bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Effectiveness of the Tree Drawing Projective Test Depression Assessment Form in Adolescents with Depressive Disorders
Authors: Liu Guorui , Zhang Yanfei , Li Ziyang , Liu Yige , Jin Hui , Shi Peiqi , Wen Jing , Liu Wei , Bai Yonghai , Wang Yihao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Depressive disorders in adolescents are highly prevalent. A controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Tree Drawing Projective Test Depression Assessment Form in identifying depressive symptoms among teenagers. The goal was to provide support in screening and preventing depressive symptoms in adolescents.
Methods
A controlled study design was employed, administering the Tree Drawing Projective Test to 50 adolescent patients with depressive disorders and 54 healthy controls. The drawings were scanned using a scanner, and the Tree Drawing Projective Test Depression Assessment Form was utilized to evaluate the images. Statistical analysis was conducted on the results, with quantitative data subjected to t-tests and categorical data to chi-square tests.
Results
The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Tree Drawing Test Evaluation Form was 0.657, indicating a statistically significant difference in total scores between the depression group and the control group (16.9600±4.8528 for the depression group, 7.2593±3.4378 for the control group, t-value of 11.831, and p-value of 0.000). When using a cutoff score of 13, the Youden Index was 0.761, with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.981. The positive and negative predictive values were 0.9524 and 0.8387, respectively. At a cutoff score of 9, the sensitivity was 0.98, and the specificity was 0.704, with positive and negative predictive values of 0.7205 and 0.9722, respectively.
Conclusions
The Tree Drawing Projective Test Depression Assessment Form has good screening efficacy and can serve as a preliminary and rapid screening tool for depression and depressive disorders in adolescents.
Allostery can convert binding free energies into concerted domain motions in enzymes
Authors: Maglia Giovanni , Galenkamp Nicole , Zernia Sarah , Oppen Yulan Van , Milias-Argeitis Andreas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Enzymes’ mechanisms are typically inferred from structural data. However, understanding proteins’ functions requires unravelling the intricate dynamic interplay between dynamics, conformational substates and multiple protein structures. Here, we investigate the catalytic cycle of adenylate kinase (AK), an enzyme that catalyzes the interconversion of the various adenosine phosphates (ATP, ADP, and AMP). Our findings reveal that allosteric interactions enable converting ligands and cofactor binding energies into directional conformational changes of the two catalytic domains of AK. These coordinated motions emerged to control the exact sequence of ligand binding, the affinity for the three different substrates, and guiding the reactants along the reaction coordinates. Interestingly, we found that about 10% of enzymes showed altered allosteric regulation and ligand affinities, indicating that a subset of enzymes folded in alternative catalytically active forms. Since molecules or proteins might be able to selectively stabilize one of these multiple folds, this observation suggests an evolutionary path for allostery in enzymes. In AK, this complex catalytic framework has likely emerged to prevent futile ATP/ADP hydrolysis and to finely tune the enzyme for different energy needs of the cell.
Efficacy and safety of salvage-line nivolumab monotherapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Comparison of 240 mg versus 480 mg doses
Authors: Murashima Yuko , Yamamoto Shun , Hirose Toshiharu , Kadono Toru , Ikeda Go , Ohara Akihiro , Itoyama Mai , Yokoyama Kazuki , Honma Yoshitaka , Ishiyama Koshiro , Oguma Jyunya , Daiko Hiroyuki , Kato Ken 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Nivolumab monotherapy is the standard second-line treatment for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy without anti-PD-1 antibody. Fixed dosing with 240 mg every 2 weeks was approved initially, followed by fixed dosing with 480 mg every 4 weeks based on pharmacokinetics data. However, information on the comparative efficacy and safety of the two doses remains limited.
Methods
We compared progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and the incidence of adverse events (AEs) between the two doses in 117 patients who received second-line(n=85) or later-line(n=32) nivolumab monotherapy at our institution between January 2016 and December 2021.
Results
Patient characteristics in the second-line group were as follows (240 mg vs. 480 mg): performance status (PS) 0/1/2, 34/61/5% vs 54/42/4%; prior FP, 81.3 vs. 42.3%. Those in the later-line group were as follows: PS 0/1/2, 28/60/12% vs. 14/86/0%; prior FP, 60.0 vs. 42.8%. ORR was 11.9 vs. 24.0% in the second-line group (p=0.19) and 0 vs. 14.3% in the later-line group (p=0.22). Median PFS was 1.7 vs. 4.1 months on second-line (hazard ratio [HR] 0.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35-1.01, p=0.056) and 1.4 vs. 1.8 months on later-line (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.23-1.46, p=0.25); AEs of any grade were observed in 58.3 vs. 69.7%, respectively.
Conclusions
The efficacy and safety of the two doses of nivolumab monotherapy were comparable in patients with advanced ESCC.
Exploring Optimization Strategies for Support Vector Machine -Based Half Cell Potential Prediction
Authors: Murthy Yogesh Iyer , Pandey Shikha , Gandhi Sumit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the predictive performance of Support Vector Machine (SVM) models in estimating HCP values based on input parameters, employing Bayesian Optimization, Grid Search, and Random Search optimization techniques.
Study Design/Methodology
Using a dataset containing 1134 rows and six columns, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is utilized to reduce dimensionality while preserving 95% of the explained variance. Input parameters such as temperature, age, relative humidity, and X and Y lengths are considered, with HCP as the output parameter. Various performance metrics including RMSE, R-squared, MSE, MAE, prediction speed, and training time are analyzed to evaluate model effectiveness.
Findings
The study reveals variations in predictive performance across different optimization methods, with RMSE values ranging from 18.365 to 30.205 and R-squared values spanning from 0.88 to 0.96. Additionally, differences in training times, prediction speeds, and model complexities are observed, highlighting the trade-offs between model accuracy and computational efficiency.
Originality
This study contributes to the understanding of SVM model efficacy in HCP prediction, emphasizing the importance of optimization techniques, model complexity, and dimensionality reduction methods such as PCA. The comprehensive evaluation of performance metrics across different optimization methods provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the field.
Metabolomic characteristics of cord blood from neonates with hyperkalemia after antenatal exposure to ritodrine and magnesium sulfate
Authors: Inoue Masanori , Sekiguchi Kazuhito , Tsushita Haruka , Inoue Naomi , Maeda Tomoki , Itoh Hiroki , Ihara Kenji 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the management of pregnancy, ritodrine has been used to prevent preterm birth, and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been used to prevent preterm labor and preeclampsia. Neonates born to mothers receiving these medications occasionally show an increase in serum potassium concentration. Recently, an elevated risk of neonatal hyperkalemia has been reported, particularly when ritodrine and MgSO4 are co-administered; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the association between potassium levels and metabolites in the serum of umbilical cord blood of infants with antenatal exposure to antenatal ritodrine and MgSO4 using a metabolomic analysis. Our findings revealed a significant elevation in serum potassium concentration associated with metabolomic findings of activation of glycolysis and the derived metabolic routes in preterm neonates exposed to both ritodrine and MgSO4. Our data indicate that the concurrent administration of ritodrine and MgSO4 caused distinctive metabolic alterations, potentially leading to an additional increase in the intracellular potassium concentration in the fetus. Consequently, this mechanism may imply an elevation in serum potassium concentration postnatally through the redistribution of potassium.
Association between sleep duration and estimated glomerular filtration rate in Chinese patients with diabetes: evidence from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Fu Cishuang , Deng Zhiming , Gan Shenglian , Zhou Haifeng , Zhou Quan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Previous epidemiological studies have demonstrated associations between sleep duration and diabetes, vascular complications and cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients. However, few studies have so far explored the effect of sleep time on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in diabetic patients. This study was performed for the purpose of exploring the relationship between sleep duration and eGFR in diabetic patients. This study analyzed 1389 patients with diabetes. Sleep duration at night was categorized into four groups: very short (< 6h), short (6-6.9h), optimal (7-8h), and long (> 8h). The association of sleep duration with eGFR was analyzed using univariate linear regression, and generalized additive models were applied to assess the nonlinear relationship between sleep duration and eGFR. Compared to optimal sleep duration (7-8h), both long sleep duration (> 8h) and very short sleep duration (< 6h) were associated with level of eGFR (β = -3.63, 95%CI: -5.54 to -1.71, P = 0.0002 and β = -4.79, 95%CI: -8.55 to -1.03, P = 0.0126, respectively). The smooth curve showed there is a U-shaped relationship between sleep duration and eGFR levels. The results of this study show that both very short and long sleep durations were associated with low eGFR in diabetics.
Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with absent opacification of the cervical internal carotid artery at CT-angiography: pathophysiology and outcome
Authors: Comai Alessio , Casalboni Chiara , Bonatti Matteo , Franchini Enrica , Dall'Ora Elisa , Gunsom Ghislain Noumsi , Lombardo Fabio , Petralia Benedetto 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Occlusion of distal internal carotid artery can simulate a proximal occlusion of its cervical tract at CT angiography in patients with acute ischemic stroke, i.e. pseudo-occlusion. As true and false carotid occlusions can have similar presentation at non-invasive imaging of a patient undergoing endovascular treatment for stroke, our study aimed to evaluate clinical and technical differences of these conditions and the possible consequences of a misdiagnosis.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in a single center between July 2015 and July 2021 and included patients with absent opacification of cervical carotid artery at CT-angiography. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) imaging and procedural data were evaluated to define the actual localization of occlusion. We compared imaging and clinical data of patients with true and false carotid occlusion, including collateral circulation at CTA, revascularization grade and clinical outcome at 3 months.
Results
95 patients were included, 52 (49%) had true occlusion of cervical internal carotid artery. Compared to the pseudo-occlusion group, collateral circulation at CTA was moderate to good in 67% of cases (vs 29%; p < 0.01) and mean ASPECT score at 24h was 5.5 vs 2.7 (p < 0.001). Modified Rankin scale 0–2 at 90 days was more frequent in patients with true occlusion compared to patients with pseudo-occlusion (44.9 vs 14.6%; p 0.003).
Conclusion
Pseudo-occlusion of cervical internal carotid artery in patients with acute ischemic stroke seem to be associated with worst prognosis and poorer collateral circulation.
Development of a LAMP assay for strawberry anthracnose Colletotrichum fructicola
Authors: Katoh Hiroshi , Hirakawa Mao , Koizumi Sayaka , Katoh Madoka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Anthracnose is major disease seriously affecting the strawberry industry. Particularly, Colletotrichum fructicola, which is memberof the C. gloeosporioides species complex, is widely distributed and causes severe yield loses in strawberry crops around the world. Universal loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) detection methods for Colletotrichum spp., have been reported. Here, we report our development of a new LAMP assay for C. fructicola based on sequences amplified by the Ap-f3/Ap-r7 primer set. These LAMP primers discriminated C. fructicola and C. aenigma strains from C. acutatum AS-2, C. fioriniae, C. nymphaeae, C. siamense, and other fungi. The LAMP method used herein demonstrated higher detection sensitivity than PCR using the Ap-f3/Ap-r7 primer set. The DNA extracted using this kit is recommended as best suited for performing the LAMP assay to select strawberry seedlings hosting C. fructicola during incubation. In contrast, latent infection with C. aenigma in strawberry seedlings could not be detected by the LAMP assay. This finding suggests that the primer sequence affects detection sensitivity of the assay.
An Investigation into Dynamic Behaviour of Reconstituted and Undisturbed Fine-grained Soil during Triaxial and Simple Shear
Authors: Önalp Akın , Özocak Aşkın , Bol Ertan , Sert Sedat , Arslan Eylem , Ural Nazile 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the factors controlling the sensitivity of fine-grained soils to seismic stresses and revise the criteria previously proposed by the authors to diagnose liquefaction. To this end, dynamic tests have been performed on artificial mixes as well as natural soils from a wide area of an earthquake devastated city (Adapazari) using two types of dynamic testing. Studies have led to findings suggesting that the gray area between susceptible and non-susceptible soils proposed by several investigators in the past can now be dispensed with. Although physical properties of fine-grained soil supply sufficient information for diagnosis, dynamic simple shear test is found to be a convenient and rapid way to confirm the judgement. However, it has been seen that dynamic testing alone may not be the last word in the determination of liquefaction, and physical properties should also be addressed. Anomalies observed in test results are also discussed. Conclusions show significant differences from existing proposed criteria in the literature.
The usefulness of fluorescence in detecting ischemia during bariatric and metabolic surgery
Authors: Wityk Mateusz , Dowgiałło-Gornowicz Natalia , Bobowicz Maciej 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Fluorescence is used in various surgical fields to detect tissue ischemia. However, its use in obesity surgery is still limited. This study aims to investigate whether fluorescence can help detect ischemia during metabolic and bariatric surgery and assess its effectiveness in reducing complications. The main objective was to determine the percentage of patients with improper blood flow assessed by fluorescence and the leak rate. The second outcome measured was the morbidity and mortality within 30 days. This single-centre, prospective observational study analysed patients who underwent primary metabolic and bariatric surgery. Data was collected from 66 consecutive patients who qualified for primary one anastomosis gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures. 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality were assessed. In total, improper blood supply was observed in two cases out of 66 (3%). No leakage incidents were reported. One patient (1.5%) experienced non-ischemic-related complications. No morbidity and mortality were observed 30 days after the surgical procedures. No complications related to ICG administration were observed. This research shows that adding ICG-fluorescence may reduce the number of MBS-related complications, namely leakage secondary to ischemia. However, this field lacks systematic data, and further research with a larger patient group is necessary to establish conclusive evidence.
The determinants of UK mothers’ joint decision on formal childcare and labour supply given the availability of informal childcare
Authors: Cusimano Alessandro , Rodrigues Diego da Silva , Jackson Ian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The UK is one of the largest investors in childcare provision among developed countries. However, the empirical literature shows these investments have not been effective enough in supporting British working mothers; this becomes even more complex in a context where different sources of informal childcare are available. In this scenario, the UK appears as an ideal case study, since it is the country where mothers present the highest preference for informal kinds of childcare among the OECD members (OECD, 2016). We use data from the UK’s Family and Children Study to investigate the determinants of mothers’ preferences for formal childcare and labour supply, whilst also considering the availability of informal childcare. Our results highlight the positive influence, for British mothers, that the use of informal childcare has on their joint decision on labour supply and formal childcare choices. Furthermore, our results show that British married mothers conciliate formal and informal childcare arrangements as complements rather than substitutes.
Altered Regional Brain Spontaneous Activity and Functional Connectivity in Patients of Non-Acute Subcortical Stroke With versus Without Cognitive Impairment: A Resting-State fMRI Study.
Authors: Wang Yao , Liu Wan , Yang Wenjie , Chai Xue , Yu Hao , Ma Hongxia , Liu Li , Rao Jiang , Xu GuangXu , Hu Zhibin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The reasons why not all stroke survivors have cognitive dysfunction are unclear. We hypothesize that resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) will reveal differences in regional brain spontaneous activity and functional connectivity (FC) in stroke patients with and without cognitive impairment. We classified 62 first-ever non-acute subcortical stroke patients into two groups: post-stroke with abnormal cognition (PSAC) and with normal cognition (PSNC). Rs-MRI was utilized to assess regional homogeneity (ReHo) in 32 PSAC, 30 PSNC, and 62 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. We set regions with significant alteration within stroke groups as regions of interest and performed the seed-based whole brain FC analysis. A partial correlation analysis examined the relationship between altered ReHo or FC and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Compared to PSNC, PSAC had decreased ReHo in the left gyrus rectus (REC) and increased ReHo in cerebellar lobules (CBL) left IX and right VIII, while FC decreased in PSAC between bilateral REC, and between the left REC and the middle temporal gyrus (MTG). In all stroke patients, ReHo value in the left REC correlated positively and in the CBL correlated negatively with MoCA. All the significant FC correlated with MoCA positively. Regional brain spontaneous activity and FC alteration in the REC, MTG, and cerebellum may be associated with cognitive impairment following non-acute subcortical stroke.
Adaptation of Asparagus munitus to karst adversity and its effects on soil
Authors: Zhang Mingsheng , tang liu , liu miao , shangguan liyang , Huang haidong , lv gonggu , hang Ye 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this study, Asparagus munitus was planted in karst rocky desertification (KRD) areas and arable land (AL) to explore the changes in plant adaptability to KRD environments and effects on KRD soils. Results showed A. munitus exhibited shrinkage in KRD habitats, evidenced by increased number and length of stems, branch length, and other agronomic traits; significantly elevated antioxidant enzyme and osmoregulator content in leafy shoots; and increased polysaccharide content in tuberous roots. Correlation and principal component analyses of plant agronomic traits revealed strong correlations among indicators except basal stems, with leaf shoot length and root diameter as the first and second principal components, respectively. Soil physical properties and nutrient contents showed KRD soil pH, water content, porosity, and nutrient content markedly changed after A. munitus planting, overall positively developing. This study reveals partial adaptive strategies of A. munitus to KRD habitats and ameliorative effects of planting A. munitus on KRD soils, providing theoretical bases for A. munitus cultivation and KRD soil improvement.
Schistosoma mansoni coinfection is associated with high Plasmodium falciparum infection intensity among 10 -15 year old children living along the Albert Nile in Uganda
Authors: Namulondo Joyce , Nyangiri Oscar Asanya , Kimuda Magambo Phillip , Nambala Peter , Nassuuna Jacent , Kabagenyi Joyce , Egesa Moses , Nerima Barbara , Biryomumaisho Savino , Mugasa Claire Mack , Elliott Alison , Noyes Harry , Tweyongyere Robert , Matovu Enock , Mulindwa Julius 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria and schistosomiasis are important parasitic diseases. Coinfections of these have been reported in areas endemic to both parasites. The aim of this study was to determine the association between Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) and Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) infection intensities among school age children living along the Albert Nile.
Methods
A cross sectional study of 210 children aged 10–15 years, was conducted in selected sites along the Albert Nile in Pakwach District in northwest Uganda. The Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) test and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were used to test for S. mansoni infection intensity and quantitative PCR used to test for P. falciparum infection intensity.
Results
Of the 210 study particpants, 76.2% (160/210) were malaria positive whereas 91% (191/210) were S. mansoni positive. There were only 1% (3/210) infections of each of Necator americanus and Strongyloides stercolaris. Of the P. falciparum positive children 57.5% (92/160) were male; on the other hand 53.4% (102/191) of the S. mansoni positive children were male. Overall, 150 of the 210 children tested (71%) had co-infection with both P. falciparum and S. mansoni. There was a significant association (p-value = 7.306e-10, r2 = 0.17) between P. falciparum qPCR Ct-value and S. mansoni qPCR Ct-value. There was a significant association (p-value = 7.306e-10, r2 = 0.17) between P. falciparum intensity (qPCR Ct-value) and S. mansoni intensity (qPCR Ct-value) among the children test.
Conclusions
By molecular detection, this study observed a high prevalence of P. falciparum among the school age children (10–15 years) living in the S. mansoni endemic hotspots along the Albert-Nile region of Pakwach district, northwestern Uganda.