bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A self-directed digital exercise program for hip osteoarthritis (“My Hip Exercise”): Protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L , Nelligan Rachel K , Hall Michelle , Stratulate Sarah , McManus Fiona , Lamb Karen , Marlow Jennifer , Hinman Rana S
Published: September 2023

Background: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading global cause of chronic pain and disability. Given there is no cure for OA, patient self management is vital with education and exercise being core recommended treatments. However, there is under-utilisation of these treatments due to a range of clinician and patient factors. Innovative service models that increase patient accessibility to such treatments and provide support to engage are needed. This study primarily aims to determine the effects of a self-directed digital exercise intervention comprising online education and exercise supported by a mobile app to facilitate adherence on the primary outcomes of changes in hip pain during walking and patient-reported physical function at 24-weeks when compared to online education control for people with hip OA.
Methods: We will conduct a two-arm, superiority parallel[s1] [KB2] -design, randomised controlled trial involving 182 community volunteers aged 45 years and over, with painful hip OA. After completing the baseline assessment, participants will be randomly assigned to either: i) digital exercise intervention; or ii) digital education (control). Participants randomised to the intervention group will have access to a website that provides information about hip OA and its management, advice about increasing their physical activity levels, a 24-week lower limb strength exercise program to be undertaken at home three times per week, and a mobile app to reinforce home exercise program adherence. Participants in the control group will have access to a website containing only information about hip OA and its management. All participants will be reassessed at 24 weeks after randomisation. Primary outcomes are severity of hip pain while walking using an 11-point numeric rating scale and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index subscale. Secondary outcomes are the Hip dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscales of pain, hip-related quality of life, and function, sports and recreational activities; global change in hip condition; health-related quality of life; measures of physical activity levels; fear of movement; self efficacy for pain and for exercise; and use of oral pain medications.
Discussion: Innovative and scalable approaches to OA education, physical activity, and exercise are required in order to improve exercise participation/engagement and mitigate physical inactivity in the hip OA population. This will help minimise the burden of this major public health issue on individuals and society.
Trial registration: Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622001533785)
Ouabain increases neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural precursor cells
Running title: Role of Ouabain in neurogenesis
Authors: Kawamoto Elisa , Orellana Ana , Port´s Natacha , Lima Larissa , Leite Jacqueline , Andreotti Diana , Kinoshita Paula , Anjos Leticia , Neto João Machado , Scavone Cristoforo
Published: September 2023

It has been shown that Ouabain (OUA), a cardiotonic steroid, can bind to Na,K-ATPase (NKA) and trigger many signaling pathways in adult rat hippocampus such as cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB in neurons, increasing Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) release, neuronal dendritic branching and leading to a spatial long-term memory improvement. This study aimed to verify whether OUA affects neural precursor cells in the dentate gyrus, which is the main site of adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Primary cultures of neural precursor cells (NPCs) were made from newborn Wistar rat dentate gyri. These results suggest that OUA increases Neurod2 transcription in NPCs, but persistently decreases the release of NT3. Furthermore, OUA increased BDNF and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels and the percentage of generated neurons. These neurons also had a more developed dendritic arbor than the control group. In conclusion, 10 nM OUA increased NPCs differentiation into neurons, suggesting a new role for NKA in neurogenesis.
New rabies viral resources for multi-scale neural circuit mapping
Authors: Xu Xiangmin , Bouin Alexis , Wu Ginny , Koyuncu Orkide , Ye Qiao , Kim Keun-Young , Wu Michele , Tong Liqi , Chen Luija , Phan Sebastien , Mackey Mason , Ramachandra Ranjan , Ellisman Mark , Holmes Todd , Semler Bert
Published: September 2023

Comparisons and linkage between multiple imaging scales are essential for neural circuit connectomics. Here we report 20 new recombinant rabies virus (RV) vectors that we have developed for multi-scale and multi-modal neural circuit mapping tools. Our new RV tools for mesoscale imaging express a range of improved fluorescent proteins. Further refinements target specific neuronal subcellular locations of interest. We demonstrate the discovery power of these new tools: the detection of detailed microstructural changes of rabies-labeled neurons in aging and Alzheimer's disease mouse models, live imaging of neuronal activities using calcium indicators, and automated measurement of infected neurons. RVs that encode GFP and ferritin as electron microscopy (EM) and fluorescence microscopy reporters are used for dual use EM and mesoscale imaging. These new viral variants significantly expand the scale and power of rabies virus-mediated neural labeling and circuit mapping across multiple imaging scales in health and disease.
Enhancing Patient-Clinician Collaboration During Treatment Decision-Making: Study Protocol for a Community-Engaged, Mixed Method Hybrid Type 1 Trial of Collaborative Decision Skills Training (CDST) for Veterans with Psychosis
Authors: Treichler Emily B.H. , McBride Lauren E. , Gomez Elissa , Jain Joanna , Seaton Sydney , Yu Kasey E. , Oakes David , Perivoliotis Dimitri , Girard Vanessa , Reznik Samantha , Salyers Michelle P. , Thomas Michael L. , Spaulding William D. , Granholm Eric L. , Rabin Borsika A. , Light Gregory A.
Published: September 2023

Background
Patient participation in treatment decision making is a pillar of recovery-oriented care and is associated with improvements in empowerment and well-being. Although demand for increased involvement in treatment decision-making is high among Veterans with serious mental illness, rates of involvement are low. Collaborative Decision Skills Training (CDST) is a recovery-oriented, skills-based intervention designed to support meaningful patient participation in treatment decision making. An open trial among Veterans with psychosis supported CDST’s feasibility and demonstrated preliminary indications of effectiveness. A randomized control trial (RCT) is needed to test CDST’s effectiveness in comparison to an active control and further evaluate implementation feasibility.
Methods
The planned RCT is a hybrid type 1 trial, which will use mixed methods to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and implementation feasibility of CDST among Veterans participating in a VA Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) in Southern California. The first aim is to assess the effectiveness of CDST in comparison to the active control via the primary outcome, collaborative decision-making behavior during usual care appointments between Veterans and their VA mental health clinicians, and secondary outcomes (i.e., treatment engagement, satisfaction, and outcome). The second aim is to characterize the implementation feasibility of CDST within the VA PRRC using the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model framework, including barriers and facilitators within the PRRC context to support future implementation.
Discussion
If CDST is found to be effective and feasible, implementation determinants gathered throughout the study can be used to ensure the sustained and successful implementation at this PRRC and other PRRCs and similar settings nationally.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04324944. Registered on March 27th, 2020. Trial registration data can be found in Appendix 1.
Total nasal reconstruction in irradiated tissue, a new hope
Authors: DUPRET-BORIES Agnès , Chabrillac Emilien , Poissonnet Valentine , Nolens Gregory , Henriet Valentin , Bouakaz Islam , Sarini Jérome , Grossin David , Riviere Louis-David , Vergez Sébastien , Vairel Benjamin
Published: September 2023

The 16th century expression "plain as the nose on one’s face" by Rabelais, used to refer to the obvious, reflects the paramount importance of the nose in a person's social life. However, total nasal reconstruction remains an unsolved surgical challenge. Through the case of a 50-year-old patient who lost her nose after cancer treatment, the authors present a total nasal reconstruction in two surgical steps using a novel and fully integrated 3D-printed biomaterial. In light of the surgical outcomes and the evolution of the patient's quality of life, this novel technique is a source of hope for many patients.
Control of meltpool shape in laser welding
Authors: Suder Wojciech , Chen Xin , Sierra David Rico , Chen Guangyu , Wainwright James , Rajamudili Kuladeep , Pardal Goncalo Rodrigues , Williams Stewart
Published: September 2023

In laser welding, the achievement of high productivity and precision is a relatively easy task; however, it is not always obvious how to achieve sound welds without defects. The localised laser energy promotes narrow meltpools with steep thermal gradients, additionally agitated by the vapour plume, which can potentially lead to many instabilities and defects. In the past years, there have been many techniques demonstrated on how to improve the quality and tolerance of laser welding, such as wobble welding or hybrid processes, but to utilise the full potential of lasers we need to understand how to tailor the laser energy to meet the process and material requirements. Understanding and controlling the melt flow is one of the most important aspects in laser welding. In this work the outcome of an extensive research programme on understanding the meltpool dynamics and control of bead shape in laser welding is discussed. The results of instrumented experimentation, supported by computational fluid dynamic modelling give insight into the fundamental aspects of meltpool formation, flow direction, feedstock melting and the likelihood of defect formation in the material upon laser interaction. The work contributes to a better understanding of the existing processes, as well as development of new range of process regimes with higher process stability, improved efficiency and higher productivity than standard laser welding. Several examples including, ultra-stable keyhole welding and wobble welding and a highly efficient laser wire melting are demonstrated. In addition, the authors present a new welding process, derived from a new concept of the meltpool flow and shape control by dynamic beam shaping. The new process has proven to have many potential advantages in welding, cladding and repair applications.
Low Toxicity Liquid Phase Microextraction Using Deep Eutectic Solvent-Based Ferrofluid for Enrichment Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon in Environmental Samples
Authors: Sazali Nur Hidayah , Miskam Mazidatulakmam , Suah Faiz Bukhari Mohd , Rahim Nurul Yani
Published: September 2023

An environmental friendly ferrofluid incorporating hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents derived from fatty acids, specifically caprylic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid have been developed. The fundamental physiochemical properties of the synthesised deep eutectic solvents ferrofluid were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Later, they will be used as alternative adsorbents in ferrofluid liquid-phase microextraction. Five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined simultaneously using gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector. The most important extraction parameters were optimised, and the procedure was validated. The selected experimental variables were then optimised using Box-Behnken design (BBD). The developed method is also assessed by Analytical Eco-Scale and Analytical Greenness for greenness method evaluation. Under the optimal conditions, the presented method demonstrated wide linear ranges of 0.005–5 µg mL− 1 for all PAHs. The limit of detections (LODs) and quantifications (LOQs) of PAHs varied from 0.4–1.70 ng mL− 1 and 1.33–5.67 ng mL− 1, respectively. The extraction recoveries of spiked samples for FF-LPME ranged from 75.78 to 118.65% with RSD < 15%. The Analytical Eco-scale and Analytical GREENness Metric Approach System (AGREE) measured 92% and 0.64, respectively. The optimised process successfully delivered an environmentally friendly adsorbent, demonstrating a highly promising approach for extracting PAHs from various environmental samples.
BRCA1 mutation promotes sprouting angiogenesis in inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblast of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Fang Sungsoon , Lee Chae Min , Hwang Yeseong , Jeong Jae Woong , Kim Minki , Lee Janghee , Bae Soong June , Ahn Sung Gwe
Published: September 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with inferior outcomes owing to its low treatment response and high invasiveness. Based on abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and frequent mutation of breast cancer-associated 1 (BRCA1) in TNBC, the characteristics of CAFs in TNBC patients with BRCA1 mutation compared to wild-type BRCA1 were investigated using single-cell analysis. Intriguingly, we observed a dominant presence of inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs) in BRCA1 mutation compared to the wild-type BRCA1 TNBC patients. iCAFs in patients with BRCA1 mutation exhibited strong signaling to endothelial cells (ECs) clusters, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). During CXCL signaling, the atypical chemokine receptor 1 (ACKR1) mainly interacts with CXCL family members in tumor endothelial cells (TECs). ACKR1-high TECs also showed high expression levels of angiogenesis related genes, such as ANGPT2, MMP1 and SELE, which might lead to EC migration. Furthermore, iCAFs showed VEGF signals for FLT1 and KDR in TECs, which showed high co-expression with tip cell marker genes, including ZEB1 and MAFF, involved in sprouting angiogenesis. Moreover, BRCA1 mutation patient with relatively abundant iCAFs and tip cell gene expression, exhibited a limited response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, including cisplatin and bevacizumab. Importantly, our study observed the intricate link between iCAFs-mediated angiogenesis and chemoresistance in TNBC with BRCA1 mutation.
Transcriptome analysis of fruit development and identification of key transcription factors related to anthocyanin pathway in cultivated octoploid strawberry
Authors: Wang Baotian , Zhang Chao , Li Jiqi , Li Xue , Mao Jianxin , Wang Yan , Zhang Zhihong
Published: September 2023

The cultivated strawberry is a vital economic crop grown extensively worldwide. Recently, there has been more focus on breeding strawberry cultivars that produce high-quality fruit. Anthocyanin is a crucial determinant of the quality of strawberries. A transcriptomes analysis of fruits at various developmental stages of the 'Yanli' cultivar was performed to examine the mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation in the process of fruit development of cultivated strawberries. We screened 33,617 differentially expressed genes whose average expression value was more significant than 2 in at least one sample. We classified these differentially expressed genes into nine categories based on k-mean clustering analysis. Furthermore, we recognized that anthocyanin synthesis-related genes’ promoter regions had a high consistency of conserved motifs with a similar expression pattern. By conducting a correlation analysis between seven anthocyanin pathway genes and various transcription factors, we identified 560 transcription factors that might involve in the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. In summary, we can identify a more significant number of prospective transcription factors in the anthocyanin pathway based on the haplotype-resolved genome of ‘Yanli’.
Third-party retailer's lot-sizing policy under conditions of trade credit, uncertain demand and asymmetric initial budget information
Authors: Yang Hong , Li Lin , Liang Rui
Published: September 2023

Large retail platform has begun to provide trade credit to the capitalconstrained and start-up third party retailer (3PR). Most of the 3PRs face uncertain demands with few historical data, which makes it difficult for retail platform to evaluate the rationality of 3PR’s lot-sizing decision and to design trade credit contracts. In addition, and 3PR’s initial budget is unknown to the retail platform, which further increases the risk of trade credit. Therefore, this paper considers a two-echelon supply chain consisting of a retail-platform and a 3PR, and investigates the 3PR’s lot-sizing decision and the design of trade credit contract based on uncertain demand and asymmetric initial budget information. We find that 1) empirical uncertainty distribution is an effective tool for modeling uncertain demand with few historical data. 2) The 3PR will place an irrational purchasing order regardless of the market condition when the retail platform does not interfere with 3PR’s decision making. 3) The 3PR will overstate its initial budget to get more loan when the retail platform interferes with 3PR’s decision making.
Hypoxic glioma-derived exosomes induce the activation of astrocytes by promoting autophagy
Authors: Zhang Di , Tang Ziyi , Xue Zhiwei , Zhang Yan , Liu Xuchen , Zhao Jiangli , Liu Junzhi , Guo Qindong , Feng Bowen , Wang Jiwei , Li Xingang
Published: September 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) of glioma is formed by glioma cells and a series of surrounding cells, such as astrocytes, macrophages, T cells and neurons. In the TME, glioma cells can activate normal human astrocytes (NHAs) through the secretion of exosomes, and the activation of astrocytes can further improve the progression of glioma, leading to a poor prognosis for patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying glioma activation by NHAs are largely unknown.Here, we demonstrated that glioma-derived exosomes (GDEs) play an important role in the modulation of autophagy and activation of NHAs. Compared with normoxic glioma-derived exosomes (N-GDEs), hypoxic glioma-derived exosomes (H-GDEs) further improved autophagy and activation andstrongly promoted the proliferation and migration of glioma cells. In a miRNA array between two kinds of exosomes from glioma, we found that miR-423-3p was highly expressed in the H-GDEs, playedan important role in autophagy and resulted in the activation of NHAs. We identified the mechanism by which hypoxic glioma cells react with NHAsto create an immunosuppressive microenvironment. These findings provide new insight into the diagnosis and treatment of glioma by targeting autophagy or miR-423-3p.
The Effects of E-learning Using Educational Multimedia on the Ethical Decision-making and Professionalism of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Tavani Fatemeh Molaei , Behshid Mozhgan , Amini Abolghasem , Rahmani Azad , Rahmani Parvin , Mousavi Saeid
Published: September 2023

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a great challenge for educational systems worldwide. During this time, educational centers have been encouraged to use distance learning programs to protect the population against infection. Online teaching has the greatest effect on the process of teaching-learning for certain topics, including professional behavior and commitment, which has prompted educational systems to use creative strategies for a greater effect on learners. The present study aims to determine the effects of e-learning using educational multimedia on the ethical decision-making and professionalism of nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The statistical population comprised second-semester nursing students in a first-rank nursing school in north western Iran. The samples were selected using simple random sampling and were divided into experimental (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. In the first stage of teaching, the conventional training method of the COVID-19 pandemic was used in both groups. In the second stage of teaching, an in-person workshop was organized for the control group and an e-learning workshop using educational multimedia for the experimental group. Data were collected by a tool with three parts: Demographic information, the Nursing Dilemma Test (NDT) by Crisham based on the Nurse Principled Thinking, and the Nursing Students Professional Behaviors Scale (NSPBS) designed by Goz. Data were analyzed in SPSS 25 software.
Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the post-test mean score of professionalism (125.70±6.20 vs. 120.95±9.28) and ethical decision-making (46.17±3.81 vs. 44.02±3.21) in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The learning environment affects learning, and e-learning using educational multimedia has a greater impact than in-person workshops on improved learning outcomes with regard to ethical decision-making and professionalism.
Prediction of Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial Bloodstream Infection in Intensive Care Unit Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Liang Qiqiang , Ding Shuo , Chen Juan , Chen Xinyi , Xu Yongshan , Xu Zhijiang , Huang Man
Published: September 2023

Background: Predicting whether Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacterial (CRGNB) cause bloodstream infection when giving advice may guide the use of antibiotics because it takes 2-5 days conventionally to return the results from doctor's order.
Methods: It is a regional multi-center retrospective study in which patients with suspected bloodstream infections were divided into a positive and negative culture group. According to the positive results, patients were divided into the CRGNB group and other groups. We used the machine learning algorithm to predict whether the blood culture was positive and whether the pathogen was CRGNB once giving the order of blood culture.
Results: There were 952 patients with positive blood cultures, 418 patients in the CRGNB group, 534 in the non-CRGNB group, and 1422 with negative blood cultures. Mechanical ventilation, invasive catheterization, and carbapenem use history were the main high-risk factors for CRGNB bloodstream infection. The random forest model has the best prediction ability, with AUROC being 0.86, followed by the XGBoost prediction model in bloodstream infection prediction. In the CRGNB prediction model analysis, the SVM and random forest model have higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, which are 0.88 and 0.87, respectively.
Conclusions: The machine learning algorithm can accurately predict the occurrence of ICU-acquired bloodstream infection and identify whether CRGNB causes it once giving the order of blood culture.
Iguratimod in treatment of Rhupus Syndrome: A case report
Authors: zeng haiyan , li jin , jiali wang , fang He
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND
Rhupus Syndrome is a rare condition sharing features of the rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Current treatment strategies for patients with Rhupus are mainly based on a summary of existing case reports, clinical trial results, and retrospective cohort studies. However, there are few reports about the application of IGU in Rhupus Syndrome.
CASE SUMMARY
Here, we present the case of a patient with Rhupus Syndrome. The patient was initially diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, subsequently, the patient developed synovitis with elevated RF and CCP titers and was finally diagnosed with Rhupus Syndrome. The patient was treated with IGU along with tofacitinib and prednisone and hydroxychloroquine, and to achieve disease remission.
CONCLUSION
IGU was effective for and well tolerated by our patient with Rhupus, and could be one of the drugs of choice to treat the disease.
Longitudinal study of functional connectivity changes in asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment(ANI) in HIV- infected patients
Authors: Ma Juming , Han Shuai , Hou Chuanke , Jiang Xingyuan , Xu Fan , Luo Haixia , Liu Jiaojiao , Wang Wei , Sun Lijun , Li Hongjun
Published: September 2023

Background: Asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI) stage is a critical stage for early diagnosis and treatment of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder(HAND) disease, but there are few longitudinal studies on it. The changes of cognitive function and pathogenesis in HIV infected patients during this period remain unclear. Our objective was to evaluate changes in brain function after treatment in ANI patients based on amplitude of low frequency fluctuation(ALFF), amplitude of Low frequency fluctuation (fALFF), regional homogeneity(ReHo), and functional connectivity(FC) obtained by resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-fMRI).
Methods: The study involved follow-up of 49 ANI HIV infected patients who underwent two rs-fMRI and neurocognitive tests with an average interval of 1.26 years. The ALFF/fALFF, Reho and FC changes between baseline group and follow-up group were discussed. Subsequently, correlations between rs-fMRI results and cognitive and clinical variables were analyzed.
Results: Compared with baseline group, the follow-up group had a significant ReHo decrease in the left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG.L), right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex (CAL.R), MOG.R and left precental gyrus(PreCG.L), as well as ReHo enhancement in the left supramarginal gyrus (SMG.L), right postcentral gyrus (PoCG.R), right parahippocampal gyrus(PHG.R) and left calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex (CAL.L)(FWE corrected, voxel-level P < 0.001, cluster-level P < 0.05). The results of ALFF/fALFF were not corrected by multiple comparisons, but decreased in MOG, supplementary motor area (SMA) and posterior central gyrus, and increased in amygdala and insula. The matrix diagram shows a statistically significant difference in connection reduction between CAL.L and PreCG.L and between CAL.R and MOG.RSome of the results of ReHo and FC were correlated with the results of cognitive tests.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that abnormalities in the cingulate gyrus, peritalate cortex, and anterior central gyrus may indicate disease progression and cognitive decline, while abnormalities in the occipital lobe, visual center, and related functional connections should be of more concern. However, the increase of ReHo and FC in some brain regions may mean that the cognitive changes in ANI patients under treatment may be complex
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy with or without nimotuzumab in the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: yang zhi , zuo quan , liu rong , wu hui , xiong li , jia jieqi , xiang zhibi
Published: September 2023

Purpose
We aimed to investigate the efficacy and side effects of concurrent chemoradiotherapy, with or without nimotuzumab, for the treatment of locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Methods
This study retrospectively enrolled 109 patients with NPC from our hospital from July 2019 to May 2021.All patients were treated with TPF neoadjuvant chemotherapy for 2 cycles, and concurrent chemoradiotherapy was performed 2 weeks after chemotherapy. According to whether nimotuzumab was added in concurrent chemoradiotherapy, they were divided into the nimotuzumab group and the control group, with 52 cases in the nimotuzumab group and 57 cases in the control group.The efficacy and adverse reactions of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
The objective remission and complete remission rates in the nimotuzumab and control groups were 100% vs 98.2% (p = 1.000), and 92.3% vs 78.9% (p = 0.049), respectively. The 3-year distant metastasis-free survival of the nimotuzumab and control groups was 91.6% and 77.3% (p = 0.047), respectively.The 3-year progression-free survival, locoregional relapse-free survival, and overall survival of the nimotuzumab and control groups were 87.6% vs 75.5% (p = 0.110), 90.5% vs 86.9% (p = 0.566), and 94.5% vs 87.1% (p = 0.295), respectively. In the nimotuzumab group, subgroup analysis showed that patients aged < 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.350, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.131–0.934, p = 0.036) and those with a granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (grain/lymph ratio) ≤ 4 (HR = 0.365, 95% CI: 0.144–0.923, p = 0.033) achieved a better result. Additionally, multivariate analysis demonstrated that grain/lymph ratio was an independent risk factor for disease progression (HR = 7.485, p = 0.012) and distant metastasis (HR = 17.540, p = 0.009).
Conclusion
The concurrent chemoradiotherapy plus nimotuzumab after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma achieved a higher complete remission rate and significantly improved distant metastasis-free survival compared with concurrent chemoradiotherapy alone. Additionally, an increasing trend was observed in progression-free survival, and the incidence of side effects was similar in both groups.
Beyond the Decade: Unveiling Long-Term Weight and Co-Morbidity Outcomes More Than 10 Years Post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Sabah Salman Al , Haddad Eliana Al , Qadhi Iman , AlMuhaini Muneerah , AlAwtan Abrar , AlQabandi Omar A. , AlKhayat Ali , Saleem Ammar F. , Behbehani Mousa
Published: September 2023

Introduction
Despite its effectiveness, long-term outcomes of the safety and effectiveness of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy(LSG) for morbid obesity are still lacking.
Methods
We utilized phone interviews and hospital chart data for patients who underwent LSG, analyzing weight outcomes, comorbidities, and complications.
Results
The study included 2982 patients (72% female) with a maximum follow-up of 13 years. Mean pre-operative age and body mass index(BMI) were 34.7±11.3 years and 45.5±7.7 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity classes were as follows: Class I, 3.1%; Class II, 19.2%; and Class III, 75.9%. BMI at nadir was 32.35 Kg/m2 equating to a mean nadir excess weight loss(EWL) of 67.03%. Weight outcomes at 13 years post-LSG showed a mean BMI of 31.83 kg/m2 and total weight loss(TWL) percentage of 31.43%. The highest excess weight loss and total weight loss were observed at 4 years and 18 months post-LSG, respectively. Weight loss outcomes varied according to pre-operative obesity class, with class I achieving the highest percentage EWL and class III observing the highest TWL at the end of one year. Weight regain occurred in 1.3% of the patient population, with class III experiencing the highest weight regain at 13 years. Significant reductions in comorbidities were observed, with a remission rate of 12.9% for type-1 DM. Complication rates were low, with 0.4% bleed, 0.5% leak, and 7.9% GERD.
Conclusion
LSG demonstrates sustained weight loss and comorbidity resolution, with low complication rates. The influence of initial obesity class on weight loss was significant only in the first 18 months post-LSG.
Memories of Early Eating Messages Transmitted by Caregivers and Their Relationship With Body Image and Eating Behavior in Adults
Authors: Ribeiro Júlio Cesar Bordignon , Cardoso Caroline Oliveira
Published: September 2023

Background: The development of eating behavior and body image are influenced by multiple factors. Among these factors, parents' attitudes toward their children's diet play an important role. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating whether dietary messages conveyed by parents in childhood also have an impact on eating behavior and body image perception in adulthood. As a result, the objective of the present study was to verify the relationship and impact of memories of early food messages with the appreciation of body image and the eating behavior of adults, as well as to investigate the impact of memories of food messages, years of study, socioeconomic level, gender, age and emotional symptoms on eating behavior and appreciation of body image.
Methods: The study included 279 adults who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Caregiver Eating Messages Scale Body Appreciation Scale, the Intuitive Eating Scale 2 and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale.
Results: The results revealed that critical and restrictive messages and pressure to eat messages seem to be related to eating behavior and appreciation of body image, with significant associations, although of weak magnitude. Furthermore, through regression analysis, it was found that the variables of critical and restrictive eating messages, along with the level of depression, seem to have a more significant impact on eating behavior and body image in adult life.
Conclusions:This study has clinical implications, as it highlights the association between early control eating messages and possible outcomes in adult life. This highlights the importance of implementing educational programs aimed at parents to promote adaptive strategies regarding food control.
Trial registration: The project was approved on July 4, 2022 by the Research Ethics Committee of Feevale University, in Novo Hamburgo, under number CAAE 58617722.9.0000.5348.
Prevention of Cancer - Melanoma Development and Its Diagnosis Among Silesian Voivodeship Residents - Preliminary Results
Authors: Dąbek Józefa , Żerdka Julia , Brasse Patryk
Published: September 2023

Background
Melanoma is a malignant tumor with the highest growth rate in the incidence and is the leading cause of death due to skin cancers.
In Poland, approximately 1500 cases of melanoma are detected annually in advanced or metastatic stages. Intensive preventive measures can contribute to its early-stage diagnosis, consequently reducing the number of fatalities.
The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of melanoma risk factors among the residents of Silesia region and their knowledge about the diagnosis and prevention of this cancer.
Methods
The study was conducted among the residents of the Silesian voivodeship. A total of 400 (100%) individuals were examined. Among them were 243 women and 157 men. The participants' ages ranged from 16 to 84 years (mean age = 34.38±18.39).
An original questionnaire was used in the study, and its completion was anonymous and voluntary. The questions included in it pertained to the discussed topic as well as general data, such as age, gender, place of residence, and occupation.
Results
The participants were burdened with melanoma development risk factors such as fair skin complexion (236; 58.71%), having more than 50 pigmented lesions (159; 39.55%), sunburns (106; 26.37%), family history of melanoma (60; 14.93%), and tanning salon use (32; 7.96%).
Over 40% (173; 43.03%) of the participants had never examined their pigmented lesions. A staggering 80% (322; 80.1%) of the respondents had never undergone dermatoscopic examination, and over 50% (214; 53.23%) did not know what this examination entailed. Just under 16% (63; 15.67%) of the participants stated that their family doctor had examined their pigmented lesions, and almost 90% (140; 88.05%) of those with numerous pigmented lesions had never been referred to a dermatologist for dermatoscopy.
Conclusions
The surveyed residents of the Silesian Voivodeship were burdened with numerous risk factors for melanoma development, with the most common being fair skin complexion, having more than 50 pigmented lesions, and sunburns.
The knowledge of the participants regarding the diagnosis and prevention of melanoma development was insufficient, thus highlighting the necessity for conducting systematic educational initiatives in the mentioned field. These initiatives should ultimately lead to the preservation of health and life, as well as the maintenance of its high quality.
Trial registration
Not applicable.
The Contribution of Low Apgar Scores in Identifying Neonates with Short-term Morbidities in a Large Single Center Cohort
Authors: Rozycki Henry , Huang Samuel , yitayew Miheret
Published: September 2023

Objective
To evaluate the association and utility of low 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores to identify short-term morbidities in a large newborn cohort.
Methods
15,542 infants > 22 weeks gestation from a single center were included. Clinical data and low Apgar scores were analyzed for significance to 10 short-term outcomes and were used to construct Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves and the area under the curve (AUC) calculated for 10 outcomes.
Results
A low Apgar score related to all (1-minute) or most (5-minute) outcomes by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Including any of the 4 low Apgar scores only improved the clinical factor AUC by 0.9% ± 2.7% (± SD) and was significant in just 5 of the 40 score/outcome scenarios.
Conclusion
The contribution of a low Apgar score for identifying risk of short-term morbidity does not appear to be clinically significant.
Circular RNA hsa_circ_0001846 facilitates the malignant behaviours of pancreatic cancer by sponging miR-204-3p and upregulating KRAS expression.
Authors: Qiao Guofen , Ma Xiaolei , Zhang Haocheng , Wang Luning , Cheng Mengxing , Jia Yanxin , Feng Di , Lei Yating , Li Xinyu , Ba Lina , Song Na , Yang Xinxia , Bai Lidan , Zhang Ruipu , Xu Wenxiao
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is mainly derived from the exocrine pancreatic ductal epithelial cells, and it is strongly aggressive malignant tumor. Due to its insidious onset and the lack of effective diagnostic biomarkers, PC currently remains one of the main causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Recent studies have found that hsa_circ_0001846 is involved in the progression of multiple cancers and has the potential to become biomarkers, but its function and mechanism in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. We found by qRT-PCR experiments that hsa_circ_0001846 was upregulated in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues, while circBase, Sanger sequencing, agarose gel electrophoresis and FISH experiments identified the splicing site, ring structure and cellular localization of hsa_circ_0001846. Various functional experiments by using the construction of small interfering RNA targeting hsa_circ_0001846 and overexpression plasmid demonstrated that hsa_circ_0001846 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells. Moreover, the tumor weight and volume of nude mice were significantly reduced after the stable knockdown of hsa_circ_0001846. In the mechanism exploration, RNA pull-down experiments and dual luciferase experiments helped us to determine that hsa_circ_0001846 regulated the KRAS expression by sponging miR-204-3p in PC, thus playing a pro-cancer role. In this study, the effect of miR-204-3p on pancreatic cancer was also explored for the first time, and we found that knockdown of miR-204-3p reversed the tumor suppressive effect caused by silencing hsa_circ_0001846, and silencing KRAS also rescued the pro-cancer effect caused by overexpression of hsa_circ_0001846. In conclusion, our study revealed the pro-cancer role of hsa_circ_0001846 in PC, and for the first time identified the mechanism that hsa_circ_0001846 regulated KRAS by sponging miR-204-3p to promote PC progression and had the potential to become a cancer biomarker.
Enhanced performance of electrical double-layer capacitor by controlling the specific surface area and pore structure of ZIF-67
Authors: Son U hyeok , Lee Seon Yeong , Joh Han-Ik
Published: September 2023

Electrical double-layer capacitance can be enhanced through the development of carbon materials possessing elevated specific surface area, porosity, and electrical conductivity. In this study, we demonstrate a facile approach to synthesizing carbon materials with a meticulously controlled pore structure of ZIF-67 by precise manipulation of the precursor solution quantities. The concentration of the precursor affects the crystal sizes of ZIF-67 due to the different nucleation rates. After the carbonization of the crystals, smaller cobalt nanoparticles formed within the carbon materials derived from the ZIF-67 crystal with larger dimensions. Removal of the nanoparticles by acid treatment induced the formation of porous carbon, resulting in the enhanced performance of electrical double-layer capacitors. The nanoporous carbon, derived from the largest-sized ZIF-67 template, exhibited a remarkable specific capacitance of 157 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g, retaining an impressive 85% of this value after 30,000 charging/discharging cycles at 16 A/g.
Impacts of Abandoned Sloping Farmland on Soil Aggregates and Aggregate-Associated Organic Carbon in Rocky Desertification Areas of SW China
Authors: Lu Yonghuan , Dai Quanhou , Yi Xingsong , Li Huamei , Peng Huidan , Tan Juan
Published: September 2023

Vegetation restoration after sloping farmland abandonment effectively sequesters soil organic carbon (SOC), with soil aggregates playing a pivotal role. However, the relationship between soil aggregates, aggregate-associated organic carbon (AAOC), and total SOC content in abandoned farmland with varying degrees of rocky desertification in karst regions remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the dynamic characteristics of the particle size distribution of soil aggregates, total SOC, and AAOC in abandoned sloping farmland (5 years, 10 years, and 15 years) with different levels of rocky desertification (no rocky desertification, potential rocky desertification, slight rocky desertification, and moderate rocky desertification) in a typical karst area. The results indicated that total SOC content in the 0-20 cm soil layer increased after abandonment in all levels of rocky desertification, peaking after 15 years. The abandoned sloping farmland with moderate desertification showed the best recovery effect. Vegetation restoration post-abandonment increased 5-10 mm aggregates while decreasing 1-2 mm and < 0.25 mm sizes. AAOC's contribution to total SOC significantly rose over time for 5-10 mm aggregates. Among sizes, > 1 mm aggregates strongly correlated with total SOC (p < 0.05). The growth of AAOC in 5-10 mm aggregates was the primary driver of total SOC increase. In summary, vegetation restoration following the abandonment of sloping farmland is an effective approach for enhancing total SOC content in slope farmland of varying degrees of rocky desertification. The observed changes are mainly attributed to the increase in 5-10 mm size aggregates and their associated AAOC.
The Ambient Air Quality Standards, green innovation, and urban air quality: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhang Dandan , Xu Shaofeng
Published: September 2023

As the Chinese economy entering the transition period, the environmental issues have become the one of most concerned topics. Based on panel data of 284 prefecture-level and above cities in China from 2006-2019, this study discusses the regulatory effects of the Ambient Air Quality Standards (AAQS) on urban air quality and its spatial spillover using the various DID models, and further builds a serial multiple mediation model to analyze the channel role of green innovation. The results reveal that (1) the implementation of the AAQS has a positive regulation effect on urban air quality, yet with a “inverted V-shaped” trend; (2) local implementation of the AAQS worsens the air quality of geographically adjacent cities within 400 km, while the effect is reversed for cities that are beyond 400 km; (3) heterogeneity analysis shows that the AAQS improves the air quality of central cities, medium-sized cities, cities of weak-intensity of environmental governance, recession or regeneration resource-based cities; and (4) it might reduce urban air quality only by inducing the green innovation per se. However, either by energy-use effect or industrial-structure effect triggered by the green innovation, can the AAQS favorably enhance urban air quality.
Climate change, thermal anomalies and the recent progression of dengue in Brazil
Authors: Barcellos Christovam , Matos Vanderlei Pascoal , Lana Raquel , Lowe Rachel
Published: September 2023

Dengue is rapidly expanding its transmission area across Brazil and much of South America. In this study, data-mining techniques were used to identify climatic and sociodemographic indicators that could explain this trend. The previous circulation of the virus, urbanization, and the occurrence of thermal anomalies for a prolonged period were the main factors that led to increased incidence of dengue in the central region of Brazil. Regions with high altitudes, which previously consisted of a barrier for dengue transmission, became areas of high incidence rates. The algorithm that was developed in this study can be utilized to assess future climate scenarios and plan preventive actions.
Associations between life’s essential 8 and sarcopenia in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Long Feng , Zou Su , Dong Youhai
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular disease is closely associated with sarcopenia. We aimed to examine the relationship between Life’s Essential 8 and the incidence of sarcopenia among adults in the United States. In this study, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2013 to 2018 and included 5999 adult participants. LE8 score was categorized into low (< 49), moderate (49–79), and high CVH (≥ 79) groups and consisted of health behavior score and health factor score based on American Heart Association definitions. Sarcopenia was defined according to The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project. Multivariate logistic regressions, restricted cubic spline regressions, and subgroup analyses were used to assess the association between LE8 and sarcopenia. LE8 and its subscales score were negatively associated with the incidence of sarcopenia in US adults.
Time-domain waveforms and phase-domain trajectories of fault recording and mathematical models of phase-domain trajectories
Authors: Ge Qun , Ren Lu , Li Jia
Published: September 2023

In order to form the phase-domain trajectories of fault recording and their mathematical models to construct a theoretical basis to mine fault feature parameters deeply, after analyzing the status of existing fault recording analysis and its application, its time-domain waveforms and phase-domain trajectories are plotted by the function of a polar coordinate system in matlab. The mapping relationship between the time-domain waveforms of sinusoids and their phase-domain trajectories is proposed, and the relationship between the initial phase angle of a sinusoid and the position of its trajectory is analyzed, as well as the characteristics and mathematical model of the trajectories of short-circuit currents containing dc components and non-sinusoidal periodical currents containing harmonics. The results show that the relationship between the initial phase angle of a sinusoid and the position of its circular trajectory is definite, the dc components and harmonics in short-circuit currents have different impacts on their trajectories. The dc components have no impact on the positions of the trajectories of the short-circuit currents, but on their sizes and shapes; while the harmonics have an impact on the shapes of the trajectories and their positions are decided by the initial phase angles of the waveforms. Subsequent study of the algorithm of fault recording analysis will be spread based on the contents in this paper.