bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of headache specialist density and the introduction of gepants and lasmitidan on prescriptions for acute migraine treatments: a regression and interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Moskatel Leon S. , Linfield Rebecca Y. , Zhang Niushen 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundUnderstanding all factors that affect a patient’s acute migraine treatment care is crucial. We sought to determine the impact of headache specialist density and the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan on the prescription of acute treatments for migraine.MethodsWe analyzed three scenarios: first, we performed linear regression analysis with the percentage of patients with migraine prescribed an acute medication in 2023, obtained via Epic Cosmos, and the density of headache specialists at the state level. Second, we conducted interrupted time-series analysis examining the change in patients prescribed the triptans before (2016–2019) and after (2020–2023) the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan. Finally, we used regression analysis to look at the association of one pharmaceutical company, Pfizer, payments to physicians with prescriptions for that company’s gepant, rimegepant.ResultsWe included 6,559,854 patients with migraine and found that increased headache specialist density was associated with increased eletriptan, almotriptan, and naratriptan; there was no association with the other queried acute medications. In our interrupted time-series analysis, the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan was linked to decreases in triptan utilization, except for eletriptan which remained stable, and rizatriptan which rose at a slower rate. Finally, increased Pfizer payments to physicians were associated with a higher percentage of patients prescribed rimegepant.ConclusionOur study suggests increased headache provider availability is associated with more prescriptions for naratriptan, eletriptan, and almotriptan. Additionally, the introduction of the gepants and lasmiditan broadly decreased the utilization of triptans. Critically, there was a strong association between a pharmaceutical company’s, Pfizer, payments to physicians and utilization of their medication, rimegepant.
Relationship between regional relative theta power and amyloid deposition in mild cognitive impairment: an exploratory study
Authors: Park Jaesub , Kim Woo Jung , Jung Han Wool , Kim Jae-Jin , Park Jin Young 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionElectroencephalographic (EEG) abnormalities, such as increased theta power, have been proposed as biomarkers for neurocognitive disorders. Advancements in amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging have enhanced our understanding of the pathology of neurocognitive disorders, such as amyloid deposition. However, much remains unknown regarding the relationship between regional amyloid deposition and EEG abnormalities. This study aimed to explore the relationship between regional EEG abnormalities and amyloid deposition in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsWe recruited 24 older adults with MCI from a community center for dementia prevention, and 21 participants were included in the final analysis. EEG was recorded using a 64-channel system, and amyloid deposition was measured using amyloid PET imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were used to create individualized brain models for EEG source localization. Correlations between relative theta power and standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in 12 brain regions were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.ResultsSignificant positive correlations between relative theta power and SUVR values were found in several brain regions in the individualized brain model during the resting eyes-closed condition, including right temporal lobe (r = 0.581, p = 0.006), left hippocampus (r = 0.438, p = 0.047), left parietal lobe (r = 0.471, p = 0.031), right parietal lobe (r = 0.509, p = 0.018), left occipital lobe (r = 0.597, p = 0.004), and right occipital lobe (r = 0.590, p = 0.005). During the visual working memory condition, significant correlations were found in both cingulate lobes (left: r = 0.483, p = 0.027; right: r = 0.449, p = 0.041), left parietal lobe (r = 0.530, p = 0.010), right parietal lobe (r = 0.606, p = 0.004), left occipital lobe (r = 0.648, p = 0.001), and right occipital lobe (r = 0.657, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe result suggests that regional increases in relative theta power are associated with regional amyloid deposition in patients with MCI. These findings highlight the potential of EEG in detecting amyloid deposition. Future large-scale studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings and explore their clinical applications.
Classification of peripheral vitreoretinal interface lesions using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with guidance of ultrawide field imaging
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Huang Ying , Qian Shanshan , Lin Bing , Huang Shenghai 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThis study aimed to classify peripheral vitreoretinal interface (VRI) lesions using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to compare these findings with those obtained by ultra-widefield (UWF) pseudocolor imaging.MethodPeripheral OCT images of VRI lesions were obtained using spectral domain OCT system with a steerable probe guided by UWF images. Two independent investigators categorized the OCT images into four groups based on the extent of vitreoretinal traction and the presence of retinal breaks. Differences in OCT-based categorization between the same lesion types visualized by UWF imaging were also compared.ResultsOf the total 82 patients, 105 peripheral lesions were included in this study. The inter-observer agreement for the classification of UWF and OCT images demonstrated good consistency, with kappa values of 0.949 ± 0.025 and 0.836 ± 0.042, respectively. In the OCT classification of VRI lesions, 18 (17.1%) cases were category A, 28 (26.7%) cases were category B1, 30 (28.6%) cases were category B2, and 29 (27.6%) cases were category C. Of the 37 vitreoretinal tuft lesions, 32.4% were classified as category B2 and 16.2% as category C, according to peripheral OCT classification. Similarly, 37.8% of 40 snail track and lattice degeneration lesions were classified as category B2, and 16.2% as category C.ConclusionThe VRI lesions can demonstrate considerable variability when visualized with peripheral OCT among the same lesion types visualized through UWF imaging. Classification of peripheral OCT images may provide a more effective evaluation of the risk of lesion progression.
Sex disparity in the association between alcohol consumption and sarcopenia: a population-based study
Authors: Yang Longbao , Ran Qiuju , Yeo Yee Hui , Wen Zhang , Tuo Shuyue , Li Yong , Yuan Jia , Dai Shejiao , Wang Jinhai , Ji Fanpu , Tantai Xinxing 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the association of alcohol consumption with sarcopenia. Therefore, this study comprehensively investigated the association of alcohol consumption with sarcopenia in a nationally representative sample of US adults.MethodsThis population-based study included adults aged 18 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III. Alcohol exposure was defined as daily alcohol intake, alcohol drinking history, number of drinking days per week, and frequency of binge drinking days per month. Weighted logistic regressions were used to determine associations.ResultsFour cohorts were selected from the NHANES III: cohort 1 (n = 7,592), cohort 2 (n = 12,060), cohort 3 (n = 7,608), and cohort 4 (n = 7,649), corresponding to alcohol exposure categories of daily alcohol intake, drinking history, number of drinking days per week, and frequency of binge drinking days per month. In the full model, the risk of sarcopenia was significantly associated with mild (odds ratio [OR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–2.51), moderate (OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.12–3.71), and heavy drinkers (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.17–4.97) compared to nondrinkers. There was an association between the development of sarcopenia and current drinkers (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.12–2.56) but not former drinkers (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.88–1.66). Compared to nondrinkers, an increased risk of developing sarcopenia was observed in participants who consumed alcohol 2 days (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.40–3.99) or &gt; 2 days (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.10–3.07) per week, and those who engaged in binge drinking for ≤1 day per month (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.09–2.60) or &gt; 1 day per month (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.10–4.01). Sensitivity analyses based on different definitions of sarcopenia yielded similar results. Stratified analyses revealed that these associations were present in females but not males.ConclusionAlcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in all individuals, with this association being primarily observed in females rather than males.
Comparison study of bioelectrical impedance analyzers for measuring lower limb muscle mass in middle-aged and elderly adults
Authors: Huang Ai-Chun , Lu Hsueh-Kuan , Liang Chien-Wei , Hsieh Kuen-Chang , Tsai Yi-Sung , Lai Chung-Liang 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveLower limb muscle mass (LLMM) accounts for more than 50% of the total body skeletal muscle mass. Assessing leg muscle mass in middle-aged and elderly individuals is crucial for the prevention and diagnosis of sarcopenia. Current bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) devices are capable of measuring LLMM, but validation studies are limited. This study compares the accuracy of BIA devices with different frequencies for measuring LLMM in middle-aged and elderly populations.MethodsLLMM measurements were obtained using the following devices: foot-to-foot dual-frequency (StarBIA201, 5, 50 KHz), multi-segment single-frequency (Tanita BC418, 50 KHz), dual-frequency (InBody270, 20, 100 KHz), triple-frequency (Tanita MC780MA, 5, 50, 250 KHz), and six-frequency (InBody770, 1, 5, 50, 250, 500, 1,000 KHz). Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) served as the reference standard. Comparisons were conducted using the following metrics: (1) mean difference (bias), (2) limits of agreement (LOA), (3) Pearson correlation coefficients, and (4) ordinary least product (OLP) regression analysis.ResultsA total of 153 community-dwelling individuals aged over 55 years (102 females, 51 males) were recruited. The average age of participants was 67.5 ± 8.9 years, with a BMI of 23.9 ± 3.9 kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of 35.8 ± 6.5%. The correlation coefficients of StarBIA201, BC418, InBody270, MC780, and InBody770 with DXA were 0.902, 0.903, 0.917, 0.925, and 0.928, respectively. Their mean differences were −0.141, −2.731, −0.587, −1.613, and −0.625 kg, with LOAs of 4.3, 5.7, 4.0, 5.1, and 3.8 kg, respectively. StarBIA201 and InBody270 showed no fixed or proportional biases.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that the four-electrode foot-to-foot BIA method shows significant practicality and potential in assessing LLMM. Compared to multi-frequency BIA and DXA, this method is simpler to operate and more convenient, making it particularly suitable for preliminary screening and assessment of sarcopenia in clinical and community settings.
Comparison of intensity normalization methods in prostate, brain, and breast cancer multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Duenweg Savannah R. , Bobholz Samuel A. , Lowman Allison K. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Nath Biprojit , Barrett Michael J. , Kyereme Fitzgerald , Vincent-Sheldon Stephanie , LaViolette Peter 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesIntensity variation in multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) is a confounding factor in MRI analyses. Previous studies have employed several normalization methods, but there is a lack of consensus on which method results in the most comparable images across vendors and acquisitions. This study used MP-MRI collected from patients with confirmed prostate, brain, or breast cancer to examine common intensity normalization methods to identify which best harmonizes intensity values across cofounds.Materials and methodsMultiple normalization methods were deployed for intensity comparison between three unique sites, MR vendors, and magnetic field strength. Additionally, we calculated radiomic features before and after intensity normalization to determine how downstream analyses may be affected. Specifically, in the prostate cancer cohort, we tested these methods on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and additionally looked at a subset of patients who were scanned with and without the use of an endorectal coil (ERC). In a cohort of glioblastoma (GBM) patients, we tested these methods in T1 pre- and post-contrast enhancement (T1, T1C), fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Finally, in the breast cancer cohort, we tested methods on T1-weighted nonfat-suppressed images. All methods were compared using a two one-sided test (TOST) to test for equivalence of mean and standard deviation of intensity distributions.ResultsWhile each organ had unique results, across every tested comparison, using the Z-score of intensity within a mask of the organ consistently provided an equivalent distribution (all p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsOur results suggest that intensity normalization using the Z-score of intensity within prostate, breast, and brain MR images produces the most comparable intensities between sites, MR vendors, magnetic field strength, and prostate endorectal coil usage. Likewise, Z-score normalization provided the highest percentage of radiomic features that were statistically equal across the three organs.
Validity and measurement invariance of abbreviated scales of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) in a population of Italian young adults
Authors: Valente Giuseppe , Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Corrado Stefano , Tosti Beatrice , Zanon Alessandra , Mancone Stefania 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThis study evaluates the validity and measurement invariance of the 8-item scales of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) across gender and age. Originally developed by Spielberger (STAI-Y), these scales have been shortened to create more efficient versions without compromising psychometric robustness.MethodsA sample of Italian young adults, aged between 18 and 36 years, completed the abbreviated scales. The scales were assessed for internal consistency, convergent validity with the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS), and measurement invariance across gender and age.ResultsThe results demonstrated excellent internal consistency and significant correlations with the EMAS, supporting the convergent validity of the STAI-S-8 and STAI-T-8. Both scales retained balanced factorial structures and robust anxiety measurement capabilities. Measurement invariance was confirmed across gender and age, indicating the scales' reliability for anxiety assessment in young adults regardless of demographic differences.DiscussionWhile the findings underscore the practical utility of the 8-item STAI scales for rapid anxiety assessment in clinical and research settings, limitations include the absence of a clinical sample and reliance on self-report measures, which may introduce biases. Future research should include clinical populations and explore cultural differences in anxiety manifestation. Despite these limitations, the 8-item STAI scales offer valid, reliable, and efficient tools for measuring anxiety, with significant implications for timely interventions and enhanced psychological assessment.
Understanding basic and social emotions in Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Sola Carlotta , Zanelli Vanessa , Molinari Maria Angela , Casadio Claudia , Ricci Francesco , Carpentiero Omar , Tondelli Manuela , Lui Fausta , Nichelli Paolo Frigio , Benuzzi Francesca 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionRecent developments in the field of social cognition have led to a renewed interest in basic and social emotion recognition in early stages of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and FrontoTemporal Dementia (FTD). Despite the growing attention to this issue, only few studies have attempted to investigate emotion recognition using both visual and vocal stimuli. In addition, recent studies have presented conflicting findings regarding the extent of impairment in patients in the early stages of these diseases. The present study aims to investigate emotion understanding (both basic and social emotions), using different tasks with visual and auditory stimuli, to identify supramodal deficits in AD and FTD to provide a reliable tool to better outline their behavioral and emotional profile and useful instruments for their management.MethodsEighteen patients with AD and 15 patients with FTD were included in the study. Healthy control (HCs) subjects were recruited to obtain normative data for basic emotion recognition tests and social emotion recognition tasks. To evaluate basic emotion recognition, the Facial Emotion Recognition Battery (FERB) and the Emotional Prosody Recognition Battery (EPRB) were administered. To evaluate social emotion recognition, the Faux Pas (FP), Reading the Mind in the Eyes (RME), and Reading the Mind in the Voice (RMV) tests were employed.ResultsFTD patients performed significantly worse than HCs in most of the subtests of the basic emotion recognition batteries, where, instead, AD patients were significantly impaired only when required to match emotional facial expression in different individuals (subtask of the FERB). Moreover, FTD patients scored significantly lower in RME and RMV tests compared both to AD patients and to HCs. In addition, ADs were selectively impaired in RMV as respect to HCs.DiscussionFTD patients showed deficits in emotion recognition, affecting both basic and social emotions, whether conveyed through facial expressions or prosody. This result may explain the well-known social behavioral difficulties observed in FTD patients from the early stages of the disease. The fewer and specific deficits in AD patients with comparable MMSE scores may be attributed to the mild degree of impairment, as these deficits may appear later in the progression of AD.
Implicit bias in referrals to relational psychological therapies: review and recommendations for mental health services
Authors: Mandangu Chenai , Ramos Anne Millicent , Sengupta Mohona , Bender Rosslyn , El-Hayani Reem , Hasan Ifrah , Okechukwu Hannah , Anas Shafeena , Havsteen-Franklin Dominik 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionTimely and appropriate psychological treatment is an essential element required to address the growing burden of mental health issues, which has significant implications for individuals, society, and healthcare systems. However, research indicates that implicit biases among mental health professionals may influence referral decisions, potentially leading to disparities in access to relational psychological therapies. This study investigates bias in referral practices within mental health services, identifying key themes in referral procedures and proposing recommendations to mitigate bias and promote equitable access.MethodsA systematic review of literature published between 2002 and 2022 was conducted, focusing on biases, referral practices, and relational psychological therapies. The search strategy involved full-text screening of studies meeting inclusion criteria, specifically those examining professional and organizational implicit bias in mental health referrals. Thematic synthesis was employed to analyze and categorize bias within these domains, providing a structured framework for understanding its impact on referral decision making processes.ResultsThe search yielded 2,964 relevant papers, of which 77 underwent full-text screening. Ultimately, eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the review. The analysis revealed that bias development mechanisms in referral decisions occurred across five key domains: resource allocation, organizational procedures, clinical roles, decision-making, and referral preferences. These domains highlight organizational and practitioner-level factors contributing to disparities in access to psychological therapies.DiscussionFindings suggest that implicit biases within referral processes can limit equitable access to psychological therapies, particularly relational therapies that emphasize therapeutic alliance and patient-centered care. This study provides recommendations to address these biases, including standardized referral guidelines, enhanced professional training on implicit bias, and improved oversight mechanisms within mental health services.
Sociodemographic disparities in influenza vaccination among older adults in United States
Authors: Tao Huan , Chen Jin , Zhang Xue , Wang Tao , Jiang Nenggang , Jia Yongqian 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundInfluenza vaccination uptake among United States adults aged 65 years or older remains suboptimal and stagnant. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of influenza vaccination and examine sociodemographic disparities within a nationally representative sample.MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional study. We used the data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System spanning the years 2011 to 2022. Logistic regression models were used to assess potential associations between influenza vaccination uptake and sociodemographic characteristics. Concentration indexes were also calculated to measure the socioeconomic inequalities on influenza vaccination uptake.ResultsThe study included 1,391,440 adults aged 65 years and older, with 62.87% reporting having received an influenza vaccination. The weighted prevalence of influenza vaccination uptake showed a slight increase, ranging from 59.05% in 2011–2013 to 67.49% in 2020–2022. Higher vaccination rates were observed among non-Hispanic Whites [63.16%; odds ratio (OR) 1.38, (95% CI 1.33–1.42)], individuals with education above high school [63.89%; OR 1.16, (95% CI 1.12–1.19)], and those with an income above $50,000 [65.86%; OR 1.47, (95% CI 1.43–1.50)]. Compared to non-Hispanic Black people with an income below $25,000 and education less than high school, the ORs were significantly higher among non-Hispanic whites [2.12, (95% CI 1.97–2.28)], non-Hispanic Black people [1.30, (95% CI 1.18–1.44)], and Hispanics [1.40, (95% CI 1.24–1.59)] earning above $50,000 and education above high school. Those who received an influenza vaccination tended to be concentrated in the high-income group and high-education group.ConclusionThere are substantial racial and socioeconomic disparities in influenza vaccination uptake among individuals aged 65 years or older. Health policy maybe urgently needed to reduce these avoidable inequalities.