bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre and perinatal predictors on autism spectrum disorders: a case-control study in the west of Iran
Authors: Jenabi Ensiyeh , Salehi Amir Mohammad , Ayubi Erfan , Seyedi Mahdieh , Khazaei Salman , Jourmand Hanieh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
The constellation of pre and perinatal predictors are introduced as predictor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), however, the information about the direction and strength of these predictors are lacking in Western, Iran. The current study aimed to determine the pre and perinatal predictors of ASD among children in this region.

Methods
This case-control study was conducted in Hamadan, Western Iran during January to March 2022. The study included 100 children with ASD who referred to the autism center as case group. Hundred children without ASD from registration system of health service centers were selected as control group and were matched (1:1) to cases by age and place of residency. A structured questionnaire about pre and perinatal predictors of ASD was developed by an expert panel. The questionnaire was administered by interviewing the mothers of children.

Results
Boy gender (OR: 3.51, 95% CI: 1.74–7.10, p-value < 0.001), small for gestational age (SGA) (3.92, 1.64–9.39, 0.002), maternal diabetes (3.51, 1.03–24.95, 0.04) and family history of mental disorders (3.64, 1.18–11.27, 0.04) were identified as significant predictors in a multivariable analysis.

Conclusion
Our study emphasizes on the importance of screening and monitoring for ASD in the boys, those with history of SGA, from mothers with history of diabetes and with family history of mental disorders. Proposing the replication of findings emphasizes the necessity of conducting studies with larger sample sizes.
“Everyone has their own problems and realities so the religious community cannot judge someone.” Contraception motivations and perceived consequences among young contraceptive users who practice a religion in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bazié Fiacre , Speizer Ilene S. , Maytan-Joneydi Amelia , Boukary Kindo , Troaré Moh Fatimata , Agali Balki Ibrahim , Onadja Yentema , Guiella Georges 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Numerous factors at the individual, interpersonal, and societal levels are related to contraceptive use (or non-use) among adolescents and youth. Little is known about the role of religion as an individual and community-level influencer of contraceptive use among young women.

Methods
Using in-depth interviews with 24 young contraceptive users ages 18–24 who practice their Catholic, Protestant or Muslim religion in two cities in Burkina Faso, this study examines motivations and perceived consequences of contraceptive use. By including users of modern contraception who were both single and married, a range of perspectives are provided.

Results
Generally, the young women interviewed who practice their religion and use contraception perceived that their religion was not supportive of contraceptive use. A few exceptions were provided, including perceived acceptance of use of some methods for married women for spacing purposes; this was specifically identified as acceptable among Muslim respondents. Sexual activity and contraceptive use were not acceptable by any of the religions for unmarried young women. That said, young women, both married and unmarried, reported their motivations for use that often related to their and their children’s health and the realities of life. Contraceptive use was considered a private matter which meant that the religious community would not find out about women’s use.

Conclusions
Recognizing that some women are willing and able to use contraception even without the perceived support of their religious communities might help to push social norms to change and be more accepting of contraceptive use that meets young women’s and families’ circumstances.
METTL14 contributes to the progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma through regulating the stability of AOC1 mRNA
Authors: Hu Changan , Song Shengguan , Zhao Shanglong , Xue Zhen , Zhu Xiwen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial tumor of the nasopharyngeal mucosa with a high incidence rate all over the world. Methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14) is a major RNA N6-adenosine methyltransferase implicated in tumor progression by regulating RNA function. This study is designed to explore the biological function and mechanism of METTL14 in NPC.

Methods
METTL14 and Amine oxidase copper containing 1 (AOC1) expression were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The protein levels of METTL14, AOC1, Cyclin D1, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and N-cadherin were measured using western blot. Cell proliferation, cycle progression, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed using 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU), Colony formation, flow cytometry, wound scratch, and transwell assays. The interaction between METTL14 and AOC1 was verified using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP), and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The biological role of METTL14 on NPC tumor growth was examined by the xenograft tumor model in vivo.

Results
METTL14 and AOC1 were highly expressed in NPC tissues and cells. Moreover, METTL14 knockdown might block NPC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce cell apoptosis in vitro. In mechanism, METTL14 might enhance the stability of AOC1 mRNA via m6A methylation. METTL14 silencing might repress NPC tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion
METTL14 might boosted the development of NPC cells partly by regulating the stability of AOC1 mRNA, which provided a promising therapeutic target for NPC treatment.
Unveiling the dynamics and impact of emotional presence in collaborative learning
Authors: Tan Siaw Eng , Jung Insung 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aims to understand the dynamics and impact of emotional presence in a collaborative learning environment and its effects on the learning process and outcomes. Emotional presence, defined as the experience of emotion arising from cognitive appraisals in learner-environment interactions, encompasses four dimensions: interest-curiosity, emotional regulation, expression management, and emotional awareness. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 33 Japanese college students engaged in collaborative learning activities and conducted in-depth interviews with 10 participants to gather qualitative insights. The study revealed that emotional presence evolves throughout the collaborative process, with increased emotional regulation in response to complex tasks, reflecting learners’ adaptations to varying task demands. It highlighted the importance of emotional regulation in shaping the learning process and improving outcomes in collaborative learning. Our findings suggest that heightened emotional presence, with increased emotional awareness and regulation, fosters cognitive development and learner well-being, supporting more effective and fulfilling collaborative learning experiences. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of cognitive appraisal in shaping emotional experiences, significantly influencing outcomes in technology-enhanced environments. The study concludes by proposing future research directions, such as examining the longitudinal impacts of emotional presence and exploring interventions to enhance emotional regulation skills in diverse learning contexts.
Improved homomorphic evaluation for hash function based on TFHE
Authors: Wei Benqiang , Lu Xianhui 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHomomorphic evaluation of hash functions offers a solution to the challenge of data integrity authentication in the context of homomorphic encryption. The earliest attempt to achieve homomorphic evaluation of SHA-256 hash function was proposed by Mella and Susella (in: Cryptography and coding—14th IMA international conference, IMACC 2013. Lecture notes in computer science, vol 8308. Springer, Heidelberg, pp 28–44, 2013. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-45239-0_3.) based on the BGV scheme. Unfortunately, their implementation faced significant limitations due to the exceedingly high multiplicative depth, rendering it impractical. Recently, a homomorphic implementation of SHA-256 based on the TFHE scheme (Homomorphic evaluation of SHA-256. https://github.com/zama-ai/tfhe-rs/tree/main/tfhe/examples/sha256_bool) brings it from theory to reality, however, its current efficiency remains insufficient. In this paper, we revisit the homomorphic evaluation of the SHA-256 hash function in the context of TFHE, further reducing the reliance on gate bootstrapping and enhancing evaluation latency. Specifically, we primarily utilize ternary gates to reduce the number of gate bootstrappings required for logic functions in message expansion and addition of modulo $$2^{32}$$

2
32

in iterative compression. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our optimization techniques are applicable to the Chinese commercial cryptographic hash SM3. Finally, we give specific comparative implementations based on the TFHE-rs library. Experiments demonstrate that our optimization techniques lead to an improvement of approximately 35–50% compared with the state-of-the-art result under different cores.
Promising short-term outcomes of free-hand burring technique to implant second-generation metaphyseal cone in Asian knees – a case series
Authors: Leung Thomas Ka Chun , Chan Ping Keung , Fu Henry , Cheung Amy , Luk Michelle Hilda , Lau Lawrence Chun Man , Chiu Kwong Yuen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The second-generation metaphyseal cone was useful in managing bone defects in revision knee arthroplasty. However, due to the anatomical constraints in Asian osteometry, the authors utilized a novel free-hand burring technique instead of cannulated reaming for bone preparation. We reported the short-term outcomes of our surgical techniques specific to Asian osteometry.

Methods
We conducted a case series by consecutively recruiting 13 female and 12 male patients (involving 25 knees), with a mean age of 71 years (range, 54–88 years). The patients underwent revision total knee arthroplasty during the period from April 2017 to June 2022. Twenty-three tibial cones and 4 femoral cones using free-hand burring technique were implanted. The mean follow-up duration was 51 months (range 18–80 months). Due to the relatively small bone size and meta-diaphyseal center mismatch in the Asian knees, the free-hand burring technique instead of the cannulated reaming technique was adopted in preparing for cone implantation. The clinical outcomes were knee ranges of motion, the Knee Society Knee scores (KSS), end-of-stem pain, infection, and the need for revision surgery. The radiological outcomes included osteointegration, fracture, and loosening.

Results
Mean knee range of motion improved from 83 degrees (range 0°–120°) preoperatively to 106 degrees (range 60°–125°) postoperatively (P < 0.001). Mean KSS improved significantly from 29 (range 0–70) to 69 (range 5–100) (P < 0.001). All cones were osteointegrated. One case had transient end-of-stem pain, two developed intraoperative minor femoral fractures and one suffered from recurrent infection that did not require cone revision. Cone revision-free survivorship was 100%. There was no aseptic loosening.

Conclusions
The second-generation cone implanted with free-hand burring bone preparation yielded promising short-term outcomes in Asian knees.
Early effect of different bifurcation techniques on left ventricular mechanics in elective percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Elsheikh Amr Nasser , Elsaeid Ayman , Sharafeldin Samia , Elshedoudy Sahar , ElGendy Ehab 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Bifurcation lesions are prevalent amongst patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease subjected to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent consensus commends a conservative (provisional) approach when managing the side branch. Here, the aim was to explore the immediate impact of different bifurcation techniques (one stent and two stent strategies) on left ventricular LV) myocardial functions using speckle tracking echocardiography in patients subjected to elective PCI. Sixty two consecutive patients diagnosed with coronary bifurcation lesion (CBL) were enrolled. Patients were categorized into: one-stent strategy (Provisional group, n = 44) and a two-stent strategy (TAP, DK crush, or Culotte technique, n = 18), based on the coronary bifurcation site, angle, side branch diameter and Medina classification. LVEF%, regional and global longitudinal strain (GLS), and E/E' were measured before and within 24 h post PCI.

Results
In both provisional and 2- stent technique, the mitral inflow velocities and mitral annular velocities showed improvement with significant reduction in E/e' (P < 0.03 and P < 0.001) respectively while LVEF% did not change. There were no significant changes in any other echo parameters post PCI. In provisional group, there were significant improvements in LAD (P < 0.001), RCA (P < 0.01) territories and GLS (P < 0.01). Δ LAD was expressively higher (34.5%) compared with Δ LCX (9.6%) and ΔRCA (25.4%), P < 0.001, P < 0.01 respectively. In the 2-stent technique group, there were significant improvements in peak longitudinal strain of LAD territory (P < 0.01), RCA territory (P < 0.01) and GLS (P < 0.01) respectively. Δ LAD territory was significantly higher in provisional group in comparison with the 2- stent technique group. Δ GLS was correlated inversely to Gensini score in provisional group and to the number of vessel diseased in 2-stent technique group.

Conclusion
PCI of the bifurcation lesion positively impact myocardial function. Both bifurcation techniques improve LV mechanical properties using 2D strain imaging while LV EF% remains unchanged.
Contraceptive use, unmet need, and demand satisfied for family planning across Cameroon: a subnational study including indirect effects of COVID-19 and armed conflict on projections
Authors: Nsashiyi Raïssa Shiyghan , Rahman Md Mizanur , Ndam Lawrence Monah , Hashizume Masahiro 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Cameroon is among countries that have made notable investments nationwide in line with the Family Planning 2030 initiative. This study examines the progress made across the 10 regions and 58 divisions of the country, including potential impairments following COVID-19 and armed conflict.

Methods
In this time-series analysis, parameters were sourced from 5 Demographic and Health Surveys and 3 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys conducted between 1991 and 2018. The Family Planning Estimation Tool (FPET) was used to estimate key family planning indicators among married women of reproductive age. Data from official country reports and FPET results were incorporated into Bayesian models to assess how projections (from 2020 to 2030) would vary given varying contractions (i.e., 0%, 5%, 10%, and 25% annually) to services coverage.

Results
Nationally, modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) and demand satisfied with modern (contraceptive) methods reached 16.8% (95% credible interval 12.0 to 23.0) and 37.6% (28.7 to 47.0), respectively; and unmet need for modern methods decreased to 27.9% (22.9 to 33.7) in 2022. Notable improvements were observed in the East region and Boumba et Ngoko division, with annual mCPR trends of 2.1 percentage points (%p) (− 0.2 to 4.2) and 7.0%p (4.5 to 9.3) from 2015–2020; and 2030 projections of 58.7% (41.3 to 74.0) and 79.1% (65.0 to 89.0), respectively. The least performing in terms of demand satisfied with modern methods include Adamawa at the regional and Boyo at the divisional level, with 2030 projections of 45.5% (26.5 to 65.1) and 0.4% (0.2 to 0.8), respectively. The northern regions (Adamawa, Far North, and North) recorded the lowest levels of unmet need for modern methods. To achieve ≥ 75% demand satisfied with modern methods in 2030, an additional 1.4 (0.6 to 2.2) million modern contraceptive users are required. Given large reductions (− 25% annually) in services coverage post-COVID-19/armed conflict (2020 to 2030), the South region could experience the most significant contraction in projected mCPR, with a decrease of − 9.2%.

Conclusions
Family planning outcomes vary significantly across subnational territories of Cameroon. While the East region shows notable success, greater attention is needed in the northern regions. Strategies must be adaptive to address unprecedented emergencies that may disrupt access to services.
First-in-human phase I clinical trial of RSO-021, a first-in class covalent inhibitor of mitochondrial peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3), in patients with malignant pleural effusion due to mesothelioma and other advanced solid tumors (MITOPE).
Authors: Fennell Dean Anthony , Dulloo Sean , Lord Simon , Thistlethwaite Fiona , Blyth Kevin G , Szlosarek Peter Wojciech , Maskell Nick , Popat Sanjay , Aujayeb Avinash , Aktas Burak Y , Javed Sohail Rooman , Herrero Colomina Julio , Cunniff Brian , Duncan Jarrett , Graham Philippa , Bexon Alice Susannah , Naumov George N , Spicer James F. 
Published: July 2024

3019 Background: Malignant cells rely on buffering oxidative stress through mitochondrial PRX3. Oxidative stress is selectively lethal to cancer cells and may be leveraged therapeutically. RSO-021 is a naturally-occurring, sulfur-rich, cyclic oligopeptide of the thiopeptide class, which covalently inactivates PRX3, leading to catastrophic oxidative stress and cell death. We conducted a phase 1 study to explore safety and identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intra-pleural RSO-021 in patients with mesothelioma, or other predominantly pleural cancer, with pleural effusion. Methods: MITOPE was a multicenter trial of weekly intrapleural RSO-021 (90, 120, and 180 mg) with a 3 + 3 dose-escalation design. The primary objective was to assess RSO-021 safety/tolerability. Secondary objectives included establishing local and systemic pharmacokinetic profiles and early anti-tumor activity. We defined dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) as grade (G) ≥3 non-hematological AEs with exceptions for some manageable G3 AEs that resolved within 72 h and complicated G4 hematological AEs or those lasting >7 days. We also studied inflammatory and pharmacodynamic markers in local/systemic samples. Efficacy was assessed using mRECIST 1.1 (mesothelioma) and RECIST 1.1 (other tumors). Results: Of 15 patients treated (90 mg/wk, n=7; 120 mg/wk, n=6; 180 mg/wk, n=2), 12 (80%) had ≥3 prior anti-cancer regimens; 12 (80%) had mesothelioma. See table for AE and efficacy data. The commonest all-grade treatment-related AEs (TRAE) were fatigue (33%), pyrexia (20%), and elevated creatinine (20%). Three patients (20%) had DLTs: G3 dyspnea and G3 acute inflammatory response at 120 mg/wk; G3 dyspnea at 180 mg/wk. MTD was 90 mg/wk. Pro-inflammatory cytokines in pleural fluid/serum correlated with AEs suggestive of local inflammation. Prophylaxis mitigated local inflammatory TRAEs. PRX3 target binding in cell pellets from pleural fluid confirmed on-target activity. Systemic exposure was minimal. Disease control was 70% in 10 evaluable patients. The partial response at 90 mg/wk was a 59% reduction in mesothelioma target lesions. Median PFS at MTD was 5.7 months (95% CI, 1.4-NR). Two patients had disease control (DC) >30 wks. Conclusions: Weekly intrapleural RSO-021 was safe with signs of anti-tumor activity in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Phase 2 exploration of this novel agent is ongoing at 2 doses, as a single agent and in combination. Clinical trial information: NCT05278975 . [Table: see text]
Efficacy and safety of eribulin-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer: A single-centre retrospective study.
Authors: Li Yuting , Han Dan , Hu Ting , Xiong Jie , Zhao Yanxia 
Published: July 2024

e13121 Background: Eribulin, a nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor, which was approved for the third-line treatment of advanced breast cancer (ABC) in China in 2019. This retrospective study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of Eribulin-based chemotherapy in ABC patients, especially for patients exhibiting HER2-0 and HER2-low status (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 1+ or IHC 2+with a negative in situ hybridization assay). Methods: This single-center retrospective study planned to include 126 ABC patients from January 2020 to December 2023. Enrolled participants received Eribulin either as monotherapy or in combination with other regiments such as anti-angiogenic therapy, PD-1 inhibitor, or alternative chemotherapy in clinical practice. The primary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS) and safety assessments. Results: A total of 84 patients with ABC received Eribulin were enrolled. Patients' baselines were summarized as follows: The median age was 53.3 years (range 30.0–86.0 years). 53 (63.1%) patients were HER2-low while 40 (47.6%) patients were hormone receptor (HR) positive. 63.1% patients have received at least one line chemotherapy before the use of Eribulin. According to the K-M survival analysis, the median PFS was 6.0 (range 3.2-11.3) months for all patients. The median PFS was longer for patients received aromatase inhibitors (AI) for over 6 months than patients with AI naive (median 10.1 vs 6.6 months; p=0.192) in HR positive patients. Patients who received CDK4/6 therapy had longer PFS than patients (median 10.7 vs 6.6 months; p=0.38). There was a trend toward prolonged PFS in the HER2-0 group compared with HER2-low group (median 10.13 vs 6.03 months; p=0.154), although there was no significant difference. A nonsignificant improvement of PFS was observed in HR-/HER2-0 patients, compare with HR-/HER2-low patients (median 16.4 vs 4.7mo; p=0.21). Meanwhile the median PFS of HER2-0 and HER2-Low was similar in HR positive patients. The objective response rate was 35.5% in HER2-0 group and 30.2% in HER2-low group. In multivariate cox regression, Eribulin as first line treatment (HR, 4.028; 95% CI, 1.131-14.337) and HER2-0 (HR, 2.903; 95% CI, 1.257-6.702) showed prognostic values regarding PFS. Common grade 3 or 4 adverse events that were reported in more than 10% were neutropenia (41.6%) and leukopenia (26.2%). No treatment-related deaths were reported. Conclusions: This single-center study demonstrated encouraging efficacy and safety in the ABC patients treated with Eribulin. Significant PFS benefit was associated with Eribulin treatment in patients with HER2-0 compared with HER2-low. This study still needs longer follow-up to evaluate its efficacy more comprehensively.