bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Benson’s Relaxation Technique on Coping Strategies Among Informal Caregivers of Cancer Patients
Authors: Barghbani Hamid , Heshmatifar Narjes , Mahdavifar Neda , Ansari Mojgan , Sahebkar Mohammad 
Published: January 2024

Background
Informal caregivers of cancer patients often experience high levels of stress and burden, leading to the adoption of ineffective coping strategies. This can result in psychological problems for the caregivers and inadequate care provision.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the impact of Benson’s relaxation technique (BRT) on coping strategies among informal caregivers of cancer patients.

Interventions/Methods
This open-label randomized clinical trial enrolled 113 caregivers visiting the radiotherapy and chemotherapy departments of Vasei Hospital in Sabzevar, Iran, who scored ≥48 on the Novak and Guest Caregiver Burden Inventory. The participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received BRT, with participants performing the technique twice a day for 20 minutes each time over a 1-month period. The control group did not receive any intervention. Coping strategies were assessed using Endler and Parker’s coping strategies inventory.

Results
The findings of the study revealed that the intervention group showed an increase in the utilization of problem-oriented coping strategies (P = .076) and a decrease in the utilization of emotion-oriented coping strategies (P < .001) and avoidance-oriented coping strategies in the intervention group compared with the control group (P = .004).

Conclusions
Findings suggest that BRT, as a cost-effective and nonpharmacological intervention, effectively reduces the reliance on emotion-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping strategies among informal caregivers of cancer patients.

Implications for Practice
Healthcare professionals working in oncology settings are encouraged to incorporate BRT into their care practices.
HAF Prevents Hepatocyte Apoptosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Transcriptional Regulation of the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Pilarte Karen Acuña , Reichert Ethan Conrad , Green Yangsook Song , Halberg Lily Marie-Therese , McFarland Sydney A. , Mimche Patrice N. , Golkowski Martin , Kamdem Severin Donald , Maguire Kathleen M. , Summers Scott. A. , Maschek J. Alan , Reelitz Jordan William , Cox James Eric , Evason Kimberley Jane , Koh Mei Yee 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence is increasing worldwide due to the obesity epidemic, which drives metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) that can lead to HCC. However, the molecular pathways that lead to MASH-HCC are poorly understood. We have previously reported that male mice with global haploinsufficiency of hypoxia-associated factor, HAF (SART1+/-) spontaneously develop MASH/HCC. However, the cell type(s) responsible for HCC associated with HAF loss are unclear.ResultsSART1-floxed mice were crossed with mice expressing Cre-recombinase within hepatocytes (Alb-Cre; hepS-/-) or macrophages (LysM-Cre, macS-/-). Only hepS-/-mice (both male and female) developed HCC suggesting that HAF protects against HCC primarily within hepatocytes. HAF-deficient macrophages showed decreased P-p65 and P-p50 and in many major components of the NF-κB pathway, which was recapitulated using HAF siRNAin vitro. HAF depletion increased apoptosis bothin vitroandin vivo, suggesting that HAF mediates a tumor suppressor role by suppressing hepatocyte apoptosis. We show that HAF regulates NF-κB activity by controlling transcription ofTRADDandRIPK1. Mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) showed marked suppression of HAF, P-p65 and TRADD within their livers after 26 weeks, but manifest profound upregulation of HAF, P-65 and TRADD within their livers after 40 weeks of HFD, implicating deregulation of the HAF-NF-κB axis in the progression to MASH. In humans, HAF was significantly decreased in livers with simple steatosis but significantly increased in HCC compared to normal liver.ConclusionsHAF is novel transcriptional regulator of the NF-κB pathway that protects against hepatocyte apoptosis and is a key determinant of cell fate during progression to MASH and MASH-HCC.
Predicting individual long-term prognosis of spatial neglect based on acute stroke patient data
Authors: Röhrig Lisa , Wiesen Daniel , Li Dongyun , Karnath Hans-Otto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOne of the most pressing questions after a stroke is whether an individual patient will recover in the long-term. Previous studies demonstrated that spatial neglect – a common behavioral deficit after right hemispheric stroke – is a strong predictor for poor performance on a wide range of everyday tasks and for resistance to rehabilitation. The possibility of predicting long-term prognosis of spatial neglect is therefore of great relevance. The aim of the present study was to test the prognostic value of different imaging and non-imaging features from right hemispheric stroke patients: individual demographics (age, sex), initial neglect severity, and acute lesion information (size, location). Patients’ behavior was tested twice in the acute and the chronic phases of stroke and prediction models were built using machine learning-based algorithms with repeated nested cross-validation and feature selection. Model performances indicate that demographic information seemed less beneficial. The best variable combination comprised individual neglect severity in the acute phase of stroke, together with lesion location and size. The latter were based on individual lesion overlaps with a previously proposed chronic neglect region-of-interest (ROI) that covers anterior parts of the superior and middle temporal gyri and the basal ganglia. These variables achieved a remarkably high level of accuracy by explaining 66% of the total variance of neglect patients, making them promising features in the prediction of individual outcome prognosis.
Applying a Motivational Instructional Design Model to Stroke Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study in Occupational Therapy and Swallowing Therapy Settings
Authors: Oyake Kazuaki , Watanabe Shota , Takeuchi Ayano , Yoshida Taiki , Shigematsu Takashi , Natsume Yuuki , Tsuzuku Shigeki , Kondo Kunitsugu , Fujishima Ichiro , Otaka Yohei , Tanaka Satoshi 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVEThis feasibility study aimed to investigate the feasibility of applying a motivational instructional design model to stroke rehabilitation and its potential physical and mental health effects in occupational and swallowing therapy settings.DESIGNAn open-label, single-arm, feasibility study.SETTINGConvalescent rehabilitation hospitals.PARTICIPANTSTwenty-five patients with stroke (19 males; mean age 62.4 ± 11.9 years) were recruited from two convalescent rehabilitation hospitals.INTERVENTIONSThe intervention was to motivate participants during rehabilitation sessions based on the motivational instructional design model and was delivered to 12 and 13 participants in two hospitals during occupational and swallowing therapy sessions, respectively. The intervention was given for 40–60 min daily, 5 days weekly for 4 weeks (25 sessions).MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary outcome was feasibility, including the drop-out rate, an adverse event, and the participants’ acceptability of the intervention. Additionally, physical (activities of daily living, motor function of the paretic upper extremity, and swallowing ability) and mental health (depressive symptoms and apathy) outcomes were evaluated before and after the intervention.RESULTSNo participants dropped out of the intervention or experienced an adverse event. Twenty-one participants (84%) were satisfied with the intervention, and 19 (76%) hoped to continue receiving it. After the intervention, statistically significant improvements with a large effect size were found in physical outcomes (Cohen’s r = 0.68–0.85) but not in mental health outcomes (Cohen’s r = 0.31–0.34).CONCLUSIONSThe application of the motivational instructional design model to occupational and swallowing therapies after stroke was feasible with the potential to improve physical outcomes.
Knowledge is not all you need to generate trust in AI use in healthcare
Authors: Li Anson Kwok Choi , Rauf Ijaz A. , Keshavjee Karim 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundCanada has invested significantly in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development over the last several years. Canadians’ knowledge of and attitudes towards AI in healthcare are understudied.ObjectivesTo explore the relationships between age, gender, education level, and income on Canadians’ knowledge of AI, their comfort with its use in healthcare, and their comfort with using personal health data in AI research.MethodsOrdinal logistics regression and multivariate polynomial regression were applied to data from the 2021 Canadian Digital Health Survey using RStudio and SigmaZone’s Design of Experiments Pro.ResultsFemale and older Canadians self-report less knowledge about AI than males and other genders and younger Canadians. Female Canadians and healthcare professionals are less comfortable with use of AI in healthcare compared to males and people with other levels of education. Discomfort appears to stem from concerns about data security and the current maturity level of the technology.ConclusionKnowledge of AI and the use of AI in healthcare are inversely correlated with age and directly correlated with education and income levels. Overall, female respondents self-reported less knowledge and comfort with AI in healthcare and research than other genders. Privacy concerns should continue to be addressed as a major consideration when implementing AI tools. Canadians, especially older females, not only need more education about AI in healthcare, but also need more reassurance about the safe and responsible use of their data and how bias and other issues with AI are being addressed.Author SummaryArtificial intelligence (AI) and its application has garnered significant public interest and excitement within healthcare in recent years. However, its successful integration and use in healthcare will depend on patient and user adoption. As a result, AI tools may be limited in healthcare when user concerns are not carefully addressed and if patients are not educated about how these technologies work. While there have been studies on the attitudes of clinicians and healthcare professionals toward AI, little is known about the general public’s perception of AI within the healthcare setting. Our study addresses this gap in the literature by analyzing data from the 2021 Canadian Digital Health Survey to understand the relationships between Canadians’ attitudes towards AI and various socioeconomic and demographic factors. Our results found that older Canadians, Canadians with less formal education and women need to be better informed about the safe and responsible use of AI and be reassured about good data security practices before it can be broadly accepted by them. In addition, the element of trust may be a factor that is contributing to the higher levels of discomfort with AI observed in middle-aged Canadians. The findings from this study will help stakeholders better implement and broaden the accessibility of AI technologies.
Wei Ren Anti-Wart Formula combined with photodynamic therapy for Condyloma acuminate: a double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial
Authors: Yang ShiYan , Hua Liang , Guo Dongjie , Wang Yifei , Wei Xuqiang , Li Fulun 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionCondyloma acuminate (CA) is a chronic disease with a high rate of recurrence which has a detrimental impact on patients’ physical and mental health, as well as their quality of life and socioeconomic advancement. Photodynamic therapy is a less invasive and selective intervention for CA, but its safety and high price limit its utilization. Wei Ren Anti-Wart Formula (WRAWF), is a promising Chinese medicine for CA, however, the evidence of its effectiveness and safety is scarcely. This trial aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness, safety, and recurrence management of WRAWF combined with photodynamic in the CA patients.Methods and analysisA double-blind, randomized, parallel-group trial was designed. Participants will recruit in the Yue Yang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. The sample size is 148 CA patients (74 in each group), will randomly divide into the trial and control groups. followed up at weeks 6, 10, and 14 after the 2-week treatment period. The recurrence rate will be set as the primary outcome. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of pain, the rate of infection, superficial scarring, and the type, severity, and incidence of adverse events will be carefully documented at 0,1,2,6,10,14 weeks.Ethics and disseminationThis trial has approved by the Ethics Committee of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (No. 2023-023). Meanwhile, informed consent was provided by all patients conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300071609;www.chictr.org.cn;Registered on April19, 2023(first version).
Estimating the Effect of PrEP in Black Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Framework to Utilize Data from Multiple Non-Randomized Studies to Estimate Causal Effects
Authors: Meisner Allison , Xia Fan , Chan Kwun C.G. , Mayer Kenneth , Wheeler Darrell , Zangeneh Sahar , Donnell Deborah 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACTBlack men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately burdened by the HIV epidemic in the US. The effectiveness of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV infection has been demonstrated through randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials in several populations. Importantly, no such trial has been conducted exclusively among Black MSM in the US, and it would be unethical and infeasible to do so now. To estimate the causal effects of PrEP access, initiation, and adherence on HIV risk, we utilized causal inference methods to combine data from two non-randomized studies that exclusively enrolled Black MSM. The estimated relative risks of HIV were: (i) 0.52 (95% confidence interval: 0.21, 1.22) for individuals with versus without PrEP access, (ii) 0.48 (0.12, 0.89) for individuals who initiated PrEP but were not adherent versus those who did not initiate, and (iii) 0.23 (0.02, 0.80) for individuals who were adherent to PrEP versus those who did not initiate. Beyond addressing the knowledge gap around the effect of PrEP in Black MSM in the US, which may have ramifications for public health, we have provided a framework to combine data from multiple non-randomized studies to estimate causal effects, which has broad utility.
scRNA-seq reveals persistent aberrant differentiation of nasal epithelium driven by TNFα and TGFβ in post-COVID syndrome
Authors: Fähnrich A. , Reddy K.D. , Ott F. , Maluje Y. , Saurabh R. , Schaaf A. , Winkelmann S. , Voß B. , Laudien M. , Bahmer T. , Heyckendorf Jan , Brinkmann F. , Schreiber S. , Lieb W. , Weckmann M. , Busch H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPost-COVID syndrome (PCS) currently affects approximately 3-17% of people following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and has the potential to become a significant global health burden. PCS presents with various symptoms, and methods for improved PCS assessment are presently developed to guide therapy. Nevertheless, there are few mechanistic insights and treatment options. Here, we performed single-cell RNA transcriptomics on nasal biopsies from 33 patients suffering from PCS with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. We identified 17 different cell clusters representing 12 unique cell populations, including all major epithelial cell types of the conducting airways and basal, secretory, and ciliated cells. Severe PCS was associated with decreased numbers of ciliated cells and the presence of immune cells. Ensuing inflammatory signaling upregulated TGFβ and induced an epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which led to the high abundance of basal cells and a mis-stratified epithelium. We confirmed the resultsin vitrousing an air-liquid interface culture and validated TNFα as the causal inflammatory cytokine. In summary, our results show that one mechanism for sustained PCS is not through continued viral load, but through the presence of immune cells in nasal tissue leading to impaired mucosal barrier function and repeated infections. These findings could be further explored as a therapeutic option akin to other chronic inflammatory diseases by inhibiting the TNFα-TGFβ axis, restoring the nasal epithelium, and reducing respiratory tract-related infections.
Pathways to mental health services across local health systems in sub-Saharan Africa: Findings from a Systematic Review
Authors: Williams Samuel Adeyemi , Baldeh Mamadu , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Robinson Dimbintsoa Rakotomalala , Adeniyi Yetunde C. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMental illnesses significantly affect patients, families, and their communities. The different pathways to care, both formal and informal, influenced the timing and appropriate care. This literature review identifies pathways to access mental health services and suggests a collaborative model for mental health care across sub-Saharan Africa. We systematically searched multiple databases for studies reporting on primary qualitative and quantitative studies on pathways to mental healthcare services across Sub-Saharan Africa. Descriptive analysis of pathway stages was done according to Goldberg and Huxley’s ’model of Levels and Filters’. Overall, twenty-nine We included 29 studies in the final review. Biomedical services were the preferred treatment option. The majority (70%) used traditional and religious healers as the first point of mental health care. The median duration for the delay in seeking treatment in a health facility was six and fifty-four months. Patients who sought care from traditional and faith healers were found to have experienced the most prolonged delay without treatment. This study emphasizes that the call for collaboration between the two care systems can no longer be ignored. A proposed new model for collaboration between biomedical and traditional /faith healers that focuses on education and adopting a new referral framework.
Intestinal interstitial fluid isolation provides novel insight into the human host-microbiome interface
Authors: Avery Ellen G. , Haag Lea-Maxie , McParland Victoria , Kedziora Sarah M. , Zigra Gabriel J. , Valdes Daniela S. , Kirchner Marieluise , Popp Oliver , Geisberger Sabrina , Nonn Olivia , Karlsen Tine V. , N’Diaye Gabriele , Yarritu Alex , Bartolomaeus Hendrik , Bartolomaeus Theda U.P. , Wimmer Moritz I. , Haase Nadine , Wilhelm Andreas , Grütz Gerald , Tenstad Olav , Wilck Nicola , Forslund Sofia K. , Klopfleisch Robert , Kühl Anja A. , Atreya Raja , Kempa Stefan , Mertins Philipp , Siegmund Britta ,   TRR241 IBDome Consortium, Wiig Helge , Müller Dominik N. 
Published: January 2024

AimsThe gastrointestinal (GI) tract is composed of distinct subregions which exhibit segment-specific differences in microbial colonization and (patho)physiological characteristics. Gut microbes can be collectively considered as an active endocrine organ. Microbes produce metabolites, which can be taken up by the host and can actively communicate with the immune cells in the gut lamina propria with consequences for cardiovascular health. Variation in bacterial load and composition along the GI tract may influence the mucosal microenvironment and thus be reflected its interstitial fluid (IF). Characterization of the segment-specific microenvironment is challenging and largely unexplored because of lack of available tools.Method and ResultsHere, we developed methods, namely tissue centrifugation and elution, to collect IF from the mucosa of different intestinal segments. These methods were first validated in rats and mice, and the tissue elution method was subsequently translated for use in humans. These new methods allowed us to quantify microbiota-derived metabolites, mucosa-derived cytokines, and proteins at their site-of-action. Quantification of short-chain fatty acids showed enrichment in the colonic IF. Metabolite and cytokine analyses revealed differential abundances within segments, often significantly increased compared to plasma, and proteomics revealed that proteins annotated to the extracellular phase were site-specifically identifiable in IF and were differentially expressed when compared to matched serum, all suggesting local synthesis.ConclusionCollection of IF from defined segments and the direct measurement of mediators at the site-of-action in rodents and humans bypasses the limitations of indirect analysis of fecal samples or serum, providing direct insight into this understudied compartment.
The behavior of strengthened RC beams under pure torsion using NSM-CFRP rope
Authors: Ashteyat Ahmed , Obaidat Ala Taleb , Obeidat Yasmeen Taleb , Bani Awwad Ahmad 
Published: January 2024

PurposeThe paper aims to introduces an experimental work to investigate the torsional behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened by near-surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) ropes.Design/methodology/approachIn this research, nine rectangular RC beams of 250 mm × 300 mm cross-section and 1,600 mm in length were constructed and tested considering the studied parameters. These parameters include the length of the CFRP rope, the orientation of the CFRP rope, the arrangement of longitudinal and the scheme of NSM-CFRP ropes.FindingsIn comparison to control specimens, the results demonstrate a considerable improvement in the torsional response of RC beams strengthened with the CFRP rope. Additionally, specimens strengthened with 90° vertical ropes increase torsional moment capacity more efficiently than specimens strengthened with 45° inclined ropes since the stress concentration leads to premature debonding of the CFRP rope. Whereas RC beams' ability to withstand torsional moments is reduced as the distance between reinforcing CFRP ropes is increased. According to test results, adding CFRP ropes to RC beams' bottoms had a slightly positive impact on torsional response.Originality/valueThis paper fulfills an identified need to study how the using of the CFRP rope is effective in strengthening RC beam subjected to torsion moment.