bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychiatrists effect on symptom severity during pharmacotherapy for first episode psychosis patients
Authors: de Beer Franciska , Koops Sanne , Schoevers Robert A. , Veling Wim , Beveren Nico van , de Haan Lieuwe , Boonstra Nynke , Kikkert Martijn , Begemann Marieke J.H. , Lokkerbol Joran , Sommer Iris E.C. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Clinical outcome after a first episode psychosis (FEP) is heterogeneous. Many patient-related factors such as gender and comorbidity have been studied to predict outcome. However, psychiatrist-related factors, such as the therapeutic relationship and prescription behaviour, have received little attention. We assessed the psychiatrist effect on psychosis severity and daily functioning during one year, in 201 patients remitted from FEP, treated by 18 different psychiatrists. We controlled for baseline severity, dose and type of antipsychotic medication, frequency of visits, and patients’ education. Symptom severity, daily functioning and antipsychotic drug use were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, and, 12 months follow-up. We found a psychiatrist effect of 9.1% explained variance on symptom severity and of 10.1% on daily functioning. These effects persisted even when controlling for factors such as baseline severity and the prescribed dose. The effect of prescribed dose differed between psychiatrists. Treatment centre, session frequency, and medication nonadherence were not related to symptom severity. Our results emphasize the importance of individual psychiatrist factors in symptomatic outcomes after FEP. Further identification of psychiatrist-related factors such as the quality of therapeutic alliances and shared decision making, may optimize psychiatrists’ training with the goal to improve patient outcomes.
Targeted Stimulation of the Sensory Afferents Improves Motoneuron Function in Humans With Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Capogrosso Marco , Prat-Ortega Genis , Ensel Scott , Donadio Serena , Borda Luigi , Boos Amy , Yadav Prakarsh , Verma Nikhil , Ho Jonathan , Frazier-Kim Sarah , Fields Daryl , Fisher Lee , Weber Douglas , Duong Tina , Weinstein Steve , Eliasson Mikael , Montes Jacqueline , Chen Karen , Clemens Paula , Gerzsten Peter , Mentis George , Pirondini Elvira , Friedlander Robert 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease causing motoneuron dysfunction, muscle weakness and early mortality1,2. Three therapies can slow disease progression enabling people to survive albeit with lingering motoneuron dysfunction and severe motor impairments3,4. Here we introduce a neurotechnological approach that improved spinal motoneuron function, muscle strength and walking in three adults with SMA. Starting from preclinical evidence showing that motoneuron dysfunction in SMA originates from the loss of excitatory inputs from primary afferents5,6, we hypothesized that augmentation of sensory neural activity with targeted electrical stimulation could compensate for this loss thereby improving motoneuron function. To test this hypothesis we implanted three adults with SMA with epidural electrodes over the lumbosacral spinal cord to stimulate the sensory axons of the legs7,8. We stimulated participants for 4 weeks 2 hours per day while they executed walking and strength tasks. Remarkably, our neurostimulation regime led to robust improvements in strength, walking and fatigue paralleled by reduced neuronal hyperexcitability, increased sensory inputs and higher motoneuron firing rates. Our data indicates that targeted neurostimulation can reverse degenerative processes of circuit dysfunction thus promoting disease modifying effects in a human neurodegenerative disease.
Unveiling the Forces Behind BSA Aggregation in a Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Haghparas Zahra , Tabalvandani Mohammadjavad Bouloorchi , Arghavani Payam , Hosseini Soroush Behjati , Badieirostami Majid , Habibi-Rezaei Mehran , Movahedi Ali Akbar Moosavi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Microfluidic chips are powerful tools for investigating protein aggregation. They can be used to study the effects of various variables on protein aggregation, including chemical and physical properties. This study investigated the aggregation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in two different systems: a bulk system (vial) and a microfluidic chip in which BSA aggregation was induced successfully. Since BSA aggregation in bulk has been thoroughly investigated elsewhere, this study focused on elucidating the forces that drive BSA aggregation in a microfluidic chip designed explicitly for this purpose. This investigation employed a combination of experimental approaches, including biophysical and microscopic methods, and computational simulations using MATLAB and COMSOL Multiphysics. Obtained results revealed that heating provided the necessary energy for BSA's partial thermal unfolding from the onset. In the following, Brownian movement, space restriction, and a high molecular density within the microchannel cross-section contributed to forming clusters akin to the native BSA in the first few seconds. Subsequently, due to the further Brownian movement, intermolecular interactions, and hydrodynamic forces (including shear force), these clusters formed larger aggregates that deposited on the channel sidewalls and underwent a structural conversion, forming amyloid-like fibrillary aggregates within a few seconds.
Khat chewing predisposed to common mental disorders, while physical activity was protective: a binary logistic regression analysis, Somaliland, 2023
Authors: Sulub Abdisalan , Gebremariam Tewelde Tesfaye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Common mental disorder (CMD) is one of the leading causes of disability. However, its prevalence and determinants are not well known in Somaliland. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of CMD and its associated factors among adult residents of Hargeisa, Somaliland. Data was collected from 398 adult residents of Hargeisa via digital interview-administered, adapted questionnaires during August 2023. Multi-stage sampling was used to draw study respondents. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to screen CMD. Binary logistic regression was conducted, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The prevalence of common mental disorder (CMD) was 47.5% (95% CI: 42.5–52.5), which was significantly higher among men (51.5%; 95% CI: 46.0–57.1) than women (29.2%; 95% CI: 19.0–41.1) (χ2 = 11.83, p = 0.001). People who chewed khat were 2.3 times more likely to have CMD than those who did not (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.16–4.50; p = 0.017); however, physical exercise was a significant protective factor for CMD development (OR = 0.43; 95% CI =0.22–0.82, p < 0.05). In conclusion, CMD was highly prevalent in Hargeisa. Chewing khat was linked to a higher incidence of CMD, although physical activity provided protection against it. Hence, regular screening and appropriate community-based intervention of CMD is essential. Besides, government initiatives should establish drug rehab centres to treat khat abuse and addiction.
Integrating Data Mining, Deep Learning, and GeneOntology Analysis for Gene Expression-BasedDisease Diagnosis Systems
Authors: Babichev Sergii , Liakh Igor , Škvor Jíří 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The manuscript details the outcomes of a comprehensive study on the application of cluster-bicluster analysis, gene ontology analysis, and convolutional neural network (CNN) for diagnosing cancer and Alzheimer’s disease using gene expression data derived from both DNA microarray experiments and mRNA sequencing. It outlines a conceptual framework and provides a block diagram of the stepwise procedure for analyzing gene expression data, aiming to enhance the accuracy and objectivity of disease diagnosis. The research methodology involves initial gene ontology analysis, followed by the application of the Self Organizing Tree Algorithm (SOTA) for clustering gene expression profiles, an ensemble algorithm for data biclustering, and CNN for sample classification. Bayesian optimization method was employed to determine the optimal hyperparameters for all models. The analysis of simulation results demonstrates the high efficacy of the proposed approach. Specifically, for Alzheimer’s data, the number of genes analyzed was reduced from 44,662 to 4,004. Subsequent cluster-bicluster analysis divided this data into two subsets containing 1,158 and 2,846 genes, respectively. Classification accuracy for samples within these subsets reached 89.8% and 91.8%. In cancer data analysis, the gene count was reduced from 60,660 to 10,422, with 3,955 and 6,467 genes in the first and second clusters, respectively. The classification accuracy for these subsets was 97.4% and 97.6%, respectively. To our mind, the implementation of this model promises to significantly improve the efficacy of early diagnosis systems for complex diseases.
Is the interocular choroidal structure symmetrical in healthy people? Results of symmetry studies with different partitioning methods.
Authors: Liu Xinyue , Chen Sizhu , Li Mengyu , Mao Mingzhu , Wang Yiya , Wei Dingyang , Shen Yadan , Chen Li , Liu Yi , Ning Xinru , Guo Chuyun , Dong Wentao , Li Shuangle , Zhong Jie , Li Jie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the symmetry of the interocular choroidal structure in a healthy population by developing novel partitioning methods utilizing 120° ultra-wide field swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 135 healthy volunteers (270 eyes) for single 24 mm × 20 mm SS-OCTA imaging of the fundus across a 120° FOV (field of view), centered on the macula. Various partitioning methods were designed to compare the interocular symmetry of choroidal structure.
Results: The interocular choroidal thickness among subjects exhibited symmetry in dichoptic, concentric circle, cruciform, and macular concentric circle + quadratic partitioning modalities. Otherwise, in the ETDRS partitioning, the mean choroidal thickness (MCT) of the right eye's upper macular epiretinal region (271.74±77.69 µm) was significantly greater than that in the left eye (263.94±75.37 µm), p = 0.019*. Furthermore, in the nine-partitioning method, the MCT of the left eye's temporal lateral region (212.44±48.41 µm) was higher than that in the right eye (208.58±46.53 µm), p= 0.048*.
Conclusion: Both the observation range and partitioning methods may influence the results of interocular symmetry in choroidal structure. Utilizing contemporary population data, our study reveals that newly developed partitioning methods show symmetrical choroidal thickness across eyes.
The wild emmer wheat grain protein content 5B QTL introgressed into bread wheat is associated with tolerance to nitrogen deficiency .
Authors: Govta Nikolai , Fatiukha Andrii , Govta Liubov , Pozniak Curtis , Distelfeld Assaf , Fahima Tzion , Beckles Diane , Krugman Tamar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for wheat growth and development, its deficiency negatively affects grain yield and grain protein content (GPC). We describe here the dissection of the high grain protein content (GPC) QTL (QGpc.huj.uh-5B.2) derived from chromosome 5B of tetraploid wild emmer wheat, after its introgression into bread wheat (Ruta) by marker assisted selection. The introgression line (IL99) grown for trait validation under three environments, had 33% higher GPC (p<0.05) compared to Ruta, only under low (LN) at the seedling stage. The pleiotropic effect of the QTL on tolerance to N deficiency was confirmed using a semi-hydroponic system under severe LN (10% N) at the seedlings stage. We further dissected the QTL by fine mapping which enabled to delimit the QTL region from ~ 28.55 Mb to a chromosomal segment of only ~ 1.29 Mb that was shared among 12 LN tolerant near-isogenic lines, and which all had the WEW haplotype. This region included 13 potential candidate genes for LN tolerance, annotated as associated with N-stress response (15-cis-ZETA-CAROTENE ISOMERASE), N transport (UREIDE PERMEASE1 and IMPORTIN SUBUNIT BETA-1), and six involved in stress responses (e.g., ATXR6, HISTONE-LYSINE N-METHYLTRANSFERASE), while two genes were uncharacterized. These candidate genes may improve tolerance to nitrogen deficiency and by extension, high nitrogen use efficiency and GPC in N deficient environments. Our study demonstrates the importance of WEW as a source of novel variation for genes and QTLs useful for a sustainable improvement tolerance to N deficiency in wheat.
Supernovae fireworks: Increased luminosity of galaxies ~500-800 Myr after the Big Bang
Authors: Khalbay Arman 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Unraveling the problem of impossibly early galaxies, we propose a model in which a galaxy’s luminosity consistently depends on two types of stars that differ only in mass and thus have different types of their evolution. At the initial stage, up to 1 Gyr from the Big Bang, the luminosity is mostly determined by stars with masses greater than 8М🖸, which have a short life cycle and inevitably end their evolution with supernovae outbursts. But then, in the later Universe, the galaxy luminosity function (GLF) begins to depend on the much more numerous stars with masses less than 8М🖸, which continue on the main sequence. Thus, we find that the initial increased luminosity (“supernovae fireworks”) occurs at much lower galaxy masses. To evaluate the hypothesis, we propose an observational test, where we measure the luminosity irregularities (> 3σ) of those six too bright early galaxies, to be taken over a period of 8–12 months.
Comparison of Mallampati test with and without phonation for prediction of difficult airways on adult patient (Prospective observational study)
Authors: Yirga Samson , Markos Zekarias , Samuel Hirbo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Mallampati test is one of the most widely used airway tests to predict laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation difficulties. The Mallampati test without phonation is routinely practiced, but its sensitivity in predicting difficult intubation is controversial.
Objective
To compare the Malampati test with and without phonation in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation among adult elective surgical patients who underwent general anaesthesia.
Method
A hospital based cross-sectional study was performed on 258 adult elective surgery patients who required tracheal intubation at Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital. A systemic random sampling technique was employed to select study participant and the Mallampati test with and without phonation was performed during preoperative assessment. Then a laryngoscopic view was recorded at the time of tracheal intubation, and Mallampati test grades I and II were classified as easy, while grades III and IV were classified as difficult for tracheal intubation. The data was entered by Epi info and analysed with the statistics package of the social science software version 26. Statistical significance was defined at p-value of less than 0.05. This study used specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, and positive and negative predictive values as statistical measures.
Result
The prevalence of laryngoscopy and intubation difficulty was 13.6% and 10.5%, respectively. Mallampati test without phonation had a sensitivity of 82.9% and a specificity of 79.1% for difficult laryngoscope. And it had a sensitivity of 88.9%, a specificity of 87% for difficult intubation. MMT with phonation had a sensitivity of 74.3% and a specificity of 91.9% for difficult laryngoscopy and it had a sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 90% for difficult intubation.
Conclusion
Based on our study results, MMT with phonation has higher accuracy, specificity, and PPV in the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation than the non-phonation approach.
Functional Lower Extremity Strength Influences Stepping Strategy in Community-Dwelling Older Adults During Single and Dual-Task Walking
Authors: Peoples Brandon M. , Harrison Kenneth D. , Santamaria-Guzman Keven G. , Campos-Varga Silvia E. , Monaghan Patrick G. , Roper Jaimie A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

As age increases, a decline in lower extremity strength leads to reduced mobility and increased fall risks. This decline outpaces the age-related reduction in muscle mass, resulting in mobility limitations. Older adults with varying degrees of mobility-disability use different stepping strategies. However, the link between functional lower extremity strength and stepping strategy is unknown. Therefore, understanding how age-related reductions in functional lower extremity strength influence stepping strategy is vital to unraveling mobility limitations. Participants were recruited and tested at a local community event, where they were outfitted with IMUs and walked across a pressurized walkway. Our study reveals that older adults with normal strength prefer adjusting their step time during walking tasks, while those with reduced strength do not exhibit a preferred stepping strategy. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of functional lower extremity strength on stepping strategy in community-dwelling older adults during simple and complex walking tasks. These findings could aid in diagnosing gait deviations and developing appropriate treatment or management plans for mobility disability in older adults.
Exploring the Nexus of Topographical Factors and Agriculture: Identifying Suitable Land for Agriculture in Poonch District, Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Bose Mahalingam , Iqbal Zaffar , Irshad Tharayil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Agricultural land is essential for food production and income generation. The present study was conducted to understand the relationship between topographical factors and agricultural land and to identify suitable land for agriculture in the Poonch district. Eight topographical factors, such as elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, relief amplitude, standard deviation of elevation, topographical wet index, and solar radiation, were chosen for the study. Topographical information was extracted from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM DEM), and agricultural land was digitized from ArcGIS Pro base map and Google Earth high-resolution satellite images. The location entropy technique was used to determine the relationship between topographical factors and agricultural land. Suitable land for agriculture was identified through fuzzy overlay analysis in ArcGIS Pro using chosen parameters by considering the threshold value obtained in the location entropy. The findings revealed 34.98 square kilometers of suitable agricultural land. The survey among local farmers shows profitable agriculture in the region, and utilizing this suitable land could significantly improve farmers' livelihoods and the production of food grains. This specific area offers a promising opportunity for advanced farming techniques. Harnessing the potential of this identified area can enhance agricultural production, resulting in higher crop yields and economic benefits for the local farmers.
A Novel Optimization Method for the Drilling Process in Panel Furniture Production
Authors: Wang Guokun , Xiong Xianqing 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The panel furniture industry is experiencing rapid development, with a growing focus on intelligent manufacturing and efficient production. However, in the process of upgrading the drilling process for panel furniture towards intelligentization, still lacks standard optimization methods. To address this issue, we conducted an analysis of the cabinet structure in panel furniture and propose a novel approach that utilizes matrices and sets to represent panel and drilling information, enabling efficient data analysis and subsequent optimization. Moreover, we introduce a comprehensive optimization method comprising the COING (a hierarchical clustering analysis method adapted for panel furniture based on the STING grid method) and AR (Association Rule) techniques, uncovering potential associations and relationships within datasets. To validate the efficacy of the proposed method, we implemented it in the production workshop of Company W. Experimental results demonstrate a 14.01% reduction in drilling frequency and a 3.869% improvement in drilling efficiency compared to traditional design methods. Our findings emphasize the practical significance of the proposed standard drilling optimization method in the panel furniture industry, effectively enhancing drilling efficiency and promoting the transition to intelligent manufacturing.
Development and validation of a higher- order thinking skills scale for major students in the interior design discipline for blended learning
Authors: Li Dandan , Meng Lingchao , Fan Xiaolei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a comprehensive scale for assessing higher- order thinking skills in interior design major students within the context of blended learning. Employing a mixed methods design, the research involved in-depth interviews with 10 education stakeholders to gather qualitative data, which informed the development of a 66-item soft skills assessment scale. The scale was administered to a purposive sample of 359 undergraduate students enrolled in an interior design program at a university in Henan, China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were also conducted to evaluate the underlying factor structure of the scale. The findings revealed a robust four-factor model encompassing critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork skills, and practical innovation skills. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.948–0.966) and satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. This scale provides a valuable instrument for assessing and cultivating higher- order thinking skills among interior design major students in blended learning environments. Future research can utilize the scale to examine factors influencing the development of these skills and inform instructional practices in the field.
Impact of Antihypertensive, Lipid-Lowering, and Antiplatelet Agents on Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Fatty Liver Disease and Diabetes
Authors: Cho Hyo Jung , Lee Eunyoung , Kim Soon Sun , Cheong Jae Youn 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We evaluated the effects of antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents, and antiplatelet medications on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in patients with fatty liver disease (FLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Data on 212,443 patients with FLD and T2D, obtained from the Korea Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, were analyzed. Cohort admission day was set as the date of the first oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) prescription. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that old age, male sex, chronic viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, insulin use, and calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were significantly correlated with a higher HCC risk, whereas statin, ezetimibe, and fibrate use was correlated with a lower risk of HCC development. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed according to usage of statin, fibrates, and CCB. Patients who used statins (hazard ratio (HR)=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.42-0.80, P=0.001) and fibrates (HR=0.46, 95% CI=0.22-0.93, P=0.031) showed a significantly lower HCC risk even after PSM. CCB use was linked to an elevated HCC risk (HR=1.35, 95% CI=1.05-1.72, P=0.019). Statins and fibrates may offer protective effects against HCC development in patients with FLD and T2D, whereas CCBs may increase the risk. Thus, tailored medication strategies are required for the management of chronic conditions.