bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Building resilience through daily smartphone app use: results of a pilot study of the JoyPop app with social work students
Authors: Maurer Katherine , Kimyaci Mert , Konyk Katy , Wekerle Christine 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThe JoyPop™ smartphone app is a digital intervention designed to enhance day-to-day resilience in youth, particularly those exposed to traumatogenic events [adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)]. Processes of adaptation that foster resilience in response to high stress include affect, cognitive, and behavioral regulation, and social interaction. Digital interventions have application for youth and those who provide them support, including social work trainees navigating the stressors of university studies concurrent with practice internships. Research on resilience-enhancing apps is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which change occurs and who is most likely to benefit from these interventions.MethodsSocial work student participants (N = 91) were invited to use the JoyPop app two times daily for 28 days. Baseline ACE exposure and change-over-time in affect regulation, stress responsivity, and social support were evaluated after 2 and 4 weeks of app use witht-tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling.ResultsParticipants identified predominantly as cisgender women of European descent, mean age 26 years (SD = 6.78), 70% undergraduates, and reported consistent daily app use (Mean days = 26.9, SD = 1.90). Self-reported baseline ACE exposure was high (30% ≥ 5+). We tested change-over-time with generalized estimating equation and saw improvement in affect regulation in the Abbreviated Dysregulation Inventory scale (β = −3.38,p = &lt;.001), and subscales of behavioral (β = −1.63,p = &lt;.001), affect (β = −3.24,p = &lt;.001), and cognitive regulation (β = 1.50,p = .009). Perceived stress decreased with app use (β = −2.65,p = &lt;.001) and even more so for participants with reported exposure to more than 4 ACEs (β = −3.786,p = .030).ConclusionsThe exploratory findings from our pilot study suggest that consistent use of the app may enhance multidimensional resilience amongst university students who self-report higher than average levels of baseline traumatogenic exposures. Our findings support an approach modeling resilience as a complex, dynamic, multicomponent process supported by resources within and between individuals. Further testing of the mechanisms of adaptation in response to high stress that enhance resilience and identification of the JoyPop™ app features that influence this change is needed to validate that daily app use could help youth with experiences of past and current high stress to better regulate their affect, reduce stress reactivity, and increase resilience.
Preserved and modified arc crust beneath the Kohistan-Ladakh arc in the western Himalaya-Karakoram region: evidence from ambient noise and earthquake data
Authors: Kumar Vivek 
Published: November 2023

This study uses ambient noise and earthquake waveform data recorded over ∼25 broadband seismic networks in the Himalayas, Tibet, and the Pamir-Hindu Kush to compute a 3-D shear wave velocity (Vs) model of the crust beneath the Kohistan and Ladakh arcs. The velocity model, with a lateral resolution of ∼30 km, is derived using a Bayesian hierarchical trans-dimensional inversion of fundamental mode Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion measurements. The result shows evidence of a uniform upper and middle crust (Vs ∼ 3.5–3.6 km/s) underlain by an anomalous high-velocity layer (HVL) with Vs &gt;4 km/s at depths exceeding 40 km beneath the Kohistan arc, consistent with laboratory-derived crustal models showing its pre-collisional structures. The thickness of the HVL is maximum (&gt;20 km) in southern Kohistan, which exposes the mafic and ultramafic arc crust. In contrast, the Ladakh arc, which has seismic structures similar to those in southern Tibet, is characterized by significantly low velocities (Vs &lt; 3.4 km/s) in the middle crust (20–40 km depth) and a relatively thin HVL (∼5–10 km) above a Moho depth, which mostly varies between 60 and 72 km. The contrasting velocity structure indicates that the Kohistan arc preserves a typical arc-like crust, whereas the Ladakh arc has undergone significant modifications since the India-Asia collision.
What are the most essential social-emotional skills?: Relationships between adolescents’ social-emotional skills and psychosocial health variables: an explorative cross-sectional study of a sample of students in preparatory vocational secondary education
Authors: Van De Sande Marion Cornelia , Leonardus Kocken Paul , Diekstra Rene Folquinus , Reis Ria , Gravesteijn Carolien , Fekkes Minne 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionUniversal school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) programs target several social-emotional skills assuming a relationship between the skills and psychosocial health outcomes. However, greater insight into the relationship is required to clarify the skills that are most crucial to address. It will support the development and refinement of SEL programs. This study investigated (1) the relationship among the social-emotional skills, (2) the association between the skills and psychosocial health variables, and (3) the mediating effect of the skills on psychosocial variables.MethodsUsing self-report questionnaires (N = 796) completed by adolescent students (aged 14–18) in preparatory vocational tracks in Dutch secondary education, associations were identified between five SEL skills and two psychosocial health variables, emotional-behavioral difficulties, and prosocial behavior.ResultsThere was a high degree of overlap between the five skills (self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making). The skills were univariately associated with emotional-behavioral difficulties and prosocial behavior. In the multivariate model, self-management most strongly correlated with emotional-behavioral difficulties and mediated the relationship between self-awareness and emotional-behavioral difficulties. Social awareness showed the highest correlation with prosocial behavior and mediated the relationship between prosocial behavior and three other skills: self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.DiscussionSelf-management and social awareness seem to be the central skills to promote the psychosocial health outcomes of students in preparatory vocational secondary education tracks. These two skills mediate the relationship between other social-emotional skills, emotional-behavioral difficulties, and prosocial behavior.
The clinicopathological features, treatment outcomes and follow-up results of 47 ectopic thyroid gland cases: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Gao Ming , He Qi , Li Liwen , Ji Feihong , Ding Yalei , Sun Qixuan , Qiu Xinguang 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundEctopic thyroid gland (ETG) is an uncommon clinical condition, presenting various challenges and limitations in its regulate diagnosis and treatment currently. This study aims to enhance our understanding of ETG and improve the strategies for its diagnosis and treatment.MethodsThe retrospective single-center study was conducted, encompassing clinical data from ETG patients screened at our institution between 2013 and 2022. Patients were categorized based on the location of the disease, and follow-ups were performed on each.ResultsThis study included a total of 47 patients who were confirmed to hav confirmed to have ETG. Among them, we found 29 cases of accessory thyroid and 18 cases of aberrant thyroid. Furthermore, 42 cases exhibited the single ETG, while 5 cases displayed the double ETG. The distribution of the ETG was as follows: 20 were lingual, 10 were submandibular, 10 were lateral cervical, 4 were thoracic mediastinal, 1 was esophageal, and 7 were ovarian. Of these cases, 22 patients underwent surgery, 18 received thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and 7 were placed under observation. All patients were followed up for 59.4 (12-117) months. No significant abnormalities were detected at the conclusion of the follow-up period.ConclusionETG is frequently observed in the head and neck, particularly in lingual. Accessory thyroid glands are commonly reported, with most cases being single ETG. Notably, these glands usually do not manifest specific clinical symptoms. Therefore, the appropriate and comprehensive examinations during the initial diagnosis are crucial to avoid misdiagnosis. Treatment should be individualized, and long-term follow-up is essential for managing ETG effectively.
Free triiodothyronine (FT3)-to-free thyroxine (FT4) ratio identified as a risk factor for gestational diabetes in euthyroid pregnant women: insights from a Chinese population cohort study
Authors: Zhao Xin , Sun Jianbin , Yuan Ning , Zhang Xiaomei 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundTo explore the association between thyroid hormones and gestational diabetes mellitus in euthyroid pregnant women, with the aim of preventing the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsIn this prospective study, a total of 1222 euthyroid pregnant women in their first trimester were recruited at Peking University International Hospital between December 2017 and March 2019. These participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test during the 24-28 weeks of gestation.ResultsDuring early pregnancy, the gestational diabetes mellitus group displayed lower levels of free thyroxine when compared to the non-gestational diabetes mellitus group. Additionally, the ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine in the gestational diabetes mellitus group during early pregnancy was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05). The ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine during early pregnancy showed a positive correlation with blood glucose levels at 0, 60, and 120 min both before and after glucose loading (all p&lt;0.05). During early pregnancy, there was a negative relationship between free thyroxine levels and fasting blood glucose. The free triiodothyronine levels were positively correlated to blood glucose levels at 120 min following glucose loading (all p&lt;0.05).ConclusionThe ratio of free triiodothyronine-to-free thyroxine is an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus and has the potential to be a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus in euthyroid pregnant women.
Impact and recoverability of metals from waste: a case study on bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration plants
Authors: Ghani Junaid , Toller Simone , Dinelli Enrico , Funari Valerio 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) plants generate significant amounts of solid end-products, such as bottom ash (BA), containing potentially toxic elements like Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb, base elements (e.g., Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Cu, and Zn), and other technology-critical elements (TCE), such as Co, Ga, Mg, Nb, P, Sb, Sc, V, Li, Sr, and REE. The accurate determination of these elements in anthropogenic wastes and the assessment of their removal are crucial for the circular economy.Methods: This paper aims to characterize BA samples from two Italian MSWI plants (named FE and FC) by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and comparatively assess the removal of a selection of elements using the aqua regia digestion (ARD) method, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analytical determination.Results and discussion: According to the XRF analysis, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, and Na had high concentrations in BA, and their contents increased with decreasing particle size in both FE and FC samples. The Enrichment Factor (EF) based on the upper continental crust’s average values of Zn, Cu, and Pb was high (EF &gt; 30), while Cr, Ni, and As were scarcely enriched (EF &gt; 1), and REE enrichment was very low (EF &lt; 1). In both FE and FC plants, the Degree of Elements Extractability (DE) was high (&gt;80%), especially in the fine-grained fractions of MSWI bottom ash. The Enrichment Factor (EF) based on the upper continental crust average values of Zn, Cu, and Pb was high (EF &gt; 30), while Cr, Ni, and As were scarcely enriched (EF &gt; 1), and REE enrichment was very low (EF &lt; 1). The bibliometric analysis helped highlight research trends in the assessment and treatment of MSWI-BA, discriminating the literature impact on environment/health issues and recovery/recycling strategies for the circular economy associated with the MSWI-BA material.Conclusion: Although higher data coverage is needed, the present study suggests ARD as an effective method for better understanding the environmental impact and recoverability of useful elements from anthropogenic materials like MSWI bottom ash.
Assessment of the progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma using transcriptional profiles revealed new cancer subtypes with variable prognosis
Authors: Livesey Michelle , Eshibona Nasr , Bendou Hocine 
Published: November 2023

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma is the most prevalent subtype of renal cell carcinoma encompassing a heterogeneous group of malignancies. Accurate subtype identification and an understanding of the variables influencing prognosis are critical for personalized treatment, but currently limited. To facilitate the sub-classification of KIRC patients and improve prognosis, this study implemented a normalization method to track cancer progression by detecting the accumulation of genetic changes that occur throughout the multi-stage of cancer development.Objective: To reveal KIRC patients with different progression based on gene expression profiles using a normalization method. The aim is to refine molecular subtyping of KIRC patients associated with survival outcomes.Methods: RNA-sequenced gene expression of eighty-two KIRC patients were downloaded from UCSC Xena database. Advanced-stage samples were normalized with early-stage to account for differences in the multi-stage cancer progression’s heterogeneity. Hierarchical clustering was performed to reveal clusters that progress differently. Two techniques were applied to screen for significant genes within the clusters. First, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered by Limma, thereafter, an optimal gene subset was selected using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). The gene subset was subjected to Random Forest Classifier to evaluate the cluster prediction performance. Genes strongly associated with survival were identified utilizing Cox regression analysis. The model’s accuracy was assessed with Kaplan-Meier (K-M). Finally, a Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed.Results: Three clusters were revealed and categorized based on patients’ overall survival into short, intermediate, and long. A total of 231 DEGs were discovered of which RFE selected 48 genes. Random Forest Classifier revealed a 100% cluster prediction performance of the genes. Five genes were identified with significant diagnostic capacity. The downregulation of genes SALL4 and KRT15 were associated with favorable prognosis, while the upregulation of genes OSBPL11, SPATA18, and TAL2 were associated with favorable prognosis.Conclusion: The normalization method based on tumour progression from early to late stages of cancer development revealed the heterogeneity of KIRC and identified three potential new subtypes with different prognoses. This could be of great importance for the development of new targeted therapies for each subtype.
A gaming app developed for vestibular rehabilitation improves the accuracy of performance and engagement with exercises
Authors: D’Silva Linda J. , Phongsavath Tarah , Partington Kelly , Pickle Nathan T. , Marschner Katherine , Zehnbauer Timothy P. , Rossi Michael , Skop Karen , Roos Paulien E. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionVestibular hypofunction is associated with dizziness, imbalance, and blurred vision with head movement. Vestibular rehabilitation is the gold standard recommendation to decrease symptoms and improve postural stability. The Clinical Practice Guidelines for vestibular hypofunction suggest home exercises 3–5 times daily, but patient adherence is a problem, with compliance rates often below 50%.MethodsAn app was developed to increase engagement with home exercises by providing exercises as games. This study compared the accuracy of exercise performance in a one-time session using the app versus no-app and gathered participant feedback on using the app for vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) and balance exercises. The app was tested with 40 adults (20 women), mean age of 67 ± 5.7 years, with symptomatic unilateral or bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Participants completed VOR exercises in pitch and yaw planes, weight-shift, and single-leg balance exercises using an inertial motion unit to move the character on the tablet screen. Participants were randomly assigned to begin the exercises with or without the app.ResultsResults show that during VOR exercises, participants achieved the prescribed frequency of head motion for the yaw plane (p ≤ 0.001) and reduced variability of head movement frequency in both the yaw (p ≤ 0.001) and pitch plane (p ≤ 0.001) in the app compared to the no-app condition. During weight-shifting exercises, a larger range of body motion was noted in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions in the app compared to the no-app condition (p &lt; 0.05). During single-leg balance exercises, pelvic motion was lower in the app versus no-app condition (p = 0.02). Participants modified their exercise performance and corrected their mistakes to a greater extent when they used the app during the VOR exercises. Participants agreed that they felt motivated while playing the games (97%) and felt motivated by the trophies (92%). They agreed that the app would help them perform the exercises at home (95%), improve their rehab performance (95%) and that it was fun to do the exercises using the app (93%).DiscussionThe results of this study show that technology that is interactive and provides feedback can be used to increase accuracy and engagement with exercises.
Microperimetric evaluation and predictive factors of visual recovery after successful inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique for macular hole in high myopic eyes
Authors: Sborgia Alessandra , Boscia Giacomo , Niro Alfredo , Landini Luca , Pastore Valentina , Albano Valeria , Piepoli Marina , Donghia Rossella , Dore Stefano , Viggiano Pasquale , Buonamassa Rosa , Di Pardo Camilla , Molfetta Teresa ,   Eye Clinic Research Group, Coassin Marco , Dell’Omo Roberto , Boscia Francesco , Alessio Giovanni , Sborgia Giancarlo 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionInverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM)-flap technique demonstrated its effectiveness, in terms of anatomical closure rate and visual acuity recovery for high myopic macular holes. We evaluated macular function after a successful inverted ILM-flap for macular holes in high myopic eyes (hMMH) using microperimetry to predict visual prognosis.MethodsA retrospective study on 23 eyes of 23 patients after surgical closure of hMMH, was performed. All patients underwent inverted ILM-flap and gas tamponade. Cataract surgery was performed in phakic eyes. Study outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal sensitivity (RS) at central 12°, central retinal sensitivity (CRS) at central 4° and mean deviation (MD), and fixation behavior as bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA, degrees2) measured by microperimetry, were evaluated over 6 months. A mixed-effects model was used to evaluate and compare the repeated measurements of outcomes between phakic and pseudophakic eyes. A regression model was performed to assess the relationship between BCVA at 6 months and independent variables.ResultsOverall mean BCVA improved from 0.98 ± 0.21 logMAR at baseline to 0.47 ± 0.31 logMAR at the last follow-up (p &lt; 0.001). Over 6 months, overall sensitivity measurements improved (RS, p = 0.001; CRS, p &lt; 0.0001; MD, p = 0.03), and the BCEA decreased in dimension, although not significantly (p ≥ 0.05). The mixed model revealed a significantly better effect of inverted ILM-flap combined with cataract surgery on BCVA and CRS in phakic eyes than inverted ILM-flap alone in pseudophakic ones. The regression model revealed a relationship of 6-month BCVA with pre-operative BCVA (β = 0.60, p = 0.02) and RS (β = −0.03, p = 0.01).ConclusionThe inverted ILM-flap technique significantly improved visual acuity and retinal sensitivity after the hMMH closure, particularly when combined with cataract extraction. Pre-operative visual acuity and retinal sensitivity at central 12° may predict post-surgical visual acuity.
The importance of pyramidal tract integrity for cortical plasticity and related functionality in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Balloff Carolin , Albrecht Philipp , Stucke Arved-Sebastian , Scala Lina , Novello Sveva , Hartmann Christian Johannes , Meuth Sven Günther , Schnitzler Alfons , Penner Iris-Katharina , Groiss Stefan Jun 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundCortical plasticity induced by quadripulse stimulation (QPS) has been shown to correlate with cognitive functions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and to not be reduced compared to healthy controls (HCs).ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the degree of QPS-induced plasticity between different subtypes of multiple sclerosis (MS) and HCs and to investigate the association of the degree of plasticity with motor and cognitive functions. We expected lower levels of plasticity in patients with progressive MS (PMS) but not RRMS compared to HCs. Furthermore, we expected to find positive correlations with cognitive and motor performance in patients with MS.MethodsQPS-induced plasticity was compared between 34 patients with PMS, 30 patients with RRMS, and 30 HCs using linear mixed-effects models. The degree of QPS-induced cortical plasticity was correlated with various motor and cognitive outcomes.ResultsThere were no differences regarding the degree of QPS-induced cortical plasticity between HCs and patients with RRMS (p = 0.86) and PMS (p = 0.18). However, we only found correlations between the level of induced plasticity and both motor and cognitive functions in patients with intact corticospinal tract integrity. Exploratory analysis revealed significantly reduced QPS-induced plasticity in patients with damage compared to intact corticospinal tract integrity (p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionOur study supports the notion of pyramidal tract integrity being of more relevance for QPS-induced cortical plasticity in MS and related functional significance than the type of disease.