bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcranial alternating current stimulation for schizophrenia: a systematic review of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Wei Xin , Shi Zhan-Ming , Lan Xian-Jun , Qin Zhen-Juan , Mo Yu , Wu Hua-Wang , Huang Xing-Bing , Zeng Qing-Bin , Luo Li-Xia , Yang Xin-Hu , Zheng Wei 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundIn randomized clinical trials (RCTs) investigating the application of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) in schizophrenia, inconsistent results have been reported. The purpose of this exploratory systematic review of RCTs was to evaluate tACS as an adjunct treatment for patients with schizophrenia based on its therapeutic effects, tolerability, and safety.MethodsOur analysis included RCTs that evaluated adjunctive tACS’ effectiveness, tolerability, and safety in schizophrenia patients. Three independent authors extracted data and synthesized it using RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsThree RCTs involving 76 patients with schizophrenia were encompassed in the analysis, with 40 participants receiving active tACS and 36 receiving sham tACS. Our study revealed a significant superiority of active tACS over sham tACS in improving total psychopathology (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −1.12, −0.10; I2 = 16%, p = 0.02) and negative psychopathology (SMD = −0.65, 95% CI: −1.11, −0.18; I2 = 0%, p = 0.007) in schizophrenia. The two groups, however, showed no significant differences in positive psychopathology, general psychopathology, or auditory hallucinations (all p &gt; 0.05). Two RCTs examined the neurocognitive effects of tACS, yielding varied findings. Both groups demonstrated similar rates of discontinuation due to any reason and adverse events (all p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionAdjunctive tACS is promising as a viable approach for mitigating total and negative psychopathology in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of tACS’s therapeutic effects in schizophrenia, it is imperative to conduct extensive, meticulously planned, and well-documented RCTs.
Machine learning research based on diffusion tensor images to distinguish between anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Zheng Linli , Wang Yu , Ma Jing , Wang Meiou , Liu Yang , Li Jin , Li Tao , Zhang Lan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), two subtypes of eating disorders, often present diagnostic challenges due to their overlapping symptoms. Machine learning has proven its capacity to improve group classification without requiring researchers to specify variables. The study aimed to distinguish between AN and BN using machine learning models based on diffusion tensor images (DTI).MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study, drug-naive females diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) were included. Demographic data and DTI were collected for all patients. Features for machine learning included Fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD), and mean diffusivity (MD). Support vector machine was constructed by LIBSVM, MATLAB2013b, and FSL5.0.9 software.ResultsA total of 58 female patients (24 AN, 34 BN) were included in this study. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in age, years of education, or course of illness between the two groups. AN patients had significantly lower BMI than BN patients. The AD model exhibited an area under the curve was 0.793 (accuracy: 75.86%, sensitivity: 66.67%, specificity: 88.23%), highlighting the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG_L) and the left superior temporal gyrus (STG_L) as differentiating brain regions. AN patients exhibited lower AD features in the STG_L and MTG_L than BN. Machine learning analysis indicated no significant differences in FA, MD, and RD values between AN and BN groups (p &gt; 0.001).ConclusionMachine learning based on DTI could effectively distinguish between AN and BN, with MTG_L and STG_L potentially serving as neuroimaging biomarkers.
EMDR treatment for people with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review about difficulties and adaptations
Authors: Schipper-Eindhoven Simone M. , de Knegt Nanda C. , Mevissen Liesbeth , van Loon Jos , de Vries Ralph , Zhuniq Majlinda , Bekker Marrie H. J. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPeople with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at increased risk for developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Emerging evidence indicates that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is feasible and potentially effective for this group. However, communication, cognition, stress regulation, and attachment difficulties may interfere with the EMDR process. Adaptation of the EMDR protocol seems therefore required for this population.AimThis review aims to systematically identify and categorize the difficulties in applying EMDR to people with ID and the adaptations made by therapists to overcome these challenges.MethodsA literature search was performed in May 2023. Article selection was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality appraisal.ResultsAfter screening, 13 articles remained for further review. The identified difficulties and adaptations were categorized into the three domains of adaptive functioning (i.e., conceptual, social, and practical functioning). Considerable difficulties in applying the EMDR protocol for this group were reported. The adaptations made by therapists to overcome these difficulties were highly variable. They could be divided into three main categories: adaptions in EMDR delivery (e.g., tuning to the developmental level of the client, simplifying language, decreasing pace), involvement of others (e.g., involving family or support staff during or in between sessions), and the therapeutic relationship (e.g., taking more time, supportive attitude).DiscussionThe variability of the number of mentioned difficulties and adaptations per study seems to be partly related to the specific EMDR protocol that was used. In particular, when the Shapiro adult protocol was administered, relatively more detailed difficulties and adaptations were described than in publications based on derived existing versions of an EMDR protocol for children and adolescents. A probable explanation is that already embedded modifications in these protocols facilitate the needed attunement to the client’s level of functioning.Practical implicationsThe authors of this review suggest that EMDR protocols for children and adolescents could be adapted for people with an intellectual disability. Further research should focus on the involvement of trusted others in EMDR therapy for people with ID and the therapeutic relationship from an attachment and relational-based perspective.
Patterns of admission in forensic units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a process analysis
Authors: D’Orta Isabella , Herrmann François R. , Giannakopoulos Panteleimon 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe impact of COVID-19 pandemic on forensic service practice remains matter of debate. Increased rates of anxiety, depression, and exacerbation of psychotic symptoms were reported in the early phases of the pandemic among detained persons. However, longitudinal analyses in medium-security hospitals taking into account the whole pandemic period led to mitigated results.MethodsThis report examines the evolution of the type (voluntary versus involuntary) and reason of admissions, length of stay, history of outpatient care, short-term seclusion hours for aggressive behaviors, and clinical diagnoses for detainees needing acute psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic in the sole secure ward located in the central prison of Geneva, Switzerland. To determine the general trend of the processes over time we applied a combination of process analysis with run chart plotting, and fractional polynomial regression.ResultsRun tests showed that the proportion of cases with personality disorders, substance use disorders (SUD), and previous outpatient care tended to increase during the COVID pandemic with subsequent decrease to reach the pre-COVID values. This was also the case for depressive symptoms as reason for admission. The proportion of involuntary admission showed a steady increase both during the COVID and post-COVID time periods. In contrast, short-term seclusion hours decreased during the COVID pandemic followed by a return to their pre-COVID values. Regression models revealed that the COVID pandemic was associated with a significant increase in the rates of inmates with personality disorders and SUD admitted for forensic care explaining 36 and 41% of their variance.DiscussionThese data support the idea that, in terms of acute care needs, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased needs for acute forensic care that concerned detainees with personality disorders characterized by increased levels of impulsiveness, decreased tolerance to frustrations, loss of control, increased extraversion and frequent SUD comorbidity.
Religious meaning system and life satisfaction: the mediating role of meaning in life among Polish people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Wilski Maciej , Wnuk Marcin , Brola Waldemar , Szcześniak Małgorzata , Żak Marek , Sobolewski Piotr , Kapica-Topczewska Katarzyna , Tarasiuk Joanna , Czarnowska Agata , Kułakowska Alina , Zakrzewska-Pniewska Beata , Bartosik-Psujek Halina , Kubicka-Bączyk Katarzyna , Morawiec Natalia , Adamczyk-Sowa Monika , Stepien Adam , Jacek Zaborski , Ratajczak Anna , Ratajczak Marcin , Szałachowski Roman , Kroplewski Zdzisław , Lech Beata , Perenc Adam , Popiel Małgorzata , Potemkowski Andrzej 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe complexity of the associations between religiosity and indicators of well-being suggests the presence of a mediating mechanism. Previous studies indicate that religion may influence subjective well-being because it helps to find meaning and purpose. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the mediating role of the presence and search dimensions of meaning in life in the relationship between religious meaning system and life satisfaction in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 600 MS patients recruited from Poland who completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Religious Meaning System Questionnaire (RMS) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Model 6 of Hayes PROCESS was used to test the hypotheses.ResultsThe results of our research indicate that there was a significant indirect effect of religious meaning system on life satisfaction through the presence of meaning in life. The specific indirect effect of religious meaning system on life satisfaction through searching for meaning in life was not significant.DiscussionThe results of our study are relevant because they show that religion as a meaning system is positively related to the presence of meaning in life, which in turn positively predicts life satisfaction. This is particularly important in the case of incurable illness, where finding meaning in life is one of the natural stages of adaptation. By incorporating these findings into mental health practice, professionals can enhance the holistic well-being of people coping with MS and contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to mental health care.
Impact of COVID-19 vaccination: a global perspective
Authors: Singh Priya , Anand Aditya , Rana Shweta , Kumar Amit , Goel Prabudh , Kumar Sujeet , Gouda Krushna Chandra , Singh Harpreet 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic disruptions worldwide. Vaccination has proven to be a crucial strategy in controlling the spread of the virus and mitigating its impact.ObjectiveThe study focuses on assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing the incidence of positive cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. The presented study is focused on the COVID-19 fully vaccinated population by considering the data from the first positive case reported until 20 September 2021.MethodsUsing data from multiple countries, time series analysis is deployed to investigate the variations in the COVID-19 positivity rates, hospitalization rates, and ICU requirements after successful vaccination campaigns at the country scale.ResultsAnalysis of the COVID-19 positivity rates revealed a substantial decline in countries with high pre-vaccination rates. Within 1–3 months of vaccination campaigns, these rates decreased by 20–44%. However, certain countries experienced an increase in positivity rates with the emergence of the new Delta variant, emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and adaptable vaccination strategies. Similarly, the analysis of hospitalization rates demonstrated a steady decline as vaccination drive rates rose in various countries. Within 90 days of vaccination, several countries achieved hospitalization rates below 200 per million. However, a slight increase in hospitalizations was observed in some countries after 180 days of vaccination, underscoring the need for continued vigilance. Furthermore, the ICU patient rates decreased as vaccination rates increased across most countries. Within 120 days, several countries achieved an ICU patient rate of 20 per million, highlighting the effectiveness of vaccination in preventing severe cases requiring intensive care.ConclusionCOVID-19 vaccination has proven to be very much effective in reducing the incidence of cases, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions. However, ongoing surveillance, variant monitoring, and adaptive vaccination strategies are crucial for maximizing the benefits of vaccination and effectively controlling the spread of the virus.
Effects of home-based interventions using exergames on physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older adults: a PRISMA-P-compliant protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Seinsche Julia , de Bruin Eling D. , Hinrichs Timo , Giannouli Eleftheria 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPhysical activity and exercise are crucial to counteract physical and cognitive decline in old age. Home-based exergame training can be a solution to overcome physical inactivity. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of home-based exergame interventions and evaluate their effectiveness in improving cognitive and physical functions through physical activity enhancement in older adults.Methods and analysisWe are conducting a systematic literature search including studies examining (1) community-dwelling older adults aged 60 years and older without any specific disease, (2) exergame-based exercise programs that take place at least partially in a home setting, and (3) intervention-related physical and/or cognitive outcomes. We will include randomized controlled trials and any other type of pre-post study published in English. There are no restrictions in terms of control group type and publication date. A search string was created and used in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and CINAHL. In addition, a hand search is carried out. This involves checking the references of the included studies and searching Google Scholar for further studies. The included studies will be summarized and, if homogeneity is sufficient, a random-effects meta-analysis will be performed. We will assess the risk of bias using RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I.ConclusionThe findings of this systematic review will help to define the most suitable exergame programs to counteract cognitive and physical decline in older adults. Additionally, they will inform the development of effective home-based exergame systems and point to future pathways of digital rehabilitation in older adults.RegistrationProspero (ID: CRD42023374234).
Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder risk and outcomes in renal transplant patients treated with belatacept immunosuppression
Authors: Koff Jean L. , Karadkhele Geeta M. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Rupji Manali , Little Kendra , Larsen Christian P. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionPost-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a rare but life-threatening malignancy that arises in the setting of immunosuppression (IS) after solid organ transplant. IS regimens containing belatacept have been associated with an increased risk of PTLD in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-seronegative renal transplant recipients, and the use of belatacept is contraindicated in this population. However, the impact of belatacept-based regimens on PTLD risk and outcomes in EBV-seropositive renal transplant recipients is less well characterized.MethodsA case-control study was conducted to investigate how combinatorial IS regimens impact the risk of PTLD and survival outcomes in renal transplant recipients at a large transplant center between 2010 and 2019. In total, 17 cases of PTLD were identified and matched 1:2 to controls without PTLD by age, sex, and transplanted organ(s). We compared baseline clinical characteristics, examined changes in IS regimen, viral loads, and renal function over time, and evaluated time-to-event analyses, including graft rejection and survival.ResultsCases of PTLD largely resembled matched controls in terms of baseline characteristics, although expected differences in EBV serostatus trended toward significance (42.9% of PTLD cases were donor-positive/recipient-negative vs. 8.3% controls, p = 0.063). PTLD cases were not more likely to have received belatacept than controls. Belatacept was not associated with graft rejection or failure, re-transplant, hospitalization, or decreased survival.ConclusionsBelatacept was not associated with an increased risk of PTLD, and was not associated with decreased survival in either PTLD cases or in the entire cohort. Our case-control study supports the concept that belatacept remains a safe and effective option for IS in EBV-seropositive renal transplant patients.
Single center study investigating the clinical association of donor-derived cell-free DNA with acute outcomes in lung transplantation
Authors: Noda Kentaro , Snyder Mark E. , Xu Qingyong , Peters David , McDyer John F. , Zeevi Adriana , Sanchez Pablo G. 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundCirculating donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) levels have been proposed as a potential tool for the diagnosis of graft injury. In this study, we prospectively investigated dd-cfDNA plasma levels and their association with severe primary graft dysfunction (PGD) and graft rejection after lung transplant.MethodsA total of 40 subjects undergoing de-novo lung transplants at our institution were recruited in this study. Blood samples were collected at various time points before and after lung transplant for 1 year. Dd-cfDNA in samples was determined using AlloSure assay (CareDx Inc.). The correlation of the value of %dd-cfDNA was investigated with the incidence of PGD, acute cellular rejection (ACR), and donor-specific antibody.ResultsWe observed a rapid increase of %dd-cfDNA in the blood of recipients after lung transplantation compared to baseline. The levels of dd-cfDNA decreased during the first two weeks. The peak was observed within 72 h after transplantation. The peak values of %dd-cfDNA varied among subjects and did not correlate with severe PGD incidence. We observed an association between levels of %dd-cfDNA from blood collected at the time of transbronchial biopsy and the histological diagnosis of ACR at 3 weeks.ConclusionOur data show that circulating dd-cfDNA levels are associated with ACR early after transplantation but not with severe PGD. Plasma levels of dd-cfDNA may be a less invasive tool to estimate graft rejection after lung transplantation however larger studies are still necessary to better identify thresholds.
“Older people are weak”: perceptions and meanings of ageing and abuse against older people
Authors: Dias Isabel , Fraga Silvia 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis paper addresses the broader issue of elder abuse and seeks to analyse how victims and non-victims of abuse connect and explain the perception of ageing and the phenomenon of violence against older people.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted based on evidence gathered through 45 semi-structured interviews with people aged 60 or above who are part of the Portuguese EPIPorto population cohort. The interviews were analysed using grounded theory.Results/discussionThe results show that respondents link the ageist narratives that exist in our societies to the prevalence and naturalisation of violence against older people, that the risk of abuse increases with the weakening of family support networks, and that abuse is both a manifestation of asymmetrical power relations between victims and perpetrators and a severe violation of human rights. The findings also highlight the need to broaden the concept of violence against older people to include offences in the public sphere and not just in the context of the family and institutions.
Analysis of HIF-1α expression and genetic polymorphisms in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Vargova Daniela , Kolková Zuzana , Dargaj Jan , Bris Lukas , Luptak Jan , Dankova Zuzana , Franova Sona , Svihra Jan , Slávik Pavol , Sutovska Martina 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is mostly diagnosed incidentally and has relatively high recurrence rates. Alterations in VHL/HIF and mTOR pathways are commonly present in ccRCC. The present study attempted to identify potential diagnostic markers at the biochemical and molecular level.Methods: In total, 54 subjects (36 patients with ccRCC and 18 cancer-free controls) were enrolled. ELISA was used to measure the levels of HIF-1α in the tumor and healthy kidney tissue. The association between five selected SNPs (rs779805, rs11549465, rs2057482, rs2295080 and rs701848) located in genes of pathologically relevant pathways (VHL/HIF and mTOR) and the risk of ccRCC in the Slovak cohort was studied using real-time PCR.Results: Significant differences in HIF-1α tissue levels were observed between the tumor and healthy kidney tissue (p &lt; 0.001). In the majority (69%) of cases, the levels of HIF-1α were higher in the kidney than in the tumor. Furthermore, the concentration of HIF-1α in the tumor showed a significant positive correlation with CCL3 and IL-1β (p (R2) 0.007 (0.47); p (R2) 0.011 (0.38). No relationship between intratumoral levels of HIF-1α and clinical tumor characteristics was observed. Rs11549465, rs2057482 in the HIF1A gene did not correlate with the expression of HIF-1α either in the tumor or in the normal kidney. None of the selected SNPs has influenced the susceptibility to ccRCC.Conclusion: More research is neccesary to elucidate the role of HIF-1α in the pathogenesis of ccRCC and the association between selected SNPs and susceptibility to this cancer.