bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Principal component analysis of texture features derived from FDG PET images of melanoma lesions
Authors: Anne-Leen DeLeu , Machaba Sathekge , Alex Maes , Bart De Spiegeleer , Laurence Beels , Mike Sathekge , Hans Pottel , Van de Wiele Christophe 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
The clinical utility of radiomics is hampered by a high correlation between the large number of features analysed which may result in the “bouncing beta” phenomenon which could in part explain why in a similar patient population texture features identified and/or cut-off values of prognostic significance differ from one study to another. Principal component analysis (PCA) is a technique for reducing the dimensionality of large datasets containing highly correlated variables, such as texture feature datasets derived from FDG PET images, increasing data interpretability whilst at the same time minimizing information loss by creating new uncorrelated variables that successively maximize variance. Here, we report on PCA of a texture feature dataset derived from 123 malignant melanoma lesions with a significant range in lesion size using the freely available LIFEx software.

Results
Thirty-eight features were derived from all lesions. All features were standardized. The statistical assumptions for carrying out PCA analysis were met. Seven principal components with an eigenvalue > 1 were identified. Based on the “elbow sign” of the Scree plot, only the first five were retained. The contribution to the total variance of these components derived using Varimax rotation was, respectively, 30.6%, 23.6%, 16.1%, 7.4% and 4.1%. The components provided summarized information on the locoregional FDG distribution with an emphasis on high FDG uptake regions, contrast in FDG uptake values (steepness), tumour volume, locoregional FDG distribution with an emphasis on low FDG uptake regions and on the rapidity of changes in SUV intensity between different regions.

Conclusions
PCA allowed to reduce the dataset of 38 features to a set of 5 uncorrelated new variables explaining approximately 82% of the total variance contained within the dataset. These principal components may prove more useful for multiple regression analysis considering the relatively low numbers of patients usually included in clinical trials on FDG PET texture analysis. Studies assessing the superior differential diagnostic, predictive or prognostic value of principal components derived using PCA as opposed to the initial texture features in clinical relevant settings are warranted.
Consumer choices under new payment methods
Authors: Son Jaemin , Bilgin Mehmet Huseyin , Ryu Doojin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study suggests a payment portfolio model that includes new payment methods that have emerged from the development of cryptocurrency markets and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Our model analyzes the optimal payment choice for consumers under various macroeconomic conditions. We determine that an individual economic agent chooses payment methods under specific conditions by incorporating policy interest rates on CBDCs and stablecoins used on cryptocurrency exchanges. We analyze the impacts of CBDCs and stablecoins on the choice of whether to use cash or deposits. We also examine how the agent changes her portfolio compositions in response to exogenous macroeconomic policies. If a government replaces cash with a CBDC, the convenience of digital currency would not affect consumer choices. The higher the government’s interest rate on CBDCs, the more consumers will use CBDCs than deposits.
Immediate pressor response to oral salt and its assessment in the clinic: a time series clinical trial
Authors: Masenga Sepiso K. , Pilic Leta , Hamooya Benson M. , Nzala Selestine , Heimburger Douglas C. , Mutale Wilbroad , Koethe John R. , Kirabo Annet , Munsaka Sody M. , Elijovich Fernando 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
High blood pressure (BP) is associated with high-salt consumption especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the pressor effect of salt is viewed as a chronic effect, some studies suggest that a salty meal may increase BP immediately in some individuals, and that this effect may cause endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of our research was to study the immediate pressor response to oral salt (IPROS) and its determinants, with the expectation that a simple methodology may be devised to diagnose it in the clinic or in low-resource environments.

Methods
We conducted a time series trial at Livingstone Central Hospital. We present data in 127 normotensive participants who ingested 2 g of sodium chloride; their BP was monitored for 120 minutes in intervals of 10 minutes. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analyses of data.

Results
Median age was 30 years (interquartile range, 22–46 years) and 52% were female patients. An increase of ≥10 mmHg in mean arterial pressure (MAP), considered a clinically significant IPROS, was present in 62% of participants. Systolic BP 30 minutes after the salt load was a significant predictor of IPROS, avoiding the need to calculate MAP in the clinic setting.

Conclusions
We confirm the presence of an IPROS in a high proportion (62%) of otherwise normotensive participants. The average time course for this response was 30 minutes and its duration was sustained for the 120-minutes period of study in most of the participants. Prediction of IPROS by ∆SBP (change in systolic blood pressure) at 30 minutes allows for easy assessment of possible responder status in the clinic. Our data indicate that the IPROS to oral salt-loads in the range currently consumed by the Western world and African populations in single meals may increase the 24-hour BP load, which is a risk factor for hypertension and target organ damage. The relevance of our findings indicates the need to include dietary sodium assessment in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of high BP.
Anatomical and functional outcomes of retinal detachment associated with nontraumatic giant retinal tears compared to simple rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Garneau Jérôme , Hébert Mélanie , You Eunice , Bourgault Serge , Caissie Mathieu , Tourville Éric , Dirani Ali 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To compare the functional and anatomical outcomes of primary surgery in patients with giant retinal tear (GRT)-associated retinal detachment (GRT-RD) to patients with simple rhegmatogenous RD (RRD).

Methods
This is a retrospective study at the CHU de Québec - Université Laval. Medical records of all consecutive patients operated for RD between 2014 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients with GRT-RD and RRD were included. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were compared between both groups, including extension of giant tears, number of RD quadrants, preoperative macula and lens status, type of surgery, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) preoperatively and at follow-up, and single surgery anatomical success (SASS).

Results
There were 39 patients (1.7%) with GRT-RD and 1661 patients (74%) with RRD. Median [Q1, Q3] ages were 59 [52, 62] years and 62 [56, 69] years (p = 0.003), while number of affected quadrants were 2 [2, 3] and 2 [2, 3] (p = 0.96) in GRT-RD and RRD patients, respectively. In GRT-RD patients, GRT size was 120 [90, 150] degrees. Final BCVA was 0.30 [0.10, 0.30] and 0.30 [0.10, 0.40] (p = 0.76) in GRT and RRD patients, respectively. SSAS was 82% (32/39) in the GRT-associated-RD group and 90% (1495/1661) in the RRD group (p = 0.10). After correcting for other preoperative factors, GRT was a risk factor for worse SSAS (odds ratio: 0.422, p = 0.047).

Conclusions
GRT-RD is still challenging to treat, and our results suggest that it is a risk factor for poorer SSAS.
Chinese translation and validation of the adolescent sleep wake scale
Authors: Yang Ya-Ting Carolyn , Chang Han-Yun , Hsu Chung-Yao , Lin Cheng-Yu , Zeitzer Jamie M 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Inadequate sleep is a problem for teens world-wide. Identifying the biological and cultural factors that underlie this phenomenon is dependent on tools that can accurately query sleep-related behaviors. While there are many sleep-related questionnaires available in English, there are a paucity of validated Chinese language versions. As such, it was the purpose of this study to translate the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale into Chinese and to provide a preliminary validation of this questionnaire.

Methods
We used a dual forward translation-back translation approach to translate the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale into Chinese. We then tested the sensitivity, specificity, and internal consistency of the translated questionnaire using 517 adolescents from Taiwan. Preliminary criterion validity was examined through comparison with a measure of chronotype, with the a priori assumption that evening chronotypes would have worse sleep-related behavior.

Results
Internal consistency for both the overall scale (α = .86) and five subscales (α’s > .81) were good. These five subscales explained 62.6% of the total variance. Confirmatory Factory Analysis indicated a good fit of the data. The overall scale and each of the subscales also showed the expected relationship with chronotype, with worse sleep-related behavior in evening-types.

Conclusion
Our Chinese translation of the Adolescent Sleep Wake Scale is valid and has preliminary criterion validity. This can be a useful tool to explore sleep quality among Chinese-speaking adolescents as well as cross-cultural aspects of sleep behavior between Chinese- and English-speaking adolescents.
In silico analysis and the pathogenicity classification of PTS gene variants among Iranian population
Authors: Khamooshian Sahand , Kazeminia Mohsen , Moradi Keivan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
6-Pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by PTS gene mutations. The aim of this study was to collect all PTS gene variants detected among Iranian patients with PTPS deficiency as well as in the Iranome project and classify them based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG-AMP) guidelines.

Results
The number of PTS gene variants reported among Iranian PTPS patients and in the Iranome project were 19 and 36, respectively. Given that one variant was reported in both of our sources, the total number of variants was 54. These variants were classified as pathogenic (n = 11), likely pathogenic (n = 7), VUS (n = 23), likely benign (n = 1), and benign (n = 12). Out of 19 variants reported among Iranian PTPS patients, c.155A>G (p.Asn52Ser, rs104894275) and c.317C>T (p.Thr106Met, rs200712908) were the most frequent ones, each with a frequency of 10%. c.84-3C>G (rs1230781262) (7.5%) and c.281A>T (p.Asp94Val) (5%) were in the next ranks of the list of variants.

Conclusions
The ACMG-AMP criteria need to be updated depending on the type of disease. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, no template has been described for classifying the variants identified in PTPS deficiency. Therefore, this study can be a good reference for future studies in this subject.
Loan repayment among group borrowers in Tanzania: the role of relationship quality
Authors: Tegambwage Amani Gration , Kasoga Pendo Shukrani 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAlthough the social capital, in terms of stronger interpersonal relationships between group borrowers, has been found to exert a positive impact on group loan repayment, there is no existing research that has endeavored to study the influence of relationship quality between individual group borrowers on group loan repayment. Therefore, this study seeks to understand the impact of relationship quality and its dimensions on group loan repayment using data gathered from a survey of 450 joint liability borrowers. The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings indicate that relationship quality and its dimensions do not influence group loan repayment, suggesting that follow-up loans provide incentives to repay. Commitment, trust, and satisfaction are affirmed as dimensions of relationship quality between individual group members, with trust exerting the strongest influence. Potential group borrowers need to self-select and screen each other based on relationship quality factors, particularly trust, to reduce opportunistic behavior.
Transcriptomics in Tumor and Normal Lung Tissues Identify Patients With Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With High Risk of Postsurgery Recurrence Who May Benefit From Adjuvant Therapies
Authors: Lazar Vladimir , Girard Nicolas , Raymond Eric , Martini Jean-François , Galbraith Susan , Raynaud Jacques , Bresson Catherine , Solomon Benjamin , Magidi Shai , Nechushtan Hovav , Onn Amir , Berger Raanan , Chen Haiquan , Al-Omari Amal , Ikeda Sadakatsu , Lassen Ulrik , Sekacheva Marina , Felip Enriqueta , Tabernero Josep , Batist Gerald , Spatz Alan , Pramesh C.S. , Girard Philippe , Blay Jean-Yves , Philip Thierry , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Porgador Angel , Rubin Eitan , Kurzrock Razelle , Schilsky Richard L. 
Published: September 2022

PURPOSEThe prognosis of patients with non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), traditionally determined by anatomic histology and TNM staging, neglects the biological features of the tumor that may be important in determining patient outcome and guiding therapeutic interventions. Identifying patients with NSCLC at increased risk of recurrence after curative-intent surgery remains an important unmet need so that known effective adjuvant treatments can be offered to those at highest risk of recurrence.METHODSRelative gene expression level in the primary tumor and normal bronchial tissues was used to retrospectively assess their association with disease-free survival (DFS) in a cohort of 120 patients with NSCLC who underwent curative-intent surgery.RESULTSLow versus high Digital Display Precision Predictor (DDPP) score (a measure of relative gene expression) was significantly associated with shorter DFS (highest recurrence risk; P = .006) in all patients and in patients with TNM stages 1-2 ( P = .00051; n = 83). For patients with stages 1-2 and low DDPP score (n = 29), adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved DFS ( P = .0041). High co-overexpression of CTLA-4, PD-L1, and ICOS in normal lung (28 of 120 patients) was also significantly associated with decreased DFS ( P = .0013), suggesting an immune tolerance to tumor neoantigens in some patients. Patients with DDPP low and immunotolerant normal tissue had the shortest DFS ( P = 2.12E–11).CONCLUSIONTNM stage, DDPP score, and immune competence status of normal lung are independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Our findings open new avenues for prospective prognostic assessment and treatment assignment on the basis of transcriptomic profiling of tumor and normal lung tissue in patients with NSCLC.
Muscle Performance during the Menstrual Cycle Correlates with Psychological Well-Being, but Not Fluctuations in Sex Hormones
Authors: DAM TINE VRIST , DALGAARD LINE BARNER , SEVDALIS VASSILIS , BIBBY BO MARTIN , JANSE DE JONGE XANNE , GRAVHOLT CLAUS H. , HANSEN METTE 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT

Purpose
We aimed to study variations in strength and power performance during the menstrual cycle (MC) in eumenorrheic young women and during the pill cycle in oral contraceptives (OC) users.

Methods
Forty healthy, normal-weight women between 18 and 35 yr (n = 30 eumenorrheic women; n = 10 OC users) completed this prospective cohort study. Seven to nine times during the MC/pill-cycle, the participants completed a physical performance test series, a questionnaire about psychological well-being, blood sampling, and determination of body mass. The physical tests included isometric handgrip strength, elbow flexor strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and a 10-s Wingate bike test.

Results
No direct correlation was observed between the variations in sex hormones and physical performance parameters. However, positive correlations were observed between physical performance outcomes and self-reported motivation, perception of own physical performance level, pleasure level, and arousal level. CMJ was 6% lower in the late luteal phase (LL) compared with the midluteal phase (ML) (P = 0.04). Wingate peak power was 3% lower in early follicular (EF) compared with the ML (P = 0.04). Furthermore, Wingate average power was 2%–5% lower in LL compared with all other MC phases. In line with these observations, physical pain was higher in EF and LL, and the pleasure level was lower in EF compared with the other MC phases. In OC users, we observed no variation in performance and self-reported parameters between the placebo-pill phase and the OC-pill phase.

Conclusions
Impairments in CMJ and Wingate performance were observed at the end and start of MC compared with other MC phases, which were associated with lower psychological well-being, but not the sex hormone fluctuations.
The impact of spinal fusion of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in Salah (Islamic Prayer) movement: a case-control study
Authors: Irianto Komang Agung , Firas Naufal Ranadi , Binti Carlos Gracia Supriantono , Tinduh Damayanti , Sakti Yudha Mathan , De Vega Brigita 
Published: September 2022

Background: Corrective spine surgery is widely accepted for treating severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Postoperative spinal range of motion (ROM) could be affected after such surgery. In certain populations, such as Muslims, this ROM change can impact daily life, as it may affect the five-times-a-day prayer (Salah). This study aims to assess the influence of spinal fusion (SF) in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) during the daily Islamic prayer (Salah). Methods: SF-AIS patients were videoed while performing Salah prayer. The kinematic documentation was assessed and compared to Salah movements of a control group of age-matched Muslim AIS patients, who had not had surgery. The prayer quality changes were subjectively classified into improved, no change/remained, and worsened, according to the Global Perceived Effect (GPE). Functional outcome and pain were assessed by the Scoliosis Research Society Questionnaire Version 30 (SRS-30). Results: Thirty-nine women and five men (mean age±SD: 14.8±2.3 years) met the inclusion criteria, and unoperated AIS patients were used as control (twenty-two women, mean age±SD: 15.32±1.43 years). The prostrations ROM of the SF-AIS group differed significantly from the control group (p<0.05). The GPE of the prayer movement showed improvement in 36.4%, no change in 59.1%, and worsening in 4.5% of the SF-AIS patients. The worsened group had a significantly lower bowing ROM and higher prostrations ROM compared to all groups of prayer quality changes (p<0.05). SRS-30 scores showed good outcomes (function 4.0±0.2, pain 4.2±0.5), along with the overall bowing ROM and prostrations ROM (84.2±12.0o and 53.4±9.6o, respectively). Moreover, a significant moderate positive correlation between the bowing ROM and pain (r=0.417, p=0.007) was also found. Conclusion: Spinal fusion positively affects AIS Islamic patients in maintaining their daily Salah movement, ROM and prayer quality. Prayer quality assessment should be given extra attention as an adjuvant of the SRS-30 questionnaire to evaluate Muslim patients.
Stage 1 Registered Report: Refinement of tickling protocols to improve positive animal welfare in laboratory rats
Authors: Bombail Vincent , Brown Sarah M. , Martin Jessica E. , Meddle Simone L. , Mendl Michael , Robinson Emma S.J. , Hammond Tayla J. , Nielsen Birte L. , LaFollette Megan R. , Vinuela-Fernandez Ignacio , Tivey Emma K.L. , Lawrence Alistair B. 
Published: September 2022

Rat tickling is a heterospecific interaction for experimenters to mimic the interactions of rat play, where they produce 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalisations (USV), symptoms of positive affect; tickling can improve laboratory rat welfare. The standard rat tickling protocol involves gently pinning the rat in a supine position. However, individual response to this protocol varies. This suggests there is a risk that some rats may perceive tickling as only a neutral experience, while others as a positive one, depending on how tickling is performed. Based on our research experiences of the standard tickling protocol we have developed a playful handling (PH) protocol, with reduced emphasis on pinning, intended to mimic more closely the dynamic nature of play. We will test whether our PH protocol gives rise to more uniform increases in positive affect across individuals relative to protocols involving pinning. We will compare the response of juvenile male and female Wistar rats as: Control (hand remains still against the side of the test arena), P0 (PH with no pinning), P1 (PH with one pin), P4 (PH with four pins). P1 and P4 consist of a background of PH, with treatments involving administration of an increasing dosage of pinning per PH session. We hypothesise that rats exposed to handling protocols that maximise playful interactions (where pinning number per session decreases) will show an overall increase in total 50 kHz USV as an indicator of positive affect, with less variability. We will explore whether behavioural and physiological changes associated with alterations in PH experience are less variable. We propose that maximising the numbers of rats experiencing tickling as a positive experience will reduce the variation in response variables affected by tickling and increase the repeatability of research where tickling is applied either as a social enrichment or as a treatment.
Chromatin structure can introduce systematic biases in genome-wide analyses of Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Baumgarten Sebastian , Bryant Jessica 
Published: September 2022

Background: The maintenance, regulation, and dynamics of heterochromatin in the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has drawn increasing attention due to its regulatory role in mutually exclusive virulence gene expression and the silencing of key developmental regulators. The advent of genome-wide analyses such as chromatin-immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq) has been instrumental in understanding chromatin composition; however, even in model organisms, ChIP-seq experiments are susceptible to intrinsic experimental biases arising from underlying chromatin structure. Methods: We performed a control ChIP-seq experiment, re-analyzed previously published ChIP-seq datasets and compared different analysis approaches to characterize biases of genome-wide analyses in P. falciparum. Results: We found that heterochromatic regions in input control samples used for ChIP-seq normalization are systematically underrepresented in regard to sequencing coverage across the P. falciparum genome. This underrepresentation, in combination with a non-specific or inefficient immunoprecipitation, can lead to the identification of false enrichment and peaks across these regions. We observed that such biases can also be seen at background levels in specific and efficient ChIP-seq experiments. We further report on how different read mapping approaches can also skew sequencing coverage within highly similar subtelomeric regions and virulence gene families. To ameliorate these issues, we discuss orthogonal methods that can be used to characterize bona fide chromatin-associated proteins. Conclusions: Our results highlight the impact of chromatin structure on genome-wide analyses in the parasite and the need for caution when characterizing chromatin-associated proteins and features.