bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case report: A patient with Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia treated with tasimelteon: a case study
Authors: Smieszek Sandra P. , Kaden Alyssa R. , Johnson Caroline E. , Brzezynski Jennifer L. , Xiao Changfu , Polymeropoulos Christos M. , Birznieks Gunther , Emsellem Helene A. , Polymeropoulos Mihael H. 
Published: November 2023

We present a case of an adult female diagnosed with Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD) and Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH), with a confirmed delayed Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO), who reports the inability to fall asleep at their desired bedtime and obtain adequate sleep nightly, despite the ability to have a full night’s sleep when not required to be up at a specific time for societal requirements. The participant was enrolled in an 11-month Open-Label Extension (OLE) following the randomized portion of a clinical study and was successfully treated with tasimelteon. DSWPD symptoms were resolved, and their previously delayed sleep-wake cycle was advanced.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04652882, identifier NCT04652882.
Mutations of RAS genes identified in acute myeloid leukemia affect glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway
Authors: Liang Tianqi , Kong Yanxiang , Xue Hongman , Wang Wenqing , Li Chunmou , Chen Chun 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant disease originating from myeloid hematopoietic stem cells. Recent studies have shown that certain gene mutations promote tumor cell survival and affect the prognosis of patients by affecting metabolic mechanisms in tumor cells. RAS gene mutations are prevalent in AML, and the RAS signaling pathway is closely related to many metabolic pathways. However, the effects of different RAS gene mutations on AML cell metabolism are unclear.ObjectivesThe main purpose of this study was to explore the effect of RAS gene mutation on the metabolic pathway of tumor cells.MethodsIn this study, we first used a retrovirus carrying a mutant gene to prepare Ba/F3 cell lines with RAS gene mutations, and then compared full-transcriptome data of Ba/F3 cells before and after RAS gene mutation and found that differentially expressed genes after NRASQ61K and KRASG12V mutation.ResultsWe found a total of 1899 differentially expressed genes after NRASQ61K and KRASG12V mutation. 1089 of these genes were involved in metabolic processes, of which 167 genes were enriched in metabolism-related pathways. In metabolism-related pathways, differential genes were associated with the lipid metabolism pathway. Moreover, by comparing groups, we found that the expression of the DGKzeta and PLA2G4A genes in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was significantly upregulated.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study revealed that RAS gene mutation is closely related to the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway in Ba/F3 cells, which may contribute to new precision therapy strategies and the development and application of new therapeutic drugs for AML.
The activity of a PI3K δ-sparing inhibitor, MEN1611, in non-small cell lung cancer cells with constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Papoff Giuliana , Presutti Dario , Fustaino Valentina , Parente Andrea , Calandriello Clelia , Alemà Stefano , Scavizzi Ferdinando , Raspa Marcello , Merlino Giuseppe , Salerno Massimiliano , Bigioni Mario , Binaschi Monica , Ruberti Giovina 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Targeted therapies with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) result in improvement in survival for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Unfortunately, most patients who initially respond to EGFR-TKI ultimately develop resistance to therapy, resulting in cancer progression and relapse. Combination therapy is today a common strategy for the treatment of tumors to increase the success rate, improve the outcome and survival of patients, and avoid the selection of resistant cancer cells through the activation of compensatory pathways. In NSCLC, the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been heavily implicated in both tumorigenesis and the progression of disease.ObjectivesIn this study, we investigated the efficacy of a PI3K δ-sparing inhibitor, MEN1611, in models of NSCLC sensitive and resistant to EGFR inhibitors (erlotinib and gefitinib) with a wild-type PIK3CA gene.MethodsWe performed functional, biochemical, and immunohistochemistry studies.ResultsWe demonstrated good efficacy of MEN1611 in NSCLC devoid of PIK3CA gene mutations but with constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and its synergistic effect with gefitinib both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionsOverall, this preclinical study indicates that the inhibitor could be a candidate for the treatment of NSCLC with an erlotinib/gefitinib-resistant phenotype and constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, a phenotype mimicked by our model system.
Safety profile of intravenous digoxin in Chinese patients with acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a small-scale prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Xintian , Zhang Haojie , Cheng Wenlin , Fan Qingkun , Lu Zhibing , Zheng Xuan , Zhang Gangcheng 
Published: November 2023

Background: Adverse effects of intravenous digoxin vary from patients and disease status, which should be closely monitored.Aims: To explore the safety profile of intravenous digoxin in acute heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) among Chinese patients.Methods: A clinical prospective, single-center, single-arm, open-label exploratory clinical trial was performed in patients with acute HFrEF at Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital. A fixed dose of 0.5 mg digoxin was used intravenously once per day for 3 days. The normalized dosage of digoxin (NDD), toxic serum digoxin concentration (SDC), and adverse reactions of intravenous digoxin were recorded.Results: A total of 40 patients were recruited in the study. The SDC increased from 1.03 ± 0.34 ng/mL to 1.95 ± 0.52 ng/mL during treatment. 50% (20/40) patients reached a toxic SDC of 2.0 ng/mL, and toxic effects were seen in 30% (12/40) patients. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt; 60 mL/min [HR: 5.269; 95% CI: 1.905–14.575, p = 0.001], NDD ≥7 μg/kg [HR: 3.028; 95% CI: 1.119–8.194, p = 0.029], and ischemic cardiomyopathy [HR: 2.658; 95% CI: 1.025–6.894, p = 0.044] were independent risk factors for toxic SDC. Toxic SDC was effectively identified [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve = 0.85, p &lt; 0.001] using this model, and patients would have a higher risk of toxicity with more risk factors.Conclusion: Intravenous digoxin of 0.5 mg was safe and effective for initial dose but not suitable for maintenance treatment in Chinese patients with acute HFrEF. Patients who had lower eGFR, received higher NDD, and had ischemic cardiomyopathy should be closely monitored to avoid digoxin toxicity.
Acoustic noise levels and field distribution in 7 T MRI scanners
Authors: Shtrepi Louena , Poggetto Vinicius F. Dal , Durochat Clement , Dubois Marc , Bendahan David , Nistri Fabio , Miniaci Marco , Pugno Nicola Maria , Bosia Federico 
Published: November 2023

Acoustic noise production during Magnetic Resonance Imaging is an important source of patient discomfort and leads to verbal communication problems, difficulties in sedation, and hearing impairment. To address these issues, in this paper we present a systematic characterization of the acoustic field distribution in a MRI cavity in a last generation 7 T scanner, in different spatial locations, with and without a phantom head. Analysis and comparison of various MRI sequences like Echo-planar imaging”, “Gradient echo”, “Spin echo” are carried out. Sound pressure levels are measured using standard statistical descriptors (Leq,Lmean, L90, and Lmode) using two prepolarized free-field microphones measuring pressure levels generated inside scanner cavities in a 50 Hz to 10 kHz range. Acoustic eigenmodes of the cavity are derived numerically in finite element simulations and compared to measurements. Equivalent sound pressure levels exceed 85 dB in the range between 500 and 3,000 Hz, and peak levels are consistently above 100 dB, i.e., the noise levels of 7 T scanners are higher than 3T and 1.5 T counterparts. The presence of the phantom head in the MRI scanner leads to increased noise levels (by 5–10 dB) in its vicinity, as a result of reflections occurring between the head and the bore reflective walls. Numerical finite element simulations allow to extrapolate the noise distribution in the entire cavity and to interpret experimental results and indicate that the frequencies at which the highest noise levels occur correspond to azimuthal or radial resonant modes of the MRI cavity, i.e., with a radially and azimuthally varying pressure field. These results can be useful for the design of future acoustic noise mitigation solutions.
A sense of connectedness, transcendent experiences, and insights for compassionate action emerge through an international collective labyrinth walk with a shared intention during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: McGee Jocelyn Shealy , Katzenmeyer Christine , Boddie Stephanie Clintonia , Meraz Rebecca , Wood Sinai 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionLabyrinth walking is an integrative contemplative practice that aims to engage the body, heart, mind, and spirit. In this article, qualitative findings from the first year of a mixed methods study on collective labyrinth walking with a shared intention are described. This form of labyrinth walking is distinct in that it is a social contemplative practice. It expands upon most of the labyrinth walking research to date which has been focused upon the individual. More specifically, practitioners walk labyrinths together in solidarity with the same intention in mind during collective labyrinth walking. This practice can be used locally (i.e. practitioners walk the same labyrinth together for the same reason) or non-locally (i.e. practitioners walk different labyrinths for the same reason together in different locations). The study is unique in that it took place at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic which was a time in recent history that evoked fear, uncertainty, grief, isolation, and disconnectedness for many persons around the world.MethodsThis sample in this study was comprised of 461 participants from 19 countries who collectively walked labyrinths together with a shared intention on World Labyrinth Day 2021. Most participants were women in middle to later life from the United States. Data was collected through an anonymous online survey and analyzed using the qualitative methodology of interpretive phenomenological analysis.ResultsThree predominant themes emerged from practitioners’ narrative accounts of their lived experiences: (1) multiple forms of connectedness (i.e., intrapersonal, interpersonal, transpersonal, labyrinth connection) were cultivated through collective labyrinth walking with a shared intention; (2) practitioners reported qualities associated with “transcendent” experiences during this experience (i.e., boundlessness, ultimacy, transcendence, connectedness, positive emotions); and (3) practitioners had insights for compassionate action.DiscussionFindings suggest that collective labyrinth walking with a shared intention can contribute to individual and group flourishing during times of distress. Quasi-experimental and experimental research designs are needed to build on this exploratory developmental research and are described in this article.
Behavioral guidance for improving dental care in autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Pastore Irene , Bedin Elena , Marzari Giulia , Bassi Francesca , Gallo Claudio , Mucignat-Caretta Carla 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorders (ASDs) impair many aspects of everyday life and may prevent access to dental care, often limiting it to emergencies. Impaired oral health has long-lasting negative consequences on health status and on the acquisition of oral habits (e.g., oral respiration and grinding) or competencies (e.g., proper speech production). Children with ASD may be scared in the dental setting, which is rich in sensory stimuli and requires physical contact. Due to their behavioral manifestations, they represent a challenge for dentists and hygienists. We created a dedicated pathway with behavioral support for children with ASD to allow dental care and possibly limit the use of general anesthesia.MethodsWe evaluated the effects of behavioral support in a quasi-experimental design by comparing two groups of children with ASD. The first group (n = 84) was visited every 2 months for 3 years and received additional support (visual aids, caregiver training, and longer visit duration). A control group, matched for age and sex, was visited at least twice a year or more, if needed, according to standard healthcare guidelines.ResultsCompliance with the schedule was high throughout the 3 years. The degree of collaboration significantly improved after 1 year in the supported group, while the control group did not change. At the end of the study, collaboration remained significantly higher than at the beginning in the supported group. Half of dental treatments were possible without general anesthesia in supported children. No adverse effect was apparent on collaboration due to COVID-19 restrictions.DiscussionBehavioral techniques improved the compliance of ASD children to regular dentistry visits and treatment. Furthermore, oral hygiene at home was similarly improved, addressing oral health from a lifelong perspective.
Stress and sleep quality in medical students: a cross-sectional study from Vietnam
Authors: Tran Duc-Si , Nguyen Duy-Thai , Nguyen Thai-Hang , Tran Cao-Thinh-Phuoc , Duong-Quy Sy , Nguyen Thanh-Hiep 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant global social and economic disruptions, as well as changes in personal attitude and behavior. The purpose of this research is to assess the sleep quality and stress levels of medical students.MethodData was collected from medical students over the course of a month in 2021. A total of 4,677 students at the University of Medicine Pham Ngoc Thach were invited to complete an anonymous web-based survey, which included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire Index (PSQI) for measuring sleep quality and the COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire (CSSQ) for evaluating stress.ResultsA total of 1,502 students participated in our survey. More than half of the participants exhibited poor quality of sleep as indicated by their PSQI score. Many students reported going to bed after midnight and spending time on their smartphones. Among the students surveyed, 21.84% experienced low levels of stress (CSSQ ≤6), 63.38% had mild stress (7 ≤ CSSQ score ≤ 14), 14.78% reported high levels of stress (CSSQ &gt;14).ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence of poor sleep quality in the surveyed students, which could be attributed to changes in their behavior following the COVID-19 outbreak. Mild stress was also frequently observed, and it may be related to sleep disorders in this population. These important findings provide valuable insights for making recommendations, including lifestyle modifications to improve sleep quality.
Multiple change point analysis of hepatitis B reports in Xinjiang, China from 2006 to 2021
Authors: Yang Liping , Xie Na , Yao Yanru , Wang Chunxia , RiFhat Ramziya , Tian Maozai , Wang Kai 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveHepatitis B (HB) is a major global challenge, but there has been a lack of epidemiological studies on HB incidence in Xinjiang from a change-point perspective. This study aims to bridge this gap by identifying significant change points and trends.MethodThe datasets were obtained from the Xinjiang Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Change points were identified using binary segmentation for full datasets and a segmented regression model for five age groups.ResultsThe results showed four change points for the quarterly HB time series, with the period between the first change point (March 2007) and the second change point (March 2010) having the highest mean number of HB reports. In the subsequent segments, there was a clear downward trend in reported cases. The segmented regression model showed different numbers of change points for each age group, with the 30–50, 51–80, and 15–29 age groups having higher growth rates.ConclusionChange point analysis has valuable applications in epidemiology. These findings provide important information for future epidemiological studies and early warning systems for HB.
Impact of food insecurity and food environment on the diet quality of older African Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kibe Lucy W. , Schrode Katrina , Bazargan Mohsen , Shaheen Magda 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionA high quality diet is vital in promoting wellbeing and ensuring good health, particularly for those living with chronic conditions. Older African Americans, already burdened with a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, also face a higher risk for suboptimal diets. The COVID-19 pandemic had lasting effects on access to healthy food for all Americans, but some demographic groups were disproportionately affected. Older African Americans, who already experienced reduced access to healthy food pre-pandemic, were particularly afflicted, but the full extent of the pandemic's impact on their food insecurity and food environment remains unclear.MethodsTo address this gap, we conducted a study among 102 older African Americans in South Los Angeles between October 2021 and July 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed surveys on dietary intake, food insecurity, and neighborhood food environment. We measured dietary quality using the healthy eating index (HEI)-2015. The analysis included descriptive, bivariate chi-square, t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear and logistic regression.ResultsWhile overall dietary quality was suboptimal, most participants met the guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. Food insecurity was associated with lower overall diet quality and lower total fruit and whole fruit intake. However, there was no association between food environment and diet quality.DiscussionIn light of our findings, further intervention is critical to improving diet quality, especially among older African Americans living with chronic conditions in the post-pandemic era.
Chain mediations of perceived social support and emotional regulation efficacy between role stress and compassion fatigue: insights from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Yuan , He Huijuan , Yang Chongming , Wang Xiangrong , Luo Jiang’an , Xiao Jie , Fu Bei , Chen Yiwen , Ma Chenjuan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundNurses at the frontline faced high risks of the COVID-19 infection, undertook heavy workloads of patient care, and experienced tremendous stress that often led to compassion fatigue.AimThis study was to explore the role of positive psychosocial resources (i.e., perceived social support and emotional regulation efficacy) in the relationship between role stress and compassion fatigue.MethodsA cross-sectional design was conducted in Hubei Province, China between May and September 2021. The Role Stress Questionnaire, the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Emotional Regulation Efficacy Scale, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale were used to measure key variables of interest. Nurse socio-demographic data were also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to explore the relationships, including potential mediating effect, among role stress, perceived social support, emotional regulation efficacy, and compassion fatigue.ResultsA total of 542 nurses participated in this investigation, and 500 were eventually enrolled in the analysis. The incidence of compassion fatigue among nurses was 94.2%, including 65.8% of nurses reporting at least moderate compassion fatigue. Univariate analysis showed that educational level, marital status, hospital rank, sleep time were the factors affecting compassion fatigue of the nurses. The structural equation modeling revealed that: Role stress had a direct positive effect on compassion fatigue; Perceived social support and emotional regulation efficacy partially mediated the link between role stress and compassion fatigue respectively; And there was a chain mediating role of perceived social support and emotional regulation efficacy between role stress and compassion fatigue.ConclusionThe incidence of compassion fatigue was high during the COVID-19 pandemic among bedside nurses in China. Improving social support and enhancing the efficacy of emotion regulation may help alleviate compassion fatigue directly and/or via buffering the impact of role stress.
Assessing perceived participation among older adults total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty patients six months post-surgery: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yao Lifeng , Jia Qin , Wu Jiayun , Chai Yufei , Gao Chu , Wang Yingying , Li Ke , Lai Meihong 
Published: November 2023

AimsThis research sought to assess the perceived levels of participation and autonomy in senior patients who had received total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Hangzhou, China. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the factors linked to these outcomes.Study designThis investigation will utilize a cross-sectional study design to assess perceived participation and autonomy among older adults total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. The research was conducted in Hangzhou, China, at a tertiary hospital.MethodsConvenient sampling was utilized to select 139 patients who underwent THA or TKA between March 2022 and March 2023 and met the inclusion criteria at a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy Questionnaire, Hip/Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS/KOOS), 5-Item Geriatric Depression Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Elders Health Empowerment Scale were used to assess perceived participation, hip/knee-related symptoms and functional restrictions, depression symptoms, social support, and health empowerment.ResultsThe mean score for perceived participation and autonomy was 22.554 (SD: 13.042). The mean scores for participation in indoor autonomy, outdoor autonomy, family roles, and social relations were 0.654 (SD: 0.608), 1.324 (SD: 0.792), 1.053 (SD: 0.657), and 0.664 (SD: 0.542), respectively. Negative correlations were observed between perceived participation/autonomy scores and HOOS/KOOS, social support, and health empowerment scores. Conversely, a positive correlation was found between perceived participation/autonomy scores and depression scores. The detrimental effect of HOOS/KOOS, social support, and health empowerment scores on perceived participation and autonomy was notable, while the impact of depressive symptoms was comparatively minor.ConclusionOlder Chinese patients, at first six months post THA/TKA surgery, reported higher levels of perceived participation compared to individuals with other conditions, such as stroke patients. Functional limitations resulting from hip/knee-related symptoms, as well as social support and health empowerment, emerged as significant influencing factors for perceived participation and autonomy. This research enhances our comprehension of the elements influencing perceived participation among older adults individuals who have undergone THA/TKA procedures.