bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The development of the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire, Second edition (ASK-Q-2), through a cross-cultural psychometric investigation
Authors: Harrison Ashley J , Madison Matthew , Naqvi Nilofer , Bowman Karrah , Campbell Jonathan 
Published: August 2024

The Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) was developed and validated to assess autism knowledge across cultural contexts. Given the wide international use of the measure, the current study aimed to re-examine the measurement properties of the ASK-Q. Using a large, international database ( n = 5064), psychometric analyses examined both item discrimination and differential item functioning across four countries. These analyses identified 18 items in need of examination for removal or refinement and retention. Further review by a team of autism experts identified additional changes required to minimize item stigma and increase item cross-cultural sensitivity and accuracy. These changes resulted in the ASK-Q, Second edition (ASK-Q-2), a briefer measure, that maintained the original four-factor structure and excellent internal consistency, but that now has even higher reliability for use in cross-cultural contexts. Lay abstract The Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire (ASK-Q) was developed to assess autism knowledge across cultural contexts. The current study aimed to examine cultural equivalence of the measure using a large, international database. These analyses identified 18 items in need of examination for removal or revision. A team of autism experts recommended several additional changes to reduce stigma and increase cross-cultural sensitivity and accuracy of the items on the measure. These changes resulted in a briefer measure with maintained statistical support.
Real-world occupational therapy interventions for early-stage dementia: Characteristics and contextual barriers
Authors: Edwards Bethan M , Busse Monica , Clouston Teena J , Hannigan Ben 
Published: August 2024

Aim There is an absence of evidence generated in a UK context to support interventions based on occupational therapists’ core skills for people living with early-stage dementia. To inform the development of a programme theory and a future evaluation, this paper aimed to describe real-world (routine) community-based occupational therapy interventions for this population and contextual barriers. Method Occupational therapy practitioners ( n = 21) from five Health Boards in Wales, UK participated in semi-structured interviews ( n = 17) which were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Findings The availability of, and access to, real-world community-based interventions was variable, and associated with multilevel contextual barriers (resources, understanding of dementia specialist occupational therapy, professional influence, and evidence base). Where available and accessible, contents comprised a pre-intervention component (relational work, assessment, and goal setting) and intervention component (personalised problem-solving and coping strategies, emotional support, and advice and signposting), to meet needs associated with everyday activities and poor wellbeing. Variation in mode, duration, contents, and who received interventions, was associated with contextual barriers. Conclusion Findings indicate that the development of an intervention programme theory and future evaluation design, will need to account for the impact context may have on the variability of real-world intervention characteristics, and how this in turn may influence outcomes.
Association of serum syndecan-1 concentrations with albuminuria in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kakutani Yoshinori , Morioka Tomoaki , Yamazaki Yuko , Ochi Akinobu , Fukumoto Shinya , Shoji Tetsuo , Emoto Masanori 
Published: August 2024

Introduction Syndecan (SDC)-1 is a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan and is a major component of endothelial glycocalyx (EG). This study aimed to investigate the association of serum SDC-1 concentration as a marker of EG degradation with albuminuria in type 2 diabetes. Methods We included 370 patients with type 2 diabetes and 219 individuals with no diabetes. The individuals with estimate glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 were excluded. Results Serum SDC-1 concentration was higher in type 2 diabetes than in no diabetes. The presence of diabetes was independently associated with log [SDC-1] in multivariate analysis. In type 2 diabetes, serum SDC-1 concentration was correlated with log [urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)]. Moreover, log [SDC-1] was an independent determinant of log [ACR] after adjustment for known risk factors of albuminuria. Conclusions Serum SDC-1 concentration was higher in patients with type 2 diabetes compared to individuals with no diabetes and an independent determinant of ACR. This study implicates the role of the EG degradation in albuminuria in type 2 diabetes.
A Novel RNA Methylation-Related Prognostic Signature and its Tumor Microenvironment Characterization in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Luzheng , Chen Jiacheng , Ye Fei , Yan Yanggang , Wang Yong , Wu Jincai 
Published: August 2024

Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system. RNA methylation plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis, which could alter gene expression and even function at multiple levels, such as RNA splicing, stability, translocation, and translation. In this study, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of RNA methylation-related genes (RMGs) in HCC and their relationship with survival and clinical features. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed using publicly available HCC-related datasets. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and controls were identified from TCGA-LlHC and intersected with RMGs to obtain differentially expressed RNA methylation-related genes (DERMGs). Regression analysis was used to screen for prognostic genes and construct risk models. Simultaneously, clinical, immune infiltration and therapeutic efficacy analyses were performed. Finally, multivariate cox regression was used to identify independent risk factors, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the expression levels of the core genes of the model. Results A 21-gene risk model for HCC was established with excellent performance based on ROC curves and survival analysis. Risk scores correlated with tumor grade, pathologic T, and TNM stage. Immune infiltration analysis showed correlations with immune scores, 11 immune cells, and 30 immune checkpoints. Low-risk patients showed a higher susceptibility to immunotherapy. The risk score and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors. qRT-PCR confirmed higher expression of PRDM9, ALPP, and GAD1 in HCC. Conclusions This study identified RNA methylation-related signature genes in HCC and constructed a risk model that predicts patient outcomes and reflects the immune microenvironment. Prognostic genes are involved in complex regulatory mechanisms, which may be useful for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.
Interdisciplinary Integrative Oncology Group-Based Program: Evaluation of Long-Term Effects on Resilience and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Patients With Cancer
Authors: Von Reusner Marek Jonas , Märtens Bettina , Barthel Stephanie , Weiser Axel , Ziert Yvonne , Steinmann Diana , Babadağ-Savaş Burcu 
Published: August 2024

Background: Cancer often causes reduced resilience, quality of life (QoL) and poorer overall well-being. To mitigate these problems, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used among patients with cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of an interdisciplinary integrative oncology group-based program (IO-GP) on the resilience and use of CAM in patients with cancer. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study. Resilience (RS-13), CAM usage (I-CAM-G), QoL (SF-12) and health-related lifestyle factor (nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption and physical exercise) data were collected for 70 patients who participated in a 10-week IO-GP between January 2019 and June 2022 due to cancer. The IO-GP is offered at the setting of a university hospital and is open to adult patients with cancer. It contains elements from mind-body medicine and positive psychology, as well as recommendations on healthy diet, exercise and CAM approaches. Patients who completed the IO-GP at least 12 months prior (1-4.5 years ago) were included in this study. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis and parametric and nonparametric tests to identify significant differences ( P < .05). Results: Resilience increased significantly ≥12 months after participation in the IO-GP (n = 44, P = .006, F = 8.274) and had a medium effect size ( r = .410). The time since the IO-GP was completed (“12-24 months,” “24-36 months,” and “>36 months”) showed no statistically significant interaction with changes in resilience ( P = .226, F = 1.544). The most frequently used CAM modalities within the past 12 months were vitamins/minerals (85.7%), relaxation techniques (54.3%), herbs and plant medicine (41.1%), yoga (41.4%) and meditation (41.4%). The IO-GP was the most common source informing study participants about relaxation techniques (n = 24, 64.9%), meditation (n = 21, 72.4%) and taking vitamin D (n = 16, 40.0%). Significantly greater levels of resilience were found in those practicing meditation ( P = .010, d = −.642) or visualization ( P = .003, d = −.805) compared to non-practitioners. Conclusion: IO-GPs have the potential to empower patients with cancer to continue using CAM practices—especially from mind-body medicine—even 1 to 4.5 years after completing the program. Additionally, resilience levels increased. These findings provide notable insight into the long-term effects of integrative oncology interventions on resilience and the use of CAM, especially in patients with breast cancer.
Brain-Hand Function Relationships Based on Level of Grasp Function in Chronic Left-Hemisphere Stroke
Authors: Rizor Elizabeth , Fridriksson Julius , Peters Denise M. , Rorden Chris , Bonilha Leonardo , Yourganov Grigori , Fritz Stacy L. , Stewart Jill Campbell 
Published: August 2024

Background and Objective The biomarkers of hand function may differ based on level of motor impairment after stroke. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between resting state functional connectivity (RsFC) and unimanual contralesional hand function after stroke and whether brain-behavior relationships differ based on level of grasp function. Methods Sixty-two individuals with chronic, left-hemisphere stroke were separated into three functional levels based on Box and Blocks Test performance with the contralesional hand: Low (moved 0 blocks), Moderate (moved >0% but <90% of blocks relative to the ipsilesional hand), and High (moved ≥90% of blocks relative to the ipsilesional hand). Results RsFC in the ipsilesional and interhemispheric motor networks was reduced in the Low group compared to the Moderate and High groups. While interhemispheric RsFC correlated with hand function (grip strength and Stroke Impact Scale Hand) across the sample, contralesional RsFC correlated with hand function in the Low group and no measures of connectivity correlated with hand function in the Moderate and High groups. Linear regression modeling found that contralesional RsFC significantly predicted hand function in the Low group, while no measure correlated with hand function in the High group. Corticospinal tract integrity was the only predictor of hand function for the Moderate group and in an analysis across the entire sample. Conclusions Differences in brain-hand function relationships based on level of motor impairment may have implications for predictive models of treatment response and the development of intervention protocols aimed at improving hand function after stroke.
Exploration of small molecule compounds targeting abdominal aortic aneurysm based on CMap database and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Li Fushan , Zhuo Liqing , Xie Fangtao , Luo Haiping , Li Ying , Lin Huyu , Li Xiaoguang 
Published: August 2024

Objective The mitigation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) growth through pharmaceutical intervention offers the potential to avert the perils associated with AAA rupture and the subsequent need for surgical intervention. Nevertheless, the existing effective drugs for AAA treatment are limited, necessitating a pressing exploration for novel therapeutic medications. Methods AAA-related transcriptome data were downloaded from GEO, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in AAA tissue were screened for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Small molecule compounds and their target proteins with negative connectivity to the AAA expression profile were predicted in the Connectivity Map (CMap) database. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to predict the binding of the target protein to the small molecule compound, and the MM/GBSA method was used to calculate the binding free energy. Cluster analysis was performed using the cluster tool in the GROMACS package. An AAA cell-free model was built, and CETSA experiments were used to demonstrate the binding ability of small molecules to the target protein in cells. Results A total of 2244 DEGs in AAA were obtained through differential analysis, and the DEGs were mainly enriched in the tubulin binding biological function and cell cycle pathway. The CMap results showed that Apicidin had a potential therapeutic effect on AAA with a connectivity score of -97.74, and HDAC4 was the target protein of Apicidin. Based on literature, HDAC4-Apicidin was selected as the subsequent research object. The lowest affinity of Apicidin-HDAC4 molecular docking was -8.218 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that Apicidin-HDAC4 could form a stable complex. MM/GBSA analysis showed a total binding free energy of −55.40 ± 0.79 kcal/mol, and cluster analysis showed that there were two main conformational clusters during the binding process, accounting for 22.4% and 57.8%, respectively. Apicidin could form hydrogen bonds with surrounding residues for stable binding. CETSA experiment proved the stable binding ability of Apicidin and HDAC4. Conclusion Apicidin inhibited HDAC4 in AAA and exhibited favorable protein-ligand interactions and stability, making it a potential candidate drug for treating AAA.
Outcomes of drug-coated balloon angioplasty in patients with dyslipidemia in the BIOLUX P-III registry: A subgroup analysis
Authors: Dodd James Evan , Hanna Joseph , Brodmann Marianne , Golledge Jonathan , Zeller Thomas , Moscovic Matej , Dahm Johannes , Troisi Nicola , Tepe Gunnar , Wong Jacqueline , Ward Natalie C. , Mwipatayi Bibombe Patrice 
Published: August 2024

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the mid-term outcomes of the use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) to treat infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with dyslipidemia. Methods BIOLUX P-III is a prospective, international, multicenter, all-comers registry-based study that was conducted at 44 sites with follow-ups at 6, 12 and 24 months. The present study is a subgroup analysis comparing the outcomes associated with endovascular revascularization with those associated with Passeo-18 lux DCBs in patients with and without dyslipidemia. The proportions of patients free from major adverse events (defined as device- or procedure-related mortality within 30 days, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and major target limb amputation), target vessel revascularization, and patient-reported outcomes within 24 months postintervention were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 876 patients with symptomatic PAD who underwent peripheral revascularization with DCBs and had information on their dyslipidemia status were included; 588 of those patients had dyslipidemia. There was no difference in the proportion of patients free from MAEs between the groups. The percentages of patients who were 6, 12 and 24 months free from CD-TLR were significantly lower in the dyslipidemia group than in the nondyslipidemia group (86.3% vs 91.9% at 2 years, p = .0183). Similarly, the percentage of patients free from target vessel revascularization was lower in the dyslipidemia group at all timepoints (83.3% vs 89.3% at 2 years, p = .0203). There was no difference in mortality or major or minor limb amputation rates. Other secondary outcomes were similar between the groups. Conclusions Compared to those without dyslipidemia, patients with symptomatic PAD and dyslipidemia who underwent revascularization with a Passeo-18 lux DCB had greater rates of CD-TLR and TVR. However, having dyslipidemia did not increase the risk of mortality or limb amputation. Clinical Trial Registration NCT02276313.
Does the distal radioulnar joint orientation influence the outcome of ulnar shortening osteotomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Meuser Stefan , Ueberberg Johanna , Kernich Nikolaus , Weber Carolyn , Richter Martin 
Published: August 2024

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of ulnar shortening osteotomy. A total of 66 patients treated with an ulnar shortening osteotomy for a primary or post-traumatic ulnar impaction syndrome were included, with a median follow-up time of 75 months. There was a positive correlation between the sigmoid notch angle and the final QuickDASH score, but no correlation with final range of motion, grip strength or pain level. Radiological signs of osteoarthritis of the distal radioulnar joint were seen in 20% of patients, yet there was no correlation between the development of distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritis and the sigmoid notch angle. No symptomatic distal radioulnar joint osteoarthritis was observed. Ulnar shortening osteotomy is a good option to treat patients with ulnar impaction syndrome regardless of the distal radioulnar joint angle. Level of evidence: IV
Safety and risk factors for bleeding complications of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy
Authors: Bae Eunhye , Hwang Hyeontaek , Kim Joong-Yub , Park Young Sik , Cho Jaeyoung 
Published: August 2024

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound (radial EBUS) is widely used to diagnose pulmonary lesions; however, the diagnostic value of radial EBUS-guided transbronchial biopsy (TBB) varies, and its complications (especially the risk of bleeding) are not properly understood. Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance and rate of complication of this procedure, and investigated the risk factors associated with the procedure-related bleeding events. Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: This was a retrospective study that included consecutive patients who underwent radial EBUS-guided TBB. Radial EBUS was performed under moderate sedation in inpatients or outpatients. The severity of bleeding was graded using the standardized definitions of bleeding. Results: Of 133 patients (median age, 69 years; men 57.1%) included, 41 were outpatients (30.8%). The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for malignancy were 76.1% (89/117), 71.1% (69/97), and 100% (20/20), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy ranged from 66.9% to 79.0%, depending on the classification of undiagnosed cases as either false negatives or true negatives. Twenty-seven patients (20.3%) developed complications (pneumothorax, 3; pneumonia, 5; complicated pleural effusion, 2; bleeding event grade 2 or higher, 21). Of the 41 outpatients, two developed complications (pneumothorax without intervention, 1; grade 2 bleeding event, 1). Of the 21 patients (15.8%) with procedure-related bleeding events, 18 had grade 2, and three had grade 3 bleeding complications. In multivariate analysis, a large size of ⩾30 mm (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 5.09; p = 0.03) and central lesion (adjusted OR, 3.67; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with the risk of grade 2 or higher bleeding events. Conclusion: Our results suggest that radial EBUS-guided TBB is an accurate and safe method for diagnosing pulmonary lesions. Clinically significant procedure-related bleeding was rare. The central location and larger size (⩾30 mm) of pulmonary lesions were risk factors for grade 2 or higher bleeding events.
Performance of a Novel Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device in People With Diabetes
Authors: Mader Julia K. , Waldenmaier Delia , Mueller-Hoffmann Wiebke , Mueller Katrin , Angstmann Michael , Vogt Gerhard , Rieger Cosima C. , Eichenlaub Manuel , Forst Thomas , Freckmann Guido 
Published: August 2024

Background: In this multicenter study, performance of a novel continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system was evaluated. Methods: Adult participants with diabetes were included in the study. They each wore three sensors of the CGM system on the upper arms for up to 14 days. During four in-clinic visits, frequent comparison measurements with capillary blood glucose (BG) samples were performed. The primary endpoint was the 20/20 agreement rate (AR): the percentage of CGM readings within ±20 mg/dL (at BG values <100 mg/dL) or ±20% (at BG values ≥100 mg/dL) of the comparator. Further evaluations included mean absolute relative difference (MARD) and 20/20 AR in different BG ranges and across the wear time. Results: Data from 48 participants and 139 sensors were analyzed. During in-clinic sessions the 20/20 AR was 90.5% and the MARD was 9.2%. For BG ranges <70, 70-180, and >180 mg/dL, 20/20 AR was 94.3%, 89.0%, and 92.5%, respectively. At the beginning, middle, and end of sensor wear time, 20/20 AR was 92.8%, 91.5%, and 85.9%, respectively. The 14-day survival probability was 82.4%. Pain and bleeding after sensor insertion were within the expected range. Based on the study outcome, the use of the device is regarded as safe. Conclusions: The system showed a good performance compared to capillary BG measurements. This level of accuracy could be shown over the entire measurement range, especially in the low glycemic range, and the whole wear time of the sensors. The results of this study are supporting a non-adjunctive use of the device.