bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ascites affects the benefit of carvedilol on patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal and gastric varices
Authors: Xia Ruiqi , Wu Bing , Zhou Ji , Ji Mingyan , Wang Shuyue , Zeng Xiaoqing , Chen Shiyao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEsophageal and gastric varices (EGV) bleeding is a dangerous side effect of liver cirrhosis. Ascites may affect the effectiveness of carvedilol in preventing EGV rebleeding. A retrospective analysis was done on patients with EGV bleeding who visited our gastroenterology department between January 1, 2015, and October 29, 2020, and were given carvedilol therapy again. Patients were classified based on whether they had ascites. The primary outcome was EGV rebleeding. A total of 286 patients were included, with a median follow‐up of 24.0 (19.0–42.0) months, comprising those without ascites (N = 155) and those with ascites (N = 131). The mean age of the patients was 55.15 ± 12.44 years, and 177 (61.9%) of them were men. There were 162 (56.6%) Child‐Pugh A grades. The etiology of cirrhosis included 135 (47.2%) cases of hepatitis B. After carvedilol therapy, the patient's portal vein diameter (DPV) was widened (p < 0.05), velocity of portal vein (VPV) was slowed (p = 0.001). During the 1‐year follow‐up, patients with ascites had a substantially higher rebleeding rate than patients without ascites, with 24 (18.3%) versus 13 (8.4%), respectively (p = 0.013). On univariate analysis, ascites was a risk factor for rebleeding (p = 0.015). The multivariate analysis remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, etiology of cirrhosis, and previous endoscopic treatment, with OR of 2.37 (95% CI: 1.12–5.04; p = 0.025). Ascites was a risk factor for EGV rebleeding in patients undergoing carvedilol therapy. After carvedilol therapy, the patient's DPV was widened and VPV was slowed.
Educating for change: A meta‐analysis of education programs for separating and divorcing parents
Authors: Saini Michael A. , Corrente Samantha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractParent education programs have been designed explicitly for separated and divorced parents. These programs typically aim to help parents navigate the challenges of co‐parenting, reduce their children's exposure to interparental conflict, and promote their children's well‐being post‐separation and divorce. Evaluating the effectiveness of parent education programs has been challenging, given the heterogeneity of formats, duration, and settings of these programs. This meta‐analytic review aimed to complete a compressive search of relevant studies of parent education programs for separated and divorced parents. Among 40 studies, 103 treatment effects were included across education programs. The overall weighted standardized mean difference across all education programs was 0.24 (CI = 0.14, 0.34, Q = 1274.69, df: 97, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.96.7), but these small effects were not maintained at follow‐up (ES 0.00, CI: −0.09, 0.09). Given the considerable heterogeneity across effect sizes, a meta‐regression and multiple regressions were computed to assess the influence of moderator variables. This review provides further evidence of the effectiveness of parent education programs. Implications are provided to create evidence‐based guidelines.
Development and validation of a risk scoring tool for predicting incident reversible cognitive frailty among community‐dwelling older adults: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Qinqin , Si Huaxin , Li Yanyan , Zhou Wendie , Yu Jiaqi , Bian Yanhui , Wang Cuili 
Published: July 2024

AimReversible cognitive frailty (RCF) is an ideal target to prevent asymptomatic cognitive impairment and dependency. This study aimed to develop and validate prediction models for incident RCF.MethodsA total of 1230 older adults aged ≥60 years from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2013 survey were included as the training set. The modified Poisson regression and three machine learning algorithms including eXtreme Gradient Boosting, support vector machine and random forest were used to develop prediction models. All models were evaluated internally with fivefold cross‐validation, and evaluated externally using a temporal validation method through the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2013–2015 survey.ResultsThe incidence of RCF was 27.4% in the training set and 27.5% in the external validation set. A total of 13 important predictors were selected to develop the model, including age, education, contact with their children, medical insurance, vision impairment, heart diseases, medication types, self‐rated health, pain locations, loneliness, self‐medication, night‐time sleep and having running water. All models showed acceptable or approximately acceptable discrimination (AUC 0.683–0.809) for the training set, but fair discrimination (AUC 0.568–0.666) for the internal and external validation. For calibration, only modified Poisson regression and eXtreme Gradient Boosting were acceptable in the training set. All models had acceptable overall prediction performance and clinical usefulness. Older adults were divided into three groups by the risk scoring tool constructed based on modified Poisson regression: low risk (≤24), median risk (24–29) and high risk (>29).ConclusionsThis risk tool could assist healthcare providers to predict incident RCF among older adults in the next 2 years, facilitating early identification of a high‐risk population of RCF. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 874–882.
A history of abuse is associated with more severe migraine‐ and pain‐related disability: Results from the American Registry for Migraine Research
Authors: Trivedi Meesha , Dumkrieger Gina , Chong Catherine D. , Leibovit‐Reiben Zachary , Schwedt Todd J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrior studies have established an association between a history of abuse and more severe migraine presentation.ObjectivesThis cross‐sectional, observational study of a clinic‐based migraine population used validated measures to elucidate migraine‐specific and migraine‐related burdens among patients with a history of abuse.MethodsPatients with migraine (n = 866) from the American Registry for Migraine Research self‐reported if they had a history of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse and completed questionnaires assessing migraine‐related burden: Migraine Disability Assessment, Subjective Cognitive Impairment Scale for Migraine Attacks, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Interference, Patient Health Questionnaire‐2, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7. Migraine‐related burden in patients with versus without a history of abuse was compared. Subsequently, a mediation analysis evaluated the impact of depression and anxiety symptoms in the relationship between abuse history and migraine burden.ResultsA history of abuse was reported by 36.5% (n = 316/866) of participants. After controlling for patient age, sex, years lived with headache, and headache frequency, a history of abuse was significantly associated with more severe migraine‐related disability. The combined burden of depression and anxiety symptoms mediated the relationship.ConclusionA history of abuse is associated with greater migraine‐related disability. Future studies should determine if identification and management of the psychological and physical sequelae of abuse reduce migraine burden.
Examining the genomic influence of topically applied probiotics in vitro
Authors: Gruber James V. , Holtz Robert , Roach Megan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveRecent work examined the influence of topically applied just‐add‐water creams containing Lactobacillus plantarum probiotic cultures on to reconstructed human epidermis (RHE). The ability to blend various quiescent probiotic powders in topical systems allows for the examination of these powders on RHEs employing various individual quiescent probiotics using human gene microarrays.MethodsFour topical Just‐Add‐Water powders (STRATABIOSYS™ Technologies) were prepared containing the following: (1) Lactobacillus plantarum Lp90 [200 M CFU/g]; (2) Saccharomyces cerevisiae [200 M CFU/g]; (3) Streptococcus thermophilus [200 M CFU/g]; and (4) Lactococcus Lactis LLa61 [200 M CFU/g]. A powder without probiotics was used as a placebo control. The creams were prepared by taking 3% of each powder and dissolving it into sterile water. A 15 μL sample of each cream was applied to a RHE tissue that presented approximately 90 K CFU/g of each microorganism on the tissue. The RHE was treated for 24 h with the creams whereupon the residual cream was rinsed off, and the tissues were analysed using Agilent human gene microarrays containing 19 217 individual genes from which a smaller subset of 244 genes pertinent to skin were culled.ResultsThe following probiotic specific gene responses were found: (1) Lactobacillus plantarum upregulated 4.9% of the skin‐relevant gene set; (2) Saccharomyces cerevisiae upregulated 7.8% of the skin relevant gene set; Streptococcus thermophilus upregulated 6.1% of the skin relevant gene set; Lactococcus lactis upregulated 7.0% of the skin relevant gene set.ConclusionA method to examine topical probiotics on RHE has been described that involves converting the powders to preservative‐free creams.
Age‐dependent changes in skin features and perceived facial appearance in women of five ethnic groups
Authors: Fink Bernhard , Campiche Remo , Shackelford Todd K. , Voegeli Rainer 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveResearch documents effects of skin features on assessments of age, health and attractiveness of female faces. Ethnic variation also has been reported for the impact of age‐related changes in skin features on face assessments. Here, we investigate women's self‐ratings across age cohorts and ethnic groups and discrepancies with (non‐expert) assessor ratings of facial appearance together with age‐dependent changes in skin features.MethodsFaces of women 20–65 years from five ethnic groups (each n = 36) were imaged. Participants provided self‐ratings of age, health and attractiveness, and were judged on these attributes by members of the same ethnic group (each n = 120). Digital image analysis was used to quantify skin gloss, tone evenness, wrinkling and sagging. Age‐dependent changes in ratings and skin features within and between ethnic groups were assessed by comparing information from 10‐year cohorts. We also tested whether menopausal status could be predicted by self‐ratings, assessor ratings and image‐based skin features.ResultsWomen of all ethnic groups judged themselves younger and higher in attractiveness and health compared to third‐party assessors, with the largest discrepancies for age in French women and for attractiveness and health in South African women. In Indian and South African women, specular gloss and skin tone evenness were lower compared to other participants, and sagging was higher in Indian, Japanese and South African women compared to Chinese and French women. Women's menopausal status could be predicted from assessor ratings and image‐based skin features but not from self‐ratings.ConclusionThere are differences between women's self‐ratings and assessor ratings of facial appearance. These discrepancies vary with female age and ethnicity. Age and ethnicity effects also are evident in age‐dependent changes in skin features within and across ethnic groups, which together with assessor (but not self‐) ratings of facial appearance predict menopausal status.
Taxonomy for the assessment of the subjective experience of curly hair manageability
Authors: Daniels Gabriela , Heitmayer Maxi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis paper aims to develop and validate a taxonomy for the assessment of the subjective experience of curly hair manageability. It represents the latter of two iterative stages of a mixed‐method design interdisciplinary project.MethodsThe qualitative stage of the study incorporated thematic analysis of 14 interview transcripts generated using a video‐ethnographic method (SEBE). A survey‐based instrument assessing different elements of the construct of hair manageability designed during the first stage of this project was further developed following consultations with experts with extensive experience in hair research, product development, testing and trichology. The instrument was tested online with 506 female participants self‐reporting natural curly hair, types 3A and higher according to the Andre Walker Curl Classification.ResultsThe initial construct of four groups of hair goals received positive content validity from the experts. High scale reliability was achieved for the aesthetic, haptic and emotive goals' scales as well as for hair esteem (Cronbach's alpha >0.75). Curl type was the only personal hair attribute that was correlated with hair goals and perceptions. From the demographic and lifestyle data, only age was correlated with goals and willingness to try new products. Common hair practices and product usage were also correlated with hair curl and goals.ConclusionThe appropriateness of the instrument for measuring the strength of different hair goals and perceptions relevant to hair curvature degree and hair esteem has been validated. The instrument will support the development and testing of products better aligned with the manageability needs of very curly and textured hair. It was also confirmed that hair curvature is the most significant determinant of practices, and age of product attitudes.
A model for assessing student satisfaction with smart classroom environment in higher education
Authors: Dai Zhicheng , Wang Ling , Peng Xian , Zhao Liang , Xiong Junxia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSmart classroom environment has drawn worldwide attention, however, there is still a lack of studies that can explore and analyse potential factors, which affect students' satisfaction with smart classrooms in higher education.ObjectivesTo assess students' satisfaction with smart classrooms in higher education, this study proposed the smart classroom environment satisfaction model based on TAM and ACSI models.MethodsA sample of 1979 Chinese college students who studied in a smart classroom environment completed a survey assessing student satisfaction with the smart classroom environment. And a structural equation modelling analysis was used to further analyse students' preferences for smart classroom environments.Results and conclusionsThe results showed that student satisfaction with smart classroom environment is significantly correlated with subjective perception factors after use, such as students' perceived value (PV), user experience and perceived expectations (PE). It indicated that user experience indirectly affected overall satisfaction (OS) through its positive impact on PV, while PE indirectly affected OS through its positive impact on user experience. Second, user experience had the greatest impact on student satisfaction, followed by PV and PE. This study is a theoretical supplement to future research on smart classroom environment in higher education, and can also provide reference for relevant government departments, universities and enterprises to build and manage smart classroom environment.
Efficacy and safety of a novel temperature‐controlled catheter for cavotricuspid isthmus ablation
Authors: Sano Masaya , Yamaji Hirosuke , Higashiya Shunichi , Kubo Motoki , Murakami Takashi , Kawamura Hiroshi , Murakami Masaaki , Kamikawa Shigeshi , Hirohata Satoshi , Kusachi Shozo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundMaintaining an adequate temperature at the target site is essential for effective ablation. We hypothesized that a tissue temperature‐controlled (T‐Con) catheter for cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation could improve the procedural ablation parameters.PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the T‐Con (DiamondTemp™) catheter for CTI ablation compared with non‐irrigation (Non‐Irri) and irrigation (Irri) catheters.MethodsWe analyzed 150 patients who underwent prophylactic CTI ablation combined with pulmonary vein isolation. The Non‐Irri, Irri, and T‐Con catheter groups comprised 50 patients each, and the ablation procedural parameters and complications were compared between these groups.ResultsThere were no significant differences in clinical background characteristics among the three groups. The Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc tests demonstrated that the T‐Con group showed the lowest total radiofrequency energy delivery time among the three groups (median [25 and 75 percentiles]: 340 [209, 357], 147 [100, 199], and 83 [61, 109] s, respectively in the Non‐Irri, Irri, and T‐Con groups; T‐Con versus Non‐Irri, p < .01; T‐Con versus Irri, p < .01). The total procedural time and acute reconnection rate in the T‐Con group (264 s and 4%, respectively) were lower than those in the Non‐Irri group (438 s and 24%) but were similar to those in the Irri group (268 s and 6%). No significant complications were observed in any group.ConclusionsThe T‐Con catheter achieved a short energy delivery time and a low acute reconnection rate, indicating its potential as an alternative catheter for CTI ablation.
Optic neuropathy from hypovitaminosis A in a series of children with severe dietary restrictions
Authors: Shi Jane , Caldwell James , Sheck Leo , Tsang Bobby , Alekzander Rebecca , Escardo‐Paton Julia , Vincent Andrea L , Spooner Claire , Heppner Peter , Danesh‐Meyer Helen , Hull Sarah 
Published: July 2024

AimHypovitaminosis A is a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, especially in developing nations. Vitamin A is a fat‐soluble essential micronutrient that serves vital functions in the visual system and in regulating bone resorption. We report on a series of four children with mixed nutritional and compressive optic neuropathy and provide a review of the literature.MethodsA retrospective observational study of four males (ages 9–12), three with autism spectrum disorder who presented with loss of vision and multiple vitamin deficiencies including hypovitaminosis A.ResultsPatients presented with unexplained visual loss or a change in visual behaviour. All patients had severely restricted diet comprising of predominantly carbohydrates. Two of the four cases demonstrated optic nerve pallor at initial presentation with marked optic atrophy developing in all patients over time. Electrophysiology available in two patients demonstrated optic nerve dysfunction with preserved retinal function. Extensive investigations revealed profound deficiency in multiple vitamins including vitamin A (<0.1–0.2 μmol/L, normal = 0.9–1.7 μmol/L). Three patients also had low vitamin B12 (90–111 pmol/L, normal = 170–800 pmol/L) with normal folate. All four cases had radiological evidence of skull base thickening indicative of low vitamin A. Genetic testing did not find any relevant pathogenic variants.ConclusionsHypovitaminosis A is a crucial form of nutritional deprivation that results in significant visual loss with potential hyperostosis and optic nerve compression exacerbating nutritional optic neuropathy. Additional micronutrient deficiencies usually co‐exist and may contribute. Extra vigilance in vitamin replacement is required of clinicians with patients with autism who have restricted diets.
Recovery of ambulation in small, nonbrachycephalic dogs after conservative management of acute thoracolumbar disk extrusion
Authors: Khan Sam , Jeffery Nick D. , Freeman Paul 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, low‐level evidence suggests loss of ambulation associated with acute thoracolumbar disk extrusion is best treated by decompressive spinal surgery. Conservative management can be successful, but the proportion of dogs that recover and the fate of herniated material are uncertain.ObjectivesDetermine the proportion of nonambulatory dogs with conservatively treated acute thoracolumbar disk extrusion that recover ambulation and measure the change in spinal cord compression during the first 12 weeks after presentation.AnimalsSeventy‐two client‐owned nonambulatory dogs with acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disk extrusion.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study. Enrolled dogs underwent magnetic resonance imaging at presentation and owners were provided with conservative management recommendations. Imaging was repeated after 12 weeks. Recovery of ambulation was defined as 10 consecutive steps without falling. Spinal cord compression was determined from the cross‐sectional area of the vertebral canal and extradural compressive material at the lesion epicenter. The association between recovery and change in compression over the 12‐week observational period was examined.ResultsForty‐nine of fifty‐one (96%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 87%‐99%) of deep pain‐positive and 10/21 (48%; 95% CI, 28%‐68%) of deep pain‐negative dogs recovered ambulation within the 12‐week period. The median time to ambulation was 11 and 25 days for deep pain‐positive and ‐negative dogs, respectively. Reduction in spinal cord compression varied among individuals from minimal to complete and apparently was unrelated to the recovery of ambulation.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceA high proportion of conservatively treated dogs recovered ambulation after conservative management of acute thoracolumbar disk herniation. Recovery was not dependent on the resolution of compression.
Comparative evaluation of single versus double leg raise maneuver in high‐resolution esophageal manometry
Authors: Rim Daniel S. , Parkman Henry P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe straight leg raise (SLR) maneuver, often performed during esophageal manometry, requires patients to lift their leg(s) to augment intraabdominal pressure (IAP). Diverse techniques have been applied for SLR. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of SLR between single and double leg raises.MethodsDuring esophageal manometry, patients were asked to raise one leg, followed by elevating both legs. The efficacy of SLR for (1) detecting hiatal hernia, (2) increasing IAP, and (3) predicting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with intraesophageal pressure (IEP) was assessed. The value of change in impedance to indicate reflux during SLR in predicting esophageal acid exposure was investigated.Key ResultsThe leg raise procedures were performed in 86 patients undergoing high‐resolution esophageal manometry. Both the single and double leg raises exhibited a higher hiatal hernia detection rate compared to the landmark (p = 0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Double leg raise was more effective in raising IAP by >50% compared to single leg raise (100% vs. 65.1%, p < 0.001), increasing yield by 53.6%. The change in IAP showed a positive correlation with the change in IEP during double leg raise (r = 0.31; p = 0.004), higher than that for single leg raise (r = 0.23; p = 0.03). Lower intraesophageal impedance during SLR was associated with AET > 6% with double leg raise (1.5 kΩ vs. 2.5 kΩ, p = 0.04).Conclusions & InferencesOur study demonstrates the efficacy of both single and double leg raise maneuvers during HREMI in increasing hiatal hernia detection and possible value in predicting GERD. The double leg raise resulted in a higher rate of effective increase in IAP, potentially enabling more patients to undergo effective SLR during HREMI.