bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of cognitive games to improve the quality of life of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s patients
Authors: Llorente Álvaro , del Rio Alberto , Can Semerci Yusuf , Alfonso Kurano Jorge , Jimenez David , Menéndez José Manuel 
Published: May 2024

Objectives The core objectives of this study centre on enhancing the quality of life and well-being of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Our aim is to facilitate the monitoring of patient information, benefiting both caregivers and healthcare professionals. Methods As part of the PROCare4Life platform sensorial ecosystem, a web application with six engaging cognitive games focusing on developing cognitive training and stimulating brain activity are developed. A set of metrics calculated by the application feed machine learning predictive models to evaluate the cognitive status and evolution over time. Long-term analysis of the daily cognitive ability information is used to generate high-level outcomes and identify deviations for each patient from the multimodal fusion engine. And based on these results, a recommender system provides a set of personalized notifications. Results A 3-month pilot study that took place in five different countries shows the results obtained from 93 patients. An average of 22.4 games were completed per day and the recommender system generated a total of 260 game notifications, 37.7% of them were marked as read by the patients. The Cognitive State Score and the Deviations in Cognitive Abilities measurement, calculated by the multimodal fusion engine, when used in conjunction present a good overview of the patient’s current state and potential deviations. Conclusion The cognitive games application was well-received by elderly individuals who took part in the study. This tool can be valuable for caregivers and healthcare providers in assessing the cognitive function of patients through engaging in cognitive games.
Machine-learning model for predicting depression in second-hand smokers in cross-sectional data using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kim Na Hyun , Kim Myeongju , Han Jong Soo , Sohn Hyoju , Oh Bumjo , Lee Ji Won , Ahn Sumin 
Published: May 2024

Objective Depression among non-smokers at risk of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure has been a neglected public health concern despite their vulnerability. The objective of this study was to develop high-performance machine-learning (ML) models for the prediction of depression in non-smokers and to identify important predictors of depression for second-hand smokers. Methods ML algorithms were created using demographic and clinical data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) participants from 2014, 2016, and 2018 ( N = 11,463). The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to diagnose depression with a total score of 10 or higher. The final model was selected according to the area under the curve (AUC) or sensitivity. Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) were used to identify influential features. Results The light gradient boosting machine (LGBM) with the highest positive predictive value (PPV; 0.646) was selected as the best model among the ML algorithms, whereas the support vector machine (SVM) had the highest AUC (0.900). The most influential factors identified using the LGBM were stress perception, followed by subjective health status and quality of life. Among the smoking-related features, urine cotinine levels were the most important, and no linear relationship existed between the smoking-related features and the values of SHAP. Conclusions Compared with the previously developed ML models, our LGBM models achieved excellent and even superior performance in predicting depression among non-smokers at risk of SHS exposure, suggesting potential goals for depression-preventive interventions for non-smokers during public health crises.
Safety and clinical effectiveness of peginterferon beta-1a for relapsing multiple sclerosis in a real-world setting: Final results from the Plegridy Observational Program
Authors: Salvetti Marco , Wray Sibyl , Nelles Gereon , Belviso Nicholas , Kumar Achint , Koster Thijs , Castro-Borrero Wanda , Vignos Megan ,   on behalf of the POP Investigators
Published: May 2024

Background Interferon beta-1a remains an important treatment option for multiple sclerosis, particularly when safety or tolerability concerns may outweigh the benefits of higher-efficacy disease-modifying therapies. The five-year phase 4 Plegridy Observational Program (POP) study (NCT02230969) collected data on real-world safety and effectiveness of Plegridy® (peginterferon beta-1a) treatment in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Objective To explore the real-world safety and effectiveness of peginterferon beta-1a in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, including factors influencing treatment discontinuation. Methods Data were collected prospectively from patients ≥ 18 years old with relapsing multiple sclerosis for overall population analysis and for subpopulations including newly/previously diagnosed patients, age, and experience with peginterferon beta-1a. Outcome measures included annualized relapse rates, adverse events, and predictors of time to treatment discontinuation. Results Mean (SD) treatment duration in the overall population ( N = 1172) was 896.0 (733.15) days. Incidence of adverse events was higher in new than experienced users (79.4% vs. 57.0%). New users were more likely than experienced users to discontinue (hazard ratio = 1.60; P < 0.0001). The adjusted annualized relapse rate was 0.09, and at the end of 5 years, 77.1% of patients were relapse-free. Conclusions Peginterferon beta-1a is an effective therapy for managing relapsing multiple sclerosis. The identification of predictors of discontinuation can help inform strategies to enhance treatment persistence.
Testing Integrative Models of the Change Behavior in the Intention to Adopt Cryptocurrency
Authors: Doblas Mark P. , Becaro Jishanis Mae G. , P. Sankar Jayendira , Natarajan Vinodh K. , G. Yoganandham , G. Arumugasamy 
Published: May 2024

This study explores the adoption of cryptocurrency, specifically Bitcoin, in the Philippines. The authors argue that current behavioral prediction models, such as TRA, TPB, and TAM, do not adequately account for the affective constructs of decision-making when high monetary stakes are involved. To address this gap, the authors propose an integrative model that accounts for financial decision-making processes, risk constructs, and population-specific behavioral strategies. The study used a quantitative-based research design and involved 684 university students from one of the major state universities in the Philippines. The findings show that perceived usefulness, attitude toward cryptocurrency, self-efficacy, and descriptive norms significantly influenced the intention to adopt cryptocurrency. Overall, the study confirms the direct influence of instrumental attitude, knowledge of cryptocurrency, descriptive norm, risk tolerance, ease and difficulty, and control on an individual’s intention to use cryptocurrency. The study contributes to exploring a less studied Philippine consumer base and provides empirical findings and insights into Bitcoin adoption in developing Asian economies. JEL Classification: G15. G17, G41, P33, G32.
Cryptocurrency and Macroeconomic Dynamics: Case of 10 Asian Economies
Authors: Abdelkaoui Fatma , Sidaoui Ali , Nasser Feriel , Bouzidi Meriem 
Published: May 2024

This research study investigates the impact of cryptocurrency on economic growth in 10 countries across Asia during past period 2013–2020. For this purpose, the sample included a range of economies with the highest number of Bitcoin usages or transactions. For this purpose, the sample included a range of economies with the highest number of Bitcoin usages or transactions, according to recent international rankings. With specific empirical means on panel data modelling, we attempted to show that economic growth, was influenced negatively by the cryptocurrency ‘Bitcoin’, and we concluded that this instrument leads to an increase in the inflation rate in a country according to the quantity theory of money and leads to a disorder in the monetary policy of a country. Our framework shows that the economic growth proxy was substantially influenced positively by economic indicators such as technology, investment and education but negatively by the high rate of participation, which caused an increase in unemployment. Our empirical results offer insights and insist on the importance of the intervention of the authorities to oversee and control the use of the cryptocurrency Bitcoin to avoid its negative effects and implement a strategy that overcomes these effects from a macroeconomic perspective. JEL Classification: E22, E24, E42, F43, E44, E52
Motivations Driving Career Choices: Insights From a Study Among Nursing Students
Authors: Ait Ali Driss , Ncila Oumaima , Ouhhamou Soukaina , Rizzo Amelia , Chirico Francesco , Khabbache Hicham 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Globally, the nursing workforce is crucial to the functioning of healthcare systems. The alarming shortage of nursing staff necessitates careful consideration of the challenging aspects related to this issue to develop successful strategies for attracting and retaining nurses. Objectives This study aims to explore the motivational factors influencing the decision of students to choose a nursing career and the associated factors. Methods In this cross-sectional research, a questionnaire was administered to 308 students studying nursing at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques. Results The results of this study revealed several factors influencing the decision of nursing students to choose this profession. The desire to contribute to society and have a positive impact on individuals’ lives was identified as the primary motivating factor. Economic considerations also played a significant role. Additionally, it was found that the educational level of parents is a factor influencing students’ decisions. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of various factors in the decision-making process of nursing students. By considering these results, policymakers and healthcare professionals can create an environment conducive to attracting and retaining future nurses.
The Effect of Family Nursing Conversations as an Add-on to Multidisciplinary Treatment in Patients with Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Quasi-Experimental Trial
Authors: Rønne Pernille Friis , Esbensen Bente Appel , Brødsgaard Anne , Andersen Lasse Østergaard , Sørensen Bo-Biering , Hansen Carrinna Aviaja 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is a lifelong condition with radical consequences, calling for management involving patients’ families. Interventions based on the family systems nursing framework by Wright and Leahey have proved beneficial in other populations but require investigation in a CNCP population. This trial assumed that family nursing conversations (FNCs) based on the family systems nursing framework would increase patients’ and family members’ self-efficacy concerning CNCP management. Objective To investigate whether an intervention with FNCs as an add-on to the usual multidisciplinary treatment of CNCP would have an effect on patients’ and family members’ self-efficacy. Additionally, to investigate any impact on family function, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Methods The trial applied a prospective non-blinded quasi-experimental design with two comparable groups of patients and family members: a historical control group (HCG) and an intervention group (IG). The intervention was executed by nurses employed at a multidisciplinary pain center in the Capital Region of Denmark. HCG data were collected before the nurses’ intervention training. The primary outcome was self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes were family function, health-related quality of life, anxiety, and depression. Results In total, 58 patients and 85 family members were included. The primary outcome, self-efficacy, detected no statistically significant between-group differences in mean change for patients, p = .990, or family members, p = .765. A statistically significant effect in favor of the IG was found in between-group differences in mean change in patients’ behavioral family function, p = .034, and anxiety, p = .031. No statistically significant between-group differences were detected in family members’ secondary outcomes. Conclusion The intervention had no effect on patients’ or family members’ self-efficacy but a positive effect on patients’ behavioral family function and anxiety. The intervention was deeply affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, any results should be interpreted with caution.
Functional Morphologic Changes of the Heel Fat Pad and Plantar Fascia in Patients With Heel Pain During Weightbearing and Nonweightbearing
Authors: Maemichi Toshihiro , Matsumoto Masatomo , Tsutsui Toshiharu , Ichikawa Shota , Okunuki Takumi , Tanaka Hirofumi , Kumai Tsukasa 
Published: May 2024

Background: This study aimed to investigate the thickness changes of the heel fat pad and the plantar fascia associated with loading and unloading in healthy individuals and patients with heel pain and reveal the differences between them. Methods: The study included adult male participants with (n = 9) and without (n = 26) heel pain. The participants placed their right foot on an evaluation apparatus with a polymethylpentene resin board (PMP), while their left foot was positioned on a weighing scale used to adjust the loading weight. The heel fat pad was differentiated into superficial Microchamber and deep Macrochamber layers. These layers and plantar fascia thickness were measured using an ultrasonographic imaging device at loading phase ranging from 0% to 100% of their body weight and unloading phase from 100% to 0%. Additionally, the study examined the thickness change ratios of the superficial and deep heel fat pad layers when the load increased from 0% (unload) to 100% (full load). Results: In healthy individuals and patients with heel pain, no significant thickness changes were observed in the Microchamber layer of the heel fat pad or the plantar fascia during loading and unloading evaluations. However, significant thickness changes were observed in the Macrochamber layer of the heel fat pad, and the pattern of change differed between the loading and unloading phases. Additionally, patients with heel pain showed differences in the thickness change and thickness change ratios of the microchamber and macrochamber layers of the heel fat pad during both loading and unloading phases. The thickness of the plantar fascia did not show significant differences between both groups. Conclusion: Compared with healthy individuals, in our relatively small study, patients with heel pain had greater deep fat pad compression in loading and less recovery after load removal. This finding suggests that these patients have different intrinsic fat pad function and related morphology than those without heel pain. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Hydroxyl-bearing bortolanite from the Lovozero alkaline massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia
Authors: Selivanova Ekaterina A. , Pakhomovsky Yakov A. , Lyalina Lyudmila M. , Kompanchenko Alena A. , Mikhailova Julia A. , Zolotarev Andrey A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBortolanite, a rare mineral of the rinkite group, seidozerite supergroup occurs in two different associations in the Lovozero massif in the Kola Peninsula, Russia: (1) together with ferri-katophorite and phlogopite, it forms porous or mesh aggregates (symplectitic accretions) with euhedral contours in the contact zone of a volcano–sedimentary xenolith and eudialyte lujavrite at Kuamdespakhk Mt and (2) in intergrowths with titanite and fluorcaphite in the poikilitic feldspathoid syenites at Sengischorr Mt. In both cases, bortolanite was found in association with rosenbuschite that is close to it in chemical composition, but unlike bortolanite, it contains no REEs. The mineral is triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$, a = 9.5807(5), b = 5.6943(4), c = 7.2813(4) Å, α = 89.891(5)°, β = 100.959(4)°, γ = 101.241(5)°, V = 382.25(4) Å3 and Z = 1.The Lovozero bortolanite differs from the Brazilian holotype sample from de Caldas alkaline massif, Minas Gerais, due to the presence of (OH)-groups in its composition, which is indicated by Raman data. A combination of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and electron microprobe data provides the following crystal-chemical formula: (Ca1.97Ce0.01Nd0.01Th0.01)Σ2(Ca1.39Zr0.61)Σ2(Na0.72Ca0.28)Σ1(Na1.36Ca0.56Mn0.03Zn0.01)Σ1.96(Ti0.78Zr0.08Nb0.05Mg0.05Fe0.04)Σ1Si4O14((OH)0.92O0.87F0.21)Σ2F2.
Phase 1 study of CAR-37 T cells in patients with relapsed or refractory CD37+ lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Frigault Matthew J. , Graham Charlotte E. , Berger Trisha R. , Ritchey Julie , Horick Nora K. , El-Jawahri Areej , Scarfò Irene , Schmidts Andrea , Haradhvala Nicholas J. , Wehrli Marc , Lee Won-Ho , Parker Aiyana L. , Wiggin Hadley R. , Bouffard Amanda , Dey Aonkon , Leick Mark B. , Katsis Katelin , Elder Eva L. , Dolaher Maria A. , Cook Daniella T. , Chekmasova Alena A. , Huang Lu , Nikiforow Sarah , Daley Heather , Ritz Jerome , Armant Myriam , Preffer Fred , DiPersio John F. , Nardi Valentina , Chen Yi-Bin , Gallagher Kathleen M. E. , Maus Marcela V. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
We report a first-in-human clinical trial using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting CD37, an antigen highly expressed in B- and T-cell malignancies. Five patients with relapsed or refractory CD37+ lymphoid malignancies were enrolled and infused with autologous CAR-37 T cells. CAR-37 T cells expanded in the peripheral blood of all patients and, at peak, comprised &gt;94% of the total lymphocytes in 4 of 5 patients. Tumor responses were observed in 4 of 5 patients with 3 complete responses, 1 mixed response, and 1 patient whose disease progressed rapidly and with relative loss of CD37 expression. Three patients experienced prolonged and severe pancytopenia, and in 2 of these patients, efforts to ablate CAR-37 T cells, which were engineered to coexpress truncated epidermal growth factor receptor, with cetuximab were unsuccessful. Hematopoiesis was restored in these 2 patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. No other severe, nonhematopoietic toxicities occurred. We investigated the mechanisms of profound pancytopenia and did not observe activation of CAR-37 T cells in response to hematopoietic stem cells in vitro or hematotoxicity in humanized models. Patients with pancytopenia had sustained high levels of interleukin-18 (IL-18) with low levels of IL-18 binding protein in their peripheral blood. IL-18 levels were significantly higher in CAR-37–treated patients than in both cytopenic and noncytopenic cohorts of CAR-19–treated patients. In conclusion, CAR-37 T cells exhibited antitumor activity, with significant CAR expansion and cytokine production. CAR-37 T cells may be an effective therapy in hematologic malignancies as a bridge to hematopoietic stem cell transplant. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT04136275.
Oblique radiographic measurement of knot position and orientation in logs
Authors: Schajer Gary S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA novel X-ray scanner system to identify the positions of knots in logs is described. The scanner has a simple, low-cost design that is suitable for use in medium and smaller sawmills. It makes X-ray measurements in an oblique direction as the log moves longitudinally past the X-ray source and line-detector. This unconventional oblique measurement direction creates a more side-on view that better reveals the spatial arrangement of the knots within the log. This view, when combined with the knowledge that all knots start from along the pith and radiate outwards gives sufficient information to identify knot orientations in space. Experimental oblique X-ray measurements on a sample log are described, followed by the processing and analysis of the measured radiographs, and a comparison of the results with independent measurements of knot locations. With the knot identification algorithms developed, knot axial position could be identified within 11 mm, and knot circumferential orientation with a root mean square (rms) error of 7.9°–11.6° when using a single view X-ray scanner, or 5.6°–7.7° when using a dual view scanner.
Impaired synaptic plasticity and decreased glutamatergic neuron excitability induced by SIRT1/BDNF downregulation in the hippocampal CA1 region are involved in postoperative cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Wu Wei-Feng , Chen Chen , Lin Jia-Tao , Jiao Xin-Hao , Dong Wei , Wan Jie , Liu Qiang , Qiu Yong-Kang , Sun Ao , Liu Yi-Qi , Jin Chun-Hui , Huang He , Zheng Hui , Zhou Cheng-Hua , Wu Yu-Qing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication after anesthesia/surgery, especially among elderly patients, and poses a significant threat to their postoperative quality of life and overall well-being. While it is widely accepted that elderly patients may experience POCD following anesthesia/surgery, the exact mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. Several studies have indicated that the interaction between silent mating type information regulation 2 homologue 1 (SIRT1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is crucial in controlling cognitive function and is strongly linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, this research aims to explore how SIRT1/BDNF impacts cognitive decline caused by anesthesia/surgery in aged mice.

Methods
Open field test (OFT) was used to determine whether anesthesia/surgery affected the motor ability of mice, while the postoperative cognitive function of 18 months old mice was evaluated with Novel object recognition test (NORT), Object location test (OLT) and Fear condition test (FC). The expressions of SIRT1 and other molecules were analyzed by western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The hippocampal synaptic plasticity was detected by Golgi staining and Long-term potentiation (LTP). The effects of SIRT1 and BDNF overexpression as well as chemogenetic activation of glutamatergic neurons in hippocampal CA1 region of 18 months old vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) mice on POCD were further investigated.

Results
The research results revealed that older mice exhibited cognitive impairment following intramedullary fixation of tibial fracture. Additionally, a notable decrease in the expression of SIRT1/BDNF and neuronal excitability in hippocampal CA1 glutamatergic neurons was observed. By increasing levels of SIRT1/BDNF or enhancing glutamatergic neuron excitability in the CA1 region, it was possible to effectively mitigate synaptic plasticity impairment and ameliorate postoperative cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusions
The decline in SIRT1/BDNF levels leading to changes in synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability in older mice could be a significant factor contributing to cognitive impairment after anesthesia/surgery.

Graphical Abstract