bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iterative Data-adaptive Autoregressive (IDAR) whitening procedure for long and short TR fMRI
Authors: Yue Kun , Webster Jason , Grabowski Thomas , Shojaie Ali , Jahanian Hesamoddin 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become a fundamental tool for studying brain function. However, the presence of serial correlations in fMRI data complicates data analysis, violates the statistical assumptions of analyses methods, and can lead to incorrect conclusions in fMRI studies.MethodsIn this paper, we show that conventional whitening procedures designed for data with longer repetition times (TRs) (&gt;2 s) are inadequate for the increasing use of short-TR fMRI data. Furthermore, we comprehensively investigate the shortcomings of existing whitening methods and introduce an iterative whitening approach named “IDAR” (Iterative Data-adaptive Autoregressive model) to address these shortcomings. IDAR employs high-order autoregressive (AR) models with flexible and data-driven orders, offering the capability to model complex serial correlation structures in both short-TR and long-TR fMRI datasets.ResultsConventional whitening methods, such as AR(1), ARMA(1,1), and higher-order AR, were effective in reducing serial correlation in long-TR data but were largely ineffective in even reducing serial correlation in short-TR data. In contrast, IDAR significantly outperformed conventional methods in addressing serial correlation, power, and Type-I error for both long-TR and especially short-TR data. However, IDAR could not simultaneously address residual correlations and inflated Type-I error effectively.DiscussionThis study highlights the urgent need to address the problem of serial correlation in short-TR (&lt; 1 s) fMRI data, which are increasingly used in the field. Although IDAR can address this issue for a wide range of applications and datasets, the complexity of short-TR data necessitates continued exploration and innovative approaches. These efforts are essential to simultaneously reduce serial correlations and control Type-I error rates without compromising analytical power.
Unveiling the therapeutic potential of airpotato yam rhizome against colorectal cancer: a network pharmacology approach
Authors: Xie Yiwen , Xu Sumei , Chen Zhiyun , Song Caiping , Yan Wenxi 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThe objective of this investigation was to elucidate the key active compounds and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic potential of airpotato yam rhizome (AYR) in colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment.MethodsBy utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking, key targets and signaling pathways of AYR against CRC were predicted and subsequently validated in cellular and mouse xenograft models.ResultsThis study initially predicted that quercetin was the primary compound in AYR that might have potential efficacy against CRC and that EGFR and AKT1 could be the main targets of AYR, with the EGF/EGFR-induced PI3K/AKT signaling pathway potentially playing a crucial role in the anti-CRC effects of AYR. Molecular docking analysis further indicated a strong binding affinity between quercetin and EGFR, primarily through hydrogen bonds. Additionally, the AYR-derived drug-containing serum was found to inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as demonstrated by decreased levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, and BCL2, which ultimately led to enhanced apoptosis of HCT116 and HT29 cells. The potential antitumor effects of AYR were investigated in nude mouse xenograft models of human HCT116 and HT29 cells, in which AYR was found to induce tumor cell apoptosis and inhibit tumor formation.ConclusionAYR may promote CRC cell apoptosis by suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which provides a basis for further research on the safe and effective use of AYR for the treatment of CRC.
Perceived social support and quality of life in endometrial cancer patients: a longitudinal study
Authors: Mandato Vincenzo Dario , Paterlini Marcella , Torricelli Federica , Rabitti Elisa , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Aguzzoli Lorenzo 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the influence of medical history, perceived physician-patient communication, and perceived social support on changes in the quality of life (QoL) during the first year of follow-up in patients undergoing surgery for endometrial cancer (EC), the most prevalent gynecological cancer in Western countries, especially in Central and Eastern Europe and North America.MethodsThis prospective longitudinal study included 98 EC patients. All participants completed the Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) one month and one year after surgery. Additionally, one month after surgery, they responded to a questionnaire designed by the researchers concerning the key aspects of physician-patient communication.ResultsOur findings revealed that patients reporting high social support one month after surgery demonstrated significantly improved emotional well-being (EWB) at both one month and one year after the surgery, with statistically significant higher scores in the dimension of EWB (p&lt;0.05). The support from a significant other at one year correlates with greater PF (p&lt;0.005), fewer limitations due to physical health (p&lt;0.05), less pain (p&lt;0.05), less fatigue (p&lt;0.05), and better general and EWB (p&lt;0.05).ConclusionThis study underscores the significance of perceived social support for patients cross endometrial cancer. The multifaceted nature of social support, encompassing emotional assistance and information sharing, emerges as a pivotal factor aiding patients in confronting the challenges inherent to EC. This form of support contributes to bolstering psychological well-being and enhancing overall QoL.
Using a collaborative learning health system approach to improve disease activity outcomes in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network
Authors: Harris Julia G. , Bingham Catherine A. , Vora Sheetal S. , Yildirim-Toruner Cagri , Batthish Michelle , Bullock Danielle R. , Burnham Jon M. , Fair Danielle C. , Ferraro Kerry , Ganguli Suhas , Gilbert Mileka , Gottlieb Beth S. , Halyabar Olha , Hazen Melissa M. , Laxer Ronald M. , Lee Tzielan C. , Liu Alice , Lovell Daniel J. , Mannion Melissa L. , Oberle Edward J. , Pan Nancy , Shishov Michael , Weiss Jennifer E. , Morgan Esi M. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe Pediatric Rheumatology Care and Outcomes Improvement Network (PR-COIN) is a North American learning health network focused on improving outcomes of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA is a chronic autoimmune disease that can lead to morbidity related to persistent joint and ocular inflammation. PR-COIN has a shared patient registry that tracks twenty quality measures including ten outcome measures of which six are related to disease activity. The network's global aim, set in 2021, was to increase the percent of patients with oligoarticular or polyarticular JIA that had an inactive or low disease activity state from 76% to 80% by the end of 2023.MethodsTwenty-three hospitals participate in PR-COIN, with over 7,200 active patients with JIA. The disease activity outcome measures include active joint count, physician global assessment of disease activity, and measures related to validated composite disease activity scoring systems including inactive or low disease activity by the 10-joint clinical Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score (cJADAS10), inactive or low disease activity by cJADAS10 at 6 months post-diagnosis, mean cJADAS10 score, and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) provisional criteria for clinical inactive disease. Data is collated to measure network performance, which is displayed on run and control charts. Network-wide interventions have included pre-visit planning, shared decision making, self-management support, population health management, and utilizing a Treat to Target approach to care.ResultsFive outcome measures related to disease activity have demonstrated significant improvement over time. The percent of patients with inactive or low disease activity by cJADAS10 surpassed our goal with current network performance at 81%. Clinical inactive disease by ACR provisional criteria improved from 46% to 60%. The mean cJADAS10 score decreased from 4.3 to 2.6, and the mean active joint count declined from 1.5 to 0.7. Mean physician global assessment of disease activity significantly improved from 1 to 0.6.ConclusionsPR-COIN has shown significant improvement in disease activity metrics for patients with JIA. The network will continue to work on both site-specific and collaborative efforts to improve outcomes for children with JIA with attention to health equity, severity adjustment, and data quality.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine reduces pain scores in preterm infants during retinopathy of prematurity screening
Authors: Ozkan Zarif Nurten , Arayici Sema , Celik Kiymet , Kihtir Zeynep , Ongun Hakan 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of intranasal dexmedetomidine in reducing pain scores during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening examinations in preterm infants.MethodsInfants born at ≤32 weeks of gestational age, undergoing routine ROP examinations in the neonatal intensive care unit, were included in the study and divided into two groups: the standard protocol group (n = 43) and the dexmedetomidine group (n = 56), over a 1-year period. Both groups received standard procedural preparation including swaddling, oral dextrose, and topical anesthesia with proparacaine. The dexmedetomidine group additionally received intranasal dexmedetomidine at a dose of 1 mcg/kg before the procedure. Pain scores (PIPP score), heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were compared at baseline, 1-min, and 5-min during the procedure.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups regarding descriptive and pre-procedure characteristics. In the dexmedetomidine group, the median (25-75p) PIPP score, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and mean (±SD) respiratory rate measured at the 1st minute of the procedure were significantly lower than those in the standard group [PIPP score 10 (8–13) vs. 14 (10–16), p &lt; 0.001; heart rate 165 (153–176) beats/min vs. 182 (17–190) beats/min, p &lt; 0.001; respiratory rate 60 (±7) breaths/min vs. 65(±9) breaths/min, p = 0.002; systolic blood pressure 78 (70–92) mmHg vs. 87 (78–96) mmHg, p = 0.024; respectively] whereas the saturation value was significantly higher (88% (81–95) vs. 84% (70–92), p = 0.036; respectively). By the 5th minute of the procedure, the median (25-75p) PIPP score [4 (2–6) vs. 6 (4–10), p &lt; 0.001], heart rate [148 (143–166) beats/min vs. 162 (152–180) beats/min, p = 0.001] and respiratory rate [56 (54–58) breaths/min vs. 58 (54–62) breaths/min, p = 0.034] were significantly lower, and the saturation level was significantly higher [96% (94–97) vs. 93% (91–96), p = 0.003] in the dexmedetomidine group. Additionally, the frequency of adverse effects was significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the standard protocol group (11% vs. 47%, p = 0.001).ConclusionAdministering intranasal dexmedetomidine before ROP screening examinations was associated with a decrease in pain scores among preterm infants. This suggests its potential as an effective and well-tolerated method for pain management during ROP screenings.
Therapeutic effect of Sheng Mai San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on inflammatory bowel disease via inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling
Authors: Lee Magnolia Muk-Lan , Chan Brandon Dow , Ng Yuen-Wa , Leung Tsz-Wing , Shum Tan-Yu , Lou Jian-Shu , Wong Wing-Yan , Tai William Chi-Shing 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a globally emergent chronic inflammatory disease which commonly requires lifelong care. To date, there remains a pressing need for the discovery of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents against this disease. Sheng Mai San (SMS) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with a long history of use for treating Qi and Yin deficiency and recent studies have shown that SMS exhibits anti-inflammatory potential. However, the effects of SMS on the gastrointestinal system remain poorly studied, and its therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanisms in IBD have yet to be discovered. In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of SMS in IBD and its anti-inflammatory activity and underlying molecular mechanism, in vivo and in vitro.MethodsThe therapeutic efficacy of SMS in IBD was assessed in the DSS-induced acute colitis mouse model. Body weight, stool consistency, rectal bleeding, colon length, organ coefficient, cytokine levels in colon tissues, infiltration of immune cells, and colon pathology were evaluated. The anti-inflammatory activity of SMS and related molecular mechanisms were further examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages via assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and NF-κB, MAPK, STAT3, and NLRP3 signalling.ResultsSMS significantly ameliorated the severity of disease in acute colitis mice, as evidenced by an improvement in disease activity index, colon morphology, and histological damage. Additionally, SMS reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production and infiltration of immune cells in colon tissues. Furthermore, in LPS-induced macrophages, we demonstrated that SMS significantly inhibited the production of cytokines and suppressed the activation of multiple pro-inflammatory signalling pathways, including NF-κB, MAPK, and STAT3. SMS also abolished NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inhibited subsequent caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion, suggesting a new therapeutic target for the treatment of IBD. These mechanistic findings were also confirmed in in vivo assays.ConclusionThis study presents the anti-inflammatory activity and detailed molecular mechanism of SMS, in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we highlight for the first time the potential of SMS as an effective therapeutic agent against IBD.
A phantom for 2D dose measurements in the vicinity of metal implants for photon and proton beams
Authors: Lechner Wolfgang , Knäusl Barbara , Brunner Jacob , Georg Dietmar , Kuess Peter 
Published: August 2024

This work aimed to characterize a dedicated phantom for assessing the dose near metal implants for radiotherapy with photons and protons. A dosimetry audit phantom was redesigned to position a Gafchromic EBT-3 film within a bisected titanium pedicle screw (6.5 mm diameter). The mass density and the water equivalent thickness (WET) of the phantom material were determined. The phantom was irradiated using a photon arc and a horizontal proton beam in combination with a couch rotation of 20°, with three repeated measurements each. Treatment plans utilizing a single field covering the screw and the EBT-3 film were optimized to deliver a physical dose of 2 Gy using a collapsed cone and Monte Carlo dose engine for photons and protons, respectively. The mass density and the WET of the phantom were determined as (1.033 ± 0.010) gcm−3 and (1.022 ± 0.013), respectively. Ionisation chamber measurements agreed within 1% (photons) and 0.5% (protons) with the calculated dose values. Relative photon dosimetry measurements using EBT-3 films revealed an agreement between measured and calculated horizontal profiles within the confidence interval for areas beyond 5 mm from the center. For photon plans, significant deviations of more than 10% were found at the interfaces between phantom material and screw. The proton measurements showed a gradual decrease of 3% across both profiles. In contrast to photon plans, no dose increase was measured within the screw, but significant dose fluctuations (>5%) in the beam’s exit region. This study showed that the behavior of dose engine is affected by metal implants and thus dosimetric measurements are highly recommended. The presented phantom can serve as foundation for dedicated end-2-end phantoms.
Evolution of documents related to the influence of physical activity and functional capacity throughout the aging process: a bibliometric review
Authors: Cabo Carolina A. , Hernández-Beltrán Víctor , Gamonales José M. , Fernandes Orlando , Espada Mário C. , Parraca José A. 
Published: August 2024

Physical inactivity can lead to frailty and negative health outcomes in middle-aged to older adults. Sedentary individuals have double the risk of death compared to those who engage in high levels of physical activity (PA). The advantages of practicing PA in older age are significant, with regular, moderate-intensity activity (150 min per week)being consistently linked with a decreased risk of chronic disease, cognitive decline, and mortality. Therefore, the study aimed to carry out a bibliometric review related to the terms “Physical activity,” “Functional capacity” and “Aging” including all the documents published in the Web of Science Core Collection until 31st December 2023. The sample was made up of 231 studies related to the topic. The results reported that the first document was published in 1994. However, there was no continuity in the publication of the documents till 1998, which was the first year with at least one document published. Considering 1998 as the first year, it is observed an exponential growth of 77.4%, between the oldest (1997–2008) and contemporaneous studies (2008–2023), in which “Geriatric Gerontology” was the Web of Science category with the highest number of documents (n = 59). The journal “Experimental Gerontology” was associated with the largest number of published documents (n = 7), being indexed in Quartil 2. The years 2009 had the highest number of citations (n = 1811), with a total of 7 documents published and 2018 with the higher number of documents (n = 25). These results reported the importance of PA in elderly people, and how it influences the risk of falls, improving the balance and the functional capacity. Thus, it is important to carry out programmes to promote physical activity to this population and reduce the risk of falls and the presence of diseases.
Reproductive neuroendocrine defects programmed by prenatal testosterone treatment between gestational days 60–90 are amplified by postnatal obesity in sheep
Authors: Gurule S. C. , Sustaita-Monroe J. F. , King L. N. , Landers R. S. , Garza V. , West S. M. , Bynum S. E. , Perry L. , Padmanabhan V. , Cardoso R. C. 
Published: August 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the leading cause of anovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age, and obesity can increase the severity and development of the PCOS phenotype. Prenatal testosterone (T) treatment between gestational days 30–90 advanced puberty and disrupted the reproductive and metabolic phenotype in female sheep, recapitulating attributes of women with PCOS, with postnatal obesity amplifying its severity. On the other hand, prenatal T treatment from gestational days 60–90 led to a much milder phenotype. We hypothesized that reproductive neuroendocrine defects programmed by prenatal T treatment between gestational days 60–90 are amplified by postnatal obesity in sheep. Suffolk ewes received T propionate (T; 100 mg) or corn oil (C; vehicle) twice weekly from gestational days 60–90. At 5 months of age, T lambs were assigned to either a maintenance (100% of NRC requirements) or overfed (130% NRC) diet and C lambs were fed the maintenance diet. We compared the timing of puberty (n = 15/group) determined by twice weekly measurement of progesterone concentrations, estradiol positive feedback responsiveness (n = 8/group) determined by assessing LH secretion in response to exogenous estradiol, periovulatory LH dynamics during the second breeding season (n = 8/group) following synchronization with two injections of PGF2α, and progesterone negative feedback (n = 8/group) determined by characterizing LH pulses during the mid-luteal phase between C, T-maintenance and T-overfed groups. Our findings indicate that postnatal obesity: 1) exacerbated reproductive defects and further deteriorated reproductive cyclicity during the second breeding season (adulthood); 2) did not amplify the impairment in estradiol positive feedback in delaying the timing and amplitude of the LH surge, although it reduced the total amount of LH secreted during the preovulatory LH surge; 3) amplified the reduced responsiveness to progesterone negative feedback manifested as an increase in LH pulse amplitude and peak. These observations, in addition to supporting our previous findings that prenatal T treatment results in reproductive neuroendocrine dysfunction and periovulatory disruptions, provide evidence that these neuroendocrine defects programmed between gestational days 60–90 are amplified by postnatal obesity in female sheep.
Are psychotic-like experiences associated with aberrant prosocial decision-making behavior?
Authors: Elmers Julia , Gabbert Tana , David Bastian , Scheunemann Jakob , Moritz Steffen 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDeficits in social functioning and decision-making are well-documented in schizophrenia, but their relationship with positive symptoms and social conflicts is poorly understood. We created a new paradigm based on the Dictator Game (DG) to explore differences in social decision-making between individuals experiencing high levels of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), particularly hallucinations and delusions, and controls with less PLEs.MethodsA large community sample (N = 1,161) completed a DG in an online study whereby extreme groups were built based on the positive subscale of the CAPE.ResultsOverall, participants experiencing PLEs did not act less prosocial than controls but showed a somewhat aberrant decision-making behavior, particularly a pattern of behaving more prosocial in fair situations and generally favoring punishment over compensation relative to controls. Mediation analyses suggest that measures of empathy and Machiavellism have predictive power for prosocial behavior beyond group status.DiscussionThe present study raises the possibility that individuals with high levels of PLEs may be less able to adapt their behavior to the situation at hand than controls. These irregularities might be due to deficits in social cognition which may elicit conflict, thus compromising social functioning and possibly contributing to the formation of positive symptoms.