bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Mixed Method Approach for Analyzing Drivers of Land Use Land Cover Change in the Northwestern Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Bogale Temesgen , Damene Shimeles , Seyoum Aseffa , Haregeweyn Nigussie
Published: March 2024

This study gives empirical evidence on the drivers of land use land cover change by conducting qualitative assessment first, and then making use of time series data for quantifying the relationship between land use land cover change and factors that cause the change. Analyzing the drivers of land use land cover change employing a mixed method approach gives good ground for the selection of exogenous variables as well as justification of the results of the quantitative analysis. Temporal changes of land use land cover in a given time are interdependent with changes in the previous years which needs time series data analysis. Vector autoregressive models with exogenous variables were used to analyze the time series data. The findings revealed demographic and environmental factors were the main causes of land use and land cover change. Population growth was found among the key drivers for losses of the natural vegetation on the one hand and rehabilitation of bare lands and grazing lands on the other hand, through contributing productive labor force for rehabilitating gullies, construction of soil and water conservation structures, and plantations of trees on degraded lands. This implies population growth can be an opportunity or a threat for sustainable natural resources management depending on how the available labor force is used. Climatic factors like maximum temperature and precipitation were also important causes of change in land use land cover. The study has important contributions to improving land use practices through designing appropriate land resources management policies.
Risk assessment of a national railway infrastructure due to sea-level rise: a theoretical framework concerning the Italian coastal railways
Authors: Ricciardi Guglielmo , Ellena Marta , Barbato Giuliana , Alcaras Emanuele , Parente Claudio , Carcasi Giuseppe , Zarelli Cristiano , Franciosi Alberto , Mercogliano Paola
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, within the built environment, railway infrastructures play a key role to sustain national policies oriented toward promoting sustainable mobility. For this reason, national institutions and infrastructure managers need to increase their awareness in relation to the current and future climate risks on their representative systems. Among climate change impacts, preventing the effects of sea-level rise (SLR) on coastal railway infrastructures is a priority. The first step in the climate change adaptation policy cycle is the development of an ad hoc climate risk assessment. In this view, this research develops a vulnerability and a risk assessment metric to identify the hotspots within a national coastal railway due to the SLR impacts. The proposed methodology required different steps to quantify the SLR projections and the vulnerability characteristics of the assets, in terms of sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The investigated case study is the coastal railway infrastructure in Italy, thanks to co-design participative processes with the national Infrastructure Manager: Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). The results of this application, although non included in the paper due to confidential reasons imposed by the infrastructure manager - led to a clear identification of the areas and the coastal railway sections which are exposed to high levels of risks and of the places which require priority actions for urgent adaptation in a view of climate proof infrastructures.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy plus Camrelizumab and Apatinib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Meng-Xuan , Cao Yuzhe , Yi Yang , Zheng Guanglei , Li Da , Shao Hongyan , Ma Qiaoyun , Song Peng , An Chao , Li Wang
Published: March 2024

Background and aims:
there is limited information on combination of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (Ad-HCC). We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of HAIC plus camrelizumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) and apatinib (an VEGFR-2 inhibitor) versus camrelizumab and apatinib for Ad-HCC.
Methods
From April 2019 to October 2022, 416 patients with Ad-HCC received either HAIC plus camrelizumab and apatinib (TRIPLET protocol, n = 207) or camrelizumab and apatinib (C-A protocol, n = 209) were reviewed retrospectively. The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selective bias. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test. Cox regression analyses of independent prognostic factors were evaluated.
Results
After PSM 1:1, 109 patients were assigned to two groups. The median OS of not reached in the TRIPLET group was significantly longer than that of 19.9 months in the C–A group (P < 0.001), while in the TRIPLET group, the median PFS of 11.5 months was significantly longer than that of 9.6 months in the C–A group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that the factors ‎significantly affected the OS were‎ CTP grade, tumor number > 3, and TRIPLET treatment (P < 0.001). Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred at a rate of 82.1% vs. 71.3% in TRIPLET and C-A groups, respectively.
Conclusion
The TRIPLET protocol has promising survival benefits in the management of patients with Ad-HCC, with acceptable safety.
How much is known about palliative care in lay public? A case study from Slovenia
Authors: Pavlic Danica Rotar , Maksuti Alem , Božič Nataša
Published: March 2024

Background
Around 22,000 people die in Slovenia every year, therefore, knowledge of palliative care options is important. The lay public the lay public must know as much as possible about the benefits offered by palliative care. The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes and familiarity of lay public with palliative care and the possibilities of palliative care in the home environment. We were interested in statements of relatives of persons who have been admitted to nursing homes as well.
Methods
We invited to survey as many adults as possible, whom we approached via social networks. As a special subgroup of respondents, we included relatives of those who were residents of nursing homes. The survey took place in 2021. We considered only those survey questionnaires that were completely filled out. We used statistical analytical package IBM SPSS program, version 25.0. First, we checked the normality of the data distribution. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences. The level of statistical significance considered was 0.05.
Results
The majority of all respondents were not familiar with the possibility of palliative care at home. In terms of the purpose of palliative care, the respondents ranked first that it is intended for the entire family, second for patients with chronic diseases, and third for patients with cancer. Lay women with higher education were more familiar with the purpose of palliative care. Older respondents were not better informed about the possibility of palliative care in the home environment compared to other respondents. Relatives of people who are housed in a nursing home are not better acquainted with palliative care compared to the rest of the respondents.
Conclusions
Lay people, including relatives of residents of nursing homes, do not know about the possibilities of palliative care at home. Even the elderly, who should be key decision-makers regarding the organization of palliative care, are not familiar with it. We believe that it is necessary to set up a national e-portal to inform the public about the possibilities of palliative care at home.
Solving the Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) with Quantum Annealing
Authors: ARMAS Luis Fernado PÉREZ , DELEPLANQUE Samuel , CREEMERS Stefan
Published: March 2024

Quantum annealing emerges as a viable solution for solving complex problems such as the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP). We analyze 12 Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulations in an attempt to solve the RCPSP, and convert the most qubit-efficient formulation into a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) model. We solve this QUBO model using the D-Wave Advantage 6.3 Quantum Annealing (QA) machine and compare its performance with that of classical computer solvers. This pioneering effort marks the first use of quantum annealing for RCPSP, and shows promising results, especially for small to medium-sized instances.
Influence of joint form on shear characteristics of asphalt concrete core under steep bank slope condition
Authors: Li Yong , Li Yanlong , Liu Yunhe , Sun Xinjian , Wen Lifeng , Li Weimei
Published: March 2024

The connection performance between the core and the concrete plinth under steep bank slope conditions is related to the overall seepage safety of the dam. In this study, combined with the actual engineering, the steep slope control groups with slopes of 71°, 76° and 81° were designed. The research scheme not only considers the limit situation of the existing specifications, but also makes further exploration on the situation of high and steep valleys beyond the specifications. Considering the asymmetric valley and the symmetric valley, two contact forms of arc joint and flat joint are set up. Based on the numerical calculation, the influence of the joint embedding depth and the amplification angle on the shear action of the asphalt concrete core (ACC) is quantitatively studied. The results indicate that the symmetry of the valley will cause stress to deflect, affecting the characteristics of shear stress of the core. Under the condition of high-steep bank slope, large shear deformation occurs at the joint of ACC, and significant arching occurs near the bank slope. The overall stress level of the arc joint is higher than that of the flat joint, and it is highly sensitive to the change of the bank slope. Increasing the embedded depth of the joint, the local shear effect of the core wall becomes larger. As the joint magnification angle decreases, the stress level of the core and the maximum shear stress decrease. Expanding the contact surface of the joint can reduce the shear effect of the core. This study breaks through the conventional dam construction conditions and explores the mechanical properties of anti-seepage bodies in high and steep valleys. The research results of this paper can provide reference for the design of ACC joints under extreme steep bank slope conditions.
Azurocidin is associated with dienogest-resistance in ovarian endometriotic cysts
Authors: Watanabe Momoe , Kobayashi Yoichi , Ishida Manami , Tajima Atsushi , Tanigaki Shinji , Morisada Tohru
Published: March 2024

Endometriosis, a common estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, and ovarian endometriotic cysts (ECs) cause dysmenorrhea and infertility. Currently available hormonal therapies for EC treatment, are sometimes ineffective. The signaling of progesterone receptors can downregulate estrogen receptors and therefore are involved in endometriosis. Dienogest (DNG) is an oral progestin that is highly selective for progesterone receptors (PRs). In our previous proteomics study, we identified that azurocidin could be associated with DNG resistance. In this study, we conducted using the human immortalized endometriotic epithelial Emosis-CC/TERT1 cell line, and examined the effect of azurocidin on ECs and its clinical significance.
We examined whether azurocidin suppresses the action of DNG on IL-6 and IL-8 in ECs. We also examined whether azurocidin affects PR or ER in ECs.　This study was conducted using the human immortalized endometriotic epithelial Emosis-CC/TERT1 cell line. DNG inhibited the production of IL-6 and IL-8, but this effect was suppressed in the presence of azurocidin. Inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 enhanced azurocidin production. Furthermore, azurocidin increased estrogen receptor (ER) expression; the proliferation of EMosis-CC/TERT1 cells increased significantly when incubated with 17β-estradiol and azurocidin. The results suggest that azurocidin inhibits the action of DNG by increasing estrogen sensitivity by promoting ER mRNA expression and promoting endometriosis in endometrial epithelial cells. Thus, azurocidin may be associated with dienogest-resistance in ovarian ECs.
Recurrent thymic carcinoma treated with anterior median thoracotomy, innominate vein replacement for superior vena cava, and iodide implantation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chen Zhong zheng , Qu Wen dong , Zhang Xing shu , Song Yong xiang
Published: March 2024

Thymic neuroendocrine tumors are rare malignant tumors with neuroendocrine functions located in the anterior mediastinum thymic region. They exhibit a high degree of malignancy and can early invade surrounding fat,pericardium, pleura, major blood vessels, and lungs,posing a significant risk of recurrence.Here, we report a case of recurrent thymic cancer treated with complete surgical resection, replacement of the innominate vein, superior vena cava formation, and iodine ion insertion.A 51-year-old male diagnosed with stage lllA malignant thymoma in November 2021, accompanied by lymph node metastasis,involving the peripheral left lung.The patient underwent six cycles of adjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and cisplatin plus etoposide, along with one course of radiotherapy postoperatively.Subsequently, the patient received regular immunotherapy and follow-up at our hospital. In October 2023,chest CT revealed tumor recurrence, with infiltration into the pericardium, bilateral innominate veins, superior vena cava, and brachiocephalic artery.Subsequently, the patient underwent a midline thoracotomy for extensive resection of recurrent thymic tumor,enlargement of pericardial resection, left innominate vein-to-right atrial artificial grafting,superior vena cava formation,and iodine-125radioisotope brachytherapy.Aggressive surgical intervention combined with adjuvant therapy is an essential treatment modality for locally advanced thymic cancer involving the superior vena cava and surrounding blood vessels.
H-type hypertension is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease: a case-control study
Authors: Long Tianyao , Zheng Liuyangyi , Ding Zihao , Yu Tong , Hong Xiuqin
Published: March 2024

Background: Previous studies have examined the relationship between hypertension or homocysteine and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between H-type hypertension and CKD remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between H-type hypertension and CKD and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of CKD;
Methods: This case-control study included 514 study subjects, 257 in each of the case and control groups. The diagnostic criteria for CKD were structural or functional abnormalities of the kidneys for ≥ 3 months, which may or may not be accompanied by a decrease in eGRF, and which may be manifested by abnormalities of pathology or indicators of renal injury (including blood urine and composition or imaging tests). All patients were categorized into normal, Hcy (Hcy ≥10 μmol/L), hypertensive, and H-type hypertension groups according to their Hcy levels and whether they had hypertension.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between H-type hypertension and CKD, and subgroup analyses were performed for potential confounders;
Results: The differences between the CKD group and the control group in terms of age, education, exercise, BMI, TG, HDL, UA, Scr, BUN and hs-CRP were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Logistic regression modeling showed that after correcting for confounders, we found that the H-type hypertension group had the highest risk of CKD (OR=4.453; 95% CI: 2.075-9.560; P<0.001). There was no interaction of H-type hypertension with age, education level, physical activity, or TG on the development of CKD(P＞0.05);
Conclusions: The coexistence of Hcy and hypertension increases the risk of developing CKD, and H-type hypertension is a risk factor for CKD.
Cocaine-derived hippuric acid activates mtDNA-STING signaling in alcoholic liver disease: Implications for alcohol and cocaine co-abuse
Authors: Ma Hwan , Lee Gyu-Rim , Park Jeong-Su , Lee Jin , Wang Feng , Ma Yuanqiang , Sui Guo-Yan , Rustamov Nodir , Kim Sou Hyun , Jung Young-Suk , Yoo Hwan-Soo , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae , Yun Jaesuk , Roh Yoon Seok
Published: March 2024

The simultaneous abuse of alcohol and cocaine synergistically worsens liver injury, but the underlying mechanisms of this interaction remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that cocaine exposure alone promotes liver injury and inflammation in both marmosets and mice. Notably, co-administration of cocaine and ethanol in mice exacerbates liver damage compared to individual treatments. Metabolomic analysis identifies hippuric acid (HA), a metabolite of cocaine produced in hepatocytes, as the most abundant serum metabolite in cocaine-treated marmosets. Mechanistically, HA increases mitochondrial DNA leakage in hepatocytes, leading to enhanced proinflammatory factor production via STING signaling in Kupffer cells (KCs). In addition, conditioned media from cocaine-treated KCs induces hepatocyte necroptosis through alcohol-induced TNFR1 activation. Importantly, disrupting STING signaling in vivo alleviates alcohol- and cocaine–induced liver injury and inflammation. These findings propose the HA-STING-TNFR1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for alcohol- and cocaine-induced excessive liver damage.
Momentum dependent nucleon-nucleon contact interactions andtheir effect on $p-d$ scattering observables
Authors: Filandri E. , Girlanda L. , Kievsky A. , Marcucci L.E. , Viviani M.
Published: March 2024

Starting from a complete set of relativistic nucleon-nucleon contact operators up to order \(O(p^4)\) of the expansion in the soft (relative or nucleon) momentum \(p\) , we show that non-relativistic expansions of relativistic operators involve twenty-six independent combinations, two starting at \(O(p^0)\) , seven at order \(O(p^2)\) and seventeen at order $O(p^4)$. This demonstrates the existence of two low-energy free constants that parameterize interactions dependent on the total momentum of the pair of nucleons \(P\) .The latter, through the use of a unitary transformation, can be removed in the two-nucleon fourth-order contact interaction of the Chiral Effective Field Theory, generating a three-nucleon interaction at the same order.Within a hybrid approach in which this interaction is considered together with the phenomenological potential AV18, we show that the LECs involved can be used to fit very accurate data on the polarization observables of the low-energy \(p-d\) scattering, in particular the \(A_y\) asymmetry.
Exploring Environmental Impact: Assessing Land Cover Dynamics in Rupandehi District Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Bhattarai Hritik , Dumre Vivek
Published: March 2024

Land use and cover are crucial in preserving and managing Earth's natural resources. Various factors, such as economic, demographic, social, cultural, technological, and environmental processes, contribute to land use and cover changes (LULC). Rupandehi District is significantly influenced by a combination of driving forces, including its geographical location, rapid population growth, economic opportunities, globalization, tourism activities, and political events. Urbanization and urban growth in the region have been unplanned, with internal migration and natural population growth being the primary contributors. Internal migration, particularly from neighboring districts in the higher and lower Himalayan regions, has been high, leading to increased population growth and density. This study utilizes geospatial technology, specifically Geographic Information System (GIS), to analyze and illustrate the land cover and land use changes in the Rupandehi district for 2009 and 2019, using freely available Landsat images. The land cover categories include Built-up Area, Cropland, Das-gaja, Forest, Grassland, Other woodland, Riverbed, and Water. The statistical analysis of the data over the 10-year period (2009–2019) reveals significant percentage changes in LULC. Notably, Das-Gaja shows a minimal change of 99.9%, while Water and Forest exhibit increases of 34.5% and 98.6%, respectively. Riverbed and Built-Up Areas experience changes of 95.3% and 39.6%, respectively. Cropland and Grassland, however, show concerning decreases of 102.6% and 140.0%, respectively. Other woodland also indicates a change of 50.6%. The most noteworthy trends are the substantial increase in water and built-up areas, leading to agricultural and open space degradation. This emphasizes the urgent need for effective urban planning activities to ensure sustainable city development. While Das-Gaja seems unaffected, the decreasing trends in Cropland and Grassland, accompanied by the increasing Built-up areas, are unsatisfactory. It is imperative for relevant authorities to be aware of these trends and implement proactive measures for sustainable urban development.
Clinicopathological analysis of primary central nervous system lymphoma in patients with or without HIV infection
Authors: Li Man , Chen Jiamin , Feng Enshan , Chen Xiangmei , Gao Haili , Ma Zhiyuan , Wang Peng , Zhou Xingang
Published: March 2024

Background
The main aim of this study was to investigate the differences in clinicopathological features between HIV-related primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and immunocompetent-primary central nervous system lymphoma (IC-PCNSL).
Methods
The study included thirty-seven patients with HIV-related PCNSL and thirty patients with IC-PCNSL. Hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical detection using CD20, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, p53, C-MYC, Ki67, methyltransferase like factor 3 (METTL3) antibodies, and Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) in situ hybridization were performed.
Results
All of the patients were classified as the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) histological type. Patients with HIV-related PCNSL were younger and more likely to be male compared to patients with IC-PCNSL. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and low sugar content in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were more common among HIV-related PCNSL. The expression levels of METTL3, Bcl-2 and p53 were significantly higher in HIV-related PCNSL patients than in IC-PCNSL patients. In contrast, HIV-related PCNSL patients exhibited lower levels of Bcl-6 expression and more likely to be positive for EBER, accounting for 81.1% of these patients. Furthermore, we also found that the expression of METTL3 was lower in germinal center B (GCB)-like DLBCL (n = 7) than in activated B-cell (ABC)-like DLBCL (n = 32) in HIV-related PCNSL (p = 0.041); however, in IC-PCNSL patients, the expression of METTL3 was not significantly different between GCB-like DLBCL and ABC-like DLBCL (p = 0.710).
Conclusion
Our study of Chinese patients with HIV-related PCNSL and IC-PCNSL has revealed new findings: although the tumor manifestations are similar in PCNSL patients with and without HIV, HIV-related PCNSL differs from IC-PCNSL in terms of pathological characteristics including METTL3, Bcl-2, p53, Bcl-6, and EBER. We therefore suggest that the pathogenesis of HIV-related PCNSL and IC-PCNSL may be different due to host's immune status.
Analysis of cervical bone mineral density in children and adolescents using cone beam computed tomography combined with liquid phantoms
Authors: Wang Linlin , Lin Song , Sun Chen , Ma Yuxin , Yin Yin , Li Zhengyi , Tian Hongsheng
Published: March 2024

Objective To describe cervical BMD in children and adolescents using CBCT combined with K2HPO4 liquid phantoms. Methods Children and adolescents aged 7–20 years who underwent CBCT for orthodontic treatment in our imaging department between January 2023 and June 2023 were selected. CT values of C2 and C3 were measured using the software supplied with the CBCT. K2HPO4 liquid phantoms were prepared and scanned monthly. Regression equations were established between BMD values and CT values. BMD values of C2 and C3 were calculated and analysed. Results In the end, 455 patients were included in the study. The mean BMD values of C2 and C3 were 194.09 ± 39.16 mg/mL and 184.11 ± 43.83, respectively. The mean BMD values of C2 were higher than those of C3 (P < 0.05). The mean BMD values of C2 were 179.85 ± 29.87 mg/mL in males and 203.41 ± 41.69 mg/mL in females, and those of C3 were 165.24 ± 43.92 in males and 196.46 ± 39.19 in females, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean BMD between the sexes (P < 0.05). Conclusions The results of this study provide reference values for BMD of C2 and C3 using CBCT combined with liquid phantoms. Based on the reference values in healthy individuals, BMD could be assessed during oral treatment to diagnose osteoporosis, with great economic and social benefits.
Science Teaching through Blended Learning: An Advanced Approach
Authors: Sachin Susmita , Pathak Prof. Satish
Published: March 2024

Science education is integral to every nation’s development. With the advent of modern technology and a mind-shift towards an online teaching-learning process, especially in recent times due to the pandemic, a blended learning approach to teaching science at the school level is a natural progression. The students of the present upper primary level had experienced the online learning mode as direct receivers from the teachers. The upper primary level is a stage when autonomous learning starts to take place, hence it is the right time to introduce blended learning in the subject of Science. The present study explored the effectiveness of science teaching using a blended learning approach for one academic session. The effectiveness of the method was assessed by comparing the achievement scores of the control and the experimental groups. Consequentially, blended learning was found to be an effective method to deliver concepts in science to students of upper primary level.
Alcohol is a risk factor for helmet non-use and fatalities in off-road vehicle and motorcycle crashes
Authors: Kureshi Nelofar , Walling Simon , Erdogan Mete , PCP Izabella Opra , Green Robert S. , Clarke David B.
Published: March 2024

Objectives: Off-road vehicle (ORV) and motorcycle use is common in Canada; however, risk of serious injury is heightened when these vehicles are operated without helmets and under the influence of alcohol. This study evaluated the impact of alcohol intoxication on helmet non-use and mortality among ORV and motorcycle crashes.
Methods: Using data collected from the Nova Scotia Trauma Registry, a retrospective analysis (2002-2018) of ORV and motorcycle crashes resulting in major traumatic brain injury was performed. Patients were grouped by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as negative (<2 mmol/L), legally intoxicated (2-17.3 mmol/L) or criminally intoxicated (>17.3 mmol/L). Logistic regression models were constructed to test for helmet non-use and mortality.
Results: A total of 424 trauma patients were included in the analysis (220 ORV, 204 motorcycle). Less than half (45%) of patients involved in ORV crashes were wearing helmets and 65% were criminally intoxicated. Most patients involved in motorcycle crashes were helmeted at time of injury (88.7%) and 18% were criminally intoxicated. Those with criminal levels of intoxication had 3.7 times the odds of being unhelmeted and were 3 times more likely to die prehospital compared to BAC negative patients. There were significantly increased odds of in-hospital mortality among those with both legal (OR = 5.63), and criminal intoxication levels (OR = 4.97) compared to patients who were BAC negative.
Conclusion: Alcohol intoxication is more frequently observed in ORV versus motorcycle crashes. Criminal intoxication is associated with helmet non-use. Any level of intoxication is a predictor of increased in-hospital mortality.
Survival benefit of postoperative radioiodine therapy among patients with intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: wang jinwen , Mao Yaqian , Li Liantao , Liang Jixing , Huang Huibin , Lin Wei , Chen Gang , Wen Junping
Published: March 2024

Background
The 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines proposed the ATA Risk Stratification System and American Joint Committee on Cancer Tumor-Node-Metastasis (AJCC/TNM) Staging System for postoperative radioiodine decision-making. However, the management of patients with intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is not well defined. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) among various subgroups of patients with intermediate-risk DTC after surgery.
Methods
This was a retrospective study based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2015). The DTC patients with intermediate risk of recurrence were divided into two groups (treated or not treated with radioactive iodine (RAI)). As the treatment was not randomly assigned, stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting (sIPTW) was used to reduce selection bias. We used the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test to analyze overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).
Results
Kaplan-Meier analysis after sIPTW found a significant difference in OS and CSS between no RAIT and RAIT (log-rank test, P < 0.0001; P = 0.0019, respectively). The Kaplan–Meier curves of CSS in age cutoff of 55 years showed a significant association (log-rank test, P = 0.0045). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression showed RAIT was associated with a reduced risk of mortality compared with no RAIT (hazard ratio [HR] 0.59, 95% confidence interval [95% CI 0.44–0.80]), however age (≥ 55) years associated with worse CSS ([HR] 8.91, 95% confidence interval [95% CI 6.19–12.84]).
Conclusions
RAIT improves OS and CSS in patients with intermediate-risk DTC after surgery. 55 years is a more appropriate prognostic age cutoff for the relevant classification systems and is a crucial consideration in RAI decision-making. Therefore, we need individualized treatment plans.
The Effect of Hamstring Shortness on Vertical Jump and Balance Performance in Youth Basketball Players
Authors: GENÇ Hazal , Demircioğlu Gamze
Published: March 2024

Background: Hamstring flexibility significantly influences athletic performance, particularly in dynamic actions like vertical jumps and balance. This study seeks to uncover the connection between hamstring shortness and the dynamic interplay of vertical jump height and balance in these youth basketball athletes.
Material Method: The study included 84 male youth basketball players with hamstring shortness. Participants underwent assessments including hamstring flexibility, hip flexed and knee extended (HF-KE), Sit and Reach Test, popliteal angle measurement, vertical jump measurement with the Optojump device, and balance measurement with the Y balance test.
Results: The findings from our study indicate a significant association between the results of the vertical jump test and both the left HF-KE (p < 0.001) and the popliteal angle (p < 0.001). Y balance was significantly correlated with the test (p=0.011). Multiple regression analysis revealed a relationship between right HF-KE and jumping performance (β= 0.363, R² = 0.213; F = 10.798, p =0.002) and between left HF-KE and jump (β= 0.523, R² = 0.472; F = 35.712, p< 0.001).
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study underscores the crucial role of hamstring flexibility in vertical jump performance among youth basketball players. The significant associations found between left HF-KE and popliteal angle with vertical jump performance highlight the importance of addressing hamstring shortness in training programs aimed at enhancing jump performance. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to improve hamstring flexibility, which could ultimately contribute to better athletic performance and injury prevention in this population.
Large-scale performance assessment of the BG-Counter 2 used with two different mosquito traps
Authors: Rauhöft Leif , Șuleșco Tatiana , Martins-Afonso Sara M. , Schmidt-Chanasit Jonas , Jöst Hanna , Sauer Felix G. , Lühken Renke
Published: March 2024

Background:
Mosquitoes are important vectors of pathogens. They are usually collected with CO2-baited traps and subsequently identified by morphology. This procedure is very time-consuming. Automatic counting traps could facilitate timely evaluation of the local risk for mosquito-borne pathogen transmission or decision-making on vector control measures, but the counting accuracy of such devices has rarely been validated in the field.
Methods:
The Biogents (BG)-Counter 2 automatically counts mosquitoes by discriminating the size of captured objects directly in the field and transmits the data to a cloud server. To assess the accuracy of this counting device, 27 traps were placed at 19 sampling sites across Germany and used in daily, weekly or bimonthly intervals from April until October in 2021. The BG Counter 2 was attached to a CO2-trap (BG-Pro trap = CO2-Pro) and the same trap converted to also attract gravid mosquitoes (upside down BG-Pro trap with a water container beneath, CO2-Pro-gravid). All captured mosquitoes were identified by morphology. The number of females (unfed and gravid), mosquito diversity and the number of identified specimens in relation to the counting data of the BG-Counter were compared between both trapping devices to evaluate sampling success and counting accuracy.
Results:
In total 26,714 mosquitoes were collected during 854 trap days. The CO2-Pro-gravid trap captured significantly more mosquitoes per trap day for all specimens, gravid females and non-gravid females, while there was no difference in the mosquito diversity. The linear model with the captured mosquitoes as response and the counted specimens as a predictor only explained little of the variation within the data (R² = 0.16), but per individual trap the value could reach up to 0.62 (mean R² = 0.23). The counting accuracy for the daily samples had a significant positive correlation with sample size, resulting in a higher accuracy for the CO2-Pro-gravid trap and higher accuracy for sites and sampling months with high mosquito abundance.
Conclusion:
While the accuracy of the BG-Counter 2 is quite low, the device is able to depict the mosquito phenology and inform about local population dynamics.
Performance of OpenAI’s GPT-4 in a mock MRCS Part A Examination
Authors: Haq Ibrahim Inzarul , Raj Siddarth , Ridha Ali , O'Sullivan Arun , Ahmed Imran , Syed Farhan , Khatri Chetan
Published: March 2024

Introduction:
OpenAI’s latest iteration of a Large Language Model (LLM); GPT-4 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4) has demonstrated its proficiency against various professional examination standards like the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), FRCS (Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) and the United States Bar. However, GPT-4’s capability with the MRCS (Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons) Part A has not yet been investigated.
Methodology:
A representative MRCS Part A examination that was prepared and provided by “TeachMeSurgery”based on the MRCS Intercollegiate Curriculum was used to assess GPT-4's performance. Each question was processed via the web-based interface of ChatGPT (Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer) Plus.
Results:
GPT-4 scored 87.2% on Applied Basic Sciences (157/180) and 86.7% on Principles of Surgery in General (104/120 questions), achieving an overall score of 261/300 (87%), which is above the typical passing threshold. GPT-4 scored 100% in four out of the eleven predefined curriculum areas, which included: Pharmacology, Microbiology, Data Interpretation and Audit, and The Surgical Care of Children. GPT-4’s weakest performance was in the Medico-Legal Aspects of Surgical Practice, in which it scored 33.3%.
Conclusion:
GPT-4 successfully passed the mock MRCS Part A without any specialised preparatory training, however further research could look at integrating the GPT-4 model to enhance a trainee surgeon’s learning and use it as an effective tool to deliver high quality & efficient patient care.
Periodic solutions and quasiperiodic solutions of a forced discontinuous oscillator
Authors: Li Denghui , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhou Biliu
Published: March 2024

In this paper we consider a forced oscillator with a discontinuous restoring force. By the Aubry-Mather theory we prove that there exist infinitely many periodic solutions and quasiperiodic solutions. The proof relies on analysing the generating function of the system. The approach is applicable to studying the dynamics of more general forced nonsmooth oscillators of Hamiltonian type.
Characteristics of the Western Province, Zambia Trial Site for Evaluation of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits for Malaria Vector Control
Authors: Arnzen Annie , Wagman Joseph , Chishya Chama , Orange Erica , Eisele Thomas P. , Yukich Joshua , Ashton Ruth A. , Chanda Javan , Sakala Jimmy , Chanda Benjamin , Muyabe Rayford , Kaniki Tresford , Mwenya Mwansa , Mwaanga Gift , Eaton Will , Mancuso Brooke , Mungo Alice , Mburu Monicah M. , Bubala Nchimunya , Hagwamuna Ackim , Simulundu Edgar , Saili Kochelani , Miller John M. , Silumbe Kafula , Hamainza Busiku , Ngulube Willy , Moonga Hawela , Chirwa Jacob , Burkot Thomas R. , Slutsker Laurence , Littrell Megan
Published: March 2024

Background
The attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) is a novel malaria vector control tool designed to attract and kill mosquitos using a sugar-based bait laced with oral toxicant. Western Province, Zambia was one of three countries included in a phase III cluster randomized controlled trial of the Westham ATSB Sarabi version 1.2. The trial sites in Kenya, Mali, and Zambia were selected to represent a range of different ecologies and malaria transmission settings across sub-Saharan Africa. This case study describes the key characteristics of the ATSB Zambia trial site to allow for interpretation of the results relative to the Kenya and Mali sites.
Approach
This study site characterization incorporates data from the trial baseline epidemiological and mosquito sugar feeding surveys conducted in 2021, as well as relevant literature on the study area.
Characterization of the trial site
The trial site in Zambia was comprised of 70 trial-designed clusters in Kaoma, Nkeyema, and Luampa districts, spanning 175 kilometers with a population of 122,023. Population settlements in the trial site were dispersed and geographically vast villages with sparsely populated areas. The region was tropical with intense and seasonal malaria transmission. An abundance of trees and other plants in the trial site were potential sources of sugar meals for malaria vectors. Fourteen Anopheles spp. were endemic in the site and An. funestus was the dominant vector. Despite high coverage of indoor residual spraying (IRS) and insecticide treated nets (ITNs), the baseline malaria prevalence during the peak malaria transmission season was 50% among people ages six months and older.
Conclusion
Malaria transmission remains high in Western Province, Zambia despite coverage with vector control tools. New strategies are needed to address the drivers of malaria transmission in this region and other malaria endemic areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
Evaluation of tropical cyclone genesis frequency in FGOALS-g3 large ensemble: mean state and interannual variability
Authors: Zhang Tingyu , Zhou Tianjun , Huang Xin , Zhang Wenxia , Chen Xiaolong , Lin Pengfei , Li Lijuan
Published: March 2024

The tropical cyclone genesis frequency (TCGF) is an essential metric for gauging the performance of climate models. Previous evaluations on CMIP family models usually employ one realization for each model and show their diversities in performance. The single model initial condition large ensemble experiments provide a unique opportunity to quantify how internal variability may affect the model evaluation skill. Here, taking the TCGF in the Western North Pacific (WNP) as an example, we use two genesis potential indices as proxies to evaluate the performance of the FGOALS-g3 large ensemble simulation with 110 members. We show that while internal variability does not have a significant influence on the TCGF mean state evaluation, the TCGF-ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) relationship is significantly modulated by the decadal scale internal variability. For mean state simulation, the FGOALS-g3 large ensembles show reasonable performance in the simulation of TCGF spatial pattern but have differences compared with ERA5 in magnitude. Physical process analysis indicates that compared with ERA5, nearly all dynamic terms are more unfavorable for tropical cyclogenesis due to the cold sea surface temperature anomalies in the midlatitude, while the thermodynamic terms are more conducive to more TCs. For interannual variability, the ENSO-TCGF connection is significantly modulated by the tropical Pacific decadal variability (TPDV) mode by influencing the vertical wind shear in the WNP. Particularly, the model simulation skill depends on the choice of genesis potential indices. Our finding highlights the importance of considering decadal-scale internal variability in the evaluation of interannual ENSO-TCGF variability.
Correlation between NRS-2002 combined with GLIM criteria and preoperative sarcopenia in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies：A prospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Yeming , Shi Na , Zhao Yuqiu , Sun Qiannan , Gao Shuyang , Hua Mingbo , Wang Tianxiu , Wang Daorong
Published: March 2024

Background & Purpose
Since the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria are based on expert consensus recommendations, more clinical practice is needed to be validated. Currently, there is a lack of Nutritional Risk Screening 2002(NRS-2002) combined with the GLIM used in the diagnosis of muscle loss and malnutrition. The aim is to investigate the correlation between NRS-2002 in combination with The GLIM criteria in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies with muscle loss (sarcopenia).
Methods
In this study, we selected 210 patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors from June 2022 to July 2023 from X Hospital. The nutritional status of the patients was assessed using the NRS-2002 and the GLIM diagnostic criteria. Patients were categorized as nutritionally normal, at nutritional risk, moderately malnourished, or severely malnourished based on the NRS-2002 in conjunction with the GLIM criteria.
Results
The prevalence of sarcopenia differed among various nutritional status groups( p < 0.01). In the moderately malnourished group and the severely malnourished group, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 36% and 83%, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between malnourishment and the presence of sarcopenia, as indicated by NRS-2002 (p < 0.001). Results from binary logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, height, ASMI, nutritional risk, and malnutrition were all risk factors for the development of sarcopenia (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The prevalence of preoperative sarcopenia in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies is high, and there is a correlation between the NRS-2002 combined with GLIM criteria and sarcopenia in gastrointestinal malignancies.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Related to Telomere Length Predispose for Coronary Heart Disease in Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liu Hanfang , Xian Xuemin , Li Changxi , Wu Xinquan , Zhao Xin , Zhang Xiuli , Miao Fei
Published: March 2024

To evaluate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to leukocyte telomere length (LTL) whether cause susceptibility to coronary heart disease (CHD) in Chinese Han. We examined the difference of LTL and the alleles and genotypes of 14 SNPs related to LTL between 86 controls and 207 CHD subjects in Chinese Han, using binary logistic regression and Chi-square test. We confirmed that LTL was different from the two groups (r-T/S: Control 1.01 ± 0.3, CHD 0.82 ± 0.37, P < 0.001). The longer LTL was associated with lower risk of CHD, adjusted by age and gender, etc. (P = 0.001, OR = 0.278, 95% CI 0.132–0.588). To verify the effect of SNPs related to LTL on CHD risk, 14 SNPs were selected for association analysis with CHD. The minor alleles “T” of rs10069690, “A” of rs2242652 and “A” of rs7726159 on TERT were associated with a decreased CHD risk by Chi-square test (P = 0.046, OR = 0.628, 95% CI 0.397–0.994; P = 0.038, OR = 0.612, 95% CI 0.384–0.976; P = 0.026, OR = 0.663, 95% CI 0.462–0.952). The “AA” compared to “CC” of rs7726159 on TERT was associated with a decreased risk CHD risk in the addictive model adjusted by age and sex (P = 0.031, OR = 0.435, 95% CI 0.204–0.926). Our study shows that longer LTL is associated with a decreased CHD risk, and that the SNPs located on the TERT gene are associated with CHD susceptibility.
Cold saline irrigation, a novel approach, reduces the risk of postoperative urinary tract infection in retrograde intrarenal surgery
Authors: Kasahara Ryo , Kawahara Takashi , Ueki Teiichiro , Uemura Hiroji , Makiyama Kazuhide
Published: March 2024

Retrograde intrarenal surgery is a standard treatment for upper urinary tract stones. However, serious postoperative urinary tract infections are frequently experienced. In this study, we hypothesized that vasoconstriction caused by kidney cooling might reduce the risk of bleeding and infection during retrograde intrarenal surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 139 patients who underwent RIRS for the treatment of renal and ureteral stones at the Japanese Red Cross Hadano Hospital in Kanagawa Prefecture. Patients were classified into two groups: the HOT group in which intraoperative irrigation was performed using saline solution heated to 37°C, and the COLD group in which saline solution cooled to 4°C. The incidence of urinary tract infection after surgery was significantly lower in the COLD group (7.4%) than in the HOT group (19.7%). The length of hospital stay was also shorter in the COLD group than in the HOT group. Our results suggest that intraoperative irrigation with cooled saline may reduce the risk of perioperative UTI.
Size-dependent analytical model for the free vibration analysis of coated- functionally graded nanobeams via a nonlocal strain gradient theory and higher order shear deformation theory
Authors: Guerroudj Mohamed , Drai Ahmed , Daikh Ahmed Amine , Houari Mohammed Sid Ahmed , Eltaher Mohamed A. , Belarbi Mohamed-Ouejdi
Published: March 2024

Free vibration behavior of new advanced functionally graded (FG) nanobeam, namely the coated FG nanobeam, is presented in this work using the recently proposed nonlocal higher order shear deformation theory. In the present theory, the stress tensor can satisfy the parabolic variation of the shear stress distribution throughout the thickness direction and also fulfills the requirement that the shear stress on the top and bottom surfaces of the FG nanobeam is zero. Two common types of FG structures, namely, FG hardcore and FG softcore are considered here for the analysis with three schemes. Material properties of FG nanobeam are assumed to vary continuously both longitudinal and transversal directions according to a combined simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents. Governing equations of FG nanobeam with simply supported boundary conditions are derived using the proposed higher-order shear deformation plate theory. The nonlocal strain gradient theory is employed to capture the microstructure-dependent effect. The influence of the structure geometry, the gradient index and the nonlocal and length scale parameters on the vibration frequency is investigated. Finally, many new results are also reported in the current study, which will serve as a benchmark for future research.