bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of sinonasal symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections during the infectious diseases season of November 2023 to March 2024—a cross-sectional study
Authors: Straburzyński Marcin , Romaszko-Wojtowicz Anna 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionUpper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most common reasons for patients consulting a general practitioner (GP) during the infectious diseases season, with viruses being the predominant cause. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted GPs’ perception of these infections. The pandemic’s progression, especially with the emergence of the Omicron variant, has complicated the diagnosis and treatment of URTIs, with evolving symptoms.AimThe aim of this study was to assess the differences in symptoms reported by patients with various infections, such as COVID-19, influenza, common cold, and post-viral rhinosinusitis, during the infectious diseases season of November 2023 to March 2024.Materials and methodsThe study was conducted in a primary health care clinic, providing care for a population of approximately 10,000 people, among adult patients presenting with URTI symptoms during the 2023/2024 infectious diseases season. Patients qualified for the study were swabbed for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigens. Symptoms were assessed with the use of a semi-structured questionnaire.ResultsOf the 1810 patients presenting with symptoms of URTIs, 276 patients were included in the study. Among patients with COVID-19, symptoms of nasal obstruction (p = 0.005) and nasal discharge (p = 0.001) were less common than in those with influenza or common cold. However, these nasal symptoms were significantly more frequent among patients with COVID-19 who had confirmed previous immunization (COVID-19 history or vaccination) (p = 0.028).ConclusionThe incidence of individual sinonasal symptoms varies significantly depending on the aetiological agent of the URTI. This observation may not only help clinicians make the correct diagnosis, but also suggests an inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses that is dependent on the aetiological agent. The study also indicates that this response is altered within the same virus species following immunization.LimitationsThe study’s limitations include a small sample size (276 patients), focus on one season and one GP practice, and reliance on clinical signs and antigen tests. Nonetheless, the findings provide valuable insights. Further research with larger patient groups and extended follow-up periods is required to confirm these findings.
Association between systemic immune-inflammation index and atopic dermatitis: a cross-sectional study of NHANES 2001–2006
Authors: Ding Qike , Lin Lihong , Li Xiaoting , Xie Xiaoping , Lu Tao 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundWhile several studies have noted a higher SII correlates with multiple diseases, research on the association between SII and atopic dermatitis remains limited. Our cross-sectional study seeks to examine the association between SII and atopic dermatitis among outpatient US adults.MethodsThis compensatory cross-sectional study utilized NHANES data from 2001–2006 cycles, conducting sample-weighted multivariate logistic regression and stratified analysis of sub-groups.ResultsHigher levels of SII were positively associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis in adults with BMI &lt;30 (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10–1.90) (p = 0.010).ConclusionOur findings suggested SII higher than 330 × 109/L was positively associated with a high risk of atopic dermatitis in US adults with BMI &lt;30. To our knowledge, this is the first study focused on the risk of higher SII on atopic dermatitis in the outpatient US population. Currently, there are differences in the standards used to diagnose atopic dermatitis across countries, and our study may have implications.
Deep-learning-based segmentation of perivascular spaces on T2-Weighted 3T magnetic resonance images
Authors: Cai Die , Pan Minmin , Liu Chenyuan , He Wenjie , Ge Xinting , Lin Jiaying , Li Rui , Liu Mengting , Xia Jun 
Published: August 2024

PurposeStudying perivascular spaces (PVSs) is important for understanding the pathogenesis and pathological changes of neurological disorders. Although some methods for automated segmentation of PVSs have been proposed, most of them were based on 7T MR images that were majorly acquired in healthy young people. Notably, 7T MR imaging is rarely used in clinical practice. Herein, we propose a deep-learning-based method that enables automatic segmentation of PVSs on T2-weighted 3T MR images.MethodTwenty patients with Parkinson’s disease (age range, 42–79 years) participated in this study. Specifically, we introduced a multi-scale supervised dense nested attention network designed to segment the PVSs. This model fosters progressive interactions between high-level and low-level features. Simultaneously, it utilizes multi-scale foreground content for deep supervision, aiding in refining segmentation results at various levels.ResultOur method achieved the best segmentation results compared with the four other deep-learning-based methods, achieving a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.702. The results of the visual count of the PVSs in our model correlated extremely well with the expert scoring results on the T2-weighted images (basal ganglia: rs = 0.845, P &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.868, P &lt; 0.001; centrum semiovale: rs = 0.845, P &lt; 0.001; rs = 0.823, P &lt; 0.001 for raters 1 and 2, respectively). Experimental results show that the proposed method performs well in the segmentation of PVSs.ConclusionThe proposed method can accurately segment PVSs; it will facilitate practical clinical applications and is expected to replace the method of visual counting directly on T1-weighted images or T2-weighted images.
Spatial memory and learning: investigating the role of dynamic visual acuity
Authors: Kabiş Burak , Gürses Emre , Işıkay Ayşe Ýlksen Çolpak , Aksoy Songül 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe vestibular system’s contribution to spatial learning and memory abilities may be clarified using the virtual Morris Water Maze Task (vMWMT). This is important because of the connections between the vestibular system and the hippocampus area. However, there is ongoing debate over the role of the vestibular system in developing spatial abilities. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA) across three planes and spatial abilities.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55 with normal stress levels and mental health and no neurological, audiological, or vestibular complaints. The Trail-Making Test (TMT) Forms A and B for the assessment of executive functions, the DVA test battery for the evaluation of visual motor functions, and the Virtual Morris Water Maze Test (vMWMT) for the assessment of spatial learning and spatial memory were performed. All participants also underwent the Benton Face Recognition Test (BFRT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Tests (DSST) to assess their relation with spatial memory.ResultsDVA values in horizontal (H-DVA), vertical (V-DVA), and sagittal (S-DVA) planes ranged from (−0.26) to 0.36 logMAR, (−0.20) to 0.36 logMAR, and (−0.28) to 0.33 logMAR, respectively. The latency of three planes of DVA was affected by vMWMT (Horizontal, Vertical, and Sagittal; Estimate: 22.733, 18.787, 13.341, respectively p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, a moderately significant correlation was also found, with a value of 0.571 between the Virtual MWM test and BFRT and a value of 0.539 between the DSST (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionSpatial abilities in healthy adults were significantly influenced by dynamic visual functions across horizontal, vertical, and sagittal planes. These findings are expected to trigger essential discussions about the mechanisms that connect the vestibular-visual system to the hippocampus. The original vMWMT protocol is likely to serve as a model for future studies utilizing this technology.
Effect of non-invasive brain stimulation in children with acquired brain injury—a scoping review
Authors: Rathinam Chandrasekar , Mohan Vikram , Yates Derick , Bill Peter , Peirson Janet , Gupta Rajat 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundChildren and young people (CYP) with acquired brain injury (ABI) require early and effective neurorehabilitation to improve long-term functional outcomes. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have been used to improve motor and sensory skills for children with cerebral palsy. However, there is limited evidence supporting its use in CYP with ABI.ObjectiveTo systematically review the TMS and tDCS intervention effects on motor, sensory and other functional issues in CYP with ABI as reported in the literature.MethodsA comprehensive online bibliographic databases search was performed in various databases using keywords related to NIBS and CYP with ABI. Studies that examine the effect of NIBS intervention on motor function and other functional difficulties either as a primary or secondary objective were included in this review.ResultsFourteen studies (10 single case reports, one retrospective analysis, one case series, one randomised and one quasi-randomised controlled trial) published between 2006 and 2023 were identified. These studies examined the use of NIBS to manage motor disorders, hearing, vision, headaches, speech and language and memory issues. Seventy-six children with mild to severe ABI had received NIBS. The session frequency (3–20), duration (10–45 min) was variable, and NIBS delivered between 3 and 28 days.ConclusionThe literature describing NIBS interventions in CYP with ABI is scarce. An insufficient number of studies, inadequate information reported in them, and small sample sizes limit the ability to conclude how effective NIBS is in improving motor function and other functional issues in this cohort. Further studies are therefore necessary to examine the therapeutic effects of NIBS to manage various functional problems in the CYP with ABI.
Target engagement of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex with transcranial temporal interference stimulation in major depressive disorder: a protocol for a randomized sham-controlled trial
Authors: Demchenko Ilya , Rampersad Sumientra , Datta Abhishek , Horn Andreas , Churchill Nathan W. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Krishnan Sridhar , Rueda Alice , Schweizer Tom A. , Griffiths John D. , Boyden Edward S. , Santarnecchi Emiliano , Bhat Venkat 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundTranscranial temporal interference stimulation (tTIS) is a new, emerging neurostimulation technology that utilizes two or more electric fields at specific frequencies to modulate the oscillations of neurons at a desired spatial location in the brain. The physics of tTIS offers the advantage of modulating deep brain structures in a non-invasive fashion and with minimal stimulation of the overlying cortex outside of a selected target. As such, tTIS can be effectively employed in the context of therapeutics for the psychiatric disease of disrupted brain connectivity, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). The subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), a key brain center that regulates human emotions and influences negative emotional states, is a plausible target for tTIS in MDD based on reports of its successful neuromodulation with invasive deep brain stimulation.MethodsThis pilot, single-site, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled interventional clinical trial will be conducted at St. Michael’s Hospital – Unity Health Toronto in Toronto, ON, Canada. The primary objective is to demonstrate target engagement of the sgACC with 130 Hz tTIS using resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques. The secondary objective is to estimate the therapeutic potential of tTIS for MDD by evaluating the change in clinical characteristics of participants and electrophysiological outcomes and providing feasibility and tolerability estimates for a large-scale efficacy trial. Thirty participants (18–65 years) with unipolar, non-psychotic MDD will be recruited and randomized to receive 10 sessions of 130 Hz tTIS or sham stimulation (n = 15 per arm). The trial includes a pre- vs. post-treatment 3T MRI scan of the brain, clinical evaluation, and electroencephalography (EEG) acquisition at rest and during the auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) paradigm.DiscussionThis study is one of the first-ever clinical trials among patients with psychiatric disorders examining the therapeutic potential of repetitive tTIS and its neurobiological mechanisms. Data obtained from this trial will be used to optimize the tTIS approach and design a large-scale efficacy trial. Research in this area has the potential to provide a novel treatment option for individuals with MDD and circuitry-related disorders and may contribute to the process of obtaining regulatory approval for therapeutic applications of tTIS.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05295888.
Pain, mindfulness, and placebo: a systematic review
Authors: Lopes Alexandra , Sampaio Rute , Tavares Isaura 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPain is a complex phenomenon influenced by psychosocial variables, including the placebo effect. The effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for pain has been demonstrated in experimental studies and systematic reviews, but the mechanisms of action are only starting to be established. Whether the expectations of individuals experiencing pain can be manipulated during MBIs remains to be systematically evaluated, and what role placebo effects might play remains to be explored.MethodsTo evaluate the literature analyzing placebo effects in MBIs for pain, we performed a systematic review based on searches conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Our search revealed a total of 272 studies, of which only 19 studies were included (10 acute pain and nine chronic pain), considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria related to expectations and placebo effects.ResultsFrom the 19 included studies, six measured placebo effects only in relation to the pharmacological intervention used in the study and not to an MBI.DiscussionThe results of the few studies that focused on the placebo effects of the MBIs indicate that placebo and expectations play a role in the MBIs' effects on pain. Although expectations and placebo effects are frequently discussed in the context of mindfulness and pain research, these results show that these factors are still not routinely considered in experimental designs. However, the results of the few studies included in this systematic review highlight a clear role for placebo and expectancy effects in the overall effects of MBIs for both acute and chronic pain, suggesting that routine measurement and further consideration in future studies are warranted. Additional research in this fascinating and challenging field is necessary to fully understand the connection between MBIs, placebo/expectations, and their effects on pain relief.
Rare giant retroperitoneal melanotic schwannoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Pan , Cheng Junfeng , Zhang Lin 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundMelanotic schwannoma (MS), a rare variant of peripheral nerve sheath tumor, is especially infrequent when originating from the peritoneum. Its definitive diagnosis relies on postoperative histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis, while preoperative diagnosis is difficult.Case presentationIn the present study, we reported a rare case of giant MS in the retroperitoneum, which was previously misdiagnosed before surgery. However, intraoperative exploration revealed it was retroperitoneal tumor. The tumor had invaded the abdominal aorta and bilateral common illiac artery walls. A surgical resection was subsequently executed, and postoperative histopathological examination confirmed it as a MS.ConclusionThe incidence of peritoneal MS is extremely rare, and surgical resection remains the preferred treatment modality. Given the absence of established guidelines for postoperative adjuvant therapy, long-term follow-up becomes imperative to accumulate valuable clinical expertise.
Landsat-based spatiotemporal estimation of subtropical forest aboveground carbon storage using machine learning algorithms with hyperparameter tuning
Authors: Huang Lei , Huang Zihao , Zhou Weilong , Wu Sumei , Li Xuejian , Mao Fangjie , Song Meixuan , Zhao Yinyin , Lv Lujin , Yu Jiacong , Du Huaqiang 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe aboveground carbon storage (AGC) in forests serves as a crucial metric for evaluating both the composition of the forest ecosystem and the quality of the forest. It also plays a significant role in assessing the quality of regional ecosystems. However, current technical limitations introduce a degree of uncertainty in estimating forest AGC at a regional scale. Despite these challenges, remote sensing technology provides an accurate means of monitoring forest AGC. Furthermore, the implementation of machine learning algorithms can enhance the precision of AGC estimates. Lishui City, with its rich forest resources and an approximate forest coverage rate of 80%, serves as a representative example of the typical subtropical forest distribution in Zhejiang Province.MethodsTherefore, this study uses Landsat remote sensing images, employing backpropagation neural network (BPNN), random forest (RF), and categorical boosting (CatBoost) to model the forest AGC of Lishui City, selecting the best model to estimate and analyze its forest AGC spatiotemporal dynamics over the past 30 years (1989–2019).ResultsThe study shows that: (1) The texture information calculated based on 9×9 and 11×11 windows is an important variable in constructing the remote sensing estimation model of the forest AGC in Lishui City; (2) All three machine learning techniques are capable of estimating forest AGC in Lishui City with high precision. Notably, the CatBoost algorithm outperforms the others in terms of accuracy, achieving a model training accuracy and testing accuracy R2 of 0.95 and 0.83, and RMSE of 2.98 Mg C ha-1 and 4.93 Mg C ha-1, respectively. (3) Spatially, the central and southwestern regions of Lishui City exhibit high levels of forest AGC, whereas the eastern and northeastern regions display comparatively lower levels. Over time, there has been a consistent increase in the total forest AGC in Lishui City over the past three decades, escalating from 1.36×107 Mg C in 1989 to 6.16×107 Mg C in 2019.DiscussionThis study provided a set of effective hyperparameters and model of machine learning suitable for subtropical forests and a reference data for improving carbon sequestration capacity of subtropical forests in Lishui City.
Insights into values and emotional wellbeing of medical students in the United Arab Emirates: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alhashimi Fatma Mustafa , Salim Sara , Siddiqi Warda , Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan , Khan Nusrat , Sultan Meshal A. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo describe the difference in values among medical students from a first-year student’ and final year student’ perspective. In addition, it is designed to report associations and trends between personal values and overall emotional states.MethodsThis is an analytical cross-sectional study that involved disseminating an online survey via email to first and final year students at the College of Medicine in Mohammed Bin Rashid University (MBRU) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December of 2023. The survey encompassed queries on demographics, the Life Values Inventory (LVI) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).ResultsThe survey was completed by 84 students. About half of the participants were final year medical students (45/84; 53.6%) with the majority being females (70/84; 83.3%). Positive emotions were positively correlated to various life values, including belonging, scientific understanding, responsibility, and achievement (p &lt; 0.05). When comparing academic years, the scores of the life value of Achievement showed a significant correlation (p = 0.04), with first-year students’ mean (SD) of 12 (2) out of 15 compared to 11 (3) out of 15 for final-year students. Positive Emotions also exhibited a significant correlation (p = 0.006), with first-year students’ mean (SD) 40 (5) out of 50 compared to 36 (7) out of 50 for final-year students.ConclusionThis study adds to medical education research by exploring values and emotions, shedding light on factors shaping students’ professional identities. Understanding these dynamics can aid in supporting future healthcare providers and by extension the patients for whom they care.
Relationship between urban green space and mental health in older adults: mediating role of relative deprivation, physical activity, and social trust
Authors: Zuo Wen , Cheng Bin , Feng Xinyan , Zhuang Xuefang 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe importance of improving older adults' mental health is increasing worldwide with the rapid development of the aging process. Green space is an important part of the urban built environment, demonstrates a deep connection with the mental health of older adults, and its internal mechanisms have been widely studied. This study analyzed the influence of urban green spaces on the mental health of older adults via three factors: relative deprivation, physical activity, and social trust.MethodsBased on the 2018 China Labor Dynamics Survey, a multi-level structural equation model was used to explore the mediating roles of relative deprivation, physical activity, social trust in urban green spaces, and the mental health of older adults.ResultsUrban green space was positively correlated with the mental health of older adults. Relative deprivation and physical activities played a mediating role between urban green space and the mental health of older adults.DiscussionAn increase in urban green spaces can help increase the number of older adults obtaining green space resources, and help them maintain good mental health. Secondly, older adults with a relatively homogeneous environment have more equal opportunities to obtain urban green space resources, which helps to reduce the comparison of older adults in access to green space resources and reduce the adverse impact of relative deprivation on their mental health. Additionally, increasing urban green spaces can encourage older adults to engage in physical activities and improve their mental health. Finally, we suggest improving the accessibility, fairness, and quality of green spaces, paying attention to the psychological needs of older adults, encouraging older adults to engage in physical activities in green spaces, and taking various measures to enhance the positive role of green space on the mental health of older adults.