bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Criteria for designing integrated diagnosis interventions in low resource settings at the primary care level: A Delphi consensus study
Authors: Gwaza Gamuchirai Pamela , Plüddemann Annette , McCall Marcy , Dittrich Sabine , Heneghan Carl 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
Integrated diagnosis is crucial for addressing health challenges, particularly in managing comorbidities and chronic conditions. Technological advancements allow for rapid, simultaneous testing and diagnosis of multiple diseases. Integrated diagnosis interventions vary in purpose, models, diseases targeted, populations served, scale, and outcomes, which complicates identifying effective strategies. An effective integrated diagnosis approach can lead to early detection of critical and chronic conditions, improve patient experiences, and ultimately improve disease surveillance. This study aimed to establish core criteria for designing same-day integrated diagnosis interventions in primary care settings to enhance patient experiences and health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Methods
A two-round Delphi process engaged an international panel of fifty-five experts from diverse professions to establish consensus on core criteria for effective integrated diagnosis interventions. Predetermined consensus thresholds were set at 70% for critical to include.
Results
A total of 55 experts participated in the first round. Participants represented various geographical regions, including Africa (n = 33), Europe (n = 17), Asia (n = 2), and the Americas (n = 2), and could be categorized into implementers (n = 36), policymakers (n = 7), and academics (n = 12). At the end of Round 1, fourteen of the thirty-three criteria reached a consensus as being critical to include, and nine criteria were removed. In Round 2, a total of 48 out of 55 experts participated and twelve criteria were considered. Four criteria reached a consensus as being critical to include. Through the two rounds of surveys, experts reached a consensus on 18 criteria.
Conclusion
The study provides key criteria for prioritizing and developing integrated diagnosis interventions in primary care, in low-resource settings, particularly in Africa. The guidance is invaluable for policymakers, funders, implementers, and manufacturers. The primary goal of integrated diagnosis is to enhance patient experiences and health outcomes. It is essential to consider all critical success factors during intervention design. The study emphasizes taking a holistic approach that addresses the full spectrum of patient needs and integrates with other aspects of the healthcare system. These criteria may evolve as our understanding of integrated diagnosis advances.
Electrochemotherapy with intravenous, intratumoral, or combined administration of bleomycin in the treatment of colorectal hepatic metastases in a rat model
Authors: Spiliotis Antonios E. , Holländer Sebastian , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Eisele Robert , Nika Spyridon , Kyriakides Orestis Mallis , Laschke Matthias W. , Menger Michael D. , Glanemann Matthias , Gäbelein Gereon 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) combines the reversible electroporation (rEP) with intravenous (i.v.) or intratumoral (i.t.) administration of chemotherapeutic drugs. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy of i.v., i.t., and i.v. + i.t. injection of bleomycin (BLM) in ECT treatment of colorectal hepatic metastases in a rat model. WAG/Rij rats were randomized into three groups and underwent ECT with i.v., i.t., or i.v. + i.t. injection of BLM. Tumor volumes and oxygenation were measured by means of ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Moreover, liver and tumor tissue were analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. The i.v. and i.v. + i.t. groups exhibited a 44.0% and 46.6% reduction in oxygen saturation of the tumor tissue when compared to pretreatment values, whereas the i.t. group only showed a reduction of 35.2%. The extent of tumor tissue necrosis did not statistically differ between the groups. However, the i.t. group showed a tendency towards a lower necrosis rate. Cell proliferation, apoptotic cell death, vascularization, and immune cell infiltration were comparable in the treated tumors of the three groups. ECT with i.v. administration of BLM should be preferred in clinical practice, as the combined i.v. + i.t. therapy did not show superior oncological outcomes in the present study.
Perception of body size across weight categories and association with body size dissatisfaction: A cross-sectional study among early primary school children
Authors: Drilen Tove L. , Eik-Nes Trine T. , Ersfjord Ellen M. I. , Klöckner Christian A. , Ødegård Rønnaug A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Misperception of body size may affect children's health, however, associations with body size dissatisfaction among young children remain uncertain. Hence, this study aims to explore body size misperception (BSM) across weight categories and associations with body size dissatisfaction (BSD) in 8-9-year-old Norwegian children.Methods Using researcher-assisted interviews and figure rating scales, children's perceived current and ideal body size figures were assessed and compared with objectively measured body mass index (BMI) to evaluate three body image constructs: 1. body size dissatisfaction (perceived-ideal), 2. body size misperception (perceived-measured) and 3. discrepancy between objectively measured body size and the children's ideals (measured-ideal). The relationship between BSM and BSD was examined by multinomial logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders (gender, BMI, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and residency).Results The children's mean perceived body size figure (4.11) resembled their ideal figure (4.06) but was larger than their mean objectively measured figure (3.23). Most participants misperceived their body size, with a tendency to overestimate body size among children categorized as underweight or healthy weight. Children with overweight/obesity perceived their body size most precisely (30%), with higher odds of underestimating their body size (OR 13.17 [95% CI 3.88, 44.77]) compared to children in lower weight categories. No association was found between body size misperception and body size dissatisfaction for either underestimation or overestimation of body size figures.Conclusions Children categorized with underweight or overweight/obesity were likely to perceive a healthy body size figure, whereas the majority of children with healthy weight, overestimated their current body size. Children's perceived body size was in line with their ideal body size figure, but higher than the health professionals' reference categories for healthy weight. The longitudinal impact of body size misperception on children’s health should be further elucidated.
Long‑term HbA1c variability predicts diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes: results from the Brazilian Diabetes Study
Authors: de jesus daniel Campos , Barreto Joaquim , Chaves Fernando , Gasparini Matheus S. , Fernandes Vicente H. R. , Sposito Andrei C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age patients. Although prior studies revealed hyperglycemia as an imperative marker of diabetic retinopathy risk, whether glycemic variability imposes an increased risk of retinopathy remains unclear. As retinopathy is often diagnosed at later stages, when the potential benefit of intervention is significantly attenuated, assessing glycemic variability as an added source when selecting diabetes patients for earlier referral for ophthalmological evaluation may assist in preventing disability. To evaluate this hypothesis, this study investigated the relationship between glycemic variability parameters and diabetic retinopathy using data from a local cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Basic procedures. This study included cohort members aged 18 years and older who had undergone ophthalmological examinations, including retinography and visual acuity testing, and who had at least two glycemic hemoglobin measurements throughout their participation in the study. The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)criteria were used to classify diabetic retinopathy. Using validated methods, glycemic variability was calculated as the standard deviation and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions.
Main findings: In the studied included 238 patients, 22% of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) had DR. Each 1% increase in baseline HbA1c was related to a 44% greater risk of diabetic retinopathy (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.190–1.754, p 0.001). A one-unit increase in the standard deviation of HbA1c was associated with a 74% increased risk of DR (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.067–2.847; p 0.027).
Principal conclusions: Glycated hemoglobin variability, measured as the standard deviation of repeated measures, was independently related to diabetic retinopathy risk (Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04949152).
Analysis of risk factors and development of a nomogram prediction model for tubular acidosis in primary Sjogren syndrome patients
Authors: Zeng Yanzhen , Liu Runzhi , Li Shuyi , Wei Jingwen , Luo Fei , Chen Yongkang , Zhou Dongmei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the risk factors of RTA in patients with pSS and create a personalized nomogram for predicting pSS-RTA patients.
Method
Data from 99 pSS patients who underwent inpatient treatment at our hospital from January 2012 to January 2024 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Bootstrap resampling technique, single-factor, and multi-factor logistic regression analyses were used to explore the risk factors for pSS-RTA. A nomogram was developed based on the results of the multivariate logistic model. The model was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve, C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis .
Results
A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that concurrent thyroid disease, long symptom duration, subjective dry mouth, and positive RF were independent risk factors for pSS-RTA patients. Based on them, a personalized nomogram predictive model was established. With a p-value of 0.657 from the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the model demonstrated a good fit. The AUC values in the training and validation groups were 0.912 and 0.896, indicating a strong discriminative power of the nomogram. The calibration curves for the training and validation groups closely followed the diagonal line with a slope of 1, confirming the model’s reliable predictive ability. Furthermore, the decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram model had a net benefit in predicting pSS-RTA, emphasizing its clinical value.
Discussion
We developed a nomogram to predict RTA occurrence in pSS patients, and it is believed to provide a foundation for early identification and intervention for high-risk pSS patients.
Effects of aerobic exercise interventions on cognitive function and quality of life in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shu Wanyu , Kim Sungmin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the specific effects of aerobic exercise on overall cognitive function, memory, executive function, and quality of life among older adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Additionally, the study aimed to analyze the impact of exercise interventions on older adults with MCI, taking into account the measurement tools, exercise type, frequency, and duration, while also evaluating recommended interventions from randomized controlled trials(RCTs). We reviewed 22 studies from Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE. The findings of this study indicate that aerobic dance markedly enhances overall cognitive function, effectively elevates quality of life, and demonstrates a modest improvement in memory and executive function among individuals with MCI. Moreover, Subgroup analyses revealed that square dancing had a notably beneficial intervention effect, given its low-cost, easy-to-learn, and inclusive nature. This suggests its suitability for exercise interventions in MCI patients. Additionally, interventions twice a week, each lasting over 50 minutes, yielded better aerobic exercise outcomes. However, due to the unknown optimal mechanisms, further rigorous, large-scale randomized controlled trials are imperative to enhance our understanding and refine intervention strategies.
Grand Canonical Monte Carlo Simulation with MOF-303 and Metal-doped MOF-303
Authors: Ahn Jeongho , Kim Jinsoo , Chang Kunok 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the factors that enhance the selective adsorption performance of Xe and Kr in Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulation. Simulations were conducted with MOFs such as SBMOF-1, UiO-66, and MOF-303, which have large pores capable of trapping Xe and Kr inside their structures. In the case of MOF-303, doping with copper increased adsorption and selectivity performance.
To further investigate the effect of different doping metals on MOF-303, additional atoms such as silver and gold were used in simulations, as they belong to the same group in the periodic table as copper. The simulation results showed that Cu-doped MOF-303 exhibited a high Xe adsorption capacity per unit mass. However, Ag-doped MOF-303 demonstrated better adsorption performance per unit cell than Cu-doped MOF-303 due to larger Van der Waals interaction energy with Xe when Ag was doped. Additionally, Ag-doped MOF-303 showed better adsorption than Au-doped MOF-303 because Ag-doped MOF-303 has more pores suitable for Xe and Kr adsorption than Au-doped MOF-303.
The simulation results indicate that when different metals are doped into the MOF structure, higher adsorption performance is achieved with metals that exhibit stronger Van der Waals interaction energy with the adsorbate and when the MOF contains more pores larger than the adsorbate atoms.
Risk Prediction of Multiple-station N2 Metastasis in Patients with Upfront Surgery for Clinical Single-station N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kim Joon Young , Lee Han Pil , Yun Jae Kwang , Lee Geun Dong , Choi Sehoon , Kim Hyeong Ryul , Kim Yong–Hee , Kim Dong Kwan , Park Seung–Il 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To investigate long-term outcomes and develop a risk model for pathological multi–station N2 (pN2b) in patients who underwent upfront surgery for clinical single–station N2 (cN2a) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods
From 2006 to 2018, 547 patients who had upfront surgery for suspected cN2a NSCLC underwent analysis. A risk model for predicting pN2b metastasis was developed using preoperative clinical variables via multivariable logistic analysis.
Results
Among 547 clinical cN2a NSCLC patients, 118 (21.6%), 58 (10.6%), and 371 (67.8%) had pN0, pN1, and pN2. Among 371 pN2 NSCLC patients, 77 (20.8%), 165 (44.5%), and 129 (34.7%) had pN2a1, pN2a2, and pN2b. The 5-year overall survival rates for pN2a1 and pN2a2 were significantly higher than for pN2b (p = 0.041). Histologic type (p < 0.001), age ≤ 50 years (p < 0.001), preoperatively confirmed N2 metastasis (p < 0.001), and clinical stage IIIB (vs. IIIA) (p = 0.003) were independent risk factors for pN2b metastasis. The risk scoring system based on this model demonstrated good discriminant ability for pN2b disease (area under receiver operating characteristic: 0.779).
Conclusions
In cN2a NSCLC patients, those with multiple N2 metastases indicate worse prognosis than those with a single N2 metastasis. Our risk scoring system effectively predicts pN2b in these patients.
Differences of Clinical Phenotype Between Familial and Sporadic Crohn’s disease in East China
Authors: Dong Siyuan , Xiang Xiaoxia , Zhang Yu , Liu Rongbei , Ye Lingna , Cao Qian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) while studies about the clinical phenotype of familial IBD are limited. This study aimed to compare the phenotypic features of familial Crohn’s disease (CD) with sporadic CD.
Methods: Familial CD was defined as CD patients having one or more first-, second-, third-, fourth-degree, or above relatives with CD. Sporadic CD patients hospitalized during the same period were matched 1:3 by age and gender. Differences in clinical characteristics, phenotype distribution, extra-intestinal manifestations, and complications at diagnosis, as well as treatment regimen and surgery, were compared between familial and sporadic CD.
Results: The familial CD was associated with a higher rate of past appendectomy history (P=0.009), more intestinal perforation at onset (P=0.012), more anal lesion (P=0.023), and gastrointestinal perforation (P=0.040) at diagnosis, higher rate of past intestinal surgery history (P=0.007), more number of intestinal surgeries (P=0.037), longer duration of follow-up (P=0.017), lower rate of taking biologicals for current maintenance (P=0.043), lower tendency to upgrade to biologicals during follow-up (P=0.013), higher possibility to experience gastrointestinal obstruction (P=0.047) and abdominal abscess during follow-up (P=0.045).
Conclusion: Familial CD is associated with a more aggressive clinical phenotype.
A comparative study of ZnO, ZnO/GO and ZnO/RGO nanocomposites for the energy application.
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Baig Faran 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research investigates the synergistic properties of ZnO, ZnO-Graphene oxide and ZnO reduced Graphene oxide nanocomposites that are fabricated by hydrothermal method for energy application due to its potential energy storage capacity for super capacitor. This study involves the fabrication and characterization of these nanocomposites showing their structural, morphological and electrochemical properties. The performance of each nanocomposites is evaluated on the basis of energy application like super capacitor and batteries to determine their suitability for enhancing energy storage and conversion. This will highlight the best energy storage capacity of the nanocomposites and provide insight into their potential contribution to advancing energy technologies. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows the presence of wrinkled and transparent dense particles of nanocomposites. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) results shows the impact of allotropic form of carbon on the optical and electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) give the elemental composition of the nanocomposite. The cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy results explain the fast movement of electrons and explain the electrochemical properties of the prepared samples. Presence of allotropic form of carbon (graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide) increases the surface area of the nanocomposites that makes the material suitable for the energy storage applications. This research give an easy approach for the synthesis, characterization and comparative study of ZnO, ZnO/GO and ZnO/RGO for the use of energy applications.
Efficiency of genome editing using modified single-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides in human cells
Authors: Maseda Hideaki , Kim Seryoung , Matsushita Yosuke , Katagiri Toyomasa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Single-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotide (ssODN) gene editing has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. However, further improvements in efficiency are desired for practical application. The effects of strand length and locked nucleic acid (LNA) modification on ssODN genome editing were investigated by introducing an assay cassette into the genome of HEK293T cells and measuring precise base deletions of eight bases. The introduction of LNAs into ssODNs, five pairs of LNAs at 25–35 nt from the centre and one pair at 20–25 nt, showed approximately 18-fold higher efficiency than unmodified ssODNs of the same length in the study using 70 nt ssODNs. In addition, genome editing efficiency was further improved when LNAs were introduced at the same positions as the 70 nt ssODN, which showed the highest efficiency for the 90 nt ssODN. However, in some cases, the same number of LNA modifications could conversely reduce the efficiency, and the modification positions in the ssODN method were successfully optimised in the present study. Furthermore, the oligo DNA was shown to be effective not only for deletions but also for base substitutions, with an editing efficiency of 0.63% per cell.
Analysis of clinical factors in first diagnosis of immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with report of 6 cases
Authors: Lingyu Wang , Weizhang Shen , Lishen Ren , Lei Tan , Jinliang Li 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics, timing of intervention, diagnostic and treatment options, and prognostic factors in patients with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP).Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of iTTP patients who visited the Second Hospital of Jilin University from January 2020 to April 2023, encompassing individuals with complete clinical data. The analysis included an examination of clinical manifestations and auxiliary test results.Results: The study involved 6 patients (5 males, 1 female) with an age range of 29–84 years, and a median age of 58 years. Common clinical manifestations comprised thrombocytopenia, hematuria, soy sauce-colored urine, as well as neurological and psychiatric symptoms. All six patients underwent treatment with therapeutic plasma exchange(TPE), with three of them also receiving rituximab (3/6). The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 21 months, with a median of 10 months, concluding in April 2023. Of the six cases, three patients survived, while the remaining three succumbed in March 2021, July 2022, and March 2023, respectively.Conclusion: TTP diagnosis is often delayed due to its nonspecific clinical presentation. Accurate clinical diagnosis of TTP relies on assessing ADAMTS13 activity levels and genetic testing. Following PLASMIC-S guidelines, immediate plasma exchange and glucocorticoid therapy are recommended once diagnosis is suspected. Additionally, the evolving clinical landscape has seen an increasing number of patients benefiting from a combination of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies and other novel drugs. This expanding repertoire of treatment options enhances the multidisciplinary and comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for iTTP.