bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum ASGR2 level: an efficacy biomarker for balloon pulmonary angioplasty in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Xu Wei-Jie , Wang Shang , Zhao Qian-Hao , Xu Jia-Yi , Hu Xiao-Yi , Gong Su-Gang , He Jing , Qiu Hong-Ling , Luo Ci-Jun , Xu Jian , Li Hui-Ting , Li Ze-Pu , Wang Lan , Shi Yu , Zhao Ya-Lin , Jiang Rong 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThis study aimed to employ plasma proteomics to investigate the molecular changes, pathway alterations, and potential novel biochemical markers associated with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).MethodsPre- and post-BPA plasma samples from five CTEPH patients in the PRACTICE study were analyzed to identify differentially expressed proteins. Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses were conducted, and the identified proteins were further validated using ELISA assays in a separate cohort of the same study. Correlation and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate the associations between these differentially expressed proteins and clinical parameters.ResultsSignificantly higher serum levels of asialoglycoprotein receptor 2 (ASGR2) were detected in 5 CTEPH patients compared to those in healthy individuals but decreased significantly after successful BPA procedures. The decrease in serum levels of ASGR2 after the completion of BPA procedures was further validated in a separate cohort of 48 patients with CTEPH [0.70 (0.51, 1.11) ng/mL vs. 0.38 (0.27, 0.59) ng/mL, P &lt; 0.001]. Significant associations were found between the pre-BPA ASGR2 level and clinical parameters, including neutrophil percentage (R = 0.285, P &lt; 0.05), platelet (PLT) count (R = 0.386, P &lt; 0.05), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) before BPA (R = -0.285, P &lt; 0.05). Significant associations were detected between post-BPA serum ASGR2 levels and lymphocyte percentage (LYM%) (R = 0.306, P &lt; 0.05), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (R = -0.294, P &lt; 0.05), and pulmonary vascular resistance after BPA (R = -0.35, P &lt; 0.05). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis revealed that pre-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with HDL-C and PLT count (both P &lt; 0.001), while post-BPA ASGR2 levels were associated with LYM% (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionSerum levels of ASGR2 may be a biomarker for the effectiveness of BPA treatment in CTEPH patients. The pre-BPA serum level of ASGR2 in CTEPH patients was associated with HDL-C and the PLT count. The post-BPA serum level of ASGR2 was correlated with the LYM%, which may reflect aspects of immune and inflammatory status.
A qualitative assessment of community perceptions and practices towards schistosomiasis prior to introduction of a potential novel treatment option for preschool-age children in Kenya
Authors: Masaku Janet , Gachohi John M. , Sinkeet Alice , Maghanga Mary , Wakesho Florence , Omondi Wyckliff , Reigl Lisa Sophie , Lange Isabelle L. , Winkler Andrea S. , Njenga Sammy M. , Amuyunzu-Nyamongo Mary 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundOver 50 million preschool-age children (PSAC) in Africa need treatment for schistosomiasis but are excluded due to lack of a suitable child-friendly medication. The Paediatric Praziquantel Consortium has developed a novel paediatric formulation for PSAC. In advance of its roll-out, we conducted a social science study to draw lessons to inform implementation.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in eight villages in two purposively selected highly endemic Kenyan counties (Homa Bay and Kwale). We conducted 17 in-depth interviews with community opinion leaders and 21 with parents/guardians of PSAC. Twelve focus group discussions with parents/guardians of PSAC were also held. The aim was to assess their knowledge, perceptions, practices and willingness to participate in the medication’s roll-out for schistosomiasis. Thematic data analysis was performed.ResultsMost participants had heard of schistosomiasis and perceived it to be a serious disease whose treatment should be prioritised. Others felt it was a common disease that should not cause concern. Some people believed schistosomiasis was caused by witchcraft while others regarded it as a sexually transmitted infection. In addition, some practices like poor human waste disposal and water contact were thought to contribute to continued transmission of the disease.ConclusionCommunity members know and perceive schistosomiasis to be serious, but misinformation about its cause is prevalent. The study suggests the need for increased awareness creation to change the perceptions of communities in relation to schistosomiasis prevention and control. Community sensitisation should be prioritised in advance of medication roll-out.
Efficacy and safety of topical clobetasol propionate in comparison with alternative treatments in oral lichen planus: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Tao , Liu ChengYong , Wang YeTong , Zhou Rong , Wu Dan , Tan Jin , Zhu KeKe 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundOral lichen planus (OLP) is a relatively common chronic T cell-mediated disease characterized by pain and inflammation. Clobetasol propionate (CLO) is the first-line drug in the treatment of OLP. The meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CLO for treating patients with OLP.MethodsPubMed, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched from the database inception date up to August 2023. There were no restrictions on language or date of publication. The outcomes of our interest were as follows: improvement of clinical signs and/or symptoms, total lesion size, relapse and adverse events.ResultsA total of 17 RCTs evaluating the effects of CLO were included in this study. The results revealed no significant difference in the clinical score (WMD = 0.14, 95% CI: −0.39, 0.66; p = 0.609) and pain score (WMD = 0.17, 95% CI: −0.44, 0.79; p = 0.582) between CLO and other treatments. However, clinical resolution (RR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.22; p = 0.003) and symptoms improvement (RR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.77; p = 0.008) were significantly different between CLO and other treatments. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the total lesion size with CLO treatment (WMD = -0.58, 95% CI: −1.03, −0.13; p = 0.011). In addition, CLO showed no statistical incidence of adverse events (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 0.86, 2.50; p = 0.161) and relapse (RR = 1.56, 95% CI: 0.66, 3.71; p = 0.314) than other therapies.ConclusionThis systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 randomized clinical trials supported the long-term application of CLO as an effective regimen in OLP patients.
Characteristics of optic disc hemorrhage and optic nerve changes following acute primary angle closure
Authors: Zhang Hengli , Li Yawen , Tang Yizhen , Yan Xiaowei , Geng Yulei , Li Weijia , Shi Kuitang , Tang Guangxian , Guo Hongtao 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionAcute primary angle closure (APAC) is an emergency ophthalmic presentation and a major cause of irreversible blindness in China. However, only a few studies have focused on the characteristics of optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) during an APAC attack, including its shape, depth, location, scope, and duration after intraocular pressure (IOP) control, along with changes in the optic nerve. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of ODH and optic nerve changes in patients during their first APAC episode.MethodsThis retrospective study involved 32 eyes from 32 patients with APAC who received sequential treatment and analyzed the following parameters: the highest IOP and its duration, ODH, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and mean deviation (MD). We compared parameters obtained from the affected eye (ODH group) and contralateral unaffected eye (control group), as well as intragroup comparisons.ResultsThe mean IOP in the ODH group was 64.28 ± 10.36 mmHg, with a duration of 4.44 ± 2.35 days. Flame and splinter shapes accounted for 84.38% of the ODH. The mean ODH duration was 4.81 ± 3.25 weeks. ODH during APAC was isolated to one sector in 59.38% of cases, mostly occurring in the temporal superior and temporal inferior (each accounting for 21.88% of the cases). There was a positive correlation between the extent of hemorrhage and the highest IOP duration (p &lt; 0.001). RNFLT was significantly thickened within 72 h post-IOP control but was thinned by 2 weeks. By 6 months, the thinning stabilized, and there was no difference noted between the ODH and control groups at 12 months. MD partly improved at 6 months post-IOP control, and ODH scope significantly affected the MD (p &lt; 0.001). The duration of high IOP was positively correlated to the ODH scope and MD damage.DiscussionTimely and effective IOP management is essential for recovering visual function following an APAC attack.
Multimodal imaging and electrophysiological study in the differential diagnosis of rest tremor
Authors: Aracri Federica , Quattrone Andrea , Bianco Maria Giovanna , Sarica Alessia , De Maria Marida , Calomino Camilla , Crasà Marianna , Nisticò Rita , Buonocore Jolanda , Vescio Basilio , Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Quattrone Aldo 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDistinguishing tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (tPD) from essential tremor with rest tremor (rET) can be challenging and often requires dopamine imaging. This study aimed to differentiate between these two diseases through a machine learning (ML) approach based on rest tremor (RT) electrophysiological features and structural MRI data.MethodsWe enrolled 72 patients including 40 tPD patients and 32 rET patients, and 45 control subjects (HC). RT electrophysiological features (frequency, amplitude, and phase) were calculated using surface electromyography (sEMG). Several MRI morphometric variables (cortical thickness, surface area, cortical/subcortical volumes, roughness, and mean curvature) were extracted using Freesurfer. ML models based on a tree-based classification algorithm termed XGBoost using MRI and/or electrophysiological data were tested in distinguishing tPD from rET patients.ResultsBoth structural MRI and sEMG data showed acceptable performance in distinguishing the two patient groups. Models based on electrophysiological data performed slightly better than those based on MRI data only (mean AUC: 0.92 and 0.87, respectively; p = 0.0071). The top-performing model used a combination of sEMG features (amplitude and phase) and MRI data (cortical volumes, surface area, and mean curvature), reaching AUC: 0.97 ± 0.03 and outperforming models using separately either MRI (p = 0.0001) or EMG data (p = 0.0231). In the best model, the most important feature was the RT phase.ConclusionMachine learning models combining electrophysiological and MRI data showed great potential in distinguishing between tPD and rET patients and may serve as biomarkers to support clinicians in the differential diagnosis of rest tremor syndromes in the absence of expensive and invasive diagnostic procedures such as dopamine imaging.
The use and potential abuse of psychoactive plants in southern Africa: an overview of evidence and future potential
Authors: Nyazema Norman Zimunda , Chanyandura Jonathan Tinotenda , Egan Bronwyn 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundMost Bantu ethnic groups in southern Africa utilize indigenous herbal medicines, some of which have psychoactive properties. Traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) commonly use them not only for divinatory purposes but to treat and manage mental and other illnesses. Unfortunately, the research on their results, risks, and benefits do not align. Little is known about their potential abuse among TMPs and community members in southern Africa. Herbal medicines are complex because whole plants are sometimes used, unlike in other treatments which use only one active ingredient. However, if the key mechanisms of action of these ethnomedicinal plants can be identified through socio-pharmacological research, useful botanical agents can be developed. A review of socio-pharmacological studies to evaluate the consequences of exposure to ethnomedicinal plants with psychoactive properties was conducted with the aim of identifying harm reduction strategies and investigating how the plants could be developed into useful botanicals.MethodThe search methods involved retrieval of records from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses Global, and OpenGrey. The English language and human subjects were used as filters. In addition, some information was obtained from TMPs and community members.ResultsThe following psychoactive plants were found to be commonly used or abused: Boophone disticha, Cannabis sativa, Datura stramonium, Leonotis leonurus, Psilocybe cubensis, and Sceletium tortuosum. The commercialization of Cannabis, L. leonurus, S. tortuosum, and Aspalathus is growing fast. The abuse liability of B. disticha, D. stramonium, and P. cubensis appears not to be appreciated. Five countries were found to have TMP policies and three with TMP Councils.ConclusionTMPs in the region are aware of the CNS effects of the identified psychoactive plants which can be explored further to develop therapeutic agents. There is a need to work closely with TMPs to reduce harm from the abuse of these plants.
Relating microtensiometer-based trunk water potential with sap flow, canopy temperature, and trunk and fruit diameter variations for irrigated ‘Honeycrisp’ apple
Authors: Blanco Victor , Kalcsits Lee 
Published: May 2024

Instrumentation plays a key role in modern horticulture. Thus, the microtensiomenter, a new plant-based sensor that continuously monitors trunk water potential (Ψtrunk) can help in irrigation management decisions. To compare the response of the Ψtrunk with other continuous tree water status indicators such as the sap flow rate, the difference between canopy and air temperatures, or the variations of the trunk and fruit diameter, all the sensors were installed in 2022 in a commercial orchard of ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees with M.9 rootstocks in Washinton State (USA). From the daily evolution of the Ψtrunk, five indicators were considered: predawn, midday, minimum, daily mean, and daily range (the difference between the daily maximum and minimum values). The daily range of Ψtrunk was the most linked to the maximum daily shrinkage (MDS; R2 = 0.42), the canopy-to-air temperature (Tc-Ta; R2 = 0.32), and the sap flow rate (SF; R2 = 0.30). On the other hand, the relative fruit growth rate (FRGR) was more related to the minimum Ψtrunk (R2 = 0.33) and the daily mean Ψtrunk (R2 = 0.32) than to the daily range of Ψtrunk. All indicators derived from Ψtrunk identified changes in tree water status after each irrigation event and had low coefficients of variation and high sensitivity. These results encourage Ψtrunk as a promising candidate for continuous monitoring of tree water status, however, more research is needed to better relate these measures with other widely studied plant-based indicators and identify good combinations of sensors and threshold values.
Valence-specific EEG microstate modulations during self-generated affective states
Authors: Nazare Karina , Tomescu Miralena I. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThis study aims to explore the temporal dynamics of brain networks involved in self-generated affective states, specifically focusing on modulating these states in both positive and negative valences. The overarching goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the neurodynamic patterns associated with affective regulation, potentially informing the development of biomarkers for therapeutic interventions in mood and anxiety disorders.MethodsUtilizing EEG microstate analysis during self-generated affective states, we investigated the temporal dynamics of five distinct microstates across different conditions, including baseline resting state and self-generated states of positive valence (e.g., awe, contentment) and negative valence (e.g., anger, fear).ResultsThe study revealed noteworthy modulations in microstate dynamics during affective states. Additionally, valence-specific mechanisms of spontaneous affective regulation were identified. Negative valence affective states were characterized by the heightened presence of attention-associated microstates and reduced occurrence of salience-related microstates during negative valence states. In contrast, positive valence affective states manifested a prevalence of microstates related to visual/autobiographical memory and a reduced presence of auditory/language-associated microstates compared to both baseline and negative valence states.DiscussionThis study contributes to the field by employing EEG microstate analysis to discern the temporal dynamics of brain networks involved in self-generated affective states. Insights from this research carry significant implications for understanding neurodynamic patterns in affective regulation. The identification of valence-specific modulations and mechanisms has potential applications in developing biomarkers for mood and anxiety disorders, offering novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Implementation of guidelines on Family Involvement for persons with Psychotic disorders: a pragmatic cluster randomized trial. Effect on relatives’ outcomes and family interventions received
Authors: Norheim Irene , Pedersen Reidar , Selle Maria Lie , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Hestmark Lars , Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik , Ruud Torleif , Åsholt Vilde Maria , Hansson Kristiane Myckland , Møller Paul , Fosse Roar , Romøren Maria 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundFamily interventions (FI) are recommended as part of the treatment for psychotic disorders, but the implementation in mental health services is generally poor. Recently, The Implementation of guidelines on Family Involvement for persons with Psychotic disorders (IFIP) trial, demonstrated significant improvements in implementation outcomes at cluster-level. This sub-study aims to examine the effectiveness of the IFIP intervention on relatives’ outcomes and received FI.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial, was conducted in 15 Norwegian Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) units that were randomized to either the IFIP intervention, including implementation interventions and clinical interventions, or treatment as usual (TAU). The clinical interventions consisted of FI: basic family involvement and support (BFIS) to all patients and family psychoeducation (FPE) to as many as possible. Patients with psychotic disorders and their closest relative were invited to fill in questionnaires at inclusion and 6 months and 12 months follow-up. Received FI was reported by both relatives and clinicians. The relatives’ primary outcome was satisfaction with health service support, measured by the Carer well-being and support questionnaire part B (CWS-B). The relatives’ secondary outcomes were caregiver experiences, expressed emotions and quality of life. Patients’ outcomes will be reported elsewhere.ResultsIn total 231 patient/relative pairs from the CMHC units were included (135 intervention; 96 control).The relatives in the intervention arm received an increased level of BFIS (p=.007) and FPE (p &lt; 0.05) compared to the relatives in the control arm, including involvement in crisis planning. The primary outcome for relatives’ satisfaction with health service support, showed a non-significant improvement (Cohen’s d = 0.22, p = 0.08). Relatives experienced a significant reduced level of patient dependency (Cohen’s d = -0.23, p = 0.03).ConclusionThe increased support from clinicians throughout FI reduced the relatives’ perceived level of patient dependency, and may have relieved the experience of responsibility and caregiver burden. The COVID-19 pandemic and the complex and pioneering study design have weakened the effectiveness of the IFIP intervention, underscoring possible potentials for further improvement in relatives’ outcomes.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03869177.
Attitudes of European psychiatrists on psychedelics: a qualitative study
Authors: Žuljević Marija Franka , Breški Nando , Kaliterna Mariano , Hren Darko 
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aimIt is important to understand how mental health practitioners view recent findings on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) as there is potential this treatment may be incorporated into clinical practice. The aim of our study was to explore how psychiatrists who are not involved in psychedelic research and who are located in the European region perceive psychedelics and PAP.MethodsWe conducted online semi-structured interviews with 12 psychiatry specialists and psychiatry trainees from 8 European countries. Data were analyzed using a general inductive approach informed by codebook thematic analysis.ResultsBased on the interviews, we developed four main themes and 14 sub-themes, including (1) Psychedelics hold potential, (2) Psychedelics are dangerous, (3) Future of psychedelics is uncertain, and (4) Psychiatry is ambivalent toward psychedelics.DiscussionOur respondents-psychiatrists acknowledged the potential of PAP but remained cautious and did not yet perceive its evidence base as robust enough. Education on psychedelics is lacking in medical and psychiatric training and should be improved to facilitate the involvement of mental health experts in decision-making on PAP.
Level of antiretroviral therapy adherence and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic era in public hospitals of Jigjiga City eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfay Samson , Ayele Firayad , Fissahaye Birhane , Asmerom Haftu , Gebremichael Berhe 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCoronavirus-19 disease is more severe in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Low-income countries, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa, are particularly vulnerable to the virus’ spread. However, there is little information on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in Ethiopia during the pandemic, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of antiretroviral treatment adherence and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic era in public hospitals in Jigjiga City, Somalia, and Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsAn institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 randomly selected HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) follow-up in public hospitals in Jigjiga City from March 1–30, 2022. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews and a review of the patient’s record. To explore the relationship between variables, both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was utilized, along with a 95% confidence interval, to assess the strength and direction of the association. Statistical significance was considered at p &lt; 0.05.ResultsThe antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence rate of HIV patients was 76.9% (95% CI, 71.9–82). Disclosing HIV status to sexual partners [AOR = 2.3, (95% CI (1.22–4.19)], having communication with health care providers’ [AOR = 3.2, (95% CI (1.57–6.53)], having no history of current substance use [AOR = 2.6, (95% CI (1.45–4.63)], and patients who did not fear COVID-19 infection [AOR = 5.8 (95% CI (11–10.98)] were significantly associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.ConclusionIn this study, the level of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence was poor in comparison to the expected level. Patients’ adherence status was favorably related to disclosing their status to families and having contact with their healthcare providers, whereas worrying about COVID-19 pandemic infection and current substance use was adversely associated.