bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced biophotonic activities and spectral blueshift in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia models with cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Xu Zhipeng , Luo Yi , Peng Sisi , Song Hao , Li Tian , Zheng Jiaxin , Liu Na , Wu Shenjia , Zhang Junxia , Zhang Lei , Hu Yuan , Liu Yanping , Lu Dongwei , Dai Jiapei , Zhang Junjian 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundAlthough clinically, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are the two major types of dementia, it is unclear whether the biophotonic activities associated with cognitive impairments in these diseases share common pathological features.MethodsWe used the ultraweak biophoton imaging system (UBIS) and synaptosomes prepared by modified percoll method to directly evaluate the functional changes in synapses and neural circuits in AD and VaD model animals.ResultsWe found that biophotonic activities induced by glutamate were significantly reduced and spectral blueshifted in synaptosomes and brain slices. These changes could be partially reversed by pre-perfusion of the ifenprodil, a specific antagonist of the GluN2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs).ConclusionOur findings suggest that AD and VaD pathology present similar but complex changes in biophotonic activities and transmission at synapses and neural circuits, implying that communications and information processing of biophotonic signals in the brain are crucial for advanced cognitive functions.
Comparison of auditory cueing in toe tapping and gait in persons with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Stegemöller Elizabeth L. , Berg Riley , Warnecke Alison , Hammer Mollie 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionMuch research has examined the relationship between bradykinesia and gait impairment in persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Specifically, impairments in repetitive movements of the upper extremity have been associated with freezing of gait. Studies examining lower extremity repetitive movements are limited. Moreover, the use of external cueing has been a treatment strategy for both bradykinesia and gait, but information on how cues should be used is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of auditory cueing on one side versus both sides for bilateral repetitive toe tapping and gait, and to determine if there was a relationship between toe tapping and gait. We hypothesize that there will be no difference between the cueing conditions, but that there will be a significant association between repetitive toe tapping performance and gait performance.MethodsTwenty-seven persons with PD completed a toe tapping task in which the more affected side was cued at 70 beats per minute (BPM), the less affected side was cued at 70 BPM, and both sides were cued at 140 BPM. The same cueing conditions were completed for the gait task. Inter movement interval and amplitude data was collected and analyzed for the toe tapping task. Stance time, swing time, step length, and step width were collected and analyzed for the gait task.ResultsResults revealed a significant difference in movement performance between the single side cueing conditions and both sides cued condition for inter movement interval (toe tapping), stance time (gait), step length (gait), and step width (gait). Moreover, results revealed a significant association between inter movement interval and stance time and step length.DiscussionThese results would suggest that cueing both sides is better than only one side and that there is a relationship between toe tapping and gait performance when both sides are cued in persons with PD. This study adds to the literature exploring possible shared mechanisms between bradykinesia and gait in persons with PD.
The nutrition and immunity (nutrIMM) study: protocol for a non-randomized, four-arm parallel-group, controlled feeding trial investigating immune function in obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Braga Tibaes Jenneffer Rayane , Barreto Silva Maria Inês , Makarowski Alexander , Cervantes Paulina Blanco , Richard Caroline 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionIndividuals with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes are at higher risk of infection and have worse prognoses compared to healthy individuals. Several factors may influence immune responses in this population, including high adiposity, hyperglycemia, and unhealthy dietary habits. However, there is insufficient data on the independent or clustered contribution of these factors to obesity-related immune dysfunction, especially accounting for dietary intake. This study aims to establish the independent contribution of obesity and hyperglycemia to immune dysfunction independent of diet in adults with and without obesity with or without type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe Nutrition and Immunity (nutrIMM) study is a single-centre, non-randomized, four-arm, parallel-group, controlled feeding trial. It will enroll adults without obesity (Lean-NG) and with obesity and three metabolic phenotypes of normoglycemia, glucose intolerance, and type 2 diabetes. Participants will be assigned to one of four groups and will consume a standard North American-type diet for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes are plasma concentration of C-reactive protein and concentration of ex-vivo interleukin-2 secreted upon stimulation of T cells with phytohemagglutinin.DiscussionThis will be the first controlled feeding study examining the contribution of obesity, hyperglycemia, and diet on systemic inflammation, immune cell phenotype, and function in adults of both sexes. Results of this clinical trial can ultimately be used to develop personalized dietary strategies to optimize immune function in individuals with obesity with different immune and metabolic profiles.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04291391.
Changes in multidisciplinary team decisions in a high volume head and neck oncological center following those made in its preferred partner
Authors: Hendrickx Jan-Jaap , Mennega Tommy , Uppelschoten Jeroen M. , Leemans C. René 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveHead and neck cancer care is highly complex, and multidisciplinary team meetings (MDTs) are vital for improved outcomes. In the Netherlands, head and neck cancer care is practiced in eight high-volume head and neck oncologic centers (HNOC) and six affiliated hospitals preferred partner (PP) centers. Patients treated in the PP are presented and discussed in the HNOC. To evaluate the importance of these mandatory and decisive steps in decision making, we have assessed the changes in treatment.Materials and methodsRetrospective evaluation of head and neck cancer patients referred between January 2011 and October 2018 for a MDT evaluation to the HNOC was conducted. The differences in MDT recommendation were classified with regards to major and minor changes.ResultsManagement recommendation(MR) changed after 113 of 515 MDT discussions within the PP (487 patients; 22%), of which 86 cases (16%) were major changes. In 67 cases (59.3%), escalation of management was recommended, while in 43 cases (38.1%) de-escalation was recommended.ConclusionThere was a high rate of change of MRs, when comparing the PP recommendations with the HNOC recommendations. Since patient and tumor characteristics seem unable to predict these changes, we recommend all patients be seen for a clinical presentation, revision of diagnostics, and MDT discussion in a high volume HNOC.
Intraoperative slow-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex) in epiretinal membrane peeling surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Siying , Zeng Qiaozhu , Zhu Li , Liu Wenbo , Li Yujing , Li Jiarui , Li Xiaoxin , Zhao Mingwei , Qu Jinfeng 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant for the regression of macular edema and the improvement of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after the removal of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM).Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial recruited 81 patients with idiopathic ERM. These patients all underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with ERM and internal limiting membrane peeling surgery. Among them, 41 eyes in the DEX group received additional DEX implants and 40 in the non-DEX group did not. Outcomes including central retinal thickness (CRT), BCVA, and intraocular pressure were measured 1 and 3 months after surgery.Results: The DEX group had thinner CRTs compared to the non-DEX group at 1 month postoperatively (p &lt;0.05), but did not differ significantly at the 1-week and 3-month follow-up visits (p = 0.109 and p = 0.417, respectively). There were no statistical differences with respect to BCVA (p = 0.499, 0.309, 0.246, and 0.517, respectively) and intraocular pressure (p = 0.556, 0.639, 0.741, and 0.517, respectively) between the two groups at each point of follow-up visits.Conclusion: DEX accelerated the reduction of CRT at 1 month after surgery. However, no evidence of further anatomical (CRT) or functional (BCVA) benefits using DEX was observed at 3 months.Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT05416827.
Alpha clustering in nuclear astrophysics and topology
Authors: Kahl Daid , Yamaguchi Hidetoshi , Hayakawa Seiya 
Published: September 2023

When we think of clustering in nuclear physics, the astrophysical importance within light nuclei and structural manifestations with classical analogs immediately come to mind. 4He, also known as the alpha particle, is the most abundant nucleus in the Universe, being quite tightly bound for its mass, with a first excited state of over 20 MeV. The nature of the alpha particle places it in a unique position within nuclear astrophysics and structure (including geometry). The plurality of energy release from stellar hydrogen fusion—whether quiescent or explosive—comes from the conversion of hydrogen to helium. Within more complex nuclei, the alpha particles are continuously arranged, leading to fascinating phenomena such as excited rotational bands, Borromean ring ground states, and linear structures. Nuclei with an equal and even number of protons and neutrons are colloquially referred to as “alpha conjugate nuclei,” where such special properties are the most pronounced and easiest to spot. However, when a single nucleon or a pair of nucleons is added to the system, alpha clustering not only remains evident but it may also be enhanced. Excited states with large alpha partial widths are a signature of clustering behavior, and these states can have a profound effect on the reaction rates in astrophysical systems when the excitation energy aligns with the so-called Gamow energy—the preferential thermal energy to statistically overcome the Coulomb barrier. In this article, we will consider in detail the specific ramifications of alpha clustering in selected scenarios for both nuclear astrophysics and topology. In particular, we discussed the astrophysical reactions of 7Li (α, γ), 7Be+α, 11C (α, p), and 30S (α, p), where α-clusters may increase the reaction rates from 10% to an order of magnitude; large α resonances make the astrophysical rate of 18F (p, α) quite uncertain. We also focused on the α rotational bands of both positive and negative parities of 11B and 11C, and finally on the strongest evidence for the linear-chain cluster state observed in 14C.
Parental warmth, adolescent emotion regulation, and adolescents’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Boullion AnnaMaria , Linde-Krieger Linnea B. , Doan Stacey N. , Yates Tuppett M. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionThe United States (U.S.) Surgeon General Advisory has characterized the COVID-19 pandemic as a youth mental health crisis. Thus, elucidating factors affecting adolescents’ mental health during the pandemic is important for supporting youth through current and future challenges. Parenting influences adolescents’ ability to cope with stressors, and emotion regulation strategy use may underlie these effects.MethodsThis longitudinal study of 206 adolescents (49% female; 46.6% Latine) from the U.S. evaluated pathways from perceived parental warmth and affection at age 12 to changes in adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems from before the pandemic (age 14) to the initial phase of the U.S COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 (age 15) through adolescents’ pre-pandemic cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression emotion regulation strategy use at age 14.ResultsParental warmth and affection predicted decreased internalizing, but not externalizing, problems during the initial phase of the pandemic, and this effect was explained by adolescents’ reduced reliance on expressive suppression as an emotion regulation strategy.ConclusionThese findings illuminate parenting and emotion regulation strategy selection as modifiable processes to support adolescents’ mental health in this crisis and beyond.
Tai Chi for fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Chen Weidong , Li Min , Li Hai , Lin Yanzhao , Feng Zhoushan 
Published: September 2023

Background and objectiveAs the population ages, the health of older adults is becoming a public health concern. Falls are a significant threat to their health due to weakened balance. This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of Tai Chi on fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials related to Tai Chi, falls, and balance ability, searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their establishment until December 31, 2022. Two independent reviewers performed the search, screening of results, extraction of relevant data, and assessment of study quality. This study followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic review and meta-analysis.ResultsTotally 24 RCTs were included for meta-analysis, and the results showed that Tai Chi can effectively reduce the risk of falls in older adults (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.82) and decrease the number of falls (MD [95% CI]: −0.26 [−0.39, −0.13]). Tai Chi can also improve the balance ability of older adults, such as the timed up and go test (MD [95% CI]: −0.69 [−1.09, −0.29]) and the functional reach test (MD [95% CI]: 2.69 [1.14, 4.24]), as well as other balance tests such as single-leg balance test, Berg balance scale, and gait speed (p &lt; 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that Tai Chi is effective for both healthy older adults and those at high risk of falls (p &lt; 0.001), and its effectiveness increases with the duration and frequency of exercise. In addition, the effect of Yang-style Tai Chi is better than that of Sun-style Tai Chi.ConclusionTai Chi is an effective exercise for preventing falls and improving balance ability in older adults, whether they are healthy or at high risk of falling. The effectiveness of Tai Chi increases with exercise time and frequency. Yang-style Tai Chi is more effective than Sun-style Tai Chi.Systematic review registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CRD42022354594.
An integrated review: connecting Covid-era hospital visiting policies to family engagement
Authors: Morgan Jennifer D. , Gazarian Priscilla , Hayman Laura L. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionFamily engagement and patient-family-centered care are vitally important to improve outcomes for patients, families, providers, hospitals, and communities. Both constructs prioritize providers forming partnerships with patients and their families. The domains of family-engaged care include presence, communication, shared-decision making, family needs, contribution to care, and collaboration at the institutional level. This integrative review describes the extent to which the domains of family engagement are present in the literature about Covid-era hospital visiting policies.MethodsA search of four databases resulted in 127 articles and one added through data mining. After review, 28 articles were synthesized and analyzed into an integrative review of family engagement in the hospital with Covid-era visiting policies as the backdrop.ResultsThe 28-article review resulted in an international, multidisciplinary perspective of diverse study designs. The review’s sample population includes 6,984 patients, 1,126 family members, 1,174 providers, 96 hospitals, 50 health centers, 1 unit, and 257 documents. While all the domains are represented, presence is the prevailing domain, identified in 25 out of the 28 (89%).DiscussionPresence is recognized as facilitating the other domains. Because the concept of collaboration is largely absent in the literature, it may provide healthcare institutions with a growth opportunity to facilitate and promote family engagement. This review is the first step in operationalizing family engagement in the hospital setting, especially when presence is challenging.
Effect of bone cement distribution on adjacent disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in aging patients
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jialang , He Baorong , Dong Qi , Hao Dingjun 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe influence of vertebral augmentation on adjacent intervertebral discs remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of bone cement distribution on adjacent disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).MethodsPatients with single level OVCF and upper endplate injury who underwent vertebral augmentation were enrolled. The patients were divided into four groups: Group A: bone cement contacted both the cranial and the distal endplates; Group B: bone cement only contacted the cranial endplate; Group C: bone cement only contacted the distal endplate; and Group D: bone cement contacted neither the cranial nor the distal endplates. The cranial discs of the fractured vertebrae were defined as adjacent discs and the upper discs proximally to the adjacent discs were defined as control discs. Degenerative disc change (DDC) was defined as a deteriorated postoperative Pfirrmann score compared with the preoperative score on MR images. The number of DDC cases and the disc heights were analyzed among the groups.ResultsA total of 184 patients with an average follow-up time of 28.6 months were included. The number of DDC cases in the adjacent discs was significantly higher than in the control discs in groups A (p &lt; 0.001), B (p = 0.002), and D (p = 0.028), whereas the difference in group C was not statistically significant (p = 0.237). The incidence of adjacent disc degeneration was significantly higher in group A than that in group C (p = 0.06). The adjacent disc heights decreased significantly in groups A, B, and D (p &lt; 0.001, p &lt; 0.001, and p = 0.012, respectively), but did not decrease significantly in group C (p = 0.079). However, no statistical differences were detected among the four groups with respect to the preoperative adjacent disc height, follow-up adjacent disc height, preoperative control disc height, or follow-up control disc height.ConclusionBone cement distribution influences adjacent disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation in OVCFs. Cement distribution proximal to the injured endplate can accelerate adjacent disc degeneration, and cement in contact with both the cranial and distal endplates can induce a higher incidence of adjacent disc degeneration.
Determination of Heavy Metal Content: Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead in Cyano-Phycocyanin Isolated from the Cyanobacterial Biomass
Authors: Galinytė Daiva , Balčiūnaitė-Murzienė Gabrielė , Karosienė Jūratė , Morudov Dmitrij , Naginienė Rima , Baranauskienė Dalė , Šulinskienė Jurgita , Kudlinskienė Ieva , Savickas Arūnas , Savickienė Nijolė 
Published: September 2023

Cyano-phycocyanin (C-PC) is a light-absorbing biliprotein found in cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. Due to its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, this protein is a promising substance in medicine and pharmaceuticals. However, cyanobacteria tend to bind heavy metals from the environment, making it necessary to ensure the safety of C-PC for the development of pharmaceutical products, with C-PC isolated from naturally collected cyanobacterial biomass. This study aimed to determine the content of the most toxic heavy metals, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) in C-PC isolated from different cyanobacterial biomasses collected in the Kaunas Lagoon during 2019–2022, and compare them with the content of heavy metals in C-PC isolated from cultivated Spirulina platensis (S. platensis). Cyanobacteria of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (A. flos-aquae) dominated the biomass collected in 2019, while the genus Microcystis dominated the biomasses collected in the years 2020 and 2022. Heavy metals were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ICP-MS analysis revealed higher levels of the most investigated heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and As) in C-PC isolated from the biomass with the dominant Microcystis spp. compared to C-PC isolated from the biomass with the predominant A. flos-aquae. Meanwhile, C-PC isolated from cultivated S. platensis exhibited lower concentrations of As and Pb than C-PC isolated from naturally collected cyanobacterial biomass.
Complex advance care planning intervention in general practice (ACP-GP): a cluster-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Stevens Julie , Miranda Rose , Pype Peter , Eecloo Kim , Deliens Luc , De Vleminck Aline , Pardon Koen 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundAdvance care planning (ACP) is an iterative communication process about patients’ preferences for future care. In general practice, there are barriers to ACP at patient, GP, and healthcare-system levels. A complex intervention may be necessary to reduce barriers.AimTo evaluate the effects of a complex ACP intervention for patients with chronic, life-limiting illness in general practice (ACP-GP).Design and settingA cluster-randomised controlled trial was undertaken in Belgian general practice.MethodACP-GP included a patient workbook, GP training, ACP conversations, and a documentation template. The control group received usual care. Outcomes were the 15-item ACP Engagement Survey for patients and the ACP Self-Efficacy scale for GPs. Linear mixed models evaluated differences at 3 months (T1, effectiveness evaluation) and 6 months (T2) post-baseline. Analysis was intention-to-treat.ResultsIn total, 35 GPs and 95 patients were randomised. Patient ACP engagement did not differ between the intervention and control group at T1 (baseline-adjusted mean difference = 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.02 to 0.69;P= 0.062) or T2 (baseline-adjusted mean difference = 0.20; 95% CI = −0.17 to 0.57;P= 0.28). For GP ACP self-efficacy, there were no significant differences between groups at T1 (baseline-adjusted mean difference = 0.16; 95% CI = −0.04 to 0.35;P= 0.11) or at T2 (baseline-adjusted mean difference = 0.11; 95% CI = −0.09 to 0.31;P= 0.27).ConclusionACP-GP did not improve patient engagement and GP self-efficacy more than usual care. Both groups showed patterns of increase from baseline. Trial procedures and the COVID-19 pandemic may have increased awareness about ACP.