bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 symptoms and compliance: The mediating role of fundamental social motives
Authors: Liu Ruoting , Zheng Xueying , Wang Ziyu , Zhou Mingjie , Weng Jianping , Li Yan-mei , Chen Xuefeng 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundUnderstanding the compliance of infected individuals and the psychological process underlying compliance during pandemics is important for preventing and controlling the spread of pathogens. Our study investigated whether fundamental social motives mediate the relationship between having infectious disease and compliance.MethodsAn online survey was conducted in March 2020, during the severe phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in China to collect data from 15,758 participants. The survey comprised self-report questionnaires with items pertaining to current symptoms (COVID-19 symptoms, other symptoms or no symptoms), the Fundamental Social Motive Inventory, and measures of compliance. Correlation analysis, linear regression analysis, and structural equation model were used for data analysis.ResultsThe participants with COVID-19 symptoms had lower levels of compliance than those without symptoms, and their lower compliance was caused by a decrease in disease avoidance (indirect effect = −0.058, 95% CI = [−0.061, −0.056]) and familial motives (indirect effect = −0.113, 95% CI = [−0.116, −0.062]). Whereas exclusion concern (indirect effect = 0.014, 95% CI = [0.011, 0.017]) suppressed the effects of COVID-19 symptoms on compliance, the effect disappeared in the multiple mediation model, while those of disease avoidance and familial motives remained.ConclusionOur findings emphasize the critical role of disease avoidance and familial motives in promoting compliance with public health norms during pandemics and suggest that enhancing these motives may serve as an effective intervention strategy to mitigate noncompliance among potentially infected individuals.
Repeated stage exposure reduces music performance anxiety
Authors: Candia Victor , Kusserow Martin , Margulies Oliver , Hildebrandt Horst 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundHigh heart rate (HR) and restlessness are two important features of music performance anxiety (MPA). In a case report of a cellist suffering from this condition, we showed that HR and restlessness decreased after repeated live performances of the same musical excerpt, thereby positively modulating objective performance criteria and subjective components. Here, we largely replicate these results in a group of 18 string players reporting MPA.MethodsObjective measurement devices included a miniaturized electrocardiogram monitor and three 3-axis accelerometer loggers. Subjective measures included the Multidimensional Mental Health Questionnaire (MDBF) and a customized visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire for MPA. Non-artistic performance errors were assessed by music experts using a composite score for technical playing errors (i.e., intonation errors, omission of notes, and bowing noise). Data were collected from each study participant during three brief public solo performances of the same musical excerpt, with each performance occurring before a new audience on the same day.ResultsFrom the 1st to the 3rd performance, HR, VAS, and playing error scores decreased significantly. MDBF (RU scale) showed a significant increase in calmness from the 1st to the 3rd performance on stage. HR and RU, VAS, and RU, as well as bow acceleration and overall duration of playing correlated significantly across participants and performances.Discussion and conclusionWe conclude that repeated stage exposure significantly reduces HR as well as restlessness and playing errors linked to MPA. Public performances are still successful when HR is significantly higher than during rest periods. These results underscore the importance of stage training to become accustomed to realistic public self-exposure. Musicians – especially students – should consider this component of stage training as an integral part of their practice routine. Therefore, stage training can reduce MPA, promote better live performances and prevent stress-related mental disorders and physical injuries. These result from excessive self-exercise strategies common in musicians experiencing MPA. HR monitoring should be an integral part of evaluating the effectiveness of interventions for better MPA management and efficient performance training.
Application of machine learning in predicting aggressive behaviors from hospitalized patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Cheng Nuo , Guo Meihao , Yan Fang , Guo Zhengjun , Meng Jun , Ning Kui , Zhang Yanping , Duan Zitian , Han Yong , Wang Changhong 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo establish a predictive model of aggressive behaviors from hospitalized patients with schizophrenia through applying multiple machine learning algorithms, to provide a reference for accurately predicting and preventing of the occurrence of aggressive behaviors.MethodsThe cluster sampling method was used to select patients with schizophrenia who were hospitalized in our hospital from July 2019 to August 2021 as the survey objects, and they were divided into an aggressive behavior group (611 cases) and a non-aggressive behavior group (1,426 cases) according to whether they experienced obvious aggressive behaviors during hospitalization. Self-administered General Condition Questionnaire, Insight and Treatment Attitude Questionnaire (ITAQ), Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve) Questionnaire (APGAR), Social Support Rating Scale Questionnaire (SSRS) and Family Burden Scale of Disease Questionnaire (FBS) were used for the survey. The Multi-layer Perceptron, Lasso, Support Vector Machine and Random Forest algorithms were used to build a predictive model for the occurrence of aggressive behaviors from hospitalized patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate its predictive effect. Nomogram was used to build a clinical application tool.ResultsThe area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of the Multi-Layer Perceptron, Lasso, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest were 0.904 (95% CI: 0.877–0.926), 0.901 (95% CI: 0.874–0.923), 0.902 (95% CI: 0.876–0.924), and 0.955 (95% CI: 0.935–0.970), where the AUCs of the Random Forest and the remaining three models were statistically different (p &lt; 0.0001), and the remaining three models were not statistically different in pair comparisons (p &gt; 0.5).ConclusionMachine learning models can fairly predict aggressive behaviors in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia, among which Random Forest has the best predictive effect and has some value in clinical application.
Development, validation, and visualization of a web-based nomogram to predict the effect of tubular microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Chen Xinyao , Lin Fabin , Xu Xiongjie , Chen Chunmei , Wang Rui 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively collect the relevant clinical data of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients treated with the tubular microdiscectomy (TMD) technique, and to develop and validate a prediction model for predicting the treatment improvement rate of TMD in LDH patients at 1 year after surgery.MethodsRelevant clinical data of LDH patients treated with the TMD technology were retrospectively collected. The follow-up period was 1 year after surgery. A total of 43 possible predictors were included, and the treatment improvement rate of the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score of the lumbar spine at 1 year after TMD was used as an outcome measure. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to screen out the most important predictors affecting the outcome indicators. In addition, logistic regression was used to construct the model, and a nomogram of the prediction model was drawn.ResultsA total of 273 patients with LDH were included in this study. Age, occupational factors, osteoporosis, Pfirrmann classification of intervertebral disc degeneration, and preoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were screened out from the 43 possible predictors based on LASSO regression. A total of 5 predictors were included while drawing a nomogram of the model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) value of the model was 0.795.ConclusionsIn this study, we successfully developed a good clinical prediction model that can predict the effect of TMD for LDH. A web calculator was designed on the basis of the model (https://fabinlin.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/).
Sporadic pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A retrospective clinicopathological and outcome analysis from a Latvian study group
Authors: Ptasnuka Margarita , Truskovs Arturs , Ozolins Arturs , Narbuts Zenons , Sperga Maris , Plaudis Haralds 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundAlthough pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNEN) are rare, there has been a constant increase in incidence. Furthermore, PNEN present unique clinical behaviors and long-term survival can be expected even in the presence of metastases as compared with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Determining the best therapeutic approach and proper timing of therapy requires knowledge of reliable prognostic factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore clinicopathological features, treatment, and survival outcomes of patients with PNEN based on Latvian gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (GEP-NEN) registry data.MethodPatients with confirmed PNEN at Riga East Clinical University Hospital and Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, between 2008 and 2020, were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected and included in EUROCRINE, an open-label international endocrine surgical registry.ResultsIn total, 105 patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 64 years (IQR 53.0–70.0) for males and 61 years (IQR 52.5–69.0) for females. In 77.1% of patients, tumors were hormonally nonfunctional. Among those with functioning PNEN, 10.5% of patients presented with hypoglycemia and were diagnosed with insulinoma, 6.7% of patients presented with symptoms related to carcinoid syndrome; 30.5% of patients showed distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, and surgery was performed in 67.6% of patients. Notably, for five patients with nonfunctional PNEN &lt;2 cm, a “watch and wait” approach was used; none of the patients developed metastatic disease. The median length of hospital stay was 8 days (IQR 5–13). Major postoperative complications were found in 7.0% of patients, and reoperation was conducted for 4.2% of patients, due to postpancreatectomy bleeding (2/71) and abdominal collection (1/71). The median follow-up period was 34 months (IQR 15.0–68.8). The OS at the last follow-up was 75.2% (79/105). The observed 1-, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 87.0, 71.2 and 58.0, respectively. Seven of the surgically treated patients had tumor recurrence. The median time of recurrence was 39 months (IQR 19.0–95.0). A univariable Cox proportional hazard analysis provided evidence that a nonfunctional tumor, a larger tumor size, the presence of distant metastases, a higher tumor grade, and the tumor stage were strong, negative predictors of OS.ConclusionOur study represents the general trends of clinicopathological features and treatment of PNEN in Latvia. For PNEN patients, tumor functionality, size, distant metastases, grade, and stage may be useful to predict OS and must be confirmed in further studies. Furthermore, a “surveillance” strategy might be safe for selected patients with small asymptomatic PNEN.
A shortened whole brain radiation therapy protocol for meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs
Authors: Herzig Robert , Beckmann Katrin , Körner Maximilian , Steffen Frank , Rohrer Bley Carla 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionA variety of treatment options have been described for canine meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO). Few studies focused on radiation therapy as a second line immunomodulating treatment, implicating its effective use. However, a standard radiation therapy protocol is lacking, and further research will help to evaluate the effect of different dose regimens.MethodsTen dogs diagnosed with MUO based on MRI and CSF findings were prospectively enrolled. The dogs were treated with a shortened whole brain radiation therapy protocol (5 × 4 Gy) in combination with prednisolone. Neurologic changes were quantified using an established scoring scheme. Follow-up MRI and CSF examination was scheduled three months after radiation therapy. Overall survival and time to progression were calculated. Histopathology of the brain was performed in case of death.ResultsSeven dogs were diagnosed de novo and three had a history of relapsing MUO. Neurological status improved in all 10 dogs during radiation therapy, with 4/10 returning to normal shortly after radiation therapy. Three dogs died within the first three months after radiation therapy. At follow-up MRI lesions completely resolved in two dogs, partially resolved in five dogs, and progressed in one dog. After follow-up MRI, dogs were further treated with prednisolone monotherapy (two dogs) and additional immunosuppressant drugs (five dogs). Overall, four dogs showed disease progression, with a mean time to progression of 691 days (95%CI: 396–987) and mean overall survival for all dogs was 723 days (95%CI: 436–1011) (both medians not reached). Histopathology confirmed MUO in three dogs but was suggestive for oligodendroglioma in one dog. Radiation induced side effects were not seen.ConclusionShortened whole-brain radiation therapy could be an additional treatment option for MUO in conjunction to prednisolone, specifically for cases that require rapid relief of symptoms and with relapsing history.
Tremor, Daily Functioning, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Riemersma Niels L. , Kremer Daan , Knobbe Tim J. , Gan C. Tji , Nolte Svea , Gomes-Neto António W. , Blokzijl Hans , de Meijer Vincent E. , Damman Kevin , Eisenga Michele F. , Drost Gea , Elting Jan Willem J. , Touw Daan J. , Berger Stefan P. , Bakker Stephan J. L. , van der Stouwe A. M. Madelein ,   Transplantlines Investigators
Published: March 2023

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) frequently report tremor. Data concerning tremor-related impairment and its potential impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are lacking. This cross-sectional study assesses impact of tremor on activities of daily living and HRQoL using validated questionnaires among SOTR enrolled in the TransplantLines Biobank and Cohort Study. We included 689 SOTR (38.5% female, mean [±SD] age 58 [±14] years) at median [interquartile range] 3 [1–9] years after transplantation, of which 287 (41.7%) reported mild or severe tremor. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, whole blood tacrolimus trough concentration was an independent determinant of mild tremor (OR per µg/L increase: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.21, p = 0.019). Furthermore, in linear regression analyses, severe tremor was strongly and independently associated with lower physical and mental HRQoL (β = −16.10, 95% CI: −22.23 to −9.98, p &lt; 0.001 and β = −12.68, 95% CI: −18.23 to −7.14, p &lt; 0.001 resp.). SOTR frequently report tremor-related impairment of activities of daily living. Tacrolimus trough concentrations appeared as a main determinant of tremor among SOTR. The strong and independent association of tremor-related impairment with lower HRQoL warrants further studies into the effects of tacrolimus on tremor.Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT03272841.
Epigenetic Silencing of LRP2 Is Associated with Dedifferentiation and Poor Survival in Multiple Solid Tumor Types
Authors: Rasmussen Martin Q. , Tindbæk Gitte , Nielsen Morten Muhlig , Merrild Camilla , Steiniche Torben , Pedersen Jakob Skou , Moestrup Søren K. , Degn Søren E. , Madsen Mette 
Published: March 2023

More than 80% of human cancers originate in epithelial tissues. Loss of epithelial cell characteristics are hallmarks of tumor development. Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a key function of absorptive epithelial cells with importance for cellular and organismal homeostasis. LRP2 (megalin) is the largest known endocytic membrane receptor and is essential for endocytosis of various ligands in specialized epithelia, including the proximal tubules of the kidney, the thyroid gland, and breast glandular epithelium. However, the role and regulation of LRP2 in cancers that arise from these tissues has not been delineated. Here, we examined the expression of LRP2 across 33 cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas. As expected, the highest levels of LRP2 were found in cancer types that arise from LRP2-expressing absorptive epithelial cells. However, in a subset of tumors from these cancer types, we observed epigenetic silencing of LRP2. LRP2 expression showed a strong inverse correlation to methylation of a specific CpG site (cg02361027) in the first intron of the LRP2 gene. Interestingly, low expression of LRP2 was associated with poor patient outcome in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma, mesothelioma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, and invasive breast carcinoma. Furthermore, loss of LRP2 expression was associated with dedifferentiated histological and molecular subtypes of these cancers. These observations now motivate further studies on the functional role of LRP2 in tumors of epithelial origin and the potential use of LRP2 as a cancer biomarker.
The Molecular Mechanism of the TEAD1 Gene and miR-410-5p Affect Embryonic Skeletal Muscle Development: A miRNA-Mediated ceRNA Network Analysis
Authors: Hu Wenping , Wang Xinyue , Bi Yazhen , Bao Jingjing , Shang Mingyu , Zhang Li 
Published: March 2023

Muscle development is a complex biological process involving an intricate network of multiple factor interactions. Through the analysis of transcriptome data and molecular biology confirmation, this study aims to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying sheep embryonic skeletal muscle development. The RNA sequencing of embryos was conducted, and microRNA (miRNA)-mediated competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. qRT-PCR, siRNA knockdown, CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, and dual luciferase assay were used to carry out gene function identification. Through the analysis of the ceRNA networks, three miRNAs (miR-493-3p, miR-3959-3p, and miR-410-5p) and three genes (TEAD1, ZBTB34, and POGLUT1) were identified. The qRT-PCR of the DE-miRNAs and genes in the muscle tissues of sheep showed that the expression levels of the TEAD1 gene and miR-410-5p were correlated with the growth rate. The knockdown of the TEAD1 gene by siRNA could significantly inhibit the proliferation of sheep primary embryonic myoblasts, and the expression levels of SLC1A5, FoxO3, MyoD, and Pax7 were significantly downregulated. The targeting relationship between miR-410-5p and the TEAD1 gene was validated by a dual luciferase assay, and miR-410-5p can significantly downregulate the expression of TEAD1 in sheep primary embryonic myoblasts. We proved the regulatory relationship between miR-410-5p and the TEAD1 gene, which was related to the proliferation of sheep embryonic myoblasts. The results provide a reference and molecular basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of embryonic muscle development.
Soil C, N, P, K and Enzymes Stoichiometry of an Endangered Tree Species, Parashorea chinensis of Different Stand Ages Unveiled Soil Nutrient Limitation Factors
Authors: Li Wannian , Ali Izhar , Han Xiaomei , Ullah Saif , Yang Mei 
Published: March 2023

Parashorea chinensis is an endemic tree species in China and an endangered species of the Dipterocarpaceae family. This study contributes to the understanding of soil fertility management during the relocation and conservation of P. chinensis and the restoration of its natural communities by doing an ecological chemometric investigation of the factors limiting soil nutrients in P. chinensis plantations. To investigate the variation in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil nutrients, microbial biomass, and extracellular enzyme activities, we chose pure plantation stands of 6 ages in the subtropics and calculated stoichiometric ratios. The results show that (1) soil pH is strongly acidic (pH < 4.6) and is less influenced by the stand age, and the soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) content limit soil microorganisms at all stand ages; (2) the availability of soil N, P, and K elements is an essential factor driving P limitation in the growth of P. chinensis and its soil microbes; (3) stand age has a significant effect on the soil C/N, C/P, N/P, C/K, N/K, and P/K, the stoichiometry of microbial biomass C, N, and P, and the stoichiometry of C, N, and P acquisition enzyme activity. Soil microbial biomass C, N, and P stoichiometry are more sensitive indicators of nutrient limitations than the stoichiometry of enzyme activity and nutrient content; and (4) there was a significant correlation between microbial biomass C, N, and P stoichiometry and soil C/P and N/P, as well as a highly significant (p < 0.01) correlation between the stoichiometry of the enzyme activity and Vector L and Vector A. In conclusion, the plantations of P. chinensis in this study area were established on acidic phosphorus-poor soil, and the ecological stoichiometry of the soil reveals nutrient limitations and its variation with the stand age. P availability plays a key role in the growth of P. chinensis and in improving the rhizosphere microbial community. Therefore, soil effectiveness should be dynamically assessed during the cultivation and relocation conservation of P. chinensis, and a soluble P fertilizer should be supplemental over time in the trees’ root distribution area.
Baseline Analysis of Endophytic Fungal Associates of Solenopsis invicta Buren from Mounds across Five Counties of Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Siddiqui Junaid Ali , Nie Lei , Idrees Atif , Aguila Luis Carlos Ramos , Jia Chunsheng , Xu Yijuan 
Published: March 2023

Red imported fire ants mounds have been suggested as a potential reservoir for beneficial entomopathogenic fungal species that are vital for more complex roles in the ecosystem aside from infecting the insects. In the current study, the assemblage of fungal symbionts of the red imported fire ants (RIFA) were obtained across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. The sampling areas were selected because of high occurrence of fire ants mounds in the regions. Mound soils, plant debris within mounds, and ants were collected from three sampling locations in each city for potential isolation of entomopathogenic fungal associates of RIFA. All samples were collected during the spring of 2021. Following successful isolation from substrates, the patterns of fungal species composition, and richness were evaluated. In total, 843 isolates were recovered, and based on their phenotypic distinctiveness and molecular characterization based on DNA sequences of multiple loci including the ITS, SSU, and LSU regions, 46 fungal taxa were obtained, including 12 that were unidentified. Species richness and abundance was highest in the mound soils, while the lowest value was recorded from the ant body. As per the different locations, the highest abundance level was recorded in Zhuhai, where 15 fungal taxa were cultivated. The most common taxa across all substrates and locations was Talaromyces diversus. A baseline analysis of the fungal community composition of RIFA would better our understanding on the interactions between these social ants and their associated microbial organisms, and this knowledge in turn would be important for the successful management of the RIFA.