bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Early Multimodal Non-pharmacological Interventions in Cognitive Preservation in the Elderly
Authors: Hsieh Sun-Wung , Hsiao Shih-Fen , Liaw Lih-Jiun , Huang Ling-Chun , Yang Yuan-Han 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Multimodal non-pharmacological interventions (MNPI) have been determined as effective in delaying cognitive deterioration. The effectiveness of timing of such interventions in elderly is less discussed. We compared the different effectiveness of MNPI in cognitive preservation in elderly subjects with and without dementia. Methods We enrolled volunteer the elderly subjects. Subjects were classified as dementia group and non-dementia group by instrument of ascertainment of dementia 8. All were assigned to attend 3 hours of MNPI (physical fitness training, Chinese capillary, and Chinese drawings and paintings) twice a week over a 16-week period. Neuropsychiatric tests, including Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Cognitive Assessment Screening Instrument (CASI), clinical dementia rating (CDR), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI), were administered before and 1 year after MNPI. We demonstrated the changes of cognition and behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) before and after MNPI. We compared the different effectiveness of cognition preservation between two groups. Results In total, there were 43 participants in our study, including 18 with non-dementia and 25 with dementia. The non-dementia group had a significantly higher proportion of cognitive preservation in remote memory (100.0% vs 68.0%, P = .007), orientation (94.4% vs 48.0%, P = .001), drawing (94.4% vs 64.0%, P = .021) and language (77.8% vs 48.0%, P = .049) than the dementia group. The highest proportion of preserved cognition after MNPI was remote memory (100%), followed by orientation (94.4%) and drawing (94.4%) in the non-dementia group. The highest proportion of preserved cognition after MNPI was attention (72%) followed by remote memory (68%), recent memory (64%) and drawing (64%) in the dementia group. Overall, their improved rate in behavioral and psychological symptoms was 55.6%. Conclusion Our study concluded the benefits of early MNPI in cognition preservation in the elderly, especially in the field of remote memory, orientation, drawing and language.
Perceptions, awareness, and implementation surrounding the assessment of frailty amongst vascular surgeons in Italy: Results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: D’Oria Mario , Giacomelli Elena , Fargion Aaron T , Dorigo Walter , Calvagna Cristiano , Campolmi Marco , Pulli Raffaele , Lepidi Sandro ,   for the Study Collaborators
Published: May 2024

Objectives We conducted this survey to gain insight into the real-life application and perceptions regarding the importance of peri-operative frailty assessment amongst vascular surgeons in Italy. Methods Italian vascular surgeons were invited to participate in the survey using the list provided by the Italian Society for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (1050 invited participants). A dedicated link to the survey was emailed through Google Forms, and reminders were automatically sent on a bi-weekly basis for a total of 8 weeks before stopping data collection. Results The survey was completed by 225 respondents, thereby yielding an overall 21.5% response rate. While the vast majority of respondents stated they were aware of the meaning of frailty (93%) and agreed that its assessment was clinically relevant for patients undergoing vascular surgery (99%), only 44% of surveyed surgeons reported that they used a specific tool for peri-operative frailty assessment. However, most respondents indicated that routine evaluation of frailty was not performed at their institution (87%). The main limitations were identified as being the lack of confidence in choosing the best tool, followed by lack of awareness, lack of skilled operators, and lack of time. Conclusions Our study showed that whilst most vascular surgeons in Italy are aware of the importance of frailty in affecting surgical outcomes across various interventions in the elective and non-elective settings, there is poor implementation of formal frailty assessment.
Sonographic imaging of the genicular nerves of the knee
Authors: Fenech Michelle , Boyle Jerome , Roche Bridie 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The genicular nerves are sensory nerves around the knee. With the improvements in ultrasound imaging resolution, these nerves can be identified sonographically. Topic description: Due to their small size, genicular nerves are often underappreciated and overlooked during routine sonographic imaging. Chronic pain associated with knee osteoarthritis, or postsurgical knee pain can be relieved by ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablations or nerve blockades targeting the genicular nerves. Discussion: To sonographically image these nerves, or guide nerve blocks or ablations, knowledge of the sonographic anatomy, technique and normal appearances of the genicular nerves and their surrounding structures is required and is unpacked in this pictorial essay. Conclusion: Enhanced knowledge of the anatomy and a systematic approach to sonographically image and assess the genicular nerves of the knee can enhance the diagnosis of pathology, nerve injury or entrapment, and sonographic guidance of interventional procedures for pain relief.
Eosinophilic esophagitis in adults and adolescents: epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for a type 2 inflammatory disease
Authors: Savarino Edoardo Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni , Bilò Maria Beatrice , De Bortoli Nicola , Di Sabatino Antonio , Oliva Salvatore , Penagini Roberto , Racca Francesca , Tortora Annalisa , Rumi Filippo , Cicchetti Americo 
Published: May 2024

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is recognized as a chronic type 2 inflammatory disease characterized by the eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal tissue, posing a significant disease burden and highlighting the necessity for novel management strategies to address unmet clinical needs. Objectives: To critically evaluate the existing literature on the epidemiology and management of EoE, identify evidence gaps, and assess the efficacy of current and emerging treatment modalities. Design: An extensive literature review was conducted, focusing on the epidemiological trends, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic interventions for EoE. This was complemented by a survey among physicians and consultations with a scientific expert panel, including a patient’s association (ESEO Italia), to enrich the study findings. Data sources and methods: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, scrutinizing epidemiological studies and management research to compile comprehensive insights into the disease’s landscape. The physician survey and expert panel discussions aimed to bridge identified evidence gaps. Results: The review included 59 epidemiological and 51 management studies, uncovering variable incidence and prevalence rates of EoE globally, with an estimated diagnosed prevalence of 41 per 100,000 in Italy. Diagnostic challenges were identified, including nonspecific symptoms and the lack of definitive biomarkers, which complicate the use of endoscopy. Treatment options such as elimination diets, proton-pump inhibitors, and swallowed corticosteroids were found to have varying success rates, while Dupilumab, an emerging therapy targeting interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, shows promise. Conclusion: Despite advancements in understanding and managing EoE, significant unmet clinical needs remain, particularly in biomarker identification, therapy personalization, and cost-effectiveness evaluation. A comprehensive, multidimensional approach to patient management is required, emphasizing the importance of early symptom recognition, accurate diagnosis, and tailored treatment strategies. Dupilumab offers potential as a novel treatment, underscoring the need for future research to explore the economic and social dimensions of EoE care pathways.
Deep learning and minimally invasive inflammatory activity assessment: a proof-of-concept study for development and score correlation of a panendoscopy convolutional network
Authors: Cardoso Pedro , Mascarenhas Miguel , Afonso João , Ribeiro Tiago , Mendes Francisco , Martins Miguel , Andrade Patrícia , Cardoso Hélder , Mascarenhas Saraiva Miguel , Ferreira João P.S. , Macedo Guilherme 
Published: May 2024

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a valuable tool for assessing inflammation in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). The current standard for evaluating inflammation are validated scores (and clinical laboratory values) like Lewis score (LS), Capsule Endoscopy Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CECDAI), and ELIAKIM. Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it possible to automatically select the most relevant frames in CE. Objectives: In this proof-of-concept study, our objective was to develop an automated scoring system using CE images to objectively grade inflammation. Design: Pan-enteric CE videos (PillCam Crohn’s) performed in CD patients between 09/2020 and 01/2023 were retrospectively reviewed and LS, CECDAI, and ELIAKIM scores were calculated. Methods: We developed a convolutional neural network-based automated score consisting of the percentage of positive frames selected by the algorithm (for small bowel and colon separately). We correlated clinical data and the validated scores with the artificial intelligence-generated score (AIS). Results: A total of 61 patients were included. The median LS was 225 (0–6006), CECDAI was 6 (0–33), ELIAKIM was 4 (0–38), and SB_AIS was 0.5659 (0–29.45). We found a strong correlation between SB_AIS and LS, CECDAI, and ELIAKIM scores (Spearman’s r = 0.751, r = 0.707, r = 0.655, p = 0.001). We found a strong correlation between LS and ELIAKIM ( r = 0.768, p = 0.001) and a very strong correlation between CECDAI and LS ( r = 0.854, p = 0.001) and CECDAI and ELIAKIM scores ( r = 0.827, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that the AI-generated score had a strong correlation with validated scores indicating that it could serve as an objective and efficient method for evaluating inflammation in CD patients. As a preliminary study, our findings provide a promising basis for future refining of a CE score that may accurately correlate with prognostic factors and aid in the management and treatment of CD patients.
Virtual reality use in pediatric patients for orthopedic clinical procedures: A randomized prospective trial of efficacy
Authors: Desai Bhumit , Newcomb Nicholas , Plost Brielle , Waldron Sean , Sarkar Korak , Haber Lawrence 
Published: May 2024

Background: Distraction therapy use such as virtual reality is novel in the pediatric orthopedic field. In this study, we use subjective and objective metrics to evaluate virtual reality efficacy to reduce anxiety and pain in a pediatric orthopedic cohort. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial included patients between age 5 and 17 years, presenting to a tertiary care pediatric orthopedic clinic. Parallel groups underwent orthopedic procedures in clinic, utilizing immersive and interactive virtual reality distraction therapies versus standard of care. Procedures included cast application, cast removal, bone pin removal, and fracture reduction. All preprocedure parameters were similar between the groups. Primary outcome was the difference between maximum procedural heart rate and baseline. Secondary outcomes included Wong Baker FACES Rating Scale (Wong & Baker, 1988, Oklahoma, USA) for pain and Visual Analog Scale scores for anxiety. Results: Ninety-five patients (66 M, 29 F) underwent 59 cast removals, 26 cast applications, 7 percutaneous pin removals, and 3 fracture reductions. Average patient age in the virtual reality and control cohorts was 10.1 (5–17) and 10.6 (5–17), respectively. Average change in maximum heart rate in the virtual reality and control groups was 10.6 ± 10.1 versus 18.4 ± 11.0 (p = 0.00048). The virtual reality group demonstrated trends toward lower perceived anxiety (1.7 ± 2.8 versus 2.9 ± 3.6, p = 0.0666) when compared to controls. Conclusions: This level 1 study is the first to utilize objective biometric measurements to evaluate use of interactive virtual reality during multiple types of pediatric orthopedic procedures in the clinical setting. The findings suggest that an interactive and immersive virtual reality experience can be effective in reducing pain and anxiety. Level of evidence: Level 1, Randomized Controlled Trial.
Factors influencing online learning intentions of students: A pooled cross-sectional study in Vietnam for years 2020 and 2021
Authors: Maheshwari Greeni , Kha Khanh Linh 
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a shift to online learning in many institutions-as a standard practice. Factors influencing its efficacy affect student behavior and future intentions. A cross-sectional study in Vietnam over 2 years assessed changes in student attitudes towards online learning from 2020 to 2021. Data gathered through online surveys, included 161 participants in 2020 and 395 in 2021 (total of 556 students), and were analysed using structural equation modeling. Results indicate perceived enjoyment (PE) as the primary factor influencing online learning intentions, with perceived usefulness (PU) gaining significance from 2020 to 2021. This shift suggests a transition in student mindsets towards online learning. Hence, institutions should adapt courses to optimize both enjoyment and utility, embracing technological evolution.
Quantitative Analysis of Challenges Encountered by UK Widening Participation Medical Students in Comparison With Their Non-Widening Participation Peers
Authors: Ravulapalli Krishna Chaitanya , Arroyave Caicedo Nicolle M , Zahra Daniel , Mirza Mahrukh 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVES Few studies have captured the experiences of widening participation (WP) medical students, and none have compared their experiences to their non-WP peers. This study aims to identify which challenges WP students are more likely to face. METHODS A 22-item questionnaire was distributed to medical students across all UK medical schools. Students were asked yes or no questions on whether they faced challenges in finances, socializing, physical and mental health, academic attainment, and COVID19-related teaching changes. RESULTS One-hundred seventy-six medical students from all year groups across the UK responded, with 97 students from a WP background. WP students were significantly more likely to have their personal background impacting their mental health (OR = 2.65, P  =  0.002), more than twice as likely to feel that their job impacted their studies (OR = 2.53, P ≤.05), more likely to feel limited by their financial situation (OR = 2.29, P≤.05) and to receive support from student finance (OR = 2.08, P < .05). CONCLUSION WP students were more likely to face challenges in mental health and finances in medical school compared to their peers. These findings, further informed by qualitative insights can aid in advancing equity in medical training.
Development of the WeChat Public Account I Love Parasitology and its Preliminary Application in the Teaching of Human Parasitology
Authors: Zhu Honggang , Deng Weiwen , Guan Fei , Lei Jiahui 
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE To better construct teaching resources, enhance real-time interaction and feedback between teachers and students in and out of class, and improve the teaching quality of parasitology, our team set up a WeChat public account I love Parasitology. METHODS The data sources were mainly from original pictures and multimedia materials of different parasites collected and produced by our team, as well as related materials collected from traditional publications and digital media. With the instant interactive platform, course schedules and corresponding teaching contents were sent by push notifications, case-based learning was carried out, and 2-way communication between students and teachers was achieved. Teaching effectiveness was assessed using a self-evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS A WeChat public account suitable for our daily teaching of parasitology was established. The second recursion and implementation of the learning resources allowed students to conduct in-depth reading and get unrestricted access to high-quality resources through the public account. In addition, all contents were in digital forms and made the original resources reborn, which would make up for our current and future shortage of physical teaching specimens. Moreover, the results from the questionnaire indicated that all these actions encouraged students to master theoretical knowledge, improved their abilities of case analysis and communication, and increased their knowledge of academic progress. CONCLUSION Our WeChat public account can provide excellent learning materials for students and is a good supplement to the routine education of human parasitology.
Relationship between perceived social support and mental health status of the advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care in Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Jheelam , Bhuiyan A. K. M. Motiur Rahman , Alam Afroja , Chowdhury Mostofa Kamal 
Published: May 2024

Background: Cancer patients experience significant changes in their social roles along with various physical and psychological challenges. Despite the growing recognition of the importance of palliative care in Bangladesh, there is a notable gap in research focusing on the psychosocial issues faced by patients with advanced cancer. Aim: This study aims to explore the level of social support perceived by Bangladeshi cancer patients and determine how this support relates to their mental health status. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 advanced cancer (stages III and IV) patients admitted to the palliative medicine department of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Perceived social support was measured by the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the mental health status of the patients was assessed by Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21. Data collection was done from June to November 2023. Relationships between perceived social support, depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed by the Spearman correlation test. The moderating effect of perceived social support on patients’ mental health variables was determined by multiple linear regression and simple slope analysis. p Value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result: The study included an almost equal number of male (49.6%) and female (50.4%) patients, with a mean age of 50.7 ± 14.4 years. Overall, perceived social support was moderate to high for most (74.7%) of the participants. Among the participants, 78.3% experienced anxiety, 77.4% suffered from depression, and 70.5% experienced stress. Depression, anxiety, and stress were all negatively and significantly ( p < 0.05) correlated with perceived social support. Younger patients reported higher levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. Perceived social support had a significant buffering effect on depression and anxiety among the younger patients. Conclusion: Perceived social support has a profound and significant effect on the mental health of advanced cancer patients. Integrating psychosocial support early in palliative care can be highly beneficial to the mental health of these patients.
PACAP38/mast-cell-specific receptor axis mediates repetitive stress-induced headache in mice
Authors: Son Hyeonwi , Zhang Yan , Shannonhouse John , Gomez Ruben , Kim Yu Shin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Pain, an evolutionarily conserved warning system, lets us recognize threats and motivates us to adapt to those threats. Headache pain from migraine affects approximately 15% of the global population. However, the identity of any putative threat that migraine or headache warns us to avoid is unknown because migraine pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we show that a stress-induced increase in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38), known as an initiator of allosteric load inducing unbalanced homeostasis, causes headache-like behaviour in male mice via mas-related G protein-coupled receptor B2 (MrgprB2) in mast cells.

Methods
The repetitive stress model and dural injection of PACAP38 were performed to induce headache behaviours. We assessed headache behaviours using the facial von Frey test and the grimace scale in wild-type and MrgprB2-deficient mice. We further examined the activities of trigeminal ganglion neurons using in vivo Pirt-GCaMP Ca2+ imaging of intact trigeminal ganglion (TG).

Results
Repetitive stress and dural injection of PACAP38 induced MrgprB2-dependent headache behaviours. Blood levels of PACAP38 were increased after repetitive stress. PACAP38/MrgprB2-induced mast cell degranulation sensitizes the trigeminovascular system in dura mater. Moreover, using in vivo intact TG Pirt-GCaMP Ca2+ imaging, we show that stress or/and elevation of PACAP38 sensitized the TG neurons via MrgprB2. MrgprB2-deficient mice showed no sensitization of TG neurons or mast cell activation. We found that repetitive stress and dural injection of PACAP38 induced headache behaviour through TNF-a and TRPV1 pathways.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the PACAP38-MrgprB2 pathway as a new target for the treatment of stress-related migraine headache. Furthermore, our results pertaining to stress interoception via the MrgprB2/PACAP38 axis suggests that migraine headache warns us of stress-induced homeostatic imbalance.
Innovative communication of molecular evolution through sound: a biological sonification concert
Authors: Martin Edward J. , Knotts Shelly , Phillips Michelle , Weise Nicholas , Meagher Thomas R. , Barker Daniel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
A major challenge of evolutionary biology is making underlying concepts accessible to wide audiences. One method for doing so is to utilise multi-media formats that have potential to engage and inform through entertainment. This pilot study outlines and discusses a sonification concert that integrated musical performance with a range of evolutionary concepts and ideas fundamental to an understanding of evolution, such as protein sequences. We aimed to showcase sound-art objects and live-coding performances created using sonification as a mechanism for presenting complex biological processes to both researcher and non-researchers. We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of this art-adjacent practice for public engagement with evolutionary biology research, and also to gather feedback to guide future events. Toward this end, we held a live concert showcasing biologically-based algorithmic music exploring links between evolutionary biology research, sound art, and musical performance. The event had three main acts: a generative audio-visual piece giving an artistic representation of SARS coronavirus based on a parameter-mapping sonification of protein sequence of the replicase polyprotein; a pre-recorded string ensemble demonstrating the effects of codon selection on translation speed using parameter-mapping sonification; and a live-coded music piece interactively sonifying protein structures.

Results
Our event attracted 90 attendees. We evaluated success using direct observation and written feedback forms with a 58% response rate: 95% of respondents stated they had enjoyed the event and 63% indicated they were inspired by it.

Conclusions
Presenting the sonic outputs of sonification research in a concert format showed good potential for the pursuit of public engagement with evolutionary biology research, demonstrating the ability to engage curiosity and inspire an audience while also conveying scientific content alongside the nuanced and complex world of modern evolutionary biology.