bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis is a Protective Factor for Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Yu Jian , Li Xiaoyang , He Zhijian , He Jie , Rao Shangrui 
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background The connection between lymph node (LN) metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (CLT) has been examined in a number of prior investigations. However, there is ongoing debate over the effect of CLT on LN metastasis in PTC. In order to explain the relationship between CLT and LN metastasis more convincingly, we aimed to retrospectively review clinical data to investigate the correlation between CLT and LN metastasis in PTC using propensity score matching (PSM). Methods Data on PTC patients at Wenzhou Central Hospital were collected retrospectively between 1 January 2018, and 31 March 2022. The patients were split into two groups based on whether they had CLT or not. The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were compared using a PSM analysis. The relationship between CLT and LN metastases was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 773 PTC patients collected and examined, 213 showed simultaneous CLT. Prior to PSM, patients with CLT displayed a significantly lower incidence of LN metastasis (34.3% VS 44.8%, p = 0.008), a lower metastatic LN ratio (0 (0, 0.17) VS 0 (0, 0.38), p = 0.011), and a greater number of LNs dissected (7 (5, 11) VS 5 (3, 7), p < 0.001). These differences persisted after the PSM of 208 pairs. After PSM, patients with CLT displayed a significantly lower incidence of LN metastasis (35.0% VS 44.7%, p = 0.045), a lower metastatic LN ratio (0 (0, 0.17) VS 0 (0, 0.33), p = 0.038), and a higher number of dissected LNs (7 (5, 11) VS 5 (3, 7), p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that CLT had a protective role against LN metastasis in both the matched group (odds ratio (OR), 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39–0.96; p = 0.032) and the unmatched group (OR, 0.63; 95% CI: 0.44–0.91; p = 0.014). Conclusion Our data indicate that CLT may protect against LN metastases in patients with PTC. Patients having PTC with coexisting CLT have fewer LN metastases, a greater number of LNs dissected, and a lower metastatic LN ratio.
The Impact of Blood Pressure Rhythm and Perioperative Blood Pressure Variability on Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Wu Yihui , Zhou Hao , Li Weifeng , Chen Suli , Wang Huajun , He Binbin , Jiang Huiqin , Wang Wenpeng 
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background Previous studies have indicated a strong correlation between disturbances in blood pressure (BP) circadian rhythm and major cardiovascular adverse events. Similarly, blood pressure variability (BPV) has been closely linked to cerebral small vessel disease and leukoaraiosis. This study aims to investigate the relationship between BP rhythm and BPV with the short-term prognosis of patients with Type A aortic dissection, offering insights for targeted perioperative nursing interventions and improving patient outcomes. Methods This retrospective study included patients undergoing surgical treatment for Type A aortic dissection at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences) from June 2022 to March 2024. The study followed patients from the completion of surgery to 30 days postoperatively, with all-cause mortality within 30 days as the endpoint representing poor short-term prognosis. Clinical data were compared along with: types of BP rhythm; BPV parameters including the mean 24-hour systolic BP (24hSBP), 24-hour diastolic BP (24hDBP), and pulse pressure; and the coefficient of variability (CV) for 24hSBP, 24hDBP, and pulse pressure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify risk factors for poor short-term outcomes in these patients, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to assess the predictive value of BP rhythm types and BPV indicators. Results The study ultimately included 115 participants, with 31 deaths occurring within 30 days post-surgery, resulting in a postoperative mortality rate of 26.96%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that white blood cell count, neutrophil count, non-dipping BP rhythm, pulse pressure, and the CV for 24hSBP, 24hDBP, and pulse pressure, were significant risk factors for poor short-term prognosis (p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that non-dipping BP rhythm, pulse pressure, 24hSBP-CV, 24hDBP-CV, and pulse pressure-CV had areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.685, 0.749, 0.751, 0.773, and 0.763, respectively. The combination of these indicators yielded the highest AUC at 0.918. Conclusion A combination of BP rhythm and BPV indicators provides significant predictive value for poor short-term outcomes in patients with Type A aortic dissection. Clinicians and nursing staff can use these features to formulate targeted preventive measures.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Multidrug-Resistant Organism (MDRO) Infections and Construction of a Risk Prediction Model in a Cancer Specialty Hospital
Authors: Li Chongwei , He Linghui , Xu Junwei , Wang Lili , Cao Xiaoli , Zhang Hui , Ma Pingping , Yuan Yongmei 
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background Patients receiving treatment in specialized cancer hospitals are particularly susceptible to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) infections due to factors such as weakened immune systems caused by intensive treatments and prolonged hospital stays. This study aims to investigate the risk factors for MDRO infections in the cancer specialty hospital setting and to develop a corresponding risk prediction model. Methods Patients diagnosed with MDRO infections were selected for the MDRO infection group (n = 238), and those without for the non-MDRO infection group (n = 238). Non-parametric tests, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify the primary risk factors for MDRO infections. With the aid of analysis utilizing R software 4.4.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria), we developed a nomogram prediction model, which was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results Age, antibiotic application time, and central venous catheterization were independent risk factors for MDRO infection (p < 0.05). The constructed nomogram prediction model for patients with MDRO infection has a C-index of 0.8640. The ROC curve results showed that the prediction model has a specificity of 0.7700, a sensitivity of 0.8800, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8800. Conclusion This study identifies significant risk factors for MDRO infections in a cancer specialty hospital setting and offers a clinically useful prediction model, which may aid in targeted preventive measures and optimization of antibiotics usage, thereby potentially reducing the incidence and impact of these infections.
Identifying Prostatic Utricle Translucent Membrane in Hematospermia Patients Using a Novel Nomogram
Authors: Wang Lang , Wang Zhen , Shao Mingmin , Jia Zhenzhen , Huang Zhiwen , Lu Mingming , Jing Junfeng , Zhang Yanbin 
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background Hematospermia, characterized by blood in the ejaculate, is a common and distressing condition in urology. Identifying the underlying causes, including translucent membranes in the prostatic utricle, is crucial for effective management. Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, reliable predictive tools are needed to enhance preoperative planning and patient outcomes. This study aimed to develop a novel nomogram to predict the presence of translucent membranes in the prostatic utricle of hematospermia patients. Methods In total, 284 patients were selected from The Second People’s Hospital of Hefei database based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cohort was divided into a training set (198 patients) and a validation set (86 patients). To identify risk factors associated with the prostatic utricle translucent membrane, multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed. The identified risk factors were then used to construct a predictive nomogram model. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using several statistical tools: receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to assess discriminative ability, calibration curves to evaluate prediction accuracy, and decision curve analysis (DCA) to determine clinical utility. Results The findings revealed that age, duration of disease, history of seminal vesiculitis, and seminal vesicle dimensions (width, length, and thickness) were independent risk factors for the presence of a prostatic utricle translucent membrane in patients with hematospermia. Using these variables, a nomogram was developed. The nomogram demonstrated strong predictive capability, as evidenced by its performance in ROC and calibration curve analyses. Furthermore, the DCA indicated that the nomogram offered significant clinical net benefits in predicting the presence of a translucent membrane. Conclusion Clinical use of the developed nomogram can assist clinicians in identifying patients with hematospermia who have translucent membrane in the prostatic utricle and in developing individualized treatment.
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Produced by Low-Grade Yellow-Poplar Sorted by Nondestructive Evaluation
Authors: Azambuja Rafael da Rosa , DeVallance David B. , McNeel Joseph 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
To manufacture and market a uniform and consistent product, the US lumber industry developed grading rules to classify their lumber. Visual grading is the most commonly applied grading system, although nondestructive evaluation (NDE) could be applied. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels produced from yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) lumber sorted by NDE and compare their bending properties in the major direction to standard published panels by the American National Standards Institutes/The Engineered Wood Association (ANSI/APA) PRG 320-2019. Ten panels were produced with dimensions of 3.75 inches thick by 18 inches wide by 120 inches long. Flatwise bending, shear block, and cyclic delamination tests were performed following ANSI/APA PRG 320-2019. The results of the bending tests indicated that the calculated characteristic values using NDE-sorted lumber resulted in a 19 percent higher bending strength (Fb) than published values in ANSI/APA PRG 320-2019 for stress-rated lumber (E1 and E4) and 35 percent higher than visually graded yellow-poplar CLT panels reported by Azambuja et al. However, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) values (1.56 by 106 psi) were lower than those listed for E1 and E4 type panels. The adhesive evaluation showed delamination in some samples located in the outer areas of the panel, indicating that proper adhesion is possible with improvements in the panel production process used in the research. Overall, the results suggest potential opportunities to utilize yellow- poplar lumber that does not meet a visual structural grade category under Northeastern Lumber Association Manufacturers’ rules by classifying and sorting the lumber according to static MOE (MOEs) values assessed using NDE.
Effectiveness of exercise intervention in improving physical and mental status of patients with alcohol use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Jihai , Zhou Zhidong , Gao Gang , Zang Liuhong 
Published: October 2024

Objectives
This meta-analysis and systematic review examined the effects of an exercise intervention on alcohol dependence and physical and mental states in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD).

Data sources
PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, and Embase.

Study inclusion and exclusion criteria
Randomized controlled trials published in English from the inception of the database until June 30, 2024, were included. All forms of exercise intervention (aerobic, resistance, yoga, mixed exercise, etc.) were included in the study, using an exercise intervention for patients with AUD and a non-exercise control group. Studies that excluded acute exercise or did not describe a specific intervention program; duplicate publications; review articles, conference articles, etc.; and studies that did not report appropriate outcome metrics.

Data extraction
This protocol was prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol standard. The risk of bias was assessed via the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool as described by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions.

Data synthesis
Alcohol dependence (number of drinks per day, number of drinks per week, AUDIT), physical and mental status [maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), resting heart rate, anxiety state, depression state, stress level].

Results
Seventeen RCTs with a total of 1,905 patients with alcohol use disorders were included as subjects, and the results revealed that the exercise intervention had a significant effect on alcohol dependence, the number of drinks per day and the AUDIT score, the exercise intervention also had a significant effect on physical and mental status, VO2max, the resting heart rate, the anxiety state, the depression state, and the stress level. High heterogeneity in the number of drinks per day, anxiety, depression and stress outcomes (I2 > 50%), but Egger’s test showed no publication bias for all outcome indicators (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
Exercise intervention can effectively reduce alcohol dependence and significantly improve the physical and mental states of AUD patients, and exercise intervention as an adjunct to the treatment of AUD patients is significantly effective.
A case study on the problems experienced by foreign high school students
Authors: Oksüzoğlu Meryem , Bayırlı Ayşe 
Published: October 2024

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) has become a country that receives continuous immigration. Children of immigrant families who come to work have adaptation problems and this significantly impacts their education. This paper aims to identify the problems these high school students experience and propose possible solutions in addition to the precautions already in place. In this research qualitative method was used. 20 teachers, 4 vice principals and a school principal participated in the research. Eight semi-structured questions were asked of the participants to get their opinions on data collection. Obtained data were interpreted and analysed through themes. From the findings, it was determined that the fundamental issues were language skills and economic problems. It is identified that these fundamental problems trigger other problems which make processes more complicated for students. No official practice was observed at schools; however, some subject teachers volunteered, besides the counselors, to help solving students’ problems on a voluntary basis. It has become clear that formal and effective policies need to be developed in order to solve the problems of foreign students.
(Extended English summary is at the end of this document)
Özet

Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti (KKTC), sürekli olarak göç alan bir ülke durumuna gelmiştir. Ülkeye gelen göçmen ailelerin çocuklarının okulda adaptasyonla ilgili sorunlar yaşadıkları ve bunun eğitimlerine ciddi şekilde yansıdığı görülmektedir. Bu kapsamda yapılan bu araştırmada, KKTC’de devlet okullarında (14-16 yaş) eğitim gören 3. ülke vatandaşı göçmen ailelerin çocuklarının okullarda yaşadığı sorunların belirlenmesi ve bu sorunların giderilmesine yönelik atılacak adımların neler olabileceğı konusunda görüş ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Verilerin toplanmasında 20 öğretmen, 4 müdür yardımcısı ve bir okul müdürü katılımcı olarak yer almıştır. Katılımcılara sekiz adet yarı yapılandırılmış soru sorulmuş ve ulaşılan veriler incelenerek tematik değerlendirilmiştir. Ortaya çıkan bulgularda, öğrencilerin öncelikli sorunlarının dil yetersizliği, kültür farklılığı ve ekonomik durumlarından kaynaklanan sorunlar olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. Okullarda bu sorunların giderilmesine yönelik resmi bir program bulunmadığı, rehber öğretmenler ile bazı branş öğretmenlerin gönüllü olarak çaba gösterdiği görülmüştür. Araştırma sonucunda, göçmen öğrencilerin sorunlarının giderilmesinde resmi olarak etkili bir politika geliştirilerek uygulamaya konmasının gerekliliği ortaya konmuştur.
Performance Evaluation Study of Stripper in CO2 Removal Unit
Authors: Anugrah Andika , Hidayat Muslikhin , Sediawan Wahyudi Budi 
Published: October 2024

An ammonia plant has a very important role in the fertilizer industry. This plant processes natural gas, steam, and air as raw materials into ammonia and carbon dioxide (CO2) products. The ammonia and CO2 products will become feed for the urea plant. One of the units in the ammonia plant is CO2 removal. The CO2 removal unit functions to separate CO2 gas from syngas to be processed to the urea plant, so the performance of the CO2 removal unit is very crucial for the plant. One of the pieces of equipment that supports the performance of the CO2 removal unit is a stripper. This study aims to evaluate the performance of the stripper by arranging a mathematical model and solution for steady-state conditions. One of the stripping performance parameters is CO2 lean loading. Completing mathematical equations using the Matlab program and obtaining profiles of the mole flow rate and temperature along the bed packing stripper. Variables that affect stripper performance include temperature and pH. When compared with operational plant data, the simulation results show an error of below five percent. The optimum operating conditions for the stripping process so that CO2 lean loading is minimum:a. Bottom stripper temperature = 1200C – 1230C,b. pH inlet stripper = 7.9-8.1.
Structure and bioactivity of tannin extracts from Taxodium ‘Zhongshanshan’
Authors: Song Zhengtao , Xiao Jian , Liu Tingting , Chu Qiulu , Yu Chaoguang , Yin Yunlong , Xuan Lei , Wu Shufang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Taxodium ‘Zhongshanshan’ is a distinctive tree known for its rapid growth and robust stress resilience. To enhance the utilization of forestry resources, tannin extracts were procured from the barks (BE) and leaves (LE) of Taxodium ‘Zhongshanshan’. The tannin structures were characterized by FT-IR and MALDI-TOF MS, and found to be condensed tannin with a degree of polymerization not exceeding 6. The tannin extracts exhibited a potent ability to scavenge free radicals at capacities of 60–80 % compared to Vitamin C (VC). They inhibited the bacterial strains Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with a pronounced effect on the latter. Furthermore, tannin from Taxodium ‘Zhongshanshan’ appears benign and have no significant effect on cell activity.
Optical, electrical, dielectric and mechanical properties of microcrystalline cellulose/starch based biocomposite films
Authors: Rhalmi Othmane , Ben Zarouala Khadija , Garmim Taoufik , Chouni Khadija , El Meskine Adil , Lahkale Redouane , Sabbar Elmouloudi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
In this work, we have synthesized biocomposite films based on starch reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) with different MCC/starch weight contents (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 %). These films were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), which showed dispersed and biocompatible structures for MCC and starch. It was found that the increase in MCC content (from 0 to 7 wt%) led to decreasing the water solubility, and reducing the absorption coefficients, transmission percentages and electrical conductivity. However, the improvement of dielectric and mechanical properties was demonstrated by decreasing the dielectric loss tangent and increasing the Young’s modulus, respectively making them suitable for dielectric and mechanical applications.
Thermally conductive, mechanically robust alumina-incorporated polyurethane films prepared by ultraviolet light curing
Authors: Tsai Ming-Liao , Dai Yong-Ming , Wu Rou-Xuan , Lo An-Ya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The development of heat dissipating composite materials for electronic systems can be expedited using alumina particles as modifiable polymer-matrix fillers. However, these composites are difficult to synthesize given the tradeoffs between thermal conductivity, insulating characteristics, and conduciveness to processing. To that end, the present study is focused on synthesizing environmentally friendly polyurethane films that could be cured by ultraviolet light within minutes, without requiring high-temperature heat treatment. Through the optimization of alumina modification, hybridization of thermally conductive fillers, filler content, and stirring time on the thermal conductivity of the polyurethane composites, this study improves the process for sustainability, low-cost, and convenient preparation. The experimental results confirmed that the use of surface modification and hybrid fillers is effective for enhancing the thermal conductivity, with the value of the polyurethane integrated with 50 wt% Al2O3 and 5 wt% Al2O3–poly (catechol/polyamine) being 76.40 wt% higher than that of pure PU (0.44 W/mK). Additionally, the use of hybrid fillers resulted in superior mechanical and thermal properties (such as tensile strain, tensile strength, thermal expansion coefficient, and temperature resistance) compared with those of pure PU and films incorporated with only a single filler.
Crystal structure of poly[aqua-(pyridine-3-carboxylato-κ1
N)(pyridine-3-carboxylato-κ2
O,O′) cadmium(II)] dihydrate, C12H14N2O7Cd
Authors: Feng Yu-Quan , Chen Shu-Yang , Yue Zi-Long 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
C12H14N2O7Cd, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 13.105(7) Å, b = 7.927 (4) Å, c = 15.281 (9) Å, β = 110.220(9)°, V = 1489.6(14) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0246, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0530, T = 293 K.
The crystal structure of 2-(2′-carboxybenzyl)benzoic acid, C15H12O5
Authors: Xi-Hai Yan , Bo Zhao , Peng-Cheng Fan , Xi-Shi Tai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
C15H12O5, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 16.1399(4) Å, b = 19.2950(5) Å, c = 8.2567(2) Å, β = 97.078(1)°, V = 2551.70(11) Å3, Z = 8, R

gt
(F) = 0.0440, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1326, T = 299.15 K.