bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smartphone postural sway and pronator drift tests as measures of neurological disability
Authors: Calcagni Michael , Kosa Peter , Bielekova Bibi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and increased demands for neurologists have inspired the creation of remote, digitalized tests of neurological functions. This study investigates two tests from the Neurological Functional Tests Suite (NeuFun-TS) smartphone application, the “Postural Sway” and “Pronator Drift” tests. These tests capture different domains of postural control and motoric dysfunction in healthy volunteers (n = 13) and people with neurological disorders (n = 68 relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis [MS]; n = 21 secondary progressive MS; n = 23 primary progressive MS; n = 13 other inflammatory neurological diseases; n = 21 non-inflammatory neurological diseases; n = 4 clinically isolated syndrome; n = 1 radiologically isolated syndrome). Smartphone accelerometer data was transformed into digital biomarkers, which were filtered in the training cohort (~ 80% of subjects) for test–retest reproducibility and correlations with subdomains of neurological examinations and validated imaging biomarkers. The independent validation cohort (~ 20%) determined whether biomarker models outperformed the best single digital biomarkers. Postural sway acceleration magnitude in the eyes closed and feet together stance demonstrated the highest reliability (ICC = 0.706), strongest correlations with age (Pearson r <= 0.82) and clinical and imaging outcomes (r <= 0.65, p < 0.001) and stronger predictive value for sway-relevant neurological disability outcomes than models that aggregated multiple biomarkers (coefficient of determination R2 = 0.46 vs 0.38). The pronator drift test only captured cerebellar dysfunction, had less reproducible biomarkers, but provided additive value when combined with postural sway biomarkers into models predicting global scales of neurological disability. In conclusion, a simple 1-min postural sway test accurately measures body oscillations that increase with natural aging and differentiates them from abnormally increased body oscillations in people with neurological disabilities.
Evaluation of pathology resources for cervical cancer detection between 2018 and 2022: a retrospective study at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Western Kenya
Authors: Anangwe Nelson , Steimgrimson Jon , Cu-Uvin Susan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Cervical cancer cases are increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Kenya, exacerbated by inadequate histopathology resources, posing a significant barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment. There has been little research on the availability and evolution of histopathology resources for diagnosing cervical cancer over the years. This retrospective study evaluated this evolution at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kenya between 2018 and 2022.

Methods
We used a mixed-methods approach. An in-depth interview was conducted with one of MTRH’s pathology laboratory staff to assess the equipment, personnel, and quality control trends between 2018 and 2022. A thematic analysis was conducted in NVivo. We also retrospectively conducted a comprehensive inventory review of laboratory resources from 2018 to 2022 via purposive sampling. Microsoft Excel and Stata version 17 were utilized for descriptive statistical analysis. Turnaround time (TAT) was assessed against the UK’s National Health Service Cervical Screening Program guidelines.

Results
The number of histopathology laboratory personnel at MTRH increased from 2018 to 2022, during which the facility included two pathologists, one records person, and one office administrator. Cervical cancer biopsy samples processed by the histopathology lab increased from 225 in 2018 to 674 in 2022. However, the histopathology personnel-to-population ratio decreased from 1.5 pathologists and 2.7 histo-technicians per 100,000 in 2018 to 1.4 pathologists and 1.8 histo-technicians per 100,000 in 2022. Despite this decrease, lab equipment, automatic tissue processors and embedding machines were added, and an average 14-day turnaround time was maintained for cervical cancer pathology reports.

Conclusions
Our study highlights a growing burden of cervical cancer with biopsy samples processed by the MTRH histopathology laboratory, increasing from 225 in 2018 to 674 in 2022. Despite challenges such as a declining staff-to-patient ratio and limited resources, the lab maintained a commendable 14-day turnaround time, supporting timely cervical cancer diagnoses. These findings emphasize the need for continued investment in pathology resources and personnel to enhance diagnostic capacity and address the rising incidence of cervical cancer in Kenya and similar low-resource settings. The decline in the personnel-to-patient ratio underscores challenges in diagnosis, emphasizing the need to address workforce and infrastructure gaps to improve patient care within similar low-resource settings.
Facilitators and barriers to protective eyewear acceptance among Indian farmers: A qualitative study
Authors: Madheswaran Gopinath , Eshwari K , Jathanna Judith Shefali , Ibrahim Syed , Srinivasan Krithica , Shinde Lakshmi , S Ve Ramesh , Asokan Rashima , Saravanan S , Saranya SB 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Agriculture, one of the most hazardous occupations globally, accounts for a significant proportion of work-related injuries, particularly in developing countries like India. However, lack of awareness and possibly low education levels make farmers in the unorganized sector vulnerable to eye injuries. This study aimed to identify the barriers to and facilitators of protective eyewear among farmers.

Methods
A multicentric study was conducted to assess occupational ocular hazards and preventive strategies among farmers in southern India. The facilitating factors and barriers to spectacles or protective eyewear among the study population were explored using a snapshot qualitative study conducted from two centres in Tamil Nadu and one in Karnataka. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the facilitators of and barriers to protective eyewear among farmers.

Results
Five focus group discussions were conducted with 31 farmers (mean age 55.8 ± 9.2 years) from three centers. Six themes were identified: occupational hazards while farming, practice patterns for managing occupational hazards, uses of protective eyewear while farming, benefits and challenges of protective eyewear, perceptions about protective eyewear and suggestions for improvement. Eye injuries from dust, branches, and chemicals were common, and farmers relied on home remedies for minor issues. Protective eyewear was appreciated for preventing injuries and improving safety but faced challenges such as discomfort, poor fit, and aesthetic concerns, particularly among women.

Conclusions
Although there is awareness regarding the need for protective eyewear, it is often not used due to discomfort during work or concerns about possible breakage of the spectacles. It is imperative for primary eye care professionals to raise awareness regarding the importance of ocular protection in the workplace.
Examining inclusivity: the use of AI and diverse populations in health and social care: a systematic review
Authors: Marko John Gabriel O. , Neagu Ciprian Daniel , Anand P. B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based systems are being rapidly integrated into the fields of health and social care. Although such systems can substantially improve the provision of care, diverse and marginalized populations are often incorrectly or insufficiently represented within these systems. This review aims to assess the influence of AI on health and social care among these populations, particularly with regard to issues related to inclusivity and regulatory concerns.

Methods
We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Six leading databases were searched, and 129 articles were selected for this review in line with predefined eligibility criteria.

Results
This research revealed disparities in AI outcomes, accessibility, and representation among diverse groups due to biased data sources and a lack of representation in training datasets, which can potentially exacerbate inequalities in care delivery for marginalized communities.

Conclusion
AI development practices, legal frameworks, and policies must be reformulated to ensure that AI is applied in an equitable manner. A holistic approach must be used to address disparities, enforce effective regulations, safeguard privacy, promote inclusion and equity, and emphasize rigorous validation.
Resource constraints, patient emotions, and therapy: experiences of healthcare providers in the screening and management of gestational diabetes mellitus in northern Ghana
Authors: Bukari Mohammed , Abubakari Abdulai , Malechi Hawa , Hinneh Thomas , Garti Humphrey , Agbozo Faith 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Studies on healthcare providers’ experiences in screening and managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) are rare in northern Ghana. Understanding the experiences of healthcare providers in the screening and management of GDM has the potential to identify best practices to improve GDM care. Hence, this study sought to explore the experiences of healthcare providers in screening and managing GDM.

Materials and methods
This was a qualitative study of five key informants involved in the screening and management of GDM, specifically an obstetrician, a dietician/nutritionist, a nurse, and two midwives in the northern region of Ghana. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the aid of an interview guide, and the data were analysed via thematic analysis. We ensured trustworthiness through reflexivity, member checking, peer-debriefing, providing rich text, and keeping an audit trail.

Results
Two main themes and six subthemes were generated. The first theme was resource-centred experiences, which explored events at the Antenatal Care (ANC) and the challenges in GDM screening and management, with subthemes namely: ANC setups, inadequate resources, and non-compliance. The second theme was care-centred experiences, which explored patient emotions during GDM care, and the care they receive post-GDM diagnosis, with subthemes namely: raw emotions, non-pharmacological therapy, and pharmacotherapy.

Conclusion
Findings suggest the need for health system strengthening through the training and recruitment of dedicated skilled personnel, as well as government intervention through policy revision to cover the cost of GDM diagnostic tests. Healthcare providers should also consider the psycho-emotional impact of diagnosis when managing GDM. The findings could be relevant for health policy, planning, advocacy, and social and behaviour change communication aimed at effective screening and management of GDM.
Distinct mechanisms of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture in modulating hypothalamic GnRH–tanycyte unit function of polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wang Yu , Wang Yicong , Chen Yuning , Lu Wenhan , Tong Xiaoyu , Li Jiajia , Gao Wenhao , Huang Rui , Hu Wei , Feng Yi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex neuroendocrine disorder characterized by dysregulation of the hypothalamus. Both electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of PCOS through improvements in hypothalamic function. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are pivotal in regulating hypothalamic endocrine function, whereas tanycyte, a specialized glial cell type, potentially contribute to this process.

Methods
A dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS-like mouse model was used to investigate the effects of acupuncture. Tissue clearing and three-dimensional (3D) imaging were employed to visualize the hypothalamic GnRH neuronal network and assess postacupuncture modifications. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify changes in the gene profiles associated with EA and MA. Rax-CreERT2 transgenic mice were utilized to investigate the molecular targets of EA in tanycytes.

Results
EA significantly alleviated neuroendocrine dysfunction in PCOS-like mice by restoring the density and coverage of GnRH axonal projections. MA displayed similar therapeutic effects but had less pronounced effects on GnRH axons. Transcriptome analysis revealed distinct mechanisms for these two approaches: EA primarily regulates neuroglial plasticity, whereas MA predominantly targets neurotransmitter regulation. Both EA and MA share a common therapeutic target in the integrin family. Functional studies in Rax-CreERT2 transgenic mice confirmed that Itgb1 plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of hypothalamic GnRH–tanycyte unit during EA treatment.

Conclusions
EA exerts therapeutic effects on PCOS by targeting hypothalamic GnRH–tanycyte unit, with Itgb1 identified as a key factor. MA primarily functions through neurotransmitter regulation. These findings highlight potential hypothalamic targets and provide new insights into the distinct mechanisms of EA and MA.
Pilot application of an inflammation and physiological dysregulation index based on noninvasive salivary biomarkers
Authors: Egorov Andrey I. , Xue William , Kobylanski Jason , Fuzawa Miyu , Griffin Shannon M. , Wade Timothy J. , Nye Michael 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background and objective
Noninvasive salivary biomarkers can be used to assess the cumulative subclinical health impacts of social and environmental stressors. We evaluated seven salivary biomarkers of neuroendocrine and immune functions and a group index of physiological dysregulation based on these biomarkers in a pilot survey in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population.

Results
Participants recruited at subsidized public housing projects in Denver, Colorado, completed a sociodemographic, behavioral, and health questionnaire and used passive drool samplers to collect five saliva samples over the course of 1 day. Samples were tested for the neuroendocrine biomarkers alpha-amylase, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as well as immune system/inflammation biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and total immunoglobulin A (IgA). A composite Inflammation and Physiological Dysregulation Index (IPDI) was calculated as a count of potentially unhealthy values of dichotomized biomarkers. In 20 individuals who completed the survey (average age 46 years, 75% females), allergy to house dust was significantly associated with increased IPDI (adjusted for age) and significantly increased odds of potentially unhealthy values of total IgA, IL-1β, and CRP. Age, obesity, diabetes, allergy to pollen, recent loss of employment, and depression, anxiety, and stress scores from the standard DASS-21 questionnaire were positively but not significantly (0.05 < p < 0.2) associated with IPDI. This project demonstrated an application of a composite index based on noninvasive salivary biomarkers to assess subclinical health impacts of chronic social stressors.
Age-related changes in DNA methylation in a sample of elderly Brazilians
Authors: Welsh Hayley , Batalha Caio M. P. F. , Li Weili , Souza-Pinto Nadja C. , Duarte Yeda A. O. , Naslavsky Michel S. , Parra Esteban J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Age-related changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) play a critical role in regulating gene expression. However, most epigenome-wide association studies have predominantly focused on individuals of European descent. This study aims to characterize longitudinal changes in DNAm patterns in a cohort of elderly Brazilian participants.

Methods
DNAm profiles were collected approximately nine years apart from 23 elderly Brazilian individuals using the Illumina Infinium MethyationEPIC BeadChip. Using mixed-effects models, we examined changes in DNAm patterns using both quantitative age and binary timepoint (e.g., baseline vs. follow-up) as predictors of interest to identify differentially methylated positions (DMPs). Significant DMPs were compared with a list of previously identified age-related DMPs. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were also identified using DMRcate. Gene ontology (GO) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explore the functional significance of identified DMPs and DMRs.

Results
Of the 586,229 autosomal probes included in the differential methylation analyses, 2768 significant (FDR < 0.05) age-associated DMPs (aDMPs) and 2757 significant (FDR < 0.05) timepoint-associated DMPs (tpDMPs) were identified. Of the 2768 aDMPs, 1471 were replicated from previous studies. Of the 1297 non-replicated CpGs, 77.4% were exclusive to the EPIC array. The DMR analyses identified 305 age-associated DMRs (aDMRs) and 372 timepoint-associated DMRs (tpDMRs). Both aDMPs and aDMRs exhibited age-related hypermethylation within CpG islands and promoter regions of the genome, whereas hypomethylation predominantly occurred in interCGI and intergenic regions and introns. The GO enrichment analyses identified several neurological and cognition-related pathways enriched for hypermethylated CpG islands, many of which were mapped near transcription start sites and first exon regions.

Conclusions
This longitudinal study identified age-associated and timepoint-associated DMPs and DMRs in a sample of elderly Brazilians. Most of the non-replicated CpGs were found to be on the new EPIC array, suggesting that more age-related studies using the EPIC array are required to validate these CpGs. The GO pathway enrichment analyses identified age-related enrichment of several gene sets related to cognitive and physical decline in elderly populations. The enrichment of these sites could provide evidence for age-related neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in elderly populations.
miR-182 promoter hypermethylation predicts the better outcome of AML patients treated with AZA + VEN in a real-world setting
Authors: Xu Yilan , Li Danyang , Wang Na , Ge Bei , Meng Chen , Zhao Min , Lin Zihan , Li Min , Yuan Yigang , Cai Yue , Shi Liuzhi , Gao Shenmeng , Ye Haige 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
5-Azacytidine (AZA) combined with the BCL2 inhibitor Venetoclax (VEN) is the standard treatment for elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients or those who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy (elderly or unfit AML). However, an effective and rapid predictive biomarker to predict treatment outcome remains elusive.

Methods
miR-182 promoter methylation was measured in 94 AZA + VEN-treated elderly or unfit AML patients and 20 normal controls (NCs) samples. To determine whether miR-182 promoter methylation is a predictive marker of clinical outcomes in AZA + VEN-treated AML patients in a real-world setting, we analyzed and compared the complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi) rate, overall survival (OS), and leukemia free-survival (LFS) across different methylation groups: miR-182 promoter hypomethylation (median value < 20.21%) and hypermethylation (> 20.21%) in a retrospective study.

Results
The average methylation frequency was markedly higher in 94 AZA + VEN-treated elderly or unfit AML patients than that in 20 NCs. However, some AML patients (11.7%) still presented low miR-182 promoter methylation (< 10%). The average time to obtain CR/CRi was shorter in AML patients with miR-182 promoter hypermethylation than AML with hypomethylation. Moreover, the median OS and LFS were longer in AML patients with miR-182 promoter hypermethylation than AML with hypomethylation. Finally, the area under the curve (AUC) for 1-year mortality was 0.831, for 2-year was 0.788, and for 3-year was 0.800.

Conclusions
AML patients with miR-182 promoter hypermethylation have better outcomes. miR-182 promoter methylation is a predictive biomarker for AZA + VEN-treated AML patients.
Optimizing English translation processing of conceptual metaphors in big data technology texts
Authors: Ma Wenbo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Focusing on the difficulties presented by conceptual metaphors in Big Data (BD)-related literature, this research offers a novel methodology for improving English translation processing. The main goal of this study is to improve translation efficiency and accuracy via cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning, cloud computing, and big data analytics. English texts with complex metaphors are gathered and annotated for the study, and then the suggested model is compared to more conventional translation techniques. The results show that the optimized translation model performs better than traditional methods. Evaluation measures, particularly the Translation Edit Rate (TER) and Bilingual Evaluation Understudy (BLEU), show that the model records lower TER scores, which indicate fewer changes required for correctness, and higher BLEU scores, which indicate enhanced translation quality. The optimized model’s performance stabilizes as the amount of text rises, demonstrating how resilient it is to processing bigger datasets. This study shows how well the suggested model enhances translation results and illustrates how crucial it is to comprehend metaphorical language in technical situations. This research aims to give translators a better foundation for handling the difficulties of writing about Big Data by tackling the nuances of interpreting conceptual metaphors. Finally, given the quickly changing world of technology, the knowledge gathered from this study advances translation techniques and improves interlingual communication.
“There’s always somebody that you can identify with”: a qualitative study of patient perspectives on buprenorphine group medical visits
Authors: Masyukova Mariya , Hayes Benjamin T. , López-Castro Teresa , Fox Aaron D. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Buprenorphine (BUP) treatment has been successfully integrated into primary care and other general medical settings; however, potential BUP prescribers frequently report inadequate training and resources to provide psychosocial counseling as barriers to providing care. Group medical visits, which combine psychosocial support and chronic condition management, have been described for BUP treatment, but few studies have explored what is gained and/or lost by offering BUP treatment in groups instead of individual visits.

Methods
Five focus groups with 3–11 participants each were conducted at an urban community health center that housed a mature office-based BUP treatment program. Participants were persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) who had previously received BUP treatment. A semi-structured interview guide covered the following domains: experience with BUP, experience with group counseling, and preferences for BUP in a group format or individual setting. Qualitative analysis followed a modified grounded theory approach.

Results
Of 33 participants, 28 were male, median age range was 50–54, 20 identified as Hispanic/Latinx, and 24 reported past experiences with substance use disorder treatment groups. Four main themes were: (1) Groups can address the psychological aspects of addiction; (2) Groups introduce positive peer support; (3) Balancing OUD treatment and management of other chronic conditions; (4) Groups must be voluntary.

Conclusions
Findings demonstrate that many persons with OUD taking BUP desire assistance with recovery skills, peer support, and learning about the risks and benefits of BUP. Group medical visits can efficiently deliver these services in primary care, but findings also emphasize that group counseling will be best received when voluntary and group members are committed and authentic.