bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated clinical and metabolomic analysis identifies molecular signatures, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets in primary angle closure glaucoma
Authors: Kannan Vishnu , Srimadh Bhagavatham Sai Krishna , Dandamudi Rajesh Babu , Kunchala Haripriya , Challa Sivateja , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Pargaonkar Ashish , Pulukool Sujith Kumar , Sharma Anuj , Sivaramakrishnan Venketesh 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundGlaucoma is the leading cause of permanent blindness. Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is diagnosed only after the onset of symptoms and can result in irreversible blindness despite the standard intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction therapy. The identification of potential biomarkers associated with prognosis will help improve disease management. This study aimed to identify mechanisms associated with disease progression, potential biomarkers, and therapeutic targets of PACG.MethodsThe clinical data assessment of IOP, cup/disc ratio (CDR), Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness of control, and PACG group were collected and analyzed for significant differences. The ATP levels were estimated, and targeted metabolomic analysis was performed on aqueous humor and cytokines in plasma. The pathways obtained from the metabolomics data set were compared with those obtained for data sets from the literature. Clinical parameters were correlated with cytokine levels. Targeted metabolomic analysis of cell culture supernatant from TNFα-treated N9 microglia was carried out, and overlap analysis was performed with data obtained from PACG patients.ResultsElevated IOP, CDR, ATP, cytokines, and reduced RNFL thickness were found in PACG compared to controls. Analysis of PACG and TNFα-treated N9 microglial cell culture supernatant shows activation of immuno-metabolites. The metabolic pathways of PACG, TNFα, and ATP-treated microglia from the literature show considerable overlap. Biomarker analysis identified clinical parameters, ATP, cytokines, and immuno-metabolites.ConclusionThis study shows an association between elevated levels of ATP, cytokines, immuno-metabolism, and potential microglial inflammation with disease progression, rendering these levels potential biomarkers. P2 receptors, cytokines, and IDO1/2 could be potential therapeutic targets.
The other person’s smiling amount affects one’s smiling response during face-to-face conversations
Authors: Obayashi Yota , Uehara Shintaro , Yuasa Akiko , Otaka Yohei 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionSmiling during conversation occurs interactively between people and is known to build good interpersonal relationships. However, whether and how much the amount that an individual smiles is influenced by the other person’s smile has remained unclear. This study aimed to quantify the amount of two individuals’ smiles during conversations and investigate the dependency of one’s smile amount (i.e., intensity and frequency) on that of the other.MethodForty participants (20 females) engaged in three-minute face-to-face conversations as speakers with a listener (male or female), under three conditions, where the amount of smiling response by listeners was controlled as “less,” “moderate,” and “greater.” The amount of the smiles was quantified based on their facial movements through automated facial expression analysis.ResultsThe results showed that the amount of smiling by the speaker changed significantly depending on the listener’s smile amount; when the listeners smiled to a greater extent, the speakers tended to smile more, especially when they were of the same gender (i.e., male–male and female–female pairs). Further analysis revealed that the smiling intensities of the two individuals changed in a temporally synchronized manner.DiscussionThese results provide quantitative evidence for the dependence of one’s smile on the other’s smile, and the differential effect between gender pairs.
Treatment accuracy of standard linear accelerator-based prostate SBRT: the delivered dose assessment of patients treated within two major clinical trials using an in-house position monitoring system
Authors: Arumugam Sankar , Young Tony , Jones Catherine , Pryor David , Sidhom Mark 
Published: August 2024

Background and purposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the dosimetric improvements achieved in prostate stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) treatment within the PROMETHEUS and NINJA trials using an in-house real-time position monitoring system, SeedTracker.Methods and materialsThis study considered a total of 127 prostate SBRT patients treated in the PROMETHEUS (ACTRN12615000223538) and NINJA (ACTRN12618001806257) clinical trials. The SeedTracker position monitoring system was utilized for real-time position monitoring with a 3-mm position tolerance. The doses delivered to the clinical target volume (CTV), rectum, and bladder were assessed by incorporating the actual target position during treatment. The dose that would have been delivered without monitoring was also assessed by incorporating the observed position deviations.ResultsTreatment with position corrections resulted in a mean (range) CTV D99 difference of −0.3 (−1.0 to 0.0) Gy between the planned and delivered dose. Without corrections, this difference would have been −0.6 (−3.7 to 0.0) Gy. Not correcting for position deviations resulted in a statistically significant difference between the planned and delivered CTV D99 (p &lt; 0.05). The mean (range) dose difference between the planned and delivered D2cc of the rectum and bladder for treatment with position corrections was −0.1 (−3.7 to 4.7) Gy and −0.1 (−1.7 to 0.5) Gy, respectively. Without corrections, these differences would have been −0.6 (−6.1 to 4.7) Gy and −0.2 (−2.5 to 0.9) Gy.ConclusionsSeedTracker improved clinical dose volume compliance in prostate SBRT. Without monitoring and corrections, delivered dose would significantly differ from the planned dose.
Patients’ perspectives on cancer care disparities in Central and Eastern European countries: experiencing taboos, misinformation and barriers in the healthcare system
Authors: Coppini Veronica , Ferraris Giulia , Ferrari Maria Vittoria , Dahò Margherita , Kirac Iva , Renko Ira , Monzani Dario , Grasso Roberto , Pravettoni Gabriella 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDespite the advancements in oncological medicine and research, cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Europe with Central and Eastern European countries, such as Slovakia and Croatia, showing the highest mortality rates and disparities in access to appropriate and comprehensive cancer care. Therefore, the primary aim of the current study is to investigate cancer patients’ perspectives and experiences to understand the possible underlying reasons for cancer disparities.MethodsCroatian cancer patients (n=15) and Slovak patients (n=11) were recruited through social media platforms, patients’ organisations, and hospital websites and offered participation in online focus group discussions on perceived disparities, barriers or malfunctioning during and after their cancer journey. Transcripts of video and audio recordings of the interviews were translated and analysed using Thematic analysis.ResultsSix Croatian and five Slovak themes emerged from the focus group discussions highlighting encountered barriers and perceived disparities, as well as suggestions or unmet needs. Most of the themes are common to both groups, such as the lack of information and use of the internet, and the taboos regarding cancer or psycho-oncological support. However, some themes are specific to each group, for instance, Slovak cancer patients remarked the fact that they do not mind travelling to get treatment as long as they can be treated in the west of Slovakia, while Croatian patients highlighted the need for more information after the illness and the socioeconomic impact deriving from a cancer diagnosis.DiscussionUrgent intervention is needed in addressing disparities in Central and Eastern Europe. Present results could inform dedicated guidelines or better resource allocation strategies to reduce disparities in cancer care and promote inclusive healthcare.
Exploratory analysis of high-dose corticosteroid therapy on epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep
Authors: Xiaoyue Hu , Hongwei Tang , Jianbiao Wang , Jingbo Ma , Ying Hua 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of high-dose corticosteroid therapy in children diagnosed with epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep (EE-SWAS), investigate associated clinical indicators influencing treatment outcomes, and establish a predictive model for recurrence.MethodsChildren diagnosed with EE-SWAS who received high-dose corticosteroid therapy were categorized into responder group and non-responder group. Data on clinical parameters, electroencephalogram (EEG) features, and serum cytokine levels were collected. Six months post-treatment, the effectively treated children were further stratified into recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Risk factors for poor outcomes following corticosteroid therapy were identified using univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then employed to determine independent factors influencing the recurrence of corticosteroid therapy, which facilitated the development of a predictive model.ResultsThe study included 48 children, with 33 cases in the responder group (effective rate = 68.8%) and 15 cases in the non-responder group. The responder group exhibited an older onset age of electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) and higher proportions of combined benzodiazepines (BZDs) use (P &lt; 0.05). Among those responding to corticosteroid therapy, 11 cases experienced a recurrence (recurrence rate = 33.3%), while 22 cases did not. Significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning age of seizure onset, age of ESES onset, seizure frequency, atypical presentations, and concomitant frontal lobe discharges (all P &lt; 0.05). Concomitant frontal lobe discharges and an earlier age of seizure onset were identified as risk factors for ESES recurrence following corticosteroid therapy. The predictive model was formulated as Logit(P) = 2.35 × presence of frontal lobe discharges—0.802 × age of seizure onset + 2.457. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) was 0.93, with sensitivity and specificity at 100% and 77.3%, respectively.ConclusionHigh-dose corticosteroid therapy for EE-SWAS exhibited a high effective rate as well as a notable recurrence rate. Onset age of ESES and combined benzodiazepines usage correlated with therapeutic efficacy. Seizure onset age and the presence of frontal lobe discharges may hold predictive value for recurrence following corticosteroid therapy.
Impact of sensory modality and tempo in motor timing
Authors: Jeong Jaeuk , Nam Soo Mi , Seo Hyejin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundAccurate motor timing requires the coordinated control of actions in response to external stimuli. Over the past few years, several studies have investigated the effect of sensory input on motor timing; however, the evidence remains conflicting. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of sensory modality and tempo on the accuracy of timed movements and explore strategies for enhancing motor timing.MethodsParticipants (n = 30) performed synchronization and adaptation circle drawing tasks in virtual reality. In Experiment 1, participants synchronized circle drawing with repeated stimuli based on sensory modalities (auditory, visual, tactile, audio-visual, audio-tactile, and visual-tactile) and tempos (20, 30, and 60 bpm). In Experiment 2, we examined timing adaptation in circle drawing tasks under conditions of unexpected tempo changes, whether increased or decreased.ResultsA significant interaction effect between modality and tempo was observed in the comparison of timing accuracy. Tactile stimuli exhibited significantly higher timing accuracy at 60 bpm, whereas auditory stimuli demonstrated a peak accuracy at 30 bpm. The analysis revealed a significantly larger timing error when adapting to changes in the tempo-down condition compared with the tempo-up condition.DiscussionThrough Experiment 1, we found that sensory modality impacts motor timing differently depending on the tempo, with tactile modality being effective at a faster tempo and auditory modality being beneficial at a moderate tempo. Additionally, Experiment 2 revealed that adapting to changes by correcting timing errors is more challenging with decreasing tempo than with increasing tempo. Our findings suggest that motor timing is intricately influenced by sensory modality and tempo variation. Therefore, to enhance the motor timing, a comprehensive understanding of these factors and their applications is imperative.
Psychotherapeutic interventions for depressive symptoms in older adults in a community setting: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Morgado Bruno , Silva Celso , Agostinho Inês , Brás Filipe , Amaro Pedro , Lusquinhos Leonel , Schneider Brooke C. , Fonseca Cesar , Albacar-Riobóo Núria , Pinho Lara 
Published: August 2024

Depression is a prevalent illness among the elderly, so psychotherapeutic interventions are needed to promote health and quality of life. This literature review aims to identify trials of any psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms in older adults. A systematic literature review with a meta-analysis will be carried out. The following databases will be searched: CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MedicLatina, MEDLINE with Full Text, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. To minimize bias, four reviewers will independently assess the inclusion of studies. The fifth reviewer will be responsible for disaggregating inclusion and exclusion between two authors. The results of the analysis will be grouped in a table with the characteristics of the included studies, including author, year, sample, objectives, methods, assessment instruments, psychotherapeutic interventions, results, follow-up and a data compilation scheme. This scientific article is a systematic review protocol for which the data has already been extracted and is being analyzed. Examples of possible strategies to include cognitive restructuring and mental health programs for older adults in community settings. With this clear and direct identification of psychotherapeutic interventions, it will be clearer for mental health professionals to be able to intervene effectively to promote the mental health and well-being of older adults.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023449190
Enhancing prompt perception in dementia: a comparative study of mixed reality cue modalities
Authors: Desai Shital , Mutsuddi Rupsha , Astell Arlene J. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionDementia impacts millions worldwide and is challenging individuals' ability to engage in daily activities. Active living is crucial in mitigating dementia's neurodegenerative effects, yet people with dementia often struggle to initiate and complete tasks independently. Technologies offer promising solutions to engage people with dementia in activities of active living and improving their quality of life through prompting and cueing. It is anticipated that developments in sensor and wearable technologies will result in mixed reality technology becoming more accessible in everyday homes, making them more deployable. The possibility of mixed reality technologies to be programmed for different applications, and to adapt them to different levels of impairments, behaviours and contexts, will make them more scalable.ObjectiveThe study aimed to develop a better understanding of modalities of prompts that people with dementia perceive successfully and correctly in mixed reality environments. It investigated interactions of people with dementia with different types of visual (graphics, animation, etc.) and sound (human voice, tones, etc.) prompts in mixed reality technologies.MethodsWe used the Research through Design (RtD) method in this study. This paper describes the findings from the user research carried out in the study. We conducted observation studies with twenty-two people with dementia playing games on off-the-shelf mixed reality technologies, including both Augmented Reality (HoloLens, ArKit on iPhone) and Augmented Virtuality (Xbox Kinect and Osmo) technologies. The interactions with the technologies during the gameplay were video recorded for thematic analysis in Noldus Observer XT (version 16.0) for successful and correct perception of prompts.ResultsA comparison of the probability estimates of correct perception of the prompts by people with dementia suggests that human voice, graphic symbols and text are the most prominently perceived modalities of prompts. Feedback prompts for every action performed by people with dementia on the technology are critical for successful perception and should always be provided in the design.ConclusionThe study has resulted in recommendations and guidelines for designers to design prompts for people with dementia in mixed-reality environments. The work lays the foundation for considering mixed reality technologies as assistive tools for people with dementia, fostering discussions on their accessibility and inclusive design in technology development.
Case Report: A new variant of the forehead flap for subtotal nose reconstruction in a single stage: the dragonfly flap
Authors: Brambullo Tito , Franchi Arianna , Masciopinto Giuseppe , De Lazzari Alberto , Vindigni Vincenzo , Bassetto Franco 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundThe forehead flap is probably the most used method for nose reconstruction after cancer resection. During the past century, this technique has been continuously refined to achieve better functional and aesthetic outcomes. Different variations have been described, with the original technique being modified based on tissue loss, the layer to be replaced, and the management of the donor area.MethodsWe propose a new and innovative version of the forehead flap in which both the forehead skin and the frontal muscle are harvested simultaneously using the same vascular pedicle. Partially separating the two layers allows muscle tissue to replace the inner layer and cover the nasal septum framework, while the skin will replace the outer layer. The nostrils are reconstructed simultaneously using bilateral hinge-over lining skin flaps harvested from the nasal folds.ResultsStep by step, a schematic illustration of the technique is given, followed by a complete report on a successful total nose reconstruction case.ConclusionsDespite the increasing number of techniques which have been introduced to achieve full reconstruction of the nose, including microsurgical tissue transfer, the simultaneous replacement of both the inner and outer layers continues to be an issue for the plastic surgeon. In this article, we suggest a solution for total nose reconstruction in a single-stage procedure.
Use of different designed needle-free connectors: a snapshot of central venous catheter intraluminal blood occlusion and central line–associated bloodstream infection in hospitals
Authors: Lange Victor R. 
Published: August 2024

Background: Needle-free connectors (NCs), originally designed to improve the safety of healthcare workers, are increasingly being used to mitigate central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and central venous catheter intraluminal blood occlusion (CVC-IBO) in patients. There are numerous NCs on the market, with varied internal and external designs and features.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency, clinical, and financial impact of CVC-IBO and CLABSI among 16 California (USA) hospitals using differently designed NCs.
Method: Data were collected by sending a survey to the hospitals, which had varying bed capacities and patient populations that were committed to reducing CVC-IBO and CLABSI. In each hospital, CLABSI rates were tracked as defined by the National Healthcare Safety Network.
Results: Hospitals using the BD MaxPlus™ or MaxZero™ Needle-free Connector, the only device with a solid external access surface, were found to have a significantly lower CLABSI rate (1.32 vs. 2.95 per 1,000 central-line days [CLDs]; P = 0.0052) and CVC-IBO rate (1.51 vs. 4.04 per 1,000 CLDs; P = 0.0065) versus those using devices with a nonsolid access surface.
Conclusion: Hospitals using the MaxPlus™ or MaxZero™ NC also had significantly higher cost saving (per 100 patient days) associated with lower use of tissue plasminogen activator versus devices with a nonsolid access surface ($219 vs. $510 USD; P = 0.01). These results highlight the clinical importance of NC design components and their contributions to risk of CLABSI and catheter occlusion.
СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА РЕЗУЛЬТАТОВ РЕНТГЕНОГРАФИИ И УЛЬТРАСОНОГРАФИИ В ДИАГНОСТИКЕ БОЕВЫХ ТРАВМ ГРУДНОЙ КЛЕТКИ
Authors: Abdullaiev R.R. , Abdullaiev R.Y. , Khaustov M.M. , Grechanik E.I. , Posokhov N.F. , Dudnik T.A. , Kirichenko A.G. , Tomakh N.V. 
Published: August 2024

The article presents the results of a comparative assessment of X-ray and ultrasound examinations in the diagnosis of chest wounds received during combat operations in 94 patients. It was shown that pneumothorax was registered in 45 (47.9%), pleural effusion – in 36 (38.3%), rib fracture – in 34 (36.2%), pericardial effusion – in 11 (11.7%) patients. The sensitivity of ultrasound in diagnosing pneumothorax was 89.7%, specificity – 83.3%, specificity – 88.9%, and for rib fractures – 90.3%, 66.7% and 88.2%, respectively. According to the results, ultrasound has high sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of pneumothorax and rib fractures. Ultrasound is an accurate and useful method for diagnosing pleural and pericardial effusions of any size caused by trauma.
Məqalədə döyüş zamanı alınan döş qəfəsi xəsarətlərinin diaqnostikasında rentgenoqrafiya və ultrasəs müayinəsinin nəticələrinin müqayisəli qiymətləndirilməsi məqsədilə aparılmış tədqiqat işi haqqında məlumat verilmişdir. Tədqiqata 94 xəstə cəlb edilmişdir. Göstərilmişdir ki, pnevmotoraks 45 (47,9%), plevra efüzyonu 36 (38,3%), qabırğa sınığı 34 (36,2%), perikardial efüzyon 11 (11,7%) xəstədə qeydə alınıb. Ultrasonoqrafiyanın həssaslığı pnevmotoraksın diaqnostikasında 89,7%, spesifikliyi – 83,3%, dəqiqliyi – 88,9%, qabırğa sınığında müvafiq olaraq – 90,3%, 66,7% və 88,2% təşkil edib. Əldə edilmiş məlumatlara görə, pnevmotoraksın və gabırğa sınığının diaqnostikasında ultrasonoqrafiya yüksək həssaslığa, spesifikliyə və dəqiqliyə malikdir. Ultrasəs müayinəsi travma nəticəsində yaranan istənilən həcmdə plevral və perikardial ekssudatın diaqnostikası üçün dəqiq və əlverişli üsuldur.
В статье представлены результаты сравнительной оценки рентгенологического и ультразвукового исследования при диагностике ранений грудной клетки, полученных во время боевых действий у 94 больных. Показано, что пневмоторакс зарегистрирован у 45 (47,9%), плевральный выпот – у 36 (38,3%), перелом ребер – у 34 (36,2%), перикардиальный выпот – у 11 (11,7%) больных. Чувствительность ультразвукового исследования в диагностике пневмоторакса составила - 89,7%, специфичность – 83,3%, точность – 88,9%, при переломе ребер – 90,3%, 66,7% и 88,2%, соответственно. По мнению авторов, в диагностике пневмоторакса и переломов ребер УЗИ обладает высокой чувствительностью, специфичностью и точностью. Ультразвуковое исследование является точным методом диагностики плеврального и перикардиального выпота любого объема, вызванного травмой.