bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-organ comparison and quantification parameters of [18F]THK-5317 uptake in preclinical mouse models of tau pathology
Authors: Wanek Thomas , Mairinger Severin , Filip Thomas , Löbsch Mathilde , Stanek Johann , Kuntner Claudia 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Current small-animal PET instrumentation provides sufficient resolution, sensitivity, and quantitative accurate information on the radiotracer distribution within the whole body. However, most preclinical imaging studies focus on the disease-related organ of interest and do not use the total body information provided by small-animal PET. In this study, we investigated the distribution of [18F]THK-5317 (also referred to as (S)-[18F]THK-5117), a radiotracer initially developed to visualize tau deposits in the brain, in two transgenic mouse models of tau overexpression and littermate controls at different ages and of both sexes. We compared multiple quantitative parameters of radiotracer uptake in multiple organs of mice to investigate sex, age, or strain-related differences.Methods: After intravenous administration, 60-min dynamic PET scans were acquired, followed by venous blood sampling, organ harvesting, and metabolite analysis by radio-thin-layer chromatography.Results: Blood pharmacokinetics and metabolism of [18F]THK-5317 significantly differed between males and females across all strains. Sex-related differences in organ VTs were identified from two-way ANOVA analysis. Organ-to-blood concentration ratios correlated well with organ VTs in all investigated organs.Conclusion: Following our workflow, a straightforward multiple-organ analysis of [18F]THK-5317 uptake in mice was easily achievable. From the derived quantitative parameters, the organ-to-blood values correlate best with the calculated VTs. Given the active incorporation of 3R principles into preclinical quantitative imaging, we propose that this workflow might be suitable to select novel radiotracer candidates before more complex kinetic models, comprising invasive methods such as full arterial blood sampling, for radiotracer quantification are applied.
Effects of low-load blood flow restriction on the venous system in comparison to traditional low-load and high-load exercises
Authors: Franz Alexander , Ji Sanghyeon , Fröschen Frank Sebastian , Kerstin Marleen , Wahl Patrick , Behringer Michael 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: Blood-Flow-Restriction (BFR) training provides the ability to achieve hypertrophy effects even though only light mechanical loads are applied. However, its impact on venous pressures and function are still unknown. Therefore, the present study investigates the influence of BFR-training on intravascular venous pressure and venous function in comparison to control exercises with low or high mechanical loads.Methods: In a randomized cross-over design, ten healthy men (27.6 ± 6.4 years) underwent three trials of unilateral knee-extensor exercise with three different training protocols, low-load- (LL-RT, 30% of the individual 1-repetition-maximum, 1RM), low-load BFR- (LL-BFR-RT, 30% 1RM, 50% limb occlusion pressure, LOP) and high-load resistance exercise (HL-RT, 75% 1RM). Exercise protocols contain about four sets of knee extension exercise (Range-of-Motion: 0-0-95°), separated by 60 s of rest. Each set was performed until volitional muscle failure. For analysis of changes in intravascular venous pressures and venous function, a venous catheter was placed at the exercising leg before each trial. Whereas venous pressures were recorded throughout the exercise trials, phlebodynamometric investigations were performed before and after each trial. Furthermore, subjective pain perception during and after exercise was accessed by visual analogue scale. One-way ANOVA was used to assess mean differences between training protocols, while two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (rANOVA; time x condition) was performed to compare changes in measures over time among conditions. Data were given as means ± standard deviation (SD).Results: In comparison to the exercise trials without venous occlusion, total workload was significantly lower in the LL-BFR-RT (LL-RT: 1745 ± 604 kg vs LL-BFR-RT: 1274 ± 237 kg vs HL-RT: 1847 ± 367 kg, p = 0.004) without indicating statistical differences in venous pressures during the exercise sets (interaction: p = 0.140) or pain perception (interaction: p = 0.574). Similarly, phlebodynamometric assessment of venous function (e.g. refill-time of the venous system pre-vs. post exercise trials–LL-RT: 29.7 ± 11.0 s vs 25.5 ± 9.6 s, LL-BFR-RT: 26.6 ± 13.0 s vs 27.3 ± 13.8 s, HL-RT: 25.9 ± 10.9 s vs 23.1 ± 8.2 s) revealed no time (p = 0.156), condition effect (p = 0.802) or their interactions (p = 0.382).Conclusion: The present study is the first one describing the acute effects of LL-BFR-RT to muscle failure on venous pressures and function in comparison to a LL- and HL-RT in the lower limbs. In contrast to the existing literature, LL-BFR-RT does not elevate the venous pressures during exercise higher than a comparative exercise without BFR and does not show any adverse effects on venous function after the exercise.
A matched-pair case control study identifying hemodynamic predictors of cerebral aneurysm growth using computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Weiss Allyson J. , Panduro Aaron O. , Schwarz Erica L. , Sexton Zachary A. , Lan Ingrid S. , Geisbush Thomas. R. , Marsden Alison L. , Telischak Nicholas A. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Initiation and progression of cerebral aneurysms is known to be driven by complex interactions between biological and hemodynamic factors, but the hemodynamic mechanism which drives aneurysm growth is unclear. We employed robust modeling and computational methods, including temporal and spatial convergence studies, to study hemodynamic characteristics of cerebral aneurysms and identify differences in these characteristics between growing and stable aneurysms.Methods: Eleven pairs of growing and non-growing cerebral aneurysms, matched in both size and location, were modeled from MRA and CTA images, then simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Key hemodynamic characteristics, including wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and portion of the aneurysm under low shear, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was then performed using paired Wilcoxon rank sum tests.Results: The portion of the aneurysm dome under 70% of the parent artery mean wall shear stress was higher in growing aneurysms than in stable aneurysms and had the highest significance among the tested metrics (p = 0.08). Other metrics of area under low shear had similar levels of significance.Discussion: These results align with previously observed hemodynamic trends in cerebral aneurysms, indicating a promising direction for future study of low shear area and aneurysm growth. We also found that mesh resolution significantly affected simulated WSS in cerebral aneurysms. This establishes that robust computational modeling methods are necessary for high fidelity results. Together, this work demonstrates that complex hemodynamics are at play within cerebral aneurysms, and robust modeling and simulation methods are needed to further study this topic.
Insights from the yield, protein production, and detailed alkaloid composition of white (Lupinus albus), narrow-leafed (Lupinus angustifolius), and yellow (Lupinus luteus) lupin cultivars in the Mediterranean region
Authors: Valente Inês M. , Sousa Carla , Almeida Mariana , Miranda Carla , Pinheiro Victor , Garcia-Santos Sofia , Ferreira Luís M. M. , Guedes Cristina M. , Maia Margarida R. G. , Cabrita Ana R. J. , Fonseca António J. M. , Trindade Henrique 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionLupins and other legumes have been considered as alternative plant-based protein sources to soybeans for both humans and livestock. Furthermore, they can contribute to more sustainable agricultural systems. The productivity and chemical composition of legumes is highly variable between species, cultivars, and with the edaphoclimatic conditions.MethodsThis work evaluated the adaptability of seven Lupinus cultivars in two different sowing locations, during two consecutive years, through the characterization of their seed, as a means of investigating their suitability to be used as a source of food and/or feed.Results and discussionLupinus angustifolius cv. Tango and Lupinus luteus cv. Acos were the most stable genotypes across the environments when considering the seed and protein production, while L. luteus cv. Alburquerque and L. luteus cv. Mister showed less variation in the total alkaloid content across the environments. The edaphoclimatic conditions affected seed and protein yields, as higher rainfall resulted in high productivity. The lower temperatures observed in the first year at both locations caused a reduction in the production of alkaloids in L. luteus cv. Acos and Cardiga. Due to the high alkaloid content of some of the studied cultivars their use as food or feed can pose some safety concerns. However, these cultivars can have high levels of resistance to herbivore and insect attacks, which can be of the utmost importance for the use of these crops for recovering poor or exhausted soils.
The effect of short-form video addiction on undergraduates’ academic procrastination: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Xie Jin , Xu Xinyu , Zhang Yamei , Tan Yuxin , Wu Dazhou , Shi Mingjian , Huang Hai 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundShort-form videos have become one of the most popular ways for people to entertain and relax. However, the intense interest in short-form videos has given rise to short-video addiction, which poses risks to both physical and mental health of individuals. Undergraduates are one of the important users for short-form videos, and the influence of short-form video addiction calls for more attention. This study aimed to investigate the association between short-form video addiction and academic procrastination among undergraduates, exploring the role of executive functions (i.e., attentional control) and personality traits (i.e., boredom proneness) in the association.MethodsUsing stratified random cluster sampling method, the data of 1,047 college students were used in the study. All variables were measured by empirical instruments, and all instruments were highly reliable. Mediation and moderation analysis was conducted using Model 4 and 7 in PROCESS macro powered by SPSS.ResultsResults revealed that short-form video addiction not only directly impacted academic procrastination but also placed indirect effect on academic procrastination through attentional control. Furthermore, the mediating effect of attentional control was contingent upon individuals’ boredom proneness. Higher levels of boredom proneness weakened the impact of short-form video addiction on attentional control.ConclusionThe findings expand our knowledge of the negative effects of short-form video addiction and the underlying mechanisms, providing implications for mitigating undergraduates’ academic procrastination.
Alexithymia is associated with insomnia in Chinese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Cai Fangfang , Jiang Huixia , Tong Siyu , Zhou Siyao , Wang Mengpu , Sun Shiyu , Liu Jie , Xu Yao , Lin Nankai , Dai Jiajing , Wang Xinyao , Wang Wei , Zhao Ke , Wu Xixi 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundSleep disorders are prevalent among patients with schizophrenia and are associated with several negative consequences. Although, researchers have recently suggested that sleep disorders have a close correlation with alexithymia, and schizophrenia also has a strong correlation with alexithymia, there have been few studies on the relationships between schizophrenia, sleep disorders and alexithymia. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationships between psychiatric symptoms, alexithymia and sleep problems in patients with schizophrenia so as to provide a reference for the clinical treatment of this comorbidity.MethodsIn total, 977 patients with schizophrenia were recruited for this study. The Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to assess sleep disorders, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate clinical symptoms, cognitive functions and the ability to express emotion, respectively.ResultsThe results indicated that the PANSS subscales (G-subscore) and TAS group were risk factors for insomnia in schizophrenia patients (all p &lt; 0.05). The mediation model showed the standardized path coefficients from schizophrenia to alexithymia (β = 0.104, p &lt; 0.001) and from alexithymia to insomnia (β = 0.038, p &lt; 0.001) were statistically significant.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that alexithymia is associated with sleep disturbance in patients with schizophrenia. These findings may provide a new avenue for the treatment of schizophrenia patients with sleep disorders.
Changes in substance use and engagement in gaming/gambling in persons with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes: a community study in two points
Authors: Medved Sara , Palavra Irena Rojnić , Gerlach Josefina , Levaj Sarah , Shields-Zeeman Laura , Bolinski Felix , Bradaš Zoran , Madžarac Zoran , Filipčić Igor , Rojnić Kuzman Martina 
Published: December 2023

IntroductionExternal stressors, such as COVID-19 pandemic and earthquake, can cause an increase in substance use and addictive behavior in persons with severe mental illnesses (SMI). We analyzed the changes and predictors of substance use and addictive behavior in SMI during these double disasters in Croatia.MethodsQuestionnaires exploring the presence of substance or behavior addiction disorder, mental ill health [Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised], coping mechanisms, and perceived social support [Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)] were administered among 90 participants with SMI included in the RECOVER-E study in May/June 2020 (first COVID-19 wave, Zagreb earthquake) and in December 2020/January 2021 (second COVID-19 wave, Petrinja earthquake).ResultsIn both time points, a major increase was observed in tobacco smoking (25.0%; 28.6%, respectively) predicted by discontinuation of antidepressants and higher DASS-21 score. Increased sedative use was observed (24.4%; 23.8%, respectively) predicted by higher PSS and ISI scores, lower MSPSS scores, antipsychotic discontinuation and not receiving community mental health team (CMHT) service.DiscussionIn persons with SMI during a double disaster special attention needs to be given to reducing mental-ill health and stress, providing social support and continuity of psychiatric care, through medications and CMHTs.
Case report: Brief, intensive EMDR therapy for borderline personality disorder: results of two case studies with one year follow-up
Authors: Hafkemeijer Laurian , Slotema Karin , Haard Nicole de , Jongh Ad de 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundExposure to adverse childhood events plays an important role in the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Emerging evidence suggests that trauma-focused therapy using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can be beneficial for patients with BPD symptoms. To date, the effects of brief, intensive EMDR treatment for this target group have not been investigated in this population.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a brief and intensive trauma-focused therapy course using EMDR therapy in two patients diagnosed with BPD who did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was hypothesized that this approach would be associated with a decline in the core symptoms of BPD, and that this would have an enduring long-term effect on patients’ diagnostic status.MethodTen sessions of EMDR therapy were carried out across four consecutive treatment days, with the aim of processing patients’ core adverse childhood experiences. Both A-criterion-worthy memories (without intrusive reliving) and non-A-criterion-worthy memories that were considered responsible for the patients’ most prominent symptoms were targeted. The effects of EMDR therapy on trauma symptom severity and BPD diagnostic status (as established by the Structured Clinical Interview DSM-5) were determined. Additionally, the effects on psychological distress, quality of life, and difficulties in emotion regulation were determined at intake, post-treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up.ResultsBoth patients showed a strong decline in psychological distress and difficulties in emotion regulation, and reported an improvement in their quality of life. At post-treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months follow-up they no longer met the DSM-5 criteria for BPD.ConclusionThe findings of this small case study are in line with mounting evidence that a brief track of intensive trauma-focused therapy can result in long-term remission in patients with BPD. EMDR therapy seems to be a promising treatment approach for patients with BPD; however, the results need to be replicated in clinical trials.
Factors influencing the likelihood of dental service checkup: results from a survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Majed , McKenna Gerry , Alsumaih Ibrahim , Alhazzaa Rasha , O’Neill Ciaran 
Published: December 2023

BackgroundThe funding and delivery of healthcare including dental care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA, or Saudi Arabia) is undergoing a process of reform. To inform this process, it is important that policymakers are aware of the relationships between service use, specific types of use, and the factors that influence this. Currently, there is a paucity of research in this area in KSA that examines dental service use for checkups at a national level and none that examines differences in this use across regions or that examines explicitly the role of income.AimsThis study uses the most recent version of the Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) to examine the relationships between the use of dental services for a checkup and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Particular focus is given to the differences between regions in service use and the role of socio-demographics within regions.MethodsData were taken from SHIS 2013. Descriptive statistics (means and standard errors) were used to characterize the sample. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between checkups in the past 12 months and a range of covariates including income and region. The analysis was repeated for sub-samples based on specific regions. No attempt was made to impute missing values.ResultsA sample of 7603 respondents provided complete data for analysis. Fifty-one per cent of the respondents were male, 29% were educated at least to degree level, 25% reported that they floss at least once per day, 69% reported that they brushed their teeth at least once per day, and 11% reported that they had visited the dentist for a checkup in the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression analyses revealed income, region, and oral hygiene habits to be among the significant determinants of the likelihood of dental checkup in the preceding 12 months. In logistic regression analyses at the regional level, different relationships were evident between checkups and socio-demographic characteristics across regions.ConclusionRegion and income are significant determinants of dental service use for checkups. Differences exist between regions in the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and the likelihood of getting checkups. Policy changes should reflect the potential differences they might have across regions for which the role of socio-demographic characteristics varies.
Clinical and radiological analysis of the effects of three different lumbar transpedicular dynamic stabilization system on disc degeneration and regeneration
Authors: Karadag Mehmet Kursat , Akgun Mehmet Yigit , Basak Ahmet Tulgar , Ates Ozkan , Tepebasili Mehmet Ali , Gunerbuyuk Caner , Oktenoglu Tunc , Sasani Mehdi , Ozer Ali Fahir 
Published: December 2023

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of three transpedicular dynamic systems in treating degenerative disc disease and evaluate their impact on both clinical and radiological aspects of the operated and adjacent segments.Materials and methodsA total of 111 patients who underwent posterior transpedicular short-segment dynamic system procedures for treatment of degenerative disc disease were included. The patients were categorized into three groups, namely, Group 1 (Dynesys system, n = 38), Group 2 (Safinaz screw + PEEK rod, n = 37), and Group 3 (Safinaz screw + titanium rod, n = 36). Disc regeneration in the operated segment and disc degeneration in the operated, upper, and lower adjacent segments were assessed using the Pfirrmann Classification.ResultsPostoperatively, a statistically significant difference was observed in visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores (p &lt; 0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was seen in disc degeneration/regeneration and degeneration scores of the upper and lower adjacent segments between the preoperative and postoperative groups (p = 0.763, p = 0.518, p = 0.201). Notably, a positive effect on disc regeneration at the operated level (32.4%) was observed. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of operation rates, screw loosening, and screw breakage after adjacent segment disease (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionIn patients without advanced degeneration, all three dynamic systems demonstrated the ability to prevent degeneration in the adjacent and operated segments while promoting regeneration in the operated segment. Beyond inhibiting abnormal movement in painful segments, maintaining physiological motion and providing axial distraction in the operated segment emerged as key mechanisms supporting regeneration.
A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence and Determinants of Common Mental Health Problems in Primary Care in Switzerland
Authors: Messer Juliane , Tzartzas Konstantinos , Marion-Veyron Régis , Cohidon Christine 
Published: December 2023

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of the most common mental health symptoms in a large primary care patient population and characterized their determinants.Methods: Data came from a 2015–16 cross-sectional study of a primary care population in Switzerland. An investigator presented the study to patients in waiting rooms, and 1,103 completed a tablet-based questionnaire measuring stress in daily life, sleep disorders and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Diagnoses and treatments were recorded.Results: Moderate-to-high anxiety and depressive symptoms concerned 7.7% of patients; 27.6% felt stressed at least once a week; 17.2% had severe sleep disorders. Sociodemographic determinants were associated with psychiatric symptoms: female sex, young age, and frequency of consultations with a GP. Participants taking psychotropics had high levels of mental distress.Conclusion: Even though most patients were regularly monitored by their GP, a significant number of mental health problems were found. GPs should be provided with concrete tools to manage these patients better. Collaboration with mental health specialists should be encouraged in primary care settings.