bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“Let`s put it this way: You can't really live without it” - Digital technologies in routine palliative care delivery: an explorative qualitative study with patients and their family caregivers in Germany
Authors: May Susann , Gehlhaar Anne , Stahlhut Kerstin , Kamp Marcel-Alexander , Heinze Martin , Allsop Matthew , Mühlensiepen Felix 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite ongoing efforts to integrate palliative care into the German healthcare system, challenges persist, especially in providing adequate services in rural and structurally weak areas. The increasing importance of digital technology (DT) in palliative care delivery presents both opportunities and challenges.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the perspectives and preferences of palliative care patients and their family caregivers regarding the use of DT in palliative care delivery.
Methods
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with palliative care patients and their family caregivers across various settings. Participants were selected through gatekeeper-supported purposive sampling. Interviews were analysed using structured qualitative content analysis.
Results
Nineteen interviews were conducted, reaching theoretical saturation. Three themes emerged: 1) Areas of application of DTs in palliative care; 2) Potential of DTs; 3) Barriers to the use of DTs. Key findings highlighted the preference for synchronous communication using familiar DTs. Participants reported limited perceived value for digital transformation where quality care exists. The study identified requirements for DT development and use in palliative care, including the need for direct and immediate functionality, efficiency in HCP work, and continuous access to services.
Conclusion
The findings highlight a preference for familiar and easily accessible synchronous DTs. While DT can enhance palliative care efficiency and accessibility, its integration must complement, not replace, personal interaction in palliative care. As DTs continue to grow in scope and use in palliative care, maintaining continued user engagement is essential to optimise their adoption and ensure they benefit patients and their caregivers.
Another kind of lonely death: the effects of changes in loneliness on the end-of-life self-care ability of elderly people from the perspective of the distance to death
Authors: Li Shubin , Zhu Yu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
Lonely death, in the general sense, refers to the phenomenon in which the elderly pass away unattended and not unnoticed for some time thereafter. The objective of this paper is to examine whether a distinct form of lonely death exists, separate from the conventional understanding of lonely death, through an analysis of the impact of trends in loneliness on the end-of-life self-care ability of elderly individuals.
Methods
This study utilized data from a sample of 1,423 older adults aged 65 and over who participated in three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey 2008–2014. Loneliness trends were characterised using the group-based growth model. Logistic and linear regressions were used to test the effect of changing loneliness trends on the self-care abilities of older adults nearing the end of life. Finally, path analyses were conducted to explore the specific mechanisms underlying the relationship between loneliness trends and end-of-life self-care.
Results
Among the older participants, people who were not lonely (61.9%) had greater health gains and, therefore, exhibited lower rates of chronic bedriddenness and higher levels of end-of-life self-care ability. In contrast, increased loneliness (30.8%) is associated with reduced health gains for the elderly population, resulting in a higher likelihood of chronic bedriddenness and decreased self-care abilities in their final days. The remaining older adults (7.3%) report reduced loneliness as a result of the 'attention' they receive as their health deteriorates. Reduced loneliness significantly impaired their end-of-life self-care ability.
Conclusion
30.8% of older people experienced increased loneliness during their lifetimes with a significant negative impact on their end-of-life self-care ability, i.e. "a different kind of lonely death". 7.3% of older people did not benefit from reduced loneliness, which was a "death by attention".
High prevalence of low-level viremia among infants initiated on antiretroviral drugs following mother-to-child transmission of HIV
Authors: Nankya Immaculate , Natukunda Eva , Rutebarika Diana , Matama Christine , Basiimwa Roy , Arikod Paul , Muwabe Faryad , Otike Caroline , Kityo Cissy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The number of HIV-positive newborns has greatly decreased. However, complete viral suppression is imperative. We assessed the prevalence of low-level viremia among infants initiated on ART over a period of two years in a Ugandan cohort.
Methods: Drug resistance testing among infants at baseline (DRIBS) enrolled infants at the time of treatment initiation. Test. The infants were followed for two years. Viral loads (VL) were measured to monitor the response to therapy. Intensified adherence counseling (IAC) and HIV drug resistance testing were performed.
Results: Between June 2018 and October 2023, 100 infants were enrolled and followed up. The non-AIDS-related mortality rate was 4%. The median age at diagnosis was 79 (IQR, 57.75;140.75) days, with 4% of patients diagnosed within 6 weeks after delivery. The median age at the initiation of therapy was 110.5 (IQR, 87.0–162.0) days. The medianbaseline %CD4 was 26 (IQR, 18.75;32), with 9% of the babies being severely immunosuppressed. The median baseline log viral load was 4.44 (IQR, 3.19–5.58). At six months, 33% and 65% of the patients had a VL <50 and <1000 copies/ml, respectively. At 12 months, 39% and 74% of patients had a VL <50 and <1000 copies/ml, respectively. At month 18, 50% and 73% had VL <50 and <1000 copies/ml, respectively, and at 24 months, 74% and 88% had VL <50 and <1000 copies/ml, respectively. The proportions of babies with low-level viremia (LLV) (50-999 copies/ml) at months 6, 12, 18 and 24 were 25%, 30%, 21% and 14%, respectively. Post-IAC VL revealed that of the 58% of babies with a VL <1000 copies/ml, only 23% had a VL <50 copies/ml. Notably, there was a high proportion of LLV (35%) following IAC. Comparedwith mothers post-IAC VL, 42% of mothers had <50 copies/ml, with only 11.5% LLV. K‒M survival estimates showed that while it took 72 weeks for 50% of the mothers and infants to attain a VL less than 1000 copies/ml, it took 96 weeks for the infants to attain a VL <50 copies/ml.
Conclusion: Viral suppression is achieved much more slowly in pediatric patients, implying that it might take longer for babies to achieve the third 95. Furthermore, the greater prevalence of LLV in pediatric patients than in mothers has important implications for the response to therapy.
Comparison of Stochastic Optimization Strategies in Multi-Robot Multi-Target Tracking Scenarios
Authors: Xin Pujie , Dames Philip 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper conducts a comparative study of stochastic optimization strategies to enable multi-robot systems to search for and track an unknown number of targets. Each robot is equipped with a noisy sensor that has a limited Field of View (FoV). The robots use a distributed version of the Probability Hypothesis Density (PHD) filter to estimate both the number and states of the targets. This online target estimate is used by the different search strategies to select actions for each robot. We compare Lloyd's algorithm, a traditional method for distributed search, with four stochastic optimization techniques: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Simulated Annealing (SA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and Artificial Immune Systems (AIS). Each of the methods is adapted from the traditional case of finding a single global optimum to locate all the local maxima (\ie targets). We demonstrate through extensive simulations that these techniques offer superior coverage of the search area and more accurate target localization compared to the baseline Lloyd's algorithm. We also discuss the strengths and limitations of each method, assisting practitioners in the selection of the most appropriate strategy based on specific operational factors, such as the communication load in a multi-robot system.
Influence of human emotions on conservation attitudes toward relevant wildlife species in El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: Castillo-Huitrón Nathalia M. , Naranjo Eduardo J. , Santos-Fita Dídac , Peñaherrera-Aguirre Mateo , Prokop Pavol , Cisneros Rodrigo , Gallegos Silvia Vaca , Ježová Zuzana 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Human emotions had a significant impact on the survival of our ancestors throughout our evolutionary history. Nowadays, it is possible that our emotions still influence our attitudes in favor or against wildlife conservation. To analyze this hypothesis, we designed a study using eight iconic vertebrate species (two birds, five mammals, and a snake) with different ecological roles, some of which are threatened. The study was directed to 238 inhabitants of communities within El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, Chiapas, Mexico. We built a Conservation Effort factor (CE) based on questions related to participants’ attitudes toward the focal species. We analyzed the influence of variables (predictors) through a Sequential Canonical Analysis (SEQCA) using the next sequence: (1) participants’ experiences with animals; (2) negative emotions; (3) positive emotions; and (4) CE. The model also considered the influence of sociodemographic variables (age, gender, participation in conservation activity, religion, and region). The model was significant and explained 25% of the variance. Although sociodemographic predictors had an influence on the participants’ experiences with the focal species, these variables did not have an effect on the CE. The CE was significantly influenced by positive (happiness) and negative (fear) emotions. Our study revealed the importance of human emotions in conservation management strategies, especially with species such as large carnivores and snakes. We conclude that personality predictors could explain the remaining variance in the model. We propose further studies to examine the role of emotions and other personal predictors in human-wildlife interactions.
Percepções de mulheres jovens em tratamento oncológico
Authors: Monteiro Amanda Suélen , Bugs Cíntia Vanuza Monteiro , Machado Anahy da Silva , Scopel Mariana Ferreira , Dallabrida Giovana Sangiogo , Almeida Denise Comin Silva , Disconsi Flávia de Mello , Schanne Francielli Fernanda , Cogo Silvana Bastos , Sehnem Graciela Dutra 
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: descrever as percepções de mulheres jovens em tratamento oncológico. Método: estudo qualitativo e descritivo desenvolvido nos ambulatórios de quimioterapia e radioterapia de um hospital universitário por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Participaram da pesquisa 20 mulheres jovens que realizavam tratamento oncológico nos setores supracitados. A coleta foi realizada no período de julho a setembro de 2021. Os dados foram submetidos à Análise Temática Indutiva de Conteúdo. Resultados: as participantes tinham idade entre 20 e 40 anos. A maioria apresentava diagnóstico de câncer de mama, linfoma de Hodgkin ou carcinoma de células escamosas moderadamente diferenciado de colo uterino e vivenciava o tratamento oncológico pela primeira vez. Da análise das entrevistas, emergiram três categorias temáticas: “A força e a coragem de pensar positivamente”; “Sentindo-se um peso: a introspecção como uma alternativa” e “A experiência de tratar um câncer: ressignificando conceitos e perspectivas futuras”. Considerações finais: concluiu-se que as mulheres jovens em tratamento oncológico valorizam o pensamento positivo para enfrentar as peculiaridades inerentes a este processo, porém sentem incapacidade em desempenhar suas atividades cotidianas e tiveram que lidar e redefinir seus próprios conceitos relativos ao futuro e suas perspectivas, atentando para o valor das pequenas coisas.
Iron-related Biomarkers in the Diagnosis and Management of Iron
Disorders
Authors: Semenova Yuliya , Bjørklund Geir , Butnariu Monica , Peana Massimiliano 
Published: February 2024

Background:
Iron deficiency and iron-related disorders are common health issues
worldwide, affecting a significant proportion of the population. Diagnosis and management
of these disorders rely heavily on using various iron-related biomarkers that
can provide valuable clinical information.

Objective:
This review article provides an overview of the most commonly used iron-related
biomarkers, including serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor,
zinc protoporphyrin, and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin. Other emerging biomarkers,
such as hepcidin and retinol-binding protein 4, are also discussed.

Results:
Iron plays a vital role in various physiological processes, including oxygen transport,
energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. The article highlights the advantages and
limitations of iron biomarkers and their clinical applications in diagnosing and managing
iron deficiency and iron-related anemia.

Conclusion:
Using iron-related biomarkers in screening and monitoring programs can
improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Evidence for the Involvement of Gene Regulation of Inflammatory Molecules in the Accumulation of Intracellular Cholesterol: The Mechanism
of Foam Cell Formation in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Sukhorukov Vasily N. , Khotina Victoria A. , Borodko Daria D. , Ekta Mariam Bagheri , Oishi Yumiko , Omelchenko Andrey V. , Kolmychkova Kira I. , Nikiforov Nikita G. , Sobenin Igor A. , Orekhov Alexander N. 
Published: February 2024

Background:
The relationship between the cellular pro-inflammatory response
and intracellular lipid accumulation in atherosclerosis is not sufficiently studied.
Transcriptomic analysis is one way to establish such a relationship. Previously, we identified
10 potential key genes (IL-15, CXCL8, PERK, IL-7, IL-7R, DUSP1, TIGIT, F2RL1,
TSPYL2, and ANXA1) involved in cholesterol accumulation in macrophages. It
should be noted that all these genes do not directly participate in cholesterol
metabolism, but encode molecules related to inflammation.

Methods:
In this study, we conducted a knock-down of the 10 identified key genes using
siRNA to determine their possible role in cholesterol accumulation in macrophages.
To assess cholesterol accumulation, human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM)
were incubated with atherogenic LDL from patients with atherosclerosis. Cholesterol
content was assessed by the enzymatic method. Differentially expressed genes were
identified with DESeq2 analysis. Master genes were determined by the functional analysis.

Results:
We found that only 5 out of 10 genes (IL-15, PERK, IL-7, IL-7R, ANXA1) can
affect intracellular lipid accumulation. Knock-down of the IL-15, PERK, and ANXA1
genes prevented lipid accumulation, while knock-down of the IL-7 and IL-7R genes led
to increased intracellular lipid accumulation during incubation of MDM with atherogenic
LDL. Seventeen overexpressed genes and 189 underexpressed genes were obtained
in the DGE analysis, which allowed us to discover 20 upregulated and 86 downregulated
metabolic pathways, a number of which are associated with chronic inflammation
and insulin signaling. We also elucidated 13 master regulators of cholesterol accumulation
that are immune response-associated genes.

Conclusion:
Thus, it was discovered that 5 inflammation-related master regulators may
be involved in lipid accumulation in macrophages. Therefore, the pro-inflammatory response
of macrophages may trigger foam cell formation rather than the other way
around, where intracellular lipid accumulation causes an inflammatory response, as previously
assumed.
The Future of Cystic Fibrosis Care: Exploring AI's Impact on Detection and Therapy
Authors: Basu Biswajit , Dutta Srabona , Rahaman Monosiz , Bose Anirbandeep , Das Sourav , Prajapati Jigna , Prajapati Bhupendra 
Published: February 2024

:
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a fatal hereditary condition marked by thicker mucus production,
which can cause problems with the digestive and respiratory systems. The quality of life and
survival rates of CF patients can be improved by early identification and individualized therapy
measures. With an emphasis on its applications in diagnosis and therapy, this paper investigates
how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the management of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). AI-powered
algorithms are revolutionizing CF diagnosis by utilizing huge genetic, clinical, and imaging
data databases. In order to identify CF mutations quickly and precisely, machine learning methods
evaluate genomic profiles. Furthermore, AI-driven imaging analysis helps to identify lung and gastrointestinal
issues linked to cystic fibrosis early and allows for prompt treatment. Additionally,
AI aids in individualized CF therapy by anticipating how patients will react to already available
medications and enabling customized treatment regimens. Drug repurposing algorithms find
prospective candidates from already-approved drugs, advancing treatment choices. Additionally,
AI supports the optimization of pharmacological combinations, enhancing therapeutic results
while minimizing side effects. AI also helps with patient stratification by connecting people with
CF mutations to therapies that are best for their genetic profiles. Improved treatment effectiveness
is promised by this tailored strategy. The transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI)
in the field of cystic fibrosis is highlighted in this review, from early identification to individualized
medication, bringing hope for better patient outcomes, and eventually prolonging the lives of
people with this difficult ailment.
Statin Therapy and Flow-Mediated Dilation: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis Using the GRADE of Data from Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Arabi Seyyed Mostafa , Chambari Mahla , Bahrami Leila Sadat , Hadi Saeid , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
A previous meta-analysis reported the positive effects of statin therapy
on endothelial function. However, the obtained result had several limitations that necessitated updating
the information in this field. Therefore, a systematic and meta-analysis review was conducted
to determine whether statin therapy could improve endothelial function, as assessed by flow--
mediated dilation (FMD).

Methods:
MEDLINE, SciVerse Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science were searched to
identify randomized placebo-controlled trials assessing the impact of statin therapy on FMD. A
random-effects model was used for meta-analysis to calculate the mean difference in weight. Meta-
regression and subgroup analyses were used to identify sources of heterogeneity. In addition,
nonlinear dose-response, quality of evidence, influence analysis, and publication bias evaluation
were assessed using standard methods.

Result:
Thirty-five trials (41 arms) involving 2178 participants were included in the meta-analysis
study. Statin treatment significantly improved FMD [weighted mean difference (WMD): 1.7%,
95% CI: 1.3-2.2, p < 0.001). However, significant heterogeneity was observed (I2=97.9%, p <
0.001). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that health status can contribute to heterogeneity.
Non-linear dose-response analysis revealed the most significant improvement in FMD with
atorvastatin at a dose of 20 mg/day and simvastatin at 80 mg/day.

Conclusion:
Statin therapy significantly improved endothelial function, as assessed by FMD. These
changes are clinically significant, but their use should be approached with caution.
Our Single Center Experience in Osteoid Osteoma Patients Treated with CTGuided Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation Treatment and Follow-up
Authors: Düzgün Fatih , Tosyalı Hakan Koray , Tarhan Serdar 
Published: February 2024

Introduction:
Osteoid osteoma (OO) is a painful benign bone tumor. Typically, it causes pain that is most noticeable during the night, which is improved by
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the treatment of symptomatic lesions, open surgery for nidus removal is the gold standard. However,
surgical technical difficulties and morbidities vary by location. Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy guided by computed
tomography (CT) is now a popular treatment option for OO. This study aims to assess our single-center experience with the technique,
complications, and procedure effectiveness.

Materials and Methods:
The study included fifteen patients who were treated between 2017 and 2021. A retrospective analysis was carried out on archive images and file
records. The lesions' location, nidus width, and affected area (cortical, medullary) were all recorded. The procedure and technical success, as well
as postoperative complications and the need for repeat ablation, were all documented.

Results:
A total of 20 patients, 18 men, and 2 women, were included in the study, and 12 of them were pediatric patients. The patients' mean age was
16.9±7.3 years old, and the mean nidus diameter was 7.1±8.7 mm. There were 13 cortical niduses, 2 intramedullary niduses, and 5
corticomedullary niduses. The lesions were in the femur (n=12), tibia (n=6), scapula (n=1), and vertebrae (n=1). Two recurrences (10%) were
observed in our patients during the follow-up. Patient with a femoral OO, the pain started again 12 weeks after the procedure and we performed
additional RFA. The patient with vertebral OO had fewer symptoms and full recovery was not achieved. Therefore, the vertebral OO was ablated
again 4 months later, and clinical success was achieved. One patient had a minor burn at the entry site that went away on its own after a short
period of time. Except for the patient who was scheduled for a repeat RFA, no recurrence has been observed so far. The primary and secondary
success rates are, respectively, 90% (18/20) and 100% (20/20).

Conclusion:
RFA has a high success rate in treating OO. The procedure failure and recurrence rates are low. There are possibilities for posttreatment pain relief,
early discharge, and a quick return to daily life. For inappropriate lesion localization, the RFA process replaces surgical treatment. The procedurerelated
complication rate is low. On the other hand, the burn during the procedure can be a serious problem.
Faktor dan Rencana Aksi Implementasi BCMS Pada Sektor Publik: Studi Kasus Pada Sekretariat Utama BPKP
Authors: Wibowo Bambang Satria A , Hermawan Ancella Anitawati 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) is not widely implemented in Indonesian public sector, therefore his study aims to reveal the drivers of BCMS implementation at the public sector and preparation that organization should done for BCMS implementation as required by the ISO 22301:2019 standard. The object of the study is Chief Secretariat of Badan Pengawasan Keuangan dan Pembangunan (BPKP) which has supporting function for government’s internal audit as BPKP core-business.
Methodology/Approach: The research done with case study method with qualitative approach. The primary data in the study was collected through semi-structured interview with people from risk management unit, incidents management unit, and IT management unit. The data analysis carried out with the benchmarking the drivers of BCMS implementation with previous study and literature and benchmarking the organizaiton existing condition with BCMS requirements.
Findings: The study found that there are urgency and need for BCMS implementation in the organization, with the main drivers are informal top-management support, uneven continuity practices, and the increase of organization’s dependency of information technology.
Practical and Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Organization need to create the BCMS policy, enhance the competency and awareness about BCMS, and update the incident response procedure as the preparations of BCMS implementation. This research contributing for future public sector implementation of BCMS.