bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative outcomes of trans-arterial radioembolization in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-induced HCC: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Brunson Christopher , Struycken Lucas , Schaub David , Ref Jacob , Goldberg Daniel , Hannallah Jack , Woodhead Gregory , Young Shamar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Tumorigenesis in NAFLD/NASH-induced HCC is unique and may affect the effectiveness of trans-arterial radioembolization in this population. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the effectiveness of trans-arterial radioembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-NASH/NAFLD liver disease.

Materials and methods
Consecutive patients with HCC who underwent TARE at a single academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. Outcome measures including overall survival (OS), local progression-free survival (PFS), and hepatic PFS as assessed by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) were recorded. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard models were utilized to compare progression-free survival and overall survival.

Results
138 separate HCCs in patients treated with TARE between July 2013 and July 2022 were retrospectively identified. Etiologies of HCC included NASH/NAFLD (30/122, 22%), HCV (52/122, 43%), alcoholic liver disease (25/122, 21%), and combined ALD/HCV (14/122, 11%). NASH/NAFLD patients demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in overall survival (p = 0.928), local progression-free survival (p = 0.339), or hepatic progression-free survival between the cohorts (p = 0.946) by log-rank analysis. When NASH/NAFLD patients were compared to all combined non-NASH/NAFLD patients, there was no significant difference in OS (HR 1.1, 95% C.I. 0.32–3.79, p = 0.886), local PFS (HR 1.2, 95% C.I. 0.58–2.44, p = 0.639), or hepatic PFS (HR 1.3, 95% C.I. 0.52–3.16, p = 0.595) by log-rank analysis.

Conclusion
TARE appears to be an equally effective treatment for NASH/NAFLD-induced HCC when compared to other causes of HCC. Further studies in a larger cohort with additional subgroup analyses are warranted.

Graphical abstract
Changes in the diagnostic trajectory of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis over six years
Authors: Achten Anouk , van Empel Vanessa P. M. , Weerts Jerremy , Mourmans Sanne , Beckers-Wesche Fabienne , Spanjers Mireille , Gingele Arno , Brunner-La Rocca Hans-Peter , Sanders-van Wijk Sandra , Knackstedt Christian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAwareness of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) has increased over the years due to diagnostic and therapeutic developments. Timely initiation of novel disease-modifying treatments improves both morbidity and mortality, which underlines the necessity for a prompt diagnosis. Nevertheless, early diagnosis of ATTR-CM remains challenging. This is a retrospective observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with ATTR-CM. Between 2016 and 2023, 87 patients were diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis of which 65 (75%) patients with ATTR-CM and 22 (25%) patients with light chain amyloidosis. This study included 65 ATTR-CM patients (mean age 77 ± 7 years; 86% male) of whom 59 (91%) with wild-type ATTR-CM (ATTRwt) and six (9%) with variant ATTR-CM. We observed a surge in ATTR-CM diagnoses from 3 patients/year (2016–2020) to 16 patients/year (2021–2023), driven by ATTRwt. Nevertheless, the interval between the onset of heart failure symptoms and ATTR-CM diagnosis has not changed significantly (2016–2020 27.3 months [18.6–62.4]; 2021–2023 30.0 months [8.6–57.2]; p = 0.546), driven by time to referral. Red flags for ATTR-CM preceded diagnosis by several years: left ventricular hypertrophy (79%, 5.8 years [3.3–7.0]) and carpal tunnel syndrome (49%, 6.8 years [2.3–12.1]). Despite the presence of typical red flags, symptom-to-diagnosis duration has remained similar driven by time to referral. Improved recognition of red flags for ATTR-CM could reduce the time to diagnosis and improve overall recognition.
Evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin and nab-paclitaxel in postoperative early-stage cervical cancer
Authors: Zhao Ning , Li Yunhai , Chen Xue , Ma Jinli , Luo Weiming , Li Yunhai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Objective
A preclinical study showed that nab-paclitaxel acted as a radiosensitizer and improved tumor radiotherapy in a supra-additive manner. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with cisplatin and nab-paclitaxel in postoperative early-stage cervical cancer with an unfavorable prognosis.

Methods
Eligible patients with stage IB1-IIA2 (FIGO 2009) cervical carcinoma were recruited retrospectively between August 2018 to May 2021. Patients in both the cisplatin and nab-paclitaxel groups received postoperative radiotherapy and weekly intravenous cisplatin 40 mg/m2 or nab-paclitaxel 100 mg concurrently. An analysis of overall survival, progression-free survival, and adverse reactions was conducted.

Results
A total of 105 early-stage cervical cancer patients were included into our study. The median follow-up time was 38.7 months. The 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival in both group was similar. The cycles of chemotherapy in the cisplatin group were less than those in the nab-paclitaxel group (4.5 vs. 5.0; p = 0.001). Patients in the cisplatin group had a significantly higher frequency of hematological adverse events than patients in the nab-paclitaxel group (P < 0.05). Patients in the cisplatin group had a significantly higher frequency of grade 3–4 leukopenia (46.1% vs. 18.9%; P = 0.03), grade 1–2 thrombocytopenia (32.7% vs. 9.5%; P = 0.014) than patients in the nab-paclitaxel group. Gastrointestinal reactions, such as vomiting, nausea, and anorexia were significantly reduced in the nab-paclitaxel group compared with those in the cisplatin group. Regarding the effects on alopecia, the incidence rate of the nab-paclitaxel group was higher than that of the cisplatin group (P = 0.001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of other adverse reactions.

Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that nab-paclitaxel-based concurrent radiotherapy is tolerable and effective, and can be considered an alternative to cisplatin chemotherapy.
Vor- und Nachteile einer Lumped-Mass-Modellierung von Förderbändern am Beispiel eines Zwei-Walzensystems
Authors: Schulz Carsten , Vogl Yannick , Geiger Benjamin , Schaeffer Thomas 
Published: May 2024

ZusammenfassungIm Betrieb von Förderbändern auftretende Phänomene sind das Bandwandern in Achsrichtung der Walzen und die Bandverformung in der Bandebene [1, S. 142]. Das Bandwandern ist bisher detailliert untersucht [2–4], während die Bandverformung Gegenstand weniger Veröffentlichungen ist. Deshalb wird in diesem Artikel eine Methode zur Berechnung der sich im dynamischen Betrieb einstellenden Verformung eines elastischen Förderbandes vorgestellt. Dazu wird ein Mehrkörpersimulations-Modell basierend auf der Lumped-Mass-Modellierung verwendet. Als Untersuchungsbeispiel dient ein Zwei-Walzensystem mit flexiblen und zylindrischen Walzen, sowie ein flexibles Förderband. Es zeigt sich, dass mit der Lumped-Mass-Modellierung eine dynamische Bandverformung, die von der gewählten Diskretisierung abhängt, berechnet werden kann. Aufgrund dieser Abhängigkeit ist es notwendig eine Konvergenzanalyse durchzuführen. Zusätzlich ist darauf zu achten, dass die künstliche Anregung aufgrund der Lumped-Mass-Modellierung nicht mit einer Eigenfrequenz des Modells zusammenfällt.
Multimodal emotion classification using machine learning in immersive and non-immersive virtual reality
Authors: Lima Rodrigo , Chirico Alice , Varandas Rui , Gamboa Hugo , Gaggioli Andrea , i Badia Sergi Bermúdez 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAffective computing has been widely used to detect and recognize emotional states. The main goal of this study was to detect emotional states using machine learning algorithms automatically. The experimental procedure involved eliciting emotional states using film clips in an immersive and non-immersive virtual reality setup. The participants’ physiological signals were recorded and analyzed to train machine learning models to recognize users’ emotional states. Furthermore, two subjective ratings emotional scales were provided to rate each emotional film clip. Results showed no significant differences between presenting the stimuli in the two degrees of immersion. Regarding emotion classification, it emerged that for both physiological signals and subjective ratings, user-dependent models have a better performance when compared to user-independent models. We obtained an average accuracy of 69.29 ± 11.41% and 71.00 ± 7.95% for the subjective ratings and physiological signals, respectively. On the other hand, using user-independent models, the accuracy we obtained was 54.0 ± 17.2% and 24.9 ± 4.0%, respectively. We interpreted these data as the result of high inter-subject variability among participants, suggesting the need for user-dependent classification models. In future works, we intend to develop new classification algorithms and transfer them to real-time implementation. This will make it possible to adapt to a virtual reality environment in real-time, according to the user’s emotional state.
Tinnitus in Children
Authors: Hoare Derek J. , Smith Harriet , Kennedy Veronica , Fackrell Kathryn 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis perspective reviews the current state of the art and literature on tinnitus in children, prevalence and risk factors, clinical management, and future priorities for healthcare provision and research. Most research in the field to date appears to be prevalence studies, which have reached dramatically different estimates; this reflects the lack of a standard language when asking about the presence of tinnitus, or how bothersome, distressing, or negatively impacting it is for the child. Estimates are also likely affected by a lack of awareness of tinnitus amongst children and parents. Children are less likely to spontaneously report tinnitus than adults, and parents are often unaware their child could even develop tinnitus, considering it a disease of older age for example. It is critical that children are asked and learn about tinnitus. In hearing clinics, clinicians should routinely ask about all children about tinnitus and offer tinnitus care and settings that are child- and family-friendly. As well as asking directly, clinicians should be alert to soft signs of tinnitus such as unexplained listening, speech perception, concentration difficulties, worry or anxiety, or difficulties completing hearing tests or using hearing aids. The recently developed impact of Tinnitus in Children Questionnaire (iTICQ) can then be used to assess problems that are most commonly core to children’s experience of tinnitus. Clinical guidelines for tinnitus in children are few but provide recommendations for additional paediatric questionnaires and alternative assessments and for a range of treatment options. Of note, however, is the lack of clinical trials and, therefore, evidence of the effectiveness of any treatment for tinnitus in children. Significant and concerted work is therefore needed to raise awareness of tinnitus in children, understand the scale of clinical need, and standardise and evaluate clinical management options.
Preferences, risk neutrality and risk-sensitive MDPs
Authors: Alexander James , Sobel Matthew J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA binary preference relation on a real vector space satisfying four (natural) axioms is shown to induce a utility function composed of a linear function to the reals and a weakly monotonic function. The key axiom is decomposition, and the utility function can be taken to be linear if and only if this axiom’s converse is also satisfied. Important consequences follow for risk-sensitive discounted Markov decision processes, decision trees, and the discounted utility model in economics. Since the four axioms imply that preferences correspond to discounting, the four axioms without the converse imply that preferences are consistent with discounting without risk neutrality.
Grape pomace in diets for European sea bass: influence on oxidative status, intestinal microbiota, and fillet quality
Authors: Martínez-Antequera F. P. , Simó-Mirabet P. , de las Heras V. , Román M. , Mancera J. M. , Martos-Sitcha J. A. , Moyano F. J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe use of intensive systems in aquaculture causes an increase in environmental stress agents, reducing water quality and facilitating the appearance of pathologies in individuals. In this context, the selection of ingredients is a key strategy in managing the quality of aquafeed and the cultivation of aquaculture species. Considering this, wine by-products can be a potential functional ingredient due to several particular characteristics, such as their low cost, large volumes produced, and for being a natural source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity. The present study developed different experiments focused on evaluating the benefits of feeding juvenile European sea bass during 5 weeks with feeds incorporating 0.4% red wine grape pomace (GP). At the end of the feeding period, potential modifications in metabolism, immunological and oxidative status, and functionality of intestinal microbiota were assessed as well as the potential protective effect against oxidation in fish fillets during 6 days of cold storage (4 °C). In addition, the preservative effect of GP on the feed when stored for a period of 12 weeks at two different temperatures (4 °C and 25 °C) was evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of GP in feeds for European sea bass prevents oxidation when stored at room temperature. In addition, a general improvement in the physiological and immunological status, as well as fillet quality, was evidenced.
Can information construction promote the digital transformation of enterprises? Evidence from the 'Pilot Zone for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization’
Authors: Li Dongkun , Han Qianqian , Lu Huizhong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe convergence of the digital economy and the physical economy is a global trend, with enterprises undergoing digital transformation not only for more online orders but also for smarter ways to produce. While existing literature has focused on reasons for digital transformation within enterprises, it has often overlooked the impact of external information technology infrastructure on business digital transformation. This study uses data from Chinese A-share listed enterprises from 2003 to 2021 and employs text-mining techniques to create firm-level variables related to digital transformation. The ‘Pilot Zone for the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization’ policy serves as an indicator of information technology development. By utilizing the difference-in-differences method, the study examines the influence of information technology development on corporate digital transformation. The results indicate that information technology development significantly aids corporate digital transformation by reducing operational risks and boosting innovation capabilities. These findings provide valuable micro-level evidence on how information technology infrastructure supports corporate digital transformation, offering fresh insights into the mechanisms driving this process.
Social networking sites as affordable tools for high-potential personal learning networks: the case of teachers as learners in Vietnam
Authors: Le Van H. , McConney Andrew , Maor Dorit 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile a great deal has been published about the educational value of social networking sites (SNSs) for teachers, less has focused on teachers who are arguably more dependent on these virtual platforms for informal professional learning due to financial constraints and a lack of regular in-service professional development. Situating this study in Vietnam and focusing on teachers teaching English as a foreign language, we examined how these teachers have adapted SNSs, a tool typically used in leisure and social life, into online personal learning networks. The evidence was collected from 393 teachers’ responses to an online survey. The results from descriptive and non-parametric inferential tests revealed three main findings: (1) Teachers engage in a variety of professional learning activities using SNSs with high frequency, regardless of their self-perceived levels of technology competence or teaching experience; (2) Teachers make use of online groups on SNSs for professional topics and their preferences of topics are not likely to be determined by their experience, except for the topics of classroom management techniques and knowledge about learners; (3) The most decisive factors these teachers associated with effective professional learning on SNSs include time availability, reliability of information and materials, personal information privacy and desire to learn. Teachers’ perceptions about these factors are influenced by the frequency of their SNS use and professional work experience. The implications of these findings for teacher professional development in Vietnam, and other countries in similar economic circumstances, are also discussed.
‘Nothing About Us, Without Us’: Research Priorities for Autistic Girls, Women and Gender Diverse People in Australia
Authors: Grove Rachel , Clapham Hayley , Moodie Tess , Gurrin Sarah , Hall Gabrielle 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAutistic girls, women and gender diverse people have specific needs that are underrepresented in research. Research priorities are often established by funding bodies, researchers, parents, carers and health professionals and may not meet the needs of the diverse Autistic community. This co-produced project aimed to identify what research would benefit the lives of Autistic girls, women and gender diverse people in Australia. We interviewed 47 Autistic girls, women and gender diverse people aged seven and above and obtained feedback from an additional 411 Autistic people through an online survey. Autistic young people identified six key research priorities including (1) better understanding and support at school, (2) understanding our experiences, strengths and challenges, (3) autism specific mental health support, (4) Autistic friendships and relationships, (5) experiences of gender diversity and (6) accommodations to make life easier for us. Eight key research priority areas were identified by Autistic adults including (1) understanding and supporting specific needs in adulthood, (2) experiences of trauma, abuse and sexual violence, (3) supporting mental health and wellbeing, (4) addressing barriers in healthcare, (5) understanding and supporting physical health needs, (6) addressing barriers in education and the workplace, (7) understanding the role of society, embracing neurodiversity and the importance of Autistic identity and (8) co-designing research and supports with Autistic people. We provide a discussion around the importance of focusing on these research priority areas in future autism research in Australia.
Potential improvement in power factor of (Bi0.98Ge0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3 compound due to defect engineering
Authors: Shirodkar Swaraangi , Prabhu A. N. , Putran Suchitra , Rao Ashok , Shanubhogue U. Deepika , Hegde Ganesh Shridhar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn recent years, thermoelectricity has gained popularity as a renewable energy source, with applications including Peltier coolers and thermoelectric generators, particularly focusing on materials, like bismuth telluride and its doped derivatives. This study investigates Bi2Te3, (Bi0.98Ge0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3, and (Bi0.98Ge0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3/Bi2Te3 synthesized via solid-state reaction, revealing a rhombohedral structure in the XRD pattern and confirming chemical composition and composite homogeneity through EDS and porosity, density, and selenium integration via FESEM. Electrical resistivity decreases with rising temperature, while the Seebeck coefficient shows a linear increase, indicating n-type semiconductor behaviour. The highest power factor of 108 μW/mK2 is achieved by (Bi0.98Ge0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3, contrasting with the lowest of 20 μW/mK2 observed for the pristine sample at 250 °C. Ge atoms enhance the power factor of (Bi0.98Ge0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3 by 5.4 times compared to the pristine compound, making it ideal for thermoelectric applications through acceptor behaviour and defect engineering.
Addressing equity, diversity and inclusion in academic publishing: key initiatives from JMTE
Authors: Scheiner Thorsten , Brodie Karin , Planas Núria , Darragh Lisa , Halai Anjum , Potari Despina , Santos-Trigo Manuel , Walkoe Janet 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the pressing issues of equity, diversity and inclusion in academic publishing, with a focus on mathematics education research. It highlights systemic biases and barriers that marginalise under-represented voices in the academic discourse. Through an analysis of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education’s (JMTE) publication patterns, it reveals a significant geographical imbalance and a disparity between the Global North and the Global South, prompting critical reflection on whose voices are prioritised. The paper outlines key initiatives undertaken by JMTE, such as forming an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, broadening the aims and scope of the journal, developing inclusive reviewing guidelines, and fostering diversity among editors, reviewers and authors. These efforts aim to promote a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive field of mathematics education research by encouraging contributions from under-represented regions and communities and by addressing language barriers and institutional support issues.
“The Sum Is Greater Than the Parts?”—The Role of Student Covitality in Flourishing
Authors: Lau Esther Yuet Ying , Zhang Xingzhou , Sun Rong-wei , Lee John Chi-Kin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractExisting studies have revealed associations of positive psychological traits with human thriving and flourishing. However, how these traits co-occur—known as covitality—and how it relates to flourishing remain relatively unexplored. This study aimed to investigate how student covitality as a second-order construct of four school experience-grounded positive psychological traits, namely gratitude, optimism, zest and persistence, predicts flourishing among primary school students. Participants were fourth to sixth graders (N = 1,107, 36.2% Grade 4, 32.8% Grade 5, and 31.0% Grade 6; 50.4% female) from 34 primary schools in Hong Kong (7.1% Hong Kong Island, 36.4% Kowloon, and 56.5% New Territories). In this study, structural equation modelling showed that student covitality as a second-order construct predicted flourishing directly (β = .594), and also indirectly through resilience (β = .111) and prosocial behaviour (β = .062). The findings suggest that student covitality as a latent construct better captures the mechanisms that drive student flourishing than the four individual first-order constructs of positive psychological traits. This study sheds light on future efforts in the field of children’s flourishing to consider school-related covitality as a critical variable in research and to develop school-based strategies that promote covitality in practice.