bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cross-evaluation of wearable data for use in Parkinson’s disease research: a free-living observational study on Empatica E4, Fitbit Sense, and Oura
Authors: Reithe Haakon , Marty Brice , Torrado Juan C. , Førsund Elise , Husebo Bettina S. , Erdal Ane , Kverneng Simon U. , Sheard Erika , Tzoulis Charalampos , Patrascu Monica 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Established assessment scales used for Parkinson’s disease (PD) have several limitations in tracking symptom progression and fluctuation. Both research and commercial-grade wearables show potential in improving these assessments. However, it is not known whether pervasive and affordable devices can deliver reliable data, suitable for designing open-source unobtrusive around-the-clock assessments. Our aim is to investigate the usefulness of the research-grade wristband Empatica E4, commercial-grade smartwatch Fitbit Sense, and the Oura ring, for PD research.

Method
The study included participants with PD (N = 15) and neurologically healthy controls (N = 16). Data were collected using established assessment scales (Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire, Hoehn and Yahr Stage), self-reported diary (activities, symptoms, sleep, medication times), and 2-week digital data from the three devices collected simultaneously. The analyses comprised three steps: preparation (device characteristics assessment, data extraction and preprocessing), processing (data structuring and visualization, cross-correlation analysis, diary comparison, uptime calculation), and evaluation (usability, availability, statistical analyses).

Results
We found large variation in data characteristics and unsatisfactory cross-correlation. Due to output incongruences, only heart rate and movement could be assessed across devices. Empatica E4 and Fitbit Sense outperformed Oura in reflecting self-reported activities. Results show a weak output correlation and significant differences. The uptime was good, but Oura did not record heart rate and movement concomitantly. We also found variation in terms of access to raw data, sampling rate and level of device-native processing, ease of use, retrieval of data, and design. We graded the system usability of Fitbit Sense as good, Empatica E4 as poor, with Oura in the middle.

Conclusions
In this study we identified a set of characteristics necessary for PD research: ease of handling, cleaning, data retrieval, access to raw data, score calculation transparency, long battery life, sufficient storage, higher sampling frequencies, software and hardware reliability, transparency. The three analyzed devices are not interchangeable and, based on data features, none were deemed optimal for PD research, but they all have the potential to provide suitable specifications in future iterations.
The efferocytosis dilemma: how neutrophil extracellular traps and PI3K/Rac1 complicate diabetic wound healing
Authors: Xie Yulin , Yang Jiaman , Zhu He , Yang Rongya , Fan Yunlong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Aims/hypothesis
The resolution of apoptotic cells (ACs) is crucial for wound healing and tissue remodeling and is often impaired by persistent inflammation. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) on diabetic wound healing by targeting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (PI3K/Rac1) signaling pathway, which is pivotal for macrophage efferocytosis.

Methods
A streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model was used to assess the impact of NETs on efferocytosis in vivo. The effects of NETs on macrophage efferocytosis and wound healing were evaluated using specific inhibitors and agonists targeting the PI3K/Rac1 pathway. In vitro, macrophages from diabetic wounds or cell lines (Raw264.7) were treated with NETs and a panel of pharmacological agents of the PI3K/Rac1 pathway to evaluate macrophage efferocytosis.

Results
NETs were found to inhibit macrophage efferocytosis, resulting in delayed clearance of ACs that accumulate within the wounds. Inhibition of NET formation in diabetic mice rescued impaired efferocytosis, accompanied by reactivation of PI3K and Rac1 in macrophages. Moreover, pharmacological agents targeting the PI3K/Rac1 pathway restored NETs-induced impairment in efferocytosis, leading to rapid wound healing. Raw264.7 cells exhibited elevated activation levels of PI3K and Rac1 when co-cultured with ACs in vitro. Nevertheless, this signaling activation was inhibited when cultured in a NETs-conditioned medium, leading to attenuated efferocytosis.

Conclusions/interpretation
Targeting NETs and the PI3K/Rac1 pathway emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy to enhance healing in diabetic wounds by promoting macrophage efferocytosis.
What kind of support do firms prefer to hire apprentices in a recession?
Authors: Ramirez José V. , Weber Sylvain 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Apprenticeship training is strongly developed in Switzerland. During the Covid-19 pandemic, training firms however faced severe difficulties and many decided not to (or were unable to) hire apprentices. To minimize negative consequences, authorities from the canton of Geneva introduced a series of measures to support the creation of apprenticeship positions in 2020, among which the following four key measures for firms signing a new apprenticeship contract: (i) refund of the first three months of the apprentice’s wage, (ii) premium of CHF 3,000 for hiring an apprentice for the first time, (iii) premium of CHF 10,000 for firms who build a new network to jointly hire and train an apprentice, and (iv) three months’ notice for contract start date. Using a discrete choice experiment, answered by more than 800 employers, we investigate the firms’ preferences regarding the support measures. The refund of apprentices’ wage stands out as the preferred measure overall, regardless of firm size and training behavior (i.e., training or non-training). The other financial measures seem less desirable, but nevertheless have a positive impact on small firms’ decisions.
Neuronal TDP-43 aggregation drives changes in microglial morphology prior to immunophenotype in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Swanson Molly E. V. , Mrkela Miran , Turner Clinton , Curtis Maurice A. , Faull Richard L. M. , Walker Adam K. , Scotter Emma L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Microglia are the innate immune cells of the brain with the capacity to react to damage or disease. Microglial reactions can be characterised in post-mortem tissues by assessing their pattern of protein expression, or immunophenotypes, and cell morphologies. We recently demonstrated that microglia have a phagocytic immunophenotype in early-stage ALS but transition to a dysfunctional immunophenotype by end stage, and that these states are driven by TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) aggregation in the human brain. However, it remains unclear how microglial morphologies are changed in ALS. Here we examine the relationship between microglial immunophenotypes and morphologies, and TDP-43 pathology in motor cortex tissue from people with ALS and from a TDP-43-driven ALS mouse model. Post-mortem human brain tissue from 10 control and 10 ALS cases was analysed alongside brain tissue from the bigenic NEFH-tTA/tetO-hTDP-43∆NLS (rNLS) mouse model of ALS at distinct disease stages. Sections were immunohistochemically labelled for microglial markers (HLA-DR, CD68, and Iba1) and phosphorylated TDP-43 (pTDP-43). Single-cell microglial HLA-DR, CD68, and Iba1 average intensities, and morphological features (cell body area, process number, total outgrowth, and branch number) were measured using custom image analysis pipelines. In human ALS motor cortex, we identified a significant change in microglial morphologies from ramified to hypertrophic, which was associated with increased Iba1 and CD68 levels. In the rNLS mouse motor cortex, the microglial morphologies changed from ramified to hypertrophic and increased Iba1 levels occurred in parallel with pTDP-43 aggregation, prior to increases in CD68 levels. Overall, the evidence presented in this study demonstrates that microglia change their morphologies prior to immunophenotype changes. These morphological changes may prime microglia near neurons with pTDP-43 aggregation for phagocytosis, in turn triggering immunophenotype changes; first, to a phagocytic state then to a dysfunctional one.
Emotion recognition for enhanced learning: using AI to detect students’ emotions and adjust teaching methods
Authors: Salloum Said A. , Alomari Khaled Mohammad , Alfaisal Aseel M. , Aljanada Rose A. , Basiouni Azza 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence in educational environments has the potential to revolutionize teaching and learning by enabling real-time analysis of students’ emotions, which are crucial determinants of engagement, motivation, and learning outcomes. However, accurately detecting and responding to these emotions remains a significant challenge, particularly in online and remote learning settings where direct teacher-student interactions are limited. Traditional educational approaches often fail to account for the emotional states of students, which can lead to disengagement and reduced learning effectiveness. The current study addresses this problem by developing a refined convolutional neural network (CNN) model designed to detect students’ emotions with high accuracy, using the FER2013 facial expression recognition dataset. The methodology involved preprocessing the dataset, including normalization and augmentation techniques, to ensure robustness and generalizability of the model. The CNN architecture was carefully designed with multiple convolutional, batch normalization, and dropout layers to optimize its ability to classify seven basic emotions: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, surprise, and neutral. The model was trained and validated on an 80-20 split of the dataset, with additional measures such as learning rate reduction and early stopping implemented to enhance performance and prevent overfitting. The results demonstrated that the CNN model achieved a test accuracy of 95%, with consistently high precision and recall across all emotion categories. This high level of accuracy indicates that the model is effective at recognizing subtle differences in facial expressions, making it suitable for real-time application in educational settings.
Total lesion glycolysis of primary tumor and lymphnodes is a strong predictor for development of distant metastases in oropharyngeal carcinoma patients with independent validation in automatically delineated lesions
Authors: Zschaeck Sebastian , Hajiyianni Marina , Hausmann Patrick , Nikulin Pavel , Kukuk Emily , Furth Christian , Cegla Paulina , Lombardo Elia , Kazmierska Joanna , Holzgreve Adrien , Strouthos Iosif , Stromberger Carmen , Belka Claus , Baumann Michael , Krause Mechthild , Landry Guillaume , Cholewinski Witold , Kotzerke Jorg , Zips Daniel , van den Hoff Jörg , Hofheinz Frank 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Oropharyngeal carcinomas are characterized by an increasing incidence and a relatively good prognosis. Nonetheless, a considerable number of patients develops metachronous distant metastases; identification of these patients is an urgent medical need.

Methods
This is a retrospective multicenter evaluation of 431 patients. All patients underwent [18F]-FDG positron emission tomography (PET). The cohort was split into an explorative group (n = 366) and a validation group (n = 65). Lesions were manually delineated in the explorative group and automatically delineated by a convolutional neuronal network (CNN) in the validation group. Quantitative PET parameters standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) were calculated for primary tumors (prim) and tumor plus lymphnodes (all). Association of parameters with freedom from distant metastases (FFDM) and overall survival (OS) was tested by cox regression analyses.

Results
In the explorative group, univariate analyses revealed an association of metric MTVprim (p = 0.022), MTVall (p < 0.001) and TLGall (p < 0.001) with FFDM, binarized parameters were also associated with FFDM (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). Bootstrap analyses revealed a significantly better association of TLGall compared to TLGprim with FFDM (p = 0.02). MTVall and TLGall remained significantly associated with FFDM upon multivariate testing (p = 0.002, p = 0.031, respectively). In the validation group, the cutoff value for TLGall but not for TLGprim was significantly associated with FFDM (HR = 3.1, p = 0.045). Additional analyses with manually delineated contours of the validation cohort revealed a similar effect (HR = 3.47, p = 0.026). No considerable differences between HPV positive and negative disease were observed.

Conclusions
TLGall is a promising biomarker to select OPC patients with high risk for metachronous distant metastases.
An integrated quantitative framework for exploring sustainable scenarios in urban agriculture planning
Authors: Lin Zih-Ee , Lin Yin-Chi , Lee Mengshan , Chiueh Pei-Te , Wu Chun-Wei , Chang Yu-Sen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Urban agriculture, encompassing ground farming, rooftop gardens, and greenhouses at building or community scales, offers solutions to various urban challenges. While existing research often focuses on resource use (food production and water and energy demands) of urban agriculture, its impact extends beyond physical resources. Additionally, the varied strategies for planning edible cities imply potential trade-offs among urban priorities. This study addresses this gap by proposing an integrated framework that incorporates land use classification, the generation of urban agricultural design scenarios, and the quantitative assessment of environmental impacts. This framework allows for a comprehensive understanding of benefits and trade-offs associated with different urban agriculture plans at the city scale. Taipei, Taiwan, serves as a case study to demonstrate the framework's feasibility. The analysis reveals that 9.4% of Taipei's area holds potential for urban agriculture, with half of this area comprised of small-scale ground plots scattered throughout existing urban green spaces. Sixteen potential urban agriculture scenarios were identified, considering factors like farming scale, farming style, cultivation method, and plant species. The quantitative assessment highlights trade-offs: planting food crops enhances food supply, while ornamental plants significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect. The proposed integrated framework can be applied to any city with adjusted factors. Through this integrated framework, alternative urban agricultural plans can be evaluated, facilitating informed decision-making towards a more sustainable urban future.
Multi-societal expert consensus statement on the safe administration of ultrasound contrast agents
Authors: Strom Jordan B. , Appis Andrew , Barr Richard G. , Chammas Maria Cristina , Clevert Dirk-André , Darge Kassa , Feinstein Linda , Feinstein Steven B. , Fowlkes J. Brian , Gorman Beverly , Huang Pintong , Kono Yuko , Lopez-Mattei Juan , Lyshchik Andrej , Main Michael L. , Matthias Wilson , Merrill Christina , Mulvagh Sharon L. , Nihoyannopoulos Petros , Olson Joan , Piscaglia Fabio , Porter Thomas , Rabischoffsky Arnaldo , Senior Roxy , Stout Jessica L. , Stanczak Maria , Wilson Stephanie R. ,   the International Contrast Ultrasound Society with endorsement from the British Society of Echocardiography,   the Canadian Society of Echocardiography,   the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography,   the Society for Pediatric Radiology,   the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology,   the Brazilian College of Radiology,   the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography,   the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association,   the American Society of Neuroimaging and affirmation/support from the American Society of Echocardiography,   the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a safe, reliable imaging option to establish a clinical diagnosis across a variety of multidisciplinary settings. This Expert Consensus Statement serves to outline expert opinion on what constitutes appropriate supervision and the essential components of safe CEUS practice. The purpose of this document is to empower institutions to allow sonographers, along with other trained medical professionals, to administer UCAs at the point of care, consistent with the updated scope of practice documentation and within the broad parameters of an individual’s training and licensure, while subject to appropriate supervision and meeting or exceeding minimum safety standards. This guidance was developed by the International Contrast Ultrasound Society and endorsed by the following organizations that represent ultrasound professionals: the British Society of Echocardiography, the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the Brazilian College of Radiology, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, and the American Society of Neuroimaging. Additionally, this guidance document was affirmed or supported by the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular Ultrasound.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Promising Therapeutic Targets for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Jerlhag Elisabet 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is abundant in the circulation, and it is well-known to regulate glucose homeostasis, feeding, and body weight. GLP-1 receptor agonists are therefore approved for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, more recent research has demonstrated that GLP-1 acts within the brain to modulate reward responses, thereby highlighting GLP-1 as a potential target for addiction. Specifically, preclinical studies demonstrated that GLP-1 receptor agonists decrease alcohol intake, reduce the motivation to consume alcohol, and prevent relapse drinking by potentially lowering alcohol-induced reward. These preclinical results have been confirmed and extended in human studies in which GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce alcohol intake in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD), who have a regular weight or co-morbidity of obesity or type 2 diabetes. On a similar note, genetic variations in genes encoding for the GLP-1 receptor are associated with AUD and heavy drinking. Although the central mechanisms by which GLP-1 regulates alcohol-related behaviors are not fully defined, but may involve areas central to reward as well as regions projecting to these reward areas such as the nucleus tractus solitarius of the brainstem. Together, existing preclinical and clinical data suggest that GLP-1 is involved in the AUD process and implies its role as a tentative treatment for AUD.
Secretagogin Is Highly Expressed in Enteroendocrine K Cells and Plays a Critical Role in Nutrient-Induced GIP Secretion
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Liu Xuan , Hu Yuanyuan , Wang Xin , Yang Xin , Yan Bin , Zhou Yiting , Zhou Lingzhi , Fan Gang , Yang Jing 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Context
Incretin hormones, primarily composed of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are secreted by enteroendocrine cells (EECs) and play crucial roles in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. Notably, GIP accounts for two-thirds of the entire incretin effect. However, the secretion and function of GIP are impaired in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the regulatory mechanisms governing GIP secretion remain unclear.

Objective
Our study aims to explore the role of an EEC-enriched protein, Secretagogin (SCGN), in the regulation of GIP secretion.

Methods
We collected duodenal tissues from both humans and mice to observe the colocalization of SCGN and GIP in EECs. Additionally, we utilized human cohorts and gene-edited mouse models to investigate the effect of SCGN on GIP secretion. Our study included 128 subjects, comprising 64 individuals diagnosed with newly onset diabetes and 64 age- and sex-matched nondiabetic healthy controls. At the animal level, we employed leptin receptor–deficient (db/db) mice and Scgn knockout mice for our investigations.

Results
Our findings indicate that SCGN is abundantly expressed in GIP-producing K cells within the intestinal epithelium of both humans and mice. We observed a positive correlation between SCGN and GIP levels in postprandial states among patients with T2DM, db/db mice, and their healthy controls. Notably, Scgn knockout mice exhibited decreased GIP and insulin secretion. However, SCGN deficiency did not affect K-cell number, GIP mRNA expression, or intestinal morphology.

Conclusion
Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SCGN is a key regulator of nutrient-induced GIP secretion.
Resting Energy Expenditure and Metabolic Features in Children with Septo-Optic Dysplasia
Authors: Cullingford David J , Curran Jacqueline A , Abraham Mary B , Siafarikas Aris , Blackmore A Marie , Downs Jenny , Choong Catherine S Y 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To characterise resting energy expenditure (REE) and other metabolic features in patients with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and evaluate relationships with elevated body mass index (BMI).

Methods
Children with SOD above 5 years of age attending Perth Children’s Hospital participated. A CosMED Q-NRG indirect calorimeter was used to calculate mean measure REE (mREE). This was compared to predictive REE (pREE) based on the Schofield equation to determine mREE/pREE quotient. A BMI z-score &gt;1 was considered elevated. Parents/carers completed a questionnaire about pituitary function, the Hyperphagia Questionnaire and the Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC).

Results
Twenty-six participants underwent testing (nine female, mean age 12.1 years) with eleven having elevated BMI and fifteen with pituitary hormone deficiencies. Mean mREE was 1309kCal/day (838-1732), mREE/pREE quotient was 88.8% ± 10.1). mREE/pREE quotient was similar in those with elevated BMI compared to normal BMI (83.3% ± 12.5 vs 92.1% ± 7.2, p=0.068). Those with midline defects had a higher mREE/pREE quotient (91.8% ± 8.1 vs 80.4% ± 11.3, p=0.026). Hyperphagia and SDSC scores were similar between BMI groups. Hyperphagia domain scores were higher in children with multiple hypopituitarism, pituitary structural defects, and normal septum pellucidum (p=0.044, 0.042 and 0.033 respectively)

Conclusion
Children with SOD had lower mREE than predicted and hyperphagia scores were higher in those with biochemical or structural pituitary changes, suggesting that hypothalamic dysfunction could drive BMI elevation in SOD. Indirect calorimetry may be used to guide the management of overweight and obesity in SOD.