bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Being disabled’ as an exclusion criterion for clinical trials: a scoping review
Authors: Camanni Guido , Ciccone Ornella , Lepri Alessandro , Tinarelli Chiara , Bedetti Chiara , Cicuttin Sandra , Murgia Nicola , Elisei Sandro 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPeople with disabilities (PWDs) are often excluded from biomedical research, but comprehensive data regarding their participation in clinical trials are not available. The objective of this study was to assess the rates of exclusion of PWDs from recent medical scientific research.MethodsThe protocol of the study was designed according to PRISMA-ScR (PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. All completed interventional clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov between 2010 and 2020 regarding the 10 leading causes of global disability-adjusted life-years according to the Global Burden of Disease Study were analysed. An exclusion criterion from the study was considered explicit if it could be associated with one of the following seven categories: disability, physical impairment, cognitive impairment, behavioural or psychiatric disorders, language and communication impairment, sensory impairment. Comorbidities not more clearly defined and researcher discretion regarding exclusion of study participants were considered to be ‘implicit exclusion criteria’. We assessed the appropriateness of explicit exclusion criteria in relation to the primary objectives of the trials and labelled them as ‘absolute’, ‘relative’ or ‘questionable’.ResultsThe total number of trials analysed was 2710; 170 were paediatric trials (6.3%), 2374 were adult trials (87.6%) and 166 were trials including subjects of all ages (6.1%). Explicit exclusion criteria were found in 958 trials (35.3%). The disability category most frequently excluded was behavioural or psychiatric disorders, present in 588 trials (61.4%). In only 3% and 1% of the trials, the exclusion criteria were considered either ‘absolute’ or ‘questionable’, while in 96% the exclusion criteria were judged as ‘relative’. Implicit exclusion criteria were present in 1205 trials (44.5%).ConclusionsThis study highlights the high rate of exclusion of PWDs from biomedical research and the widespread use of ill-defined exclusion criteria in clinical trials. It underscores the importance of more inclusive study designs so that PWDs can become active participants in research.
Th17-inducing dendritic cell vaccines stimulate effective CD4 T cell-dependent antitumor immunity in ovarian cancer that overcomes resistance to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Luo Yan , Shreeder Barath , Jenkins James W , Shi Huashan , Lamichhane Purushottam , Zhou Kexun , Bahr Deborah A , Kurian Sophia , Jones Katherine A , Daum Joshua I , Dutta Navnita , Necela Brian M , Cannon Martin J , Block Matthew S , Knutson Keith L 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundOvarian cancer (OC), a highly lethal cancer in women, has a 48% 5-year overall survival rate. Prior studies link the presence of IL-17 and Th17 T cells in the tumor microenvironment to improved survival in OC patients. To determine if Th17-inducing vaccines are therapeutically effective in OC, we created a murine model of Th17-inducing dendritic cell (DC) (Th17-DC) vaccination generated by stimulating IL-15 while blocking p38 MAPK in bone marrow-derived DCs, followed by antigen pulsing.MethodsID8 tumor cells were injected intraperitoneally into mice. Mice were treated with Th17-DC or conventional DC (cDC) vaccine alone or with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Systemic immunity, tumor associated immunity, tumor size and survival were examined using a variety of experimental strategies.ResultsTh17-DC vaccines increased Th17 T cells in the tumor microenvironment, reshaped the myeloid microenvironment, and improved mouse survival compared with cDC vaccines. ICB had limited efficacy in OC, but Th17-inducing DC vaccination sensitized it to anti-PD-1 ICB, resulting in durable progression-free survival by overcoming IL-10-mediated resistance. Th17-DC vaccine efficacy, alone or with ICB, was mediated by CD4 T cells, but not CD8 T cells.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize using biologically relevant immune modifiers, like Th17-DC vaccines, in OC treatment to reshape the tumor microenvironment and enhance clinical responses to ICB therapy.
Comparison of balloon guide catheter versus non-balloon guide catheter for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with distal medium vessel occlusion
Authors: Orscelik Atakan , Kallmes David F , Bilgin Cem , Musmar Basel , Senol Yigit Can , Kobeissi Hassan , Elawady Sameh Samir , Cunningham Conor , Matsukawa Hidetoshi , Zandpazandi Sara , Sowlat Mohammad-Mahdi , Maier Ilko , Al Kasab Sami , Jabbour Pascal , Kim Joon-tae , Wolfe Stacey Q , Rai Ansaar , Starke Robert M , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Samaniego Edgar A , Arthur Adam S , Yoshimura Shinichi , Cuellar Hugo , Howard Brian M , Alawieh Ali , Romano Daniele G , Tanweer Omar , Mascitelli Justin , Fragata Isabel , Polifka Adam J , Osbun Joshua W , Crosa Roberto Javier , Matouk Charles , Park Min S , Levitt Michael R , Moss Mark , Dumont Travis M , Williamson Richard , Navia Pedro , Kan Peter , De Leacy Reade , Chowdhry Shakeel A , Ezzeldin Mohamad , Spiotta Alejandro M , Brinjikji Waleed 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundSeveral studies have established the safety and efficacy of balloon guide catheters (BGCs) for large vessel occlusions. However, the utility of BGCs remains largely unexplored for distal medium vessel occlusions (DMVOs). In this study, we aim to compare the outcomes of BGC vs. Non-BGC in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for DMVO.MethodThis retrospective study from the Stroke Thrombectomy and Aneurysm Registry (STAR) encompassed adult patients with acute anterior cerebral artery, posterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery-M2–3–4 occlusions. Procedure times, safety, recanalization, and neurological outcomes were compared between the two groups, with subgroup analysis based on first-line thrombectomy techniques.ResultsA total of 1508 patients were included, with 231 patients (15.3%) in the BGC group and 1277 patients (84.7%) in the non-BGC group. The BGC group had a lower modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score ≥2C (43.2% vs 52.7%, P=0.01), longer time from puncture to intracranial access (15 vs 8 min, P<0.01), and from puncture to final recanalization (97 vs 34 min, P<0.01). In the Solumbra subgroup, the first pass effect (FPE) rate was lower in the BGC group (17.4% vs 30.7%, P=0.03). Regarding clinical outcomes, the BGC group had a lower rate of distal embolization (8.8% vs 14.9%, P=0.03).ConclusionOur study found that use of BGC in patients with DMVO was associated with lower mTICI scores, decreased FPE rates, reduced distal embolization, and longer procedure times.
Effect of anti-P ribosomal and anti-NR2 antibodies on depression and cognitive processes in SLE: an integrated clinical and functional MRI study
Authors: Chessa Elisabetta , Piga Matteo , Perra Alessandra , Pintus Elisa , Porcu Michele , Serafini Cristina , Congia Mattia , Angioni Maria Maddalena , Naitza Micaela Rita , Floris Alberto , Mathieu Alessandro , Saba Luca , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Cauli Alberto 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesTo explore the effects of anti-ribosomal P protein (anti-P) and anti-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor subunit 2 (anti-NR2) autoantibodies on depression and cognitive dysfunction and their relationships with functional brain connectivity in SLE.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included adult patients who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology/European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology 2019 SLE criteria. Anti-P and anti-NR2 were quantified using ELISA. A 1-hour battery of neuropsychological testing interpreted by a neuropsychologist explored depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, CES-D), cognitive domains and quality of life (SF-12). Resting-state functional connectivity (rs-fc) MRI analysis was performed within 1 month, and region-of-interest to region-of-interest (ROI-to-ROI) analyses with the graph theory were performed.ResultsThirty-three patients with SLE (9% male) were enrolled, mean age (SD) of 43.5 (14) years and median disease duration of 10.4 years (2.9–25.4). Anti-P was positive in 6 (18.2%) and anti-NR2 in 14 (42.4%) patients. Depressive symptoms were found in 14 (42.4%) patients using the CES-D (range 0–51). After correction for age, disease duration, disease activity and white matter lesion load, the CES-D score was independently associated with anti-P serum level (β=0.32; p=0.049) and prednisone daily dose (β=0.38; p=0.023). Nineteen patients (57.6%) showed at least a cognitive test alteration, but no significant association with autoantibodies was found. The rs-fc MRI analysis revealed an independent association between the anti-P serum levels and many altered brain ROI properties but no anti-NR2 and prednisone effects on the cerebral network.ConclusionsAnti-P was associated with brain network perturbation, which may be responsible for depressive symptoms in patients with SLE.
Physical analysis of Rastall PFRF black hole through accretion process
Authors: Rehman H. , Abbas G. , Jawad Abdul , Yang Rong-Jia , Mustafa G. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe adiabatic accretion onto the charged black hole surrounded by perfect fluid radiation field (PFRF) in Rastall gravity is addressed in this manuscript. For this purpose, mass accretion rate $$\dot{M}$$

M
˙

, critical horizon radius and some other flow parameters are being determined in the presence of polytropic fluid. Overall the process is being done analytically. The location of critical points, polytropic gas compression ratios and temperature profiles are also being investigated for different versions of polytropic equation of state. We also give the comparison of the location of critical points with case of Schwarzschild black hole in which critical points lies out side the horizon. Through above scenario, it is found that charge Q and Rastall parameter $$N_{r}$$

N
r

have deep effects on the accretion process. It is also mentioned here that under some constraints on parameters, our results reduce to Schwarzschild and charged black holes results.
Eciton: Very Low-power Recurrent Neural Network Accelerator for Real-time Inference at the Edge
Authors: Chen Jeffrey , Jun Sang-Woo , Hong Sehwan , He Warrick , Moon Jinyeong 
Published: November 2023

This article presents Eciton, a very low-power recurrent neural network accelerator for time series data within low-power edge sensor nodes, achieving real-time inference with a power consumption of 17 mW under load. Eciton reduces memory and chip resource requirements via 8-bit quantization and hard sigmoid activation, allowing the accelerator as well as the recurrent neural network model parameters to fit in a low-cost, low-power Lattice iCE40 UP5K FPGA.
We evaluate Eciton on multiple, established time-series classification applications including predictive maintenance of mechanical systems, sound classification, and intrusion detection for IoT nodes. Binary and multi-class classification edge models are explored, demonstrating that Eciton can adapt to a variety of deployable environments and remote use cases. Eciton demonstrates real-time processing at a very low power consumption with minimal loss of accuracy on multiple inference scenarios with differing characteristics, while achieving competitive power efficiency against the state-of-the-art of similar scale. We show that the addition of this accelerator actually reduces the power budget of the sensor node by reducing power-hungry wireless transmission. The resulting power budget of the sensor node is small enough to be powered by a power harvester, potentially allowing it to run indefinitely without a battery or periodic maintenance.
Investigation for Factors Affecting Body Perception Disturbance in Patients with Low Back Pain by Mechanism-Based Classification of Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kurashima Yoshito , Nakamura Takumi , Mukaiyama Taishi , Hasegawa Kenji , Kuruma Hironobu 
Published: November 2023

Background. Central sensitization is a pathophysiological cause of chronic low back pain and is linked with psychosocial factors. The association between central sensitization (CS) and body perception disturbance is currently unclear, and no prior studies have investigated this relationship in patients with acute or subacute low back pain. The objective of this study was to investigate potential factors that influence body perception disturbance using a mechanistic classification of low back pain. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted at the time of initial physical therapy in patients with low back pain. During the study period, 169 patients were recruited. Pain intensity, disease duration, disability, CS, and body perception disturbance were evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups according to the pathology of low back pain, and multivariate analysis was used to examine factors affecting body perception disturbance. The dependent variable was Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire (FreBAQ); the independent variables were age, gender, BMI, VAS, disease duration, RDQ, and CS Inventory-9 (CSI-9). Results. A total of 117 patients were included in our analysis. According to the mechanistic classification of pain, 66 (56.4%), 36 (30.8%), and 15 (12.8%) patients were categorized as having nociceptive pain (NP), peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP), and CS pain (CSP), respectively. Patients with PNP or CSP were significantly older than those with NP

p

<

0.01

. FreBAQ and RDQ scores were significantly higher in patients with CSP than those with NP

p

<

0.05

. The results of multiple regression analyses indicated that CSI-9 scores were significantly associated with FreBAQ

p

<

0.01

. Conclusion. Patients with CS syndrome and low back pain tend to have higher CSI-9 scores and be older. Body perception disturbance is influenced by CS or CS syndrome, regardless of the stage of low back pain, suggesting that patients with chronic low back pain tend to have low body image.
A Fully Automated Deep-Learning Model for Predicting the Molecular Subtypes of Posterior Fossa Ependymomas Using T2-Weighted Images
Authors: Cheng Dan , Zhuo Zhizheng , Du Jiang , Weng Jinyuan , Zhang Chengzhou , Duan Yunyun , Sun Ting , Wu Minghao , Guo Min , Hua Tiantian , Jin Ying , Peng Boyang , Li Zhaohui , Zhu Mingwang , Imami Maliha , Bettegowda Chetan , Sair Haris , Bai Harrison X. , Barkhof Frederik , Liu Xing , Liu Yaou 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
We aimed to develop and validate a deep learning (DL) model to automatically segment posterior fossa ependymoma (PF-EPN) and predict its molecular subtypes [Group A (PFA) and Group B (PFB)] from preoperative MR images.

Experimental Design:
We retrospectively identified 227 PF-EPNs (development and internal test sets) with available preoperative T2-weighted (T2w) MR images and molecular status to develop and test a 3D nnU-Net (referred to as T2-nnU-Net) for tumor segmentation and molecular subtype prediction. The network was externally tested using an external independent set [n = 40; subset-1 (n = 31) and subset-2 (n =9)] and prospectively enrolled cases [prospective validation set (n = 27)]. The Dice similarity coefficient was used to evaluate the segmentation performance. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for molecular subtype prediction was performed.

Results:
For tumor segmentation, the T2-nnU-Net achieved a Dice score of 0.94 ± 0.02 in the internal test set. For molecular subtype prediction, the T2-nnU-Net achieved an AUC of 0.93 and accuracy of 0.89 in the internal test set, an AUC of 0.99 and accuracy of 0.93 in the external test set. In the prospective validation set, the model achieved an AUC of 0.93 and an accuracy of 0.89. The predictive performance of T2-nnU-Net was superior or comparable to that of demographic and multiple radiologic features (AUCs ranging from 0.87 to 0.95).

Conclusions:
A fully automated DL model was developed and validated to accurately segment PF-EPNs and predict molecular subtypes using only T2w MR images, which could help in clinical decision-making.
Experiences of Family Communication and Cascade Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer in Medically Underserved Populations—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bednar Erica M. , Rauh-Hain J. Alejandro , Garcia Jose J. , de Aguinaga Norma , Powell Mary Anne , Peral Sylvia L. , Nitecki Roni , Jorgensen Kirsten , Rudy Natasha L. , Lu Karen H. , Leath Charles A. , Scarinci Isabel C. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We sought to explore the intrafamilial communication and cascade genetic testing (CGT) experiences of patients with hereditary cancer from diverse, medically underserved populations and their relatives. Participants included patients receiving oncology care at an urban, safety net hospital in Texas or comprehensive cancer center in Alabama and their first-degree relatives. In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were completed wherein patients shared their experiences with genetic counseling (GC), genetic testing (GT), and communicating their results to relatives. Relatives shared their experiences receiving information from the patient and considering CGT. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and themes were identified. Of 25 participating patients, most recalled key aspects of GC and their GT results. Most (80%) patients shared their results with relatives, but only some relatives underwent CGT; patients reported low perceived susceptibility to hereditary cancer as a common barrier to CGT for their relatives. Of 16 participating relatives, most reported feeling distress upon learning the patient's GT results. Relatives were fearful of learning their own CGT results but identified prevention and early detection as CGT benefits. Interviews identified opportunities during family communication to improve relatives’ perceived susceptibility to hereditary cancer. Tailored resources may support patients and relatives experiencing distress and fear during GT.

Prevention Relevance:
This study of intrafamilial communication and cascade genetic testing experiences of patients with hereditary cancer and their relatives from diverse, medically underserved populations identified relatives’ perceived susceptibility to hereditary cancer risks, distress, and fear as frequent reactions and barriers to testing. These results may inform future hereditary cancer prevention efforts.
Criteria for Diagnosis and Molecular Monitoring of NPM1-Mutated AML
Authors: Falini Brunangelo , Dillon Richard 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

NPM1-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents the largest molecular subgroup of adult AML. NPM1-mutated AML is recognizable by molecular techniques and immunohistochemistry, which, when combined, can solve difficult diagnostic problems (including identification of myeloid sarcoma and NPM1 mutations outside exon 12). According to updated 2022 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) guidelines, determining the mutational status of NPM1 (and FLT3) is a mandatory step for the genetic-based risk stratification of AML. Monitoring of measurable residual disease (MRD) by qRT-PCR, combined with ELN risk stratification, can guide therapeutic decisions at the post-remission stage. Here, we review the criteria for appropriate diagnosis and molecular monitoring of NPM1-mutated AML.

Significance:
NPM1-mutated AML represents a distinct entity in the 2022 International Consensus Classification and 5th edition of World Health Organization classifications of myeloid neoplasms. The correct diagnosis of NPM1-mutated AML and its distinction from other AML entities is extremely important because it has clinical implications for the management of AML patients, such as genetic-based risk stratification according to 2022 ELN. Monitoring of MRD by qRT-PCR, combined with ELN risk stratification, can guide therapeutic decisions at the post-remission stage, e.g., whether or not to perform allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
The Media and the Islands Crisis
Authors: Abdelrahim Amr 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Attracting large audiences during the late Mubarak era and the revolutionary period that followed, Egyptian political talk show hosts played an important role in supporting the authoritarian rollback initiated during the summer of 2013 before seemingly losing much of their hard-won influence. To understand their marginalization better, this article claims that the habits and practices these secular preachers acquired, through a relatively autonomous configuration of their field, did not match the post-2013 regime’s media vision. This observation is supported by discourse analysis of the hosts covering the 2016 Islands crisis, highlighting how their discursive strategies, namely the pluralistic ‘in-betweenness’ of most pundits, were rooted in their career trajectories and how they failed to contain the dislocation of the hegemonic discourse, thereby pushing securocrats to strip the media field of its remaining autonomy.
Quantification of Long-Range Dependence in Hydroclimatic Time Series: A Method-Comparison Study
Authors: Niu Jingyi , Xie Ping , Sang Yan-Fang , Zhang Liping , Wu Linqian , Zhu Yanxin , Sivakumar Bellie , Huo Jingqun , Chen Deliang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Accurate evaluation of the long-range dependence in hydroclimatic time series is important for understanding its inherent characteristics. However, the reliability of its evaluation may be questioned, since different methods may yield various outcomes. In this study, we evaluate the performances of seven widely used methods for estimating long-range dependence: absolute moment estimation, difference variance estimation, residuals variance estimation, rescaled range estimation, periodogram estimation, wavelet estimation (WLE), and discrete second derivative estimation (DSDE). We examine the influences of six major factors: data length, mean value, three nonstationary components (trend, jump, and periodicity), and one stationary component (short-range dependence). Results from the Monte Carlo experiments show that WLE and DSDE have greater credibility than the other five methods. They also reveal that data length, as well as stationary and nonstationary components, have notable influences on the evaluation of long-range dependence. Following it, we use the WLE and DSDE methods to evaluate the long-range dependence of precipitation during 1961–2015 on the Tibetan Plateau. The results indicate that the precipitation variability mirrors the long-range dependence of the Indian summer monsoon but with obvious spatial difference. This result is consistent with the observations made by previous studies, further confirming the superiority of the WLE and DSDE methods. The outcomes from this study have important implications for modeling and prediction of hydroclimatic time series.