bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brief research report: Investigating neurodiversity acceptance in the college classroom: an exploratory study
Authors: Hotez Emily , Rava Julianna , Kuo Alice A. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionHigher education represents a potential opportunity to address autism stigma and, in turn, prevent the negative health consequences of stigma as autistic college students transition into adulthood. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the general college student body and describe their (1) level of autism acceptance based on the neurodiversity framework utilizing the Autism Attitude Acceptance Scale (AAAS) and (2) self-reported knowledge and interests about neurodiversity.MethodsThe sample (n = 90, M age = 21.86, SD = 1.18) featured undergraduates enrolled in a large, diverse, public university in the U.S. Approximately 32% (n = 29) identified as neurodivergent, with 5 identifying as autistic. Separate groups of students completed the AAAS—administered via Qualtrics—in February and September of 2022. In addition, students were provided the opportunity to ask up to three questions each about neurodiversity. We utilized qualitative thematic coding to extract themes from the neurodiversity questions.ResultsWe derived frequency and descriptive statistics for each item and the two AAAS subscales: (1) the General Acceptance (GA) subscale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and (2) the Attitudes toward Treating Autistic Behavior (ATAB) subscale (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.77). Responses reflected high general autism acceptance. Responses demonstrated greater variability, however, with respect to attitudes toward treating autistic behaviors. Qualitative findings revealed both a high degree of interest in the neurodiversity movement, as well as high variability in knowledge and familiarity with its tenets.ConclusionThis research can inform higher education’s efforts to address and prevent stigma towards autistic and other neurodivergent students.
User experiences during the transition to calibration-free sensors with remote monitoring while using automated insulin delivery - a qualitative study
Authors: Sehgal Shekhar , De Bock Martin , Jones Shirley , Frewen Carla , Wheeler Benjamin J. 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionTo evaluate the experiences of patients with type 1 diabetes following transition from a calibration-requiring to a calibration-free sensor and remote monitoring in the context of using automated insulin delivery (AID).Research design and methodsFifteen participants aged 7–65 years with type 1 diabetes participating in a longitudinal study used a Medtronic® advanced hybrid closed loop (AHCL) device with initially calibration-requiring then calibration-free sensors. Qualitative interviews were conducted ≥20 weeks following use of the calibration-requiring and ≥4 weeks after use of the calibration-free sensors/remote monitoring. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes.ResultsAt baseline, mean diabetes duration was 14.5 years ( ± 10.9), mean Hba1c 54.8 mmol/mol ( ± 10.2) (7.2 ± 0.9%) and Time in range 75.4% ( ± 11.6). Participants reported a progressive improvement in digital and lifestyle integration, and device trust following transition to calibration-free sensors with remote monitoring potential. They also reported a reduced need for capillary glucose, increased device satisfaction and trust, and reduced burden of diabetes care. Negative aspects reported included periodic early sensor loss, and for some, impaired integration with mobile devices.ConclusionTransitioning to calibration-free sensors with remote monitoring while using AHCL was associated with better user experience, including perceptions of improved quality of life and a reduced burden of diabetes care. Appropriate expectation setting, training, and ongoing support allow for the optimal user experience while using AHCL.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.anzctr.org.au, identifier ACTRN12621000360819
Circulating bile acid profile characteristics in PCOS patients and the role of bile acids in predicting the pathogenesis of PCOS
Authors: Yu Jie , Zhang Yi , Zhu Yuchen , Li Yushan , Lin Siyu , Liu Wei , Tao Tao 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe metabolic profile of bile acids and their potential role as biomarkers in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have not been thoroughly characterized. Assessing their predictive value for PCOS is of significant importance.MethodsIn this study, we enrolled 408 women with PCOS and 204 non-PCOS controls. The serum bile acid profile was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). We analyzed the differences in serum bile acid profiles between PCOS patients using the OPLS-DA model. Additionally, we examined the relationship between bile acid profiles and parameters related to glucose metabolism and hyperandrogenism. ROC analysis was employed to identify potential biomarkers for PCOS pathogenesis. XGboost was utilized for cross-validation.ResultsThe bile acid profile was found to be altered in PCOS patients. Specifically, the primary and secondary unconjugated bile acid fractions were significantly higher in the PCOS population. We identified five bile acid metabolite candidates that exhibited the most significant differences between PCOS and non-PCOS controls. DCA was associated with deposition index, fasting and postprandial insulin but was influenced by testosterone. CDCA and LCA combined with testosterone showed potential as biomarkers for the pathogenesis of PCOS.ConclusionThe circulating bile acid profile undergoes changes in PCOS. DCA is associated with deposition index, fasting and postprandial insulin and its level is influenced by testosterone. CDCA and LCA combined with testosterone have the potential to serve as biomarkers for the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Nematicidal effect of Beauveria species and the mycotoxin beauvericin against pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Sánchez-Gómez Tamara , Harte Steven J. , Zamora Paula , Bareyre Matéo , Díez Julio Javier , Herrero Baudilio , Niño-Sánchez Jonathan , Martín-García Jorge 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and main objectiveBursaphelenchus xylophilus, commonly known as pine wood nematode (PWN), is considered one of the greatest threats to European and Asian pines. Regarding its management, most efforts have been directed toward control measures for the major vector (Monochamus spp.) and screening for genetic resistance in its hosts. However, an integrated pest management strategy which also implements pinewood nematode control is currently lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nematicidal effect of two Beauveria species, a genus well known for its entomopathogenic activity.Summary methodologyFor this purpose, in vitro antagonism tests of fungi (Beauveria bassiana and B. pseudobassiana) and the mycotoxin beauvericin (C45H57N3O9) on B. xylophilus populations were conducted. Finally, the production of beauvericin in B. bassiana and B. pseudobassiana strains was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS).Results and discussionBoth the B. bassiana and B. pseudobassiana fungal species and the mycotoxin beauvericin showed a clear nematicidal effect on B. xylophilus populations, substantially reducing their survival rate and even attaining 100% mortality in one case. HPLC-MS analysis confirmed and quantified the production of beauvericin by B. bassiana and demonstrated for the first-time beauvericin production in B. pseudobassiana.Final conclusionThese findings highlight the potential of Beauveria species and the mycotoxin beauvericin to be implemented in an integrated pest management strategy to control both nematode and vector.
Insights on the performance of sintered silt ash-blended cement: experiments and thermodynamic simulation
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Liu Zhengxiang , Zhang Hongguang , Luo Qiling , Long Wu-Jian 
Published: August 2023

The dredged silt exposed to the air is highly expected to be used to replace cement in large quantities due to its richness in aluminosilicates, which is in line with the dual-carbon background. Herein, a systematic exploration on the basic properties and hydration products of sintered silt ash-blended (SSA-blended) cement is conducted, using experiments and thermodynamic simulations. The results show that in the process of adding SSA to 50%, the compressive property and chloride ion permeation resistance are enhanced first and then weakened, whereas the flexural property is weakened gradually. Among them, with the addition of 10% SSA, the compressive strength can reach 65.2 MPa and the electric flux is 37.3% lower than that of Portland cement (PC), and the chloride ion permeability is rated as the lowest. As SSA increases, the FTIR spectra show that the reduction rates of bound water, ettringite and Ca(OH)2 are accelerated gradually; SEM observation shows that the cement-based gelling skeleton has undergone a transition from dense to loose; the thermodynamic simulation results show that C-S-H increases first and then decreases, implying that SSA has a certain pozzolanic activity. In addition, the evolution laws of other hydration products are highly consistent with the analysis results of FTIR and SEM.
Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting persistent inflammation, immunosuppression, and catabolism syndrome in trauma patients
Authors: Xu Ligang , Kang Zhaofeng , Wang Dongfang , Liu Yukun , Wang Chuntao , Li Zhanfei , Bai Xiangjun , Wang Yuchang 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundPersistent Inflammation, Immunosuppression, and Catabolism Syndrome (PIICS) is a significant contributor to adverse long-term outcomes in severe trauma patients.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to establish and validate a PIICS predictive model in severe trauma patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.Patients and methodsAdult severe trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥16, admitted between October 2020 and December 2022, were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Patients were classified into PIICS and non-PIICS groups based on diagnostic criteria. LASSO regression was used to select appropriate variables for constructing the prognostic model. A logistic regression model was developed and presented in the form of a nomogram. The performance of the model was evaluated using calibration and ROC curves.ResultsA total of 215 patients were included, consisting of 155 males (72.1%) and 60 females (27.9%), with a median age of 51 years (range: 38–59). NRS2002, ISS, APACHE II, and SOFA scores were selected using LASSO regression to construct the prognostic model. The AUC of the ROC analysis for the predictive model in the validation set was 0.84 (95% CI 0.72–0.95). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test in the validation set yielded a χ2 value of 14.74, with a value of p of 0.098.ConclusionAn accurate and easily implementable PIICS risk prediction model was established. It can enhance risk stratification during hospitalization for severe trauma patients, providing a novel approach for prognostic prediction.
The role of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin administration on the risk of dementia in bladder cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Chao , Wang Juan , Chen Ya-Li , Guan Cui-Ping , Zhang Yan-An , Wang Mao-Shui 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundPrevious cohort studies have found an association between Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) administration and incident dementia. In the systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize the current evidence of the effect of BCG use on the risk of developing dementia.MethodsWe searched six databases until 20 May 2023 for studies investigating the risk of dementia and BCG administration. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled in the meta-analysis. Meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were conducted as well.ResultsOf the 4,043 records initially evaluated, five articles were included for final analysis, with a total of 45,407 bladder cancer (BC) patients. All five studies were evaluated and rated as with high quality, and a low possibility of publication bias was indicated. A significant association between BCG and the incidence of dementia in BC patients was found in all five studies. Although a high heterogeneity (I2 = 84.5%, p &lt; 0.001) was observed, the pooled HR was 0.55 (0.42–0.73), indicating that BCG exposure or treatment reduced the risk of incident dementia by 45%. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed good robustness of the overall effect with no serious publication bias.ConclusionBCG administration is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. However, an epidemiological cohort is needed to establish a relationship between BCG use and incident dementia in the normal population. Once the relationship is confirmed, more people may benefit from the association.Systematic review registrationidentifier: CRD42023428317.
The Shank3-InsG3680(+/+) mouse model of autism spectrum disorder displays auditory avoidance in a novel behavioral test
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Margarida , Sousa Nuno , Jacinto Luis , Monteiro Patricia 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in communication and social interaction, restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and sensory alterations, with auditory hypersensitivity being one of the most commonly reported sensory–perceptual abnormalities. Several candidate genes for involvement in this disorder have emerged from patient studies, including SHANK3, a gene that encodes a protein (SHANK3) in the postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses. Previous work has shown that mutant mice carrying a human ASD mutation in the Shank3 gene (InsG3680) exhibit repetitive behaviors and social interaction deficits, indicating important construct and face validity for this genotype as an animal model of ASD.MethodsTo further address whether these mice also present auditory sensory–perceptual alterations, we developed a novel behavioral test in which mice can choose between different soundscapes.ResultsOur results reveal that, in comparison to wild-type mice, Shank3 mutants display a strong behavioral preference toward silent regions of the arena.DiscussionThese data suggest that Shank3- mutant mice might express an auditory hypersensitivity phenotype, further adding to the face validity of this genotype as an animal model of ASD.
A patient with MELAS syndrome combined with autoimmune abnormalities: a case report
Authors: Zhao Mingmin , Zuo Chun , Hao Hongyu , Xing Xing , Zhao Lei , Li Na 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundMitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a group of maternally inherited disorders caused by mutations or deletions in mitochondrial genes with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes as the main clinical manifestations.Case presentationWe reported a 20-year-old female patient with MELAS syndrome combined with autoimmune abnormalities. She suffered from an intermittent headache in the right temporal region with no obvious cause, and then, after strenuous exercise in dance class, the headache became aggravated, accompanied by unresponsiveness, blurred vision, and diplopia. Her blood lactate levels were elevated, her antinuclear antibodies were positive, and the antimetabolic glutamate receptors 5 in her serum were positive. Brain DWI showed a hypertensive signal in the right temporo-parietal-occipital cortex and subcortical area. Brain MRS showed decreased NAA peak and increased Lac peak. Muscle biopsy showed myogenic damage, and the modified Gomori trichrome (MGT) staining showed ragged red fibers (RRF). A genetic study revealed a mitochondrial DNA A3243G mutation.ConclusionMitochondrial encephalomyopathy is a rare clinical condition; however, the association with autoimmune diseases is not yet clear and still needs further research and analysis.
Vessels characteristics in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity based on deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Deng Xinyi , Chen Kun , Chen Yijing , Xiang Ziyi , Zhang Shian , Shen Lijun , Sun Mingzhai , Cai Lingzhi 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the quantitative retinal vascular morphological characteristics of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) in the newborn by the application of a deep learning network with artificial intelligence.MethodsStandard 130-degree fundus photographs centered on the optic disc were taken in the newborns. The deep learning network provided segmentation of the retinal vessels and the optic disc (OD). Based on the vessel segmentation, the vascular morphological characteristics, including avascular area, vessel angle, vessel density, fractal dimension (FD), and tortuosity, were automatically evaluated.Results201 eyes of FEVR, 289 eyes of ROP, and 195 eyes of healthy individuals were included in this study. The deep learning system of blood vessel segmentation had a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 99%. The vessel angle in the FEVR group was significantly smaller than that in the normal group and ROP group (37.43 ± 5.43 vs. 39.40 ± 5.61, 39.50 ± 5.58, P = 0.001, &lt; 0.001 respectively). The normal group had the lowest vessel density, the ROP group was in between, and the FEVR group had the highest (2.64 ± 0.85, 2.97 ± 0.92, 3.37 ± 0.88 respectively). The FD was smaller in controls than in the FEVR and ROP groups (0.984 ± 0.039, 1.018 ± 0.039 and 1.016 ± 0.044 respectively, P &lt; 0.001). The ROP group had the most tortuous vessels, while the FEVR group had the stiffest vessels, the controls were in the middle (11.61 ± 3.17, 8.37 ± 2.33 and 7.72 ± 1.57 respectively, P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsThe deep learning technology used in this study has good performance in the quantitative analysis of vascular morphological characteristics in fundus photography. Vascular morphology was different in the newborns of FEVR and ROP compared to healthy individuals, which showed great clinical value for the differential diagnosis of ROP and FEVR.
Effect of anti-obesity agent HSG4112 on overweight and obese patients following 12 weeks of oral treatment: a study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 2a clinical trial
Authors: Min Kyungha , Oh Bumjo , Koo Hye Yeon , Kim Yang-Hyun , Lee Ji-Won , Lee Sangsub , Kim Youngah , Kwon Hyuktae 
Published: August 2023

Background: Glaceum Inc. has proposed HSG4112, a structural analogue of glabridin, as a novel anti-obesity compound. Animal studies and phase I human trials have shown that HSG4112 improves energy consumption, normalises weight, and is safe and drug-resistant. Based on these results, the company plans to conduct a phase 2a clinical trial to determine the safety and efficacy of HSG4112 in overweight and obese patients. Methods: A 16-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial will be conducted at five large hospitals in South Korea to assess the safety and efficacy of HSG4112 in overweight and obese patients. Participants who meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria will be assigned a subject number and randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups (one group receiving a placebo) in a 1:1:1:1 ratio. The study’s primary outcome will be to monitor the change in body weight (kg) from baseline to the end of treatment while monitoring safety and tolerability. Discussion: This trial will evaluate the efficacy and safety of HSG4112 in overweight and obese adults. Upon proving the safety and effectiveness of the newly developed mechanism, it might significantly improve the perception of the product among medical personnel and obese patients. Furthermore, it may aid in managing chronic conditions that require long-term treatment.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT05197556].
An effective prognostic model in colon adenocarcinoma composed of cuproptosis-related epigenetic regulators
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yizhao , Li Chang , Feng Huijin , Liu Yanqing , Ma Lianjun 
Published: August 2023

Background: Colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a common malignant tumor with little effective prognostic markers. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered mode of cell death that may be related to epigenetic regulators. This study aimed to explore the association between epigenetic regulators and cuproptosis, and to establish a prognostic prediction model for COAD based on epigenetic regulators associated with cuproptosis (EACs).Methods: RNA sequencing data and clinical data of 524 COAD patients were obtained from the TCGA-COAD database, cuproptosis-related genes were from the FerrDb database, and epigenetic-related genes were from databases such as GO and EpiFactors. LASSO regression analysis and other methods were used to screen out epigenetic regulators associated with cuproptosis and prognosis. The risk score of each patient was calculated and the patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. Next, the survival difference, functional enrichment analyses, tumor mutation burden, chemotherapy drug sensitivity and other indicators between the two groups were compared and analyzed.Results: We found 716 epigenetic regulators closely related to cuproptosis, among which 35 genes were related to prognosis of COAD. We further screened out 7 EACs from the 35 EACs to construct a prognostic prediction model. We calculated the risk score of each patient based on these 7 genes, and divided the patients into high-risk group and low-risk group. We found that the overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate of the high-risk group were significantly lower than those of the low-risk group. This model showed good predictive ability in the training set, test set and overall data set. We also constructed a prognostic prediction model based on risk score and other clinical features, and drew the corresponding Nomogram. In addition, we found significant differences between the high-risk group and the low-risk group in tumor mutation burden, chemotherapy drug sensitivity and other clinical aspects.Conclusion: We established an effective predictive prediction model for COAD based on EACs, revealing the association between epigenetic regulators and cuproptosis in COAD. We hope that this model can not only facilitate the treatment decision of COAD patients, but also promote the research progress in the field of cuproptosis.