bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pharmacoepidemiological nested case-control study of risk factors for venous thromboembolism with the focus on diabetes, cancer, socioeconomic group, medications, and comorbidities
Authors: Myllylahti Lasse , Niskanen Leo , Lassila Riitta , Haukka Jari 
Published: June 2024

Objectives A pharmacoepidemiological study to assess VTE risk factors in a diabetes-rich population. Methods The study comprised 299,590 individuals. We observed 3450 VTEs and matched them with 15,875 controls using a nested case-control approach and collected data on comorbidities and prescriptions. By multivariable conditional logistic regression, we calculated ORs with 95%CIs for comorbidities and medications to evaluate their associations with VTE. Results Diabetes (aOR 2.16; 95%CI 1.99–2.34), inflammatory bowel disease (1.84; 1.27–2.66), and severe psychiatric disorders (1.72; 1.43–2.05) had the strongest associations among the non-cancer comorbidities. Pancreatic (12.32; 7.11–21.36), stomach (8.57; 4.07–18.03), lung and bronchus (6.26; 4.16–9.43), and ovarian (6.72; 2.95–15.10) cancers were ranked as high-risk for VTE. Corticosteroids, gabapentinoids, psychotropic drugs, risedronic acid, and pramipexole were most strongly associated (aOR exceeding 1.5) with VTE. Insulin (3.86; 3.33–4.47) and sulphonylureas (2.62; 2.18–3.16) had stronger associations than metformin (1.65; 1.49–1.83). Statins and lercanidipine (0.78; 0.62–0.98) were associated with a lowered risk of VTE. Conclusions In this cohort, with 50% diabetes prevalence, pancreatic, stomach, lung and bronchus, and ovarian cancers were strongly associated with VTE. Corticosteroids, gabapentinoids, and psychotropic medications had the strongest associations with VTE among medications. This may be valuable for generating hypotheses for the further research. Lercanidipine may be a novel protective medication against VTE.
A Prospective Study on a Suture Force Feedback Device for Training and Evaluating Junior Surgeons in Anastomotic Surgical Closure
Authors: Dinesh S. , Poonguzhali S. , Satish Devakumar M. , Jeswanth S. 
Published: June 2024

Background Surgical reconstruction is a crucial stage in various surgeries, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, as it can significantly affect the surgical results. The objective was to design a suture force feedback (SFF) device that can precisely measure the suture force during surgical closures. Afterward, the device was used to train junior surgeons in surgical closure techniques. Methods The SFF was used to capture the suture force data of experienced surgeons. This data was utilized to train and assess junior surgeons. The SFF device had 2 tactile-based force sensors that measured the applied force. Whenever the applied force was not within the optimal force range, the device provided feedback to the surgeon. A workshop was conducted to train junior surgeons in surgical closure techniques to improve their suturing skills. Results Thirty-seven junior surgeons were enrolled in this training, of whom only 24 completed the 30-day training program. The pre-assessment results revealed that the force exerted by junior surgeons during suture knot-tying was uneven compared with that of the experienced surgeons, with a significant difference in the force exerted per knot throw ( P = 0.005. Before the training program, junior surgeons applied a force of 3.89 ± 0.43 N, which was more than twice the force applied by experienced surgeons (1.75 ± 0.12 N). However, after completing the 30-day training program, their force improved to 2.35 ± 0.13 N. Conclusions The SFF device was shown to be an encouraging training tool for improving the surgical closure dexterity and technique of the participating junior surgeons.
A Review of Artificial Intelligence Application for Radiotherapy
Authors: Shan Guoping , Yu Shunfei , Lai Zhongjun , Xuan Zhiqiang , Zhang Jie , Wang Binbing , Ge Yun 
Published: June 2024

Background and Purpose Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technique which tries to think like humans and mimic human behaviors. It has been considered as an alternative in a lot of human-dependent steps in radiotherapy (RT), since the human participation is a principal uncertainty source in RT. The aim of this work is to provide a systematic summary of the current literature on AI application for RT, and to clarify its role for RT practice in terms of clinical views. Materials and Methods A systematic literature search of PubMed and Google Scholar was performed to identify original articles involving the AI applications in RT from the inception to 2022. Studies were included if they reported original data and explored the clinical applications of AI in RT. Results The selected studies were categorized into three aspects of RT: organ and lesion segmentation, treatment planning and quality assurance. For each aspect, this review discussed how these AI tools could be involved in the RT protocol. Conclusions Our study revealed that AI was a potential alternative for the human-dependent steps in the complex process of RT.
Diagnosis of fetal isolated cleft palate using assessment of the posterior hard palate angle
Authors: Simeonova-Brachot Iglika Ivancheva 
Published: June 2024

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the role of the posterior hard palate angle in the prenatal diagnosis of cleft palate. Study Design: Stored images of the axial transverse view of the fetal secondary palate, obtained at three-level obstetric ultrasounds, were used to evaluate the posterior border of the hard palate. The study population comprised 63 consecutive pregnancies of unaffected cases and 17 pregnancies suspected for a cleft palate without cleft lip, including 7 cases of cleft palate, 4 cases of high-arched palate, and 6 false-positive cases. Results: The posterior angle of the hard palate was significantly larger in the cleft palate group than in the healthy controls and false-positive cases: 227° (±51°) vs 160° (±16°), p < 0.0001; and 173° ± 18°, p < 0.0001, respectively. Regression analysis revealed that reflex angle remained an independent risk factor for cleft palate (odds ratio, 58.67 (95% confidence interval 10–341)). The sensitivity and specificity of the posterior angle assessment were 73% and 96%, respectively. Conclusions: The posterior hard palate angle could be an ultrasound marker of cleft palate without a cleft lip.
A Systematic Review of Local Flaps Utilized for External Auditory Canal Defects
Authors: Gibson Anna Celeste , Speed Olivia , Boyette Jennings R. , Saadi Robert 
Published: June 2024

Study Design Systematic review of the literature. Objective The goal of this study is to review and summarize current literature on local flap reconstruction of external auditory canal (EAC) defects. Methods PubMed and Ovid databases were queried utilizing search term combinations of “external auditory canal,” “defects,” “flaps,” “local,” and “reconstruction.” References in included articles were subject for review and inclusion. Articles published between 2013 and 2023 were included in the study. Results A total of 108 articles were screened after duplicates were excluded. Of the 108 articles, 3 were not written or translated to English, 10 were not accessible for review on either database, and 71 were not applicable to our subject of interest. The remaining 24 articles were included in the systematic review. Due to the primary descriptive nature of the surgical techniques and variability of data collection, a formal meta-analysis was not possible. Conclusions The EAC defect creates a difficult reconstructive dilemma. The armamentarium for repairing these defects can range from healing by secondary intention to free tissue transfer, however, local flap reconstruction proves to be a reliable and versatile option. This article reviews current local flap techniques for EAC defects and compares their advantages and disadvantages. Further, the authors provide a treatment algorithm and indications for choosing each flap in external auditory canal reconstruction.
Qualitative Study Guiding the Design of a Person-Centered Shared Medical Appointment Model to Optimize Diabetes Care Delivery
Authors: Sayegh Caitlin S. , Carrera Diaz Kenia , Smith Josephine , Chang Nancy , Chao Lily C. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose The purpose of the study was to explore the shared medical appointment model (SMA) with youth with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and their caregivers to identify health education needs, access barriers, and recommendations for intervention design. Methods Patient and caregiver focus group interviews were conducted in English and Spanish to address these objectives: (1) identify barriers to participation in group sessions, (2) identify barriers to diabetes self-management, and (3) prioritize preference for SMA themes. Qualitative analysis identified strategies for patient recruitment and engagement and recommendations for curriculum design of a future SMA model for youth with T2DM. Results Both adolescents and caregivers supported the development of an SMA model. Adolescents expressed concerns of initial discomfort and nervousness, whereas young adults described stigma as the main barrier to joining a group. Patients emphasized the importance of prioritizing youth comfort and families’ convenience. Early adolescents and young adults preferred autonomy in the choice to join a group, whereas mid adolescents and caregivers preferred that the caregivers make that decision. Participants recommended nine topics regarding barriers to diabetes care. The topics that received the most enthusiasm were nutrition, exercise, navigating peer interactions, and stress management. Conclusions Youth with T2DM and their caregivers perceived many benefits of an SMA model and provided feedback to guide the development of a health education curriculum that could be integrated into an SMA clinic.
Volumetric brain reductions in adult patients with phenylketonuria and their relationship with blood phenylalanine levels
Authors: Pardo Jèssica , Capdevila-Lacasa Clara , Segura Bàrbara , Pané Adriana , Montserrat Cristina , de Talló Forga-Visa Maria , Moreno Pedro J. , Garrabou Glòria , Grau-Junyent Josep M. , Junqué Carme ,   Consortium PKU.cat., Argudo-Ramírez Ana , Barrau-Martínez Blanca , Cantó Judith , Campistol Jaume , Cardellach Francesc , Casals-Pascual Climent , Chiva-Blanch Gemma , García-Arenas Dolores , García-García Francesc Josep , García-Villoria Judit , González de Aledo-Castillo José Manuel , González-Rodríguez Arnau , Guitart-Mampel Mariona , Isern Paula , Jiménez Amanda , Laudo Berta , Llorach Rafael , Andújar-Sánchez Félix , López-Galera Rosa , Meavilla Silvia Mª , Milisenda José Cesar , Morales Blai , Moreno-Lozano Pedro Juan , Moreno Julián , Nos Mònica , Ormazabal Aida , Ortega Ferrer Montserrat , Ortega Emilio , Padrosa Joan , Paredes Abraham José , Rubio Elisa , Tobías Ester , Torremade Josep , Urpi-Sarda Mireia , Valls Laura , Ventura Roser , Vergara-Gómez Andrea , Viaplana Judith , Viñals Clara 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundContinued dietary treatment since early diagnosis through newborn screening programs usually prevents brain-related complications in phenylketonuria (PKU). However, subtle neurocognitive and brain alterations may be observed in some adult patients despite early treatment. Nevertheless, neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies in the field remain scarce.ObjectivesThis work aimed to determine possible neuropsychological and structural brain alterations in treated adult patients with PKU.MethodsThirty-five patients with PKU and 22 healthy controls (HC) underwent neuropsychological assessment and T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging on a 3 T scanner.FreeSurfer(v.7.1) was used to obtain volumetric measures and SPSS (v27.0.1.0) was used to analyze sociodemographic, neuropsychological, volumetric, and clinical data (p < 0.05).ResultsAdult patients with PKU showed significantly lower performance than HC in Full Scale IQ (t = 2.67;p = .010) from the WAIS-IV. The PKU group also showed significantly lower volumes than HC in the pallidum (U = 224.000;p = .008), hippocampus (U = 243.000;p = .020), amygdala (U = 200.000;p = .002), and brainstem (t = 3.17;p = .006) as well as in total cerebral white matter volume (U = 175.000;p = .001). Blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in PKU patients were negatively correlated with the pallidum (r = -0.417;p = .013) and brainstem (r = -0.455,p = .006) volumes.ConclusionsAdult patients with early-treated PKU showed significantly lower global intelligence than HC. Moreover, these patients showed reduced global white matter volume as well as reductions in the volume of several subcortical grey matter structures, which might be related to the existence of underlying neurodevelopmental alterations. Higher blood Phe levels were also negatively correlated with pallidum and brainstem, suggesting a higher vulnerability of these structures to Phe toxicity.
Water deficit response in nodulated soybean roots: a comprehensive transcriptome and translatome network analysis
Authors: Sainz María Martha , Filippi Carla V. , Eastman Guillermo , Sotelo-Silveira Mariana , Zardo Sofía , Martínez-Moré Mauro , Sotelo-Silveira José , Borsani Omar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Soybean establishes a mutualistic interaction with nitrogen-fixing rhizobacteria, acquiring most of its nitrogen requirements through symbiotic nitrogen fixation. This crop is susceptible to water deficit; evidence suggests that its nodulation status—whether it is nodulated or not—can influence how it responds to water deficit. The translational control step of gene expression has proven relevant in plants subjected to water deficit.

Results
Here, we analyzed soybean roots’ differential responses to water deficit at transcriptional, translational, and mixed (transcriptional + translational) levels. Thus, the transcriptome and translatome of four combined-treated soybean roots were analyzed. We found hormone metabolism-related genes among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at the translatome level in nodulated and water-restricted plants. Also, weighted gene co-expression network analysis followed by differential expression analysis identified gene modules associated with nodulation and water deficit conditions. Protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed for subsets of mixed DEGs of the modules associated with the plant responses to nodulation, water deficit, or their combination.

Conclusions
Our research reveals that the stand-out processes and pathways in the before-mentioned plant responses partially differ; terms related to glutathione metabolism and hormone signal transduction (2 C protein phosphatases) were associated with the response to water deficit, terms related to transmembrane transport, response to abscisic acid, pigment metabolic process were associated with the response to nodulation plus water deficit. Still, two processes were common: galactose metabolism and branched-chain amino acid catabolism. A comprehensive analysis of these processes could lead to identifying new sources of tolerance to drought in soybean.
Arabidopsis AGB1 participates in salinity response through bZIP17-mediated unfolded protein response
Authors: Cho Yueh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Plant heterotrimeric G proteins respond to various environmental stresses, including high salinity. It is known that Gβ subunit AGB1 functions in maintaining local and systemic Na+/K+ homeostasis to accommodate ionic toxicity under salt stress. However, whether AGB1 contributes to regulating gene expression for seedling’s survival under high salinity remains unclear.

Results
We showed that AGB1-Venus localized to nuclei when facing excessive salt, and the induction of a set of bZIP17-dependent salt stress-responsive genes was reduced in the agb1 mutant. We confirmed both genetic and physical interactions of AGB1 and bZIP17 in plant salinity response by comparing salt responses in the single and double mutants of agb1 and bzip17 and by BiFC assay, respectively. In addition, we show that AGB1 depletion decreases nuclei-localization of transgenic mRFP-bZIP17 under salt stress, as shown in s1p s2p double mutant in the Agrobacteria-mediated transient mRFP-bZIP17 expression in young seedlings.

Conclusions
Our results indicate that AGB1 functions in S1P and/or S2P-mediated proteolytic processing of bZIP17 under salt stress to regulate the induction of salinity-responsive gene expression.
Trends in commonly used and potentially inappropriate medications in older Korean patients with polypharmacy
Authors: Shin Woo-young , Go Tae-Hwa , Kim Jung-ha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Polypharmacy is a global public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of polypharmacy and trends in the use of commonly used and potentially inappropriate medications among older Korean patients.

Methods
Individuals aged ≥ 65 years who were prescribed any medication between 2014 and 2018 were selected from the Korean National Health Information Database. Joinpoint regression analyses were used to determine trends in the age-adjusted polypharmacy rates by age group. The prescription rates of the most commonly used medications and the most commonly used potentially inappropriate medications were analysed by year or age group for patients with polypharmacy using the chi-square and proportion difference tests.

Results
This study included 1,849,968 patients, 661,206 (35.7%) of whom had polypharmacy. Age-adjusted polypharmacy rates increased significantly between 2014 and 2018 (P = 0.046). Among patients with polypharmacy, the most commonly prescribed medications were aspirin (100 mg), atorvastatin, metformin, glimepiride, and rosuvastatin. The most commonly prescribed and potentially inappropriate medications were alprazolam, diazepam, amitriptyline, zolpidem, and dimenhydrinate. There was a significant decrease in the prescription rates for each of these drugs in 2018 compared with 2014 among patients with polypharmacy (all P < 0.001), whereas there was a significant increase in alprazolam prescription among patients aged ≥ 85 years when analysed by age group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study revealed an increasing prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults. Additionally, it highlighted that the utilisation of commonly prescribed potentially inappropriate medications, such as benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants, has remained persistent, particularly among patients aged ≥ 85 years who practiced polypharmacy. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for the development of robust polypharmacy management strategies to ensure medication safety among older adults.
The relationship between traumatic childbirth and first-time mothers’ social identity and wellbeing: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: El-Salahi Shama , Knowles Bevis Rebecca , Hogg Lorna 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundExperiencing childbirth as traumatic is common and can have long-lasting negative consequences for women’s mental health. However, fostering a sense of social identity has been shown to protect psychological wellbeing and mental health during life transitions, such as entering parenthood. This study therefore investigated the relationship between traumatic childbirth and first-time mothers’ social identity and their psychological wellbeing, and more specifically whether strength of identity as a first-time mother protected psychological wellbeing following traumatic childbirth.MethodWomen over the age of 18 who were living in the UK and had given birth to their first child in the past nine months were recruited to the study from clinical and community settings. They completed digital self-report questionnaires about their birth experience, social identity, mental health, and psychological wellbeing. Women who perceived themselves to have had a traumatic birth (the trauma group;N = 84) were compared to women who did not perceive themselves to have had a traumatic birth (the control group,N = 39). T-tests and chi square tests assessed preliminary group differences before multivariate analyses of covariance controlled for covariates. Post-hoc tests identified the direction of differences. Multiple regression and moderation analyses analysed interaction effects.ResultsThe trauma group had significantly lower psychological wellbeing (mean = 41.5, 95% CI [39.4–43.7],p = .008, partial η2 = 0.059), compared to the control group (mean = 48.4, 95% CI [45.3–51.5]), but the two groups did not differ in the strength of their first-time mother identity, which was high across both groups. Strength of identity did not moderate the relationship between traumatic childbirth and psychological wellbeing. Giving birth by caesarean section independently reduced the strength of the first-time mother identity (p = .017, partial η2 = 0.049). All analyses controlled for emotional and practical support, perceptions of healthcare staff, and mode of birth.ConclusionsHaving a traumatic birth was associated with lower psychological wellbeing, and the strength of first-time mother identity does not appear to moderate this relationship. Factors such as mode of birth may be more important. Further research, including longitudinal designs, is needed to understand the relationship between these constructs and identify more effective ways of protecting first-time mothers’ mental health.
Evaluating the causes of retinopathy of prematurity relapse following intravitreal bevacizumab injection
Authors: Milani Amir Eftekhari , Arasteh Amin , Saeedi-Maleki Zahra , Niyousha Mohamad Reza , Sahebazamani Mohamad Ali , Brumandpur Fariborz 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative disorder of the developing retina. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) is an emerging treatment for severe forms of ROP, which does not restrict the visual field in comparison to laser therapy. The present study aimed to determine and evaluate the risk factors for ROP recurrence following IVB injection.

Materials and methods
In this retrospective study, 98 eyes of 49 infants with ROP who had received IVB injections as the primary treatment for type 1 ROP are included.

Results
Fifty-four eyes (55.1%) had aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP), and forty-four (44.9%) had Stage III Plus ROP in Zone II. ROP recurred in 13 eyes (13.26%) of 8 infants. The mean period between IVB and the ROP recurrence was 8.08 (95% CI:5.32–10.83) weeks. The infants who had ROP recurrence had lower birth weight (P value = 0.002), lower postmenstrual age at IVB injection (P value = 0.001), lower IVB injection gap period from birth (P value = 0.044), higher oxygen therapy requirement rate after IVB injection (P value < 0.001, OR:19.0) and higher oxygen therapy duration (P value = 0.006). The ROP severity, gestational age at birth, and diet were not statistically different between the recurrence and complete regression groups. Out of 13 eyes treated with laser photocoagulation because of ROP relapse, macula dragging occurred in one eye, and all the cases met the complete regression.

Conclusion
Low birth weight and oxygen therapy are the most important risk factors for ROP relapse, which requires meticulous oxygen treatment guidelines for premature infants.