bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iron quantification in basal ganglia: quantitative susceptibility mapping as a potential biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease – a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ghaderi Sadegh , Mohammadi Sana , Nezhad Nahid Jashire , Karami Shaghayegh , Sayehmiri Fatemeh 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by distinctive pathologies such as amyloid-β plaques and tau tangles, also involves deregulation of iron homeostasis, which may accelerate neurodegeneration. This meta-analysis evaluated the use of quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to detect iron accumulation in the deep gray matter (DGM) of the basal ganglia in AD, contributing to a better understanding of AD progression, and potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.MethodsUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Google Scholar databases up to October 2023 for studies employing QSM in AD research. Eligibility criteria were based on the PECO framework, and we included studies assessing alterations in magnetic susceptibility indicative of iron accumulation in the DGM of patients with AD. After initial screening and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, a meta-analysis was conducted to compare iron levels between patients with AD and healthy controls (HCs) using a random-effects model.ResultsThe meta-analysis included nine studies comprising 267 patients with AD and 272 HCs. There were significantly higher QSM values, indicating greater iron deposition, in the putamen (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.23; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.84; p = 0.00), globus pallidus (SMD = 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07 to 1.52; p = 0.03), and caudate nucleus (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.39 to 1.06; p = 0.00) of AD patients compared to HCs. However, no significant differences were found in the thalamus (SMD = 1.00; 95% CI: −0.42 to 2.43; p = 0.17). The sensitivity analysis indicated that no single study impacted the overall results. Age was identified as a major contributor to heterogeneity across all basal ganglia nuclei in subgroup analysis. Older age (&gt;69 years) and lower male percentage (≤30%) were associated with greater putamen iron increase in patients with AD.ConclusionThe study suggests that excessive iron deposition is linked to the basal ganglia in AD, especially the putamen. The study underscores the complex nature of AD pathology and the accumulation of iron, influenced by age, sex, and regional differences, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding.
Impact of oseltamivir on the risk of cancer
Authors: Chuang Pei-Hua , Tzang Bor-Show , Tzang Chih-Chen , Chiu Chun-Ching , Lin Chun-Yu , Hsu Tsai-Ching 
Published: February 2024

PurposeMounting evidence has revealed the anti-cancer activity of various anti-viral drugs. Oseltamivir phosphate (OP), namely Tamiflu®, is routinely used to combat influenza infections. Although evidence has indicated the anti-cancer effects of OP in vitro and in vivo, little information is known about the effect of OP use on cancers in humans.MethodsA nationwide population-based cohort study involving 13,977,101 cases with 284,733 receiving OP was performed to examine the association between OP use and cancers using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan between 2009 and 2018.ResultsThe cohort study found that OP users showed a significantly lower incidence of lung cancer, colon cancer, liver, and intrahepatic bile duct cancer, oral cancer, pancreas cancer, esophagus cancer, stomach cancer, and prostate cancer. Additionally, OP users exhibited a lower risk of cancer-related mortality (adjusted HR=0.779; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.743-0.817; p&lt;0.001) and a reduced risk of developing liver cancer (adjusted HR=0.895; 95% CI 0.824-0.972; p=0.008), esophagus cancer (adjusted HR=0.646; 95% CI 0.522-0.799; p&lt;0.001) and oral cancer (adjusted HR=0.587; 95% CI 0.346-0.995; p=0.048). Notably, OP users had a significant reduction in liver cancer occurrence over a 10-year period follow-up and a lower cancer stage at liver cancer diagnosis.ConclusionThese findings first suggest the beneficial effects and therapeutic potential of OP use for certain cancers, especially liver cancer.
Phase IV study on the use of benzydamine mouthwash in radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Bossi Paolo , Tellone Valeria , Di Loreto Giorgio , Fioravanti Sara , Salvatori Enrica , Comandini Alessandro 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionOral mucositis (OM) is a main side effect of treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) and causes severe pain, reduces quality of life, and may interrupt HNC treatment. This study assessed the activity and feasibility of benzydamine mouthwash in the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced OM in patients with HNC during radiation therapy (RT).MethodsThis phase IV, international, open-label, single-group study conducted from December 2021 to September 2022. In total, 89 patients were enrolled across seven centers in Hungary and Poland. Patients used benzydamine mouthwash at home two to three times daily. Data were collected during clinical visits at baseline (V0, start of RT) and then weekly for seven visits (V1–V7). The safety population and the modified intention-to-treat (m-ITT) analysis sets contained 89 patients; the per protocol (PP) analysis set contained 67 patients.ResultsThe m-ITT set was 80.9% male; mean age was 61.4 years. At baseline, 73.0% of patients had stage T3-T4, 23.6% had stage T1-T2, 61.8% had stage N2-N3, and 34.9% had stage N0-N1. Within the m-ITT population, 33.7% (n=30) responded to treatment (NRS &lt; 5) during the study. The PP set responded similarly (29.9%). Most patients were treatment compliant (n=77; 86.5%). OM severity was assessed using the WHO OM grading scale. No patients had severe mucositis at baseline or V1. At V7, 34.1% had mild mucositis, 45.1% had moderate mucositis, 15.9% had severe mucositis, and 1.2% had life-threatening mucositis. In total, 26 patients (29.2%) developed severe mucositis during the study period (V2–V7). From V1 to V4, one patient reported hospitalization due to mucositis or associated complications, two patients at V5, three patients at V6, and four patients at 7.DiscussionThis was the first study to assess feasibility of a treatment for radiation-induced OM with benzydamine mouthwash in patients with HNC. Treatment compliance suggested that benzydamine was well tolerated in patients with moderate to severe mucositis. Benzydamine’s anesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties might have reduced pain, which potentially influenced patients’ compliance with RT. Few patients in the study required hospitalization for OM or an associated complication, suggesting that benzydamine might improve healthcare resource utilization.
Promoting employee flourishing and performance: the roles of perceived leader emotional intelligence, positive team emotional climate, and employee emotional intelligence
Authors: A'yuninnisa Rizqi N. , Carminati Lara , Wilderom Celeste P. M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThrough the lens of the of Emotion as Social Information (EASI) model, we examined the influence of perceived leader emotional intelligence on employee job flourishing and performance, produced via employee emotional intelligence, under the condition of positive team emotional climate.MethodsWe collected data with a two-wave survey design involving 1,210 primary school teachers and their 169 leaders. The hypothesized model was then tested using a multilevel structural equation model in Mplus.ResultsAs hypothesized, the results suggest that perceived leader emotional intelligence positively affects the emotional intelligence level of followers, which enhances their job flourishing and performance. Reflecting the emotional display rules within the team, positive team emotional climate moderates this effect from leader to followers, in such a way that the relationship between perceived leader emotional intelligence and employee emotional intelligence is stronger when this positive team emotional climate is high rather than low.DiscussionOur findings shed light on the affective impact of leaders and their teams as relevant sources of socio-emotional information for employees at work. Limitations of the present study and directions for future studies are included in the paper.
Where we live matters: a comparison of chronic pain treatment between remote and non-remote regions of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Audet Claudie , Zerriouh Meriem , Nguena Nguefack Hermine Lore , Julien Nancy , Pagé M. Gabrielle , Guénette Line , Blais Lucie , Lacasse Anaïs 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveWhere a person lives is a recognized socioeconomic determinant of health and influences healthcare access. This study aimed to compare the pain treatment profile of persons with chronic pain (CP) living in remote regions to those living in non-remote regions (near or in major urban centers).MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed among persons living with CP across Quebec. In a web-based questionnaire, participants were asked to report in which of the 17 administrative regions they were living (six considered “remote”). Pain treatment profile was drawn up using seven variables: use of prescribed pain medications, over-the-counter pain medications, non-pharmacological pain treatments, multimodal approach, access to a trusted healthcare professional for pain management, excessive polypharmacy (≥10 medications), and use of cannabis for pain.Results1,399 participants completed the questionnaire (women: 83.4%, mean age: 50 years, living in remote regions: 23.8%). As compared to persons living in remote regions, those living in non-remote regions were more likely to report using prescribed pain medications (83.8% vs. 67.4%), a multimodal approach (81.5% vs. 75.5%), experience excessive polypharmacy (28.1% vs. 19.1%), and report using cannabis for pain (33.1% vs. 20.7%) (bivariable p &lt; 0.05). Only the use of prescribed medications as well as cannabis remained significantly associated with the region of residence in the multivariable models.DiscussionThere are differences in treatment profiles of persons with CP depending on the region they live. Our results highlight the importance of considering remoteness, and not only rurality, when it comes to better understanding the determinants of pain management.
Intestinal mucosal barrier: a potential target for traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Wei Xiunan , Wang Tong , Zhang Miaomiao , Gao Ying , Cheng Yan , Chi Lili 
Published: February 2024

Graphical AbstractThis review presents the progress of traditional Chinese medicines in treating CVD by repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier
Operational experience with Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detectors at European XFEL
Authors: Sztuk-Dambietz Jolanta , Rovensky Vratko , Klujev Alexander , Laurus Torsten , Trunk Ulrich , Ahmed Karim , Meyer Olivier , Möller Johannes , Parenti Andrea , Raab Natascha , Shayduk Roman , Sikorski Marcin , Ansaldi Gabriele , Bösenberg Ulrike , Luis Lopez M. , Muenich Astrid , Preston Thomas R. , Schmidt Philipp , Stern Stephan , Bean Richard , Madsen Anders , Gelisio Luca , Hauf Steffen , Gessler Patrick , Wrona Krzysztof , Graafsma Heinz , Turcato Monica 
Published: February 2024

The European X-ray Free Electron Laser (European XFEL) is a cutting-edge user facility that generates per second up to 27,000 ultra-short, spatially coherent X-ray pulses within an energy range of 0.26 to more than 20 keV. Specialized instrumentation, including various 2D X-ray detectors capable of handling the unique time structure of the beam, is required. The one-megapixel AGIPD (AGIPD1M) detectors, developed for the European XFEL by the AGIPD Consortium, are the primary detectors used for user experiments at the SPB/SFX and MID instruments. The first AGIPD1M detector was installed at SPB/SFX when the facility began operation in 2017, and the second one was installed at MID in November 2018. The AGIPD detector systems require a dedicated infrastructure, well-defined safety systems, and high-level control procedures to ensure stable and safe operation. As of now, the AGIPD1M detectors installed at the SPB/SFX and MID experimental end stations are fully integrated into the European XFEL environment, including mechanical integration, vacuum, power, control, data acquisition, and data processing systems. Specific high-level procedures allow facilitated detector control, and dedicated interlock systems based on Programmable Logic Controllers ensure detector safety in case of power, vacuum, or cooling failure. The first 6 years of operation have clearly demonstrated that the AGIPD1M detectors provide high-quality scientific results. The collected data, along with additional dedicated studies, have also enabled the identification and quantification of issues related to detector performance, ensuring stable operation. Characterization and calibration of detectors are among the most critical and challenging aspects of operation due to their complex nature. A methodology has been developed to enable detector characterization and data correction, both in near real-time (online) and offline mode. The calibration process optimizes detector performance and ensures the highest quality of experimental results. Overall, the experience gained from integrating and operating the AGIPD detectors at the European XFEL, along with the developed methodology for detector characterization and calibration, provides valuable insights for the development of next-generation detectors for Free Electron Laser X-ray sources.
Selection and purification of Li2CO3 precursor for bolometric double beta decay experiments
Authors: Shin KeonAh , Byeon Chorok , Choe JunSeok , Gileva Olga , Kim Yena , Kim Yeongduk , Lee Eunkyung , Lee Moo Hyun , Yeon Hyojin 
Published: February 2024

This paper describes the preparation of radiopure lithium carbonate powder for the needs of low-background research, in particular, AMoRE-II, the second phase of a search for the neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νDBD) of the 100Mo isotope using over 100 kg of 100Mo contained in 200 kg of ultra-pure Li2100MoO4 bolometric crystals. About 150 kg of pure Li2CO3 powder is required to synthesize the crystals. The desired radiopurity for the lithium powder is 40K below 100 mBq/kg, and Th/U and Ra are at a few mBq/kg. Several commercially available powders were tested with ICP-MS and HPGe detectors at the Center for Underground Physics (CUP) of the Institute for Basic Science in Korea. The lowest purity of the tested products was 99.99%. The results of the powders’ radioassay at CUP showed that none of the tested products were suited for the 0νDBD search application. A special purification technology had to be developed to remove the original contamination of the powder with potassium (K), thorium (Th), uranium (U), and radium (Ra). Lithium carbonate crystallization via carbonization technique was inefficient in removing radiochemical impurities. Lithium formate fractional recrystallization effectively removed Ra, K, and Th, but the synthesis of the final lithium carbonate product had a low yield and required the introduction of additional chemicals. The analysis results of raw and purified powders, the decontamination efficiency, and plans are described in the article.
Suspension cell cultures of Panax vietnamensis as a biotechnological source of ginsenosides: growth, cytology, and ginsenoside profile assessment
Authors: Titova Maria V. , Lunkova Maria K. , Tyurina Tatiana M. , Prudnikova Olga N. , Popova Elena V. , Klychnikov Oleg I. , Metalnikov Pavel S. , Ikhalaynen Yuri A. , Vasileva Elizaveta N. , Rodin Igor A. , Nosov Alexander M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPanax vietnamensis is a valuable medicinal plant and a source of a broad spectrum of biologically active ginsenosides of different structural groups. Overexploitation and low adaptability to planation cultivation have made this species vulnerable to human pressure and prompted the development of cell cultivation in vitro as a sustainable alternative to harvesting wild plants for their bioactive components. Despite high interest in biotechnological production, little is known about the main factors affecting cell growth and ginsenoside biosynthesis of this species under in vitro conditions. In this study, the potential of cell cultures of P. vietnamensis as a biotechnological source of ginsenosides was was assessed.MethodsSix suspension cell lines that were developed from different sections of a single rhizome through a multi-step culture optimization process and maintained for over 3 years on media with different mineral salt base and varying contents of auxins and cytokinins. These cell lines were evaluated for productivity parameters and cytological characteristics. Ginsenoside profiles were assessed using a combination of the reversed-phase ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–Orbitrap–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–Orbitrap–MS/MS) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–time of flight–mass spectrometry (UPLC–TOF–MS).ResultsAll lines demonstrated good growth with a specific growth rate of 0.1–0.2 day−1, economic coefficient of 0.31–0.70, productivity on dry weight (DW) of 0.30–0.83 gDW (L·day)−1, and maximum biomass accumulation varying from 10 to 22 gDW L−1. Ginsenosides of the protopanaxadiol (Rb1, Rb2/Rb3, malonyl-Rb1, and malonyl-Rb2/Rb3), oleanolic acid (R0 and chikusetsusaponin IV), and ocotillol (vinaginsenoside R1) groups and their isomers were identified in cell biomass extracts. Chikusetsusaponin IV was identified in P. vietnamensis cell culture for the first time.DiscussionThese results suggest that suspension cell cultures of Vietnamese ginseng have a high potential for the biotechnological production of biomass containing ginsenosides, particularly of the oleanolic acid and ocotillol groups.
Addressing disparities in European cancer outcomes: a qualitative study Protocol of the BEACON project
Authors: Ferraris Giulia , Coppini Veronica , Monzani Dario , Grasso Roberto , Kirac Iva , Horgan Denis , Pietrobon Ricardo , Galvão Victor , Pravettoni Gabriella 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionHealth disparities represent a crucial factor in cancer survival rates, awareness, quality of life, and mental health of people receiving a cancer diagnosis and their families. Income, education, geographic location, and ethnicity are some of the most important underlying reasons for health disparities in cancer across Europe. Costs of healthcare, access to information, psycho-oncological support options, integration of cancer research and innovative care, and multidisciplinary cancer teams are the main target areas when it comes to addressing disparities in the cancer context. As part of the Beacon Project (BEACON), we developed a protocol for a qualitative study to explore and identify any relevant reasons for cancer inequalities and disparities in Europe.MethodsOur four stakeholders namely, cancer patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers will be recruited online, facilitated by collaborative efforts with cancer organizations from various European countries, including but not limited to Italy, Croatia, Estonia, and Slovenia. Qualitative online focus group discussions for each stakeholder will be conducted and transcribed. Subsequently, thematic analysis will be used to identify reasons and aspects that may contribute to the existing disparities in cancer outcomes at various levels of engagement and from different stakeholders’ perspectives. Results from focus groups will inform a subsequent Delphi study and a SWOT analysis methodology.DiscussionAlthough advances in medical research, cancer screening and treatment options are constantly progressing, disparities in access to and awareness of healthcare in cancer patients are even more noticeable. Thus, mapping the capacity and capability of cancer centres in the European Union, creating decision support tools that will assist the four stakeholders’ information needs and improving the quality of European cancer centres will be the main objectives of the BEACON project. The current protocol will outline the methodological and practical procedures to conduct online focus group discussions with different stakeholders.
Digital clock drawing test reflects visuospatial ability of older drivers
Authors: Yamauchi Satsuki , Kawano Naoko , Shimazaki Kan , Shinkai Hiroko , Kojima Masae , Shinohara Kazumitsu , Aoki Hirofumi 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTo keep older drivers safe, it is necessary to assess their fitness to drive. We developed a touch screen-based digital Clock Drawing Test (dCDT) and examined the relationship between the dCDT scores and on-road driving performance of older drivers in a community-setting.MethodsOne hundred and forty-one community-dwelling older drivers (range; 64–88 years old) who participated in this study were included in the analysis. Participants completed the dCDT, the Mini-Mental State Examination-Japanese (MMSE-J), and an on-road driving assessment. We examined the relationship between dCDT scores using the method by Rouleau et al. (maximum 10 points) and the on-road driving performance based on a driving assessment system originally developed by Nagoya University.ResultsMultiple regression analyses showed that errors in the driving test were associated with dCDT score for the items “confirmation,” “turning left” and “maintains driving lane position”.DiscussionThis study confirmed the relationship between the dCDT score and driving errors, such as confirmation, turning left and maintaining driving lane position. The increase in these errors indicates a decline in visuospatial ability while driving. The dCDT score may reflect older drivers’ visuospatial abilities while driving.
Utero-ovarian transposition before pelvic radiation in a patient with rectal cancer: a case report and systemic literature review
Authors: Huber Daniela , Simonson Colin , Fournier Ian , Dischl-Antonioni Irma , Pena Rios Francisco Javier , Francey Isaline , Surbone Anna , Hurni Yannick 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo describe a case of utero-ovarian transposition (UOT) before pelvic radiation in a patient with rectal cancer and provide a systematic literature review on all reported cases of UOT.MethodsWe performed a prospective collection and revision of clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data from a patient who underwent UOT. In addition, a systematic review of the literature available to date on all cases of UOT was realized, and 14 patients from 10 articles were included.ResultsWe reported the case of a 28-year-old nulligravida patient who was diagnosed with a low-grade rectal adenocarcinoma and underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). Before starting neoadjuvant oncological therapies, the patient underwent laparoscopic UOT. The intervention was performed without complications, and the patient received neoadjuvant oncological treatments as planned. TaTME and uterus repositioning were completed six weeks after the end of radiotherapy. No complications were observed during the first 9 postoperative months. Adequate utero-ovarian perfusion was assessed by Doppler ultrasound, cervicovaginal anastomosis appeared to have healed correctly, and the patient experienced menstrual bleeding. Data from the literature review of all reported cases of UOT were presented and discussed.ConclusionsUOT represents a valuable option to preserve fertility in patients requiring pelvic radiotherapy. This study provides additional evidence on the feasibility and safety of performing UOT.