bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental anatomy of the thalamus, perinatal lesions, and neurological development
Authors: Govaert Paul , Arena Roberta , Dudink Jeroen , Steggerda Sylke , Agut Thais , Marissens Gertjan , Hoebeek Freek ,   EurUS.Brain group
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe thalamic nuclei develop before a viable preterm age. GABAergic neuronal migration is especially active in the third trimester. Thalamic axons meet cortical axons during subplate activation and create the definitive cortical plate in the second and third trimesters. Default higher‐order cortical driver connections to the thalamus are then replaced by the maturing sensory networks, in a process that is driven by first‐order thalamic neurons. Surface electroencephalographic activity, generated first in the subplate and later in the cortical plate, gradually show oscillations based on the interaction of the cortex with thalamus, which is controlled by the thalamic reticular nucleus. In viable newborn infants, in addition to sensorimotor networks, the thalamus already contributes to visual, auditory, and pain processing, and to arousal and sleep. Isolated thalamic lesions may present as clinical seizures. In addition to asphyxia and stroke, infection and network injury are also common. Cranial ultrasound can be used to classify neonatal thalamic injuries based on functional parcelling of the mature thalamus. We provide ample illustration and a detailed description of the impact of neonatal focal thalamic injury on neurological development, and discuss the potential for neuroprotection based on thalamocortical plasticity.
A predictive model for medium‐term weight loss response in people with type 2 diabetes engaging in behavioural weight management interventions
Authors: Al‐Abdullah Lulwa , Ahern Amy , Welsh Paul , Logue Jennifer 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimsTo develop and evaluate prediction models for medium‐term weight loss response in behavioural weight management programmes.Materials and MethodsWe conducted three longitudinal analyses using the Action for HEalth in Diabetes (LookAHEAD) trial, Weight loss Referrals for Adults in Primary care (WRAP) trial, and routine data from the National Health Service Greater Glasgow and Clyde Weight Management Service (NHS‐GGCWMS). We investigated predictors of medium‐term weight loss (>5% body weight) over 3 years in NHS‐GGCWMS and, separately, predictors of weight loss response in LookAHEAD over 4 years. We validated predictors in both studies using WRAP over 5 years. Predictors of interest included demographic and clinical variables, early weight change in‐programme (first 4 weeks) and overall in‐programme weight change.ResultsIn LookAHEAD and WRAP the only baseline variables consistently associated with weight loss response were female sex and older age. Of 1152 participants in NHS‐GGCWMS (mean age 57.8 years, 60% female, type 2 diabetes diagnosed for a median of 5.3 years), 139 lost weight over 3 years (12%). The strongest predictor of weight loss response was early weight change (odds ratio 2.22, 95% confidence interval 1.92–2.56) per 1% weight loss. Losing 0.5% weight in the first 4 weeks predicted medium‐term weight loss (sensitivity 89.9%, specificity 49.5%, negative predictive value 97.3%). Overall in‐programme weight change was also associated with weight loss response over 3 years in NHS‐GGCWMS and over 5 years in WRAP.ConclusionsNot attaining a weight loss threshold of 0.5% early in weight management programmes may identify participants who would benefit from alternative interventions.
Transformative foresight for diverse futures: the Seeds of Good Anthropocenes initiative
Authors: Preiser Rika , Hichert Tanja , Biggs Reinette , van Velden Julia , Magadzire Nyasha , Peterson Garry , Pereira Laura , Mayer Keziah , Benessaiah Karina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMotivationForesight methods are increasingly recognized as essential for decision‐making in complex environments, particularly within development and research settings. As foresight methods continue to gain prominence for decision‐making, their application in these settings grows. Funders and policy‐makers can benefit from the experience of transformative foresight practitioners and researchers who are skilled in designing novel ways to envision alternative and diverse development futures.PurposeThe Seeds of Good Anthropocenes (SoGA) initiative has experimented with transformative foresight since its inception in 2016.We position SoGA within the framework of Minkkinen et al. (2019); we present its transformative capacity through participatory visioning; and we explore how foresight methods can shape strategic development options.Approach and methodsWe draw lessons from how SoGA, used extensively in various contexts around the world, has introduced experimental transformative foresight to deal with diversity and complexity. We describe the transformative foresight processes in detail.FindingsSoGA exemplifies how transformative foresight can support policy and change initiatives by providing participants, planners, and decision‐makers with opportunities to reinforce the collaborative and transformative objectives of their policy and convening practices. Such engagement not only deepens the strategic impact of policies, it also encourages a more inclusive and participatory approach to policy development, aligning with broader goals for sustainable and impactful change.
How automated techniques ease functional assessment of the fetal heart: Applicability of two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography for comprehensive analysis of global and segmental cardiac deformation using fetalHQ®
Authors: Scharf Jann Lennard , Dracopoulos Christoph , Gembicki Michael , Rody Achim , Welp Amrei , Weichert Jan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundPrenatal echocardiographic assessment of fetal cardiac function has become increasingly important. Fetal two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) allows the determination of global and segmental functional cardiac parameters. Prenatal diagnostics is relying increasingly on artificial intelligence, whose algorithms transform the way clinicians use ultrasound in their daily workflow. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of whether less experienced operators can handle and might benefit from an automated tool of 2D‐STE in the clinical routine.MethodsA total of 136 unselected, normal, singleton, second‐ and third‐trimester fetuses with normofrequent heart rates were examined by targeted ultrasound. 2D‐STE was performed separately by beginner and expert semiautomatically using a GE Voluson E10 (FetalHQ®, GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). Several fetal cardiac parameters were calculated (end‐diastolic diameter [ED], sphericity index [SI], global longitudinal strain [EndoGLS], fractional shortening [FS]) and assigned to gestational age (GA). Bland‐Altman plots were used to test agreement between both operators.ResultsThe mean maternal age was 33 years, and the mean maternal body mass index prior to pregnancy was 24.78 kg/m2. The GA ranged from 16.4 to 32.0 weeks (average 22.9 weeks). Averaged endoGLS value of the beginner was ‐18.57% ± 6.59 percentage points (pp) for the right and ‐19.58% ± 5.63 pp for the left ventricle, that of the expert ‐14.33% ± 4.88 pp and ‐16.37% ± 5.42 pp. With increasing GA, right ventricular endoGLS decreased slightly while the left ventricular was almost constant. The statistical analysis for endoGLS showed a Bland‐Altman‐Bias of ‐4.24 pp ± 8.06 pp for the right and ‐3.21 pp ± 7.11 pp for the left ventricle. The Bland‐Altman‐Bias of the ED in both ventricles in all analyzed segments ranged from ‐.49 mm ± 1.54 mm to ‐.10 mm ± 1.28 mm, that for FS from ‐.33 pp ± 11.82 pp to 3.91 pp ± 15.56 pp and that for SI from ‐.38 ± .68 to ‐.15 ± .45.ConclusionsBetween both operators, our data indicated that 2D‐STE analysis showed excellent agreement for cardiac morphometry parameters (ED and SI), and good agreement for cardiac function parameters (EndoGLS and FS). Due to its complexity, the application of fetal 2D‐STE remains the domain of scientific‐academic perinatal ultrasound and should be placed preferably in the hands of skilled operators. At present, from our perspective, an implementation into clinical practice “on‐the‐fly” cannot be recommended.
Associations of sex, age, and number of remaining teeth with performance on oral hypofunction tests
Authors: Okamoto Mieko , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Tsuga Kazuhiro , Matsuo Koichiro , Ikebe Kazunori , Ueda Takayuki , Minakuchi Shunsuke 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionOral hypofunction comprises seven aspects of oral condition, including oral hygiene, oral dryness, bite strength, tongue‐lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and swallowing function. Each of these seven has a single diagnostic criterion; however, the use of a single indicator without consideration of sex, age, or other factors is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between the oral hypofunction test and sex, age, and number of remaining teeth.MethodsThe study was conducted at 12 facilities by the members of the Japanese Society of Geriatric Dentistry during April to December 2019. The participants comprised 181 healthy older adults aged 65 years and over (56.9% female; age range 65–95 years) who regularly visited these facilities. All tests of oral function and oral status available in Japan were performed on the participants, and the association between these tests and sex, age, and number of remaining teeth was examined.ResultsSex differences were observed in masticatory function, bite force, lip closure force, jaw‐opening force, oral diadochokinesis “ka,” and tongue coating index (p < .05). In men, age was weakly (r = 0.20–0.40) associated with masticatory function, jaw‐opening force, maximum tongue pressure, oral diadochokinesis, and swallowing function. In women, the number of remaining teeth, masticatory function, jaw‐opening force, and oral diadochokinesis “ta” and “ka” was also weakly associated with age.ConclusionsPerformance on the oral hypofunction test differs by sex, age, and number of remaining teeth. This means that the current single criterion for evaluation requires caution in its interpretation.
Low liver reserve is a risk factor for acute pancreatitis in patients with acute liver failure
Authors: Kakisaka Keisuke , Sasaki Tokio , Nakaya Ippeki , Watanabe Takuya , Abe Hiroaki , Yusa Kenji , Fujiwara Yudai , Abe Tamami , Suzuki Akiko , Endo Kei , Yoshida Yuichi , Oikawa Takayoshi , Sawara Kei , Miyasaka Akio , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Matsumoto Takayuki 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAimAcute pancreatitis is a complication of acute liver failure (ALF). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of and clinical features associated with acute pancreatitis in patients with ALF.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed a cohort of ALF patients without hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed during a period 2011–2018, and compared clinical features between patients with acute pancreatitis and those without. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed according to the Acute Pancreatitis Clinical Practice Guidelines 2021. A multivariate analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with acute pancreatitis.ResultsThere were 83 ALF patients without hepatic encephalopathy (34 men; 11 deaths; 6 liver transplants; median age, 63 years). Acute pancreatitis occurred in nine patients (10.8%). The median time duration from ALF to the onset of acute pancreatitis was 8 days. The survival rate was lower in patients with than those without acute pancreatitis (22% vs. 86%). The model for end‐stage liver disease score (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.03–1.18) was found to be a significant factor associated with acute pancreatitis, whereas triglyceride, age, and sex were not.ConclusionsA high model for end‐stage liver disease score may be a marker to stratify patients with ALF at a risk of acute pancreatitis.
Implementation of the recommended immunohistochemistry algorithm for classification of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified into the prognostically significant GATA3 and TBX21 subtypes
Authors: Jain Surabhi , Ahmad Aijaz , Jan Ambreen , Gogia Ajay , Aggarwal Mukul , Viswanathan Ganesh Kumar , Mandal Trisha , Sharma Atul , Sahoo Ranjit , Sharma Mehar Chand , Bakhshi Sameer , Kumar Lalit , Mallick Saumyaranjan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionCurrent molecular research has shown the several oncogenic pathways that give rise to the peripheral T‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise defined (PTCL, NOS) subtypes, which alter prognosis and might have predictive value. This study was conducted to assess the immunohistochemistry (IHC) algorithm by Amador et al for the subtyping of PTCL, NOS and determine its applicability in relation to the clinicopathological profile.MethodsThis study included 43 patients with PTCL, NOS diagnosis. Following the use of IHC for the transcription factors GATA3, TBX21, CCR4, and CXCR3, two pathologists subtyped the samples. Comprehensive clinicopathological correlation was carried out.ResultsApplying the algorithm of Amador et al., cases were classified into GATA3 (20), TBX21 (15), and unclassified (8) subtypes. No significant association with clinical parameters of subtypes or CD4/ CD8 positivity was observed. Although a higher proportion of cases in the TBX21 subgroup showed a polymorphic population compared with the GATA3 subgroup, which had a monomorphic population, no significant p‐value (0.111) was observed. Two Lennert lymphomas were classified into the GATA3 subgroup. Multivariate analysis showed no significant difference in overall survival (p‐value = 0.105) and progression‐free survival (p‐value = 0.0509) between IHC‐defined subtypes; trends indicate that overall survival and progression‐free survival are worse in the GATA3 subgroup.ConclusionAlthough the algorithm is reproducible, a proportion of cases remains unclassifiable and may require additional investigation and gene expression profiling. The GATA3 subgroup was found to have a monomorphic population with a poor overall prognosis and thus requires a larger sample size for validation.
Negative expression of CD117 predicted inferior OS and PFS in acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Zeng Hui , He Jie , Dong Hai‐Bo , Zhou Min , Zhang Qian , Chen Lan‐Xin , Yuan Cui‐Ying , Jiang Ru‐Ru , Liu Jin‐Wen , Ou‐Yang Jian , Ben Yu , Chen Bing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn recent years, the correlation between CD117 antigen and the prognosis of hematological malignancies has been demonstrated. However, there is limited literature on the clinical significance of CD117 antigen in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical features and prognostic significance of CD117 in APL.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively investigated the clinicopathological characteristics, outcome, and prognostic impact of negative CD117 expression (CD117−) in 169 APL patients treated with all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) containing regimen.ResultsThe median follow‐up period was 63.0 months. CD117− was detected in 13 APL patients (7.7%). No significant differences were found in baseline characteristics between CD117+ and CD117− subgroups. However, compared to CD117+ APL, the incidence of early death (ED) was significantly higher in CD117− APL (p = 0.023). By multivariate analysis, CD117‐ was an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) (p = 0.022 and p = 0.014, respectively).ConclusionsTo sum up, CD117− is associated with greater risk of ED and has the statistical power to predict inferior OS and PFS, this marker may be considered to build prognostic scores for risk‐adapted therapeutic strategies in APL management.
Clinical questions in the Japanese Urological Association's 2024 clinical practice guidelines for urethral strictures
Authors: Horiguchi Akio , Shinchi Masayuki , Hirano Yusuke , Asanuma Hiroshi , Ishiura Yoshiyuki , Inoue Koji , Kanematsu Akihiro , Tabei Tadashi , Tamura Yoshimi , Nakajima Yosuke , Moriya Kimihiko , Yagihashi Yusuke , Fukagai Takashi , Fujii Yasuhisa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTransurethral procedures such as direct vision internal urethrotomy and urethral dilation have been the traditional treatments for urethral strictures. However, transurethral procedures are associated with high recurrence rates, resulting in many uncured cases and prompting major international urological societies to recommend urethroplasty as the standard treatment owing to its high success rate. In contrast, many Japanese general urologists have little doubts about treating urethral strictures with transurethral treatment. Therefore, urethral stricture treatments in Japan are not in line with those used in other countries. To address this, the Trauma, Emergency Medicine, and Reconstruction Subcommittee of the Japanese Urological Association has developed guidelines to offer standardized treatment protocols for urethral stricture, based on international evidence and tailored to Japan's medical landscape. These guidelines target patients with a clinically suspected urethral stricture and are intended for urologists and general practitioners involved in its diagnosis and treatment. Following the Minds Clinical Practice Guideline Development Manual 2020, the committee identified eight critical clinical issues and formulated eight clinical questions using the “patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome” format. A comprehensive literature search was conducted. For six clinical questions addressed by the existing guidelines or systematic reviews, the level of evidence was determined by qualitative systematic reviews. Quantitative systematic reviews and meta‐analyses were performed for the two unique clinical questions. The recommendation grades were determined using the Delphi method and consensus by the committee. These guidelines will be useful to clinicians in daily practice, especially those involved in the care of urethral strictures.
Infants' facial electromyographic responses to the sight of emotional interpersonal touch
Authors: Addabbo Margaret , Licht Victoria , Turati Chiara 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAdult studies have shown that observed interpersonal touch provides crucial information about others' emotional states. Yet, despite the unique communicative function of touch during development, very little is known about infants' sensitivity to the emotional valence of observed touches. To investigate this issue, we measured facial electromyographic (EMG) activity in response to positive (caress) and negative (scratches) observed touches in a sample of 11‐month‐old infants. Facial EMG activity was measured over the zygomaticus major (ZM) and corrugator supercilii muscles, respectively involved in positive (i.e., smiling) and negative (i.e., frowning) facial expressions. Results have shown distinct activations of the ZM during the observation of scratches and caresses. In particular, significantly greater activation of the ZM (smiling muscle) emerged specifically in response to the observation of caresses compared to scratches. Our finding suggests that, in infancy, observed affective touches can evoke emotional facial reactions.
Enhancing Disability Nursing Practice in Australia: Addressing Educational Preparedness
Authors: Jojo Natasha , Wilson Rhonda L. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTPeople with intellectual disabilities (IDs) face significant health challenges, including poor outcomes, limited access to health care, and a 26‐year life expectancy gap compared with the general population. This highlights the need for improved public health and social policies to enhance the quality of care in hospital and community settings. An integrated literature review was conducted to examine the state of disability nursing practice in Australia following the implementation of the National Disability Insurance Support (NDIS) scheme. The review included English‐language studies published from 2010 to 2023. Systematic searches in five databases resulted in a final sample of 28 studies. The data were then thematically analysed, and the following three themes emerged: Workforce development and professional standards, hospital experience and support needs of individuals with IDs, and nursing curriculum and ID. Study findings suggest that nurses lack preparation for effective health communication with individuals with IDs and their families. Evidence is insufficient to guide nursing practice and policies in ID care. Varying understandings of practice standards exist among nurses. Nursing curriculums in Australia fail to adequately prepare students to manage the unique needs of individuals with IDs, perpetuating the high mortality rates in this population. Specialised nursing practice areas are vital for meeting the complex needs of individuals with IDs. Reintroducing a disability nursing specialty and integrating dedicated study units and clinical placements in undergraduate programmes are recommended steps to improve care outcomes and support the overall well‐being of this population.
Investigating institutional and expenditure patterns on debt and economic growth in Ghana
Authors: Sedegah Klenam K. , Ayisi Richard Kwabi , Abdul‐Rahaman Wassiuw , Baah‐Boateng William 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of government expenditure and institutions on public debt accumulation and economic growth in Ghana between 1990 and 2019. The paper examines how public debt is utilized for government spending on capital and recurrent expenditure, and the role bureaucratic quality plays in improving economic growth. The employed estimation technique is structural equation modelling because it effectively assesses complex situations and allows the modelling of complex systems by utilizing simultaneous equations, mediator analysis and modification indices to improve the goodness of fit of a model. The study indicates that public debt negatively affects GDP growth, whereas trade openness positively influences GDP growth and public debt accumulation. Bureaucratic quality impacts GDP growth positively and capital expenditure negatively. Recurrent expenditure positively predicts GDP growth and capital expenditure. Capital expenditure's effect on GDP growth is negative but statistically insignificant. The right checks and balances should be implemented to mitigate rent‐seeking and corrupt activities associated with bureaucracy. Tax revenue mobilization should be improved to reduce budget deficits and borrowing, whereas exports should be promoted through improving local industries. Finally, all infrastructural projects must be completed to serve their purpose.