bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can micro-expressions be used as a biomarker for autism spectrum disorder?
Authors: Ruan Mindi , Zhang Na , Yu Xiangxu , Li Wenqi , Hu Chuanbo , Webster Paula J. , K. Paul Lynn , Wang Shuo , Li Xin 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionEarly and accurate diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is crucial for effective intervention, yet it remains a significant challenge due to its complexity and variability. Micro-expressions are rapid, involuntary facial movements indicative of underlying emotional states. It is unknown whether micro-expression can serve as a valid bio-marker for ASD diagnosis.MethodsThis study introduces a novel machine-learning (ML) framework that advances ASD diagnostics by focusing on facial micro-expressions. We applied cutting-edge algorithms to detect and analyze these micro-expressions from video data, aiming to identify distinctive patterns that could differentiate individuals with ASD from typically developing peers. Our computational approach included three key components: (1) micro-expression spotting using Shallow Optical Flow Three-stream CNN (SOFTNet), (2) feature extraction via Micron-BERT, and (3) classification with majority voting of three competing models (MLP, SVM, and ResNet).ResultsDespite the sophisticated methodology, the ML framework's ability to reliably identify ASD-specific patterns was limited by the quality of video data. This limitation raised concerns about the efficacy of using micro-expressions for ASD diagnostics and pointed to the necessity for enhanced video data quality.DiscussionOur research has provided a cautious evaluation of micro-expression diagnostic value, underscoring the need for advancements in behavioral imaging and multimodal AI technology to leverage the full capabilities of ML in an ASD-specific clinical context.
Cathepsins and neurological diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Sun Haitao , Tang Qingqing , Yan Xue , Xie Wanying , Xu Yueshan , Zhang Weimin 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe causal relationship between cathepsins and neurological diseases remains uncertain. To address this, we utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to assess the potential causal effect of cathepsins on the development of neurological diseases.MethodsThis study conducted a two-sample two-way MR study using pooled data from published genome-wide association studies to evaluate the relationship between 10 cathepsins (B, D, E, F, G, H, L2, O, S, and Z) and 7 neurological diseases, which included ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and epilepsy. The analysis employed various methods such as inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median, MR Egger regression, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, Cochran Q statistic, and leave-one-out analysis.ResultsWe found a causal relationship between cathepsins and neurological diseases, including Cathepsin B and Parkinson’s disease (IVW odds ratio (OR): 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83, 0.95, p = 0.001); Cathepsin D and Parkinson’s disease (OR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.68, 0.95, p = 0.012); Cathepsin E and ischemic stroke (OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.09, p = 0.015); Cathepsin O and ischemic stroke (OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.10, p = 0.021). Reverse MR analyses revealed that multiple sclerosis and Cathepsin E (OR: 1.05, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.10, p = 0.030). There is currently no significant relationship has been found between other cathepsins and neurological diseases.ConclusionOur study reveals a causal relationship between Cathepsins B, D, E, and O and neurological diseases, offering valuable insights for research aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.
A study of pre- and post-treatment hematologic markers of immune response in patients undergoing radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Ku Eric , Harada Garrett , Lee Grace , Munjal Akul , Peterson Nicholas , Park Jino , Chow Warren , Stitzlein Russell , Limoli Charles , Harris Jeremy 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis study investigates the impact of pre- and post-treatment hematologic markers, specifically neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), on treatment outcomes in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT).MethodsData from 64 patients who underwent RT for curative management of STS were reviewed. Pre-RT and post-RT hematologic measures were evaluated for associations with survival outcomes. A normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) curve for predicting ΔPLR ≥ 75 was modeled using a probit function.ResultsElevated baseline NLR was associated with worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), while elevated PLR was associated with worse DFS. Post-RT, elevated PLR was linked to worse OS and DFS. Increasing PLR change post-RT was associated with worse OS and DFS. Receiver operating characteristics analysis determined ΔPLR ≥ 75 to be a robust cutoff associated with worse DFS. Bone V10Gy ≥362 cc corresponded to a 50% risk of developing ΔPLR ≥ 75.DiscussionThese results suggest that hematologic markers could serve as prognostic biomarkers in both pre- and post-treatment settings for STS patients undergoing RT. Future studies can consider using bone V10Gy &lt; 362 cc as a potential cutoff to reduce the risk of increased PLR after RT.
Very early remission and increased apoptosis with the use of Pentoxifylline in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Salceda-Rivera Violeta , Ortiz-Lazareno Pablo C. , Hernández-Flores Georgina , Vazquez-Urrutia Jorge R. , Meza-Arroyo Jesus , Pardo-Zepeda Monzerrat , Romo-Rubio Hugo , Barba-Barba Cesar , Sánchez-Zubieta Fernando , Barrón-Gallardo Carlos Alfredo , Gonzalez-Ramella Oscar , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionDespite the improvement in survival in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), there are still cases with evasion of chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. The IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway contributes to antiapoptotic gene expression. Pentoxifylline (PTX) inhibits IkB phosphorylation, blocking NF-κB and antiapoptotic activity. MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial on pediatric ALL patients undergoing induction therapy, assigning them to PTX or placebo group. Bone marrow aspirates were obtained on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Apoptosis was assessed using Annexin-V/propidium iodide. ResultsResults indicated that the PTX group exhibited higher apoptosis on day-8 (41.3% vs. 19.4%, p =0.029) and day-15 (35.0% vs. 14.2%, p &lt;0.01). On day-8, the PTX group displayed an MRD of 0.25% vs. 18.2% (p &lt;0.01) in placebo group; on day-15, the PTX group demonstrated an MRD of 0.09% vs. 1.4% (p =0.02). Patients achieving an MRD &lt;0.01% on day-8 demonstrated a 3-year Overall Survival (OS) of 81.6% vs. 58.3% (p =0.03); on day-15, patients with MRD &lt;0.01% had a 3-year OS of 77.9% vs. 54.5% (p =0.03). The PTX group achieved an MRD of &lt;0.01% earlier on days-8 and 15, along with a higher apoptosis rate, indicating a more favorable therapeutic response. In the entire cohort, patients achieving MRD &lt;0.01% on day-8 or 15 displayed superior OS. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that PTX enhances apoptosis and reduces MRD in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT02451774.
Real world clinical outcomes from targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT-IORT) during lumpectomy for breast cancer: data from a large cohort at a national cancer institute
Authors: Vinante Lorenzo , Vaidya Jayant Sharad , Caroli Angela , Mileto Mario , Piccoli Erica , Avanzo Michele , Barresi Loredana , Marson Marta , Montico Marcella , Baboci Lorena , Perin Tiziana , Urbani Martina , Puglisi Fabio , Mascarin Maurizio , Massarut Samuele 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionRandomised evidence supports the use of partial breast irradiation (PBI) with targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT-IORT) for early stage breast cancer, but prospective data from real-world adoption of this technique is also important. The aim of this study was to determine if the outcome reported in TARGIT-A trial could be replicated in large cohort of early stage breast cancer treated with TARGIT-IORT.MethodsThis prospective observational study analysed all patients treated with TARGIT-IORT between 2004 and 2021 in a single national cancer institute. TARGIT-IORT during lumpectomy was performed according to the risk-adapted TARGIT-A protocol using the Intrabeam® device. We analysed the completeness of follow up, 5-year in-breast-tumour-recurrence (IBTR), long term local recurrence free survival, distant disease-free survival, overall survival and breast-cancer-related survival, using the Kaplan-Meier method. A covariate analysis was performed to investigate risk factors for IBTR. We also analysed high grade toxicity events.ResultsThe study included 814 patients and the a median follow up was 72 months. The majority of patients (60.3%) received TARGIT-IORT as PBI modality (“exclusive IORT” group); 39.7% received additional EBRT. There was no significant difference between the 5 years IBTR for the whole study population and the “exclusive IORT” cohort (1.6% (95%CI=1.1-2.1%) and 2.5% (95%CI=1.7%-3.3%) respectively). 5 years overall survival and tumour related survival were &gt;95%. In 21% of patients with recurrence, breast was preserved. Radiotherapy toxicity (CTCAE Grade&gt;2) was very rare (0.9%).ConclusionsThis large single institute study found that breast cancer control and survival outcomes with TARGIT-IORT were consistent with TARGIT-A trial results. This “real world” experience confirmed that the randomised evidence showing the value of TARGIT-IORT as partial breast irradiation modality that can be replicated in routine clinical practice.
The efficacy of azithromycin combined with seven types of Chinese medicine injections in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Xinggui , Tao Sian , Liu Chenhao , Sun Xiaoluo , Hao Yule , Ma Yuqi , Liu Yi , Liu Jibin 
Published: October 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is the predominant community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children aged 5 years or older. In recent decades, the annual increase in drug resistance rates of macrolide antibiotics, particularly azithromycin (AZ), has led to complex clinical treatment strategies and substantial healthcare costs associated with MPP. Chinese medicine injections (CMIs), recognized as an effective supplementary therapy, are acknowledged by clinicians in China. It is necessary to explore the efficacy of azithromycin in combination with CMIs.MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating azithromycin in combination with seven types of CMIs for MPP in children were identified based on inclusion criteria and assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0). R 4.3.1 and STATA 15.0 were employed to generate ranking probabilities and perform network meta-analysis. Competing interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) probabilities.ResultsA comprehensive analysis was performed on 155 RCTs involving 15,014 patients and 8 therapeutic strategies within this Bayesian network meta-analysis (BNMA). The results indicated that AZ combined with seven types of CMIs was more effective than azithromycin alone in overall outcomes. Notably, azithromycin combined with Chuanhuning injection (AZ + CHN) achieved the highest ranking in improving the clinical effectiveness rate (SUCRA, 80.89%); regarding secondary outcome measures, azithromycin combined with Yanhuning injection (AZ + YHN) had the highest probability of improving four different outcomes: disappearance time of cough (SUCRA, 80.01%), disappearance time of pulmonary rale (SUCRA, 87.77%), disappearance time of fever (SUCRA, 95.70%), and disappearance time of pulmonary shadows in X-ray (SUCRA, 97.34%); furthermore, azithromycin combined with Qingkailing injection (AZ + QKL) was more likely to reduce average hospitalization time (SUCRA, 94.60%).ConclusionThis study highlights the potential benefits of seven types of Chinese medicine injections as adjunctive therapy for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children. However, further support and validation of these findings are needed through high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes and double-blind designs.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails/.
How teacher behaviors and perceptions, air change rates, and portable air purifiers affect indoor air quality in naturally ventilated schools
Authors: Xia Tian , Raneses Julia , Schmiesing Brixon , Garcia Raquel , Walding Alison , DeMajo Richardo , Schulz Amy , Batterman Stuart A. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionMany school buildings have inadequate ventilation, rudimentary if any air filtration, and aging and poorly maintained mechanical systems, all of which can lead to poor indoor air quality (IAQ). These issues are especially acute in environmental justice (EJ) communities where schools are located in polluted areas. This community-based participatory research examines how IAQ in naturally ventilated school buildings is affected by the use of air purifiers, air change rates, outdoor pollution levels, and teacher and staff behavior.MethodsIAQ assessments were performed at two schools in Detroit, Michigan, which included building walk-through inspections and continuous indoor and outdoor measurements of black carbon (BC), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon dioxide (CO2), air change rates (ACRs), temperature, humidity, and sound pressure levels. Air purifiers with usage monitors were then installed, and the IAQ assessments were repeated. Teachers were surveyed before and after purifier deployment.ResultsAt baseline, classrooms had low ACRs (0.58–1.38 h−1), moderate PM2.5 levels (2.8–8.9 μg/m3), highly variable PM10 concentrations (4.7–37.5 μg/m3), and elevated BC levels (0.3–0.7 μg/m3), reflecting emissions from local traffic, industry and other sources. The installation and use of purifiers reduced pollutant levels and the overall performance matched the predictions of a single compartment model. However, daily reductions varied widely among classrooms, reflecting differences in teacher behavior regarding the frequency of opening windows and the operation of purifiers, including differences in purifier fan speed settings and whether purifiers were used at night. Survey responses indicated that many teachers were aware of IAQ problems. The higher rates reported for health symptoms and dissatisfaction at one school may have lowered the teachers’ tolerance to noise and reduced purifier use.DiscussionThe study helps explain the variation reported in prior studies using purifiers, and it reinforces the need to monitor IAQ and purifier use, use enhanced filtration and increase ventilation, and engage with teachers and school staff to support and maintain IAQ programs in schools.
Design and psychometrics of the family caregivers burnout inventory of older adults with chronic disease
Authors: Farokhmanesh Kataneh , Shamsalinia Abbas , Kordbageri Mohammad Reza , Saadati Kiyana , Ebrahimi Rad Reza , Ghaffari Fatemeh 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundIdentifying the hidden and pervasive phenomenon of burnout among family caregivers of older adults with chronic disease requires the use of a valid and reliable tool tailored to the cultural structure of the target community. Therefore, the present study aimed to design and psychometrically evaluate the family caregivers burnout inventory (FCBI) of older adults with chronic disease.MethodsThis research is a sequential exploratory mixed-methods study focused on instrument design, conducted in Iran in 2024. The study employed classical theory, involving three stages to create a valid instrument: item design using inductive (semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 13 caregivers) and deductive (literature review) methods, tool design, and tool evaluation using face validity, content validity, construct validity [exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (N = 297) and confirmatory factor analysis (297 participants)], convergent validity, and reliability (internal consistency and stability). Data were analyzed using AMOS version 24 and SPSS version 26.ResultsBased on qualitative findings, participant quotes, and item adoption from other studies, a pool of 228 items was designed using a 5-point Likert scale (always to never). After several stages of review by the research team, 102 items remained. Following face validity (2 items), content validity (46 items), and construct validity (23 items due to factor loadings less than 0.4 and cross-loadings), 71 items were eliminated, leaving 31 items. EFA results indicated that the family caregiver’s burnout construct of older adults with chronic diseases comprises six factors include; “neurosis,” “feeling victimized,” “extreme fatigue and helplessness,” “neglect or abuse of self and others,” “adaptation deficiency” and “emotional separation” explaining 52.93% of the total variance. The fit indices showed acceptable model fit with the data. In this study, composite reliability and average variance extracted (AVE) for the six factors were greater than 0.7 and 0.5, respectively, and the (AVE) for each factor was higher than the composite reliability. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.975, and there was a significant correlation between test and retest scores (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionFCBI demonstrates suitable validity and reliability and can be used in various settings by health service providers to identify symptoms of burnout in family caregivers.
Optimal fermentation of Shuanghuanglian and its effects on production performance of laying hens
Authors: Xu Yongqing , Yi Siyu , Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Minghui , Cui Yadong , Lan Wei , Li Fenglan , Kong Xiangfeng 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundShuanghuanglian is a Chinese medicine composed of Honeysuckle Flower, Baical Skullcap Root, and Fructus Forsythiae. It has various effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. The fermented product of Shuanghuanglian can be used as an antibiotic alternative, as it has similar efficacy, which may improve the immunity, feed intake and utilization efficiency of laying hens, thus improving their production performance. The aim of this study was to optimize the fermentation conditions for Shuanghuanglian using single factor and response surface methodology, evaluate the chemical and microbial composition of the Shuanghuanglian fermentation liquor (SFL), and explore the effects of SFL on the production performance of laying hens.MethodsA total of 288 Xinyang black-feather laying hens (50 week-old) were randomly allocated to four treatments with nine replicates, each replicate containing eight hens, for a total of 37 days trial (including a 7-day adaptation period). The treatments included a control group (0% SFL in drinking water) and drinking water supplemented with 0.3, 0.5, or 0.7% SFL.ResultsThe fermentation optimization conditions for Shuanghuanglian were selected as a solid-to-liquid ratio at 1:7, 3% inoculation quantity, fermentation temperature at 28°C for 5 days, initial pH of 7, 60 mesh (sieved), and rotation speed of 150 r/min. Various bioactive compounds, such as myrtenol, 2-hexyn-1-ol, arsenous acid tris(trimethylsilyl) ester, 3(10)-caren-4-ol, and oxime-, methoxy-phenyl, were detected in SFL. The most abundant bacterial phyla in SFL were Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, with Acinetobacter being the most abundant genus. The most abundant fungal phyla were Phragmoplastophyta and Magnoliophyta. The 0.5 and 0.7% SFL supplementation in water increased egg weight and laying rate, while decreasing the feed-to-egg ratio of laying hens compared with the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7% SFL supplementation in water increased (p &lt; 0.05) the Haugh unit, but there were no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in albumen height, egg shape index, egg thickness, and yolk color of the eggs.ConclusionSupplementation of SFL under optimized conditions had a positive impact on the production performance of laying hens, especially when the supplementation amount reached 0.5%. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of Shuanghuanglian in the commercial egg industry.
Research on a High-Dynamics Acquisition Algorithm for New Binary Offset Carrier Signal in UAV Communication
Authors: Li Xue , Zhou Pan , Zhang Yinsen , Wang Lulu , Zhao Shun 
Published: October 2024

As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely used in various fields, there is an increasing demand for UAV anti-jamming, multipath mitigation, and covert secrecy. Frequency-hopping binary offset carrier (FH-BOC) signals possess higher anti-jamming and multipath mitigation capabilities than direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) and binary offset carrier (BOC) signals. A prerequisite for constructing communication links between UAVs using FH-BOC signals is the design of efficient acquisition algorithms to capture the signals successfully. In this paper, the modulation and characteristics of the FH-BOC signal are introduced. The maximum relative velocity between UAVs is 5.5 km/s, the maximum acceleration is 50 g, and the maximum plus acceleration is 20 g/s. In this high dynamic environment, the parameters for the parallel code phase and Partial Matched Filter–Fast Fourier Transform (PMF-FFT) acquisition algorithms targeting FH-BOC(10,1) signals are designed, and the acquisition performance of these algorithms is comparatively analyzed. The acquisition time for the first and second algorithms is 4.3317 s and 6.137 s. The number of real additions required by the first and second algorithms is approximately 10.9×109 and 8.9×109, and the number of real multiplications is approximately 7.6×109 and 6.7×109. This helps in selecting the acquisition algorithm when FH-BOC signals are used to build inter-UAV communication links.
Genomic and Transcriptional Analysis of the Necroptosis Pathway Elements RIPK and MLKL in Sea Cucumber, Holothuria leucospilota
Authors: Chen Rong , Huang Qianying , Rao Yingzhu , Wang Junyan , Yu Ruiming , Peng Shuangxin , Huang Kaiyi , Huang Yihang , Zhu Xiangxing , Tang Dongsheng , Zhang Xiaoli , Lin Tiehao , Chen Ting , Yan Aifen 
Published: October 2024

Background: Receptor-interacting protein kinases (RIPKs) and mixed-lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) are crucial in regulating innate immune responses and cell death signaling (necroptosis and apoptosis), and are potential candidates for genetic improvement in breeding programs. Knowledge about the RIPK family and MLKL in sea cucumber remains limited. Methods: We searched the genomes of sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota for genes encoding RIPKs and MLKL, performed phylogenetic tree, motif and functional domain analyses, and examined tissue distribution and embryonic development patterns using qPCR. Results: RIPK5 (Hl-RIPK5), RIPK7 (Hl-RIPK7) and MLKL (Hl-MLKL) were identified in sea cucumber H. leucospilota. Hl-RIPK5 and Hl-RIPK7 were mainly expressed in coelomocytes, suggesting that they play a role in innate immunity, whereas Hl-MLKL exhibited relatively low expression across tissues. During embryonic development, Hl-MLKL was highly expressed from the 2-cell stage to the morula stage, while Hl-RIPK5 and Hl-RIPK7 were primarily expressed after the morula stage, indicating different roles in embryonic development. In primary coelomocytes, Hl-RIPK5 transcriptional activity was significantly depressed by LPS, poly(I:C), or pathogen Vibrio harveyi. Hl-RIPK7 expression levels were unchanged following the same challenges. Hl-MLKL mRNA levels were significantly decreased with poly(I:C) or V. harveyi, but did not change with LPS. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary tree and characterization of RIPK and MLKL genes in sea cucumber, contributing to the broader understanding of the RIPK gene family and MLKL in ancient echinoderms.