bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Privacy-preserving federated learning based on partial low-quality data
Authors: Wang Huiyong , Wang Qi , Ding Yong , Tang Shijie , Wang Yujue 
Published: March 2024

AbstractTraditional machine learning requires collecting data from participants for training, which may lead to malicious acquisition of privacy in participants’ data. Federated learning provides a method to protect participants’ data privacy by transferring the training process from a centralized server to terminal devices. However, the server may still obtain participants’ privacy through inference attacks and other methods. In addition, the data provided by participants varies in quality, and the excessive involvement of low-quality data in the training process can render the model unusable, which is an important issue in current mainstream federated learning. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a Privacy Preserving Federated Learning Scheme with Partial Low-Quality Data (PPFL-LQDP). It can achieve good training results while allowing participants to utilize partial low-quality data, thereby enhancing the privacy and security of the federated learning scheme. Specifically, we use a distributed Paillier cryptographic mechanism to protect the privacy and security of participants’ data during the Federated training process. Additionally, we construct composite evaluation values for the data held by participants to reduce the involvement of low-quality data, thereby minimizing the negative impact of such data on the model. Through experiments on the MNIST dataset, we demonstrate that this scheme can complete the model training of federated learning with the participation of partial low-quality data, while effectively protecting the security and privacy of participants’ data. Comparisons with related schemes also show that our scheme has good overall performance.
Integrating perspectives of transgender and gender-diverse youth, family members, and professionals to support their health and wellbeing – a mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Servais Julie , Vanhoutte Bram , Aguirre-Sánchez-Beato Sara , Aujoulat Isabelle , Kraus Cynthia , T’Sjoen Guy , Tricas-Sauras Sandra , Godin Isabelle 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The current literature highlights a strong link between the poor health outcomes of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals and their negative experiences in various areas of life. Most of these publications rely on adults’ memories, lacking a focus on the current experiences and needs of young transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Furthermore, previous studies on support for these young people often solely consider the perspectives of TGD adults or professionals and rarely involve parents’ viewpoints.

Methods
This study will use a mixed sequential method with a participatory approach. Firstly, the qualitative phase will explore the difficulties and needs of TGD (15–20 years old) and of the families and professionals who support them. Results from this part will be used to develop the questionnaire for the quantitative phase, with the help of a community board. Secondly, based on participatory epidemiological research, the quantitative phase will use an intersectional perspective to measure the impact of individual and structural factors on the quality of life and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse young people. Finally, a co-creation phase will be undertaken to formulate recommendations based on the results of the first two phases.

Discussion
This research aims at better understanding the influence of gender identity on the quality of life and health of TGD young people and their families and to identify protective and risk factors that affect their vulnerabilities.

Ethics and dissemination
This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Erasme Faculty Hospital (CCB B4062023000140). As this research is participatory and part of a PhD dissertation, we aim to disseminate the results through our partners’ networks and structures locally, and internationally through conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
The natural history and burden of illness of metachromatic leukodystrophy: a systematic literature review
Authors: Chang Shun-Chiao , Eichinger Christian Stefan , Field Polly 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD; OMIM 250100 and 249900) is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient arylsulfatase A activity, leading to accumulation of sulfatides in the nervous system. This systematic literature review aimed to explore the effect of MLD on the lives of patients.

Methods
The Ovid platform was used to search Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library for articles related to the natural history, clinical outcomes, and burden of illness of MLD; congress and hand searches were performed using ‘metachromatic leukodystrophy’ as a keyword. Of the 531 publications identified, 120 were included for data extraction following screening. A subset of findings from studies relating to MLD natural history and burden of illness (n = 108) are presented here.

Results
The mean age at symptom onset was generally 16–18 months for late-infantile MLD and 6–10 years for juvenile MLD. Age at diagnosis and time to diagnosis varied widely. Typically, patients with late-infantile MLD presented predominantly with motor symptoms and developmental delay; patients with juvenile MLD presented with motor, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms; and patients with adult MLD presented with cognitive symptoms and psychiatric and mood disorders. Patients with late-infantile MLD had more rapid decline of motor function over time and lower survival than patients with juvenile MLD. Commonly reported comorbidities/complications included ataxia, epilepsy, gallbladder abnormalities, incontinence, neuropathy, and seizures.

Conclusions
Epidemiology of MLD by geographic regions, quantitative cognitive data, data on the differences between early- and late-juvenile MLD, and humanistic or economic outcomes were limited. Further studies on clinical, humanistic (i.e., quality of life), and economic outcomes are needed to help inform healthcare decisions for patients with MLD.
Kangxianling formula attenuates renal fibrosis by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Tao Pengyu , Liu Haiyan , Hou Guangjian , Lu Jianrao , Xu Yukun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Renal fibrosis (RF) produced adverse effect on kidney function. Recently, intestinal dysbiosis is a key regulator that promotes the formation of renal fibrosis. This study will focus on exploring the protective mechanism of Kangxianling Formula (KXL) on renal fibrosis from the perspective of intestinal flora.

Methods
Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) was used to construct rats’ model with RF, and receive KXL formula intervention for 1 week. The renal function indicators were measured. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE), Masson and Sirus red staining were employed to detect the pathological changes of renal tissue in each group. The expression of α-SMA, Col-III, TGF-β, FN, ZO-1, and Occuludin was detected by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Rat feces samples were collected and analyzed for species’ diversity using high-throughput sequencing 16S rRNA.

Results
Rats in UUO groups displayed poor renal function as well as severe RF. The pro-fibrotic protein expression in renal tissues including α-SMA, Col-III, TGF-β and FN was increased in UUO rats, while ZO-1 and Occuludin -1 expression was downregulated in colon tissues. The above changes were attenuated by KXL treatment. 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed that compared with the sham group, the increased abundance of pathogenic bacteria including Acinetobacter, Enterobacter and Proteobacteria and the decreased abundance of beneficial bacteria including Actinobacteriota, Bifidobacteriales, Prevotellaceae, and Lactobacillus were found in UUO group. After the administration of KXL, the growth of potential pathogenic bacteria was reduced and the abundance of beneficial bacteria was enhanced.

Conclusion
KXL displays a therapeutical potential in protecting renal function and inhibiting RF, and its mechanism of action may be associated with regulating intestinal microbiota.
Effect of follicle size on pregnancy outcomes in patients undergoing first letrozole-intrauterine insemination
Authors: Ling Li , Xia Di , Jin Yihan , Hong Renyun , Wang Jing , Liang Yuanjiao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Letrozole has been proven to be an effective method for inducing ovulation. However, little attention has been paid to whether the lead follicle size will affect the success rate of intrauterine insemination (IUI) with ovulation induction with alone letrozole. Therefore, we hope to investigate the effect of dominant follicle size on pregnancy outcomes on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day of the first letrozole-IUI.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study design was employed. We included patients with anovulation or unexplained infertility undergoing first IUI treatment with letrozole for ovarian stimulation. According to the dominant follicle size measured on the day of hCG trigger, patients were divided into six groups (≤ 18 mm, 18.1–19.0 mm, 19.1–20.0 mm, 20.1–21.0 mm, 21.1–22.0 mm, > 22 mm). Logistic models were used for estimating the odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence interval (CIs) for achieving a clinical pregnancy or a live birth. A restricted cubic spline was drawn to explore the nonlinear relationship between follicle size and IUI outcomes.

Results
A total of 763 patients underwent first letrozole-IUI cycles in our study. Fisher exact test showed significant differences among the six follicle-size groups in the rates of pregnancy, clinical pregnancy and live birth (P < 0.05 in each group). After adjusting the potential confounding factors, compared with the follicles ≤ 18 mm in diameter group, 19.1–20.0 mm, 20.1–21.0 mm groups were 2.3 or 2.56 times more likely to get live birth [adjusted OR = 2.34, 95%CI (1.25–4.39); adjusted OR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.30–5.06)]. A restricted cubic spline showed an inverted U-shaped relationship between the size of dominant follicles and pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate, and the optimal follicle size range on the day of hCG trigger was 19.1–21.0 mm. When the E2 level on the day of hCG trigger was low than 200 pg/mL, the clinical pregnancy rates of 19.1–20.0 mm, 20.1–21.0 mm groups were still the highest.

Conclusions
The optimal dominant follicle size was between 19.1 and 21.0 mm in hCG-triggered letrozole-IUI cycles. Either too large or too small follicles may lead to a decrease in pregnancy rate. Using follicle size as a predicator of pregnancy outcomes is more meaningful when estrogen on the day of hCG trigger is less than 200 pg/ml.
The melody of language learning at intermediate and upper levels: an emphasis on free discussion panels as an indispensable part of language classes and the effects on willingness to communicate, growth mindfulness, and autonomy
Authors: CAO Jiaxue , Liu Xiaoshuang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis qualitative study investigated the impact of discussion panels on language education, focusing on willingness to communicate (WTC), growth mindfulness, and autonomy among Chinese learners at intermediate and upper-intermediate proficiency levels. The study, conducted in Hebei, China, involved 27 learners, with 14 in the experimental group exposed to discussion panels and 13 in the control group receiving traditional teacher-fronted lessons. The research design employed semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis for data collection, analyzed manually through thematic analysis. Results revealed that learners in the experimental group exhibited heightened WTC, increased growth mindfulness, and greater autonomy compared to the control group. The discussion panels facilitated authentic language use, collaborative discourse, and turn-taking, aligning with communication theory, sociocultural theory (SCT), and learner-centered pedagogy. Findings also resonated with the significance of WTC in language learning, supported by established theories. Additionally, the study contributes to the growing literature on the intersection of mindfulness, autonomy, and language education. Implications for language teachers, policy-makers, syllabus-designers, and materials developers are discussed, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating discussion panels. The study concludes with insights into limitations, suggestions for further research, and a call for pedagogical innovation to enhance language learning experiences.
Microstructural and microchemical analysis of zircon in a syenite lithic fragment from Ulleung Island volcano, South Korea
Authors: Choi Seungsoon , Yi Keewook , Jung Haemyeong , Cheong Albert Chang-sik 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The intricate textural patterns commonly observed in metamorphosed and recrystallized zircon (ZrSiO4) underscore the crucial necessity of understanding the underlying mechanisms governing their formation to ensure accurate interpretation of the chemical and isotope data they contain. This study employed a combination of microanalytical techniques, including electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis, electron microprobe (EMP) mapping, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, to investigate the processes of formation and modification of zircon in a late Pleistocene (~ 35 ka) syenite enclosed within the Nari Tephra Formation on Ulleung Island in South Korea.

Findings
Under cathodoluminescence (CL), zircons within the syenite reveal dark, featureless, or oscillatory-zoned cores containing numerous inclusions of britholite. These cores are partially or entirely replaced by inward-penetrating bright-CL domains that exhibit minimal inclusion presence. Despite these changes, the external morphologies of the zircons remain largely unchanged, and the faded oscillatory zoning is preserved in the replaced regions. EMP mapping discloses amoebiform micro-domains with high Y, U, and Th concentrations within the dark-CL cores, while the bright-CL domains are relatively deficient in these trace elements. Microstructural analysis of the zircons using EBSD mapping indicates no significant misorientation between the dark-CL cores and the bright-CL rims. Deformation-related low-angle boundaries by lattice distortion are clearly observed in certain grains, cutting across the discrete SEM and EMP domains, and often aligned along submicron pore trails.

Conclusions
Microstructural and microchemical analyses carried out in this study establish that the zircons within the Ulleung syenite have undergone subsolidus recrystallization, a process likely influenced by the presence of fresh melts or fluids. This recrystallization process could be attributed to either coupled dissolution and reprecipitation or thermoactivated particle and defect volume diffusion due to inherent lattice strain. The subsequent deformation observed in the zircons might be a result of increased stress within the magma system after the recrystallization.
Comparative study between surgical partial inferior nasal turbinectomy and coblation assisted inferior turbinate reduction in cases of inferior nasal turbinate hypertrophy
Authors: Ali Ahmed R. , Yousef Gamal I. , Hussein Mohammed A. , Elawamry Mahmoud I. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The inferior turbinate is located in the inferior part of the nose, and contribute to the nasal valve formation. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy causes chronic nasal obstruction.

Aim
We aimed to assess the effectiveness of coblation-assisted reduction of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy using a specially designed coblator probe. Additionally, this study aimed to compare this technique with traditional surgical partial turbinectomy as the control arm and follow up with patients to identify potential complications.

Methods
This study involved 40 patients with nasal obstruction, those patients attended the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Al Azhar University Hospital in Assiut and diagnosed with enlarged inferior turbinate that did not respond to medical treatment. Also, Pre- and post-operative CT scanning was performed to objectively evaluate the improvement.

Results
Coblation group has more advantages over the traditional group like less operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, less post-op pain, less post-op nasal crusts, early return to daily activity (P value < 0.001). Significant decrease in postoperative nasal obstruction among partial inferior turbinectomy group in comparison with coblation group (P value < 0.001).

Conclusion
Coblation assisted inferior turbinate reduction of the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is the technique of less complications (i.e. post-operative pain, bleeding, and nasal crust), which are commonly encountered with traditional methods. Traditional method is a bit better in patient self-satisfaction after surgery and relieving post-operative nasal obstruction.
Enhancing the automatic facies classification of Brazilian presalt acoustic image logs with SwinV2-Unet: Leveraging transfer learning and confident learning
Authors: You Nan , Li Yunyue Elita 
Published: March 2024

Facies classification of image logs plays a vital role in reservoir characterization, especially in the heterogeneous and anisotropic carbonate formations of the Brazilian presalt region. Although manual classification remains the industry standard for handling the complexity and diversity of image logs, it has the notable disadvantages of being time consuming, labor intensive, subjective, and nonrepeatable. Recent advancements in machine learning offer promising solutions for automation and acceleration. However, previous attempts to train deep neural networks for facies identification have struggled to generalize to new data due to insufficient labeled data and the inherent intricacy of image logs. In addition, human errors in manual labels further hinder the performance of trained models. To overcome these challenges, we develop adopting the state-of-the-art SwinV2-Unet to provide depthwise facies classification for Brazilian presalt acoustic image logs. The training process incorporates transfer learning to mitigate overfitting and confident learning to address label errors. Through a k-fold cross-validation experiment, with each fold spanning more than 350 m, we achieve an impressive macro F1 score of 0.90 for out-of-sample predictions. This significantly surpasses the previous model modified from the widely recognized U-Net, which provides a macro F1 score of 0.68. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the used enhancements, including the adoption of an improved neural network and an enhanced training strategy. Moreover, our SwinV2-Unet enables a highly efficient and accurate facies analysis of the complex yet informative image logs, significantly advancing our understanding of hydrocarbon reservoirs, saving human effort, and improving productivity.
Effect of Self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Combined with Tramadol on TCM Symptom Scores and RLS Severity of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Zhou Bowen , Li Wei , Li Yajun , Sun Dongkai , Du Xin 
Published: March 2024

Objective: To investigate the effect of self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom scores and RLS Severity of patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Methods: This was a clinical comparative study. Eighty patients with RLS admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2022 to December 2022 were randomly divided into observation group and control group(n=40). Patients in the control group were given basic and oral tramadol treatment, while those in the observation group were given self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction based on the treatment in the control group. The differences of TCM symptom scores, RLS severity (IRLS), quality of life (QOL-RLS), sleep quality (PSQI) and clinical efficacy between the two groups were compared.
Results: Before treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the TCM symptom scores, IRLS scores, QOL-RLS scores and PSQI scores between the two groups (p>0.05). After treatment, the above scores decreased significantly in both groups, with a higher degree of decrease in the observation group than in the control group, indicating statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The QOL-RLS scores were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The overall response rate in the observation group was 95.00%, which was higher than that in the control group (80.00%), with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction leads to numerous benefits in the treatment of RLS, such as obviously ameliorating patients’ clinical symptoms, reducing RLS severity, and improving their quality of life and sleep quality.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8400
How to cite this: Zhou B, Li W, Li Y, Sun D, Du X. Effect of Self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Combined with Tramadol on TCM Symptom Scores and RLS Severity of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8400
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Rescheduling with New Orders Under Bounded Disruption
Authors: Lendl Stefan , Pferschy Ulrich , Rener Elena 
Published: March 2024

Rescheduling problems arise when unpredicted events occur, such as the arrival of new orders. These new jobs should be integrated in a proper way in the existing schedule of the so-called old jobs, with the aim of minimizing an objective function for the joint set of jobs. To avoid a major disruption of the original schedule, each old job is not allowed to deviate from its original completion time by more than a certain threshold. Filling a gap in the existing literature, we consider the minimization of the total weighted completion time. The resulting rescheduling problem is shown to be weakly NP-hard and several properties of the structure of an optimal schedule are derived. These can be used for the construction of an exact dynamic programming algorithm with pseudo-polynomial running time. A fully polynomial time approximation scheme is obtained from the dynamic program by three different scaling and reduction steps. Finally, for the minimization of the number of late jobs a strong NP-hardness result is derived. History: Accepted by Erwin Pesch, Area Editor for Heuristic Search & Approximation Algorithms. Funding: This work was partially supported by the Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca [Award TESUN-83486178370409 finanziamento dipartimenti di eccellenza CAP. 1694 TIT. 232 ART. 6]. U. Pferschy acknowledges support by the Field of Excellence COLIBRI at the University of Graz.