bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The experience of caregiving for adults with benign brain tumors: An integrative review
Authors: McDaniel Amanda Kate , Carlson Barbara , Dunn Ian F , Nipp Ryan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Caregiving for the adult benign brain tumor (aBBT) population is unique, as patients’ extended period of survivorship poses significant challenges related to the long-term sequelae of the disease and the foreboding possibility of recurrence. In this integrative review, we examined the caregiving experience across the spectrum of the aBBT population.

Methods
We searched OVID, CINAHL, and PubMed databases from 2000 to 2022. We included studies primarily focused on caregivers of aBBT and written in English.

Results
Among 594 papers identified in the initial review, we included a final list of 7 papers. Among these 7 papers, 5 central themes emerged. First, we identified a theme surrounding psychosocial and emotional needs, which included the social isolation of caregiving. The second theme related to informational care needs, including what is considered to be the normal course of recovery after surgery. The third theme focused on access to services, including specialist neurosurgical care, and the fourth theme related to financial strain and the economic burdens associated with long-term follow-up. Lastly, we found a theme surrounding family role changes, which included the shift from spouse to caregiver.

Conclusions
In this review, we identified themes highlighting similarities to the high-grade glioma population. However, we uncovered distinct differences in terms of caregiver characteristics, length of survivorship, and the burden of caregiving over time. Collectively, our findings underscore the incomplete understanding of the caregiving experience across the spectrum of the aBBT population.
Increasing inequalities in longevity among Italian workers
Authors: Ardito Chiara , Zengarini Nicolás , Leombruni Roberto , Costa Giuseppe , d’Errico Angelo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article examines the evolution of inequalities in life expectancy at 65 and all-cause mortality by socio-economic position (SEP) among Italian workers. Period life tables and negative binomial regression models are used to estimate longevity inequalities. The empirical assessment is carried out on two administrative datasets, one covering the entire population of private sector workers for the years 1990–2019 and the other covering the entire workforce in Turin for the years 1981–2019. We find that social inequalities in life expectancy and all-cause mortality have increased among Italian workers in recent decades. Several robustness checks confirm this worrying trend, especially for men. Longevity has improved for workers in the middle and high SEPs, while it has hardly changed for workers in the lowest SEP. We show that the estimated life expectancy differentials translate into a loss of pension wealth for the most disadvantaged categories, which also increases over time.
Tangled Webs of Trust: A Study of Public Trust in Risk Regulation
Authors: Hawkins Joanne 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article provides an empirically grounded understanding of public trust in the context of risk regulation, specifically through a case study of shale gas exploration and fracking. It offers insight into the factors underpinning public trust and explores the empirical reality of the socially embedded and relational nature of trust. The article engages with the often-neglected dynamics of trust and how relationships between different levels of trust (eg institutional, interpersonal, wider system) operate. It shows how trust, far from complying with many existing linear conceptualisations, is complex and messy, involving a web of ongoing and interactive relationships within and between these levels. By mapping empirical data against our theoretical understandings, this article offers an alternative insight into the trust relationship, better positioning us to understand trust as an ongoing process, rather than an end product.
Relating ciliary propulsion morphology and flow to particle acquisition in marine planktonic ciliates I: the tintinnid ciliateAmphorides quadrilineata
Authors: Jiang Houshuo , Buskey Edward J 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe marine tintinnid ciliate Amphorides quadrilineata is a feeding-current feeder, creating flows for particle encounter, capture and rejection. Individual-level behaviors were observed using high-speed, high-magnification digital imaging. Cells beat their cilia backward to swim forward, simultaneously generating a feeding current that brings in particles. These particles are then individually captured through localized ciliary reversals. When swimming backward, cells beat their cilia forward (=ciliary reversals involving the entire ring of cilia), actively rejecting unwanted particles. Cells achieve path-averaged speeds averaging 3–4 total lengths per second. Both micro-particle image velocimetry and computational fluid dynamics were employed to characterize the cell-scale flows. Forward swimming generates a feeding current, a saddle flow vector field in front of the cell, whereas backward swimming creates an inverse saddle flow vector field behind the cell; these ciliary flows facilitate particle encounter, capture and rejection. The model-tintinnid with a full-length lorica achieves an encounter rate Q ~29% higher than that without a lorica, albeit at a ~142% increase in mechanical power and a decrease in quasi-propulsive efficiency (~0.24 vs. ~ 0.38). It is also suggested that Q can be approximated by π(W/2 + l)2U, where W, l and U represent the lorica oral diameter, ciliary length and swimming speed, respectively.
Evidence for an RNAi-independent role of Arabidopsis DICER-LIKE2 in growth inhibition and basal antiviral resistance
Authors: Nielsen Carsten Poul Skou , Arribas-Hernández Laura , Han Lijuan , Reichel Marlene , Woessmann Jakob , Daucke Rune , Bressendorff Simon , López-Márquez Diego , Andersen Stig Uggerhøj , Pumplin Nathan , Schoof Erwin M , Brodersen Peter 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Flowering plant genomes encode four or five DICER-LIKE (DCL) enzymes that produce small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs, which function in RNA interference (RNAi). Different RNAi pathways in plants effect transposon silencing, antiviral defense, and endogenous gene regulation. DCL2 acts genetically redundantly with DCL4 to confer basal antiviral defense. However, DCL2 may also counteract DCL4 since knockout of DCL4 causes growth defects that are suppressed by DCL2 inactivation. Current models maintain that RNAi via DCL2-dependent siRNAs is the biochemical basis of both effects. Here, we report that DCL2-mediated antiviral resistance and growth defects cannot be explained by the silencing effects of DCL2-dependent siRNAs. Both functions are defective in genetic backgrounds that maintain high levels of DCL2-dependent siRNAs, either with specific point mutations in DCL2 or with reduced DCL2 dosage because of heterozygosity for dcl2 knockout alleles. Intriguingly, all DCL2 functions require its catalytic activity, and the penetrance of DCL2-dependent growth phenotypes in dcl4 mutants correlates with DCL2 protein levels but not with levels of major DCL2-dependent siRNAs. We discuss this requirement and correlation with catalytic activity but not with resulting siRNAs, in light of other findings that reveal a DCL2 function in innate immunity activation triggered by cytoplasmic double-stranded RNA.
ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 5-KIP-RELATED PROTEIN 1-SHOOT MERISTEMLESS modulates reproductive development of Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Wan-Ni , Wei Yu-Ting , Zhao Sheng-Ting , Yu Fu-Huan , Wang Jing-wen , Gu Cheng-yue , Liu Xin-Ran , Sai Na , Zhu Jin-Lei , Wang Qi-Meng , Bao Qin-Xin , Mu Xin-Rong , Liu Yu-xin , Loake Gary J , Jiang Ji-hong , Meng Lai-Sheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Soil (or plant) water deficit accelerates plant reproduction. However, the underpinning molecular mechanisms remain unknown. By modulating cell division/number, ABSCISIC ACID-INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), a key bZIP (basic (region) leucine zippers) transcription factor, regulates both seed development and abiotic stress responses. The KIP-RELATED PROTEIN (KRP) cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play an essential role in controlling cell division, and SHOOT MERISTEMLESS (STM) plays a key role in the specification of flower meristem identity. Here, our findings show that abscisic acid (ABA) signaling and/or metabolism in adjust reproductive outputs (such as rosette leaf number and open flower number) under water-deficient conditions in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. Reproductive outputs increased under water-sufficient conditions but decreased under water-deficient conditions in the ABA signaling/metabolism mutants abscisic acid2-1 (aba2-1), aba2-11, abscisic acid insensitive3-1 (abi3-1), abi4-1, abi5-7, and abi5-8. Further, under water-deficient conditions, ABA induced-ABI5 directly bound to the promoter of KRP1, which encodes a CDK that plays an essential role in controlling cell division, and this binding subsequently activated KRP1 expression. In turn, KRP1 physically interacted with STM, which functions in the specification of flower meristem identity, promoting STM degradation. We further demonstrate that reproductive outputs are adjusted by the ABI5–KRP1–STM molecular module under water-deficient conditions. Together, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism by which ABA signaling and/or metabolism regulate reproductive development under water-deficient conditions. These findings provide insights that may help guide crop yield improvement under water deficiency.
Effects of Online Unfolding Case Studies on Clinical Reasoning and Academic Performance of Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Sultan Bushra , Victor Gideon , Naeem Farah , Gul Hajira 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A single-episode online case study increases cognitive load in contrast to an unfolding online case study, which decreases cognitive load, improves academic performance, and enhances clinical reasoning. However, online utilization of unfolding case studies is limited. A one-group pretest posttest experimental design was employed with 45 nursing students in a pathophysiology course. Data were collected using Lasater’s clinical reasoning scale and quiz scores to assess academic performance. The academic performance and clinical reasoning of nursing students were significantly higher with online unfolding case studies (p < .001), providing support for the use of the online unfolding case study method.
Higher Neck Pain Intensity and Pain Catastrophizing Soon After A Whiplash Injury Partially Explain the Presence of Persistent Headache
Authors: Anarte-Lazo Ernesto , Falla Deborah , Rodriguez-Blanco Cleofas , Bernal-Utrera Carlos 
Published: March 2024

Objective:
To understand whether pain-related factors soon after a whiplash injury can explain the presence of chronic headache.

Materials and Methods:
A prospective study with a follow-up of 6 months was performed including 42 patients with acute whiplash-associated disorders. Neck pain intensity, the Neck Disability Index, the Tampa Scale Kinesiophobia, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Anxiety State-Trait Scale were assessed at baseline. Differences in clinical characteristics between those with and without headache at 6 months were determined. The relative risk of presenting with headache was evaluated. A logistic regression model was performed to assess which factors at baseline could explain the presence of headache at 6 months.

Results:
At 6 months, 1/3 of the sample presented with chronic headache. Significant differences were found for several outcome measures when people with and without headache were compared (P<0.001). The highest relative risk of presenting with headache was found for moderate/severe levels of pain catastrophizing during the acute phase (RR=15.00, 95%CI=3.93, 57.22). The level of neck pain intensity and pain catastrophizing at baseline partially explained the presence of headache at 6 months (R2=0.627).

Discussion:
The risk of presenting with persistent headache attributed to a whiplash injury is increased when people present with higher neck pain intensity and pain catastrophizing soon after a whiplash injury. Evaluating neck pain intensity and pain catastrophizing at baseline may assist in identifying those more likely to develop chronic headache, potentially providing an opportunity for early targeted interventions.
Solution is not simple; sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor use in Conn syndrome
Authors: Soyaltin Utku 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
In patients with bilateral primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) and those with unilateral PA who are unwilling or unable to undergo adrenalectomy an increase in plasma renin activity (PRA) provided by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) therapy reflects sufficient antagonism for elevated aldosterone. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) have cardiovascular, renal protective properties and some clinical data have shown an increase in PRA levels with SGLT2-i. Here, we present our experience of using SGLT2-i in PA patients with suppressed PRA despite 100 mg/day spironolactone therapy.

Cases
We prospectively evaluate the laboratory values of seven patients who were diagnosed with bilateral hyperaldosteronism. All of them were diabetic and had an HbA1c <7% with metformin treatment alone. Spironolactone was started in all of the patients after diagnosis and although the dose was increased to 100 mg/day, PRA levels remained <1 ng/ml/h. Metformin treatment was changed to empagliflozin in all patients and PRA was checked again at the sixth month of treatment.

Results
Metformin treatment was changed to empagliflozin in all patients and PRA was checked again at the sixth month of treatment. Mean PRA levels were 0.464 ± 0.189 ng/ml/h before the treatment change and increased to mean 3.257 ± 1.881 ng/ml/h in the sixth month (P = 0.008). The mean PRA was >1 ng/ml/h except for one patient in the sixth month of treatment.

Conclusion
Larger molecular and clinical studies are needed to understand whether the increase in PRA after empagliflozin treatment indicates interference, whether spironolactone treatment has become more effective, or whether empagliflozin has aldosterone receptor antagonism apart from its known effects.
A comparison among oscillometric waveforms in healthy nonpregnant women, pregnancy and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Ringrose Jennifer S. , Sridar Sangita , Araneta Patricia , Chan Lillian , Kassam Jalisa , Wirzba Mira , Greeff Kate , Ramsay Gillian , Sia Winnie , Khurana Rshmi , Bader Erin , Padwal Raj 
Published: March 2024

Objective
Understanding of how oscillometric waveforms (OMW) vary between pregnant and nonpregnant individuals remains low. An exploratory analysis was completed to assess for quantitative and qualitative changes in OMW and oscillometric envelope features in pregnancy.

Design and methods
Eighteen pregnant individuals (over 20 weeks gestational age) and healthy, nonpregnant (HNP) women were recruited. Six HNP were matched to six healthy pregnant (HP) women, and six pregnant women with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) by age, arm circumference, and cuff size. Blood pressure measurements were completed per the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) protocol using a custom-built oscillometric device as the test device and two-observer mercury auscultation as the reference measurement. Auscultatory blood pressure and blood pressure derived from slope-based and fixed ratio algorithms were determined. OMW and envelope features were compared among groups.

Results
In HNP, HP, and HDP groups respectively: mean auscultatory blood pressure (systolic mean ± SD/diastolic mean ± SD) was 103.4 ± 12.2/67.1 ± 7.9; 109.5 ± 3.1/58.1 ± 6.4; 135.6 ± 18.9/85.1 ± 14.2 mmHg. HDP had significantly higher auscultatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure than the HP group (P = 0.001). The pregnant groups had a lower average pulse width (mean ± SD: HNP = 0.8 ± 0 s, HP = 0.6 ± 0.1 s, HDP = 0.6 ± 0.1 s; HP vs. HNP mean difference [adjusted P value]: 0.2 [P = 0.004], HDP vs. HNP 0.1 [P = 0.018]) compared with the HNP group. The HDP group had a larger area under the OMW envelope than the HNP group (mean ± SD: HNP = 22.6 ± 3.4; HDP = 28.5 ± 4.2; HDP vs. HNP mean difference [adjusted P value]: 5.9 P = 0.05).

Conclusion
In this exploratory work, differences in the OMW morphology and parameters were found in pregnancy and in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy compared with healthy controls. Even small differences may have important implications in algorithm development; further work comparing OMW envelopes in pregnancy is needed to optimize the algorithms used to determine blood pressure in pregnancy.
Total disc replacement compared with fusion for cervical degenerative disc disease
Authors: Zhai Shuchao , Li Aimin , Li Xiang , Wu Xingguo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Study design:
The present study was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement.

Objective:
The present study aimed to conduct a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses comparing ACDR with fusion for treating CDDD in order to assist decision makers in their selection among conflicting meta-analyses and to provide treatment recommendations based on the best available evidence.

Summary of background data:
Although several meta-analyses have been performed to compare total disc replacement (TDR) and fusion for treating cervical degenerative disc disease (CDDD), their findings are inconsistent.

Methods:
Multiple databases were comprehensively searched for meta-analyses comparing TDR with fusion for treating CDDD. The meta-analyses that comprised only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Two authors independently assessed the meta-analysis study quality and extracted the data. The Jadad decision algorithm was used to ascertain which meta-analysis studies represented the best evidence.

Results:
A total of 14 meta-analysis studies were included. All these studies only included RCTs and were determined as Level-II evidence.

Conclusions:
Cervical disc arthroplasty was superior compared to anterior discectomy and fusion for the treatment of symptomatic cervical disc disease.
Comparison of absolute renal uptake by using Tc-99m MAG-3 and Tc-99m DMSA
Authors: Dilawar Hasnain , Habib Salman , Rana Razia , Ahmed Akhtar , Iqbal Javaid , Abdul Rehman Talal , Hadi Imran , Fatima Shazia 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to compare the value of absolute renal uptake (ARU %) in patients by using Tc-99m MAG-3 and Tc-99m DMSA scan.

Material and methods
Absolute renal uptake is calculated using Tc-99m MAG-3 and Tc-99m DMSA in renal scintigraphy, Itoh and Tauex kidney depth methods used, respectively. n = 40 adult patients of both genders were included. All patients underwent Tc-99m MAG-3 and Tc-99m DMSA, respectively.

Results
The values of ARU (%) were calculated separately in selected patients n = 40, (left = 17, right = 23 normal functioning kidneys) by MAG-3 and DMSA. Absolute renal uptake (%) of Tc-99m MAG-3 in left kidneys was found to be 15.2 ± 3.4, with spilt renal function 79.2 ± 14.7 and ARU (%) in right kidneys 16.2 ± 3.4 with spilt renal function 77.5 ± 19. Absolute renal uptake of Tc-99m DMSA in left kidneys was 17.5 ± 3.2 and in right kidneys 17.9 ± 4.5 with spilt renal function 81.8 ± 10.7 and 79.3 ± 13.8 for left and right kidney, respectively. Statistical analysis showed strong Pearson correlation.

Conclusion
Absolute renal uptake % was found to be more reliable in cases of bilateral compromised kidneys. ARU (%) calculated by Tc-99m MAG-3 solely can be used as predictor of renal function. The use of Tc-99m MAG-3 has more advantages than Tc-99m DMSA alone in renal scintigraphy as dynamic scintigraphy gives less radiation burden to patient, more information regarding renal function, and shorter stay time at hospital in comparison to static renal imaging. SRF % is less reliable than ARU (%).
Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with selective renal artery clamping for renal cell carcinoma: initial outcomes
Authors: Do Truong-Thanh , Pham Thanh-Dat , Do Minh-Tung , Le Van-Hung , Nguyen Duc-Minh , Nguyen Huy-Hoang , Nguyen Duc-Linh , Thao Nguyen Dac , Nguyen Dao-Uyen 
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
To explore the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) with selective artery clamp (SAC) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Methods:
The authors recruited three men and two women who underwent RLPN for T1 RCC between December 2022 and May 2023 at a tertiary hospital. The median age of the patients was 32 years (range, 25–70 years). The tumour size ranged from 3 to 4.5 cm. The R.E.N.A.L scores were 4x, 5p, 8a, 5a, and 8ah. The median preoperative eGFR was 96.9 (74.3–105.2). Renal computed tomography angiography was performed before the surgery to evaluate the artery branches. The operation time, number of clamped arteries, warm ischaemic time (WIT), intraoperative blood loss, RCC type, postoperative hospital stay, changes in renal function, and complications were evaluated. The follow-up duration was 6 months.

Results:
The median operation time was 120 (75–150) minutes. One artery was clamped in four patients, while three were clamped in one patient. The median WIT was 22 (15–30) min, and the median blood loss was 150 (100–300) ml. No complications were recorded, and the resection margin was negative in all patients. The median decrease in eGFR was 6 (4–30%).

Conclusions:
RLPN with SAC for T1 RCC is safe and feasible in clinical practice.
Hypercholesterolemia: a literature review on management using tafolecimab: a novel member of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Qureshi Zaheer , Khanzada Mikail , Safi Adnan , Fatima Eeshal , Altaf Faryal , Vittorio Timothy J. 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) persist as the leading cause of mortality globally, with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including hypercholesterolaemia, being a significant contributor. Hyperlipidemia management includes various lipid-lowering drugs, including statins, Bempedoic acid, inclisiran, Lomitapide, ANGPTL3 inhibitors, and PCSK9 inhibitors. Statins have traditionally dominated lipid management therapies; however, a subset of patients remains unresponsive or intolerant to this therapy, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches. Tafolecimab, a promising and novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, demonstrated significant LDL-C reduction and a favourable safety profile in clinical trials.

Objective:
This review aimed to discuss the role and efficacy of Tafolecimab in the management of hypercholesterolaemia.

Methods:
The authors searched online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, for articles related to talofecimab.

Discussion:
The efficacy of Tafolecimab in diverse patient populations, including those with comorbid conditions and various lipid disorders, has been explored. Ongoing trials, such as CREDIT-1, CREDIT-2, and CREDIT-4, have provided valuable insights into Tafolecimab’s potential as a lipid-lowering agent. Moreover, the drug’s extended dosing interval may enhance patient compliance and reduce treatment costs. It has also been found that Tafolecimab has more affinity for PCSK9 and a longer duration of LDL-C reduction than other monoclonal antibody drugs such as evolocumab. Thus, this review focuses on Tafolecimab, a novel PCSK9 monoclonal antibody, its mechanism of action, clinical trial outcomes, safety profile, and potential role in hypercholesterolaemia management. Despite its assuring potential, the long-term impact of Tafolecimab on cardiovascular outcomes remains to be fully elucidated, necessitating further research. Regulatory authorities like the FDA and EMA should also evaluate Tafolecimab’s risks and benefits.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Tafolecimab shows potential as an innovative therapeutic option for hypercholesterolaemia, particularly in patients with specific risk factors, but warrants additional research.