bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward pre-symptomatic screening for Alzheimer’s dementia in five European countries: a comparison of family members of people with Alzheimer’s dementia versus non-family members
Authors: Angelidou Ioanna A. , Makri Marina , Beyreuther Konrad , Boada Rovira Mercè , Despoti Akyllina , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Miguel Andrea , Rodríguez Isabel , Stocker Hannah , Temmerman Joke , Tsolaki Magda , Yener Görsev , Yerlikaya Deniz , Teichmann Birgit 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Pre-symptomatic screening is getting more attention in healthcare as it detects the risk for developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which is very useful for treatment or prevention. AD screening could play an important role in individuals with at least one affected first-degree relative, but also without family history. As the demand for screening is rising worldwide, it is important to consider possible cross-cultural differences in attitudes toward pre-symptomatic screening in order to tailor healthcare services to the needs of each country.Objective: This study aims to investigate the attitudes of family members and non-family members of people with dementia toward pre-symptomatic screening and explore possible differences in attitudes across five European countries (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, Turkey) using translated versions of the “Perceptions regarding pRE-symptomatic Alzheimer’s Disease Screening” questionnaire (PRE-ADS).Methods: The multicultural sample (N = 650) was recruited from samples that were previously used in validation studies of the translated PRE-ADS versions. The subscale “Acceptability of Screening”, consisting of five PRE-ADS items to specifically explore willingness to undergo screening, was created. Ιnternal consistency was measured, and structural validity was determined using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Group comparisons were performed to investigate differences in attitudes toward pre-symptomatic AD screening regarding family history and country of origin using the PRE-ADS and the “Acceptability of Screening” mean scores.Results: Construct validity was acceptable for the PRE-ADS. Both the PRE-ADS (α = 0.76) and its subscale “Acceptability of Screening” (α = 0.90) had good internal consistency. Overall, 56.9% of the total sample expressed a positive intention toward pre-symptomatic AD screening. T-tests showed significantly higher mean scores of participants with an affected family member. An international comparison revealed differences in the “Acceptability of Screening” mean score across the five European countries. No cross-cultural differences were found for the PRE-ADS mean score after adjusting for confounding variables.Conclusion: The PRE-ADS and its subscale are reliable tools for assessing pre-symptomatic AD screening attitudes. Variations in the acceptability of screening seem to be linked to family history and cultural influences. Further research with larger samples is needed to explore underlying relationships.
Efficacy and safety of sublingual versus subcutaneous immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Jiumei , Lei Sihong 
Published: December 2023

AimTo systematically compare the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in children with allergic rhinitis (AR).MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to March 2, 2023. Outcomes included symptom scores (SSs), medication scores (MSs), symptom and medication scores (SMSs), new sensitizations, development of asthma, improvement, and treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The quality of the included studies was assessed by the modified Jadad scale and Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Meta-regression was carried out to explore the source of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was further conducted in terms of study design [randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies], allergen [house dust mites (HDMs), grass pollen], treatment duration (≥ 24, 12-23 or &lt; 12 months), allergen immunotherapy (AIT) modality (drops or tablets), and AIT protocol [continuous, pre-seasonal, co-seasonal, or after the grass pollen season (GPS)]. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for all outcomes. A Bayesian framework and a Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) model were developed for indirect comparison.ResultsTotally 50 studies with 10813 AR children were included, with 4122 treated with SLIT, 1852 treated with SCIT, and 4839 treated with non-SLIT or non-SCIT therapy. For direct comparison, the SLIT group had a similar SS to the SCIT group [pooled standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.46, 1.28, P = 0.353]. Comparable MSs were observed in the SLIT and SCIT groups (pooled SMD: 0.82, 95%CI: -0.88, 2.53, P = 0.344). For indirect comparison, no significant differences were found in SSs (pooled SMD: 1.20, 95% credibility interval (CrI): -1.70, 4.10), MSs (pooled SMD: 0.57, 95%CrI: -1.20, 2.30), SMSs (pooled SMD: 1.80, 95%CrI: -0.005, 3.60), new sensitizations [pooled relative risk (RR): 0.34, 95%CrI: 0.03, 3.58], and development of asthma (pooled RR: 0.68, 95%CrI: 0.01, 26.33) between the SLIT and SCIT groups; the SLIT group illustrated a significantly lower incidence of TRAEs than the SCIT group (pooled RR: 0.17, 95%CrI: 0.11, 0.26).ConclusionConsidering both efficacy and safety, SLIT might be a more favorable AIT than SCIT in the treatment of pediatric AR, which may serve as a decision-making reference for clinicians.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO (CRD42023460693).
Lineage tracing of T cell differentiation from T-iPSC by 2D feeder-free culture and 3D organoid culture
Authors: Ishiguro Yoshitaka , Iriguchi Shoichi , Asano Shinya , Shinohara Tokuyuki , Shiina Sara , Arima Suguru , Kassai Yoshiaki , Sakai Yoshiharu , Obama Kazutaka , Kaneko Shin 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionT cells induced from induced pluripotent stem cells(iPSCs) derived from antigen-specific T cells (T-iPS-T cells) are an attractive tool for T cell immunotherapy. The induction of cytotoxic T-iPS-T cells is well established in feeder-free condition for the aim of off-the-shelf production, however, the induction of helper T-iPS-T cells remains challenging.MethodsWe analyzed T-iPS-T cells matured in 3D organoid culture at different steps in the culture process at the single-cell level. T-iPS-T cell datasets were merged with an available human thymocyte dataset based in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Particularly, we searched for genes crucial for generation CD4+ T-iPS-T cells by comparing T-iPS-T cells established in 2D feeder-free or 3D organoid culture.ResultsThe scRNA-seq data indicated that T-iPS-T cells are similar to T cells transitioning to human thymocytes, with SELENOW, GIMAP4, 7, SATB1, SALMF1, IL7R, SYTL2, S100A11, STAT1, IFITM1, LZTFL1 and SOX4 identified as candidate genes for the 2D feeder-free induction of CD4+ T-iPS-T cells.DiscussionThis study provides single cell transcriptome datasets of iPS-T cells and leads to further analysis for CD4+ T cell generation from T-iPSCs.
The causal relationship between risk of developing bronchial asthma and frailty: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Xiao , Xu Haoran , Xie Jinghui , Zhang Lu , Shi Mengyao , Li Zegeng 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundA potential link between asthma and frailty has been suggested in previous studies. However, the nature of the causal relationship between these two conditions warrants further investigation. Therefore, this study assessed the bidirectional causality between asthma and frailty risk using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR).MethodsThe study data were obtained from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset, with 337,159 samples representing asthma data and 175,226 samples representing frailty. The causal relationship between the two disorders was assessed by selecting the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), significantly associated with both asthma and frailty. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the main analytical method to estimate the possible influence of causality. Sensitivity analysis was also performed using Mr-Egger intercept, funnel plot, “leave-one-out,” and Cochran Q test. In addition, potential mediators were investigated by risk factor analysis.ResultThe IVW method showed an increased risk of frailty due to increased genetic susceptibility factors and the number of to asthma (OR = 2.325, 95%CI:1.958–2.761; p = 6.527498e-22), while no horizontal pleiotropy was observed for the Mr-Egger intercept (p = 0.609) and the funnel plot. The Cochran Q value was 72.858, p = 0.024, and there was heterogeneity in the Cochran Q-value. No single SNP was observed for “leave-one-out” that had a biasing effect on the instrumental variables. In addition, genetic susceptibility to frailty was associated with asthma (OR = 1.088, 95%CI:1.058–1.119; p = 4.815589e-09). In the causal relationship described above, several risk factors for frailty are complex, with asthma leading to a significant reduction in physical activity endurance.ConclusionOur findings suggest a probable positive causal effect of asthma on the risk of developing frailty, potentially mediated by reduced physical activity endurance. At the same time, a causal relationship exists between frailty and asthma. Therefore, assessment strategies for frailty should include asthma and vice versa.
High proportions of post-exertional malaise and orthostatic intolerance in people living with post-COVID-19 condition: the PRIME post-COVID study
Authors: Pagen Demi M. E. , Van Herck Maarten , van Bilsen Céline J. A. , Brinkhues Stephanie , Konings Kevin , den Heijer Casper D. J. , Spruit Martijn A. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M. 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundExercise-based treatments can worsen/exacerbate symptoms in people who were SARS-CoV-2 positive and living with post-COVID-19 condition (PL-PCC) and who have post-exertional malaise (PEM) or orthostatic intolerance (OI). Nevertheless, PEM and OI are not routinely assessed by clinicians. We estimated PEM and OI proportions in PL-PCC, as well as in people not living with PCC (PnL-PCC) and negatives (i.e., never reported a SARS-CoV-2 positive test), and identified associated factors.MethodsParticipants from the Prevalence, Risk factors, and Impact Evaluation (PRIME) post-COVID-19 condition study were included. PEM and OI were assessed using validated questionnaires. PCC was defined as feeling unrecovered after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multivariable regression analyses to study PEM and OI were stratified for sex.ResultsData from 3,783 participants were analyzed. In PL-PCC, the proportion of PEM was 48.1% and 41.2%, and the proportion of OI was 29.3% and 27.9% in women and men, respectively. Proportions were higher in PL-PCC than negatives, for PEM in women OR=4.38 [95%CI:3.01–6.38]; in men OR = 4.78 [95%CI:3.13–7.29]; for OI in women 3.06 [95%CI:1.97-4.76]; in men 2.71 [95%CI:1.75–4.21]. Associated factors were age ≤ 60 years, ≥1 comorbidities, and living alone.ConclusionHigh proportions of PEM and OI are observed in PL-PCC. Standard screening for PEM and OI is recommended in PL-PCC to promote appropriate therapies.
Optimization of pharmacological interventions in the guinea pig animal model—a new approach to calculate the perilymph volume of the scala tympani
Authors: Grzybowski Marleen , Malfeld Kathrin , Lenarz Thomas , Scheper Verena , Schurzig Daniel 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThe guinea pig serves as a well-established animal model for inner ear research, offering valuable insights into the anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic interventions of the auditory system. However, the heterogeneity of results observed in both in-vivo experiments and clinical studies poses challenges in understanding and optimizing pharmacotherapy outcomes. This heterogeneity may be due to individual differences in the size of the guinea pig cochlea and thus in the volume of the scala tympani (ST), which can lead to different drug concentrations in the ST, a fact that has been largely overlooked thus far. To address this issue, we aimed to develop an approach for calculating the individual volume of perilymph within the ST before and after cochlear implant insertion.MethodIn this study, high-resolution μCT images of a total of n = 42 guinea pig temporal bones were used to determine the volume of the ST. We compared fresh, frozen, and fixed tissues from both colored and albino strains to evaluate the potential influence of tissue condition and strain on the results.ResultsOur findings demonstrate a variability in mean ST volume with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 14.7%, comparable to studies conducted with humans (range RSD: 5 to 20%). This indicates that the guinea pig cochlea exhibits similar variability to that of the human cochlea. Consequently, it is crucial to consider this variability when designing and conducting studies utilizing the guinea pig as an animal model. Furthermore, we successfully developed a tool capable of estimating ST volume without the need for manual segmentation, employing two geometric parameters, basal diameter (A) and width (B) of the cochlea, corresponding to the cochlear footprint. The tool is available for free download and use on our website.ConclusionThis novel approach provides researchers with a valuable tool to calculate individual ST volume in guinea pigs, enabling more precise dosing strategies and optimization of drug concentrations for pharmacotherapy studies. Moreover, our study underscores the importance of acknowledging and accounting for inter-individual variability in animal models to enhance the translational relevance and applicability of research outcomes in the field of inner ear investigations.
The prognostic value of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status on overall survival among patients with metastatic prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Assayag Jonathan , Kim Chai , Chu Haitao , Webster Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThere is heterogeneity in the literature regarding the strength of association between Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) and mortality. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the prognostic value of ECOG PS on overall survival (OS) in metastatic prostate cancer (mPC).MethodsPubMed was searched from inception to March 21, 2022. A meta-analysis pooling the effect of ECOG PS categories (≥2 vs. &lt;2, 2 vs. &lt;2, and ≥1 vs. &lt;1) on OS was performed separately for studies including patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) using a random-effects model. Analyses were stratified by prior chemotherapy and study type.ResultsOverall, 75 studies, comprising 32,298 patients, were included. Most studies (72/75) included patients with mCRPC. Higher ECOG PS was associated with a significant increase in mortality risk, with the highest estimate observed among patients with mCRPC with an ECOG PS of ≥2 versus &lt;2 (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.87–2.37). When stratifying by study type, there was a higher risk estimate of mortality among patients with mCRPC with an ECOG PS of ≥1 versus &lt;1 in real-world data studies (HR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.72–2.26) compared with clinical trials (HR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13–1.54; p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences in the HR of OS stratified by previous chemotherapy.ConclusionECOG PS was a significant predictor of OS regardless of category, previous chemotherapy, and mPC population. Additional studies are needed to better characterize the effect of ECOG PS on OS in mCSPC.
Comparing different scoring systems for predicting mortality risk in preterm infants: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zeng Zhaolan , Shi Zeyao , Li Xiaowen 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the predictive values of eight scoring systems (Neonatal Critical Illness Score [NCIS], Neonatal Therapeutical Intervention Score System [NTISS], Clinical Risk Index for Babies [CRIB], Clinical Risk Index for Babies II [CRIB-II], Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension [SNAPPE], Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension II [SNAPPE-II], Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology [SNAP], and Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II [SNAP-II]) for the mortality risk among preterm infants.MethodsThe Embase, PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Database, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched to collect studies that compared different scoring systems in predicting the mortality risk in preterm infants from database inception to March 2023. Literature screening, data extraction, and bias risk assessment were independently conducted by two researchers. Subsequently, the random-effects model was used for the network meta-analysis.ResultsA total of 19 articles were included, comprising 14,377 preterm infants and 8 scoring systems. Compared to CRIB-II, NCIS, NTISS, SNAP-II, and SNAPPE-II, CRIB demonstrated better predictive efficiency for preterm infant mortality risk (P &lt; 0.05). Relative to CRIB, CRIB-II, and SNAPPE, SNAP-II had worse predictive efficiency for preterm infant mortality risk (P &lt; 0.05). The surface under the cumulative ranking curve of the eight scoring systems was as follows: CRIB (0.980) &gt; SNAPPE (0.718) &gt;SNAP (0.534) &gt;CRIB-II (0.525) &gt;NTISS (0.478) &gt;NCIS (0.422) &gt;SNAPPE-II (0.298) &gt;SNAP-II (0.046).ConclusionThe CRIB scoring system showed the highest accuracy in predicting preterm infant mortality risk and was simple to perform. Therefore, CRIB selection can be prioritized in clinical practice.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=434731, PROSPERO (CRD42023434731).
Enhancing academic writing skills and motivation: assessing the efficacy of ChatGPT in AI-assisted language learning for EFL students
Authors: Song Cuiping , Song Yanping 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionThis mixed-methods study evaluates the impact of AI-assisted language learning on Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ writing skills and writing motivation. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in educational settings, understanding its effects on language learning outcomes is crucial.MethodsThe study employs a comprehensive approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative phase utilizes a pre-test and post-test design to assess writing skills. Fifty EFL students, matched for proficiency, are randomly assigned to experimental (AI-assisted instruction via ChatGPT) or control (traditional instruction) groups. Writing samples are evaluated using established scoring rubrics. Concurrently, semi-structured interviews are conducted with a subset of participants to explore writing motivation and experiences with AI-assisted learning.ResultsQuantitative analysis reveals significant improvements in both writing skills and motivation among students who received AI-assisted instruction compared to the control group. The experimental group demonstrates enhanced proficiency in various aspects of writing, including organization, coherence, grammar, and vocabulary. Qualitative findings showcase diverse perspectives, ranging from recognition of AI’s innovative instructional role and its positive influence on writing skills and motivation to concerns about contextual accuracy and over-reliance. Participants also reflect on the long-term impact and sustainability of AI-assisted instruction, emphasizing the need for ongoing development and adaptation of AI tools.DiscussionThe nuanced findings offer a comprehensive understanding of AI’s transformative potential in education. These insights have practical implications for practitioners and researchers, emphasizing the benefits, challenges, and the evolving nature of AI’s role in language instruction.
Therapists’ problematic experiences when working with obsessive-compulsive disorder: a qualitative investigation of schema modes, mode cycles, and strategies to return to healthy adult mode
Authors: Semeniuc Suzana , Sterie Maria Cristina , Soponaru Camelia , Butnaru Simona , Gavrilovici Ovidiu 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionObsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most challenging pathologies for therapists, being chronic and often characterized by frequent relapses. The therapeutic relationship plays a critical role in the outcome of therapy. The dynamic interaction between therapist and client schema modes determines the quality of the relationship.The objectiveof the present qualitative research is to investigate and conceptualize the triggers for therapists when working with OCD clients, the therapists’ schema modes that are activated, and the strategies they use to get back into the Healthy Adult mode.MethodUsing the in-depth interview technique, we interviewed 15 psychotherapists of various therapeutic orientations. After several demographic items, the therapists answered some introductory questions about their general perceptions of working with this pathology. They were then guided to go through a specific therapeutic situation in imagery that they identified as particularly difficult to manage in the therapeutic relationship. For data analysis, we used the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) method and thematic analysis.ResultsFor therapists working with clients with OCD, two main categories of triggers have been identified: Perceived resistance to change and Superiority. Two other categories, Client immobilized by conflict and Abusive, emerged from our analysis. Therapists’ reactions to triggers were synthesized into mode processes that (1) were not acted on and (2) were displayed in relation with the client. For mode processes that therapists did not explicitly act on, there was triggering of the Vulnerable Child in relationship with a Demanding Parent, followed by various coping modes, depending on the category of trigger, and in the displayed mode, most therapists operated in the Healthy Adult mode. With respect to the process, strategies used by therapists to return to Healthy Adult mode that stood out were: focusing on the process, self-acceptance, self-compassion, and somatic grounding strategies, and focusing on the client’s resources.