bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a virtual reality basic life support for undergraduate students in Thailand: a project by Mae Fah Luang University (MFU BLiS VR)
Authors: Shatpattananunt Boonyapat , Petpichetchian Wongchan , Pinsuwan Soifah , Chaloempong Tanyawut , Waraphok Sineenat , Wongwatkit Charoenchai 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
In traditional basic life support training for university students or the public, trainees practice simulations only once or twice during the course, potentially limiting their competence. In contrast, virtual reality allows trainees to independently study and practice as often as needed, enhancing their skills. This research and development project aimed to develop and evaluate a novel learning device, virtual reality basic life support for undergraduate students of Mae Fah Luang University (MFU BLiS VR).

Methods
This study employed a two-group, pre- and post-test design, involving seventy students (n = 35 in each group) from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand. Data were collected from March 2022 to January 2023. The experimental group received the MFU BLiS VR, in addition to traditional teaching, while the control group received only traditional teaching. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U test, and Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results
“MFU BLiS VR” provided a learning experience in out-of-hospital basic life support for adult patients in four scenarios: (1) a person who was not breathing but had a pulse; (2) a person who was not breathing, had no pulse, and required defibrillation; (3) a person who was not breathing, had no pulse, and did not require defibrillation; and (4) a person with normal breathing and pulse but was unconscious. Each scenario was presented sequentially from scenario one to scenario four. The scenarios encompassed common and complex situations requiring prompt and effective bystander responses to save lives. The results revealed that the experimental group had a significantly shorter no-flow time compared to the control group (Z = -5.02, p < .001) and achieved significantly higher knowledge scores than the control group (Z = -3.39, p < .01) as well as superior practical skills (Z = -7.26, p < .001). Both groups reported the highest satisfaction levels in all aspects, with no significant differences.

Conclusion
MFU BLiS VR is an effective training approach for teaching and learning basic life support and the use of an automated electronic defibrillator. It captures students’ attention and enhances their understanding of these essential life support skills, which are crucial for everyone.
Autonomic function measurements for evaluating fatigue and quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Aoki Miwa , Kuratsune Hirohiko , Yamamoto Sena , Hirano Toshiko , Hanaeda Kumiko , Nishi Yasuka , Okada Tamami , Nadamura Maki , Kobayashi Chiho , Sumita Emiko , Gotou Junko , Koizumi Masahiko , Arao Harue 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Fatigue during radiation therapy in women with breast cancer can decrease quality of life (QOL), yet it is often underestimated and needs to be evaluated objectively. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate fatigue and QOL of women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy with a simple autonomic function measurement.

Methods
Women with breast cancer who underwent postoperative radiotherapy in eight cancer care hospitals in Chubu and Kinki regions in Japan were recruited between October 2021 and June 2022. The women underwent a self-administered questionnaire that included the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and the Short Form-8 Health Survey (SF-8) and an autonomic nervous function measurement using a simple, non-invasive device before (T0, baseline), mid (T1), and at the end (T2) of treatment.

Results
The 57 women showed similar trends, with CFS scores and log LF/HF ratio being the highest at T0 and significantly decreasing at T1 (both p < 0.05). The log LF/HF trends differed between those with high and low baseline log LF/HF values. Women with mental component summary (MCS) score improvement (T0 to T2) had the highest log LF/HF ratio at T0 and had significantly lower log LF/HF values at T1 and T2 than at T0 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The change of (⊿) MCS from T0 to T1 was negatively correlated with ⊿log LF/HF from T0 to T1 (r = − 0.36, p < 0.01).

Conclusions
Measurement of autonomic nerve function with a simple device is useful for objective fatigue assessment during radiotherapy. Psychological support is important as improvement in mental health helps improve autonomic nerve function and, in turn, fatigue.
Single-cell transcriptomics provide insight into metastasis-related subsets of breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Shikun , Zhang Mi , Liu Xuexue , Luo Qing , Zhou Jiahong , Song Miao , Feng Jia , Liu Jinbo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBreast cancer metastasis is a complex, multi-step process, with high cellular heterogeneity between primary and metastatic breast cancer, and more complex interactions between metastatic cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment. High-resolution single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology can visualize the heterogeneity of malignant and non-malignant cells in the tumor microenvironment in real time, especially combined with spatial transcriptome analysis, which can directly compare changes between different stages of metastatic samples. Therefore, this study takes single-cell analysis as the first perspective to deeply explore special or rare cell subpopulations related to breast cancer metastasis, systematically summarizes their functions, molecular features, and corresponding treatment strategies, which will contribute to accurately identify, understand, and target tumor metastasis-related driving events, provide a research basis for the mechanistic study of breast cancer metastasis, and provide new clues for its personalized precision treatment.
GoM DE: interpreting structure in sequence count data with differential expression analysis allowing for grades of membership
Authors: Carbonetto Peter , Luo Kaixuan , Sarkar Abhishek , Hung Anthony , Tayeb Karl , Pott Sebastian , Stephens Matthew 
Published: October 2023

AbstractParts-based representations, such as non-negative matrix factorization and topic modeling, have been used to identify structure from single-cell sequencing data sets, in particular structure that is not as well captured by clustering or other dimensionality reduction methods. However, interpreting the individual parts remains a challenge. To address this challenge, we extend methods for differential expression analysis by allowing cells to have partial membership to multiple groups. We call this grade of membership differential expression (GoM DE). We illustrate the benefits of GoM DE for annotating topics identified in several single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data sets.
Effectiveness of the Unified Protocol for the transdiagnostic treatment of emotional disorders in online and group format in Argentina: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Celleri Milagros , Cremades Camila F. , Etchevers Martin J. , Garay Cristian J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The Unified Protocol (UP) is a transdiagnostic intervention based on emotional regulation for the treatment of emotional disorders. Its application in individual and group formats has been studied worldwide, obtaining similar results to specific protocols but with a lower drop-out rate and improving the cost–benefit ratio, since a larger number of patients can benefit from it. Moreover, the inclusion of digital technologies in psychotherapy aims to improve the accessibility of treatments, especially since the pandemic of COVID-19 that forced the implementation of treatments through teletherapy increasing its use. To date, no studies have been carried out in Argentina on the application of the UP in a group format and through teletherapy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of the UP in a group format and through teletherapy in the Argentine population.

Methods
A parallel-group, controlled, randomized trial, with pre-post and repeated follow-up measures intergroup design will be conducted. One hundred eighty patients will be randomized to one of the following conditions: an online, group-based UP intervention or a waiting list. The Beck Depression Inventory-II and the Beck Anxiety Inventory will be used to compare primary outcomes and the Beck Hopelessness Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale, and Multicultural Quality of Life Index will be administered for secondary outcomes at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 months follow-up. Ad-hoc questionnaires will be used to assess patients’ experiences and treatment satisfaction.

Discussion
The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the online and group application of the UP in the Argentine population, as well as to evaluate the patient’s experience and satisfaction with the treatment. It is expected that the findings of this study will be useful in reducing anxious and depressive symptomatology, will allow us to adapt the UP to our culture, and will improve accessibility to treatment.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05275322. Registered on 11 March 2022.
Using the multiphase optimization strategy to adapt cognitive processing therapy (CPT MOST): study protocol for a randomized controlled factorial experiment
Authors: Sripada Rebecca K. , Peterson Cassaundra L. , Dziak John J. , Nahum-Shani Inbal , Roberge Erika M. , Martinson Amber A. , Porter Katherine , Grau Peter , Curtis Diana , McElroy Sydney , Bryant Sarah , Gracy Isabel , Pryor Cosette , Walters Heather M. , Austin Karen , Ehlinger Carolina , Sayer Nina , Wiltsey-Stirman Shannon , Chard Kathleen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Approximately ten percent of US military veterans suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a highly effective, evidence-based, first-line treatment for PTSD that has been widely adopted by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). CPT consists of discrete therapeutic components delivered across 12 sessions, but most veterans (up to 70%) never reach completion, and those who discontinue therapy receive only four sessions on average. Unfortunately, veterans who drop out prematurely may never receive the most effective components of CPT. Thus, there is an urgent need to use empirical approaches to identify the most effective components of CPT so CPT can be adapted into a briefer format.

Methods
The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) is an innovative, engineering-inspired framework that uses an optimization trial to assess the performance of individual intervention components within a multicomponent intervention such as CPT. Here we use a fractional factorial optimization trial to identify and retain the most effective intervention components to form a refined, abbreviated CPT intervention package. Specifically, we used a 16-condition fractional factorial experiment with 270 veterans (N = 270) at three VA Medical Centers to test the effectiveness of each of the five CPT components and each two-way interaction between components. This factorial design will identify which CPT components contribute meaningfully to a reduction in PTSD symptoms, as measured by PTSD symptom reduction on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5, across 6 months of follow-up. It will also identify mediators and moderators of component effectiveness.

Discussion
There is an urgent need to adapt CPT into a briefer format using empirical approaches to identify its most effective components. A brief format of CPT may reduce attrition and improve efficiency, enabling providers to treat more patients with PTSD. The refined intervention package will be evaluated in a future large-scale, fully-powered effectiveness trial. Pending demonstration of effectiveness, the refined intervention can be disseminated through the VA CPT training program.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05220137. Registration date: January 21, 2022.
Diaphragmatic breathing combined with abdominal drawing-in maneuver for walking function in post-stroke patients: a randomized controlled study protocol
Authors: Su Jianqing , Ding Yunrong , Cao Yanjun , Zhang Zengqiao , Sun Mengxue , Zhang Yajuan , Li Kunpeng , Wang Wu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Patients with stroke frequently experience walking dysfunction. Core training can help improve balance and walking function in patients with stroke. However, core training movements in clinical practice are numerous and differently targeted. Therefore, this study will investigate the improvement of walking function in patients with combined diaphragmatic breathing maneuver (DBM) and draw-in breathing technique (ADIM) training.

Methods
This single-blind, randomized controlled preliminary will analyze the viability of DBM combined ADIM training versus routine rehabilitation therapy in patients with stroke with early to mid-stroke. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the DBM and ADIM training or the routine rehabilitation training. We will recruit 42 stroke inpatients from the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai who meet the trial criteria and measure the balance and walking functions and improvement of that after 4 weeks of intervention. The primary outcome is the 10 m maximum walking test (10MWT). The secondary outcomes indices include the limits of stability test (LOS), Berg balance scale test (BBS), Functional Ambulation Categories test (FAC), Timed Up and Go test (TUG), trunk impairment scale test (TIS), ultrasound indicators of the diaphragm and transversus abdominis (UI), rhythmic weight shift test (RWS), walk across test (WA), Fugl-Meyer assessment of lower extremity (FMA-LE), and Barthel index of ADL test.

Discussion
The primary objective of this project was to investigate the effects of DBM combined with ADIM on balance capacity and walking function for patients with early to mid-stroke. The outcomes of this study will hold significant implications for future clinical applications in rehabilitation.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ID: ChiCTR2100054897. Registered on 28 December 2021.
Hepatozoon spp. infection in wild canids in the eastern United States
Authors: Baker Eliza , Jensen Alex , Miller Debra , Garrett Kayla Buck , Cleveland Christopher A. , Brown Justin , Van Why Kyle , Gerhold Richard 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites known to cause musculoskeletal disease in a variety of animals. Two species are known to infect wild and domestic canids in the US: Hepatozoon canis and H. americanum.

Methods
In this study, blood, heart, and/or spleen samples were collected from 278 wild canids (180 coyotes, 93 red foxes, and 5 gray foxes) in the eastern US and tested via PCR for Hepatozoon. Histology slides of heart and skeletal muscle were assessed for Hepatozoon cysts and associated inflammation when fresh tissue was available (n = 96).

Results
Hepatozoon spp. were found in 24.2% (59/278) of individuals, with Hepatozoon canis in 14.0% (34/278) and H. americanum in 10.7% (26/278). One coyote was positive for both H. canis and H. americanum. Foxes were more likely to be positive for H. canis than coyotes (23% and 7% respectively, P = 0.0008), while only coyotes were positive for H. americanum. Of the eight sampled states, H. canis was present in six (Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) while H. americanum was found in two southern states (South Carolina and Louisiana). Infection status was positively correlated with myositis and myocarditis, and heart or muscle cysts were found in 83% (5/6) of H. americanum-positive coyotes.

Conclusion
This survey showed a moderate prevalence of H. canis and H. americanum in states where the parasite was previously unrecorded including South Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Graphical Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection regulates apoptosis of host cells via miR-185/ARAF axis
Authors: Su Dingzeyang , Zhu Shifan , Hou Zhaofeng , Hao Fuxing , Xu Kangzhi , Xu Fan , Zhu Yuyang , Liu Dandan , Xu Jinjun , Tao Jianping 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis with a worldwide presence that is caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Active regulation of apoptosis is an important immune mechanism by which host cells resist the growth of T. gondii or avoid excessive pathological damage induced by this parasite. Previous studies found that upregulated expression of microRNA-185 (miR-185) during T. gondii infection has a potential role in regulating the expression of the ARAF gene, which is reported to be associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods
The expression levels of miR-185 and the ARAF gene were evaluated by qPCR and Western blot, respectively, in mice tissues, porcine kidney epithelial cells (PK-15) and porcine alveolar macrophages (3D4/21) following infection with the T. gondii ToxoDB#9 and RH strains. The dual luciferase reporter assay was then used to verify the relationship between miR-185 and ARAF targets in PK-15 cells. PK-15 and 3D4/21 cell lines with stable knockout of the ARAF gene were established by CRISPR, and then the apoptosis rates of the cells following T. gondii infection were detected using cell flow cytometry assays. Simultaneously, the activities of cleaved caspase-3, as a key apoptosis executive protein, were detected by Western blot to evaluate the apoptosis levels of cells.

Results
Infection with both the T. gondii ToxoDB#9 and RH strains induced an increased expression of miR-185 and a decreased expression of ARAF in mice tissues, PK-15 and 3D4/21 cells. MiR-185 mimic transfections showed a significantly negative correlation in expression levels between miR-185 and the ARAF gene. The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that ARAF was a target of miR-185. Functional investigation revealed that T. gondii infection induced the apoptosis of PK-15 and 3D4/21 cells, which could be inhibited by ARAF knockout or overexpression of miR-185. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 protein were significantly lower in cells with ARAF knockout than in normal cells, which were consistent with the results of the cell flow cytometry assays.

Conclusions
Toxoplasma gondii infection could lead to the upregulation of miR-185 and the downregulation of ARAF, which was not related to the strain of T. gondii and the host cells. Toxoplasma gondii infection could regulate the apoptosis of host cells via the miR-185/ARAF axis, which represents an additional strategy used by T. gondii to counteract host-cell apoptosis in order to maintain survival and reproduce in the host cells.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular detection of Epstein-Barr virus among Sudanese patients diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Hamad Marowa N. , Mohamed Fuodat I. , Osman Mayada M. , Jadid Ahlam A. , Abdalrhman Ibtihal K. , Yousif Alaa M. , Alabid Tyseer , Edris Ali Mahmoud Mohammed , Mohamed Nouh S. , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The exact mechanism initiating the development of HT is not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between HT and the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in a Sudanese population.

Results
EBV-LMP1 was detected in 11.1% of HT cases, which is consistent with previous studies. Studies have reported a wide range of frequencies indicating the presence of EBV in HT, and patients with autoimmune thyroiditis have increased titers of anti-EBV antibodies in their sera compared to healthy subjects. Intrathyroidal EBV-infected B cells may be responsible for the increased risk of development of B-cell lymphoma in the thyroid gland in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Our study suggests that regular follow-up is necessary for patients diagnosed with HT and are positive for EBV, as antiviral therapy is not applicable due to the risk of thyroid dysfunction. The study suggests an association between EBV and HT, but causation cannot be determined. The study also highlights the need for further research to determine the viral role and correlate it with the severity and progression of HT.
Assessment of MYC and TERT copy number variations in lung cancer using digital PCR
Authors: Brik Alexander , Wichert Katharina , Weber Daniel G. , Szafranski Katja , Rozynek Peter , Meier Swetlana , Ko Yon-Dschun , Büttner Reinhard , Gerwert Klaus , Behrens Thomas , Brüning Thomas , Johnen Georg 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
Lung cancer is the second most frequent cancer type and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Alteration of gene copy numbers are associated with lung cancer and the determination of copy number variations (CNV) is appropriate for the discrimination between tumor and non-tumor tissue in lung cancer. As telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (MYC) play a role in lung cancer the aims of this study were the verification of our recent results analyzing MYC CNV in tumor and non-tumor tissue of lung cancer patients using an independent study group and the assessment of TERT CNV as an additional marker.

Results
TERT and MYC status was analyzed using digital PCR (dPCR) in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissue samples of 114 lung cancer patients. The difference between tumor and non-tumor samples were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) for TERT and MYC. Using a predefined specificity of 99% a sensitivity of 41% and 51% was observed for TERT and MYC, respectively. For the combination of TERT and MYC the overall sensitivity increased to 60% at 99% specificity. We demonstrated that a combination of markers increases the performance in comparison to individual markers. Additionally, the determination of CNV using dPCR might be an appropriate tool in precision medicine.