bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Controlled Release of Platelet-Rich Plasma–Loaded Alginate Repairs Muscle Damage With Less Fibrosis
Authors: Felipone William Kenzo , Mambro Luana de , Ranieri Beatrice Rodrigues , Ivanov Giovana Zaneti , Meves Robert , Martins Leonardo , Stilhano Roberta Sessa 
Published: February 2025

Background: Muscle injuries often result in dysfunctional muscle repair and reduced muscle strength. While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a new treatment option in orthopaedics, its use for muscle injuries remains controversial. Hypothesis: Encapsulating PRP within alginate hydrogels will achieve a localized and sustained release of growth factors at the site of the muscle injury, thereby enhancing skeletal muscle repair and reducing fibrosis. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Bimodal blends of hydrogels were formulated using 1% oxidized high– and low–molecular weight alginate. There were 2 types of PRP prepared: leukocyte-rich PRP (L-PRP) and pure PRP (P-PRP). These PRP types were loaded onto 75L25H alginate hydrogels, and the release of TGF-β1 was quantified over time. A laceration injury was induced in mice, which was then treated with various agents: alginate only, L-PRP, L-PRP–loaded alginate (L-PRPA), P-PRP, and P-PRP–loaded alginate (P-PRPA). An additional 2 groups were formed: injury with no treatment and control with no treatment or injury. Results: Our in vitro experiments showed that after an initial burst, TGF-β1 was released in a sustained manner for approximately 1 week after the encapsulation of both PRP preparations. The in vivo experiments showed that the groups treated with bolus injections of L-PRP or P-PRP did not show significant changes in the fibrotic area. However, the L-PRPA and P-PRPA groups demonstrated a 50% reduction in the fibrotic area ( P < .05), resulting in a higher ratio of regenerating myofibers and higher levels of myogenic markers (myogenin and MyHC-emb) compared with all the other groups ( P < .05). The L-PRPA group demonstrated significantly improved performance on the rotarod test; interestingly, this group also had more type I collagen than type III collagen. Conclusion: The administration of L-PRP and P-PRP after a muscle injury did not reduce fibrosis. However, when loaded onto alginate hydrogels, they led to benefits, resulting in a smaller area of fibrosis and greater tissue regeneration. Clinical Relevance: The encapsulation of different preparations of PRP by alginate hydrogels was more effective in treating muscle lacerations than injections of PRP alone. This information is relevant for future clinical studies of PRP.
Active surveillance in low risk prostate cancer: Role of multiparametric MRI and cancer progression predictors
Authors: Simforoosh Nasser , Dadpour Mehdi , Narouie Behzad , Madani Mohammad Hamidi 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: To evaluate the outcomes of active surveillance (AS) strategy for patients with favorable risk prostate cancer (PCa) and identify multiparametric MRI role and PCa progression predictors. Method: This was a 5-year follow-up cohort study which enrolled 153 favorable-risk PCa patients in an AS program from April 2017 to February 2023. Patients were included in this study based on AS protocol inclusion criteria. MpMRI was also a part of this protocol. Active surveillance outcomes such as adherence to AS treatment strategy and the oncologic outcomes were assessed. Results: During the 4.23 ± 0.5 years follow-up, 39 of 153 patients left the AS protocol by their own decision (14) or other physicians’ advice, due to the concern of cancer progression; 5 of 153 died from another cause other than PCa; 9 of 153 revealed cancer progression during this time and underwent radical prostatectomy; The remaining 100 patients stayed on the AS protocol during the follow up. Adherence to AS strategy protocol was 60.55% in our study. Older age, positive family history for PCa, initial clinical stage, higher total PSA, greater PSA density, more positive cores, and greater core involvement were the most common predictors for progression. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of mpMRI for cancer progression detection were 55.55%, 97%, 62.25%, and 96%, respectively. Conclusion: AS can be a suitable alternative treatment for low-risk and very low risk prostate cancer to avoid the probable complications of radical prostatectomy. MpMRI is valid and reliable for identifying PCa progression and provides useful information when combined with biopsy.
Measuring Mini SmartApp usability for ankylosing spondylitis from the perspective of patients and health providers
Authors: Wang Zepu , Chen Longji , Wang Anqi , Cheng Lin , Fan Jiaxin , Fu Ting , Sang Yan , Shen Hongwu 
Published: February 2025

Objective To identify beneficial experiences, areas needing improvement, and potential additional value, with a view to providing a reference for the application of mobile health management in clinical practice. Methods This study applied a mixed research approach to measure the mini smartApp usability among participants who were diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at rheumatology and immunology department of the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University between October 2022 to March 2023 and research staff. This study lasted two weeks. We using the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ) and face-to-face semi-structured interview to evaluate the mini smartApp's usability. Results Altogether 105 participants having follow-up data at 2 weeks were included, of which 94 were AS patients and 13 were research staff. All participants thought the mini SmartApp was useful, with regard to the scores of PSSUQ between baseline was 1.1 (SD:0.63) and 2-week intervention period was 0.98 (SD:0.53). Four themes emerged from test of usability, participants thought mini SmartApp easy to use and can bring several benefits. However, the theme of needing more useful function revealed that mini SmartApp need further improvement in future use. Conclusion Overall, the mini SmartApp has the potential to be a valuable tool in assisting AS patients with home-based exercise and improving their overall management of the disease.
Where Is My Mind? The Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire, a New Tool to Differentiate Absorptive Daydreaming From Mind-Wandering
Authors: Theodor-Katz Nitzan , Soffer-Dudek Nirit 
Published: February 2025

Objective: Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is an impairing condition characterized by addiction to narrative, emotional fantasizing, involving dissociative absorption. By compulsively withdrawing toward vivid imaginative scenarios, MD hinders attentional functioning and replaces social interactions. Previous Interview-based research showed clinical importance in differentiating MD from ADHD and the associated construct of mind-wandering. We aimed to create a self-report tool asking directly about the content and structure of distracting thoughts. Method: Two samples, namely, 346 undergraduate students and 381 adults from the general community, completed a novel measure, the Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire (DCQ), along with validated measures for ADHD, mind-wandering, MD, dissociation, and general distress. Results: Exploratory Factor Analyses on the DCQ, replicated across both samples, yielded two distinct factors (immersive daydreaming and daydream functionality) uniquely associated with MD. Conclusion: The DCQ represents characteristics of immersive daydreaming much more than general attentional deficiency and is thus useful in differentiating MD from ADHD/mind-wandering distractions.
Food selectivity and eating difficulties in adults with autism and/or ADHD
Authors: Bayoumi Sarah C. , Halkett Ashley , Miller Meghan , Hinshaw Stephen P. 
Published: February 2025

Children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than neurotypical children to experience eating difficulties, such as picky/selective eating, slow eating, and over/under-eating. Recent studies show that eating difficulties can persist into adulthood for autistic individuals. Yet little is known about the mechanisms involved and whether adults with ADHD also experience such challenges. We (1) compare eating difficulties among adults with autism, ADHD, autism/ADHD, and neither condition and (2) identify predictors of overall eating pathology and of food selectivity. The sample was 50% female and 78% White, consisting of 961 adults aged 19-57 who self-reported their diagnostic status: 184 with autism, 416 with ADHD, 292 with autism/ADHD, and 69 comparisons. Eating difficulties were assessed via self-report survey using the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism (SWEAA) and Food Preferences Questionnaire. Autistic adults, with or without ADHD, reported significantly more eating difficulties than all other groups. Total eating difficulties were associated with increased insistence on sameness, other autistic features, food selectivity, and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Food selectivity was predicted by increased insistence on sameness, sensory sensitivity, and other core features of autism, and lower hyperactivity-impulsivity. The high degree of eating difficulties in autistic adults warrants clinical attention on this topic. Lay Abstract Some people do not like many foods, eat very quickly or slowly, or eat too much or too little. These problems are more common in children with autism or ADHD and may continue for a long time, but we do not know much about these problems in adults. Our goal was to understand how eating difficulties are similar and different in adults with autism, ADHD, both autism/ADHD, and neither condition. We also wanted to understand factors that relate to picky eating and overall eating difficulties. We found that autistic adults had the most problems with eating compared to all other groups. Adults with ADHD had more eating problems than adults with neither condition. Adults with autism and/or ADHD were more sensitive to taste and texture of foods, had difficulty with spilling food, and found it hard to tell whether they are hungry or full compared to people without these conditions. We also found that autism and ADHD traits were linked to picky eating and having more eating problems. The results show that many autistic adults and some with ADHD might need support with eating. Doctors should pay attention to eating problems to help people get the care they need. Results also show that wanting things to stay the same may be more related to eating problems than researchers previously thought. We need more research to understand how to support adults with eating difficulties.
Dance-like state detection, curiosity, and decentering: A pilot study on artful movement and mindfulness
Authors: McCullough Aston K. , Lawless Siobhan , Martins-Klein Bruna 
Published: February 2025

Background Curiosity and decentering are two constructs that represent momentary mindfulness. Dance is an art and complex physical activity mode, which may serve as a behavioral correlate of mindfulness. Objective To characterize momentary mindfulness in relation to a novel, accelerometer-derived measure for characterizing human movement quality (i.e. “dance-like state” DLS scores). Methods Adults ( N = 41), ages 18–83 years old, engaged in the following conditions in a lab and completed questionnaires on mindfulness after each: (1) clipping their fingernails; (2) sitting, standing, and walking on a treadmill; and (3) dancing at self-determined reference intensities with and without music. Conditions 2–3 were monitored with accelerometers. DLS score summary statistics (i.e. median and median amplitude deviation [MAD]) were used in linear mixed effects models. Results On average, curiosity [ 13.7(1.02)] was significantly associated with median DLS scores ( β = 1.79, p = 0.007) over time; adults with a lower median DLS score reported higher levels of curiosity [16.2; 95%C.I. 13.3–19.0], on average, when compared [12.6; 95%C.I., 10.3–14.9] to adults with a higher median DLS score. On average, decentering [ 14.9(1.01)] was significantly associated with the DLS score MAD ( β = 1.28, p = 0.035) over time; adults who had less variability in DLS scores across conditions reported greater experiences of decentering [15.9; 95%C.I. 13.7–18.1], on average, when compared [13.3; 95%C.I. 10.7–15.9] to adults with more variability in DLS scores across conditions. Conclusions Among ostensibly healthy adults, movement quality was correlated with momentary mindfulness. Additional research is needed to understand if DLS scores are differentially associated with momentary mindfulness among adults with Alzheimer's disease.
Effects of single-session repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to identify the optimal brain target in primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Moral-Rubio Carlos , Suárez-Coalla Paz , Fernandez-Romero Lucia , Pérez-Izquierdo Carlos , Delgado-Alvarez Alfonso , Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Gil-Moreno Maria Jose , Matias-Guiu Jorge , Pytel Vanesa , Ayala José L , Matias-Guiu Jordi A 
Published: February 2025

Background Non-invasive brain stimulation has shown positive results in maximizing the effects of language therapy in primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Due to the different patterns of brain damage in each aphasia variant, we hypothesized that patients with non-fluent and semantic variants would show a differential response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Objective We aimed to compare the clinical responses after a single session of repetitive TMS in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC). Methodology Twenty patients with PPA (14 with non-fluent and 6 with semantic variants) were assessed before and after repetitive TMS over the IFG, DLPC, and vertex with several language tasks, connected speech, and a subjective impression of change scale. Results IFG stimulation was associated with an improvement in words per minute and the subjective assessment in the non-fluent variant, but no effects were found in the semantic variant. DLPC stimulation was associated with an improvement in words per minute, repetition, and naming latency in the non-fluent variant, and in naming and subjective impression of change in the semantic variant. Conclusions Our study showed a differential effect of one session of brain stimulation over the IFG and DLPC in patients with non-fluent and semantic PPA variants. These findings suggest that the selection of the target of stimulation may be relevant for the success of brain stimulation and favor the use of DLPC over the IFG.
Identification of the enzymatic cleavage relationship between anti-aging protein α-Klotho and Alzheimer's disease biomarker BACE1
Authors: Gao Xiang , Sun Zuoli , Hu Jia , Li Yuhong , Deng Qi , Li Rena 
Published: February 2025

Background The α-Klotho is known to be involved in longevity and various age-related diseases, including cognitive impairment. BACE1, an important enzyme associated with the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease (AD), serves as a biomarker for predicting changes in cognitive function. Although both proteins are closely linked to age-related cognitive function, the mechanism of their interaction remains unclear. Objective To identify the enzymatic digestion relation between α-Klotho and BACE1 and the specific cleavage site. Methods Thirty elderly and forty-five young individuals were recruited. The cleavage product was identified by Coomassie blue staining, western blot, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The concentrations of plasma proteins were measured by ELISA. Results A new protein product was identified after the digestion reaction. BACE1 cleaved the α-Klotho peptide 951–981 at the F-T residues. When the F-T residues were replaced with K-K, BACE1 was unable to cleave the mutant peptide. The plasma levels of α-Klotho were significantly lower in elderly participants than in young participants (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in plasma BACE1 levels between elderly and young participants (p = 0.164). In elderly adults, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma BACE1 and α-Klotho protein levels (p = 0.009, r = 0.469), while this correlation was not observed in young adults (p = 0.170, r = −0.208). Conclusions The anti-aging protein α-Klotho is a substrate of BACE1 with a specific cleavage site at F-T. The BACE1/α-Klotho pathway may serve as a common axis for age-related cognitive decline.
Institutionalization of persons with Alzheimer's disease in the Czech and Slovak Republics
Authors: Randlová Kristina , Pažitný Peter , Kandilaki Daniela 
Published: February 2025

Background The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing, and with it comes the demand for specialized services. Current information on the institutionalization of patients with AD is limited. Objective To determine the level of institutionalization among AD patients in the facilities of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic. Methods A survey of the rate of institutionalization in facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The survey collects data on the institutionalization of patients suffering from AD in relation to the capacity of the facilities and the prevalence of the disease. Data were collected by representative quantitative survey, during years 2019–2021. Results Patients with AD occupy approximately 25% of the total capacities of institutions in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The rate of institutionalization of patients with AD is estimated at 20.5% in the Czech Republic and 24% in the Slovak Republic. This is more than the estimated worldwide rate of institutionalization of people with AD (16%) but less than the estimated rate of institutionalization of these patients in high-income countries (31%). Conclusions As the prevalence of AD increases, so do the demands for care. If there is no increase in institutional capacity, this growth will put more pressure on home care. In order to provide specialized care to as many patients as possible, emphasis must be placed on increasing the capacity of institutions.
Dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment for sustainable leather dyeing
Authors: Bozaci Ebru , Gülümser Tülay , Aslan Ahmet , Demir Aslı , Özdoğan Esen , Gülümser Gürbüz , Adıgüzel Zengin A Candaş 
Published: February 2025

Adapting green technologies to the leather industry plays a crucial role in environmental protection by reducing wastewater load, using fewer chemicals, minimizing waste, saving energy and water, reducing costs, and increasing productivity. Plasma treatment, accepted as a clean technology, is mostly used in textiles compared to limited studies in leather. Thus, this study will be the first in this respect. Crust leathers, treated with air and argon atmospheric plasma under the conditions of 130 W, 100 s, were dyed with acid and metal complex dyestuffs for 45 minutes at 20°C in different concentrations (1%–4%), and investigated in terms of dyeing properties, wastewater load, and the characterization of the leathers in terms of surface, mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The K/S results of 2% dyeing obtained after air and argon plasma treatment gave similar values with the untreated leathers dyed with a concentration of 4%. This result revealed that half amount of dyestuff is sufficient for the dyeing process to obtain the same dyeing characteristics with the maximum concentration of dyestuff (4%). In addition to improved dyeing efficacy, a reduction up to 35% in chemical oxygen demand value was achieved in addition to 2 and 3 mm inhibition zones without any negative effect to tensile and tear strength of leathers. Consequently, atmospheric plasma treatment is found to be effective and comprising as environment-friendly, and sustainable technique for the leather industry in terms of reduced dyestuff amount and wastewater load without altering the characteristics of the leathers.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Preliminary Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Cancer Patients
Authors: Yang Mingxiao , Shao Cassie , Shao Carrie , Saint Kirin , Gupta Mira , Caputo Rocco , Galantino Mary Lou , Harte Steven , Bao Ting 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) worsens the quality of life for people with cancer. Massage therapy involves neuromuscular modulations and can potentially reduce CIPN symptoms. We examined the immediate improvements in CIPN-related pain and neuropathy following massage therapy among patients with CIPN. Methods: In a retrospective cohort, we assessed patients who received 1 massage therapy session for CIPN symptom relief during or after chemotherapy at a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center from October 2017 to September 2022. We measured the severity of pain and neuropathy before and after massage therapy with a 4-item verbal rating scale (VRS) or a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale (NRS). We converted NRS to VRS scores and examined the pre-post differences in symptom severity using the Wilcoxon rank test. Results: Among 23 patients (median [range] age 64 [4-85] years, female 74%, White 70%), one session of massage therapy decreased the percentage of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain from 81% at baseline to 0% (none) post-massage; percentage of patients reporting neuropathy also reduced from 77% at baseline to 12% following treatment. The pre-post differences were statistically significant for both pain (mean: −1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.9 to −1.2; P = .001) and neuropathy scores (mean: −1.2, 95%CI −1.4 to −0.9; P < .0001). Conclusion: Among cancer patients with CIPN, one session of massage therapy was associated with immediate neuropathy and CIPN pain relief reported by patients following treatment. However, this preliminary finding requires further rigorous verifications in future randomized controlled clinical trials.
Management of Compression Neuropathies Associated With Vascular Malformations
Authors: Slovacek Cedar , Hwang Lyahn , Shmuylovich Leonid , Ushinsky Alexander , Sisk Bryan A. , Pet Mitchell A. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Vascular malformations (VMs) are a collection of rare diseases that result from abnormal overgrowth of vascular tissue and can lead to pain, infection, disfigurement, and decreased mobility. Vascular malformations can invade or impinge on nearby structures, including nerves, causing pain, numbness, and/or functional impairment. If nonsurgical therapy fails, surgical resection is considered. However, VMs’ thin walls and tendency to infiltrate and/or recur makes resection difficult or impossible. Rather than resecting, we have found that patients can still benefit from surgery in the form of nerve decompression. Here, we present a series of patients with VMs causing symptomatic nerve compression that were successfully treated with nerve decompression, with or without VM resection. It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate that VM patients with nerve pain and/or sensorimotor dysfunction should be referred for evaluation by a peripheral nerve surgeon, regardless of whether the VM is considered “resectable.” Methods: Retrospective chart review of patient undergoing nerve decompression surgery for symptoms of peripheral nerve compression (pain and/or motor/sensory dysfunction) attributable to a nearby VM (confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging), with or without VM resection. Results: Six patients with peripheral nerve compression attributable to VM were treated with nerve decompression. One also underwent VM resection. Five of the 6 patients had undergone previous surgical intervention (resection or sclerotherapy) without clinical improvement in radiculopathy. Following intervention, all patients demonstrated improvement of their pain and motor/sensory dysfunction. Conclusions: Patients with VM nerve pain and/or sensorimotor dysfunction should be referred for evaluation by a peripheral nerve surgeon, regardless of whether the VM is deemed resectable. Even when unresectable, patients may still benefit from surgery in the form of nerve decompression.