bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of cartilaginous endplate herniation on recovery from percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Qi Hao , Wang Chenchen , Zhao Anqi , Zu Feiyu , Zhang Jianzhou , He Mengzi , Yuan Hongru , Yang Ao , Wang Chenxi , Zhang Di 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the influence of herniation of cartilaginous endplates on postoperative pain and functional recovery in patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) for lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 126 patients with LDH treated with PELD at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2021 to January 2022. Whether cartilaginous endplates had herniated was identified by analyzing these specific findings from MRI scans: posterior marginal nodes, posterior osteophytes, mid endplate irregularities, heterogeneous low signal intensity of extruded material, and Modic changes in posterior corners and mid endplates. Patients were assessed for postoperative pain using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional recovery using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Modified MacNab criteria. Statistical analyses compared outcomes based on the presence of herniation of cartilaginous endplates.

Results
Patients with herniation of cartilaginous endplates experienced higher pain scores early postoperatively but showed significant improvement in pain and functional status over the long term. The back pain VAS scores showed significant differences between the groups with and without herniation of cartilaginous endplates on postoperative day 1 and 1 month (P < 0.05). Leg pain VAS scores showed significant differences on postoperative day 1 (P < 0.05). Modic changes were significantly associated with variations in postoperative recovery, highlighting their importance in predicting patient outcomes. In patients with herniation of cartilaginous endplates, there were statistically significant differences in the back pain VAS scores at 1 month postoperatively and the ODI functional scores on postoperative day 1 between the groups with and without Modic changes (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the surgical outcomes between patients with and without these conditions regarding the Modified MacNab criteria (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
Herniation of cartilaginous endplates significantly affect early postoperative pain and functional recovery in LDH patients undergoing PELD. These findings emphasize the need for clinical consideration of these imaging features in the preoperative planning and postoperative management to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Cardiovascular mortality risk in patients with ovarian cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Hu Ze-Lin , Yuan Ying-Xue , Xia Meng-Yi , Li Ying , Yang Ying , Wang Sheng-Nan , Meng Xuan-Zhu , Sun Mo-Ying , Wang Ning 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Ovarian cancer (OC) can occur at different ages and is affected by a variety of factors. In order to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular mortality in patients with ovarian cancer, we included influencing factors including age, histological type, surgical method, chemotherapy, whether distant metastasis, race and developed a nomogram to evaluate the ability to predict occurrence. At present, we have not found any correlation studies on cardiovascular death events in patients with ovarian cancer. This study was designed to provide targeted measures for effective prevention of cardiovascular death in patients with ovarian cancer.

Methods
Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable Cox proportional model were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of cardiovascular diseases on overall survival (OS) and ovarian cancer‐specific survival (OCSS). We compared multiple groups including clinical, demographic, therapeutic characteristics and histological types. Cox risk regression analysis, Kaplan–Meier survival curves, and propensity score matching were employed for analyzing the data.

Results
A total of 88,653 ovarian cancer patients were collected, of which 2,282 (2.57%) patients died due to cardiovascular-related diseases. Age, chemotherapy and whether satisfactory cytoreduction surgery is still the most important factors affecting the prognosis of ovarian cancer patients, while different histological types, diagnosis time, and race also have a certain impact on the prognosis. The newly developed nomogram model showed excellent predictive performance, with a C-index of 0.759 (95%CI: 0.757–0.761) for the group. Elderly patients with ovarian cancer are still a high-risk group for cardiovascular death [HR: 21.07 (95%CI: 5.21–85.30), p < 0.001]. The calibration curve showed good agreement from predicted survival probabilities to actual observations.

Conclusion
This study found that age, histology, surgery, race, chemotherapy, and tumor metastasis are independent prognostic factors for cardiovascular death in patients with ovarian cancer. The nomogram-based model can accurately predict the OS of ovarian cancer patients. It is expected to inform clinical decision-making and help develop targeted treatment strategies for this population.
The effectiveness of pharmacist-led educational model in adult patients with allergic rhinitis: a single-center randomized control trial protocol (AR-PRISE RCT)
Authors: Chew Chii-Chii , Lim Xin-Jie , Letchumanan Pathma , George Doris , Rajan Philip , Chong Chee Ping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Allergic rhinitis is a chronic respiratory disorder that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life (QoL) and work performance. Pharmacists are recognized as suitable professionals to provide patient education and pharmaceutical care for managing allergic rhinitis patients. However, local clinical practice guidelines, particularly regarding pharmaceutical care in public healthcare institutions, are lacking. This study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led educational model (AR-PRISE Model) in managing allergic rhinitis in adult patients compared to standard pharmaceutical care. The AR-PRISE model delivers patient educational material and a pharmaceutical care algorithm.

Method
This is a 6-month, single-center, prospective, randomized, two-arm, and parallel-group controlled trial. The trial recruits patients attending the otorhinolaryngology clinics of a tertiary referral hospital. Participants are randomized into control or intervention groups in a 1:1 ratio using permuted block randomization. The total number of participants estimated is 154, with each group requiring 77 participants. The control group receives standard pharmaceutical care, while the intervention group receives pharmacist-led education according to the AR-PRISE model. Both groups are assessed for middle turbinate endoscopy findings, disease severity, knowledge level, symptom control, medication adherence, and QoL at baseline and the end-of-study follow-up (day 180 ± 7). Depending on feasibility, intermediate follow-ups are conducted on days 60 ± 7 and 120 ± 7, either virtually or face-to-face. During intermediate follow-ups, participants are assessed for symptom control, medication adherence, and QoL. The intention-to-treat analysis includes all participants assigned to each group. An independent T-test compares the mean difference in knowledge level between the two groups. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA analysis is employed to determine between-group differences for scores of symptom control, adherence rate, and QoL. A P-value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.

Discussion
This study protocol will provide a framework for conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacist-led education intervention in managing allergic rhinitis within public healthcare settings. The parameters measured in this trial will quantify outcomes associated with improvements in symptoms and QoL. By systematically assessing these outcomes, we aim to contribute valuable insights into the role of pharmacist-led interventions in enhancing the management of allergic rhinitis in public healthcare settings.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06027736. Registered on 9 July 2023—retrospectively registered.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection in an adult male patient: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Solela Gashaw , Tenaw Addis A. , Fisseha Henok , Argaw Abel M. , Petros Tamirat , Mengistu Betelhem 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Headache is a frequent symptom in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (pseudotumor cerebri) has been reported among patients who underwent lumbar puncture for persistent headaches.

Case presentation
A 45-year-old black man presented with dyspnea, cough, fever and headache for 05 days followed by blurring of vision associated with worsening of the headache. Physical examination was significant for tachypnea and oxygen desaturation and there were no abnormal neurologic findings. He tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with nasopharyngeal swab PCR. His CSF opening pressure appeared high with normal CSF analysis and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed prominent subarachnoid space around the optic nerves and bilateral papilledema. He had significant improvement with medical therapy alone.

Conclusion
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) may occur in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection and should be considered when making a differential diagnosis for headache and blurring of vision. COVID-19 may play a role in the development of intracranial hypertension, even in the absence of known risk factors. Early diagnosis and treatment of IIH has paramount importance to prevent vision loss and other morbidities.
Event-Triggered confidentiality fusion estimation against eavesdroppers in cyber-physical systems
Authors: Xu Daxing , Chen Zhiqiang , Wang Hailun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSystem state plays an important role in cyber-physical systems (CPSs). Ensuring the security of the CPSs is a key issue that can be widely applied. The confidentiality of system state is a fundamental feature of the CPSs security. This paper studies the distributed fusion estimation problem in the presence of eavesdropper, where local sensors send their estimates to a remote fusion center (FC). To prevent eavesdropping, the event triggered scheduling strategy was adopted on each sensor. Some sufficient conditions on the triggers’ threshold were derived to make the eavesdropping expected covariance unbounded while the expected error covariance for the user remains bounded. Moreover, the distributed confidentiality fusion estimation algorithm is provided to achieve perfect expected secrecy. Finally, simulations of different trigger levels for two local systems are employed to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
A qualitative assessment of provider-perceived barriers to implementing family-based treatment for anorexia nervosa in low-income community settings
Authors: Egbert Amy H. , Irizarry Bailey , Lualdi Elisabeth , Tortolani Christina C. , Donaldson Deidre L. , Goldschmidt Andrea B. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Family-based treatment (FBT) is a front-line empirically supported intervention for adolescent anorexia nervosa, but it is often inaccessible to families from lower income backgrounds, as it is most typically available in specialty research and private practice settings. In preparation for a pilot trial of FBT delivered in the home setting, this study qualitatively examined provider perceptions of implementing FBT in lower-income communities.

Methods
Eating disorder clinicians working in community clinics (therapists, medical doctors, dietitians, and social workers; n = 9) were interviewed about their experiences using FBT. Interview transcripts were analyzed both deductively, using an approach consistent with applied thematic analysis, and inductively, using the Replicating Effective Programs implementation framework, to examine barriers to FBT implementation.

Results
Prevailing themes included concern about the time and resources required of caregivers to participate in FBT, which may not be feasible for those who work full time, have other caregiving demands, and/or lack family support. Psychosocial problems outside of the eating disorder, such as food insecurity, other untreated mental health concerns (in themselves or other family members), or externalizing behaviors on the part of the adolescent, were also discussed as barriers, and participants noted that the lack of cohesive treatment teams in the community make it difficult to ensure continuity of care.

Conclusion
Findings from this qualitative study indicate the need to address systemic socioeconomic barriers to improve the efficacy of implementation of FBT in the community and to understand how provider perceptions of these barriers influence their uptake of FBT.
Genetic regulation of l-tryptophan metabolism in Psilocybe mexicana supports psilocybin biosynthesis
Authors: Seibold Paula Sophie , Dörner Sebastian , Fricke Janis , Schäfer Tim , Beemelmanns Christine , Hoffmeister Dirk 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Although Basidiomycota produce pharmaceutically and ecologically relevant natural products, knowledge of how they coordinate their primary and secondary metabolism is virtually non-existent. Upon transition from vegetative mycelium to carpophore formation, mushrooms of the genus Psilocybe use l-tryptophan to supply the biosynthesis of the psychedelic tryptamine alkaloid psilocybin with the scaffold, leading to a strongly increased demand for this particular amino acid as this alkaloid may account for up to 2% of the dry mass. Using Psilocybe mexicana as our model and relying on genetic, transcriptomic, and biochemical methods, this study investigated if l-tryptophan biosynthesis and degradation in P. mexicana correlate with natural product formation.

Results
A comparative transcriptomic approach of gene expression in P. mexicana psilocybin non-producing vegetative mycelium versus producing carpophores identified the upregulation of l-tryptophan biosynthesis genes. The shikimate pathway genes trpE1, trpD, and trpB (encoding anthranilate synthase, anthranilate phosphoribosyltransferase, and l-tryptophan synthase, respectively) were upregulated in carpophores. In contrast, genes idoA and iasA, encoding indole-2,3-dioxygenase and indole-3-acetaldehyde synthase, i.e., gateway enzymes for l-tryptophan-consuming pathways, were massively downregulated. Subsequently, IasA was heterologously produced in Escherichia coli and biochemically characterized in vitro. This enzyme represents the first characterized microbial l-tryptophan-preferring acetaldehyde synthase. A comparison of transcriptomic data collected in this study with prior data of Psilocybe cubensis showed species-specific differences in how l-tryptophan metabolism genes are regulated, despite the close taxonomic relationship.

Conclusions
The upregulated l-tryptophan biosynthesis genes and, oppositely, the concomitant downregulated genes encoding l-tryptophan-consuming enzymes reflect a well-adjusted cellular system to route this amino acid toward psilocybin production. Our study has pilot character beyond the genus Psilocybe and provides, for the first time, insight in the coordination of mushroom primary and secondary metabolism.
Factors associated with high costs of patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: an observational study using the French CONSTANCES cohort
Authors: Ossima Arnaud Nze , Brzustowski Angélique , Paradis Valérie , Van Beers Bernard , Postic Catherine , Laouénan Cédric , Pol Stanislas , Castéra Laurent , Gautier Jean-François , Czernichow Sebastien , Vallet-Pichard Anais , Larger Etienne , Serfaty Lawrence , Zins Marie , Valla Dominique , Zaleski Isabelle Durand 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background & aims
Despite its high prevalence in the western world metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) does not benefit from targeted pharmacological therapy. We measured healthcare utilisation and identified factors associated with high-cost MASLD patients in France.

Methods
The prevalent population with MASLD (including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) in the CONSTANCES cohort, a nationally representative sample of 200,000 adults aged between 18 and 69, was linked to the French centralised national claims database (SNDS). Study participants were identified by the fatty liver index (FLI) over the period 2015–2019. MASLD individuals were classified according as “high-cost” (above 90th percentile) or “non-high cost” (below 90th percentile). Factors significantly associated with high costs were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results
A total of 14,437 predominantly male (69%) participants with an average age of 53 ± SD 12 years were included. They mainly belonged to socially deprived population groups with co-morbidities such as diabetes, high blood pressure, mental health disorders and cardiovascular complications. The average expenditure was €1860 ± SD 4634 per year. High-cost MASLD cost €10,863 ± SD 10,859 per year. Conditions associated with high-cost were mental health disorders OR 1.79 (1.44–2.22), cardiovascular diseases OR 1.54 (1.21–1.95), metabolic comorbidities OR 1.50 (1.25–1.81), and respiratory disease OR 1.50 (1.11–2.00). The 10% high-cost participants accounted for 58% of the total national health care expenditures for MASLD.

Conclusion
Our results emphasize the need for comprehensive management of the comorbid conditions which were the major cost drivers of MASLD.

Graphical Abstract
Learning in action: embedding the SDGs through the Reach Alliance
Authors: Roll Kate , MacLeod Marin , Agbodjah Sena , Sánchez Siller Iza M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThere has been increasing practical and scholarly interest in the engagement of universities with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, there has been limited examination of international university collaborations focusing on the SDGs and how they become embedded within universities. Addressing this need, this article explores the experiences of three members of the Reach Alliance a consortium of eight higher education institutions from around the globe. Reach supports students and faculty mentors to study how critical interventions can be made accessible to those who are the hardest to reach. This work aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education), as well as SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals) and the Goal’s second universal value of leave no one behind. This commitment to connecting education and societal engagement resonates with Goddard et al.’s work on the civic university as both “globally competitive and locally engaged” (2012: 43). This article focuses on University College London (UK), Ashesi University (Ghana), and Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico), selected for their diverse structures and geographies. For each case, we examine how the Reach Alliance initiative has been institutionally embedded, as well as the role of local and global partnerships in making the case for supporting Reach. We find that Reach’s organisation as an international network has encouraged its adoption by host institutions. The initiative’s emphasis on both local concerns as well as the global goal and networks has also resonated with host institutions. This article will be of interest to those working in sustainability and higher education when considering strategies for introducing or increasing SDG-focussed research and teaching.
Radiation Therapy With or Without Cisplatin for Local Recurrences of Endometrial Cancer: Results From an NRG Oncology/GOG Prospective Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Klopp Ann H. , Enserro Danielle , Powell Matthew , Randall Marcus , Schink Julian C. , Mannel Robert S. , Holman Laura , Bender David , Kushnir Christina L. , Backes Floor , Zweizig Susan L. , Waggoner Steven , Bradley Kristin A. , Lawrence Lana DeSouza , Hanjani Parviz , Darus Christopher J. , Small William , Cardenes Higinia R. , Feddock Jonathan M. , Miller David S. 
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE Pelvic recurrence is a frequent pattern of relapse for women with endometrial cancer. A randomized trial compared progression-free survival (PFS) after treatment with radiation therapy alone as compared with concurrent chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between February 2008 and August 2020, 165 patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either radiation treatment alone or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether chemoradiation therapy was more effective than radiation therapy alone at improving PFS. RESULTS The majority of patients had low-grade (1 or 2) endometrioid histology (82%) and recurrences confined to the vagina (86%). External beam with either the three-dimensional or intensity modulated radiation treatment technique was followed by a boost delivered with brachytherapy or external beam. Patients randomly assigned to receive chemotherapy were treated with once weekly cisplatin (40 mg/m2). Rates of acute toxicity were higher in patients treated with chemoradiation as compared with radiation treatment alone. Median PFS was longer for patients treated with radiation therapy alone as compared with chemotherapy and radiation (median PFS was not reached for RT v 73 months for chemoradiation, hazard ratio of 1.25 (95% CI, 0.75 to 2.07). At 3 years, 73% of patients treated definitively with radiation and 62% of patients treated with chemoradiation were alive and free of disease progression. CONCLUSION Excellent outcomes can be achieved for women with localized recurrences of endometrial cancer when treated with radiation therapy. The addition of chemotherapy does not improve PFS for patients treated with definitive radiation therapy for recurrent endometrial cancer and increases acute toxicity. Patients with low-grade and vaginal recurrences who constituted the majority of those enrolled are best treated with radiation therapy alone.
Królestwo Niderlandów – trudne „przepraszam” za przeszłość kolonialną
Authors: Żelichowski Ryszard 
Published: April 2024

THE KINGDOM OF THE NETHERLANDS – DIFFICULT “I AM SORRY” FOR THE COLONIALPAST
On 19 December 2022, Mark Rutte, as the first Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, officially apologized for the harm suffered by the descendants of slaves brought to work in colonies in the Caribbean, Suriname, Asia and the European Netherlands. The Prime Minister announced state celebrations on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the Kingdom’s colonies on 1 July 2023. The slave trade brought great profits. After World War II, only Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles remained within the colonial empire of the Netherlands (New Dutch Guinea was a dependent territory until 1962). As a result of the political reforms of 2010, the Netherlands Antilles were dissolved. Currently, the Kingdom of the Netherlands consist of four autonomous countries and special (overseas) municipalities that are part of the European Netherlands. The decision to apologize for the Kingdom’s colonial past will not end deep-seated disputes. In 2021, a report was issued stating that slavery was a crime against the population and calling for the creation of a Kingdom fund for the families of people affected by slavery. Its adoption will have far-reaching effects on Dutch society.