bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential role of RNA N6-methyladenosine in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Xiao Qiufeng , Wu Xunyao , Deng Chuiwen , Zhao Lidan , Peng Linyi , Zhou Jiaxin , Zhang Wen , Zhao Yan , Fei Yunyun 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThe pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) remains incompletely understood. The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, the most abundant internal transcript modification, has close associations with multiple diseases. This study aimed to investigate the role of m6A in patients with pSS.Materials and methodsThis study enrolled 44 patients with pSS, 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs), and 11 age- and gender-matched patients with non-SS sicca. We detected the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of m6A elements (including METTL3, WTAP, RBM15, ALKBH5, FTO, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2), ISG15, and USP18 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with pSS, patients with non-SS sicca, and HCs. The clinical characteristics and laboratory findings of patients with pSS and patients with non-SS sicca were also collected. We used binary logistic regression to determine if m6A elements were risk factors for pSS.ResultsThe mRNA levels of m6A writers (METTL3 and RBM15), erasers (ALKBH5 and FTO), and readers (YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2) were all significantly higher in PBMCs from patients with pSS than in HCs. The mRNA levels of m6A writers (METTL3 and WTAP) and readers (YTHDF2, YTHDF3, and YTHDC2) were lower in PBMCs from patients with pSS compared to patients with non-SS sicca. The expression of METTL3, RBM15, FTO, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2 was positively correlated with the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) of patients with pSS. The mRNA level of YTHDF1 in PBMCs from patients with pSS was negatively correlated with the EULAR Sjögren’s syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) score. In patients with pSS, FTO, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2 were also related to white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes. Increased mRNA level of ALKBH5 in PBMCs was a risk factor for pSS, as determined by binary logistic regression analysis. The mRNA level of ISG15 was positively correlated with that of FTO, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, and YTHDC2 in patients with pSS.ConclusionCompared with HCs, the expression of METTL3, RBM15, ALKBH5, FTO, YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2 was considerably higher in PBMCs from patients with pSS. In comparison with patients with non-SS sicca, the expression of METTL3, WTAP, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, and YTHDC2 was reduced in PBMCs from patients with pSS. The m6A elements correlating with clinical variables may indicate the disease activity and inflammation status of pSS. Elevated expression of ALKBH5 was a risk factor for pSS. The dynamic process of m6A modification is active in pSS. m6A elements (FTO, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, or YTHDC2) might target ISG15, stimulate the expression of ISG15, and activate the type I IFN signaling pathway, playing an active role in initiating the autoimmunity in pSS.
Innovative approaches to service integration addressing the unmet needs of irritable bowel syndrome patients and new approaches for the needs of IBS patients
Authors: Gentile Maurizio , De Luca Vincenzo , Patalano Roberta , Laudisio Daniela , Tramontano Giovanni , Lindner-Rabl Sonja , Mercurio Lorenzo , Salvatore Elena , Farrell John , Roller-Wirnsberger Regina , Kubitschke Lutz , Triassi Maria , Colao Annamaria , Illario Maddalena ,   Vigour Consortium
Published: November 2022

BackgroundIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common multifactorial condition that affects the large intestine and is characterized by chronic and relapsing abdominal pain and altered bowel habit. IBS is due to a combination of genetic, environmental and dietary factors. It's usually a lifelong problem very frustrating to live with and can have a big impact on quality of life, as single-agent therapy ra.ObjectiveTo analyze the approaches and solutions that address the social and health unmet needs of patients with IBS.DesignA quantitative-qualitative approach was adopted in the current study to identify and specify key digital solution and high impact user scenarios applied to IBS patients, through an adaptation of the “Blueprint on Digital Transformation in Health and Care in an Ageing Society” persona methodology.SettingsDigital health solutions bring the potential of supporting health interventions through mobile apps, wearable devices, telemedicine.PatientsA Survey was administered to a group of patients in an anonymous form, and no need for Medical Ethical Committee approval was identified.InterventionsThe theoretical elaboration IBS personas was developed through an interdisciplinary Focus Group, which also mapped the pathway for the patient's management.Main outcomeThree main needs were identified to be met to improve IBS patient's lifestyle: access to psychological support, mHealth solutions supporting diet and adapted physical activity, and home-based digital health support. mHealth intervention has been identified for diet adherence, physical exercise and psychological well-being. The process has been mapped and adapted to integrate the new solutions into the care pathway.LimitationFurther research is needed to evaluate how mHealth services enable IBS patients to manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.ConclusionThe person-centered approach was implemented through a multidisciplinary Focus group that enabled the identification of the need for a mHealth intervention.
The moderating effect of cognitive reserve on cognitive function in patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Fanfan , Kong Xiangjing , Zhu Huanzhi , Xu Hanzhang , Wu Bei , Cao Yanpei , Li Juan 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundRecovery of cognitive function after stroke has inter-individual variability. The theory of cognitive reserve offers a potential explanation of the variability in cognitive function after stroke.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of cognitive reserve on the relationship between the stroke severity and cognitive function after stroke.Materials and methodsA total of 220 patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) were recruited in 2021 from two stroke centers in Nanjing, China. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess stroke severity upon admission. Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) and validated Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Changsha Version (MoCA-CS) were used to assess cognitive reserve and cognitive function within 7 days after stroke onset, respectively. A series of multivariate linear regression models were applied to test the moderating effect of cognitive reserve.ResultsPatients with a higher level of cognitive reserve had better cognitive function after stroke compared with those with a lower level of cognitive reserve (β = 0.074, p = 0.003). The interaction of NIHSS and cognitive reserve was statistically significant (β = −0.010, p = 0.045) after adjusting for some key covariates [e.g., age, marital status, Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification, Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification, cerebral vascular stenosis, diabetes and atrial fibrillation].ConclusionCognitive reserve may help to buffer the effect of stroke-related pathology on cognitive decline in Chinese acute stroke patients. Enhancing cognitive reserve in stroke patients may be one of the potential strategies for preventing vascular dementia.
Combination of PI-RADS score and PSAD can improve the diagnostic accuracy of prostate cancer and reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies
Authors: Wang Changming , Yuan Lei , Shen Deyun , Zhang Bin , Wu Baorui , Zhang Panrui , Xiao Jun , Tao Tao 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical variables of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and to provide a strategy to reduce unnecessary biopsies.Patients and methodsA Chinese cohort that consists of 833 consecutive patients who underwent prostate biopsies from January 2018 to April 2022 was collected in this retrospective study. Diagnostic ability for total PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) was evaluated by prostate imaging–reporting and data system (PI-RADS) score and other clinical variables. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to figure out the independent predictors. Diagnostic accuracy was estimated by plotting receiver operating characteristic curves.ResultsThe results of univariate and multivariable analyses demonstrated that the PI-RADS score (P &lt; 0.001, OR: 5.724, 95% CI: 4.517–7.253)/(P &lt; 0.001, OR: 5.199, 95% CI: 4.039–6.488) and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) (P &lt; 0.001, OR: 2.756, 95% CI: 1.560–4.870)/(P &lt; 0.001, OR: 4.726, 95% CI: 2.661–8.396) were the independent clinical factors for predicting total PCa/csPCa. The combination of the PI-RADS score and PSAD presented the best diagnostic performance for the detection of PCa and csPCa. For the diagnostic criterion of “PI-RADS score ≥ 3 or PSAD ≥ 0.3”, the sensitivity and negative predictive values were 94.0% and 93.1% for the diagnosis of total PCa and 99.2% and 99.3% for the diagnosis of csPCa, respectively. For the diagnostic criterion “PI-RADS score &gt;3 and PSAD ≥ 0.3”, the specificity and positive predictive values were 96.8% and 92.6% for the diagnosis of total PCa and 93.5% and 82.4% for the diagnosis of csPCa, respectively.ConclusionsThe combination of the PI-RADS score and PSAD can implement the extraordinary diagnostic performance of PCa. Many patients may safely execute active surveillance or take systematic treatment without prostate biopsies by stratification according to the PI-RADS score and the value of PSAD.
Improve follicular thyroid carcinoma diagnosis using computer aided diagnosis system on ultrasound images
Authors: Zheng Huan , Xiao Zebin , Luo Siwei , Wu Suqing , Huang Chuxin , Hong Tingting , He Yan , Guo Yanhui , Du Guoqing 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveWe aim to leverage deep learning to develop a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) system toward helping radiologists in the diagnosis of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) on thyroid ultrasonography.MethodsA dataset of 1159 images, consisting of 351 images from 138 FTC patients and 808 images from 274 benign follicular-pattern nodule patients, was divided into a balanced and unbalanced dataset, and used to train and test the CAD system based on a transfer learning of a residual network. Six radiologists participated in the experiments to verify whether and how much the proposed CAD system helps to improve their performance.ResultsOn the balanced dataset, the CAD system achieved 0.892 of area under the ROC (AUC). The accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score of the CAD method were 84.66%, 84.66%, 84.77%, 84.65%, while those of the junior and senior radiologists were 56.82%, 56.82%, 56.95%, 56.62% and 64.20%, 64.20%, 64.35%, 64.11% respectively. With the help of CAD, the metrics of the junior and senior radiologists improved to 62.81%, 62.81%, 62.85%, 62.79% and 73.86%, 73.86%, 74.00%, 73.83%. The results almost repeated on the unbalanced dataset. The results show the proposed CAD approach can not only achieve better performance than radiologists, but also significantly improve the radiologists’ diagnosis of FTC.ConclusionsThe performances of the CAD system indicate it is a reliable reference for preoperative diagnosis of FTC, and might assist the development of a fast, accessible screening method for FTC.
Assessment of biochemical outcomes in patients with primary aldosteronism after adrenalectomy based on CT scan diagnosis of unilateral adenoma without adrenal vein sampling
Authors: Zhang Ming , Bian Ge , Tian Jingyan , Yang Weijie , Wang Xiaoqing , Chi Changliang 
Published: November 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the surgical outcomes of patients with primary aldosteronism when surgery was based only on CT finding of unilateral adenoma without adrenal vein sampling (AVS).MethodsThis is a retrospective review of the records of patients who had undergone retroperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism based on CT scan finding of unilateral adenoma and had a follow-up of at least 6–12 months from January 2012 to December 2020 in a single center; decision for adrenalectomy was based on CT scan, and AVS was not used. The clinical and biochemical outcomes were accessed using the standardized primary aldosteronism surgical outcome (PASO) criteria. Patient’s demographics and preoperative factors were analyzed to assess for independent predictor of surgical success.ResultsAccording to the PASO criteria, 172 patients finally enrolled in the training dataset, and 20 patients enrolled in the validation dataset. In the training dataset, complete clinical success was achieved in 71 patients (41.3%), partial success in 87 (50.6%), and absent success in 14 (8.1%). Biochemical outcomes showed that 151 patients (87.8%) were completely cured, 14 patients (8.1%) got a partial biochemical success, and an absent biochemical success was found in seven patients (4.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, body mass index (BMI), tumor size, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and serum potassium were the most independent factors for incomplete biochemical success. Based on the results of statistical analysis, our study constructed a nomogram prognostic evaluation model for patients after unilateral primary aldosterone surgery.ConclusionsLaparoscopic adrenalectomy for patients with primary aldosteronism base on CT scan finding of a unilateral adenoma without AVS had a high rate of complete biochemical cure at 12 months. Risk factors for incomplete biochemical success include age, BMI, tumor size, MAP, and serum potassium. Our study constructed a nomogram prognostic evaluation model for patients after unilateral primary aldosterone surgery. The nomogram accurately and reliably predicted the incomplete biochemical success.
A digital hologram-based encryption and compression method for 3D models
Authors: Sun Yukai , Zhao Meirong , Niu Pingjuan , Zheng Yelong , Liu Chuntian , Zhang Shiyu , Bai Songqi , Guo Jinwei 
Published: November 2022

This study proposes a novel method to compress and decompress the 3D models for safe transmission and storage. The 3D models are first extracted to become 3D point clouds, which would be classified by the K-means algorithm. Then, these nearby 3D point clouds are converted into a computer-generated hologram (CGH) by calculating the point distribution on the hologram plane using the optical wavefront propagation method. The computer-generated hologram (CGH) contains the spatial coordinate information on point clouds, which can be decompressed using the convolutional neural network (CNN) method. The decompression accuracy of 3D point clouds is quantitatively assessed by normalized correlation coefficients (NCCs), reflecting the correlation between two points and influenced by the hologram resolution, the convolution kernel, and the diffraction distance. Numerical simulations have shown that the novel method can reconstruct a high-quality 3D point cloud with an accuracy of 0.1 mm.
The significance of cephalopod beaks as a research tool: An update
Authors: Xavier José C. , Golikov Alexey V. , Queirós José P. , Perales-Raya Catalina , Rosas-Luis Rigoberto , Abreu José , Bello Giambattista , Bustamante Paco , Capaz Juan C. , Dimkovikj Valerie H. , González Angel F. , Guímaro Hugo , Guerra-Marrero Airam , Gomes-Pereira José N. , Hernández-Urcera Jorge , Kubodera Tsunemi , Laptikhovsky Vladimir , Lefkaditou Evgenia , Lishchenko Fedor , Luna Amanda , Liu Bilin , Pierce Graham J. , Pissarra Vasco , Reveillac Elodie , Romanov Evgeny V. , Rosa Rui , Roscian Marjorie , Rose-Mann Lisa , Rouget Isabelle , Sánchez Pilar , Sánchez-Márquez Antoni , Seixas Sónia , Souquet Louise , Varela Jaquelino , Vidal Erica A. G. , Cherel Yves 
Published: November 2022

The use of cephalopod beaks in ecological and population dynamics studies has allowed major advances of our knowledge on the role of cephalopods in marine ecosystems in the last 60 years. Since the 1960’s, with the pioneering research by Malcolm Clarke and colleagues, cephalopod beaks (also named jaws or mandibles) have been described to species level and their measurements have been shown to be related to cephalopod body size and mass, which permitted important information to be obtained on numerous biological and ecological aspects of cephalopods in marine ecosystems. In the last decade, a range of new techniques has been applied to cephalopod beaks, permitting new kinds of insight into cephalopod biology and ecology. The workshop on cephalopod beaks of the Cephalopod International Advisory Council Conference (Sesimbra, Portugal) in 2022 aimed to review the most recent scientific developments in this field and to identify future challenges, particularly in relation to taxonomy, age, growth, chemical composition (i.e., DNA, proteomics, stable isotopes, trace elements) and physical (i.e., structural) analyses. In terms of taxonomy, new techniques (e.g., 3D geometric morphometrics) for identifying cephalopods from their beaks are being developed with promising results, although the need for experts and reference collections of cephalopod beaks will continue. The use of beak microstructure for age and growth studies has been validated. Stable isotope analyses on beaks have proven to be an excellent technique to get valuable information on the ecology of cephalopods (namely habitat and trophic position). Trace element analyses is also possible using beaks, where concentrations are significantly lower than in other tissues (e.g., muscle, digestive gland, gills). Extracting DNA from beaks was only possible in one study so far. Protein analyses can also be made using cephalopod beaks. Future challenges in research using cephalopod beaks are also discussed.
Talking really does matter: Lay perspectives from older people on talking about suicide in later life
Authors: Hafford-Letchfield Trish , Hanna Jeffrey R. , Ellmers Toby J. , Rasmussen Susan , Cogan Nicola , Gleeson Helen , Goodman Jolie , Martin Sophie , Walker Patrick , Quaife Matthew 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundThe cumulative body of research on suicidality in later life describes its unique and complex features in older people when compared with that in other population groups. Yet significant gaps exist in how research informs the further development of suitable interventions. The perspectives of older people are also limited in research findings.AimsTherefore, this exploratory study aimed to (1) identify potential barriers and enablers in discussing suicidal thoughts and their expression in later life from the perspectives of lay older people and (2) explore where opportunities might occur in approach, place, relationships, and language with older people to discuss suicidal thoughts and their expression.MethodWe conducted in-depth qualitative individual interviews with 15 people aged 70–89 years. This method helped explore older peoples' own lay perspectives on suicidal thoughts in later life and how these are expressed, and their understanding of where and how people might seek support.ResultsA total of three themes were generated from the dataset: (1) intergenerational and socio-cultural differences in suicide expression, (2) the normalization of suicidal thoughts in later life, and (3) the importance and difficulties of everyday discussion and opportunities to express suicidal thoughts.ConclusionSuicidal thoughts and their expression appear commonly and are normalized in later life yet remain taboo and hidden. The participants revealed how such thoughts and behaviors are typically expressed through colloquial or “off-hand” remarks and comments and the importance of authentic listening. The findings highlight the importance of more informal discussions around these topics and how care professionals, practitioners, and providers might frame opportunities for dialogue with people who may want to access support. Further engagement with community-informed participatory research methods in which older people provide their own perspectives and experiences is important in addressing these gaps. There is a need for co-designing in developing screening, assessment, and signposting outside of clinical settings that can be used in everyday caring relationships with people in later life.
Screen time and adolescents' mental health before and after the COVID-19 lockdown in Switzerland: A natural experiment
Authors: Marciano Laura , Viswanath Kasisomayajula , Morese Rosalba , Camerini Anne-Linda 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, adolescents' mental health was largely undermined. A general increment in screen time was reported. However, the long-term effects of the latter on adolescents' mental health are still little explored.MethodsIn the present natural experiment, we investigated these effects using longitudinal data collected before and after the first lockdown in Switzerland. Data come from 674 Swiss adolescents (56.7% females, Mage = 14.45, SDage = 0.50) during Spring 2019 (T1) and Autumn 2020 (T2) as part of the longitudinal MEDIATICINO study. Self-reported mental health measures included somatic symptoms, inattention, anxiety, irritability, anger, sleep problems, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, loneliness, and depression. Measures for screen-media activities included time spent on the Internet, smartphones, social media, video gaming, instant messaging, and television viewing. They were all assessed at T1 and T2.ResultsPaired-sample t-tests with Bonferroni's correction showed that most mental health problems increased over time with an overall medium effect size (Hedge's g = 0.337). In particular, medium effect sizes were found for anxiety, depression, and inattention; small-to-medium effect sizes were reported for loneliness, sleep problems, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms; and a small effect size was found for somatic symptoms. Screen-media activities increased, with the exception of television viewing and video gaming. The results of the hierarchical regression analyses showed that, controlling for covariates, increased time spent on social media – calculated as the difference between T2 and T1 – was the only screen-media activity significantly associated with worse mental health at T2 (β = 0.112, p = 0.016). More time spent in structured media activities like television viewing diminished levels of inattention (β = −0.091, p = 0.021) and anxiety (β = −0.093, p = 0.014). Among covariates, being female, experiencing two or more life events, having mental health problems at T1, and using screens for homeschooling negatively influenced mental health at T2.ConclusionThese results align with literature indicating a small but negative effect of social media time on mental health. Underlying mechanisms are manifold, including increased exposure to COVID-19 news, heightened fear of missing out, social comparison, and time-displaced for activities such as physical activity and green time. However, in line with the structured days hypothesis, getting involved in media-structured activities like television viewing might protect against mental health symptoms.