bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation of slope soil erosion intensity with different vegetation patterns based on cellular automata model
Authors: Sheng Yan , Zhang Shangxuan , Li Long , Cao Zhiming , Zhang Yu 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionSoil erosion plays a crucial role in soil and water conservation management, as well as in ecological construction planning. This study focuses on the slopes of three planting patterns (uniform distribution, aggregation distribution, and random distribution), along with bare slopes, in the Baojiagou watershed of the Pisha Sandstone area, based on soil erosion intensity grade maps after rainfall from 2021 to 2023.MethodsA method combining Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and the CA-Markov model is used to analyze the spatial variation of soil erosion intensity types on different slopes. This approach integrates multiple influencing factors and generates a suitability map for the conversion of soil erosion intensity types. Ultimately, the dynamic characteristics of soil erosion in 2023 are simulated under various slope conditions.ResultsResults indicated: (1) The spatial distribution of simulated soil erosion intensity grade maps for different slopes largely aligned with actual maps, and regions with soil erosion depth greater than 3 cm were resistant to transitioning to lower erosion zones. (2) The Kappa coefficients for simulated soil erosion intensity in uniform distribution, random distribution, aggregate distribution, and bare control slopes were 65.24%, 73.62%, 75.88%, and 69.06%, respectively, confirming the feasibility of the CA-Markov model for simulating soil erosion dynamics. (3) The simulation of soil erosion intensity on different slopes in 2023 revealed that erosion intensity on uniformly distributed, aggregated, and bare control slopes remained predominantly in the erosion zone with a depth of 1–2 cm, while randomly distributed slopes experienced a shift from mild erosion area to slight erosion area.DiscussionThis study improves the understanding of soil erosion across different vegetation patterns and demonstrates the applicability of the CA-Markov model for simulating dynamic erosion on slopes. The findings contribute to the development of broader ecological models and offer insights into vegetation management and erosion control strategies for similar landscapes.
Identification of a novel frameshift variation in ANKRD11: a case report of KBG syndrome
Authors: Shao Qing , Jiang Qiang , Luo Yuqi , Meng Yimei , Tian Guoyu , Yin Xiao 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundKBG syndrome (KBGS, OMIM: 148050) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by macrodontia, short stature, skeletal abnormalities, and neurological manifestations. The objective of this study is to investigate a case of KBG syndrome caused by a novel frameshift mutation in ANKRD11.Methods and resultsWe present the case of an 18-year-old Chinese male exhibiting characteristic features including a triangular face, micrognathia, hypertelorism, macrodontia, bushy eyebrows, prominent ears, short stature, low hairline, delayed cognitive development, and scoliosis. Whole exome sequencing identified a novel frameshift variant in the ANKRD11 gene which ultimately led to the diagnosis of KBG syndrome.ConclusionIn this study we have identified a previously unreported frameshift variant (NM_013275.6:c.2589dup) in ANKRD11 that causes KBG syndrome. This finding expands both the molecular and clinical spectrum of this rare genetic disease.
The value of a metabolic and immune-related gene signature and adjuvant therapeutic response in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ni Danlei , Wu Jiayi , Pan Jingjing , Liang Yajing , Xu Zihui , Yan Zhiying , Xu Kequn , Wei Feifei 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by a dismal prognosis. Treatment outcomes exhibit substantial variability across patients, underscoring the urgent need for robust predictive models to effectively estimate survival probabilities and therapeutic responses in PDAC.MethodsMetabolic and immune-related genes exhibiting differential expression were identified using the TCGA-PDAC and GTEx datasets. A genetic prognostic model was developed via univariable Cox regression analysis on a training cohort. Predictive accuracy was assessed using Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves, calibration plots, and ROC curves. Additional analyses, including GSAE and immune cell infiltration studies, were conducted to explore relevant biological mechanisms and predict therapeutic efficacy.ResultsAn 8-gene prognostic model (AK2, CXCL11, TYK2, ANGPT4, IL20RA, MET, ENPP6, and CA12) was established. Three genes (AK2, ENPP6, and CA12) were associated with metabolism, while the others were immune-related. Most genes correlated with poor prognosis. Validation in TCGA-PDAC and GSE57495 datasets demonstrated robust performance, with AUC values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS exceeding 0.7. The model also effectively predicted responses to adjuvant therapy.ConclusionThis 8-gene signature enhances prognostic accuracy and therapeutic decision-making in PDAC, offering valuable insights for clinical applications and personalized treatment strategies.
Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and their associated factors among pregnant women in Debre Markos, northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mihiret Getachew Tilaye , Meselu Belsity Temesgen , Wondmu Kumlachew Solomon , Getaneh Temesgen , Moges Nurilign Abebe 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionPromoting healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy is a crucial health promotion strategy that could reduce pregnancy-related complications that may harm women and their fetuses. However, very few studies have assessed the prevalence of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among pregnant women in Ethiopia. This study aimed to evaluate the extent and associated factors of health-promoting lifestyle behaviors among pregnant women in public health institutions in Debre Markos, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 pregnant women who were recruited using a systematic random sampling technique from 19 April to 19 May 2021. A face-to-face interview-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with the outcome variable. adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to measure the strength of the associations at a p-value &lt;0.05.ResultsThe average mean score for health-promoting lifestyle behaviors was 2.68 (±0.38). Factors such as rural residency (AOR = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.10–0.82), family size (≥5) (AOR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.08–0.79), being the decision-maker for economic expenses (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.14–0.84), and average monthly income (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.04–0.59) were found to be significantly associated with health-promoting lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy.ConclusionApproximately two-thirds of participants demonstrated better (healthier) health-promoting lifestyle behaviors during their pregnancy. To reduce unhealthy lifestyle-related maternal morbidity and mortality in Ethiopia, it is important to encourage health-promoting activities through health education and antenatal care follow-up with an emphasis on women who reside in rural areas, and who have a high family size, low income level, and have husbands who are the primary decision-makers for their economic expenses.
Prescribing practices of corticosteroids in outpatient dermatology department of Injibara General Hospital, north-West Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Tegegnie Alemu Bezabih , Alene Tamiru , Tamir Workineh , Sineshaw Meaza Molla 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundCorticosteroids are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in the world because they are extremely effective for the relief of symptoms of many inflammatory and immune disorders and other conditions. Corticosteroids have been a mainstay of pharmacotherapy in dermatological practice.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess prescribing practices of corticosteroids in outpatient dermatology department of Injibara General Hospital, North-West Ethiopia, 2024.MethodA facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September 1 to September 10, 2024, with 422 patient prescriptions issued at the dermatology outpatient department of Injibara General Hospital containing at least one corticosteroid medicine. All patient prescriptions dispensed from the dermatology outpatient department from April to August 2024 containing at least one corticosteroid medicine were included. A structured data collection tool was used to collect data, and Statistical Package for Social Science version 27.1 was used for data analysis. The study population was characterized through descriptive analysis.ResultsFemale patients accounted 54.2% of the cases recorded, and the most common age group was between 21 and 30 years (26.5%). Atopic dermatitis (15.4%) was the most common skin disorder, followed by papular urticaria (9.97%) and seborrheic dermatitis (8.9%) for which corticosteroids were prescribed. Topical corticosteroids were the most commonly prescribed medications, accounting for 94.1%. The percentage of corticosteroids prescribed by generic name was 82.4%. We found that the percentage of topical corticosteroid prescriptions in fixed drug combinations and extemporaneous prescription was 4.4 and 1.2%, respectively. Mometasone furoate was the most commonly prescribed (34.6%), followed by clobetasol propionate (26.7%). Ointments (53%) followed by creams (40.6%) were the most common formulations of topical corticosteroids issued. In the present study, moderate potency TCS were most commonly prescribed (32.3%), followed by high potency (28.3%), and super high potency (27.6%), respectively.ConclusionFrom this study, it can be concluded that atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease observed in the studied dermatology outpatient where the corticosteroid was indicated. Mometasone furoate and clobetasol propionate were the two most commonly prescribed agents. Prescribing practice of high potent and very high potent topical corticosteroids was found to be considerably high.
Comparative clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with manipulation and other non-pharmacological interventions in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: a prospective, multi-arm, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint trial
Authors: Shi Fudong , Wen Haibao , Liu Yuzhang , Li Zuoxu , Jin Jiao , Liu Ning , Wang Guojun , Chen Chun , Feng Yadi , Lin Hai , Zhang Shimin 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical efficacy and safety of four intervention methods—traditional Chinese manipulation combined with acupuncture, acupuncture alone, manipulation alone, and traction—for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).MethodsA prospective, multi-arm, randomized, parallel-controlled clinical trial was conducted between July 2021 and June 2024. A total of 240 eligible LDH patients were randomized into four groups (60 patients per group) in a 1:1:1:1 ratio: manipulation combined with acupuncture group, manipulation group, acupuncture group, and traction group. Each treatment lasted for 3 weeks. Changes in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were recorded before treatment, at 1 and 3 weeks during treatment, and at 1 and 3 months post-treatment. Adverse events were also monitored.ResultsA total of 210 patients completed the follow-up. At the 3-week (day 21) and 3-month (day 111) follow-ups, the acupuncture + manipulation group showed the most significant improvements, with VAS scores decreasing by 63.34% and 68.30% and JOA scores increasing by 55.17% and 58.33%. The acupuncture group showed VAS score reductions of 55.04% and 59.29% and JOA score increases of 44.52% and 48.29%. The manipulation group reported VAS score reductions of 51.73% and 55.02% and JOA score increases of 41.16% and 45.27%. The traction group demonstrated the least improvement, with VAS scores decreasing by 43.25% and 45.73% and JOA scores increasing by 30.55% and 33.97%. Statistical analysis indicated that the acupuncture + manipulation group had significantly better improvements in VAS and JOA scores than the other three groups during treatment and follow-up periods (P &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between the acupuncture and manipulation groups (P &gt; 0.05), while the traction group showed significantly less improvement compared to the other groups (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that acupuncture combined with spinal manipulation significantly reduces pain and improves lumbar function in LDH patients compared to other tested interventions. The symptom relief rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture + manipulation group compared to the acupuncture, manipulation, and traction groups.Clinical trial registrationhttps://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2200058598.
Transitioning to a virtual post-intensive care rehabilitation service in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: results of multidisciplinary focus-groups
Authors: Howroyd Fiona , Earle Natacha , Weblin Jonathan , McWilliams David , Raven Mark , Duggal Niharika A. , Ahmed Zubair , Veenith Tonny 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundTelehealth has vastly expanded since the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic and has been widely implemented as an efficient, cost-effective and accepted means of health care delivery, including rehabilitation. Although telerehabilitation is recommended across national guidelines, there is a lack of practical guidance to support clinicians with virtual adaptations.AimsThis study aimed to describe the key components of a safe and effective virtual post-intensive-care rehabilitation service, through qualitative exploration.MethodsThis is a qualitative study using a focus-group design based upon grounded theory. This study is nested within a service development project, taking place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focus groups were held after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with key stakeholders from the physiotherapy and critical care departments of a large tertiary hospital in the United Kingdom. Semi-structured questions were used to guide discussions, led by a facilitator and scribe. Transcripts were thematically analysed using an exploratory inductive approach by two researchers then crosschecked.FindingsThree focus groups were attended by 12 multidisciplinary stakeholders, including six physiotherapists, two administration staff members, two critical-care follow-up nurses and two critical care consultants. Thematic analysis identified seven critical elements for virtual adaptations: (1) safety and risk assessment, (2) assessment and outcome measures, (3) virtual platform, (4) resources and equipment, (5) exercise programme adaptation, (6) exercise monitoring and safety, and (7) privacy and information governance.ConclusionOur findings provide practical recommendations for virtual rehabilitation service development and delivery.
Are there distinct subtypes of developmental dyslexia?
Authors: Chalmpe Maria , Vlachos Filippos 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to identify if children with dyslexia can be distinguished into discrete categories based on their domain deficits, indicating various neurocognitive subtypes of developmental dyslexia (DD).MethodsThe sample included 101 students in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades of primary school (mean age 11.15 years) with a diagnosis of dyslexia from a public center and Greek as their native language. The students underwent tests assessing a wide range of abilities, specifically phonological, memory, attention, processing speed abilities, motor, visual, and visual-motor skills.ResultsCluster analysis revealed that children with dyslexia can be divided into three subtypes. The first subtype includes children identified based on their performance in tasks evaluating the phonological abilities, memory, attention, processing speed, along with visual-motor and visual skills. The second subtype comprises children identified based on their performance in memory abilities, motor, and visual-motor skills. The third subtype includes children identified solely based on their performance in the motor skills domain.DiscussionIn conclusion, our findings suggest that school-aged children with DD can be categorized into different subtypes with distinct neurocognitive characteristics. Furthermore, the results indicate that most children with dyslexia experience difficulties in more than one cognitive, sensory or motor domains, supporting contemporary models regarding the existence of multiple neurocognitive deficits in DD.
Assessing the fall risk with Stay Independent Questionnaire in people with stroke
Authors: Chen Peiming , Liu T. W. , Ng Shamay S. M. 
Published: January 2025

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Stay Independent Questionnaire (C-SIQ) in evaluating individuals with stroke.DesignThe study adopted a cross-sectional design.SettingThe research was conducted at a university-based neurorehabilitation center.ParticipantsThe study included a total of 100 individuals with stroke and 49 healthy older adults.MethodsOn Day 1, both individuals with stroke and healthy older adults underwent assessments using the C-SIQ. Additionally, individuals with stroke were evaluated using the Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion strength, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed-Up and Go Test (TUG), 10-meter walk test (10 mWT), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), and Community Integration Measure (CIM). On Day 2 (7 days after Day 1), individuals with stroke were reassessed using the C-SIQ.ResultsIndividuals with stroke exhibited a higher C-SIQ score (6.22 ± 2.98) compared to healthy older adults (1.59 ± 2.01). The C-SIQ demonstrated good test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.847) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.709). The Minimal Detectable Change in C-SIQ score was calculated as 3.05. Exploratory factor analysis revealed four factors with eigenvalues ≥1.0, explaining 57.17% of the total variance. The C-SIQ score exhibited significant correlations (ranging from −0.553 to 0.362) with completion times of the TUG and 10 mWT, FMA-LE, BBS, ABC, SIS, CIM score, paretic ankle dorsiflexion strength, and 6 mWT distance. A cut-off score of 2.5 was identified as the optimal threshold for discriminating fall risk between individuals with stroke and healthy controls.ConclusionThe C-SIQ emerges as a reliable and valid tool for evaluating fall risk in individuals with stroke, showcasing strong correlations with key measures such as TUG times, 10 mWT, FMA-LE, BBS, ABC, SIS, CIM score, paretic ankle dorsiflexion strength, and 6 mWT distance. The C-SIQ demonstrated good test–retest reliability and internal consistency. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that this is a four factors assessment tool. The identified cut-off score of 2.5 effectively distinguishes fall risk between individuals with stroke and healthy controls.
Association between metabolic score for insulin resistance and stroke: a nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Weng Lingtian , Lu Yuqiu , Song Hanning , Xu Jiayi , Jiang Xuhong 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundStroke is a significant cerebrovascular disease and remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Insulin resistance has been strongly linked to the incidence of stroke. Employing characteristics of metabolic syndrome, the Metabolic Score for Insulin Resistance (METS-IR) accurately measures insulin resistance. Nonetheless, the relationship between METS-IR and stroke risk is not well-established.MethodsWe analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the years 2007–2018. Participants providing complete METS-IR data and self-reported stroke information were included in the study. We utilized weighted multivariate regression to explore the relationship between METS-IR and stroke, performing subgroup analyses as well.ResultsA total of 14,794 participants were included, with an average METS-IR of 43.44 ± 12.68. The overall prevalence of self-reported stroke was 3.79%, with higher rates observed in upper METS-IR tertiles. An increase of one unit in METS-IR was associated with a 1% increase in stroke risk (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02). Interaction tests indicated no significant effects of gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, physical activity, or serum cholesterol levels on this relationship. Notably, for participants younger than 60 years, the association was significantly stronger (OR = 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.03), with a marked interaction (p = 0.0061).ConclusionOur findings indicate a positive correlation between higher METS-IR and increased stroke risk. Early intervention targeting insulin resistance may be a viable preventive measure against stroke, particularly in individuals under 60 years of age.
Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and Epstein–Barr virus infection in children aged 6–19 years in the United States: from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007–2010
Authors: Cheng Wei , Wang Yunfei , Ding Nan , Xie Rutao 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a globally prevalent herpes virus associated with multiple diseases. Oxidative stress is closely related to EBV infection, latency, reactivation, and transformation. Antioxidant diet protects against EBV infection. Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI), serving as a key measure of antioxidant intake, is a summary score of six dietary antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoid, selenium, and zinc. Despite this, the association between CDAI and EBV infection remains uncertain.MethodsThe aim of the study was to evaluate the association between CDAI and EBV infection using cross-sectional data from 3,318 children aged 6–19 years who participated in the American National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2010. Data on EBV results, CDAI, and several other essential variables were analyzed.ResultsCompared with that of individuals in Q3 (−1.627–−0.2727) in the multivariate weighted logistic regression model with full adjustment for confounding variables, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for CDAI and EBV infection in those in Q1 (−6.613 − −2.9157), Q2 (−2.9158–−1.626), Q4 (−0.2728–1.7601), and Q5 (1.7602–21.419) was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.01–1.96, p = 0.043), 1.10 (95% CI: 0.84–1.45, p = 0.447), 1.14 (95% CI: 0.86–1.51, p = 0.343), and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.01–1.98, p = 0.044), respectively. The association between CDAI and EBV infection showed a U-shaped curve (non-linear; p = 0.002). The OR of reducing EBV infection was 0.882 (95% CI: 0.792–0.982, p = 0.025) in participants with a CDAI of ≤ − 0.81. The OR of developing EBV infection was 1.055 (95% CI: 1.000–1.114, p = 0.050) in participants with a CDAI of &gt; − 0.81.ConclusionOur results indicated that the association between CDAI and EBV infection in U.S. adolescents follows a U-shaped curve, with an inflection point around –0.81.This suggests that an antioxidant-rich diet in some amount could help reduce the risk of EBV infection. Future prospective and experimental studies are needed to confirm causality and clarify the exact mechanism concerning antioxidant diets with EBV infection.