bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Commonalities: Exploring Shared Characteristics in Clear-Cell Carcinomas of the Gynecologic Tract
Authors: Blanc-Durand Felix , Ngoi Natalie Y.L. , Lim Diana G.S. , Tan David S.P. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Clear-cell carcinomas (CCC) arising from the gynecologic tract (including from the ovary, endometrium, cervix, vulva, or vagina) represent rare but clinically significant entities with intriguing overlapping characteristics. Epidemiologically, CCCs exhibit a predilection for women of Asian ethnicity and are often associated with a previous or synchronous diagnosis of endometriosis. Pathologically, despite originating from different primary organs, CCCs of the gynecologic tract show similar morphologic and immunophenotypic features on traditional histopathology, such as the expression of napsin A and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β on IHC, without the expression of Wilms tumor 1. Well-described molecular characteristics of these cancers include recurrent mutations in genes such as ARID1A, PIK3CA, and/or PTEN, although significant variations exist across the different anatomic sites. Therapeutically, optimal management remains challenging due to the relative rarity of CCCs and limited subtype-specific clinical trials. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, often complemented by systemic chemotherapy. However, promising drugs targeting angiogenesis or the immune microenvironment have emerged in recent years, leading to clinical successes, and are likely to reshape the therapeutic landscape of gynecologic CCC. This review summarizes the commonalities and disparities in terms of epidemiology, pathology, molecular features, and therapeutic approach, among CCCs of different anatomic origin, offering a foundation for further research and dedicated therapeutic interventions for these malignancies.
Biopsychosocial factors of depression among community-dwelling geriatric population with low perceived social support; a population-based study
Authors: Balqis-Ali Nur Zahirah , Ahmad Norliza , Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah , Fattah Azman Ahmad Zaid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Although significant and disabling consequences are presented due to geriatric population-related depression, an insufficient comprehension of various biological, psychological, and social factors affecting this issue has been observed. Notably, these factors can contribute to geriatric population-related depression with low social support. This study aimed to identify factors associated with depression among the community-dwelling geriatric population with low social support in Malaysia.

Methods
This study used secondary data from a population-based health survey in Malaysia, namely the National Health Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2018: Elderly Health. The analysis included 926 community-dwelling geriatric population aged 60 and above with low social support. The primary data collection was from August to October 2018, using face-to-face interviews. This paper reported the analysis of depression as the dependent variable, while various biological, psychological and social factors, guided by established biopsychosocial models, were the independent variables. Multiple logistic regression was applied to identify the factors. Analysis was performed using the complex sampling module in the IBM SPSS version 29.

Results
The weighted prevalence of depression among the community-dwelling geriatric population aged 60 and above with low social support was 22.5% (95% CI: 17.3–28.7). This was significantly higher than depression among the general geriatric Malaysian population. The factors associated with depression were being single, as compared to those married (aOR 2.010, 95% CI: 1.063–3.803, p: 0.031), having dementia, as opposed to the absence of the disease (aOR 3.717, 95% CI: 1.544–8.888, p: 0.003), and having a visual disability, as compared to regular visions (aOR 3.462, 95% CI: 1.504–7.972, p: 0.004). The analysis also revealed that a one-unit increase in control in life and self-realisation scores were associated with a 32.6% (aOR: 0.674, 95% CI: 0.599–0.759, p < 0.001) and 24.7% (aOR: 0.753, 95% CI: 0.671–0.846, p < 0.001) decrease in the likelihood of developing depression, respectively.

Conclusion
This study suggested that conducting depression screenings for the geriatric population with low social support could potentially prevent or improve the management of depression. The outcome could be achieved by considering the identified risk factors while implementing social activities, which enhanced control and self-fulfilment.
Comparison of fixed braces and clear braces for malocclusion treatment
Authors: Liu Fan , Wang Yanhong , Luopei Danzeng , Qu Xiaofu , Liu Lin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
To study and compare the effects of clear aligners without brackets and traditional fixed aligners in orthodontic treatment.

Methods
The samples were collected from January 2022 to April 2023. The control group (n = 26) received orthodontic treatment using traditional fixed appliances. The research group (n = 20) received orthodontic treatment using the clear aligners without brackets. Compare the therapeutic effects and related evaluation indicators between two groups.

Results
The total effective ratio was compared between the 2 groups, and the study group was greater(P < 0.05). After treatment, the detected values of the periodontal condition indicators (plaque index, debris index, and gingival bleeding index), serum inflammatory factors (CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α) of the two groups, were less than before, also were all less than the control group. (P < 0.05). After therapy, in comparison of the control group, the value of mastication efficiency, comfort and psychological evaluation, sleep indicators and the points of the four dimensions of life quality in the study group was greater, and the detection results were obviously greater than before(P < 0.05).

Conclusion
In the orthodontic therapy of sufferers with malocclusion, compared with the traditional fixed appliance, the clear aligners without brackets can enhance the treatment effects, improve the periodontal condition and masticatory function, and reduce the inflammatory responses, so that patients can feel more comfortable, thereby improving their psychology, sleep and quality of life. In the future, with the continual advancement of technology and people’s pursuit of beauty, the application of clear aligners without brackets in orthodontic treatment will become more and more extensive. The continuous introduction of new materials and new technologies will further improve the effects and comfort of the clear aligners without brackets, reduce treatment time and discomfort, and also reduce patients’ resistance to aligners, bringing patients a better treatment experience.
In vitro-antibacterial properties of ten medicinal plants against common uropathogenic organisms and toxicity determination using brine shrimp lethality assay
Authors: Ilangage Jayananda Ilangage Maheshi Kavindya , Ilangakoon Ilangakoon Arachchige Chethana Seww , Fernando Kariyakarawanage Minoshi Kaushika , Dissanayake Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage Manisha K , Rajapaksha Nimna Pinimali Deeyagaha , Walpola Lakmini Hasanthika , Hettiarachchi Dineshani 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
In recent years, antibiotic resistance has emerged as a global health concern in bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). Uropathogenic Escherichia coli is the most frequent organism responsible for both simple and complex UTIs. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are frequently associated with complicated UTIs. Sri Lanka has significant resources of medicinal plants used to cure UTIs in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine.

Methods
Agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of ten medicinal plants against P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, S.aureus ATCC25923, E.coli ATCC25922 and their UTI positive strains extracted from positive culture plates. As a preliminary toxicity assay, the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay (BSLA) was used to determine its cytotoxicity.

Results
The methanolic fruits extract of P. emblica demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity against both E. coli ATCC25922 and E. coli UTI-positive strains. B. diffusa roots extract exhibited the highest activity against S. aureus ATCC25923, while T. chebula fruits extract showed the highest activity against the S. aureus UTI-positive strain. T. involucrata roots extract displayed the highest activity against P. aeruginosa ATCC27853, and Z. officinale rhizomes extract showed the highest activity against the P. aeruginosa UTI-positive strain. Moreover, the plant mixture showed the most substantial antibacterial effect against P. aeruginosa ATCC27853. However, the methanolic seed extract of C. melo did not exhibit any antimicrobial effects against the selected organisms. All plant material, including the plant mixture, showed cytotoxicity according to the BSLA.

Conclusion
All the methanolic extracts including P. emblica fruits, O. tenuiflorum whole plant, T. chebula fruits, Z. officinale rhizome, T. terrestris roots, T. involucrata roots, A. lanata whole plant. B. diffusa roots and A. falcatus roots showed antimicrobial effects against selected strains except C. melo seed extract. The results of the present study evidently supports the traditional and ayurvedic use of these plants for the treatment of UTIs. This paves the way for another praise for new plant-based therapeutic product development for the treatment of UTIs. However, further toxicity studies are needed for medicinal dose determination.
A structured biomimetic nanoparticle as inflammatory factor sponge and autophagy-regulatory agent against intervertebral disc degeneration and discogenic pain
Authors: Li Kanglu , Yang Wenbo , Chen Xuanzuo , Yu Yihan , Liu Yiran , Ni Feifei , Xiao Yan , Qing Xiangcheng , Liu Sheng , He YuXin , Wang Baichuan , Xu Li , Shao Zengwu , Zhao Lei , Peng Yizhong , Lin Hui 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLower back pain (LBP) is a common condition closely associated with intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), causing a significant socioeconomic burden. Inflammatory activation in degenerated discs involves pro-inflammatory cytokines, dysregulated regulatory cytokines, and increased levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), leading to further intervertebral disc destruction and pain sensitization. Macrophage polarization is closely related to autophagy. Based on these pathological features, a structured biomimetic nanoparticle coated with TrkA-overexpressing macrophage membranes (TMNP@SR) with a rapamycin-loaded mesoporous silica core is developed. TMNP@SR acted like sponges to adsorbe inflammatory cytokines and NGF and delivers the autophagy regulator rapamycin (RAPA) into macrophages through homologous targeting effects of the outer engineered cell membrane. By regulating autophagy activation, TMNP@SR promoted the M1-to-M2 switch of macrophages to avoid continuous activation of inflammation within the degenerated disc, which prevented the apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells. In addition, TMNP@SR relieved mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, reduced calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) expression in the dorsal root ganglion, and downregulated GFAP and c-FOS signaling in the spinal cord in the rat IDD model. In summary, TMNP@SR spontaneously inhibits the aggravation of disc inflammation to alleviate disc degeneration and reduce the ingress of sensory nerves, presenting a promising treatment strategy for LBP induced by disc degeneration.
Graphical Abstract
The impact of fine motor activities like playing musical instruments on the thickness and strength of the flexor digitorum muscle
Authors: Ioannou Christos I. , Hodde-Chriske Franziska L. , Avraamides Marios N. , Altenmüller Eckart 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to explore the impact of occupational activities involving extensive finger movement on the muscular characteristics of the forearms. In particular, the flexor digitorum (FD) muscular thickness and strength asymmetry between right and left hand were compared between musicians and non-musicians.

Methods
Ultrasonography was employed to measure the thickness of the FD in each hand, while a validated custom-made device was used to assess the strength of the flexor and extensor digitorum (ED). Initially, muscle differences were estimated by computing the asymmetry index between dominant and non-dominant hands. To assess potential occupational disparities, comparisons of the asymmetry index were conducted between 25 right-handed instrumental musicians and 25 right-handed non-musicians.

Results
Musicians exhibited lower asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant hands in both FD thickness and ED strength when compared to non-musicians. This effect was particularly pronounced in musicians playing instruments that extensively use the left-hand fingers (e.g., violinists).

Conclusions
Occupational activities, such as playing a musical instrument, can alter forearm muscle mass and strength distribution between dominant and non-dominant hands. This underscores the importance of considering occupational parameters in clinical or experimental interventions and musculoskeletal assessments.
Unveiling distinct kinematic profiles among total knee arthroplasty candidates through clustering technique
Authors: Abou-Abbas Lina , Hagemeister Nicola , Ouakrim Youssef , Cagnin Alix , Laundry Philippe , Richardson Glen , Dunbar Michael J. , Mezghani Neila 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:

Characterizing the condition of patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis is complex due to multiple associations between clinical, functional, and structural parameters. While significant variability exists within this population, especially in candidates for total knee arthroplasty, there is increasing interest in knee kinematics among orthopedic surgeons aiming for more personalized approaches to achieve better outcomes and satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to identify distinct kinematic phenotypes in total knee arthroplasty candidates and to compare different methods for the identification of these phenotypes.

Methods:

Three-dimensional kinematic data obtained from a Knee Kinesiography exam during treadmill walking in the clinic were used. Various aspects of the clustering process were evaluated and compared to achieve optimal clustering, including data preparation, transformation, and representation methods.

Results:

A K-Means clustering algorithm, performed using Euclidean distance, combined with principal component analysis applied on data transformed by standardization, was the optimal approach. Two unique kinematic phenotypes were identified among 80 total knee arthroplasty candidates. The two distinct phenotypes divided patients who significantly differed both in terms of knee kinematic representation and clinical outcomes, including a notable variation in 63.3% of frontal plane features and 81.8% of transverse plane features across 77.33% of the gait cycle, as well as differences in the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, highlighting the impact of these kinematic variations on patient pain and function.

Conclusion:

Results from this study provide valuable insights for clinicians to develop personalized treatment approaches based on patients’ phenotype affiliation, ultimately helping to improve total knee arthroplasty outcomes.
Time to diagnosis for a rare disease: managing medical uncertainty. A qualitative study
Authors: Phillips Christine , Parkinson Anne , Namsrai Tergel , Chalmers Anita , Dews Carolyn , Gregory Dianne , Kelly Elaine , Lowe Christine , Desborough Jane 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
People with a rare disease commonly experience long delays from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis. Rare diseases are challenging to diagnose because they are clinically heterogeneous, and many present with non-specific symptoms common to many diseases. We aimed to explore the experiences of people with myositis, primary immunodeficiency (PID), and sarcoidosis from symptom onset to diagnosis to identify factors that might impact receipt of a timely diagnosis.

Methods
This was a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Our approach was informed by Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). We applied the lens of uncertainty management theory to tease out how patients experience, assess, manage and cope with puzzling and complex health-related issues while seeking a diagnosis in the cases of rare diseases.

Results
We conducted interviews with 26 people with a rare disease. Ten participants had been diagnosed with a form of myositis, 8 with a primary immunodeficiency, and 8 with sarcoidosis. Time to diagnosis ranged from 6 months to 12 years (myositis), immediate to over 20 years (PID), and 6 months to 15 years (sarcoidosis). We identified four themes that described the experiences of participants with a rare disease as they sought a diagnosis for their condition: (1) normalising and/or misattributing symptoms; (2) particularising by clinicians; (3) asserting patients’ self-knowledge; and (4) working together through the diagnosable moment.

Conclusions
Managing medical uncertainty in the time before diagnosis of a rare disease can be complicated by patients discounting their own symptoms and/or clinicians discounting the scale and impact of those symptoms. Persistence on the part of both clinician and patient is necessary to reach a diagnosis of a rare disease. Strategies such as recognising pattern failure and accommodating self-labelling are key to diagnosis.
Identifying personalized barriers for hypertension self-management from TASKS framework
Authors: Yang Jiami , Zeng Yong , Yang Lin , Khan Nadia , Singh Shaminder , Walker Robin L. , Eastwood Rachel , Quan Hude 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objective
Effective management of hypertension requires not only medical intervention but also significant patient self-management. The challenge, however, lies in the diversity of patients' personal barriers to managing their condition. The objective of this research is to identify and categorize personalized barriers to hypertension self-management using the TASKS framework (Task, Affect, Skills, Knowledge, Stress). This study aims to enhance patient-centered strategies by aligning support with each patient's specific needs, recognizing the diversity in their unique circumstances, beliefs, emotional states, knowledge levels, and access to resources. This research is based on observations from a single study focused on eight patients, which may have been a part of a larger project.

Results
The analysis of transcripts from eight patients and the Global Hypertension Practice Guidelines revealed 69 personalized barriers. These barriers were distributed as follows: emotional barriers (49%), knowledge barriers (24%), logical barriers (17%), and resource barriers (10%). The findings highlight the significant impact of emotional and knowledge-related challenges on hypertension self-management, including difficulties in home blood pressure monitoring and the use of monitoring tools. This study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to address these prevalent barriers and improve hypertension management outcomes.
Ultrasound elastography of back muscle biomechanical properties: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current methods
Authors: David Mercedes , Devantéry Karine , Nauche Bénédicte , Chagnon Miguel , Keezer Mark , Gaudreault Nathaly , Bureau Nathalie J. , Cloutier Guy 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To report the current elastography methods used to quantify back muscles’ biomechanical characteristics in patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MSKd) and inform on their reliability, validity, and responsiveness.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane library and grey literature were consulted. Predefined criteria allowed for study selection and data extraction. The quality of evidence was rated using the COSMIN tool. Data were meta-analyzed in terms of pooled intraclass correlation coefficient (pICC) for reliability and pooled standardized mean difference (pSMD) for validity and responsiveness. Heterogeneity was assessed.

Results
Seventy-nine studies were included in the meta-analysis (total number of participants N = 3178). Three elastography methods were identified: strain imaging (SI; number of cohorts M = 26), shear wave imaging (SWI; M = 50), and vibration sonoelastography (VSE; M = 3). Strain imaging and SWI studies reported good reliability measurement properties (pICC > 0.70) and a medium pSMD (0.58 for SI and 0.60 for SWI; p ≤ 0.020) in discriminating MSKd from controls’ condition (validity). Strain imaging studies reported a medium pSMD (0.64; p = 0.005) in detecting within-group changes over time, whereas SWI pSMD was very high (1.24; p = 0.005). Only SWI reported significant but small pSMD (0.30; p = 0.003) in detecting between-group changes over time. The small number of VSE studies could not be meta-analyzed. Heterogeneity was high (I-squared > 90%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Elastography presents good reliability results and a medium pSMD in discriminating MSKd from control conditions. Responsiveness data suggest detectable changes within groups over time using SI and SWI, calling for long-term longitudinal studies. Assessing changes between groups over time using elastography still needs to be proven. Highly significant heterogeneity limits meta-analytic results.

Critical relevance statement
While still in its early-stage exploration phase, musculoskeletal ultrasound elastography may reliably quantify back muscles’ biomechanics in asymptomatic individuals, moderately discriminate back musculoskeletal disorders and detect biomechanical changes over time in these conditions, calling for long-term longitudinal studies.

Key Points

Ultrasound elastography is reviewed for back pain and related musculoskeletal disorder assessments.

Growing literature supports good reproducibility, some validity and responsiveness.

Back muscle elastography considers assumptions calling for standardized protocols.

Graphical Abstract
Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of a case of a patient with familial hereditary breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Liu Yuan , Mao Jinglin , Xiang Longquan , Zhang Xiangyu , Qu Zhen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer has emerged as the foremost cause of female mortality worldwide, with triple negative breast cancer accounting for approximately 10–15% of all breast cancer cases. The triple negative breast cancer family has obvious familial heritability, but no potential pathogenic variation was found in BRCA1/2.

Case presentation
The patient was a 56-year-old woman of Han ethnicity. The clinical characteristics of this patient with breast cancer were summarized, peripheral blood of one normal female and two patients with breast cancer in this family was collected, DNA was extracted, and the potential pathogenic variation was analyzed by whole exome sequencing. The normal female and two patients with breast cancer in this family shared a maternal grandmother. The proband’s right breast mass was punctured, and the biopsy showed invasive carcinoma of the right breast, grade II–III, with necrosis. No mutation was found in BRCA1/2 gene test; immunohistochemical of surgical specimens showed triple negative breast cancer. Three mutation types and 17 gene mutation sites were detected through bioinformatics prediction analysis on the basis of co-segregation of genotype and phenotype within the family and whole exome sequencing results. Combined with the Cancer Genome Atlas database comprehensive analysis, the MT1E c.G107A (p.C36Y) mutation may be a potential pathogenic site.

Conclusions
Through whole exome sequencing, we identified a total of 17 potential pathogenic mutation loci, none of which have been reported thus far. Therefore, our work expanded the gene mutation spectrum of familial hereditary triple negative breast cancer, which can provide more basis for family genetic counseling.