bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of psychological first-aid virtual education on the communication skills of nurses in disasters: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Madani Sayed Mohammad Sadegh , Bahramnejad Ali , Farsi Zahra , Alizadeh Azizeh , Azizi Maryam 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundDisasters have affected the physical and mental health of people around the world. Since nurses are frontlines in disasters, it seems necessary to prepare for this responsibility. This study investigates the effect of psychological first-aid virtual education on the communication skills of nurses in disasters such as COVID pandemic.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 55 nurses were selected by purposive sampling method from two hospitals in Isfahan and Tehran, Iran in December—November 2022 and randomly replaced in the intervention group who participated in psychological first aid virtual training and control group. The data were collected through the personal information form and Communication Skills –Test-Revised (CSTR).ResultsTwo groups were homogeneous in terms of communication skills (p = 0.177), the total score of communication skills was significant between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.0001). Regarding communication skills, in the pre-intervention phase, the subscale of “the ability to receive and send messages” and “insight into the communication process” the difference before the intervention was not significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, it was significant between the two groups after the intervention (p < 0.05), and regarding “emotional control”, “listening skills”, and “communication along with assertiveness” the difference before and after the intervention was not significant between the two groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionPre-disaster training and virtual education can increase nurses’ communication skills in their ability to handle a disaster such as COVID pandemic. Virtual education of post-disaster psychological interventions is suggested.Trial registrationIRCT20220923056023N1; date: 2023–01-31.
Correlation between induced polarization and sulfide content of rock samples obtained from seafloor hydrothermal mounds in the Okinawa Trough, Japan
Authors: Ohta Yusuke , Goto Tada-nori , Koike Katsuaki , Kashiwaya Koki , Lin Weiren , Tadai Osamu , Kasaya Takafumi , Kanamatsu Toshiya , Machiyama Hideaki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe physical properties of seafloor massive sulfides are crucial for interpreting sub-seafloor images from geophysical surveys, shedding light on the evolution of seafloor mineral deposits. While some studies have explored the relationship between electrical properties and the volume of conductive minerals in rocks from seafloor massive sulfide deposits, they primarily focused on artificial samples, leaving the characteristics of natural samples less understood. Moreover, there has been no comprehensive study detailing the general characteristics of electrical properties, particularly chargeability and relaxation time, in relation to the volumetric fraction of sulfides in rocks from massive sulfide mounds in typical hydrothermal areas. In this study, we employed complex conductivity measurements, elemental concentration analysis, and mineral content identification on to rock samples from the active hydrothermal zones of the Okinawa Trough in Japan. The complex conductivity observed was remarkably high, with a pronounced imaginary component and a broad frequency range. This is attributed to induced polarization extending beyond our measurement range. The rock samples were rich in conductive sulfide minerals such as pyrite, chalcopyrite, and galena. Using the Cole–Cole rock physics model, we established a correlation between rock chargeability and relaxation time coefficient with the volume fraction of conductive sulfide minerals, which deviated from previous findings. The intensity of induced polarization was notably higher than anticipated in earlier studies using artificial samples. Furthermore, we observed a distinct positive correlation between the coefficient of relaxation time and the increase in sulfide volume, likely due to the geometric characteristics of the sulfide minerals. Our findings suggest that rocks in massive sulfide mounds may generally construct sulfide clusters that lengthen the conductive path of the electrical carrier.
Graphical Abstract
Feasibility of diabetes self-management coaching program for individuals with type 2 diabetes in the Ethiopian primary care setting: a protocol for a feasibility mixed-methods parallel-group randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yehualashet Fikadu Ambaw , Kessler Dorothy , Bizuneh Segenet , Donnelly Catherine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is the third most prevalent chronic metabolic disorder and a significant contributor to disability and impaired quality of life globally. Diabetes self-management coaching is an emerging empowerment strategy for individuals with type 2 diabetes, enabling them to achieve their health and wellness goals. The current study aims to determine the feasibility of a diabetes self-management coaching program and its preliminary effectiveness on the clinical and psychosocial outcomes in the Ethiopian primary healthcare context.

Methods
The study will employ a mixed-method feasibility randomized controlled trial design. Forty individuals with type 2 diabetes will be randomly allocated to treatment and control groups using block randomization. The primary feasibility outcomes include acceptability, eligibility, recruitment, and participant retention rates, which will be computed using descriptive analysis. The secondary outcomes are self-efficacy, self-care activity, quality of life, and glycated hemoglobin A1c. For normally distributed continuous variables, the mean difference within and between the groups will be determined by paired sample Student t-test and independent sample Student t-test, respectively. Non-parametric tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test, the Wilcoxon signed rank test, and the Friedman analysis of variance test will determine the median difference for variables that violated the normality assumption. A repeated measure analysis of variance will be considered to estimate the variance between the baseline, post-intervention, and post-follow-up measurements. A sample of 10 volunteers in the treatment group will participate in the qualitative interview to explore their experience with the diabetes self-management coaching program and overall feasibility. The study will follow a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze the qualitative data. Qualitative and quantitative findings will be integrated using a joint display technique.

Discussion
Evidence reveals diabetes self-management coaching programs effectively improve HbA1c, self-efficacy, self-care activity, and quality of life. This study will determine the feasibility of a future large-scale randomized controlled trial on diabetes self-management coaching. The study will also provide evidence on the preliminary outcomes and contribute to improving the diabetes self-management experience and quality of life of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration
The trial was registered online at ClinicalTrials.gov on 12/04/2022 and received a unique registration number, NCT05336019, and the URL of the registry is https://beta.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05336019.
AI-based support for optical coherence tomography in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Mares Virginia , Nehemy Marcio B. , Bogunovic Hrvoje , Frank Sophie , Reiter Gregor S. , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula 
Published: April 2024

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology across various fields, and its applications in the medical domain, particularly in ophthalmology, has gained significant attention. The vast amount of high-resolution image data, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, has been a driving force behind AI growth in this field. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes for blindness in the world, affecting approximately 196 million people worldwide in 2020. Multimodal imaging has been for a long time the gold standard for diagnosing patients with AMD, however, currently treatment and follow-up in routine disease management are mainly driven by OCT imaging. AI-based algorithms have by their precision, reproducibility and speed, the potential to reliably quantify biomarkers, predict disease progression and assist treatment decisions in clinical routine as well as academic studies. This review paper aims to provide a summary of the current state of AI in AMD, focusing on its applications, challenges, and prospects.
Cardiac markers in left-sided breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy: a prospective study
Authors: Chufal Kundan , Ahmad Irfan , Prakash Anuj , Miller Alexis , Umesh Preetha , Koul Varsha , Bajpai Ram , Dua Bharat , Gupta Priya , Gairola Munish 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the association between radiotherapy (RT) and cardiac biomarkers in women with left-sided breast cancer.

Methods
This prospective observational study recruited patients with stage I-III left-sided breast cancer without coronary heart disease who required adjuvant RT. High-sensitivity troponin I(hsTnI), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hsCRP) levels were measured pre-RT, immediately after RT, and 3 months post-RT. Cardiac-sparing RT techniques were utilized (Field-in-Field IMRT/VMAT ± voluntary deep inspiration breath-hold). Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests and multivariable quantile regression (QR).

Results
One hundred five patients completed the study, with 63 evaluable at three months post-RT. Pre- and post-RT biomarkers showed no significant differences. Median pre-RT and post-RT values were: hsTnI (0.012ng/mL; 0.012ng/mL), hsCRP (3.1 mg/L; 2.8 mg/L), and NT-proBNP (59pg/mL; 45pg/mL). Three months post-RT, hsTnI, hsCRP and NT-proBNP levels also showed no significant differences. Multivariable QR revealed no association between heart Dmean [median(IQR): 2.87 Gy (2.05–3.94)] and post-RT biomarkers. Age and BMI were associated with hsCRP and NT-proBNP, respectively.

Conclusions
hsTnI, NT-proBNP, and hsCRP are not correlated with contemporary low cardiac exposure in left-sided breast cancer patients treated with contemporary RT techniques.
3D amide proton transfer-weighted imaging may be useful for diagnosing early-stage breast cancer: a prospective monocentric study
Authors: Li Yeqin , Zhang Yan , Tian Liwen , Li Ju , Li Huihua , Wang Ximing , Wang Cuiyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
We investigated the value of three-dimensional amide proton transfer-weighted imaging (3D-APTWI) in the diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer (BC) and its correlation with the immunohistochemical characteristics of malignant lesions.

Methods
Seventy-eight women underwent APTWI and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI. Pathological results were categorized as either benign (n = 43) or malignant (n = 37) lesions. The parameters of APTWI and DCE-MRI were compared between the benign and malignant groups. The diagnostic value of 3D-APTWI was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) to establish a diagnostic threshold. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the magnetization transfer asymmetry (MTRasym) and immunohistochemical characteristics.

Results
The MTRasym and time-to-peak of malignancies were significantly lower than those of benign lesions (all p < 0.010). The volume transfer constant, rate constant, and wash-in and wash-out rates of malignancies were all significantly greater than those of benign lesions (all p < 0.010). ROC-AUCs of 3D-APTWI, DCE-MRI, and 3D-APTWI+DCE to differential diagnosis between early-stage BC and benign lesions were 0.816, 0.745, and 0.858, respectively. Only the difference between AUCAPT+DCE and AUCDCE was significant (p < 0.010). When a threshold of MTRasym for malignancy for 2.42%, the sensitivity and specificity of 3D-APTWI for BC diagnosis were 86.5% and 67.6%, respectively; MTRasym was modestly positively correlated with pathological grade (r = 0.476, p = 0.003) and Ki-67 (r = 0.419, p = 0.020).

Conclusions
3D-APTWI may be used as a supplementary method for patients with contraindications of DCE-MRI. MTRasym can imply the proliferation activities of early-stage BC.

Relevance statement
3D-APTWI can be an alternative diagnostic method for patients with early-stage BC who are not suitable for contrast injection.

Key points
• 3D-APTWI reflects the changes in the microenvironment of early-stage breast cancer.
• Combined 3D-APTWI is superior to DCE-MRI alone for early-stage breast cancer diagnosis.
• 3D-APTWI improves the diagnostic accuracy of early-stage breast cancer.

Graphical Abstract
Orbit and clock products for quad-system satellites with undifferenced ambiguity fixing approach
Authors: Wu Jiaqi , Li Xingxing , Yuan Yongqiang , Zhang Keke , Li Xin , Lou Jiaqing , Xiong Yun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInteger Ambiguity Resolution (IAR) can significantly improve the accuracy of GNSS Precise Orbit Determination (POD). Traditionally, the IAR in POD is achieved at the Double Differenced (DD) level. In this contribution, we develop an Un-Differenced (UD) IAR method for Global Positioning System (GPS)+ BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) + Galileo navigation satellite system (Galileo)+ Global'naya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema (GLONASS) quad-system POD by calibrating UD ambiguities in the raw carrier phase and generating the so-called carrier range. Based on this method, we generate the UD ambiguity-fixed orbit and clock products for the Wuhan Innovation Application Center (IAC) of the International GNSS Monitoring and Assessment System (iGMAS). One-year observations in 2020 from 150 stations are employed to investigate performance of orbit and clock products. Notably, the UD Ambiguity Resolution (AR) yields more resolved integer ambiguities than the traditional DD AR, scaling up to 9%, attributable to its avoidance of station baseline formation. Benefiting from the removal of ambiguity parameters, the computational efficiency of parameter estimation undergoes a substantial 70% improvement. Compared with the float solution, the orbit consistencies of UD AR solution achieve the accuracy of 1.9, 5.2, 2.8, 2.1, and 2.7 cm for GPS, BeiDou-2 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-2), BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS-3), Galileo, and GLONASS satellites respectively, reflecting enhancements of 40%, 24%, 54%, 34%, and 42%. Moreover, the standard deviations of Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) residuals are spanning 2.5–3.5 cm, underscoring a comparable accuracy to the DD AR solution, with discrepancies below 5%. A notable advantage of UD AR lies in its capability to produce the Integer Recovered Clock (IRC), facilitating Precise Point Positioning (PPP) AR without requiring additional Uncalibrated Phase Delay (UPD) products. To assess the performance of quad-system kinematic PPP based on IRC, a network comprising 120 stations is utilized. In comparison to the float solution, the IRC-based PPP AR accelerates convergence time by 31% and enhance positioning accuracy in the east component by 54%.
The causal relationship between anxiety and tinnitus severity: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Lili , Ding Yueming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The link between anxiety and tinnitus severity has garnered significant scholarly interest, with numerous studies identifying a positive correlation. Despite this, the genetic basis of this relationship remains underexplored. Leveraging publicly accessible GWAS data, this study employs Mendelian randomization to elucidate the genetic causality between anxiety and tinnitus severity.

Methods
This research analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to anxiety and tinnitus severity from the UK Biobank, utilizing aggregated data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Instrumental variables linked to anxiety were meticulously selected. The study implemented several Mendelian randomization techniques, including “mr_ivw,” “mr_egger_regression,” “mr_weighted_median,” “mr_simple_mode,” and “mr_weighted_mode,” to assess the causal impact of anxiety on tinnitus risk through odds ratios (ORs). Sensitivity analyses, including MR-Egger and the leave-one-out method, were conducted to ensure result stability. The F-value was also calculated to ascertain the strength of the instrumental variables.

Results
Analysis identified five SNPs as instrumental variables. The calculated ORs and 95% confidence intervals from MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and inverse variance weighting showed no statistically significant causal relationship between anxiety and severe tinnitus, with all P-values exceeding 0.05. This lack of statistical significance, consistent across various methods, indicates no genetic causality between anxiety and tinnitus severity. Furthermore, no evidence of heterogeneity (P = 0.80) or horizontal pleiotropy (P = 0.31) was found, reinforcing the robustness of the instrumental variables (F > 10).

Conclusion
Our Mendelian randomization analysis reveals no genetic causality between anxiety and tinnitus severity, suggesting the need for further research into the multifaceted etiology of tinnitus.
The effect of significant weight loss after bariatric surgery on echocardiographic indices: an observational study focusing on left ventricular deformation by 2D speckle echocardiography and right ventricular size
Authors: Safari Saeed , Parsaee Mozhgan , Moradi Mohammad , Hakiminejad Mahdi , Koohsari Parisa , Larti Farnoosh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Obesity is a known risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiac disease.

Hypothesis
This study evaluated the effect of significant weight loss following bariatric surgery on myocardial deformation indices and right ventricular size (RV). This was a prospective cohort study. Morbid obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery from July 2017 to February 2018 at Firoozgar Hospital were included in our study and referred for transthoracic echocardiography at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center.

Results
Thirty-four patients entered the study. The absolute value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) at baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery was 17.42 ± 2.94%, 18.24 ± 3.09%, and 19.52 ± 2.78%, respectively, with a statistically significant difference from baseline to after six months (P value < 0.001). The absolute value of global circumferential strain (GCS) at baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery was 20.14 ± 4.22%, 23.32 ± 4.66%, and 24.53 ± 4.52%, respectively, with statistically significant changes (P value < 0.001) from baseline to three months and from baseline to six months and no significant difference from three months to six months. A significant decrease was reported in mechanical dispersion of circumferential strain (38.05 ± 23.81–23.37 ± 20.86 ms, P value = 0.006) 6 months after surgery. Right ventricular size three- and six-month post-surgery showed a significant decrease relative to baseline echocardiography.

Conclusions
Bariatric surgery could enhance cardiac function, as proven by 2D speckle echocardiography. Changes in RV size may be related to weight loss and should be considered when assessing patients who have undergone bariatric surgery.
Towards precision in the diagnostic profiling of patients: leveraging symptom dynamics as a clinical characterisation dimension in the assessment of major depressive disorder
Authors: Ebrahimi Omid V. , Borsboom Denny , Hoekstra Ria H. A. , Epskamp Sacha , Ostinelli Edoardo G. , Bastiaansen Jojanneke A. , Cipriani Andrea 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundInternational guidelines present overall symptom severity as the key dimension for clinical characterisation of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, differences may reside within severity levels related to how symptoms interact in an individual patient, called symptom dynamics.AimsTo investigate these individual differences by estimating the proportion of patients that display differences in their symptom dynamics while sharing the same overall symptom severity.MethodParticipants with MDD (n= 73; mean age 34.6 years, s.d. = 13.1; 56.2% female) rated their baseline symptom severity using the Inventory for Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report (IDS-SR). Momentary indicators for depressive symptoms were then collected through ecological momentary assessments five times per day for 28 days; 8395 observations were conducted (average per person: 115; s.d. = 16.8). Each participant's symptom dynamics were estimated using person-specific dynamic network models. Individual differences in these symptom relationship patterns in groups of participants sharing the same symptom severity levels were estimated using individual network invariance tests. Subsequently, the overall proportion of participants that displayed differential symptom dynamics while sharing the same symptom severity was calculated. A supplementary simulation study was conducted to investigate the accuracy of our methodology against false-positive results.ResultsDifferential symptom dynamics were identified across 63.0% (95% bootstrapped CI 41.0–82.1) of participants within the same severity group. The average false detection of individual differences was 2.2%.ConclusionsThe majority of participants within the same depressive symptom severity group displayed differential symptom dynamics. Examining symptom dynamics provides information about person-specific psychopathological expression beyond severity levels by revealing how symptoms aggravate each other over time. These results suggest that symptom dynamics may be a promising new dimension for clinical characterisation, warranting replication in independent samples. To inform personalised treatment planning, a next step concerns linking different symptom relationship patterns to treatment response and clinical course, including patterns related to spontaneous recovery and forms of disorder progression.
Approach to the Patient: Navigating Body Mass Index Requirements for Gender-Affirming Surgery
Authors: Taormina John Michael , Cordoba Kissee Michelle , Brownstone Lisa M , Grimstad Frances , Morrison Shane D , Hendrixson Avery , Iwamoto Sean J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Body mass index (BMI) requirements for gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) present an obstacle to gender transition for many transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people. Furthermore, TGD people have unique barriers and preferences in managing their weight that must be considered. TGD patients frequently present to their endocrinologists for individualized, gender-affirming support to meet BMI cutoffs for GAS. This Approach to the Patient article combines expertise from several disciplines, including gender-affirming hormone management, weight management, mental health, gynecology, and plastic surgery. Multidisciplinary management considerations are offered for clinicians to assist TGD patients with obesity navigate BMI requirements to access GAS.