bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Promoting student engagement: insights from Iceland, Lithuania, and Norway
Authors: Petronienė Saulė , Juzelėnienė Saulutė , Tautkevičienė Gintarė , Eyjólfsdóttir Emma Björg , Stebbins Randi Whitney , Dovidonytė Rasa 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionThe complex phenomenon of engagement in the research draws upon the sociocultural theories and emphasizes the three interrelated dimensions: behavioral, emotional/affective, and cognitive. Student engagement in academic life is a key factor for student wellbeing, making it essential to address the issues related to student engagement to be able to foster overall academic success. The research has shown that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the academic environment including students' performance and their social and private lives.MethodologyIn order to help young people prepare to become students, an analysis of student needs and experiences was carried out at three universities: the University of Stavanger (Norway), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), and the University of Iceland (Iceland). Focus group discussions were used to collect data about the students' experience entering university and what challenges first-year students faced before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 17 first-year (6 males and 11 females) who started their studies during COVID-19 lockdown and 16 second-year students (9 males and 7 females) who started theirs studies before COVID-19 participated in the focus groups discussions. The collected data consists of students' responses during the focus group discussions. The qualitative thematic content analysis was used to identify emergent themes and categories.ResultsThe results of the research indicate that students face several challenges when entering university: adapting to the academic environment and the student role, information overload, social relationships, communication, and self-esteem issues. Students who started their studies during the pandemic indicated different experiences and challenges in adapting to university life.DiscussionThis research faced several constraints, including the limited sample size, the focus on only three universities in Northern Europe, and the reliance on self-reported data from the focus group interviews, which may not fully capture the diversity of student experiences. Despite these limitations, the research provides valuable insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement and the unique challenges faced by new students during this period. The results of this research confirm the findings of previous research claiming that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic vary depending on the environment. Students need a variety of targeted and /or intensive support services to address their increased social, emotional, and academic needs.
Modeling potential benefits of fragmented marsh terrace restoration in Terrebonne bay, Louisiana: sediment processes interacting with vegetation and potential submerged aquatic vegetation habitat
Authors: Jung Hoonshin , Moss Leland , Carruthers Tim J. B. , Di Leonardo Diana R. , DeMarco Kristin , Whalen Marie , Brasher Michael , Dijkstra Jasper 
Published: September 2024

Marsh terraces, constructed as a restoration and protection strategy, consist of a series of earthen berms in open water areas of the coastal wetland landscape and are being implemented across the Louisiana coast. To assess the efficacy of the marsh terraces as a nature-based solution, a small-scale, high-resolution hydrodynamic model was developed based on field sampling of vegetation and physical parameters (water level, waves, sediment, turbidity, and terrace elevation). This study tested common marsh terrace designs (e.g., chevron, linear, box, T-shape, etc.), ultimately selecting a preferred design based on the evaluation of factors such as vegetation, water depth, and sediment type on terrace stability and sediment retention under calm and storm conditions. The model results revealed that the 100 m box and the chevron designs exhibited greatest terrace stability and sediment trapping, particularly when installed perpendicular to prevailing wind and waves. The preferred terrace design was the box design due to its higher modeled resilience to wind and waves from multiple directions. Vegetation presence enhanced terrace resistance to erosion, with variations depending on vegetation type. Higher vegetation biomass, especially during the summer, contributed to the greatest stability of terraces. Greater water depth between terraces led to increased sediment retention, and terraces predominantly composed of organic-rich mud demonstrated greater stability than those with higher proportions of sand. Overall, vegetation had the greatest impact on sediment retention in the terrace field compared to water depth and sediment type. However, the potential habitat for submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) was more influenced by water depth (i.e., 0.1 m &lt; depth &lt;1 m) than shear stress (&lt;0.5 Pa). Even under storm conditions, shear stress rarely determined potential habitat for SAV, as shear stress remained relatively low within the terrace field. Potential SAV habitat was most abundant in shallow areas and increased where sediment stability was lowest (i.e., no vegetation and sand), primarily due to eroded sediment increasing the shallow area. While this model was developed using field data specific to Louisiana marshes, it can be adapted as a tool for terrace restoration project design and planning in most coastal wetlands.
An evaluation of fin ray microchemistry to describe movement of White Sturgeon in the Kootenai River basin: insights and limitations
Authors: Ghere Courtnie L. , Quist Michael C. , Hardy Ryan S. , Willmes Malte , Lewis Levi S. , Wilson Sean M. , Smith Troy W. 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionWhite Sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus in the Kootenai River basin is listed as endangered in the United States and Canada. Declines have been mainly attributed to poor recruitment exacerbated by the environmental effects of Libby Dam in Montana. Reduced primary production downstream of Libby Dam has been identified as one factor limiting growth of White Sturgeon, thereby limiting natural reproduction through delayed sexual maturity. However, estimating changes in growth over time without knowledge of fish location (i.e., Kootenai River vs. Kootenay Lake) is difficult. The objective of this project was to use microchemistry analysis to describe the movement of White Sturgeon within the Kootenai River basin.MethodsWater samples (n = 27) and White Sturgeon fin rays (n = 162) collected in the Kootenai River basin were measured for strontium isotope (87Sr:86Sr) ratios using laser ablation multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All water samples and a subset of fin rays (n = 8) were also analyzed for trace elements (e.g., Sr, Ba, Mg). Fin ray annuli were measured and tested using knowledge of known age; known locations from physical capture events were assigned to age at capture.ResultsStrontium isotope analysis was unable to detect differences in the Kootenai River and Kootenay Lake using water or fin ray samples. The Kootenai River and Kootenay Lake were distinguishable using trace element data from water samples, but not fin rays. The discrepancy with trace elements appears to be associated with the physiology of fin ray growth.DiscussionAlthough this study did not meet its original objective of describing the movement of White Sturgeon in the Kootenai River basin from fin ray microchemistry, our results provide insight into the potential influence of physiology on microchemistry analysis. In particular, fin ray microchemistry of slow-growing fishes may be possible in freshwater systems with further investigation into the physiological processes associated with growth and the incorporation of elements into calcified structures.
Pathological response following neoadjuvant immunotherapy and imaging characteristics in dMMR/MSI-H locally advanced colorectal cancer
Authors: Deng Zijian , Luo Yajun , Chen Xiaoli , Pan Tao , Rui Yuanyi , Hu Hai , Yan Jin , Zhang Ke , Luo Cheng , Song Bo 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIn recent years, there has been significant research interest in immunotherapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Specifically, immunotherapy has emerged as the primary treatment for patients with mismatch repair gene defects (dMMR) or microsatellite highly unstable (MSI-H) who have colorectal cancer. Yet, there is currently no data to support the practicality and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for colorectal cancer with dMMR or MSI-H. Therefore, a study was conducted to identify the postoperative pathology, safety profile, and imaging features of patients with dMMR or MSI-H CRC following neoadjuvant immunotherapy.MethodsThe retrospective study was carried out on patients with locally advanced or metastatic CRC who received immunotherapy at Sichuan Cancer Hospital, with approval from the hospital’s ethics committee. The study aimed to assess the short-term effectiveness of immunotherapy by focusing on pathological complete response (pCR) as the primary outcome, while also considering secondary endpoints such as objective response rate, disease-free survival, and safety profile.ResultsTwenty patients with dMMR/MSI-H CRC who underwent neoadjuvant immunotherapy as part of the treatment were enrolled between May 2019 and February 2024 at Sichuan Cancer Hospital. Out of these patients, eight patients received PD-1 blockade monotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment, while 12 were administered a combined therapy of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1. 12 patients received Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab regimen and 8 patients received PD-1 blockades (2 patients were Pembrolizumab, 2 patients were Sintilimab, 4 patients were Tislelizumab) monotherapy. Additionally, 19 patients underwent surgery after immunotherapy and of these, 15 (75.0%) achieved complete pathological response (pCR), 8 (66.7%) achieved the same on Nivolumab plus Ipilimumab immunotherapy while 7 (87.5%) achieved on PD-1 antibody monotherapy. The overall response rate (ORR) was 75%, with 45.0% of patients experiencing grade I/II immunotherapy-related adverse events. The most frequent adverse event observed was increased ALT i.e. 20%. Notably, no postoperative complications were observed.ConclusionBased on the findings, neoadjuvant immunotherapy for colorectal cancer may be both safe and effective in clinical practice. Furthermore, the study suggested that dual immunotherapy could potentially increase the immunotherapy cycle and contribute to a superior pCR rate. However, the conclusion emphasized the need for further prospective clinical trials to validate these results.
Neuroplastic changes induced by long-term Pingju training: insights from dynamic brain activity and connectivity
Authors: Zhao Fangshi , Song Linlin , Chen Yule , Wang Shaoying , Wang Xiaoyi , Zhai Ying , Xu Jinglei , Zhang Zhihui , Lei Minghuan , Cai Wenjie , An Qi , Zhu Dan , Li Fengtan , Wang Chunyang , Liu Feng 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundTraditional Chinese opera, such as Pingju, requires actors to master sophisticated performance skills and cultural knowledge, potentially influencing brain function. This study aimed to explore the effects of long-term opera training on the dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC).MethodsTwenty professional well-trained Pingju actors and twenty demographically matched untrained subjects were recruited. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were collected to assess dALFF differences in spontaneous regional brain activity between the actors and untrained participants. Brain regions with altered dALFF were selected as the seeds for the subsequent dFC analysis. Statistical comparisons examined differences between groups, while correlation analyses explored the relationships between dALFF and dFC, as well as the associations between these neural measures and the duration of Pingju training.ResultsCompared with untrained subjects, professional Pingju actors exhibited significantly lower dALFF in the right lingual gyrus. Additionally, actors showed increased dFC between the right lingual gyrus and the bilateral cerebellum, as well as between the right lingual gyrus and the bilateral midbrain/red nucleus/thalamus, compared with untrained subjects. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between the dALFF in the right lingual gyrus and its dFC, and a significant association was found between dFC in the bilateral midbrain/red nucleus/thalamus and the duration of Pingju training.ConclusionLong-term engagement in Pingju training induces neuroplastic changes, reflected in altered dALFF and dFC. These findings provide evidence for the interaction between artistic training and brain function, highlighting the need for further research into the impact of professional training on cognitive functions.
Evaluating pretreatment serum CA-125 levels as prognostic biomarkers in endometrial cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Zhong , Sun Yue , Guo Cuishan 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundIn recent years, the incidence of endometrial cancer (EC) has been rising. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the prognostic significance of serum CA-125 levels in EC.MethodsArticles up to March 1, 2024, were systematically searched in EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science. This analysis pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from qualifying studies to evaluate the association of CA-125 levels with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free/relapse-free survival (DFS/RFS), and disease-specific survival (DSS).Results25 studies involving 7,716 patients were included. The analysis revealed that elevated CA-125 levels correlate with poorer OS (HR = 1.848, 95% CI: 1.571-2.175, p &lt; 0.001). This association persisted across various study regions and sample sizes, and was notably strong in subgroups with a CA-125 cut-off value of less than 35 (HR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.13-3.80, p = 0.019) and equal to 35 (HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.49-2.79, p &lt; 0.001), and among type II pathology patients (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.07-2.77, p = 0.025). Similarly, high CA-125 levels were linked to reduced PFS, particularly in subgroups with a CA-125 cut-off value less than 35 (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.15-3.04, p = 0.012) and equal to 35 (HR = 4.94, 95% CI: 2.56-9.54, p &lt; 0.001), and in endometrioid endometrial cancer patients (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.18-4.40, p = 0.014). Elevated CA-125 levels were also indicative of worse DFS/RFS (HR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.444-3.262, p &lt; 0.001) and DSS (HR = 2.854; 95% CI: 1.970-4.133, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionSerum CA-125 levels before treatment was highly associated with prognosis of EC patients.
A novel functionally graded bilayer membrane with excellent barrier function and in vivo osteogenesis promotion for guided bone regeneration
Authors: Li Junxuan , Ding Jiaxin , Zhou Tao , Li Bolun , Wang Jingjing , Wang Hanchi , Fu Li 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionGuided bone regeneration (GBR) technology has been widely used as a reliable method to address alveolar bone defects. To improve the clinical effects of GBR approach, there have been attempts to develop barrier membranes with enhanced regenerative properties. However, modifying the material and structure of GBR membranes to integrate physicochemical properties and biological activity remains challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a novel functionally graded bilayer membrane (FGBM) with a gradient structure and composition, and to evaluate its osteogenesis promotion effect for GBR.MethodsBy combining the phase inversion method and electrospinning method, functionally graded bilayer membranes (FGBM) with gradient structure and composition of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and gelatin were fabricated in this study. The physicochemical and biological properties of the prepared FGBM, including structural and morphological characterization, mechanical properties, in vitro biodegradation, cell behaviors, and in vivo osteogenic bioactivity, were comprehensively evaluated.ResultsThe findings demonstrated the successful fabrication of PLGA/nHA/gelatin FGBM with an asymmetric structure, exhibiting enhanced hydrophilic, mechanical, and degradation properties. The incorporation of gelatin not only improved the biological integration, but also enhanced the binding affinity between electrospun fiber layer and phase inversion layer. The FGBM with a 30% nHA mass fraction and a PLGA/gelatin mass ratio of 1:1 exhibited excellent barrier function and osteogenic bioactivities in vitro and in vivo.DiscussionThis work demonstrated the potential of PLGA/nHA/gelatin FGBM in bone regeneration and provided valuable insight for the development of barrier membrane.
A dual-branch and dual attention transformer and CNN hybrid network for ultrasound image segmentation
Authors: Zhang Chong , Wang Lingtong , Wei Guohui , Kong Zhiyong , Qiu Min 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionUltrasound imaging has become a crucial tool in medical diagnostics, offering real-time visualization of internal organs and tissues. However, challenges such as low contrast, high noise levels, and variability in image quality hinder accurate interpretation. To enhance the diagnostic accuracy and support treatment decisions, precise segmentation of organs and lesions in ultrasound image is essential. Recently, several deep learning methods, including convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and Transformers, have reached significant milestones in medical image segmentation. Nonetheless, there remains a pressing need for methods capable of seamlessly integrating global context with local fine-grained information, particularly in addressing the unique challenges posed by ultrasound images.MethodsIn this paper, to address these issues, we propose DDTransUNet, a hybrid network combining Transformer and CNN, with a dual-branch encoder and dual attention mechanism for ultrasound image segmentation. DDTransUNet adopts a Swin Transformer branch and a CNN branch to extract global context and local fine-grained information. The dual attention comprising Global Spatial Attention (GSA) and Global Channel Attention (GCA) modules to capture long-range visual dependencies. A novel Cross Attention Fusion (CAF) module effectively fuses feature maps from both branches using cross-attention.ResultsExperiments on three ultrasound image datasets demonstrate that DDTransUNet outperforms previous methods. In the TN3K dataset, DDTransUNet achieves IoU, Dice, HD95 and ACC metrics of 73.82%, 82.31%, 16.98 mm, and 96.94%, respectively. In the BUS-BRA dataset, DDTransUNet achieves 80.75%, 88.23%, 8.12 mm, and 98.00%. In the CAMUS dataset, DDTransUNet achieves 82.51%, 90.33%, 2.82 mm, and 96.87%.DiscussionThese results indicate that our method can provide valuable diagnostic assistance to clinical practitioners.
The benefit of rhythm-based interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis with random controlled trials
Authors: Ding Xiaofen , Wu Jinlong , Li Dong , Liu Zexi 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveIndividuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit impaired behavior synchronization, which is associated with social deficits. Numerous studies have demonstrated that rhythm-based interventions can effectively mitigate social deficits by promoting behavioral synchronization in individuals with ASD. Therefore, a review of the current literature is warranted in this field. The objectives of this review were to explore the effects of rhythm-based interventions on overall social skills and to study the differences in the effects of rhythm-based interventions on specific social skills.MethodThe databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Psycinfo were systematically explored until March 2024. A total of eleven research studies, encompassing 408 participants diagnosed with ASD, were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were computed for each comparison and amalgamated using random-effects models to evaluate the social skills of individuals with ASD. The methodological quality of each study was evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale(PEDro).ResultsOverall, some valuable observations were made. Rhythm-based interventions had a medium effect on the overall social skills for ASD (Hedges’s=0.681; 95%CI[0.075 to 1.286], P  &lt; 0.05). Regarding domain-specific social skills, rhythm-based interventions had a large effect on social interaction (g = 1.299,95% CI [0.508 to 2.091]), a small effect on communication (g = 0.383, 95% CI [0.033 to 0.733], P  &lt; 0.05), and a large effect on emotion (g = 1.752, 95% CI [0.294 to 3.210], P  &lt; 0.05). However, we found a favorable but non-significant effect (g = 0.125, 95% CI [-0.039 to 0.289], P  &gt;  0.05) of rhythm-based interventions on empathy. All study qualities were high (score≥6) using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale assessment.ConclusionThis result indicates the importance of rhythm in the clinical rehabilitation of individuals with ASD. We suggest adding appropriate rhythmic elements to clinical interventions, particularly for individuals with ASD who are less socially competent.
Shared decision-making in post-coercion debriefing interventions in psychiatry – a scoping review
Authors: Froelich Katharina , Schürmann Jan , Huber Christian G. , Trachsel Manuel 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionDebriefing is recommended after any coercive measure in psychiatry, but there are no wellestablished standards, and ist effectiveness remains unclear. Incorporating shared decision-making (SDM) into post-coercion debriefing interventions has potentially beneficial effects.MethodsThis scoping review provides an overview of the general characteristics of such interventions and the extent to which SDM elements are already used in such interventions.ResultsA total of 2562 references were identified in the scholarly databases Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. In addition, 14 articles were identified through manual searches of reference lists. 42 full-text articles were screened for eligibility, 13 articles met the eligibility criteria and were further analyzed.DiscussionNo intervention tool was found that clearly included all SDM elements. However, three elements of SDM were present at least partially in all interventions: definition and explanation of the health care problem, the clarification of the patient's values and preferences, and a decision or explicit deferral of the decision. Further research is needed to systematically examine the implementation and clinical effectiveness of post-coercion debriefing interventions, particularly regarding the inclusion of shared decision-making elements.