bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring EEG-based motor imagery decoding: a dual approach using spatial features and spectro-spatial Deep Learning model IFNet
Authors: Juan Javier V. , Martínez Rubén , Iáñez Eduardo , Ortiz Mario , Tornero Jesús , Azorín José M. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionIn recent years, the decoding of motor imagery (MI) from electroencephalography (EEG) signals has become a focus of research for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) and neurorehabilitation. However, EEG signals present challenges due to their non-stationarity and the substantial presence of noise commonly found in recordings, making it difficult to design highly effective decoding algorithms. These algorithms are vital for controlling devices in neurorehabilitation tasks, as they activate the patient's motor cortex and contribute to their recovery.MethodsThis study proposes a novel approach for decoding MI during pedalling tasks using EEG signals. A widespread approach is based on feature extraction using Common Spatial Patterns (CSP) followed by a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as a classifier. The first approach covered in this work aims to investigate the efficacy of a task-discriminative feature extraction method based on CSP filter and LDA classifier. Additionally, the second alternative hypothesis explores the potential of a spectro-spatial Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to further enhance the performance of the first approach. The proposed CNN architecture combines a preprocessing pipeline based on filter banks in the frequency domain with a convolutional neural network for spectro-temporal and spectro-spatial feature extraction.Results and discussionTo evaluate the approaches and their advantages and disadvantages, EEG data has been recorded from several able-bodied users while pedalling in a cycle ergometer in order to train motor imagery decoding models. The results show levels of accuracy up to 80% in some cases. The CNN approach shows greater accuracy despite higher instability.
AAV8 vector induced gliosis following neuronal transgene expression
Authors: McLeod Faye , McDermott Elaine , Mak Shermin , Walsh Darren , Turnbull Mark , LeBeau Fiona E. N. , Jackson Andrew , Trevelyan Andrew J. , Clowry Gavin J. 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionExpression of light sensitive ion channels by selected neurons has been achieved by viral mediated transduction with gene constructs, but for this to have therapeutic uses, for instance in treating epilepsy, any adverse effects of viral infection on the cerebral cortex needs to be evaluated. Here, we assessed the impact of adeno-associated virus 8 (AAV8) carrying DNA code for a soma targeting light activated chloride channel/FusionRed (FR) construct under the CKIIa promoter.MethodsViral constructs were harvested from transfected HEK293 cells in vitro and purified. To test functionality of the opsin, cultured rodent neurons were transduced and the light response of transduced neurons was assayed using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. In vivo expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence for FR. Unilateral intracranial injections of the viral construct were made into the mouse neocortex and non-invasive fluorescence imaging of FR expression made over 1–4 weeks post-injection using an IVIS Spectrum system. Sections were also prepared from injected mouse cortex for immunofluorescence staining of FR, alongside glial and neuronal marker proteins.ResultsIn vitro, cortical neurons were successfully transduced, showing appropriate physiological responses to light stimulation. Following injections in vivo, transduction was progressively established around a focal injection site over a 4-week period with spread of transduction proportional to the concentration of virus introduced. Elevated GFAP immunoreactivity, a marker for reactive astrocytes, was detected near injection sites associated with, and proportional to, local FR expression. Similarly, we observed reactive microglia around FR expressing cells. However, we found that the numbers of NeuN+ neurons were conserved close to the injection site, indicating that there was little or no neuronal loss. In control mice, injected with saline only, astrocytosis and microgliosis was limited to the immediate vicinity of the injection site. Injections of opsin negative viral constructs resulted in comparable levels of astrocytic reaction as seen with opsin positive constructs.DiscussionWe conclude that introduction of an AAV8 vector transducing expression of a transgene under a neuron specific promotor evokes a mild inflammatory reaction in cortical tissue without causing extensive short-term neuronal loss. The expression of an opsin in addition to a fluorescent protein does not significantly increase neuroinflammation.
Neck management in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Xu Ning , Sun Qiang 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveOptimal neck management remains unclear in head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with parotid metastasis. Our goal was to compare the impact of different cervical treatments on HNcSCC with parotid metastasis.MethodsPatients were retrospectively included. The primary outcome variables were regional control (RC) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The impacts of observation, elective neck irradiation (ENI), and elective neck dissection (END) were analyzed using the Cox model and presented as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsIn total, 268 patients were enrolled. In the Cox model for RC, compared with ENI, observation was associated with a significantly higher risk of regional recurrence (p = 0.001, HR = 2.50, 95%CI = 1.45–4.30). However, END showed a comparable influence on regional recurrence (p = 0.246, HR = 0.70, 95%CI = 0.38–1.28). In the Cox model for DSS, END demonstrated a similar HR of 0.62 (95%CI = 0.30–1.26) compared to ENI (p = 0.184). However, patients who underwent observation were associated with an additional nearly twofold risk of cancer-related mortality (HR = 2.85, 95%CI = 1.55–5.23). Subgroup analysis showed that ENI predicted comparable RC (p = 0.389) and DSS (p = 0.346) in patients with one or two metastatic parotid lymph nodes, but worse RC (p = 0.007) and DSS (p = 0.024) in patients with more than three positive lymph nodes.ConclusionIn HNcSCC with parotid metastasis, elective treatment of neck lymph nodes with END or ENI should always be performed.
Phyto-pharmacological evaluation and characterization of the methanolic extract of the Baccaurea motleyana Müll. Arg. seed: promising insights into its therapeutic uses
Authors: Shompa Suriya Akter , Hasnat Hasin , Riti Saima Jahan , Islam Md. Mirazul , Nur Farjahan , Alam Safaet , Shao Chuxiao , Wang Shuanghu , Geng Peiwu , Mamun Abdullah Al 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Plants and their extracts have been integral to the development of medicinal treatments throughout history, offering a vast array of compounds for innovative therapies. Baccaurea motleyana Müll. Arg., commonly known as Rambai, is an evergreen tree with economic importance in the Old-World Tropics.Method: The study investigates its phytochemical composition through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluates its pharmacological properties, including antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and antidepressant effects.Result and Discussion: The GC-MS analysis revealed 15 bioactive compounds in the methanol extract, with Phenol, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, Methyl stearate, and Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester being the predominant ones. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrated significant activity in the ethyl acetate fraction. Antimicrobial assays indicated mild to moderate antibacterial activity. In vivo studies on mice revealed significant hypoglycemic, antidiarrheal, and antidepressant properties. Molecular docking studies against EGFR, DHFR, GLUT-3, KOR, and MOA identified promising compounds with potential therapeutic effects. The identified compounds exhibited favorable ADME/T properties, emphasizing their potential for drug development. The study underscores the promising therapeutic potential of Baccaurea motleyana, showcasing its diverse bioactive compounds with significant medicinal properties.Conclusion: These findings lay the groundwork for future research, emphasizing the exploration of B. motleyana as a source of natural remedies for addressing prevalent health conditions.
Digital resilience in Chinese adolescents: a portrayal of the current condition, influencing factors, and improvement strategies
Authors: Qi Chunlin , Yang Nanchang 
Published: February 2024

InroductionDigital resilience is an important skill for adolescents in the digital age, but there is a lack of valid and reliable assessment methods. This study aimed to develop and validate a digital resilience questionnaire for Chinese adolescents based on the Digital Resilience Framework proposed by the UK Children’s Internet Safety CouncilMethodsThis study employed a mixed research design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collected and analyzed. Over a six-month period (January to June 2023), a questionnaire was distributed to 12,208 adolescents from 10 high schools and 16 middle schools, with in-depth interviews performed with 10 of the participants.ResultsThe study revealed that Chinese adolescents digital resilience levels are slightly higher than average (M = 3.5038 &gt; 3.5), but there is still potential for development, particularly in active learning. Additionally, a variety of characteristics influencing adolescents digital resilience were discovered, including gender, family residency, whether they are only children, grade level, the number of digital devices used per week, and the length of hours spent online daily.DiscussionThis study developed and verified a digital resilience questionnaire for Chinese adolescents, which may be used to assess and improve their digital skills and well-being in the digital age. The study also identified various variables and themes that influence digital resilience, which can be used to navigate educational initiatives and policy. However, this study's shortcomings included a cross-sectional design, self-reported data, and cultural distinctiveness. Future research could address these limitations by undertaking a longitudinal study, utilizing numerous data sources, and contrasting different cultural contexts.
Association between prolonged stress caused by COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes and quality of life, anxiety, depression, psychoactive substances, and problematic alcohol use in adult Croatian population
Authors: Kovačić Petrović Zrnka , Peraica Tina , Blažev Mirta , Kozarić-Kovačić Dragica 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundThe prolonged stress experience caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and two earthquakes led to increased alcohol and psychoactive substance use (PSU) accompanied by a decrease in mental wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) in the Croatian population. Our aim was to determine the relationship between alcohol and PSU and mental health outcomes including anxiety and depression, and QoL.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey conducted from September 30 to October 27, 2021, included 1,118 Croatian adults (220 men and 898 women; mean age, 35.1 ± 12.3 years) recruited through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The survey consisted of a self-reported questionnaire on PSU, the CAGE Alcohol Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)—BREF. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the association between PSU, problematic alcohol use (PAU), mental health outcomes, and QoL.ResultsThe model demonstrated a good fit and indicated that PSU increase, PAU, and anxiety and depression symptoms significantly explained all QoL domains (p &lt; 0.001 for all). Both PSU increase and PAU during prolonged stress were directly associated with decreased QoL. These relationships were also indirectly mediated through increased anxiety and depression symptoms.ConclusionThese results showed the need to direct public health interventions and treatment interventions during and after long-term stress (pandemics and earthquakes) to reduce the negative impact on substance use and QoL by reducing depression and anxiety, which ultimately may contribute to better wellbeing and rapid recovery of individuals affected by prolonged stress.
Perceived social support and characteristics of social networks of families with children with special healthcare needs following the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Geweniger Anne , Barth Michael , Haddad Anneke , Högl Henriette , Insan Shrabon , Mund Annette , Langer Thorsten 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundChildren with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) require more support than the average of their peers. Support systems for CSHCN were particularly affected by pandemic control measures. Perceived social support is a resource for health and wellbeing for CSHCN and their families. Associations of social support, mental health and socioeconomic status (SES) have been described. This study aims to (1) assess perceived social support in families with and without CSHCN; (2) describe structure and types of social networks of families with and without CSHCN; and (3) explore associations between perceived social support, disease complexity, child and caregiver mental health, and SES.MethodsThis is the third of a sequential series of cross-sectional online surveys conducted among caregivers of children ≤ 18 years in Germany since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, administered between 1st December 2022 and 10 March 2023. The Brief Social Support Scale (BS6) assessed perceived social support. Child and parental mental health were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and WHO-5 Wellbeing index. The CSHCN-Screener identified CSHCN. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling assessed associations between perceived social support, parent-reported child mental health problems, disease complexity, caregiver mental wellbeing and SES.ResultsThe final sample included 381 participants, among them 76.6% (n = 292) CSHCN. 46.2% (n = 176) of caregivers reported moderate, i.e., at least occasional social support. Social support was largely provided by informal social networks consisting of partners, relatives and neighbors/friends. Linear regression modeling revealed associations of lower perceived social support with higher disease complexity of the child, lower caregiver mental wellbeing, lower SES and increasing caregiver age.ConclusionThe results of this study describe inequalities in perceived social support according to disease complexity of the child, caregiver mental health and socioeconomic status. They highlight the importance of social support and support networks as a resource for wellbeing of caregivers and CSHCN. Moving on from the COVID-19 pandemic, recovery strategies should focus on low-threshold interventions based in the community to improve social support for families with CSHCN and actively involve caregivers in identifying needs and co-creating new approaches.
Physical activity promotion among pregnancy – the role of physician from the women’s perspective
Authors: Laudańska-Krzemińska Ida , Krzysztoszek Jana 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe clear benefits of planned and supervised physical activity (PA) during pregnancy make it imperative that women are encouraged and educated about this activity. This study aimed to investigate how effectively physician promote physical activity and exercise among pregnant women. It also examines pro-health changes in selected health behaviours during pregnancy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited a total of 353 pregnant women in Wielkopolskie Voivodship in Poland. An anonymous survey (on-line or in-paper) was used to assess physical activity before and during pregnancy (with Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire), physical activity self-efficacy, well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index), and guidance received from physicians on physical activity during pregnancy.ResultsOnly 41% of women surveyed followed WHO recommendations for PA before pregnancy, and they were much more likely to discuss safety and the need to change the intensity or type of PA with their doctor or gynaecologist. Only 23% of women were asked about their PA before pregnancy and less than 40% were encouraged to be active during pregnancy. We observed a higher probability of poor well-being among pregnant women who were inactive before pregnancy (OR = 1.873, 95%CI 1.026 to 3.421,p = 0.041).ConclusionHealth professionals infrequently educate and motivate women to be physically active during pregnancy. Physician advice, as it is currently perceived by women, seems to be insufficient to help pregnant women meet the recommendations for PA during pregnancy.
Determinants of HIV late presentation among men who have sex with men in Portugal (2014–2019): who’s being left behind?
Authors: Abrantes Ricardo , Pimentel Victor , Miranda Mafalda N. S. , Silva Ana Rita , Diniz António , Ascenção Bianca , Piñeiro Carmela , Koch Carmo , Rodrigues Catarina , Caldas Cátia , Morais Célia , Faria Domitília , Gomes da Silva Elisabete , Teófilo Eugénio , Monteiro Fátima , Roxo Fausto , Maltez Fernando , Rodrigues Fernando , Gaião Guilhermina , Ramos Helena , Costa Inês , Germano Isabel , Simões Joana , Oliveira Joaquim , Ferreira José , Poças José , Saraiva da Cunha José , Soares Jorge , Fernandes Sandra , Mansinho Kamal , Pedro Liliana , Aleixo Maria João , Gonçalves Maria João , Manata Maria José , Mouro Margarida , Serrado Margarida , Caixeiro Micaela , Marques Nuno , Costa Olga , Pacheco Patrícia , Proença Paula , Rodrigues Paulo , Pinho Raquel , Tavares Raquel , Correia de Abreu Ricardo , Côrte-Real Rita , Serrão Rosário , Sarmento e Castro Rui , Nunes Sofia , Faria Telo , Baptista Teresa , Simões Daniel , Mendão Luis , Martins M. Rosário O. , Gomes Perpétua , Pingarilho Marta , Abecasis Ana B. ,   the BESTHOPE Study Group
Published: February 2024

IntroductionHIV late presentation (LP) remains excessive in Europe. We aimed to analyze the factors associated with late presentation in the MSM population newly diagnosed with HIV in Portugal between 2014 and 2019.MethodsWe included 391 newly HIV-1 diagnosed Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), from the BESTHOPE project, in 17 countrywide Portuguese hospitals. The data included clinical and socio-behavioral questionnaires and the viral genomic sequence obtained in the drug resistance test before starting antiretrovirals (ARVs). HIV-1 subtypes and epidemiological surveillance mutations were determined using different bioinformatics tools. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between predictor variables and late presentation (LP).ResultsThe median age was 31 years, 51% had a current income between 501–1,000 euros, 28% were migrants. 21% had never been tested for HIV before diagnosis, with 42.3% of MSM presenting LP. 60% were infected with subtype B strains. In the multivariate regression, increased age at diagnosis, higher income, lower frequency of screening, STI ever diagnosed and higher viral load were associated with LP.ConclusionOur study suggests that specific subgroups of the MSM population, such older MSM, with higher income and lower HIV testing frequency, are not being targeted by community and clinical screening services. Overall, targeted public health measures should be strengthened toward these subgroups, through strengthened primary care testing, expanded access to PrEP, information and promotion of HIV self-testing and more inclusive and accessible health services.
Exploring temporal trends and burden of traumatic shoulder dislocation: a global perspective
Authors: Chen Cheng , Ye Tianbao , Jiang Jiantao , He Wenbao , Xia Jiang , Yang Yunfeng 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the geographical and temporal trends of traumatic shoulder dislocation, describe the association between the social and demographic factors and the health burden due to traumatic shoulder dislocation, and further investigate its causes.MethodsData on traumatic shoulder dislocation was collected from the Global Burden of Disease 2019, spanning the years 1990 to 2019. The epidemiology and disease burden were examined at global, regional, and national levels. Additionally, the age and gender patterns were analyzed, followed by an investigation into the primary causes. Lastly, the study studied the correlation between age-standardized rates and the socio-demographic index (SDI).ResultsOver a span of 30 years, both the crude and age-standardized rates of incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) rates for all genders displayed a slight fluctuating downward trend. The incidence and YLDs rates in males were consistently higher than those in females. The study analyzed both incidence and YLDs rates of the global, regional, and national of traumatic shoulder dislocations from 1990 to 2019, as well as the temporal trends. Among males, the highest incidence rate was observed in young adulthood, while females exhibited the highest incidence rate in old age. This pattern was mirrored in the YLDs rate. Falls were identified as the main cause contributing to the disease burden related to traumatic shoulder dislocations. Moreover, a positive correlation was found between the age-standardized rates and SDI.ConclusionThe disease burden of traumatic shoulder dislocation has not significantly decreased from 1990 to 2019. The incidence and YLD rates are associated with age, gender, and SDI. A thorough examination of the disease burden contributes to the efficient allocation and utilization of resources, as well as the development of targeted and effective intervention strategies.
Recent advances of membrane-based hybrid membrane bioreactors for wastewater reclamation
Authors: Kim Jeonghwan , Wu Bing , Jeong Sanghyun , Jeong Seongpil , Kim Minseok 
Published: February 2024

Membrane bioreactor (MBR) is an advanced wastewater treatment technology, which has been established for more than 3 decades. In MBRs, membrane separation allows not only rejecting microorganisms/greater-sized molecules but decoupling hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solid retention time (SRT). Low-pressure driven, porous membranes have been widely used in MBRs, but their performances are mainly limited for wastewater reuse applications. Recently, many attempts have been made to combine desalination technologies to advance hybrid MBR processes for wastewater reclamation. Nanofiltration (NF) and reverse osmosis (RO) have been applied with the MBRs to improve effluent quality, and their advantages and challenges have been well reported in terms of rejection efficiency, operational energy, fouling control and recovery of retentate stream. Alternatively, the direct introduction of non-pressurized desalination technologies such as forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD) into MBR processes for wastewater reclamation or probably for microbial activity have been considered substantially due to their low energy consumption and excellent rejection efficiency of solid materials. However, several technical limitations still need to be resolved to commercialize hybrid FO- or MD-MBR processes. This paper reviews recent advances of MBR technology integrated with desalination technologies for wastewater reclamation and suggests perspectives to optimize membrane-based hybrid MBR process.