bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated ferritin, mediated by IL-18 is associated with systemic inflammation and mortality in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Authors: Mehta Puja , Samanta Romit J , Wick Katherine , Coll Rebecca C , Mawhinney Thea , McAleavey Patrick G , Boyle Andrew J , Conlon John , Shankar-Hari Manu , Rogers Angela , Calfee Carolyn S , Matthay Michael A , Summers Charlotte , Chambers Rachel Clare , McAuley Daniel Francis , O'Kane Cecilia M 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundInflammatory subphenotypes have been identified in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Hyperferritinaemia in sepsis is associated with hyperinflammation, worse clinical outcomes, and may predict benefit with immunomodulation. Our aim was to determine if raised ferritin identified a subphenotype in patients with ARDS.MethodsBaseline plasma ferritin concentrations were measured in patients with ARDS from two randomised controlled trials of simvastatin (Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibition with Simvastatin in Acute Lung Injury to Reduce Pulmonary Dysfunction-2 (HARP-2); discovery cohort, UK) and neuromuscular blockade (ROSE; validation cohort, USA). Results were analysed using a logistic regression model with restricted cubic splines, to determine the ferritin threshold associated with 28-day mortality.ResultsFerritin was measured in 511 patients from HARP-2 (95% of patients enrolled) and 847 patients (84% of patients enrolled) from ROSE. Ferritin was consistently associated with 28-day mortality in both studies and following a meta-analysis, a log-fold increase in ferritin was associated with an OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.90) for 28-day mortality. Patients with ferritin >1380 ng/mL (HARP-2 28%, ROSE 24%) had a significantly higher 28-day mortality and fewer ventilator-free days in both studies. Mediation analysis, including confounders (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II score and ARDS aetiology) demonstrated a statistically significant contribution of interleukin (IL)-18 as an intermediate pathway between ferritin and mortality.ConclusionsFerritin is a clinically useful biomarker in ARDS and is associated with worse patient outcomes. These results provide support for prospective interventional trials of immunomodulatory agents targeting IL-18 in this hyperferritinaemic subgroup of patients with ARDS.
Bernstein spectral method for quasinormal modes and other eigenvalue problems
Authors: Fortuna Sean , Vega Ian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractSpectral methods are now common in the solution of ordinary differential eigenvalue problems in a wide variety of fields, such as in the computation of black hole quasinormal modes. Most of these spectral codes are based on standard Chebyshev, Fourier, or some other orthogonal basis functions. In this work we highlight the usefulness of a relatively unknown set of non-orthogonal basis functions, known as Bernstein polynomials, and their advantages for handling boundary conditions in ordinary differential eigenvalue problems. We also report on a new user-friendly package, called , that implements Berstein-polynomial-based pseudospectral routines for eigenvalue problems. We demonstrate the functionalities of the package by applying it to a number of model problems in quantum mechanics and to the problem of computing scalar and gravitational quasinormal modes in a Schwarzschild background. We validate our code against some known results and achieve excellent agreement. Compared to continued-fraction or series methods, global approximation methods are particularly well-suited for computing purely imaginary modes such as the algebraically special modes for Schwarzschild gravitational perturbations.
Physical therapy exercises for improving intermittent exotropia control post-strabismus surgery: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Wahid Amany R. Abdel , Taher Sameh G. , Mohamed Ayah Mohmoud , Atef Doaa 
Published: December 2023

Background: Exotropia control is deteriorated by post-strabismus surgery in many cases. Improving this control is considered as an important factor for success of the strabismus surgery like ocular motor alignment. Objective: To determine the therapeutic effect of postoperative eye exercises on exodeviation eye control after the strabismus surgery. Methods: Forty patients suffering from intermittent exotropia after strabismus surgery were randomly divided into experimental group and control groups. Both groups received the usual medical care, while the experimental group received different types of eye exercises using physiotherapy modalities in 24 sessions over three months (two sessions a week). The measurement of exotropia control for near target and far target using the office-based scale was done before and after the treatment. Results: There was a significant improvement in near eye control post-treatment ([Formula: see text]) in the experimental group compared with control group ([Formula: see text]) as the mean difference was −3.20 and 95% CI of the difference between them was −3.645–−2.755 with [Formula: see text]. Also, far eye control improved post-treatment in the experimental group ([Formula: see text]) compared with control group ([Formula: see text]) with mean difference of −3.250 and 95% CI of the difference between them was −3.727–−2.773 with [Formula: see text]. Conclusions: For patients with intermittent exotropia who had undergone strabismus surgery, the addition of physiotherapy exercises for the eye provided significant improvements in exotropia control for near target and far target.
Effects of a PRECEDE-PROCEED Model-Based Intervention on Fatigue in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wen Min , Chen Yeshi , Yu Juping , Li Junyi , Wen Xiaohui , OuYang Xinping , He Pingping 
Published: December 2023

Objective: This research aimed to determine how a 12-week PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention affected fatigue in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods: This cluster randomized controlled trial recruited participants diagnosed with coronary heart disease at 2 community health centers in China. Participants in the control group (n = 36) received routine health education, whereas those in the intervention group (n = 38) were given a 12-week PRECEDE-PROCEED model-based intervention and routine health education. The intervention consisted of 6 training sessions on coronary heart disease, fatigue, fatigue management, self-management skills and social support. A primary outcome (fatigue) and 4 secondary outcomes (knowledge of fatigue, self-management, quality of life and body mass index) were assessed using the Fatigue Scale-14, Fatigue Cognitive Questionnaire for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease Self-Management Scale, Chinese Cardiovascular Questionnaire of Quality of Life, and electronic weighing scale, respectively. Data were collected 3 times over 12 weeks. Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in the level of fatigue (8.72 vs 7.06, P < .001), knowledge of fatigue ( P < .001), self-management skills ( P < .001), and quality of life ( P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in body mass index between the 2 groups ( P = .504). Conclusions: The findings suggest that a well-designed intervention based on the PRECEDE-PROCEED model could alleviate fatigue symptoms and increase knowledge of fatigue, self-management skills and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Cognitive Function, Illness Perceptions, and Immunosuppression Medication Adherence After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Al-Saleh Stacy , Conley Samantha , Pace Thaddeus , Insel Kathleen C. 
Published: December 2023

Background: There are few studies that examine relationships between cognitive function, illness perceptions, and medication adherence after heart transplantation, limiting the development of effective adherence-promoting interventions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe relationships between cognitive function, illness perceptions, and medication adherence among heart transplant recipients. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational design was used. Measures included the telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (t-MoCA©), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone, Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale, and the Brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, point-biserial correlations, Pearson’s correlations, and logistic regression were used to describe relationships. Results: Of the 35 participants (mean age: 61 years [SD: 10.3], 71.4% male, 71.4% white), 31.4% (n = 11) were classified as nonadherent to their immunosuppression medications. Higher immediate word recall, indicating better episodic memory (memory for autobiographical and recent events), and higher illness coherence scores were associated with not missing doses of medication. Higher t-MoCA© total scores, indicating normal cognitive function, and lower depression scores were associated with taking medications on time. More than 22% (n = 8) of participants scored less than 19 on the t-MoCA©, an indication of mild cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Cognitive impairment may be more common among heart transplant recipients than what is currently recognized, and specific domains of cognitive function were related to medication adherence after transplantation in this study. Future studies should include longitudinal evaluations of cognitive function, depression, and medication adherence. Consideration of these relationships is needed when designing adherence-promoting interventions for this population.
Modulation of immunosuppressive effect of rapamycin via microfluidic encapsulation within PEG-PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Weiqian , Liu Ruilai , Guo Jiahao , Hu Zhihuan , An Chenjing , Zhang Yan , Liu Tengyuan , Cen Lian , Pan Yukun 
Published: December 2023

The high hydrophobicity and low oral availability of immunosuppressive drug, rapamycin, seriously limit its application. It was thus aimed to develop a PEG-PLGA based nano-loading system for rapamycin delivery to achieve improved bioavailability with sustained effects via a novel microfluidic chip and manipulation of the hydrophobic PLGA chain length. PDMS based microfluidic chip with Y shape was designed and PEG-PLGA polymers with different PLGA chain length were used to prepare rapamycin nano-delivery systems. Dendritic cells were selected to evaluate the immunosuppressive effect of the nanoparticles including cytotoxicity assay, dendritic cell activation, and cytokine levels. The effects of different PEG-PLGA nanoparticles on the immunomodulatory properties were finally compared. It was shown that PEG-PLGA could be successfully used for rapamycin encapsulation via microfluidics to obtain nano-delivery systems (Rapa&P-20 k, Rapa&P-50 k and Rapa&P-95 k) ranging from 100 nm to 116 nm. The encapsulation efficiency was ranged from 69.70% to 84.55% and drug loading from 10.45% to 12.68%. The Rapa&P-50 k (PLGA chain length: 50 k) could achieve the highest drug loading (DL) and encapsulation efficiency (EE) as 12.68% and 84.55%. The encapsulated rapamycin could be gradually released from three nanoparticles for more than 1 month without any noticeable burst release. The Rapa & P nanoparticles exhibited enhanced immunosuppressive effects over those of free rapamycin as shown by the expression of CD40 and CD80, and the secretion of IL-1β, IL-12 and TGF-β1. Rapa&P-50 k nanoparticles could be the optimal choice for rapamycin delivery as it also achieved the most effective immunosuppressive property. Hence, this study could provide an efficient technology with superior manipulation to offer a solution for rapamycin delivery and clinical application.
Past-Year Mental Illness Diagnosis and E-cigarette Use Status Among a College-Aged Sample: Findings From the National College Health Assessment (2017-2019)
Authors: Do Elizabeth K. , Aarvig Kathleen , Panigrahi Gargi , Hair Elizabeth C. 
Published: December 2023

Purpose To examine associations between past-year mental illness (MI) diagnoses and e-cigarette use status. Design Data were obtained from the National College Health Assessment, a nationally recognized cross-sectional survey of university students. Setting Participants were recruited from 2-year and 4-year public and private universities across the United States from 2017-2019. Subjects The analytic sample included 277 291 university students. Measures Self-reported past-year MI diagnosis, binarily coded, served as the primary predictor. The outcome was e-cigarette use status (never, noncurrent, and current user). Analysis Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risk ratios (RRR) of e-cigarette use, as predicted by past-year MI diagnoses, age, race/ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual identity, geographic region, and other combustible tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Results Compared to those who had never received any MI diagnosis in the past year, those who did had a 16% higher relative risk (RRR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.20) of being a noncurrent e-cigarette user and a 33% higher relative risk (RRR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.28, 1.38) of being a current e-cigarette user. Schizophrenia, substance use or addiction, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses demonstrated the strongest associations with noncurrent and current e-cigarette use. Conclusion Results suggest the need to screen young adults for e-cigarette use and mental health indicators to facilitate early detection and timely intervention for at-risk university students.
Relationship Between Patient Activation and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Self-management and Clinical Outcomes in Saudi Arabian Primary Care Setting
Authors: Almutairi Nasser , Gopaldasani Vinod , Hosseinzadeh Hassan 
Published: December 2023

Purpose Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-management is a comprehensive approach that individuals with T2DM employ to manage and control their condition. Patients’ activation, “an individual’s knowledge, skill, and confidence for managing their health and health care”, has been used as a major driver of self-management. This study aimed to assess the relationship of patient activation with T2DM self-management and clinical outcomes. Design A cross-sectional study. Subjects Patients with type T2DM who age 18-years and older. Setting The primary care centers in Saudi Arabia. Measures Patient activation measure (PAM) and the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA). Analysis Descriptive statistic, T-test, One-way ANOVA test, Chi-square test, and linear and logistic regressions were performed. Results A total of 398 patients, mostly male (54.9%) with a mean age of 53.2 (±10.7) years old participated in the study. The participants’ mean of Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was 8.4% (±1.7%) and most of them (74.5%) had an uncontrolled HbA1c level (>7% %). The mean patient activation score was 55.9 (±13.5). 24.4% were at [PA1], 26.7% at [PA2], 37.4% at [PA3], and 11.5% at [PA4]. Patient activation level was positively associated with better glycemic control and self-management behaviors including diet, physical activity, blood glucose self-testing, foot care, and smoking ( P < .05) but not with adherence to medication. Conclusions Our findings reveal a positive association between patient activation level and enhanced glycemic control and self-management behaviors and suggest that patient activation-informed self-management interventions are more likely to yield promising health outcomes.
Needs Assessment to Inform Service Delivery Redesign in a Local Tertiary Teaching Clinic
Authors: Cayco Christopher , Leaver Andrew , Labro Alma , Bandong Aila-Nica , Domingo Anna Christina , Gorgon Edward 
Published: December 2023

Aims To examine the extent to which physical therapy at a local tertiary teaching clinic enables best practice and to identify priority areas for service redesign. Methods A retrospective file review of clinical records of patients receiving physical therapy ( n = 237) from 2011 to 2015 in Manila, Philippines. Data on clinical diagnosis, interventions, parameters of episode of care, goals and outcome measures were extracted and coded by trained researchers using a standardised form. Results Most patients ( n = 229, 97%) had developmental conditions. Active interventions were employed ( n = 236, 99%) and self-management plans appeared in 161 (68%) records. The duration of the episode of care was variable (median = 16 months, range = 1–139). Almost all patients ( n = 230, 97%) commenced with weekly sessions, with the total number of sessions ranging from 1 to 150 (median = 15). Therapy goals were reported routinely ( n = 236, 99%). Objective measures were recorded in 209 (88%) records at baseline and in 136 (57%) records at follow-up. The time point for outcome assessment was inconsistent (range = <1–36 months). Conclusions Service delivery at the clinic requires more robust longitudinal management procedures, streamlined mechanisms for monitoring and better involvement of the family in decision-making. Some elements of existing practice (active, self-management approaches) suggest the adoption of best practice principles. Results contribute to ‘idea generation’ for service redesign.
Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis on physical health conditions in lesbian- and bisexual-identified women compared with heterosexual-identified women
Authors: Haarmann Lena , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Lieker Emma , Eichert Kai , Neidlinger Marlene , Monsef Ina , Skoetz Nicole , Träuble Birgit , Kalbe Elke 
Published: December 2023

Background: Sexual minority individuals experience discrimination, leading to mental health disparities. Physical health disparities have not been examined to the same extent in systematic reviews so far. Objectives: To provide a systematic review and, where possible, meta-analyses on the prevalence of physical health conditions in sexual minority women (i.e. lesbian- and bisexual-identified women) compared to heterosexual-identified women. Design: The study design is a systematic review with meta-analyses. Data Sources and Methods: A systematic literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted on epidemiologic studies on physical health conditions, classified in the Global Burden of Disease project, published between 2000 and 2021. Meta-analyses pooling odds ratios were calculated. Results: In total, 23,649 abstracts were screened and 44 studies were included in the systematic review. Meta-analyses were run for arthritis, asthma, back pain, cancer, chronic kidney diseases, diabetes, headache disorders, heart attacks, hepatitis, hypertension, and stroke. Most significant differences in prevalence by sexual identity were found for chronic respiratory conditions, especially asthma. Overall, sexual minority women were significantly 1.5–2 times more likely to have asthma than heterosexual women. Furthermore, evidence of higher prevalence in sexual minority compared to heterosexual women was found for back pain, headaches/migraines, hepatitis B/C, periodontitis, urinary tract infections, and acne. In contrast, bisexual women had lower cancer rates. Overall, sexual minority women had lower odds of heart attacks, diabetes, and hypertension than heterosexual women (in terms of diabetes and hypertension possibly due to non-consideration of pregnancy-related conditions). Conclusion: We found evidence for physical health disparities by sexual identity. Since some of these findings rely on few comparisons only, this review emphasizes the need for routinely including sexual identity assessment in health research and clinical practice. Providing a more detailed picture of the prevalence of physical health conditions in sexual minority women may ultimately contribute to reducing health disparities.
Evaluating the role of ChatGPT in gastroenterology: a comprehensive systematic review of applications, benefits, and limitations
Authors: Klang Eyal , Sourosh Ali , Nadkarni Girish N. , Sharif Kassem , Lahat Adi 
Published: December 2023

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare has opened new avenues for enhancing patient care and clinical research. In gastroenterology, the potential of AI tools, specifically large language models like ChatGPT, is being explored to understand their utility and effectiveness. Objectives: The primary goal of this systematic review is to assess the various applications, ascertain the benefits, and identify the limitations of utilizing ChatGPT within the realm of gastroenterology. Design: Through a systematic approach, this review aggregates findings from multiple studies to evaluate the impact of ChatGPT on the field. Data sources and methods: The review was based on a detailed literature search of the PubMed database, targeting research that delves into the use of ChatGPT for gastroenterological purposes. It incorporated six selected studies, which were meticulously evaluated for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal instruments. The data were then synthesized narratively to encapsulate the roles, advantages, and drawbacks of ChatGPT in gastroenterology. Results: The investigation unearthed various roles of ChatGPT, including its use in patient education, diagnostic self-assessment, disease management, and the formulation of research queries. Notable benefits were its capability to provide pertinent recommendations, enhance communication between patients and physicians, and prompt valuable research inquiries. Nonetheless, it encountered obstacles in decoding intricate medical questions, yielded inconsistent responses at times, and exhibited limitations in generating novel content. The review also considered ethical implications. Conclusion: ChatGPT has demonstrated significant potential in the field of gastroenterology, especially in facilitating patient–physician interactions and managing diseases. Despite these advancements, the review underscores the necessity for ongoing refinement, customization, and ethical regulation of AI tools. These findings serve to enrich the dialog concerning AI’s role in healthcare, with a specific focus on ChatGPT’s application in gastroenterology.