bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revealing the diagnostic value and immune infiltration of senescence-related genes in endometriosis: a combined single-cell and machine learning analysis
Authors: Zou Lian , Meng Lou , Xu Yan , Wang Kana , Zhang Jiawen 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Endometriosis is a prevalent and recurrent medical condition associated with symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, dysmenorrhea, and reproductive challenges. Furthermore, it has the potential to progress into a malignant state, significantly impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Despite its significance, there is currently a lack of precise and non-invasive diagnostic techniques for this condition.Methods: In this study, we leveraged microarray datasets and employed a multifaceted approach. We conducted differential gene analysis, implemented weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and utilized machine learning algorithms, including random forest, support vector machine, and LASSO analysis, to comprehensively explore senescence-related genes (SRGs) associated with endometriosis.Discussion: Our comprehensive analysis, which also encompassed profiling of immune cell infiltration and single-cell analysis, highlights the therapeutic potential of this gene assemblage as promising targets for alleviating endometriosis. Furthermore, the integration of these biomarkers into diagnostic protocols promises to enhance diagnostic precision, offering a more effective diagnostic journey for future endometriosis patients in clinical settings.Results: Our meticulous investigation led to the identification of a cluster of genes, namely BAK1, LMNA, and FLT1, which emerged as potential discerning biomarkers for endometriosis. These biomarkers were subsequently utilized to construct an artificial neural network classifier model and were graphically represented in the form of a Nomogram.
Conspiracy thinking and the long historical shadow of Romanticism on authoritarian politics
Authors: Smallpage Steven M. , Askew Robert L. , Kurlander Eric A. , Rust Joshua B. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundSimilar effect sizes have been reported for the effects of conspiracy, pseudoscientific, and paranormal beliefs on authoritarian attitudes, which points to a conceptual problem at the heart of the conspiracy literature, namely lack of clarity as to what uniquely defines conspiracy beliefs and whether those unique elements contribute distinctly to authoritarian ideologies. To our knowledge, this is the first study to test empirically the predictive power of variance unique to each construct against covariance shared among these constructs when predicting authoritarian and anti-democratic attitudes.MethodsOnline survey was administered to 314 participants in 2021 that included a battery of demographic and psychological measures. Hierarchical factor models were used to isolate unique variance from shared covariance among responses to items representing conspiracy, paranormal and pseudoscientific beliefs. Structural equation models were used to test their unique and shared effects on authoritarian and anti-democratic attitudes.ResultsWe found that our combined measurement model of paranormal thinking, conspiracism, and pseudoscience exhibited exceptional model fit, and that each construct was strongly predictive of both SDO and RWA (r = 0.73–0.86). Once the shared covariance was partitioned into a higher order factor, the residual uniqueness in each first order factors was either negatively related or unrelated to authoritarian and anti-democratic attitudes. Moreover, the higher order factor explained the gross majority of variance in conspiracy (R2 = 0.81) paranormal (R2 = 0.81) and pseudoscientific (R2 = 0.95) beliefs and was a far stronger predictor (β = 0.85,p &lt; 0.01) of anti-democratic attitudes than political partisanship (β = 0.17,p &lt; 0.01). Strong partisan identifiers of both parties showed much higher romanticism scores than party moderates.Conclusion and limitationsWhen predicting authoritarian and anti-democratic attitudes, we found no empirically unique contributions of conspiracy beliefs. Instead, we found that a shared factor, representing a ‘romantic’ mindset was the main predictor of authoritarian and anti-democratic attitudes. This finding potentially explains failures of interventions in stopping the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theory researchers should refocus on the shared features that conspiracy thinking has with other unwarranted epistemic beliefs to better understand how to halt the spread of misinformation, conspiracy thinking, anti-science attitudes, and even global authoritarianism.
Association between anxiety and skin conductance according to the intensity of shaking of virtual reality images
Authors: Kim Dong Jun , Kim Hyewon , Kim Kiwon , Kim Min-Ji , Jeon Hong Jin 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionDespite the advantages of virtual reality (VR), cyber sickness makes it difficult to apply VR to those who are already anxious and in distress. Skin conductance (SC) is widely used as a bio-signal reflecting anxiety. It is positively correlated with anxiety. The objective of this study was to determine the association between SC and anxiety in VR.MethodsHealthy volunteers with moderate-to-high stress defined as a Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) score ≥20 were enrolled. STAI-X-1 was used to measure anxiety, and galvanic skin response was used to measure SC. This study used an open, randomized, crossover design. In this study, 360° videos consisted of two types, namely, less dizzying video (G1) and more dizzying video (G2). We randomized subjects into two groups according to video exposure order: G1 after watching G2 (Order 1) and G2 after watching G1 (Order 2). Of 81 subjects, the average age (±SD) was 39.98 ± 10.94 years for the Order 1 group and 36.54 ± 12.44 years for the Order 2 group.ResultsAnxiety was significantly decreased in the Order 2 group (p &lt; 0.035) after watching videos, whereas there was no significant change in anxiety in the Order 1 group. In both groups, SC was significantly increased after exposure to a dizzying video. Mean difference (SD) between the second VR video and baseline SC was 1.61 (1.07) (p &lt; 0.0001) in the Order 1 group and 0.92 (0.90) (p &lt; 0.0001) in the Order 2 group, showing a significant difference between the two groups (p &lt; 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups (p &lt; 0.077) after baseline correction.ConclusionAnxiety was decreased significantly in the Order 2 group. The Order 1 group showed a high rate of change in skin conductivity. It is possible to reduce SC and anxiety by viewing a less dizzying VR video first and then viewing a more dizzying video later.
Efficacy of manual acupuncture vs. placebo acupuncture for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in perimenopausal women: a randomized, single-blinded controlled trial
Authors: Liu Xin , Li Meichen , Xie Xiaoyan , Li Yingjia , Li Keyi , Fan Jingqi , He Jun , Zhuang Lixing 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundGeneralized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common among perimenopausal women. Acupuncture may be an effective treatment for GAD, but evidence is limited. The pathogenesis of GAD is not yet clear, but it is related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its excretion, cortisol (CORT), and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of manual acupuncture (MA) vs. placebo acupuncture (PA) for perimenopausal women with GAD.MethodsThis study is a single-center, randomized, single-blind clinical trial conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 112 eligible patients with GAD were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive MA (n = 56) or PA (n = 56) three times per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the HAMA score. The secondary outcome measures were the GAD-7 and PSQI scores and the levels of CORT and ACTH. The evaluation will be executed at the baseline, 2 weeks, the end of the treatment, and a follow-up 3-month period.ResultsSignificant improvements in HAMA (p &lt; 0.001, η2p = 0.465), GAD-7 (p &lt; 0.001, η2p = 0.359) and ACTH (p = 0.050) values were found between T0 and T2 in the MA group compared to the PA group. No difference in PSQI (p = 0.613, η2p = 0.011) and CORT (p = 0.903) was found between T0 and T2 in the MA group compared to the PA group. Long-term improvements in HAMA (p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001) were found in the MA group and PA group.ConclusionThis study was the first completed study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture and placebo acupuncture for GAD in perimenopausal patients. Results suggested that placebo acupuncture has a therapeutic effect, however, acupuncture had a greater therapeutic effect than placebo acupuncture. This study supports the effectiveness of acupuncture and thereby contributes to extended treatment options for GAD.Clinical trial registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn, Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR2100046604. Registered on 22 May 2021.
Community-based social healthcare practices in China for healthy aging: a social prescription perspective analysis
Authors: Menhas Rashid , Yang Lili , Danish Nisar Rana 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe global population is aging, and the number of people suffering from chronic diseases is increasing. In response to these trends, community-enhanced social healthcare practices are a novel paradigm of social prescribing that aims to improve both the community's and the individual's level of health by combining community involvement, organizational change, and individual-level practice.ObjectiveThe study examined the state of community-based social healthcare practices using the lens of social prescription in China with an eye on promoting healthy aging there.MethodThematic analysis approach was used in this investigation. A social prescription lens was used to conduct an open-ended theme study of China's community-based social healthcare practices for healthy aging. The research was conducted in Yiwu in Zhejiang Province, P. R. China. A sample of 24 “comprehensive evaluation team members (CETM)” was chosen using a purposive selection strategy.ResultsIn the context of the social prescription, we analyzed social healthcare practices for healthy aging at the community level. All the comprehensive evaluation team members described community social healthcare practices under the paradigm of social prescription. After analyzing the community social healthcare practices under the paradigm of social prescription, six main themes (E-Social Prescription, Nature-based Social Prescription, Healthy Living Social Prescription, Culture-based Social Prescription, Health Screening Social Prescription, and Health Education Social Prescription) emerged for healthy aging at the community level.ConclusionSocial prescribing links individuals to non-clinical services and activities, typically provided by the nonprofit and community sectors. Community-based social healthcare practices under social prescription can be an efficient and cost-effective way to assist patients with chronic diseases in managing their illnesses and enhancing their overall health and wellbeing.
Improvement in survival of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients following allogeneic transplant: a long-term institutional experience
Authors: Sigmund Audrey M. , Jiang Justin , Zhao Qiuhong , Elder Patrick , Benson Don M. , Vasu Sumithira , Jaglowski Samantha , Mims Alice S. , Choe Hannah , Larkin Karilyn , Brammer Jonathan E. , Wall Sarah A. , Grieselhuber Nicole , Basem William , Penza Sam , Efebera Yvonne A. , Sharma Nidhi 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundAllogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT) plays a key role in the treatment of patients with both acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic (MDS). Outcomes of allo-SCT have improved with optimization of transplant practices. We sought to evaluate trends in survival in AML and MDS patients undergoing allo-SCT at our institution from 1984 to 2018.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 900 consecutive AML and MDS patients undergoing allo-SCT was performed. Patients were divided by year of transplant for analysis. Primary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included non-relapse mortality (NRM), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), GVHD-free relapse free survival (GRFS), and transplant complications.ResultsWe found a significant improvement in survival from 1984 to 2018 with 5-year PFS and OS improving from 17% to 49% and 17% to 53%, respectively (statistically significant difference since 2004; p&lt;0.001). There was a significant difference in rates of grade II-IV aGVHD (p&lt;0.001) and chronic GVHD at day +365 with cumulative incidence of both highest from 2014-2018, however, NRM improved across the years with 5- year NRM decreasing from 45% to 21%. Rates of pulmonary infections, hemorrhagic cystitis, veno-occlusive disease, and fungal infections also decreased across the years (p&lt;0.001).ConclusionsWe found a significant improvement in survival of AML and MDS patients undergoing allo-HCT over the past several decades. This likely reflects improvements in transplant practices and general supportive care. Post-transplant relapse remains the leading cause of transplant failure in this group.
Clinical trial simulation to evaluate tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis dosing during pregnancy
Authors: Scott Rachel K. , Yu Yifan , Marzinke Mark A. , Coleman Jenell S. , Hendrix Craig W. , Bies Robert 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate upward-adjustment of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine (FTC) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) dosing during pregnancy in order to maintain target plasma concentrations associated with HIV protection.DesignPopulation pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling and clinical trial simulation (CTS).Material and methodsWe developed population pharmacokinetic models for TFV and FTC using data from the Partners Demonstration Project and a PK study of TDF/FTC among cisgender women by Coleman et al., and performed an in-silico simulation. Pregnancy-trimester was identified as a significant covariate on apparent clearance in the optimized final model. We simulated 1,000 pregnant individuals starting standard daily oral TDF/FTC (300 mg/200 mg) prior to pregnancy. Upon becoming pregnant, simulated patients were split into two study arms: one continuing standard-dose and the other receiving double standard-dose throughout pregnancy.ResultsStandard-dose trough TFV concentrations were significantly lower in pregnancy compared to pre-pregnancy, with 34.0%, 43.8%, and 65.1% of trough plasma concentrations below the lower bound of expected trough concentrations presumed to be the protective threshold in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, respectively. By comparison, in the simulated double-dose group, 10.7%, 14.4%, and 27.8% of trough concentrations fell below the estimated protective thresholds in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, respectively. The FTC trough plasma concentration during pregnancy was also lower than pre-pregnancy, with 45.2% of the steady-state trough concentrations below the estimated protective trough concentrations of FTC. In the pregnancy-adjusted double-dose group, 24.1% of trough plasma concentrations were lower than protective levels.ConclusionsOur simulation shows &gt;50% of research participants on standard dosing would have 3rd trimester trough plasma TFV concentrations below levels associated with protection. This simulation provides the quantitative basis for the design of prospective TDF/FTC studies during pregnancy to evaluate the safety and appropriateness of pregnancy-adjusted dosing.
Sexual function after radical cystectomy in males with bladder carcinoma: a six-year longitudinal single-centre study
Authors: Pronk Claudia E. , Albers Leonore F. , Kuijper Lothar D. J. , Hendricksen Kees , Nicolai Melianthe P. J. 
Published: October 2023

IntroductionLittle is known about the long-term effects on sexual function (SF) after radical cystectomy (RC) in bladder carcinoma (BC) patients.AimTo assess the course of SF in BC patients who underwent RC, and individual characteristics that influence the sexual outcome during a six-year follow-up.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 62 BC patients treated with RC were included between 2008 and 2022. Patients filled out validated questionnaires as part of the regular care at baseline, three months, six months, 12 months and thereafter yearly post RC.Outcome measuresTo determine the sexual function, the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was filled in and a linear mixed model for repeated measures was conducted. The analysed clinical variables included sexual preserving cystectomy (SPC), age, type of diversion, treatment, comorbidities, tumour status, smoking habits, patient status and open- or robot-assisted RC. A Generalised Linear Mixed Model was used to evaluate the impact on Quality of Life with the QLQ-C30 questionnaire.ResultsAfter an initial decrease of sexual function post-RC, no change in SF was seen during the six years of follow-up. A statistically significant difference in sexual health was found between SPC and standard RC (p=0.015), which was time-dependent. Patients with an orthotopic ileal neobladder experienced a significantly better SF than those with a Bricker’s ileal conduit (p=&lt;0.001). A younger age also seemed to yield beneficial outcomes regarding SF (p=0.004). Other analysed clinical variables did not influence the course of SF. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between Quality of Life- and SF scores (p=0.004). Robot-assisted RC resulted in higher Global Health scores than open RC (p=0.001).ConclusionsRC has a severe impact on sexual function. Although SPC, collinear with the use of an orthotopic ileal neobladder and younger patient age show better outcomes in SF, erectile dysfunction post-RC is moderate to severe in the vast majority of patients.
Using multisensory virtual reality nature immersion as a therapeutic modality for improving HRV and cognitive functions in post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot-study
Authors: De Jesus Junior Belmir Jose , Perreault Léa , Lopes Marilia K. S. , Roberge Marie-Claude , Oliveira Alcyr A. , Falk Tiago H. 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Immersive virtual reality (VR) applications are burgeoning within healthcare as they promote high levels of engagement. Notwithstanding, existing solutions only stimulate two of our five senses (audio and visual), thus may not be optimal in the sense of promoting immersion and of “being present”. In this paper, we explore the benefits of an immersive multisensory experience as a therapeutic modality for participants suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Methods: In addition to 360-degree videos and corresponding natural sounds, nature smells are also presented by means of a portable ION 2 scent diffusion device attached to an Oculus Quest 2 VR head-mounted display. A 3-week 12-sessions protocol was applied to a sample of 20 participants diagnosed with PTSD.Results and discussion: We report the outcomes seen from a battery of qualitative metrics, including cognitive functioning tests, psychological symptoms, severity of PTSD, and several self-reported questionnaires and heart rate variability (HRV) metrics. Results are compared not only between pre-and post intervention, but also after a 3-month follow-up period. Results suggest a decrease in the severity of PTSD, as well as improvements in processing speed and sustained attention post-intervention, but also sustained decrease in the severity of PTSD and in dissociative tendencies at the 3-month follow-up. Overall, participants rated the experience as highly immersive and produced very mild to no symptoms of cybersickness, thus corroborating the feasibility and usefulness of the proposed multisensory immersive VR tool for reducing PTSD symptoms.
Training and validation of a novel non-invasive imaging system for ruling out malignancy in canine subcutaneous and cutaneous masses using machine learning in 664 masses
Authors: Dank Gillian , Buber Tali , Rice Anna , Kraicer Noa , Hanael Erez , Shasha Tamir , Aviram Gal , Yehudayoff Amir , Kent Michael S. 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo train and validate the use of a novel artificial intelligence-based thermal imaging system as a screening tool to rule out malignancy in cutaneous and subcutaneous masses in dogs.AnimalsTraining study: 147 client-owned dogs with 233 masses. Validation Study: 299 client-owned dogs with 525 masses. Cytology was non-diagnostic in 94 masses, resulting in 431 masses from 248 dogs with diagnostic samples.ProceduresThe prospective studies were conducted between June 2020 and July 2022. During the scan, each mass and its adjacent healthy tissue was heated by a high-power Light-Emitting Diode. The tissue temperature was recorded by the device and consequently analyzed using a supervised machine learning algorithm to determine whether the mass required further investigation. The first study was performed to collect data to train the algorithm. The second study validated the algorithm, as the real-time device predictions were compared to the cytology and/or biopsy results.ResultsThe results for the validation study were that the device correctly classified 45 out of 53 malignant masses and 253 out of 378 benign masses (sensitivity = 85% and specificity = 67%). The negative predictive value of the system (i.e., percent of benign masses identified as benign) was 97%.Clinical relevanceThe results demonstrate that this novel system could be used as a decision-support tool at the point of care, enabling clinicians to differentiate between benign lesions and those requiring further diagnostics.
DMT TESTING IN LANDSLIDE AREA. A CASE HISTORY: TODI’S HILL (UMBRIA, ITALY)
Authors: Totani Ferdinando , Totani Gianfranco , Tomei Valentina 
Published: October 2023

The paper analyzes the results of the in situ Dilatometer test (DMT) in a representative slide area in OC clays.
The method for detecting slip surface in OC clays is based on the DMT – Kd profile, which exhibits Kd drop to the value Kd≃2 in the slip zones .
Features of the method, believed of pratical interest, are:
-	fast response so avoiding the wait required by inclinometer measurements;
-	the ability to detect quiescent slip surfaces not revealed by inclinometers;
-	some ability to evaluate the effects of loosening and remoulding due to sliding on mechanical properties of the soil mass above the slip surfaces.
To sound the validity of such “method” in practice, a series of 8 DMT soundings, each 45 m long, was performed in a slope of the Todi’s Hill, notorious for recurrent slips.
The paper presents the results of DMT tests in this analyzed slope and shows the Kd profiles obtained.
Are summarized all the Kd≃ 2 depths an indicated a set of slip surfaces reconstructed passing through these depths.
The study of this landslide was concluded with the following steps:
-	profile of pore pressure u were obtained at numerous depths during the DMT soundings by DMTC tests . They show that the u are markedly non hydrostatic.
-	Back analyses were carried out for the seat of slip surfaces reconstructed.