bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Practical Example of the Relevance of Computational Psychometric Experiments in Clinical Scale Validation
Authors: Poli Alizée , Thiriet Jade , Altakroury Hamza , Ecosse Sarah , Mahdar-Recorbet Loann , Stortini Natacha , Duman Coralie , Koïdé Nami , Trognon Arthur 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

At the core of effective clinical diagnostics using psychometric instruments relies to a strong specificity of the target psychological constructs. Recent computational methods thus hold promises to significantly advance psychometrical validation paradigms. Using DSM-5-Tr criteria, we developed a scale to identify high-functioning autism, which was then administered to 110 high-functioning autism patients and 110 control subjects. Relevant items were selected using multiple regression procedures, and its psychometric properties were evaluated through measures of internal consistency, factor analysis, and a comparative computational experiment using several XGBoost-type algorithms. However, although traditional metric measurements were satisfactory, the subsequent comparative computational experiment was unable to demonstrate significantly superior performance of models trained with the study scale compared to models trained on comorbidity scales. These findings underscored the importance of computational psychometrics in confirming that the constructs measured by clinical scales are specific to the conditions they are intended to distinguish, providing a critical control step that might constitute a new canon in psychometric validation procedures.
The Role of Competition, Earned Money and Personal Characteristics in Climate Games
Authors: Mokos Judit , Vásárhelyi Zsóka , Kovács Zoltán , Král Adrienn , Kiss Hubert János , Scheuring István 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Using different variants of the classic climate game, we investigate the role of competition and the source of endowment (windfall vs. earned). Participants completed a detailed personality test (including climate attitudes and economic preferences) before the experiment and were asked about their strategies afterwards. We find that competition did not significantly affect whether groups reached the target, even though the probability of achieving the common goal was lower in the presence of competition. Participants cooperated more when they had to earn the endowment. Based on the pre-experiment questionnaire, participants who viewed their personal actions as more important and effective in combating climate change were more likely to cooperate in the climate game, while the rest of the measured personality items did not exhibit a consistent pattern. Analysis of the post-experiment survey indicates that those who aimed to maximise earnings contributed less to the common pool. In contrast, those who believed the goal was achievable and aimed to achieve it contributed more to the common pool throughout the game.
miR-485-5p acts as a negative regulator of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury through targeting ICAM-1
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Yongheng , Li Shuang , Zhang Yu , Qin Sisi , Chen Yulu , Cheng Aibin , Liu Nan , Cao Fuyuan , Bai Jing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Sepsis is a complex disease involving multiple organs, with high morbidity and mortality rates, and high patient admission rates to intensive care units. The pathogenesis of the kidney: a highly affected organ during sepsis, is markedly complex. Notably, an increase in levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays a key role in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. During sepsis, the activation of neutrophils leads to a significant increase in ICAM-1 expression, particularly in renal tubular epithelial cells, leading to the continuous exposure of the renal unit to injury factors. The present study aimed to identify ICAM-1 as a target gene of microRNA (miR)-485-5p. Notably, results of the present study demonstrated that ICAM-1 expression was negatively associated with miR-485-5p in mice with sepsis. Moreover, following treatment with the miR-485-5p mimic, expression of ICAM-1 was inhibited and renal injury was mitigated. Collectively, results of the present study indicated that ICAM-1 inhibition via regulation of miR-485-5p expression may exhibit potential in the treatment of renal injury in sepsis.
Gas Production Characteristics of Small Intestinal Bacteria in Patients with Colorectal Cancers: A Study Using the Lactulose Breath Test
Authors: Chen Wei-Ran , Hu Dong-Xia , Liang Xiao-Feng , Zhong Hao-Jie , He Xing-Xiang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancers (CRC) have been suggested to be involved with coliform bacteria, while the association with small intestinal bacteria is not clear. The study objective was to investigate the relationship between patients with CRC and the gas production characteristics of small intestinal bacteria using the lactulose breath test (LBT).Methods Data on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), hydrogen and methane concentrations at various time points, and colonoscopy results of patients with bowel diseases were collected from 2017 through 2023. The gas production characteristics of small intestinal bacteria were analyzed in patients with functional and organic bowel diseases, particularly in those patients with polyps and CRC. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to differentiate between these conditions.Results A total of 274 patients with functional bowel diseases, 274 patients with organic bowel diseases, 214 patients with polyps, and 18 patients with CRC were included. Methane concentrations in patients with organic bowel diseases, whether polyps or CRC, were significantly higher than in those with functional bowel diseases. Conversely, hydrogen concentrations were significantly higher in patients with functional bowel diseases compared to those with organic bowel diseases and polyps at certain time points. The area under the curve (AUC) for the methane concentrations at the 60-minute mark in predicting CRC was 0.7104 (95% confidence interval, 0.6166–0.8042). Among patients with CRC, hydrogen concentrations were significantly higher in those with CRC compared to those with polyps.Conclusions There were distinct features of hydrogen and methane production in patients with organic bowel diseases compared to those with functional bowel diseases. Patients with CRC or polyps exhibited higher methane concentrations. Additionally, the LBT appears to be a promising tool for distinguishing functional bowel diseases and CRC.
Neutrophil extracellular traps enhance procoagulant activity and predict poor prognosis in patients with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Gong Youwei , Chen Binjie , Huang Zhen , Qin Qinghong , Tan Qixing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are associated with poor prognosis and an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This study aims to determine whether NETs promote hypercoagulability and if NETs and plasma hypercoagulability markers are biomarkers of survival in MBC.
Methods
Circulating levels of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) markers and hypercoagulability markers (TAT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer) were assessed in 112 MBC patients before treatment, compared to 55 healthy controls. Stratified by NET levels and plasma TAT, fibrinogen, and D-dimer, the correlation with overall survival was analyzed. The NET procoagulant activity was evaluated using fibrin and purified coagulation complex production assays, and by measuring coagulation time (CT).
Results
MBC patients exhibited significantly elevated plasma NET levels compared to healthy controls (all P < 0.05), circulating MPO-DNA and NE-DNA levels were positively correlated with plasma TAT, fibrinogen, D-dimer, CT, FVIIIa, and platelet (PLT) counts. Additionally, we observed a significant increase in NETs formation in control neutrophils exposed to MBC plasma compared to those exposed to control plasma. NETs from MBC neutrophils significantly increased the potency of control plasma to generate thrombin and fibrin, effects that were notably attenuated by DNase I. Plasma TAT and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in MBC patients who died within three years post-recruitment compared to those who survived beyond three year. Plasma TAT and D-dimer were inversely correlated with survival. High plasma levels of MPO-DNA were associated with significantly worse overall survival (OS) (HR: 2.445, 95% CI: 1.255–4.762, P = 0.007). MBC patients with both high D-dimer and high MPO-DNA had significantly reduced survival (HR: 2.450, 95% CI: 1.332–4.488, P = 0.002).
Conclusions
Our results highlight the increased release of NETs in MBC patients and reveal that NET formation enhances hypercoagulability and cancer progression. Targeting NETs may be a potential therapeutic strategy to inhibit MBC progression and mitigate thrombotic complications in MBC.
Development of a technique to predict permanent deformation characterisation in asphalt mixtures
Authors: Nguyen Van Bich , Thom Nick 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Permanent deformation (rutting) is a common type of distress in asphalt pavements. It is widely accepted that the problem occurs due to the heavy load applications and slow movement of traffic. It is clear that permanent deformation or rutting needs to be predicted to avoid major deformation to the flexible pavement. In this study, based on using the strain-dependent properties of the asphalt mixture in a multi-layer linear viscous analysis, a technique has been developed to predict asphalt mixture rut depth. Also, three different types of asphalt mixture were selected to apply the technique at various temperatures. The material properties of asphalt mixtures were derived from the repeated load axial test and they are represented by a strain-dependent axial viscosity. The predicted outcomes were then verified by comparison with measured results obtained from the wheel tracking tests. The research results have indicated that the technique is really practical and should be considered to predict a field rut depth. Moreover, based on the use of technique, the rutting prediction results applied for all mixtures at 45oC was fairly good while they presented poorer performances at 60 oC. Finally, the study has found a quick adjusted method to achive more accurate prediction results when a mixture reaches the tertiary stage of creep.
Climate warming has arrived in caves of the European Alps
Authors: Obleitner Friedrich , Spötl Christoph , Trüssel Martin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cave air temperatures in four caves in the European Alps show statistically significant warming trends of about 0.2 °C per decade over the last two decades (2000-2020). These trends are about half as large as those observed outside and are characterized by a remarkable spatial and temporal consistency. The investigated caves represent different types in terms of their ventilation regime and one of them also hosts perennial ice. Key observation sites are located in cave sections where the temporal variability of air temperature is strongly attenuated compared to outside conditions and data from different cave sections show that the main results are valid for large parts of the investigated caves.
Continued warming will lead to broad changes in Alpine cave environments, including changes in the ventilation regime, karst hydrology and subsurface ecosystems. The observed subsurface warming has a particular strong effect on the long-term preservation of perennial ice present in some of these caves. This is shown for an ice cave in the Austrian Alps, where enhanced melt of ice correlates with the observed warming. This cave (and similar ones) will not be able to hold perennial ice beyond the next decade.
Radiomics from dual-energy CT-derived iodine maps evaluate mucosal healing in patients with Crohn’s disease.
Authors: li Junlin , Zhang Lingqin , Tang Wuli , Zhang Yue , Zhang Lingfeng , yu man , li kang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This investigation sought to develop and verify an iodine maps-based radiomics nomogram to assess mucosal healing (MH) in Crohn’s disease (CD) patients.
Methods: A total of 81 CD patients were randomly divided into a training set (n=60) and a testing set (n=21) in a 7:3 ratio. Significant demographic features were selected to construct a clinical model. Radiomics features were extracted from the dual-energy CT iodine density map, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)was used to select the most important feature to calculate the radiomics score (Rad-score). Combine radiomics and clinical features to construct a clinical radiomics model by logistic regression analysis and draw a clinical radiomics nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the effectiveness, fit, and clinical net benefit of the three model.
Results: 25 patients achieved MH among 81 patients. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of clinical radiomics nomogram based on ESR, CRP, and Rad-score for distinguishing MH from non-MH was 0.838 (95% CI:0.765 to 0.911) and 0.817 (95% CI：0.685 to 0.950) in the training and testing set. The DCA showed good clinical net benefits for all three models when the threshold probability was greater than 0.12. The calibration curve shows that the predicted probability is consistent with the actual probability, within the range of 0.78~0.90.
Conclusion: In summary, this study suggests that the radiomics model based on iodine maps has potential value in evaluating MH in CD patients.
Oral immunotherapy improves the quality of life of adults with food allergy
Authors: Rigbi Naama Epstein , Levy Michael B , Nachshon Liat , Koren Yael , Goldberg Michael R , Elizur Arnon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background. Oral immunotherapy (OIT) has become standard of care for children with food allergy (FA). Data in adults, particularly effects of OIT on their quality of life, however, is limited.
Methods. Patients with food allergy aged ≥18 years who underwent OIT at Shamir Medical Center completed the Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Adult Form (FAQLQ-AF) before and at the end of treatment. Adults with FA not undergoing OIT who completed the FAQLQ-AF at 2 time points, served as controls.
Results. A total of 44 adults, median age 23.4 years, who underwent OIT for milk (n=19), egg (n=2), peanut (n=9), sesame (n=6), and tree nuts (n=8), and 11 controls were studied. The median OIT starting dose was 23.8mg protein. 33 patients (75%) reached full desensitization within a median of 10.3 months. The FAQLQ-AF baseline scores were comparable between the study and control groups for all items except for Food Allergy related Health (FAH) item in which the study group had a significantly better score (p=0.02). At the second time point, the study group had significantly better scores in all items (Allergen Avoidance and Dietary Restrictions (AADR), p=0.02; and Emotional Impact (EI), Risk of Allergen Exposure (RAE), FAH and the Total Score, p<0.01). The change in scores for the study group was significantly better, statistically and clinically, in AADR, p=0.04; EI, p<0.01; RAE, p=0.01, and the total score, p=0.01.
Conclusions. OIT significantly improves quality of life of adults with FA. This finding adds important support for providing OIT in this population.
Surgical frequency analysis of patients clustered according to postoperative pain trajectory: A retrospective study
Authors: Tartar Qurani Alifitriah , Park Kyung Nam , Seo Kwang-Suk , Karm Myong-Hwan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Oropharyngeal and orthognathic surgeries cause more postoperative pain than simple dental procedures. The lack of detailed pain pattern analysis after dental surgeries makes pain management challenging. We assessed postoperative pain patterns in patients undergoing various dental surgeries, categorized based on changing pain levels, and identified the most frequent surgical procedures within each pain pattern cluster. We retrospectively analyzed previously collected postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) data at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 36 h postoperatively from 790 patients undergoing various dental surgeries under general anesthesia using k-means clustering to identify pain patterns. Surgery type, duration, and patient-controlled analgesia were analyzed for three pain clusters. Cluster 1 had high prolonged initial pain (VAS 7.43 ± 1.62), mostly involving extensive oropharyngeal cancer surgeries. Cluster 2 experienced moderate pain initially (VAS 5.95 ± 1.44), steadily declining, typically involving orthognathic surgeries. Cluster 3 reported moderate initial pain (VAS 5.21 ± 1.49) that decreased rapidly. Extensive procedures were common in Cluster 1, whereas simpler excisions were prevalent in Cluster 3. Postoperative pain varies significantly according to the extent and invasiveness of surgery. Identifying specific pain trajectories based on detailed surgical assessments can enhance preemptive pain management and aid clinicians in predicting and managing postoperative pain.
The relationship between composite lipid indices and Baveno classification in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Florescu Andreea-Roxana , Mihaicuta Stefan , Frent Stefan Marian , Deleanu Oana-Claudia , Bikov Andras , Birza Mariela Romina , Popa Alina Mirela , Manzur Andrei Raul , Gligor Loredana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is associated with the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the risk is only weekly related to OSA severity traditionally determined by the apnoea-hypopnoea index. The Baveno classification was developed to improve patient selection who would benefit from OSA treatment in terms of symptoms improvement and CVD risk reduction. However, it is unclear how the classification relates to biomarkers of CVD risk. Composite lipid indices were evaluated in various populations and showed good predictive value for incident CVD.
Methods
One thousand two hundred and forty-two patients with OSA were included in the study. Composite lipid indices, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and cardiometabolic index (CMI) were compared between different Baveno groups (A – minor symptoms, minor comorbidities, B – severe symptoms, minor comorbidities, C – minor symptoms, severe comorbidities, D – severe symptoms, severe comorbidities).
Results
All composite lipid indices were higher in group D versus groups A and C. Only LAP (86.93 /58.40–119.49/ vs. 75.73 /48.37–99.04/) and CMI (1.03 /0.69–1.42/ vs. 0.91 /0.63–1.12/) were significantly different between the minimally symptomatic groups (C vs. A), and solely LAP was significantly higher (110.69 /76.76–147.22/ vs. 82.32 /60.35–113.50/) when the highly symptomatic groups (D vs. B) were compared.
Conclusion
The Baveno classification correlates with cardiovascular risk estimated with composite lipid indices. Composite lipid indices may help better stratifying cardiovascular risk in both minimally- and highly symptomatic patients.
Effect of Proximal Stabilization on Recruitment of the Core &amp; Vasti in Patients with Patellofemoral Arthritis as They Descend Stairs: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Adel Jilan , Balbaa Alaa Eldin , Alshenqiti Abdullah , Hamada Hamada Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: ‘‘The well-trained core is essential for optimal performance and injury prevention.’’ Despite the recurrence with which this statement is used in exercise science literature, the evidence to support it is lacking, contradictory, or taken out of context. This quadruple-blinded, randomised controlled trial examined the impact of proximal stabilization training program on kinesiophobia, and the recruitment of the core and vasti during stair descent in isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PF OA).
Methods: Fifty females with PF OA were enlisted, and two groups, group A (n=25) and group B (n=25), were randomly assigned. Both groups of patients underwent standard physical therapy procedures, but group (B) also underwent additional proximal stabilization exercises. Prior to and after therapy, all patients had their kinesiophobia, and recruitment techniques assessed. During stair descent, quantitative electromyography was used to quantify the muscle recruitment methods (onset and duration) of the vastus medialis obliques (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), transversus abdominus (TrA), gluteus Medius (GM), and multifidus.
Results: Among all tested dependent variables in this study, results were positive for kinesiophobia and Gluteus Medius onset in the proximal stabilization group post treatment compared to the pre-treatment state but comparing the tested variables between both groups revealed only positive findings for kinisiophobia in favor of the proximal stabilization group. Conclusion: adding proximal stabilization exercises to hip and quadriceps strengthening exercises might have a surplus effect in the management of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis, yet its long-term effect should be tested through future studies.
Trial registration: clinical trial registration code: NCT05597670
Exploring seasonality and hospital differentiation as factors in hospital mortality among Community-Acquired Pneumonia patients in Portugal: Beyond traditional factors
Authors: Pessoa Ezequiel , Bárbara Cristina , Costa Andreia , Nogueira Paulo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is regarded as a substantial part of the global burden of disease and a public health priority. Besides host factors, such as sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities and clinical severity, CAP morbidity and mortality may also be related to other factors like socioeconomic background, seasonality and level of health care. This study aims to analyze trends in hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality due to CAP in National Health Service hospitals in mainland Portugal from 2010 to 2018. Additionally, it seeks to assess the impact of various host and external factors on in-hospital mortality attributed to CAP.
Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 391,732 CAP hospitalizations. Multivariable Logistic Regression analysis was used to estimate the probability of in-hospital death, considering various host and environmental factors.
Results
A decrease in the number of admissions and mortality rate over time was observed. The regression model identified advanced age, male gender, clinical severity, comorbidities, summer season, early school leaving rate, unemployment rate, and lower hospital differentiation as factors increasing the probability of death (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Throughout the nine-year span, a consistent decline in in-hospital mortality rates was observed. Mortality exhibited a dual influence, being shaped by host factors (such as age, sex, clinical severity, and comorbidities) as well as non-traditional factors, such as socioeconomic vulnerability, the summer season, and the level of hospital differentiation. Therefore, effectively reducing CAP mortality necessitates comprehensive policies that target at-risk groups and address a broad range of risk factors. These policies should prioritize enhancing vaccination coverage, improving healthcare accessibility, and ameliorating thermal housing conditions, especially for socially vulnerable individuals.