bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographics and Clinical Characteristics of Autosomal Dominant Spinocerebellar Ataxia in Canada
Authors: Alshimemeri Sohaila , Abo Alsamh Danah , Zhou Lily , Furtado Sarah , Kraft Scott , Bruno Veronica , Duquette Antoine , Brais Bernard , Suchowersky Oksana , Munhoz Renato P. , Slow Elizabeth 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundAutosomal dominant (AD) spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) encompass a large group of rare disorders, which occurs in individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. To date, demographics, and clinical descriptions of AD SCA in Canada are lacking.MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of AD SCAs was performed at five tertiary centers across Canada in the provinces of Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario. Demographic, genetic, and clinical information were collected and analyzed.ResultsA total of 203 patients with AD SCA were identified. Weighted estimated prevalence of AD SCA in three large Canadian provinces was calculated (2.25 cases per 100.000) which is in keeping with the figures documented worldwide. We found that the distribution of the most common SCA differed when comparing provinces. The most prevalent SCA diagnosis in Ontario was SCA3 (49%), while the most prevalent SCA diagnosis in Alberta and Quebec was SCA2 in 26% and 47%, respectively. SCA6 was the third most prevalent SCA subtype in Quebec (14%), which was not seen as commonly in other provinces. SCA1 was uncommonly seen in both Alberta and Quebec, despite being common in Ontario.ConclusionsIn this largest Canadian study, we describe the prevalence, distribution, and clinical characteristics of AD SCA. We found that the distribution of the most common SCA differed in the three provinces studied. This finding reflects the heterogenous nature of the Canadian population.
Technical note: Energy dependence of the Gafchromic EBT4 film: Dose‐response curves for 70 kV, 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, and 15 MV x‐ray beams
Authors: Chan Maria F. , Park Jeonghoon , Aydin Resat , Lim Seng‐Boh 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundEBT4 was newly released for radiotherapy quality assurance to improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio in radiochromic film dosimetry. It is important to know its dose‐response characteristics before its use in the clinic.PurposeThis study aims to investigate and compare the dose‐response curves of the Gafchromic EBT4 film for megavoltage and kilovoltage x‐ray beams with different dose levels, scanning spatial resolutions, and sizes of region of interest (ROI).MethodsEBT4 film (Lot#07052201) calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2) were exposed to a 10×10 cm2 open field at doses of 0, 63, 125, 500, 750, 1000 cGy using 6 MV photon beam. EBT4 film strips from the same lot were then exposed to each x‐ray beam (6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, 15 MV, and 70 kV) at six dose values (50, 100, 300, 600, 800, 1000 cGy). A full sheet (25 × 20 cm2) of EBT4 film was irradiated at each energy with 300 cGy for profile comparison with the treatment planning calculation. At two different spatial resolutions of 72 and 300 dpi, each film piece was scanned three consecutive times in the center of an Epson 10000XL flatbed scanner in 48‐bit color. The scanned images were analyzed using FilmQA Pro. For each scanned image, an ROI of 2 × 2 cm2 at the field center was selected to obtain the average pixel value with its standard deviation in the ROI. An additional ROI of 1 cm diameter circle was also used to evaluate the impact of ROI shape and size, especially for FFF beams. The dose value, average dose‐response value, and associated uncertainty were determined for each energy and relative responses were analyzed. The Student's t‐test was performed to evaluate the statistical significance of the dose‐response values with different color channels, ROI shapes, and spatial resolutions.ResultsThe dose‐response curves for the five x‐ray energies were compared in three color channels. Weak energy dependence was found among the megavoltage beams. No significant differences (average ∼1.1%) were observed for all doses in this study among 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, and 15 MV beams, regardless of spatial resolution and color channel. However, a statistically significant difference in dose‐response was observed up to 12% between 70 kV and 6 MV beams.ConclusionsThe dose‐response curves for Gafchromic EBT4 films were nearly independent of the energy of the photon beams among 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 10 MV FFF, and 15 MV. For very low‐energy photons (e.g., 70 kV), a separate calibration from the same low‐energy x‐ray is necessary.
Toward a realistic in silico abdominal phantom for QSM
Authors: Silva Javier , Milovic Carlos , Lambert Mathias , Montalba Cristian , Arrieta Cristóbal , Irarrazaval Pablo , Uribe Sergio , Tejos Cristian 
Published: January 2023

PurposeQSM outside the brain has recently gained interest, particularly in the abdominal region. However, the absence of reliable ground truths makes difficult to assess reconstruction algorithms, whose quality is already compromised by additional signal contributions from fat, gases, and different kinds of motion. This work presents a realistic in silico phantom for the development, evaluation and comparison of abdominal QSM reconstruction algorithms.MethodsSynthetic susceptibility and maps were generated by segmenting and postprocessing the abdominal 3T MRI data from a healthy volunteer. Susceptibility and values in different tissues/organs were assigned according to literature and experimental values and were also provided with realistic textures. The signal was simulated using as input the synthetic QSM and maps and fat contributions. Three susceptibility scenarios and two acquisition protocols were simulated to compare different reconstruction algorithms.ResultsQSM reconstructions show that the phantom allows to identify the main strengths and limitations of the acquisition approaches and reconstruction algorithms, such as in‐phase acquisitions, water‐fat separation methods, and QSM dipole inversion algorithms.ConclusionThe phantom showed its potential as a ground truth to evaluate and compare reconstruction pipelines and algorithms. The publicly available source code, designed in a modular framework, allows users to easily modify the susceptibility, and TEs, and thus creates different abdominal scenarios.
Development and validation of the Japanese version of EPDS‐P for indirect screening of paternal perinatal depression based on maternal reporting: Protocol for a prospective longitudinal observational study
Authors: Tokumitsu Keita , Yasui‐Furukori Norio , Fisher Sheehan David , Keta Takako , Yamada Chihiro , Takeuchi Junko , Yachimori Koji , Sugawara Norio , Shimoda Kazutaka 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimsThe main purpose of this study is to develop an indirect screening system for paternal perinatal depression based on the female partner's assessment in the Japanese population. The Japanese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale‐Partner (EPDS‐P) will be used as the indirect screening tool, and its accuracy will be studied in this longitudinal prospective observational study.MethodsPublic health nurses and midwives at the participating community health center are currently inviting couples to participate, and are distributing self‐rating scales to the participants. The primary evaluation scales being used in this study are the Japanese versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and the Japanese version of the EPDS‐P which evaluates paternal perinatal depression by women. We will evaluate EPDS‐P performance against CES‐D, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and correlations.Results and ConclusionsPerinatal depression is a mental illness that occurs between pregnancy and postpartum within the 12 months, and it is known to increase the risk of adversely impacting on child development. Men may also experience a psychosocial crisis during their partners' perinatal period. Although it was recently reported that the EPDS‐P can indirectly detect paternal perinatal depression, there is, as yet, insufficient evidence of this because the previous studies had relatively small sample sizes and were limited to cross‐sectional studies in the postpartum period. The development of a screening system for paternal perinatal depression using the EPDS‐P will lead to increased awareness of the disease and provide an opportunity to establish a family‐based support system in Japan.
Randomized controlled trial of a novel lifestyle intervention used with or without meal replacements in work sites
Authors: Das Sai Krupa , Silver Rachel E. , Vail Taylor A. , Chin Meghan K. , Blanchard Caroline M. , Dickinson Stephanie L. , Chen Xiwei , Ceglia Lisa , Saltzman Edward , Allison David B. , Roberts Susan B. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveLifestyle interventions have had limited effectiveness in work sites when evaluated in randomized trials. This study assessed the effectiveness of a novel lifestyle intervention for weight loss (Healthy Weight for Living [HWL]) implemented with or without meal replacements (MR) in work sites. HWL used a new behavioral approach emphasizing reducing hunger and building healthy food preferences, and, unlike traditional lifestyle interventions, it did not require calorie counting.MethodsTwelve work sites were randomized to an 18‐month intervention (n = 8; randomization within work sites to HWL, HWL + MR) or 6‐month wait‐listed control (n = 4). Participants were employees with overweight or obesity (N = 335; age = 48 [SD 10] years; BMI = 33 [6] kg/m2; 83% female). HWL was group‐delivered in person or by videoconference. The primary outcome was 6‐month weight change; secondary outcomes included weight and cardiometabolic risk factors measured at 6, 12, and 18 months in intervention groups.ResultsMean 6‐month weight change was −8.8% (95% CI: −11.2% to −6.4%) for enrollees in HWL and −8.0% (−10.4% to −5.5%) for HWL + MR (p < 0.001 for both groups vs. controls), with no difference between interventions (p = 0.40). Clinically meaningful weight loss (≥5%) was maintained at 18 months in both groups (p < 0.001).ConclusionsA new lifestyle intervention approach, deliverable by videoconference with or without MR, supported clinically impactful weight loss in employees.
Obesity among Asian American people in the United States: A review
Authors: Li Zhaoping , Daniel Sunil , Fujioka Ken , Umashanker Devika 
Published: January 2023

AbstractStandard measures of obesity, i.e., body weight and BMI, suggest that Asian American people have a lower obesity prevalence than other racial groups in the United States. However, Asian American people face a unique challenge in their pattern of adiposity with central obesity, which raises the risk for multiple comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease, at a lower BMI compared with other populations. Several organizations recommend lower BMI cutoffs for obesity in Asian people (BMI ≥25.0 or ≥27.5 kg/m2) instead of the standard ≥30.0 kg/m2 threshold. The risks of obesity and related comorbidities in this population are further influenced by diet, physical activity, perceptions of health, and access to information and therapies. Asian‐specific parameters for assessing obesity should become a standard part of clinical practice. Asian American people should equally be offered subgroup‐specific tailored interventions owing to heterogeneity of this population. Access to medications and surgery should be improved, in part by updating US indications for therapies to reflect race‐specific obesity thresholds and through inclusion of Asian American people of all subtypes with lower BMI values in clinical trials.image
How school belongingness in diverse students moderates student perceptions of teachers' cultural humility in predicting student–teacher working alliance
Authors: Slaton Chayla R. , Lammers William , Park Anna 
Published: January 2023

AbstractStudent–teacher relationships and school belongingness are both strong predictors for students' academic success (Goodenow & Grady, 1993; Hattie, 2009). Experiences related to their cultural identities also inform how they perceive their educational environment (Kutsyuruba et al., 2015) and may also predict academic success. Although current literature supports all three constructs as separate predictors of academic success, the current study examined the relationship between student perceptions of their teacher's cultural humility and student–teacher working alliance, with student perceptions of school belonging as a moderator. Sixth‐grade students from an urban, central Arkansas middle school (n = 334) considered a teacher with whom they had prolonged contact (e.g., two interactions a day, including mentoring and academic instruction), and responded to questions from three scales, the Cultural Humility Scale (predictor), the Classroom Working Alliance Inventory (outcome), and the Psychological Sense of School Membership (moderator). Results showed that student perceptions of teacher's cultural humility predicted student–teacher working alliance and that this relationship was slightly stronger for those students with low levels of school belongingness. The importance of all three variables in understanding student success has implications for teacher and school psychologist training programs.
Cyber victimization and suicidal behavior in high school students: The mediating role of psychological problems and perceived social support
Authors: Sarhangi Niloofar , Rostami Mohammad , Abbasirad Reza , Fasihi Mohadeseh , Ahmadboukani Soliman 
Published: January 2023

AbstractStudents who are abused in various ways are at a higher risk for psychological problems such as depression and suicidal ideation. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of psychological problems and perceived social support in the relationship between cyber victimization and suicidal behavior. The participants in this cross‐sectional study were 250 adolescents, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth‐grade students (aged 13–18 years) in Bushehr, Iran. The instruments used to collect the data were the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale‐21 (DASS‐21), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire‐Revised (SBQ‐R), and Cyberbullying/Victimization Experiences Questionnaire. SPSS‐25 and AMOS‐24 software were used for data analysis. The indirect and negative effects of perceived social support showed that support (from family members and significant others) is associated with reduced suicidal behavior in students experiencing cyber victimization. Moreover, the indirect and positive effects of psychological problems showed that cyber victimization increases the risk of students experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, and may lead to increased suicidal behavior in them. The experience of cyberbullying victimization in students is associated with their suicidal behavior. These students need treatment through psycho‐educational interventions or even psychotherapy in some cases.
Increasing cancer rehabilitation awareness and referrals in the Veterans Health Administration—A quality improvement initiative
Authors: Qin Evelyn , Lim Sara , Essman Matthew , Howard Ileana 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo expand access to comprehensive rehabilitation services among veterans with cancer by increasing cancer rehabilitation referrals in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital.DesignA rapid cycle improvement approach based on the Institute of Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement was used to assess and optimize the cancer rehabilitation referral process. In this quality improvement project, our cancer rehabilitation workgroup developed an electronic screening tool within the VA electronic patient record system to streamline cancer rehabilitation referrals. Providers could complete an optional Cancer Rehabilitation (CaRe) Screen that consisted of 12 questions related to patient symptoms and function. If the screen was positive, a nonvisit electronic consult was automatically generated and sent to a physiatrist for review. The physiatrist would then triage patients to appropriate services including physiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, rehab psychology, and other rehabilitation services.ResultsA total of 90 referrals were placed between 2019–2021. A total of 84% of the patients referred were male, 73% were white. The top cancer types referred were lung (27%), blood (23%), gastrointestinal (12%), and prostate (10%). There were 19 referrals in 2019, 13 in 2020, and 58 in 2021. The electronic screening tool was implemented in mid‐2021. Advanced practice providers placed 48% of consults. Of the referrals placed in 2021, 13% of consults were initiated through the electronic screening tool. The most common rehabilitation‐related referrals placed after initial cancer rehabilitation triage included physical therapy (n = 47, 35.1%), physiatry (n = 28, 20.9%), and occupational therapy (n = 24, 17.9%).ConclusionsImplementing an electronic screening tool can streamline cancer rehabilitation referrals and increase access to cancer rehabilitation services for Veterans with cancer. Ongoing work is required to refine the referral process and educate providers and patients on the importance of cancer rehabilitation in the cancer care continuum.
Acceptability of a virtual prostate cancer survivorship care model in regional Australia: A qualitative exploratory study
Authors: Heneka Nicole , Chambers Suzanne K. , Schaefer Isabelle , Dunn Jeff 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the acceptability of a nurse‐led prostate cancer survivorship intervention adapted for virtual delivery and tailored to post‐surgical care, in a regional Australian hospital and health service.MethodsA qualitative exploratory study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA).ResultsTwenty‐two participants took part in a semistructured interview comprising men who had completed the program (n = 16) and health professionals/service stakeholders involved in program delivery (n = 6). Acceptability of this virtual prostate cancer survivorship care program was very high across all constructs of the TFA, from the perspectives of both program recipients and those delivering the program. The quality of care received was seen as superior to what men had experienced previously (burden, opportunity costs). The time afforded by the regularly scheduled video‐consultations allowed men to come to terms with the recovery process in their own time (self‐efficacy), and provided an ongoing sense of support and access to care outside the consultation (ethicality). Clinically, the program improved care co‐ordination, expedited identification of survivorship care needs, and met service priorities of providing quality care close to home (burden, perceived effectiveness).ConclusionsFindings from this study suggest virtual post‐surgical care delivered via videoconferencing is highly acceptable to prostate cancer survivors in a regional setting. Future research exploring virtual program implementation at scale and long‐term patient and service outcomes is warranted.
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis: Enhanced Detection of Transparent Materials
Authors: Jamshidi Maryam , Jamshidi Niloufar , Falamaki Cavus 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study proposes a novel and simple in‐house design of a nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) device for the online characterization of nanoparticles in an aqueous solution. The particle size distribution of two sets of model nanoparticles, for example, transparent (SiO2) and opaque (TiO2) materials with respect to water as a dispersion medium could be successfully analyzed. Experiments are conducted using two different laser wavelengths of 632.8 (red) and 510 nm (green) and a range of concentrations. The accuracy of the green laser is larger compared to the red laser for all particle concentrations used. The measured average diameter using the presented in‐house NTA setup is in the acceptable range compared to the electron microscopy data. The average diameter of the transparent (SiO2) and opaque (TiO2) samples is calculated as 36.29 and 27.26 nm using NTA, 36.44 and 27.8 nm analyzing field emission scanning electron microscopy images, and 23.97 and 19.7 nm analyzing transmission electron microscopy images. In the new viewing sample holder, nanoparticles undergo mere Brownian motion with no bulk drift velocity. The effect of solid concentration and wavelength of the laser light on the performance of the NTA sensor is investigated, and the optimal concentration range for model particles is reported.
Comparative multi‐tissue analyses identify testis‐specific serine/threonine protein kinase (TSSK) genes involved in male fertility in the melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae
Authors: Zhai Xiao‐Di , Zhang Su‐Yun , Chen Dong , Li Wei‐Jun , Wang Jin‐Jun , Wei Dong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDZeugodacus cucurbitae is an agricultural pest species with robust reproductive capabilities capable of causing extensive damage. The advent of novel male fertility‐related pest control strategies has been an area of active entomological research focused on the sterile insect technique (SIT) strategy.RESULTSRNA‐sequencing analyses were conducted using 16 tissue samples from adult male Z. cucurbitae, leading to the identification of 5338 genes that were differentially expressed between the testes and three other analyzed tissue types. Of these genes, 808 exhibited high levels of testis expression. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) approach was used to validate the expression of ten of these genes selected at random, including ZcTSSK1 and ZcTSSK3, which are testis‐specific serine/threonine protein kinase (TSSK) genes. Evaluation via a loss‐of‐function‐based knockdown assay showed that the down‐regulation of either of these two genes in males was associated with significantly decreased egg hatching rates. In situ hybridization analyses revealed the expression of both of these transcripts in the transformation zone, and significant decreases in Z. cucurbitae sperm numbers were observed following double‐stranded RNA treatment. Together, these results suggested that inhibiting ZcTSSK1 and ZcTSSK3 expression was sufficient to alter male fertility in Z. cucurbitae.ConclusionThese transcriptional sequencing results provide a foundation for further efforts to clarify the regulators of Z. cucurbitae male fertility. These preliminary analyses of the functions of ZcTSSK family genes as regulators of spermatogenesis underscore their importance in the processes integral to male fecundity and their potential as targets for pest control efforts centered on the genetic manipulation of males. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.