bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DEprescribing: Perceptions of PAtients living with advanced cancer. A multicentre, prospective mixed observational study protocol
Authors: Evin Adrien , Bourdon Marianne , Nizet Pierre , Hardouin Jean-Benoit , Victorri-Vigneau Caroline , Huon Jean-François 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Polypharmacy in patients with advanced cancer represents a major public health problem, leading to risk of iatrogenesis, decrease of quality of life and increase of healthcare costs. In the field of geriatrics, health policies have been developed to address polypharmacy through the use of deprescribing tools. Recently, palliative care initiatives have been introduced, yet these have not fully considered the specificities of this population, particularly their perceptions. It is therefore important to better understand patients’ perceptions of deprescribing in order to adapt tools and actions to make these approaches more effective.

Objectives
The aim is to investigate patients’ perceptions of deprescribing in palliative oncology care, and to explore factors that may influence patients’ attitudes and beliefs about deprescribing and to validate a specific questionnaire (rPATD) in this population. An ancillary study will investigate the relationship between patients’ health literacy and their perception of deprescribing.

Method
A prospective, observational, multicenter study will be conducted using a sequential mixed exploratory design in a population of patients living with advanced cancer and with a physician-estimated life expectancy of less than 1 year. The study will include an initial qualitative phase. Individual semi-structured interviews using a descriptive approach (thematic analysis) will be conducted (upon saturation). Following analysis of the qualitative data, a quantitative study including 300 patients will be realized to meet secondary objectives. Several data will be collected and 2 self-questionnaires will be administered: the BMQ (beliefs about medicine) and rPATD (perception of deprescribing) possibly supplemented by additional items if required by the qualitative analysis. The auxiliary study will be conducted during this second phase, using a validated self-questionnaire to assess patients’ level of literacy.

Conclusion
The disparate outcomes will facilitate the understanding of the perception of deprescribing in palliative oncology care, enabling the development of tailored approaches adapted to this population.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials Identifier: NCT06193083.
Utilizing machine learning to tailor radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy for low-grade glioma patients
Authors: Zhu Enzhao , Wang Jiayi , Shi Weizhong , Chen Zhihao , Zhu Min , Xu Ziqin , Li Linlin , Shan Dan 
Published: August 2024

Background
There is ongoing uncertainty about the effectiveness of various adjuvant treatments for low-grade gliomas (LGGs). Machine learning (ML) models that predict individual treatment effects (ITE) and provide treatment recommendations could help tailor treatments to each patient’s needs.

Objective
We sought to discern the individual suitability of radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in LGG patients using ML models.

Methods
Ten ML models, trained to infer ITE in 4,042 LGG patients, were assessed. We compared patients who followed treatment recommendations provided by the models with those who did not. To mitigate the risk of treatment selection bias, we employed inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results
The Balanced Survival Lasso-Network (BSL) model showed the most significant protective effect among all the models we tested (hazard ratio (HR): 0.52, 95% CI, 0.41–0.64; IPTW-adjusted HR: 0.58, 95% CI, 0.45–0.74; the difference in restricted mean survival time (DRMST): 9.11, 95% CI, 6.19–12.03; IPTW-adjusted DRMST: 9.17, 95% CI, 6.30–11.83). CRT presented a protective effect in the ‘recommend for CRT’ group (IPTW-adjusted HR: 0.60, 95% CI, 0.39–0.93) yet presented an adverse effect in the ‘recommend for RT’ group (IPTW-adjusted HR: 1.64, 95% CI, 1.19–2.25). Moreover, the models predict that younger patients and patients with overlapping lesions or tumors crossing the midline are better suited for CRT (HR: 0.62, 95% CI, 0.42–0.91; IPTW-adjusted HR: 0.59, 95% CI, 0.36–0.97).

Conclusion
Our findings underscore the potential of the BSL model in guiding the choice of adjuvant treatment for LGGs patients, potentially improving survival time. This study emphasizes the importance of ML in customizing patient care, understanding the nuances of treatment selection, and advancing personalized medicine.
Operational research to inform post-validation surveillance of lymphatic filariasis in Tonga study protocol: History of lymphatic filariasis elimination, rational, objectives, and design
Authors: Lawford Harriet , Tukia ‘Ofa , Takai Joseph , Sheridan Sarah , Lau Colleen L. 
Published: August 2024

Background
Lymphatic filariasis (LF), a mosquito-borne helminth infection, is an important cause of chronic disability globally. The World Health Organization has validated eight Pacific Island countries as having eliminated lymphatic filariasis (LF) as a public health problem, but there are limited data to support an evidence-based approach to post-validation surveillance (PVS). Tonga was validated as having eliminated LF in 2017 but no surveillance has been conducted since 2015. This paper describes a protocol for an operational research project investigating different PVS methods in Tonga to provide an evidence base for national and regional PVS strategies.

Methods
Programmatic baseline surveys and Transmission Assessment Surveys conducted between 2000–2015 were reviewed to identify historically ‘high-risk’ and ‘low-risk’ schools and communities. ‘High-risk’ were those with LF antigen (Ag)-positive individuals recorded in more than one survey, whilst ‘low-risk’ were those with no recorded Ag-positives. The outcome measure for ongoing LF transmission will be Ag-positivity, diagnosed using Alere™ Filariasis Test Strips. A targeted study will be conducted in May-July 2024 including: (i) high and low-risk schools and communities, (ii) boarding schools, and (iii) patients attending a chronic-disease clinic. We estimate a total sample size of 2,010 participants.

Conclusions
Our methodology for targeted surveillance of suspected ‘high-risk’ populations using historical survey data can be adopted by countries when designing their PVS strategies. The results of this study will allow us to understand the current status of LF in Tonga and will be used to develop the next phase of activities.
Multiple sclerosis and abnormal spermatozoa: A bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Lingang , Li Qi , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Wei , Quan Jianwen 
Published: August 2024

Objective
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, and previous observational epidemiological studies have suggested an association between MS and male infertility; male infertility due to sperm abnormalities may result from a number of aetiological factors, such as genetics, autoimmune factors, etc., and there are currently no studies to assess whether MS is associated with sperm abnormalities in men. Therefore, we performed a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the causal relationship between MS and abnormal spermatozoa.

Methods
In this study, independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) were identified by mining public genome-wide association study repositories and used as instrumental variables to explore causality. The causal effect of MS on sperm abnormalities was systematically assessed using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques, and various analytical models such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger and MR-PRESSO were implemented to dissect the association. In addition, a wide range of sensitivity tests, including Cochran’s Q test to detect heterogeneity, MR-Egger intercept analysis to assess bias, leave-one-out to test model robustness, and funnel plot analysis to detect potential publication bias, were implemented to ensure the robustness and reliability of the causal inference results.

Results
There was a significant causal relationship between MS and abnormal sperm (OR 1.090, 95% CI [1.017–1.168], p = 0.014); The accuracy and robustness of the results were confirmed by sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion
Here we show that there appears to be a causal relationship between multiple sclerosis and abnormal spermatozoa. MS as a chronic disease has a higher risk of concomitant sperm abnormalities in its male patients, and reproductive and fertility issues in men with MS should receive special attention from clinicians.
Superdiversity Migration and Social Complexity, Steven Vertovec (2023)
Authors: Phillimore Jenny 
Published: August 2024

Review of: Superdiversity Migration and Social Complexity, Steven Vertovec (2023)
Abingdon: Routledge, 250 pp.,
ISBN 978-0-41583-463-6, p/bk, £27.99
ISBN 978-0-41583-462-9, h/bk, £96.00
The Causal Effect of Intrapancreatic Fat Deposition on Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yamazaki Hajime , Heni Martin , Wagner Róbert , Fukuhara Shunichi , Grossman Steven R. , Han Sihao , Wu Lang , Streicher Samantha A. , Huang Brian Z. 
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Recent associative studies have linked intrapancreatic fat deposition (IPFD) with risk of pancreatitis, but the causal relationship remains unclear.

METHODS:
Using Mendelian randomization, we evaluated the causal association between genetically predicted IPFD and pancreatitis. This approach used genetic variants from genomewide association studies of IPFD (n = 25,617), acute pancreatitis (n = 6,787 cases/361,641 controls), and chronic pancreatitis (n = 3,875 cases/361,641 controls).

RESULTS:
Genetically predicted IPFD was significantly associated with acute pancreatitis (odds ratio per 1-SD increase: 1.40 [95% CI: 1.12–1.76], P = 0.0032) and chronic pancreatitis (odds ratio: 1.64 [95% CI: 1.13–2.39], P = 0.0097).

DISCUSSION:
Our findings support a causal role of IPFD in pancreatitis, suggesting that reducing IPFD could lower the risk of pancreatitis.
Examination of Akt and GSK3β in BDNF‐mediated reductions in BACE1 activity in neuronal cells
Authors: Baranowski B. J. , Mohammad A. , LeBlanc P. J. , Fajardo V. A. , MacPherson R.E.K. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) content and signaling has been identified as one potential regulator of amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing. Recently published work has demonstrated that BDNF reduces BACE1 activity while also elevating the inhibition of GSK3β in the prefrontal cortex of male C57BL/6J mice. These results provide evidence that BDNF alters APP processing by reducing BACE1 activity, which may act through GSK3β inhibition. The purpose of this study was to further explore the role of GSK3β in BDNF‐induced regulation on BACE1 activity. We utilized a cell culture and an in vitro activity assay model to pharmacologically target BDNF and GSK3β signaling to confirm its involvement in the BDNF response. Treatment of differentiated SH‐SY5Y neuronal cells with 75 ng/mL BDNF resulted in elevated pTrkB content, pAkt content, pGSK3β content, and reduced BACE1 activity. An in vitro BACE1 activity assay utilizing mouse prefrontal cortex (n = 6/group) supplemented with BDNF, BDNF + ANA12 (Trkb antagonist), or BDNF + wortmannin (Akt inhibitor) demonstrated that BDNF reduced BACE1 activity; however, in the presence of TrkB or Akt inhibition, this effect was abolished. An in vitro ADAM10 activity assay utilizing mouse prefrontal cortex (n = 6/group) supplemented with BDNF, BDNF + ANA12 (Trkb antagonist), or BDNF + wortmannin (Akt inhibitor) demonstrated that BDNF did not alter ADAM10 activity. However, inhibiting BDNF signaling reduced ADAM10 activity. Collectively these studies suggest that GSK3β inhibition may be necessary for BDNF‐induced reductions in BACE1 activity. These findings will allow for the optimization of future therapeutic strategies by selectively targeting TrkB activation and GSK3β inhibition.
Analysis of the risk factors of the radiation-induced encephalopathy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ran Xiong , Zhou Shaoquan , Li Kang , Qiu Shijun , Xu Yikai , Xu Min , Yang Ruimeng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
To analyze the related factors of radiation-induced encephalopathy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) to identify the risk factors and their clinical significance. This retrospective cohort study included 707 NPC patients. They had undergone conventional and enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans. They were divided into the radiation-induced encephalopathy group and the no encephalopathy group according to the imaging examination. Detailed clinical information was collected. The incidence of radiation-induced encephalopathy in NPC was 22.2%, in which 124 were radiation-induced encephalopathy and 33 were reirradiation patients. We found that age, pathological type, radiation method, hypertension, radiation course, relapse, carotid/cerebral arteriosclerosis, clinical stage, and radiotherapy dose were statistically significant between the two groups (p < 0.05). Multiple logistic regression showed that clinical stage, age, radiotherapy method, hypertension, carotid/cerebral arteriosclerosis, and radiation courses after a reoccurrence of NPC were risk factors for radiation-induced encephalopathy. The more advanced the clinical stage was and the older the patient, the greater the risk. Radiotherapy method, radiation course, hypertension, carotid/cerebral arteriosclerosis, age, and clinical stage were the risk factors associated with radiation-induced encephalopathy in NPC.
Intentional Hyperglycemia at work, Glycemic Control, Work-related Diabetes Distress and Work Ability among Workers with Diabetes
Authors: Elhadidy Samah Saleh , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , Abdel Ghani Badawi Mohamed Roshdi , Elbialy Aya Mohamed 
Published: August 2024

Background. Work life of individuals with diabetes differs from that of those without diabetes. Work may interfere with diabetes self-management tasks, resulting in intentional hyperglycemia at work (IHW) and poor glycemic control. Diabetes also can affect work productivity due to work-related diabetes distress (WRDD) and impaired work ability (WA).
Methodology. A cross-sectional study was done at the Specialized Medical Hospital Mansoura University, which included 323 working patients with diabetes. They were subjected to personal interviews to collect socio-demographic data, occupational, diabetes and other pertinent medical histories. Questionnaires for measuring IHW, WRDD and WA were completed. Clinical and A1c data were obtained from their records.
Results. The prevalence of always high IHW, poor/very poor glycemic control, high WRDD and poor/moderate work ability was: 23.8%, 60.1%, 34.7% and 74.6%, respectively. The predictors of always high IHW were: 1) below university education; 2) treatment with insulin only or combined with oral drugs and 3) high WRDD. The predictors of poor/very poor glycemic control were urban residence, always and almost high IHW. The predictors of high WRDD were mentally-requiring jobs or both mentally- and physically-requiring jobs, duration of diabetes greater than 14 years and treatment with insulin. The predictors of poor/moderate WA were 'high' WRDD, 'almost high' and 'high a few times' IHW ratings.
Conclusions: Most of the studied population suffered mainly from poor/very poor glycemic control and poor/moderate work ability, while a lower proportion had high WRDD. This highlighted the need for workplace modifications and interventions to help workers with diabetes control their diabetes, improve their work ability and reduce WRDD to increase productivity.
Revisiting the link between abnormal uric acid levels and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review
Authors: Jankar Jayshri Sadashiv , Manglaram Anjali , Ahmed Tabish , Yadav Arvind 
Published: August 2024

Rise in uric acid (UA) levels is linked with inferior pregnancy outcomes; nevertheless, there is absence of proof at the moment to propose that high uric acid levels are related to a high likelihood of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). As a result, to discuss the link of rise in UA during pregnancy with the chance of having GDM.The articles have been chosen from the databases PubMed, Embase and Scopus. We discussed all applicable publications that explored the interrelation between serum UA and GDM, accompanying the formerly recorded articles. Other articles independent of this field are refrained from. This systematic review exhibited a bond between GDM and serum UA levels.Further research can positively enable the support of prompt identification. Deleterious effects on the mother-foetus duo could be kept away by managing gestational diabetes during early stage.
Preterm birth in young women and singleton pregnancy following IVF in the kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Sunder Amala , Varghese Bessy , Al Omran Bedoor , Darwish Basma , Chiter Ammar , Almehzaa Reem Talal , Alsada Abeer , Dayoub Nawal 
Published: August 2024

Invitro Fertilization (IVF) rate has been constantly increasing since 1986. Preterm birth is a known complication of IVF pregnancies. Analysis of the risk of preterm birth in young mothers conceived singleton pregnancy through IVF/Intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an important assessment to counsel young patients contemplating IVF treatment.This is a retrospective analysis of births from young patients of ≤35 years, following natural/ IVF conception between January 2019 and February 2020 at Bahrain Defense Force Hospital. We studied the women who had conceived through ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) against women conceived naturally. Preterm birth between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation was analyzed. The risk factors for preterm delivery such as multiple pregnancy, placental insufficiency, vaginal infections as well as iatrogenic preterm deliveries were analyzed. P-Value&#60;0.05 is considered statistically significant.The study included 2646 women. IVF conception was reported in 56 patients with rate of 2.1%. Our study showed that gestational age at delivery was earlier for IVF conception at 36.5 weeks compared to 39 weeks for natural conception. Multiple logistic regression analysis after adjusting other risk factors of preterm delivery, confirmed increased risk of delivery before 37 weeks after IVF singleton conception with OR 2.3 and 95% CI(1.1-4.7) P = 0.02. Risk of delivery before 32 weeks not increased with IVF conception OR 2.3 with 95% CI of 0.9-5.9 P=0.09, but the risk significantly increased for delivery before 28 weeks with OR 4.5 with 95% CI(1.2-16.8)P=0.02.Preterm deliveries are significantly increased in women aged less than 35 years old after IVF/ICSI with singleton pregnancies.
Understanding factors affecting the acceptance of post-abortion contraception: A comprehensive analysis
Authors: Bhavya H U  , Gayathri S  , Baipadithaya Anil S , Vipulachandra Y  
Published: August 2024

To assess the proportion of post-abortion contraceptive acceptance and the determinant factors in the utilization of contraception. It is a prospective observational study done on 468 women who presented for abortion care in a tertiary care centre. Data were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire, counselled for contraceptive usage. The family planning method accepted was noted and followed up after one month. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and expressed in the form of frequency and percentages. In the present study, the magnitude of acceptance of post-abortion contraception was 73.08%. Most women were in the age group 21-30 years (62.82%), the majority belonged to lower socioeconomic status (43.16%), 78.62% were homemakers. Age of the women, education status, and history of the previous usage of contraception showed a positive association with acceptance of post-abortion contraception. The most accepted method was tubectomy (24.35%) followed by barrier contraception (20.51%). During follow-up after 1 month, 69.24% were willing to continue the same method and 5.1% opted for a change in the contraceptive method. The common determinant factors for not opting for post-abortion contraception were due to religious belief, partner opposition, fear of side effects of contraceptive methods and willingness to concieve again shortly. The proportion of post-abortion family planning utilization is good but could be improved. Education before and especially at the time of abortion strongly influenced the usage of family planning services especially in rural areas where the accessibility is comparatively low. Family planning counseling during the time of abortion plays an important role in accepting post-abortion family planning services. At all levels of health care, family planning counseling and services should be provided to those who come for abortion to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.
Effects of early age of menarche on the health of Indian middle-aged women: A survey study
Authors: Sharma K N Srihari , Sneha S  , Visarapu Sai Bhavani 
Published: August 2024

The age of menarche, which is a sign that a female has reached reproductive maturity, has a significant impact on the health of women. Numerous components, including nutritional status, socioeconomic status, diet, environment, sibling relationship, hereditary and genetic factors, religious group, ethnicity, psychological stress, migration, and chronic illness, have been postulated to influence the age of menarche. Opinions on these theories have varied, both for and against the theory. In a survey it was reported that women complaints joint pains /stiff shoulder and LBA. Risk of musculoskeletal problems and the perception of pain could increase with obesity.To find the prevalence of physiological and psychological health problems in middle-aged females due to early menarche.Women matching the study criteria and willing to participate in the survey were approached and informed consent was taken. An interview was conducted on either a physical or virtual mode by a trained therapist as per the check list designed for this study.The content of the checklist was validated with the help of experts in this study domain and subjected to statistical tests which yielded a Cronbach’s score of 0.967. The participants response on this checklist was analyzed and a strong association of physical and psychological health issue was documented particularly among working women, multiparous women, and with type of delivery women had undergone during 1 pregnancy.The present study documented significant findings with the early age of menarche and its association with physical and psychological health of the women.