bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type I interferon gene expression signature as a marker to predict response to cyclophosphamide based treatment in proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Bulusu Sree Nethra , Mariaselvam Christina Mary , Shah Sanket , Kommoju Vallayyachari , Kavadichanda Chengappa , Harichandrakumar Kotten Thazhath , Thabah Molly , Negi Vir Singh 
Published: July 2024

Objectives To assess the longitudinal effect of cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment on type-I interferon (IFN) signature in proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) and its role in predicting treatment response. Methods Fifty-four biopsy proven proliferative LN patients scheduled to receive high-dose (HD) or low-dose (LD) CYC were recruited and followed up for six months. At six months, patients were classified as clinical responders (CR) or non-responders (NR) to treatment, using the EULAR/EDTA criteria. An IFN-gene based score (IGS) was developed from the mean log-transformed gene expression of MX1, OAS1, IFIT1, OASL, IFIT4, LY6E, IRF7 at baseline, three and six months. Longitudinal changes of IGS within and between groups were assessed and ΔIGS, which is the difference in IGS between baseline and three months was calculated. Independent predictors of non-response were identified and an ROC analysis was performed to evaluate their utility to predict NR. Results There was a dynamic change in IGS within the HD, LD, CR, and NR groups. Compared to baseline, there was a significant decrease in IGS at three months in HD and LD groups (HD group: 2.01 to 1.14, p = .001; LD group = 2.01 to 0.81, p < .001), followed by a significant increase from three to six months in LD group (LD: 0.81 to 1.51, p = .03; HD: 1.14 to 1.54, p = .300). A decrease in IGS from baseline to three months was seen in both CR (2.13 to 0.79, p < .001) and NR groups (1.83 to 1.27, p = .046), and a significant increase from three to six months was observed only in the CR group (CR: 0.79 to 1.57, p = .006; NR: 1.27 to 1.46, p = 1). ΔIGS (baseline to three months) was higher in CR compared to NR group (−1.339 vs −0.563, p = .017). ROC analysis showed that the model comprising of 0.81 fold decrease in IGS from baseline to three months, endocapillary hypercellularity and interstitial inflammation on renal histopathology predicted non-response with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 71.4%. Conclusion In proliferative LN, treated with HD or LD-CYC, combined model comprising of decrease in IGS score by 0.81 fold from baseline to three months, along with important histopathological features such as endocapillary hypercellularity and interstitial inflammation had better predictive capability for non-response.
Characteristics and prognosis of elderly-onset antiphospholipid syndrome: An observational cohort study
Authors: Luo Liang , Cai Qingmeng , Liu Xiangjun , Yun Zelin , Li Xuerong , Yan Rui , Li Chun 
Published: July 2024

Objective Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease mainly affecting young individuals. Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies is recommended for young patients who are suspected to have APS. Yet, it is hard to differentiate APS from other acquired thrombophilia disorders in elderly-onset APS patients. This study aim to investigate the characteristics and prognosis of elderly-onset APS. Methods This is an observational cohort study. Thrombotic APS patients who underwent follow-ups between 2009 and 2022 were included. Elderly-onset APS patients (onset age ≥60 years) were compared to non-elderly-onset APS patients (onset age <60 years) and matched cases of elderly non-APS patients (age ≥60 years with thrombosis). Results A total of 161 APS patients were included in this study, 45 (28.0%) were elderly-onset APS. Stroke (35.6% vs. 18.1%, p = .018) was more common at disease onset in elderly-onset APS patients. Compared to non-elderly-onset patients, elderly-onset APS patients were associated with a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors. Elderly-onset APS patients showed significantly lower positive rate (51.1% vs. 71.6%, p = .014) and ratios [1.24 (1.01–1.38) vs. 1.37 (1.16–1.77), p = .004] of lupus anticoagulant. Elderly-onset APS patients had a significantly higher 10-years cumulative all-cause mortality ( p < .001) and APS-related mortality than non-elderly-onset patients ( p = .002) and elderly non-APS patients ( p = .040). Conclusions Elderly-onset APS patients have unique disease characteristics with higher 10-years cumulative all-cause mortality and APS-related mortality. Early recognition and control of comorbidities may reduce the recurrence of thrombosis and mortality in elderly-onset APS patients.
Organ Donation and Transplantation Coordinators' Experience and needs for ethics education
Authors: You Jayoung , Kim Myoungsoo , Son Sunyoung , Lee Ilhak 
Published: July 2024

Background Transplant coordinators face ethical conflicts in various situations, such as deciding who should receive organ donations and how to consider patient costs and such conflicts are expected to be more frequent in Korea, as organ transplant coordinators in the country perform both organ acquisition and transplantation. Research Aim This study aims to develop an ethics education program to enhance organ transplant coordinators’ ethical competence and address the ethical conflicts faced by them during clinical practice. Research design A descriptive study. Participants and research context An online survey was conducted from March 22 to May 28, 2021. The study was conducted among 160 registered members of the Korea Organ Transplant Coordinators Association. Ultimately, 87 participants agreed to participate in the study. Ethical considerations Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the Institutional Review Board. Results The study revealed variations in the degree of ethical conflict based on the participants' general characteristics. Furthermore, organ transplant coordinators exhibited high levels of ethical competence and expressed a need for ethics education. The findings also indicated a positive correlation between higher ethical competence and greater demand for ethics education. Conclusions Based on the findings, developing standardized ethics education programs tailored to organ transplant coordinators is recommended. These programs should focus on improving ethical decision-making skills and establishing professional ethics. The education provided should be practical, applicable in the clinical setting, and responsive to the participants’ awareness and concerns regarding ethics education.
The RANZCP Workforce Report: Action is needed, now
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C.L. , Wilkes Fiona , Allison Stephen , Maguire Paul A. , Kisely Steve , Bastiampillai Tarun 
Published: July 2024

Objective The RANZCP conducted an anonymous survey of 7200 members (trainees and psychiatrists) in December 2023, receiving 1269 responses, representing the views of roughly 1 in 6 members, and of the respondents, three quarters reported experiencing burnout in the last 3 years. We provide a commentary, citing evidence from relevant previous research, discussing the implications and proposing potential interventions. Conclusions Members of the RANZCP reported worsening workforce shortages, with 9 in 10 respondents stating that these negatively impacted patient care, and 7 in 10 experiencing symptoms of burnout. Eighty per cent identified workforce shortages as the top contributing factor to such burnout. The aetiology of workforce shortages and burnout is likely due to operational and structural shortfalls in psychiatric services. However, public and private sector employment information was not included in the report. There are a range of strategic, evidence-based interventions to address the psychiatrist and trainee workforce challenges, comprising general healthcare service as well as specific initiatives. Based on the findings of the report, such interventions are needed, now.
Development and Validation of the Psychological Motivations for Playing Video Games scale (PMPVGs)
Authors: Gursesli Mustafa Can , Martucci Alessia , Mattiassi Alan D.A. , Duradoni Mirko , Guazzini Andrea 
Published: July 2024

Background The gaming industry is experiencing rapid growth, and videogames in various forms have become an integral part of our daily routines. While research has delved into motivations for playing specific types of videogames, such as online multiplayer games, there is still a need for exploration of the broader concept of video game engagement, irrespective of the genre. Aim The primary aim of this study was to develop and validate a gaming motivation scale that focuses on the intrinsic reasons and psychological aspects of video game motivation. Additionally, the goal was to create a scale that does not rely on game genres to assess gamers’ motivational profiles. Research methods The study was conducted in two phases, involving a total of 2641 Italian participants. In the first phase, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed with data from Italian 543 participants ( M = 28.92; sd = 8.26). In the second phase, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with data collected from 2098 participants ( M = 31.60, sd = 8.81), showing an adequate fit to the theorized model (𝑥2 (878) =3843.28; CFI = .95, TLI = .95, RMSEA = .040, and SRMR = .042). Key Findings and Discussion In the first part of the study, EFA confirmed 14 dimensions out of the original 18. While CFA demonstrated that the scale had good reliability, with values ranging from .77 to .94. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between the Psychological Motivations for playing Video Games (PMPVGs) scale and dimensions from the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ) and Gaming Motivation Scale (GAMS) scales. The final version of the scale comprises 12 dimensions with 45 items in total and it holds potential to explore the players’ psychological needs satisfied through the gaming activity.
Estimated Time of Arrival: Impact of Healthcare Disparities on Access to and Outcomes of Multidisciplinary Cleft Lip and Palate Care
Authors: Asadourian Paul , Valenti Alyssa B. , Michalowski Alexandra , Truong Albert Y. , Borys Nell , LaValley Myles , Modi Vikash , Imahiyerobo Thomas A. 
Published: July 2024

Objective To determine the impact of sociodemographic and clinical factors on patient presentation into the cleft care pathway and determine how delayed interventions may affect post-surgical outcomes. Design Retrospective study. Setting Multidisciplinary craniofacial clinics of two university hospitals. Patients, Participant 135 patients with cleft lip and/or palate. Interventions Primary cheiloplasty, primary palatoplasty. Main Outcome Measures Age at initial presentation, age at first surgery, lag time, delayed surgery, rate of return to the emergency department (ED), readmission rate, reoperations, and oronasal fistula development. Results Patients referred by OBGYN who underwent cheiloplasty had an earlier age at initial presentation (p < 0.01), earlier age at first surgery (p = 0.01), and a shorter lag time (p < 0.01) compared to children from other referral pathways. African American children had an older age at first surgery (p = 0.01) and a longer lag time (p = 0.02) when compared to non-African American children. Children with syndromes had an older age at first surgery (p < 0.01) and a longer lag time (p < 0.01) than children without syndromes. Patient race, cleft type, and syndromic status increased the odds of receiving delayed surgery. Patients who received delayed palatoplasty returned to the ED at a higher rate than patients who received non-delayed palatoplasty (p = 0.02). Conclusions Our data suggest that referral source, race, and syndromic status influence the timeliness of cleft care. Surgeons should develop strong referral networks with local OBGYNs and hospitals to allow for an early entry into the cleft care pathway.
Dynamic modeling and piezoelectric active vibration control of a thin-walled hull for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Li Chong , Bai Xin , Wang Pingchang , Fang Jiwen , Lv Mingming 
Published: July 2024

To solve the vibration problem of the thin-walled hull of AUVs, a piezoelectric active control method is used to suppress the vibration of the hull. Adopting improved Donnell–Mushtari theory, the thin-walled cylindrical hull of the AUV was theoretically modeled, and the natural frequency of the system was solved by numerical analysis. Based on the established dynamic equations, the PID controller and fuzzy PID controller were designed. An experimental platform for vibration control was set up to test the active vibration control of a thin-walled hull under transient, sinusoidal, and random excitations. The results show that the minimum natural frequency of the selected experimental hull is 588.1 Hz, and the error between the theoretically calculated and the simulated frequency of the first six orders is less than 1%. Under the fuzzy PID control, the stability time of the hull vibration with transient excitation is reduced by 43%, whereas the active vibration control effect can reach 31.4% with the sinusoidal excitation of 10 Hz. The results of the study provide theoretical basis and experimental support for the vibration control of AUVs.
Marketing Strategies Used by Tobacco Companies Targeting the Queer Community
Authors: Lewis Kendra , Cunningham Diamond , Valera Pamela 
Published: July 2024

Background: This study described the marketing strategies tobacco companies use to advertise tobacco products to the Queer community. Methods: In this secondary qualitative analysis, 15 Queer participants were interviewed to explore their life experiences with tobacco product advertisements during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Participants self-reported as male (n = 5), followed by female (n = 4), gender non-binary (n = 4) and, transgender (n = 2). In addition, most participants identified as Black/African American (n = 7) or White (n = 7). Many participants identified as Bisexual (n = 5) or Queer (n = 4). Using narrative analysis, the themes for this study were: (1) tobacco and vaping companies target minoritized and Queer people; (2) tobacco and vape companies maintain their presence by sponsoring local Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, and other community (LGBTQIA+) bars and Pride events, often through giveaways and coupons; and (3) the use of social media influencers represents a new social marketing technique. As a result, Queer participants were more likely to encounter many different types of advertisements from tobacco companies and, most recently, social media influencers. Conclusion: Social media influencers are a new factor that needs further study to understand the new tobacco advertising landscape.
MRI-informed machine learning-driven brain age models for classifying mild cognitive impairment converters
Authors: Lu Hanna , Li Jing 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND Brain age model, including estimated brain age and brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD), has shown great potentials for serving as imaging markers for monitoring normal ageing, as well as for identifying the individuals in the pre-diagnostic phase of neurodegenerative diseases. PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the brain age models in normal ageing and mild cognitive impairments (MCI) converters and their values in classifying MCI conversion. METHODS Pre-trained brain age model was constructed using the structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) project (N = 609). The tested brain age model was built using the baseline, 1-year and 3-year follow-up MRI data from normal ageing (NA) adults (n = 32) and MCI converters (n = 22) drew from the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS-2). The quantitative measures of morphometry included total intracranial volume (TIV), gray matter volume (GMV) and cortical thickness. Brain age models were calculated based on the individual’s morphometric features using the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. RESULTS With comparable chronological age, MCI converters showed significant increased TIV-based (Baseline: P = 0.021; 1-year follow-up: P = 0.037; 3-year follow-up: P = 0.001) and left GMV-based brain age than NA adults at all time points. Higher brain-PAD scores were associated with worse global cognition. Acceptable classification performance of TIV-based (AUC = 0.698) and left GMV-based brain age (AUC = 0.703) was found, which could differentiate the MCI converters from NA adults at the baseline. CONCLUSIONS This is the first demonstration that MRI-informed brain age models exhibit feature-specific patterns. The greater GMV-based brain age observed in MCI converters may provide new evidence for identifying the individuals at the early stage of neurodegeneration. Our findings added value to existing quantitative imaging markers and might help to improve disease monitoring and accelerate personalized treatments in clinical practice.
How do care partners overcome the challenges associated with falls of community-dwelling older people with dementia? A qualitative study
Authors: Zhou Yuanjin , Thakkar Nirali , Phelan Elizabeth A , Ishado Emily , Li Chih-Ying , Borson Soo , Sadak Tatiana 
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives Previous studies have found that falls among community-dwelling older people with dementia negatively impact the health and well-being of their relative/friend care partners. Limited studies have explored the challenges care partners experience because of older people’s falls (including fall incidents and fall risks). We sought to investigate care partners’ experiences of these challenges and how care partners responded. Methods We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of 48 dementia care partner interviews (age range: 33–86, mean: 61, 70.8% women; 58.3% adult children; 29.2% spouse; 62.5% completed college; 25% people of color), conducted after a health crisis of older people with dementia from three local university-affiliated hospitals in the United States. Findings Care partners reported that falls in older people with dementia can intensify overall care demands and lead to self-sacrificing behaviors, dissatisfaction with healthcare providers, conflicts with care recipients, and intense emotions. Care partners described several adaptations to mitigate these impacts, including practicing acceptance, approaching falls as an opportunity for learning, facilitating collaborations within formal/informal care networks, collaborating with older people with dementia to balance autonomy and safety, and modifying the physical environment. Discussions and Implications Falls among older people with dementia are a significant stressor and an important activation stimulus for their care partners. Our findings suggest that care partners are “second clients” and “competent collaborators.” As they provide important insights about fall prevention, care partners should be engaged to co-design new multi-level interventions to facilitate collaborations among care networks, older people with dementia, and service providers.
Sustainable syngas production: Economic and circular economy benefits of PET waste gasification
Authors: Okoye Ifeanyi J. , Zein Sharif H. , Oko Eni , Jalil A. A. 
Published: July 2024

This paper promotes awareness of the circular economy as a superior waste disposal system alternative. The novelty of this study is to model cleaner energy generation from the gasification of polyethene terephthalate (PET) waste accompanied by a detailed analysis on the economic feasibility. In the approximate analysis of PET, the percentage values for Ash and hydrogen were low (0 and 4.21, respectively). This parameter significantly impacted the Ash and hydrogen contents of the output gas, as it directly influenced the PET feedstock to a more excellent heating value (23.34 MJ/kg) and lower heating value (10.63 MJ/kg). Temperature and pressure are treated as free variables throughout each block during the gasification procedures. A sensitivity study revealed that the PET moisture content has no significant effect on the product composition. The economic analysis indicated that the gasification process could be economically viable. The economic analysis of the process considered the comprehensive evaluation of the plant’s financial aspects. The economic evaluation indicated that the facility would reach the break-even point by the end of its third year of operation, demonstrating its economic viability, with an NPV of £77,574,506.37 and an ROI of 40.1% for the suggested 25-year operational period of the facility.
The Good Death: The Interplay Between Group Dynamics, End of Life Decision Making, and Creative Consumption
Authors: Rockwell Casey , Davis Lenita , Butski Noelle 
Published: July 2024

Background Although death is a primary motivator of behavior, it is not widely studied in marketing. Focus of the Article Through case analysis, integration of literature, and in-depth interviews of terminally ill patients, we explore the factors that change the consumption of medical treatment and the social issues that arise between themselves and other key stakeholders. Research Question What variables impact the decision-making process of terminally ill patients who choose to use an illegal treatment option? Program Design/Approach We explore the factors influencing consumption practices at the end of life through case analysis, literature integration, and in-depth interviews of terminally ill patients. Importance to Social Marketing Field This research gives social marketers a rare glimpse into the mind of the consumer at a pivotal moment of consumption end-of-life. Our exploration shows that when the conventional medical system fails, medical consumers engage in creative consumption patterns. Understanding these patterns allows social marketers to better understand and engage with terminally or chronically ill consumers. Methods This is a qualitative study using in-depth interviews. Results This study found that having an intimate relationship with mortality eliminates or weakens the constraints of cultural institutions and social groups as a part of the decision-making process.
Chronic Kidney Disease and Charcot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy of Foot in Diabetes
Authors: Ghosh Jayaditya , Arjunan Durairaj , Singh Raveena , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Rastogi Ashu 
Published: July 2024

Introduction Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) occurs late in diabetes and may cause fracture, deformity, and higher mortality. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects bone metabolism and contributes to mortality. However, there is no data on prevalence of CNO and its outcomes with coexisting DKD (or chronic kidney disease [CKD]). Methods To ascertain the prevalence of CKD (pick CKD or DKD) among patients with CNO and delineate the remission of active CNO and subsequent lower extremity amputation and all-cause mortality during prospective follow-up. Consecutive patients with diabetic CNO (active or inactive) were enrolled and subsequently divided into those with and without CKD (pick CKD or DKD) (Group A and Group B, respectively). A preestablished timeframe of 36 weeks was utilized to evaluate the remission proportion of active CNO. Results A total of 493 CNO patients were observed and 449 subjects (150 patients had active CNO) were further evaluated. The overall prevalence of diabetic nephropathy (DKD or CKD?) CNO was 43.7%. The proportion of patients achieving remission was significantly lower in Group A compared to Group B (OR 0.468, CI [0.239-0.934], P = .025), however, the median time for achieving remission was similar between the 2 groups (14 weeks vs 16 weeks, P = .885). Overall, all-cause mortality was notably higher Group A compared to Group B (OR 2.23, 95% CI [1.474-3.368]) over a median follow-up of 4 years. No significant differences were observed in rates of diabetic foot ulcers (58.2% vs 54.9%; P = .584) and amputations (17.4% vs 15.12%; P = .889) between Group A and Group B. Conclusion Patients of CNO with coexisting CKD have poor prognosis both in terms of likelihood of active CNO remission and higher mortality.