bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
15. Factor Analysis
Authors: Navarro Danielle , Foxcroft David 
Published: January 2025

This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of Factor Analysis (FA), a statistical approach used to examine the relationships among multiple variables to uncover underlying latent factors. Latent factors represent unobservable constructs inferred from observed data, making FA an essential tool for researchers in psychology and behavioural sciences. The chapter begins with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), a technique for identifying hidden patterns in data by examining how observed variables co-vary. The discussion covers critical steps such as assumption checks, factor extraction, rotation methods, and interpretation of results, supported by practical examples using jamovi. The chapter also introduces Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as a related data reduction method, clarifying its distinctions from EFA.
Advancing to Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the chapter explains how researchers test hypothesised models against observed data to validate latent structures. A detailed walkthrough of the Multi-Trait Multi-Method CFA (MTMM CFA) approach showcases its utility in accounting for both latent factor and method variance. The chapter concludes with a discussion on internal consistency reliability analysis, focusing on evaluating how consistently a scale measures its intended psychological construct using metrics like Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Together, these techniques provide a robust framework for understanding and analysing complex data structures, enabling researchers to derive meaningful insights into latent constructs and their measurement.
Investigation into high-speed impact response of composite sandwich structures
Authors: Ismail Sikiru O , Eyvazinejad Firouzsalari Saeed , Naseem Shehryar , Oladapo Bankole I 
Published: January 2025

Sandwich structures composed of top and bottom face sheets and an inner core are commonly used for energy-absorbing applications, mainly because of their superior stiffness-to-weight ratio and crashworthiness. Despite extensive studies on the ballistic behavior of monolithic and composite materials, limited research has focused on hybrid sandwich structures combining lightweight and ductile materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with high-strength aluminum. This study aimed to numerically establish the ballistic limit velocities and the penetrating and perforation resistances of composite sandwich structures to address this gap. The sandwich panels were manufactured from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and aluminum (Al) 2024-T351 as core and face sheets/skins, respectively. The panels were subjected to an impact to investigate the effects of various thicknesses of their face skins and core on high-speed impact resistance. From the results obtained, it was evident that the numerical models simulated experiments with high accuracy. The impact and damage resistances of the composite sandwich structures increased with the thicknesses of their core and face sheets. The resistance of the structure increased by 19% by increasing the thickness of face sheets from 1.2 to 2.0 mm. Similarly, the resistance of the composites can be increased by 44% by increasing the core thickness from 20 to 50 mm. Therefore, it can be established that the impact resistance of the composite sandwich structures depended on the thicknesses of their core and skins. The investigated performances of the different composite sandwich structures should guide their choice for various industrial applications.
Cannabis Use Cessation and the Risk of Psychotic Disorders: A Case–Control Analysis from the First Episode Case–Control EU-GEI WP2 Study: L’arrêt de l’utilisation du cannabis et le risque de troubles psychotiques: Une analyse cas-témoins tirée de l’étude cas-témoins EU-GEI WP2 centrée sur les premiers épisodes psychotiques
Authors: Bond Benjamin W. , Duric Bea , Spinazzola Edoardo , Trotta Giulia , Chesney Edward , Li Zhikun , Quattrone Diego , Tripoli Giada , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Rodriguez Victoria , Ferraro Laura , La Cascia Caterina , Tarricone Ilaria , Szöke Andrei , Arango Celso , Bobes Julio , Bernardo Miquel , Del-Ben Cristina Marta , Menezes Paulo Rossi , Selten Jean-Paul , Rutten Bart P. F. , de Haan Lieuwe , Stilo Simona , Schürhoff Franck , Pignon Baptiste , Freeman Tom P. , Vassos Evangelos , Murray Robin M. , Austin-Zimmerman Isabelle , Di Forti Marta 
Published: January 2025

Objectives To establish whether the risk of psychotic disorders in cannabis users changes with time following cannabis cessation using data from the European Network of National Networks studying Gene–Environment Interactions in Schizophrenia (EU-GEI) case–control study. Methods The EU-GEI case–control study collected data from first episode psychosis patients and population controls across sites in Europe and Brazil between May 2010 and April 2015. Adjusted logistic regressions were applied to examine whether the odd of psychosis case status changed: (1) with time following cannabis cessation and (2) across different cannabis use groups. Results Psychosis risk declined following cessation of cannabis use (β = −0.002; 95% CI −0.004 to 0.000; P = 0.067). When accounting for duration of use, this effect remained (β = −0.003; 95% CI −0.005 to −0.001; P = 0.013). However, in models adjusting for frequency and potency of use the result was not significant. Analysis of different cannabis use groups indicated that ex-users who stopped 1 to 4 weeks previously had the highest risk for psychotic disorder compared to never users (OR = 6.89; 95% CI 3.91–12.14; P < 0.001); risk declined for those who stopped 5 to 12 weeks previously (OR = 2.70; 95% CI 1.73–4.21; P < 0.001) and 13 to 36 weeks previously (OR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.00–2.33; P = 0.050). Ex-users who stopped 37 to 96 weeks (OR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.66–1.57; P = 0.949), 97 to 180 weeks (OR = 0.73; 95% CI 0.45–1.19; P = 0.204), and 181 weeks previously or more (OR = 1.18; 95% CI 0.76–1.83; P = 0.456) had similar psychosis risk to those who had never-used cannabis. Conclusion Risk of psychotic disorder appears to decline with time following cannabis cessation, receding to that of those who have never used cannabis after 37 weeks or more of abstinence. Although, preliminary results suggest that frequent users of high potency types of cannabis might maintain an elevated risk compared to never users even when abstaining for longer than 181 weeks.
Isolated Continuous Lumbar Plexus Block Infusion for Hip Fractures: Their Role as Sole Analgesic and Anaesthetic Modality—A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Vineetha Siram , C. Vasantha Roopan 
Published: January 2025

Background and Aims: India is one of the advancing ageing societies of the world; with this, the country’s demographic structure also changes. The incidence of lower limb fractures is high in this population, and it threatens their health both physically and mentally. Therefore, an effective anaesthesia and analgesia regimen is crucial for smooth and stable surgery and perioperative care. Methods: In this retrospective study, we aimed to describe the use of lumbar plexus block with an indwelling catheter as a sole anaesthetic technique intra-operatively and for providing peri-operative pain relief for 54 patients with intertrochanteric fracture posted for proximal femoral nailing or dynamic hip screw fixation from October 2020 to October 2023. Results: It was found that pain scores remained less than 1 for the majority of the study duration. Most patients underwent surgery within the first day of admission in our hospital and surgery lasted for one to two hours. All patients were discharged within five days of hospitalisation. There were no failures of the blocks before and during the surgical procedures. There were no records of any complications related to the technique. No supplement opioid was used during the procedure. Conclusion: With adequate monitoring, expertise, knowledge and familiarity with the procedure, lumbar plexus block with continuous infusion via a perineural catheter supplemented with periprocedural sedation can be used as a safe and effective anaesthetic technique for hip and proximal femur fracture reduction surgeries.
Surgical technique and outcomes associated with the use of femoral vein in venous reconstruction for superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Reinert Nathan J , Ocean Gesnyr , Sorour Ahmed A , Caputo Francis J , Kirksey Levester J , Quatromoni Jon G , Ambani Ravi N , Hanak Courtney R , Khalifeh Ali , Lyden Sean P 
Published: January 2025

Objective Superior vena cava syndrome (SVC) is a debilitating disease, and surgical reconstruction has been described with some of the best results using spiral great saphenous vein (SGSV) grafts. SGSV grafts can be difficult to construct, and a long segment of saphenous vein is needed. Femoral vein has been an excellent conduit for infected aortic and peripheral reconstructions in our hands, and we sought to review outcomes using this conduit for SVC reconstruction. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective study that included all patients who underwent SVC reconstruction using femoral vein from January 2000 to December 2023. Follow-up period analysis included reconstruction patency, surgical reinterventions, patient’s symptoms, and complications. Results Ten patients underwent central venous reconstruction or bypass using the femoral vein, with an average age of 51.88 years ± 10.20 years. SVC syndrome was primarily caused by benign etiologies including pacemakers and indwelling central venous catheters. Common presenting symptoms included head or neck fullness and upper extremity edema. The median follow-up duration was 21 months. Primary patency at 1 year was 79%. Conclusion Femoral vein reconstruction presents a promising solution for managing SVC obstruction, offering effective symptom relief and acceptable venous patency rates. Further research including prospective trials and comparative studies is crucial to refining surgical techniques and understanding long-term efficacy in addressing this complex clinical issue.
Incidence of seroma and postoperative complications after breast surgery before and during the Covid-19 pandemic: results from a retrospective multicenter analysis
Authors: Beck Maximilian Heinz , Brachaczek Izabela A. , Gebert Pimrapat , Blohmer Jens-Uwe , Kaya Askin C. , Zimmermann Julia S. M. , Radosa Julia C. , Karsten Maria M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
In recent years, there has been a growing number of case reports documenting delayed seroma in patients with a history of breast surgery and reconstruction. The occurrence of these seromas has been associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. So far, there are few systematic analyses on postoperative complications in breast surgery since the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Study design
We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis to assess the incidence of postoperative complications in two major university breast care centers in Germany during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (August 1st, 2021, to January 31st, 2022) compared to a reference period (August 1st, 2019, to January 31st, 2020) before the pandemic.

Results
A total of 987 patients were included in this retrospective analysis, with 492 patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and 495 patients in the reference period. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of seroma after breast surgery. However, complications such as erythema, wound infection, and wound healing disorders were notably more frequent during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Multivariate analysis revealed that increasing patient age, smoking, breast implant reconstruction, axillary lymph node dissection, and previous radiation were significant clinical risk factors for seroma development.

Conclusion
While our findings did not indicate an elevated incidence of seroma during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we observed increased rates of erythema, wound healing disorders, and wound infection. Additional real-world evidence is needed for understanding both early and late complications following breast surgery in the context of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 endemic.
Critical updates on oral insulin drug delivery systems for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Low Chan Yew , Gan Wei Ling , Lai Su Jeat , Tam Rachel Su-May , Tan Jie Fei , Dietl Stefanie , Chuah Lay Hong , Voelcker Nicolas , Bakhtiar Athirah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Exogenous insulin can counteract the diminished response to insulin and effectively controlling blood glucose levels, thereby minimizing diabetes-related complications. However, given the injectable nature of exogenous insulin, apprehensions regarding its safety and the difficulties associated with its administration have hindered its widespread and prompt utilization. In this context, advanced oral insulin formulations can improve medication adherence in patients with diabetes and enhance their quality of life. Over the last 20 years, sophisticated pharmaceutical technologies have been utilized to provide insulin through oral formulations. Despite the limited absorption of oral insulin, these studies have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in translating clinical discoveries into commercialization. This review examines the advancements of several oral insulin formulations in preclinical and clinical trials, their effectiveness and safety characteristics, and potential implications for future treatment options.

Graphical Abstract
Resilience in maternal, newborn, and child health in low- and middle-income countries: findings from a scoping review
Authors: Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji , Okusanya Babasola O. , Ichegbo Nchelem K. , Mgbachi Ifeanyi C. , Olamijuwon Emmanuel , Sule Fatima Abdulaziz , Uthman Olalekan A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objectives
The research objectives were to identify and synthesise prevailing definitions and indices of resilience in maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and propose a harmonised definition of resilience in MNCH research and health programmes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design
Scoping review using Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and a Delphi survey for consensus building.

Participants
Mothers, new-borns, and children living in low- and middle-income countries were selected as participants.

Outcomes
Resilience as defined by the authors was deduced from the studies.

Results
Twenty-two out of 76,566 cited studies published between 2006 and 2010 were included in the review. Thirteen (59.1%) examined maternal resilience, and nine (40.9%) examined newborn and child health resilience; most of the included studies were quantitative (n = 17; 81%). Seven studies defined ‘resilience’ in the context of maternal health, most of which described the term at the individual level. ‘Maternal resilience’ was measured using validated scales in five studies; another five defined newborn and child resilience. Only one reviewed study used maternal characteristics to identify newborn and child resilience. The synthesised consensus definition of ‘maternal, newborn, and child resilience’ is ‘A woman’s ability to prevent or adapt to significant and challenging circumstances including threats, tragedy, and trauma to herself during pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium and to her neonates or children five years or younger’.

Conclusion
The information identified was limited but included a few definitions of resilience in MNCH and an index of child resilience in LMICs. The proposed definition is useful for MNCH programme implementation and interventions in LMICs.

Scoping review registration: The protocol for this review was registered in the open science framework at the registered address (https://osf.io/jt6nr).
Tangeretin alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis of macrophage via Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Yan , Wang Shenghua , Xue Xiaomei , Huang Kai , Xu Dunfeng , Jiang Lai , Li Siyuan , Zhang Yunqian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe clinical condition accompanied with high mortality. Tangeretin, which is widely found in citrus fruits, has been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, whether tangeretin protects against sepsis-induced ALI and the potential mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods
We established an ALI model via intraperitoneally injected with 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharides (LPS) for 12 h. Tangeretin was applied intraperitoneally 30 min before LPS treatment. Dexamethasone (Dex) was used as a positive control. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined to detect the degree of lung injury. RNA-seq was also applied to explore the effect of tangeretin on ALI. In vitro, RAW264.7 were treated with Nrf2 siRNA, the expression of ferroptosis-associated biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) were assessed. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory factors were also determined both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, mice were treated with an Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) to verify the mechanism of tangeretin in inhibiting sepsis-induced lung injury and ferroptosis. Data were analyzed using one way analysis of variance or two-tailed unpaired t tests.

Results
Our study demonstrated that tangeretin significantly alleviated lung injury, reversed the LPS-induced reduction in GPX4 and GSH, and mitigates the elevation of PTGS2 and MDA levels. Tangeretin also reduced 4-HNE and iron levels. Besides, the levels of LPS-stimulated inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were also decreased by tangeretin. RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that tangeretin inhibited inflammatory response. Mechanistically, we identified that tangeretin inhibited the GPX4-dependent lipid peroxidation through activation of Nrf2. The silence of Nrf2 abolished the inhibitory effect of tangeretin on oxidative stress, inflammatory response and ferroptosis in RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, all the protective effects of tangeretin on ALI were abolished in Nrf2 inhibitor-treated mice.

Conclusion
We identified that ferroptosis as a critical mechanism contributing to sepsis-induced ALI. Tangeretin, a promising therapeutic candidate, effectively mitigates ALI through inhibiting ferroptosis via upregulating Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Maximal mouth opening in infants and toddlers with spinal muscular atrophy: a prospective controlled study
Authors: Zang Jana , Weiss Deike , Dumitrascu Charlotte , Glinzer Julia , Wegner Marie , Strube Anna , Denecke Jonas , Niessen Almut , Pflug Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Bulbar function is frequently impaired in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Although extremely important for the patient’s quality of life, it is difficult to address therapeutically. Due to bulbar dysfunction, maximum mouth opening (MMO) is suspected to be reduced in children with SMA. However, no published MMO values exist for SMA children younger than 24 months. This study presents a novel approach to measuring MMO in infants and toddlers with SMA and compares it with healthy controls.

Methods
Children with SMA (0–24 months) who received disease-modifying therapy at a single neuropediatric center and similarly aged healthy children were prospectively recruited. MMO was measured using a cardboard scale and a custom-designed instrument.

Results
A total of 115 children were included (SMA = 24, healthy controls = 91). Inter-rater reliability between two examiners was excellent (ICC = 0.987, 95% CI 0.959 to 0.995), as was the reliability between the cardboard scale and the custom-designed instrument (ICC = 0.986, 95% CI 0.968 to 0.994). A mixed linear model showed a significant increase of MMO with age, and a significantly wider mouth opening in healthy controls (p < .001).

Conclusion
For future research, MMO can provide valuable information about the involvement of cranial nerves, particularly in the context of disease-modifying therapies, even at a very early age.
Context-dependent similarity analysis of analogue series for structure–activity relationship transfer based on a concept from natural language processing
Authors: Yoshimori Atsushi , Bajorath Jürgen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Analogue series (AS) are generated during compound optimization in medicinal chemistry and are the major source of structure–activity relationship (SAR) information. Pairs of active AS consisting of compounds with corresponding substituents and comparable potency progression represent SAR transfer events for the same target or across different targets. We report a new computational approach to systematically search for SAR transfer series that combines an AS alignment algorithm with context-depending similarity assessment based on vector embeddings adapted from natural language processing. The methodology comprehensively accounts for substituent similarity, identifies non-classical bioisosteres, captures substituent-property relationships, and generates accurate AS alignments. Context-dependent similarity assessment is conceptually novel in computational medicinal chemistry and should also be of interest for other applications.

Scientific contribution

A method is reported to systematically search for and align analogue series with SAR transfer potential. Central to the approach is the assessment of context-dependent similarity for substituents, a new concept in cheminformatics, which is based upon vector embeddings and word pair relationships adapted from natural language processing.