bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Successful Erectile Function Using Intracavernosal Injection in Post-Prostatectomy Men with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Veredgorn Yotam , Savin Ziv , Marom Ron , Herzberg Haim , Nevo Amihay , Yossepowitch Ofer , Dekalo Snir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Intracavernosal injections (ICI) are commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction in men following radical prostatectomy (RP). Predictors of treatment success are still unclear.
Our objective is to explore the relationship between various clinical and pathological parameters and the achievement of satisfactory erections with ICI following RP.
A prospective study of men following RP with bilateral neurovascular bundle preservation who experienced erectile dysfunction refractory to treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) at a minimum of 6 months after surgery. Three escalating dosages of TRIMIX were used consecutively (5mg Papaverine, 0.5 mg Phentolamine, 10mcg Alprostadil; 10mg Papaverine, 1 mg Phentolamine, 20 mcg Alprostadil; 17mg Papaverine, 1mg Phentolamine, and 30mcg Alprostadil). Erection Hardness Scale (EHS) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) were used for functional assessments.
Thirty four patients were stratified by their EHS scores and Trimix dosages: low dose full responders (N=12), intermediate dose full responders (N=10), high dose partial responders (N=7), high dose failures (N=5). Twenty nine (85%) of the patients reported on satisfactory erectile function with ICI. The ICIQ-SF scores were the only parameter that correlated significantly with successful erectile response with mean scores of 2.58, 4.7, 9.57, and 14.8 for the respective groups above (p=0.001). Multivariate analysis identified ICIQ-SF as the only independent predictor of success (OR 0.74, p=0.002).
ICI is an efficient therapy for achieving satisfactory erections following RP in PDE5I-resistant men. Sustainable urinary incontinence is a strong predictor of poor response to therapy.
Integrate analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrates a transcriptional pattern characterized by GDF15 of tumor cells that predicts immunotherapy efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Xianfei , Yin Zhenxin , Chen Xueyu , Zhang Nengchong , Yu Shengjia , Zhu Congcong , Zhu Lianggang , Shao Liulan , Jin Runsen , Li Hecheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The advent of immunotherapy has transformed the landscape of lung cancer treatment. Nevertheless, the question of which populations may benefit from this approach remains unsolved. In this study, we designed a pipeline based on machine learning for processing the RNA-sequencing data from lung cancer patients treated with immune check point blockade therapy to identify the most important genes that predict the prognosis. The final model was developed by accelerated oblique random forests (AORSF) for its best performance on the training, test and 10-cross validation set. An intriguing phenomenon revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing data was that the prognostically unfavorable genes were predominantly expressed by a specific tumor cell that was characterized by GDF15, while CXCL9-positive macrophages expressed the most favorable genes. The specific tumor cell with the highest score of unfavorable genes, as calculated by the AUCell package, not only exhibited the feature of epithelial cell migration but also possessed a transcription factor indicating proliferation and the highest potency score of differentiation. Furthermore, the higher level of expression of GDF15 and the proportion of this specific tumor cell can both predict a worse overall survival in an external validation melanoma cohort treated with immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In conclusion, our study identified a specific tumor cell and its hub genes that affect the efficacy of immunotherapy and may represent a target for improving the outcomes of patients.
Frontal Alpha Asymmetry Reveals a Relationship Between Human Approach Motivation and the Propensity to Take the Altercentric Perspective
Authors: Zappullo Isa , Cecere Roberta , Lauro Anna , Trojano Luigi , Esposito Anna , Cordasco Gennaro , Albano Mariaelisabetta , Nacca Renata , Romano Antonietta , Conson Massimiliano 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Frontal asymmetry in the EEG alpha frequency allows to distinguish greater left activation relating to approach motivation from greater right activation relating to withdrawal motivation. It has been mostly studied in the context of affective empathy. Instead, it remains unknown whether it can be specifically related to one key component of the cognitive dimension of empathy, i.e., visuospatial perspective-taking (VSPT). In the present study, we intended to bridge this gap. To this aim, we administered an implicit VSPT task in which participants were presented with scenes of an agent grasping an object, gazing at it, or both, or neither, and were required to judge the left/right location of the object, without receiving any instruction about the perspective to take. The same participants underwent a resting state EEG recording to obtain an index of frontal alpha asymmetry. Correlational analyses showed a positive relationship between left frontal activation and the spontaneous tendency to take the agent’s perspective (altercentric propensity) when the agent behaved ambiguously, grasping the object while not gazing to it. These results suggest that the onlooker’s spontaneous altercentric propensity implies the approach motivation in the effort to understand what another individual is intending to do.
The association between caffeine intake and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease: A population-based study
Authors: Cao Wenlong , Zhang Jianduan , Xiong Jing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background The benefits of caffeine to human health have been widely reported, but the association between caffeine intake and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been rarely studied in large epidemiologic studies. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between caffeine intake and mortality among CKD patients.Methods Our study was based on non-dialysis CKD patients in 2003–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted COX regression analysis was applied to explore the linear relationship between caffeine intake and mortality (including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality, cerebrovascular mortality, nephropathy mortality and influenza and pneumonia mortality). Restricted cubic spline analysis was performed to explore the nonlinear relationship. Finally, threshold effects were analyzed with two-piecewise linear regression.Results In the fully adjusted model, there was no significant linear association between caffeine intake and mortality. However, a U-shaped nonlinear association between caffeine intake and all-cause mortality (inflection point = 277mg) was identified. Moreover, there was a J-shaped association between caffeine intake and cardiovascular mortality (inflection point = 252mg) and cancer mortality (inflection point = 79mg).Conclusion Moderate caffeine intake shows a protective effect on the prognosis of CKD patients. However, excessive caffeine intake was associated with increased all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality.
" Solar energy radiation predication based in regional satellite images and data"
Authors: Attya Mohamed , Abo-Seida OM , Abdulkader H. M. , Mohammed Amgad M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accurate solar radiation prediction is crucial for optimizing solar energy systems. There are two types of data can be used to predict the solar radiation such as the satellite images and the tabular satellite data. This research aims to create a more comprehensive picture of the factors influencing solar radiation. This research presents a hybrid methodology to predict the solar radiation from both satellite images and satellite data. The methodology basis on two datasets; the first data set contains tabular data, and the second dataset contains satellite images. The framework divides into two paths; the first path take the input as the satellite images; this stages contains three steps; the first step is removing noise using latent diffusion model, the second step is about pixel imputation using a modified RF + Identity GAN (this model contains two modification the first modification is adding the identity block to solve mode collapse problem in the GANs and the second modification is to add the 8-connected pixel to generate a value of missing pixel near to the real missed pixel. The third step in the first path is about using the self-organizing map to identify the special informative in the satellite image. The second path take the input as tabular data and use the diffusion model to impute the missing data in the tabulated data. Finally, we merge the two path and use feature selection to be as input for the LSTM for solar radiation predictions. The experiments done prove the efficiency of the used stage such as missing pixel imputation, removing noise, missing data imputation and prediction using LSTM when compared with other available techniques. The experiments also prove the enhancement of all prediction model after adding two paths before the prediction step.
Serum Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) as a Potential Biomarker for Monitoring Postoperative Complications in Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
Authors: Frank Anika , Arjomand Jonas , Bendig Jonas , Delfs Mia , Klingelhöfer Lisa , Polanski Witold H. , Akgün Katja , Ziemssen Tjalf , Falkenburger Björn , Schnalke Nils 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an efficient treatment for movement disorders, most commonly Parkinson’s Disease (PD), dystonia and essential tremor. DBS surgery carries risks, e.g. the risk of delayed peri-lead edema (PLE) and the risk of postoperative cognitive decline. The mechanisms of these complications are not fully understood and there is no established biomarker to screen for these complications after DBS surgery. To assess whether serum glial fibrillary acid protein (sGFAP) might constitute a potentially useful biomarker to detect complications after DBS surgery, we measured sGFAP and serum neurofilament light chain (sNfl) in 58 patients undergoing DBS at our center. Both serum markers increased transiently after surgery. Serum GFAP returned to baseline after weeks, whereas sNfl only returned to baseline after months. Patients with poorer preoperative cognitive performance had higher postoperative sGFAP values, and the relationship of sGFAP with preoperative patient characteristics was closer than for sNfl. These properties suggest that sGFAP can be a valuable biomarker to monitor patients for delayed complications after DBS surgery.
Measuring pH in insulin secretory granules using phasor fluorescence lifetime imaging of a genetically encoded sensor
Authors: Cardarelli Francesco , De Lorenzi Valentina , Ghignoli Samuele , Bernardi Mario , Matteoli Giulia , Storti Barbara , Bizzarri Ranieri 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

It is widely accepted that the pH of insulin granules is acidic, and that its active regulation during granule maturation plays a role in the process of insulin secretion by β-cells. Yet, a calibrated measurement of the absolute granule pH with organelle specificity is still lacking. To tackle this issue, we used the genetically encoded E1GFP pH reporter inserted into the C-peptide of proinsulin and expressed in Insulinoma 1E cells. Following verification of correct targeting of the E1GFP reporter in the insulin granules, phasor-based Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) was applied to obtain a calibrated and probe-concentration-independent measurement of insulin-granule pH. Our results confirmed the acidic nature of insulin granules under maintenance cell-culturing conditions, with an average luminal pH of ~ 5.8, and showed that acidity is actively maintained, as evidenced by its near-neutralization upon treatment with the vacuolar H+-ATPase inhibitor Concanamycin. Additionally, by exploiting the intrinsic spatial resolution of FLIM, we highlighted that granules which are proximal to the plasma membrane are slightly more acidic (~ 0.1 pH units) than those which are distal, a difference preserved even during the early phase of glucose-induced insulin secretion. This study lays the foundations for future investigations of granule pH in physiology and disease.
China’s National Continuing Medical Education Program for General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Survey(2016–2023)
Authors: You Conglei , Wang Lingling , Zhang Jian , Yao Mi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Pursuing excellence in the healthcare delivery system is an ongoing process. In this process, continuing medical education (CME) is essential for medical professionals to maintain high standards of patient care. In China, where the healthcare sector is undergoing considerable reforms and faces challenges owing to socioeconomic development and demographic shifts, an effective CME system is vital for general practitioners (GPs).
Methods:The external characteristics of CME programs between 2016 and 2023 were systematically gathered and statistically analyzed. Subsequently, the programs were subjected to a competency-based assessment by using the six core competencies outlined by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education as a framework. Furthermore, keywords were extracted for the CME program names based on the International Classification of Primary Care. Visual analysis was performed using VOSviewer software, facilitating a content-based evaluation of the programs.
Results: 6,607 items were obtained by comprehensively retrieving CME programs between 2016 and 2023. After rigorous screening and evaluation, 3,815 CME programs were subjected to statistical analysis, and 2,895 CME programs were comprehensively evaluated for content and capability. A diverse range of CME providers were identified, with hospitals and publishing/education companies being the primary providers. Since 2019, a significant increase in online CME offerings has been noted. By 2023, the proportion of online CME reached 50.3%. However, the regional distribution of the CME programs was uneven, with Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Beijing leading, but western regions lagging. Furthermore, most programs focused on patient care and medical knowledge in competency-based CME evaluations, with less emphasis on interpersonal and communication skills. Content-based CME evaluations revealed that the teaching focus is the diagnosis, treatment, and primary care management of elderly patients and chronic diseases such as diabetes, and hypertension.
Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, we comprehensively reviewed the national CME program for GPs in China between 2016 and 2023, focusing on CME programs at the national level. Our study findings underscore the essential role of CME in equipping GPs with the competencies required to navigate the evolving landscape of medical knowledge and practice, advocating for a more systematic, relevant, and individualized approach to training GPs. Therefore, there is an opportunity to enhance the quality of primary care and contribute to the Healthy China 2030 Plan.
TFE3 and HIF1a regulates the expression of SHMT2 isoforms via alternative promoter utilization in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Wang Siqi , Liu Ning , Li Baiqiang , Zhao Fuying , Li Chao , Wang Huaqin , liu chuan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Ovarian cancer ranks first lethally among gynecological malignancies. Platinum-based chemotherapy constitutes the first-line therapeutic regime. However, primary or acquired resistance seriously affects the survival rate of patients with ovarian cancer. Serine hydroxy methyltransferase (SHMT) catalyzes conversion of serine to glycine and is responsible for production of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) for methylation. There are cytosolic SHMT1 and mitochondrial SHMT2 in human. Alternative promoter usage is a proteome-expanding mechanism that allows multiple pre-mRNAs to be transcribed from a single gene. The current study demonstrated that cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells expressed discrete SHMT2 isoforms, which was ascribed to the selective utilization of SHMT2 alternative promoters. SHMT2 isoforms exerted somewhat paradoxical roles in ovarian cancer cells, with tumor-suppressive role of isoform 1, and tumor-promotive role of isoform 3. In addition, the current study demonstrated that SHMT2 alternative promoter usage mediated by HIF1α and TFE3 might represent adaptive response of ovarian cancer cells to metabolic stress. Collectively, regulation of SHMT2 isoform expression via alternative promoter usage by transcription factors HIF1α and TFE3 provides a novel basis and potential drug targets for the clinical treatment of platin-resistant ovarian cancer.
Social and sexual networks of newly diagnosed people living with HIV: a qualitative social network analysis
Authors: Landeghem Ella Van , Bulcke Charlotte Vanden , Rotsaert Anke , Deblonde Jessika , Verhofstede Chris , Nöstlinger Christiana 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background A better understanding of HIV transmission dynamics is needed to further reduce the number of new HIV diagnoses in Belgium. As environmental and social context play an important role in explaining HIV acquisition despite the availability of effective HIV prevention, this study investigated the role of social and sexual networks in HIV prevention and risk behavior among people newly diagnosed with HIV, including their perceptions of how they acquired HIV and their ability to disclose their HIV status.Methods This qualitative study used an ego-centric social network approach, through in-depth interviews generating sociograms of social and sexual networks with 20 participants newly diagnosed with HIV.Results Friends, family members, regular sex partners and HIV physicians were placed closest to the ego on the sociogram. Self-identified gay men did not consider their casual sex partners as emotionally close enough to be included in the sociogram, even though these partners were often participants’ primary source of information about sexual health. HIV acquisition among this group was often attributed to increased sexual risk-taking under influence of drugs. Heterosexual and bisexual men who have sex with men (MSM), who had more diverse networks, often did not consider themselves at risk for HIV. Awareness of PrEP was higher among gay-identified MSM than among heterosexuals and heterosexual MSM, partly attributed to community-based prevention efforts. Most participants only disclosed HIV to those closest to them, and the anticipated and perceived lack of social support influenced HIV acceptance. Feelings of internalized HIV stigma and homophobia prevented HIV disclosure, especially among heterosexuals and heterosexual and bisexual MSM.Conclusion This study revealed important differences in the networks of gay-identified MSM, heterosexuals and hetero- and bisexual identified MSM influencing sexual risk taking and prevention behavior. Future prevention initiatives should be inclusive and mainstreamed to ensure to also address those who do not identify as the established transmission groups. Awareness of biomedical prevention should be raised in the general population, providing a base on which more tailored promotion can be built. Involving family physicians and social empowering people living with HIV may help to decrease (anticipated) HIV stigma.
Risk-factors associated with new-onset temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome in patients who underwent mandibular fracture surgery : A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Honghao , Xie Fei , Hou Jun , Huang Zhao , Chi Yifan , Lin Lisong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: To study the incidence and related risk factors for new-onset temporomandibular joint disorder after mandibular surgery to provide clinical guidance.
Materials and methods: The medical records of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation formandibular fractures between September 2020 andJune 2023 were retrospectively analysed, and their personal information and the incidence and pathogenic factors of temporomandibular joint disorder before surgery were recorded. Patients were followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery to investigate the incidence and pathogenic factors of postoperative temporomandibular joint disorder.
Results: A total of 121 patients were included in this study, 33 of whomdeveloped temporomandibular joint disorder, accounting for 27.27% of the study population, and 88 patients who did not develop temporomandibular joint disorder, accounting for 72.73% of the study population. Univariate analysis revealed significant differences in abnormal occlusion and healing rates, unilateral chewing rates, and deep overbite of the anterior teeth rates (P <0.05). There was no significantdifference in age, sex, fracture area, cause of trauma, infection rate, bruxism rate, empty chewing rate, or postoperative anxiety rate between the two groups (P >0.05). Binary logisticregression analysis revealed that abnormal occlusion and healing (OR=0.044) and unilateral chewing (OR=0.142) may be risk factors for new-onset temporomandibular joint disorder after maxillofacial fracture surgery.
Conclusion: During the follow-up period, long-term postoperative occlusal habits should be established, and attention should be given the patients’ postoperative psychological state. Accurate digital reconstruction of the occlusal relationship is needed fortreating mandibular fractures.
Experiences of early parenthood in and beyond the Coronavirus pandemic/outbreak
Authors: Celik Filiz , Harrad Rachel , Keasley Rob , Bennett Paul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The term ‘Perinatal’ incorporates pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. The perinatal period is a milestone event in both the individual and familial life cycle, an experience shared by the wider social network and community. Yet, it can be a period where the impact of pre-existing and emerging mental health problems during this time could necessitate specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services (PMHS) support via the NHS. COVID-19 pandemic is considered to have exacerbated the adversity for Perinatal Mental Health (PMH), yet questions on the lived experience remain unanswered. Interviews with expectant and new mothers were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) establishing themes of 1- Perinatal Medical Care during COVID-19 Pandemic, 2- Becoming a Parent within social isolation, iii- Managing the Perinatal Period with the Support of Perintal Mental Health Services (PMHS) and iv- Parenthood beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic. Findings indicated that the COVID-19 Pandemic caused concerns and worries amongst pregnant, birthing, and post-partum women and that diminished opportunities for social support during the perinatal period created an adverse mental health impact upon them. Overall, COVID-19 appears to have a ripple effect on women and their families experiencing the perinatal period during COVID-19. Although participants largely did not link their poor mental well-being during the perinatal period to the COVID-19 Pandemic, they attributed the causes of their poorer experiences to the COVID-19 Pandemic, identifying the pandemic as contributor to their heightened perinatal mental distress and at times as sole cause for their referral to Perinatal Mental Health Services.