bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot trial protocol: community intervention to improve depressive symptoms among Peruvian older adults
Authors: Cruz-Riquelme Tatiana , Zevallos-Morales Alejandro , Carrión Ivonne , Otero-Oyague Diego , Patiño Vanessa , Lastra Dafne , Valle Rubén , Parodi José F. , Pollard Suzanne L. , Steinman Lesley , Gallo Joseph J. , Flores-Flores Oscar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Non-pharmacological interventions have proven effective at alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. Methodological refinement and testing of these interventions in new contexts are needed on a small scale before their effectiveness and implementation can be evaluated. The purpose of this pilot study is to assess the feasibility of a future large-scale trial comparing an adapted mental health multi-component evidence-based intervention (VIDACTIVA) versus standard care for older adults experiencing depression symptoms in urban, resource-limited settings in Lima, Peru. Furthermore, this study will explore the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of implementing the intervention.

Methods
We will conduct an open-label, mixed methods pilot feasibility study with two parallel groups. A total of 64 older adults, stratified by sex, will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either the “intervention” or “control.” Participants will be followed for 22 weeks after enrollment. Those in the intervention group will receive eight VIDACTIVA sessions administered by community health workers (CHWs) over 14 weeks, with an additional eight weeks of follow-up. Participants in the control group will receive two psychoeducation sessions from a study fieldworker and will be directed to health care centers. Standard care does not involve CHWs. We will evaluate screening rates, recruitment strategies, retention rates, the acceptability of randomization, and assessments. Additionally, we will assess preliminary implementation outcomes—acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity—from the perspectives of CHWs (interventionists), older adults (main participants), older adults’ relatives, and healthcare professionals.

Discussion
If the findings from this feasibility trial are favorable, a fully powered randomized controlled trial will be conducted to evaluate `both the effectiveness and implementation of the intervention. This research will make a substantial contribution to the field of mental health in older adults, particularly by emphasizing a meticulous examination and documentation of the implementation process. By doing so, this study will offer valuable methodologies and metrics for adapting and assessing mental health interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in resource-constrained contexts and diverse cultural settings.

Trial registration
The current trial registration number is NCT06065020, which was registered on 26th September 2023.
Syntactic priming in the classroom: using narratives to prime L2 arabic speakers
Authors: Alzahrani Alaa , Almalki Hanan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractA robust finding in psycholinguistics is that prior language experience influences subsequent language processing. This phenomenon is known as syntactic priming. Most of the empirical support for L2 syntactic priming comes from lab-based experiments. However, this evidence might not reflect how priming occurs in typical language activities in the L2 classroom. As such, we conducted a classroom-based priming study. Using a between-subject design, 52 L2 Arabic speakers read and listened to eight story-reading sessions over two weeks that either included a high proportion of the fronted temporal phrase (TP) structure (experimental group) or included no fronted TPs (controls). The effect of L2 proficiency was also investigated. Results revealed that the experimental group did not significantly increase their use of fronted TPs in the immediate posttest or the one-week delayed posttest relative to the baseline. A null effect of Arabic L2 proficiency was also observed. We discuss our findings in light of related priming theories and previous findings. This study highlights the need for more research on syntactic priming via common language tasks in the L2 classroom.
Confirmation of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced micronuclei by repeated dose liver micronucleus assay: focus on evaluation of liver micronucleus assay in young rats
Authors: Shigano Miyuki , Takashima Rie , Satomoto Kensuke , Sales Henri , Harada Ryoko , Hamada Shuichi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer commonly used in a wide variety of products, including medical devices. It is rapidly metabolized in the liver into various metabolites upon absorption through oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation. DEHP is classified as a non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogen in rodents, as its chronic exposure has been associated with the development of liver cancer in these animals, but most genotoxicity studies have been negative. Epidemiologic studies in humans suggest that long-term high intakes of DEHP may be a risk factor for liver dysfunction.
The repeated-dose liver micronucleus (RDLMN) assay is a well-established method for assessing chromosomal changes caused by hepatic genotoxins and/or carcinogens. It is particularly valuable for detecting substances that undergo metabolic activation, especially when the metabolite has a short half-life or does not reach the bone marrow effectively. Therefore, we investigated whether the RDLMN assay could detect DEHP-induced micronucleus formation in the liver following a 14 or 28-day treatment.

Results
We report that the RDLMN assay demonstrated an increased frequency of hepatic micronuclei in rats exposed to DEHP for 14 or 28 days. The increases in micronuclei correlated with hepatomegaly, an established response to phthalates in the liver. Conversely, no such increases were observed in the micronucleus assay using bone marrow from these rats.

Conclusion
The detection of DEHP-induced micronuclei by the RDLMN assay suggests that this assay could detect the potential genotoxicity and hepatocarcinogenicity of DEHP. It also demonstrated the utility of the RDLMN assay in identifying metabolically activated hepatic carcinogens.
Super high-flux dialyzers improve survival in patients on hemodialysis: a cohort study of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT) Renal Data Registry
Authors: Abe Masanori , Kikuchi Kan , Kanda Eiichiro , Wada Atsushi , Nakai Shigeru , Hanafusa Norio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
In Japan dialyzers are classified as type I, II, III, IV, or V on the basis of the β2-microglobulin clearance. In 2023, Type V dialyzers were defined as super high-flux membrane dialyzers. Herein, we investigate the association between dialyzer type and mortality.

Methods
A cohort study was conducted using the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy Renal Data Registry database from 31 December 2017, to 31 December 2019. We enrolled 181,879 patients on hemodialysis who were divided into type I–V groups per the Japanese classification. We assessed the associations of each group with 2-year all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. Furthermore, propensity score matching analysis was performed.

Results
By the end of 2019, 34,196 patients (18.8%) had died. The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was significantly higher in the type I (1.25 [1.12–1.39]), type II (1.21 [1.13–1.31]), and type III (1.07 [1.02–1.13]) groups and significantly lower in the type V group (0.86 [0.80–0.92] P < 0.0001) than in the IV group as a reference after adjusting for all confounders. The type V group had a significantly lower adjusted mortality risk regardless of Kt/V and was robust in several sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, the findings remained significant after propensity score matching.

Conclusions
This observational study revealed that hemodialysis performed using super high-flux dialyzers may reduce mortality rates regardless of Kt/V. However, to establish the efficacy of super high-flux dialyzers in improving outcomes, randomized controlled trials should be conducted.
Trial registration number: UMIN000018641.
User expectations and experiences of an assistive robotic arm in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Spittel Susanne , Meyer Thomas , Weyen Ute , Grehl Torsten , Weydt Patrick , Steinbach Robert , Petri Susanne , Baum Petra , Metelmann Moritz , Sperfeld Anne-Dorte , Kettemann Dagmar , Norden Jenny , Rödiger Annekathrin , Ilse Benjamin , Grosskreutz Julian , Hildebrandt Barbara , Walter Bertram , Münch Christoph , Maier André 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Objective
Robotic arms are innovative assistive devices for ALS patients with progressive motor deficits of arms and hands. The objective was to explore the patients´ expectations towards a robotic arm system and to assess the actual experiences after the provision of the device.

Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted at 9 ALS centers in Germany. ALS-related functional deficits were assessed using the ALS-Functional Rating Scale-revised (ALSFRS-R). Motor deficit of the upper limbs was determined using a subscore of three arm-related items of the ALSFRS-R (items 4–6; range 0–12 points). User expectations before provision (expectation group, n = 85) and user experiences after provision (experience group, n = 14) with the device (JACO Assistive Robotic Device, Kinova, Boisbriand, QC, Canada) were assessed.

Results
In the total cohort, mean ALSFRS-R subscore for arm function was 1.7 (SD: 2.0, 0–9) demonstrating a severe functional deficit of the upper limbs. In the expectation group (n = 85), the following use cases of the robotic arm have been prioritized: handling objects (89%), close-body movements (88%), pressing buttons (87%), serving drinks (86%), and opening cabinets and doors (85%). In the experience group (n = 14), handling objects (79%), serving drinks (79%), near-body movements (71%), pushing buttons (71%), serving food (64%), and opening doors (64%) were the most frequent used cases. Most patients used the device daily (71.4%, n = 10), and 28.6% (n = 4) several times a week. All patients of the experience group found the device helpful, felt safe while using the device, and were satisfied with its reliability. NPS of the assistive robotic arm revealed 64% "promoters" (strong recommendation), 29% "indifferents" (uncertain recommendation) and 7% "detractors" (no recommendation). Total NPS was + 57 demonstrating strong patient satisfaction.

Conclusions
Initiation of procurement with a robotic assistive arm was confined to patients with severe functional deficit of the upper limbs. User experience underlined the wide spectrum of use cases of assistive robotic arms in ALS. The positive user experience together with high satisfaction underscore that robotic arm systems serve as a valuable treatment option in ALS patients with severe motor deficits of the arms.
Genetically divergent 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' isolates in Croatian vineyard pathosystems suggest complex epidemiological networks
Authors: Plavec Jelena , Ivančan Goran , Škorić Dijana , Foissac Xavier , Šeruga Musić Martina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (CPs), a phytoplasma endemic to the Euro-Mediterranean basin is a causative agent of several plant diseases, including the grapevine yellows disease “bois noir” (BN). As different CPs strains have been shown to have different ecological reservoirs and pathways for spread, the genetic characterization of CPs strains is a prerequisite, and better control of BN relies on the identification of reservoir plants. The variability of the phytoplasma genotypes involved in the BN pathosystem in Croatian vineyards was assessed by a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach. The genotyping was performed on selected grapevine, wild plants, and insects collected within the eleven years of national survey conducted in all Croatian viticultural regions. The extensive tuf, secY, stamp, and vmp1 genes-based MLST analyses revealed two new genotypes for stamp and vmp1 genes, designated as ST59 and V28, respectively, and overall identified 28 different CPs MLST genotypes. The prevalent MLST genotype in grapevine CPsSqt21 (S6/ST6/V18/tuf-b2) was widespread in nine counties across Uplands, Slavonia, and Danube wine regions and was affiliated to the known vector Hyalesthes obsoletus and to Urtica dioica. The other two most frequent genotypes were the U. dioica-associated CPsSqt28 (S39/ST46/V3/tuf-a) and the C. arvensis-associated CPsSqt2 (S1/ST9/V4/tuf-b1). CPs of different vmp1 genotypes was also detected in Cixius wagneri specimens originating from different parts of Croatia. In addition, CPs was detected in several Dichtyophara europaea insects and in two new potential plant reservoirs Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia. The substantial number of found MLST genotypes indicates the presence of several independent epidemiological cycles and is certainly a consequence of a unique geographical position of Croatia, bridging the different eco-climatic areas of central and south-eastern Europe.
Echocardiographic image quality deteriorates with the severity of cardiogenic shock
Authors: Lashin Hazem , Vasques Francesco , Bhattacharyya Sanjeev 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the primary tool for assessing left ventricular (LV) function in cardiogenic shock (CS). However, inadequate image quality often hinders it. In this retrospective study, we investigated factors associated with LV image quality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with ischemic CS.

Results
Two critical care physicians accredited in echocardiography independently reviewed the TTEs of 100 patients admitted to our tertiary cardiac ICU with ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by CS between October 2016 and September 2019. Endocardial border definition (EBD) was graded for each myocardial segment of the apical 4-chamber and 2-chamber views using a conventional scoring system (1 = good, 2 = suboptimal, 3 = poor, and 4 = not possible). The biplane EBD index (EBDi) was calculated by averaging all segments from both views. An average EBDi of both observers was correlated with clinical and echocardiographic parameters. The median age was 62 years [54, 73], and 78% were males. LV ejection fraction and cardiac index (CI) medians were 29% [20, 35] and 1.93 l/min/m2 [1.40, 2.51], respectively. The median biplane EBDi was nearly suboptimal (1.833 [1.542, 2.083]). There was no correlation between EBDi and age, sex, or body mass index. However, biplane EBDi demonstrated statistically significant correlations with PaO2 (r2 = 0.066, p = 0.01), mean arterial pressure (MAP, r2 = 0.055, p = 0.03), CI (r2 = 0.105, p < 0.01), tricuspid annulus systolic velocity (RV S’, r2 = 0.092, p = 0.01), and tricuspid regurge maximum velocity (TR Vmax, r2 = 0.067, p = 0.01). In a multivariate model, only CI correlated independently with EBDi (r2 = 0.105, p < 0.01). The biplane EBDi predicted CI (area under the curve (AUC) 0.70, p = 0.001) with good sensitivity (71%) and reasonable specificity (61%).

Conclusions
The study suggests that in patients admitted to the ICU with ischemic CS, LV image quality by TTE deteriorates with the severity of shock, as indicated by CI.
The influence of cost of debt, cost of equity and weighted average cost of capital on dividend policy decision: evidence from non-financial companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Authors: Arhinful Richard , Mensah Leviticus , Amin Halkawt Ismail Mohammed , Obeng Hayford Asare 
Published: August 2024

AbstractNon-financial companies listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange face considerable difficulties due to expensive funding and the need to make complex decisions about their capital structure. These problems impact their judgments about dividend policy, resulting in ambiguity and possible inefficiency. This study draws on the bird-in-hand theory to investigate the influence of the cost of capital on dividend policy decisions among non-financial firms listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, focusing on 227 companies from 2005 to 2022. The data for this study were sourced from Thomson Reuters Datastream. Employing the common shock autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) and two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) estimations, findings reveal that the cost of debt consistently negatively impacts dividend payouts and coverage ratios. In contrast, the cost of equity has an insignificant effect. Conversely, the weighted average cost of capital positively influences dividend payouts and coverage ratios but negatively influences dividend yield. All the findings supported the bird-in-hand theory except for the negative impact of WACC on dividend yield. These insights highlight the importance of considering the cost of capital and market share dynamics in dividend policy formulation. Firms should prioritize efficient debt management to sustain dividend distributions, and aligning dividend policies with overall capital structure management is crucial in this regard, providing a sense of reassurance and confidence to the firms and their stakeholders. This study provides valuable guidance for financial decision-makers navigating dividend-related strategies within corporate environments.
Video head impulse test (vHIT) versus videonystagmography (VNG) in migraine with dizziness
Authors: Elkawy Fatma Shaaban Abd , Elgohary Mohamed Abd Elatif , Beheiry Reda Mohamed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Migraine disease is a chronic headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks. Migraine and vestibular disorders are common associations. The exact pathophysiology is still unknown.

Objectives
To study the results of vHIT and VNG in dizzy migraineurs.

Methods
This is a case-control study that included 140 subjects 70 of them were migraine patients with vestibular symptoms, while the other 70 were a control group of healthy subjects matched in age. A full history with pure tone audiometry and tympanogram for hearing evaluation was done for both groups then videonystagmography and the video head impulse tests were done.

Results
The vHIT results showed that there were no significant differences among control and study groups regarding the VOR gain and gain asymmetry with no corrective saccades recorded in patients or control groups that denote the VOR is intact. The VNG test revealed in OPK and saccade tests that there was a significant difference between the control and the study groups. A positive weak correlation between vHIT and caloric test results in the left lateral and posterior canal gain in the study group.

Conclusion
The migraine disease with vestibular symptoms does not affect the VOR gain in vHIT and affects the oculomotor tests in VNG.
DNA-Damaging Therapies in Patients With Prostate Cancer and Pathogenic Alterations in Homologous Recombination Repair Genes
Authors: Graham Laura S. , Henderson Nicholas C. , Kellezi Olesia , Hwang Clara , Barata Pedro C. , Bilen Mehmet A. , Kilari Deepak , Pierro Michael , Thapa Bicky , Tripathi Abhishek , Mo George , Labriola Matthew , Park Joseph J. , Rothstein Shoshana , Garje Rohan , Koshkin Vadim S. , Patel Vaibhav G. , Dorff Tanya , Armstrong Andrew J. , McKay Rana R. , Alva Ajjai , Schweizer Michael T. 
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE Outcomes data for DNA-damaging therapeutics for men with prostate cancer (PC) and non- BRCA1/2 homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations are limited. We evaluated outcomes by HRR alteration in men with PC treated with poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) and/or platinum chemotherapy. METHODS Retrospective data from the PROMISE consortium were used. Clinical outcomes differences were assessed between patients with BRCA1/ 2 mutations (cohort A) and those with HRR mutations without direct BRCA complex interaction (cohort B: ATM, CDK12, CHEK1, CHEK2, and FANCL). Outcomes in patients with HRR mutations with direct BRCA complex interaction were also explored (cohort C: RAD51B/C/D, RAD54L2, BARD1, GEN1, PALB2, FANCA, and BRIP1). RESULTS One hundred and forty-six patients received PARPi (cohort A: 94, cohort B: 45, cohort C: 7) and 104 received platinum chemotherapy (cohort A: 48, cohort B: 44, cohort C: 10). PSA50 response rate to PARPi was higher in cohort A (61%) than cohort B (5%), P < .001. Median clinical/radiographic progression-free survival (crPFS) with PARPi in cohort A was significantly longer than in cohort B: 15.9 versus 8.7 months, P = .005. PSA50 response rate to platinum therapy was higher in cohort A (62%) than in cohort B (32%), P = .024, although crPFS was not significantly different. PSA50 response rate to PARPi and platinum was 40% and 32%, respectively, in cohort C. In multivariable analysis, cohort A had significantly improved overall survival and crPFS compared with cohort B with PARPi but not platinum chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Patients with BRCA1/2-mutated PC had significantly improved outcomes to PARPi but not platinum chemotherapy compared with those with HRR mutations without direct BRCA complex interaction.
Left-digit bias in out-hospital cardiac arrest: The JCS-ReSS study
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Mizuno Atsushi , Yoneoka Daisuke , Nakashima Takahiro , Matoba Tetsuya , Node Koichi , Yonemoto Naohiro , Tahara Yoshio , Kobayashi Yoshio , Ikeda Takanori 
Published: August 2024

Introduction
The left-digit bias (LDB), a numerical-related cognitive bias, not only potentially influences decision-making among the general public but also that of medical practitioners. Few studies have investigated its role in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods
We retrospectively included all consecutive patients with OHCA witnessed by family members registered in the All-Japan Utstein Registry of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2020. Target outcomes were the percentage of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (BCPR) performed by family members or paramedics and the percentage of prehospital physician-staffed advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Using a nonparametric regression discontinuity methodology, we examined whether a significant change occurred in the percentages of BCPR and ACLS at the age thresholds of 60, 70, 80, and 90 years, which would indicate the presence of LDB.

Results
Of the 1,930,273 OHCA cases in the All-Japan Utstein Registry, 384,200 (19.9%) cases witnessed by family members were analyzed. The mean age was 75.8 years (±SD 13.7), with 38.0% (n = 146,137) female. We identified no discontinuities in the percentages of chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth ventilation, or automated external defibrillator (AED) usage by family members for the age thresholds of 60, 70, 80, and 90 years. Moreover, no discontinuities existed in the percentages of chest compressions, advanced airway management, and AED usage by paramedics or prehospital ACLS by physicians for any of the age thresholds.

Conclusions
In conclusion, our study did not find any evidence that age-related LDB affects medical decision-making in patients with OHCA.