bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of causal associations between obesity and peripheral artery disease: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Xi-wei , Pang Shu-wen , Zhang Tao , Huang Chuang-wei 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundSeveral observational studies have documented a potential link between obesity and peripheral artery disease (PAD), although conflicting findings exist. The causal relationship between obesity and PAD continues to be a subject of ongoing debate in the medical community.ObjectivesIn this study, we employed a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the potential causal relationship between obesity and the risk of PAD.MethodsTo investigate these causal relationships, we conducted bidirectional MR analysis using publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Effect estimates were calculated using the random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method.ResultsWe identified eight independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with obesity in 218,735 samples involving 16,380,465 SNPs, all of which met the genome-wide significance threshold (p &lt; 5 × 10−⁸). The IVW analysis indicates a significant positive association between genetic obesity and multiple datasets with PAD as the outcome: Queue-1 (GWAS ID: finn-b-I9_PAD) (OR = 1.138, 95% CI: 1.027–1.261, p = 0.013), Queue-2 (GWAS ID: bbj-a-144) (OR = 1.190, 95% CI: 1.019–1.390, p = 0.028), Queue-3 (GWAS ID: ebi-a-GCST90018670) (OR = 1.174, 95% CI: 1.014–1.360, p = 0.032), and Queue-4 (GWAS ID: ebi-a-GCST90018890) (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.099–1.296, p &lt; 0.001). However, we did not observe a significant genetic-level association between obesity and PAD for Queue-5 (GWAS ID: ukb-d-I9_PAD) (OR = 1.001, 95% CI: 1.000–1.002, p = 0.071). Furthermore, we conducted a reverse causal MR analysis to explore the potential reverse causal relationship between obesity and PAD. This comprehensive analysis did not provide evidence of a reverse causal association between these two factors.ConclusionsIn summary, our study offers genetic evidence suggesting a possible causal link between obesity and PAD. While we did not find evidence supporting the “obesity paradox”, prudent weight management remains crucial, as lower weight does not necessarily guarantee better outcomes. As with any study, caution is required in interpreting the findings. Further research is essential to assess the clinical relevance of weight in preventing PAD, which could inform the development of more precise intervention strategies.
Analyzing EEG patterns in young adults exposed to different acrophobia levels: a VR study
Authors: Russo Samuele , Tibermacine Imad Eddine , Tibermacine Ahmed , Chebana Dounia , Nahili Abdelhakim , Starczewscki Janusz , Napoli Christian 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThe primary objective of this research is to examine acrophobia, a widely prevalent and highly severe phobia characterized by an overwhelming dread of heights, which has a substantial impact on a significant proportion of individuals worldwide. The objective of our study was to develop a real-time and precise instrument for evaluating levels of acrophobia by utilizing electroencephalogram (EEG) signals.MethodsEEG data was gathered from a sample of 18 individuals diagnosed with acrophobia. Subsequently, a range of classifiers, namely Support Vector Classifier (SVC), K-nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), Adaboost, Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), were employed in the analysis. These methodologies encompass both machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques.ResultsThe Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models demonstrated notable efficacy. The Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model demonstrated a training accuracy of 96% and a testing accuracy of 99%, whereas the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model attained a training accuracy of 96% and a testing accuracy of 97%. The findings of this study highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in accurately categorizing real-time degrees of acrophobia using EEG data. Further investigation using correlation matrices for each level of acrophobia showed substantial EEG frequency band connections. Beta and Gamma mean values correlated strongly, suggesting cognitive arousal and acrophobic involvement could synchronize activity. Beta and Gamma activity correlated strongly with acrophobia, especially at higher levels.DiscussionThe results underscore the promise of this innovative approach as a dependable and sophisticated method for evaluating acrophobia. This methodology has the potential to make a substantial contribution toward the comprehension and assessment of acrophobia, hence facilitating the development of more individualized and efficacious therapeutic interventions.
Machine learning algorithms to the early diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Authors: Ramos-Triguero Anna , Navarro-Tapia Elisabet , Vieiros Melina , Mirahi Afrooz , Astals Vizcaino Marta , Almela Lucas , Martínez Leopoldo , García-Algar Óscar , Andreu-Fernández Vicente 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionFetal alcohol spectrum disorders include a variety of physical and neurocognitive disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Although their overall prevalence is around 0.77%, FASD remains underdiagnosed and little known, partly due to the complexity of their diagnosis, which shares some symptoms with other pathologies such as autism spectrum, depression or hyperactivity disorders.MethodsThis study included 73 control and 158 patients diagnosed with FASD. Variables selected were based on IOM classification from 2016, including sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis test for quantitative factors, Chi-square test for qualitative variables, and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for predictions.ResultsThis study explores the application ML in diagnosing FASD and its subtypes: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). ML constructed a profile for FASD based on socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological data from children with FASD compared to a control group. Random Forest (RF) model was the most efficient for predicting FASD, achieving the highest metrics in accuracy (0.92), precision (0.96), sensitivity (0.92), F1 Score (0.94), specificity (0.92), and AUC (0.92). For FAS, XGBoost model obtained the highest accuracy (0.94), precision (0.91), sensitivity (0.91), F1 Score (0.91), specificity (0.96), and AUC (0.93). In the case of pFAS, RF model showed its effectiveness, with high levels of accuracy (0.90), precision (0.86), sensitivity (0.96), F1 Score (0.91), specificity (0.83), and AUC (0.90). For ARND, RF model obtained the best levels of accuracy (0.87), precision (0.76), sensitivity (0.93), F1 Score (0.84), specificity (0.83), and AUC (0.88). Our study identified key variables for efficient FASD screening, including traditional clinical characteristics like maternal alcohol consumption, lip-philtrum, microcephaly, height and weight impairment, as well as neuropsychological variables such as the Working Memory Index (WMI), aggressive behavior, IQ, somatic complaints, and depressive problems.DiscussionOur findings emphasize the importance of ML analyses for early diagnoses of FASD, allowing a better understanding of FASD subtypes to potentially improve clinical practice and avoid misdiagnosis.
Optimizing image processing for modern wide field surveys: enhanced data management based on the LSST science pipelines
Authors: Hong Yuanyu , Yang Chao , Zhang Miaomiao , Chen Yanpeng , Liu Binyang 
Published: May 2024

Introduction:In recent decades, numerous large survey projects have been initiated to enhance our understanding of the cosmos. Among these, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) stands out as a flagship project of the Stage IV cosmology imaging surveys, offering an open-source framework for data management and processing adaptable to various instruments.Methods:In this paper, we introduce the ‘obs_mccd’ software package, designed to serve as a bridge linking raw data from generic mosaic-CCD instruments to the LSST data management framework. The package also facilitates the deployment of tailored configurations to the pipeline middleware. To validate our data processing pipeline, we processed a batch of realistic data from a commissioning wide-field telescope.Results:We established a prototype of the quality control (QC) system capable of assessing image quality parameters such as PSF size, ellipticity, and astrometric calibration. Our findings indicate that using a fifth-order polynomial for astrometric calibration effectively characterizes geometric distortion, achieving a median average geometric distortion residual of 0.011 pixel.Discussion:When comparing the performance of our pipeline to our in-house pipeline applied to the same dataset, we observed that our new ‘obs_mccd’ pipeline offers improved precision, reducing the median average geometric distortion residual from 0.016 pixel to 0.011 pixel. This enhancement in performance underscores the benefits of the obs_mccd package in managing and processing data from wide-field surveys, and it opens up new avenues for scientific exploration with smaller, flexible survey systems complementing the LSST.
Is neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery the appropriate treatment for esophagogastric signet ring cell carcinomas? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schiefer Sabine , Crnovrsanin Nerma , Kalkum Eva , Vey Johannes A. , Nienhüser Henrik , Rompen Ingmar F. , Haag Georg M. , Müller-Stich Beat , Billmann Franck , Schmidt Thomas , Probst Pascal , Klotz Rosa , Sisic Leila 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCTX) on survival and tumor response in patients with esophagogastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is still controversial.MethodsTwo independent reviewers performed a systematic literature search in Medline, CENTRAL, and Web of Science including prospective and retrospective two-arm non-randomized and randomized controlled studies (RCTs). Data was extracted on overall survival (OS) and tumor regression in resected esophagogastric SRCC patients with or without nCTX. Survival data was analyzed using published hazard ratios (HR) if available or determined it from other survival data or survival curves. OS and histopathological response rates by type of tumor (SRCC vs. non-SRCC) were also investigated.ResultsOut of 559 studies, ten (1 RCT, 9 non-RCTs) were included in this meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD42022298743) investigating 3,653 patients in total. The four studies investigating survival in SRCC patients treated with nCTX + surgery vs. surgery alone showed no survival benefit for neither intervention, but heterogeneity was considerable (HR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.61–1.67; p = 0.98; I2 = 89%). In patients treated by nCTX + surgery SRCC patients showed worse survival (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.21–1.74; p &lt; 0.01) and lower rate of major histopathological response than non-SRCC patients (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.78–3.44; p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionThe current meta-analysis could not demonstrate beneficial effects of nCTX for SRCC patients. Histopathological response to and survival benefits of non-taxane-based nCTX seem to be lower in comparison to non-SRC esophagogastric cancer. However, certainty of evidence is low due to the scarcity of high-quality trials. Further research is necessary to determine optimal treatment for SRCC patients.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42022298743).
Climate Change Responses of High-Elevation Polylepis Forests
Authors: Bedoya-Canas Larry E. , López-Hernández Felipe , Cortés Andrés J. 
Published: May 2024

The high mountain forests on Earth are characterized by sharp environmental heterogeneity, high species endemism, and unique phenotypic adaptations. Yet, global warming is jeopardizing this ecosystem as no other as some forests may have nowhere to go beyond the mountain’s summits. One of the most human-endangered high-elevation ecosystems is the Polylepis forest. Despite its vulnerability, forecasting climate reactions in this distinctive high mountain forest type remains a formidable challenge. Therefore, in this study, we modeled climate change responses of high-elevation allopatric Polylepis sericea and P. quadrijuga (Rosaceae) in the northern Andes. The analysis took into account VIF-prioritized bioclimatic variables for near-to-present and future (2081–2100 MPI-ESM1-2-HR) conditions. Model selection was carried out following the AUC scores of 12 MaxEnt and six machine learning algorithms. Predictive power reached 0.97 for MaxEnt’s model fc.H_rm.1 (H-1). Results indicate a moderate vulnerability of P. sericea, with a 29% loss of area in the trailing edge, due to climate change for the period 2081–2100. On the other hand, P. quadrijuga is likely to experience even larger distribution losses, up to 99%, for the same period. The findings of this study suggest that P. quadrijuga, as compared to P. sericea, exhibits a restricted ability to maintain the corresponding habitat requirements in the face of climatic change. Higher niche specialization of P. quadrijuga in the environmentally heterogeneous Eastern Cordillera contrasts with the more generalist nature of P. sericea in the topographically less complex Central Cordillera. In addition to climate change, this trend may be exacerbated by the detrimental effects of agriculture, mining, and an expanding rural population, which represent significant human-driven pressures yet to be modeled in the northern Andean highlands. Yet, based on previous studies, the historical population dynamics during the past glacial cycles suggests that range shifts could play a more significant role at deeper time scales than previously forecasted in the species’ reaction to climate change. Additionally, Polylepis forests may be able to endure at the current locations via local adaptation and plasticity, major drivers of the phenotypic variation in long-lived trees, counteracting the vulnerability scenario under a niche conservatism hypothesis. Ultimately, the modeling procedure employed in this study provides insights into the potential effects of climate change on Polylepis forests 70 years from now. Oncoming studies may consider alternative responses inherent to the gene pool of the species and the interaction with edaphic and biotic agents. We advocate for the application of comparable estimations in other high-elevation tree communities found at the tree line.
Elucidating the Structural Features of Bis(arylimino)acenaphthene (Aryl-BIAN) Bismuth Complexes: A Combined Single-Crystal X-ray Diffraction and Hirshfeld Analysis Approach
Authors: Machado Beatriz P. , Celador-Garcia Maria , Rosa Vitor , Gomes Clara S. B. 
Published: May 2024

Dimeric bismuth(III) complexes bearing bis(aryl-imino)acenaphthene (Aryl-BIAN) donor ligands of the general formulae [(Dipp-BIAN)BiCl3]2 2, [(o-iPr-BIAN)BiCl3]2 3, and [(p-iPr-BIAN)BiCl3]2 4, where Dipp = diisopropyl, o-iPr = ortho-isopropyl and p-iPr = para-isopropyl, were prepared by reaction of the corresponding neutral BIAN ligand with BiCl3, under inert atmosphere conditions. X-ray studies were performed, and their molecular structures were determined. The individual contributions of intermolecular interactions to crystal packing have been quantified by means of Hirsfeld surface analysis.
Anti-Leishmania major Properties of Nuphar lutea (Yellow Water Lily) Leaf Extracts and Purified 6,6′ Dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN)
Authors: Shmuel Orit , Rasti Aviv , Zaknoun Melodie , Astman Nadav , Golan-Goldhirsh Avi , Sagi Orly , Gopas Jacob 
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease, manifested as chronic ulcers, potentially leaving unattractive scars. There is no preventive vaccination or optimal medication against leishmaniasis. Chemotherapy generally depends upon a small group of compounds, each with its own efficacy, toxicity, and rate of drug resistance. To date, no standardized, simple, safe, and highly effective regimen for treating CL exists. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new optimal medication for this disease. Sesquiterpen thio-alkaloids constitute a group of plant secondary metabolites that bear great potential for medicinal uses. The nupharidines found in Nuphar lutea belong to this group of compounds. We have previously published that Nuphar lutea semi-purified extract containing major components of nupharidines has strong anti-leishmanial activity in vitro. Here, we present in vivo data on the therapeutic benefit of the extract against Leishmania major (L. major) in infected mice. We also expanded these observations by establishing the therapeutic effect of the extract-purified nupharidine 6,6′-dihydroxythiobinupharidine (DTBN) in vitro against promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes as well as in vivo in L. major-infected mice. The results suggest that this novel anti-parasitic small molecule has the potential to be further developed against Leishmania.
Anomalous Origin of the Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Trunk (Bland-White-Garland Syndrome): A Rare Congenital Heart Defect in a 7-Year-Old Child
Authors: Kovalenko D. G. , Korochkina E. S. , Khasanova K. A. 
Published: May 2024

Objective: To demonstrate the capabilities of modern imaging modalities in diagnosis of Bland-White-Garland (BWG) syndrome (anomalous origin of the left coronary artery [AOLCA] from the pulmonary trunk) and surgical planning in a 7-year-old child.Materials and methods: We report a case of 7-year-old patient S. with a newly diagnosed complex congenital heart defect: AOLCA from the pulmonary trunk. To establish a diagnosis and assess the spatial anatomy of great vessels and the coronary bed, the patient underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), and conventional coronary angiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with delayed contrast enhancement was used to assess the morphological and functional parameters of the heart and fibrotic changes in the myocardium of the left ventricle (LV).Results: During TTE, a congenital heart defect was suspected: a coronary artery anomaly with LV systolic dysfunction and coronaryright ventricular fistulas. Preoperative CCTA detected AOLCA from the pulmonary trunk or BWG syndrome, whereas coronary-right ventricular fistulas were not confirmed. Based on the cardiac MRI findings, we diagnosed diffuse LV myocardial fibrosis (increased extracellular volume, 35%-37% in all segments) with areas of delayed intramyocardial accumulation, areas of focal fibrosis without signs of myocardial edema. The CCTA findings were confirmed by conventional coronary angiography and intraoperatively.Discussion: The technical capabilities of modern minimally invasive cardiac imaging modalities make it possible to determine all existing surgical risks at the preoperative stage and further prognosis in patients undergoing reimplantation for coronary artery anomalies.Conclusions: The algorithm for management of patients with suspected BWG syndrome should be determined based on the capabilities and safety of each cardiac imaging modality. Detailed and accurate assessment of coronary anatomy is a key criterion for choosing a diagnostic tool at the preoperative stage in patients undergoing reimplantation of coronary arteries. Preoperative cardiac MRI with assessment of severity of fibrotic changes in the myocardium should be used to plan management of patients with BWG syndrome and further control dynamics of morphological and functional parameters of the heart after reimplantation of coronary arteries.
DETERMINING THE MUJTAHID MADHHAB: THE CONTRIBUTION OF ABDUL WAHHAB AL-MALIKI'S THOUGHTS ON ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE
Authors: Graiguer Abdelmounaim  , A. Amir Firmansyah  
Published: May 2024

This research attempts to improve the procedures (conditions) for forming a mujtahid in Islamic Jurisprudence, who is worthy of being called a mujtahid in deciding issues, Commands, Prohibitions, and the permissibility of Allah. The point of forming a mujtahid is often discussed by fundamentalists and people who have difficulty "becoming a mujtahid" in our time, they claim that the ushuliyyun have made conditions that are impossible for Sharia scholars to achieve today, and they also claim that they do not need to what is required by the ushuliyyun. There are differences of opinion between the two disputing camps; to get out of the theoretical framework towards actual reality, it is necessary to create a model to become a judge, apart from the mujtahid absolute who lays the foundation (Terms - Conditions) in Istinbath because they have agreed to deny it. This research discusses the mujtahid madhhab explicitly because, in each madhhab, many scholars have reached the degree of mujtahid madhhab. The Maliki school is filled with that and other schools of thought. However, without denying other schools of view, this research will be specific to one of the scholars' Maliki, Qadhi Abd al-Wahhab al-Baghdady. Thus, it becomes clear where the origins of the formation of a mujtahid are. However, some conditions must be met, and those who want to reach the degree of the mujtahid, but cannot fulfill the lightest requirements to become a mujtahid, namely the quality - the nature of the mujtahid madhhab, then in fact, it is a destroyer of the basis of ijtihad in Shari'a.
The Effectiveness of the (Jigsaw II) Strategy in Cooperative Learning in Developing Thinking Skills and Cognitive Assessment Competencies among Female Students Specializing in Child Education
Authors: Al-Kreimeen Raed Ahmed 
Published: May 2024

The present study endeavored to ascertain the effect of employing the Jigsaw II instructional strategy on the augmentation of thinking skills and proficiencies related to cognitive evaluation amongst female undergraduates majoring in Child Education at Al-Balqa Applied University. Implementing a quasi-experimental design, the research engaged a sample of 65 students, all enrolled in the "Play and Child Education" course for the summer term of the 2022-2023 academic year. These participants were arbitrarily allocated into two distinct groups: a control group (n=32), receiving instruction through traditional pedagogical methods, and an experimental group (n=33), experiencing the application of the Jigsaw II strategy. A set of assessments designed to measure thinking skills and cognitive evaluation competencies were administered both prior to and following the intervention for each group. The empirical results gleaned from this study unveil statistically significant disparities at a 0.05 significance level on the cumulative scale in favor of the experimental group. Such findings underscore the efficacy of the Jigsaw II strategy in fostering the development of thinking capabilities and cognitive evaluation competencies amongst female students enrolled in the Child Education specialization at Al-Balqa Applied University, in the context of the "Play and Child Education" course.

Received: 9 March 2024 / Accepted: xx April 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024