bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ontology of language, with applications to demographic data
Authors: Dowland S. Clint , Smith Barry , Diller Matthew A. , Landgrebe Jobst , Hogan William R. 
Published: November 2023

Here we present what we believe is a novel account of what languages are, along with an axiomatically rich representation of languages and language-related data that is based on this account. We propose an account of languages as aggregates of dispositions distributed across aggregates of persons, and in doing so we address linguistic competences and the processes that realize them. This paves the way for representing additional types of language-related entities. Like demographic data of other sorts, data about languages may be of use to researchers in a number of areas, including biomedical research. Data on the languages used in clinical encounters are typically included in medical records, and capture an important factor in patient-provider interactions. Like many types of patient and demographic data, data on a person’s preferred and primary languages are organized in different ways by different systems. This can be a barrier to data integration. We believe that a robust framework for representing language in general and preferred and primary language in particular – which has been lacking in ontologies thus far – can promote more successful integration of language-related data from disparate data sources.
Respectful Caring for the Agitated Elderly (ReCAGE): A Multicentre, Prospective, Observational Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Special Care Units for People with Dementia
Authors: Mendes Aline , Bergh Sverre , Cesana Bruno Mario , Handels Ron , Ciccone Alfonso , Cognat Emmanuel , Fabbo Andrea , Fascendini Sara , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Froelich Lutz , Jori Maria Cristina , Mecocci Patrizia , Merlo Paola , Peters Oliver , Tsolaki Magdalini , Defanti Carlo Alberto 
Published: November 2023

Background: Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) bring complexity in the clinical management of people with dementia; therefore, it is important to evaluate different models of care, such as Special Care Units (SCU-B).∥ Objective: To evaluate the SCU-B effectiveness toward alleviating BPSD and improving the quality of life (QoL) of patients and their caregivers.∥ Methods: ReCAGE was a multicenter, controlled, longitudinal study where 508 patients with BPSD were enrolled in two cohorts: 262 patients from centers endowed with a SCU-B, and 246 from centers without SCU-B. Statistical analyses included factorial ANCOVA for comparison among centers. The primary endpoint was effectiveness of the SCU-B, measured through the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) changes. Secondary endpoints were change in QoL of patients and caregivers, and the tertiary endpoint was time to nursing home admission.∥ Results: The NPI scores decreased in both arms, with a statistically significant difference from baseline to 36 months ( p < 0.0001) in both cohorts. Over time, NPI decreased more steeply during the first year in the SCU-B arm, but in the following two years the slope was clearly in favor of the control arm. This different pattern of the two cohorts reached statistical significance at the interaction “cohort by time” ( p < 0.0001). Conflicting results were found regarding the outcomes of quality of life, while there were no differences in time to institutionalization in both cohorts.∥ Conclusion: The RECage study did not confirm the long-term superiority of the pathway comprising a SCU-B. A post-hoc analysis revealed data supporting their acute effectiveness during behavioral crises.
Normative Data in Cross-Cultural Neuropsychological Instruments in Spaniards and Colombians Living in Spain
Authors: Delgado-Álvarez Alfonso , Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Valles-Salgado María , Gil-Moreno María José , Fernández-Romero Lucía , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Matias-Guiu Jordi A. 
Published: November 2023

Background: Cross-Cultural Dementia Screening (CCD), Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS), and European Cross-cultural Neuropsychological Test Battery (CNTB) are three novel neuropsychological instruments developed from a cross-cultural perspective to reduce the impact of culture in cognitive assessment and improve the assessment in diverse populations. Objective: We aimed to collect and present normative data on these tests in a majority population sample (Spaniards living in Spain) and in a minority population sample (Colombians living in Spain). Methods: CCD, RUDAS, and CNTB were administered to a group of 300 cognitively healthy participants (150 Spaniards and 150 Colombians). Linear regression modeling strategy was used to provide adjusted norms for demographic factors and to explore the influence of these factors on test performance. Results: Most of the CCD and CNTB scores were predicted by age and years of education, with some tests only predicted by age or showing a ceiling effect. The comparison of normative data between the two samples confirmed the favorable cross-cultural properties of these instruments, with only some differences in processing speed and executive functioning scores. Conclusions: Our study finds a comparable influence of demographic factors in both populations on the performance of CCD, RUDAS, and CNTB, confirming their adequate cross-cultural properties. We provide normative data for these tests in Spaniards and Colombians living in Spain.
Gene Distribution in Pediatric-Onset Inherited Peripheral Neuropathy: A Single Tertiary Center in Thailand
Authors: Kulsirichawaroj Pimchanok , Suksangkharn Yanin , Nam Da Eun , Pho-iam Theeraphong , Limwongse Chanin , Chung Ki Wha , Sanmaneechai Oranee , Zuchner Stephan L. , Choi Byung-Ok 
Published: November 2023

Background: Inherited peripheral neuropathy presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its association with mutations in over 100 genes. This condition leads to long-term disability and poses a substantial healthcare burden on society. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of genes and establish the genotype-phenotype correlations, focusing on pediatric-onset cases. Methods: Exome sequencing and other analytical techniques were employed to identify pathogenic variants, including duplication analysis of the PMP22 gene. Each patient underwent physical examination and electrophysiological studies. Genotypes were correlated with phenotypic features, such as age at disease onset and ulnar motor nerve conduction velocity. Results: We identified 35 patients with pediatric-onset inherited peripheral neuropathy. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were confirmed in 24 out of 35 (68.6%) patients, with 4 of these variants being novel. A confirmed molecular diagnosis was achieved in 90.9% (10/11) of patients with demyelinating Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and 56.3% (9/16) of patients with axonal CMT. Among patients with infantile-onset CMT (≤2 years), the most common causative genes were MFN2 and NEFL, while GDAP1 and MFN2 were frequent causes among patients with childhood- or adolescent-onset CMT (3–9 years). Conclusions: The MFN2 gene was the most commonly implicated gene, and the axonal type was predominant in this cohort of Thai patients with pediatric-onset inherited peripheral neuropathy.
Perkembangan, Peranan Dan Sumbangan Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan Wanita Islam Di Malaysia: Satu Tinjauan Awal
Authors: Abd. Azid Muhammad Adam , Nasir Khairulnazrin , Kamarul Zaman Rahim , Hussain Abdul Azib 
Published: November 2023

Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan wanita Islam juga merupakan antara Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan yang turut memainkan peranan penting dalam arena aktivisme di Malaysia. Pertubuhan ini terlibat secara aktif dalam aktiviti kebajikan dan mempengaruhi polisi kerajaan terutama melibatkan hal ehwal wanita. Kajian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji keberadaan dan penglibatan Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan wanita Islam di Malaysia terutama melibatkan isu-isu kewanitaan. Hal ini bagi meneliti sumbangan pertubuhan ini terhadap kaum wanita serta aspek-aspek yang perlu ditambah baik bagi memperkasakan peranan dan menjamin survival Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan wanita Islam di Malaysia. Kajian ini mengaplikasikan kaedah kualitatif melalui kajian kepustakaan. Sejumlah 13 Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan wanita Islam telah dipilih untuk dijadikan sebagai sampel bagi kajian ini. Analisis mendapati, terdapat 6 isu utama berkaitan wanita yang difokuskan oleh Pertubuhan Bukan Kerajaan wanita Islam iaitu isu pemerkasaan wanita, hak-hak wanita, kebajikan wanita, kepimpinan wanita, keagamaan wanita dan pendidikan wanita.
Muslim women’s Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are among the NGOs that play an important role in the arena of activism in Malaysia. These organizations are actively engaged in charitable activities and influence government policy particularly related to women’s affairs. This study aims to analyze the existence and engagement of Muslim women’s NGOs in Malaysia, particularly concerning women’s issues. This paper also analyzes the role and contribution of Muslim women’s NGOs to women as well as the aspects that need to be improved to strengthen the role of Muslim women’s NGOs and ensure their survival in Malaysia. This study applied a qualitative method through library research. Thirteen Muslim women’s NGOs were selected as a sample for this study. The study found that there are six main women-related issues that Muslim women’s NGOs focus on, namely women’s empowerment, rights, welfare, leadership, religion, and education. The findings of this study are important as attention and guidance by Muslim Women's Non-Governmental Organizations, especially the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia to further strengthen the role of Muslim Women's Non-Governmental Organizations and ensure the continuity of the Muslim women's movement that upholds Islamic Sharia in Malaysia.
Analysis of spike protein variants evolved in a novel in vivo long-term replication model for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kim Dongbum , Kim Jinsoo , Kim Minyoung , Park Heedo , Park Sangkyu , Maharjan Sony , Baek Kyeongbin , Kang Bo Min , Kim Suyeon , Park Man-Seong , Lee Younghee , Kwon Hyung-Joo 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe spectrum of SARS-CoV-2 mutations have increased over time, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern. Persistent infection is assumed to be involved in the evolution of the variants. Calu-3 human lung cancer cells persistently grow without apoptosis and release low virus titers after infection.MethodsWe established a novel in vivo long-term replication model using xenografts of Calu-3 human lung cancer cells in immunodeficient mice. Virus replication in the tumor was monitored for 30 days and occurrence of mutations in the viral genome was determined by whole-genome deep sequencing. Viral isolates with mutations were selected after plaque forming assays and their properties were determined in cells and in K18-hACE2 mice.ResultsAfter infection with parental SARS-CoV-2, viruses were found in the tumor tissues for up to 30 days and acquired various mutations, predominantly in the spike (S) protein, some of which increased while others fluctuated for 30 days. Three viral isolates with different combination of mutations produced higher virus titers than the parental virus in Calu-3 cells without cytopathic effects. In K18-hACE2 mice, the variants were less lethal than the parental virus. Infection with each variant induced production of cross-reactive antibodies to the receptor binding domain of parental SARS-CoV-2 S protein and provided protective immunity against subsequent challenge with parental virus.DiscussionThese results suggest that most of the SARS-CoV-2 variants acquired mutations promoting host adaptation in the Calu-3 xenograft mice. This model can be used in the future to further study SARS-CoV-2 variants upon long-term replication in vivo.
Discovering optimal resource allocations for what-if scenarios using data-driven simulation
Authors: Bejarano Jorge , Barón Daniel , González-Rojas Oscar , Camargo Manuel 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionData-driven simulation allows the discovery of process simulation models from event logs. The generated model can be used to simulate changes in the process configuration and to evaluate the expected performance of the processes before they are executed. Currently, these what-if scenarios are defined and assessed manually by the analysts. Besides the complexity of finding a suitable scenario for a desired performance, existing approaches simulate scenarios based on flow and data patterns leaving aside a resource-based analysis. Resources are critical on the process performance since they carry out costs, time, and quality.MethodsThis paper proposes a method to automate the discovery of optimal resource allocations to improve the performance of simulated what-if scenarios. We describe a model for individual resource allocation only to activities they fit. Then, we present how what-if scenarios are generated based on preference and collaboration allocation policies. The optimal resource allocations are discovered based on a user-defined multi-objective optimization function.Results and discussionThis method is integrated with a simulation environment to compare the trade-off in the performance of what-if scenarios when changing allocation policies. An experimental evaluation of multiple real-life and synthetic event logs shows that optimal resource allocations improve the simulation performance.
Single femoral artery access is safe and feasible during transcatheter aortic valve replacement: a propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Yan Yunfeng , Yao Jing , Yuan Fei , Liu Xinmin , Luo Taiyang , Lu Zhinan , Chang Sanshuai , Zhang Qian , Liu Ran , Yin Chengqian , Song Guangyuan 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) potentially may be significantly simplified by using the single artery access (SA) technique, which does not require a secondary artery access. Nevertheless, the safety and efficacy of this technique remains unclear. Our goal was to determine if single artery access TAVR (without upgrading the sheath size) is a feasible, minimally invasive procedure.MethodsPatients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVR via the femoral artery were consecutively enrolled in this study. Eligible individuals were divided into 2 groups: the SA group and the dual artery access (DA) group. The primary end point was device success (defined by the valve academic research consortium 3, VARC 3). A 6-month follow-up and propensity score matching analyses were performed.ResultsAfter propensity score matching analysis, a total of 130 patients were included: 65 in the SA group and 65 in the DA group. The SA procedure achieved similar device success (95.4% vs. 87.7%;P = 0.115) compared with the DA procedure. The SA procedure shortened the operating time (102 min vs. 125 min;P = 0.001) but did not increase the x-ray time or dose. Both a 20 Fr and a 22 Fr sheath (without upgrading the sheath size) could be used for the SA procedure. There was no major vascular complication occurred in both groups. The incidence of minor main vascular and access complications in the SA group was comparable to those of the DA procedure (0.0% vs. 3.1%;P = 0.156).ConclusionsThe SA access procedure is a promising minimally invasive TAVR technique with a low incidence of vascular complications and a high incidence of device success. It is safe and possibly applicable in all TAVR procedures.
The man, the plant, and the insect: shooting host specificity determinants in Serratia marcescens pangenome
Authors: Shikov Anton E. , Merkushova Anastasiya V. , Savina Iuliia A. , Nizhnikov Anton A. , Antonets Kirill S. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionSerratia marcescens is most commonly known as an opportunistic pathogen causing nosocomial infections. It, however, was shown to infect a wide range of hosts apart from vertebrates such as insects or plants as well, being either pathogenic or growth-promoting for the latter. Despite being extensively studied in terms of virulence mechanisms during human infections, there has been little evidence of which factors determine S. marcescens host specificity. On that account, we analyzed S. marcescens pangenome to reveal possible specificity factors.MethodsWe selected 73 high-quality genome assemblies of complete level and reconstructed the respective pangenome and reference phylogeny based on core genes alignment. To find an optimal pipeline, we tested current pangenomic tools and obtained several phylogenetic inferences. The pangenome was rich in its accessory component and was considered open according to the Heaps’ law. We then applied the pangenome-wide associating method (pan-GWAS) and predicted positively associated gene clusters attributed to three host groups, namely, humans, insects, and plants.ResultsAccording to the results, significant factors relating to human infections included transcriptional regulators, lipoproteins, ABC transporters, and membrane proteins. Host preference toward insects, in its turn, was associated with diverse enzymes, such as hydrolases, isochorismatase, and N-acetyltransferase with the latter possibly exerting a neurotoxic effect. Finally, plant infection may be conducted through type VI secretion systems and modulation of plant cell wall synthesis. Interestingly, factors associated with plants also included putative growth-promoting proteins like enzymes performing xenobiotic degradation and releasing ammonium irons. We also identified overrepresented functional annotations within the sets of specificity factors and found that their functional characteristics fell into separate clusters, thus, implying that host adaptation is represented by diverse functional pathways. Finally, we found that mobile genetic elements bore specificity determinants. In particular, prophages were mainly associated with factors related to humans, while genetic islands-with insects and plants, respectively.DiscussionIn summary, functional enrichments coupled with pangenomic inferences allowed us to hypothesize that the respective host preference is carried out through distinct molecular mechanisms of virulence. To the best of our knowledge, the presented research is the first to identify specific genomic features of S. marcescens assemblies isolated from different hosts at the pangenomic level.
Lipidomic landscape of lipokines in adipose tissue derived extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhang Yan , Dong Tingyan , Wang Muyao 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Adipose tissue-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs-AT) are recognized as critical mediators of metabolic alterations in obesity-related diseases. However, few studies have focused on the role of lipids within EVs-AT in the development of obesity-related diseases.Methods: In this study, we performed a targeted lipidomic analysis to compare the lipidome of EVs secreted by inguinal white adipose tissue (EVs-iWAT), epididymal white adipose tissue (EVs-eWAT), and interscapular brown adipose tissue (EVs-BAT) in lean and obese mice.Results: We uncovered a comprehensive lipidomic map, revealing the diversity and specific lipid sorting in EVs-iWAT, EVs-eWAT, and EVs-BAT in obesity. Biological function analyses suggested that lipids encapsulated within EVs-AT of obese individuals might correlate with metabolism, pro-inflammatory response, and insulin resistance. These effects were particularly pronounced in EVs-eWAT and EVs-BAT.Conclusion: Our findings indicated that EVs-AT serves as novel carriers for lipokines, thereby mediating the biological functions of EVs-AT. This study holds promise for the identification of new biomarkers for obesity-related diseases and the development of new strategies to combat metabolic diseases.
Sex differences in the neuronal transcriptome and synaptic mitochondrial function in the cerebral cortex of a multiple sclerosis model
Authors: Itoh Noriko , Itoh Yuichiro , Stiles Linsey , Voskuhl Rhonda 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionMultiple sclerosis (MS) affects the cerebral cortex, inducing cortical atrophy and neuronal and synaptic pathology. Despite the fact that women are more susceptible to getting MS, men with MS have worse disability progression. Here, sex differences in neurodegenerative mechanisms are determined in the cerebral cortex using the MS model, chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).MethodsNeurons from cerebral cortex tissues of chronic EAE, as well as age-matched healthy control, male and female mice underwent RNA sequencing and gene expression analyses using RiboTag technology. The morphology of mitochondria in neurons of cerebral cortex was assessed using Thy1-CFP-MitoS mice. Oxygen consumption rates were determined using mitochondrial respirometry assays from intact as well as permeabilized synaptosomes.ResultsRNA sequencing of neurons in cerebral cortex during chronic EAE in C57BL/6 mice showed robust differential gene expression in male EAE compared to male healthy controls. In contrast, there were few differences in female EAE compared to female healthy controls. The most enriched differential gene expression pathways in male mice during EAE were mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial morphology in neurons showed significant abnormalities in the cerebral cortex of EAE males, but not EAE females. Regarding function, synaptosomes isolated from cerebral cortex of male, but not female, EAE mice demonstrated significantly decreased oxygen consumption rates during respirometry assays.DiscussionCortical neuronal transcriptomics, mitochondrial morphology, and functional respirometry assays in synaptosomes revealed worse neurodegeneration in male EAE mice. This is consistent with worse neurodegeneration in MS men and reveals a model and a target to develop treatments to prevent cortical neurodegeneration and mitigate disability progression in MS men.
Health-related quality of life after otologic surgical treatment for chronic otitis media: systematic review
Authors: Schouwenaar Esther M. M. , Hellingman Catharine A. , Waterval Jérôme J. 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThis systematic review aims to describe the impact of otologic surgery as a treatment for chronic otitis media (COM) on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of adult patients.MethodsA literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science until May 2023. Prospective studies including adult patients with COM (cholesteatoma) who underwent canal wall up mastoidectomy, canal wall down mastoidectomy, or tympanoplasty without mastoidectomy, with pre- and postoperative HRQoL measurements, were considered eligible. Questionnaire validation studies were excluded. The risk of bias and study quality were evaluated with a Quality Assessment Tool (for before-after studies with no control group). To assess the change in HRQoL, pre- and postoperative HRQoL values and absolute changes were extracted, synthesized, and presented in tables. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated to enhance comparisons.ResultsOf the 720 studies identified, 16 met the inclusion criteria of this review. Different questionnaires were used throughout the studies. The CES and COMOT-15 were used in five studies and the ZCMEI-21 and COMQ-12 in three studies. All studies indicated statistically significant improvement in HRQoL from pre- to postoperative, measured with disease-specific HRQoL questionnaires. General HRQoL questionnaires did not show significant improvement. Calculated SMDs ranged from 0.24 to 6.99.Discussion and conclusionIncluded studies had low (n = 10) to high (n = 6) risk of bias and poor (n = 4), fair (n = 7) or good (n = 5) study quality. Surgical treatment positively impacts the HRQoL of adult COM patients with and without cholesteatoma. However, the clinical relevance of the reported changes is unknown due to the lack of minimal clinically important differences (MCID) or cut-off values in each questionnaire. Therefore, further research regarding the MCIDs of each questionnaire is needed. Future research should also report preoperative chief symptoms and indications for surgery to improve individual patient counseling.