bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A privacy-preserving scheme with multi-level regulation compliance for blockchain
Authors: Jia Wangjing , Xie Tao , Wang Baolai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWith the increasing presence of blockchain-based distributed applications in various aspects of daily life, there has been a growing focus on the privacy protection of blockchain ledgers and the corresponding regulatory technologies. However, current mainstream solutions primarily concentrate on the verifiable encryption of blockchain transaction addresses and contents, neglecting the regulatory requirements for private transactions. Moreover, the few monitorable solutions suffer from issues such as excessive centralization and a single-minded approach to regulatory content. To address these deficiencies, this paper proposes a blockchain privacy-preserving scheme that supports multi-level regulation through the utilization of zero-knowledge proofs (zk-SNARKs) and attribute-based encryption (ABE). Firstly, by leveraging zk-SNARKs, this scheme achieves blockchain privacy-preserving within an account model, enabling the concealment of user transaction addresses and values. Secondly, by employing attribute-based encryption, a multi-level regulatory model is developed alongside the privacy protection measures, allowing for selective disclosure of transaction content. Finally, we analyze the security of the proposed scheme and compare it with other schemes, discussing its advantages in terms of privacy, security, and regulatory capabilities, we also provide a preliminary evaluation of the scheme's efficiency through experiments. In conclusion, the scheme demonstrates strong privacy by relying on mathematical proofs through zk-SNARKs to ensure security while comprehensively safeguarding content. It also achieves multi-level regulation on the foundation of privacy protection, with comprehensive regulatory coverage and decentralized regulatory authority.
Efficacy of an eHealth self-management program in reducing irritable bowel syndrome symptom severity: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tayama Jun , Hamaguchi Toyohiro , Koizumi Kohei , Yamamura Ryodai , Okubo Ryo , Kawahara Jun-ichiro , Inoue Kenji , Takeoka Atsushi , Fukudo Shin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to verify whether an eHealth-based self-management program can reduce irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptom severity. An open-label simple randomized controlled trial was conducted that compared an intervention group (n = 21) participating in an eHealth self-management program, which involved studying IBS-related information from an established self-help guide followed by in-built quizzes, with a treatment-as-usual group (n = 19) that, except for pharmacotherapy, had no treatment restrictions. Participants were female Japanese university students. The eHealth group received unlimited access to the self-management program for 8 weeks on computers and mobile devices. The primary outcome, participants’ severity of IBS symptoms assessed using the IBS-severity index (IBS-SI), and the secondary outcomes of participants’ quality of life, gut bacteria, and electroencephalography alpha and beta power percentages were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. A significant difference was found in the net change in IBS-SI scores between the eHealth and treatment-as-usual groups, and the former had significantly lower IBS-SI scores following the 8-week intervention than at baseline. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the net change in phylum Cyanobacteria between the eHealth and treatment-as-usual groups. Thus, the eHealth-based self-management program successfully reduced the severity of IBS symptoms.
Linguistic disparities in cross-language automatic speech recognition transfer from Arabic to Tashlhiyt
Authors: Zellou Georgia , Lahrouchi Mohamed 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTashlhiyt is a low-resource language with respect to acoustic databases, language corpora, and speech technology tools, such as Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) systems. This study investigates whether a method of cross-language re-use of ASR is viable for Tashlhiyt from an existing commercially-available system built for Arabic. The source and target language in this case have similar phonological inventories, but Tashlhiyt permits typologically rare phonological patterns, including vowelless words, while Arabic does not. We find systematic disparities in ASR transfer performance (measured as word error rate (WER) and Levenshtein distance) for Tashlhiyt across word forms and speaking style variation. Overall, performance was worse for casual speaking modes across the board. In clear speech, performance was lower for vowelless than for voweled words. These results highlight systematic speaking mode- and phonotactic-disparities in cross-language ASR transfer. They also indicate that linguistically-informed approaches to ASR re-use can provide more effective ways to adapt existing speech technology tools for low resource languages, especially when they contain typologically rare structures. The study also speaks to issues of linguistic disparities in ASR and speech technology more broadly. It can also contribute to understanding the extent to which machines are similar to, or different from, humans in mapping the acoustic signal to discrete linguistic representations.
The application and influence of “Small Private Online Course” based on flipped classroom teaching model in the course of fundamental operations in surgery in China
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyi , Yu Guanyu , Li Xu , Zhang Wei , Nian Xinwen , Cui Jin , Wei Xianzhao , Sun Yu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo investigate the effect of “Small Private Online Course” (SPOC) based on flipped classroom teaching model on the students in the course of fundamental operations in surgery. A prospective study. 8-year program students (juniors) majored in clinical medicine in Navy medical university. The mastery of theoretical knowledge and operational skill of the students, the comparison of final test examination score between traditional teaching method and “SPOC + flipped classroom” model and the feedback completed by students. Our study found that SPOC + flipped classroom could significantly increase the efficacy of the class and enhance the ability of the students compared with the traditional method. The new teaching model could have a positive influence for medical students on their basic knowledge and operational skill.
Drivers of arthropod biodiversity in an urban ecosystem
Authors: Lewthwaite Jayme M. M. , Baiotto Teagan M. , Brown Brian V. , Cheung Yan Yin , Baker Austin J. , Lehnen Charles , McGlynn Terrence P. , Shirey Vaughn , Gonzalez Lisa , Hartop Emily , Kerr Peter H. , Wood Eric , Guzman Laura Melissa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOur world is becoming increasingly urbanized with a growing human population concentrated around cities. The expansion of urban areas has important consequences for biodiversity, yet the abiotic drivers of biodiversity in urban ecosystems have not been well characterized for the most diverse group of animals on the planet, arthropods. Given their great diversity, comparatively small home ranges, and ability to disperse, arthropods make an excellent model for studying which factors can most accurately predict urban biodiversity. We assessed the effects of (i) topography (distance to natural areas and to ocean) (ii) abiotic factors (mean annual temperature and diurnal range), and (iii) anthropogenic drivers (land value and amount of impervious surface) on the occurrence of six arthropod groups represented in Malaise trap collections run by the BioSCAN project across the Greater Los Angeles Area. We found striking heterogeneity in responses to all factors both within and between taxonomic groups. Diurnal temperature range had a consistently negative effect on occupancy but this effect was only significant in Phoridae. Anthropogenic drivers had mixed though mostly insignificant effects, as some groups and species were most diverse in highly urbanized areas, while other groups showed suppressed diversity. Only Phoridae was significantly affected by land value, where most species were more likely to occur in areas with lower land value. Los Angeles can support high regional arthropod diversity, but spatial community composition is highly dependent on the taxonomic group.
Emergency department visits of newly diagnosed cardiovascular disease patients in Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Baek Ji Yoon , Seo Seung Hee , Cho Sooyoung , Park Jun-Bean , Keam Bhumsuk , Yoo Shin Hye , Shin Aesun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emergency department (ED) visits of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. The customized data of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) from 2017 to 2020 were analyzed. CVD patients were defined by the code ‘V192’ based on the NHIS coverage benefit expansion policy. The number of ED visits of CVD patients, as well as executed procedures in 2020 (during the pandemic), were compared to the corresponding average numbers in 2018 and 2019 (prepandemic). Stratification by age group, residential area and hospital location was performed. The number of ED visits of newly diagnosed CVD patients decreased by 2.1% nationwide in 2020 (2018–2019: 97,041; 2020: 95,038) and decreased the most (by 14.1%) in March (2018–2019: 8539; 2020: 7334). However, the number of executed procedures increased by 1.1% nationwide in 2020 (2018–2019: 74,696; 2020: 75,520), while it decreased by 11.9% in April (2018–2019: 6603; 2020: 5819). The most notable decreases in the number of newly diagnosed CVD patients (31.7%) and procedures (29.2%) in March 2020 were observed in the Daegu·Gyeongbuk area. CVD patients living in the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic may experience difficulty accessing healthcare facilities and receiving proper treatment.
A new exceptionally well-preserved basal actinopterygian fish in the juvenile stage from the Upper Triassic Amisan Formation of South Korea
Authors: Kim Su-Hwan , Lee Yuong-Nam , Nam Gi-Soo , Park Jin-Young , Lee Sungjin , Son Minyoung 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study of the large paraphyletic group of extinct ‘palaeoniscoid’ fishes has shed light on the diversity and evolutionary history of basal actinopterygians. However, only a little ontogenetic information about ‘palaeoniscoids’ is known because their records in the early stages of development are scarce. Here, we report on a growth series of ‘palaeoniscoids’ in the juvenile stage from the Upper Triassic Amisan Formation of South Korea. Fourteen specimens, including five counterpart specimens, represent a new taxon, Megalomatia minima gen. et sp. nov., exhibiting ontogeny and exceptional preservation with the eyes possibly containing the crystalline lens, the otoliths, and the lateral line canals without covering scales. This discovery allows us to discuss the adaptations and evolution of basal actinopterygians in more detail than before. The otoliths in situ of Megalomatia support the previous interpretation that basal actinopterygians have a sagitta as the largest otolith. The trunk lateral line canal, which runs under the scales instead of passing through them, represents a plesiomorphic gnathostome trait. Notably, the large protruded eyes suggest that Megalomatia probably has binocular vision, which would have played a significant role in targeting and catching prey with the primitive jaw structure. In addition, the firstly formed skeletal elements such as the jaws, pectoral girdle, and opercular series, and the posteroanterior pattern of squamation development are likely linked to the adaptation of young individuals to increase their viability for feeding, respiration, and swimming.
Polyclonal anti-whole cell IgY passive immunotherapy shields against P. aeruginosa-induced acute pneumonia and burn wound infections in murine models
Authors: Ahmadi Tooba Sadat , Behrouz Bahador , Mousavi Gargari Seyed Latif 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) opportunistic pathogen causing severe hospital-, and community-acquired infections worldwide. Thus, the development of effective immunotherapy-based treatments is essential to combat the MDR-PA infections. In the current study, we evaluated the protective efficacy of polyclonal avian antibodies raised against inactivated whole cells of the PAO1 strain in murine models of acute pneumonia and burn wound. The efficacy of generated antibodies was evaluated against different PA strains through several in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments. The results showed that the anti-PAO1-IgY effectively reduced the motility, biofilm formation and cell internalization ability, and enhanced the opsonophagocytic killing of PA strains through the formation of immobilized bacteria and induction of increased cell surface hydrophobicity. Furthermore, immunotherapy with anti-PAO1-IgY completely protected mice against all PA strains in both acute pneumonia and burn wound murine models. It was found to reduce the bacterial loads in infected burned mice through interfering with virulence factors that play vital roles in the early stages of PA infection, such as colonization and cell internalization. The immunotherapy with anti-PAO1-IgYs could be instrumental in developing effective therapies aimed at reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with PA infections.
A fluorescence imaging technique suggests that sweat leakage in the epidermis contributes to the pathomechanism of palmoplantar pustulosis
Authors: Yatsuzuka Kazuki , Kawakami Ryosuke , Niko Yosuke , Tsuda Teruko , Kameda Kenji , Kohri Nobushige , Yoshida Satoshi , Shiraishi Ken , Muto Jun , Mori Hideki , Fujisawa Yasuhiro , Imamura Takeshi , Murakami Masamoto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSweat is an essential protection system for the body, but its failure can result in pathologic conditions, including several skin diseases, such as palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP). As reduced intraepidermal E-cadherin expression in skin lesions was confirmed in PPP skin lesions, a role for interleukin (IL)-1-rich sweat in PPP has been proposed, and IL-1 has been implicated in the altered E-cadherin expression observed in both cultured keratinocytes and mice epidermis. For further investigation, live imaging of sweat perspiration on a mouse toe-pad under two-photon excitation microscopy was performed using a novel fluorescent dye cocktail (which we named JSAC). Finally, intraepidermal vesicle formation which is the main cause of PPP pathogenesis was successfully induced using our "LASER-snipe" technique with JSAC. "LASER-snipe" is a type of laser ablation technique that uses two-photon absorption of fluorescent material to destroy a few acrosyringium cells at a pinpoint location in three-dimensional space of living tissue to cause eccrine sweat leakage. These observatory techniques and this mouse model may be useful not only in live imaging for physiological phenomena in vivo such as PPP pathomechanism investigation, but also for the field of functional physiological morphology.
Use of physical restraints on older adults in South Korean nursing homes: a multicenter study
Authors: Cho Eunhee , Min Deulle 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to examine the current status of physical restraint use and ascertain factors affecting the rate of usage of physical restraints on older adults in South Korean nursing homes. For this purpose, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from 190 registered nurses employed at 62 nursing homes. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors affecting the use of restraints in nursing homes. The rate of using physical restraints was 79.5%. Nursing homes were found to use 90.7% and 91.3% less restraint when the work environment was better (odds ratio [OR]: 0.093, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.023–0.368) and mixed (OR: 0.087, 95% CI: 0.087–0.100), respectively. Nursing homes owned by corporations were 9.796 times more likely to use physical restraints than those owned by local governments (OR: 9.796, 95% CI: 1.473–65.158). Therefore, improving nurses’ work environment and introducing regulations and education that enable the entrusted doctors or nurses to make decisions regarding restraint use, monitoring, and removal, regardless of nursing home ownership type, are necessary.
A new modified MR dual precision positioning of thin-slice oblique sagittal fat suppression proton density weighted imaging: its diagnostic accuracy in anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Li Kun , Jhonatan Felix Young , Yu Zhaohui , Liu Jiachen , Huang Lixin , Yang Huilin , Du Jun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new modified MR dual precision positioning of thin-slice oblique sagittal fat suppression proton density-weighted imaging (DPP-TSO-Sag-FS-PDWI) sequence in detecting ACL injuries and its grades compared to standard sequences using arthroscopy as the standard reference. 42 patients enrolled in this retrospective study received the 1.5-T MRI with standard sequences and the new modified DPP-TSO-Sag-FS-PDWI sequence, and their arthroscopy results was recorded. The Mc Nemer-Bowker and weighted Kappa was performed to compare the consistency of MRI diagnosis with arthroscopic results. Finally, the diagnostic accuracy was calculated based on the true positive, true negative, false negative and false positive values. The diagnostic consistency of the DPP-TSO-Sag-FS-PDWI were higher than standard sequences for both reader 1 (K = 0.876 vs. 0.620) and reader 2 (K = 0.833 vs. 0.683) with good diagnostic repeatability (K = 0.794 vs. 0.598). Furthermore, the DPP-TSO-Sag-FS-PDWI can classify and diagnose three grades of ACL injury [the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value were more than 84%], especially for grade II injury as the PPV was superior for reader 1 (92.3% vs. 53.9%) and reader 2 (84.6% vs. 69.2%). The new modified DPP-TSO-Sag-FS-PDWI sequence can display the ACL injury on one or continuous levels by maximizing the acquisition of complete ligament shape and true anatomical images, and excluding the influence of anatomical differences between individuals. It can improve the diagnostic accuracy with good repeatability and classify three grades of the ACL injury.
N-glycan profiling of tissue samples to aid breast cancer subtyping
Authors: Benesova Iva , Nenutil Rudolf , Urminsky Adam , Lattova Erika , Uhrik Lukas , Grell Peter , Kokas Filip Zavadil , Halamkova Jana , Zdrahal Zbynek , Vojtesek Borivoj , Novotny Milos V. , Hernychova Lenka 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBreast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease. Its intrinsic subtype classification for diagnosis and choice of therapy traditionally relies on the presence of characteristic receptors. Unfortunately, this classification is often not sufficient for precise prediction of disease prognosis and treatment efficacy. The N-glycan profiles of 145 tumors and 10 healthy breast tissues were determined using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. The tumor samples were classified into Mucinous, Lobular, No-Special-Type, Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 + , and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer subtypes. Statistical analysis was conducted using the reproducibility-optimized test statistic software package in R, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction. In total, 92 N-glycans were detected and quantified, with 59 consistently observed in over half of the samples. Significant variations in N-glycan signals were found among subtypes. Mucinous tumor samples exhibited the most distinct changes, with 28 significantly altered N-glycan signals. Increased levels of tri- and tetra-antennary N-glycans were notably present in this subtype. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer showed more N-glycans with additional mannose units, a factor associated with cancer progression. Individual N-glycans differentiated Human Epidermal Growth Factor 2 + , No-Special-Type, and Lobular cancers, whereas lower fucosylation and branching levels were found in N-glycans significantly increased in Luminal subtypes (Lobular and No-Special-Type tumors). Clinically normal breast tissues featured a higher abundance of signals corresponding to N-glycans with bisecting moiety. This research confirms that histologically distinct breast cancer subtypes have a quantitatively unique set of N-glycans linked to clinical parameters like tumor size, proliferative rate, lymphovascular invasion, and metastases to lymph nodes. The presented results provide novel information that N-glycan profiling could accurately classify human breast cancer samples, offer stratification of patients, and ongoing disease monitoring.
Ultrasound Changes in Salivary Glands after Radioactive Iodine Treatment in Benign Diseases and Differentiated Cancer of Thyroid Glands in Consideration of Dose and Time Dependency
Authors: Koch Michael , Fauck Vanessa , Sievert Matti , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Iro Heinrich , Mueller Sarina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose To assess ultrasound (US) features observed in salivary glands after radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) in relation to the dose and time interval after RAIT.
Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis of US findings regarding the salivary glands of patients presenting after RAIT due to thyroid cancer (Group 1, n=99) or benign thyroid diseases (Group 2, n=25). The control group consisted of randomly selected patients (no RAIT, Group 3, n=100). Groups were compared regarding RAIT dose, symptoms, and US findings (duct dilation, hypoechoic/heterogeneous parenchyma, parenchymal loss). The association of the presence of US parameters after RAIT with various dose levels (2000–15000MBq) and time intervals (24, 60, 120 months) and the differences between the groups was evaluated.
Results Significant differences between US parameters were noted when comparing Group 1 with Group 2 or 3. Nothing of relevant significance was noted when Groups 2 and 3 were compared. US features indicating a slight or moderate sialadenitis showed the most significant associations with doses <4000MBq and time intervals <24 months after RAIT. US changes indicating a serious sialadenitis or even gland atrophy showed the most significant association at doses between >7000–9000MBq and when US was performed >60 months after RAIT.
Conclusion Our results point to a dose and time dependency of pathologic US findings in RAIT-induced effects on the major salivary glands. Based on the US findings, a better estimation of the current impact of RAIT on the salivary glands and the further prognosis appears possible.
Sensitivity of the Neuroendocrine Stress Axis in Metabolic
Diseases
Authors: Cozma Diana , Siatra Panagiota , Bornstein Stefan R. , Steenblock Charlotte 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMetabolic diseases are prevalent in modern society and have reached pandemic
proportions. Metabolic diseases have systemic effects on the body and can lead
to changes in the neuroendocrine stress axis, the critical regulator of the
body’s stress response. These changes may be attributed to rising
insulin levels and the release of adipokines and inflammatory cytokines by
adipose tissue, which affect hormone production by the neuroendocrine stress
axis. Chronic stress due to inflammation may exacerbate these effects. The
increased sensitivity of the neuroendocrine stress axis may be responsible for
the development of metabolic syndrome, providing a possible explanation for the
high prevalence of severe comorbidities such as heart disease and stroke
associated with metabolic disease. In this review, we address current knowledge
of the neuroendocrine stress axis in response to metabolic disease and discuss
its role in developing metabolic syndrome.