bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lateralized connectivity in the alpha band between parietal and occipital sources when spatial attention is externally and internally directed
Authors: Van der Lubbe Rob H. J. , Panek Bartłomiej , Jahangier Ivania , Asanowicz Dariusz 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionExternal spatial attention refers to the selection of currently present information at a specific external location, whereas internal spatial attention refers to the selection of stored information in short-term memory initially presented at a specific location. Electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) studies revealed that these two types of selection may involve the same underlying neural mechanism as in both cases a reduction in posterior alpha power was observed. However, the posterior alpha rhythm may consist of different components, which can even be related to opposite behavioral effects. Furthermore, the employed paradigms to study both selection processes are often quite different, which makes a proper comparison cumbersome.MethodsIn the current EEG experiment, two-stimulus displays were preceded or followed by non-spatial pre-cues and post-cues that specified the target, thereby minimizing procedural differences.ResultsResults of time-frequency analyses revealed that in both cue conditions the selection of relevant information was associated with an increase of ipsilateral vs. contralateral posterior alpha power. An opposite effect, an increase in contralateral vs. ipsilateral posterior power was observed in the theta-band, but only in the pre-cue condition. This activity was related to stimulus onset and likely reflects target selection. To assess attention-related connectivity, we separated posterior alpha power in a medial-parietal and two parieto-occipital sources and computed alpha phase coherence between these sources. Results revealed that in both cue conditions, increased ipsilateral vs. contralateral connectivity in the alpha band was present between the medial-parietal and parieto-occipital sources.DiscussionThe results seem to reflect a modulation from parietal to occipital areas, providing support for the view that internal and external spatial attention share a common neural mechanism.
Parsley Health: Feasibility and acceptability of a large-scale holistic telehealth program for chronic disease care
Authors: Williams Hants , Steinberg Sarah , Vingum Ryan , Leon Kendall , Céspedes Elena , Berzin Robin , Hagg Heather 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundA holistic, personalized approach to medicine can be used to prevent and manage a variety of chronic diseases. However, effectively managing chronic diseases can be difficult due to barriers related to insufficient provider time, staffing, and lack of patient engagement. To address these challenges telehealth strategies are being increasingly adopted, yet few studies have explored how to evaluate the feasibility and implementation success of large-scale holistic telehealth models for chronic disease care. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a large-scale holistic telehealth program for the management of chronic diseases. Our study findings can inform the future development and assessment of chronic disease programs delivered through telehealth strategies.MethodsData was collected from participants enrolled in a Parsley Health membership from June 1, 2021 to June 1, 2022, a subscription-based holistic medicine practice designed to help people prevent or manage chronic diseases. Implementation outcome frameworks were used to understand engagement with services, participant satisfaction, and preliminary effectiveness of the program via a patient-reported symptom severity tool.ResultsData from 10,205 participants with a range of chronic diseases were included in our analysis. Participants averaged 4.8 visits with their clinical team and reported high levels of satisfaction with their care (average NPS score of 81.35%). Preliminary evidence also showed substantial reduction in patient reported symptom severity.ConclusionOur findings suggest the Parsley Health program is a feasible and acceptable large-scale holistic telehealth program for chronic disease care. Successful implementation was due, in part, to services that promoted participant engagement along with tools and interfaces that were helpful and easy to use. These findings can be used to develop future holistic-focused telehealth programs for the management and prevention of chronic diseases.
Modulation of the solar activity on the connection between the NAO and the tropical pacific SST variability
Authors: Huo Wenjuan , Xiao Ziniu , Zhao Liang 
Published: March 2023

Previous studies indicated that the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) SST can serve as a precursor for the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) predictability and the connection of NTA-ENSO is modulated by the mid-high latitude atmospheric variability. Despite significant solar footprints being found in the North Atlantic and tropical Pacific separately, their role in the two basins’ connection is still missing. In this study, we systematically examined this point by using observational/reanalysis datasets and outputs of a pair of sensitivity experiments with and without solar forcings (SOL and NOSOL). In observations, DJF-mean NAO-like SLP anomalies have a linear covariation with the subsequent JJA-mean El Niño Modoki-like SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific in the following 1 year. This observed SLP-SST covariation shows up in the high solar activity (HS) subset and disappears in the low solar activity (LS) subset. In the HS years, positive NAO-like SLP anomalies are produced by the stronger solar-UV radiation through a “top-down” mechanism. These atmospheric anomalies can enhance the influence of the NTA on the tropical Pacific SST by triggering significant and more persistent subtropical teleconnections. Here we proposed an indirect possible mechanism that the solar-UV forcing can modulate the tropical Pacific SST variability via its impacts on the atmospheric anomalies over the North Atlantic region. However, based on the same analysis method, we found a different coupled mode of the SLP and SST anomalies in the modeling outputs. The SLP anomalies in the North Atlantic, with a triple pattern (negative SLP anomalies in the Pole and the NTA, positive SLP anomalies in the mid-latitude), have “lead-lag” covariations with the Eastern Pacific El Niño-like SST anomalies in both the SOL and NOSOL. Although the impact of the solar activity is found in the North Atlantic and the tropical Pacific respectively in the SOL, no solar effect is involved in the simulated SLP-SST coupled mode.
Factors contributing to university dropout: a review
Authors: Lorenzo-Quiles Oswaldo , Galdón-López Samuel , Lendínez-Turón Ana 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionDropout is one of the problems that the university education system has to face every year. The educational community is involved in the reasons for its trajectory as a social problem, which does not exempt any student in the world. Its study and improvement of the education system is a key element in changing the course of university dropout and alleviating its rapid growth in society.MethodologyUsing a quantitative and qualitative methodology, an attempt is made to provide answers to the objectives pursued by the research.ObjectivesTo analyze student satisfaction, to specify the causes of dropout, and to determine the most appropriate authors on dropout by means of literature and different databases.ConclusionsIt is concluded that, are five main major components would be behind university dropout: student adaptation, personality, socio-economic level, teacher–student relationship, and quality in university education. With them come certain sub-causes that must be taken into account for a better understanding of the reasons for university dropout, such as demotivation, low self-esteem, frustration, pregnancy, among others, reasons why their study is essential for their future eradication.
Assessment and quantification of ovarian reserve on the basis of machine learning models
Authors: Ding Ting , Ren Wu , Wang Tian , Han Yun , Ma Wenqing , Wang Man , Fu Fangfang , Li Yan , Wang Shixuan 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundEarly detection of ovarian aging is of huge importance, although no ideal marker or acknowledged evaluation system exists. The purpose of this study was to develop a better prediction model to assess and quantify ovarian reserve using machine learning methods.MethodsThis is a multicenter, nationwide population-based study including a total of 1,020 healthy women. For these healthy women, their ovarian reserve was quantified in the form of ovarian age, which was assumed equal to their chronological age, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select features to construct models. Seven machine learning methods, namely artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), generalized linear model (GLM), K-nearest neighbors regression (KNN), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) were applied to construct prediction models separately. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean squared error (MSE) were used to compare the efficiency and stability of these models.ResultsAnti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) were detected to have the highest absolute PCC values of 0.45 and 0.43 with age and held similar age distribution curves. The LightGBM model was thought to be the most suitable model for ovarian age after ranking analysis, combining PCC, MAE, and MSE values. The LightGBM model obtained PCC values of 0.82, 0.56, and 0.70 for the training set, the test set, and the entire dataset, respectively. The LightGBM method still held the lowest MAE and cross-validated MSE values. Further, in two different age groups (20–35 and &gt;35 years), the LightGBM model also obtained the lowest MAE value of 2.88 for women between the ages of 20 and 35 years and the second lowest MAE value of 5.12 for women over the age of 35 years.ConclusionMachine learning methods combining multi-features were reliable in assessing and quantifying ovarian reserve, and the LightGBM method turned out to be the approach with the best result, especially in the child-bearing age group of 20 to 35 years.
Development and validation of a diabetic retinopathy risk prediction model for middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Gao-Xiang , Hu Xin-Yu , Zhao Heng-Xia , Li Hui-Lin , Chu Shu-Fang , Liu De-Liang 
Published: March 2023

ObjectivesThe study aims to establish a predictive nomogram of diabetic retinopathy(DR) for the middle-aged population with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis retrospective study screened 931 patients with T2DM between 30 and 59 years of age from the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. The development group comprised 704 participants from the 2011-2016 survey, and the validation group included 227 participants from the 2017-2018 survey. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to determine the best predictive variables. The logistic regression analysis built three models: the full model, the multiple fractional polynomial (MFP) model, and the stepwise (stepAIC) selected model. Then we decided optimal model based on the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). ROC, calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to validate and assess the model. An online dynamic nomogram prediction tool was also constructed.ResultsThe MFP model was selected to be the final model, including gender, the use of insulin, duration of diabetes, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, and serum phosphorus. The AUC was 0.709 in the development set and 0.704 in the validation set. According to the ROC, calibration curves, and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the nomogram demonstrated good coherence. The nomogram was clinically helpful, according to DCA.ConclusionThis study established and validated a predictive model for DR in the mid-life T2DM population, which can assist clinicians quickly determining who is prone to develop DR.
Lithological substrates influence tropical dry forest structure, diversity, and composition, but not its dynamics
Authors: Muñoz Rodrigo , Enríquez Moisés , Bongers Frans , López-Mendoza Rey David , Miguel-Talonia César , Meave Jorge A. 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionTropical dry forests (TDF) are not only the most widespread tropical forest type but also the most threatened forest ecosystem worldwide. Yet, because their dynamics have been insufficiently studied, our knowledge about the factors responsible for the spatial and temporal variability in TDF dynamics remains very limited. In this study, we aimed (1) to assess the effects of two lithological substrates on TDF structure, diversity, and species composition, and (2) to determine whether and how these substrates affect temporal dynamics on TDF attributes.MethodsWe used information gathered through a 12-year long annual monitoring of 14 old-growth TDF permanent plots in southern Mexico, seven of which were established on limestone and seven on phyllite. Previous work shows that limestone-derived soils have higher humidity, conductivity, and phosphorous and calcium contents, but lower nitrogen content.ResultsTDF structure and diversity attributes were consistently higher on limestone TDF, while canopy height was higher on phyllite TDF. By contrast, temporal variation in TDF attributes, demographic rates (recruitment, growth, and mortality) and attribute residence times were indistinguishable between substrates. We also found a strong differentiation of species composition between substrates, yet substrates did not influence the temporal behavior of composition.DiscussionOur results suggest that limestone is a more favorable environment for TDF development (soil-effects mechanism), but the flora of the forest on phyllite seems to be better adapted to cope with harsher environmental conditions (composition-effects mechanism), which counterbalances the environmental advantage of limestone, ultimately resulting in spatially homogeneous TDF dynamics at the landscape level. Future studies should examine the role of functional attributes on old-growth TDF dynamics, as this will allow a better understanding of the impacts of extreme climatic events on forest attributes and their dynamics, as well as to foresee potential ecosystem state shifts and tipping points.
Metrics for maternity unit staffing in low resource settings: Scoping review and proposed core indicator
Authors: Stones William , Nair Anjali 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe lack of usable indicators and benchmarks for staffing of maternity units in health facilities has constrained planning and effective program implementation for emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC) globally.ObjectivesTo identify potential indicator(s) and benchmarks for EmONC facility staffing that might be applicable in low resource settings, we undertook a scoping review before proceeding to develop a proposed set of indicators.Eligibility criteriaPopulation: women attending health facilities for care around the time of delivery and their newborns. Concept: reports of mandated norms or actual staffing levels in health facilities.Contextstudies conducted in healthcare facilities of any type that undertake delivery and newborn care and those from any geographic setting in both public and private sector facilities.Sources of evidence and chartingSearches were limited to material published since 2000 in English or French, using Pubmed and a purposive search of national Ministry of Health, non-governmental organization and UN agency websites for relevant documents. A template for data extraction was designed.ResultsData extraction was undertaken from 59 papers and reports including 29 descriptive journal articles, 17 national Ministry of Health documents, 5 Health Care Professional Association (HCPA) documents, two each of journal policy recommendation and comparative studies, one UN Agency document and 3 systematic reviews. Calculation or modelling of staffing ratios was based on delivery, admission or inpatient numbers in 34 reports, with 15 using facility designation as the basis for staffing norms. Other ratios were based on bed numbers or population metrics.ConclusionsTaken together, the findings point to a need for staffing norms for delivery and newborn care that reflect numbers and competencies of staff physically present on each shift. A Core indicator is proposed, “Monthly mean delivery unit staffing ratio” calculated as number of annual births/365/monthly average shift staff census.
Expression patterns of eight RNA-modified regulators correlating with immune infiltrates during the progression of osteoarthritis
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Wang Wenjuan , Hua Yinghui 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundRNA modifications in eukaryotic cells have emerged as an exciting but under-explored area in recent years and are considered to be associated with many human diseases. While several studies have been published relating to m6A in osteoarthritis (OA), we only have limited knowledge of other kinds of RNA modifications. Our study investigated eight RNA modifiers’ specific roles in OA including A-to-I, APA, m5C, m6A, m7G, mcm5s2U, Nm and Ψ together with their relationship with immune infiltration.MethodsRNA modification patterns in OA samples were identified based on eight-type RNA modifiers and their correlation with the degree of immune infiltration was also methodically investigated. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and qRT-PCR was performed to confirm the abnormal expression of hub genes. The RNA modification score (Rmscore) was generated by the applications of principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm in order to quantify RNA modification modes in individual OA patients.ResultsWe identified 21 differentially-expressed RNA modification related genes between OA and healthy samples. For example, CFI, CBLL1 and ALKBH8 were expressed at high levels in OA (P&lt;0.001), while RPUSD4, PUS1, NUDT21, FBL and WDR4 were expressed at low levels (P&lt;0.001). Two candidate RNA modification regulators (WDR4 and CFI) were screened out utilizing a random forest machine learning model. We then identified two distinctive RNA modification modes in OA which were found to display distinctive biological features. High Rmscore, characterized by increased immune cell infiltration, indicated an inflamed phenotype.ConclusionsOur study was the first to systematically reveal the crosstalk and dysregulations eight-type of RNA modifications in OA. Assessing individuals’ RNA modification patterns will be conductive to enhance our understanding of the properties of immune infiltration, provide novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and guide more effective immunotherapy strategies in the future.
Humoral and cellular immunity to SARS-COV-2 after vaccination with mRNA vaccines in PLWH with discordant immune response. Influence of the vaccine administered
Authors: López-Cortés Luis F. , Saborido-Alconchel Abraham , Trujillo-Rodríguez María , Serna-Gallego Ana , Llaves-Flores Silvia , Muñoz-Muela Esperanza , Pérez-Santos María Jesús , Lozano Carmen , Mejias-Trueba Marta , Roca Cristina , Espinosa Nuria , Gutiérrez-Valencia Alicia 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundData on SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine immunogenicity in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and discordant immune response (DIR) are currently limited. Therefore, we compare the immunogenicity of these vaccines in DIR and immunological responders (IR).MethodsA prospective cohort that enrolled 89 participants. Finally, 22 IR and 24 DIR were analyzed before vaccination (T0), one (T1) and six months (T2) after receiving BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccine. Additionally, 10 IR and 16 DIR were evaluated after a third dose (T3). Anti-S-RBD IgG, neutralizing antibodies (nAb), neutralization activity, and specific memory B cells were quantified. Furthermore, specific CD4+ and CD8+ responses were determined by intracellular cytokine staining and polyfunctionality indexes (Pindex).ResultsAt T1, all participants developed anti-S-RBD. 100% IR developed nAb compared to 83.3% DIR. Spike-specific B cells were detected in all IR and 21/24 DIR. Memory CD4+ T cells responded in 5/9 IR and 7/9 DIR, mainly based on the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α, with a higher Pindex in DIR. Memory CD8+ T cells responded in only four participants in each group. At T2, anti-S-RBD and nAb titers were higher in DIR than in IR. In both groups, there was an increase in specific B memory cells, higher in DIR. Six IR and five DIR maintained a specific memory CD4+ response. Memory CD8+ response was preserved in IR but was lost in DIR. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, receiving mRNA-1273 instead of BNT162b2 played a prominent role in the results.ConclusionsOur data suggest that PLWH with DIR can mount an immune response similar to those with higher CD4+, provided they receive the mRNA-1273 vaccine instead of others less immunogenic.
T-cell exhaustion signatures characterize the immune landscape and predict HCC prognosis via integrating single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-sequencing
Authors: Chi Hao , Zhao Songyun , Yang Jinyan , Gao Xinrui , Peng Gaoge , Zhang Jinhao , Xie Xixi , Song Guobin , Xu Ke , Xia Zhijia , Chen Shi , Zhao Jinqiu 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third most prevalent cause of cancer-related death, is a frequent primary liver cancer with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. T-cell depletion (TEX) is a progressive decline in T-cell function due to continuous stimulation of the TCR in the presence of sustained antigen exposure. Numerous studies have shown that TEX plays an essential role in the antitumor immune process and is significantly associated with patient prognosis. Hence, it is important to gain insight into the potential role of T cell depletion in the tumor microenvironment. The purpose of this study was to develop a trustworthy TEX-based signature using single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and high-throughput RNA sequencing, opening up new avenues for evaluating the prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of HCC patients.MethodsThe International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases were used to download RNA-seq information for HCC patients. The 10x scRNA-seq. data of HCC were downloaded from GSE166635, and UMAP was used for clustering descending, and subgroup identification. TEX-related genes were identified by gene set variance analysis (GSVA) and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Afterward, we established a prognostic TEX signature using LASSO-Cox analysis. External validation was performed in the ICGC cohort. Immunotherapy response was assessed by the IMvigor210, GSE78220, GSE79671, and GSE91061cohorts. In addition, differences in mutational landscape and chemotherapy sensitivity between different risk groups were investigated. Finally, the differential expression of TEX genes was verified by qRT-PCR.Result11 TEX genes were thought to be highly predictive of the prognosis of HCC and substantially related to HCC prognosis. Patients in the low-risk group had a greater overall survival rate than those in the high-risk group, according to multivariate analysis, which also revealed that the model was an independent predictor of HCC. The predictive efficacy of columnar maps created from clinical features and risk scores was strong.ConclusionTEX signature and column line plots showed good predictive performance, providing a new perspective for assessing pre-immune efficacy, which will be useful for future precision immuno-oncology studies.