bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinicopathological molecular characterizations of sinonasal NUT carcinoma: a report of two cases and a literature review
Authors: Chen Min , Li Shuang , Jiang Lili 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundNuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma (NC) is a rare, aggressive tumor with a typical NUTM1 gene rearrangement.MethodsHerein, we report a series of 2 cases of sinonasal NC: one in a 16-year-old woman and one in a 37-year-old man. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining for NUT (C52B1), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and next generation sequencing (NGS) sequencing were performed to investigate the morphological and genetic features of sinonasal NC.ResultsThe two cases presented similar pathological features and IHC markers, and typical morphological changes, including undifferentiated cells and abrupt keratinization, were observed, with numerous mitotic figures and widespread tumor necrosis. Diffuse expression of NUT, CK, p63, and p40 was noted, while the tumors were negative for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, S-100, EBV-ISH, and PD-L1. Both tumors harbored a NUTM1 rearrangement. Subsequent sequencing revealed a rare BRD3::NUTM1 fusion and a classic BRD4::NUTM1 fusion. In addition, MCL1 copy number gain (2.1), low tumor mutation burden and stable microsatellites, were also confirmed. Case 1 received surgery and chemoradiotherapy but died 13 months after local recurrence and subsequent lung and bone metastasis. Case 2 underwent chemoradiotherapy and unfortunately died from the disease 6 months later. A review of all previously reported cases of sinonasal NCs (n=55) revealed that these tumors occur more frequently in female pediatric patients (n=11, male: female =3:8), whereas this sex difference is not observed in adult patients (n=44, male: female =23:21). The median survival times of pediatric and adult patients were 17 and 13.8 months, respectively.ConclusionSinonasal NC presents typical undifferentiated or poorly differentiated cells, abrupt keratinization features and heterogeneous genotypes, including BRD4::NUTM1 and BRD3::NUTM1 fusions, with low tumor mutation burden and stable microsatellites.
Effectiveness and tolerability of chlormethine gel for the management of mycosis fungoides: a multicenter real-life evaluation
Authors: Alberti-Violetti Silvia , Ardigò Marco , Massone Cesare , Pileri Alessandro , Sala Raffaella , Teoli Miriam , Grandi Vieri , Quaglino Pietro , Pimpinelli Nicola , Berti Emilio 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundTopical chlormethine (CL) is recommended as a first-line treatment for early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) and in 2017, the European Medicines Agency approved the CL gel formulation to treat adult patients. More recently, to increase patient compliance and adherence, clinicians have developed flexible protocols that allow the concomitant use of CL gel with topical corticosteroids in daily practice regimens. Therefore, sharing real-life data on CL gel use and side effects management may help improve the use of this agent.ObjectivesTo expand knowledge about the actual use of CL gel in patients with MF, the present study assessed the improvement of MF skin lesions after CL gel treatment and provided information on the management of cutaneous adverse events (AEs) in a real-life setting.MethodsThis was an Italian retrospective study conducted among six dermatology referral centers. Patients ≥18 years affected by MF and in treatment with CL gel (160 µ/g), alone or in combination according to routine clinical practice, between December 2019 and December 2021 were considered. The study’s primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of CL gel in terms of overall response rate (ORR) after 3 months of treatment.ResultsA total of 79 patients (61% male) with different stages of MF (84% early stage) were included. CL gel was prescribed mainly in association with topical corticosteroids (66% of patients). ORR after 3 months of treatment was 42%, with no differences between early- and advanced-stage MF. Response rates improved over time up to 97% after 18 months of treatment. Overall, 66 AEs were reported in 67% of patients; most were hyperpigmentation (45%) and irritant contact dermatitis (37%). Six AEs led to treatment discontinuation, and five out of six (83%) patients who reported these events resumed treatment after interruption. No AEs were classified as severe.ConclusionsOur observations support the use of CL gel in patients with early- and advanced-stage MF, making it a valuable treatment option.
Normative values and factors affecting Pediatric Reach Tests in Saudi children aged 6–11 years in the eastern province: cross-sectional study
Authors: Alotaibi Reem S. , Algabbani Maha F. , Shaheen Afaf A. M. , Albishi Alaa M. , Almurdi Muneera M. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThe Pediatric Reach Tests (PRTs) assess balance while standing—the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Lateral Reach Test (LRT)—and in a sitting position—the Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT) and Modified Lateral Reach Test (MLRT). Normative values have not been fully evaluated in Saudi children. The objectives are; to estimate the normative values for PRTs; investigate the correlation between the PRTs and demographic/anthropometric characteristics; and develop predictive equations for the PRTs.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 251 children aged 6–11 were recruited. The PRTs were measured and correlated with demographic/anthropometric variables. A stepwise regression was conducted to develop the predictive equations for the PRT scores.ResultsThe mean and standard deviations (in cm) of the PRT scores were as follows: FRT = 20.02 ± 4.31; LRT = 13.42 ± 3.38; MFRT = 21.49 ± 4.70, and MLRT = 14.64 ± 3.66. Several significant correlations were found. Moderate correlations existed between the PRT scores and age, height, upper extremity length, lower extremity length, and foot length; there was a weak correlation with body mass index. Weight was moderately correlated with FRT and MFRT and weakly correlated with LRT and MLRT. The correlation between the base of support and LRT was moderate and was weak with FRT, MFRT, and MLRT. A weak correlation was found between sex and LRT. Age and height were the most predictive of PRT scores.ConclusionThis study provided PRT normative values that can be used as a clinical reference for evaluating balance in typically developing children.
The Protective Effects of Bushen Daozhuo Granule on Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis
Authors: Sun Dalin , Xing Dong , Wang Dandan , Liu Yuanyuan , Cai Bin , Deng Weimin , Hu Qinglin , Ma Wenjun , Jin Baofang 
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP), one of the most common chronic diseases in urology, leads to pain in the prostate and dysuria, critically affecting the physical or mental health of patients. However, there are no standard treatment approaches for the treatment of CNP in the clinic. Although the clinical application of Bushen Daozhuo granule (BSDZG) offers hope to CNP patients in China, the mechanisms of BSDZG in treating CNP are still not entirely clear. Hence, we aimed to investigate the novel therapeutic mechanisms of BSDZG on CNP.Methods: In this study, we first assayed the prostate index of rats and then determined the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of BSDZG on CNP in vivo and in vitro by employing ELISA kits and TUNEL staining. Next, we investigated whether the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms of BSDZG on prostate protein-induced rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RWPE-1 cells were related to the AKT, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways with the help of Western blot. Finally, the influence of BSDZG on the interaction between the p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced RWPE-1 cells was explored by adopting dehydrocorydaline (DHC, p38 MAPK activator) with the help of ELISA kits and Western blot.Results:In vivo, BSDZG effectively reduced the prostate index. In vivo and in vitro, BSDZG dramatically declined the level of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the apoptosis rate. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro, BSDZG memorably upregulated the expression level of p-AKT, and substantially downregulated the expression level of p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB2. The activation of p38 MAPK significantly reversed the moderation effects of BSDZG on the level of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as the expression level of p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB2 in vitro.Conclusion: To sum up, the in vivo and in vitro therapeutic mechanisms of BSDZG on CNP were reflected as the anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis that was formed by inhibiting the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, to regulate the AKT, p38 MAPK, and NF-κB pathways, and the anti-inflammatory effect of BSDZG was realized by suppressing the p38 MAPK pathway to inhibit the downstream NF-κB pathway.
Effect of altitude and acetazolamide on postural control in healthy lowlanders 40 years of age or older. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Mutschler Tim , Furian Michael , Lichtblau Mona , Buergin Aline , Schneider Simon R. , Appenzeller Paula , Mayer Laura , Muralt Lara , Mademilov Maamed , Abdyraeva Ainura , Aidaralieva Shoira , Muratbekova Aibermet , Akylbekov Azamat , Shabykeeva Saltanat , Sooronbaev Talant M. , Ulrich Silvia , Bloch Konrad E. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Hypoxia and old age impair postural control and may therefore enhance the risk of accidents. We investigated whether acetazolamide, the recommended drug for prevention of acute mountain sickness, may prevent altitude-induced deterioration of postural control in older persons.Methods: In this parallel-design trial, 95 healthy volunteers, 40 years of age or older, living &lt;1,000 m, were randomized to preventive therapy with acetazolamide (375 mg/d) or placebo starting 24 h before and during a 2-day sojourn at 3,100 m. Instability of postural control was quantified by a balance platform with the center of pressure path length (COPL) as primary outcome while pulse oximetry (SpO2) was monitored. Effects of altitude and treatment on COPL were evaluated by ordered logistic regression. www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03536429.Results: In participants taking placebo, ascent from 760 m to 3,100 m increased median COPL from 25.8 cm to 27.6 cm (odds ratio 3.80, 95%CI 2.53–5.70) and decreased SpO2 from 96% to 91% (odds ratio 0.0003, 95%CI 0.0002–0.0007); in participants taking acetazolamide, altitude ascent increased COPL from 24.6 cm to 27.3 cm (odds ratio 2.22, 95%CI 1.57–3.13), while SpO2 decreased from 96% to 93% (odds ratio 0.007, 95%CI 0.004–0.012). Altitude-induced increases in COPL were smaller with acetazolamide vs. placebo (odds ratio 0.58, 95%CI 0.34–0.99) while drops in SpO2 were mitigated (odds ratio 19.2, 95%CI 9.9–37.6).Conclusion: In healthy individuals, 40 years of age or older, postural control was impaired after spending a night at 3,100 m. The altitude-induced deterioration of postural control was mitigated by acetazolamide, most likely due to the associated improvement in oxygenation.
Effect of different isometric trunk extension intensities on the muscle stiffness of the lumbar and lower limbs
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Chen Mengtong , Liu Hongxiu , He Yanan , Li Yuanchao , Shen Peifeng , Chen Yiming , Huang Jiapeng , Liu Chunlong 
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To investigate the effect of isometric prone trunk extension (IPTE) contraction intensity on the stiffness of erector spinae (ES), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius muscles to understand the overall muscle mechanical behavior during IPTE and to explore the mechanisms of oordinated contraction of the body kinetic chain.Methods: Twenty healthy females were recruited, and participants underwent IPTE at three contraction intensities, i.e., 0% maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), 30% MVIC, and 60% MVIC, and muscle stiffness was measured using MyotonPRO.Results: Muscle stiffness was moderately to strongly positively correlated with contraction intensity (r = 0.408–0.655, p &lt; 0.001). The percentage increase in stiffness at low intensity was much greater in ES than in lower limb muscles and greater in ST and BF than in gastrocnemius, whereas at moderate intensity, the percentage increase in stiffness decreased in all muscles, and the percentage increase in stiffness in ES was lower than that in ST. There was a moderate to strong positive correlation between ES stiffness variation and ST (r = 0.758–0.902, p &lt; 0.001), BF (r = 0.454–0.515, p &lt; 0.05), MG (r = 0.643–0.652, p &lt; 0.01), LG (r = 0.659–0.897, p &lt; 0.01).Conclusion: IPTE significantly affected the stiffness of lumbar and lower limb muscles, and low-intensity IPTE activated the ES more efficiently. There were significant coordinated muscle contractions between ES, ST, and LG. This provides preliminary evidence for exploring the overall modulation pattern of the lumbar and lower limb muscles’ kinetic chains. In future studies, we will combine other stiffness assessment methods (such as Magnetic Resonance Elastography, Shear Wave Elastography, or electromyography) to corroborate our findings.
“Because he was disgusting”: transforming relations through positioning in messenger-supported group psychotherapy
Authors: Kabatnik Susanne 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis article deals with positioning in messenger-supported group psychotherapy in terms of transforming relations. The aim of the messenger-supported therapy format is to work through conflicts that have arisen with people via messenger services. This is achieved in different phases of conversation, such as describing the situation, analysing one's own behaviour and defining wishes, by collaboratively drafting a message to the person from the conflict.MethodsThe data basis is a corpus of 14 video-recorded group psychotherapy sessions. Methodologically, the study is guided by interactional linguistics, a linguistic research field that focuses on interpersonal interaction.ResultsUsing a case study, I show how the interactants work through a conflict through positioning, constitute group identity and relationships, and thus also transform their stance concerning the issue. Moreover, positioning serves the collaborative formulation of a message and thus also the change of the relationship to the person from the messenger communication.DiscussionRelationship management in eSA group psychotherapy can be observed on different levels: (1) among the interactants in the room, (2) with the persons from the chat messages, and (3) between the patient(s) and the therapist.
Diagnosing homo digitalis: towards a standardized assessment for digital tool competencies
Authors: Stoll Sarah E. M. , Bauer Isabel , Hopfer Karen , Lamberty Judith , Lunz Verena , Guzmán Bausch Francesca , Höflacher Cosima , Kroliczak Gregory , Kalénine Solène , Randerath Jennifer 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionIn the 21st century, digital devices have become integral to our daily lives. Still, practical assessments designed to evaluate an individual’s digital tool competencies are absent. The present study introduces the “Digital Tools Test” (“DIGI”), specifically designed for the evaluation of one’s proficiency in handling common applications and functions of smartphones and tablets. The DIGI assessment has been primarily tailored for prospective use among older adults and neurological patients with the latter frequently suffering from so-called apraxia, which potentially also affects the handling of digital tools. Similar to traditional tool use tests that assess tool-selection and tool-action processes, the DIGI assessment evaluates an individual’s ability to select an appropriate application for a given task (e.g., creating a new contact), their capacity to navigate within the chosen application and their competence in executing precise and accurate movements, such as swiping.MethodsWe tested the implementation of the DIGI in a group of 16 healthy adults aged 18 to 28 years and 16 healthy adults aged 60 to 74 years. All participants were able to withstand the assessment and reported good acceptance.ResultsThe results revealed a significant performance disparity, with older adults displaying notably lower proficiency in the DIGI. The DIGI performance of older adults exhibited a correlation with their ability to employ a set of novel mechanical tools, but not with their ability to handle a set of familiar common tools. There was no such correlation for the younger group.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study introduces an innovative assessment tool aimed at evaluating common digital tool competencies. Our preliminary results demonstrate good acceptance and reveal expected group differences. For current cohorts of older adults, the results seem to indicate that the ability to use novel tools may aid digital tool use. In the next step, the psychometric properties of the DIGI assessment should be evaluated in larger and more diverse samples. The advancement of digital tool competency assessments and rehabilitation strategies is essential when we aim at facilitating societal inclusion and participation for individuals in affected populations.
Effects and central mechanism of electroacupuncture and MRI-navigated rTMS for PSD: study protocol for an fMRI-based single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label trial
Authors: Lu Hai , Wang Yang , Shen Diwen , Ruan Jianguo , Lu Jiaming , Wang Linlin , Song Yang , Fan Jia , Li Dongna , Shi Lijing , Xia Meng , Xu Tianshu 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPost-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mental complication after stroke and has a serious impact on functional outcomes and quality of life for stroke patients. Antidepressants are the first-line treatment for PSD; however, many reported side effects remain. Clinical research and practice guidelines have shown that electro-acupuncture (EA) or rTMS have a positive effect on PSD. However, there are few clinical studies on EA and MRI-navigated rTMS for PSD that explore the fMRI-based central mechanism in depression.MethodsIn this randomized, controlled, open-label trial, 64 patients with PSD will be randomly allocated into the experiment group (n = 32) or control group (n = 32). The experiment group will receive EA and MRI-navigated rTMS and the control group will receive MRI-navigated rTMS treatment, in 12–20 sessions over 4 weeks. In addition, 10 healthy people for fMRI scanning will be recruited as a healthy control group without any intervention. The primary outcome will be the change from baseline in the Hamilton Depression Scale-24 item (HAMD-24) scores at week 4. The primary analysis of the central mechanism will mainly involve cortical morphology, local spontaneous brain activity, and the default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity based on fMRI at 0 and 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes will include the neuro-patho-physiological and quality of life changes in cortical excitability, determined using the motor evoked potential test (MEP), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) Scale, Modified Barthel Index (MBI) Scale, and Health Scale of Traditional Chinese Medicine (HSTCM). Additional indicators will include the Acceptability Questionnaire and Health Economics Evaluation (cost-effectiveness analysis) to assess the acceptability and economic practicality of the treatment under study. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and post intervention.DiscussionEA and MRI-navigated rTMS therapy could become an alternative treatment for PSD, and it is expected that this trial will provide reliable clinical evidence and a potential central mechanism for the future use of EA and MRI-navigated rTMS for PSD.Clinical trial registrationNCT05516680, ClinicalTrials.gov (registered in August 2022).
Development of depression detection algorithm using text scripts of routine psychiatric interview
Authors: Oh Jihoon , Lee Taekgyu , Chung Eun Su , Kim Hyonsoo , Cho Kyongchul , Kim Hyunkyu , Choi Jihye , Sim Hyeon-Hee , Lee Jongseo , Choi In Young , Kim Dai-Jin 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundA psychiatric interview is one of the important procedures in diagnosing psychiatric disorders. Through this interview, psychiatrists listen to the patient’s medical history and major complaints, check their emotional state, and obtain clues for clinical diagnosis. Although there have been attempts to diagnose a specific mental disorder from a short doctor-patient conversation, there has been no attempt to classify the patient’s emotional state based on the text scripts from a formal interview of more than 30 min and use it to diagnose depression. This study aimed to utilize the existing machine learning algorithm in diagnosing depression using the transcripts of one-on-one interviews between psychiatrists and depressed patients.MethodsSeventy-seven clinical patients [with depression (n = 60); without depression (n = 17)] with a prior psychiatric diagnosis history participated in this study. The study was conducted with 24 male and 53 female subjects with the mean age of 33.8 (± 3.0). Psychiatrists conducted a conversational interview with each patient that lasted at least 30 min. All interviews with the subjects between August 2021 and November 2022 were recorded and transcribed into text scripts, and a text emotion recognition module was used to indicate the subject’s representative emotions of each sentence. A machine learning algorithm discriminates patients with depression and those without depression based on text scripts.ResultsA machine learning model classified text scripts from depressive patients with non-depressive ones with an acceptable accuracy rate (AUC of 0.85). The distribution of emotions (surprise, fear, anger, love, sadness, disgust, neutral, and happiness) was significantly different between patients with depression and those without depression (p &lt; 0.001), and the most contributing emotion in classifying the two groups was disgust (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThis is a qualitative and retrospective study to develop a tool to detect depression against patients without depression based on the text scripts of psychiatric interview, suggesting a novel and practical approach to understand the emotional characteristics of depression patients and to use them to detect the diagnosis of depression based on machine learning methods. This model could assist psychiatrists in clinical settings who conduct routine conversations with patients using text transcripts of the interviews.