bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Obesity and Sleep in Korean Middle-Aged Women
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Kim Bomi , Park Hyojung 
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of auricular acupressure therapy on obesity and sleep quality in middle-aged Korean women. The single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial included participants aged 40–65 years with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25–34 kg/m2, divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 29). The intervention involved 8 weeks of auricular acupressure using ear seeds on five acupoints associated with obesity and sleep. Obesity outcomes were assessed using anthropometric indices (body weight, BMI, waist circumference, body fat mass, body fat percentage), while sleep outcomes were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and actigraphy. Measurements were taken thrice: before the intervention, and at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention start. The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in obesity measures and improvement in sleep quality over time compared to the control group. The findings suggest that auricular acupressure may serve as an alternative nursing intervention for managing obesity and improving sleep quality in middle-aged women.
Clinical Outcomes of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome With a Glaucoma Drainage Device
Authors: Ouyang Chen , Dong Xiaojuan , Ye Qinying , Wu Jing , Xu Chenjia , Fu Lingling , Ma Minglu , Peng Jiayin , Huang Ting 
Published: August 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for treating iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome with a glaucoma drainage device (GDD).

Methods:
In this retrospective, interventional case series, data of ICE eyes with a GDD treated with DMEK were collected at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center. A total of 24 patients (24 eyes) with mild-to-moderate ocular anterior segment anomalies together with good intraocular pressure (IOP) control preoperatively were included between March 10, 2014, and November 11, 2021. Cases were performed DMEK with concomitantly procedures, such as goniosynechialysis, an entire recipient's Descemet stripping, trimming of glaucoma tubes, and an inferiorly peripheral iridotomy. Graft survival, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), endothelial cell loss, IOP, and surgical complications were documented.

Results:
The mean length of follow-up after surgery was 30.8 ± 7.8 months. Postoperative CDVA improved significantly. At 1 and 2 years postoperatively, 10 (50%) of 20 eyes and 7 (47%) of 15 eyes achieved a CDVA of 20/32 or better, cumulative graft success rates by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were 89% and 67%, and endothelial cell loss were (59 ± 10)% and (71 ± 7)%, respectively. Within the follow-up period, IOP elevation and progressive peripheral anterior synechiae occurred in 7 (29%) and 5 (21%) of 24 eyes, respectively.

Conclusions:
With specific technical modifications, DMEK had not increased the risk of postoperative complications and provided comparable clinical outcomes in the treatment of ICE eyes with a GDD with those observed in the treatment of ICE eyes without a GDD.
A systematic review of the predictive value of radiomics for nasopharyngeal carcinoma prognosis
Authors: Deng Qicheng , Hou Yijun , Zhang Xi , Zan Hongyu 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Radiomics has been widely used in the study of tumours, which has predictive and prognostic value in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Therefore, we collected relevant literature to explore the role of current radiomics in predicting the prognosis of NPC.

Methods:
We performed a systematic literature review and meta-analysis in accordance with the preferred reporting items in the systematic evaluation and meta-analysis guidelines. We included papers on radiomics published before May 5, 2024, to evaluate the predictive ability of radiomics for the prognosis of NPC. The methodological quality of the included articles was evaluated using the radiomics quality score. The area under the curve (AUC), combined sensitivity and combined specificity were used to evaluate the ability of radiomics models to predict the prognosis of NPC.

Results:
A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria for the current systematic review, and 13 papers were included in the meta-analysis. The radiomics quality score ranged from 7 to 20 (maximum score: 36). The diagnostic test forest plots showed that the diagnostic OR of radiology was 11.04 (95% CI: 5.11–23.87), while the ORs for sensitivity and 1-specificity were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.73–0.78) and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.72–0.76), respectively. It cannot be determined whether the combined model was superior to the radiomics model for predicting the prognosis of NPC. It is unclear whether the fact that the radiomics model was composed of features extracted from MRI is due to CT. The AUC of PFS was larger than that of disease-free survival (P < .05). The overall AUC value is 0.8265.

Conclusion:
This study summarized all the studies that examined the predictive value of radiomics for NPC prognosis. Based on the summarized AUC values, as well as sensitivity and 1-specificity, it can be concluded that radiomics has good performance in predicting the prognosis of NPC. Radiomics models have certain advantages in predicting the effectiveness of PFS compared to predicting disease-free survival. It cannot be determined whether the combination model is superior to the radiomics model in predicting NPC prognosis, nor can it be determined whether imaging methods have differences in predictive ability. The findings confirmed and provided further evidence supporting the effectiveness of radiomics for the prediction of cancer prognosis.
Normal sperm quality despite partial deletion of sY84 in the AZFa region: A case report
Authors: Li Derong , Luo Bowen , Luo Yudi , Feng Keng , Li Xiang , Zhu Lingling , Ruan Luhai , Cai Fuman , Liao Yujuan , Li Ling 
Published: August 2024

Background:
The complete absence of the azoospermia factor A (AZFa) region typically results in nonobstructive azoospermia. Partial deletions of the AZFa region are particularly noteworthy due to the limited and enigmatic reports of partial deletions in the AZFa region. Here, we present a rare case report of partial deletion of sY84 in the AZFa region but exhibiting normal sperm quality. The aim of this case report is to gain a deeper insight into the impact of AZFa region deletion on male fertility and to guide future clinical decisions and treatment strategies.

Methods and Results:
A 25-year-old man presented to the hospital with his 25-year-old wife due to recurrent spontaneous abortions. Routine semen analysis, sperm morphology analysis, acrosomal enzyme analysis, sperm DNA fragmentation indexed, and peripheral blood karyotype analysis revealed no abnormalities. Y chromosome microdeletion was detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction, which showed that sY84 could not be amplified and sY86 was amplified nonspecifically. The man was diagnosed with partial deletions in the AZFa region. The wife underwent in vitro fertilization treatment for tubal infertility and recurrent spontaneous abortions. The couple successfully delivered a healthy daughter weighing 2.7 kg at 39 weeks of gestation, following 2 assisted reproductive pregnancies.

Conclusion:
Our findings contribute to expanding our knowledge of the AZFa region. A sY84 deficiency in the AZFa region may not lead to spermatogenesis failure and may potentially be one of the factors causing recurrent miscarriages, which needs to be confirmed by further data.
Peripheral ulcerative keratitis secondary to tuberculosis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Shuang , Gong Yajie , Huang Keke , Huang Jun 
Published: August 2024

Rationale:
Compared with intraocular tuberculosis, ocular tuberculosis with ocular surface involvement is rare. Corneal involvement in ocular tuberculosis may include interstitial keratitis or peripheral ulcerative keratitis. We report a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis directly caused by tuberculosis.

Patient concerns:
A 20-year-old man complained of vision loss and pain in the left eye that had lasted for 1 week. A slit lamp examination of the left eye showed a corneal epithelial defect, interstitial corneal edema, and a white irregular infiltrative lesion and ulcer (with the dimension of 2 × 2.5 mm) in the inferior temporal region.

Diagnoses:
The corneal ulcer was scraped, and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase chain reaction was positive.

Interventions and outcomes:
After a month of oral antituberculosis treatment, the corneal ulcer resolved, and the intraocular inflammation improved.

Lessons:
Peripheral ulcerative keratitis secondary to tuberculosis can be directly caused by M tuberculosis.
Thoracoscopic resection of a giant esophageal schwannoma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Chen Shu , Zhao Yixuan , Zhao Yinghao 
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Benign esophageal tumors are uncommon, accounting for approximately 2% of esophageal tumors. Esophageal schwannoma is a much rarer solid tumor with few cases reported in the literature. Open surgery is the surgical approach of choice for the treatment of esophageal tumors. With the advent of thoracoscopy, more and more countries are adopting a thoracoscopic approach to treat esophageal tumors, but there is still no clear surgical standard or modality for the treatment of esophageal tumors.

Patient concerns:
A 50-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital. Over the past 2 months, her clinical presentation has included progressively worse swallowing disorder and weight loss. Gastroscopy showed an elevated lesion with a smooth surface visible 18 cm out from the incisors. An electron circumferential ultrasound endoscopy showed a hemispherical bulge with a smooth surface 18 to 23 cm from the incisor; the bulge originated from the intrinsic muscular layer and showed a heterogeneous mixed moderate ultrasound with a little blood flow signal and blue-green elastography in 1 of the sections measuring approximately 4 cm × 3 cm. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a mass-like soft tissue shadow in the upper esophagus measuring approximately 39 mm × 34 mm, with a CT The lumen was compressed and narrowed, and the lumen of the upper part of the lesion was dilated, and the adjacent trachea was compressed and displaced to the right.

Interventions:
After completion of the examination, assisted by artificial pneumothorax and thoracoscopic resection of esophageal masses were performed.

Diagnosis and Outcomes:
Postoperative pathology report: Mesenchymal-derived tumor (esophagus), combined with immunohistochemical staining results and morphologic features supported schwannoma. The patient’s postoperative course was calm. The patient’s postoperative dysphagia subsided.

Conclusion:
We describe a case of successful treatment of a schwannoma of the upper esophagus using artificial pneumothorax-assisted VATS. The combined use of Sox10 and S100 helps to improve the sensitivity and specificity of schwannoma diagnosis. Damage to the esophageal lining was avoided by mixed thoracoscopic and endoscopic exploration. This approach can also be applied to benign esophageal tumors in the thoracic and subthoracic segments, leading to better minimally invasive results.
An introduction to International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR): A cross-regional registry focusing on theme of traditional medicine
Authors: Zhang Xuefei , Liang Ning , Zhang Yujing , Zhao Chen , Yan Lijiao , Hu Ziteng , Yang Sihong , Ye Zehui , Shi Nannan , Wang Yanping , Huang Luqi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing the field of human health care. The registration of clinical trials can effectively identify potential publication bias and prevent unnecessary duplication of research efforts, serving as a source of transparent data for health care professionals and researchers, enhancing the quality of clinical research, and presenting more transparent, standardized, authentic, and useful clinical trials. To enhance the capacity for evidence production in traditional medicine from the source, the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR), a cross-regional registry focusing on the theme of traditional medicine, was established. Under the current registration background, this study aims to introduce the problems and current status related to clinical trial registration, as well as the features and functions of the ITMCTR. The results of this study illustrate the necessity of establishing a specialized registration platform for traditional medicine to assist researchers in understanding the basic background of registration and relevant information regarding registration platforms, regardless of whether their research is related to traditional medicine or not. Ultimately, the results of this work will help researchers choose the appropriate platform for more efficient and transparent registration.
Factors Associated with Acceptance of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) among Residents of Luwingu District, Northern Province of Zambia
Authors: Mkosha Moses , Ngenda Brown , Nawa Mukumbuta 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionIndoor Residual Spraying (IRS) is a crucial intervention for malaria control, yet its acceptability in urban areas remains understudied, particularly in Luwingu District, Zambia. This research aimed to estimate acceptance of IRS and identify the factors associated with its acceptability in an urban setting of this area that has holoendemic transmission of malaria.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 344 households. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS. 28.0) included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to identify factors associated with IRS acceptability.ResultsA total of 344 household heads were interviewed in this study, out of which only a third (93/344) were female. Among the surveyed households, 53.3% reported being sprayed with IRS, while 46.8% were not and the difference was not statistically significant. The analysis revealed several key factors influencing IRS acceptability. Age was found to be significant, with younger individuals more likely to accept IRS. Similarly, those in formal employment and those with good attitudes towards IRS were likely to accept IRS implementation. On the other hand, sex and marital status were not associated with IRS acceptability.ConclusionThis study found that Indoor Residual Spraying in an urban community of an area that has holoendemic transmission of malaria covered only about half of the households. The factors associated with acceptance of IRS included younger age group below 35 years compared to those aged 36 years and older, those in formal employment compared to those in informal employment and those with moderate and good attitudes towards IRS. On the other hand, sex, marital status and educational levels if the heads of the households were not statistically associated with acceptance of IRS implementation in their households.
Longitudinal mapping of cortical change during early adolescence associated with prenatal tobacco and/or alcohol exposure in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSMStudy
Authors: Marshall Andrew T. , Adise Shana , Kan Eric C. , Sowell Elizabeth R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractImportanceThe effects of prenatal alcohol (PAE) and tobacco exposure (PTE) on adolescent neuroanatomical development are typically evaluated cross-sectionally. It is unclear if observed effects persist throughout life or reflect different developmental trajectories.ObjectiveTo determine how PAE and PTE are associated with cortical structure and development across two timepoints in early adolescence.DesignObservational, longitudinal analyses of data within the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development□ StudySetting21 study sites in the United StatesParticipants5,417 youth participants, aged ∼9-12 years oldExposuresPAE and PTE based on caregiver (self) reports of alcohol/tobacco use during pregnancy, before and after pregnancy recognition.Main Outcomes and MeasuresCortical thickness (mm) and cortical surface area (mm2) measured approximately 2 years apart in early adolescence, across 68 bilateral cortical regions.ResultsAt baseline data collection, youth participants were ∼9.9 years old (SD=0.6). At the second neuroimaging appointment, youth participants were ∼11.9 years old (SD=0.6). When modelling cortical thickness, we controlled for individuals’ whole-brain volume; when modelling cortical surface area, individuals’ total surface area. Cortical thickness generally declined with age. Cortical surface area either expanded or contracted with age, depending on region. PAE had minimal effects on cortical structure (main effects) and development (PAE×Age interactions). PTE had robust effects on cortical thickness and was associated with faster rates of cortical thinning in several regions within the frontal lobe. Post hoc analyses on (1) the effects of PTE for those who continued tobacco use after pregnancy recognition and (2) the effects of PTE in those who did not also use alcohol revealed weaker effects.Conclusions and RelevancePTE had robust effects on neuroanatomical structure and longitudinal development, particularly cortical thickness. Analyzing developmental cortical trajectories informs how PTE and/or PAE not only affects cortical structure but how it develops long after those prenatal exposures occurred. Future analyses involving cotinine biomarkers of PTE would enhance the temporal resolution of the ABCD Study®’s PTE-related queries of tobacco use before and after learning of the pregnancy.Key Points-How does prenatal tobacco and/or alcohol exposure affect brain structure and longitudinal development in early adolescence?-Prenatal tobacco exposure was robustly associated with faster rates of cortical thinning in the frontal lobe; prenatal alcohol exposure had more minimal effects.-Prenatal substance exposure, especially prenatal tobacco exposure, not only affects cortical structure but how it develops long after those prenatal exposures occurred.
The gut microbiota is a determinant of sexual dimorphism in ALS-linked TDP43 mice
Authors: Beraldi Evandro J. , Lee Sukyoung , Jiang Yulan , Rea Isabel M. , Phull Rushda , Keenan Catherine M. , Stephens Matthew , Bardhi Martin , Bankole Oluwamolakun , Pfeffer Gerald , Biernaskie Jeff , McCoy Kathy D. , Elinav Eran , Sharkey Keith A. , Nguyen Minh Dang 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying the earlier onset and male predominance of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the most common form of human motoneuron disease, are poorly understood. Here we show that the gut microbiota protects against TDP43 toxicity and contributes to the sexual dimorphism in mice expressing a mutant form of TDP43 (A315T) linked to ALS. TDP43 mice raised under germ-free conditions, or treated with antibiotics to deplete the gut microbiota, develop motoneuron disease earlier and show no sex differences in onset and lifespan. Behavioral and histopathological analyses confirm the exacerbation in neurodegeneration caused by the absence of gut microbiota. Castration did not alter disease course of male TDP43 mice, suggesting that male sex hormones do not interact with the gut microbiota to confer disease phenotype. Future identification of gut bacteria species and their mechanisms of action offers a unique opportunity to understand sexual dimorphism in ALS, with the ultimate goal to develop non-invasive and sex-specific treatments for ALS.
Information-seeking pathways of Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in the context of seeking project-specific information
Authors: Zhong Huan , Han Zhengbiao 
Published: August 2024

PurposeTo explore the project-specific information-seeking pathways of Chinese parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and understand the information seeking in their daily lives.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized the interview, critical incident technique and information horizon mapping to gather data from 27 Chinese parents of children with ASD during project-specific information seeking. These data were then examined using content analysis and descriptive statistics methods.FindingsFirst, the information-seeking pathways of parents of children with ASD show the significant importance of both interpersonal and online sources, characterized by the combined use of multiple types of information sources. Second, information-seeking pathways considerably vary across project contexts. For diagnosis and school selection, parents had fewer pathways and primarily relied on interpersonal sources. Meanwhile, they utilized interpersonal and online sources combined for selecting rehabilitation institutions and methods, with the most information-seeking pathways for rehabilitation methods.Originality/valueThis study presents novel insights into the information-seeking pathways of Chinese parents of children with ASD in seeking project-specific information. It provides valuable references for relevant governments and rehabilitation institutions in building information service platforms, strengthening information quality regulation and providing information resources for parents of children with ASD.
Star architecture in online public discourse: exploring Reddit user-generated content on the Vessel, New York, through a text analytics approach
Authors: Pourahmad Ghalejough Ali , Abbasi Avval Sadegh , Haghparast Farzin , Gharehbaglou Minou 
Published: August 2024

PurposeUser-generated content was explored to understand the public discourse surrounding the Vessel, a star architecture in New York. Through text analytics, the study aims to uncover topics, sentiments and themes in public opinion regarding this controversial building from social media data.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized a big data and text analytics approach, employing topic modeling with the BERTopic technique, sentiment analysis with roBERTa and thematic analysis on 10,259 Reddit comments pertaining to the Vessel.FindingsThe comments were grouped into 20 topics and seven themes, shedding light on discussions regarding the Vessel’s philosophy of existence, critiques of the architect’s approach, evaluations of project success or failure and considerations of the project’s future. Negative sentiments dominate the discourse, reflecting widespread criticism and skepticism towards the project.Research limitations/implicationsThe manual data collection method, due to API restrictions, precluded tracking evolving trends over time. Nevertheless, the study provides insights for architects, urban planners, policymakers and stakeholders involved in public space design and management, highlighting the importance of considering user feedback from social media platforms.Originality/valueThis study enriches our comprehension of how users perceive star architecture in the age of social media, focusing on hidden layers of discourse surrounding a controversial iconic building. By combining topic modeling and sentiment analysis, the study offers a novel approach to analyzing architectural public debates on social media platforms like Reddit.