bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal changes in diffusion tensor imaging in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Richerson Wesley T. , Schmit Brian D. , Wolfgram Dawn F. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionHemodialysis patients have increased white matter and gray matter pathology in the brain relative to controls based on MRI. Diffusion tensor imaging is useful in detecting differences between hemodialysis and controls but has not identified the expected longitudinal decline in hemodialysis patients. In this study we implemented specialized post‐processing techniques to reduce noise to detect longitudinal changes in diffusion tensor imaging parameters and evaluated for any association with changes in cognition.MethodsWe collected anatomical and diffusion MRIs as well as cognitive testing from in‐center hemodialysis patients at baseline and 1 year later. Gray matter thickness, white matter volume, and white matter diffusion tensor imaging parameters were measured to identify longitudinal changes. We analyzed the diffusion tensor imaging parameters by averaging the whole white matter and using a pothole analysis. Eighteen hemodialysis patients were included in the longitudinal analysis and 15 controls were used for the pothole analysis. We used the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery to assess cognitive performance over the same time frame.FindingsOver the course of a year on hemodialysis, we found a decrease in white matter fractional anisotropy across the entire white matter (p < 0.01), and an increase in the number of white matter fractional anisotropy voxels below pothole threshold (p = 0.03). We did not find any relationship between changes in whole brain structural parameters and cognitive performance.DiscussionBy employing noise reducing techniques, we were able to detect longitudinal changes in diffusion tensor imaging parameters in hemodialysis patients. The fractional anisotropy declines over the year indicate significant decreases in white matter health. However, we did not find that declines in fractional anisotropy was associated with declines in cognitive performance.
Association between tumor morphology and efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ishihara Nobuaki , Komatsu Shohei , Sofue Keitaro , Ueshima Eisuke , Yano Yoshihiko , Fujishima Yoshimi , Ishida Jun , Kido Masahiro , Gon Hidetoshi , Fukushima Kenji , Urade Takeshi , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Ueda Yoshihide , Kodama Yuzo , Murakami Takamichi , Fukumoto Takumi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThe IMbrave150 trial revealed that atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (AtezoBv) showed a higher objective response rate (ORR) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although conversion therapy after AtezoBv has been recently reported, markers predictive of its efficacy, particularly radiological imaging markers, have not yet been identified. The present study focused on tumor morphological appearance on radiological imaging and evaluated whether it could be associated with AtezoBv efficacy.MethodsNinety‐five intrahepatic lesions in 74 patients who were given AtezoBv for advanced HCC were recruited for evaluation. The lesions were divided into two groups, simple nodular (SN group) and non‐simple nodular (non‐SN group), based on the gross morphology on pretreatment imaging, and retrospectively evaluated for treatment response and other relevant clinical outcomes.ResultsAssessing the size of individual tumors after treatment, waterfall plots showed that tumor shrinkage in the non‐SN group including 56 lesions was higher than that in the SN group comprising 39 lesions. The ORR was significantly higher in the non‐SN group (39.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.012). Additionally, the median time to nodular progression was longer in the non‐SN group (21.0 months vs. 8.1 months, p = 0.119) compared to the SN group. Six patients with non‐SN lesions underwent sequential local therapy.ConclusionsAtezolizumab plus bevacizumab may show increased therapeutic efficacy in patients with tumors with a higher potential for aggressive oncological behavior, such as non‐SN lesions. Treatment strategies focusing on conversion therapy may be crucial in patients with non‐SN lesions.
A qualitative study assessing allied health provider perceptions of telepractice functionality in therapy delivery for people with disability
Authors: Benz Cloe , Dantas Jaya , Welsh Mai , Norman Richard , Robinson Suzanne , Hendrie Delia 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionTelepractice service delivery of allied health interventions to people with disability can potentially reduce access barriers and improve service equity. However, questions remain regarding telepractice functionality for people with disability. This study addressed questions related to how allied health clinicians and managers perceive telepractice as functioning in the provision of therapy services to people with disability.MethodsThirteen interviews of allied health clinicians and managers from across Australia were conducted between 21 November and 22 February via MS teams. Qualitative methodology and critical realist theoretical paradigm underpin the study. Data analysis was completed using a reflective thematic analysis method and five themes were generated and described utilising an analytic metaphor.ResultsThe study themes were described in relation to a shopping for shoes analytic metaphor and the five themes included (1) a shoe for every foot, (2) planned purchases, (3) shoe on the other foot, (4) you need both shoes and (5) help choosing their shoes. In summary, the function of telepractice fits differently for each individual, similar to pairs of shoes.ConclusionsTelepractice has its own strengths and weaknesses and isn't a direct substitute for in‐person sessions, much like left and right shoes are similar but not the same. The results support participant perceptions that telepractice functions best as an adjunct to in‐person sessions through a flexible hybrid delivery model in the provision of therapy services to people with a disability. A strategy for improving perceived usefulness may involve positioning telepractice as unique with strengths and weaknesses, not replacing in‐person care.Patient or Public ContributionThe paper forms part of a larger codesign process which included customer and carer participants throughout the design and planning of the project, inclusion of a peer researcher, and the selection of the analytic metaphor including in the findings of this article production.
Periocular sebaceous carcinoma: updates in the diagnosis, treatment, staging, and management
Authors: Dini Federica , Susini Pietro , Nisi Giuseppe , Cuomo Roberto , Grimaldi Luca , Massi Daniela , Innocenti Alessandro , Doni Laura , Mazzini Cinzia , Santoro Nicola , De Giorgi Vincenzo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPeriocular sebaceous carcinoma (PSC) is a rare, aggressive, and potentially metastatic adnexal malignancy. Due to the ability of PSC to resemble several benign and malignant conditions, diagnosis is often delayed or mistaken. In addition, even with a known diagnosis, choosing the right treatment is still an open debate. For this reason, we decided to review the most up‐to‐date literature on PSC and propose a dedicated procedural protocol to help clinicians when dealing with PSC. A PubMed search was carried out using the terms “Sebaceous Carcinoma”, “Adnexal Periocular Cancer”, “Sebaceous Carcinoma AND eyelid”, “Periocular Sebaceous Carcinoma”, and “Ocular Adnexa”. Pertinent studies published in English from 1997 up to December 2022 were compared to the selection criteria and if suitable, included in this review. Through the initial search, 84 articles were selected. Of these, 36 were included in the final study. Several papers explored different diagnostic and therapeutic strategies regarding PSC diagnosis and management. In light of the current literature review and the multidisciplinary experience of three clinical centers, a dedicated procedural protocol is proposed. PSC diagnosis may be achieved through accurate clinical evaluation, but it requires histopathologic confirmation, which can be challenging. Dermoscopy, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, and optical coherence tomography may facilitate PSC clinical examination, while immunohistochemistry stains may support histological diagnosis. Appropriate disease staging is necessary before choosing the treatment, as local disease requires radically different treatment compared to advanced disease. In addition, recent innovations in nonsurgical treatments, including radio‐chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, may be a viable option in the most challenging cases.
Pulsed electric field processing in the dairy sector: A review of applications, quality impact and implementation challenges
Authors: Vashisht Pranav , Singh Lovepreet , Mahanta Shikhadri , Verma Digvijay , Sharma Sachin , Saini Gursharn Singh , Sharma Aditya , Chowdhury Bhaswati , Awasti Nancy , Gaurav  , Mahanta Snehadri , Chauhan Divya Singh 
Published: February 2024

SummaryCustomer priority for consuming dairy products with intact natural characteristics is leading the food processing trends towards the extensive exploration of non‐thermal technologies. Pulsed electric field (PEF) technique has arisen as a potential and sustainable processing solution. This review discusses the microbial and enzyme inactivation potential of PEF technique in milk and milk products. Alongside its effect on their natural characteristics. Its potential for better probiotic retention in spray‐dried powders, dairy waste treatment and nutrient enrichment application in dairy products has also been highlighted. PEF has demonstrated its effectiveness in ensuring the dairy product's safety with minimal effects on quality parameters. However, these findings are limited to lab and pilot scale level. Further, extensive research is needed at a commercial scale for the implementation of this technology in the dairy industry.
Nurse‐led self‐management education and support programme on self‐management behaviour and quality of life among adults with type 2 diabetes: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Diriba Dereje Chala , Leung Doris Y. P. , Suen Lorna K. P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAimThis study examined the preliminary effects of a nurse‐led self‐management education and support programme on the self‐management behaviours and quality of life among people with type 2 diabetes in Western Ethiopia.MethodsA pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted between January and August 2021. Participants were recruited in the hospital and randomly assigned to the control arm to continue usual care (n = 38) or the intervention arm to receive usual care and the diabetes self‐management education and support programme (n = 38) in the community. Self‐management behaviours and quality of life were assessed using a 10‐item summary of diabetes self‐care activity (expanded) scale and a 34‐item diabetes quality of life measure, respectively, at baseline and 2 months after follow‐up. Generalized estimating equation models were used to examine the preliminary effects of the programme on the outcomes.ResultsPreliminary results indicated that the programme outperformed usual care in self‐management practise, with large effect sizes immediately postintervention and at 2 months after the intervention, and quality of life at 2 months after the intervention.ConclusionA nurse‐led diabetes self‐management education and support intervention, including the families of people with diabetes, may be an option to boost the self‐management practise and quality of life of patients with diabetes.
Impact of the COVID‐19 related border restrictions on influenza and other common respiratory viral infections in New Zealand
Authors: Huang Q. Sue , Turner Nikki , Wood Tim , Anglemyer Andrew , McIntyre Peter , Aminisani Nayyereh , Dowell Tony , Trenholme Adrian , Byrnes Cass , Balm Michelle , McIntosh Christine , Jefferies Sarah , Grant Cameron C. , Nesdale Annette , Dobinson Hazel C. , Campbell‐Stokes Priscilla , Daniells Karen , Geoghegan Jemma , de Ligt Joep , Jelley Lauren , Seeds Ruth , Jennings Tineke , Rensburg Megan , Cueto Jort , Caballero Ernest , John Joshma , Penghulan Emmanuel , Tan Chor Ee , Ren Xiaoyun , Berquist Klarysse , O'Neill Meaghan , Marull Maritza , Yu Chang , McNeill Andrea , Kiedrzynski Tomasz , Roberts Sally , McArthur Colin , Stanley Alicia , Taylor Susan , Wong Conroy , Lawrence Shirley , Baker Michael G. , Kvalsvig Amanda , Van Der Werff Koen , McAuliffe Gary , Antoszewska Hanna , Dilcher Meik , Fahey Jennifer , Werno Anja , Elvy Juliet , Grant Jenny , Addidle Michael , Zacchi Nicolas , Mansell Chris , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Thomas Paul G. ,   BorderRestrictionImpactOnFluRSV Consortium, Webby Richard J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundNew Zealand's (NZ) complete absence of community transmission of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after May 2020, likely due to COVID‐19 elimination measures, provided a rare opportunity to assess the impact of border restrictions on common respiratory viral infections over the ensuing 2 years.MethodsWe collected the data from multiple surveillance systems, including hospital‐based severe acute respiratory infection surveillance, SHIVERS‐II, ‐III and ‐IV community cohorts for acute respiratory infection (ARI) surveillance, HealthStat sentinel general practice (GP) based influenza‐like illness surveillance and SHIVERS‐V sentinel GP‐based ARI surveillance, SHIVERS‐V traveller ARI surveillance and laboratory‐based surveillance. We described the data on influenza, RSV and other respiratory viral infections in NZ before, during and after various stages of the COVID related border restrictions.ResultsWe observed that border closure to most people, and mandatory government‐managed isolation and quarantine on arrival for those allowed to enter, appeared to be effective in keeping influenza and RSV infections out of the NZ community. Border restrictions did not affect community transmission of other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus and parainfluenza virus type‐1. Partial border relaxations through quarantine‐free travel with Australia and other countries were quickly followed by importation of RSV in 2021 and influenza in 2022.ConclusionOur findings inform future pandemic preparedness and strategies to model and manage the impact of influenza and other respiratory viral threats.
Analgesic efficacy of local infiltration anaesthesia versus femoral nerve block in alleviating postoperative wound pain following total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Dongdong , Wu Yajing , Han Shuang , Wang Xiaoyu , Jiang Li 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) often involves significant postoperative pain, necessitating effective analgesia. This meta‐analysis compares the analgesic efficacy of local infiltration anaesthesia (LIA) and femoral nerve block (FNB) in managing postoperative wound pain following TKA. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this meta‐analysis was structured around the PICO framework, assessing studies that directly compared LIA and FNB in TKA patients. A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library was conducted without time restrictions. Studies were included based on specific criteria such as participant demographics, study design and outcomes like pain scores and opioid consumption. Quality assessment utilized the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. The statistical approach was determined based on heterogeneity, with the choice of fixed‐ or random‐effects models guided by the I2 statistic. Sensitivity analysis and evaluation of publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's linear regression test were also conducted. From an initial pool of 1275 articles, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies conducted in various countries from 2007 to 2016. The meta‐analysis showed no significant difference in resting and movement‐related Visual Analogue Scale scores post‐TKA between the LIA and FNB groups. However, LIA was associated with significantly lower opioid consumption. The quality assessment revealed a low risk of bias in most studies, and the sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of these findings. There was no significant publication bias detected. Both LIA and FNB are effective in controlling postoperative pain in TKA patients, but LIA offers the advantage of lower opioid consumption. Its simplicity, cost‐effectiveness and opioid‐sparing nature make LIA the recommended choice for postoperative analgesia in knee replacement surgeries.
Variable rate premiums and defined benefit pension funding
Authors: Sadler Abbie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the association between variable rate premiums (VRPs) charged by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) and defined benefit pension funding in the United States. The PBGC requires VRPs from firms that fail to adequately fund their pension plans. Because millions rely on pension income, it is important to understand how government incentives impact pension funding decisions. In the aggregate, VRPs are positively associated with increases in pension funding. However, these premiums are not associated with excess pension contributions (EPCs) for financially distressed firms. These results suggest that financially distressed US firms engage in risk shifting. The lack of association persists even for financially distressed firms with tax benefits associated with pension funding. Finally, the association between VRPs and EPCs holds only for firms with combined lower borrowing costs and higher premiums. This finding suggests that higher premiums are not an effective incentive when firms also face higher borrowing costs and that lower premiums are not an effective incentive for EPCs, regardless of a firm's borrowing cost.
Exosome inhibition improves response to first‐line therapy in small cell lung cancer
Authors: Irep Nesrin , Inci Kubilay , Tokgun Pervin Elvan , Tokgun Onur 
Published: February 2024

AbstractExosomes are recognized as important mediators of cell‐to‐cell communication, facilitating carcinogenesis. Although there have been significant advancements in exosome research in recent decades, no drugs that target the inhibition of sEV secretion have been approved for human use. For this study, we employed GW4869 and Nexinhib20 as inhibitors of exosome synthesis and trafficking combined. First, we found that Nexinhib20 and GW4869 effectively inhibited RAB27A and neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) nsMase2. Interestingly, the inhibition of nsMase2 and RAB27A decreased expression of CD9, CD63 and Tsg101, both at RNA and protein levels. We used a combination treatment strategy of cisplatin/etoposide plus GW4869 or Nexinhib20 on small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines. The combination treatment of GW4869 or Nexinhib20 effectively enhanced the inhibitory effects of first‐line chemotherapy on the SCLC cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that reducing exosome release through GW4869 and Nexinhib20 treatment effectively reduced cellular proliferation and significantly induced apoptosis in SCLC cells. Also, we showed that combining exosome inhibition with chemotherapy has a significant synergistic effect on cellular proliferation. We also found increased p53 and p21 expressions with western blot and significantly changing Bax, BCL2, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 expressions. Inhibiting the exosome pathway offers opportunities for developing novel, effective treatment strategies for SCLC.
Crowd‐based spatial risk assessment of urban flooding: Results from a municipal flood hotline in Detroit,MI
Authors: Larson Peter S. , Thorsby Jamie Steis , Liu Xinyu , King Eleanor , Miller Carol J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractClimate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events, raising the risk of urban flood disasters. This study uses a crowd‐sourced municipal call database to characterize the spatial distribution of flood risk in Detroit, MI. Call data including dates and addresses were obtained from the City of Detroit Department of Public Works for 2021. Calls were mapped and aggregated to census tract counts and merged with neighborhood‐level data. Associations of predictors with flood calls were tested using spatial regression models. Flooding calls were located throughout the city but were concentrated in specific areas. Multivariate models of census tract level call counts indicated that increased poverty and Black, immigrant, and older residents were positively associated with flood calls, while increased elevation was associated with protective effects. Longer distances from waste water interceptors were associated with higher risk for calls. Crowd‐sourced flood hotline call data can be used for effective spatial flood risk assessment. Though flooding occurs throughout the city of Detroit, infrastructural, neighborhood, and household factors influence flooding extent. Limitations included the self‐reported nature of calls. Future modeling efforts might include input from local stakeholders to improve spatial risk assessment.
Comparison of postoperative survival between early‐onset and late‐onset adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction: a population‐based study
Authors: Chen Liubo , Jin Tian , Fang Yimin , Wu Gaoqi , Yuan Ying 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and AimThe prognosis of early‐onset adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG) remains unclear. This research aimed at comparing the prognosis between early‐onset and late‐onset AEGs.MethodsWe extracted eligible patients with surgically resected, pathologically confirmed, nonmetastatic AEG from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2015. The cutoff age of early‐onset AEG was set at ≤50 years old. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis as well as competing risk model were adopted for comparing overall survival (OS) and cancer‐specific survival (CSS) between early‐onset and late‐onset AEGs. In addition, multiple imputation and propensity score matching (PSM) were also carried out for sensitivity analysis.ResultsIn total, 4610 eligible AEG patients were collected in this study, including 610 early‐onset AEGs and 4000 late‐onset AEGs. Kaplan–Meier curves revealed significantly better survival in early‐onset AEGs than late‐onset AEGs. After interpolating missing data by multiple imputation, multivariate Cox regression analysis similarly showed better OS and CSS in early‐onset AEGs. By using PSM analysis at a ratio of 1:1, we matched 610 early‐onset AEG patients with 610 late‐onset AEG patients. After PSM, univariate Cox regression model still revealed favorable prognosis in early‐onset AEGs. Similar results were confirmed by performing PSM analysis at a ratio of 1:2 and 1:3. In addition, competing risk model demonstrated significantly lower cancer‐specific death in early‐onset AEGs compared to late‐onset AEGs before and after matching.ConclusionBy applying several effective sensitivity analyses, we reported significantly favorable OS and CSS in early‐onset AEGs compared to late‐onset AEGs.