bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respite Care for caregivers of mentally challenged children in Pakistan: A Feasibility Study of the Family Peer Support Buddy Program
Authors: Waqar Saman , Marwat Muhammad Imran , Ali Hayaa , Roshan Rukhsana , Babar Ayesha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction: The Global prevalence of childhood disability is estimated to be around 95 million, with 50 million living in South Asia. In Pakistan, the prevalence of childhood disability is reported to be 19.1 per 1000 for profound disability, and 65.3 per 1000 for mild retardation. Caring for a child with a disability can have a significant impact on the well-being of caregivers. Respite care can be provided formally, taking help from trained professionals or informal care can be offered by friends and family members. Regardless of the type of respite care, the goal is to provide caregivers with a temporary break, which can help them, manage the challenges associated with care giving.
Aim: This study aims to investigate the feasibility of delivering the adapted version of the Family Peer Support Buddy Program by voluntary family members.
Methods and analysis: Setting: This study was carried out in rehabilitation institutes in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Participants, including primary caregivers having a mentally challenged child and voluntary family members, were recruited. Volunteers were trained in their listening skills to provide respite to the caregivers.
Data collection: Data was collected from the participants on recruitment, retention during the intervention period, acceptance of the intervention, satisfaction with and completion of the intervention 3 times, (0, 6, and 12 weeks). The stress levels and quality of life of the caregivers were also measured thrice with the help of validated tools.
Results: 100 (100%) completed the first phase of data collection, 92 (92%) completed 2nd phase, and 85 (85%) completed 3rd phase of data collection. The acceptance rate for the mode and venue of intervention delivery was 100% and 68 (85%) of the caregivers and 74 (92%) of the volunteers were satisfied with the intervention. Results of the ANOVA test revealed a statistically significant difference in stress levels and quality of life of the caregivers before and after the intervention. Pearson product-moment correlation showed a strong negative relationship between stress levels and the quality of life of caregivers.
Distinct Myocardial Deformation Patterns Across Various Subtypes of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Wentao , Huang Yi , Wang Shan , Ge Yinghui , Lin Qing , Wang Xianpei , Zhu Zhongyu , Gao Chuanyu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background Previous investigation into hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have uncovered diminished myocardial contractility and heterogeneous left ventricular (LV) regional deformation. Furthermore, the distribution and extent of LV hypertrophy vary across different types of HCM. Despite these observations, there remains a need to comprehensively explore potential distinctions in myocardial deformation among distinct forms of HCM.Methods A cohort comprising 45 patients with septal HCM (SeHCM), 10 with apical HCM (AHCM), and 7 with symmetric HCM (SyHCM) patients undergoing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) were investigated. Various clinical and echocardiographic measures were systematically collected. Strain (ε), strain rate (SR), and displacement, derived through CMR-feature tracking (CMR-FT) were quantified. Comparative analyses of CMR-FT results were conducted among the three HCM groups. Multiple linear regression models were employed to identify potential factors correlating to regional ε alterations.Results While all three HCM groups exhibited a reduction in global deformation, but the differences were not statistically significant difference (Ps > 0.05). However, distinct regional patterns in ε, SR, displacement were observed, particularly at basal and apical levels. SeHCM demonstrated lower basal ε parameters, while AHCM exhibited lower apical parameters, both with statistical significance (Ps < 0.05). Intriguingly, AHCM displayed lower apical deformation parameters compared to middle and basal indices, while SeHCM exhibited consistently lower basal deformation across all regions (Ps < 0.05). Consequently, base-to-apex global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global circumferential strain (GCS) gradients were diminished in SeHCM and reversed in AHCM (GLS gradient: 2.29 ± 7.29 vs -12.81 ± 7.47, P < 0.001, GCS gradient: 2.81 ± 4.79 vs -5.04 ± 5.58, P < 0.001). SyHCM did not exhibit such regularities. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated a direct relationship between HCM types and reduced regional ε.Conclusion Our findings illuminate specific regional deformation changes and the loss of the base-to-apex ε gradient in different types of HCM. This observations could serve as early markers of cardiac involvement in HCM, offering independent and incremental diagnostic significance and distinctive patterns across various HCM subtypes.Trial registration NCT 04830787
Mobile Handwritten Signature Verification and Identification Using PCA for RemoteAuthentication
Authors: Kumar Rishu , Awasthi Sameer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research proposal aims to develop a system for handwritten signature verification and identification using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) with user access via mobile cameras. The goal is to create a convenient and secure method for remote authentication without requiring in-person visits. We will investigate the feasibility of capturing high-quality signature samples through mobile cameras, implement PCA for feature extraction, and develop an efficient system for remote signature-based authentication.
Applying the SOUND trial for omitting axillary surgery to patients with early breast cancer in Bahrain
Authors: Abdulla Ali Hasan , Althawadi Reem , Salman Ahmed Zuhair , Altaei Tareq Hamed , Mahdi Amina Mohamed , Abdulla Hussain Adnan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The SOUND trial reported that omission of axillary surgery was not inferior to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in those with cT1 breast cancer and negative preoperative axillary ultrasound. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of early breast cancer patients undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS) at our institution in order to investigate the exportability of SOUND criteria to our patient population.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients with cT1N0 breast cancer undergoing BCS and adjuvant radiotherapy at our institution according to the SOUND trial criteria. Comparison was made between the eligible group of our cohort and the no axillary surgery arm of the SOUND trial using the chi-squared test.
Results
The proportion of younger patients was higher in our eligible cohort (37.7% vs 19.8%, P = 0.002). Postmenopausal patients were observed with a higher percentage in the SOUND trial (77.7% vs 56.6%, P = 0.004). On final pathology, tumours were more likely to be upgraded to T2 in our group (26.4% vs 5%, P = 0.001). Patients in our cohort were more likely to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (37.7% vs 17.5%, P = 0.002).
Conclusion
The clinicopathological differences between our cohort and the no axillary surgery arm in the SOUND trial could be attributed to aggressive tumours in Bahrain compared to Western countries. Although this trial is unlikely to change guidelines immediately, it should generate multidisciplinary discussion in the de-escalation of axillary surgery. Our study may influence other surgeons to incorporate the SOUND trial into clinical practice.
Patterns, circumstances and risk factors leading to non-fatal drug overdose in a cohort of homeless population
Authors: Anderson Jennifer , Kurmi Om , Lowrie Richard , Araf Adnan , Paudyal Vibhu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background It is known that most people who die from a drug overdose will have experienced some form of non-fatal overdose (NFOD) prior to the fatal event. Understanding the circumstances and risk factors of NFOD is key to reducing drug-related deaths, particularly in homeless populations where drug deaths dominate other causes of mortality. This study aimed to identify patterns, circumstances and risk factors leading to non-fatal overdose in people experiencing homelessness (PEH).Methods All recorded cases of NFOD from a population of PEH registered at a specialist primary care centre in England, UK, were identified using electronic patient-level medical records. Details of each overdose and patient characteristics were extracted. The heterogeneity between different variables with and without non-fatal overdoses were tested using Chi-square for parametric and Wilcoxon sum rank tests for non-parametric data. Multivariable logistic regressions were carried out to identify the risk factors of NFODs.Results From 1221 persons registered, 194 (16%) were identified as ever having had a NFOD with 428 overdoses between them. Of overdoses where implicated substances were recorded (264/428, 62%), half (n = 132) were polydrug related. Male sex was associated with a reduced risk of NFOD (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.33–0.81), white ethnicity a greater risk compared to Black/African/Caribbean (0.52, 0.21–0.85) or Asian (0.42, 0.20–0.89) and age 36–45 associated with higher risks (3.86, 1.33–11.22). Use of tobacco (5.45, 1.41-21.00) and alcohol (2.19, 1.51–3.17) increased the risk, as did a record of illicit substance use (5.86, 3.58–9.58). Chronic physical and mental health conditions also increased the risk of NFOD including respiratory conditions (1.84, 1.20–2.81), blood borne viruses (2.19, 1.46–3.28), migraines (2.21, 1.06–4.62), anxiety (2.27, 1.59–3.26) and depression (1.79, 1.26–2.55). Main substances of overdose were paracetamol (25%), heroin (23%), benzodiazepines (14%), cocaine (13%), antipsychotics (11%), SSRI’s (11%) and synthetic cannabinoids (9%).Conclusions Male sex, white ethnicity, alcohol and substance misuse, and presence of chronic mental and physical comorbidities were associated with higher NFOD in PEH. Prevention programmes focusing on preventing drug related deaths can benefit by prioritising people with higher risks. Future work should explore the role of chronic physical conditions and their treatment on NFOD risk.
Genetic landscape and prognostic value of IRF4 alterations in Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Qin Yan , Chen Xinrui , Xie Zucheng , Yang Jianliang , Yang Sheng , Gui Lin , Liu Peng , Xie Tongji , Zhou Shengyu , Zhang Changgong , He Xiaohui , Shi Yuankai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common B-cell NHL with high heterogeneity. Patients with IRF4 alterations in various hematologic malignancies have a different prognosis.
Methods: From January 1st, 2006 to December 31st, 2022, all enrolled novel DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like regimens underwent high-resolution sequencing based on probe capture, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Publicity datasets were used to validate. Differential expression gene and connectivity map (CMap) analysis were used to screen the potential drugs to improve the clinical outcome.
Results: By April 28th, 2023, 324 patients were enrolled, 164 had disease progressed or recurrence, while 160 hadn’t. The number of patients in each group who had mutations in TP53, MYD88, BCL2, IRF4, STAT3, BCOR, ID3, and CD79A varied significantly. TP53 and IRF4 mutations (mPFS of mutation vs. wildtype: 33.93 vs. 11.17 months, p=0.018, HR:0.60, 95%CI:0.35-1.01) were found to be significantly associated with poor survival, according to univariate and multivariable analysis. Subgroup analysis showed that for IRF4mut GCB/nonGCB and IRF4wt GCB/nonGCB patients had significantly different PFS (p=0.002, HR:2.92, 95%CI: 1.05-8.10). Pairwise comparisons analysis show that the IRF4mutnonGCB subtype is significantly associated with shorter PFS in both our cohort and validation cohort (p=0.001). According to CMap , IRF4mut patients may benefit from regimens containing lenalidomide, ibrutinib, or mitoxantrone as first- and subsequent-line treatment options.
Conclusions: This study comprehensively described the genetic landscape of novel DLBCL. IRF4 mutation is an independent prognostic factor in DLBCL patients, and PFS is significantly shortened in IRF4mut nonGCB DLBCL subtype.
Epidemiological trends and susceptibility patterns of bloodstream infections caused by Enterococcus spp. in six German university hospitals – a prospectively evaluated multicentre cohort study from 2016-2020 of the R-Net study group
Authors: Hornuss Daniel , Göpel Siri , Walker Sarah V. , Tobys David , Häcker Georg , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G. , Xanthopoulou Kyriaki , Gladstone Beryl Primrose , Cattaneo Chiara , Mischnik Alexander , Rohde Anna M. , Imirzalioglu Can , Trauth Janina , Fritzenwanker Moritz , Falgenhauer Jane , Gastmeier Petra , Behnke Michael , Kramme Evelyn , Käding Nadja , Rupp Jan , Peter Silke , Schmauder Kristina , Eisenbeis Simone , Kern Winfried V. , Tacconelli Evelina , Rieg Siegbert 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To analyse recent epidemiological trends of bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by Enterococcus spp. In adult patients admitted to tertiary care centres in Germany.
Methods
Epidemiological data from the multicentre R-NET study was analysed. Patients presenting with E. faecium or E. faecalis in blood cultures in six German tertiary care university hospitals between October 2016 and June 2020 were prospectively evaluated. In vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), the presence of vanA/vanB was confirmed via molecular methods.
Results
In the 4-year study period, 3001 patients with BSI due to Enterococcus spp. were identified. E. faecium was detected in 1830 patients (61%) and E. faecalis in 1229 patients (41%). Most BSI occurred in (sub-) specialties of internal medicine. The pooled incidence density of enterococcal BSI increased significantly (4.0 to 4.5 cases per 10,000 patient days), which was primarily driven by VRE BSI (0.5 to 1.0 cases per 10,000 patient days). In 2020, the proportion of VRE BSI was > 12% in all study sites (range, 12.8–32.2%). Molecular detection of resistance in 363 VRE isolates showed a predominance of the vanB gene (77.1%).
Conclusion
This large multicentre study highlights an increase of BSI due to E. faecium, which was primarily driven by VRE. The high rates of hospital- and ICU-acquired VRE BSI point towards an important role of prior antibiotic exposure and invasive procedures as risk factors. Due to limited treatment options and high mortality rates of VRE BSI, the increasing incidence of VRE BSI is of major concern.
Investigation of colistin resistance in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates by flow cytometry method
Authors: Ucak Safak Ceren , Ongen Betigul 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance is crucial for early initiation of appropriate therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether resistance to colistin, the last resort antibiotic, in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates can be detected accurately and rapidly by flow cytometry (FCM) and whether this method is convenient for routine use in clinical laboratories. The VITEK 2 automated system was used to identify K. pneumoniae strains and to determine their resistance to carbapenems and other antibiotics except for colistin. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for colistin in 85 CRKP strains were determined by the broth microdilution (BMD), which is the reference method. In addition, FCM was used, combined with DiBAC₄(3) “bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol” fluorescent stain, which can detect the changes in the bacterial membrane potential caused by antibiotic treatment, to determine colistin susceptibility. The MIC₅₀ value of the strains, 80% of which were resistant to colistin by the BMD method, was 16 mg/L, and the MIC₉₀ value was 32 mg/L. When FCM was compared with the reference method, it was determined that the categorical agreement between both methods was 98.8%; the specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values of FCM were 94%, 100%, 98.5%, and 100%, respectively. Colistin susceptibility results with FCM were obtained within an average of 2 hours. In conclusion, these findings suggest that FCM holds great promise as a rapid and reliable alternative method for detecting colistin resistance in CRKP strains.
Habitat Suitability in High Andean Butterflies: Complexity and Heterogeneity of Land Covers for Conservation
Authors: Zambrano María Alejandra Méndez , Medina Gonzalo Ernesto Fajardo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

High Andean butterflies in northern South America are subject to landscape change processes. Our study used habitat suitability models to assess the habitat suitability of three Satyrinae species in the Upper Bogotá River Basin, Colombia. These three species include Pedaliodes polla, Pedaliodes phaea, and Pedaliodes phaeina, the last two are endemic to Colombia. We used MaxEnt software to assess the habitat quality of these species, analyze the bioclimatic requirements that most influence them and propose priority conservation areas. Our results indicate that in most cases, the contribution of cover is more significant than 60%, so this variable determines the habitat capacity to support the species under study. We identified that the areas with suitable habitats are reduced with values less than or equal to 25% and are located in areas with a medium degree of intervention, which, by still conserving some contiguous forest fragments, allows the species to occur. On the other hand, the climatic variables with the most significant contribution to the models were Temperature Seasonality and Precipitation of Driest Quarter. Conservation efforts must be focused on the most suitable areas, given the reduction in habitat for these species. Our research emphasizes the need to safeguard well-connected remnants of the high Andean forest and natural cover in agricultural matrices to counter the impact of agricultural expansion.
Co-exposure to aluminium and cadmium mediates postpartum maternal variation in brain architecture and behaviour of mice; involvement of oxido-nitrergic and cholinergic mechanisms
Authors: Ichipi-Ifukor Patrick Chukwuyenum , Asagba Samuel Ogheneovo , Achuba Fidelis Ifeakachuku 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Most research has not been done on the possible relationship between pregnant women' cross-metal exposures and postpartum neuroendocrine functions. The purpose of this study was to look into how co-exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) affected the neuroendocrine and neurometabolic changes in postpartum mice A total of 24 adult pregnant female mice were used for the study. Group 1 comprised pregnant mice (n = 6) treated with AlCl3 (10mg/kg), group 2; CdCl2 (1.5mg/kg), group 3 a combination of AlCl3 (10 mg/kg) and CdCl2 (1.5 mg/kg) and group 4 served as control. Oral treatment of animals was done daily from gestation day 7 to gestation day 20. Upon delivery and weaning on postnatal day 21 (PND 21), behavioural assessment was done on the postpartum mice and immediately followed by sacrifice for assessment of histological and neuroendocrine markers. Our findings revealed that the brain-to-body weight ratio was affected and brain oxidative stress was elevated in mice exposed to AlCl3 and CdCl2 during pregnancy. Given the strong association between postpartum hyperactivity, social interaction index, brain catalase, and acetylcholinesterase activity, and the brain/body weight ratio, it is plausible that these effects have played a role in the adverse behavioural abnormalities observed in the postpartum maternal mice. Moreover, it noted that in certain situations, co-exposures to the metals tended to have opposite effects to single metal exposures.
GenPluSSS: A Genetic Algorithm Based Plugin for Measured Subsurface Scattering Representation
Authors: Yıldırım Barış , Kurt Murat 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a plugin that adds a representation of homogeneous and heterogeneous, optically thick, translucent materials on the Blender 3D modeling tool. The working principle of this plugin is based on a combinationof Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)-based subsurface scattering method (GenSSS).The proposed plugin has been implemented using Mitsuba renderer, which is an open source rendering software. The proposed plugin has been validated on measured subsurface scattering data. It’s shown that the proposed plugin visualizes homogeneous and heterogeneous subsurface scattering effects, accurately, compactly and computationally efficiently.
Psychosomatic health complaints among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic – Results of the longitudinal German COPSY study
Authors: Habermann Karoline , Napp Ann-Kathrin , Reiß Franziska , Kaman Anne , Erhart Michael , Ravens-Sieberer Ulrike 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The period throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented major challenges for children’s and adolescents’ wellbeing and psychosocial adjustment and had a great impact on their mental health. Psychosomatic health complaints are highly common in childhood and adolescence and present an important indicator of mental health and wellbeing.
Methods
The nationwide, longitudinal COPSY-study (COvid-19 and PSYchological Health) has monitored changes in mental health among children and adolescents in Germany since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in five survey waves (2020–2022). In total, n = 1673 children and adolescents aged 11 years and older and their parents participated in at least one survey wave. Self-reported psychosomatic health complaints were assessed in each survey wave, using a modified version of an internationally validated eight-item symptom checklist (HBSC-SCL). A mixed model panel regression analysis was conducted to examine longitudinal changes in psychosomatic health complaints and to identify psychosocial and pandemic-related risk factors as well as resources. Risk estimations were used to explore the effect of a reported previous infection with COVID-19 on psychosomatic health complaints.
Results
Psychosomatic health complaints among children and adolescents increased over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls and children of mentally ill or highly burdened parents were at particular risk. A higher subjective perceived burden of the pandemic as well as COVID-19 related worries were significantly associated with a higher level of psychosomatic health complaints. Overall, Long-COVID was diagnosed by a clinical expert in 2.9% of children with previously reported COVID-19. An infection with COVID-19 was no significant risk factor for psychosomatic health complaints in general but increased the risk of sleeping difficulties and loss of concentration in autumn 2022. Personal resources, a positive family climate, and more perceived social support were significantly associated with less psychosomatic health complaints.
Conclusions
Three years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, children and adolescents are suffering from multiple psychosomatic health complaints. Medium and long-term consequences of the pandemic and associated measures are therefore suspected. Targeted health promotion and intervention strategies are needed to protect and maintain children’s and adolescents’ health.