bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Keratoconus and Characteristics of Refractive Errors in First-Degree Relatives of Patients With Keratoconus Among Egyptians
Authors: Mousa Rasha Mohamed , Saif Mohamed Yaseer Sayed , Said Mostafa Abd Elnaby , Mohamed Taher Reem Mostafa 
Published: June 2024

Purpose:
This study investigated the occurrence of keratoconus among first-degree relatives of patients with keratoconus and evaluated their refractive characteristics.

Method:
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 248 relatives of 52 patients with keratoconus in whom bilateral eye analysis was conducted. Corneal tomography was performed for all participants with a comprehensive analysis of various parameters, including K1, K2, Kmax, elevation, skewing, and thinnest location. In addition, the following data were also analyzed: uncorrected visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, refraction measurements alongside a slit-lamp examination, and fundus examination.

Results:
Among 248 participants, 19 (7.7%) had keratoconus, 3.2% had forme fruste, and 15.3% had suspected keratoconus. Among all studied cases, 73.8% had normal corneas. Significant differences (P = 0.001) were found in the distribution of keratoconus prevalence among brothers, mothers, sons, and sisters (13.6%, 4.3%, 5.6%, and 12.1%, respectively). The presence of refractive errors also showed significant differences between the relatives (P = 0.03).

Conclusions:
Increased keratoconus prevalence among relatives of patients with keratoconus indicates the vulnerability of this population to the development of the disease, necessitating early screening of this group for detection of keratoconus as early as possible.
Assessing Heart Failure Self-management Knowledge Through Vignettes
Authors: da Costa Ferreira Oberfrank Natany , Watkinson Erica , Buck Harleah , Lopez Karen Dunn 
Published: June 2024

Background
Heart failure (HF) self-care is key to managing symptoms, but current HF knowledge instruments are at risk for social desirability bias (ie, tendency to respond in a way that is viewed favorably). Vignettes may be a useful method to mitigate this bias by measuring knowledge via scenarios in which individuals with HF are invited to respond to fictional characters' self-management problems rather than disclosing their own practices.

Objective
The aims of the study were to develop and test the content validity of vignettes measuring individuals' knowledge of HF symptom self-management.

Methods
The study had 3 phases. In phase 1, two vignettes were developed. One focused on psychological symptom self-management (ie, anxiety, depression), and the other focused on physical symptom self-management (ie, edema, fatigue). In phase 2, the research team and lay experts made improvements to the vignettes' readability. In phase 3, five HF self-care nurse experts evaluated the vignettes' clarity and importance with a 3-point Likert-type scale using Delphi methods. We calculated the vignettes' content validity using the scale-level content validity index.

Results
The final content validation encompassed 2 Delphi rounds (phase 3), yielding a scale-level content validity index of 0.92 and 0.94 for the psychological and physical symptom vignettes, respectively. These results indicate excellent initial content validity.

Conclusions
The content of vignettes measuring individuals' knowledge of HF symptom self-management is valid based on the opinions of nurse experts. The vignettes offer a promising method to assess knowledge about HF self-care management without the pressure of disclosing individual patient practices.
Optimization of Endoscopic Ultrasound Characteristics in the Diagnosis of Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm
Authors: Kobayashi Masanori , Niimi Mao , Katsuda Hiromune , Akahoshi Keiichi , Kinowaki Yuko , Sasaki Masanao , Hirakawa Akihiro , Tateishi Ukihide , Tanabe Minoru , Okamoto Ryuichi 
Published: June 2024

Objectives
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an excellent diagnostic tool that provides high-resolution images of pancreatic cystic lesions. However, its role in the diagnosis of malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) remains limited and unclear. We aimed to determine the usefulness of this modality for such diagnosis.

Methods
Overall, 246 patients who underwent EUS for IPMN after computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from April 2018 to June 2021 were followed up until March 2022. We assessed the added value of performing EUS after CT or MRI for diagnosing malignant IPMN, using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Walls as thick as 2 mm were considered thickened in this study if they were highly uneven.

Results
EUS clearly enhanced accuracy in identifying enhancing nodules and thickened walls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were 0.655 (0.549–0.760) and 0.566 (0.478–0.654) upon CT/MRI but 0.853 (0.763–0.942) and 0.725 (0.634–0.817) when observed using EUS. The combination of nodule size, thickened wall, and main duct size yielded the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.944 [0.915–0.973]).

Conclusions
EUS more accurately detects malignant IPMN, as uneven wall thickening and certain nodules cannot be identified with CT/MRI.
Shifting to an app-based method of preoperative templating in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Samarita Chloe Marie C. , Coruña Juan Agustin D. , Coruña Jose Maria R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Preoperative templating plays an important part in attaining successful surgical outcomes after fracture fixation. Traditionally, surgeons have performed this task with printed radiographs, tracing paper, and colored markers. Now that digital radiography is ubiquitous, and digital templating platforms are needed but are expensive and may not be available to all surgeons, especially those in low-income and middle-income countries. In this study, we evaluate an innovative and user-friendly method using a mobile app that may facilitate the use of digital templating for all surgeons worldwide.

Methods:
A study involving 2 groups of residents (N = 12) was conducted. Group A (n = 6) was assigned to do conventional templating; Group B (n = 6) was assigned to perform digital templating. Each group then switched to the other templating method and the process was repeated. Conventional templates were evaluated using the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO-ASIF) guidelines of template completeness. Digital templates were assessed using Image-Based Surgery Planning. Each subject in both groups completed templates for 3 injury patterns: AO 2R2A3/2U2C2, 32B2, and 43C2. Wilcoxon signed-rank and binomial tests (5% level of significance) were used for statistical analysis.

Results:
Template processing, fracture classification, and plan elaboration were comparable between the traditional and digital template groups, with good interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (all |z values| below 1.96, all P-values > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the evaluation scores for either exercise, whether doing a traditional standard template or the digital template (P value > 0.05).

Conclusions:
This study shows that digital templating can achieve the same goals as conventional preoperative templating for fracture fixation. With the ubiquity of digital radiography, digital templating provides an opportunity to visualize fracture configurations and create an optimum preoperative plan for fracture reconstruction using an innovative and user-friendly platform.
Responsiveness and clinically important differences of the PROMIS short form—depression 8a, anxiety 8a, and PASS-20 in individuals with chronic low back pain
Authors: Phongsaphakjarukorn Nuttapong , Kanlayanaphotporn Rotsalai , Jensen Mark P. , Janwantanakul Prawit 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Depression and anxiety are the most commonly reported mental health conditions. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0—Depression 8a (PROMIS-D-8a), Anxiety 8a (PROMIS-Anx8a), and Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 (PASS-20) measures were designed to assess depression, general anxiety, and pain-related anxiety, respectively.

Objectives:
To examine the responsiveness and estimate the clinically important differences (CIDs) of the Thai version of these measures in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods:
The study sample comprised 144 participants with CLBP. Responsiveness was evaluated by calculating the change scores, effect sizes (ESs), standardized response means (SRMs), area under the curve (AUC), and correlations between the change scores and associated Global Perceived Effect (GPE). We also estimated CIDs by the difference in mean change score between improved and unchanged groups and standard error of measurement (SEM) for each measure.

Results:
Statistically significant differences in the mean change scores, ESs, and SRMs supported the responsiveness of all measures. The AUCs achieved acceptable discriminatory ability (0.71–0.72) for moderate improvement but not for any improvement (0.65–0.68). The correlations between GPE and change scores on all measures were low (r ranging 0.28–0.33). The estimated CIDs for the PROMIS-D-8a, PROMIS-Anx8a, and PASS-20 were 3.64, 4.20, and 8.80, respectively.

Conclusion:
The PROMIS-D-8a, PROMIS-Anx8a, and PASS-20 measures were sensitive for detecting clinical changes over time in individuals with CLBP. The CID values can be used as reference points for assessing meaningful improvements in the domains assessed by these scales in clinical and research practice.
Impact of Implant Exchange Timing after Postmastectomy Radiation in Immediate Tissue Expander Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Chang Ashley E. , Niu Ellen F. , Honig Stephanie E. , Broach Robyn B. , Serletti Joseph M. , Azoury Saïd C. 
Published: June 2024

Background:
The use of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) in the setting of immediate 2-stage breast reconstruction is becoming increasingly widespread. However, the timeframe of tissue expander exchange for permanent implant placement following PMRT is not well defined, and it remains unclear what time interval optimizes surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Methods:
A systematic review conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 was completed. The PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched under keywords pertaining to concepts of tissue expander breast reconstruction and PMRT. Inclusion criteria encompassed primary articles on tissue expander breast reconstruction with adjuvant radiation therapy reporting timing of exchange to permanent implant following radiation therapy and surgical outcomes.

Results:
Of the initial 1259 publications, 15 studies met our inclusion criteria, and 11 studies had granular enough data to use for pooled analysis. Implant exchange less than 6 months after PMRT was found to be associated with increased incidence of wound dehiscence (17.12% versus 3.64%; P < 0.001) and hematoma (25% versus 2.59%; P < 0.001) compared with exchange after 6 months. There was no significant difference in incidence of surgical-site infection, seroma, capsular contracture, or reconstructive failure.

Conclusions:
Expander-to-implant exchange at less than 6 months is associated with a higher incidence of wound dehiscence and hematoma formation but does not increase the risk of reconstruction failure. The limited research on ideal timing prompts further investigation to optimize surgical outcomes for the increasing patient population undergoing PMRT and immediate 2-stage breast reconstruction.
Flare Phenomenon After 177Lu-DOTA-IBA Therapy in Bone Metastases of Lung Cancer
Authors: Hua Qingchu , Wang Wei , Qu Gengcuo , Pei Wenjie , Chen Yue 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The flare phenomenon is a transient increase in the number or intensity of lesions on bone scans after treatment, signifying curative effect. DOTA-ibandronic acid (DOTA-IBA) is a new prodrug that targets bone metastases and can be labeled with 177Lu. Here, we report the case of a 58-year-old woman with bone metastasis, in whom the flare phenomenon was observed after 4 cycles of 177Lu-DOTA-IBA treatment. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment and follow-up periods.
Revisiting the Hepatorenal Index in the Quantification of Hepatic Steatosis: How it is done and the utility
Authors: Duncan Kevin , Vealé Beth L. 
Published: June 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern identified initially in 1980 by Ludwig, Viggiano, McGill, and Oh (Clin Liver Dis. 2018;22:11–21) and, as of 2019, accounted for 25%–30% of the global population. NAFLD is associated with several metabolic health conditions and is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, otherwise known as hepatic steatosis. Fat in the liver can be quantified using noninvasive imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and ultrasound. Hepatorenal index (HRI) is an ultrasound-based technique that compares the ratio of the echogenicity of the liver and the kidney. This literature review aimed to determine the utility of the HRI measurement in quantifying hepatic steatosis.

Methods
Twenty-three peer-reviewed articles on HRI measurements published between 2018 through 2023 were reviewed, and 11 were selected based on common subjects. The search terms included “hepatorenal index,” “HRI,” “HRI ultrasound,” “hepatorenal ultrasound index,” and “HRI ultrasound measurement.”
Three common subject areas were identified in the literature and synthesized down to 11 articles. The common subjects identified were HRI technique, HRI limitations, and HRI diagnostic accuracy. The matrix provided a quick overview of the general information in each piece, aiding in the paper's overall organization. Thirteen articles were rejected as not relevant or out of date. The research question leading this review was, “What does the literature say about the value of HRI in determining moderate to severe hepatic steatosis?”

Results
The literature revealed that HRI could be valuable in determining moderate to severe hepatic steatosis. HRI could not accurately determine normal or mild steatosis and has several limitations.

Conclusions
HRI is a more objective method for determining the degree of hepatic steatosis compared with traditional B-mode ultrasound scoring and does not require additional or specialized equipment. Many studies excluded patients with various liver diseases, which may not make HRI a practical tool for clinical usefulness. Further studies should be conducted with larger patient cohorts, a greater degree of hepatic steatosis, and determine specific standardized cutoff values.
MECHANISM OF MICRORNA-218-5P IN MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESIS OF SEPSIS-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY BY THE REGULATION OF PGC-1Α
Authors: Kuang Jing , Fang Jun , Hu Shuli , Yang Xiuhong , Fan Xuepeng 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background: Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SI-AKI) is a kind of kidney dysfunction, which brings a lot of suffering. This study aimed to figure out the role of the miR-218-5p/PGC-1α axis in SI-AKI. Methods: AKI mouse model was established through cecal ligation and puncture. PGC-1α expression was activated using an activator ZLN005 before the serum and tissue samples were collected. Next, pathological structure and apoptosis of kidney tissues were observed. Levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed. Moreover, reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential levels, adenosine 5′-triphosphate content, and mitochondrial ultrastructure of kidney tissues were observed. HK2 cells were treated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic sepsis in vitro, followed by evaluation of cell survival and apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Subsequently, the binding relation between PGC-1α and miR-218-5p was predicted and validated. Then expression of PGC-1α and miR-218-5p was detected. PGC-1α and miR-218-5p expression were intervened to detect their influences in mitochondrial biogenesis. At last, miR-218-5p was overexpressed in ZLN005 (PGC-1α activating agent) pretreated SI-AKI mice to validate the mechanism. Results: PGC-1α is poorly expressed in SI-AKI, but overexpression of PGC-1α using ZLN005 alleviated SI-AKI injury and promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in AKI mice, and relieved LPS-induced cell injury. PGC-1α is a target of miR-218-5p. Downregulation of miR-218-5p expression in HK2 cells attenuated mitochondrial biogenesis disorder. Inhibition of PGC-1α annulled the role of miR-218-5p silencing in cells. In vivo, miR-218-5p overexpression partly reversed the protective role of ZLN005 in SI-AKI mice. Conclusion: miR-218-5p targeted PGC-1α to disrupt mitochondrial biogenesis, thereby exacerbating SI-AKI.
Comparison of the effects and mechanisms of Alismatis Rhizoma with and without salt processing in ameliorating edema due to kidney Yin deficiency based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and transcriptomics
Authors: Yan Lin , Ou Zemin , Cheng Yi , Tong Yan , Iqbal Javed , Wang Jinyu , Liu Dewen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Salt-processed Alismatis Rhizoma (SAR) is extensively used in clinical practice and exhibits a more robust urination-promoting effect than Alismatis Rhizoma (AR). This study employed ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and pattern analysis to compare the terpenoids between AR and SAR. Additionally, this study compared the effects of AR and SAR on the gene expression in the kidneys of the rat model of edema (syndrome of kidney Yin deficiency) by transcriptomics to decipher the mechanism of salt processing.

Materials and methods
AR and SAR were extracted by ultrasonication, and data were collected by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS in the positive ion mode. Transcriptome sequencing was employed to determine the gene expression levels of the rat model treated with AR and SAR, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment was performed for the DEGs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was built, on the basis of which the core targets were screened out. Finally, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to verify the core targets.

Results
A total of 63 terpenoids were detected in AR and SAR, and salt processing had a significant effect on the content of terpenoids. AR and SAR mainly participated in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses, and SAR regulated more DEGs than AR. Additionally, SAR exerted more extensive regulatory effects on the targets than AR.

Conclusion
Salt processing mainly changes the content of chemical compounds in AR, which may indirectly optimize the proportion of the main compounds to enhance the therapeutic effect while reducing the toxicity. AR and SAR mainly ameliorate the edema due to kidney Yin deficiency by reducing inflammation and improving immunity. Finally, SAR regulates more genes and signaling pathways and exerts more extensive regulatory effects than AR.
Review of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation and related devices
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Xinjiang , Feng Bowen , Zhang Shuai , Zheng Yanfeng , Xin Chen , Su Chong , Wang Fang , Wu Mozheng , Zhang Jinling , Liu Yuqi , Li Liang , Zaslawski Chris , Rong Peijing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A review was undertaken of the operation process and development of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) and related devices for TEAS, with the aim to offer a reference for developing an international standard for the basic safety and essential performance of the devices. The articles related to TEAS and instruction of devices for TEAS were searched using the EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases with the time period from inception to July 18, 2023. In the absence of a parameter description of the stimulators, a multimeter was used to measure the output voltage, resistance, and current. Thirty-two related devices for TEAS were obtained. The safety parameters of most devices were neither clearly defined, nor standardized, and in some cases were missing. There was a noticeable disparity in the upper safety limits of the output current among the devices. The sizes of the skin electrode pads as well as the lengths of the electrode connecting wires of most devices were not clearly indicated. Acupoints on different parts of the human body, including the upper limbs, head, auricle, chest, abdomen, trunk, and lower limbs, required different maximum tolerable current intensities and current densities. It is important to indicate comprehensive output/safety parameters and essential performance for devices for TEAS to meet the need of global distribution, achieve precise stimulation parameters at different acupoints across the human body, and allay any safety concern of national therapeutic device authorities, the regulators, manufacturers, and end users.
Impact of life origins on metabolism
Authors: Vazquez Alexei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLiving organisms are defined by self-replication and self-confinement. We expect these two properties to shape the metabolic capabilities of cells. Here I demonstrate that the maximum growth rate of cells is, in a first approximation, the geometric mean between the maximum rate of ribosome self-replication and the maximum rate of macromolecular synthesis allowed by the interior volume defined by the cell membrane. I also show how these constraints are buried into the biomass compositions of flux balance models.
Disruption of sustained attention and orbitofrontal cortex engagement by incoming social media messages vary as a function of problematic social media use
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Liu Huafang , Kendrick Keith M. , Montag Christian , Becker Benjamin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundSmartphones and social media have become ubiquitous in our lives, and while debates about their negative impact on mental health, addictive potential, and disruptive effects on daily activities have surged, neurobiological evidence remains scarce. Here, we investigated whether the behavioral and neural effects of interference of continuous attention by incoming social media messages on WeChat varies according to its problematic use as assessed via an addiction framework.MethodsN = 60 healthy individuals were stratified based on their level of problematic WeChat usage as measured by the WeChat Addiction Scale (WAS): LOW (15 males and 15 females) and HIGH (15 males and 15 females) addictive tendencies. Participants underwent an AX-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) with WeChat-associated (incoming message) and neutral auditory distractors as well as a no distractor condition. Concurrent functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) assessments of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) were implemented to determine the underlying neurofunctional mechanisms.ResultsOn the behavioral level the HIGH group demonstrated faster reaction times during the WeChat and no distractor condition compared to the LOW group. Exploratory analyses indicated that the WeChat distraction decreased left lateral OFC activity in the LOW but enhanced activity in this region in the HIGH group.ConclusionAgainst our hypotheses WeChat distraction enhanced behavioral performance specially in individual with a tendency for problematic WeChat use, with the neural data pointing to less suppression of the OFC in individuals with a tendency for problematic usage. Findings underscore the complexity of the potential effects of new technology on daily live and indicate that addiction models might not be simply extendable to problematic social media usage.