, 95% CI: 3.920–12.206; N3, OR = 24.597, 95% CI: 11.875–50.948). Additionally, sTIL expression (intermediate, OR = 0.204, 95% CI: 0.139–0.300; high, OR = 0.020, 95% CI: 0.011–0.035) and Her2 expression (Her2 1+, OR = 0.470, 95% CI: 0.321–0.688) were identified as protective indicators against rapid relapse. A predictive model incorporating these predictors yielded a C-index of 0.898 in the training set and 0.938 in the validation set, with respective Brier scores of 0.079 and 0.073.
Conclusion
The study successfully established and validated a predictive model for rapid disease progression and chemotherapy resistance in TNBC patients post-chemotherapy, demonstrating robust discrimination and accuracy.
Prognostic Value and Oncogenic Role of STING-Related Genes GAB3 and IL16 in Lung Adenocarcinoma: Implications for Immune Evasion and Treatment
Authors: Ji Ting , Yang XiaoYan , Chen YongJie , Zhao TingTing , Xiang YuXin , Yang Kai , Chen Juan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most prevalent subtype of lung cancer (LC), and the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is critical in inhibiting its progression. This study investigates the prognostic significance and molecular mechanisms of STING-related genes (STING-RGs) in LUAD. Differential expression analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis, as well as Cox regression (CR) identified GAB3 and IL16 as key prognostic genes. A LASSO-based risk model categorized LUAD patients into high-risk group (HRG) and low-risk group (LRG). HRGs exhibited lower GAB3 and IL16 expression and worse survival outcomes. A nomogram integrating risk scores (RS) and clinical factors effectively predicted patient survival. Functional enrichment, immune landscape, and mutation analyses revealed that HRGs were more likely to immune evasion, while LRGs responded better to targeted therapies. Mutation analysis showed lower survival in patients with high-risk scores (HRS) as well as high tumor mutational burden. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed that GAB3 was upregulated in LUAD tissues. In vitro experiments demonstrated that GAB3 overexpression promoted cancer cell proliferation and migration, while siRNA-mediated knockdown of GAB3 inhibited these processes, suggesting its role as an oncogene. In conclusion, GAB3 and IL16 are key prognostic markers, providing insights into STING-related immunotherapy strategies for LUAD.
Gender Disparities in Financial Inclusion: the Potential of Digital Loans in Empowering Female Health Entrepreneurs in Kenya
Authors: Ashubwe Jacklyne , Wanyama Maureen , Siyumbu Joseph , Zuijlen Inès van , Mutegi Nick , Verschuur Sabine , de Wit Tobias Rinke , Mulder Dorien , Janssens Wendy , Dieteren Charlotte 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In Sub-Saharan Africa, female entrepreneurs are well-represented in the healthcare sector but face significant challenges in accessing financial services. Digital financing technologies have the potential to close this gender-gap. This study aimed to assess the readiness, perspectives and gender disparities in (digital) loan characteristics among Kenyan health Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). We interviewed and surveyed 24 and 410 health SME owners respectively. Additionally, we analyzed real-world loan-history data from 850 health SMEs to compare loan profiles of traditional versus digital loans, with a focus on evaluating gender disparities. The IDIs identified low trust in digital lenders, but the survey results indicate a strong demand for loans among health SMEs, regardless of gender. Their digital infrastructure is well-equipped to support the adoption of digital loans. Health SME owners were more likely to take up a digital loan if they were above 50, prepared to take a risk, had monthly financial needs and a positive perception of digital loans. The loan-history data showed a gender difference in the initial traditional loan amount, with women-owned businesses receiving less, but this gap disappeared for digital loans. We also found that women-owned businesses benefit significantly from digital loans, since over 50% experienced substantial growth over time, indicating an increase in their digital revenues likely associated with these loans. This study shows that there is a financing gap among health SMEs in Kenya and underscore the potential of digital loans to boost financial inclusion in the healthcare sector. Trust in digital lenders remains low, especially among those without direct experience, underscoring the need for better information dissemination to build trust in digital financial products.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Surgical Nurses on Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols: Multicentre Cross-sectional study
Authors: Alimawu¹ Agmuas Asichale , Tadesse Molla Amsalu , Kebede Fetene Seyoum , Fetene Melaku Bantie , Wondmu Emebet Seyuoum 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been widely adopted in surgical practice to improve patient outcomes and optimize recovery. These protocols are evidence-based and focus on minimizing the physiological stress of surgery, promoting postoperative recovery, and reducing the length of hospital stays
Objective
The primary aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of surgical nurses on Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols.
Methods
A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from May 05/2024 to August 20/2024.
Result
A total of 462 surgical nurses were participated in the study. The study found that most participants (64.1%) had a strong understanding of ERAS protocols. Among participants, 51.9% showed positive attitudes towards ERAS protocol. However, when it came to actually applying the protocols, only 30.1% engaged in good practices. Level of education (AOR = 32.748, AOR = 5.023, AOR = 4.070), work experience (AOR = 6.408, AOR = 8.086), hospital type (AOR = 16.545, AOR = 2.121, AOR = 2.637), and on-the-job training (AOR = 6.525, 2.474, 1.974) were found to be highly associated with surgical nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practice of ERAS protocols with respective AOR.
Conclusion
The result this study emphasizes that age, education, work experience, hospital type, and on-the-job training play key roles in shaping surgical nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards ERAS protocols. It highlights the need for specialized educational and training programs designed for various nursing groups to improve their understanding and application of ERAS. Moreover, these factors also impact the effectiveness of ERAS protocol implementation in clinical settings.