bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing moxidectin dosing for Strongyloides stercoralis infections: Insights from pharmacometric modeling
Authors: Hofmann Daniela , Smit Cornelis , Sayasone Somphou , Pfister Marc , Keiser Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMoxidectin is a frontrunner drug candidate in the treatment of strongyloidiasis. A dose of 8 mg is recommended to treat this indication, which shows a reasonably good efficacy and tolerability profile. Yet, owing to the unique life cycle of Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) that entails internal autoinfection, a curative treatment would be desirable. Population‐based pharmacometric modeling that would help to identify an ideal dosing strategy are yet lacking. The aims of this study were to (i) explore the exposure‐efficacy response relationship of moxidectin in treating S. stercoralis and (ii) evaluate whether moxidectin treatment outcomes in terms of cure rates at baseline as compared to post‐treatment could be optimized. Our pharmacodynamic model suggests high predictive power (area under the concentration time curve‐receiver operating characteristic [AUC‐ROC] 0.817) in the probability of being cured by linking an exposure metric (i.e., AUC0‐24 or maximum concentration [Cmax]) to baseline infection intensity. Pharmacometric simulations indicate that with a minimum dose of 4 mg a maximum cure rate of ~ 95% is established in the low infection intensity group (larvae per gram [LPG] ≥0.4–1), whereas in the moderate‐to‐high intensity group (LPG >1) the cure rate plateaus at ~ 87%, following an 8 mg dose. To enhance efficacy further, studies using repeated dosing based on the duration of the autoinfection cycle, for example a two‐dose regimen 3 weeks apart should be considered. Simulations revealed similar Cmax in both treatment courses of a two‐dose regimen; hence safety should not be a concern. Collectively, our results provide evidence‐based guidance for enhanced dosing strategies and should be considered when designing future treatment strategies.
Stroke‐related restless legs syndrome: Clinical and anatomo‐functional characterization of an emerging entity
Authors: Ruppert Elisabeth , Hacquard Aurélien , Tatu Laurent , Namer Izzie Jacques , Wolff Valérie , Kremer Stéphane , Lagha‐Boukbiza Ouhaïd , Bataillard Marc , Bourgin Patrice 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeStroke‐related restless legs syndrome (sRLS) secondary to ischemic lesions is an emerging entity and an interesting condition, but there are limited available data to help us further understand its underlying pathways. In this study, we characterized sRLS clinically, neuroanatomically and functionally.MethodsConsecutive patients hospitalized in the Stroke Unit of the University Hospital of Strasbourg were assessed clinically and electrophysiologically for sRLS characteristics. They underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging for the neuroanatomical study of involved structures, and received functional evaluations with 18F‐FDG (2‐deoxy‐2‐[fluorine‐18]fluoro‐D‐glucose) positron emission tomography (PET) for glucose consumption, 123I‐FP‐CIT ([123]I‐2beta‐carbometoxy‐3beta‐[4‐iodophenyl]‐N‐[3‐fluoropropyl]nortropane) single‐photon emission computed tomography for dopamine reuptake and PET with 18F‐FDOPA ((3,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐[18]F‐fluoro‐l‐phenylalanine) for presynaptic dopaminergic synthesis.ResultsSixteen patients with sRLS, eight women and eight men, aged 41–81 years, were included. The clinical characteristics of sRLS and idiopathic RLS were similar. Most patients presented with bilateral and symmetric de novo RLS. Eight patients had infarction in the lenticulostriate area (middle cerebral artery and internal carotid arteria). The body of the caudate nucleus was most commonly affected. Seven patients had sRLS secondary to ventral brainstem infarction (perforating branches of the basilar arteria) affecting the pons in six patients and the medulla oblongata in one patient. Both the corticospinal tract and the cortico‐pontocerebellar fibres were lesioned in all patients with brainstem stroke. One patient had infarction in the left posterior cerebellar vermis and occipital area (posterior cerebral artery and superior cerebellar artery). Isotopic explorations showed a significantly increased dopaminergic tone in the striatum ipsilateral to lenticulostriate infarction. Dopamine fixation was normal in patients with stroke outside of the lenticulostriate area.ConclusionsClinicians should be aware of the characteristics of sRLS for the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Dynamic contrast enhanced‐magnetic resonance imaging radiomics combined with a hybrid adaptiveneuro‐fuzzyinference system‐particle swarm optimization approach for breast tumour classification
Authors: Tzalavra Alexia G. , Andreadis Ioannis , V. Dalakleidi Kalliopi , Constantinidis Fotios , I. Zacharaki Evangelia , S. Nikita Konstantina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe authors propose a method for breast dynamic contrast enhanced‐magnetic resonance imaging classification by combining radiomic texture analysis with a hybrid adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)‐particle swarm optimization (PSO) classifier. The fast discrete curvelet transform is utilized as a decomposition scheme in multiple scales. The mean and entropy features extracted from the produced scheme are used as texture descriptors. Principal component analysis (PCA) involves reduction of the dimensionality of the initial feature set. The transformed feature vector is subsequently introduced to a hybrid ANFIS‐PSO classifier. The average overall classification power of the proposed hybrid ANFIS‐PSO classifier is comparatively assessed to that obtained using several classifiers (ANFIS, linear discriminant analysis, Naïve Bayes, artificial neural networks, random forest and support vector machine) by using the 70 training‐30 testing data ratio. The comparison performed highlights the superiority of the proposed methodology, thus underlying the potential of ANFIS‐PSO for the breast cancer diagnosis with a classification accuracy of 94%.
The effect of NNS–NNS and NNS–NS videoconferencing on the development of second language confidence
Authors: Hetrovicz Lauren 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAccording to the functional model proposed by Sampasivam and Clément in 2014, the two determinants that build towards second language confidence (L2C) are richness and self‐involvement of the contact experience. This study adds to previous research by investigating, for the first time, the role of interlocutor type in the context of videoconferencing on L2C development. The participants (n = 28) were students enrolled in a fifth‐semester Spanish conversation course. Using a counter‐balanced design, they conversed with a peer on Zoom and with a native speaker on TalkAbroad and also responded to an initial and two postconversation questionnaires. The results showed that overall the learners' L2C increased with both interlocutor types, but differences emerged in the examination of the underlying components of the data. Theoretically, the findings support the integrated model of Sampasivam and Clément and their assertion that videoconferencing is high in richness and self‐involvement and, thus, facilitates L2C development.
Globally limited individual and combined effects of multiple global change factors on allometric biomass partitioning
Authors: Peng Yan , Fornara Dario A. , Yue Kai , Peng Xin , Peng Changhui , Wu Qiqian , Ni Xiangyin , Liao Shu , Yang Yusheng , Wu Fuzhong , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimPlant biomass allocation reflects the distribution of photosynthates among different organs in response to changing environmental conditions. Global change influences plant growth across terrestrial ecosystems, but impacts of individual and combined multiple global change factors (GCFs) on plant biomass allocation at the global scale are unclear.LocationGlobal.Time periodContemporary.Major taxa studiedPlants in terrestrial ecosystems.MethodsWe conducted a meta‐analysis of data comprising 4,180 pairwise observations to assess individual and combined effects of nitrogen addition (N), warming (W), elevated CO2(C), irrigation (I), and drought (D) on plant biomass allocation based on the ‘ratio‐based optimal partitioning’ and ‘isometric allocation’ hypotheses.ResultsWe found that (a) ratio‐based plant biomass fractions of different organs were only minimally affected by individual and combined effects of the studied GCFs; (b) combined effects of two‐factor pairs of GCFs on plant biomass allocation were commonly additive, rather than synergistic or antagonistic; (c) moderator variables influenced, but seldom changed the direction of individual and combined effects of GCFs on plant biomass allocation; and (d) neither individual nor combined effects of the studied GCFs altered allometric relationships among different organs, indicating that patterns of plant biomass allocation under the environmental stress conditions exerted by the multiple GCFs were better explained by the isometric allocation rather than the ratio‐based optimal partitioning hypothesis.Main conclusionsOur results show consistent patterns of allometric plant biomass partitioning under effects of multiple GCFs and provide evidence of an isometric plant biomass allocation trajectory in response to global change perturbations. These findings improve our understanding and prediction of terrestrial vegetation responses to future global change scenarios.
Understanding topic duration in Twitter learning communities using data mining
Authors: Arslan Okan , Xing Wanli , Inan Fethi A. , Du Hanxiang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere has been increasing interest in online professional learning networks in a variety of social media platforms, especially in Twitter. Twitter offers immediacy, personalization, and support of networks to increase professional knowledge and the sense of membership. Knowing the topics discussed in Twitter and the factors that affect the duration of a topic would help to sustain and reconstruct Twitter‐based professional learning activities.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to analyse the topics discussed and what factors affect the duration of a specific topic in 6 years within a virtual professional learning network (VPLN) using #Edchat in Twitter, based on media richness features.MethodsInternet‐mediated research and digital methods are used for data collection and analysis. Various text, natural language processing, and machine learning algorithms were used along with the quantitative multilevel models. This study examined 504,998 tweets posted by 72,342 unique users by using #Edchat.ResultsThere were 150 topics discussed over the 6 years and multilevel random intercept regression model revealed that a specific topic discussed in the #Edchat VPLN is discussed longer when it has more tweets, rather than retweets, posted by a high number of different users along with moderate text, high or moderate mentions with more hashtags.TakeawaysThe study developed an automated social media richness feature extraction framework that can be adapted for other theoretical applications in educational context. Emergent topics discussed in Twitter among #Edchat VPLN members for professional development were identified. It extends the social media richness theory for educational context and explore factors that affect an online professional learning activity in Twitter.
Animated pedagogical agents enhance learning outcomes and brain activity during learning
Authors: Li Wenjing , Wang Fuxing , Mayer Richard E. , Liu Tao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundWith the rapid popularization of e‐learning, how to improve online learning has aroused widespread concern. A human‐like pedagogical agent (PA) that displays eye gaze and gestures, is often added to online multimedia lessons to increase social connection and improve learning in e‐learning environments. However, there has been a debate about how PAs affect learning processes and learning outcomes.ObjectivesSocial agency theory holds that learners can build a social connection with PAs, which affects learning processes and outcomes. This study seeks to reveal how PAs influence learning by exploring the influence of PAs on learning outcomes and brain activity during learning.MethodsCollege students viewed a multimedia lesson on the process of chemical synaptic transmission either with or without an embodied PA on the left side of the screen that pointed to the graphic as she lectured. During learning students' brain cortical activity was measured by a functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system, and after learning students completed learning outcomes post‐tests.Results and ConclusionsConsistent with social agency theory, students learning with a PA performed better on learning outcome tests and showed greater brain activity in the social areas of the brain during learning based on fNIRS measures.ImplicationsBy using fNIRS technology, this study provides preliminary new support for the idea that learners engage in social processing during online learning with an embodied PA that leads to improved learning outcomes.
Circulating level of fatty acid‐binding protein 4 is an independent predictor of metabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease in middle‐aged and elderly individuals
Authors: Tanaka Marenao , Takahashi Satoko , Higashiura Yukimura , Sakai Akiko , Koyama Masayuki , Saitoh Shigeyuki , Shimamoto Kazuaki , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Furuhashi Masato 
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionMetabolic dysfunction‐associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), defined as hepatosteatosis with type 2 diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity or metabolic dysregulation, has been proposed as a new feature of chronic liver disease. Fatty acid‐binding protein 4 (FABP4) is expressed in adipose tissue, and secreted FABP4 is associated with the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between MAFLD and FABP4 has not been fully addressed.Materials and MethodsAssociations of MAFLD with metabolic markers, including FABP4, fibroblast growth factor 21 and adiponectin, were investigated in 627 individuals (men/women 292/335) in the Tanno‐Sobetsu Study, a population‐based cohort.ResultsThe mean age was 65 years (range 19–98 years, median [interquartile range] 68 [56–76] years). Hepatosteatosis was determined by the fatty liver index (FLI), and FLI ≥35 for men and FLI ≥16 for women were used for detection of fatty liver, as previously reported using 14,471 Japanese individuals. FLI was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure and levels of FABP4 (r = 0.331, P < 0.001), fibroblast growth factor 21, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance as an insulin resistance index and uric acid, and was negatively correlated with levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin. FABP4 concentration was independently associated with FLI after adjustment of age, sex, systolic blood pressure and levels of uric acid, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 in multivariable regression analysis. Logistic regression analysis showed that FABP4 was an independent predictor of MAFLD after adjustment of age, sex, presence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and levels of uric acid, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21.ConclusionsFABP4 concentration is independently associated with FLI and is an independent predictor of MAFLD in middle‐aged and elderly individuals.
Individual and working experiences of healthcare workers infected with COVID‐19: A qualitative study
Authors: Shali Mahboobeh , Behnoush Amir Hossein , Shabani Enayat A. , Khazaeipour Zahra 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe major burden of the COVID‐19 pandemic has been mainly on healthcare workers (HCWs) and as a result many of them have been afflicted with the disease thus far.PurposeThe present study was an effort to investigate Tehran University of Medical Sciences HCWs' experiences of COVID‐19 during the pandemic in Tehran, Iran.MethodsThis study is essentially a conventional qualitative content analysis. Twenty‐six HCWs (including 7 physicians, 16 nurses, and 3 physiotherapists) were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The data were collected from April 2020 to January 2021 through semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews. The interviews were transcribed and then analyzed based on the Graneheim and Lundman method using MAXQDA 12.ResultsBased on the qualitative content analysis which resulted in 364 initial codes, three themes and eight subthemes were extracted. The extracted themes were “support,” “control,” and “improvement.”ConclusionsHCWs are in close contact with COVID‐19 patients as part of their professional careers and the provision of quality patient care in times of crises is unattainable unless HCWs enjoy support and their own health is maintained. Making institutional, national, and international preparations for their protection is an obligation.
The effect of family‐based intervention for adults with diabetes on HbA1c and other health‐related outcomes: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Huijing , Zhang Qi , Luo Dan , Cai Xue , Li Ruxue , Zhang Yating , Lu Yanhui , Liu Jiajia , Gu Jiaxin , Li Mingzi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of family‐based intervention for adults with diabetes on glycosylated haemoglobin and other health‐related outcomes.BackgroundThe impact of family‐based intervention on adults with diabetes has been evaluated in various studies, but there is uncertainty about their effect on health‐related outcomes for adults with diabetes.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials.MethodsA review was performed and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Six relevant databases were searched from inception to 5 March 2021. Heterogeneity between studies was quantified by using Higgins’ I2 test. Sensibility and subgroup analyses were used to explore potential heterogeneity.ResultsThe review included 23 studies (3,114 participants). Family‐based intervention had a significant effect on improving glycosylated haemoglobin levels, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, diabetes self‐care, diabetes self‐efficacy, diabetes distress and positive family support. Non‐significant results were obtained for blood lipid, body weight, depression and negative family support. In particular, subgroup analyses indicated that family‐based intervention in Asian regions was more effective in improving glycosylated haemoglobin levels than in other areas.ConclusionFamily‐based intervention may improve diabetes control, diabetes self‐care, psychological well‐being and positive family support in adults with diabetes and is especially effective in Asian regions. Given the limitations in current studies, further studies are recommended to combine family theory with family‐based intervention, and to examine the effectiveness of such intervention for family members.Relevance to clinical practiceThis review and meta‐analysis provides evidence that family‐based intervention can improve positive family support, which has a good effect on diabetes control and psychological well‐being in adults with diabetes, and it is especially effective in Asian regions. Findings suggested that unreinforced participation by family members and integrating flexible strategies into family‐based intervention may be equally effective.
Are they out to get me? Individual differences in nonclinical paranoia as a function of narcissism and defensive self‐protection
Authors: Hepper Erica G. , Ellett Lyn , Kerley Danielle , Kingston Jessica L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveThree studies tested a novel model of the narcissism‐paranoia link, whereby narcissism (primarily its socially maladaptive facets) is associated with paranoia via over‐use of defensive self‐protection and/or under‐use of self‐affirmation.MethodsIn Study 1, 245 online volunteers (87% female; MAGE = 20.92; 44% White‐British) completed trait measures of narcissism, self‐enhancement/protection strategies and paranoia. In Study 2, 116 students (82% female; MAGE = 20.23; 70% White‐British) completed baseline measures, then reported state reactions and paranoia following two difficult and two pleasant interpersonal events after 3–10 days. In Study 3, 517 online volunteers (64% female; MAGE = 22.76; 77% White/Caucasian) completed baseline measures, experienced a standardized social exclusion (vs. neutral) manipulation (Cyberball), then reported state reactions and paranoia.ResultsIn Study 1, narcissism was associated with higher paranoia via defensiveness. In Study 2, this was replicated in difficult but not pleasant events, and was driven by the Entitlement/Exploitativeness facet of narcissism. In Study 3, narcissistic rivalry and vulnerable narcissism, but not admiration, were associated with Cyberball‐related paranoia via general defensiveness and denigration of others.ConclusionsIndividuals high in narcissism—especially its socially maladaptive facets—who over‐rely on defensive self‐protection strategies in response to threat, are particularly vulnerable to paranoia. Findings help to understand individual differences in paranoia.
Regional differences in the epidemic shock on the local labor market and its spread
Authors: Kazekami Sachiko 
Published: December 2021

AbstractFirst, using the sequential linear panel data‐estimation model and maps, we demonstrate the relocation of job‐posting places, especially for part‐time jobs. We use data on the number of job postings at the public employment security office in Japan. These changes in the posting places are clearly observable in the retail trade for part‐ and full‐time jobs. In contrast, we do not find discernible relocation in the information‐services industry. The impact of the COVID‐19 shock varies by geographic location. However, if people's mobility rate, the number of infected people, or the declaration of the state of emergency are controlled for, the number of job postings differs among areas. Therefore, second, this study explores the factors that account for the differences in the number of job offers among areas. We find that industrial diversity increases the number of job postings for part‐ and full‐time jobs in 2021, that is, one year after the first wave of the pandemic began. In contrast, industrial specialization has a negative impact in 2021. Higher rigidity of finance decreases the number of part‐time job postings immediately after the first wave of the pandemic because local governments cannot provide various support measures to create jobs. However, this financial effect disappears with time. Furthermore, higher financial capability positively affects part‐time job postings, although they are not efficient in creating full‐time jobs. The unemployment rate in 2015 negatively affects the regional differences in job postings after 2021. Regarding whether firms seek regions with rich human resources, the result is unexpectedly unclear.