bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of HPV Status on Oropharyngeal Cancer Detection via Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A retrospective study
Authors: Tayama Sayoko , Miyamoto Hideaki , Waki Kotaro , Honda Munenori , Matsuno Kenshi , Yamasaki Akira , Gushima Ryosuke , Nagaoka Katsuya , Naoe Hideaki , Imuta Masanori , Kawakami Fumi , Komohara Yoshihiro , Miyamaru Satoru , Murakami Daizo , Orita Yorihisa , Tanaka Yasuhito 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) performed by gastroenterologists is an important modality for early pharyngeal cancer detection. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the causes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). However, the prevalence of HPV-related OPSCC detected by GIE is currently unknown. We retrospectively analyzed 207 OPSCC from 2018 to 2022, where HPV infection was diagnosed by p16 immunohistochemistry. We compared detection modalities and evaluated the proportion of lesions detected by GIE in both p16-positive and p16-negative cases. Out of the 207 patients, 92 (44.4%) were p16-positive. p16-positive cases had significantly lower rates of alcohol use, smoking, and history of esophageal or head/neck squamous cell carcinoma (all p < 0.001). Only 4.3% of p16-positive cases were detected by GIE, compared to 44.3% of p16-negative cases (p < 0.001). p16-positive patients were often diagnosed at advanced stages and underwent transoral resection less frequently (2.2% vs. 31.3%, p < 0.001). In cT1 cases, GIE or laryngoscopy revealed that p16-positive lesions were typically protruding and white to normal-colored, while p16-negative lesions were predominantly flat and erythematous.
In conclusion, HPV-related OPSCC cases are rarely detected by GIE, and few cases are treated with minimally invasive transoral resection, indicating a need for improvement in early detection.
Clinical Outcomes of Plate-Haptic Diffractive Multifocal Toric IOL in Cataract Eyes with Long Axial Length and Corneal Astigmatism
Authors: XU Zhe , WANG Jingwen , SHI Ce , NI Shuang , XU Jingwei , ZHU Sha , FANG Jianxia , XU Wen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The prospective study is aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of plate-haptic diffractive multifocal toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cataract patients with long axial length and corneal astigmatism. Visual outcomes, defocus curves, contrast sensitivity, rotational stability, vector changes of refractive astigmatism and patient satisfaction were assessed over 3 months. Vector analysis was performed by the Alpins method. A total of 36 eyes (18 patients) underwent cataract surgery with implantation of AT LISA toric 909M multifocal toric IOL. Postoperatively, mean refractive sphere and cylinder were reduced to 0.13 ± 0.23 and − 0.29 ± 0.32 diopter (D), respectively. Mean uncorrected distance and near visual acuities (logMAR) were 0.40 ± 0.10 and 0.19 ± 0.16, respectively. At 3 months, 91.7% of patients showed IOL rotation of less than 5 degrees. The difference vector was 0.34 ± 0.26 D, for a correction index of 0.93 ± 0.40 at 3 months. In summary, plate-haptic diffractive multifocal toric IOL improves distance and near visual functions and reduces refractive astigmatism in cataract patients with long axial length and corneal astigmatism.
Near Infrared Fluorescent Manipulator During Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Hernandez-Aranda Diego , Eigg Marc , Panza Joseph , Hernandez Diego 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this paper is to evaluate fluorescent guided surgery using a near infrared (NIR) fluorescent vaginal/rectal manipulator during minimally invasive sacrocolpopexy.
Methods: This was a pilot study of fluorescent pelvic manipulators in women undergoing previously scheduled reconstructive pelvic surgery. Subjects were eligible if a traditional 30mm end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) sizer was planned for use during the participant’s surgery. The prototype devices under study were developed with a patent protected polymer that fluoresces under NIR imaging. Measurement outcomes include subjective feedback from the surgical team, the frequency in which the surgeon reverted back to a traditional steel manipulator, adverse intraoperative complications and video documentation of findings.
Results: Twenty subjects were enrolled. The fluorescent manipulator could be visualized through vaginal/rectal tissue in all surgeries and no intraoperative complications were noted. The surgeons continued with the fluorescent manipulator, over the traditional manipulator, in 100% of the cases. Subjectively, the operating staff noted improved communication, increased confidence in the surgical learner and enhanced visualization of the anatomy. On review of the videos, fluorescent NIR transillumination of the tissue highlighted anatomic distortion in 60% of the available videos.
Conclusion: Fluorescent vaginal/rectal manipulators transilluminated the tissue allowing for real time visual information and better surgical decision making; in addition, it increased communication between surgical teacher and learner as anatomic borders and surgical planes were highlighted with fluorescence. With improved visualization, there is a potential to decrease unintentional perforations, reduce operating room time and improve communication with surgical learners and surgical team members.
Vaginal Spheres Versus Pelvic Floor Muscle Training in the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence and Sexual Dysfunction: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial
Authors: BLANCO-RATTO Laia , RAMIREZ-GARCIA Inés , KAUFFMANN Stephanie , ORTIZ Cristina NARANJO , FARRES Montserrat GIRABENT 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Female sexual dysfunction is closely linked to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, especially in the context of urinary incontinence. While pelvic floor muscle training can be performed through exercises alone or with intravaginal medical spheres, the benefits of incorporating these devices into therapy remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of pelvic floor exercises combined with vaginal spheres versus exercises alone in improving stress and stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence and sexual function.
Methods
This randomized, single-blind trial was conducted at the RAPBarcelona Center and included 71 adult women with stress or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Participants were randomly assigned to either pelvic floor muscle exercises alone (control group) or exercises combined with vaginal Enna Balls (intervention group), and the intervention period lasted four months, with assessments at baseline and follow-ups at 8 and 16 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the impact on incontinence, which was assessed using the ICIQ-UI-SF questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included sexual function, measured by the Female Sexual Function Index, and monitoring of adverse events and treatment adherence at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16.
Results
The mean age of participants was 46.85 ± 1.58 years. Post-treatment, the ICIQ-UI-SF score significantly decreased from 9.01 ± 0.52 to 3.92 ± 0.59 (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the overall Female Sexual Function Index score (p > 0.05), except for an increase in desire, which showed statistical differences between groups at the end of treatment (p = 0.041). Tolerance and adherence to the interventions did not significantly differ between groups.
Conclusions
Home-based pelvic floor muscle training, both with and without vaginal spheres, is effective and safe for women with stress urinary incontinence or stress-predominant mixed urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Vaginal spheres are particularly recommended for their safety, popularity, and ability to enhance female desire. However, they do not significantly improve overall female sexual function in the short term. Further research is needed to explore their long-term benefits and broader impacts on sexual health.
Trial Registration:
The study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov with the identifier NCT05732844 on January 29, 2023. More details can be found at (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05732844?term=NCT05732844&rank=1&tab=history&a=1#version-content-panel)
Novel biallelic GNE variants identified in a patient with chronic thrombocytopenia without any symptoms of myopathy
Authors: Tsuda Shota , Sakamoto Atsushi , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Uchiyama Toru , Kaname Tadashi , Yanagi Kumiko , Kunishima Shinji , Ishiguro Akira 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

[Background] GNE encodes a rate-limiting enzyme that regulates the biosynthesis of a sialic acid precursor. As sialic acids are critical for the platelet membrane and muscle fibers, GNE variants cause GNE-related thrombocytopenia and GNE-related myopathy. Here, we report a neonate with thrombocytopenia that initially met the criteria for neonatal allo-immune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) but was resistant to treatments and then revealed novel biallelic heterozygous GNE variants without any symptoms of myopathy when diagnosed.
[Case] NAIT was initially diagnosed due to alloantibodies against HPA5 and its mismatch between the patient and his mother. However, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and platelet transfusions showed minimal improvement in the platelet count. Platelet counts remained around 60 × 109/L, suggesting congenital thrombocytopenia. Gene panel sequencing at the age of 13 identified biallelic pathogenic variants of GNE. The patient did not exhibit any symptoms of muscular weakness suggesting GNE-related myopathy.
[Discussion] We demonstrated a GNE-related thrombocytopenia patient with novel biallelic heterozygous GNE variants. Clinical trials have involved the use of sialic acids or their precursors, as well as gene therapy, to treat GNE-related myopathy, which may slow or halt the progression of the disease. Therefore, early diagnosis of this disease may significantly impact its clinical course.
Exploring a three-dimensional analysis method to occlusion plane determination: A retrospective study
Authors: Xiong Jiabi , Yao Xiu , Xu Xiaoming , Dong Zhengjie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The available literature lacks comprehensive guidance on constructing the occlusal plane within the broader facial and skeletal context. This study aims to accurately determine the occlusal plane (OP) within the normal population through three-dimensional data analysis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and specific feature points alignment.
Material and methods
One hundred patients underwent both clinical evaluation and CBCT imaging examination. A digital model was constructed based on the imaging data, delineating a virtual occlusal plane (V-OP), a virtual Frankfort plane (V-FP), and a virtual plane formed by two camper lines (V-CL) using specific feature points. Two angles, formed by V-OP and V-FP, as well as V-OP and V-CL, were computed using the angle measurement function in Geomagic Control X. The angular relationship between V-OP and the angular bisector plane (ABP) of V-FP and V-CL was determined through calculations using the aforementioned data. Ordinary two-way ANOVA with post hoc Sidak’s multiple comparisons was performed (p < 0.05).
Results
The mean ± standard deviation of the angle between V-FP and V-OP is 8.94° ± 4.22°, and it is 4.82° ± 3.07° between V-CL and V-OP. In comparison, the mean ± standard deviation of the angle between ABP and the occlusal plane was 3.12° ± 1.78°, lower than that of the former two groups.
Conclusions
The ABP and OP are nearly parallel, suggesting stability across different patients, making it a reliable reference for digital dental alignment.
Trial registration
This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as “Exploring the Method of Determining the Occlusion Plane in 3D Data Analysis: A Retrospective Study” (No. ChiCTR2300077289) on November 3rd, 2023 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/searchproj.html?regno=ChiCTR2300077289).
Physician Burnout and Patient Care Practices in Sierra Leone
Authors: Naveed Asad , Jalloh Mohamed B. , Johnson Sylnata A.A. , Bah Abdul K. , Barrie Fatmata B. , Jegede Adesola G. , Sengeh Joseph V. , Sillah Arthur 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, can negatively impact patient care. While burnout is well-studied in developed nations, research in resource-constrained settings like Sierra Leone remains limited. This study aimed to quantify burnout prevalence among Sierra Leone's public sector physicians and its impact on self-reported patient care practices.
Methods
The study involved a random sample of physicians from major government hospitals across Sierra Leone's administrative regions. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and self-reported patient care practices were evaluated using an adapted version of Shanafelt et al.'s 2002 questionnaire. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression to explore associations between burnout, demographic variables, and patient care practices.
Results
A total of 140 physicians (31% female, 69% male, p = 0.8), 51.4% met burnout criteria. Burnout was similar across genders (p = 0.8) and age groups (p = 0.5). Most respondents were aged 26–35. Marital status did not differ significantly (p = 0.8), with 54% single overall. Regional distribution showed no significant difference (p = 0.5), with 78% from Western Urban. Duration of practice was also similar (p = 0.5), with 35% house officers, 39% medical officers, and 26% senior medical officers. Physicians experiencing burnout were more likely to report high emotional exhaustion (62%), high depersonalization (44%), and low personal accomplishment (46%). Burnout was also associated with suboptimal patient care practices, including avoiding diagnostic tests due to cost concerns, expediting patient discharge, and prescribing medication without proper evaluation.
Conclusion
This study revealed a high prevalence of physician burnout in Sierra Leone, which significantly impacts patient care and physician well-being. A multipronged, collaborative approach is necessary to address burnout, involving individual, organizational, and systemic interventions. Further longitudinal research is needed to develop contextually relevant strategies to support healthcare workers in resource-constrained settings.
Prevalence and Outcome of Community-Acquired Clostridium Difficile Infection Among Children Admitted with Diarrhoea at Mulago Hospital
Authors: Khainza Rebecca Esther , Mugalu Jamiir , Bwanga Freddie , Oburu Geoffrey Ofumbi , Ndeezi Grace 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a potentially serious emerging infectious disease. CDI is usually considered to be hospital-acquired, causing diarrhoea in as high as 15% of children in healthcare settings during non-outbreak and 64% during outbreak periods in the US. However, recent studies show that the infection is increasingly being acquired from the community even without prior antibiotic use. Globally, few studies have been done to show the contribution of C. difficile in community-onset diarrhoea, and in sub–Saharan Africa, we have not come across any published data on C. difficile in community-onset childhood diarrhoea.
Study objective: This study was to determine the prevalence of CDI and to describe the outcome and factors associated with this infection among children aged 2-36 months with diarrhoea at Mulago National Referral Hospital (MNRH).
Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional/prospective cohort study among children aged 2-36 months admitted with diarrhoea at MNRH. The stool was examined for clostridium difficile toxin A and B using an enzyme-linked immune fluorescent assay.
Findings: Out of the 322 children admitted with diarrhoea during the study period, 168 were enrolled. Of the 168 children, there were 107(63.7%) males. The male-to-female ratio was 1.8:1. Their median age was 9.0 months with an Interquartile range of 7-14.
The prevalence of CDI in this study was 4/168(2.4%).
Three of the children with CDI were male. All the four children with CDI were below 12 months of age. On admission, the mean frequency of diarrhoea was 8.8 (SD 5.6) in children with CDI compared to 6.4 (SD 3.8) in children without. Children with CDI were hospitalised for a longer duration; 7.5 (SD6.5) vs. 4.5 (SD4.5) days in children without. The known risk factors such as HIV, antibiotic use, malnutrition, and age were not significantly associated with CDI.
Conclusion:The prevalence of CDI in children with community-acquired diarrhoea at MNRH is low, so routine testing is not necessary. The outcomes of children with CDI did not differ from those without, and the study lacked statistical power to make recommendations on factors associated with CDI.
Crocin Induces Apoptosis in Primary Cancer Epithelial Cells Isolated from Human Breast Tumors via Different Mechanisms in HER2- Negative or Positive Cells: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bathaie S. Zahra , Faridi Nassim , Hydrazideh Hamid , Hashemi S. Ali , Abroun Saeid , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko , Mohagheghi Mohammad-Ali 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The anticancer effect of Crocin, a natural C20 carotenoid, has been previously demonstrated in different cancer cell lines and animal cancer models. Herein, we investigated its effect on primary breast cancer cells isolated from women’s breast tumor samples.
Methods
We previously isolated and characterized epithelial breast cancer and normal cells from female patients. In this study, we treated five cancer cells and five normal cells from the same sample with Crocin. Then, the type and mechanisms of Crocin-induced cell death were studied using different techniques.
Results
All of these tumors were estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive. Two samples were in grade II and HER2-negative, while three others were grade III and HER2-positive. The IC50 of Crocin were obtained using MTT assay for all cells. It induced procaspase-9 expression and cleavage, sub-G1 accumulation, XBP1 mRNA splicing and expression of the spliced XBP1, LC3-II accumulation, and accumulation of unprenylated Rap1α in all cancer cells. The p27 mRNA expression was only induced in cells isolated from HER2-negative samples. However, an increase in the p27 protein level was observed in all cells. Crocin also down-regulated the CXCR-4 and suppressed EpCAM in these cancer cells. The unfarnesylated Lamin B was observed only in one sample.
Conclusion
Crocin suppressed the proliferation of human primary epithelial breast cancer cells, enhanced stress responses, and decreased metastatic markers. There was a difference between p27 expression in HER2-negative and positive tumors.
Alterations in fecal bacteriome virome interplay and microbiota-derived dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tao Shiwan , Wu Yulu , Xiao Liling , Huang Yunqi , Wang Han , Tang Yiguo , Liu Siyi , Liu Yunjia , Ma Qianshu , Yin Yubing , Dai Minhan , Xie Min , Cai Jia , Zhao Zhengyang , Lv Qiuyue , Zhang jiashuo , Zhang Mengting , Wei Menghan , Chen Yang , Li Mingli 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Rising studies have consistently reported gut bacteriome alterations in schizophrenia (SCZ). However, little is known about the role of the gut virome on shaping the gut bacteriome in SCZ. Here in, we sequenced the fecal virome, bacteriome, and host peripheral metabolome in 49 SCZ patients and 49 health controls (HCs). We compared gut bacterial community composition and specific abundant bacteria in SCZ patients and HCs. Specific gut viruses and host peripheral metabolites co-occurring with differential bacteria were identified using Multiple co-inertia analysis (MCIA). Additionally, we construct a latent serial mediation model (SMM) to investigate the effect of the gut virome on SCZ through the bacteriome and host metabolic profile. SCZ patients exhibited decreased gut bacterial β-diversity compared to HCs, with eight differentially abundant bacteria, including coprobacillaceae, enterococcaceae etc. Gut viruses including Suoliviridae, Rountreeviridae, Intestiviridae etc. co-occur with these SCZ-related bacteria. We found that the viral-bacterial transkingdom correlations observed in HCs were dramatically lost in SCZ. The altered correlations profile observed in SCZ may impact microbiota-derived peripheral metabolites enriched in the bile acids pathway, eicosanoids pathway, and others, contributing to host immunity dysfunction and inflammation. The SMM model suggested potential causal chains between gut viruses and SCZ, indicating that the gut virome's effect on SCZ is significantly mediated by the bacteriome and metabolites. In conclusion, these findings provide a comprehensive prospective on the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of SCZ. They reveal that SCZ patients harbor an abnormal bacteriome-virome ecology, shedding light on the potential development of microbial therapeutics.
GNSS-Acoustic positioning error in the vertical component considering the uncertainty of a reference sound speed profile
Authors: Tomita Fumiaki , Kido Motoyuki , Iinuma Takeshi , Ohta Yusaku 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

method
~2 and ~ 6 cm in the former and latter cases, respectively. Moreover, we optimized the vertical GNSS-A positioning errors by considering the uncertainty of a reference SSP and other error sources, and the optimization of the vertical GNSS-A positioning errors was more reasonable than the conventional error evaluation. Although this study focused on the uncertainty of a reference SSP, it is important to carefully evaluate various other systematic error sources to precisely detect vertical seafloor motion.
The Effect of Motor Imagery Training on Motor Planning of Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: bonab Hasan Sepehri 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) exhibit deficiencies in motor planning abilities and employ inefficient planning strategies. Motor imagery provides insight into the processes of motor planning and may serve as a beneficial intervention for improving action planning in children with DCD. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of a motor imagery training program on the motor planning of children with DCD. Motor imagery training was implemented in two groups of children, one with DCD and one without, and the ability to perform motor imagery was assessed using a task of End State Comfort (ESC). The study was used an experimental design with a pre- post-test design, and the participants included 36 children with DCD aged 7–12 years, randomly distributed into experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 18) groups. The sword task was employed to evaluate action planning in this study. The combined intervention of explicit and implicit imagery was used for the intervention. Results of repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the control and experimental groups (p = 0.008), indicating that the experimental group demonstrated better planning strategies for the end state comfort compared to the control group. These findings suggest that motor imagery training have the potential to be beneficial in improving motor planning in children with DCD.