bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain Topological Changes in Subjective Cognitive Decline and Associations with Amyloid Stages
Authors: Jiang Xueyan , Zhang Mingkai , Yan Chuyao , Daamen Marcel , Boecker Henning , Yue Feng , Jessen Frank , Hu Xiaochen , Han Ying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Amyloid spreads throughout the cortex in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is thought to cause disturbances in brain networks. It is not clear how structural and functional connectivity change as amyloid accumulates progressively across cortical stages in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a risk condition for AD.
Methods
Graph-theoretic analyses of functional and structural brain networks were performed using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging in 100 individuals with SCD and 86 normal controls (NC) derived from an ongoing large cohort study. Topological properties at node and network levels were characterized as indicators of information exchange efficiency and network robustness. Amyloid burden was quantified in a subset of 55 individuals with SCD by amyloid positron emission tomography using a frequency-based staging method, yielding mean regional standardized uptake value ratios (SUVr) for four anatomical divisions and global SUVr for the entire cortex, which were further correlated with topological property measures.
Results
Individuals with SCD showed increased functional nodal efficiency and structural nodal betweenness in the left anterior and median cingulate gyri compared to NC. No group differences in network-level properties were found. Frequency-based amyloid staging revealed four anatomical divisions, including the fusiform and lateral temporal gyri (> 50%), occipital areas (30%-50%), default mode network, the midline brain and lateral frontotemporal areas (10%-30%), and the remaining cortex (< 10%). Global and regional SUVr of the four amyloid stages were positively associated with the node-level properties of a set of default mode network hubs, with the left anterior and posterior cingulate gyri being congruently associated with all amyloid stages.
Conclusion
Individuals with SCD showed increased information exchange efficiency in the left cingulate, with unchanged network-level effectiveness or robustness of a complex network. In this at-risk population, progressive amyloid accumulation across cortical stages continuously influences the adaptation of functional and structural networks via default mode network hubs, irrespective of the local physical proximity of the amyloid pathology. The positive associations between node-level topological properties and amyloid burden suggest an increasing burden of information processing in the cortical hubs during early cortical amyloid deposition in this risk population for Alzheimer's disease.
Prevalence of and factors associated with short birth interval in the semi-rural community of Kaya, Burkina Faso: results of a community-based survey
Authors: Coulibaly Abou , Baguiya Adama , Meda Bertrand Ivlabèhiré , Millogo Tiéba , Koumbem Aristide Marie Arsène , Garanet Franck , Kouanda Seni 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
A short birth interval adversely affects the health of mothers and children. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of short birth intervals and identify their associated factors in a semi-urban setting in Burkina Faso.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study in which data were collected in households between May and October 2022. The dependent variable was the short birth interval (SBI), defined by the World Health Organization as the time between two live births. We performed a multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression with robust variance to determine the factors associated with the SBI by reporting adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
A total of 5544 birth intervals were recorded from 4067 women. A short birth interval was found in 1503 cases out of 5544, i.e., a frequency of 27.1%. The prevalence of short birth interval (time between two live births less than 33 months) was higher in never users of modern contraceptive users (aPR = 1.24; 95% CI [1.14–1.34] vs. previous users), in younger ages with aPR of 4.21 (95% CI [3.30–5.37]), 2.47 (95% CI [1.96–3.11]), and 1.45 (95% CI [1.16–1.81]), respectively for under 18, 18–24 years old, and 25–34 years old, compared to 35 and over. Childbirths occurring before the implementation of the maternal and infant free health care policy (aPR = 2.13; 95% CI [1.98–2.30]) and also before the free FP policy (aPR = 1.53; 95% CI [1.28–1.81]) were found also protective against SBI. Women with low socio-economic positions were more likely to have SBI.
Conclusion
This study found a high SBI in Burkina Faso (more than one woman out of four). Our results have programmatic implications, as some factors, such as contraceptive practice and socioeconomic status, are modifiable. These factors need particular attention to lengthen birth intervals and, in turn, improve mother-child couple health by reducing short birth interval consequences.
Reorganization of Gray Matter Networks in Patients with Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Zhu Huan , Wang Peijiong , Li Wenjie , Zhang Qihang , Zhu Chenyu , Liu Tong , Yu Tao , Liu Xingju , Zhang Qian , Zhao Jizong , Zhang Yan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) exhibit significant alterations in brain structure and function but knowledge regarding gray matter networks is limited. The study enrolled 136 MMD patients and 99 healthy controls (HCs). Clinical characteristics and gray matter network topology were analyzed. Compared to HCs, MMD patients exhibited decreased clustering coefficient (Cp) and local efficiency (Eloc). Ischemic patients showed decreased Eloc and increased characteristic path length (Lp) compared to asymptomatic and hemorrhagic patients. MMD patients had significant regional abnormalities, including decreased degree centrality (DC) in the left medial orbital superior frontal gyrus, left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, and right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex. Increased DC was found in bilateral olfactory regions, with higher betweenness centrality (BC) in the right median cingulate, paracingulate fusiform gyrus, and left pallidum. Ischemic patients had lower BC in the right hippocampus compared to hemorrhagic patients, while hemorrhagic patients had decreased DC in the right triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus compared to asymptomatic patients. Subnetworks related to MMD and white matter hyperintensity volume were identified. There is significant reorganization of gray matter networks in patients compared to HCs, and among different types of patients. Gray matter networks can effectively detect MMD-related brain structural changes.
Assessing the physical activity of parents of children suffering from cancer: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ohnmacht Carolin , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Pahl Antonia , Gollhofer Albert , Puzik Alexander 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Regular physical activity (PA) is essential for biopsychosocial health, but reduced PA during therapy for childhood cancer increases the burden of long-term side effects. Cancer and its therapy determine the everyday life of affected families, and parents spend plenty of time with their child in the hospital. Thus, we assumed that the restriction of the movement environment affects the parents' PA-behavior. Meanwhile, parents have a pronounced influence on their child's PA-behavior. This is the first study to investigate the PA and sitting time (ST) of parents before and during their child's cancer therapy.
Methods
Forty parents provided their consent and participated in the study between September 2021 and February 2022. Parental PA and ST were assessed before and during their child's cancer therapy in a cross-sectional design using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The questionnaire was supplemented with additional self-generated questions. Analysis of variance was applied using IBM SPSS Statistics. The Ethics Committee of the University of Freiburg approved the study.
Results
The parents' PA-levels before their child's diagnosis corresponded with reference values of healthy adults. During their child's therapy, all dimensions of parental daily PA and the number of Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes of PA per week decreased significantly. Especially during inpatient stays, PA decreased (mean ± SD: from 3004.5 ± 2301.4 to 889.1 ± 1585.1; p < 0.001), with a significant increase in ST in minutes per workday (mean ± SD: from 329.3 ± 196.6 to 687.8 ± 268.8; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
This is the first study to show that the PA of parents of children suffering from cancer significantly decreases during cancer therapy. Considering that parental PA can significantly affect their child's behavior during and after completion of cancer therapy, exercise programs in pediatric oncology should expand and include parents to reduce inactivity-related long-term side effects.
Trial registration:
German Register of Clinical Trials No.: DRKS00026248, prospectively registered on 17/09/2021.
Transarterial therapy combined with bevacizumab plus immune checkpoint inhibitors as a neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Zhenyun , Wang Qianyu , Hu Li , Sima Xiaoxian , Hu Dandan , Zhou Zhongguo , Chen Minshan , Fu Yizhen , Zhang Yaojun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Transarterial therapy (TAT), bevacizumab (Bev), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have individually exhibited efficacy in treating advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the combination of these three treatments as a neoadjuvant modality in patients with locally advanced HCC.
Methods
The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS). The second endpoint is progression free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), pathological response rate and safety.
Results
A total of 54 patients received standard systemic therapy comprising Bev combined with ICIs (Bev-ICIs group), 113 patients received direct surgery (Surgery group), and 273 patients received neoadjuvant therapy of TAT combined Bev plus ICIs, among which 79 patients (28.9%) underwent surgical resection after successful tumor downstaging (Neo-surgery group) while the remaining 194 patients (71.1%) received maintenance systemic therapies (Neo-maintenance group). Neoadjuvant following surgery demonstrated a prolonged OS in contrast to direct surgery (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.29, P = 0.0058). The median PFS time in the Neo-surgery and Surgery groups stood at 19.2 and 6.3 months, respectively (HR = 0.25, P < 0.0001). In patients failed to receiving resection after neoadjuvant therapy, the median OS was 22.8 months, whereas that for the standard care population was 19.7 month (HR = 0.53, P = 0.023). The median PFS time in Neo-maintenance group and Bev-ICIs groups was 11.2 and 6.4 months (HR = 0.60, P = 0.024).
Conclusion
The triple therapy regimen comprising TAT-Bev-ICIs emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a neoadjuvant intervention.
Does gross motor proficiency contribute to cognitive and social development in early childhood?
Authors: Capio Catherine M. , Mendoza Norman B. , Jones Rachel A. , Masters Rich S.W. , Lee Kerry 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

With limited evidence from intervention studies, causal relationships between motor competence and cognitive and social development have yet to be clearly established. In this research, we investigated whether a targeted training programme to improve gross motor skills (i.e., object control, locomotor) in young children would also lead to improvements in cognitive (i.e., executive function) and social (i.e., socioemotional competence) domains. Using a two-arm group randomized intervention design, 185 children aged 36 to 60 months (mean 47.51, SD 8.11 months) were allocated to a motor skill intervention group or an active control group. The intervention was implemented over one school year, and outcomes were monitored across five time points. Longitudinal analysis was performed using hierarchical linear mixed-effects and latent growth curve models. Participation in motor skills training led to higher rates of development in object control skills (p < 0.001) and executive function (p < 0.001). A dose‒response relationship was found where those children who displayed greater development in object control skills over time also displayed greater development in executive function (p = 0.001). We found no significant effects of the intervention on locomotor skills, social behaviors, or socioemotional competence. These findings provide evidence of a causal relationship between motor and cognitive development.
Comparison of short-term outcomes following robotic ventral hernia repair in patients with obesity: a review of 9,742 patients from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database
Authors: Taylor Jordan , Lopez-Canizares Nicole , Valor Cristhian , Arias-Espinoza Luis , Phillips Sharon , Pereira Xavier , Damani Tanuja , Malcher Flavio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the paucity of evidence on robotic ventral hernia repair (RVHR) in patients with obesity, the robotic platform is being used more frequently in hernia surgery. The impact of obesity on RVHR outcomes has not been thoroughly studied. Obesity is considered a major risk factor for the development of recurrent ventral hernias and postoperative complications; however, we hypothesize that patients undergoing robotic repairs will have similar complication profiles despite their body mass index (BMI).
Study design:
We performed a retrospective analysis of patients ages 18–90 years who underwent RVHR between 2013–2023 using data from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative registry. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative characteristics were compared in non-obese and obese groups, determined using a univariate and logistic regression analysis to compare short-term outcomes.
Results
The registry identified 9,742 patients; 3,666 were non-obese; 6,076 were classified as obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2). There was an increased odds of surgical site occurrence in patients with obesity, mostly seroma formation; however, obesity was not a significant factor for a complication requiring a procedural intervention after RVHR. In contrast, the hernia-specific quality of life scores significantly improved following surgery for all patients, with those with obesity having more substantial improvement from baseline.
Conclusion
Obesity does increase the risk of complications following RVHR in a BMI-dependent fashion on sub-analysis; however, the odds of requiring a procedural intervention are not significantly increased by BMI. Patients with obesity have a significant improvement in their quality of life, and RVHR should be carefully considered in this population.
Morphophysiological and Antioxidant Responses of some Obscure Grape Cultivars from the Caspian Basin under Varying Water Deficit Conditions
Authors: Seidi Azar , Seifi Esmaeil , Rasoli Valiollah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of water deficit on the morphophysiological and antioxidant responses of some Obscure Grape Cultivars from the Caspian Basin. As water deficit increased, shoot length, leaf fresh and dry weights decreased, with the lowest values observed under the 40% field capacity (FC) treatment. Interestingly, the MY cultivar maintained the highest total chlorophyll content in the 70% FC treatment. Cultivar and water deficit also had significant main effects on internode length and lateral shoot length. The BS cultivar exhibited the highest internode length but the lowest lateral shoot length. Water deficit treatments reduced internode length and drastically decreased lateral shoot length, with the 40% FC treatment having the lowest lateral shoot length. Water deficit treatments significantly affected stem diameter, lateral shoot number, and canopy temperature. The 40% FC treatment resulted in the lowest stem diameter and lateral shoot number, while displaying the highest canopy temperature. Relative water content (RWC) of leaves and roots, and membrane stability index (MSI) decreased with increasing water deficit. The QR and CH cultivars maintained the highest leaf and root RWC under water deficit, while the CH cultivar had the lowest MSI. Leaf and root proline content, total protein, and hydrogen peroxide showed significant interaction effects between cultivar and water deficit. Antioxidant enzyme activities increased with drought stress, and the MY, KH, and QR cultivars exhibited distinct responses. Based on their performance under drought stress, the studied cultivars were ranked, with MY being the most tolerant, followed by KH and QR.
Anatomical fit of volar locking plates for the distal radius and the influence of plate size
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroshi , Sato Kotaro , Murakami Kenya , Saino Tomoyuki , Doita Minoru 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The volar locking plate system is the standard surgical treatment for patients with unstable distal radius fractures. Volar locking plates are currently available in different shapes and 2–3 size options. In this study, we investigated whether the anatomical fit and plate size of volar locking plates affect their proper placement.
Methods
Two sizes of Acu-Loc2 Proximal Plates (AcuLoc), three sizes of Variable Angle LCP Two-Column Volar Distal Radius Plate 2.4 (VALCP), and 16 formalin-fixed cadaver specimens were studied. The plates and forearms were scanned using computed tomography. The plate was fixed to a radius within the watershed line, and radiographs were obtained using fluoroscopy. X-rays were superimposed, and a three-dimensional image of the plate and bone was created. The distance from the plate to the volar surface of each distal locking hole (PBD) was measured. To investigate the anatomical fitting of the plate, the contact area between the bone and plate was analyzed on three-dimensional images. We measured the distance between the distal end of the plate and the watershed line in three-dimensional images, defining it as watershed overlap.
Results
The PBD in the radial column was significantly smaller than that in the ulnar column in the narrow and standard VALCP and narrow in the AcuLoc. For the other plates, the PBD in the radial column tended to be smaller than that in the ulnar column. The contact area was 6.6–20.0% of the plate. The average value of the watershed overlap was negative for both plates. However, no significant differences were observed in PBD, contact area, or watershed overlap among the plate sizes for either plate.
Conclusion
Although the small plate size affected the fitting to the distal radius, the variance was small; therefore, each plate size may be selected depending on the circumstances of the fracture.
Tirofiban for Reduction of Thromboembolic Events in Endovascular Unruptured Aneurysm Repair (TEAR): Rationale and Design of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Jiang Qianmei , Jiang Sili , Liu Qi , Wang Zhaobin , Zhang Zhe , Liu Xinyao , Chen Shuo , Jing Jing , Liu Lian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds and Objective: New embolic events following stent-assisted coiling (SAC) and flow diverting (FD) procedures for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) pose a significant challenge, and the optimal perioperative antithrombotic approach remains inconsistent. This trial aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of tirofiban in reducing new diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)-positive ischemic lesions following SAC/FD for UIA.
Hypothesis: Compared to standard medical care alone, the prophylactic addition of tirofiban can reduce the DWI-positive ischemic lesions following SAC/FD for UIA without increasing the risk of bleeding.
Methods: The Tirofiban for reduction of Thromboembolic Events in Endovascular unruptured Aneurysm Repair (TEAR) trial is an investigator-initiated, two-armed (1:1), prospective, randomized, open-label, masked-endpoint, superiority study. A total of 192 UIA patients receiving SAC/FD at a national stroke center will be recruited and randomized into two groups: Tirofiban group—after the femoral artery puncture, initial infusion of 0.4μg/kg/minute over 30 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.1μg/kg/minute for 24 hours. Meanwhile, routine dual antiplatelet therapy will be administered. Control group—routine dual antiplatelet therapy. The 3-T thin-slice (2mm) MRI, including diffusion weighted imaging, will be arranged for all participants within 48 hours after interventional therapy.
Outcomes: The primary efficacy outcome is the number and volume of ischemic lesions on postoperative DWI within 48 hours following the procedure. The secondary efficacy outcomes include any new strokes, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack at postoperative 48-hour and 30-day, and disabling stroke at 30-day. The primary safety outcome is moderate and severe bleeding events, according to the GUSTO (Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Coronary Arteries) criteria, within 48 hours of postoperative.
Discussion: TEAR-trial will be the first randomized controlled trial to provide evidence-based recommendations for triple antiplatelet therapy (routine dual antiplatelet combined with tirofiban) to reduce DWI-positive lesions in patients with UIA who underwent SAC and FD.
Trial registration: NCT06238115.
Post-Disaster Damage and Loss Assessment in the Iranian Healthcare Sector: A qualitative study
Authors: Miri Javad , Atighechian Golrokh , Seyedin Hesam , Raeisi Ahmad Reza 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Accurate post-disaster damage and loss assessment is critical for the success of a subsequent recovery program. A comprehensive and systematic damage and loss assessment process involves the evaluation of the physical damage and financial impact of an event on individuals, communities, and assets. To ensure effective recovery, various entities and components included in the program must be developed appropriately and efficiently. This study aims to identify the entities and components of the Iranian healthcare sector's post-disaster damage and loss assessment program. Methods This qualitative study employed purposeful sampling and semi-structured individual interviews with participants from the National Disaster Management Organization, the Iranian Red Crescent, and the disaster risk management departments of the Ministry of Health and the medical universities. The interviews were conducted face-to-face at the participants' workplaces or remotely. Thematic analysis, which is a conventional qualitative method, was employed to analyse the data. Following the transcription of the recorded interviews, the initial codes were extracted, reviewed, and classified. Results The study's results are based on the insights and experiences of a diverse group of qualified experts in their respective fields. The findings were analyzed and classified into 10 main themes, 30 sub-themes, and 1058 codes. Conclusion An understanding of the key concepts and principles enables stakeholders to respond effectively to disasters, make informed decisions, and facilitate recovery and reconstruction efforts.