bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the EMulate Therapeutics Voyager’s ultra-low radiofrequency energy in murine model of glioblastoma
Authors: Mukthavaram Rajesh , Jiang Pengfei , Pastorino Sandra , Nomura Natsuko , Lin Feng , Kesari Santosh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Glioblastoma (GBM) presents as an aggressive brain cancer, notorious for its recurrence and resistance to conventional treatments. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of the EMulate Therapeutics Voyager®, a non-invasive, non-thermal, non-ionizing, battery-operated, portable experimental medical device, in treating GBM. Using ultra-low radiofrequency energy (ulRFE) to modulate intracellular activity, previous preliminary results in patients have been encouraging. Now, with a focus on murine models, our investigation seeks to elucidate the device's mechanistic impacts, further optimizing its therapeutic potential and understanding its limitations.

Methods
The device employs a silicone over molded coil to deliver oscillating magnetic fields, which are believed to interact with and disrupt cellular targets. These fields are derived from the magnetic fluctuations of solvated molecules. Xenograft and syngeneic murine models were chosen for the study. Mice were injected with U-87 MG or GL261 glioma cells in their flanks and were subsequently treated with one of two ulRFE cognates: A1A, inspired by paclitaxel, or A2, based on murine siRNA targeting CTLA4 + PD1. A separate group of untreated mice was maintained as controls.

Results
Mice that underwent treatments with either A1A or A2 exhibited significantly reduced tumor sizes when compared to the untreated cohort.

Conclusion
The EMulate Therapeutics Voyager® demonstrates promising potential in inhibiting glioma cells in vivo through its unique ulRFE technology and should be further studied in terms of biological effects in vitro and in vivo.
Assessing the effect of childbearing on blood DNA methylation through comparison of parous and nulliparous females
Authors: Chen Su , Johs Miranda , Karmaus Wilfried , Holloway John W. , Kheirkhah Rahimabad Parnian , Goodrich Jaclyn M. , Peterson Karen E. , Dolinoy Dana C. , Arshad S. Hasan , Ewart Susan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Pregnancy and childbirth have been connected to modified risk of a wide variety of conditions in later life, including neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. The presence, extent, and direction of the effect that childbearing status has on decreasing or increasing the risk of these conditions differs depending on the disease. The mechanisms by which pregnancy and childbirth modify the risk of diseases are still unknown. DNA methylation (DNAm) alterations that occur during pregnancy and persist after childbirth may help us understand this phenomenon.

Results
Blood DNAm was available from 89 women (28 parous; 61 nulliparous) at ages 18 and 26 years in the Isle of Wight birth cohort; no significant differences in the population characteristics were present between the analyzed population and the full cohort. We performed an epigenome-wide association study on 389,355 CpGs and identified 184 CpGs to be significantly differentially methylated between parous and nulliparous women after adjusting for confounders and multiple testing. Of these CpGs, 105 had regression coefficients in the same direction in an independent Mexico City based ELEMENT cohort, of which 13 were significant (replication P < 0.05). These 13 CpGs were associated with 16 unique genes. DNAm levels tracked with gene expression in 3 of the replicated genes, one of which (TM2D3) was differentially expressed in parous vs nulliparous women. Gene disease association analysis identified a network of parous-associated diseases.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that pregnancy and childbirth lead to DNAm changes in parous women and these changes persist at least 6 months and up to 8 years postpartum. Parous-related CpG sites may play a role in how childbearing status modifies risk of later life diseases in women. Further studies are needed to explore the linkage and mechanism.
Culturally adapted Turkish version of an internet-based mindfulness intervention for university students: a randomized controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Balci Sumeyye , Küchler Ann-Marie , Ebert David Daniel , Baumeister Harald 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Studying at university is a stressful time for many, which might result in the development of mental health problems. In the first wave of Covid-19, university students in Turkey reported suffering from an elevated level of stress compared to their peers in other countries. Mindfulness-based interventions could provide the means of successfully decreasing the stress level of university students. Moreover, offering interventions via the Internet could be a scalable option to prevent and treat mental health problems, while offering time/place flexibility, anonymity, and cost-effectiveness.

Method
In a randomized controlled trial of parallel design, the feasibility of a culturally adapted internet- and mobile-based intervention (IMI) (StudiCareM-TR) to promote mindfulness among Turkish-speaking university students was tested. Participants (N = 58) of a public university in Istanbul were randomized into an intervention (IG) vs. waitlist control group (WL). Measurements took place at baseline (t0) and 10 weeks post-randomization (t1). Intervention adherence, acceptance, and potential negative effects were feasibility outcomes. Levels of mindfulness, perceived stress, depression, anxiety, and wellbeing were analyzed in linear regression models to assess the potential efficacy of StudiCareM-TR. All analyses were conducted with the intention-to-treat sample, adjusting for baseline values.

Results
Based on participants’ feedback, StudiCareM-TR was perceived as acceptable, resulted in few negative effects (n = 7), and yielded improvements in mindfulness (β = 0.70) and presenteeism (β = − 0.61) compared to WL. Secondary outcomes of depression, anxiety, stress, and wellbeing did not show significant improvements. Assessment dropout was 31% (IG: 50%: WL: 89%), and intervention dropout was 45%.

Conclusions
StudiCareM-TR is feasible and acceptable to use among university students in Turkey and has the potential to improve their mindfulness levels. The intervention should be further developed with a focus on engagement-facilitating features in order to reduce intervention dropouts.

Trial registration ID
DRKS00024557.
Effects of base frequency, duty cycle, and waveform repetition on transient electromagnetic responses: Insights from models of a deep-buried conductor
Authors: Li Jianhui , Wang Yao 
Published: April 2024

In transient electromagnetic (TEM) methods, the recorded data for the magnetic field and its time derivative are influenced by the waveforms of the transmitting current. These waveforms are characterized by parameters such as the durations of the turn-on, steady, and turn-off stages as well as the base frequency, duty cycle, and waveform repetition. The full-waveform effects encompass all counteracting effects observed in TEM responses that arise from using a waveform other than a step-off or step-on waveform. To address these complexities, a 3D forward-modeling solver is developed for TEM methods, capable of calculating TEM responses while considering realistic waveforms with considerations for base frequency, duty cycle, and waveform repetition. The effects of these parameters on the magnetic field and its time derivative are investigated through numerical experiments using models involving deep-buried horizontal and vertical conductors. The results indicate that as the waveform period increases, there is a significant improvement in the detection and discrimination capability of the magnetic field for perfect conductors with a conductivity of 1000 S/m or higher in the models presented in this study. However, the improvement in the time derivative of the magnetic field is minimal. Interestingly, the improvement in the magnetic field and its time derivative does not indicate a consistent trend as the conductor conductivity increases. In addition, a novel equivalence phenomenon is uncovered in the magnetic field and its time derivative data. The results also suggest that as the number of waveform repetitions increases or the duty cycle decreases, the discrepancies between the recorded TEM responses at the two off-time stages within a single period gradually diminish. However, the influence of the full waveform on the TEM responses becomes more pronounced with an increasing number of waveform repetitions or a decrease in the duty cycle, especially in terms of the magnetic field.
Cystatin C Is a Predictor for Long-Term, All-Cause, and Cardiovascular Mortality in US Adults With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Song Xiaoying , Xiong Lijiao , Guo Tianting , Chen Xue , Zhang Pinjun , Zhang Xiaoan , Liang Zhen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study examined the relationship between cystatin C (CysC) levels and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in US metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients.

Methods
The 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) prospective cohort research included 1980 MetS participants. To assess CysC levels and all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality, fitted curves, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed.

Results
During a mean follow-up of 15.3 ± 5.4 years, a total of 819 deaths occurred. The fitted and Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that greater CysC levels were linked to higher all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality rates (P &lt; .05). After adjusting for variables, CysC level was associated with all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality at 1.63 (1.42-1.88), 1.53 (1.19-1.95), and 1.53 (1 ∼ 2.32), respectively (P &lt; .05). Tertile models showed consistent results: high CysC Tertile participants showed higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.87; 1.43-2.45), CVD mortality (HR 1.97, 1.15 ∼ 3.38), and cancer mortality (HR 1.72, 1.01 ∼ 2.91) compared to those in the lowest tertile (P &lt; .05). Subgroup studies by sex and other characteristics confirmed the findings. CysC demonstrated the higher predictive efficacy across mortality outcomes, followed by eGFR, outperforming urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and C-reactive protein. CysC alone exhibited substantial predictive value for all-cause (AUC 0.773; P &lt; .05) and CVD mortality (AUC 0.726; P &lt; .05). Combining CysC with age enhanced predictive value for all-cause mortality to 0.861 and CVD mortality to 0.771 (P &lt; .05).

Conclusion
MetS patients with elevated CysC levels have a higher risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer death. CysC may predict MetS all-cause and CVD mortality.
Efficiency of a Neurosurgical Operating Room According to Nursing Characteristics in a University Hospital: From Operating Times to a Cost-Benefit Analysis
Authors: Bartoli Andrea , Pinget Christophe 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of operating room nurse (ORN) characteristics on the duration of elective neurosurgical procedures in adults. In addition, we conducted a cost-benefit analysis of various strategies for organizing the workflow of ORNs.

METHODS:
We collected and analyzed operating times for adult elective neurosurgical procedures, categorizing them by surgeon, procedure complexity (dichotomized as technologically complex and simple), and ORN characteristics (dichotomized as ORN dedicated to neurosurgery [dORN] and ORN not dedicated to neurosurgery [ndORN]). The monetary valuation of operating times is based on the unitary cost per minute of the operating room, including opportunity costs of ORN, as well as their training costs and salaries. Cost-benefit analysis adopted the hospital perspective.

RESULTS:
Analysis of operating times reveals an approximately 20-minute difference for complex procedures when performed with ndORN. However, there is no significant difference in operating times for simple procedures, whether they are conducted by dORN or ndORN. The additional annual cost incurred by complex procedures performed with ndORN is estimated at CHF 68 144.4 for the Geneva University Hospitals.

CONCLUSION:
Complex neurosurgical procedures exhibit shorter durations when performed by dORNs. We explore several hypotheses to explain this difference. By adapting available human resources and optimizing workflow organization, hospitals can potentially achieve a net benefit.
Effect of Ultramarathon Trail Running at Sea Level and Altitude on Alveolar–Capillary Function and Lung Diffusion
Authors: STEWART GLENN M. , FERMOYLE CAITLIN C. , WHEATLEY-GUY COURTNEY M. , ROBACH PAUL , TILLER NICHOLAS B. , TAYLOR BRYAN J. , ZIEGLER BRIANA , SCHWARTZ JESSE , GAVET ALICE , CHABRIDON LOÏC , MURDOCK ROBERT W. , CONSTANTINI KEREN , JOHNSON BRUCE D. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Endurance exercise at altitude can increase cardiac output and pulmonary vascular pressure to levels that may exceed the stress tolerability of the alveolar–capillary unit. This study examined the effect of ultramarathon trail racing at different altitudes (ranging from <1000 m to between 1500 and 2700 m) on alveolar–capillary recruitment and lung diffusion.

Methods
Cardiac and lung function were examined before and after an ultramarathon in 67 runners (age: 41 ± 9 yr, body mass index: 23 ± 2 kg·m−2, 10 females), and following 12–24 h of recovery in a subset (n = 27). Cardiac biomarkers (cTnI and BNP) were assessed from whole blood, whereas lung fluid accumulation (comet tails), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (Q) were quantified via echocardiography. Lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) and its components, alveolar membrane conductance (Dm) and capillary blood volume (Vc), were determined via a single-breath method at rest and during three stages of submaximal semirecumbent cycling (20, 30, and 40 W).

Results
Average race time was 25 ± 12 h. From pre- to post-race, there was an increase in cardiac biomarkers (cTnI: 0.04 ± 0.02 vs 0.13 ± 0.03 ng·mL−1, BNP: 20 ± 2 vs 112 ± 21 pg·mL−1; P < 0.01) and lung comet tails (2 ± 1 vs 7 ± 6, P < 0.01), a decrease in resting and exercise SV (76 ± 2 vs 69 ± 2 mL, 40 W: 93 ± 2 vs 88 ± 2 mL; P < 0.01), and an elevation in Q at rest (4.1 ± 0.1 vs 4.6 ± 0.2 L·min−1, P < 0.01; 40 W: 7.3 ± 0.2 vs 7.4 ± 0.3 L·min−1, P = 0.899). Resting DLco and Vc decreased after the race (P < 0.01), whereas Dm was unchanged (P = 0.465); however, during the three stages of exercise, DLco, Vc, and Dm were all reduced from pre- to post-race (40 W: 36.3 ± 0.9 vs 33.0 ± 0.8 mL·min−1·mm Hg−1, 83 ± 3 vs 73 ± 2 mL, 186 ± 6 vs 170 ± 7 mL·min−1·mm Hg−1, respectively; P < 0.01). When corrected for alveolar volume and Q, DLco decreased from pre- to post-race (P < 0.01), and changes in DLco were similar for all ultramarathon events (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
Competing in an ultramarathon leads to a transient increase in cardiac injury biomarkers, mild lung-fluid accumulation, and impairments in lung diffusion. Reductions in DLco are predominantly caused by a reduced Vc and possible pulmonary capillary de-recruitment at rest. However, impairments in alveolar–capillary recruitment and Dm both contribute to a fall in exertional DLco following an ultramarathon. Perturbations in lung diffusion were evident across a range of event distances and varying environmental exposures.
Developing ACTIVE SCHOOL—The Design Process for Two School-Based Physical Activity Interventions
Authors: Jeppesen Lise Sohl , Bugge Anna , Smedegaard Søren , Wienecke Jacob , Melcher Jesper Sandfeld 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Physical activity (PA) interventions in schools can improve children’s overall PA levels and positively affect academic performance. However, implementing PA during the school day can be challenging in the complex school setting. Many school-based PA studies do not present their interventions’ design processes, although this knowledge is important to replicate the intervention.

Purpose
This article aims to provide insights into the collaborative design process of the two PA interventions for third-grade pupils of the ACTIVE SCHOOL project. The evidence-based interventions focus on PA integrated into academic content (Move & Learn intervention) as embodied learning or PA as moderate to vigorous activity performed during the school day (Run, Jump & Fun intervention). The study’s objective was to engage teachers and pedagogues early in the design process to ensure the design was tailored to practice.

Methods
A team consisting of researchers, school staff, and experts were involved in the design process. The process lasted one school year and comprised three phases: exploration and analysis, construction and design, and reflection and evaluation. Multiple methods were used, including focus group interviews, a design workshop, and observations of iterative in-school testing.

Results
The result of the analysis and exploration phase was a set of learning points based on information about school culture, school staff competences, and needs. The design and construction phase produced a set of intervention skeletons, which were the actual elements of the interventions. The evaluation and reflection phase created the main results, which are specific principles and multifaceted implementation strategies for Move & Learn and Run, Jump & Fun, respectively. Finally, dose and timing of the interventions were specified.

Conclusion
Collaboration with schools and an iterative approach were determinants for designing interventions appropriate to the Danish school context and school staff practice.
Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction as an adjuvant treatment for mild/moderately severe hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Hai-Fu , Su Ze-Xuan , Feng Yong-Hang , Li Shuo-Jun , Xie Bi-Yun 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND
Hypertriglyceridemia is the third leading cause of acute pancreatitis (AP), and its incidence is increasing. Due to its relatively insidious etiology, it is easy to be ignored in the early stages. In China, Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction (CQCQD) has long been employed for treating AP.
AIM
To evaluate the effectiveness of CQCQD in patients diagnosed with mild/ moderately severe hypertriglyceridemic AP (HTG-AP).
METHODS
In this study, the clinical data of 39 patients with HTG-AP admitted from January 2019 to November 2022 were collected. The changes of blood lipids, gastrointestinal symptoms, and abdominal pain before and after treatment were analyzed and compared between the two groups.
RESULTS
Twenty patients were treated with the conventional HTG-AP regimen, and 19 patients were additionally treated with CQCQD. After receiving treatment, the triglycerides (TG) level of the CQCQD group was lower than that of the CQCQD group (3.14 ± 0.25 mmol/L vs 4.96 ± 0.47 mmol/L, P < 0.01). After 3 d of treatment, the patients in the CQCQD group had more bowel movements than the control group (2.51 ± 0.25 times vs 1.00 ± 0.17 times, P = 0.01). The gastrointestinal function of most patients returned to normal, and the acute gastrointestinal injury score was significantly lower than that of the control group (0.11 ± 0.07 vs 0.42 ± 0.11, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
In patients with HTG-AP, CQCQD can significantly reduce the TG level, shorten the recovery time of defecation, significantly improve the gastrointestinal function.
Tricuspid mass-curious case of Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A case report
Authors: Huffaker Tyler , Pak Stella , Asif Anum , Otchere Prince 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND
Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal dominant cancer-predisposing syndrome, which can manifest as a polymorphic spectrum of malignancies. LFS is associated with an early onset in life, with the majority of cases occurring prior to the age of 46. Notwithstanding the infrequency of primary cardiac tumors, it behooves clinicians to remain vigilant in considering the differential diagnosis of such tumors in LFS patients who present with a cardiac mass. This is due to the markedly elevated risk for malignancy in this particular population, far surpassing that of the general populace.
CASE SUMMARY
Herein, we present a case of a 30-year-old female with LFS who was found to have a tricuspid valve leaflet mass.
CONCLUSION
This case exemplifies valuable learning points in the diagnostic approach for this exceptionally rare patient population.
Endovascular treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula resulting from rupture of intracavernous carotid aneurysm: A case report
Authors: Ouyang Guang , Zheng Kai-Li , Luo Kuan , Qiao Mu , Zhu Yuan , Pan De-Rui 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND
Direct carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are typically the result of a severe traumatic brain injury. High-flow arteriovenous shunts secondary to rupture of an intracavernous aneurysm, resulting in direct CCFs, are rare. The use of a pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coils and Onyx glue for treatment of direct high-flow CCF resulting from ruptured cavernous carotid artery aneurysm in a clinical setting is not well documented.
CASE SUMMARY
A 58-year-old woman presented to our department with symptoms of blepharoptosis and intracranial bruits for 1 wk. During physical examination, there was right eye exophthalmos and ocular motor palsy. The rest of the neurological examination was clear. Notably, the patient had no history of head injury. The patient was treated with a pipeline embolization device in the ipsilateral internal carotid artery across the fistula. Coils and Onyx were placed through the femoral venous route, followed by placement of the pipeline embolization device with assistance from a balloon-coiling technique. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. Preoperative symptoms of bulbar hyperemia and bruits subsided immediately after the operation.
CONCLUSION
Pipeline embolization device in conjunction with coiling and Onyx may be a safe and effective approach for direct CCFs.
Safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney patients with gross hematuria: Six case reports
Authors: Sui Wei-Fan , Duan Yun-Xin , Li Jian-Yun , Shao Wei-Bin , Fu Jian-Hua 
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND
To retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patients with gross hematuria.
CASE SUMMARY
The purpose of this study is to retrospectively report the safety and efficacy of renal transcatheter arterial embolization for treating ADPKD patients with gross hematuria. Materials and methods: During the period from January 2018 to December 2019, renal transcatheter arterial embolization was carried out on 6 patients with polycystic kidneys and gross hematuria. Renal arteriography was performed first, and then we determined the location of the hemorrhage and performed embolization under digital subtraction angiography monitoring. Improvements in routine blood test results, routine urine test results, urine color and postoperative reactions were observed and analyzed. Results: Renal transcatheter arterial embolization was successfully conducted in 6 patients. The indices of 5 patients and the color of gross hematuria improved after surgery compared with before surgery. No severe complication reactions occurred.
CONCLUSION
For autosomal dominant polycystic kidney syndrome patients with gross hematuria, transcatheter arterial embolization was safe and effective.