bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of baroreflex activation therapy on cardiac function and morphology
Authors: Schäfer Ann‐Kathrin C. , Wallbach Manuel , Schroer Charlotte , Lehnig Luca‐Yves , Lüders Stephan , Hasenfuß Gerhard , Wachter Rolf , Koziolek Michael J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsArterial hypertension (aHTN) plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The risk of heart failure increases with therapy‐resistant arterial hypertension (trHTN), defined as inadequate blood pressure (BP) control ≥140/90 mmHg despite taking ≥3 antihypertensive medications including a diuretic. This study investigates the effects of the BP lowering baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) on cardiac function and morphology in patients with trHTN with and without HFpEF.MethodsSixty‐four consecutive patients who had been diagnosed with trHTN and received BAT implantation between 2012 and 2016 were prospectively observed. Office BP, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data were collected before and after BAT implantation.ResultsMean patients' age was 59.1 years, 46.9% were male, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 33.2 kg/m2. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 38.8%, atrial fibrillation was 12.2%, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage ≥3 was 40.8%. Twenty‐eight patients had trHTN with HFpEF, and 21 patients had trHTN without HFpEF. Patients with HFpEF were significantly older (64.7 vs. 51.6 years, P < 0.0001), had a lower BMI (30.0 vs. 37.2 kg/m2, P < 0.0001), and suffered more often from CKD‐stage ≥3 (64 vs. 20%, P = 0.0032). After BAT implantation, mean office BP dropped in patients with and without HFpEF (from 169 ± 5/86 ± 4 to 143 ± 4/77 ± 3 mmHg [P = 0.0019 for systolic BP and 0.0403 for diastolic BP] and from 170 ± 5/95 ± 4 to 149 ± 6/88 ± 5 mmHg [P = 0.0019 for systolic BP and 0.0763 for diastolic BP]), while a significant reduction of the intake of calcium‐antagonists, α2‐agonists and direct vasodilators, as well as a decrease in average dosage of ACE‐inhibitors and α2‐agonists could be seen. Within the study population, a decrease in heart rate from 74 ± 2 to 67 ± 2 min−1 (P = 0.0062) and lengthening of QRS‐time from 96 ± 3 to 106 ± 4 ms (P = 0.0027) and QTc‐duration from 422 ± 5 to 432 ± 5 ms (P = 0.0184) were detectable. The PQ duration was virtually unchanged. In patients without HF, no significant changes of echocardiographic parameters could be seen. In patients with HFpEF, posterior wall diameter decreased significantly from 14.0 ± 0.5 to 12.7 ± 0.3 mm (P = 0.0125), left ventricular mass (LVM) declined from 278.1 ± 15.8 to 243.9 ± 13.4 g (P = 0.0203), and e′ lateral increased from 8.2 ± 0.4 to 9.0 ± 0.4 cm/s (P = 0.0471).ConclusionsBAT reduced systolic and diastolic BP and was associated with morphological and functional improvement of HFpEF.
Heart failure in patients with congenital heart disease after a cancer diagnosis
Authors: Karazisi Christina , Dellborg Mikael , Mellgren Karin , Giang Kok Wai , Skoglund Kristofer , Eriksson Peter , Mandalenakis Zacharias 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsIndividuals with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at an increased risk for cancer. As cancer survival rates improve, the prevalence of late side effects, such as heart failure (HF), is becoming more evident. This study aims to evaluate the risk of developing HF following a cancer diagnosis in patients with CHD, compared with those without CHD and with CHD patients who do not have cancer.MethodsCHD patients (n = 69 799) and randomly selected non‐CHD controls (n = 650 406), born in Sweden between 1952 and 2017, were identified from the Swedish National Health Registers and Total Population Register (excluding those with syndromes and transplant recipients). CHD patients who developed cancer (n = 1309) were propensity score‐matched with non‐CHD patients who developed cancer (n = 9425), resulting in a cohort of 1232 CHD patients with cancer and 2602 non‐CHD controls with cancer (after exclusion of individuals with HF prior to cancer diagnosis). In a separate analysis, CHD patients with cancer were propensity score‐matched with CHD patients without cancer (n = 68 490). A total of 1233 CHD patients with cancer and 2257 CHD patients without cancer were included in the study.ResultsAmong CHD patients with cancer, 73 (5.9%) developed HF during a mean follow‐up time of 8.5 ± 8.7. Comparatively, in the propensity‐matched control population, 29 (1.1%) non‐CHD cancer patients (mean follow‐up time of 7.3 ± 7.5) and 101 (4.5%) CHD patients without cancer (mean follow‐up time of 9.9 ± 9.2) developed HF. CHD patients exhibited a significantly higher risk of HF post‐cancer diagnosis compared with the non‐CHD control group [hazard ratio (HR) 4.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.83–6.81], after adjusting for age at cancer diagnosis and comorbidities. In the analysis between CHD patients with cancer and those without cancer, the results indicated a significantly higher risk of developing HF in CHD patients with cancer (HR 1.53, 95% CI 1.13–2.07).ConclusionsCHD patients face a more than four‐fold increased risk of developing HF after a cancer diagnosis compared with cancer patients without CHD. Among CHD patients, the risk of HF is only modestly higher for those with cancer than for those without cancer. This suggests that the increased HF risk in CHD patients with cancer, relative to non‐CHD cancer patients, may be more attributable to CHD itself than to cancer treatment‐related side effects.
Primary care seeking among adults with chronic neck and low back pain in Norway: A prospective study from the HUNT study linked to Norwegian primary healthcare registry
Authors: Chen Qiuzhe , Berg Bjørnar , Grotle Margreth , Maher Chris G. , Storheim Kjersti , Machado Gustavo C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo describe the frequency of primary care seeking for neck or back‐related conditions among people with chronic neck and low back pain and to develop prediction models of primary care seeking and frequent visits.MethodsWe included participants of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT4, 2017–19) in Norway who self‐reported chronic neck and/or low back pain in the preceding year, and extracted data of primary care visits from the Norwegian primary healthcare registry. We investigated a total of 23 potential predictors and used multivariable logistic regression models to predict primary care seeking for neck or back‐related conditions and frequent visits by healthcare provider (i.e., the highest quartile of number of visits).ResultsAmong the 15,352 HUNT4 participants with chronic neck and/or low back pain, 6231 participants (40.6%) sought primary care for neck or back‐related conditions (median = 5 visits, IQR 2–15) within 2 years after the study. Participants who consulted physical therapists sought care the most frequently (median = 10 visits, IQR 3–26). Discrimination of the best‐fit prediction model of primary care seeking and frequent visits by healthcare provider, assessed by C‐statistic, ranged from 0.66–0.76. Participants who made frequent primary care visits in the preceding year were highly likely to continue frequent care seeking in the following 2 years.ConclusionsAround 40% of people seek primary care for chronic neck and low back pain, and frequent care seeking may continue for years. Future studies should investigate strategies to reduce recurrent primary care visits, especially seeking physical therapist care, and promote self‐management of chronic pain.SignificancePeople with chronic neck and low back pain who seek physical therapist care had the highest frequency of care seeking, underscoring the significant burden on healthcare systems. The high frequency of visits and associated healthcare expenditures highlight the critical need for effective and valuable primary care for chronic pain management. To mitigate recurrent visits and reduce costs, it is essential to provide patients with evidence‐based treatments and self‐management interventions.
Neuronal current imaging of epileptic activity: An MRI study in patients with a first unprovoked epileptic seizure
Authors: Jin Baudouin Zongxin , Capiglioni Milena , Federspiel Andrea , Ahmadli Uzeyir , Schindler Kaspar , Kiefer Claus , Wiest Roland 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study evaluates the performance of the novel MRI sequence stimulus‐induced rotary saturation (SIRS) to map responses to interictal epileptic activity in the human cortex. Spin‐lock pulses have been applied to indirectly detect neuronal activity through magnetic field perturbations. Following initial reports about the feasibility of the method in humans and animals with epilepsy, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic yield of spin‐lock MR pulses in comparison with scalp‐EEG in first seizure patients.MethodsWe employed a novel method for measurements of neuronal activity through the detection of a resonant oscillating field, stimulus‐induced rotary saturation contrast (SIRS) at spin‐lock frequencies of 120 and 240 Hz acquired at a single 3T MRI system. Within a prospective observational study, we conducted SIRS experiments in 55 patients within 7 days after a suspected first unprovoked epileptic seizure and 61 healthy control subjects. In this study, we report on the analysis of data from a single 3T MRI system, encompassing 35 first seizure patients and 31 controls.ResultsThe SIRS method was applicable in all patients and healthy controls at frequencies of 120 and 240 Hz. We did not observe any significant age‐ or sex‐related differences. Specificity of SIRS at 120 Hz was 90.3% and 93.5% at 240 Hz. Sensitivity was 17.1% at 120 Hz and 40.0% at 240 Hz.SignificanceSIRS targets neuronal oscillating magnetic fields in patients with epilepsy. The coupling of presaturated spins to epilepsy‐related magnetic field perturbations may serve as a—at this stage experimental—diagnostic test in first seizure patients to complement EEG findings as a standard screening test.Plain Language SummaryRoutine diagnostic tests carry several limitations when applied after a suspected first seizure. SIRS is a noninvasive MRI method to enable time‐sensitive diagnosis of image correlates of epileptic activity with increased sensitivity compared to routine EEG.
HRF‐ExGB: Hybrid random forest‐extreme gradient boosting for mobile edge computing
Authors: Anuradha Muthukrishnan , Jean Justus John , Vijayalakshmi Kaliyaperumal , Periasamy JK 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe development of increasingly cutting‐edge mobile apps like augmented reality, facial recognition, and natural language processing has been facilitated by the sharp rise in smartphone demand. The increased use of mobile devices like wireless sensors and wearable technology has led to a rapid increase in mobile applications. Due to the explosive growth of the Internet and distributed computing resources of edge devices in mobile edge computing (MEC), it is necessary to have a suitable controller to ensure effective utilization of distributed computing resources. However, the existing approaches can lead to more computation time, more consumption of energy, and a lack of security issues. To overcome these issues, this paper proposed a novel approach called Hybrid Random Forest‐Extreme Gradient Boosting (HRF‐XGBoost) to enhance the computation offloading and joint resource allocation predictions. In a wireless‐powered multiuser MEC system, the starling murmuration optimization model is utilized to figure out the ideal task offloading options. XGBoost is combined with a random forest classifier to form an HRF‐XGBoost architecture which is used to speed up the process while preserving the user's device's battery. An offloading method is created employing certain processes once the best computation offloading decision for Mobile Users (MUs) has been established. The experiment result shows that the method reduced system overhead and time complexity using the strategy of selecting fewer tasks alone by optimally eliminating other tasks. It optimizes the execution time even when the mobile user increases. The performance of the overall system can be greatly improved by our model compared to other existing techniques.
Optimal gamma‐band entrainment of visual cortex
Authors: Petro Nathan M. , Webert Lauren K. , Springer Seth D. , Okelberry Hannah J. , John Jason A. , Horne Lucy K. , Glesinger Ryan , Rempe Maggie P. , Wilson Tony W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractVisual entrainment is a powerful and widely used research tool to study visual information processing in the brain. While many entrainment studies have focused on frequencies around 14–16 Hz, there is renewed interest in understanding visual entrainment at higher frequencies (e.g., gamma‐band entrainment). Notably, recent groundbreaking studies have demonstrated that gamma‐band visual entrainment at 40 Hz may have therapeutic effects in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by stimulating specific neural ensembles, which utilize GABAergic signaling. Despite such promising findings, few studies have investigated the optimal parameters for gamma‐band visual entrainment. Herein, we examined whether visual stimulation at 32, 40, or 48 Hz produces optimal visual entrainment responses using high‐density magnetoencephalography (MEG). Our results indicated strong entrainment responses localizing to the primary visual cortex in each condition. Entrainment responses were stronger for 32 and 40 Hz relative to 48 Hz, indicating more robust synchronization of neural ensembles at these lower gamma‐band frequencies. In addition, 32 and 40 Hz entrainment responses showed typical patterns of habituation across trials, but this effect was absent for 48 Hz. Finally, connectivity between visual cortex and parietal and prefrontal cortices tended to be strongest for 40 relative to 32 and 48 Hz entrainment. These results suggest that neural ensembles in the visual cortex may resonate at around 32 and 40 Hz and thus entrain more readily to photic stimulation at these frequencies. Emerging AD therapies, which have focused on 40 Hz entrainment to date, may be more effective at lower relative to higher gamma frequencies, although additional work in clinical populations is needed to confirm these findings.Practitioner Points
Gamma‐band visual entrainment has emerged as a therapeutic approach for eliminating amyloid in Alzheimer's disease, but its optimal parameters are unknown.
We found stronger entrainment at 32 and 40 Hz compared to 48 Hz, suggesting neural ensembles prefer to resonate around these relatively lower gamma‐band frequencies.
These findings may inform the development and refinement of innovative AD therapies and the study of GABAergic visual cortical functions.
Patient characteristics associated with delayed time to adjuvant chemotherapy among women treated for stage I–IIIA breast cancer
Authors: Bhimani Jenna , O'Connell Kelli , Persaud Sonia , Blinder Victoria , Burganowski Rachael , Ergas Isaac J. , Foley Marilyn J. , Gallagher Grace B. , Griggs Jennifer J. , Heon Narre , Kolevska Tatjana , Kotsurovskyy Yuriy , Kroenke Candyce H. , Laurent Cecile A. , Liu Raymond , Nakata Kanichi G. , Rivera Donna R. , Roh Janise M. , Tabatabai Sara , Valice Emily , Bandera Elisa V. , Bowles Erin J. Aiello , Kushi Lawrence H. , Kantor Elizabeth D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFor patients with breast cancer, delays in chemotherapy initiation have been adversely associated with recurrence and survival. We evaluated patient‐level factors associated with delayed chemotherapy initiation, from both diagnosis and surgery, in a community‐based cohort of women with early‐stage breast cancer. For the Optimal Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Dosing study, we identified a cohort of 34,109 women diagnosed with stage I–IIIA breast cancer at two U.S. integrated healthcare delivery systems between 2004 and 2019. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to identify patient factors associated with delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis (≥90 days) and surgery (≥60 days). Among 10,968 women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, 21.1% experienced delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and 21.3% after surgery. Older age, non‐Hispanic Black and Hispanic race and ethnicity, and ER+ and/or PR+ disease were associated with increased likelihood of delays to chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and surgery. People diagnosed in 2012–2019 (vs. 2005–2011), with a higher grade and larger tumor size were less likely to experience delays. Other factors were associated with a higher likelihood of delays specifically from diagnosis (earlier stage, mastectomy vs. breast‐conserving surgery), or surgery (higher comorbidity, increased nodal number). Women diagnosed with breast cancer who were at highest risk of progression and recurrence were less likely to experience delays in chemotherapy initiation after diagnosis and surgery. Understanding reasons for chemotherapy delays beyond patient factors may be potentially important to reduce risk of breast cancer recurrence and progression.
Utilizing adeno‐associated virus as a vector in treating genetic disorders or human cancers
Authors: Shih Fu‐Hsuan , Chang Hsiung‐Hao , Wang Yi‐Ching 
Published: July 2024

AbstractClinical data from over two decades, involving more than 3000 treated patients, demonstrate that adeno‐associated virus (AAV) gene therapy is a safe, effective, and well‐tolerated therapeutic method. Clinical trials using AAV‐mediated gene delivery to accessible tissues have led to successful treatments for numerous monogenic disorders and advancements in tissue engineering. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AAV for clinical use, systemic administration remains a significant challenge. In this review, we delve into AAV biology, focusing on current manufacturing technologies and transgene engineering strategies. We examine the use of AAVs in ongoing clinical trials for ocular, neurological, and hematological disorders, as well as cancers. By discussing recent advancements and current challenges in the field, we aim to provide valuable insights for researchers and clinicians navigating the evolving landscape of AAV‐based gene therapy.
Comparative study of the photocatalytic activity of g‐C3N4/MN4 (M = Mn, Fe, Co) for water splitting reaction: A theoretical study
Authors: V. N Dhilshada. , Sen Sabyasachi , Chattopadhyaya Mausumi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this study, nanocomposites of g‐C3N4/MN4 (where M is Mn, Fe and Co) have been designed using advanced density functional theory (DFT) calculations. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the geometry, electronic, optical properties, work function, charge transfer interaction and adhesion energy of the g‐C3N4/MN4 heterostructures and concluded that g‐C3N4/FeN4 and g‐C3N4/CoN4 heterojunctions exhibit higher photocatalytic performance than individual units. The better photocatalytic activity can be attributed mainly by two facts; (i) the visible light absorption of both g‐C3N4/FeN4 and g‐C3N4/CoN4 interfaces are higher compared to its isolated analogs and (ii) a significant enhancement of band gap energy in g‐C3N4/FeN4 and g‐C3N4/CoN4 heterostructures limited the electron–hole recombination significantly. The potential of the g‐C3N4/MN4 heterojunctions as a photocatalyst for the water splitting reaction was assessed by examining its band alignment for water splitting reaction. Importantly, while the electronic and magnetic properties of MN4 systems were studied, this is the first example of inclusion of MN4 on graphene‐based material (g‐C3N4) for studying the photocatalytic activity. The state of the art DFT calculations emphasis that g‐C3N4/FeN4 and g‐C3N4/CoN4 heterojunctions are half metallic photocatalysts, which is limited till date.
Validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale‐Short Form in a sample of Italian adolescents
Authors: Mancinelli Elisa , Cottu Manuela , Salcuni Silvia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objective of the present study is to validate the Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale‐Short Form (DERS‐SF) in a sample of Italian adolescents. Additionally, we aim to evaluate its factorial structure by examining the contribution of each subscale (i.e., Nonacceptance, Clarity, Awareness, Goals, Impulse, Strategy) on the general factor using bi‐factor models by replicating a past study.MethodThe sample comprises N = 704 adolescents aged 11–17 years (M = 13.38, SD = 1.37; 53.12% females). To establish external validity, correlation and path analyses were conducted between the DERS‐SF sub‐scales, the total score, and measures of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, as well as Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU). Measurement invariance was tested comparing males versus females and pre‐adolescents and adolescents.ResultsOverall, results supported the multidimensional nature of the DERS‐SF, confirming its original six‐factor structure. However, bi‐factor models analysis revealed that the Awareness subscale should be excluded when calculating the total score. Furthermore, findings indicated that the Strategy subscale variance is largely accounted for by the general factor rather than the specific subscale. In terms of external validity, significant positive associations between the DERS‐SF sub‐scales, the total score, and PSU, internalizing and externalizing symptoms were observed. Measurement invariance was supported.ConclusionsAltogether, findings support the validity of the DERS‐SF among Italian Adolescents and provide insights relevant to the understanding of the multifaceted facets of emotion regulation, emphasizing its relevance as a transdiagnostic process.
Evaluation of green microalgal strains for simultaneous municipal wastewater treatment and heavy metal bioremediation
Authors: Ahiahonu Elvis Kodzo , Anku William Wilson , Roopnarain Ashira , Serepa‐Dlamini Mahloro Hope , Govender Penny Poomani 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicroalga‐assisted wastewater treatment systems have gained attention for their efficiency in removing nutrients, chemical oxygen demand, toxic heavy metals and other dissolved compounds, while also producing valuable biomass and demonstrating high CO2 biofixation potential. The current research focuses on investigating the municipal wastewater phycoremediation and heavy metal biosorption ability of three indigenous freshwater microalgal strains: Tetradesmus reginae, Tetradesmus obliquus and Chlorella sorokiniana.RESULTSThe research findings indicate that the microalgal strains T. reginae, T. obliquus and C. sorokiniana exhibited notable performance in biomass accumulation. Specifically, the biomass accumulations were 2.215 ± 0.002, 1.143 ± 0.006 and 0.856 ± 0.021 g L−1, respectively, with initial culture biomasses ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 g L−1. These strains significantly reduced toxic heavy metals (As, 46.86–60.12%; Cd, 52.96–83.18%; Cr, 73.49–82.18%; and Pb, 95.38–96.25%), nutrients (NH4+ & NO3− 100% and PO43− 78–86.41%) as well as chemical oxygen demand (46.02–67.35%), and biosequestered CO2 (0.8–0.18 gCO2 L−1 d−1) during the growth period. Among the strains, T. reginae emerged as the top performer. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of the strain's biomass confirmed the presence of specific functional groups, such as CH, NH, OH and CN, which play a crucial role in ionising and reacting with toxic metal ions and protons in the wastewater.CONCLUSIONThis study has shown that the isolated wild microalgal strains have promising phycoremediation and heavy metal adsorption characteristics. Moreover, they exhibit promising rates of CO2 biosequestration. These findings underscore the potential of microalga‐assisted wastewater treatment systems for efficient and eco‐friendly wastewater remediation, as well as biomass generation and CO2 mitigation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).