bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score and the Age-Related Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score as health indicators in a population-based cohort
Authors: Bau Laura , Matas Elisabet , Romero-Pinel Lucía , León Isabel , Muñoz-Vendrell Albert , Arroyo-Pereiro Pablo , Martínez-Yélamos Antonio , Martínez-Yélamos Sergio 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
People with multiple sclerosis (MS) present varying degrees of disability throughout their disease course. The Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and the Age-Related Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (ARMSSS) adjust the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) according to disease duration and age, respectively. These measures could be useful for quantifying MS severity and as health outcome indicators for benchmarking in population-based settings. The aim of this study was to describe the severity of MS in our health district using the MSSS and ARMSSS and to assess their consistency over time.

Methods
This population-based study included patients from our health district who were diagnosed with MS according to the 2010 McDonald criteria, had a disease duration of at least one year and were followed up in our MS unit. Sex, age at onset, disease duration, clinical course, age and irreversible EDSS at the last follow-up visit were collected, and the MSSS and ARMSSS were calculated at two time points: 2017 and 2020.

Results
One hundred seventy-seven patients were included in 2017, and 208 in 2020. The prevalence of MS was 90 and 104 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. The median MSSS was 1.77 (IQR 0.76–4.28) in 2017 and 2.03 (IQR 0.82–4.36) in 2020. The median ARMSSS was 2.90 (IQR 1.47–5.72) in 2017 and 2.93 (IQR 1.51–5.56) in 2020. No significant differences were found.

Conclusions
According to the MSSS and ARMSSS, the severity of MS in our area is mild, and these instruments are consistent. These measures could be reliable health outcome measures.
Intra-Individual Reproducibility of Automated Abdominal Organ Segmentation—Performance of TotalSegmentator Compared to Human Readers and an Independent nnU-Net Model
Authors: Abel Lorraine , Wasserthal Jakob , Meyer Manfred T. , Vosshenrich Jan , Yang Shan , Donners Ricardo , Obmann Markus , Boll Daniel , Merkle Elmar , Breit Hanns-Christian , Segeroth Martin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to assess segmentation reproducibility of artificial intelligence-based algorithm, TotalSegmentator, across 34 anatomical structures using multiphasic abdominal CT scans comparing unenhanced, arterial, and portal venous phases in the same patients. A total of 1252 multiphasic abdominal CT scans acquired at our institution between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2022, were retrospectively included. TotalSegmentator was used to derive volumetric measurements of 34 abdominal organs and structures from the total of 3756 CT series. Reproducibility was evaluated across three contrast phases per CT and compared to two human readers and an independent nnU-Net trained on the BTCV dataset. Relative deviation in segmented volumes and absolute volume deviations (AVD) were reported. Volume deviation within 5% was considered reproducible. Thus, non-inferiority testing was conducted using a 5% margin. Twenty-nine out of 34 structures had volume deviations within 5% and were considered reproducible. Volume deviations for the adrenal glands, gallbladder, spleen, and duodenum were above 5%. Highest reproducibility was observed for bones (− 0.58% [95% CI: − 0.58, − 0.57]) and muscles (− 0.33% [− 0.35, − 0.32]). Among abdominal organs, volume deviation was 1.67% (1.60, 1.74). TotalSegmentator outperformed the reproducibility of the nnU-Net trained on the BTCV dataset with an AVD of 6.50% (6.41, 6.59) vs. 10.03% (9.86, 10.20; p < 0.0001), most notably in cases with pathologic findings. Similarly, TotalSegmentator’s AVD between different contrast phases was superior compared to the interreader AVD for the same contrast phase (p = 0.036). TotalSegmentator demonstrated high intra-individual reproducibility for most abdominal structures in multiphasic abdominal CT scans. Although reproducibility was lower in pathologic cases, it outperforms both human readers and a nnU-Net trained on the BTCV dataset.
Modelling time-temperature-dependent mortality of pest flies in cold storage to support the management of trade-related biosecurity risks
Authors: Ratnayake Himali U. , Darnell Ross , Henderson Brent , van Klinken Rieks D. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCold treatment with rigorous regulatory oversight is often mandated to manage horticultural trade-related biosecurity threats, such as invasive, cold-sensitive fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae). Cold treatment schedules, developed through rigorous laboratory experiments, require a set temperature and duration to ensure at least a probit 8.7 (99.99%) mortality rate, regardless of infestation likelihood. This threshold is costly to demonstrate for each pest and commodity combination and the resultant treatment may be harmful to fruit quality. Moreover, these stringent schedules do not account for cold-induced mortality already occurring in commercial supply chains. We developed a predictive temperature-dependent mortality function using 28 published cold treatment studies of pest fly species to support more flexible and proportionate use of cold treatment. The daily mortality rate was unaffected by the duration of cold exposure (0–20 days). The mortality rate varied primarily by pest species (10 species) and developmental stage (eggs and larval stages), and to a lesser extent by temperature (0–7 °C) and host (13 fruit types). Our model mostly predicted fewer days to meet probit 9.0 mortality compared to empirical results from large-scale studies, suggesting these studies can be overly conservative. By leveraging previous empirical studies, our model enables estimation of temperature-dependent daily mortality for unstudied pest developmental stage host–temperature combinations, which can then be empirically validated through targeted studies. It is hoped these results will shift cold treatment usage from highly regulated, fixed temperature treatments with a target mortality rate requirement to a more flexible approach that accounts for existing commercial supply chain practices and infestation likelihood in produce.
Relative Residence Time Can Account for Half of the Anatomical Variation in Fatty Streak Prevalence Within the Right Coronary Artery
Authors: Kandangwa Pratik , Cheng Kevin , Patel Miten , Sherwin Spencer J. , de Silva Ranil , Weinberg Peter D. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The patchy anatomical distribution of atherosclerosis has been attributed to variation in haemodynamic wall shear stress (WSS). The consensus is that low WSS and a high Oscillatory Shear Index (OSI) trigger the disease. We found that atherosclerosis at aortic branch sites correlates threefold better with transverse WSS (transWSS), a metric which quantifies multidirectional near-wall flow. Coronary artery disease has greater clinical significance than aortic disease but computation of WSS metrics is complicated by the substantial vessel motion occurring during each cardiac cycle. Here we present the first comparison of the distribution of atherosclerosis with WSS metrics computed for moving coronary arteries.

Methods
Maps of WSS metrics were computed using dynamic geometries reconstructed from angiograms of ten non-stenosed human right coronary arteries (RCAs). They were compared with maps of fatty streak prevalence derived from a previous study of 1852 RCAs.

Results
Time average WSS (TAWSS), OSI, transWSS and the cross-flow index (CFI), a non-dimensional form of the transWSS, gave non-significant or significant but low spatial correlations with lesion prevalence. The highest correlation coefficient (0.71) was for the relative residence time (RRT), a metric that decreases with TAWSS and increases with OSI. The coefficient was not changed if RRT was calculated using CFI, which captures multidirectional WSS only, rather than OSI, which encompasses both multidirectional and oscillatory WSS.

Conclusion
Contrary to our earlier findings in the aorta, low WSS in combination with highly multidirectional flow correlates best with lesion location in the RCA, explaining approximately half of its anatomical variation.
PrEP Stigma as a Minority Stressor among Black Sexual Minority Men: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Turpin Rodman , Camp Aaron D. , Mandell C. J. , Mandeville Julia , Davidson Mhonde Rochelle R. , Smith Jamil , Liu Hongjie , Dyer Typhanye , Mayer Kenneth H. , Boekeloo Bradley 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Black sexual minority men (BSMM) remain disproportionately affected by HIV, yet Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in this population remains relatively low. Informed by minority stress theory, PrEP stigma may manifest in and exacerbate societal marginalization based on sexuality and race. We used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach to determine if PrEP-specific stigma was associated with reduced PrEP uptake among BSMM, and qualitatively explored how PrEP use is stigmatized among BSMM. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a pilot sample of BSMM (n = 151) collected in late 2020 in the United States, testing for associations between PrEP stigma and PrEP use using modified Poisson regression. Subsequently, we selected participants (n = 23) from this sample for qualitative interviews starting in 2022. Responses to questions related to PrEP stigma were analyzed using thematic analysis. PrEP stigma was associated less than half the PrEP use (aPR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.24, 0.75) among BSMM after adjustment. Qualitatively, we identified three major themes in how PrEP use is stigmatized among BSMM: PrEP-specific sexual stigma, intersections between PrEP and HIV stigma, and PrEP misinformation and disinformation. Aligned with minority stress theory, each theme was based in part in stigma related to sexuality or race. We found strong relationships between PrEP stigma and PrEP use independent of several sociobehavioral factors. Each of our themes were based in part in minority stressors, and underscore the importance of culturally competent PrEP promotion efforts towards BSMM. Addressing stigma is a core component of health equity efforts towards ending the HIV epidemic.
Effects of Physical Therapy Integrated with Dance/Movement Therapy on Heart Rate Variability and Fall-Related Variables: A Preliminary Controlled Trial
Authors: Pitluk Barash Michal , Shuper Engelhard Einat , Elboim-Gabyzon Michal , Gidron Yori 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFalls among older adults are influenced by both physical and psychological risk factors. This pilot study specifically examined the impact of integrating Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) into a regimen of physical therapy exercises (PTE) for fall prevention. The primary objectives included examining the effect of post-PTE+DMT intervention on heart rate variability (HRV), a psychophysiological marker, and fall risk factors. Additionally, this study aimed to examine correlations between HRV and levels of fall risk. Eight community-dwelling older adults (median = 83 [interquartile ranges: 80.5–85.75]) from a day center for senior citizens were randomly assigned to either a PTE+DMT group or a PTE group. A post intervention battery of HRV, physical and psychological fall risk assessments, was conducted. The results of nonparametric analysis demonstrated the potential impact of the PTE+DMT intervention in improving balance and self-efficacy measures related to falls when compared to participation in PTE alone. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in term of HRV and other physical and psychological fall risk factors. The emerging trends in the associations between HRV, fall risk, and balance levels suggest the potential utility of HRV as an objective psychophysiological marker for assessing fall risk levels. Moreover, the results underscore the potential advantages of interventions that integrate both physical and psychological components to mitigate fall risk in older adults, emphasizing the intricate mind–body connection.The ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05948735, July 7, 2023.
Pelvic Floor Disorders Due to Anal Sexual Activity in Men and Women: A Narrative Review
Authors: Chen Avital Bar , Kalichman Leonid 
Published: September 2024

AbstractRecent evidence shows that consensual anal penetrative intercourse has become more prevalent, not only limited to gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men but also for women who are in a sexual relationship with men. The aim of this review was to study the influence of consensual anal intercourse on pelvic floor function and the role of pelvic floor physical therapy treatment in preventing or treating consensual anal intercourse-induced anodyspareunia and/or fecal incontinence. We reviewed 68 references that showed that anal penetrative intercourse is a risk factor for anodyspareunia and fecal incontinence in both men and women. This risk of anal intercourse may increase with emotional discomfort, an overactive pelvic floor, lack of lubrication, frequency of anal penetrative intercourse, and hard practice (BDSM: bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism, and masochism). It seems that pelvic floor physical therapists play an essential role in preventing and treating pelvic floor dysfunctions due to anal intercourse, which can lead to anodyspareunia and fecal incontinence; the treatment includes education, pelvic floor training with and without biofeedback, electric stimulation, manual therapy, and dilatators. Further studies are warranted to enhance our understanding of the causes and treatment efficacy of pelvic floor dysfunctions due to anal penetrative intercourse.
Lactobacilli Cell-Free Supernatants Modulate Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Human Microglia via NRF2-SOD1 Signaling
Authors: Di Chiano Mariagiovanna , Rocchetti Maria Teresa , Spano Giuseppe , Russo Pasquale , Allegretta Caterina , Milior Giampaolo , Gadaleta Raffaella Maria , Sallustio Fabio , Pontrelli Paola , Gesualdo Loreto , Avolio Carlo , Fiocco Daniela , Gallone Anna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMicroglia are macrophage cells residing in the brain, where they exert a key role in neuronal protection. Through the gut–brain axis, metabolites produced by gut commensal microbes can influence brain functions, including microglial activity. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a key regulator of the oxidative stress response in microglia, controlling the expression of cytoprotective genes. Lactobacilli-derived cell-free supernatants (CFSs) are postbiotics that have shown antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects in several in vitro and in vivo studies. This study aimed to explore the effects of lactobacilli CFSs on modulating microglial responses against oxidative stress and inflammation. HMC3 microglia were exposed to lipopolysaccaride (LPS), as an inflammatory trigger, before and after administration of CFSs from three human gut probiotic species. The NRF2 nuclear protein activation and the expression of NRF2-controlled antioxidant genes were investigated by immunoassay and quantitative RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, the level of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by immunoassay. All CFSs induced a significant increase of NRF2 nuclear activity in basal conditions and upon inflammation. The transcription of antioxidant genes, namely heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase also increased, especially after inflammatory stimulus. Besides, higher SOD1 activity was detected relative to inflamed microglia. In addition, CFSs pre-treatment of microglia attenuated pro-inflammatory TNF-α levels while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels. These findings confirmed that gut microorganisms’ metabolites can play a relevant role in adjuvating the microglia cellular response against neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are known to cause neurodegenerative diseases.
Graphical Abstract
Gut-brain crosstalk: molecular point of view. Metabolites contained in the supernatant derived from Lactobacilli can cross the gut barrier and reach the central nervous system, where they are taken up by microglial cells. They induce the activation of the NRF2 pathway and the production of inflammatory mediators. This interaction attenuates two important events: oxidation (with high levels of NRF2) and inflammation (with high levels of IL-10 and low levels of TNF-α).
Non-linear MRD codes from cones over exterior sets
Authors: Durante Nicola , Grimaldi Giovanni Giuseppe , Longobardi Giovanni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBy using the notion of a d-embedding $$\Gamma $$
Γ
of a (canonical) subgeometry $$\Sigma $$
Σ
and of exterior sets with respect to the h-secant variety $$\Omega _{h}({\mathcal {A}})$$

Ω
h

(
A
)

of a subset $${\mathcal {A}}$$
A
, $$ 0 \le h \le n-1$$

0
≤
h
≤
n
-
1

, in the finite projective space $${\textrm{PG}}(n-1,q^n)$$

PG
(
n
-
1
,

q
n

)

, $$n \ge 3$$

n
≥
3

, in this article we construct a class of non-linear (n, n, q; d)-MRD codes for any $$ 2 \le d \le n-1$$

2
≤
d
≤
n
-
1

. A code of this class $${\mathcal {C}}_{\sigma ,T}$$

C

σ
,
T

, where $$1\in T \subseteq {\mathbb {F}}_q^*$$

1
∈
T
⊆

F
q
∗

and $$\sigma $$
σ
is a generator of $$\textrm{Gal}({\mathbb {F}}_{q^n}|{\mathbb {F}}_q)$$

Gal
(

F

q
n

|

F
q

)

, arises from a cone of $${\textrm{PG}}(n-1,q^n)$$

PG
(
n
-
1
,

q
n

)

with vertex an $$(n-d-2)$$

(
n
-
d
-
2
)

-dimensional subspace over a maximum exterior set $${\mathcal {E}}$$
E
with respect to $$\Omega _{d-2}(\Gamma )$$

Ω

d
-
2

(
Γ
)

. We prove that the codes introduced in Cossidente et al (Des Codes Cryptogr 79:597–609, 2016), Donati and Durante (Des Codes Cryptogr 86:1175–1184, 2018), Durante and Siciliano (Electron J Comb, 2017) are suitable punctured ones of $${\mathcal {C}}_{\sigma ,T}$$

C

σ
,
T

and we solve completely the inequivalence issue for this class showing that $${\mathcal {C}}_{\sigma ,T}$$

C

σ
,
T

is neither equivalent nor adjointly equivalent to the non-linear MRD codes $${\mathcal {C}}_{n,k,\sigma ,I}$$

C

n
,
k
,
σ
,
I

, $$I \subseteq {\mathbb {F}}_q$$

I
⊆

F
q

, obtained in Otal and Özbudak (Finite Fields Appl 50:293–303, 2018).
Efficient topic identification for urgent MOOC Forum posts using BERTopic and traditional topic modeling techniques
Authors: Khodeir Nabila , Elghannam Fatma 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMOOC platforms provide a means of communication through forums, allowing learners to express their difficulties and challenges while studying various courses. Within these forums, some posts require urgent attention from instructors. Failing to respond promptly to these posts can contribute to higher dropout rates and lower course completion rates. While existing research primarily focuses on identifying urgent posts through various classification techniques, it has not adequately addressed the underlying reasons behind them. This research aims to delve into these reasons and assess the extent to which they vary. By understanding the root causes of urgency, instructors can effectively address these issues and provide appropriate support and solutions. BERTopic utilizes the advanced language capabilities of transformer models and represents an advanced approach in topic modeling. In this study, a comparison was conducted to evaluate the performance of BERTopic in topic modeling on MOOCs discussion forums, alongside traditional topic models such as LDA, LSI, and NMF. The experimental results revealed that the NMF and BERTopic models outperformed the other models. Specifically, the NMF model demonstrated superior performance when a lower number of topics was required, whereas the BERTopic model excelled in generating topics with higher coherence when a larger number of topics was needed.The results considering all urgent posts from the dataset were as follows: Optimal number of topics is 6 for NMF and 50 for BERTopic; coherence scores is 0.66 for NMF and 0.616 for BERTopic; and IRBO scores is 1 for both models. This highlights the BERTopic model capability to distinguish and extract diverse topics comprehensively and coherently, aiding in the identification of various reasons behind MOOC Forum posts.
Computational thinking with game design: An action research study with middle school students
Authors: Cafarella Lorien , Vasconcelos Lucas 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMiddle school students often enter Computer Science (CS) classes without previous CS or Computational Thinking (CT) instruction. This study evaluated how Code.org’s block-based programming curriculum affects middle school students’ CT skills and attitudes toward CT and CS. Sixteen students participated in the study. This was a mixed methods action research study that used pre- and post-tests, surveys, artifacts, and interviews as data sources. Descriptive statistics, paired samples t-tests, and inductive thematic analysis were administered. Findings showed a statistically significant increase in participants’ algorithmic thinking, debugging, and pattern recognition skills but not in abstraction skills. Attitudes toward CT and CS improved but the difference was not statistically significant. Qualitative themes revealed benefits of game-based learning to promote CT skills, collaboration to promote successful error debugging, and enjoyment of programming resulting from a balance between structured guidance and creative freedom. Findings emphasize the importance of low-threshold and engaging strategies to introduce novice learners to CT and CS.
An innovative distance learning platform for mathematics education in secondary schools: Design, development and preliminary studies
Authors: Ion Teo-Christian , Popescu Elvira 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study addresses the emerging challenges in mathematics education, emphasizing the integration of innovative teaching strategies and tools amidst the evolving educational landscape. The study begins with an analysis of prevalent e-learning and communication systems in distance education, pinpointing their limitations and identifying the gaps in effective remote mathematics instruction. In response, we introduce a novel educational platform designed to facilitate real-time mathematics teaching over the Internet, aiming to replicate the interactive essence of traditional classroom settings within a digital domain. The system features a suite of tools including a mathematical editor, a virtual whiteboard, audio-video communication capabilities, a virtual library, and an evaluation support module, all accessible via a standard web browser. The platform’s effectiveness was assessed through its application in regular mathematics classes at two secondary schools in Romania, as well as in a private tutoring scenario. The paper presents the findings of these preliminary studies, offering insights into the usefulness and usability of the platform and its potential to seamlessly integrate into existing educational frameworks without compromising the quality of instruction.