bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure to assess patient perceptions of simplicity and complexity of treatment for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stewart Katie D. , Matza Louis S. , Patel Hiren , Boye Kristina S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Treatments for type 2 diabetes vary widely in their complexity. The simplicity or complexity of a treatment regimen may have an impact on patient preference, treatment adherence, and health outcomes. The purpose of this qualitative study was to develop two draft patient-reported outcome instruments focusing on patients’ experience with simplicity and complexity of treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Methods
The instruments were developed in a series of steps: gather information to support development of a concept elicitation interview guide (literature review and expert interviews), concept elicitation interviews with patients (N = 30), cognitive interviews with patients (N = 20), and a translatability assessment.

Results
In concept elicitation interviews, patients with type 2 diabetes reported a range of treatment attributes that influence their perceptions of treatment simplicity and complexity, such as injection devices, medication preparation, dose timing, dose frequency, ease of taking the correct dose, flexibility of dose schedule, remembering to take medication, and food requirements. Two draft questionnaires were developed based on the literature review, expert interviews, and concept elicitation interviews with patients. Revisions were made to these draft instruments based on qualitative interviews with patients and translatability assessment.

Discussion
The qualitative research conducted in this study supports the content validity of two newly developed instruments, the Simplicity of Diabetes Treatment Questionnaire (Sim-Q) and the Simplicity of Diabetes Treatment Questionnaire-Comparison (Sim-Q-Comp), designed to assess the simplicity and complexity of diabetes treatment from the patient’s perspective.
The role of parametric feature maps to correct different volume of interest sizes: an in vivo liver MRI study
Authors: Jensen Laura Jacqueline , Kim Damon , Elgeti Thomas , Steffen Ingo Günter , Schaafs Lars-Arne , Hamm Bernd , Nagel Sebastian Niko 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Different volume of interest (VOI) sizes influence radiomic features. This study examined if translating images into feature maps before feature sampling could compensate for these effects in liver magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods
T1- and T2-weighted sequences from three different scanners (two 3-T scanners, one 1.5-T scanner) of 66 patients with normal abdominal MRI were included retrospectively. Three differently sized VOIs (10, 20, and 30 mm in diameter) were drawn in the liver parenchyma (right lobe), excluding adjacent structures. Ninety-three features were extracted conventionally using PyRadiomics. All images were also converted to 93 parametric feature maps using a pretested software. Agreement between the three VOI sizes was assessed with overall concordance correlation coefficients (OCCCs), while OCCCs > 0.85 were rated reproducible. OCCCs were calculated twice: for the VOI sizes of 10, 20, and 30 mm and for those of 20 and 30 mm.

Results
When extracted from original images, only 4 out of the 93 features were reproducible across all VOI sizes in T1- and T2-weighted images. When the smallest VOI was excluded, 5 features (T1-weighted) and 7 features (T2-weighted) were reproducible. Extraction from parametric maps increased the number of reproducible features to 9 (T1- and T2-weighted) across all VOIs. Excluding the 10-mm VOI, reproducibility improved to 16 (T1-weighted) and 55 features (T2-weighted). The stability of all other features also increased in feature maps.

Conclusions
Translating images into parametric maps before feature extraction improves reproducibility across different VOI sizes in normal liver MRI.

Relevance statement
The size of the segmented VOI influences the feature quantity of radiomics, while software-based conversion of images into parametric feature maps before feature sampling improves reproducibility across different VOI sizes in MRI of normal liver tissue.

Key points
• Parametric feature maps can compensate for different VOI sizes.
• The effect seems dependent on the VOI sizes and the MRI sequence.
• Feature maps can visualize features throughout the entire image stack.

Graphical Abstract
A buffer overflow detection and defense method based on RISC-V instruction set extension
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Yan-Jun , Wu Jing-Zheng , Zhao Chen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBuffer overflow poses a serious threat to the memory security of modern operating systems. It overwrites the contents of other memory areas by breaking through the buffer capacity limit, destroys the system execution environment, and provides implementation space for various system attacks such as program control flow hijacking. That makes it a wide range of harms. A variety of security technologies have been proposed to deal with system security problems including buffer overflow. For example, No eXecute (NX for short) is a memory management technology commonly used in Harvard architecture. It can refuse the execution of code which residing in a specific memory, and can effectively suppress the abnormal impact of buffer overflow on control flow. Therefore, in recent years, it has also been used in the field of system security, deriving a series of solutions based on NX technology, such as ExecShield, DEP, StackGuard, etc. However, these security solutions often rely too much on the processor architecture so that the protection coverage is insufficient and the accuracy is limited. Especially in the emerging system architecture field represented by RISC-V, there is still a lack of effective solutions for buffer overflow vulnerabilities. With the continuous rapid development of the system architecture, it is urgent to develop defense methods that are applicable to different system application environments and oriented to all executable memory spaces to meet the needs of system security development. Therefore, we propose BOP, A new system memory security design method based on RISC-V extended instructions, to build a RISC-V buffer overflow detection and defense system and deal with the buffer overflow threat in RISC-V. According to this method, NX technology can be combined with program control flow analysis, and NX bit mechanism can be used to manage the executability of memory space, so as to achieve a more granular detection and defense of buffer overflow attacks that may occur in RISC-V system environment. In addition, The memory management and control function of BOP is not only very suitable for solving the security problems in the existing single architecture system, but also widely applicable to the combination of multiple heterogeneous systems.
Graphical abstract
Sperm genetic abnormality testing in recurrent pregnancy loss cases: a narrative review
Authors: Peng Li-fan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), which mostly is of unknown etiology (unexplained RPL, uRPL), is defined as three or more consecutive spontaneous abortions. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a problem affecting up to 5% of women of childbearing age due to many factors.

Results
The underlying cause is complicated, and the etiology of over 50% of RPL patients is unclear. So far, studies on the etiology of RPL have focused on women, and little attention has been paid to the role of sperm in the development and progression of the disease. Many clinical studies have shown that sperm genetic material and embryonic development potential are closely related to pregnancy outcome. The formation and development of sperm, the combination of sperm and oocyte, and the implantation and development of fertilized oocyte are regulated by chromosome and genes. Because the genome of embryo is provided by sperm, the abnormality of sperm chromosome number and structure, sperm DNA integrity, gene mutation, and epigenetic abnormality may lead to RPL.

Conclusions
This article reviews the advances in the studies of the role of sperm genetic abnormalities in RPL, hoping to contribute to the prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of RPL in the future.
Primary pancreatic Ewing sarcoma with metastases on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Singh Man Mohan , Verma Shashwat , Kakkar Lavish , Thakur Priyamedha Bose , Deswal Satyawati , Maurya Malti Kumari , Sharma Akanksha 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor most commonly affecting long bones. Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES) is a malignant tumor with aggressive behavior carrying bad prognosis with pancreas being an extremely rare primary site. We present a case of histopathologically proven EES of the pancreas in a young female who presented with abdominal pain. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F FDG PET/CT) is a useful modality for detecting distant metastases in EES. It helps in diagnosis, localizing the primary, its extension, optimal treatment planning and evaluation of response to standard treatments available.

Case presentation
An 18-year-old female presented with complaints of progressive abdominal pain and distention since 6 weeks. Physical examination was suggestive of a solid large mass in the upper left abdomen and decreased breath sounds with dullness in the left lower lung fields. On Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) imaging, a large heterogeneously enhancing mass was seen arising from pancreas along with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. A moderate sized left sided pleural effusion with atelectasis of lower lobe of left lung was also noted. Histopathological analysis was suggestive of pancreatic ES following which the patient underwent five cycles of chemotherapy. Following this, she underwent 18F FDG PET/CT which showed hypermetabolic large mass arising from body and tail of pancreas with areas of internal necrosis along with left adrenal metastasis, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, a massive left pleural effusion and compressive atelectasis of left lower lobe. The patient expired within a week following PET/CT.

Conclusions
EES most often presents in the late stage of the disease with vague symptoms. Timely diagnosis and initiation of treatment is of utmost importance considering the aggressiveness of the tumor. Establishing a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma is especially difficult when the mass is arising from the pancreas. Imaging, histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) play a key role in accurate diagnosis of such masses. 18F FDG PET/CT can be useful for detecting local and distant spread, operability, treatment planning and evaluation of response to chemotherapy.
Prediction of the compressive strength of lightweight concrete containing industrial and waste steel fibers using a multilayer synthetic neural network
Authors: Nejati Faezeh , Mansourkia Ashkan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe use of waste and industrial steel fibers as part of the materials used in concrete can increase resistance and reduce cost and air pollution. It also saves energy. One of the important measures for technical inspections and assessment of the existing condition of structures, especially bridges, which is the most important communication factor, is to check the compressive strength. Considering that the calculation of compressive strength in the laboratory is done with the intervention of human power and is undoubtedly affected by human error, we decided to use it through.Predicting the mechanical properties of concrete reinforced with steel fibers based on artificial neural network models without the need to conduct any laboratory studies will save money in construction projects. Unlike classical methods in statistical theories, neural networks do not require any specific model or function along with limiting assumptions to linearize problems.For this purpose, this research was done with the aim of compensating this problem and with the aim of building a neural network with high accuracy that can make the desired predictions with the least error. In this research, this modeling was done using artificial neural networks (ANN) and Levenberg algorithm. The data used to train the neural network was collected from 45 different mixing schemes. Then the compressive strength of the sample is determined experimentally. The parameters considered for the ANN inputs are the values of steel fiber, water, water-cement ratio, cement and superlubricant. The objective data of this study included the compressive strength of each of these mixing designs at the ages of 7, 28 and 60 days. Then, to design the neural network, 75% of the data were considered as training data, 15% as target data and 15% as validation data. The compressive strength of concrete samples made from waste steel fibers increases. One of the reasons for this result is the placement and uniform distribution of fibers in the cement matrix, or in other words, the optimal amount of desired fibers in concrete. For experimental information and data, results can be seen with the help of neural network in data analysis. It was observed that the validation is correlated with a correlation coefficient above 99% and the constructed neural network has sufficient accuracy and validity.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the ubiquitin variant UbKEKS reveals a role in regulating nucleolar structures and composition
Authors: Frion Julie , Meller Anna , Marbach Gwendoline , Lévesque Dominique , Roucou Xavier , Boisvert François-Michel 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification responsible for one of the most complex multilayered communication and regulation systems in the cell. Over the past decades, new ubiquitin variants and ubiquitin-like proteins arose to further enrich this mechanism. Recently discovered ubiquitin variant UbKEKS can specifically target several proteins and yet, functional consequences of this new modification remain unknown. Depletion of UbKEKS induces accumulation of lamin A in the nucleoli, highlighting the need for deeper investigations about protein composition and functions regulation of this highly dynamic and membrane-less compartment. Using data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry and microscopy, we show that despite not impacting protein stability, UbKEKS is required to maintain a normal nucleolar organization. The absence of UbKEKS increases nucleoli's size and accentuate their circularity while disrupting dense fibrillar component and fibrillar centre structures. Moreover, depletion of UbKEKS leads to distinct changes in nucleolar composition. Lack of UbKEKS favours nucleolar sequestration of known apoptotic regulators such as IFI16 or p14ARF, resulting in an increase of apoptosis observed by flow cytometry and real-time monitoring. Overall, these results identify the first cellular functions of the UbKEKS variant and lay the foundation stone to establish UbKEKS as a new universal layer of regulation in the ubiquitination system.
Beam theory predicts muscle deformation and vertebral curvature during feeding in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Jimenez Yordano E. , Camp Ariel L. 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT
Muscle shortening underpins most skeletal motion and ultimately animal performance. Most animal muscle generates its greatest mechanical output over a small, homogeneous range of shortening magnitudes and speeds. However, homogeneous muscle shortening is difficult to achieve for swimming fish because the whole body deforms like a bending beam: as the vertebral column flexes laterally, longitudinal muscle strain increases along a medio-lateral gradient. Similar dorsoventral strain gradients have been identified as the vertebral column flexes dorsally during feeding in at least one body location in one fish. If fish bodies also deform like beams during dorsoventral feeding motions, this would suggest the dorsal body (epaxial) muscles must homogenize both dorsoventral and mediolateral strain gradients. We tested this hypothesis by measuring curvature of the anterior vertebral column with XROMM and muscle shortening in 14 epaxial subregions with fluoromicrometry during feeding in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). We compared measured strain with the predicted strain based on beam theory's curvature–strain relationship. Trout flexed the vertebrae dorsally and laterally during feeding strikes, yet when flexion in both planes was included, the strain predicted by beam theory was strongly and significantly correlated with measured strain (P&lt;0.01, R2=0.60). Beam theory accurately predicted strain (slope=1.15, compared with ideal slope=1) across most muscle subregions, confirming that epaxial muscles experience dorsoventral and mediolateral gradients in longitudinal strain. Establishing this deformation–curvature relationship is a crucial step to understanding how these muscles overcome orthogonal strain gradients to produce powerful feeding and swimming behaviours.
Evaluating the implementation of adult smoking cessation programs in community settings: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Mitchell Remai , O'Grady Kerry-Ann , Brain David , Tyack Zephanie 
Published: September 2023

Background Morbidity and mortality due to tobacco smoking is a public health crisis predicted to rise in coming years with the growing global population. Smoking cessation programs are an important tool to support service users to quit smoking. Understanding implementation processes and associated contextual factors influencing uptake of smoking cessation programs may help enhance service delivery, service user engagement, and cessation outcomes. Objectives The objective of this review is to evaluate the implementation of smoking cessation programs for adult smokers aged 18 years or older. Rationale Whilst the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs has been thoroughly investigated, there is limited research examining the implementation of programs in practice. This scoping review will provide novel information by evaluating the implementation of smoking cessation programs including acceptability, fidelity, scalability, and sustainability. Inclusion criteria This review will include the implementation of smoking cessation programs for adults aged 18 years or older, who are daily smokers of tobacco-based cigarettes, accessing a community-based service for smoking cessation support. Methods A search of research databases Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, and Web of Science will be undertaken, in addition to searching for grey literature for potential studies for inclusion. Hand searches of included articles will also be performed. Data will be extracted into a spreadsheet and ordered into predetermined categories based on the inclusion criteria, intervention, implementation strategies and implementation outcomes. Implementation outcomes including acceptability, cost, and scalability will provide the framework for reporting outcomes. Conclusions This scoping review will evaluate the implementation of smoking cessation services to adults in the community. An evidence map highlighting current knowledge will be developed, contributing to the body of literature on community-based smoking cessation programs. Evidence gaps will be identified, providing direction for future research and service delivery internationally.
Platelet indices and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio as a predictive tool in acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis: A study protocol
Authors: Khurana Kashish , Mahajan Satish 
Published: September 2023

Platelet indices and the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio are newly emerging indicators of systemic inflammation in chronic diseases, such as hemoglobinopathies. The objectives of this study include estimation of platelet indices and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients with and without vaso-occlusive crisis. This cross-sectional study will be conducted in the Department of Medicine at a tertiary care teaching hospital situated in the rural area of Wardha district. The participants will include patients of SCD older than 14 years of age attending the sickle cell clinic. We hypothesize the use of neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet indices as clinically significant predictive markers in acute sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis.
Surveillance of respiratory viruses at health facilities from across Kenya, 2014
Authors: Murunga Nickson , Nyawanda Bryan , Nyiro Joyce U. , Otieno Grieven P. , Kamau Everlyn , Agoti Charles N. , Lewa Clement , Gichuki Alex , Mutunga Martin , Otieno Nancy , Mayieka Lilian , Ochieng Melvin , Kikwai Gilbert , Hunsperger Elizabeth , Onyango Clayton , Emukule Gideon , Bigogo Godfrey , Verani Jennifer R. , Chaves Sandra S. , Nokes D. James , Munywoki Patrick K. 
Published: September 2023

Background: Acute respiratory illnesses (ARI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally. With (re)emergence of novel viruses and increased access to childhood bacterial vaccines, viruses have assumed greater importance in the aetiology of ARI. There are now promising candidate vaccines against some of the most common endemic respiratory viruses. Optimal delivery strategies for these vaccines, and the need for interventions against other respiratory viruses, requires geographically diverse data capturing temporal variations in virus circulation. Methods: We leveraged three health facility-based respiratory illness surveillance platforms operating in 11 sites across Kenya. Nasopharyngeal (NP) and/or oropharyngeal (OP) specimens, patient demographic, and clinical characteristics were collected in 2014 from individuals of various ages presenting with respiratory symptoms at the surveillance facilities. Real time multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to detect rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, human coronaviruses (hCoV), and adenoviruses. Results: From 11 sites, 5451 NP/OP specimens were collected and tested from patients. Of these, 40.2% were positive for at least one of the targeted respiratory viruses. The most frequently detected were rhinoviruses (17.0%) and RSV A/B (10.5%), followed by influenza A (6.2%), adenovirus (6.0%) and hCoV (4.2%). RSV was most prevalent among infants aged <12 months old (18.9%), adenovirus among children aged 12–23 months old (11.0%), influenza A among children aged 24–59 months (9.3%), and rhinovirus across all age groups (range, 12.7–19.0%). The overall percent virus positivity varied by surveillance site, health facility type and case definition used in surveillance. Conclusions: We identify rhinoviruses, RSV, and influenza A as the most prevalent respiratory viruses. Higher RSV positivity in inpatient settings compared to outpatient clinics strengthen the case for RSV vaccination. To inform the design and delivery of public health interventions, long-term surveillance is required to establish regional heterogeneities in respiratory virus circulation and seasonality.
E amanhã será como ontem: o perfil dos beneficiários do Peam-JF (MG)
Authors: Rocha Bruna Atalaya de Almeida , Arbia Alexandre Aranha 
Published: September 2023

O direito à moradia é, teoricamente, uma conquista constitucional concernente a todo cidadão. Sua efetivação torna-se porta de entrada para o exercício de outros direitos, como o direito à vida, à saúde, à educação, à cultura e ao lazer. Porém, as cidades brasileiras revelam um cenário em que o acesso à moradia segura não é uma realidade generalizada. Tendo por pano de fundo o debate sobre o direito à moradia, este artigo tem por objetivo explicitar o perfil dos beneficiários do Programa Especial de Auxílio Moradia no município de Juiz de Fora, instrumento público de intervenção direta sobre as consequências do fenômeno da espoliação urbana. Para isso, foi realizada pesquisa documental dos processos ativos na Secretaria Municipal de Assistência Social, permitindo demonstrar que os beneficiários são, como esperado, as camadas trabalhadoras historicamente condenadas à marginalização social, econômica e política no Brasil. Palavras-Chave: direito à moradia; auxílio moradia; políticas públicas de habitação.