bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiomics feature extraction from ultrasound B-mode images and radiofrequency signals of the carotid arterial wall: a feasibility study
Authors: Jadoon Maryam , Poli Federica , Boutouyrie Pierre , Khettab Hakim , Bianchini Elisabetta , Faita Francesco , Jouven Xavier , Empana Jean Philippe , Bruno Rosa Maria 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Carotid ultrasound is largely used to assess arterial aging. Radiomics applied on ultrasound may allow characterizing wall ultrastructure and arterial aging, however to date its application to the intima-media complex is unexplored. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and reproducibility of radiomic features extraction and selection in describing the common carotid wall ultrastructure.
Methods: Radiofrequency signals from 200 individuals in the Paris Prospective Study III cohort were used to extract RF and B-mode features. Feature stability across 3 frames from the same clip and 5 ROI sizes for each frame was evaluated by Intraclass Correlation analysis (threshold >0.50). Lasso L1 regression for chronological age prediction on ICC >0.50 features were used to analyze reproducibility and variation across frames and ROI sizes; 80/20 train-test split was used, with performance evaluated by MSE and R².
Results: Radiomic feature extraction was feasible in 190 out of 200 individuals. 48 features showed an ICC > 0.50. Feature selection for chronological age prediction showed consistent R² (0.09-0.14 train, 0.05-0.13 test) and MSE (32.3-34.3 train, 30.7-42.3 test) across frames. Fixed ROI sizes of 1.0mm and 1.2mm had comparable performance to a ROI size manually tailored to wall thickness: R² (0.07-0.15 train, 0.07-0.17 test), MSE (33.15-36.22 train, 33.07-34.83 test), consistently selecting substantially similar 3-6 features.
Conclusion: Radiomic ultrasound features describe carotid wall ultrastructure in a reproducible manner. While feature extraction and selection process are largely reproducible across frames, ROI size proved critical and thus must be carefully chosen.
Role of Stimulating Combined Visceral Meridians by Laser Acupuncture on Asthma Exacerbation and Quality of Life of Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Sharkawy Asmaa Al , Hamdy Gehan , Gharib Ahmed , Elsheikh Mai 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Asthma patients with atopic tendencies often experience airway inflammation and structural changes. Common triggers for asthma exacerbations include exercise, specific foods, and respiratory viral infections. Acupuncture has been investigated as a possible treatment for asthma management, but the efficacy of specific acupuncture points remains uncertain.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of stimulating specific acupuncture points along combined visceral meridians on asthma exacerbations triggered by various factors. It also assessed improvements in quality of life, focusing on symptoms, daily activities, environmental influences, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the Mini Asthma Questionnaire.
Method: The study included 50 patients with chronic persistent asthma who were randomly assigned and categorized based on the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines for asthma control. Over five weeks, participants underwent 12 laser acupuncture (LA) sessions targeting acupuncture points on the Lung, Heart, Conception Vessel, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. A low-level laser (780 nm wavelength, 800 mW output) was used to deliver 9.6 J/cm² per acupoint in continuous mode. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and five weeks post-treatment using the Mini Asthma Questionnaire, Asthma Control Test (ACT), and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1).
Results: Following five weeks of laser acupuncture sessions, there was a significant improvement in exercise tolerance (p < 0.001) and a marked reduction in asthma exacerbations triggered by viral infections and food allergies (p < 0.001). The overall Mini Asthma Questionnaire scores were significantly increased from 37.08 ± 10.14 at baseline to 72.60 ± 9.97 post-treatment (p < 0.001). Spirometry findings demonstrated a significant improvement in FEV1 (p > 0.005).
Conclusion: Laser acupuncture targeting combined visceral meridians shows promise in enhancing exercise tolerance and reducing asthma exacerbations caused by viral infections and food allergies. This approach significantly improves the quality of life for school-aged children with asthma.
Familiarity versus Favorability: Exploring Formal Autism Terminology in Chinese Language Discourse
Authors: Lao Uchong , Liang Fengjing , Dai Jiamin , Wei Cao , Chen Qian , Zou Xiaobing , Zhu Huilin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The emergence of the neurodiversity movement has stimulatedrobust dialogues about autism-related terminology in Western societies, yet this subject remains largely unexplored in China. Considering that distinct sociocultural contexts can engender diverse perceptions of autism, it is crucial to foster discussions on appropriate language within the Chinese framework. This will not only enhance understanding and acceptance but also contribute to a more inclusive society for individuals on the autism spectrum. In the Chinese language context, especially Simplified Chinese, two translations for “autism” coexist: “孤独症” (GuDuZheng, GDZ, “GuDu” means “isolation/loneliness” and “Zheng” means disease/symptoms) and “自闭症” (ZiBiZheng, ZBZ, “ZiBi” means “self closing-off”), reflecting a crucial aspect of the localization of autism-related language. Using mixed-methods, four Simplified Chinese formal terminologies (GDZ, GDZspectrum disorder, ZBZ, ZBZspectrum disorder) were searched and analyzed in academic databases, search engines, and social networks, while the rankings of the terminologies and reasons for autistic people(n = 91), autistic people with an autistic child (n = 14), non-autistic people with an autistic child (n = 291), specialists (n= 141), the public(n = 441), and undefined identities (n = 38) were also being surveyed. Results revealed that participants expressed a strong preference for GDZspectrum disorder, with an aversion to ZBZ, which was more prevalent in publications and online discourse. Thematic analysis revealed that preferences and offensiveness were primarily driven by semantic concepts, associations and familiarity with the terms. This study highlights disparities in familiarity and favorability of formal autism-related terminologies in Chinese language, underscores the need for increased awareness and education on autism language choices in East Asian cultures, and enhancing global understanding of autism language dynamics and neurodiversity.
Factors Associated with Psycho-behavioral Problems among 100 Phenylketonuria Children Aged 6-18 Years
Authors: Xue Mei , Niu Wenquan , Shen Ming , Wang Shunan , Pang Bo , Zhang Xiaoqian , Chen Kening , Zhang Zhixin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare condition, and children diagnosed with PKU often face psycho-behavioral challenges, which can significantly impact their daily lives and social integration. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of psycho-behavioral difficulties and explore potential factors associated with their occurrence in PKU children aged 6–18 years.
Methods
From May 2022 to May 2024, we recruited 100 children with PKU using a questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using STATA software and the R programming language.
Results
25% of children aged 6–18 years with PKU exhibited psycho-behavioral problems. Following multivariable adjustment, significant factors associated with these psycho-behavioral problems in the children were body mass index (BMI) (odds ratio, 95% CI, P: 95% CI: 1.135, 1.010–1.276, 0.033), age (3.169, 1.024–9.804, 0.045), pregnancy order (0.143, 0.033–0.607, 0.008), delivery order (0.041, 0.004–0.373, 0.005), mode of disease diagnosis (5.730, 1.935–16.963, 0.002), and dietary therapy pressure (3.321, 1.083–10.181, 0.036). A nomogram was constructed based on above significant factors, with descent prediction capability and accuracy.
Conclusions
Six factors were identified to be closely associated with psycho-behavioral problems in PKU children. Our findings provide insights into the risk profiles behind psycho-behavioral issues in PKU, potentially enabling the development of preventive strategies.
Characterization of Wastewater and Detection of Ceftriaxone at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tesfa Genetu Tesfa , Worku Abebe , ayalneh shiferaw , Weldemiachael Tsedekech 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study was assessed the physicochemical characteristics of wastewater discharged from Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The results were evaluated concerning compliance with the standards set by the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Agency. The results showed that significant deviations from the set standards by the EEPA. Especially, the pH value was within the accepted range at 7.05 ± 0.19, while the EC showed a very high value of 1.576 ± 0.0043 µS/cm exceeded a standard value of 1 µS/cm. Total nitrogen (TN) (0.1295 ± 0.0041 mg/L), and total phosphorus (TP) (0.46744 mg/L) which was below the standard limit. However, the BOD and COD values exceeded their accepted limits at 12.7 ± 0.56 mg/L and 138.677 ± 3.955 mg/L, respectively. Analysis for heavy metals also showed that lead (0.1134 mg/L), chromium (0.07833 mg/L), and cadmium (0.03191 mg/L) were above Ethiopian EPA limits. Ceftriaxone concentrations on another hand were (0.083 µg/mL) which exceeded the discharge limit of 0.03 µg/L. These results emphasize the need for a wastewater treatment system at Tirunesh Beijing General Hospital to minimize environmental pollution and protect public health. The relatively high levels of detected contaminants pose great risks like the development of antibiotic resistance bacteria and resistance genes that affect both aquatic life and human health.
Experiences of Stigmatization and Its Impacts Among Individuals Living with Hereditary Diseases and Family Members in Portugal: An Exploratory Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Valentim Joana , Paneque Milena , Mendes Álvaro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Stigma is defined as the perception of an undesirable attribute that leads to discrimination against individuals and groups. Stigmatisation is often triggered due to visible physical or cognitive differences. Although the literature consistently highlights the (fear of) stigmatisation as a significant concern among individuals living with hereditary conditions, no studies in Portugal have specifically provided evidence on this issue. This study aims to address this gap by examining the experiences and impact of stigma on individuals and families affected by hereditary diseases in Portugal.
Methodology: After receiving ethics approval, a total of 216 participants, including affected individuals, asymptomatic carriers and family members from families with a range of hereditary conditions, were recruited through patient support associations. Participants completed an online questionnaire via Limesurvey. Data were analysed through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), median comparison tests, and thematic analysis.
Results: Of the participants, 78.7% were women, 55.6% had a university degree, and 20.4% were aged between 42 and 47 years. Findings indicate that stigma impacts individuals across various domains, including social interactions, institutional settings, the workplace, and healthcare. EFA identified a bi-factorial model of stigma, comprising Stigma Experiences and Perceived Support subscales, and the overall scale demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .879). Women and younger participants reported higher levels of stigma. Religiosity and humor emerged as key coping strategies.
Discussion: This study is the first in Portugal to assess stigma among individuals living with hereditary conditions. Our findings contributed to validating a measurement instrument, identified sociodemographic variations, and examined the psychosocial dimensions of stigma among affected patients. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive strategies to address and mitigate stigma, improve support systems, and enhance the well-being and healthcare experiences of individuals and families impacted by hereditary diseases.
Preferences for long-term care among elderly stroke patients with disabilities : a protocol for a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Zha Huixian , Mao Wenjun , Jiang Ling , Yan Hongyun , guo Hua , Li Xianwen , Tian Xingyue 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability among older adults worldwide, often resulting in significant physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments that require long-term care (LTC). With aging populations and increasing stroke prevalence, the demand for appropriate and sustainable LTC is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. However, designing such LTC to meet the complex and evolving needs of elderly disabled stroke patients remains a challenge. Understanding patients’ preferences is crucial for the development of patient-centered care plans and optimizing the LTC strategy for stoke patients with disabilities. This study uses a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to measure and quantify patients’ preferences for LTC, and aims at (1) identifying and exploring which elements of LTC are essential for elderly disabled stroke patients; (2) measuring patients’ preferences for LTC and summarising relevant characteristics that may influence preference choices and (3) determining whether these preferences vary by participants characteristics and classifying the population types based on the baseline data and activities of daily living.
Methods
The research was conducted in accordance with the design programme of the DCE study. Seven attributes were developed through a systematic literature review, in-depth interviews and experts consultation. A partial factorial survey design was generated through an orthogonal experimental design to optimize the choice scenario sets. We plan to conduct a DCE questionnaire survey in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, China and recruit at least 200 participants. The final data will be analysed through a mixed logit model and a latent class model to explore the preference of elderly disabled stroke patients for LTC.
Discussion
The study will provide insights into the LTC preferences of elderly stroke patients with disabilities. By quantifying the importance of various LTC attributes, the findings will help policymakers and healthcare providers design tailored, sustainable LTC services. The use of mixed logit and latent class models will uncover both general preferences and distinct patterns of preference heterogeneity, enabling the development of personalized LTC models that align with patients’ specific needs.
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Auditory Hallucinations in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Qiubi , Zhou Wenqing , Zheng Tao , Ye Dongmei , Cao Weiye , Huang Fengxia , He Xijie , Peng Mingchuang , Huang Xingbing , Yang Shuixian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, which can seriously impact patients' quality of life and social functioning. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention to manage these symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of MBCT on auditory hallucinations, self-management abilities, and mindfulness levels in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 75 stable inpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and experiencing auditory hallucinations. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (treatment as usual, TAU, n = 37) or an experimental group receiving MBCT in addition to TAU (n = 38). The intervention consisted of eight weekly sessions of MBCT. Outcome measures, including the Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale - Auditory Hallucinations (PSYRATS-AH), the Schizophrenia Self-Management Scale (SSMIS), and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), were assessed at baseline and after the 8-week intervention.
Results
The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of auditory hallucinations (P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the experimental group showed substantial improvements in self-management abilities (P < 0.001) and mindfulness levels (P = 0.025) following the intervention. The study indicates that MBCT effectively enhances patients' ability to manage auditory hallucinations, improves overall self-management, and increases mindfulness levels.
Conclusion
For the management of auditory hallucinations in people with schizophrenia, MBCT is a viable supplementary treatment. It not only reduces the severity of these symptoms but also enhances self-management capabilities and mindfulness levels, contributing to better overall outcomes. Incorporating MBCT into standard care practices could offer a valuable, non-pharmacological option for clinicians in psychiatric settings.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400088029. Date of registration: 09/08/2024.
Exploring the Potential of Actinobacteria as Plant Growth Promoters in Cowpea
Authors: Lalithesh Niveditha Nelamangala , Devaki Girija , Gopal Kulkarni Surendra , Vijayaraghavan Reshmy , Unnikrishnan Bobby 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The study includes isolation, characterization and evaluation of actinobacteria for plant growth promotion in cowpea. Actinobacteria were isolated from four soil and three compost samples on starch casein agar and total 50 morphotypes were maintained including 21 isolates from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology repository. All 50 isolates were subjected to screening for direct plant growth promoting (PGP) activities including nitrogen fixation, phosphate, potassium and zinc solubilization and production of indole-3-acetic acid. Indirect PGP activities including production of hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and siderophores were also tested under in vitro conditions. Compatibility among isolates was tested via cross-streak method and five actinobacterial consortia were developed for further in planta studies. A total of 29 actinobacterial isolates were obtained from rhizosphere soil and compost samples, with cowpea rhizosphere soil exhibiting the highest population density. Based on in vitro screening and PGP ranking of all the 50 isolates, 15 isolates with PGP ability were selected for further cultural, biochemical and morphological characterization. The evaluation of five compatible consortia led to significant improvement in growth and yield parameters of cowpea compared to treatment of PGPR Mix 1 and control (P ≤ 0.05). T2 consortium (Streptomyces fumigatiscleroticus and Streptomyces sp. strain PAS3) recorded significantly higher number of pods (23.8), number of seeds per pod (12.1), test weight (22.8 g), fresh (120.2 g) and dry weight (15.6 g) of pods, indicating their potential benefits for plant growth and yield. This research suggested actinobacterial consortia as viable biofertilizers, enhancing cowpea growth and contributing to environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Fully automatic categorical analysis of striatal subregions in dopamine transporter SPECT using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Buddenkotte Thomas , Lange Catharina , Klutmann Susanne , Apostolova Ivayla , Buchert Ralph 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
To provide fully automatic scanner-independent 5-level categorization of the [123I]FP-CIT uptake in striatal subregions in dopamine transporter SPECT.
Methods
A total of 3,500 [123I]FP-CIT SPECT scans from two in house (n = 1,740, n = 640) and two external (n = 645, n = 475) datasets were used for this study. A single convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained for the categorization of the [123I]FP-CIT uptake in unilateral caudate and putamen in both hemispheres according to 5 levels: normal, borderline, moderate reduction, strong reduction, almost missing. Reference standard labels for the network training were created automatically by fitting a Gaussian mixture model to histograms of the specific [123I]FP-CIT binding ratio, separately for caudate and putamen and separately for each dataset. The CNN was trained on a mixed-scanner subsample (n = 1,957) and tested on one independent identically distributed (IID, n = 1068) and one out-of-distribution (OOD, n = 475) test dataset.
Results
The accuracy of the CNN for the 5-level prediction of the [123I]FP-CIT uptake in caudate/putamen was 80.0/77.8% in the IID test dataset and 78.1/77.3% in the OOD test dataset. All 4 regional 5-level predictions were correct in 53.1/52.6% of the cases in the IID/OOD test dataset. A global binary score automatically derived from the regional 5-scores achieved 97.4/96.2% accuracy for automatic classification of the scans as normal or reduced relative to visual expert read as reference standard.
Conclusions
Automatic scanner-independent 5-level categorization of the [123I]FP-CIT uptake in striatal subregions by a single CNN model is feasible.
The Impact of Ultrasound-guided Greater Auricular Nerve Block on Emergence Agitation in Children Undergoing Cochlear Implantation
Authors: Dong Junli , Zou Tianxiao , Yu Shenghua , Lou Man , Shi Jiahuan , Song Zhaomeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
This prospective, randomized, controlled trial aims to determine whether ultrasound-guided greater auricular nerve block (GANB) can reduce emergence agitation in children undergoing cochlear implantation.
Methods
In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, we enrolled 100 children (aged 8 months to 6 years) scheduled for cochlear implantation. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the GANB group and the control group. The GANB group received an ultrasound-guided GANB with 2 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine, whereas the control group received no injection. Postoperatively, the incidence of emergence agitation was assessed using the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale, and pain was evaluated using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Children with a PAED score ≥ 13 or a FLACC score ≥ 4 were treated with 0.1 µg/kg of sufentanil.
Results
A total of 90 children (n = 45 per group) completed the study. The end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane was lower in the GANB group than in the control group. The incidence of emergence agitation was 17.7% in the GANB group, compared to 42.2% in the control group (P = 0.011). The PAED scale scores were lower in the GANB group (6 [4–8.5]) than in the control group (9 [6–12]). The duration of emergence agitation was shorter in the GANB group, and the FLACC scores in the post-anaesthesia care unit were lower in the GANB group (1 [1–2]) compared to the control group (3 [1–3]).
Conclusions
Ultrasound-guided GANB performed before surgery significantly reduced the incidence and duration of emergence agitation in children undergoing cochlear implantation. It also provided satisfactory postoperative analgesia without delaying extubation.