bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuronal Stability, Volumetric Changes, and Decrease in GFAP Expression of Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) Subcortical Visual Nuclei During Aging
Authors: Santana Nelyane N. M. , Silva Eryck H. A. , Santos Sâmarah F. dos , Bezerra Lyzandro L. F. , da Silva Maria M. O. , Cavalcante Jeferson S. , Fiuza Felipe P. , Morais Paulo L. A. de G. , Engelberth Rovena Clara 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTThe physiological aging process is well known for functional decline in visual abilities. Among the components of the visual system, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (DLG) and superior colliculus (SC) provide a good model for aging investigations, as these structures constitute the main visual pathways for retinal inputs reaching the visual cortex. However, there are limited data available on quantitative morphological and neurochemical aspects in DLG and SC across lifespan. Here, we used optical density to determine immunoexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and design‐based stereological probes to estimate the neuronal number, total volume, and layer volume of the DLG and SC in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), ranging from 36 to 143 months of age. Our results revealed an age‐related increase in total volume and layer volume of the DLG, with an overall stability in SC volume. Furthermore, a stable neuronal number was demonstrated in DLG and superficial layers of SC (SCv). A decrease in GFAP immunoexpression was observed in both visual centers. The results indicate region‐specific variability in volumetric parameter, possibly attributed to structural plastic events in response to inflammation and compensatory mechanisms at the cellular and subcellular level. Additionally, the DLG and SCv seem to be less vulnerable to aging effects in terms of neuronal number. The neuropeptidergic data suggest that reduced GFAP expression may reflect morphological atrophy in the astroglial cells. This study contributes to updating the current understanding of aging effects in the visual system and stablishes a crucial foundation for future research on visual perception throughout the aging process.
Adversarial autoencoder for continuous sign language recognition
Authors: Kamal Suhail Muhammad , Chen Yidong , Li Shaozi 
Published: July 2024

SummarySign language serves as a vital communication medium for the deaf community, encompassing a diverse array of signs conveyed through distinct hand shapes along with non‐manual gestures like facial expressions and body movements. Accurate recognition of sign language is crucial for bridging the communication gap between deaf and hearing individuals, yet the scarcity of large‐scale datasets poses a significant challenge in developing robust recognition technologies. Existing works address this challenge by employing various strategies, such as enhancing visual modules, incorporating pretrained visual models, and leveraging multiple modalities to improve performance and mitigate overfitting. However, the exploration of the contextual module, responsible for modeling long‐term dependencies, remains limited. This work introduces an Adversarial Autoencoder for Continuous Sign Language Recognition, AA‐CSLR, to address the constraints imposed by limited data availability, leveraging the capabilities of generative models. The integration of pretrained knowledge, coupled with cross‐modal alignment, enhances the representation of sign language by effectively aligning visual and textual features. Through extensive experiments on publicly available datasets (PHOENIX‐2014, PHOENIX‐2014T, and CSL‐Daily), we demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in achieving competitive performance in continuous sign language recognition.
Intravenous iron therapy for heart failure and iron deficiency: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Ahmed Mushood , Shafiq Aimen , Javaid Hira , Singh Priyansha , Shahbaz Haania , Maniya Muhammad Talha , Jain Hritvik , Shakir Najwa , Cheema Huzaifa Ahmad , Ahmad Adeel , Rehman Wajeeh Ur , Yeap Gabriel , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Ahmed Raheel , Fudim Marat , Fonarow Gregg C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHeart failure (HF) patients frequently exhibit iron deficiency, which is associated with a poor prognosis. Although various trials have been conducted, it is uncertain if intravenous (IV) iron replenishment improves clinical outcomes in HF patients with iron deficiency. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception till 15 September 2023 to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared IV iron therapy with placebo or standard of care in patients with HF and iron deficiency. Clinical outcomes were assessed by generating forest plots using the random‐effects model and pooling odds ratios (ORs) or weighted mean differences (WMDs). Fourteen RCTs with 6651 patients were included. IV iron therapy showed a significantly reduced incidence of the composite of first heart failure hospitalization (HHF) or cardiovascular (CV) mortality as compared with the control group (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58 to 0.92). The IV iron therapy resulted in a trend towards lower CV mortality (OR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.76 to 1.01), 1‐year all‐cause mortality (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.02), and first HHF (OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.51 to 1.05), and an improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD = 4.54, 95% CI: −0.13 to 9.21). Meta‐regression showed a significant inverse moderating effect of baseline LVEF on the first HHF or CV death. In patients with HF and iron deficiency, IV iron therapy reduced the incidence of composite of first HHF or CV mortality. There was a trend of lower overall CV and 1‐year all‐cause mortality, first HHF, and improved LVEF with IV iron therapy.
Chatbot aimed to promote mental health services use for eating disorders following online screening: Comment
Authors: Daungsupawong Hinpetch , Wiwanitkit Viroj 
Published: July 2024

Highlights

The study's methodology limitations—such as its dependence on self‐report data and its lack of information on particular eating disorder diagnoses—highlight the necessity of incorporating clinical assessments and gathering more comprehensive data in future studies.
Researchers may be able to create more successful plans to promote the adoption of digital therapies for eating disorders if they have a better understanding of the obstacles to participation and investigate the viewpoints of non‐enrollees.
In order to guarantee accurate and pertinent ChatGPT output, future research should concentrate on evaluating the efficacy and long‐term results of chatbot interventions as well as including human user behaviour coding.
Expressions of glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and thyroid hormone in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their correlation
Authors: Chen Hua , Wu Jing , Lyu Rui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the expressions of glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and thyroid hormone in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and their correlation.MethodsEighty‐four patients with T2DM in our hospital were included as the observation group. The T2DM patients were divided into mild group, moderate group, and severe group according to the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level. Another 84 healthy subjects in the same period of health examination in our hospital were included as the control group. The levels of glycemic parameters, (HbA1c and FPG), lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL‐C, and HDL‐C) and thyroid hormone (FT3, TSH, and FT4) were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer. The correlation between glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and thyroid hormone was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsThe FPG, TC, TG, LDL‐C, HbA1c, and TSH levels were significantly elevated, while the HDL‐C and FT3 levels were significantly declined in the observation group versus to control group (p < .05). The levels of HbA1c, FPG, TC, LDL‐C, and TSH were significantly increased, while the levels of HDL‐C and FT3 were decreased in moderate and severe groups, when compared to mild group (p < .05). The levels of HbA1c, FPG, TC, LDL‐C and TSH were higher, while the level of FT3 was lower in severe group than those in moderate group (p < .05). Pearson Correlation analysis showed that FT3 level in T2DM patients was positively correlated with FPG, HbAlc, TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels (p < .05), but negatively correlated with HDL‐C level (p < .05). TSH level was negatively correlated with FPG, HbAlc, TC, TG, and LDL‐C levels (p < .05), while positively correlated with HDL‐C level.ConclusionThe thyroid hormone levels were of clinical significance in evaluating glycolipid metabolism and severity of T2DM. Clinical detection of glycolipid metabolism and thyroid hormone levels in T2DM patients is of great significance for diagnosis, evaluation, and targeted treatment of the disease.
X‐Box binding protein 1 downregulates SIRT6 to promote injury in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Li Shaojun , Zhao Chuan , Zhao Zongzheng , Tan Juan , Zhang Lu , Huang Yuanqing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveAcute pancreatitis (AP) stands as a frequent cause for clinical emergency hospital admissions. The X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) was found to be implicated in pancreatic acinar cell apoptosis. The objective is to unveil the potential mechanisms governed by XBP1 and SIRT6 in the context of AP.MethodsCaerulein‐treated human pancreatic duct epithelial (HPDE) cells to establish an in vitro research model. The levels and regulatory role of SIRT6 in the treated cells were evaluated, including its effects on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The relationship between XBP1 and SIRT6 was explored by luciferase and ChIP experiments. Furthermore, the effect of XBP1 overexpression on the regulatory function of SIRT6 on cells was evaluated.ResultsCaerulein promoted the decrease of SIRT6 and the increase of XBP1 in HPDE cells. Overexpression of SIRT6 slowed down the secretion of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress, apoptosis level, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in HPDE cells. However, XBP1 negatively regulated SIRT6, and XBP1 overexpression partially reversed the regulation of SIRT6 on the above aspects.ConclusionOur study illuminates the role of XBP1 in downregulating SIRT6 in HPDE cells, thereby promoting cellular injury. Inhibiting XBP1 or augmenting SIRT6 levels holds promise in preserving cell function and represents a potential therapeutic avenue in the management of AP.
Associations of parity and cognitive decline, depression, and chronic comorbidity in West China: Results from WCHAT study
Authors: Zhou Lixing , Chen Xiaoyan , Zhang Gongchang , Sui Yunpeng , Hou Lisha , Hu Fengjuan , Xia Xin , Luo Shuyue , Peng Xuchao , Yue Jirong , Dong Biao , Dong Birong , Liu Xiaolei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the associations between parity (the number of offspring a female has borne) and cognitive function, depression, and chronic comorbidity in Western China.MethodsA total of 846 women aged 50–55 years were included in the current analysis. Cognitive status was measured using a 10‐item short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ). Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15‐item geriatric depression scale (GDS‐15). Other characteristics were self‐reported. The associations between parity and cognitive decline, depression, and chronic comorbidity were analyzed using univariable and multivariable models. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, ethnic group, occupation, marital status, educational level, lifestyle factors, and sleeping time.ResultsAmong the enrolled women, 26.71% were either childless or had one child, 47.40% had two children, 18.32% had three children, and 7.57% had ≥4 children. Compared to women with low parity, women with two or more children exhibited a higher risk of cognitive decline. Moreover, having four or more children was significantly associated with depression and chronic comorbidity. After adjusting covariates, women with three or more children exhibited a higher risk of cognitive decline than those with low parity. However, high parity was not significantly associated with depression or chronic comorbidity after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionOur study showed that ≥3 children was associated with cognitive decline in women. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate this conclusion and to investigate the mechanisms involved. More importantly, families and societies should pay more attention to women's long‐term health outcomes related to fertility.
Perinatal management for fetal oral epignathus with duplication of the pituitary gland (DPG)‐plus syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Khwankaew Noppasin , Sawaddisan Rapphon , Siripruekpong Sirikarn , Leelasawatsuk Peesit , Praditaukrit Manapat , Tanaanantarak Pattama 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe prenatal diagnosis of epignathus presents a unique challenge for physicians. Differential diagnosis is usually based on the anatomic location of the tumor. Typical prenatal ultrasound characteristics of epignathus include a mixed solid and cystic lesion with vascularity in the solid component, originating from the hard or soft palate, and it is often associated with other anomalies such as craniofacial clefts or trans‐sphenoidal intracranial extension. Herein, we present a case of prenatal diagnosis of epignathus with rare ultrasonographic findings, prenatal management requiring collaborative efforts of a multidisciplinary team, and a well‐planned innovative ex utero intrapartum treatment procedure. In addition, this report highlights the evolving postnatal diagnosis of the rare developmental anomaly, duplication of the pituitary gland‐plus syndrome, which includes various midline craniofacial, central nervous system, spinal, and endocrine abnormalities.
Agglomerative hierarchical clustering for selecting valid instrumental variables
Authors: Apfel Nicolas , Liang Xiaoran 
Published: July 2024

SummaryWe propose a procedure that combines hierarchical clustering with a test of overidentifying restrictions for selecting valid instrumental variables (IV) from a large set of IVs. Some of these IVs may be invalid in that they fail the exclusion restriction. We show that if the largest group of IVs is valid, our method achieves oracle properties. Unlike existing techniques, our work deals with multiple endogenous regressors. Simulation results suggest an advantageous performance of the method in various settings. The method is applied to estimating the effect of immigration on wages.
In‐person to virtual interprofessional education: Teamwork attitudes and skills among dental and dental hygiene students
Authors: Chavis Sydnee E. , Anagnostopoulos‐King Fotini V. , Syme Sheryl L. , Varlotta Sharon , Noonan Kate E. , Congdon Heather B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectivesThe interruption to clinical professions’ instruction due to closures from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic posed a significant hurdle to clinical education and presented a necessity to shift how instruction was delivered to resume educational activities. This study sought to answer the research question: did the transition from in‐person to virtual instruction for interprofessional education (IPE) have an impact on students' perceptions of team attitudes and skills to learn and work in interprofessional groups?MethodsAll participating first–year dental and second–year dental hygiene students enrolled in the campus‐wide IPE course were invited to complete the Team Skills Scale (TSS) assessment before and after the course for two academic years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021. Paired t‐tests were utilized to assess the change in student attitudes and skills from pre‐ to post‐course assessment, and t‐tests were used to assess mean differences between student cohorts 2019–2020 and 2020–2021.ResultsWithin the student cohort 2019–2020 students reported significant improvement in all TSS items. Within the student cohort, 2020–2021 students reported significant improvement in all but three TSS items. There were only significant differences in mean values for student reported improvement in attitudes and skills for two TSS items between the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 cohorts.ConclusionsDental and dental hygiene students report significant improvement in team attitudes and skills after participation in a campus‐wide IPE course. The mode of administration of the course, in‐person or virtual, did not have a significant impact on student‐reported improvements.
Estimating the potential value of MSM‐focused evidence‐based implementation interventions in three Ending the HIV Epidemic jurisdictions in the United States: a model‐based analysis
Authors: Enns Benjamin , Sui Yi , Guerra‐Alejos Brenda C. , Humphrey Lia , Piske Micah , Zang Xiao , Doblecki‐Lewis Susanne , Feaster Daniel J. , Frye Victoria A. , Geng Elvin H. , Liu Albert Y. , Marshall Brandon D. L. , Rhodes Scott D. , Sullivan Patrick S. , Nosyk Bohdan ,   the localized economic modelling study group
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionImproving the delivery of existing evidence‐based interventions to prevent and diagnose HIV is key to Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States. Structural barriers in the access and delivery of related health services require municipal or state‐level policy changes; however, suboptimal implementation can be addressed directly through interventions designed to improve the reach, effectiveness, adoption or maintenance of available interventions. Our objective was to estimate the cost‐effectiveness and potential epidemiological impact of six real‐world implementation interventions designed to address these barriers and increase the scale of delivery of interventions for HIV testing and pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in three US metropolitan areas.MethodsWe used a dynamic HIV transmission model calibrated to replicate HIV microepidemics in Atlanta, Los Angeles (LA) and Miami. We identified six implementation interventions designed to improve HIV testing uptake (“Academic detailing for HIV testing,” “CyBER/testing,” “All About Me”) and PrEP uptake/persistence (“Project SLIP,” “PrEPmate,” “PrEP patient navigation”). Our comparator scenario reflected a scale‐up of interventions with no additional efforts to mitigate implementation and structural barriers. We accounted for potential heterogeneity in population‐level effectiveness across jurisdictions. We sustained implementation interventions over a 10‐year period and evaluated HIV acquisitions averted, costs, quality‐adjusted life years and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios over a 20‐year time horizon (2023–2042).ResultsAcross jurisdictions, implementation interventions to improve the scale of HIV testing were most cost‐effective in Atlanta and LA (CyBER/testing cost‐saving and All About Me cost‐effective), while interventions for PrEP were most cost‐effective in Miami (two of three were cost‐saving). We estimated that the most impactful HIV testing intervention, CyBER/testing, was projected to avert 111 (95% credible interval: 110–111), 230 (228–233) and 101 (101–103) acquisitions over 20 years in Atlanta, LA and Miami, respectively. The most impactful implementation intervention to improve PrEP engagement, PrEPmate, averted an estimated 936 (929–943), 860 (853–867) and 2152 (2127–2178) acquisitions over 20 years, in Atlanta, LA and Miami, respectively.ConclusionsOur results highlight the potential impact of interventions to enhance the implementation of existing evidence‐based interventions for the prevention and diagnosis of HIV.
Examining barriers to antiretroviral therapy initiation in infants living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa despite the availability of point‐of‐care diagnostic testing: a narrative systematic review
Authors: Chapuma Chikondi Isabel Joana , Sakala Doreen , Nyang'wa Maggie Nyirenda , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Mbeye Nyanyiwe , Matoga Mitch , Kumwenda Moses Kelly , Chikweza Annastarsia , Nyondo‐Mipando Alinane Linda , Mwapasa Victor 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionAntiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in infants living with HIV before 12 weeks of age can reduce the risk of mortality by 75%. Point‐of‐care (POC) diagnostic testing is critical for prompt ART initiation; however, despite its availability, rates of ART initiation are still relatively low before 12 weeks of age. This systematic review describes the barriers to ART initiation in infants before 12 weeks of age, despite the availability of POC.MethodsThis systematic review used a narrative synthesis methodology. We searched PubMed and Scopus using search strategies that combined terms of multiple variants of the keywords “early infant initiation on antiretroviral therapy,” “barriers” and “sub‐Saharan Africa” (initial search 18th January 2023; final search 1st August 2023). We included qualitative, observational and mixed methods studies that reported the influences of early infant initiation on ART. We excluded studies that reported influences on other components of the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission cascade. Using a deductive approach guided by the updated Consolidated Framework of Implementation Research, we developed descriptive codes and themes around barriers to early infant initiation on ART. We then developed recommendations for interventions for the identified barriers using the action, actor, target and time framework from the codes.ResultsOf the 266 abstracts reviewed, 52 full‐text papers were examined, of which 12 papers were included. South Africa had most papers from a single country (n = 3) and the most reported study design was retrospective (n = 6). Delays in ART initiation beyond 12 weeks in infants 0–12 months were primarily associated with health facility and maternal factors. The most prominent barriers identified were inadequate resources for POC testing (including human resources, laboratory facilities and patient follow‐up). Maternal‐related factors, such as limited male involvement and maternal perceptions of treatment and care, were also influential.DiscussionWe identified structural barriers to ART initiation at the health system, social and cultural levels. Improvements in the timely allocation of resources for POC testing operations, coupled with interventions addressing social and behavioural barriers among both mothers and healthcare providers, hold a promise for enhancing timely ART initiation in infants.ConclusionsThis paper identifies barriers and proposes strategies for timely ART initiation in infants.
Structural change and gender sectoral segregation in sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Zuazu Izaskun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractStructural change has long been at the core of economic development debates. However, the gender implications of structural change are still largely unexplored. This paper helps to fill this gap by analysing the role of structural change in the gender distribution of sectoral employment in sub‐Saharan African countries. I employ aggregate and disaggregate measures of gender sectoral segregation in employment, which measure the difference between the gender distribution across sectors with respect to the overall participation of women and men in the labour market. I build a panel database consisting of 10 sectors and 11 countries during 1960–2010. Fixed effects and instrumental variables' regression models show a significant, nonlinear link between labour productivity and gender segregation. Increasing labour productivity depresses gender segregation at initial phases of structural change. However, further productivity gains beyond a certain threshold of sectoral development increases gender segregation. Country‐industry panel data models complement the analysis showing that relative labour productivity has a nonlinear impact in gender segregation: Initial increases in relative productivity increases feminization but further relative productivity gains foster the masculinization of sectors. The estimates suggest that manufacturing, utilities, construction, business, and government services are key to correct gender biases in employment along the process of structural change.