bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mobile cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: analysis of factors affecting treatment prognosis
Authors: Wei Jia , Xu You , Mao Hongjing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aims to explore the factors that affect the prognosis of patients with insomnia who are treated with mobile cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients with insomnia who visited the sleep disorders clinic were selected and completed mobile Cognitive behavioral therapy. Patients completed at least three evaluations (including baseline, monthly evaluations thereafter, and a final evaluation at the end of one year) and responded well to treatment within one year of follow-up. Insomnia, anxiety, and depression symptoms were evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale, and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Treatment prognosis including relapse, recurrence, and remission group. These 339 patients were divided into three groups: 160 patients who remission, 100 patients who relapsed, and 79 patients who experienced recurrence after remission. Demographic characteristics of the 339 patients showed no significant difference in gender between the three groups (P = 0.978). However, significant differences were found in age (P = 0.006) and onset time (P = 0.000) among the three groups. The remission group had a higher average age than the recurrence group and the relapse group, and the onset time was slower than the other two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and delayed onset time were protective factors for good treatment prognosis, while low educational level and high GAD-7 scores were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. There are many factors that affect the treatment prognosis of insomnia. Age, low educational level, high GAD-7 scores, and delayed onset time can be used to predict the prognosis of insomnia treatment.
Roles of the cerebellar vermis in predictive postural controls against external disturbances
Authors: Konosu Akira , Matsuki Yuma , Fukuhara Kaito , Funato Tetsuro , Yanagihara Dai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe central nervous system predictively controls posture against external disturbances; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that the cerebellar vermis plays a substantial role in acquiring predictive postural control by using a standing task with floor disturbances in rats. The intact, lesioned, and sham groups of rats sequentially underwent 70 conditioned floor-tilting trials, and kinematics were recorded. Six days before these recordings, only the lesion group underwent focal suction surgery targeting vermal lobules IV–VIII. In the naïve stage of the sequential trials, the upright postures and fluctuations due to the disturbance were mostly consistent among the groups. Although the pattern of decrease in postural fluctuation due to learning corresponded among the groups, the learning rate estimated from the lumbar displacement was significantly lower in the lesion group than in the intact and sham groups. These results suggest that the cerebellar vermis contributes to predictive postural controls.
Identification and verification of a prognostic autophagy-related gene signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Zhen , Chen Mali , Liu XiaoLong , Cui Hongbin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the potential of autophagy-related genes (ATGs) as a prognostic signature for HCC and explore their relationships with immune cells and immune checkpoint molecules. A total of 483 samples were collected from the GEO database (n = 115) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (n = 368). The GEO dataset was used as the training set, while the TCGA dataset was used for validation. The list of ATGs was obtained from the human autophagy database (HADB). Using Cox regression and LASSO regression methods, a prognostic signature based on ATGs was established. The independent use of this prognostic signature was tested through subgroup analysis. Additionally, the predictive value of this signature for immune-related profiles was explored. Following selection through univariate Cox regression analysis and iterative LASSO Cox analysis, a total of 11 ATGs were used in the GEO dataset to establish a prognostic signature that stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups based on survival. The robustness of this prognostic signature was validated using an external dataset. This signature remained a prognostic factor even in subgroups with different clinical features. Analysis of immune profiles revealed that patients in the high-risk group exhibited immunosuppressive states characterized by lower immune scores and ESTIMATE scores, greater tumour purity, and increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Furthermore, this signature was found to be correlated with the infiltration of different immune cell subpopulations. The results suggest that the ATG-based signature can be utilized to evaluate the prognosis of HCC patients and predict the immune status within the tumour microenvironment (TME). However, it is important to note that this study represents a preliminary attempt to use ATGs as prognostic indicators for HCC, and further validation is necessary to determine the predictive power of this signature.
Capacitor based topology of cross-square-switched T-type multi-level inverter
Authors: Seifi Ali , Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Tarafdar Hagh Mehrdad , Hosseinpour Majid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a new topology is introduced for capacitor-based multi-level inverters. The proposed topology is based on combination of two Cross-Square-Switched T-Type inverters. This structure can be generalized in two modular and cascaded modes. In the cascaded mode, higher voltage levels are produced with low power switches. The main features of the proposed topology include the level generation without the utilization of the H-bridge module, the low number of switching components, a lower number of DC voltage sources, and low total blocking voltage. Besides, in the proposed topology, the number of conducting switches in the current path for each different voltage level is low, which leads to a conduction loss decrement. The loss simulations are performed, and the results are presented. A study provides a detailed comparison of the proposed topology in terms of various parameters. In this paper, the nearest level modulation switching, which is low-frequency switching, is utilized to generate voltage levels. To confirm the performance of the proposed topology, a simulation was performed with MATLAB/Simulink software, and a laboratory sample was implemented. Comparative results, simulation results, and implementation results indicate the appropriate performance of the proposed structure in different steady-state and dynamic conditions.
Efficacy evaluation of a bivalent subunit vaccine against classical swine fever virus and porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Chen Yu-San , Lee Chang-Ye , Wu Chi-Chien , Kao Pei-Lun , Chen Tai-An , Huang Yahui , Chung Wen-Bin , Kuo Tsun‑Yung , Chen Charles 
Published: February 2024

AbstractClassical swine fever virus (CSFV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are two of the most devastating and economically significant pathogens affecting pig populations worldwide. Administration of a combination of vaccines against swine pathogens has been demonstrated to be as efficacious as the administration of single vaccines. In this study, we developed and tested a novel bivalent subunit vaccine against CSFV and PCV2. The safety and efficacy of this vaccine were demonstrated in mice and specific pathogen-free (SPF) piglets. In addition to investigating the serological responses after immunization, challenge studies with both viruses were also conducted. The results showed that this CSFV/PCV2 bivalent vaccine elicited a high level of neutralizing antibodies against both viruses and provided protection in challenge studies. In conclusion, the CSFV/PCV2 bivalent vaccine is safe and effective against CSFV or PCV2 challenge.
Effects of composts obtained from hazelnut wastes on the cultivation of pepper (Capsicum annuum) seedlings
Authors: Ceylan Faik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMixing animal waste and agricultural waste in certain proportions forms agricultural compost through appropriate air, time, and water supply. One of their use areas is directly used as fertilizer, and the other one is used as a material that can partially or completely replace P (peat) in the PGM (plant growth media). In this study, the initial mixtures with an appropriate C/N ratio and moisture content, which were created by mixing cow manure, chicken manure, hazelnut husk, hazelnut pruning wastes, vegetable and fruit wastes, and dry leaves, were composted for 180 days. The physicochemical properties of the mature composts were determined. Their effects on the fruit yield (weight of fruits) and plant height of pepper seedlings were evaluated in pot and field experiments. N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), Cu (copper), and Zn (zinc) content were the highest in C4 (2.59%, 1.12%, 83.11 mg/kg, and 605.3 mg/kg). K (potassium) and Mn (manganese) content in C3 (1.79% and 750.5 mg/kg) and Fe (iron) content in C1 (4025 mg/kg) were determined to be the highest. There was no phytotoxic effect of all composts on Lepidium sativum seeds. Except for pH and organic matter, C1 45%, C1 20%, C4 45%, C4 20%, and P 90% met the requirements for ideal media. The mean height of eight-week seedlings increased in media of C1 20%, C1 45%, C2 20%, C2 45%, and C4 20%, but decreased in media of C3 90%. In field studies, while the highest yield was determined in C3 as 1530 g/plant, the lowest yield was 765.5 g/plant in control. The highest mean height was observed in C3 at 76.33 cm; the lowest was 63.03 cm in control.
Speed of performing complex movement tasks under decision-making conditions as a determinant of the tactical preparation level in kickboxers
Authors: Gumienna Róża , Machowska-Krupa Weronika , Kosendiak Jan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the speed of performing a complex motor task carried out under conditions requiring decision-making and the sports level of the kickboxers being studied. The authors constructed a test involving a complex author’s kickboxing task that mirrored the competitive conditions during a sports fight. Forty-seven K-1 kickboxing Polish National Team members (37 men and 10 women) performed a specific series of strikes across three variants. The relationship between the speed of these complex movement tasks, performed under decision-making conditions, and the sports level of the kickboxers, was evaluated. Deciding to start or change an action in reaction to external stimuli significantly (p < 0.001) increased the total task completion time in the male and female subject groups. The time spent deciding to take action and the time spent on deciding on the action were not significantly different. Quick execution of complex tasks under decision-making conditions, such as selecting the appropriate technical and tactical action, can become a decisive factor in determining a sports result. Making decisions to start or change an action as a reaction to external stimuli significantly (p < 0.001) extended the total time of task execution in the studied group. However, the time spent deciding to start the action and the time devoted to deciding during the action did not differ significantly. Therefore, the tactical solution an athlete uses makes no difference, though they must perform it confidently and with minimal time loss.
Incremental prognostic value of functional impairment assessed by 6-min walking test for the prediction of mortality in heart failure
Authors: Scrutinio Domenico , Guida Pietro , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Vecchia Laura Adelaide Dalla , Forni Giovanni , Raimondo Rosa , Scalvini Simonetta , Passantino Andrea 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNatriuretic peptides (NP) are recognized as the most powerful predictors of adverse outcomes in heart failure (HF). We hypothesized that a measure of functional limitation, as assessed by 6-min walking test (6MWT), would improve the accuracy of a prognostic model incorporating a NP. This was a multicenter observational retrospective study. We studied the prognostic value of severe functional impairment (SFI), defined as the inability to perform a 6MWT or a distance walked during a 6MWT < 300 m, in 1696 patients with HF admitted to cardiac rehabilitation. The primary outcome was 1-year all-cause mortality. After adjusting for the baseline multivariable risk model—including age, sex, systolic blood pressure, anemia, renal dysfunction, sodium level, and NT-proBNP—or for the MAGGIC score, SFI had an odds ratio of 2.58 (95% CI 1.72–3.88; p < 0.001) and 3.12 (95% CI 2.16–4.52; p < 0.001), respectively. Adding SFI to the baseline risk model or the MAGGIC score yielded a significant improvement in discrimination and risk classification. Our data suggest that a simple, 6MWT-derived measure of SFI is a strong predictor of death and provide incremental prognostic information over well-established risk markers in HF, including NP, and the MAGGIC score.
A novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) improved eczema severity and quality of life in preschool children
Authors: Chan Oi Man , Xu Wenye , Cheng Nam Sze , Leung Agnes Sze Yin , Ching Jessica Yuet Ling , Fong Brian Leong Yuen , Cheong Pui Kuan , Zhang Lin , Chan Francis Ka Leung , Ng Siew Chien , Leung Ting Fan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAltered gut microbiome composition has been reported in children with eczema and interventions that restore beneficial bacteria in the gut may improve eczema. This open-label pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a novel infant microbiome formula (SIM03) in young children with eczema. Pre-school Chinese children aged 1–5 years old with eczema received SIM03 twice daily for three months. The novelty of SIM03 consists of both the use of a patented microencapsulation technology to protect the viability of unique Bifidobacterium bifidum and Bifidobacterium breve strains identified through big data analysis of large metagenomic datasets of young Chinese children. Paired stool samples at baseline and following SIM03 were analyzed by metagenomics sequencing. Generalized estimating equation was used to analyze changes in eczema severity, skin biophysical parameters, quality of life and stool microbiome. Twenty children aged 3.0 ± 1.6 years (10 with severe eczema) were recruited. Treatment compliance was ≥ 98%. SCORing Atopic Dermatitis score decreased significantly at two months (P = 0.008) and three months (P < 0.001), while quality of life improved significantly at 1, 2, and 3 months. The relative abundance of B. breve and microbial pathways on acetate and acetyl-CoA synthesis were enriched in stool samples at one month (P = 0.0014). Children who demonstrated increased B. bifidum after SIM03 showed improvement in sleep loss (P = 0.045). Relative abundance of B. breve correlated inversely with eczema extent (P = 0.023) and intensity (P = 0.019) only among patients with increased B. breve at Month 3. No serious adverse event was observed. In conclusion, SIM03 is well tolerated. This patented microbiome formula improves disease severity and quality of life in young eczematous children by enhancing the delivery of B. bifidum and B. breve in the gut. SIM03 is a potential treatment option for childhood eczema.
Audio-based AI classifiers show no evidence of improved COVID-19 screening over simple symptoms checkers
Authors: Coppock Harry , Nicholson George , Kiskin Ivan , Koutra Vasiliki , Baker Kieran , Budd Jobie , Payne Richard , Karoune Emma , Hurley David , Titcomb Alexander , Egglestone Sabrina , Tendero Cañadas Ana , Butler Lorraine , Jersakova Radka , Mellor Jonathon , Patel Selina , Thornley Tracey , Diggle Peter , Richardson Sylvia , Packham Josef , Schuller Björn W. , Pigoli Davide , Gilmour Steven , Roberts Stephen , Holmes Chris 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRecent work has reported that respiratory audio-trained AI classifiers can accurately predict SARS-CoV-2 infection status. However, it has not yet been determined whether such model performance is driven by latent audio biomarkers with true causal links to SARS-CoV-2 infection or by confounding effects, such as recruitment bias, present in observational studies. Here we undertake a large-scale study of audio-based AI classifiers as part of the UK government’s pandemic response. We collect a dataset of audio recordings from 67,842 individuals, with linked metadata, of whom 23,514 had positive polymerase chain reaction tests for SARS-CoV-2. In an unadjusted analysis, similar to that in previous works, AI classifiers predict SARS-CoV-2 infection status with high accuracy (ROC–AUC = 0.846 [0.838–0.854]). However, after matching on measured confounders, such as self-reported symptoms, performance is much weaker (ROC–AUC = 0.619 [0.594–0.644]). Upon quantifying the utility of audio-based classifiers in practical settings, we find them to be outperformed by predictions on the basis of user-reported symptoms. We make best-practice recommendations for handling recruitment bias, and for assessing audio-based classifiers by their utility in relevant practical settings. Our work provides insights into the value of AI audio analysis and the importance of study design and treatment of confounders in AI-enabled diagnostics.
Understanding the role of media in the formation of public sentiment towards the police
Authors: Succar Rayan , Ramallo Salvador , Das Rishita , Ventura Roni Barak , Porfiri Maurizio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPublic sentiment towards the police is a matter of great interest in the United States, as reports on police misconduct are increasingly being published in mass and social media. Here, we test how the public’s perception of the police can be majorly shaped by media reports of police brutality and local crime. We collect data on media coverage of police brutality and local crime, together with Twitter posts from 2010-2020 about the police in 18 metropolitan areas in the country. Using a range of model-free approaches building on transfer entropy analysis, we discover an association between public sentiment towards the police and media coverage of police brutality. We cautiously interpret this relationship as causal. Through this lens, the public’s sentiment towards the police appears to be driven by media-projected images of police misconduct, with no statistically significant evidence for a comparable effect driven by media reports on crimes.
Organoids in virology
Authors: Chu Julie T. S. , Lamers Mart M. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTo adequately prepare against imminent disease outbreaks from diverse and ever-changing viral pathogens, improved experimental models that can accurately recapitulate host-virus responses and disease pathogenesis in human are essential. Organoid platforms have emerged in recent years as amenable in vitro tools that can bridge the limitations of traditional 2D cell lines and animal models for viral disease research. We highlight in this review the key insights that have contributed by organoid models to virus research, the limitations that exist in current platforms, and outline novel approaches that are being applied to address these shortcomings.
A Review of Screeners to Identify Risk of Developmental Language Disorder
Authors: Bao Xue , Komesidou Rouzana , Hogan Tiffany P. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
This review aims to comprehensively summarize, compare, and evaluate screeners used to identify risk for developmental language disorder (DLD), a common learning disability that is underidentified. Screening for DLD is a cost-effective way to identify children in need of further assessment and, in turn, provides much needed supports.

Method:
We identified 15 commercially available English language DLD screeners in North America. We then characterized each screener on 27 aspects in three domains, including (a) accessibility information (acronym, subtest, website, cost, materials included, publish year, examiner qualification, age range, administration time, and administration format), (b) usability features (dialect compatibility, progress monitoring function, actionable follow-up instruction, group assessment capability, and online administration availability), and (c) technical standards (the availability of a technical manual, conceptual definition, the sample size used in classification accuracy calculation, sample distribution, year of sample collection, outcome measure, sample base rate, cutoff score, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value).

Results:
We obtained sufficient accessibility information from 14 out of 15 (93%) screeners. In contrast, none of the screeners (0%) included comprehensive usability features. Ten screeners (67%) included a range of classification accuracy (70%–100% sensitivity and 68%–90% specificity). We provided areas of strength and weakness for each screener as a quick reference for users and generated screener recommendations for five practical scenarios.

Conclusions:
Our findings presented some DLD screeners that meet most standards and highlight numerous areas for improvement, including improving classification accuracy and clarifying follow-up instructions for children who are identified with DLD risk. Screening for DLD is critical to provide timely early identification, intervention, and classroom support, which in turn facilitates student outcomes.
Speech, Language, Hearing, and Otopathology Results From the International Smith–Magenis Syndrome Patient Registry
Authors: Brennan Christine , Smith Mara Louise , Baiduc Rachael R. , O'Connor Liam 
Published: February 2024

Purpose:
Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS), a rare, genetically linked complex developmental disorder caused by a deletion or mutation within chromosome 17p11.2, is associated with delays in speech-language development, otopathology, and hearing loss, yet previous studies lack comprehensive descriptions of hearing and communication profiles. Here, analyses of patient registry data expand what is known about speech, language, hearing, and otopathology in SMS.

Method:
International speech-language and hearing registry survey data for 82 individuals with SMS were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Hearing loss, history of otitis media and pressure equalization (PE) tubes, communication mode, expressive/receptive language, and vocal quality were analyzed for all subjects and subjects grouped by age. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square tests of independence to test for differences between age groups for each variable of interest. Association analyses included Pearson's correlations.

Results:
Hearing and otological analyses revealed that 35% of subjects had hearing loss, 66% had a history of otitis media, and 62% had received PE tubes. Speech-language analyses revealed that 60% of subjects communicated using speech, 79% began speaking words at/after 24 months of age, 92% combined words at/after 36 months, and 41% used sign language before speech. There was a significant association between the age that first words were spoken and the age that PE tubes were first placed. Communication strengths noted in more than 40% of subjects included social interest, humor, and memory for people, past events, and/or facts.

Conclusions:
Significant delays and impairment in speech-language were common, but the majority of those with SMS communicated using speech by age 6 years. Age was a significant factor for some aspects of hearing loss and communication. Neither hearing loss nor otitis media exacerbated language impairment. These results confirm and extend previous findings about the nature of speech, language, hearing, and otopathology in those with SMS.