bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of fibrinogen/albumin ratio and Castelli risk index 2 (CI2 = LDL-C/HDL-C) with severity of coronary artery disease and carotid atherosclerosis in different glucose metabolism states
Authors: Liu Yue , Jin Xiandu , Jia Wenjun , Guan Xiuju , Wu Hao , Li Jiao , Cui Min , Zhang Hanmo , Wei Liping , Qi Xin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) is a novel inflammatory indicator correlating with the severity of coronary artery disease. An indicator of atherosclerosis is the Castelli Risk Index 2 (CI2 = LDL-C/HDL-C). Yet, little research has focused on the link between both of indicators and coronary artery disease (CAD) and carotid atherosclerotic lesions in distinct glucose metabolic states. Thus, the aim of this investigation was to look into the link involving these two indicators and atherosclerotic lesions of the coronary and carotid arteries in patients with CAD who were in distinct glucose metabolic states.
Method:
In this investigation, coronary angiography and carotid Doppler ultrasonography were performed about 2825 individuals suffering from symptomatic CAD at Tianjin Union Medical Center from 2016 to 2023.The number of stenotic arteries in the coronary arteries was counted. Both the Carotid intima-media thickness and the Gensini score were taken into account or computed. Normal glucose regulation (NGR), pre-diabetes mellitus (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were the three categories of glucose status according to the WHO diabetes guidelines. Patients were also divided into FAR index and Castelli risk index 2 quartiles to look into the link between FAR index and Castelli risk index 2 and coronary or carotid artery lesions in CAD patients with different glucose metabolic states. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to analyse the predictive value of the FAR index and Castelli risk index for coronary artery severity and carotid artery lesions.
Result
According to logistic regression analysis, the FAR index and Castelli risk index 2 were statistically associated with coronary artery disease and carotid plaques (P< 0.05). The FAR index was linked with CAD severity regardless of glucose metabolism states (P < 0.05). It was also substantially associated with carotid lesions in the NGR and Pre-DM stages (P < 0.05), but not in the DM state (P < 0.05). The Castelli risk index 2 was strongly linked with CAD severity and carotid artery lesions in both NGR and DM status (P< 0.05). Yet, there was no statistical significance in Pre-DM states. (P> 0.05). The FAR index and Castelli risk index 2 exhibited higher regions underneath the ROC curve in forecasting coronary artery lesions and carotid atherosclerosis.
Conclusion
The FAR index and Castelli risk index 2 were significantly associated with coronary and carotid atherosclerosis in different glucose metabolic states. FAR index and Castelli risk index 2 have predictive value for coronary artery lesions and carotid plaques.
HeBoots: A Novel Heuristic Bootstrapping Entity Alignment Model Based on Reasoning
Authors: Soltanshahi Mohammad Ali , Teimourpour Babak 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Entity alignment models commonly rely on representation learning, with many also employing bootstrapping techniques to improve performance. In this paper, we present an innovative heuristic bootstrapping model designed to validate and enhance the results produced by conventional bootstrapping methods. Our approach leverages pseudo-anchor relationships between two graphs to strengthen alignment. Moreover, feature selection—a crucial yet often neglected aspect of graph alignment—is addressed in our model. We introduce a weighted feature mechanism that assigns greater significance to key features, ensuring more accurate alignment results. Additionally, we propose a novel dual margin-based loss function specifically designed for entity alignment tasks. Experimental results demonstrate that our model consistently surpasses state-of-the-art entity alignment methods on multiple benchmark datasets, delivering performance gains of 2–4%.
Identification of Hub Genes Involved in Early-onset Schizophrenia: From Genetic Susceptibility to Predicted Regulated Gene Expression
Authors: Jen Yawen , Yu Sung-Liang , Hsiao Po-Chang , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Liu Chih-Min , Liu Chen-Chung , Hwang Tzung-Jeng , Hsieh Ming H. , Chien Yi-Ling , Lin Yi-Ting , Huang Hailiang , Feng Yen-Chen Anne , Hsiao Chuhsing K. , Lin Yen-Feng , Faraone Stephen V. , Neale Benjamin , Glatt Stephen J. , Tsuang Ming T. , Hwu Hai-Gwo , Chen Wei J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Despite a high heritability of schizophrenia (SZ), only limited variance was attributed to gene loci or the polygenic risk score in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Early-onset SZ, a more homogeneous SZ subtype, may aid in bridging the genotype-phenotype gap and the identification of its hub genes is critical for early intervention in clinical practice. We aimed to examine the gene expression risk score (GeRS) in patients from both multiplex and simplex families to identify hub genes for early-onset SZ, and perform enrichment analysis to understand the biological functions of the hub genes.
METHODS
Based on the GWAS genotype data from patients with SZ in multiplex families (223 early-onset and 372 late-onset) and those from simplex families (matched for sex and onset age), GeRSs for SZ (SZ-GeRSs) were estimated using the SNP-expression prediction model derived from existing brain tissues of patients with psychiatric disorders. Module-based SZ-GeRS was summed over genes from empirically derived gene clusters, network analysis was conducted to identify hub genes, and enrichment analysis was used for functional mapping.
RESULTS
Among the 13 modules from existing coexpression analyses of postmortem brains of patients with psychiatric disorders, the meta-analysis revealed that associations with early-onset SZ existed for the GeRS of module 10 in subset, M10sub-GeRS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.22–1.57), and six hub genes, M10hub-GeRS (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.07–1.39), after adjustment for covariates. Functional mapping of the genes revealed their enrichment in excitatory neurons and immune-regulatory pathways.
CONCLUSIONS
GeRS for SZ helps identify six hub genes for early-onset schizophrenia, and the enrichment analysis sheds light on their possible roles in the pathophysiology. These findings will enhance the understanding of SZ etiology and may contribute to early screening and personalized prevention efforts.
A Chronicle of Crises and Emergencies: (Dis-)continuity of care for Syrian Refugee Children with Neglected Non-communicable Diseases in Lebanon
Authors: Gilmour Molly , Bou-Orm Ibrahim R. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Lebanon’s recent history has been marked by intersecting crises, including a severe economic collapse, the Beirut port explosion, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst this "polycrisis," the healthcare system has become increasingly reliant on international humanitarian assistance. This paper examines how these overlapping crises have affected the provision of care for children with thalassemia, a neglected non-communicable disease (NCD), within a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) paediatric unit operating in Lebanon between 2018 and 2023. Drawing on a single-case study design, the research explores the dynamics of power between state and non-state actors and within international humanitarian organizations and their approaches to healthcare delivery. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including audio diaries, interviews, document analysis, and co-development groups involving 11 staff members and 18 caregivers of Syrian paediatric patients. Participants shared insights into operational challenges, decision-making processes, and the lived experiences of navigating Lebanon’s collapsing health system. Findings reveal three interconnected issues: (1) the polycrises created an unsustainable environment even for resource-rich international non-governmental organizations (iNGOs); (2) the withdrawal of humanitarian services exacerbated the suffering of structurally marginalized Syrian families reliant on no-cost thalassemia treatment; and (3) national staff experienced profound professional and personal challenges as they sought to reconcile iNGO decision-making with patients' needs, often leading to burnout and reduced well-being. The study underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the relationship between international humanitarian organizations and local health authorities. Greater equity in decision-making, grounded in shared values, is essential to recalibrate the humanitarian healthcare model. This reorientation should prioritize not only operational costs but also the population-level and individual value of healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups. In Lebanon, a reimagined model of care is critical for addressing structural inequities and mitigating the fragility of humanitarian healthcare amidst enduring crises.
Eliminating or decreasing matrix effect in skin moisturizers employing a magnetic adsorbent in the analysis of primary aliphatic amines
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Mehri Sina Mohammad , Mogaddam Mohammad Reza Afshar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In this study, a combining method using dispersive micro solid phase extraction and vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction was presented for the first time as a pioneering methodology capable of concurrently cleaning up and derivatizing/ extracting existing primary aliphatic amines in aqueous solutions after eliminating or decreasing matrix effect posed by skin moisturizers. A magnetic adsorbent (iron oxide modified by mercapto acetic acid, MAA@Fe3O4) has been employed to facilitate the matrix removal. To corroborate the authenticity of the synthesized adsorbent, various identification methods were employed, including X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry analyses. All effective parameters were optimized in passivation of the adsorbent for the analytes and their concurrent derivatization and extraction. A gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector was utilized to identify and quantify the derivatives of amines. Eco-friendly characteristics, short extraction duration, high matrix removal efficiency, high unadsorbed percentage of amines by the adsorbent, simplicity, high precision, lack of requirement for specialized equipment, adsorbent reusability up to five cycles, exceptional proficiency in the extraction and derivatization of amines, and a comprehensive or relative superiority in analytical parameters, including extraction recovery, enrichment factor, relative standard deviation, coefficient of determination, limit of quantification and detection, and relative recovery, underscoring the merits and advantages of the proposed method.
Music Therapy modulates Craving, Inhibitory Control, and Emotional Regulation: EEG, Psychometric, and Qualitative Findings from a Pilot RCT in a Community Outpatient Service
Authors: Pasqualitto Filippo , Maidhof Clemens , Murtagh Daniel , Silva Devon , Fernie Paul , Panin Francesca , Michell Andrew , Fachner Jörg 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background. Music therapy (MT) has been shown to be effective for multiple clinical endpoints in clients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). However, a gap remains in understanding the impact of MT interventions in community services, primarily due to the lack of studies that combine neural measures (e.g., EEG), psychometric tests, and semi-structured interviews.
Methods. This pilot study is a three-arm, non-blinded, mixed-methods randomized trial. Sixteen participants with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) were recruited from a community service in London. Ten of these participants received six weekly group or individual music therapy (MT) sessions in addition to the standard treatment (ST) provided by the community outpatient service. The remaining six participants received only the ST.
Pre-/post-intervention as well as in-session measures have been collected utilizing EEG in addition to psychometric tests and semi-structured interviews addressing craving, depressive, and anxiety symptoms, inhibitory cognitive control, and participants’ perceptions on the music-therapeutic process. An intention-to-treat approach was employed.
Results. Fourteen participants completed the study. Results showed (1) lower beta frequency band related to craving arousal post-MT intervention as compared to ST; (2) lower subjective evaluation of craving intensity after MT sessions; (3) different impact of MT and ST on frontal alpha asymmetry related to affective processing; (4) enhanced neural mechanisms (i.e., P3d in a Go/NoGo task) related to sensorimotor response inhibition following MT; (5) qualitative themes reflecting absence of craving, reluctance towards craving discussions, narratives on experiences, emotions, and the therapeutic process.
Conclusions. MT might facilitate lower post-intervention arousal related to craving as compared to ST. While this effect is evident at the neural level, the conscious perception of the decrease emerges only after MT sessions and not after the entire intervention. The differential brain asymmetry may represent higher emotional regulation and introspection associated with MT compared to ST. MT may facilitate neuromodulation that boosts inhibitory cognitive control functions. Themes emerging from semi-structured interviews highlight the transformative potential of MT in alleviating craving and stimulating reflection. Findings from this pilot study are promising but further research through a larger clinical trial is necessary to confirm and expand upon this pilot.
Trial registration.NCT05180617.
Efficacy Evaluation of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Children with Advanced Bone Age
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yang Jingpin , Hou Xiaona , Zhang Xiaojun , Chen Jing , Fu Xingjiao , Wu Yi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective: To explore the treatment effect of recombinant human growth hormone in children advanced bone age, and to provide evidence for its clinical application.
Methods: A total of 25 children with advanced bone age who visited the Children's Hospital in Hebei Province from 2021 to 2024 were selected. Among them, there were 8 cases of idiopathic short stature (ISS) and 7 cases of growth retardation. There were 15 males and 10 females. All patients received recombinant human growth hormone treatment at a dose of 0.17 - 0.18 U/kg.d. The treatment duration was determined based on the treatment effect, economic condition, tolerance to injections, and satisfaction with height, ranging from 3 months to 14 months. The changes before and after treatment were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. The effective rate was 96%. The changes in blood routine, thyroid function, liver and kidney functions, glucose metabolism indicators (fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin), IGF-1, and BP3 were monitored.
Results:The height was significantly improved compared with that before treatment. Before treatment, the patients' height was at -1.63 ± 0.66SD, and after treatment, the final height was at -1.18±0.67SD, with a statistically significant difference. The height growth rate in the first three months of treatment was significantly faster than the growth rate from 3 to 6 months, with a statistically significant difference. There was no significant difference in the treatment effect between males and females at 3 and 6 months. After 3 months of treatment, the FT4 indicator was significantly lower than before treatment, with a statistically significant difference. There was an upward trend in insulin and blood glucose after treatment, but without a statistically significant difference. There was no significant change in glycated hemoglobin before and after treatment. IGF-1 was significantly higher at 6 months and 3 months after treatment than before treatment, and was higher at 6 months than at 3 months, all with statistically significant differences. BP-3 increased at 3 months compared to before treatment, and at 6 months compared to 3 months, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, it was significantly higher at 6 months compared to before treatment, with a statistically significant difference. Total bile acids were significantly higher at 6 months compared to before treatment and at 3 months, with a statistically significant difference. White blood cells were significantly higher at 3 months compared to before treatment, with a statistically significant difference.
Conclusion:Recombinant human growth hormone is effective in treating children with advanced bone age, with significant growth in the first three months of treatment.
A Lyophilizable LNP Vaccine Enables STING-Reinforced Postoperational Adjuvant Immunotherapy
Authors: Yang Yi , Guo Jiaxin , Qi Jialong , Deng Wenxia , Hu Jialin , Hasan Muhammad Waqqas , Deng Fei , Zhou You , Song Zhengji , Deng Wei , Chen Wenjie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy (iCBT) has revolutionized cancer treatment, however, there is a low response rate, especially in treating postsurgical reoccurring tumors. Vaccine based immunotherapy can sensitize iCBT, but its development was largely hindered by inefficient delivery and high requirements of storage. In this study, the vaccine loaded with immunostimulant was employed to improve iCBT-based adjuvant postsurgical therapy. A lyophilized, antigen E7 peptide and manganese ion (Mn2+) co-delivered tumor vaccine was developed based on lipid nanoparticles (EM@LNP). The vaccination efficacy was examined in both prophylactic and therapeutic schemes in murine subcutaneous models, the synergetic effect of vaccination combined with anti-PD-1 therapy was further investigated in post-operative tumor model. EM@LNP vaccination elicited effective CD8+T cell response through modulating tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and conferring immune memory, demonstrating potent immunization in both preventive and therapeutic schemes. What’s more, EM@LNP vaccination orchestrated with iCBT, efficiently repressing tumor recurrence. Further mechanism studies using inhibitor for cells invitro and the investigation using STING−/− mice confirmed that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway activated by Mn2+ is indispensable for LNP vaccination and the coordination with iCBT-based adjuvant immunotherapy. In summary, this study shows a lyophilized LNP vaccine could significantly amplify iCBT efficiency, providing a translational strategy of adjuvant immunotherapy for treating postsurgical tumor recurrence.
Gender Differences in Cannabis as a Mediator Between Distress Factors and Non-Fatal Suicidal Behaviors
Authors: Nayeem Nawar , Bello-Kottenstette Jennifer , Messias Erick , Lin Ping-I D. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Emerging evidence suggests gender-based heterogeneity in suicide risk associated with cannabis use, while the role of cannabis in gender-dependent suicide risk is elusive. The objective of the present study is to determine whether cannabis use contributes differently to the pathway from depression or pain conditions to non-fatal suicidal behaviors (e.g., suicidal ideation, plans, or attempts) in men versus women. We analyzed the data was extracted from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2020–2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Causal mediation analysis was conducted to assess the mediating role of cannabis in the association between depression, pain conditions, and suicide ideation/plan/attempt in two gender groups. A sample of 93,743 individuals aged 18–50 years who participated in the NSDUH survey. Mediation analysis revealed that cannabis use accounted for a greater proportion of the effect of depression on suicidal ideation or attempts in women (mediation fraction: 2.3% for ideation) compared to men (1.2% for ideation). Similarly, cannabis mediated 12.5% (95% CI: 0.081–0.272) of the effect of pain conditions on suicidal ideation in women, versus 5.9% (95% CI: 0.038–0.128) in men. These findings suggest that cannabis plays a more substantial role in non-fatal suicidal behaviors for women than men, particularly in the context of depression and pain conditions. Tailored interventions addressing cannabis use as a self-medication strategy, especially for women, are critical for suicide prevention.
Optimizing Intellectual Capital And Msme Credit To Enhance Rural Bank Performance: Evidence From Jambi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Putra Iwan Eka , Ermaini  , Winarni Etik , Yacob Syahmardi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study examines the impact of Intellectual Capital and MSME credit on the performance of rural banks in Jambi Province, Indonesia, focusing on how these factors drive business growth. Using Panel Data Regression analysis, the research applies three models—the Pooled Least Square (PLS), Common Effect Model (CEM), and Random Effect Model (REM)—to analyze data from rural banks. Results reveal that both Intellectual Capital and MSME credit significantly influence rural bank performance, both individually and collectively. Specifically, Intellectual Capital fosters operational improvements by enhancing the capabilities and professionalism of human resources, while MSME credit supports business growth within these institutions.This study focuses solely on rural banks in Jambi Province, which may limit the applicability of findings to other regions or types of banks. Additionally, the use of cross-sectional data restricts causal inferences. Future research could expand geographically and utilize longitudinal data to explore trends over time.The findings highlight the need for rural banks to invest in human resource development and strategically allocate MSME credit to enhance competitiveness. Policymakers and bank management can leverage these insights to strengthen rural banking performance.By emphasizing the role of rural banks in supporting MSMEs, this study underscores the positive socioeconomic impact of improving credit access in rural communities. Strengthening rural banks can foster local entrepreneurship, reduce financial exclusion, and stimulate regional economic development. This study offers new insights into the combined influence of Intellectual Capital and MSME credit on rural bank performance in Indonesia, particularly in Jambi Province. It is one of the first studies to explore these factors in the context of rural banking, contributing valuable knowledge to the field.
Efficient Modeling of Stationary Interval Processes with Spline and Convolution-based Kernels
Authors: Li Chen , Wu Feng , Yang Yuxiang , Zhang Xiaopeng , Wei Xindi , Zhu Li , Yan Jun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Practical engineering dynamical analyses suffer from time-variant epistemic uncertainty variables. Precise description of time-variant epistemic uncertainties with only limited samples is a challenge to the safe and reliable assessment of engineering structures. Based on the interval process theory, a systematic study on the modeling of time-variant uncertainty quantities with stationary characteristics under the condition of limited samples is conducted. Firstly, by combining the B-spline function with the convolution theory, a novel spline and convolution-based kernel (SCK) method is developed for constructing general stationary covariance functions. Then, by combining the SCK method, stationary characteristics and the nonlinear elimination method, two unconstrained optimization formulations for modeling stationary interval processes are finally established. These two methods can respectively obtain ellipsoids with the minimum volume and the minimum radius that can enclose the time-variant uncertainty samples, thus realizing the efficient modeling of stationary interval processes. Through two numerical examples and two engineering examples, the high efficiency and accuracy of the two proposed SCK-based stationary interval process modeling methods are demonstrated.