bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Satisfaction of adult and pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Algarni Saleh Ayed , Alrashid Maha Hamoud , Aldayel Mohammed Sultan , Allowaihiq Lujain Habeeb , Almuqbil Abdulaziz Ali , Albarrak Anas Mohammad , Almobarak Sulaiman 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesTelehealth has become increasingly important in achieving universal health coverage. It offers doctors and their patients' convenience, including providing quality care at reduced costs. During the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic, telehealth has been a vital tool for remote healthcare services. This study aimed to assess the satisfaction of adult and pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons using telehealth, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia.MethodsThis study had 348 participants. It was conducted among adult and pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons using telehealth technology at their clinics between February and June 2021. The self-administered questionnaire included sociodemographic data, behavior in using telehealth, and an assessment of satisfaction with telehealth; the SPSS Windows software version 26 was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe most common age group was 25–34 years (42.8%), with men dominating (68.4%). The mean satisfaction score was 25.9 (SD 3.91) out of 33 points, with 90.2% of respondents satisfied with telehealth and 9.8% dissatisfied. Working in an academic center or private hospital, being a first-time telehealth user, using messages as a telehealth method, and using telehealth daily were associated with increased satisfaction with telehealth use.ConclusionThe satisfaction of adult and pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons with telehealth was high. Although physicians still preferred face-to-face interviews, they recognized the benefits of telehealth in strengthening the patient–provider relationship, improving productivity, and integrating into daily workflows. The satisfaction levels align with past studies, but physical examination needs should be considered. Telehealth is suitable for follow-up visits and varies across subspecialties.
SARS-CoV-2 spike-reactive naïve B cells and pre-existing memory B cells contribute to antibody responses in unexposed individuals after vaccination
Authors: Teng Shishan , Hu Yabin , Wang You , Tang Yinggen , Wu Qian , Zheng Xingyu , Lu Rui , Pan Dong , Liu Fen , Xie Tianyi , Wu Chanfeng , Li Yi-Ping , Liu Wenpei , Qu Xiaowang 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionSince December 2019, the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has presented considerable public health challenges. Multiple vaccines have been used to induce neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and memory B-cell responses against the viral spike (S) glycoprotein, and many essential epitopes have been defined. Previous reports have identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike-reactive naïve B cells and preexisting memory B cells in unexposed individuals. However, the role of these spike-reactive B cells in vaccine-induced immunity remains unknown.MethodsTo elucidate the characteristics of preexisting SARS-CoV-2 S-reactive B cells as well as their maturation after antigen encounter, we assessed the relationship of spike-reactive B cells before and after vaccination in unexposed human individuals. We further characterized the sequence identity, targeting domain, broad-spectrum binding activity and neutralizing activity of these SARS-CoV-2 S-reactive B cells by isolating monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from these B cells.ResultsThe frequencies of both spike-reactive naïve B cells and preexisting memory B cells before vaccination correlated with the frequencies of spike-reactive memory B cells after vaccination. Isolated mAbs from spike-reactive naïve B cells before vaccination had fewer somatic hypermutations (SHMs) than mAbs isolated from spike-reactive memory B cells before and after vaccination, but bound SARS-CoV-2 spike in vitro. Intriguingly, these germline-like mAbs possessed broad binding profiles for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, although with low or no neutralizing capacity. According to tracking of the evolution of IGHV4-4/IGKV3-20 lineage antibodies from a single donor, the lineage underwent SHMs and developed increased binding activity after vaccination.DiscussionOur findings suggest that spike-reactive naïve B cells can be expanded and matured by vaccination and cocontribute to vaccine-elicited antibody responses with preexisting memory B cells. Selectively and precisely targeting spike-reactive B cells by rational antigen design may provide a novel strategy for next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development.
Investigation of mechanical properties of silver-doped diamond-like carbon coating by varying deposition temperature
Authors: Ghadai Ranjan Kr. , Shanmugasundar G. , Vanitha M. , Čep Robert , Das Soham , Swain Bibhu P. 
Published: February 2024

The present work shows the influence of deposition temperatures on the mechanical properties of silver (Ag)-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating synthesized by the thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. The deposited film showed excellent mechanical and tribological behavior with respect to the lower deposition temperatures. From the EDS analysis, it was confirmed that the percentage of Ag decreased from 9.8% to 8.4% as the deposition temperature increased. The nanoindentation tests at different loads were extensively carried out to observe the mechanical properties of the coating with respect to various deposition temperatures. The coating hardness (H) and Young’s modulus (E) decreased with the rise in furnace temperature, and the Hmax. and Emax. were observed as 29.71 and 251.19 GPa, respectively, for the Ag-DLC coating grown at 800°C at a load of 20 mN. In comparison to other Ag-DLC thin films made using different deposition techniques, the residual stress (σ) was significantly reduced, reaching 0.45 GPa, which is extremely low.
Exploring the dynamic interplay between learning and working memory within various cognitive contexts
Authors: Hassanzadeh Zakieh , Bahrami Fariba , Dortaj Fariborz 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe intertwined relationship between reinforcement learning and working memory in the brain is a complex subject, widely studied across various domains in neuroscience. Research efforts have focused on identifying the specific brain areas responsible for these functions, understanding their contributions in accomplishing the related tasks, and exploring their adaptability under conditions such as cognitive impairment or aging.MethodsNumerous models have been introduced to formulate either these two subsystems of reinforcement learning and working memory separately or their combination and relationship in executing cognitive tasks. This study adopts the RLWM model as a computational framework to analyze the behavioral parameters of subjects with varying cognitive abilities due to age or cognitive status. A related RLWM task is employed to assess a group of subjects across different age groups and cognitive abilities, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA).ResultsAnalysis reveals a decline in overall performance accuracy and speed with differing age groups (young vs. middle-aged). Significant differences are observed in model parameters such as learning rate, WM decay, and decision noise. Furthermore, among the middle-aged group, distinctions emerge between subjects categorized as normal vs. MCI based on MoCA scores, notably in speed, performance accuracy, and decision noise.
Keeping social distance in a classroom while interacting via a telepresence robot: a pilot study
Authors: Marmor Kristel , Leoste Janika , Heidmets Mati , Kangur Katrin , Rebane Martin , Pöial Jaanus , Kasuk Tiina 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe use of various telecommunication tools has grown significantly. However, many of these tools (e.g., computer-based teleconferencing) are problematic in relaying non-verbal human communication. Telepresence robots (TPRs) are seen as telecommunication tools that can support non-verbal communication.MethodsIn this paper, we examine the usability of TPRs, and communication distance related behavioral realism in communication situations between physically present persons and a TPR-mediated person. Twenty-four participants, who played out 36 communication situations with TPRs, were observed and interviewed.ResultsThe results indicate that TPR-mediated people, especially women, choose shorter than normal communication distances. The type of the robot did not influence the choice of communication distance. The participants perceived the use of TPRs positively as a feasible telecommunication method.DiscussionWhen introducing TPRs, situations with greater intrapersonal distances require more practice compared to scenarios where a physically present person communicates with a telepresent individual in the audience. In the latter situation, the robot-mediated person could be perceived as “behaviorally realistic” much faster than in vice versa communication situations.
Evidence of spatial clustering of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases in Greater Mexico City: report from the Mexican Inter-Institutional Group for the identification of the causes of childhood leukemia
Authors: Duarte-Rodríguez David Aldebarán , Flores-Lujano Janet , McNally Richard J. Q. , Pérez-Saldivar María Luisa , Jiménez-Hernández Elva , Martín-Trejo Jorge Alfonso , Espinoza-Hernández Laura Eugenia , Medina-Sanson Aurora , Paredes-Aguilera Rogelio , Merino-Pasaye Laura Elizabeth , Velázquez-Aviña Martha Margarita , Torres-Nava José Refugio , Espinosa-Elizondo Rosa Martha , Amador-Sánchez Raquel , Dosta-Herrera Juan José , Mondragón-García Javier Anastacio , González-Ulibarri Juana Esther , Martínez-Silva Sofía Irene , Espinoza-Anrubio Gilberto , Paz-Bribiesca María Minerva , Salcedo-Lozada Perla , Landa-García Rodolfo Ángel , Ramírez-Colorado Rosario , Hernández-Mora Luis , Santamaría-Ascencio Marlene , López-Loyola Anselmo , Godoy-Esquivel Arturo Hermilo , García-López Luis Ramiro , Anguiano-Ávalos Alison Ireri , Mora-Rico Karina , Castañeda-Echevarría Alejandro , Rodríguez-Jiménez Roberto , Cibrian-Cruz José Alberto , Solís-Labastida Karina Anastacia , Cárdenas-Cardos Rocío , López-Santiago Norma , Flores-Villegas Luz Victoria , Peñaloza-González José Gabriel , González-Ávila Ana Itamar , Sánchez-Ruiz Martin , Rivera-Luna Roberto , Rodríguez-Villalobos Luis Rodolfo , Hernández-Pérez Francisco , Olvera-Durán Jaime Ángel , García-Cortés Luis Rey , Mata-Rocha Minerva , Sepúlveda-Robles Omar Alejandro , Bekker-Méndez Vilma Carolina , Jiménez-Morales Silvia , Meléndez-Zajgla Jorge , Rosas-Vargas Haydée , Vega Elizabeth , Núñez-Enríquez Juan Carlos , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundA heterogeneous geographic distribution of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cases has been described, possibly, related to the presence of different environmental factors. The aim of the present study was to explore the geographical distribution of childhood ALL cases in Greater Mexico City (GMC).MethodsA population-based case-control study was conducted. Children &lt;18 years old, newly diagnosed with ALL and residents of GMC were included. Controls were patients without leukemia recruited from second-level public hospitals, frequency-matched by sex, age, and health institution with the cases. The residence address where the patients lived during the last year before diagnosis (cases) or the interview (controls) was used for geolocation. Kulldorff’s spatial scan statistic was used to detect spatial clusters (SCs). Relative risks (RR), associated p-value and number of cases included for each cluster were obtained.ResultsA total of 1054 cases with ALL were analyzed. Of these, 408 (38.7%) were distributed across eight SCs detected. A relative risk of 1.61 (p&lt;0.0001) was observed for the main cluster. Similar results were noted for the remaining seven ones. Additionally, a proximity between SCs, electrical installations and petrochemical facilities was observed.ConclusionsThe identification of SCs in certain regions of GMC suggest the possible role of environmental factors in the etiology of childhood ALL.
miR-939-3p induces sarcoma proliferation and poor prognosis via suppressing BATF2
Authors: Xu Wanwen , Huang Yinghui , Lei Zengjie , Zhou Jie 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundSarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, in which oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inactivation are involved. Accumulated studies suggested basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like 2 (BATF2) as a candidate tumor suppressor, but its specific role and mechanism in sarcoma remain unclear.MethodsThe expression levels of BATF2 and miR-939-3p were evaluated by using human sarcoma samples, cell lines and xenograft mouse models. Bioinformatics analysis, qPCR, Western blot, cell proliferation assay, overexpression plasmid construction, point mutation and dual luciferase reporter assay were utilized to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-939-3p in sarcoma.ResultsIn this study, we demonstrated that the expression of BATF2 was downregulated in human sarcoma tissues and cell lines. The downregulation of BATF2 was negatively associated with the prognosis of sarcoma patients. Subsequent bioinformatic prediction and experimental validations showed that BATF2 expression was reduced by microRNA (miR)-939-3p mimic and increased by miR-939-3p inhibitor. Additionally, miR-939-3p was upregulated in sarcoma tissues and cells, correlating with a poor prognosis of sarcoma patients. Moreover, miR-939-3p overexpression suppressed sarcoma cell proliferation, which was significantly attenuated by the restoration of BATF2, while siRNA-mediated knockdown of BATF2 aggravated the miR-939-3p-induced promotion of sarcoma cell proliferation. Further computational algorithms and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-939-3p repressed BATF2 expression via directly binding to its 3’ untranslated region (3’ UTR).ConclusionCollectively, these findings identified miR-939-3p as a novel regulator of BATF2, as well as a prognostic biomarker in sarcoma, and revealed that suppressing miR-939-3p or inducing BATF2 expression may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against sarcoma.
Magnetic properties of Fe intercalation FexTaSe2
Authors: Feng Qian-Qian , Guo Jun-Jie , Zhong Mian-Zeng , Luo Zi-Yan , Li Bo , Wang Xi-Guang , Nie Yao-Zhuang , Xia Qing-Lin , Guo Guang-Hua 
Published: February 2024

Intercalation of transition metal dichalcogenides with magnetic elements has been the subject of increasing research interest, aiming to explore novel magnetic materials with anisotropy and spin-orbit coupling. In this paper, two magnetic samples with varying Fe content have been prepared using different growth conditions via the chemical vapor transport method. A comprehensive investigation of the magnetic properties of the materials has been conducted using the Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS, EvercoolⅡ-9T, Quantum Design). The results reveal distinct features in the studied materials. Fe0.12TaSe2 exhibits significant ferromagnetism with a Curie transition temperature of 50 K. However, its in-plane magnetism is weak and no significant hysteresis loop is observed below the Curie temperature. On the other hand, Fe0.25TaSe2 exhibits antiferromagnetism without any hysteresis loop and has a Néel temperature up to 130 K. This finding is quite different from the intercalated iron in FexTaS2, where only an antiferromagnetic state occurs with x larger than 0.4. Our study thus provides updated insights into the magnetic properties of this new system and serves as a reference for future investigations of TaSe2 compounds with varying iron content.
An observational study ascertaining the prevalence of bullae and blebs in young, healthy adults and its possible implications for scuba diving
Authors: Bresser Max F. , Wingelaar Thijs T. , Van Weering Jaap A. F. , Bresser Paul , Van Hulst Rob A. 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Intrapulmonary air-filled cavities, e.g., bullae, blebs, and cysts, are believed to contribute topulmonary barotrauma (PBT) and arterial gas embolism (AGE) in divers. However, literature is unclear about the prevalence of bullae in healthy adults, ranging from 2.3—33.8%. While this could in part be explained due to increasing quality of radiologic imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) scans, other methodological factors may also affect these findings. This study aims to ascertain the prevalence of bullae in young and healthy adults.Methods: This single-center cross-sectional observational study re-assessed the CT scans of adults (aged 18—40) performed for a clinical suspicion for pulmonary embolism, from 1 January 2016 to 1 March 2020. Presence of bullae was recorded in an electronic database. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analyses. Additionally, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to study the independent predictive value of identified risk factors.Results: A total of 1,014 cases were identified, of which 836 could be included. Distribution amongst age groups (18–25, 26–30, 31–35, and 36–40) was almost equally, however, 75% of the population was female. Of the male proportion, 41% smoked, compared to 27% in females. In 7.2% (95% CI 5.6–9.1) bullae were identified. The prevalence increased with increasing age (p &lt; 0.001), with odd ratios up to 5.347 (95% CI 2.164–13.213, p &lt; 0.001) in the oldest age group. Males and smokers had higher odds ratios for bullae of 2.460 (95% CI 1.144–4.208; p = 0.001) and 3.406 (95% CI 1.878–6.157, p &lt; 0.001), respectively. Similar results were seen in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, where age, male sex and smoking were all statistically significant independent risk factors for bullae.Discussion: Bullae were seen in 7.2% of a healthy population up to 40 years old. Increasing age, smoking, and being male were identified as statistically significant risk factors, both in independent and in multivariate logistic regression analyses. Our observations may warrant a re-evaluation of the contribution of bullae to PBT and AGE, as the latter two occur very rarely and bullae appear to be more frequently present than earlier assumed.
Cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the online learning climate scale for Chilean university students
Authors: Bravo-Sanzana Mónica , Miranda Rafael , Terán-Mendoza Oscar , Mieres-Chacaltana Manuel , Carabantes Luis 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed university teaching and learning formats, leading to a significant increase in online learning. Consequently, the crisis has facilitated the potential development of this educational modality. However, researchers need adapted and validated instruments to assess the online learning climate in universities.AimThis study aimed to adapt and psychometrically validate the Online Learning Climate Scale (OLCS) for Chilean university students.MethodQuantitative research was conducted with a non-experimental and cross-sectional, design executed in two phases: the first was oriented to the cultural adaptation of the instrument, and the second was focused on analyzing its psychometric properties in a sample of 491 university students.ResultsA translated and culturally adapted version was obtained, composed of 15 items distributed in a factorial structure composed of four dimensions that showed excellent adjustment to the data [χ2 (84) = 189.628; p &lt; 0.001; CFI = 0.979; TLI = 0.973; RMSEA = 0.051 (IC90% 0.044–0.059); SRMR = 0.028]; internal consistency was estimated through Cronbach’s alpha and ranged between 0.892 and 0.955, and strict invariance between men and women was achieved.DiscussionThe Online Learning Climate Scale (OLCS) is a valid and reliable measure for measuring the online learning climate within the Chilean higher education context so that it can be used both in research and in monitoring management programs in educational environments.
Prevalence of somatic diseases in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Japan is highest in people aged ≥40 years with mental disorders: a cross-sectional study of a Japanese health insurance claims database
Authors: Takaesu Yoshikazu , Sato Yumi , Iwata Shinpei , Takizawa Patcharapim , Miyauchi Hideyuki , Ishimoto Yoshikazu , Kondo Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionStudies have reported an association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and somatic diseases; however, the correlation of mental disorders with the association between ADHD and somatic diseases remains uninvestigated. This study investigated and compared the prevalence of somatic diseases among adults with/without ADHD, stratified by the presence or absence of mental disorders.MethodsThis cross-sectional study (October 2020–September 2021), using data (June 2013–September 2021) from a Japanese health insurance claims database, included adult participants with a medical record of and receiving medication for ADHD (ADHD group); the control group (matched 1:5 by age/sex) comprised participants without ADHD. The prevalence and odds ratio (OR; ADHD versus control) of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetes complications, hypertension, cardiovascular disease (CVD), dyslipidemia, gout and hyperuricemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH), and atopic dermatitis were investigated. Pooled ORs for stratified analysis were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method.ResultsIn the matched analysis sets, the ORs for all somatic diseases were significantly higher for the ADHD group (n=15,028) versus the control group (n=74,796). On stratified analysis, the Mantel-Haenszel ORs were significant for NAFLD/NASH (1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34, 1.73), diabetes complications (1.39; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.77), and gout and hyperuricemia (1.34; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.51). Furthermore, the stratum-specific ORs for T2DM, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were &gt;1 and &lt;1 in the presence and absence of mental disorders, respectively. The prevalence of all somatic diseases except atopic dermatitis increased with age. For participants aged ≥40 years, the Mantel-Haenszel ORs were significant for all somatic diseases except CVD, COPD, and atopic dermatitis.ConclusionsThe prevalence of several somatic diseases, including chronic disorders, was high among adults with ADHD, particularly in those aged ≥40 years and those with mental disorders.