bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the influencing factors with the uptake of the COVID‐19 vaccine booster dose among the general population of Ardabil, Iran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Jafarzadeh Mohammad , Khazir Zahra , Yoosefi Lebni Javad , Rostami Mohammad , Janjani Parisa , Ziapour Arash 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsVaccination is one of the most efficient approaches to combating COVID‐19 if it is adequately embraced by the general population. Numerous factors influence the uptake or refusal of the booster dose. The goal of this study was to look at the different factors that affect how the general population in Ardabil feels about getting vaccine boosters (annual boosters) for COVID‐19 and to evaluate those feelings.Methods and MaterialsIn the city of Ardabil, general population, perceptions towards the COVID‐19 vaccine booster (annual boosters) dose were evaluated using a cross‐sectional survey design between January 2 and March 25, 2022. A questionnaire was developed and filled out by 662 subjects via phone calls from healthcare providers. Descriptive statistics, the Chi‐square test, the correlation coefficient, and regression analysis were run for the analysis of quantitative data.ResultsThe findings of the research revealed that 238 participants, or 35.9%, had previously gotten the booster dose of the COVID‐19 vaccination, while 198 participants, or 29.2%, expressed a desire to do so as soon as feasible. A total of 187 (28.2%) respondents reported not wanting to get a booster dose, and 39 (5.7%) could not decide. In the factors found to affect decisions not to accept regular doses, adverse effects (45.4%) and the presence of misinformation (30%) were the most important. Regression in educational achievement, and following the COVID‐19 news showed to be the major predictors of the subjects' attitudes toward the regular COVID‐19 vaccine.ConclusionThe present findings revealed that low confidence in the efficiency of the booster shot and misinformation are two critical factors to consider in educational planning and interventions.
Functional status and quality of life in post‐COVID‐19 patients two to three weeks after hospitalization: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Qorolli Merita , Beqaj Samire , Ibrahimi‐Kaçuri Dafinë , Murtezani Ardiana , Krasniqi Valon , Mačak Hadžiomerović Amra 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsExtended hospitalization due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with residual musculoskeletal and functional deficits lasting even 6 months after discharge; therefore, it is crucial that post‐hospitalized patients are promptly assessed. The aim of this study was to identify post‐COVID‐19 patients' functional status and quality of life, as well as to investigate their inter‐relatedness 2–3 weeks after hospital discharge.MethodsThe study included 39 post‐COVID‐19 patients previously hospitalized in the Clinic for Infectious Diseases at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (UCCK) from August to December 2021. Physiotherapeutic assessment encompassed socio‐demographic and clinical data including Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for physical functional performance, hand grip strength, 6‐min Walk Test (6MWT) for aerobic capacity and endurance, EuroQol 5‐Dimension 5‐Level (EQ‐5D‐5L) for quality of life, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, Borg CR10 for dyspnea, peripheral oxygen saturation and heart rate. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were utilized for data processing.ResultsThe median (interquartile range [IQR]) for Borg CR10, VAS pain scale, total SPPB, grip strength, and 6MWT were 1 (0–3), 3 (1–6), 9 (8–10), 30.5 (23.2–43.5) kg, 344.5 (312.7–381.7) m respectively, while the mean (SD) for EQ‐5D‐5L index value was 0.7 (0.2). The strongest and most significant correlation was depicted between SPPB total score and its subscales, followed by correlation with EQ‐5D‐5L (r = 0.719, p < 0.001), grip strength (r = 0.612 p < 0.001), Borg CR10 (r = −0.515, p = 0.001), 6MWT (r = 0.416, p = 0.02), and VAS scale (r = −0.343, p = 0.03). Using the multiple regression analysis, the grip strength, Borg‐CR10, and 6MWT were found to be strongly predictive of SPPB total score.ConclusionIn post‐COVID‐19 patients' functional status and quality of life were impaired 2–3 weeks following hospitalization. SPPB showed the most frequent and significant correlation with other variables, hence it should be considered as one of the primary screening tools.
Energy–irrigation conundrum in India's green revolution states
Authors: Khara Deepratan Singh , Ghuman Ranjit Singh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEnergy consumption patterns have evolved as a crucial component of the groundwater irrigation economy in India's green revolution states of Punjab and Haryana. A major contributor to the exponential growth of groundwater irrigation and its overexploitation is the availability of free (in Punjab) and almost free (in Haryana) electricity for tube wells. Using empirical analysis, this study assesses the link between energy consumption and irrigation practices among farmers with different landholdings at both interstate and intrastate levels. Without power subsidies, the average cost of operating an electric tube well irrigation system for rice is estimated at US$361 (₹25,400) per hectare in Punjab and US$675 (₹47,500) in Haryana. For wheat, the calculated cost comes to US$70 (₹4900) per hectare in Punjab and US$172 (₹12,100) in Haryana. In both crops, variations in energy consumption were observed at all levels across different regions and farmer groups in both states.
Alpha‐emitters and targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Qin Shanshan , Yang Mengdie , Zhang Xiaoyi , Zhang Shenghong , Yu Fei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlpha emitters are radionuclides with good pharmacological characteristics for the treatment of cancer because they decay by emitting high linear energy transfer particles. Recent advancements in isotope production and purification and the generation of novel techniques for optimum targeting have led to the development of targeted alpha therapy (TAT). The great cytotoxic potential of α‐particle emissions combined with monoclonal antibodies, peptides, small compounds, or nanoparticles has led to investigations of TAT in the pre‐clinical context and more recently, in oncology clinical trials. Numerous studies have shown that TAT is effective both in vitro and in vivo. The first α‐emitter to obtain FDA approval for the treatment of prostate cancer with metastatic bone lesions was radium‐223 dichloride. Many clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficiency and safety of several radionuclides in cancer treatment, including radium‐223, astatine‐211, actinium‐225, bismuth‐213, lead‐212, and thorium‐227. This review provides an overview of the therapeutic use of these radionuclides and a summary of the studies that lay the groundwork for future clinical advancement.
Loss of Prom1 impairs autophagy and promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in mouse retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Bhattacharya Sujoy , Yin Jinggang , Huo Weihong , Chaum Edward 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMutations in the Prominin‐1 (Prom1) gene disrupt photoreceptor disk morphogenesis, leading to macular dystrophies. We have shown that human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) homeostasis is under the control of Prom1‐dependent autophagy, demonstrating that Prom1 plays different roles in the photoreceptors and RPE. It is unclear if retinal and macular degeneration caused by the loss of Prom1 function is a cell‐autonomous feature of the RPE or a generalized disease of photoreceptor degeneration. In this study, we investigated whether Prom1 is required for mouse RPE (mRPE) autophagy and phagocytosis, which are cellular processes essential for photoreceptor survival. We found that Prom1‐KO decreases autophagy flux, activates mTORC1, and concomitantly decreases transcription factor EB (TFEB) and Cathepsin‐D activities in mRPE cells. In addition, Prom1‐KO reduces the clearance of bovine photoreceptor outer segments in mRPE cells due to increased mTORC1 and reduced TFEB activities. Dysfunction of Prom1‐dependent autophagy correlates with both a decrease in ZO‐1 and E‐cadherin and a concomitant increase in Vimentin, SNAI1, and ZEB1 levels, consistent with induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in Prom1‐KO mRPE cells. Our results demonstrate that Prom1‐mTORC1‐TFEB signaling is a central driver of cell‐autonomous mRPE homeostasis. We show that Prom1‐KO in mRPE leads to RPE defects similar to that seen in atrophic age‐related macular degeneration and opens new avenues of investigation targeting Prom1 in retinal degenerative diseases.
Efficient synthesis of 3‐sulfonyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines via tandem aza‐Michael addition/cyclizations of N‐acyl‐protected 2‐aminobenzaldehyde with vinyl sulfones
Authors: Wang Kai‐Kai , Liu Guo‐Yan , Li Yan‐Li , Zhou Wen‐Wen , Ye Jun‐Wei , Jia Yan‐Zhi , Chen Rongxiang , Wang Zhan‐Yong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA mild and effective method for the synthesis of 3‐sulfonyl‐1,2‐dihydroquinolines from N‐acyl‐protected 2‐aminobenzaldehyde with vinyl sulfones has been established. This reaction could rapidly proceed and exhibit different reactivity when employed the vinyl sulfones as nucleophile on aza‐Michael addition/cyclization reaction, allow for the production of 1,2‐DHQs in high yields up to 95%. In addition, the chemical structure of the product was confirmed by x‐ray single‐crystal structure analysis.
Characterization of Age‐Related and Sex‐Related Differences of Relaxation Parameters in the Intervertebral Disc Using MR‐Fingerprinting
Authors: Menon Rajiv G. , Monga Anmol , Kijowski Richard , Regatte Ravinder R. 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMultiparameter characterization using MR fingerprinting (MRF) can quantify multiple relaxation parameters of intervertebral disc (IVD) simultaneously. These parameters may vary by age and sex.PurposeTo investigate age‐ and sex‐related differences in the relaxation parameters of the IVD of the lumbar spine using a multiparameter MRF technique.Study TypeProspective.Subjects17 healthy subjects (8 male; mean age = 34 ± 10 years, range 20–60 years).Field Strength/Sequence3D‐MRF sequence for simultaneous acquisition of proton density, T1, T2, and T1ρ maps at 3.0T.AssessmentGlobal mean T1, T2, and T1ρ of all lumbar IVDs and mean T1, T2, and T1ρ of each individual IVD (L1–L5) were measured. Gray level co‐occurrence matrix was used to quantify textural features (median, contrast, correlation, energy, and homogeneity) from T1, T2, and T1ρ maps.Statistical TestsSpearman rank correlations (R) evaluated the association between age and T1, T2, and T1ρ of IVD. Mann–Whitney U‐tests evaluated differences between males and females in T1, T2, and T1ρ of IVD. Statistical significance was defined as P‐value <0.05.ResultsThere was a significant negative correlation between age and global mean values of all IVDs for T1 (R = −0.637), T2 (R = −0.509), and T1ρ (R = −0.726). For individual IVDs, there was a significant negative correlation between age and mean T1 at all IVD segments (R range = −0.530 to −0.708), between age and mean T2 at L2‐L3, L3‐L4, and L4‐L5 (R range = −0.493 to 0.640), and between age and mean T1ρ at all segments except L1‐L2 (R range = −0.632 to −0.763). There were no significant differences between sexes in global mean T1, T2, and T1ρ (P‐value = 0.23–0.76) The texture features with the highest significant correlations with age for all IVDs were global T1ρ mean (R = −0.726), T1 energy (R = −0.681), and T1 contrast (R = 0.709).ConclusionThis study showed that the 3D‐MRF technique has potential to characterize age‐related differences in T1, T2, or T1ρ of IVD in healthy subjects.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 1
Assessment of the Added Value of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion‐Weighted MR Imaging in Identifying Non‐Diabetic Renal Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhou Shao‐Peng , Wang Qian , Chen Pu , Zhai Xue , Zhao Jian , Bai Xu , Li Lin , Guo Hui‐Ping , Ning Xue‐Yi , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Ye Hui‐Yi , Dong Zhe‐Yi , Chen Xiang‐Mei , Wang Hai‐Yi 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundIdentification of non‐diabetic renal disease (NDRD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) may help tailor treatment. Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI) is a promising tool to evaluate renal function but its potential role in the clinical differentiation between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and NDRD remains unclear.PurposeTo investigate the added role of IVIM‐DWI in the differential diagnosis between DN and NDRD in patients with T2DM.Study TypeProspective.PopulationSixty‐three patients with T2DM (ages: 22–69 years, 17 females) confirmed by renal biopsy divided into two subgroups (28 DN and 35 NDRD).Field Strength/Sequence3 T/ T2 weighted imaging (T2WI), and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion‐weighted imaging (IVIM‐DWI).AssessmentThe parameters derived from IVIM‐DWI (true diffusion coefficient [D], pseudo‐diffusion coefficient [D*], and pseudo‐diffusion fraction [f]) were calculated for the cortex and medulla, respectively. The clinical indexes related to renal function (eg cystatin C, etc.) and diabetes (eg diabetic retinopathy [DR], fasting blood glucose, etc.) were measured and calculated within 1 week before MRI scanning. The clinical model based on clinical indexes and the IVIM‐based model based on IVIM parameters and clinical indexes were established and evaluated, respectively.Statistical TestsStudent's t‐test; Mann–Whitney U test; Fisher's exact test; Chi‐squared test; Intraclass correlation coefficient; Receiver operating characteristic analysis; Hosmer–Lemeshow test; DeLong's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe cortex D*, DR, and cystatin C values were identified as independent predictors of NDRD in multivariable analysis. The IVIM‐based model, comprising DR, cystatin C, and cortex D*, significantly outperformed the clinical model containing only DR, and cystatin C (AUC = 0.934, 0.845, respectively).Data ConclusionThe IVIM parameters, especially the renal cortex D* value, might serve as novel indicators in the differential diagnosis between DN and NDRD in patients with T2DM.Evidence Level2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Early predictors of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder symptom trajectories in U.S. Army soldiers deployed to the Iraq war zone
Authors: Vasterling Jennifer J. , Franz Molly R. , Lee Lewina O. , Kaiser Anica Pless , Proctor Susan P. , Marx Brian P. , Schnurr Paula P. , Ko John , Concato John , Aslan Mihaela 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms varies among veterans of war zones, but sources of variation in long‐term symptom course remain poorly understood. Modeling of symptom growth trajectories facilitates the understanding of predictors of individual outcomes over time. Although growth mixture modeling (GMM) has been applied to military populations, few studies have incorporated both predeployment and follow‐up measurements over an extended time. In this prospective study, 1,087 U.S. Army soldiers with varying military occupational specialties and geographic locations were assessed before and after deployment to the Iraq war zone, with long‐term follow‐up assessment occurring at least 5 years after return from deployment. The primary outcome variable was the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version summary score. GMM yielded four latent profiles, characterized as primarily asymptomatic (n = 194, 17.8%); postdeployment worsening symptoms (n = 84, 7.7%); mild symptoms (n = 320, 29.4%); and preexisting, with a chronic postdeployment elevation of symptoms (n = 489, 45.0%). Regression models comparing the primarily asymptomatic class to the symptomatic classes revealed that chronic symptom classes were associated with higher degrees of stress exposure, less predeployment social support, military reservist or veteran status at the most recent assessment, and poorer predeployment visual memory, ORs = 0.98–2.90. PTSD symptom course varies considerably over time after military deployment and is associated with potentially modifiable biopsychosocial factors that occur early in its course in addition to exposures and military status.
A Survey of Microvascular Technique Preferences Among American Head Neck Society Members
Authors: Philips Ramez , Best Keisha A. , Agarwal Aarti , Sagheer Hamad , Selman Yamil , Sweeney Larissa , Wax Mark , Krein Howard , Heffelfinger Ryan , Luginbuhl Adam , Curry Joseph 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo identify practices in microvascular techniques in routine and challenging scenarios.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsA national survey addressing practices related to microvascular free flap reconstruction was distributed to AHNS members between October and November 2021.ResultsThe respondents encompassed 95 microvascular surgeons. Median years of practice was 6 (interquartile range, 2–13) and median flaps per year was 35 (22–50). Common practices in arterial anastomosis included limited cleaning of artery (84.2%), use of a double approximating clamp (64.2%), and use of interrupted suture (88.4%). Common practices in venous anastomosis included limited cleaning (89.5%), downsizing the coupler (53.7%), and coupling to two independent venous systems (47.4%). In arterial anastomosis, respondents felt that kinking (50.5%) and tension (24.2%) were the riskiest challenges. Kinking was handled by loose sutures or native tissue/dissolvable biomaterial to orient pedicle. Excess tension was handled by additional dissection. With regards to associated practices, most surgeons perform anastomosis after partial inset (52.6%), give aspirin immediately postoperatively (66.3%), reserve transfusion for hemodynamic instability (69.5%), and utilize intraoperative pressors when needed (72.6%). More senior surgeons reported placing more suture to address leaks (p = 0.004) and perform end to side anastomosis on larger vein in case of venous mismatch (p = 0.012). In cases of tension, higher volume surgeons perform more extensive dissection (p = 0.035) and end to side coupling (p = 0.029).ConclusionsThis survey of AHNS members indicates patterns of microvascular techniques in routine and challenging scenarios. There exists a variation in approaches amongst surgeons based on volume and practice length.Level of Evidence5 Laryngoscope, 134:1265–1277, 2024
Incidental Thyroid Tissue in Sentinel Nodes From Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Schilling Clare , Collins Lisette , Farrow Adrian , McGurk Mark , Bisase Brian , Kerawala Cyrus , Wan Simon , Hall Gill , Thavaraj Selvam 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveSentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a surgical staging test in which sentinel nodes (SNs) undergo intensive histological analysis. SNB diagnoses early cancer spread, but can also reveal unexpected findings within the SNs. We review cases of incidental thyroid cells (TC) found in SNs from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to assess the prevalence of TC, and the clinical significance of these.MethodsMulticenter retrospective review of SNB performed for cT1‐T2N0 OSCC. Incidental TC were identified by TTF‐1 or thyroglobulin positivity. Anatomical location of nodes containing TC, TC morphology, and ongoing management/follow up of this incidental finding was recorded. Neck dissections performed during the same period were reviewed to establish the expected incidence of TC in neck nodes without serial sectioning analysis.Results278 SNB cases were reviewed. Ten procedures detected TC in nine patients (10/278, 3.6%). During the same time period 725 neck dissections were performed, six containing TCs (6/725, 0.8%). One patient underwent SNB twice with TC identified on both occasions. Three patients had both OSCC metastasis and thyroid cells. All SNB patients with TC identified underwent thyroid USS with no primary tumours identified. Three patients underwent thyroidectomy, in all cases no primary thyroid tumour was found.ConclusionPrevalence of incidental TC in SNs appears to be higher than that reported in neck dissections, these are not likely to be clinically relevant and can be managed on a conservative basis in the absence of clear metastatic features.Level of EvidenceMulticentre retrospective cohort study, 3 Laryngoscope, 134:1278–1281, 2024
Hourglass‐like constrictions on MRI are common in electromyography‐confirmed cases of neuralgic amyotrophy (Parsonage–Turner syndrome): A tertiary referral center experience
Authors: Sneag Darryl B. , Urban Casey , Li Tim Y. , Colucci Philip G. , Pedrick Emily G. , Nimura Clare A. , Feinberg Joseph H. , Milani Carlo J. , Tan Ek T. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroduction/AimsHourglass‐like constrictions (HGCs) of involved nerves in neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) (Parsonage–Turner syndrome) have been increasingly recognized with magnetic resonance neurography (MRN). This study sought to determine the sensitivity of HGCs, detected by MRN, among electromyography (EMG)‐confirmed NA cases.MethodsThis study retrospectively reviewed records of patients with the clinical diagnosis of NA, and with EMG confirmation, who underwent 3‐Tesla MRN within 90 days of EMG at a single tertiary referral center between 2011 and 2021. “Severe NA” positive cases were defined by a clinical diagnosis and specific EMG criteria: fibrillation potentials or positive sharp waves, along with motor unit recruitment (MUR) grades of “discrete” or “none.” On MRN, one or more HGCs, defined as focally decreased nerve caliber or diffusely beaded appearance, was considered “imaging‐positive.” Post hoc inter‐rater reliability for HGCs was measured by comparing the original MRN report against subsequent blinded interpretation by a second radiologist.ResultsA total of 123 NA patients with 3‐Tesla MRN performed within 90 days of EMG were identified. HGCs were observed in 90.2% of all NA patients. In “severe NA” cases, based on the above EMG criteria, HGC detection resulted in a sensitivity of 91.9%. Nerve‐by‐nerve analysis (183 nerve‐muscle pairs, nerves assessed by MRN, muscles assessed by EMG) showed a sensitivity of 91.0%. The second radiologist largely agreed with the original HGC evaluation, (94.3% by subjects, 91.8% by nerves), with no significant difference between evaluations (subjects: χ2 = 2.27, P = .132, nerves: χ2 = 0.98, P = .323).DiscussionMRN detection of HGCs is common in NA.
Speculating on social life
Authors: Kristiansen Mathias Levi Toft 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis article addresses how a group of people in the San Francisco Bay Area turns social encounters into opportunities to make money. This group participated in sales schemes known as multi‐level marketing (MLM). MLM companies use a sales model in which participants earn money by selling products on behalf of companies while also recruiting people to join the companies as fellow salespeople. MLM participants earn financial commissions through selling products and recruiting others to join their network, leading them to hunt for new customers in public spaces or among existing social connections. The subjects of the study perceived social life as a commercial opportunity that could lead to financial gain, deliberately turning Saturday morning at the farmers' market or Sunday night dinner at a restaurant into an opportunity to recruit new customers. I interpret these activities as a form of social speculation: MLM participants invested their time in relationships that may 1 day be profitable, but they never knew whether their efforts would succeed. The potential to make money from social encounters was a constant motivator. Social speculation is an expression of a development in the United States in which people perceive social relationships in terms of economic potential because of precarious market conditions.