bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revolutionizing Bedridden Pain Management: Harnessing Audio Guidance for TENS Therapy via Robotic Arm Assistance
Authors: Kumar Y. Rakesh , Meka Tanusha , Kara Hema Sreyalahari , Nooka Pallavi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This project details the creation of the Audio-Guided Robotic Arm (AGRA) system, a novel solution that aims to revolutionize pain relief treatments using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy. AGRA is based on the novel concept of using audio input to autonomously localize specific body parts, precisely applying vibration pads, and autonomously operating the TENS machine without human intervention, thereby improving pain management in a variety of medical and therapeutic contexts. Its components include a sophisticated audio recognition module, a precise robotic arm, relays, and an easy-to-use interface. AGRA is a promising step toward personalized and efficient pain management across multiple healthcare domains, benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals. AGRA has potential in postsurgical recovery, physical therapy, sports injury rehabilitation, and pain management in palliative care settings. By offering non-invasive, automated precision, it enhances patient comfort while easing the healthcare provider's workload.
Association analysis between an epigenetic alcohol risk score and blood pressure
Authors: Bui Helena , Keshawarz Amena , Wang Mengyao , Lee Mikyeong , Ratliff Scott M. , Lin Lisha , Birditt Kira S. , Faul Jessica D. , Peters Annette , Gieger Christian , Delerue Thomas , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Zhao Wei , Guo Xiuqing , Yao Jie , Rotter Jerome I. , Li Yi , Liu Xue , Liu Dan , Tavares Juliana F. , Pehlivan Gökhan , Breteler Monique M.B. , Karabegovic Irma , Ochoa-Rosales Carolina , Voortman Trudy , Ghanbari Mohsen , Meurs Joyce B.J. van , Nasr Mohamed Kamal , Dörr Marcus , Grabe Hans J. , London Stephanie J. , Teumer Alexander , Waldenberger Melanie , Weir David R. , Smith Jennifer A. , Levy Daniel , Ma Jiantao , Liu Chunyu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Epigenome-wide association studies have revealed multiple DNA methylation sites (CpGs) associated with alcohol consumption, an important lifestyle risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Results
We generated an alcohol consumption epigenetic risk score (ERS) based on previously reported 144 alcohol-associated CpGs and examined the association of the ERS with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and hypertension (HTN) in 3,898 Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants. We found an association of alcohol intake with the ERS in the meta-analysis with 0.09 units higher ERS per drink consumed per day (p < 0.0001). Cross-sectional analyses in FHS revealed that a one-unit increment of the ERS was associated with 1.93 mm Hg higher SBP (p = 4.64E-07), 0.68 mm Hg higher DBP (p = 0.006), and an odds ratio of 1.78 for HTN (p < 2E-16). Meta-analysis of the cross-sectional association of the ERS with BP traits in eight independent external cohorts (n = 11,544) showed similar relationships with blood pressure levels, i.e., a one-unit increase in ERS was associated with 0.74 (p = 0.002) and 0.50 (p = 0.0006) mm Hg higher SBP and DBP, but could not confirm the association with hypertension. Longitudinal analyses in FHS (n = 3,260) and five independent external cohorts (n = 4,021) showed that the baseline ERS was not associated with a change in blood pressure over time or with incident HTN.
Conclusions
Our findings provide proof-of-concept that utilizing an ERS is a useful approach to capture the recent health consequences of lifestyle behaviors such as alcohol consumption.
Moral distress, coping mechanisms, and turnover intent among healthcare providers in British Columbia: a race and gender-based analysis
Authors: Delgado-Ron Jorge Andres , Tiwana Muhammad Haaris , Murage Alice , Morgan Rosemary , Purewal Simran , Smith Julia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background This study explores intersectionality in moral distress and turnover intention among healthcare workers (HCWs) in British Columbia, focusing on race and gender dynamics. It addresses gaps in research on how these factors affect healthcare workforce composition and experiences.Methods Our cross-sectional observational study utilized a structured online survey. Participants included doctors, nurses, and in-home/community care providers. The survey measured moral distress using established scales, assessed coping mechanisms, and evaluated turnover intentions. Statistical analysis examined the relationships between race, gender, moral distress, and turnover intention, focusing on identifying disparities across different healthcare roles. Complex interactions were examined through Classification and Regression Trees.Results Racialized and gender minority groups faced higher levels of moral distress. Profession played a significant role in these experiences. White women reported a higher intention to leave due to moral distress compared to other groups, especially white men. Nurses and care providers experienced higher moral distress and turnover intentions than physicians. Furthermore, coping strategies varied across different racial and gender identities.Conclusion Targeted interventions are required to mitigate moral distress and reduce turnover, especially among healthcare workers facing intersectional inequities.
Violence Against Women Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study of Reports From the Forensic Medical Institute of Curitiba/PR, Brazil
Authors: Joly Ádelin Olívia Lopes , Zvir Elisa Cristina , Moreira Emanuélle Branco , Silva Rhafaela Ribeiro , de Paula Isabela Cristina Santos Freire , Xavier Thaís Aparecida , Ignácio Sérgio Aparecido , Gabardo Marilisa Carneiro Leão , Alanis Luciana Reis Azevedo , Moysés Samuel Jorge , Werneck Renata Iani , Orsi Juliana Schaia Rocha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
To analyze the epidemiological profile of women who suffered bodily violence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, from reports of corpus delicti performed at the Forensic Medical Institute - Instituto Médico Legal (IML), Curitiba/PR, Brazil.
Materials and Methods
This study has a retrospective cross-sectional design, through secondary data analysis, of cases of injuries caused by bodily violence against women between 2019 and 2021 contained in IML reports. Only records of bodily injury examinations performed on women were eligible for the study. Reports that did not allow the identification of the victim's gender, as well as those referring to other bodily injuries that did not involve aggression, were excluded. The data were collected through an electronic form. The variables analyzed were age, ethnicity, marital status, gender, and relationship to the aggressor. To verify the association between the outcome (year when the report was issued) and independent variables, a bivariate analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. To verify the differences between proportions of significant variables, the z-test was used with values adjusted by the Bonferroni method. Variables with p values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25.0 software.
Results
5033 reports of bodily injury against women were included in the study. In 2020, a greater proportion of personal injury examinations were observed in white women compared to 2019 and 2021 (p < 0.001). Single women were the most vulnerable to physical violence in 2020 and 2021 (p < 0.001). During those same years, assault by men, partners or former partners and by family members was more prevalent than in 2019 (p < 0.001). The Women's Police Station was the most sought-after place to report cases.
Conclusion
During the pandemic, single women, assaulted by men, who were a partner, ex-partner or family member, sought IML services more, when compared to the period before the pandemic.
A rare case of infiltrative optic neuropathy caused by vitreoretinal lymphoma with intraretinal and subretinal pigmented epithelial hyperreflective deposits prior to the disease onset
Authors: Kuji Takako , Komoto Shimpei , Maruyama Kazuichi , Fujimoto Satoko , Fujino Takahiro , Kitaguchi Yoshiyuki , Shimojo Hiroshi , Morimoto Takeshi , Nishida Kohji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To describe a rare case of infiltrative optic neuropathy caused by vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) with intraretinal and subretinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) hyperreflective deposits before the disease onset.
Case presentation:
We presented an 87-year-old Japanese female. At 5 months before onset, she noticed a decline of her right visual acuity, and she visited ophthalmology clinic because her visual acuity was progressively deteriorated to counting finger. In clinic, uveitis complicated with vitreous opacification (VO) was revealed, and subcapsular triamcinolone acetonide was injected for treatment. Although her visual acuity and VO were improved after treatment, she was referred to Osaka University Hospital for detailed examination. Her right visual acuity was 20/50. Intraocular inflammation and VO were not detected. There were yellowish-white deposits likes hard drusen in her right macula, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed intraretinal and sub-RPE hyperreflective deposits in the same area. One month later, she visited to our hospital with acute visual exacerbation. Her right visual acuity was hand motion. Optic disc swelling with disc hemorrhage was shown in the right eye. There was neither VO nor intraocular inflammation at this time, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head without enhancement did not show hyperintensity and swelling of the optic nerve as well as intracranial lesions. One week later, VO occurred and we performed 25-gauge vitrectomy for vitreous collection. Finally, after consideration of all the clinical examinations, a diagnosis was made of infiltrative optic nerve neuropathy with vitreoretinal B-cell lymphoma. Intraocular injection of methotrexate was administered a total of 6 times. At the time of the last visit (6 months after surgery), VO and optic disc swelling had disappeared. Careful observation was continued, but no recurrent findings including MRI was observed, and visual acuity in the right eye improved to 20/50.
Conclusions
Although there were reports on VRL advanced from intraretinal or sub-RPE hyperreflective deposits, there have been no studies that these OCT findings has progressed to infiltrative optic nerve neuropathy with VRL. When differentiating optic neuropathy, OCT may assist in the diagnosis by evaluating intraretinal and sub-RPE findings.
Retrospective analysis of neonatal hydrocephalus over the past 12 years
Authors: Huang Chunling , Liu Yunfeng , Han Tongyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Neonatal hydrocephalus is a serious neurological disease, however, with the progress of medical technology, and the increasing survival rate of extremely premature infants, its incidence rate, etiology and diagnosis and treatment have also undergone great changes. In this study, we aimed to summarize the above clinical changes of neonatal hydrocephalus at our hospital over the past 12 years to provide a reference for clinical practice.
Methods
The medical records of infants with neonatal hydrocephalus admitted to the neonatal unit of Peking University Third Hospital from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2021, were retrospectively examined. For comparative analysis, the infants were divided according to the time of admission into a group for the first 6 years and one for the latter 6 years. We compared the gestational age, birth weight, etiology, treatment, and prognosis of two groups.
Results
Sixty-two patients (28 in the first 6 years; 34 in the latter 6 years) were diagnosed with neonatal hydrocephalus. Their gestational ages ranged from 25 to 39+ 6 weeks (median, 30 weeks), and their birth weights ranged from 600 to 4046 g (median, 1255 g). The gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the latter 6-year group than in the first 6-year group. There was a significant increase in severe periventricular–intraventricular hemorrhage in infants and cerebral parenchymal hemorrhage in the latter 6-year group. In terms of surgical treatment, there are more applications of Venturar Access Device(VADs)in the latter 6-year group. Twenty-one infants (35%) died after treatment withdrawal. Of the surviving infants, 22 had normal development, and 19 had developmental delay.
Conclusion
Gestational age and birth weight were significantly lower in the latter 6-year group than in the first 6-year group, and there was a significant increase in severe intracranial hemorrhage and cerebral parenchymal hemorrhage in this group.
Metabolic landscape of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and search for metabolites predictive of drug response
Authors: Ozawa Michinobu , Naito Sei , Makinoshima Hideki , Ito Hiromi , Tsuya Atsushi , Narisawa Takafumi , Fukuhara Hiroki , Takai Yuki , Ushijima Masaki , Yagi Mayu , Nishida Hayato , Tsuchiya Norihiko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background.
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) commonly exhibits biallelic inactivation of VHL genes, profoundly impacting intracellular metabolic pathways and utilization of metabolic substrates. The aims of this study were to validate the metabolomic profile previously identified in ccRCC surgical specimens, to construct a metabolic classification in ccRCC, and to exploratorily investigate metabolic biomarkers of systemic therapy response.
Materials and Methods.
We first examined the metabolome in 52 paired tumor/normal surgical ccRCC samples, and then compared the metabolites using paired t-test. Unsupervised clustering analysis was done, and the patients were divided into four subgroups. Then tumor grade was compared among the four groups. Finally, to compare the metabolome according to the effect of systemic therapy, we analyzed 9, 11, 6 patients with vascular endothelial growth factor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (VEGF-TKI), immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and nivolumab plus ipilimumab (NI), respectively.
Results.
The upper stream of glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway were commonly activated, along with elevated glutamine levels and reduced proteinogenic amino acids (AAs) other than glutamine in ccRCC tissues, consistent with prior findings. Lactate levels, previously reported as elevated, varied across metabolic subgroup, with higher lactate levels associated with higher tumor grades. VEGF-TKI responders exhibited low levels of fatty acids. ICB responders showed reduced levels of AAs, including glutamine. NI responders displayed lower glutamine levels and elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress markers glucose-6-phosphate and mannose-6-phosphate.
Conclusions.
We validated the landscape of the ccRCC metabolome. Moreover, we identified low glutamine level in the primary cancer tissues is a candidate of biomarkers for ICB responders.
Factors associated with the detection of atrial fibrillation in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source
Authors: Bae Jae-Han , Ryu Jae-Chan , Ha Sang Hee , Cho Min Soo , Cha Myung-Jin , Chang Jun Young , Kang Dong-Wha , Kwon Sun U , Kim Jong S. , Kim Bum Joon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is important for the secondary prevention of stroke. We investigated the factors associated with the detection of newly diagnosed AF in ESUS patients during follow-up.
Methods
Patients with acute ischemic stroke classified as ESUS were included. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and Holter to detect the source of embolism. Structural, electrophysiological markers of left atrial cardiopathy (i.e., left atrial enlargement [LAE], non-sustained tachycardia [NSAT]) as well as lesion patterns of ischemic stroke were examined. Implantable loop recorder (ILR) was implanted in selective patients. Sensitivity and positive predictive value analysis was used to assess the predictive value for AF detection.
Results
Among 312 patients with ESUS, AF was detected in 24 (7.7%) patients during follow-up. Patients with AF had a higher prevalence of LAE, NSAT, and the imaging pattern of confluent plus additional lesions in a single vascular territory. Multivariable analysis showed that ILR implantation (hazards ratio 11.497 [95% confidence interval 3.795–34.818]), LAE (3.204 [1.096–9.370]), NSAT (4.070 [1.378–12.018]), and confluent plus additional lesions (4.977 [1.649–15.019]) were independent predictors of AF detection. The sensitivity of detecting AF in those with LAE, NSAT, or confluent plus additional lesions pattern was 91.7%. The positive predictive value of detecting AF in those with LAE, NSAT and confluent plus additional lesions pattern was 40.0%.
Conclusion
In conclusion, patients with LAE, NSAT, or confluent plus additional lesions may benefit from ILR monitoring detecting new AF.
Identification of Alcoholic Hepatitis-related and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Target Genes
Authors: Han Seul Ki , Lee Taesic , Lim Jisun , Kim Hyunsoo , Uh Young , Kim Moon Young 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a widespread and life-threatening chronic liver condition that poses a risk of short-term mortality if not properly managed. Clinicians often encounter challenges due to insufficient knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of AH. This study employs a meta-analysis to identify the molecular mechanisms and potential cell therapy targets for AH.
Methods
We collected four gene expression datasets, three from liver tissues and one from blood tissues, to identify genes associated with AH. Two liver datasets that had data on deaths after steroid treatment in patients with alcoholic hepatitis were also examined to uncover signatures associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, we curated three cohorts, including a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) intervention group, to identify genes responsive to stem cell interventions. Candidate genes were selected using the inverse weighted variance-based method implemented in the METAL software. We utilized prior knowledge to narrow down potential upstream genes, including a transcription factor (TF) catalog, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, disease-gene association databases, and summary statistics for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) linked to disease and expression.
Results
Through four stepwise meta-analyses of nine gene expression datasets, we identified genes targeted by MSC therapy. In detail, the first, second, third, and fourth steps of meta-analysis provided the liver-specific, liver-blood, severe-mortality, and MSC-Tx meta genes linked to AH condition, respectively. Multiple lines of evidence (TF, PPI, and SNP databases) were used to identify 47 AH-related upstream genes.
Conclusions
This study presented critical genes involved in the progression of AH and the therapeutic effects of MSC through meta-analysis. Utilizing these genes, we can confirm genetic changes induced by stem cell treatment, providing a foundation for targeted cell or function-enhanced genetic therapies.
Differential Biochemical Response of Wheat Genotypes Under Temperature Stress
Authors: Ravindra Satbhai , Swati Bharad , Mangesh Moharil , Ravindra Satbhai 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Changes under temperature induction response has been shown as a potential tool for empirical assessment for plant cell tolerance. By this technique, thermotolerant lines were identified from crop wheat, which showed better performance than the original population under high temperature. The present investigation ten days old seedlings of six wheat genotypes released by DR. PDKV, Akola ,Maharashtra, India viz., PDKV Sardar, AKAW-381, PDKV-Washim, AKAW-3722, WSM-109-4, AKAW-4627 compared with Raj-4083 (National check) by exposing to gradual increase of high temperature and duration (control 25°C to 30°C 1 hr, 34°C 1 hr, 38°C 2 hr and 42°C 3 hr) in order to investigate its effect on some physiological and biochemical parameters to provide the basic information to wheat breeder for improvement targeted to heat tolerant cultivar.
Results
Increase of temperature induced the proline accumulation in all genotypes till a temperature threshold 34°C 1 hr (it depended on genotype), while above the proline content declined. However, the level was dropped at 38°C 2 hr PDKV-washim, AKAW-3722 and PDKV Sardar and 42°C 3 hr in all seven wheat genotypes. The relative leaf water content (RLWC), chlorophyll ‘b’ content significantly declined with steady increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content. High temperature and duration of exposure induces the activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase enzymes. However, it was observed that, at lethal temperature stress (42°C 3 hr) levels majority of biochemical parameters studied in this experiment found to be declined.
Conclusion
In our investigation, a positive association between rising temperatures, H2O2 levels and SOD, APX and peroxidase levels in all wheat genotypes was found. The fact that AKAW-4627 maintains greater RLWC and Chlorophyll a and b content as well as other biochemical parameters may be contributing to their minor rise in H2O2 content. A steady rise in high temperature with duration of their exposure an increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase, APX and peroxidase and carotenoids were observed. Among the seven-wheat genotype pre-released WSM-109-04 and AKAW4627 and PDKV Sardar genotypes followed by AKAW-381 showed better adaptability at higher temperature stress when compared with national check Raj-4083. The information generated on biochemical basis is useful for wheat breeder for further improvement in wheat for thermotolerance.
Novel genetic loci and functional properties of immune-related genes for colorectal cancer survival in Korea
Authors: Yun Dabin , Yang Jung-Ho , Yang Soyoun , Sim Jin-ah , Kim Minjung , Park Ji Won , Jeong Seung Yong , Shin Aesun , Kweon Sun-Seog , Song Nan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
One major topic in colorectal cancer (CRC) research is the role of immune cells against cancer cells. The association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and polygenic risk scores (PRS) with CRC was examined and their functional properties were identified using a gene-gene interaction network. 960 CRC patients at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH, discovery) and 6,627 CRC patients at Chonnam National University Hospital (CNNUH, replication) were enrolled. SNPs were genotyped using the Korean Biobank Array. 2,729 immune-related genes were selected from the Ensembl, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and 37,398 SNPs were mapped. PRS were categorized into tertiles. Cox proportional hazard models were fitted for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). A gene-gene interaction network was analyzed.
Among CRC patients from SNUH, 154 (16.0%) died, while 245 (25.5%) had progression. In CNNUH, 3,537 (53.4%) died. For OS, the most significant association was observed for rs117322760 (8q23.1, PKHD1L1, hazard ratio (HR) = 4.58, p-value = 1.40 × 10-6). For PFS, it was observed in rs143531681 (7q36.1, NOS3, HR = 4.67, p-value = 9.72 × 10-8). For PRS, the highest tertile group showed an increased risk for OS (HR = 59.58, p-value = 9.20 × 10-48) and PFS (HR = 9.81, p-value = 1.69 × 10-23). Significant interactions were observed between PIK3R2 and PIK3CA for OS and ALOX5 and COTL1 for PFS. This study presented novel genetic variants associated with OS and PFS in CRC patients, and notable findings from the analysis of PRS and the gene-gene interaction.