bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions as adjunctive treatment for vascular dementia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yi Yunhao , Qu Yiwei , Lv Shimeng , Zhang Guangheng , Rong Yuanhang , Li Ming 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesThe incidence of vascular dementia (VaD) is steadily rising annually, significantly impacting the mental well-being and overall quality of life of the elderly, and imposing substantial economic burdens on families and society. In recent years, non-pharmacological therapies as supplementary treatments for VaD have garnered significant attention and have been extensively utilized in clinical settings. Consequently, a network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted by us to assess the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological therapies in the management of VaD.DesignWe systematically searched seven databases from their inception up to January 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials focusing on non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of VaD. The methodological quality and risk of bias were rigorously assessed utilizing the RoB 2.0 evaluation tool. The NMA was performed using R software and STATA 14 software, adhering to frequentist theory principles. Additionally, sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, and funnel plot were conducted to assess the stability, heterogeneity, and publication bias, respectively.ResultsThe NMA included 91 eligible studies involving 7,657 patients. The NMA results indicated that in terms of improving Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the following non-pharmacological interventions ranked higher based on p-value: acupuncture_moxibustion_ conventional treatment (ACUP_MB_CT) [P-score = 0.95; pooled mean difference (95% CI): 5.09 (3.82; 6.36)], fastigial nucleus stimulation_CT (FNS_CT) [0.87; 4.51 (2.59; 6.43)], ACUP_rehabilitation training_CT (ACUP_RT_CT) [0.84; 4.19 (2.77; 5.61)], repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation_CT (rTMS_CT) [0.82; 3.98 (3.08; 4.88)], and aerobic exercise_CT (AE_CT) [0.82; 4.25 (1.86; 6.64)]. Regarding improvement in Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL), the following non-pharmacological interventions ranked higher based on P-score: ACUP_MB_CT [0.98; 17.21 (13.19; 21.23)], ACUP_RT_CT [0.87; 14.32 (8.43; 20.22)], rTMS_CT [0.78; 11.83 (9.92; 13.75)], and ACUP_CT [0.73; 11.23 (9.26; 13.19)]. No significant adverse reactions were reported in the included studies.ConclusionACUP_MB_CT may be considered the most efficacious intervention for enhancing cognitive function and daily living skills in individuals diagnosed with VaD. Furthermore, ACUP_RT_CT, rTMS_CT, FNS_CT, ACUP_CT, and AE_CT also demonstrate significant clinical utility. Non-pharmacological interventions are unlikely to significantly increase adverse reactions and has a certain degree of safety.Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier [CRD42024498902].
Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with language-cognitive training improves language and cognitive ability in children with language delay
Authors: Zhou Huichang , Xu Yunxian , Chen Lishan , Yuan Jiajian , Guan Zhiyong , Liang Peng 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionLanguage delay cannot be ignored, and there is an urgent need to determine therapies that elicit better results in a short period. However, whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) alone or in combination with other therapies can promote recovery of language and cognitive function in children with language delay remains unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of tDCS combined with language-cognitive training and home-based rehabilitation on language and cognitive ability in children with language delay.MethodsChildren with language delay who visited the Department of rehabilitation medicine or the pediatric outpatient clinic of the First People’s Hospital of Foshan from January 2019 to December 2021, totaling 190 in number, were included and randomly divided into 4 groups, i.e., the family guidance group, the tDCS group, the language-cognitive training group, and the comprehensive training group. The family guidance group (47 cases) received home training. The tDCS group (46 cases) received home training and tDCS treatment. The language- cognitive training group (49 cases) adopted home training and language-cognitive training. The comprehensive training group (48 cases) took home training, language-cognitive training, and tDCS treatment. All groups received training 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Sign-significant relations (S-S) test was applied to evaluate the language comprehension, language expression, basic learning ability, and attitude of communication of the children.ResultsThe language-cognitive training group and the comprehensive training group showed improvement after treatment (p &lt; 0.05) regarding basic learning ability. The communication attitude of the four groups improved after intervention (p &lt; 0.05). Particularly, the comprehensive training group had maximum improvement after intervention. No serious adverse reactions such as epilepsy, headache, and behavioral abnormalities were found.ConclusiontDCS combined with language-cognitive training and home training can improve language and cognitive ability in children with language delay.
Performance of ChatGPT-4 and Bard chatbots in responding to common patient questions on prostate cancer 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy
Authors: Belge Bilgin Gokce , Bilgin Cem , Childs Daniel S. , Orme Jacob J. , Burkett Brian J. , Packard Ann T. , Johnson Derek R. , Thorpe Matthew P. , Riaz Irbaz Bin , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R. , Johnson Geoffrey B. , Sartor Oliver , Kendi Ayse Tuba 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundMany patients use artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots as a rapid source of health information. This raises important questions about the reliability and effectiveness of AI chatbots in delivering accurate and understandable information.PurposeTo evaluate and compare the accuracy, conciseness, and readability of responses from OpenAI ChatGPT-4 and Google Bard to patient inquiries concerning the novel 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy for prostate cancer.Materials and methodsTwo experts listed the 12 most commonly asked questions by patients on 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. These twelve questions were prompted to OpenAI ChatGPT-4 and Google Bard. AI-generated responses were distributed using an online survey platform (Qualtrics) and blindly rated by eight experts. The performances of the AI chatbots were evaluated and compared across three domains: accuracy, conciseness, and readability. Additionally, potential safety concerns associated with AI-generated answers were also examined. The Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were utilized to compare the performances of AI chatbots.ResultsEight experts participated in the survey, evaluating 12 AI-generated responses across the three domains of accuracy, conciseness, and readability, resulting in 96 assessments (12 responses x 8 experts) for each domain per chatbot. ChatGPT-4 provided more accurate answers than Bard (2.95 ± 0.671 vs 2.73 ± 0.732, p=0.027). Bard’s responses had better readability than ChatGPT-4 (2.79 ± 0.408 vs 2.94 ± 0.243, p=0.003). Both ChatGPT-4 and Bard achieved comparable conciseness scores (3.14 ± 0.659 vs 3.11 ± 0.679, p=0.798). Experts categorized the AI-generated responses as incorrect or partially correct at a rate of 16.6% for ChatGPT-4 and 29.1% for Bard. Bard’s answers contained significantly more misleading information than those of ChatGPT-4 (p = 0.039).ConclusionAI chatbots have gained significant attention, and their performance is continuously improving. Nonetheless, these technologies still need further improvements to be considered reliable and credible sources for patients seeking medical information on 177Lu-PSMA-617 therapy.
A novel basement membrane-related gene signature predicts prognosis and immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Bingyao , Che Yingkun , Zhu Puhua , Xu Yuanpeng , Yu Haibo , Li Deyu , Ding Xiangming 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundBasement membranes (BMs) have recently emerged as significant players in cancer progression and metastasis, rendering them promising targets for potential anti-cancer therapies. Here, we aimed to develop a novel signature of basement membrane-related genes (BMRGs) for the prediction of clinical prognosis and tumor microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe differentially expressed BMRGs were subjected to univariate Cox regression analysis to identify BMRGs with prognostic significance. A six-BMRGs risk score model was constructed using Least Absolute Shrinkage Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression. Furthermore, a nomogram incorporating the BMRGs score and other clinicopathological features was developed for accurate prediction of survival rate in patients with HCC.ResultsA total of 121 differentially expressed BMRGs were screened from the TCGA HCC cohort. The functions of these BMRGs were significantly enriched in the extracellular matrix structure and signal transduction. The six-BMRGs risk score, comprising CD151, CTSA, MMP1, ROBO3, ADAMTS5 and MEP1A, was established for the prediction of clinical prognosis, tumor microenvironment characteristics, and immunotherapy response in HCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the BMRGs score-high group showed a significantly shorter overall survival than BMRGs score-low group. A nomogram showed that the BMRGs score could be used as a new effective clinical predictor and can be combined with other clinical variables to improve the prognosis of patients with HCC. Furthermore, the high BMRGs score subgroup exhibited an immunosuppressive state characterized by infiltration of macrophages and T-regulatory cells, elevated tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) score, as well as enhanced expression of immune checkpoints including PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA4, PD-L2, HAVCR2, and TIGIT. Finally, a multi-step analysis was conducted to identify two pivotal hub genes, PKM and ITGA3, in the high-scoring group of BMRGs, which exhibited significant associations with an unfavorable prognosis in HCC.ConclusionOur study suggests that the BMRGs score can serve as a robust biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes and evaluating the tumor microenvironment in patients with HCC, thereby facilitating more effective clinical implementation of immunotherapy.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease among kidney cancer survivors: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Jung Minji , Choo Eunjung , Li Shufeng , Deng Zhengyi , Li Jinhui , Li Mingyi , Basran Satvir , Lee Sukhyang , Langston Marvin E. , Chung Benjamin I. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major concern of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. However, few evidence exists on the short- and long-term risk of CVD in kidney cancer (KCa) survivors.MethodsIn this nationwide, large population-based retrospective cohort study, we used the Korean national health insurance and medical checkup survey linkage database (2007-2021), drawn from the entire Korean population. We included adults diagnosed with KCa as the first primary cancer and matched them to an individual without KCa at a 1:5 ratio. The primary outcome was CVD incidence, including myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, peripheral arterial occlusion, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). We evaluated CVD risk at 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years following cancer diagnosis, using Fine-Gray competing risk models that accounted for death as a competing factor.ResultsA total of 149,232 participants were included (KCa survivors: N=20,093 and matched non-KCa individuals: N=129,139). After 6-month follow-up, KCa survivors showed an increased risk of CVD compared to the general population (subdistribution hazard ratio (HR) 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.31-3.15). After 1 year, KCa survivors had a higher risk of CVD (HR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.56-2.00). After 5 years, this elevated CVD risk remained (HR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.18), with VTE identified as the primary contributing disease (HR=3.05, 95% CI:2.59-3.59).ConclusionKCa survivors had an increased risk of CVD up to 5 years after cancer diagnosis compared to the general population. Our findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive healthcare management for both CVD and KCa throughout cancer survivorship.
The sparing effect of ultra-high dose rate irradiation on the esophagus
Authors: Ren Wenting , Hou Lu , Zhang Ke , Chen Huan , Feng Xin , Jiang Ziming , Shao Fei , Dai Jianrong , Gao Yibo , He Jie 
Published: July 2024

Background and purposeCurrent studies have substantiated the sparing effect of ultra-high dose rate irradiation (FLASH) in various organs including the brain, lungs, and intestines. Whether this sparing effect extends to esophageal tissue remains unexplored. This study aims to compare the different responses of esophageal tissue in histological and protein expression levels following conventional dose rate irradiation (CONV) and FLASH irradiation to ascertain the presence of a sparing effect.Methods and materialsC57 female mice were randomly divided into three groups: control, CONV, and FLASH groups. The chest region of the mice in the radiation groups was exposed to a prescribed dose of 20 Gy using a modified electron linear accelerator. The CONV group received an average dose rate of 0.1 Gy/s, while the FLASH group received an average dose rate of 125 Gy/s. On the 10th day after irradiation, the mice were euthanized and their esophagi were collected for histopathological analysis. Subsequently, label-free proteomic quantification analysis was performed on esophageal tissue. The validation process involved analyzing transmission electron microscopy images and utilizing the parallel reaction monitoring method.ResultsHistopathology results indicated a significantly lower extent of esophageal tissue damage in the FLASH group compared to the CONV group (p &lt; 0.05). Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the sparing effect observed in the FLASH group may be attributed to a reduction in radiation-induced protein damage associated with mitochondrial functions, including proteins involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, as well as a decrease in acute inflammatory responses.ConclusionsCompared with CONV irradiation, a sparing effect on esophageal tissue can be observed after FLASH irradiation. This sparing effect is associated with alleviated mitochondria damage and acute inflammation.
Q methodology as an integrative approach: bridging quantitative and qualitative insights in a mixed methods study on mathematics teachers’ beliefs
Authors: Buchholtz Nils , Vollstedt Maike 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThis study explores the beliefs of pre-service mathematics teachers regarding the teaching and learning of mathematics.MethodsWe employed a mixed methods approach, combining quantitative Likert-scale surveys and Q methodology, an integrative quantitative and qualitative approach. A sample of 33 pre-service teachers participated in the study. Initially, Likert-scale surveys were used to ascertain general trends in belief orientations. Subsequently, the same participants engaged in a Q sort exercise, which allowed for a nuanced exploration of individual belief systems by prioritizing the same survey statements within a forced-choice grid. Qualitative interviews further enriched these findings.ResultsQ methodology analysis identified distinct belief profiles, characterized by their prioritization of specific educational practices and the contextual and subjective interpretations that underpin these preferences. The qualitative interviews provided deeper insight into the reasoning behind participants’ choices in the Q sort, illustrating the complex, sometimes contradictory nature of personally held beliefs that traditional Likert-scale approaches may obscure.DiscussionOur results underscore the utility of combining Q methodology with conventional teacher belief survey techniques to achieve a more holistic understanding of pre-service teachers’ beliefs. This approach reveals the complexity within individual belief systems and highlights the potential for mixed methods research to refine the measurement and interpretation of psychological constructs in educational settings.
A psychometric analysis of the adapted historical loss scale and historical loss associated symptoms scale among native Hawaiian adults
Authors: Antonio Mapuana C. K. , Keaulana Samantha , Ing Claire Townsend , Williams Madison , Dillard Adrienne , Kekauoha Bridget Puni , Kenney Meghan , Marshall Sarah Momilani , Cassel Kevin , Abrigo Scott , Kauhane Michelle , Kaholokula Joseph Keawe‘aimoku 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesThe Historical Loss Scale (HLS) and Historical Loss Associated Symptoms Scale (HLASS) are standardized measures that have been accepted and previously validated among North American Indigenous communities and allow researchers to measure the impact of Historical Loss. Evidence of the psychometric properties of this instrument have not been assessed for Native Hawaiians, the Indigenous peoples of Hawai‘i. The purpose of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the adapted HLS (aHLS) and HLASS for adults from multiple Hawaiian Homestead Communities throughout Hawai‘i.MethodsData are based on cross-sectional surveys administered between 2014 and 2020. The final sample included 491 Native Hawaiian adults who were predominantly female (67.3%) and between the ages of 18–90 years, who were part of the larger study entitled the Hawaiian Homestead Health Survey. Factor analyses were conducted to determine the final model structures of each scale. Reliability and correlation matrices of items are also reported.ResultsThe final factor structure of the aHLS model suggested 3 factors: (1) General loss of culture or cultural loss, (2) Intergenerational loss, and (3) Distrust and destruction of traditional foods. The final HLASS model also suggested 3 factors: (1) Depression and Anger, (2) Shame and Anxiety, and (3) Re-experiencing, fear, and avoidance.ConclusionThese findings have implications for future research, practice, and education that explores the role of Historical Loss and associated symptoms in Native Hawaiians and Indigenous communities at large. In particular, measuring historical loss and associated symptoms in Hawaiian Homestead communities paves the way for quantitative assessments of historical trauma and healing in these communities.
Enhanced astronaut hygiene and mission efficiency: a novel approach to in-suit waste management and water recovery in spacewalks
Authors: Etlin Sofia , Bielski Luca , Rose Julianna , Morales Karen , Belman Avery , Alexander Emma , Li Emma , Lin Richard , Patel Krishna , Rakhmonova Stephanie , Walter Claire , Mason Christopher E. 
Published: July 2024

The current waste management system within the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) consists of a disposable diaper—the Maximum Absorbency Garment (MAG)—that collects urine and feces during extravehicular activities (EVAs) that last up to 8 h. Such exposure to waste for prolonged periods of time contributes to hygiene-related medical events, including urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal distress. Historically, prior to using the MAG, astronauts have limited their food intake or eaten a low-residue diet before embarking on physically demanding spacewalks, reducing their work performance index (WPI) and posing a health risk. Furthermore, the current 0.95 L In-suit Drink Bag (IDB) does not provide sufficient water for more frequent, longer-range spacewalks, which carry greater potential for contingency scenarios requiring extended time away from a vehicle. High transport costs per pound to space and resource scarcity exacerbate these challenges, underscoring the need for water-efficient waste management. This paper introduces a novel in-suit urine collection and filtration system developed in the Mason Lab at Weill Cornell Medical College that could address these hygiene and hydration concerns. The device would collect astronaut urine via an external catheter and filter it using forward and reverse osmosis (FO-RO) into potable water, creating a sustainable and hygienic circular water economy, enhancing astronaut wellbeing. This research aims to achieve an 85% urine collection rate using a modified MAG. The modified MAG will be made of a flexible compression material lined with antimicrobial fabric, and urine is collected through a silicone urine collection cup, which differs for male and female astronauts to conform to anatomy. Urine collection via a vacuum pump is triggered by a humidity sensor that detects the presence of urine in the cup. The FO-RO filtration system targets a minimum of 75% water recovery, while consuming less than 10% of EMU energy. To meet health standards, the filtrate maintains low salt levels (&lt;250 ppm NaCl) and effectively removes major urine solutes (urea, uric acid, ammonia, calcium). However, further research and testing are warranted to refine and implement these innovations for future space missions, contributing to the advancement of deep space exploration technologies and astronaut health and performance.
A meta-analysis of the impacts of best management practices on nonpoint source pollutant concentration
Authors: Schramm Michael , Kikoyo Duncan , Wright Janelle , Jain Shubham 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionBest management practices (BMPs) are important tools for mitigating the impact of non-point source pollutants on water quality. Drivers of the high variance observed in BMP performance field tests are not well documented and present challenges for planning BMP construction and forecasting water quality improvements.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of published nonpoint source water quality BMP studies conducted in the United States and used a meta-analysis approach to describe variance in pollutant removal performance. We used meta-regression to explore how much BMP pollutant removal process, influent pollutant concentration, and aridity effected BMP performance.ResultsDespite high variance, we found the BMPs on average were effective at reducing fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations. We found that influent concentration and interaction effect between the BMP pollutant removal process and aridity explained a substantial amount of variance in BMP performance in FIB removal. Influent concentration explained a small amount of variability in BMP removal of TP and orthophosphate (PO4). We did not find evidence that any of our chosen variables moderated BMP performance in nitrogen or TSS removal. Through our systematic review, we found inadequate spatial representation of BMP studies to capture the underlying variability in climate, soil, and other conditions that could impact BMP performance.