bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A deprescribing programme aimed to optimise blood glucose-lowering medication in older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the OMED2-study: the study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andriessen Charlotte , Blom Marieke T. , van Hoek Beryl A. C. E. , de Boer Anna W. , Denig Petra , de Wit G. Ardine , Swart Karin , de Rooij-Peek Angela , van Marum Rob J. , Hugtenburg Jacqueline G. , Slottje Pauline , van Raalte Daniël , van Bloemendaal Liselotte , Herings Ron , Nijpels Giel , Vos Rimke C. , Elders Petra J. M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Older patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) have an increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes when using sulphonylureas or insulin. In the Netherlands, guidelines exist for reducing glucose-lowering medication in older patients. However, evidence is lacking that a medication reduction in older patients can be safely pursued. Here, we will examine if promoting the deprescribing of insulin/sulphonylureas with a deprescribing programme (DPP) in general practice affects T2D-complications in older overtreated patients.

Methods
We will perform a 1:1 cluster randomised controlled trial in 86 general practices in the Netherlands. The DPP will consist of education sessions with general practitioners and practice nurses about reducing glucose-lowering medication in older patients (≥ 70 years). Topics of the sessions include the necessity of deprescribing, tools to initiate deprescribing and strategies to discuss deprescribing with patients (shared decision making). The DPP further includes a support programme with practice visits. The study will employ a selection tool to identify possibly overtreated older patients from the electronic medical records of the general practitioner. Eligibility for enrolment in the study will be based on HbA1c targets indicated by the Dutch guidelines, which depend on age, diabetes duration, presence of frailty, and life expectancy. The control group will provide usual care. We aim to include 406 patients. The follow-up period will be 2 years. For the primary outcome, the effect of the DPP on T2D-complications will be assessed by counting the cumulative incidence of events related to under- and overtreatment in T2D as registered in the electronic medical records. We shall perform an intention-to-treat analysis and an analysis including only patients for whom deprescribing was initiated. The implementation of the DPP in general practice will be evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using the Extended Normalisation Process Theory (ENPT) and the Reach, Efficacy – Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) model. Other secondary outcomes include quality of life, cognitive functioning, events related to overtreatment or undertreatment, biomarkers of health, amount of blood glucose-lowering medication prescriptions, and cost-effectiveness.

Discussion
This study will provide insight into the safety and feasibility of a programme aimed at deprescribing sulphonylureas/insulin in older people with T2D who are treated in general practice.

Trial registration
ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN50008265, registered 09 March, 2023.
Future support on evidence-informed priority setting and situational analysis of the potential role of Health Technology Assessment in Africa to support future pandemic preparedness and response: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Uzochukwu Benjamin S. C. , Okeke Chinyere , Ruiz Francis , Torres-Rueda Sergio , Kazibwe Joseph , Uzochukwu Adaora , Vassall Anna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of evidence-informed priority setting and situational analysis in pandemic preparedness and response. Health Technology Assessment (HTA) has been identified as an essential tool for evidence-informed decision-making in healthcare. However, the potential role of HTA in pandemic preparedness and response in Africa has yet to be explored. The objective of this scoping review is to ascertain the current understanding of the possible role of HTA in Africa to support future pandemic preparedness and response.

Methods
We will conduct a scoping review of literature published between 2010 and 2024. Electronic databases like Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar will be utilized to perform the search. We will also search grey literature sources such as websites of relevant organizations and government agencies. The search will only include studies that were conducted in the English language. Two reviewers will evaluate the titles and abstracts of the publications independently to determine their eligibility using Covidence. Full-text articles will be reviewed for eligibility and data extraction. The data will be extracted using a standardized form. The extracted data will include information on the study design, objectives, methods, findings, and conclusions. The thematic analysis approach will guide the data analysis. Themes and sub-themes will be identified and reported. The review will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

Discussion
This scoping review will identify the existing knowledge on the potential role of HTA in Africa to support future pandemic preparedness and response. The findings will aid in identifying deficiencies in knowledge and provide valuable insights for future study. Additionally, they will inform policy-makers and other stakeholders about the potential contribution of the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in enhancing Africa’s readiness and response to pandemics.
Gut microbiota-derived metabolites: implications for metabolic syndrome and therapeutic interventions
Authors: Olalekan Samuel Oluwadare , Bakare Olalekan Olanrewaju , Osonuga Ifabunmi Oduyemi , Faponle Abayomi Samson , Adegbesan Bukunola Oluyemisi , Ezima Esther Nkechi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The gut microbiota (GM) and their metabolites have garnered significant attention for their roles in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated conditions. MetS, characterized by a cluster of metabolic abnormalities, significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The dysbiosis of gut microbiota, marked by changes in microbial composition and function, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of MetS.

Main body
This review synthesizes recent findings elucidating the influence of GM composition and microbiota-derived metabolites on MetS pathogenesis and progression. Notably, alterations in GM composition and dysregulation of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), polyamines, amino acids, and indole derivatives have been implicated in MetS development. These metabolites play crucial roles in metabolic processes, and their imbalance can trigger or exacerbate metabolic disturbances associated with MetS. Various therapeutic approaches, including dietary interventions, probiotics, prebiotics, and precision medicine targeting specific metabolites, offer promising strategies for managing MetS. These interventions aim to restore a healthy GM balance and regulate the production of beneficial metabolites.

Conclusion
The complexity of GM interactions and their systemic effects necessitate more standardized research methodologies. Future investigations focusing on personalized therapeutic interventions and non-invasive diagnostic tools are warranted to address the complexities of MetS management. Advancing our understanding of the GM-metabolite-MetS axis will be crucial for developing effective, targeted treatments and improving patient outcomes in MetS.
Psychophysical correlates of musicality in musically untrained children: evidence for musical sleepers in children
Authors: Sampath Sridhar , Neelamegarajan Devi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Music learning induces significant neural changes, enhancing auditory, verbal, and visuospatial skills, IQ, and speech perception. Research studies reveal structural and functional brain plasticity due to music training in adults and children. While musical abilities are linked to formal training, the existence of “musical sleepers” with heightened speech perception without formal training is noteworthy in adults. This study addresses the gap in understanding such phenomena in children, exploring psychophysical abilities in musically adept children, and aiming to impact rehabilitation models.

Materials and method
A pre-experimental study involved 164 typically developing children (mean age: 9.93) without musical training. Musical abilities were evaluated using the abbreviated version of Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Musical Abilities (MBEMA) test in DMDX software, covering melody, rhythm, and memory subtests. Psychophysical tests in MATLAB assessed temporal, frequency, intensity, timbre, and binaural resolution.

Results
Using a median split based on MBEMA test scores (median: 42), 84 children exhibited poor musical abilities, while 80 showed good ones. Descriptive statistics for MBEMA scores and psychophysical tests were conducted. As data did not follow normal distribution, non-parametric inferential statistics were employed.
Mann–Whitney U tests revealed significant differences favouring good musical abilities in all assessments: gap deduction (p = 0.01), pitch discrimination at 500 Hz and 4 kHz (p = 0.00), intensity discrimination at 500 Hz (p = 0.00) and 4 kHz (p = 0.01), profile analysis (p = 0.01), interaural level difference (p = 0.023), and interaural time difference (p = 0.038). Spearman correlation showed highest correlation with pitch discrimination at 500 Hz (r =  − 0.538), 4 kHz (− 0.416), intensity discrimination at 4 kHz (r =  − 0.367), and 500 Hz (r =  − 0.311), profile analysis (r =  − 0.313), interaural level difference (r =  − 0.276), and gap deduction (r =  − 0.235). All were significant (p < 0.01), except for the interaural time difference.

Conclusion
Children excelling in music surpassed those with weaker abilities in psychophysical tasks. This echoes past research, underscoring auditory discrimination’s influence on musical skills in untrained children. These results potentially support the concept of musical sleepers in children. Key predictors include pitch discrimination, while interaural time difference exhibited minimal correlation. Utilising such assessments may predict musical training outcomes for children with auditory disorders, but additional robust statistical investigation is necessary.
Anesthetic approach to pregnant patients with malaria: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Zahavi Itay , Fons Meir , Meir Michal , Volevich Mark , Guasch Emilia , Nunnally Mark , Einav Sharon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Anesthesiologists play an important role in the management of labor and delivery during acute malaria infection. The peripartum anesthesia considerations for such cases remain unclear.

Findings
Important peripartum considerations include the severity of thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy, hemodynamic status and cardiac disease, and the likelihood of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Several antimalarial drugs may interact with perioperative medications, causing hypoglycemia, methemoglobinemia, or QT prolongation. Labor should usually not be induced. Patient volume status should be optimized pre-induction, but fluids should be administered with caution given the risk of cerebral edema. In case of CNS involvement intracranial pressure should be maintained. Case reports describe the successful use of neuraxial anesthesia but this approach requires further confirmation of safety. Despite the risks accompanying airway management in pregnancy, in some cases, general anesthesia was preferred due to the chance of CNS infection and disease complications. Tight postoperative assessments of neurological and bleeding status are indicated regardless of the mode of delivery.

Conclusions
Despite the prevalence of malaria, the perioperative risk and preferred mode of anesthesia for pregnant patients with acute malaria remain under-researched and outcome data are limited.
2023 Korean Society of Echocardiography position paper for diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease, part I: aortic valve disease
Authors: Lee Sun Hwa , Yoon Se-Jung , Sun Byung Joo , Kim Hyue Mee , Kim Hyung Yoon , Lee Sahmin , Shim Chi Young , Kim Eun Kyoung , Cho Dong-Hyuk , Park Jun-Bean , Seo Jeong-Sook , Son Jung-Woo , Kim In-Cheol , Lee Sang-Hyun , Heo Ran , Lee Hyun-Jung , Park Jae-Hyeong , Song Jong-Min , Lee Sang-Chol , Kim Hyungseop , Kang Duk-Hyun , Ha Jong-Won , Kim Kye Hun ,   on the behalf of the Korean Valve Survey Investigators, Chung Wook-Jin , Ahn Hyo-Suk , Chung Woo-Baek , Cho Eun Joo , Cho Jung Sun , Ryu Dong Ryeol , Yang Dong Heon , Park Jeong Rang , Kim Woo-Shik , Sohn Il Suk , Na Jin Oh , Park Seong-Mi , Hwang Sun Ho , Choi Ji-Yong , Park Tae-Ho , Park Yong Hyun , Choi Jung Hyun , Kim Hack-Lyoung , Park Jun-Bean , Park Jin-Sun , Choi Eui-Young , Son Jang-Won , Kim Shin-Jae , Rhee Sang Jae , Cho In-Jeong , Byun Young Sup , Seo Jeong-Sook , Shin Sung-Hee , Beom Jong Wook , Lee Ju-Hee , Bae Dae-Hwan , Kim Sung-Ai , Park Dae Gyun , Kang Min-Kyung , Hong Kyung-Soon , Heo Ran 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis manuscript represents the official position of the Korean Society of Echocardiography on valvular heart diseases. This position paper focuses on the clinical management of valvular heart diseases with reference to the guidelines recently published by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. The committee tried to reflect the recently published results on the topic of valvular heart diseases and Korean data by a systematic literature search based on validity and relevance. In part I of this article, we will review and discuss the current position of aortic valve disease in Korea.
Regionalized multiple-point statistical simulation for calibrating process-based geologic models to seismic data
Authors: Hu Lin Ying , Li Yupeng 
Published: July 2024

Calibrating process-based geologic models to seismic data is critical and has been challenging for decades. The traditional approach to data calibration involves tuning the model input parameters by trial-and-error or through an automated inverse procedure. This can improve the model calibration to data but can hardly reach a fully satisfactory result. We adopt a multiple-point statistics (MPS) approach where a process-based geologic model is used as a training image for statistical pattern recognition. First, we define a rock-physics model from the process-based geologic model and derive its seismic attributes through seismic forward modeling. Then, we use the process-based model and its seismic attributes as coupled training images for geologic pattern recognition and regeneration under seismic data constraints. The method differs from the conventional MPS method in several ways: (1) the training image is a process-based geologic model of the reservoir of interest, thus defined on the same grid of the reservoir model; (2) the training image is generally nonstationary but there is no need to partition the nonstationary training image into pseudostationary ones; (3) the geologic facies and seismic constraint are related through seismic forward modeling instead of statistical inference, thus there is no need to convert seismic data to facies proportion or probability; (4) multiple-point statistics are based on Bayes’ law and Gaussian kernel approximation of conditional probability instead of a somehow arbitrary probability combination scheme or a heuristic rule; and (5) the method does not involve an iterative optimization procedure. Therefore, it also differs from the neural-network-based machine-learning approach, where the data conditioning is achieved through an iterative optimization procedure. These differences make our method advantageous for calibrating process-based geologic models. The two examples with synthetic data illustrate the effectiveness of the method. The first one is derived from a satellite image of a river delta, and the second one from the Stanford VI reservoir model.
Feasibility of a Smartphone Application for Education and Symptom Management of Patients With Renal Cell Carcinoma on Combined Tyrosine Kinase and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Roman Souza Gabriel , Turner Kea , Gullapalli Keerthi , Paravathaneni Mahati , Ionescu Filip , Semaan Adele , DeJesus Amayla Budet , Trujillo Gillian , Le Casey , Kim Youngchul , Sun Xiaoqi , Raymond Sarah , Schneider Amy , Manley Brandon , Jain Rohit , Gilbert Scott , Jim Heather S.L. , Spiess Philippe E. , Chahoud Jad 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) face significant challenges, stemming both from the complexities of the disease itself and the adverse effects of treatments. This study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile health (mHealth) application tailored for education and symptom management of patients with advanced RCC receiving combined immune checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (ICI-TKI) therapy. METHODS The primary end points were acceptability and feasibility. Acceptability was defined as the proportion of patients approached who consented to participate, setting a benchmark of at least 50% for this metric. Feasibility was gauged by the completion rate of the intervention among the participants; it required at least 50% of participants to fully complete the intervention and at least 70% to finish half of the administered questionnaires. The secondary end points included knowledge assessment and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). PROs were evaluated using validated instruments. To discern the changes between pre- and post-educational module quiz scores, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Time-course data of PROs were visualized using line plots and then compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS From November 2022 to July 2023, 20 of 22 (90%) patients approached for the study consented and enrolled. Of the enrolled patients, 60% completed all questionnaires and knowledge assessments at every time point and 75% completed at least half of the surveys and questionnaires. Significant pre/post differences were noted in two of six quizzes in the knowledge assessment. This study population did not experience a significant change in PRO scores after starting therapy. CONCLUSION The mHealth application designed for education and symptom management in patients with advanced RCC undergoing combination ICI-TKI has proven to be both acceptable and feasible, meeting previous research benchmarks.
An Overview of the Project ECHO—Cervical Cancer Prevention in Mozambique
Authors: Salcedo Mila P. , Cabrera Giovana A. , David Ernestina , Osman Nafissa , Saldanha Virginia A. , Cotiro Manuel F. , Baker Ellen , Neves Andrea , Rangerio Ricardina , Changule Dercia , Varon Melissa L. , Milan Jessica , Uratani Fernanda , Fontes-Cintra Georgia , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Schmeler Kathleen 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Mozambique, a Portuguese-speaking country in sub-Saharan Africa. There is a shortage of health care providers to diagnose and treat preinvasive cervical disease. Therefore, training and mentoring to perform colposcopy, cervical biopsy, ablation and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is imperative. The purpose of this study is to describe our program to date. METHODS Our team of physicians, nurses and other health professionals from the United States (US) and Brazil provides in-person training for clinicians in Mozambique supplemented with Project ECHOÂ® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a telementoring program to provide virtual support and reinforce and amplify knowledge and skills to build capacity. In-person trainings are held 2-4 times per year. ECHO videoconferences are held monthly with Mozambican clinicians presenting de-identified patient cases for discussion with specialists from the US and Brazil and their peers. Training, lectures and discussions are held in Portuguese. In 2023 we launched a survey to assess the impact of Project ECHO to the participants. The survey covered the applicability of the content discussed in their practice and the content learned during case presentations. Data from the survey were stored in REDcap. RESULTS Since February 2019, we have held nine in-person and 16 virtual trainings supplemented with 59 ECHO telementoring sessions, with an average of 53 participants per session. Forty-eight cases were presented and discussed. Respondents included 182 participants. Of the 139 who answered their profession, the majority were nurses (83, 59.8%), followed by doctors (33, 23.7%) and others (23, 16.5%). When asked about applicability of the content discussed in ECHO, the majority agreed/strongly agreed that the content was applicable to their practice (78/79, 98.7%) and that they learned something new during the case presentations (114/116, 98.3%). Lastly, 93.2% (68/73) of responders said that they would make changes to their practice as a result of the Project ECHO participation. CONCLUSION Well-trained clinicians for the management of women with abnormal screening tests is critical for improving cervical cancer prevention. The ECHO project model facilitates and extends mentoring and training of healthcare professionals and keeps providers engaged in learning.
Deciphering the Nuclear Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Prostate Cancer: Transcriptional Reprogramming and Neuroendocrine Differentiation
Authors: Seniuk Rocio , Sabater Agustina , Pascual Gaston , Sanchis Pablo , Lechuga Julia , Cotignola Javier , Anselmino Nicolas , Vazquez Elba , Labanca Estefania , Toro Ayelén , Gueron Geraldine 
Published: July 2024

PURPOSE This study probes the role of Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and its nuclear interactors in prostate cancer (PCa). Previous results, demonstrated the anti-tumoral role of HO-1 in PCa and its nuclear translocation, hinting at its potential regulatory roles within the nucleus. Thus, we postulate that HO-1, alongside its interactors, can reprogram PCa cells to a less aggressive phenotype. METHODS From the 11 HO-1 nuclear interacting proteins previously identified, 4 were transcription factors Using ChIP Atlas we evaluated the binding affinity of these factors to their downstream gene targets. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses were then performed to associate these targets with specific biological processes and pathologies. Additionally, RNA-seq data from patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDA PCa PDXs) were analyzed to evaluate the clinical relevance of these genes in the context of PCa heterogeneity. These PDXs offer a clinically relevant model due to their representation of the disease's heterogeneity. We scrutinized the expression of the gene clusters of interest in PDXs, including their association with neuroendocrine (NE) phenotypes. RESULTS The transcription factors among the HO-1 interactors previously described, were found to bind genes enriched in processes related to histone modification, acetylation, and transcription termination, implicating their role in gene expression regulation. KEGG pathways linked these genes to neurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Alzheimer's disease), mirroring the neuroendocrine (NE) phenotype in advanced PCa, which typically emerges in advanced stages and is characterized by the transdifferentiating of epithelial cells into NE cells lacking androgen receptor expression. The unsupervised clustering of gene expression from PDXs showed that high expression of these genes is associated with an AR-negative NE histopathology, suggesting a potential for these interactors in prostate cancer subtyping. CONCLUSION HO-1 nuclear interactors, especially transcription factors, appear to influence gene transcription associated with NE differentiation and cancer aggressiveness. The therapeutic relevance of modulating HO-1's interaction with its nuclear partners warrants further investigation to ascertain its role in mitigating the NE of PCa.