bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delay discounting of rewards and losses, alcohol use, and the influence of socioeconomic factors: A cross‐sectional online study in frequent drinkers
Authors: Pinger Mathieu , Skirke Malin , Thome Janine , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Koppe Georgia , Kirsch Peter 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDelay discounting describes the devaluation of future outcomes over time and is a popular behavioral construct in addiction research. Prior studies show modest yet consistent associations between problematic alcohol use and delayed reward discounting (DRD). However, the potential confounding influence of socioeconomic status (SES, e.g., income and education) is rarely addressed. In this study, we aimed to investigate the robustness of DRD as a predictor of alcohol use after controlling for socioeconomic and demographic variables. Additionally, we aimed to test the association between delayed loss discounting (DLD) and alcohol use in a sufficiently large sample.MethodsWe collected data from 341 moderate‐to‐heavy‐drinking participants (27.92 ± 21.12 g alcohol/day, 43.48 ± 11.90 years old, 49.9% female, UK residents) in a cross‐sectional online study. DRD and DLD were measured using an intertemporal choice task. Questionnaires encompassed alcohol use (AUDIT, weekly alcohol consumption), education and income, subjective measures of past and present socioeconomic status, and impulsivity.ResultsDRD, but not DLD, was significantly associated with AUDIT scores (r = 0.15) and weekly alcohol consumption (r = 0.12). DRD remained a significant yet weak predictor of AUDIT scores when controlling for education and income, but not when controlling for education and age.ConclusionsWe replicated a small but robust association between alcohol use and DRD, but not DLD. This association appeared to be confounded by education and age, but not by income. We conclude that socioeconomic and demographic variables should systematically be accounted for in future studies investigating DRD and alcohol use.
Effectiveness of prophylactic central compartment neck dissection following Hemithyroidectomy in papillary thyroid cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhao P. , Liang L.‐L. , Luo Y.‐B. , Liang Q.‐K. , Xiang B.‐D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn this study, we aimed to assess the effect of prophylactic central compartment neck dissection (pCCND) in conjunction with hemithyroidectomy (HT) for clinically low‐risk node‐negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).MethodsA thorough literature search was performed utilizing PubMed and EMBASE for articles published until October 2023. Subsequently, a meta‐analysis was performed on studies involving patients with cN0 PTC, with postoperative locoregional recurrence (LRR) and survival data, treated with HT + pCCND or HT. The study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024560962).ResultsWe included seven studies in this meta‐analysis, including 2132 patients who met the inclusion criteria: six retrospective cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial. The HT + pCCND group consisted of 1090 cases, and the HT group had 1042 cases. The LRR rates after HT with or without pCCND were similar (3.58% vs. 4.51%; odds ratio (OR) = 0.65; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.41–1.03). Five of the seven studies provided prognostic and survival data, particularly the log hazard ratio (log HR) of disease‐free survival (DFS) between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in terms of DFS between the HT + pCCND and HT groups (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.42–1.07).ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in LRR and DFS between the HT + pCCND and HT groups. pCCND did not demonstrate significant efficacy in improving oncological outcomes for low‐risk patients with cN0 PTC. Therefore, for patients with low‐risk cN0 PTC, thyroid surgeons should make reasonable and individualized decisions regarding the extent of surgical removal.
Explainability increases trust resilience in intelligent agents
Authors: Xu Min , Wang Yiwen 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEven though artificial intelligence (AI)‐based systems typically outperform human decision‐makers, they are not immune to errors, leading users to lose trust in them and be less likely to use them again—a phenomenon known as algorithm aversion. The purpose of the present research was to investigate whether explainable AI (XAI) could function as a viable strategy to counter algorithm aversion. We conducted two experiments to examine how XAI influences users' willingness to continue using AI‐based systems when these systems exhibit errors. The results showed that, following the observation of algorithms erring, the inclination of users to delegate decisions to or follow advice from intelligent agents significantly decreased compared to the period before the errors were revealed. However, the explainability effectively mitigated this decline, with users in the XAI condition being more likely to continue utilizing intelligent agents for subsequent tasks after seeing algorithms erring than those in the non‐XAI condition. We further found that the explainability could reduce users' decision regret, and the decrease in decision regret mediated the relationship between the explainability and re‐use behaviour. These findings underscore the adaptive function of XAI in alleviating negative user experiences and maintaining user trust in the context of imperfect AI.
Decision regret and long‐term success rates after ventral buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty
Authors: Santiago Javier E. , Gross Michael D. , Accioly João Pedro , Voelzke Bryan B. , Breyer Benjamin N. , Khouri Roger K. , DeWitt‐Foy Molly E. , Angermeier Kenneth W. , Wood Hadley M. 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesTo characterise the long‐term success rate of ventral onlay buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (vBMG) in the management of bulbar urethral stricture disease (USD), assess patient‐reported postoperative satisfaction and decision regret, and delineate clinical factors impacting patient‐reported metrics.Subjects and MethodsPatients with prior vBMG for bulbar USD, performed at Cleveland Clinic between 2003 and 2022, were contacted and brief structured interviews were performed. Stricture recurrence and need for secondary procedures, baseline demographics, and patient‐reported outcome surveys were collected. The surveys included the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), the Urethral Stricture Symptom Impact Measure (USSIM) and the 10‐item Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form, version 1.2 (PROMIS‐10). Descriptive, univariate and multivariable analyses were performed for clinical outcomes and survey responses.ResultsA total of 104 patients recorded responses. The median patient age was 49 years and the median follow‐up was 7.4 years at time of survey. The median graft length was 5 cm and 38% of patients underwent partial thickness augmented anastomotic urethroplasty. At time of follow‐up, 10 patients underwent a secondary procedure. Moderate to severe regret on the DRS was found in 12% of patients, and greater regret was associated with recurrence. The mean physical and mental health PROMIS‐10 Global Health T‐scores were 52 and 53. The mean total USSIM score was 56. A significant correlation was found between USSIM and DRS scores, with higher DRS score and recurrence negatively impacting USSIM score. USSIM scoring across all domains was significantly worse in the moderate to severe DRS group.ConclusionThis study showed that vBMG for bulbar USD confers both high success rates and patient‐reported satisfaction at extended follow‐up, based on emerging and validated patient‐reported outcome measures.
Maximal point‐polyserial correlation for non‐normal random distributions
Authors: Barbiero Alessandro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWe consider the problem of determining the maximum value of the point‐polyserial correlation between a random variable with an assigned continuous distribution and an ordinal random variable with categories, which are assigned the first natural values , and arbitrary probabilities . For different parametric distributions, we derive a closed‐form formula for the maximal point‐polyserial correlation as a function of the and of the distribution's parameters; we devise an algorithm for obtaining its maximum value numerically for any given . These maximum values and the features of the corresponding ‐point discrete random variables are discussed with respect to the underlying continuous distribution. Furthermore, we prove that if we do not assign the values of the ordinal random variable a priori but instead include them in the optimization problem, this latter approach is equivalent to the optimal quantization problem. In some circumstances, it leads to a significant increase in the maximum value of the point‐polyserial correlation. An application to real data exemplifies the main findings. A comparison between the discretization leading to the maximum point‐polyserial correlation and those obtained from optimal quantization and moment matching is sketched.
QM107, a novel CD148 (RTP Type J) activating peptide therapy for treating neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Arokiasamy Samantha , Balderstone Michaela J. M. , Shaik Faheem , Cristante Enrico , Moseley Thomas C. , Madoo Akshay , Rizzi Matteo , Bainbridge James W. , Tsoyi Konstantin , Rosas Ivan O. , Whiteford James R. , De Rossi Giulia 
Published: October 2024

Background and PurposeAngiogenesis is a pathological component of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration. Current therapies, although successful, are prone to high levels of patient non‐response and a loss of efficacy over time, indicating the need to explore other therapeutic avenues. We have shown that an interaction between syndecan‐2 and the tyrosine phosphatase receptor CD148 (RTP Type J) results in the ablation of angiogenesis. Here we exploit this pathway to develop a peptide activator of CD148 as a therapy for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.Experimental ApproachWe tested a peptide (QM107) derived from syndecan‐2 in a variety of angiogenesis models and a pre‐clinical model of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration. We assessed the toxicological and inflammatory profiles of QM107 and its stability in vitreous humour.Key ResultsQM107 inhibits angiogenesis in ex vivo sprouting assays and disrupts endothelial microcapillary formation via inhibition of cell migration. QM107 acts through CD148, leading to changes in GSK3A phosphorylation and β1 integrin activation. QM107 elicits a negligible inflammatory response and exhibits limited toxicity in cultured cells, and is stable in vitreous humour. Finally, we show proof of concept that QM107 blocks angiogenesis in vivo using a model of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.Conclusion and ImplicationsWe have developed a CD148 activating peptide which shows promise in inhibiting angiogenesis in models of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration. This treatment could either represent an alternative or augment existing therapies, and owing to its distinct mode of action be used in patients who do not respond to existing treatments.
Slow dissociation kinetics of fentanyls and nitazenes correlates with reduced sensitivity to naloxone reversal at the μ‐opioid receptor
Authors: Alhosan Norah , Cavallo Damiana , Santiago Marina , Kelly Eamonn , Henderson Graeme 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeFentanyls and nitazenes are μ‐opioid receptor agonists responsible for a large number of opioid overdose deaths. Here, we determined the potency, dissociation kinetics and antagonism by naloxone at the μ receptor of several fentanyl and nitazene analogues, compared to morphine and DAMGO.Experimental ApproachIn vitro assays of G protein activation and signalling and arrestin recruitment were performed. AtT20 cells expressing μ receptors were loaded with a membrane potential dye and changes in fluorescence used to determine agonist potency, dissociation kinetics and susceptibility to antagonism by naloxone. BRET experiments were undertaken in HEK293T cells expressing μ receptors to assess Gi protein activation and β‐arrestin 2 recruitment.Key ResultsThe apparent rate of agonist dissociation from the μ receptor varied: morphine, DAMGO, alfentanil and fentanyl dissociated rapidly, whereas isotonitazene, etonitazene, ohmefentanyl and carfentanil dissociated slowly. Slowly dissociating agonists were more resistant to antagonism by naloxone. For carfentanil, the slow apparent rate of dissociation was not because of G protein receptor kinase‐mediated arrestin recruitment as its apparent rate of dissociation was not increased by inhibition of G protein‐coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) with Compound 101. The in vitro relative potencies of fentanyls and nitazenes compared to morphine were much lower than that previously observed in in vivo experiments.Conclusions and ImplicationsWith fentanyls and nitazenes that slowly dissociate from the μ receptor, antagonism by naloxone is pseudo‐competitive. In overdoses involving fentanyls and nitazenes, higher doses of naloxone may be required for reversal than those normally used to reverse heroin overdose.
A Data‐Driven Approach Identifies Subtypes of Caries From Dental Charting
Authors: Haworth Simon , Kastenbom Lisa , Persson Peter , Fries Niklas , Esberg Anders , Jönsson Daniel , Johansson Ingegerd 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe objectives were to: (i) assess the accuracy of dental data for adults obtained from the Swedish Quality Register on Caries and Periodontitis (SKaPa); (ii) explore whether Latent Class Analysis (LCA) can identify groups of people based on caries data; and (iii) characterise the dental, medical and behavioural characteristics of people in the LCA‐derived classes.MethodsCaries data from the SKaPa register were compared with clinical data collected by five experienced dentists in a nested subgroup of the Malmö Offspring Study (MOS), namely the Malmö Offspring Dental Study (MODS) (n = 724) for validation. Dental data from SKaPa were then used to classify 61 984 adult participants of the Västerbotten Intervention Programme (VIP) into five classes using LCA and DMFS‐based quintile ranking, respectively. Dental status (including caries progression over 5 years), medical, anthropometric and behavioural characteristics were compared between the groups. Analyses were replicated in 2767 adults in the MOS.ResultsDMFS‐scores and number of teeth recorded within −2 to +2 years showed excellent agreement between the SKaPa and reference data with intra‐class correlations > 0.90. The five LCA classes differed in mean DMFS from 10.0 to 94.4. There were strong associations between LCA class and health, and health and behavioural measures respectively, including some associations that were not detected using DMFS‐ranked quintile groups. LCA class was associated with incremental change in DMFS, DFS, and number of teeth. The results in the MOS cohort were consistent with the results in the VIP cohort.ConclusionsDental data for adults from the SKaPa registry were considered accurate within 2 years of recording. The LCA approach can classify participants into caries subtypes based on dental charting. These groups differ in health and behavioural characteristics and future caries increment. The LCA approach may capture some information that is missing from DMFS‐ranked quintile groups, but is also heavily influenced by total DMFS, meaning that applying LCA in cumulative, highly age‐determined diseases, such as caries, is a challenge.
Inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress alleviates perioperative neurocognitive disorders by reducing neuroinflammation mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Meng Fanbing , Song Jian , Huang Xinwei , Zhang Meixian , Sun Xiaoxiao , Jing Qi , Cao Silu , Xie Zheng , Liu Qiong , Zhang Hui , Li Cheng 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of this study is to explore the key mechanisms of perioperative neurocognitive dysfunction (PND) after anesthesia/surgery (A/S) by screening hub genes.MethodsTranscriptome sequencing was conducted on hippocampal samples obtained from 18‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice assigned to control (Ctrl) and A/S groups. The functionality of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was investigated using Metascape. Hub genes associated with changes between the two groups were screened by combining weighted gene coexpression network analysis within CytoHubba. Reverse transcription PCR and western blotting were used to validate changes in mRNA and protein expression, respectively. NLRP3 inflammasome activation was detected by western blotting and ELISA. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, was administrated preoperatively to explore its effects on the occurrence of PND. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to evaluate the activation of astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampus, and hippocampus‐dependent learning and memory were assessed using behavioral experiments.ResultsIn total, 521 DEGs were detected between the control and A/S groups. These DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes related to metabolic processes and their regulation. Four hub genes (Hspa5, Igf1r, Sfpq, and Xbp1) were identified. Animal experiments have shown that mice in the A/S group exhibited cognitive impairments accompanied by increased Hspa5 and Xbp1 expression, ER stress, and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome.ConclusionsInhibiting ER stress alleviated cognitive impairment in A/S mice; particularly, ER stress induced by A/S results in NLRP3 inflammasome activation and neuroinflammation. Moreover, the preoperative administration of TUDCA inhibited ER stress, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and neuroinflammation.
Cerebral small vessel disease was associated with the prognosis in ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Wang Yicong , Li Hang , Pan Yuesong , Wang Mengxing , Liao Xiaoling , Yang Yingying , Chen Weiqi , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun , Wang Yilong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between atrial fibrillation (AF), cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and ischemic stroke.MethodsData were extracted from China's Third National Stroke Registry (CNSR‐III), which registered 15,166 patients in China. A total of 12,180 ischemic stroke patients were included excluding those diagnosed with TIA or without MRI. Logistic regression was to explore the relationship between AF, CSVD, and poor functional outcomes at 12‐month follow‐up. Cox regression is to explore AF, CSVD, and stroke recurrence as well as all‐cause mortality at 12‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe average age was 62.40 ± 11.22 years old, and 8362 (68.65%) were men at baseline. Patients with AF had an increased risk of stroke recurrence and all‐cause mortality at 12‐month follow‐up. Those with AF and CSVD imaging such as lacunes, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) had an increased risk of poor prognosis. And those with both AF and CSVD burden had an increased risk of worse prognosis at 12‐month follow‐up.ConclusionAmong Chinese patients with acute ischemic stroke, those with AF were associated with a higher risk of 12‐month mortality and stroke recurrence. When AF was combined with some CSVD imaging features such as lacunes, WMH, presence of CMBs or burdens, the 12‐month poor prognosis worsened.
Novel Insights Into DLAT's Role in Alzheimer's Disease‐Related Copper Toxicity Through Microglial Exosome Dynamics
Authors: Ma Xiang , Sun Yusheng , Li Changchun , Wang Man , Zang Qijiao , Zhang Xuxia , Wang Feng , Niu Yulan , Hua Jiai 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disorder, with recent research emphasizing the roles of microglia and their secreted extracellular vesicles in AD pathology. However, the involvement of specific molecular pathways contributing to neuronal death in the context of copper toxicity remains largely unexplored.ObjectiveThis study investigates the interaction between pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and dihydrolipoamide S‐acetyltransferase (DLAT), particularly focusing on copper‐induced neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease.MethodsGene expression datasets were analyzed to identify key factors involved in AD‐related copper toxicity. The role of DLAT was validated using 5xFAD transgenic mice, while in vitro experiments were conducted to assess the impact of microglial exosomes on neuronal PKM2 transfer and DLAT expression. The effects of inhibiting the PKM2 transfer via microglial exosomes on DLAT expression and copper‐induced neuronal death were also evaluated.ResultsDLAT was identified as a critical factor in the pathology of AD, particularly in copper toxicity. In 5xFAD mice, increased DLAT expression was linked to hippocampal damage and cognitive decline. In vitro, microglial exosomes were shown to facilitate the transfer of PKM2 to neurons, leading to upregulation of DLAT expression and increased copper‐induced neuronal death. Inhibition of PKM2 transfer via exosomes resulted in a significant reduction in DLAT expression, mitigating neuronal death and slowing AD progression.ConclusionThis study uncovers a novel pathway involving microglial exosomes and the PKM2‐DLAT interaction in copper‐induced neuronal death, providing potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease. Blocking PKM2 transfer could offer new strategies for reducing neuronal damage and slowing disease progression in AD.
The causal effect of economic freedom on female employment & education
Authors: Grier Robin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWhile there are decades of evidence that economically free economies grow faster and are more productive than less free ones, there is less knowledge about the effect of economic freedom on groups that have traditionally been disadvantaged. I study the causal effects of large and sustained jumps in economic freedom on women's labor force participation and primary school enrollment. I find that these jumps have a positive and statistically significant effect in both cases–economic freedom is good for women's labor force opportunities and female education.
Synthetic Image Generation Using Deep Learning: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Zulfiqar Aisha , Muhammad Daudpota Sher , Shariq Imran Ali , Kastrati Zenun , Ullah Mohib , Sadhwani Suraksha 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe advent of deep neural networks and improved computational power have brought a revolutionary transformation in the fields of computer vision and image processing. Within the realm of computer vision, there has been a significant interest in the area of synthetic image generation, which is a creative side of AI. Many researchers have introduced innovative methods to identify deep neural network‐based architectures involved in image generation via different modes of input, like text, scene graph layouts and so forth to generate synthetic images. Computer‐generated images have been found to contribute a lot to the training of different machine and deep‐learning models. Nonetheless, we have observed an immediate need for a comprehensive and systematic literature review that encompasses a summary and critical evaluation of current primary studies' approaches toward image generation. To address this, we carried out a systematic literature review on synthetic image generation approaches published from 2018 to February 2023. Moreover, we have conducted a systematic review of various datasets, approaches to image generation, performance metrics for existing methods, and a brief experimental comparison of DCGAN (deep convolutional generative adversarial network) and cGAN (conditional generative adversarial network) in the context of image generation. Additionally, we have identified applications related to image generation models with critical evaluation of the primary studies on the subject matter. Finally, we present some future research directions to further contribute to the field of image generation using deep neural networks.