bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Sports Apps for Engaging in Physical Activity
Authors: Baubonytė Silvija , Deliautaitė Karolina , Mejerytė Narkevičienė Kristina , Valantinė Irena 
Published: July 2021

Background. As healthy lifestyle and physical activity become more relevant, sports apps are receiving more attention as one of the most convenient tools for monitoring one’s physical condition. While activity-related apps are thought to be effective tools for health care and management, there is still a lack of information on the key factors that motivate individuals to download and use them. Seeing the large selection of different sports apps with similar functions, it can be assumed that other factors, such as certain characteristics of the apps or the user’s characteristics can also influence the consumer’s choice.
Methods. The study included 410 physically active subjects who were using sports apps (137 men and 273 women). To establish sports app usage, the questionnaire developed by Ha, Kang, and Ha (2015) was used. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using SPSS.
Results. In the analysis of different factors, the perception of sports apps was assessed the most positively. All these factors were more likely to be assessed positively by women than by men (p ≤ .05). The strongest correlations with intentions were found between perceptions of sports apps (enjoyment, ease of use, usefulness, reliability) (r > .5, p ≤ .01) while with other variables correlations were slightly lower.
Conclusions. Women are more positive about the use of sports apps, in their perceptions and their connection to the smart device. Intentions to use sports apps are most influenced by perceptions of sports apps and personal innovativeness, which not only directly affects the intentions themselves, but also influences the perceptions that influence the intentions.
Keywords: smartphones, smart devices, sports involvement, innovation, perception.
Changes in AZGP1 Serum Levels and Correlation With Pulse Wave Velocity After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Kraemer Thomas Daniel , Soerensen-Zender Inga , Memaran Nima , Haller Hermann , Melk Anette , Schmidt Bernhard Magnus Wilhelm , Schmitt Roland 
Published: July 2021

Background: Zinc-alpha 2-glycoprotein (AZGP1), a secreted protein with ubiquitous tissue expression, has been controversially linked to the risk of cardiovascular disease. In a cohort of kidney transplant recipients, we measured serum AZGP1 levels after transplantation over a 2 year period and tested for an association with pulse wave velocity as an important parameter indicating future cardiovascular events.Methods: Annual blood sampling and pulse wave velocity measurements were longitudinally performed in 113 kidney transplant recipients. AZGP1 was measured in serum samples using standard ELISA. Association of AZGP1 with pulse wave velocity was longitudinally assessed during follow up of 2 years by mixed longitudinal modeling.Results: AZGP1 serum levels declined significantly after kidney transplantation. This decline was dependent on allograft function as indicated by inverse correlation with eGFR. When corrected for eGFR multivariable analysis revealed an inverse correlation between AZGP1 and pulse wave velocity. This analysis further showed independent associations of older age, higher blood pressure, and higher calcium phosphate product with higher pulse wave velocity.Conclusions: Improved kidney function after transplantation leads to a decline in AZGP1 serum levels. Independent of kidney function and other cardiovascular risk factors lower AZGP1 levels are associated with higher pulse wave velocity in the 2 years after kidney transplantation. These data suggest that AZGP1 might be a potential biomarker for cardiovascular health and a target for improving cardiovascular outcome.
Effect of Postoperative High-Concentration Oxygen on Recovery After Thyroid Surgery: A Prospective, Open, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Zhou Qian , Cai Ming , Gou Juxiang , Ning Ning 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of high-concentration oxygen on the improvement of throat symptoms and voice changes after thyroid surgery and its protection of the parathyroid function.MethodsA total of 600 patients undergoing thyroid surgery who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into the experimental group (n = 300) and the control group (n = 300) by using a random number generator. The patients in the experimental group underwent high-oxygen treatment [FiO280 (8 L/min)] for 6 continuous hours after returning to the ward after surgery. The patients in the control group underwent low-oxygen treatment [FiO230 (2 L/min)] for 6 continuous hours after returning to the ward after surgery.ResultsThe postoperative incision pain score of patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group at 6 h (1.07 ± 0.80 VS 1.23 ± 0.95, P=0.031) and 12 h (1.08 ± 0.64 VS 1.20 ± 0.73, P=0.041). The postoperative throat pain score of the patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group at 6 h (1.40 ± 0.85 VS 1.59 ± 0.97, P=0.011) and 12 h (1.40 ± 0.85 VS 1.59 ± 0.97, P=0.019). The PONV score of the patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group at 12 h (0.09 ± 0.19 VS 0.14 ± 0.37, P=0.024). The Voice Handicap Index score of the patients in the experimental group was significantly better than that of the control group at 24 h (2.89 ± 5.92 VS 4.10 ± 6.31, P=0.017), 36 h (2.46 ± 5.06 VS 3.43 ± 5.97, P=0.035), and 48 h (2.46 ± 5.06 VS 3.43 ± 5.97, P=0.032).ConclusionHigh-concentration oxygen can alleviate PONV and pain after thyroid surgery, with less severe voice changes potentially. However, its effects on swallowing function, and parathyroid function need to be further verified.Clinical Trial Registration NumberChiCTR-IOR-17012765 (China Clinical Trial Registry clinical trial registration center [http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx)
Association of Soy and Exclusive Breastfeeding With Central Precocious Puberty: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Felício João Soares , de Alcântara Angélica Leite , Janaú Luísa Corrêa , de Moraes Lorena Vilhena , de Oliveira Maria Clara Neres Iunes , de Lemos Manuela Nascimento , de Souza Neto Norberto Jorge Kzan , Neto João Felício Abrahão , da Silva Wanderson Maia , de Souza Ícaro José Araújo , Said Nivin Mazen , de Lemos Gabriela Nascimento , Vieira Giovana Miranda , Khayat André Salim , Santos Ândrea Kely Campos Ribeiro dos , de Queiroz Natércia Neves Marques , de Sousa Ana Carolina Contente Braga , Santos Márcia Costa dos , de Melo Franciane Trindade Cunha , Piani Pedro Paulo Freire , Felício Karem Miléo 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionWhile soy is suggested as a possible risk factor, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has a likely protective effect in precocious puberty. Our aim was to evaluate the association between both of these variables with central precocious puberty (CPP)MethodsWe performed a retrospective, case-control study. A total of 161 girls were divided into two groups: 84 patients diagnosed with CPP composed the case group and 77 patients without the diagnosis of CPP (had gone through normal onset of puberty) were the control group.ResultsOur control group had a higher presence of EBF &gt;6 months, which was an important protective factor for CPP (OR: 0.5; IC 95%: 0.3–0.9, p = 0.05) and also correlated negatively with the presence of it (r = −0.2; p &lt; 0.05). Oppositely, the use of soy was significantly higher in the CPP group, (OR: 3.8; IC 95%: 1.5–6, p &lt; 0.05) and positively correlating (r = 0.2; p &lt; 0.01) with the presence of CPP. Duration of soy intake (years) correlated with bone age (r = 0.415; p &lt; 0.05). A logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effects of EBF duration and soy on CPP. The model was significant (x² (2) = 20,715, p = &lt;0.001) and explained 12.2% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance, correctly classifying 62.5% of cases. EBF was associated with a reduction of likelihood of having CPP [OR = 0,187 (CI = 0.055–0,635); Wald = 7,222, p = 0.007], while soy intake increased the risk [OR = 3.505 (CI) = 1,688–7,279, Wald = 11,319, p = 0.001].ConclusionOur data found the use of soy was associated with CPP. Additionally, EBF was pointed as a protective factor. However, future prospective studies are needed to clarify this issue.
Precious Data from Tiny Samples: Revealing the Correlation Between Energy Content and the Chemical Oxygen Demand of Municipal Wastewater by Micro-Bomb Combustion Calorimetry
Authors: Korth Benjamin , Heber Claudia , Normant-Saremba Monika , Maskow Thomas , Harnisch Falk 
Published: July 2021

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are aimed to be transformed from sinks into sources of energy and material. For fostering corresponding engineering efforts and economic assessments, comprehensive knowledge of the energy content of wastewater is required. We show in this proof-of-concept study that these data can be gathered by combining micro-bomb combustion calorimetry with freeze-drying. Thereby, the methodology for measuring the combustion enthalpy (ΔcH) of wastewater is significantly improved by decreasing the time demand for the drying process as only tiny amounts of samples are required. Here, the effluent of the primary clarifier of a wastewater treatment plant treating low-strength municipal wastewater was sampled on a weekly basis for 1 year, yielding 53 composite samples that were analyzed for ΔcH and standard wastewater parameters. A robust correlation between the chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ΔcH of −14.9 ± 3.5 kJ gCOD−1 (r = 0.51) was determined, verifying previous results obtained with more laborious and time-demanding methodologies. The global chemical energy potential of the sampled WWTP is presumably higher as the first treatment steps and losses during sample preparation reduced the amount of energy-rich compounds. A stronger correlation was observed between ΔcH and the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5, r = 0.64), suggesting its usage for predicting the potential of wastewater as feedstock for biotechnological applications. This demonstrates that micro-bomb combustion calorimetry can be applied for deriving precious information on the energy content of wastewater from simple COD measurements.
A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of 33 Human Cancers Reveals the Immunotherapeutic Value of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor
Authors: Mo Zhuomao , Li Pan , Cao Zhirui , Zhang Shijun 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported the potential of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in cancer immunotherapy. However, the mechanisms underpinning its therapeutic value have yet to be comprehensively investigated. Thus, this research aimed to explore the underlying association between AhR and cancer immunotherapy in 33 human cancers.MethodsThe gene expression data and clinical characteristics of 33 cancers were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The immunotherapeutic cohorts included GSE67501 and GSE78220 as well as IMvigor210, which were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and included in a previously published study respectively. Clinical parameters, including patient age, gender, survival, and tumor stage were analyzed to assess the prognostic value of AhR. The activity of AhR was generated by single sample gene set enrichment analysis and used to evaluate the difference between the AhR transcriptome and protein expression level. To better understand the role of AhR in cancer immunotherapy, the correlation between AhR and tumor microenvironment, as well as its relation to immune processes/elements, such as immune cell infiltration, immune inhibitors and stimulators, and the major histocompatibility complex were analyzed. The relevant underlying pathways associated with AhR signaling in cancer were also explored. Furthermore, the correlation between AhR and two immunotherapeutic biomarkers (tumor mutational burden and microsatellite instability) was investigated. Finally, the relationship between AhR and immunotherapeutic response was explored using three independent immunotherapeutic cohorts.ResultsAlthough AhR was not closely associated with age (5/33), gender (3/33), or tumor stage (3/21) in any of the studied human cancers, it exhibited potential prognostic value for predicting patient survival. Consistency has been observed between AhR activity and expression in some cancers (7/33). Generally, AhR presented a robust correlation with immune cell infiltration, immune modulators, and immunotherapeutic markers. Moreover, high AhR expression was significantly related to immune-relevant pathways. However, no significant correlation was observed between AhR and the immunotherapeutic response.ConclusionsThis research investigated the immunotherapeutic value of AhR in 33 human cancers, providing evidence regarding the function of AhR and its role in clinical treatment. However, considering that a bioinformatics approach was adopted, the current results are preliminary and require further validation.
Do Vaccines Need a Gender Perspective? Influenza Says Yes!
Authors: Sánchez-de Prada Laura , Ortiz de Lejarazu-Leonardo Raúl , Castrodeza-Sanz Javier , Tamayo-Gómez Eduardo , Eiros-Bouza José María , Sanz-Muñoz Iván 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundSex differences in immune responses are well known. However, the humoral response in males and females in the case of influenza vaccination is yet to be characterized since studies have shown uneven results.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in 2,243 individuals (46.9% males) divided by age (15–64 and ≥65 years old). A serological analysis was performed by hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI) just before and 28 days after annual vaccination against seasonal influenza viruses in people vaccinated during the 2006–2018 seasons. A comparison of the humoral responses against influenza A and B viruses contained in the vaccine, between male and female individuals in young adults and elderly was conducted.ResultsSignificative higher humoral response against classical influenza A (H1N1), A(H1N1)pdm09 subtype and B/Victoria lineage in terms of seroconversion rate were found in elderly women. No significant differences were found in the case of A(H3N2) subtype.ConclusionsElderly women seem to display a greater humoral response against classical A(H1N1), pandemic A(H1N1)pmd09 and B/Victoria lineage than elderly men. Sex dimorphism does not affect young adults.
Measurement of Cortical Atrophy and Its Correlation to Memory Impairment in Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Based on VBM-DARTEL
Authors: Wang Peijiong , Cai Husule , Luo Rutao , Zhang Zihao , Zhang Dong , Zhang Yan 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveSevere carotid artery stenosis (CAS) can lead to atrophy of gray matter (GM) and memory impairment; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Thus, we aimed to identify memory impairment and GM atrophy and explore the possible correlation between them in patients with asymptomatic severe CAS.MethodsTwenty-four patients with asymptomatic severe CAS and 10 healthy controls completed the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and clinical memory scale (CMS) and underwent 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Field intensity inhomogeneities were corrected. Images were processed using VBM8, and GM images were flipped. First, 11 flipped and 10 non-flipped images of patients with unilateral CAS and 5 flipped and 5 non-flipped images of controls were pre-processed using DARTEL algorithm and analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). Second, flipped and non-flipped images of unilateral patients were similarly pre-processed and analyzed using the paired t-test. Third, pre-processed non-flipped GM images and CMS scores of 24 patients were analyzed by multiple regression analysis. Nuisance variables were corrected accordingly.ResultsBasic information was well matched between patients and controls. MMSE scores of patients were in the normal range; however, memory function was significantly reduced (all P &lt; 0.05). GM volumes of patients were significantly reduced in the anterior circulation regions. The stenosis-side hemispheres showed greater atrophy. GM volumes of the left pars opercularis, pars triangularis, and middle frontal gyrus were strongly positively correlated with the total scores of CMS (all r &gt; 0.7, P = 0.001). Additionally, the left middle frontal gyrus was strongly positively correlated with associative memory (r = 0.853, P = 0.001). The left pars opercularis was moderately positively correlated with semantic memory (r = 0.695, P = 0.001).ConclusionPatients with asymptomatic CAS suffer from memory impairment. Bilateral anterior circulation regions showed extensive atrophy. The hemisphere with stenosis showed severer atrophy. Memory impairment in patients may be related to atrophy of the left frontal gyrus and atrophy of different regions may result in different memory impairments.
Longitudinal Rehabilitation of Binocular Function in Adolescent Intermittent Exotropia After Successful Corrective Surgery
Authors: Peng Tingting , Xu Meiping , Zheng Fuhao , Zhang Junxiao , Chen Shuang , Lou Jiangtao , Wang Chunxiao , Wang Yuwen , Yu Xinping 
Published: July 2021

PurposeTo study the longitudinal rehabilitation of binocular visual function in adolescent intermittent exotropia (IXT) after successful surgery and compare the results with those of a normal population. The role of binocular function in ocular alignment stability was also evaluated postoperatively.MethodsIn this prospective study, 30 adolescents with IXT successfully corrected after 1 month were followed for 12 months, and 30 children with normal vision were enrolled as controls. Stereopsis, the fusional vergence amplitude, sensory fusion, and accommodative flexibility were measured to assess binocular function at baseline and 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The controls were tested once when they were enrolled in the study.ResultsThe deviation was −32.00 ± 8.60 prism diopters (PD) at distance fixation and −36.0 ± 9.10 PD at near fixation preoperatively with an average correction of 28.53 ± 3.79 PD and 30.67 ± 1.34 PD at 1 month postoperatively. Distance stereoacuity and near stereoacuity improved from 1 to 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.025 and p = 0.041, respectively). Compared with the controls, the fusional convergence reserve at distance (p = 0.025) and near (p = 0.033) fixations and fusion reserve ratio at distance (p = 0.000) and near (p = 0.000) fixations remained subnormal, whereas sensory fusion (p = 0.237), distance stereopsis (p = 0.120), and the fusional divergence amplitude at a distance (p = 0.168) were normal. However, no significant correlations were found between binocular functions at 1 month postoperatively and the postoperative drift.ConclusionBinocular function significantly improved from before to after successful corrective surgery and continued to improve from 1 to 12 months postoperatively in adolescents with IXT. No significant correlations were found between binocular functions at 1 month postoperatively and ocular alignment stability.
Serum Biomarker Panel for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas
Authors: Mehta Shreya , Bhimani Nazim , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder S. , Sahni Sumit , Mittal Anubhav 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPatients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have late diagnosis which results in poor prognosis. Currently, surgical resection is the only option for curative intent. Identifying high-risk features for patients with aggressive PDAC is essential for accurate diagnosis, prognostication, and personalised care due to the disease burden and risk of recurrence despite surgical resection. A panel of three biomarkers identified in tumour tissue (S100A4, Ca125 and Mesothelin) have shown an association with poor prognosis and overall survival. The diagnostic and prognostic value of the serum concentration of this particular biomarker panel for patients with PDAC has not been previously studied.MethodsRetrospectively collected blood samples of PDAC patients (n =120) and healthy controls (n =80) were evaluated for the serum concentration of select biomarkers – S100A4, S100A2, Ca-125, Ca 19-9 and mesothelin. Statistical analyses were performed for diagnostic and prognostic correlation.ResultsA panel of four biomarkers (S100A2, S100A4, Ca-125 and Ca 19-9) achieved high diagnostic potential (AUROC 0.913). Three biomarkers (S100A4, Ca-125 and Ca 19-9) correlated with poor overall survival in a univariable model (p &lt; 0.05). PDAC patients with abnormal levels of 2 or more biomarkers in their serum demonstrated significantly lower survival compared to patients with abnormal levels of one or less biomarker (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion and ImpactThe identified biomarker panels have shown the potential to diagnose PDAC patients and stratify patients based on their prognostic outcomes. If independently validated, this may lead to the development of a diagnostic and prognosticating blood test for PDAC.
Violent Behavior Prior to Admission Is Not a Factor in Further Prolonged Length of Stay: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Japanese Psychiatric Hospital
Authors: Kinoshita Hidetoshi , Kuroki Noriomi , Okada Takayuki 
Published: July 2021

Background: This study assessed the hypothesis that violent behavior prior to admission prolongs psychiatric hospitalization and evaluated the likelihood of hospital discharge to a community care setting based on demographic and clinical factors, with an emphasis on violent behavior.Methods: We retrospectively selected 362 patients who were involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Japan from December 1, 2015 to November 30, 2017, stayed longer than planned, and underwent review by a multidisciplinary team. We assessed (a) education and marital status and history of substance abuse, (b) the presence/absence and type of violent behavior that led to hospital admission, and (c) the discharge criteria. We divided the subjects into groups according to whether they had demonstrated violent behavior prior to admission and compared demographic and clinical variables between the groups using bivariate analysis. We also analyzed data using the Cox proportional hazard model, defining discharge to the community as the outcome. Age, sex, and variables that were significant at a level of P &lt; 0.05 based on Cox univariate analysis were included in the multivariate models using the forced entry method.Results: The Violent group included 94 patients (26%). There were no significant between-group differences in age, sex, educational background, marital history, career history, or the history of substance abuse. However, hospitalization was significantly longer in the Non-violent group. The Cox proportional multivariate hazard ratios revealed that violent behavior prior to admission resulted in a higher probability of hospital discharge.Conclusion: Violent behavior prior to admission did not significantly contribute to prolonged hospitalization in patients who deviated from the treatment plan and had exceeded the planned hospitalization duration. Our findings recommend caution when using violence and impulsiveness observed during the acute stage to predict the difficulty of long-term treatment.