bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation improves quality of life in individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Zheng Zhong Sheng , Wang Jing , Lee Sharon , Wang Kevin Xing-Long , Zhang Ben , Howard Melissa , Rosario Emily , Schnakers Caroline 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The cerebellum has emerged as a potential target for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in post-stroke aphasia (PSA) due to its role in language processing and relative preservation compared to supratentorial lesions. Recent evidence also highlights the cerebellum's involvement in affective and social processes, suggesting potential broader effects of cerebellar modulation. This study investigated the efficacy of anodal tDCS over the right cerebellum paired with speech and language therapy in enhancing language functions and quality of life in individuals with PSA.
Methods
Twenty-two participants with chronic PSA received cerebellar tDCS, while historical sham control data from 25 participants were obtained. Language outcomes were assessed using the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R), and secondary outcomes included patient-reported measures of communication effectiveness and quality of life. Mixed-design analyses of variance were conducted to examine treatment effects.
Results
No significant Group x Time interaction was found for WAB-R scores, indicating that tDCS did not provide additional language benefits over speech therapy. However, a significant Group x Time interaction was observed for the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39 scores, driven by improvements in the Psychosocial, Physical, and Energy subdomains in the tDCS group.
Conclusions
Cerebellar tDCS did not significantly improve language outcomes in PSA individuals but enhanced specific aspects of quality of life. These findings highlight the cerebellum's multifaceted role in cognitive, affective, and sensorimotor processes. Future research should focus on conducting well-powered, randomized, double-blind, and concurrent trials to validate these findings and explore optimal stimulation parameters in PSA rehabilitation.
Clinical Trial Registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the registration number NCT03699930. The date of registration is 10/05/2018.
Impact of pen space allowance in outdoor feedlot on cattle performance, and carcass and meat quality traits
Authors: Macitelli Fernanda , Costa M. J. R. Paranhos da 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We analyzed the effects of feedlot pen space allowances on cattle performance and carcass and meat quality traits. Bulls (N = 1350) with an average age of 30 ± 6 months and weight of 392 ± 46 kg were assigned to one of three feedlot pen space allowances, 6 (T6), 12 (T12) and 24 (T24) m2/animal. The animals were weighed in the beginning and end of experimental period and individual average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. Hot carcass weight (HCW), fat cover (scored from 1 to 5), carcass bruise occurrences (classified as old or new and superficial, muscular, or severe), and meat pH24 were assessed in a commercial slaughterhouse. Treatment T24 showed higher (P<0.05) ADG than T6 and T12. T6 had lower (P<0.05) HCW than T12 and T24. T6 had the highest (P<0.05) percentage of carcass scored 3 for fat cover, followed by T24 and T12. In all the treatments pH24 were within the range that ensured good meat quality, ranging from 5.60 (T24) to 5.63 (T6). The mean of new bruises per carcass was lowest for T24 (P < 0.05) and did not differ between T6 and T12 (P>0.05). Superficial bruises were more frequent in T24 than in T6 and T12 carcasses (P<0.05), differing from each other, but the mean number of muscular bruises was higher in T6 than in T12 and T24 (P<0.05), which did not differ from each other (P>0.05). We conclude that reduced space in feedlot pens lessens beef cattle performance and downgrades carcass quality.
Two-Year Follow-Up clinical Study of Mini WELL Extended Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens Implantation: Performance and Safety Evaluation
Authors: Sborgia Alessandra , Curatolo Maria Cristina , Barattini Dionisio Franco , Niro Alfredo , Barattini Luca , Sborgia Giancarlo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cataracts can be effectively treated with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation following lens removal via phacoemulsification. The growing demand for additional correction of near and intermediate vision in the aging population has led to the development of multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). More recently, a novel class of intraocular lenses (IOLs), known as extended depth-of-focus (EDoF) IOLs, was introduced. The EDoF IOLs extend a single focal point over a range of distances, thereby enhancing intermediate and near performance and providing greater spectacle independence. Moreover, EDoF IOLs represent a promising solution to minimize photic phenomena and contrast sensitivity (CS) issues associated with traditional multifocal IOLs. Currently, there is a lack of long-term data on the performance and safety of EDoF lenses.
Methods
This monocentric, retrospective, observational, open-label investigation was aimed at assessing the long-term (two years) performance and safety of the EDoF Mini WELL after IOL implantation. The study included 23 male and female patients who underwent cataract surgery with the Mini WELL. Data collection included subjective refraction, defocus curve assessment, uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at all distances, binocular reading performance, contrast sensitivity (CS), Visual Function Questionnaire VF-11R, and the collection of potential adverse events during the two-year follow-up period.
Results
The results demonstrated that Mini WELL provided a long-term visual performance, safety profile, and improved reading speed. The defocus curve indicates a continuous range of vision without a significant loss in intermediate vision. A high percentage of patients maintained the clear vision outcomes, for both monocular and binocular measures, at the two-year follow-up. No adverse events (AEs) were reported.
Conclusion
The use of EDoF Mini WELL represents an interesting option for the long-term solution for visual correction of aphakia in adult patients with presbyopia.
Trial registration
The retrospective study was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database as NCT04801992 on March 15, 2021
Determinants of Developing Cardiovascular Disease Risk with Emphasis on Type-2 Diabetes and Predictive Modeling Utilizing Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Das Shatabdi , Rahman Riaz , Talukder Ashis 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
This research aims to enhance our comprehensive understanding of the influence of type-2 diabetes on the development of Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk, its underlying determinants, and to construct precise predictive models capable of accurately assessing CVD risk within the context of Bangladesh.
Methods
This study combined data from the 2011 and 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Surveys, focusing on individuals with hypertension. CVD development followed WHO guidelines. Eight machine learning algorithms (Support Vector Machine, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Naïve Bayes, K-Nearest Neighbor, Light GBM, and XGBoost) were analyzed and compared using six evaluation metrics to assess model performance.
Results
The study reveals that individuals aged 35–54 years, 55–69 years, and ≥ 70 years face higher CVD risk with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 2.140, 3.015, and 3.963, respectively, compared to those aged 18–34 years. 'Rich' respondents show increased CVD risk (AOR = 1.370, p < 0.01) compared to 'poor' individuals. Also, 'normal weight' (AOR = 1.489, p < 0.01) and 'overweight/obese' (AOR = 1.871, p < 0.01) individuals exhibit higher CVD risk than 'underweight' individuals. The predictive models achieve impressive performance, with 75.21% accuracy and an 80.79% AUC, with Random Forest (RF) excelling in specificity at 76.96%.
Conclusion
This research holds practical implications for targeted interventions based on identified significant factors, utilizing ML models for early detection and risk assessment, enhancing awareness and education, addressing urbanization-related lifestyle changes, improving healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, and implementing workplace interventions to mitigate stress and promote physical activity.
Impact of blood pressure control on left atrial diastolic function as determined by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: MOUSA MOHAMED , El-Salam Zainab Abd , ElSawye Mostafa , Omran Azza , Aly Khaled 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim and Objectives:
The study's objective is to investigate, in recently diagnosed individuals with systemic hypertension, the impact of appropriate blood pressure control on left atrial functions as assessed by 2D speckle echocardiography and electrocardiogram.
Patients and Methods:
Fifty patients with newly diagnosed systemic arterial hypertension who presented to Ain Shams University Hospitals were included in the study. The patients' demographic information, risk factors, general and local examinations, 12-lead ECGs, 2D speckle tracking echocardiograms, and laboratory measurements were evaluated. Following six months of appropriate blood pressure (BP) control in accordance with JNC 10, the patients were followed up.
Results
PALS (peak atrial longitudinal strain) increased in the current study, with a mean change of 35.04 ± 4.33 to 38.92 ± 5.52 and a P-value < 0. 001. The mean of PACS (peak atrial contraction strain) increased from 17.38 ± 4.67 to 20.46 ± 4.39, with a P-value of less than 0.001. The mitral peak early (E) and the septal mitral annular velocities (e`) and their average E/e' showed decrease with change of the mean from 8.8 ± 0.93 to 7.8 ± 1.16, with a P-value of less than 0.001. The mean of the left atrial stiffness index (LASI) decreased from 0.24 ± 0.04 to 0.2 ± 0.03, with a P-value less than 0.001. The ECG follow-up showed no discernible change in the P wave's duration or amplitude with P values of 0.135 and 0.785 respectively.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed that patients with hypertension may benefit from using speckle tracking imaging to identify mild impairment of left atrial (LA) function. PALS, PACS, E/e', and LASI improve in hypertensive patients when blood pressure is well controlled. Further research is warranted to better understand the significance of LA function using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in the prediction of atrial fibrillation and the risk of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This study highlights how important it is to measure LA function in hypertensive patients.
Association between palliative sedation and survival in terminally ill patients with cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Mengmeng , Zhang Xinyan , Li Zhigang , Niu Jiejie , Zhang Zhen , Qi Jiachen , Lu Guijun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Palliative care in China is in its early stages of development, with insufficient research on palliative sedation, especially concerning its potential effects on survival. This study aimed to conduct a cohort study among terminally ill patients with cancer in a palliative care ward to investigate the association between palliative sedation and survival.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to the palliative care ward in Beijing Tsing Changgung Hospital from January 2019 to June 2023. Based on the administration of palliative sedation, patients were categorized into sedation and non-sedation groups. We compared survival between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using R and Free Statistics software.
Results
In this study, we included 212 terminal patients, with 121 undergoing palliative sedation and 91 not receiving sedation. The median survival for the sedation group was 12 days (95% CI: 9.519–14.481), compared to 7 days (95% CI: 4.811–9.189) for the non-sedation group, with a log-rank p-value of < 0.001, indicating significantly longer survival for the sedation group. After adjusting all key confounding factors, the mortality risk was 40% lower in the sedation group compared to the non-sedation group (HR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.43–0.82, P = 0.002).
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that palliative sedation not only does not shorten but may potentially prolong the survival of terminally ill patients with cancer. This provides significant theoretical and practical support for palliative care physicians, allowing for the judicious use of palliative sedation when necessary.
Postoperative peritumoral edema is correlated with the prognosis in intracranial meningioma with preoperative peritumoral edema
Authors: Ying Yu-Zhe , Li Hao-Yi , Dong Ge-Hong , Ren Xiao-Hui , Wang Gui-Huai , Jiang Zhong-Li 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Peritumoral edema (PTE) in intracranial meningiomas correlates to surgical outcomes. But only depending on preoperative PTE in meningioma does not accurately predict the prognosis after resection. We aimed to investigate whether postoperative PTE could improve the prediction of prognosis of meningioma with preoperative PTE.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed postoperative MRI scans in 3 months after operation of 371 patients with preoperative PTE of meningioma that underwent surgery between 2015 and 2017. All the patients were classified into two different groups according to whether had postoperative PTE receded within 3 months after operation. Clinical manifestations, histopathology characteristics, radiology data and follow-up outcomes were noted. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare clinical characteristics. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis and Kaplan‒Meier methods were utilized to screen for clinical prognostic factors.
Result
Kaplan-Meier model showed that the progression-free survival of patients with postoperative PTE are shorter than who with postoperative PTE receded in 3 months after operation (HR = 3.30, P = 0.006). Multivariate Cox analyses showed that the risk factors of meningioma recurrence: high WHO grades (HR = 4.989, P<0.001), superior sagittal sinus invasion (HR = 2.290, P = 0.047), postoperative PTE in 3 months after operation (HR = 1.804, P = 0.044) and subtotal resection (HR = 3.940, P = 0.003).
Conclusion
According to our research, we found that postoperative PTE in 3 months after operation is related to the outcomes of meningioma with preoperative PTE. Besides, we demonstrated that there were also some factors for recurrence: male, high WHO grades, superior sagittal sinus invasion and subtotal resection.
Construction and immunotherapy analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma prognostic model based on membrane tension-related genes
Authors: zhu pengfei , Zhu Zijuan , Chen Zheling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background：
The membrane of tumor epithelial cells is more flexible than normal cells, and higher membrane tension can effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of tumor cells. Innovative therapies targeting the physical characteristics of tumor cells are worthy of attention. To investigate the prognostic value of membrane tension-related genes (MTGRs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its relationship with immunotherapy.
Method:
We obtained RNA-seq data and clinical characteristics data for HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the (International Cancer Genome Consortium) ICGC database and GEO database. Combined with univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analyses, 3-MTRGs risk model was established. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to verify the model. The Nomogram model was constructed by combining the risk score and clinical characteristics, and its performance was evaluated by calibration curves. We conducted gene differential analysis and functional enrichment analysis on high- and low-risk groups, identifying relevant molecular pathways. Additionally, we analyzed the differences between the two groups in terms of immune cell infiltration, immune-related pathways, and immunotherapy. In addition, we analyzed single-cell sequencing data of HCC patients from the GEO database to study cellular infiltration in the tumor microenvironment and the distribution of model genes across different cell types. Finally, we validated the expression differences of model genes between HCC tissues and normal tissues using the GEO database (GSE121248 and GSE45267).
Results
3-MTRGs (CFL1, CRTC2, SRGAP2) were involved in the model construction, and the prognosis of patients in the low-risk group was better than that in the high-risk group. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and ROC curve illustrated that the model had reliable predictive value. Enrichment analysis showed that high-risk groups were mainly concentrated in the pathways related to TUMOR CELL CYCLE and ECM RECEPTOR INTERACTION. Immuno-correlation analysis of the two groups showed that the high-risk group was associated with immune escape. High-risk HCC patients exhibited notable sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs such as 5 - Fluorouracil, Dasatinib, Osimertinib and Paclitaxel. External data sets showed that the model genes were highly expressed in HCC tissues.
Conclusion
We selected three MTRGs ( CFL1, CRTC2 and SRGAP2) as prognostic indicators of HCC and established a Nomogram model to predict the prognosis and efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC patients.
Impact of Chromosomal Aberrations Detected by Chromosome Banding Analysis in Symptomatic Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Ito Kenichi , Kitagawa Tomoko , Harada Kunihiko , Hirano Kazuhiko , Sekiguchi Naohiro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The clinicopathologic features and prognostic impact of MYD88 L265P (MYDL265P) and CXCR4 mutations (CXCR4Mut) have been well reported, although little is known regarding the impact of chromosomal aberrations (CA) detected by chromosome banding analysis (CBA) in symptomatic Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (sWM). Thus, we investigated the clinicopathologic features and prognostic impact in sWM with CAs identified by CBA.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathologic results and genetic mutations by droplet digital PCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and CBA using the G-banding method from the bone marrow samples of sWM between April 2010 and March 2024 at our institute. The relationship between CAs and clinicopathologic features was evaluated, as well as the time to next treatment (TTNT).
Results
Thirty-five patients were enrolled. The median age was 71 years, and the median hemoglobin level was 10.1 g/dL. The median serum IgM and M-protein levels were 3,120 mg/dL and 3 g/dL, respectively. MYDL265P was found in 30/35 patients (85.7%), whereas CXCR4Mut was found in 3/35 patients (8.6%). Deletion 6q identified by FISH in 5/18 patients (28%), and CAs using CBA in 9/34 patients (26%), including 4/34 (12%) complex karyotypes. sWM with CAs had more anemia (p = 0.04) and hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.007), in addition to higher serum M-protein and IgM levels (p = 0.03). With a median follow-up of 73 months, the median TTNT in patients with and without CAs was 27 and 68 months, respectively.
Conclusions
CAs with CBA may be associated with clinical aggressiveness and shorter TTNT in sWM.
Assessing Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Food Safety Among Dhaka City's Street Food Vendors : A Public Health Issue
Authors: Ahmed Md Jisan , Ali Mahabbat , Alam Kazi Estieque , Mamun Mustakim , Bhuiyan Md Ismile Hossain , Bhandari Prajwal , Chalise Ritu , Naem S. M. Zannatul , Rahi Md Afiqul Islam , Islam Khairul , Bristy Fahmida , Khatun Amina , Sabrin Mirza Synthia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Street food is a popular food culture in Bangladesh, offering affordable and accessible meals to the population. However, it raises significant public health concerns due to inadequate hygiene practices, leading to widespread foodborne illnesses. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the food safety knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of food vendors in Dhaka. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 street food vendors in Dhaka City. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the KAP, and multivariate models, including linear and ordinal logistic regression, were used to explore the associations between these factors. The study revealed that approximately 96% of sellers were male. Most of the participants (48.25%) had a primary level of education and 93.50% of vendors had no training in food safety. Approximately 62% of respondents had adequate knowledge of food safety, 81% had a righteous attitude, and only 12% exhibited a proper food safety practice regarding food handling. Factors such as experience, education, training in food safety and preparation, and body weight of vendors influenced KAP. These results highlight the need for focused education and training on food safety among vendors. The government needs to implement and uphold legislation and regulations concerning food safety among street food vendors.
Fumarate activates the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 pathway by inhibiting KDM4C-mediated H3K36me3 demethylation in FH-knockdown renal cancer cells
Authors: Chen Ni , Xian Jie , pan xiuyi , zheng linmao , yin xiaoxue , zhang mengxin , Wei Yu , Tan Junya , Zhang Mengni , Nie Ling , chen xueqin , Zeng Hao , Zhou Qiao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fumarate is a small molecule metabolite that plays a key role in the malignant transformation of cells, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we discovered that accumulated fumarate in fumarate hydratase (FH)-knockdown ACHN and HK-2 cells competitively binds to α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG), effectively inhibiting the activity of the histone demethylase KDM4C and significantly increasing the level of histone 3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3). The upregulation of H3K36me3 expression triggered the activation of the IL-6/JAK/STAT3 oncogenic signaling pathway and increased the expression of the chemokine CXCL10. Phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) further enhanced programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. Therefore, our study identified a novel regulatory mechanism in FH-knockdown cells in which fumarate accumulation inhibits KDM4C activity, resulting in epigenetic and gene expression dysregulation. Collectively, these findings suggest that combining immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with a STAT3 inhibitor may hold promise for patients with fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma.