bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronan in COVID-19: a matrix for understanding lung disease
Authors: Dodd Rebecca J. , Allen Judith E. , Day Anthony J. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

The polysaccharide hyaluronan (HA) is an important component of lung extracellular matrix that increases following infection with influenza or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hellman et al. (U. Hellman, E. Rosendal, J. Lehrstrand, J. Henriksson, et al., mBio 15:e01303-24,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01303-24
) show that fragmented HA accumulates in the lungs of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, with systemic levels of HA being associated with reduced lung function 3–6 months after infection. This study provides novel insights into HA’s role in COVID-19 pathology and its potential utility as a biomarker for disease severity. However, much remains to be understood about the lung HA matrix in COVID-19 and how it compares to other lung conditions. In particular, the role of HA-binding proteins in organizing HA into a crosslinked network is yet to be fully determined at a molecular level. This knowledge is crucial in understanding the inter-relationships between the structure of the HA matrix and the regulation of the immune response, and thus our ability to target HA therapeutically for improved outcomes in COVID-19.
Reflective Properties of Black Silicon in a Wide Spectral Range
Authors: Ayvazyan G. Y. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The structural and reflective properties (total reflectance and scattering) of black silicon layers formed by reactive ion etching have been studied. Reflectance spectra were determined in the visible, near-infrared, and near-ultraviolet wavelength ranges. The influence of etching duration on the optical behavior of black silicon layers is studied and the possibilities of their use in solar cells and photodetectors are discussed.
Protocol for a randomised, double-blinded, controlled trial of youth with childhood-onset obesity treated with semaglutide 2.4 mg/week: the RESETTLE trial
Authors: Byberg Sarah , Holt Joachim , Sandsdal Rasmus Michael , Holm Louise Aas , Madsen Lærke Bruun , Christensen Bodil Just , Jensen Simon Birk Kjær , Hansen Torben , Holm Jens-Christian , Torekov Signe 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionChildhood-onset obesity poses significant health risks, including early-onset type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and reduced quality of life. Hospital-based non-pharmacological obesity care can reduce childhood obesity, but 25% of children do not respond. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide, as an add-on to hospital-based obesity care in youth who still have obesity following hospital-based obesity care as children. Furthermore, biomedical and psychosocial factors linked to treatment response will be investigated, alongside an exercise-based strategy to prevent weight regain and maintain a healthy body composition after semaglutide treatment.Methods and analysisThis is an investigator-initiated, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. We will enrol expectedly 180–270 young adults aged 18–28 years based on their previous response to a paediatric obesity management programme and their current body mass index (BMI). Participants are categorised into four groups: low treatment response (BMI SD score (SDS) reduction <0.10; BMI ≥30 kg/m2); medium treatment response (BMI SDS reduction >0.25; BMI ≥30 kg/m2); high treatment response (BMI SDS reduction >0.50; BMI <30 kg/m2) and a population-based reference group with normal weight development in childhood. Participants with BMI ≥30 kg/m2are randomised 2:1 to subcutaneous injections of semaglutide 2.4 mg/week or placebo as an add-on to hospital-based obesity care for 68 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in BMI from randomisation to the end of treatment with semaglutide compared with placebo. Secondary endpoints are changes in weight and body composition.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by the Danish Medicines Agency and the Ethical Committee of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-20039422). The trial will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and follow the guidelines for Good Clinical Practice. Results will be presented at international scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberEudraCT 2019-002274-31.
Modifiable factors for somatic symptom persistence in patients with somatic symptom disorder: study protocol for a longitudinal cohort with an embedded ecologically momentary assessment (SOMA.SSD)
Authors: Nestoriuc Yvonne , Pauls Franz , Blankenburg Kristina , Hahn Stefanie , Wittenbecher Henrike , Löwe Bernd , Toussaint Anne 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionSomatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a distressing mental disorder characterised by the presence of at least one persistent somatic symptom and a significant psychological burden due to the symptom(s), as well as excessive thoughts, feelings or behaviours related to them or associated health concerns. The primary aim of our study is to deepen the understanding of risk factors and mechanisms for somatic symptom persistence. Specifically, we will investigate the role of patients’ expectations and somatic comorbidity regarding symptom persistence.Methods and analysisIn a prospective 12-month cohort study, n=240 patients with SSD will be recruited from the outpatient clinics of the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The roles of two hypothesised predictors (ie, expectations and comorbidity) will be analysed together with known predisposing and maintaining factors of persistent somatic symptoms. The study entails macrolevel and microlevel assessments to investigate symptom severity over different timespans. Assessments at the macrolevel take place at baseline, 6 and 12 months. At the microlevel, a 10-day ecological momentary assessment study will be implemented to elucidate patients’ dynamic experience with somatic symptoms in their natural environments. In order to elicit possible framing effects on the 10-day course of symptom severity, participants are randomised to either a positive or a negative expectation framing group. Cross-lagged panel models will be used to analyse data at the macrolevel. At the microlevel, multivariate latent growth curve models will be conducted to relate temporal changes in predictor and outcome variables to one another.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Associations Hamburg, Germany (2020-10197-BO-ff). The results will enable us to draw conclusions regarding the role of expectations for future targeted treatment options and regarding the utility of somatic comorbidity as a potential diagnostic specifier of SSD. Dissemination of our results will be achieved through scientific publications, and lay summaries for study participants, patient advocacy groups and the general public.Trial registration numberISRCTN36251388.
Variability of quality-of-life measurements and reporting in randomised controlled trials of pancreatic cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Tushoski-Alemán Gerik W , Crespin Alexandra J , Oguejiofor Chibeze J , Szymkiewicz Dominique D , Herremans Kelly M , Han Song , Hughes Steven J 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThis systematic review aims to evaluate the methodology used in pancreatic cancer (PC) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) measuring quality of life (QOL) and focuses on the type, frequency, survey compliance and duration of these assessments.DesignSystematic review of PC RCTs measuring QOL.Data sourcesA search of PubMed.gov and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted for PC RCTs measuring QOL from inception to 21 March 2023. Only phase III RCTs were included. Studies were excluded if QOL was not measured, the study was phase I/II, in the second-line setting or unavailable in English. Data were independently extracted by two reviewers in a standardised fashion.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrimary outcomes included the type of QOL instrument used, the timing and frequency of assessments, methods of analysis and survey completion rates (SCRs) over time. Secondary outcomes included patient demographics, significant QOL improvements and the frequency of trials measuring QOL.ResultsOut of 269 studies screened, 54 RCTs were identified, and 24 measured QOL (involving 11 229 patients). Instruments used included the EORTC QLQ-C30 (n=15), FACT-HEP (n=3), Spitzer-QOL-Index (n=2), EQ-5D (n=2), LASA (n=1) and FACT-PA (n=1). Most trials assessed QOL until disease progression or death (10/24), with 4-week intervals being the most common (7/24). SCRs were reported in 15/24 trials, with disease stage influencing SCRs over time. In trials with metastatic, locally advanced/metastatic, and resectable disease, the median times to reach a 50% response rate—defined as the point where the number of surveys completed was half of the enrolled participants—were 12.41 weeks (n=2), 14.14 weeks (n=10), and 54.2 weeks (n=3), respectively.” Only 2/24 trials reported significant QOL improvements between treatment arms. Patient age was reported in all trials, while race/ethnicity was only reported in 4/24 trials.ConclusionsSignificant variability exists in the timing, methods and reporting of QOL assessments in PC trials. There is a need for further research to assess the implications of missing data and consider the temporality of QOL assessment in patients with advanced cancers and poor prognosis.
Effects of low-dose aspirin in bipolar disorder: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (the A-Bipolar RCT)
Authors: Bruun Caroline Fussing , Zarp Jeff , Lyng Forman Julie , Coello Klara , Miskowiak Kamilla Woznica , Vinberg Maj , Faurholt-Jepsen Maria , Kessing Lars Vedel 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionAccumulating data support the association between increased inflammation and bipolar disorder (BD), and preliminary data suggest that augmentation with low-dose aspirin (LDA) may protect against the onset and deterioration of BD via anti-inflammatory pathways. The A-bipolar randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to investigate whether adding LDA to standard treatment improves day-to-day mood instability (MI) in BD.Methods and analysisA two-arm, triple-blind, parallel-group, superiority RCT including 250 patients with newly diagnosed BD treated at the Copenhagen Affective Disorder Clinic, Denmark. Participants are randomised 1:1 to either 150 mg of acetylsalicylic acid daily (LDA) or a placebo for six months in addition to their regular treatment. Mood instability, calculated from daily smartphone-based mood evaluations, is the primary outcome measure due to its internal validity as a real-life measure for patients and external validity as it reflects patients’ illness severity and functioning. Analyses will be conducted as intention-to-treat analyses using a linear mixed model including time (categorical) and the time–treatment interaction as fixed effects and with an unstructured covariance pattern to account for repeated measurements on each study participant. The trial is Good Clinical Practice monitored.Ethics and disseminationThe Danish Research Ethics Committee (H-21014515) and the data agency, Capital Region of Copenhagen (P-2021-576) approved the trial. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberNCT05035316.
Non-surgical treatment for tandem spinal stenosis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Liu Xu Hao , Dong Yuan Wei , Gou Xin , Yang Xiao Long , Zou Jin Wen , Liu Xin , Zhong Lei , Fang Hong Xia 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundTandem Spinal Stenosis (TSS) is a disease characterised by the narrowing of the spinal canal in two or more non-adjacent areas of the spine, often affecting both the cervical and lumbar vertebrae. Doctors and patients increasingly favour non-surgical treatments that have the function of relieving symptoms and improving outcomes. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of non-surgical therapies for TSS and comprehensively summarise existing evidence.Methods and analysisWe will conduct comprehensive searches, both manual and electronic, of literature published up to 30 September 2024; database searches will commence after the publication of this agreement, with an estimated commencement date of 1 December 2024, and the end date is 31 May 2025, without language restrictions. Key databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WHO International Clinical Trial Registration Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biomedical Literature Database, China Scientific Journal Database and Wan-Fang Database will be explored. In addition, we will include resources such as library journals and conference abstracts. Following the identification and screening of all randomised controlled trials focusing on non-surgical treatments for TSS, two investigators will perform a meta-analysis of the included studies. The findings will be summarised as the risk ratio for binary data and the standardised or weighted mean difference for continuous data.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required, as the review does not involve individual patient data. The review’s findings will provide clinicians with evidence on using non-surgical treatments for TSS, disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42024496634.
Does serum neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin level predict acute kidney injury in patients with acute rhabdomyolysis in the emergency department? A multicentre prospective study
Authors: Pommet Stephane , Coisy Fabien , Demattei Christophe , Balaguer Lucille , de Bauwere David-Paul , Grau-Mercier Laura , Markarian Thibaut , Bobbia Xavier , Genre Grandpierre Romain 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThe major complication of rhabdomyolysis is acute kidney injury (AKI), which requires prompt treatment. Currently, few biomarkers are available for the early detection of AKI. Serum neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been suggested as an early biomarker for renal ischemia. However, its capacity to predict AKI in patients presenting with rhabdomyolysis in the emergency department (ED) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of NGAL to predict 48-hour AKI.DesignProspective, multicentre study.SettingFive adult EDs in France from August 2013 to December 2015.ParticipantsNGAL levels were measured on ED admission in patients with rhabdomyolysis. A total of 197 patients were enrolled, and 189 (96%) were analysed, of whom 89 (47%) were women. Patients were included if they presented to the ED with rhabdomyolysis and a creatine phosphokinase (CPK) level above 1000 IU/L. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, presentation with acute coronary syndrome, the need for iodinated contrast, chronic dialysis or recent use of nephrotoxic drugs (within 72 hours prior to the ED visit). Patients who withdrew consent or had AKI due to other causes were also excluded.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe primary outcome was AKI at 48 hours, defined according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, admission to intensive care and the need for renal replacement therapy.ResultsOverall, 54 (29%) patients developed AKI by day 2. The area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC) for NGAL in predicting AKI on day 2 was 0.60 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.70), with an optimal cut-off of 129 ng/mL. The sensitivity was 0.65, and specificity was 0.50. After adjustment for CPK levels, age, sex and oxygen saturation, the AUC-ROC for predicting AKI on day 2 increased slightly to 0.64 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.74).ConclusionNGAL has limited ability to predict day 2 AKI in patients presenting with acute rhabdomyolysis in the ED.Trail registration numberNCT01544231.Comité de Protection des Personnes Sud Méditerranée III n°2011-A01059-32.
An uncertain future: perspectives of emerging adults with inflammatory bowel disease—a qualitative semistructured interview study in eastern China
Authors: Zhou Yu , Qiao Ranran , Ding Tengteng , Li Hui , Zhang Ping 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveFor emerging adults with inflammatory bowel disease, future uncertainty is a critical issue during this pivotal stage of life, study and career development, as they encounter many unknown challenges and opportunities. However, to the best of our knowledge, only a few qualitative studies on how emerging adults with inflammatory bowel disease cope with these uncertainties exist. This study aimed to investigate uncertainties associated with the future of emerging adults with inflammatory bowel disease and explore coping strategies.DesignA qualitative semistructured interview study with a phenomenological approach. Face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and subsequently analysed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method.SettingA tertiary hospital in eastern China.ParticipantsParticipants (n=14) were emerging adults with inflammatory bowel disease recruited from a tertiary hospital in eastern China, using a purposeful sampling technique.ResultsFourteen patients completed the interviews. Four themes were identified: uncertainties in educational and vocational planning, social and interpersonal relationships, mental and emotional health and disease management. Moreover, the participants emphasised the significance of timely patient education postdiagnosis and ensuring consistent medical guidance after discharge to minimise uncertainty and alleviate confusion. They also hoped to manage the disease through traditional Chinese medicine.ConclusionsThis study provides valuable insights into the various challenges encountered by emerging adults with inflammatory bowel disease and the factors that may impact their experiences. Additionally, it suggests the need for healthcare providers to devise suitable support and intervention strategies to guide and establish stable management of the patients’ uncertain futures.Trial registration numberChiCTR2300071289.
Dynamics of massive and massless particles in the spacetime of a wiggly cosmic dislocation
Authors: dos S. Azevedo Frankbelson , Silva Edilberto O. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the spacetime containing both small-scale structures (wiggles) and spatial dislocation, forming a wiggly cosmic dislocation. We study the combined effects of these features on the dynamics of massive and massless particles. Our results show that while wiggles alone lead to bound states and dislocation introduces angular momentum corrections, their coupling produces more complex effects, influencing both particle motion and wave propagation. Notably, this coupling significantly modifies radial solutions and eigenvalues, with the direction of motion or propagation becoming a critical factor in determining the outcomes. Numerical solutions reveal detailed aspects of particle dynamics as functions of dislocation and string parameters, including plots of trajectories, probability densities, and energy levels. These findings deepen our understanding of how a wiggly cosmic dislocation shapes particle dynamics, suggesting new directions for theoretical exploration in cosmological models.
Generalization Analysis of Transformers in Distribution Regression
Authors: Liu Peilin , Zhou Ding-Xuan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In recent years, models based on the transformer architecture have seen widespread applications and have become one of the core tools in the field of deep learning. Numerous successful and efficient techniques, such as parameter-efficient fine-tuning and efficient scaling, have been proposed surrounding their applications to further enhance performance. However, the success of these strategies has always lacked the support of rigorous mathematical theory.
To study the underlying mechanisms behind transformers and related techniques, we first propose a transformer learning framework motivated by distribution regression, with distributions being inputs, connect a two-stage sampling process with natural language processing, and present a mathematical formulation of the attention mechanism called attention operator. We demonstrate that by the attention operator, transformers can compress distributions into function representations without loss of information. Moreover, with the advantages of our novel attention operator, transformers exhibit a stronger capability to learn functionals with more complex structures than convolutional neural networks and fully connected networks. Finally, we obtain a generalization bound within the distribution regression framework. Throughout theoretical results, we further discuss some successful techniques emerging with large language models (LLMs), such as prompt tuning, parameter-efficient fine-tuning, and efficient scaling. We also provide theoretical insights behind these techniques within our novel analysis framework.
Self-poisoning in young Australians: The impact of COVID-19 and recent trends following easing of restrictions
Authors: Buckley Nicholas A , Noghrehchi Firouzeh , Elliott Rohan A , Wylie Carol , Merwood Nick , Benger Lauren , Brown Jared , Cairns Rose 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Self-poisoning is the most common form of hospitalised self-harm in young people and has been increasing over the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with further increases in self-harm in adolescents. There are limited data on changes after pandemic restrictions ended. This study aimed to describe recent trends in self-poisoning in young people. Setting: Australia 2018–2023. Methods: A retrospective analysis of self-poisoning calls to Australia’s poisons information centres. Intentional poisoning exposures in people aged 5–19 years were included in the main analysis. We also examined intentional poisonings in people aged 20 and over for comparison. We used interrupted time-series analysis to estimate the impact of COVID-19 (March 2020) and ‘re-opening’ (December 2021), when many restrictions were lifted in Australia. We compared effects in the jurisdictions with most disruptions and lockdowns with other jurisdictions. Results: There were 201,755 self-poisonings documented, 64% female, with 19,946 children (aged 5–14, 9.9%) and 44,388 adolescents (aged 15–19, 22.0%). There was a steep increase in the rate of poisoning in female children and adolescents – with the annual increase being 1.361 (95% confidence interval = [1.074, 1.735]) and 1.154 (95% confidence interval = [1.049, 1.283]) times faster than pre-pandemic trends in these two groups between March 2020 and December 2021. Following relaxation of restrictions, there was a sudden drop and then slow decline in self-poisonings (despite rising COVID-19 infection rates). There was an overall 29.6% increase in intentional poisonings in young people over the study period. This is markedly more pronounced among young females (37.0%) vs males (11.2%). There were substantial jurisdictional variations, with larger increases in Victoria, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory. Conclusion: There has been a marked increase in child and adolescent female self-poisonings over the last 6 years, with increases strongly associated with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions but persisting after their removal.