bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ChatGPT usage and attitudes are driven by perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, risks, and psycho-social impact: a study among university students in the UAE
Authors: Sallam Malik , Elsayed Walid , Al-Shorbagy Muhammad , Barakat Muna , El Khatib Sami , Ghach Wissam , Alwan Nisreen , Hallit Souheil , Malaeb Diana 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe use of ChatGPT among university students has gained a recent popularity. The current study aimed to assess the factors driving the attitude and usage of ChatGPT as an example of generative artificial intelligence (genAI) among university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a previously validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)-based survey instrument termed TAME-ChatGPT. The self-administered e-survey was distributed by emails for students enrolled in UAE universities during September–December 2023 using a convenience-based approach. Assessment of the demographic and academic variables, and the TAME-ChatGPT constructs’ roles in ChatGPT attitude and usage was conducted using univariate followed by multivariate analyses.ResultsThe final study sample comprised 608 participants, 91.0% of whom heard of ChatGPT while 85.4% used ChatGPT before the study. Univariate analysis indicated that a positive attitude to ChatGPT was associated with the three TAME-ChatGPT attitude constructs namely, lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores on the attitude to technology/social influence. For the ChatGPT usage, univariate analysis indicated that positive attitude to ChatGPT use was associated with being male, Arab in nationality, and lower point grade average (GPA) as well as the four ChatGPT usage constructs namely, higher perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks of use, higher scores on the behavior/cognitive construct and higher scores on the ease-of-use construct. In multivariate analysis, only TAME-ChatGPT constructs explained the variance in attitude towards ChatGPT (80.8%) and its usage (76.9%).ConclusionThe findings indicated that ChatGPT usage is commonplace among university students in the UAE. The determinants of use included the perceived usefulness, lower perceived risks, cognitive and behavioral factors, perceived ease of use, while the attitude was determined by lower perceived risks, lower anxiety, and higher scores for attitude to technology/social influence. These factors should be considered for understanding the motivators for successful adoption of genAI including ChatGPT in higher education.
Estimation of above-ground biomass in dry temperate forests using Sentinel-2 data and random forest: a case study of the Swat area of Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Bilal , Rehman Arif U. R. , Mumtaz Faisal , Qun Yin , Zhongkui Jia 
Published: October 2024

Accurate mapping of above-ground biomass (AGB) is essential for carbon stock quantification and climate change impact assessment, particularly in mountainous areas. This study applies a random forest (RF) regression model to predict the spatial distribution of AGB in Usho (site A) and Utror (site B) forests located in the northern mountainous region of Pakistan. The predicted maps elucidate AGB variations across these sites, with non-forest areas excluded based on an normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) threshold value of &lt;0.4. Three different combinations of input datasets were used to predict the biomass, including spectral bands (SBs) only, vegetation indexes (VIs) only, and a combination of both spectral bands and vegetation indexes (SBVIs). Utilizing SBs, the biomass ranged between 150 and 286 mg/ha in site A and 99 and 376 mg/ha in site B. Meanwhile, using VIs indicated a biomass range of 163 Mg/ha–337 Mg/ha and 131–392 Mg/ha for sites A and B, respectively. The combination of spectral bands and vegetation indexes yielded AGB values of 145–290 Mg/ha in site A and 116–389 Mg/ha in site B. The northern and western regions of site A, characterized by higher altitudes and lower forest density, notably showed lower biomass values than other regions. Conversely, similar regions in site B, situated at lower latitudes, demonstrated different biomass ranges. The RF model exhibited robust accuracy, with R2 values of 0.74 and 0.83 for spectral bands and vegetation indexes, respectively. However, with a combination of both, an R2 of 0.79 was achieved. Furthermore, altitudinal gradients significantly influence the biomass distribution across both sites, with specific elevation ranges yielding optimal results. The AGB variation along the slope further corroborated these findings. In both sites, the western aspects showed the highest biomass across all combinations of input datasets. The variable importance analysis highlighted that ARVI8a, NDI45, Band12, Band11, TSAVI8, and ARVI8a are significant predictors in sites A and B. This comprehensive analysis enhances our understanding of AGB distribution in the mountainous forests of Pakistan, offering valuable insights for forest management and ecological studies.
Unveiling new protein biomarkers and therapeutic targets for acne through integrated analysis of human plasma proteomics and genomics
Authors: Deng Sui , Mao Rui , He Yifeng 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe current landscape of acne therapeutics is notably lacking in targeted treatments, highlighting a critical need for the discovery of new drug targets to improve treatment outcomes.ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the connections between proteomics and genetics in relation to acne across extensive population cohorts, aspiring to identify innovative preventive and therapeutic approaches.MethodsEmploying a longitudinal cohort of 54,306 participants from the UK Biobank Pharmacological Proteomics Project (UKB-PPP), we performed an exhaustive evaluation of the associations between 2,923 serum proteins and acne risk. Initial multivariate Cox regression analyses assessed the relationship between protein expression levels and acne onset, followed by two-sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR), Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR), and colocalization to identify genetic correlations with potential protein targets.ResultsWithin the UKB cohort, we identified 19 proteins significantly associated with the risk of acne. Subsequent analysis using Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (TSMR) refined this to two specific proteins: FSTL1 and ANXA5. Each one-standard deviation increase in the expression levels of FSTL1 and ANXA5 was associated with a 24% and 32% increase in acne incidence, respectively. These results were further validated by additional Summary-data-based Mendelian Randomization (SMR) and differential expression analyses.ConclusionsOur comprehensive analysis of proteomic and genetic data from a European adult cohort provides compelling causal evidence that several proteins are promising targets for novel acne treatments.
Rare connective tissue diseases in patients with C1-inhibitor deficiency hereditary angioedema: first evidence on prevalence and distribution from a large Italian cohort study
Authors: Triggianese P. , Senter R. , Perego F. , Gidaro A. , Petraroli A. , Arcoleo F. , Brussino L. , Giardino F. , Rossi O. , Bignardi D. , Quattrocchi P. , Brancaccio R. , Cesoni Marcelli A. , Accardo P. A. , Lo Sardo L. , Cataudella E. , Guarino M. D. , Firinu D. , Bergamini A. , Spadaro G. , Zanichelli A. , Cancian M. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionIn patients with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) related to primary C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1INH), the defective clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic materials along with impairment of normal humoral response potentially leads to autoimmunity. Few studies report evidence on autoimmune diseases in C1INH-HAE, but no large population studies focus on rare connective tissue diseases (RCTDs). We aim at evaluating for the first time prevalence and distribution of RCTDs - Systemic Lupus Erytematosus (SLE), primary Sjogren Syndrome (SjS), primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), and mixed connective tissue diseases (MCTD) in a large Italian cohort of C1INH-HAE patients.MethodsA multicenter observational study includes C1INH-HAE patients from ITACA Centers throughout Italy (time frame Sept 2023-March 2024). Inclusion criteria are i. a defined diagnosis of type I or type II C1INH-HAE; ii. age ≥15 years (puberty already occurred); iii. enrollment in the ITACA Registry. The diagnosis of SLE, primary SjS, primary APS, SSc, and MCTD are made in accordance with international classification criteria.ResultsData are collected from a total of 855 C1INH-HAE patients referring to 15 ITACA Centers. Patients with concomitant RCTDs were 18/855 (2.1%) with F:M ratio 3.5 and a prevalent type I C1INH-HAE diagnosis (87.2%). A diagnosis of SLE results in 44.5% of cases (n=8) while the remaining diagnoses are primary SjS (22.2%, n=4), primary APS (16.6%, n=3), SSc (11.2%, n=2), and a single case of MCTD (5.5%). The female gender is prevalent in all the RCTDs. Patients on long term prophylaxis (LTP) are significantly prevalent in RCTDs group than in the whole C1INH-HAE population (p&lt;0.01).ConclusionsA relevant prevalence of RCTDs is documented in C1INH-HAE patients, mainly SLE. Patients with RCTDs are on LTP in a significant proportion supporting the idea of a bidirectional link between C1INH-HAE and autoimmunity.
NSG2: a promising prognostic marker shaping the immune landscape of breast cancer
Authors: Li Xuan , Gu Qiming , Sun Pingping , Yang Lei , Zhang Xiaojing , Lu Bing , Ni Qichao 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) remains a significant health issue globally and most common cause of mortality in women. Enhancing our understanding on biomarkers may greatly improve both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to this disease.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed tumor samples from 228 BC cases and 51 normal samples, alongside relevant clinical data. Neuronal vesicle trafficking associated 2(NSG2) expression was evaluated through bioinformatics and multiplex immunohistochemistry. Associations between NSG2 expression, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), immune checkpoints, and clinical outcomes were investigated.ResultsNSG2 was present in both breast cancer cells and adjacent stromal cells. Increased NSG2 expression in cancer cells correlated with greater tumor size, distant metastasis, and more advanced clinical stages. Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate analyses identified NSG2 expression in both cancer and stromal cells as an independent prognostic factor for breast cancer survival. Elevated NSG2 levels both in cancer and stroma cells were linked to increased CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and Lamp3+ dendritic cells infiltration in stromal regions (P &lt; 0.05). Conversely, the expression of NSG2 in the stroma was negatively correlated with CD20+ B cells (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, NSG2 expression was found to be associated with CTLA-4 levels (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionNSG2 seems to be a significant component of the BC immune microenvironment and may serve as an important prognostic marker.
Epidemiological characteristics, complications of haemodialysis patients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy in a tertiary hospital in Guizhou, China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Xu Xingxiu , Yang Nengyuan , Da Jingjing , Li Qian , Yuan Jing , Zha Yan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionIn China, diabetes mellitus (DM) significantly contributes to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), necessitating treatments like hemodialysis. This study investigates hemodialysis outcomes in diabetic nephropathy patients in Guizhou Province, aiming to enhance care for this high-risk group.MethodsThe cross-sectional survey design to screen haemodialysis patients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy, a structured questionnaire was designed. The collected data were collated and coded and analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9.5.0 (730).ResultsPatients with end-stage diabetic nephropathy undergoing dialysis are primarily concentrated in the middle-aged and elderly population, with a higher proportion of males than females. Male patients also have a higher history of smoking and alcohol consumption compared to females. The disease progression from diabetes to diabetic nephropathy and from nephropathy to end-stage renal disease varies, with a lower dialysis vintage. Hemodialysis is the most commonly chosen treatment modality, with the highest proportion of patients selecting non-tunneled catheters. However, among patients receiving dialysis, the proportion of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the highest. With the increase in the duration of diabetes, the prevalence of multiple complications also increases.ConclusionEarly intervention and management strategies are crucial for diabetic nephropathy patients in Guizhou, considering the rapid disease progression to ESRD and high complication rates. The study underscores the need for targeted healthcare policies to address the unique challenges of this population, with future research required to deepen the understanding of disease mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.
Maturity and density of tertiary lymphoid structures associate with tumor metastasis and chemotherapy response
Authors: Jiang Sutian , Liao Xuhui , Ding Xuzhong 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundTertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLSs) are abnormal clusters of immune cells that form in tissues not normally associated with the immune system, usually in cases of long-lasting inflammation, like cancer. TLSs have been suggested as a potential prognostic indicator in various cancer types.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 223 gastric cancer (GC) patients who had surgical resections in this study. We utilized hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining to detect the presence, abundance, and maturity of TLSs. In serial sections, we used immunohistochemistry to examine the cellular composition of TLSs.ResultsThe pathological review identified TLSs in 95.1% of the tumors, lymphoid aggregates in 79.8%, primary follicles in 45.7%, and lymphoid aggregates in 95.1% of the cases. Based on Kaplan-Meier curves, the maturation and abundance of TLSs contributed to longer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In addition, the density of TLSs was strongly associated with the occurrence of tumor metastases and the response to adjuvant chemotherapy.ConclusionsWe validated the prognostic value of TLSs in GC patients in both independent cohorts, and the maturity and density of TLS correlated with tumor metastasis. In addition, TLS may reflect sustained antitumor potency, which has important implications for adjuvant chemotherapy.
A machine learning based radiomics approach for predicting No. 14v station lymph node metastasis in gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Tingting , Zhao Mengran , Li Xiangli , Song Xiangchao , Wang Lingwei , Ye Zhaoxiang 
Published: October 2024

PurposeTo evaluate the potential of radiomics approach for predicting No. 14v station lymph node metastasis (14vM) in gastric cancer (GC).MethodsThe contrast enhanced CT (CECT) images with corresponding clinical information of 288 GC patients were retrospectively collected. Patients were separated into training set (n = 202) and testing set (n = 86). A total of 1,316 radiomics feature were extracted from portal venous phase images of CECT. Seven machine learning (ML) algorithms including naïve Bayes (NB), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), decision tree (DT), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and support vector machine (SVM) were trained for development of optimal radiomics signature. A combined model was established by combining radiomics with important clinicopathological factors. The diagnostic ability of the signature and model were evaluated.ResultsLR algorithm was chosen for signature construction. The radiomics signature exhibited good discrimination accuracy of 14vM with AUCs of 0.83 in the training and 0.77 in the testing set. The risk of 14vM showed significant association with higher radiomics score. A combined model exhibited increased predictive ability and good agreement in the training (AUC = 0.87) and testing (AUC = 0.85) sets.ConclusionThe ML-based radiomics model provided a promising image biomarker for preoperative detection of 14vM and may help the surgeon to decide whether to add 14v dissection to lymphadenectomy.
Epidemiological dynamics and molecular characterization of HIV drug resistance in eastern China from 2020 to 2023
Authors: Zhu Min , Sun Zhou , Zhang Xingliang , Luo Wenjie , Wu Sisheng , Ye Ling , Xu Ke , Chen Junfang 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveHIV drug resistance (HIVDR) has become a threat to the elimination of the AIDS epidemic due to the global scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-infected individuals. This study aims to investigate the epidemiological dynamics and molecular characterization of HIV pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) and acquired drug resistance (ADR) in Hangzhou, a developed region in China.MethodsAn epidemiological survey combined with a molecular transmission network and Bayesian analysis was conducted. A total of 3,596 individuals with newly confirmed HIV infections (from 2020 to 2023) and 164 individuals with ART failure (from 2021 to 2023) were included. The molecular transmission network was used to identify key drug-resistant transmission clusters, while the Bayesian analysis was utilized to trace the origins and spread of these clusters.ResultsThe overall prevalence of PDR was found to be 8.4% (303/3596). Among these cases, PDR to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) accounted for 4.7% (170/3596), significantly higher than the resistance observed for protease inhibitors (PIs; 2.8%, p &lt; 0.001) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs; 1.4%, p &lt; 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly higher PDR value among individuals infected with the CRF07_BC subtype compared to those with the CRF08_BC subtype (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.359–0.859, p = 0.008). The molecular transmission network analysis identified the transmission of the drug resistance mutation (DRM) Q58E within the clusters of the CRF07_BC subtype. The Bayesian analysis suggested that these clusters were introduced into Hangzhou from Shenzhen between 2005 and 2012. Furthermore, the study highlighted 50.6% (83/164) prevalence of ADR among individuals experiencing ART failure. The combined molecular network analysis of virological failure and newly confirmed HIV infections indicated the transmission of the K103N mutation between these groups.ConclusionIn conclusion, targeted interventions may be necessary for specific subtypes and transmission clusters to control the spread of drug-resistant HIV. Continuous monitoring of resistance patterns is critical to inform treatment strategies and optimize ART regimens.
Analyzing dissemination, quality, and reliability of Chinese brain tumor-related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ren , Zhang Zhiwei , Jie Hui , Guo Yi , Liu Yi , Yang Yuan , Li Chuan , Guo Chenglin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundAs the Internet becomes an increasingly vital source of medical information, the quality and reliability of brain tumor-related short videos on platforms such as TikTok and Bilibili have not been adequately evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to assess these aspects and explore the factors influencing the dissemination of such videos.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the top 100 brain tumor-related short videos from TikTok and Bilibili. The videos were evaluated using the Global Quality Score and the DISCERN reliability instrument. An eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm was utilized to predict dissemination outcomes. The videos were also categorized by content type and uploader.ResultsTikTok videos scored relatively higher on both the Global Quality Score (median 2, interquartile range [2, 3] on TikTok vs. median 2, interquartile range [1, 2] on Bilibili, p = 1.51E-04) and the DISCERN reliability instrument (median 15, interquartile range [13, 18.25] on TikTok vs. 13.5, interquartile range [11, 16] on Bilibili, p = 1.66E-04). Subgroup analysis revealed that videos uploaded by professional individuals and institutions had higher quality and reliability compared to those uploaded by non-professional entities. Videos focusing on disease knowledge exhibited the highest quality and reliability compared to other content types. The number of followers emerged as the most important variable in our dissemination prediction model.ConclusionThe overall quality and reliability of brain tumor-related short videos on TikTok and Bilibili were unsatisfactory and did not significantly influence video dissemination. Future research should expand the scope to better understand the factors driving the dissemination of medical-themed videos.
Effect of supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids on macular pigment and visual function in young adults with long-term use of digital devices: study protocol for a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Wang Lina , Ma Mei , Li Yong , Pei Cheng , Wang Jianming , Li Juan , Yang Linjuan , Liu Qianying , Tang Li , Hao Yang , Jiang Huili , Fu Jiaxuan , Xiao Yuyao , Wang Yahui , Cui Meng , Su Tong , Bai Jiaqi , Tang Hao , Wang Yue , Shan Hongying , Jiang Hong , Deng Chaoming , Kong Liyun , Hui Zhaozhao , Ma Le 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundGrowing evidence emphasizes the importance of xanthophyll carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids in eye health. However, the beneficial effects of such supplementation have not been thoroughly discussed among adults with high screen exposure. Current trial evidence on lutein bioavailability is contradictory, and the interactions of dietary intervention with host-related factors remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the comparative effectiveness of supplementation with macular xanthophylls and omega-3 fatty acids on macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and visual function, access the bioavailability of free lutein and lutein ester, and explore the complex interplay between genetic variations, intestinal microbiota, and the dietary intervention in Chinese adults with long-term exposure to digital devices.MethodsThe Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Omega-3 (LZO) clinical trial is a 24-week multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 600 participants recruited from research centers, universities, and communities. Individuals are eligible to participate if they are aged over 18 years and use digital devices for over 8 h daily in the last 2 years, and will be randomized to six arms. A total of three visits will be scheduled at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in MPOD over the 24-week intervention. The secondary outcomes are changes in visual function (visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, contrast and glare sensitivity, critical flicker fusion, reaction time, visuognosis persistence, symptoms and signs of dry eye, retinal thickness, and optical quality), and changes in serum lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations, and erythrocyte membrane omega-3 fatty acids. Genetic variations will be determined using genome-wide genotyping at baseline. 16S rRNA gene sequencing will be utilized to assess microbiome compositional changes before and after intervention.DiscussionThe trial is anticipated to establish early interventions to prevent photochemical ocular damage and delay the onset of vision impairment in young adults with long-term repeated exposure to screen-based electronic devices, and provide valuable insights for the development of precision nutrition strategies for maintaining eye health.Clinical trial registrationwww.clinicaltrials.in.th, Identifier, TCTR20220904002.