bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Point-Counterpoint Debate: Surgery vs Medical Treatment for the Management of Obesity
Authors: Schauer Philip R , Rothberg Amy E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition with severe health risks and a huge economic burden. Effective interventions for severe obesity include bariatric or metabolic surgery and high-intensity medical management involving lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy. This article summarizes the debate between Drs. Schauer and Rothberg at the June 2024 Endocrine Society meeting regarding the optimal approach to managing obesity, exploring mechanisms, outcomes, safety, quality-of-life, and cost-effectiveness.
Metabolic surgery results in substantial and sustained weight loss, improvements in comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, and reduced mortality, and it is cost-effective. However, it carries risks associated with surgery and long-term complications, and its high upfront costs limit its scalability. Conversely, high-intensity medical management, which includes comprehensive lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy, leads to meaningful, though sometimes less substantial, weight loss and health improvements. The latter approach prioritizes behavioral changes and is cost-effective but requires patient adherence and faces challenges with medication side effects and costs.
Both interventions offer substantial health benefits; the choice between them should consider individual patient needs, health status, target weight loss, and personal preferences. Metabolic surgery may be more suitable for individuals with severe obesity or when comorbidities are inadequately controlled, whereas medical management may be more suited to patients with less severe obesity and those preferring nonsurgical options.
Future research should investigate the combined effects of surgery and medical management and enhance access to and affordability of these treatments. A multidisciplinary, personalized approach will likely yield the best outcomes in managing this complex health issue.
High contrast ratio light-emitting liquid crystal device based on AIEE dyes
Authors: Choi Gyu Jin , Ryu Jeong Won , Jeon Hwa Jun , Choi Yoonseuk , Gwag Jin Seog 
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we have fabricated a light-emitting liquid crystal device (LELCD) with high contrast ratio (CR) using aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) dye, a photoluminescent (PL) material connected with liquid crystals (LCs) on weak surface anchoring boundaries. This LELCD can continually vary the PL intensity by controlling the direction of AIEE-dye molecules following the orientation of the LCs responding to the strength of the electric field. In order to check the effect of surface anchoring on the CR of this device, we used both horizontal and vertical alignment layers. For the horizontal alignment layer, we investigated the effect of CR at three different types of alignment layers with different anchoring energy and at different rubbing conditions for each alignment layer. For the vertical alignment layer, changes in the CR according to the rubbing strength were observed. Additionally, our study was conducted on the impact of LELCD cell thickness variations on the CR. Consequently, we achieved CR of about 30:1 at LELCD with cell thickness of 10 µm using polymethyl methacrylate as a horizontal alignment layer with weak surface anchoring boundary. This is the best result to date for CR of display devices using AIEE. We anticipate that the results of this study can be applied to optical devices and various other applications.
FoRSHE-X digital health intervention to improve the quality of life during chemotherapy among gynecological cancer survivors in Indonesia: A protocol for a pilot and feasibility study
Authors: Afiyanti Yati , Juliastuti Dyah , So Winnie Kwok Wei , Milanti Ariesta , Nasution Lina Anisa , Prawesti Aprilia Dian 
Published: December 2024

Most Indonesian gynecological cancer survivors have unmet supportive care needs during chemotherapy, which may lower their quality of life and discontinue the treatment. Digital health intervention can address this issue. This pilot investigation aims to (1) examine the feasibility and acceptability of a Fighting on distRess, Self-efficacy, Health Effects, and seXual issues (FoRSHE-X) intervention and (2) evaluate prospectively the impact of the study implementation on the level of distress, self-efficacy, side effects’ knowledge and management, and sexual quality of life using the RE-AIM (Reach Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. This is a non-randomized mixed-methods pilot study. We will recruit women diagnosed with gynecological cancer undergoing chemotherapy to participate in the FoRSHE-X intervention consisting of ten weeks of social media-based education and telecoaching. We will evaluate the primary outcomes of study feasibility and acceptability, and the secondary outcomes of study impacts at three time points with quantitative and qualitative inquiries. We anticipate a minimum of 30 participants to enroll in the study and complete the assessment. We will disseminate results through conferences and peer-reviewed scientific journals. This study will imply whether a definitive trial to evaluate the potential benefits of the FoRSHE-X is viable and how it should proceed. The protocol can aid researchers or nurses in implementing this approach in their study or practice.
Trial registration: Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN13311651.
Abnormally high exertional breathlessness predicts mortality in people referred for incremental cycle exercise testing
Authors: Elmberg Viktor , Zhou Xingwu , Lindow Thomas , Hedman Kristofer , Malinovschi Andrei , Lewthwaite Hayley , Jensen Dennis , Brudin Lars , Ekström Magnus 
Published: December 2024

Background
Exertional breathlessness is a key symptom in cardiorespiratory disease and can be quantified using incremental exercise testing, but its prognostic significance is unknown. We evaluated the ability of abnormally high breathlessness intensity during incremental cycle exercise testing to predict all-cause, respiratory, and cardiac mortality.

Study design and methods
Longitudinal cohort study of adults referred for exercise testing followed prospectively for mortality assessed using the Swedish National Causes of Death Registry. Abnormally high exertional breathlessness was defined as a breathlessness intensity response (Borg 0–10 scale) > the upper limit of normal using published reference equations. Mortality was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression, unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index. A further mortality analysis was also done adjusted for select common comorbidities in addition to age, sex and body mass index.

Results
Of the 13,506 people included (46% female, age 59±15 years), 2,867 (21%) had abnormally high breathlessness during exercise testing. Over a median follow up of 8.0 years, 1,687 (12%) people died. No participant was lost to follow-up. Compared to those within normal predicted ranges, people with abnormally high exertional breathlessness had higher mortality from all causes (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.3, [95% confidence interval] 2.1–2.6), respiratory causes (aHR 5.2 [3.4–8.0]) and cardiac causes (aHR 3.0 [2.5–3.6]). Even among people with normal exercise capacity (defined as peak Watt ≥75% of predicted exercise capacity, n = 10,284) those with abnormally high exertional breathlessness were at greater risk of all-cause mortality than people with exertional breathlessness within the normal predicted range (aHR 1.5 [1.2–1.8]).

Conclusion
Among people referred for exercise testing, abnormally high exertional breathlessness, quantified using healthy reference values, independently predicted all-cause, respiratory and cardiac mortality.
Effects of structured exercise training on miRNA expression in previously sedentary individuals
Authors: Mayr Barbara , Neudorfer Michael , Wurhofer Daniela , Kilian Carolin , Strumegger Eva-Maria , Sareban Mahdi , Niebauer Josef 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNA) respond to acute bouts of vigorous exercise, such as maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), by expressing an anti-atherogenic, anti-inflammatory and hence probably ergogenic profile. However, the impact of long-term engagement in physical exercise on CPET-induced miRNA response in sedentary individuals, with subsequent increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, remains unclear.

Methods
Thirty-four sedentary participants underwent CPET before and after a four-month app-assisted exercise intervention, during which the moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was increased to over 150 min/week. Capillary blood samples were collected before and after CPET at baseline and after the exercise intervention. Twenty target miRNAs previously reported to be responsive to exercise and exercise adaptive pathways, or linked to atherogenic properties as inflammation, or previously identified upregulated following exercise in subjects with coronary artery disease versus healthy subjects were analyzed via real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results
Physical activity increased from 64 ± 48 to 354 ± 332 min/week of MVPA (p<0.001, +553%), accompanied by an improvement in maximal power output during CPET (ΔWattmax: 19 ± 13, p<0.001, +9%). Eleven of the selected twenty miRNAs showed significant responses to CPETs at either the beginning or end of the study. We found a significant increase both times for miR-103a (glycolysis, %change base: +12%, post +17%), miR-146a (inflammation, %change base: +20%, post +21%), and miR-222 (cardiac remodeling, %change base: +10%, post +21%), while miR-30a (inflammation, %change base: -27%, post: -38%) decreased significantly (all p≤0.043).

Conclusion
Increased physical activity led to a significant CPET-induced change in three miRNAs from an atherogenic profile to a healthier one, indicating improved metabolic health and reduced inflammation.
Stroke survivor and caregiver experiences of virtual reality gaming to promote social participation: A qualitative study
Authors: Lo Suzanne Hoi Shan , Chau Janita Pak Chun , Choi Kai Chow , Butt Laveeza , Lau Alexander Yuk Lun , Lee Vivian Wing Yan , Kwok Eddie Chi Fai , Thompson David R. 
Published: December 2024

Background
Virtual reality (VR) gaming is a promising technology that can be applied in stroke rehabilitation to increase survivors’ social engagement, though its optimal usage and effects on stroke recovery are not fully understood. This qualitative study aimed to investigate stroke survivors’ and caregivers’ perspectives of VR-based gaming rehabilitation modules for supporting post-stroke recovery and social participation.

Methods
Twenty-eight participants (18 stroke survivors and 10 caregivers) were recruited through purposive sampling from acute hospitals in Hong Kong. Two rounds of semi-structured interviews were carried out, with the first round exploring participants’ previous knowledge of VR, views about its relevance to stroke rehabilitation, and expected benefits. The second round of interviews was conducted immediately post-intervention to investigate participants’ experience, satisfaction, and areas for improvement. Resulting data were thematically analysed.

Results
Most participants were female (75%) with secondary education or above (82%). For stroke survivors, the average duration since stroke was 9.39 (SD = 10.48) years and most were first-time survivors (89%). Main themes identified included (1) Shift in attitudes towards VR technology; (2) Perceptions of VR effectiveness; and (3) Practical drawbacks and design recommendations. Participants reported positive experiences with the VR-based gaming modules, including increased confidence in mobility and heightened awareness regarding outdoor safety and accessibility. Despite concerns regarding hygiene and discomfort with gaming equipment, participants found VR gaming to be engaging and conducive to their recovery.

Conclusion
The VR-based gaming modules were well-received by survivors and their caregivers and considered as an appealing and useful method of post-stroke rehabilitation. Improvements in survivors’ attitudes towards VR technology, and self-observed benefits to their physical and psychosocial health, were noted. Areas for optimisation included expansion of game length and contents, options for alternative gaming equipment, and enhanced design elements.
Earthquakes and Intertemporal Preferences: A Field Study in Italy
Authors: Attanasi Giuseppe , Nese Annamaria , Sbriglia Patrizia , Senatore Luigi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we report data drawn from a field study in an Italian region (Campania), where a disastrous earthquake took place in 1980. We rely on subjects’ responses to a questionnaire and on experimental measures. We compare the time preferences in two different samples, the first one constituted by subjects who directly experienced the earthquake and its aftermath effects, and the second one constituted by subjects who lived far away from the earthquake epicentre, but in urban areas with comparable socioeconomic features. Our aim is to test whether there are long run effects of environmental disasters on time preferences. We find significant differences, since individuals living close to the epicentre are more patient than subjects in the alternative sample, also controlling for risk aversion.
Distribution and dispersal of adult spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), in organically grown strawberries in Florida
Authors: Rhodes Elena M. , Chase Carlene A. , Liburd Oscar E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is a vinegar fruit fly that infests ripening and ripe berries and other thin-skinned fruits in Europe and the Americas. Previous studies have identified numerous wild hosts and have documented movement into crops from these wild hosts. Other studies have documented higher numbers of D. suzukii in crops adjacent to wild hosts. We studied D. suzukii adult movement and distribution in strawberries at an organic research station plot away from alternate hosts in 2016–2017, and at an organic on-farm site with a woody field border in 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. On the research station trial traps were placed 5 m outside the north border of the field and 5, 10, 20, and 40 m into the field. The same design was used in the on-farm trials with the addition of traps along the woody border. Populations of D. suzukii on the research station trial were low and randomly distributed. In contrast, D. suzukii male and female numbers on the on-farm trial were higher in the woods border and strawberry field edge compared with numbers farther into the strawberry plot in both years. The trend was more pronounced for males, especially in 2018–2019. Implications for management of D. suzukii in strawberries are discussed.
Artificial intelligence in medical problem-based learning: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Chen Yaoxing , Qi Hong , Qiu Yu , Li Juan , Zhu Liang , Gao Xiaoling , Wang Hao , Jiang Gan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Problem-based learning (PBL) in medical education has encountered challenges affecting both teachers and students. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into PBL may provide potential solutions to these challenges. This paper aims to discuss the potential advantages of AI, where we found these merits of AI have the potential to improve the quality of PBL lessons. It is also important to pay attention to ethical guidelines and other limitations of AI in PBL lessons as well. Examples of interactions with AI chatbots are provided to demonstrate its application possibility. It is recommended to try using AI in PBL lessons, making it more adaptable for the PBL classroom. Future research should further explore the capabilities of AI, with the goal of developing a more personalized and adaptive learning experience within PBL.
Полипредикативные причинные конструкции в украинском языке
Authors: Заика Наталья Михайловна 
Published: December 2024

В работе предпринимается попытка создать типологически ориентированное описание полипреди-кативных конструкций с наиболее распространенными причинными союзами (бо, тому(,) що, через те(,) що, від того(,) що, оскільки) в украинском языке. Конструкции классифицируются по важней-шим параметрам типологического варьирования, многие из которых связанны с сочинительными и подчинительными свойствами: 1) позиции союза в причинной клаузе, 2) способности причинной клаузы употребляться в препозиции/постпозиции по отношению к главной клаузе, 3) способности причинной конструкции употребляться на различных семантических уровнях: собственно-при-чинном, иллокутивном (с вопросительной и побудительной модальностью) и эпистемическом, или инферентивном, 4) способности причинной клаузы употребляться с выделительными частицами и под отрицанием, 5) способности причинной клаузы отвечать на вопрос со значением ‘Почему?…’ В языках мира рассматриваемые свойства могут коррелировать друг с другом, однако логически они являются независимыми. Материалом исследования служат корпусные и текстовые примеры, и, в меньшей степени, грамматические описания; также используется метод элицитации.В результате исследования выясняется, что в украинском языке имеются как причинные показа-тели, обладающие с точки зрения рассматриваемых параметров исключительно подчинительными свойствами (через те(,) що, від того(,) що), так и те, которые сочетают сочинительные и подчини-тельные свойства в той или иной степени (бо, тому(,) що, оскільки). В большей степени сочини-тельными свойствами обладает союз бо, что, вероятно, связано с его происхождением из частицы, хотя и он демонстрирует некоторые подчинительные свойства (клауза с бо может использоваться в качестве ответа на вопрос ‘Почему?…’ и ограниченно сочетаться с выделительными частицами и отрицанием).Сочинительные и подчинительные свойства причинных показателей в украинском языке не устроены иерархично: так, причинная клауза, вводимая союзом тому(,) що в нейтральных кон-текстах не употребляется в препозиции по отношению к главной (сочинительное свойство), од-нако свободно употребляется с выделительными частицами и под отрицанием (подчинительное свойство), а союз оскільки наоборот способен вводить причинную клаузу в препозиции (подчини-тельное свойство), но употребление с выделительными частицами и под отрицанием для него не свойственно (сочинительное свойство). Однако в целом в отношении одних из рассматриваемых параметров (ср. употребление причинных показателей при ответе на вопрос ‘Почему?…’) укра-инские союзы чаще демонстрируют подчинительные свойства, чем в отношении других (ср. эпи-стемическое или иллокутивное употребление причинных показателей). Между дистрибутивными свойствами украинских причинных показателей и их русских и белорусских когнатов имеется зна-чительное сходство, однако сами эти когнаты могут существенно отличаться по частотности.
Новітні українсько-угорські студії з терену гуманітарних наук
Authors: Мушкетик Леся 
Published: December 2024

В останнє десятиріччя з’явилося чимало наукових праць і тематики українсько-угорських зв’яз-ків, де розглянуто їх аспекти в різні періоди й на різних теренах. Ці студії репрезентують розлогу проблематику: історичну, лінгвістичну, етнологічну та ін. — і на загал є комплексними, реалізую-чи міждисциплінарні підходи й методи з урахуванням сучасних реалій та застосуванням новітніх методів аналізу. Більшість досліджень присвячено регіону Закарпаття, де мешкає значна угорська діаспора, стосовно становища якої проведено чимало спостережень через призму мовної, історич-ної, етнокультурної ситуації краю. Авторами праць є дослідники з України та Угорщини, переважно представники наукових чи освітніх установ, осередків тощо, таких як Ужгородський національний університет, Центр гунгарології в Ужгороді, наукові центри Закарпатського угорського інституту ім. Ференца Ракоці ІІ, інші виші, а також установи Центру гуманітаристики та Центру суспільних наук Угорської академії наук [віднедавна мережа HUN-REN], угорські університети і т. д.Із суспільно-історичних студій назвімо колективну монографію Інституту ім І. Крип’якевича, монографії Ч. Фединець, М. Фонт та ін. Чи не найбільше досліджень, присвячених мовній ситуації Закарпаття, здійснили лінгвісти Закарпатського угорського інституту ім. Ференца Ракоці ІІ, нині об’єднані в Науково-дослідний центр ім. Антона Годинки, найважливішими напрямами студій якого є аналіз мовної політики загалом і України зокрема, мовного ландшафту Закарпаття, питань багатомовності, а також освіти, релігії, міжкультурних, міжмовних контактів, різних аспектів со-ціолінгвістики і лінгвокраїнознавства. Згадаймо тут імена ректора Інституту С. Черничка, А. Берег-сасі, К. Гуреш-Ласло та ін., які підготували низку індивідуальних чи колективних монографій і цих проблем («Угорці і угорська мова на Закарпатті» та ін.). Питаннями мовної інтерференції, словни-карства і т.п. цікавляться їхні колеги Є. Барань та В. Ґаздаґ. Дослідження проводять i урахуванням новітніх лінгвістичних та соціологічних метод, візуальної антропології тощо, текстовий виклад уна-очнюють графіки, карти, схеми, таблиці, фотоілюстрації.
Evaluating long-term thermal and chemical stability and leaching potential of low-temperature phase change materials in concrete slabs exposed to outdoor environmental conditions
Authors: Deb Robin , Iqbal Mohammad Irfan , Farnam Yaghoob 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This study examined the potential of using phase change material (PCM)-integrated concrete slabs for long-term thermal-responsive applications in an outdoor environment condition. The objectives were to: (i) evaluate long-term thermal response, snow melting and freeze–thaw reduction efficiency of PCM integrated concrete slabs, (ii) characterize the chemical stability of PCM in cement matrix, and (ii) assess the possibility of PCM leaching into the cement matrix and subgrade soil of the slabs. The experimental program included: (i) outdoor experimentation using large-scale field concrete slabs, (ii) guarded calorimetric (LGCC) tests of cut-bar concrete specimens, (iii) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic characterization of PCM in mortar and subgrade soil specimens, and (iv) low-temperature differential scanning calorimetric (LT-DSC) tests to assess and quantify the amount of PCM contamination in subgrade soil. Results presented varying degrees of effectiveness after three years of environmental exposure: Micro-encapsulated PCM (MPCM) concrete exhibited considerable success (i.e., ~ 50%) in snow melting while PCM infused in lightweight aggregates (PCM-LWA) concrete failed to provide substantial snow-melting; moreover, both PCM-LWA and MPCM slabs showed diminished resistance to freeze–thaw (F-T) cycles compared to the first-year winter cycle data. Factors contributing to efficiency loss are found to be shell degradation of microcapsules, potential leaching of PCM into subgrade soil (i.e., between 0.2 to 0.3% wt. concentration), and effects of warm temperatures influencing the degree of evaporation, as evidenced with LGCC, FTIR and LT-DSC results. Strategies to enhance efficiency and stability include improved encapsulation techniques, and vascularization methods.