bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cerebral activity manipulation of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in post-stroke patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Yingli Bi , Zunke Gong , Wei Chen , Shiyan Wang 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI).MethodsThirty-six PSCI patients were randomly divided into treatment and control groups of equal size. Both groups were pre-treated with conventional cognitive rehabilitation training. Subsequently, the treatment group was exposed to 1 Hz low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulations for 8 weeks, with 5 days per week. Meanwhile, the control group was treated with placebo stimulations. Patients were evaluated via the LOTCA scale assessments and changes in P300 latencies and amplitudes before and after 8 weeks of treatment.ResultsBefore treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups in LOTCA scores, P300 latencies, and amplitudes (P &gt; 0.05). After treatment, LOTCA scores for both groups improved (P &lt; 0.05), and those of the treatment group were higher than those of the control (P &lt; 0.05). For both groups, P300 latencies were not only shortened but also had greater amplitudes (P &lt; 0.05), and those for the treatment group were significantly shorter and larger than those of the control (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionAs a therapy, rTMS improved cognitive function in PSCI patients, possibly via regulation of neural electrical activity of the cerebral cortex.
Application of pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling perfusion imaging in children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Ye Fang , Du Lei , Liu Bing , Gao Xinying , Yang Aocai , Liu Die , Chen Yue , Lv Kuan , Xu Pengfei , Chen Yuanmei , Liu Jing , Zhang Lipeng , Li Shijun , Shmuel Amir , Zhang Qi , Ma Guolin 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionPseudocontinuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pCASL) perfusion imaging allows non-invasive quantification of regional cerebral blood flow (CBF) as part of a multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol. This study aimed to compare regional CBF in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) individuals with their age-matched typically developing (TD) children using pCASL perfusion imaging.Materials and methodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled 17 individuals with ASD and 13 TD children. All participants underwent pCASL examination on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Children in two groups were assessed for clinical characteristics and developmental profiles using Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Gesell development diagnosis scale (GDDS), respectively. We compared CBF in different cerebral regions of ASD and TD children. We also assessed the association between CBF and clinical characteristics/developmental profile.ResultsCompared with TD children, individuals with ASD demonstrated a reduction in CBF in the left frontal lobe, the bilateral parietal lobes, and the bilateral temporal lobes. Within the ASD group, CBF was significantly higher in the right parietal lobe than in the left side. Correlation analysis of behavior characteristics and CBF in different regions showed a positive correlation between body and object domain scores on the ABC and CBF of the bilateral occipital lobes, and separately, between language domain scores and CBF of the left frontal lobe. The score of the social and self-help domain was negatively correlated with the CBF of the left frontal lobe, the left parietal lobe, and the left temporal lobe.ConclusionCerebral blood flow was found to be negatively correlated with scores in the social and self-help domain, and positively correlated with those in the body and object domain, indicating that CBF values are a potential MRI-based biomarker of disease severity in ASD patients. The findings may provide novel insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of ASD.
Intrinsic subtypes and therapeutic decision-making in hormone receptor-positive/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer with visceral crisis: A case report
Authors: Schettini Francesco , Seguí Elia , Conte Benedetta , Sanfeliu Esther , Gonzalez-Farre Blanca , Jares Pedro , Vidal-Sicart Sergi , Ganau Sergi , Cebrecos Isaac , Brasó-Maristany Fara , Muñoz Montserrat , Prat Aleix , Vidal Maria 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundCDK4/6 inhibitors (CDKi), namely, palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib, combined with either an aromatase inhibitor (AI) or fulvestrant are the standard first/second line for hormone receptor-positive(HR+)/HER2-negative(neg) metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, the choice of one specific CDKi is arbitrary and based on the physician’s experience with the drug, toxicity profile, and patient’s preferences, whereas biomarkers for optimal patient selection have not been established so far. Moreover, upfront chemotherapy is still recommended in case of clinical presentation with visceral crisis, despite no evidence of superior benefit for chemotherapy regimens against CDKi-based regimens. Recent correlative biomarker analyses from pivotal trials of palbociclib and ribociclib showed that HR+/HER2-neg MBC might respond differently according to the molecular intrinsic subtype, with Luminal A and B tumors being sensitive to both CDKi, Basal-like being insensitive to endocrine therapy, irrespective of CDKi, and HER2-enriched tumors showing a benefit only with ribociclib-based therapy.Clinical caseWe hereby present a paradigmatic clinical case of a woman affected by a relapsed HR+/HER2-neg MBC with bone and nodal lesions, presenting with a visceral crisis in the form of lymphangitis carcinomatosis and diagnosed with a molecularly HER2-enriched tumor, successfully treated with upfront ribociclib + fulvestrant. The patient experienced a complete symptomatic and radiologic remission of the lymphangitis with a partial response as best response, according to RECIST 1.1 criteria. The progression-free survival (PFS) was of 20 months, in line with the median PFS observed in the ribociclib + fulvestrant pivotal trial, where, however, patients with visceral crisis had been excluded.ConclusionsThis clinical case confirms in the real-world setting that non-luminal subtypes can be found in HR+/HER2-neg disease and may have potential therapeutic implications in the metastatic setting. It also questions the recommendation of upfront chemotherapy in the case of a visceral crisis in the era of CDKi-based regimens. These issues merit further evaluation in prospective and larger studies.
Response of root and root hair phenotypes of cotton seedlings under high temperature revealed with RhizoPot
Authors: Fan Cong , Hou Mingyu , Si Peng , Sun Hongchun , Zhang Ke , Bai Zhiying , Wang Guiyan , Li Cundong , Liu Liantao , Zhang Yongjiang 
Published: November 2022

Driven by the increase in its frequency and duration, high temperature weather is increasingly seriously affecting crop development. High temperature inhibits the leaf development, flowering, and pollination of cotton, but its effects on the roots and root hair phenotypes and lifespans remain unclear. Thus, this study selected the two cotton varieties Nongda 601 (ND) and Guoxin 9 (GX) as materials and adopted the RhizoPot, an in situ root observation system, to investigate the effects of high temperature (38°C day and 32°C night) on the growth dynamics of the aboveground parts and root phenotypes of cotton at the seedling stage. The results showed that high temperature reduced the net photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content, decreased the dry matter accumulation and transfer to the root, and lowered the root-shoot ratio (R/S ratio). The root phenotypes changed significantly under high temperature. After 7 d of high temperature stress, the root lengths of ND and GX decreased by 78.14 mm and 59.64 mm, respectively. Their specific root lengths increased by 79.60% and 66.11%, respectively. Their specific root surface areas increased by 418.70 cm2·g-1 and 433.42 cm2·g-1, respectively. Their proportions of very fine roots increased to 99.26% and 97.16%, respectively. After the removal of high temperature (RHT), their root lengths tended to increase, and their proportions of very fine roots continued to increase. The root hairs of ND and GX were also significantly affected by high temperature. In particular, the root hair densities of ND and GX decreased by 52.53% and 56.25%, respectively. Their average root hair lengths decreased by 96.62% and 74.29%, respectively. Their root hair lifespans decreased by 7 d and 10 d, respectively. After the RHT, their average root hair lengths failed to recover. A principal component analysis indicated that the root architectures were significantly affected by root hair density, average root hair length, specific root length, and specific root surface area under high temperatures. In summary, cotton adapts to high temperature environments by increasing the specific root length, specific root surface area, and the proportions of very fine roots, and reducing the lifespan of root hairs.
Depression symptoms and quality of life in empty-nest elderly among Chengdu: A cross-sectional study
Authors: He Lanying , Wang Jian , Wang Feng , Zhang Lili , Liu Yinglin , Xu Fan 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of depression symptoms and quality of life (QoL) and examined the influence of factors in the empty nest elderly.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study, which was conducted from February 2022 to May 2022. We recruited a convenience sample of no empty-nest elderly and empty-nest elderly (≥60 years) living in Chengdu. QoL was assessed using WHOQOL-BREF, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to assess depression symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze data between independent variables with depression symptoms.ResultsTwo thousand twenty-six participants were included in this study, 39.0% (660/1,082) experienced depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly. Age (aOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00–1.04; P = 0.046), chronic disease≥2 (aOR, 3.29; 95% CI, 2.50–4.33; P &lt; 0.001) were associated with increased risk of depression symptoms, and physical activity (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40–0.87; P = 0.008), physical health (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.99; P = 0.026), psychological health (aOR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.87–0.98; P = 0.013), and total score (aOR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.96–0.99; P &lt; 0.001) were associated with decreased risk of depression symptoms among empty-nest elderly.ConclusionsDepression symptoms are common mental health problems among empty-nest elderly. We found that age, chronic disease ≥2 and physical activity were important factors that have an impact on depressive symptoms. Empty-nest elderly would have lowered QoL score.
Dyslipidemia among patients with type 2 diabetes in Jordan: Prevalence, pattern, and associated factors
Authors: Hyassat Dana , Al-Saeksaek Saba , Naji Duha , Mahasneh Awn , Khader Yousef , Abujbara Mousa , El-Khateeb Mohammad , Ajlouni Kamel 
Published: November 2022

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and patterns of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors among patients with type 2 diabetes attending the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics (NCDEG).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at the NCDEG in Amman, Jordan. A total of 971 patients with type 2 diabetes were included during the period September- December 2021. The socio-demographic data were collected through face-to-face interview questionnaire and anthropometric and clinical data were abstracted from medical records. The last three readings of lipid profile and HbA1C were abstracted from the medical records.ResultsThe overall prevalence of dyslipidemia among type 2 diabetic patients was 95.4%. The most common type of dyslipidemia was combined dyslipidemia (37.1%), with high triglycerides and low HDL-c (19.0%) being the most frequent type. Factors associated with hypercholesterolemia were diabetes duration ≤ 10 years, poor compliance to a statin, and HbA1c level (7–8%) (P-values: 0.008, 0.001, 0.021, respectively). Moreover, smoking and poor compliance with statin therapy were associated with high LDL-c level (P-values: 0.046 and 0.001, respectively). The presence of hypertension, high waist circumference, HbA1c level &gt;8%, and diabetes duration ≤ 10 years were all associated with high triglyceride level (P-values: 0.008, 0.016, 0.011, and 0.018, respectively). Hypertension and HbA1c level &gt;8% were associated with low HDL-c level (P-values: 0.010 and 0.011, respectively).ConclusionThe combination of high triglyceride and low HDL-c is the commonest lipid abnormality detected in patients with type 2 diabetes. An educational program that emphasizes the importance of adherence to a healthy lifestyle is strongly recommended. Further studies are needed to capture a wide range of factors that might influence dyslipidemia and glycemic control.
Adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in Sub-Saharan Africa during the 1st year of the pandemic: Pooled analysis of the International Citizen Project on COVID-19 (ICPCovid) surveys
Authors: Ngarka Leonard , Siewe Fodjo Joseph Nelson , Njamnshi Wepnyu Yembe , Ditekemena John D. , Ahmed Mohammed A. M. , Wanyenze Rhoda K. , Dula Janet , Sessou Philippe , Happi Christian T. , Nkengasong John N. , Colebunders Robert , Njamnshi Alfred K. 
Published: November 2022

IntroductionWhile most governments instituted several interventions to stall the spread of COVID-19, little is known regarding the continued observance of the non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 preventive measures particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We investigated adherence to these preventive measures during the initial 6 months of the COVID-19 outbreak in some SSA countries.MethodsBetween March and August 2020, the International Citizen Project on COVID-19 consortium (www.icpcovid.com) conducted online surveys in six SSA countries: Benin, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Somalia, and Uganda. A five-point individual adherence score was constituted by scoring respondents' observance of the following measures: mask use, physical distancing, hand hygiene, coughing hygiene, and avoiding to touch one's face. Community behaviors (going to public places, traveling during the pandemic) were also assessed. Data were analyzed in two time periods: Period 1 (March-May) and Period 2 (June-August).ResultsResponses from 26,678 respondents were analyzed (mean age: 31.0 ± 11.1 years; 54.1% males). Mean individual adherence score decreased from 3.80 ± 1.37 during Period 1, to 3.57 ± 1.43 during Period 2; p &lt; 0.001. At the community level, public events/places were significantly more attended with increased travels during Period 2 compared to Period 1 (p &lt; 0.001). Using linear mixed models, predictors of increased individual adherence included: higher age (Coef = 0.005; 95% CI: 0.003–0.007), female gender (Coef = 0.071; 95% CI: 0.039–0.104), higher educational level (Coef = 0.999; 95% CI: 0.885–1.113), and working in the healthcare sector (Coef = 0.418; 95% CI: 0.380–0.456).ConclusionDecreasing adherence to non-pharmaceutical measures over time constitutes a risk for the persistence of COVID-19 in SSA. Younger persons and those with lower education levels constitute target groups for improving adherence to such measures.
Web search behaviors and infodemic attitudes regarding COVID-19 in Turkey: A framework study for improving response and informing policy on the COVID-19 infodemic
Authors: Çalışkan Cüneyt , Özsezer Gözde , Pay Melek , Demir Gülcan , Çelebi Ismet , Koçak Hüseyin 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop a framework regarding COVID-19 infodemic response and policy informing through focusing on infodemic concepts circulating on the online search engine in Turkey in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak and comparing the contents of these concepts with Maslow's hierarchy of needs and disaster stages.Materials and methodsThe universe of this descriptive epidemiological research consists of internet search activities on COVID-19 circulating online on Google Trends between March 10, 2020, when the first case was seen in Turkey, and June 01, 2020, when the lockdown restrictions were lifted.FindingsThere was no internet trend regarding a misinformed attitude within the given date range. While an infodemic attitude toward superficial attitude and racist attitude in the internet environment was detected for 1 week, an infodemic attitude toward definitive attitude was detected for 2 weeks. The non-infodemic concepts were more common than the other infodemic attitudes. The infodemic concepts were able to reach Maslow's physiological, safety, and social need levels. With the infodemic concepts obtained, a COVID-19 development process framework was developed. The framework consists of three domains (COVID-19, applications and outcomes), including disaster phases and health/social impacts, built on seven public health epochs.ResultsA systematized COVID-19 development process framework was modeled in order to conceptualize COVID-19 internet searches and to reveal the development processes and outcomes.
Testing a deliberative democracy method with citizens of African ancestry to weigh pros and cons of targeted screening for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk
Authors: Guan Yue , Pathak Sarita , Ballard Denise , Veluswamy J. K. , McCullough Lauren E. , McBride Colleen M. , Gornick Michele C. 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundDemocratic deliberation (DD), a strategy to foster co-learning among researchers and communities, could be applied to gain informed public input on health policies relating to genomic translation.PurposeWe evaluated the quality of DD for gaining informed community perspectives regarding targeting communities of African Ancestry (AAn) for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) screening in Georgia.MethodsWe audiotaped a 2.5 day conference conducted via zoom in March 2021 to examine indicators of deliberation quality based on three principles: (1) inclusivity (diverse viewpoints based on participants' demographics, cancer history, and civic engagement), (2) consideration of factual information (balanced and unbiased expert testimonies, participant perceived helpfulness), and (3) deliberation (speaking opportunities, adoption of a societal perspective on the issue, reasoned justification of ideas, and participant satisfaction).ResultsWe recruited 24 participants who reflected the diversity of views and life experiences of citizens of AAn living in Georgia. The expert testimony development process we undertook for creating balanced factual information was endorsed by experts' feedback. Deliberation process evaluation showed that while participation varied (average number of statements = 24, range: 3–62), all participants contributed. Participants were able to apply expert information and take a societal perspective to deliberate on the pros and cons of targeting individuals of AAn for HBOC screening in Georgia.ConclusionsThe rigorous process of public engagement using deliberative democracy approach can successfully engage a citizenry with diverse and well-informed views, do so in a relatively short time frame and yield perspectives based on high quality discussion.
Efficacy and safety of high-pressure balloon dilatation for primary obstructive megaureter in children: A systematic review
Authors: Aiello Giuseppe , Morlacco Alessandro , Bianco Marta , Soligo Matteo , Meneghesso Davide , Vidal Enrico , Rigamonti Waifro , Dal Moro Fabrizio 
Published: November 2022

PurposeEndoscopic treatment with high-pressure balloon dilatation (HPBD) has been proposed as a feasible, safe and minimally invasive procedure for primary obstructive megaureter, but the level of evidence is still low. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HPBD and its long-term results in paediatric population.MethodsThe review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Systematic research of available literature in the English language from 1995 until June 2022 was conducted through EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and NIH Registry of Clinical Trials. For each relevant study, information was gathered regarding the study design, the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the indications for treatment, the success rate and the complications.ResultsThe final set included 13 studies. Median age of the patients ranged from 4 months to 7 years (full range 15 days-15 years). The indications for HPBD varied in different studies, however most authors included patients with increasing dilation, obstructive patterns found at diuretic renogram scan, decreased renal function or symptoms. All the studies analysed reported a success rate ranging from 69 to 100% for the treatment of POM with HPBD. This approach may avoid surgery in up to 77% of cases and is thought to be a less invasive, definitive and safe treatment for this disorder. The complication rate ranged from 0 to 50% and it was mostly infectious or associated to the stent placement or both.ConclusionHPBD demonstrated to be safe for the treatment of POM in infants, with effective long-term results and can be a definitive treatment in a considerable subset of patients. Nevertheless, the overall level of evidence for HPBD is still low and further comparative studies or randomized clinical trials are needed.
Effects of water hyacinth biochar on lettuce growth in cadmium-contaminated soil
Authors: Zhou Chunhuo , Wang Yali , Wei Li’e , Huang Huajun , Yu Chenglong , Yin Xin 
Published: November 2022

Recently, the excessive propagation of water hyacinth has led to serious ecological and environmental problems; thereby, its treatment and disposal are of great significance. Moreover, the remediation of heavy metals in soil is a hot topic at present. Thus, water hyacinth was adopted to prepare biochar to investigate its effect on Cd accumulation in lettuce by pot experiments in this study. The optimal application amount of water hyacinth biochar was 1% (30 t ha−1), considering the Cd absorption and yield of lettuce plants. Compared with those of control, the application of biochar prepared at 700°C for 2 h with an amount of 3% (90 t ha−1) resulted in a reduction in Cd by 73.6% and 38.1%, respectively, in the shoots and roots of lettuce. Within a certain carbonization time (0.5~2 h) and carbonization temperature (300°C~700°C), the content of available Cd in the soil decreases with the increase of the carbonization temperature and time, which might be the main reason for the lower Cd concentration in lettuce after applying the biochar. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDS) analyses showed that Cd was fixed on the biochar in a state of passivation, leading to a sharp decrease in the available Cd in the soil. Moreover, it was concluded that the application of biochar brings with it an obvious increase in the enzyme activity increment in the soil up to 2.3 times. Lastly, 16sRNA sequencing has shown that biochar addition leads to variations in microbial structure and abundance in soil. Accordingly, biochar prepared by water hyacinth can increase lettuce yield and reduce the concentration of heavy metals in lettuce.