bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Processing of acoustically degraded emotional prosody in Alzheimer’s disease and primary progressive aphasia: a cohort study
Authors: Jiang Jessica , Johnson Jeremy CS , Requena-Komuro Maï-Carmen , Benhamou Elia , Sivasathiaseelan Harri , Chokesuwattanaskul Anthipa , Nelson Annabel , Nortley Ross , Weil Rimona S , Volkmer Anna , Marshall Charles R , Bamiou Doris-Eva , Warren Jason D , Ha Chris JD 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Prosody refers to nonverbal speech features including pitch, intonation, stress, duration and intensity. These features are critical for successful communication, conveying emotions and distinguishing sentence structures. Previous research suggests that emotional prosody perception is impaired in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). However, no previous research has investigated how emotional prosody perception is affected in these patient groups under non-ideal listening conditions such as those encountered in everyday listening. Here, we aimed to examine the perception of emotional prosody in patients with AD and PPA syndromes under both clear and degraded (noise-vocoded) speech conditions.
Methods: We recruited 18 patients with AD, nine with logopenic variant PPA (lvPPA), 11 with non-fluent/agrammatic variant PPA (nfvPPA), and 11 with semantic variant PPA (svPPA), along with 24 healthy controls. Participants listened to numerical speech stimuli portraying three emotions (anger, surprise, sadness) in clear and noise-vocoded forms, and for each speech token were asked to identify the emotion being conveyed. We noise-vocoded the stimuli at three levels to generate easy, medium, and hard listening conditions. Performance was correlated with questionnaire measures of socio-emotional functioning.
Results: All patient groups showed significant impairments in identifying clear emotional prosody compared to healthy controls. These deficits were exacerbated under noise-vocoded speech conditions, with all patient groups performing significantly worse than healthy controls and patients with lvPPA performing significantly worse than those with svPPA. There was no interaction between level of noise-vocoding and participant group, but across groups, participants performed more poorly with more degradation. Significant correlations were observed both for clear and noise-vocoded emotional prosody identification with social cognition measures; however, these correlations were seen more consistently for performance on noise-vocoded emotional prosody than clear speech.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that emotional prosody identification is impaired in AD and PPA patients, and that these deficits are particularly prominent under non-ideal (noise-vocoded) listening conditions. These findings open a window on a dimension of real-world emotional communication that has often been overlooked in dementia, with particular relevance to social cognition, and begin to suggest a novel candidate paradigm for investigating and quantifying this systematically.
Psychometric properties of the Arabic Fear of Happiness Scale-5 items (FHS-5) in a non-clinical sample of Arabic-speaking adults
Authors: Khoury Marie Anne El , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that some people believe excessive happiness can lead to negative consequences, based on cultural beliefs and empirical evidence. The fear of Happiness Scale (FHS) was developed to assess people aversion toward happiness. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the FHS in a sample of Lebanese population.
Methods: The FHS was translated to Arabic following a conventional forward-backward translation procedure and was administered to a sample of 484 Lebanese adults along with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-5) for convergent validity. The factor structure was studied by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).
Results: Results suggested a good fit of the one-factor model of the FHS scale with good internal consistency (ω = .95 / α = .95) and excellent convergent (= .80). Measurement invariance was established across sex groups, with no significant difference being reported between males and females in terms of FHS scores (13.27 ± 7.52 vs 13.36 ± 7.04; t(482) = -.12; p = .904). Finally, adequate convergent validity was tested and found to be adequate, with FHS scores found to be correlated negatively with wellbeing and positively with depression and anxiety.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the Arabic version of the Fear of Happiness Scale is a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians working with Arabic-speaking populations. It is anticipated that the Arabic FHS will be advantageous for healthcare professionals and researchers working with Arabic-speaking people around the world.
A streamlined, resource-efficient immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry method for quantifying plasma amyloid-β biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Karikari Thomas , Chen Yijun , Zeng Xuemei , Olvera-Rojas Marcos , Sehrawat Anuradha , Lafferty Tara , Pascoal Tharick , Villemagne Victor , Solis-Urra Patricio , Triviño-Ibañez Eva , Gómez-Rí Manuel , Cohen Ann , Ikonomovic Milos , Esteban-Cornejo Irene , Erickson Kirk , Lopez Oscar , Yates Nathan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

High-performance, resource-efficient methods for plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) quantification in Alzheimer’s disease are lacking; existing mass spectrometry-based assays are resource- and time-intensive. We developed a streamlined mass spectrometry method with a single immunoprecipitation step, an optimized buffer system, and ≤75% less antibody requirement. Analytical and clinical performances were compared with an in-house reproduced version of a well-known two-step assay. The streamlined assay showed high dilution linearity (r²>0.99) and precision (< 10% coefficient of variation), low quantification limits (Aβ1–40: 12.5 pg/ml; Aβ1–42: 3.125 pg/ml), and high signal correlation (r²~0.7) with the two-step immunoprecipitation assay. The novel single-step assay showed more efficient recovery of Aβ peptides via fewer immunoprecipitation steps, with significantly higher signal-to-noise ratios, even at plasma sample volumes down to 50 µl. Both assays had equivalent performances in distinguishing non-elevated vs. elevated brain Aβ-PET individuals. The new method enables simplified yet robust evaluation of plasma Aβ biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease.
Excellent energy storage properties in lead-free ferroelectric ceramics via heterogeneous structure design
Authors: Yang Zupei , Chai Qizhen , Liu Zhaobo , Deng Zhongqi , Peng Zhanhui , Chao Xiaolian , Huang Houbing , Zhang Shujun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Dielectric capacitors with ultrahigh power density have emerged as promising candidates for essential energy storage components in electronic and electrical systems. They enable enhanced integration, miniaturization, and lightweight design. However, the development of dielectric materials for cutting-edge energy storage applications has been significantly limited by their low recoverable energy storage density (Wrec) and energy efficiency (η), especially at moderate electric fields. In this study, we fabricated 0.85K0.5Na0.5NbO3-0.15Sr0.7Nd0.2ZrO3 ceramics with an outstanding energy storage performance (Wrec ~7 J cm− 3, η ~ 92% at 500 kV cm− 1; Wrec ~14 J cm− 3, η ~ 89% at 760 kV cm− 1). The exceptional energy storage performance can be primarily attributed to the heterogeneous structure, where orthorhombic and tetragonal polar nanoregions are embedded in a cubic matrix, accounting for the delayed polarization saturation. This work provides a good paradigm for designing dielectric materials with ultrahigh energy storage density and excellent energy efficiency at a moderate applied electric field, aligning with the stringent demands for advanced energy storage applications.
The Incidence of Osteoporosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Under 65 – A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tibbetts Katherine Quesada , Mhaskar Rahul , Prakash Neelesh 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients have a heightened prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and the development of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis screening guidelines only recommend DEXA scans for females 65 and older and males 70 and older. We set out to analyze the incidence of low bone mineral density in HCC patients under 65 years old and encourage implementation of DEXA screenings for this patient population.Method:In this retrospective cohort study, 170 patients under 65 years old with an HCC diagnosis were analyzed. The use of Hounsfield units (HU) from L1 non-contrast CT scans is a reliable predictor of T-scores from DEXA scans and was used to predict BMD in patients, with scores of less than 165 HU indicative of osteopenia and less than 98 indicative of osteoporosis.Results:The median HU score of patients was 137.2, and the mean score was 142.6 (Min: 55.4; Max: 303.1). Approximately 75% of patients had an HU score of less than 165, indicating a high likelihood of suffering from low BMD. Approximately 20% of low BMD patients were identified as within a range of osteoporosis.Conclusions:HCC patients under 65 have an increased incidence of bone demineralization.We suggest that BMD in HCC patients is an important prognostic tool and parameter to document, as studies have shown that HCC patients with high BMD have longer overall survival than patients with low BMD. Future prospective studies using DEXA scans to assess BMD should be completed to verify the risk of osteoporosis.
The emerging role of a novel grading system to evaluate environmental information disclosure (EID) performance: empirical analysis of Chinese listed pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Wang Zikang , Bian Ying 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Corporate environmental information disclosure (EID) refers to the public disclosure of various types of environmental information, such as pollution monitoring datasets and corporate environmental behaviors. This information can pose unpredictable market risks or affect investors' interests. With increasing global attention to environmental issues, more listed companies, essential elements in stock markets, are publishing corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports, either voluntarily or due to regulatory requirements. Therefore, a systematic methodology to quantitatively evaluate EID performance of listed companies is valuable for further research and applications.
Methods: We presented a novel grading system that covers seven sections with different weights to evaluate the EID performance of companies. Given recent evidence that China is emerging as the second-largest pharmaceutical market globally, Chinese listed pharmaceutical companies, as core components of the entire pharmaceutical supply chain in China, deserve further study. We selected Chinese listed pharmaceutical companies on A-shares as the research object and evaluated their EID performance over the past decade (2012-2021) using our grading system. This evaluation was based on necessary documentation (e.g., annual reports, CSR reports) downloaded from open-access databases. Additionally, we conducted a preliminary investigation to identify potential driving factors of EID performance using bivariate correlation analysis.
Results: We obtained an overall landscape of the EID performance of Chinese listed pharmaceutical companies over the past decade (2012-2021) and identified three potential driving factors of EID performance: “year of report,” “registered capitalization,” and “total market capitalization.” We also identified the company with the best EID performance over the past decade and provided a systematic description of its EID management system as a case study.
Limitation: Firstly, the grading system has a relatively narrow scope of application, which may present difficulties for grading companies outside the pharmaceutical field. Additionally, as a new methodology, parallel comparative analysis with existing methods is needed for future studies.
Conclusions: We succeeded in closing the gap in precise EID methodology by presenting a novel grading system suitable for quantitatively evaluating the EID performance of listed pharmaceutical companies. Our statistical evidence highlights three potential driving factors behind EID performance. Lastly, we address a main challenge for the universal improvement of EID management in Chinese listed companies, which could serve as a foundation for further optimization of domestic regulations in China.
Sauna and Mindfulness: How Sauna Bathing Affects Psychological States and Traits Related to Bodily Sensations and Emotions
Authors: Hitsuwari Jimpei , Hayashi Takechika , Katarina Woodman , Du Meiyi , Morita Misaki , Takiguchi Shota , Yamashita Yutaka , Nomura Michio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Despite its popularity, little psychological and cognitive science research has investigated sauna bathing, especially among healthy individuals. This study empirically examines the connection between sauna bathing and psychological factors related to bodily sensations and emotional experiences. Two experiments were conducted with healthy subjects. In Study 1, we recruited 180 participants and categorized them into three groups (regular sauna, irregular sauna, and no sauna conditions). The participants were asked to complete an online questionnaire which asked about mindfulness and positive emotions. Study 2 was a field study conducted with 28 participants using a sauna at a spa facility. Before and after bathing, the participants answered a questionnaire similar to that used in Study 1. Twelve participants who took sauna baths and 16 of the participants who did not take sauna baths were included in the analysis. Study 1 showed that sauna bathers had a higher ability of bodily sensory imagery and a higher aesthetic evaluation of haiku poetry. Study 2 showed that sauna bathing increased the observing trait of mindfulness. Although the relationship between sauna bathing and bodily sensations or emotional experiences has been mentioned by sauna users and books, this is the first time that it has been empirically demonstrated. These results are considered to be caused by the increased sensitivity of bodily sensations and the heightened parasympathetic nervous system owing to the high and low temperatures. However, more detailed mechanisms are expected to be elucidated in the future.
IgG4-Related Disease: Leading International Co-Authorship Networks and Future Research Directions
Authors: Ogasawara Naruaki 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aim
This study aims to analyze the structure of co-author networks in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) research from 2000 to 2023, using data from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. The goal is to identify collaborative relationships, key researchers, and trends within the research community over time.
Method
I conducted a comprehensive network analysis of 5,310 articles on IgG4-RD published between 2000 and 2023, as indexed in the WoS Core Collection. The analysis was performed using Python (Version 3.10.5) within the PyCharm integrated development environment (IDE) (Software Version 2022.1.3). Macro-level indicators, including network density, clustering coefficient, number of components, and average path length, were used to assess the overall network structure. Micro-level indicators, such as degree centrality, closeness centrality, and betweenness centrality, were employed to evaluate the influence and connectivity of individual researchers within the network.
Result
The co-authorship network analysis revealed a fragmented structure with isolated clusters of researchers throughout the studied periods: 2000–2009, 2010–2019, and 2020–2023. Network density remained low, reflecting limited direct collaborations among researchers, while high clustering coefficients indicated the formation of tight-knit collaborative groups. The number of components decreased slightly over time, suggesting a gradual improvement in connectivity. Key researchers, including John H. Stone, Mitsuhiro Kawano, and Kazuichi Okazaki, consistently exhibited high centrality metrics, highlighting their pivotal roles in bridging research clusters and fostering collaboration in IgG4-RD.
Conclusion
The analysis of IgG4-RD research co-authorship networks from 2000 to 2023 reveals a field characterized by strong localized collaboration but overall low network cohesion. While key researchers have played significant roles in connecting various clusters, the network's fragmented nature suggests opportunities for enhancing broader collaborative efforts. Improving international and interdisciplinary connections could foster more comprehensive research and accelerate advancements in the understanding and treatment of IgG4-RD.
Journey of Platelet concentrates in Periodontal Regeneration – A review
Authors: Tanu Sahney  , Shivam Singh  , Mondeep Baruah  , Christina L. Pachuau  
Published: September 2024

Platelet concentrates are the derivatives of blood which helps in haemostasis and wound healing after periodontal regenerative procedures and are enriched with growth factors are well-known to boost the healing process and have started to be in trend and utilized clinically in periodontal surgical procedures. These are prepared from the patient’s own blood throughout which the activated platelets become close and form a fibrin matrix scaffold that releases growth factors and cytokines which plays a key role in tissue regeneration; including cell proliferation and differentiation, extracellular matrix synthesis, chemotaxis and angiogenesis. Its autologous nature provides an advantage to the patients as it reduces treatment cost and minimizes the risk of cross-infection. Despite its exclusive application in promoting healing, there is data paucity on the role of platelet concentrates on bone regeneration. Therefore, this review aims to explore the potential bone regenerative effect of platelet concentrates that would be beneficial as one of the alternative options in periodontal regenerative procedures. Even though the application of platelet concentrates has shown promising outcomes, there is a need for further studies to discover the potential of platelet concentrates in bone regeneration.
This review highlights various types of platelet concentrates, and their clinical applications within the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Comparative clinical efficacy of Murraya koenigii gel and chlorhexidine gluconate gel for improvement of oral health
Authors: AVISHEK BHATTACHARJEE  
Published: September 2024

Comparative clinical efficacy of Murraya koenigii gel and Chlorhexidine gluconate gel for improvement of oral health
Introduction: Gingivitis is a non-destructive, plaque induced disease that causes inflammation of the gums. Chlorhexidine is regarded as the gold standard agent due to its chemical substantivity and clinical efficacy in chemical plaque control. Nowadays, herbal products are widely substituting synthetic antimicrobials due to their minimal side effects and cost effectiveness. Murraya koenigii (curry leaf) is an easily available green leaf in the Indian subcontinent, known for its antimicrobial, antioxidative, and cytotoxic activity.
Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of M. koenigii gel in reduction of plaque and gingivitis when compared with commercially available Chlorhexidine (Hexigel) gel.
Materials and Method: This single center, randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out among 40 participants with moderate gingivitis. After scaling, they were divided into two groups: Group I (control) and Group II (Test) [n=20] and were instructed to use Chlorhexidine gel and M. koenigii gel respectively. Clinical parameters (PI & GI) were recorded on baseline and 15 days later. Student’s paired t‑test and independent t-test were used for intra and inter group comparison of clinical parameters.
Results: On intra-group comparison, both the groups showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.001). Inter-group comparison, showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. (P > 0.05)
Conclusion: M. koenigii gel is equally effective as Chlorhexidine gel, in treating plaque induced gingivitis.
Virtual diagnosis of a combined pathology of the thyroid gland in a child with prolonged febrility
Authors: Putintsev A. N. , Safonova M. P. , Nikolsky D. A. , Korolenok E. M. , Kursova T. S. , Gusev K. Ja. 
Published: September 2024

The aim of the study is to show the application of the case method for studying diagnosis of rare diseases on a specific example. The article presents the possibilities of virtual diagnosis of a clinical case — a child with congenital hypothyroidism complicated by fever of unclear genesis. The authors presented a web application that allows reproducing the process of differential diagnosis in order to clarify the genesis of prolonged subfebrile fever. At each stage of virtual diagnosis, a user is supposed to analyze all the information about the patient and make a decision: plan further examination, «refer» the patient to specialists for consultations, while forming diagnostic hypotheses. As a result of passing the case, the integral score — the sum of points for correct answers — is calculated and displayed on the screen. Repeated performing of virtual diagnosis usually increases the score, and, most importantly, helps to consolidate the knowledge necessary for correct diagnosis. Interactive clinical case can be used in the training process of clinical residents, medical students as an additional tool. It can also be applied for pediatricians’ professional upgrade for they can be exposed to this pathology. Application of case method in education allows to guide the learning physician through the stages of virtual diagnosis, to evaluate the accuracy of his decisions and to explain the mistakes made while solving the case.
Disorders of word formation in adolescents under operation for congenital heart defects
Authors: Rumiantseva А. А. , Kameneva V. А. , Potapova N. V. 
Published: September 2024

Literary data on the speech status of children with congenital heart defects are presented. The results of a study of word-formation function in adolescents after radial correction of septal congenital heart defects are described. Purpose. To assess the speech status of adolescents operated on for congenital heart defects using the example of word formation. Material and methods. A prospective study of the word-formation function of 37 adolescents in the early postoperative period after radical correction of septal heart defects under artificial circulation was conducted at the Research Institute of Complex Problems of Cardiovascular Diseases. Results. The most difficult task was the formation of diminutive nouns. The respondents completed this task with a score of 55.31 %. Teenagers coped better with tasks on the formation of different categories of adjectives. Score of the task of forming relative adjectives — 60.54 %. The children coped with the task of forming possessive adjectives even more successfully — by 63.24 %. The respondents were most successful in completing the task of forming qualitative adjectives — by 81.44 %. Conclusion. Despite successful cardiac surgery, patients require interdisciplinary monitoring in the postoperative period.