bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms and its relation to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among United States adults with different diabetic status
Authors: Xu Hua-Zhao , Meng Xiang-Da , Liu Qian , Xiong Yu-Jun 
Published: November 2024

Objective The relationship between diabetes, depressive symptoms, and mortality is well established. However, the effect of depressive symptoms on prediabetes and its relationship with mortality remains unclear. This study seeks to investigate the effects of depressive symptoms on mortality across different diabetic statuses. Methods The study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018, with a final sample size of 36,246 participants. Mortality status and cause of death were determined by cross-referencing records with the publicly accessible National Death Index through 2019. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression analysis were utilized to assess the relationship between depressive symptoms and mortality across different diabetic statuses from nondiabetic to prediabetic to diabetic. Results In the non-diabetic group, no effect of depression severity on all-cause mortality or cardiovascular mortality was found in the final models. In the prediabetic group, however, the hazard ratios were increased for both mild depressive symptoms (HR = 1.349, 95% CI = 1.138-1.600) and moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms (HR = 1.651, 95% CI = 1.309-2.082). In the diabetic group, surprisingly, the risk was somewhat lower than in the pre-diabetic group (HR = 1.279, 95% CI = 1.084-1.509 for mild and HR = 1.285, 95% CI = 1.056-1.563 for moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms). Similar risk patterns were noted for cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, where risk of moderate-severe symptoms was even greater in the prediabetic group (HR = 1.834, 95% CI = 1.180-2.851). Conclusion In this prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, a positive association was found between depressive symptoms and mortality across different diabetic statuses. These findings highlight the importance of evaluating depressive symptoms across the glycemic spectrum, especially among individuals with prediabetes.
Common Factors in the Profitability of Energy Firms
Authors: Joaqui-Barandica Orlando , Manotas-Duque Diego F. , Uribe Jorge M. 
Published: November 2024

The extent to which external factors explain profitability in the energy sector and their commonalities is largely unknown from the previous literature. We identify three latent factors underlying the profitability of 1,347 global energy firms, from 2000 Q1 to 2021 Q2. We rely on a novel Dynamic Factor Model estimated by Functional Principal Components. Profitability factors are strongly associated with global financial and macroeconomic factors, including energy commodity prices, interest rates, exchange rates, economic activity and financial uncertainty. We compare our empirical results for various energy subsectors and show that profitability of oil and gas companies is highly sensitive to changes in interest rates and fuel prices, while renewable energy and uranium firms are more sensitive to exchange rates. We also provide a ranking of firms based on their association with the common factors of profitability, which can be used to monitor the resilience of the energy sector. JEL Classification: Q43, O16, G32
Does Low-carbon Pilot Policy Exacerbate Wage Distortions in an Imperfect Labor Market? Theory and Evidence From China
Authors: Shao Shuai , Yang Zhenbing , Yang Lili 
Published: November 2024

Whether the introduction of low-carbon policies has an unexpected deterioration effect on preexisting wage distortions in an imperfect labor market is paid little attention to. In this paper, based on the data from China’s 285 cities during 2005 to 2016, a heterogeneous stochastic frontier analysis model is used to measure the wage distortions. Further, a difference-in-differences (DID) strategy is employed to investigate the net effect of the low-carbon pilot policy (LCPP), introduced in 2010, on wage distortions. Moreover, the influence mechanism, regional heterogeneity, and ownership heterogeneity are also discussed. We find that the LCPP exacerbates the degree of wage distortions, leading to a widening gap between the value of the marginal product of labor and the actual wage level. After a series of robustness checks, this conclusion is proven to be reliable. The primary reason for this finding is that the LCPP increases the value of the marginal product of labor by improving the technological progress rate, thus widening the gap between the value and the sticky wage level. The net effect of the LCPP on wage distortions presents regional heterogeneity, which is more evident in the eastern and central regions than in the western region. In addition, in regions with a high proportion of domestic enterprises, the deterioration effect of the LCPP on wage distortions is relatively weak. JEL Classification: J31, Q58
The synergistic effects of platelet-rich plasma and negative pressure wound therapy in cavitary infected wounds: a single-centre experience
Authors: Qian Kun , Bao Wen-Xiu , Zuo Na , Wang Shuai , Ding Wei 
Published: November 2024

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of the combined application of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in cavitary infected wounds, in addition to the parameter settings of NPWT. Methods The outcomes of patients with cavitary wounds who received debridement with either PRP plus NPWT (PRP group) or NPWT alone (controls) as part of their treatment protocol were retrospectively compared by examining preoperative and postoperative data on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil percentage, bacterial cultures, pain (measured using visual analogue scale [VAS] scores), postoperative hospitalization duration, and effective hospitalization days. Results A total of 24 patients were included (11 who received PRP plus NPWT and 13 who received NPWT alone). Postoperative hs-CRP levels, ESR, VAS scores, and effective hospitalization days were found to be significantly reduced in the PRP group versus controls. Moreover, the PRP group exhibited a significantly elevated rate of bacterial culture conversion at postoperative day 3. Conclusions The integration of surgical debridement with PRP and NPWT in the management of infected cavitary wounds may expedite infection containment and bacterial eradication, stimulate granulation tissue formation, and facilitate cavity closure, offering a novel and uncomplicated approach to wound healing.
Pliny’s Marmor Augusteum and the Eastern Desert of Egypt
Authors: Fant J. Clayton 
Published: November 2024

Pliny the Elder mentions two Egyptian stones he names as marmor Augusteum and marmor Tibereum ( NH 36.55–56). The implied imperial connections and early dates make it of great interest to identify the stones and sources. Recent survey work and new documents prove that Tibereum was quarried at Wadi Barud, just south of Mons Claudianus, and is the granito bianco e nero of the Italian artisanal tradition. The fact that this quartz diorite was used in imperial palaces on the Palatine Hill (the Domus Tiberiana and the Domus Transitoria) – and hardly elsewhere – further raises the stakes for m. Augusteum. This paper examines the evidence assembled to support a proposal, the only one to date, to identify Augusteum with ophites ( granito della sedia) from Wadi Umm Wikala/Semna, and concludes that it is insufficient. It then assesses other possibilities and ends with a tentative suggestion for another identification. This paper is dedicated to the memory of Amanda Claridge, with whom I first went to Egypt. [Formula: see text]
Health and Wellness Coaching Can Improve Tobacco Quit Rates and Weight Management Efforts in an Employee Population
Authors: Sauls Rachel , Thakkar Shreya , Evers Briana , Yates Alexander , Tran Nhan , Latif Mark , Johnson Kelly , Alencar Michelle K. 
Published: November 2024

Purpose This study aims to investigate gender differences in tobacco quit rates and weight gain among employees undergoing a cessation program with a health and wellness coach. Design This project was a retrospective observational study of an employee population. Setting All data were collected during health coaching sessions by nationally certified health coaches. Subjects 211 men and women (116 males, 95 females, age 51.3 ± 9.9 years) enrolled in a Tobacco cessation health coaching program (TCHC) between January 2020 and December 2021. Measures Data were compared between genders for quit rate, weight, body mass index (BMI), and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) usage across 12-month follow-ups. Analysis Descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent samples t-test. Results Significantly more men than women successfully quit by the goal date set with their coach ( P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in tobacco use across 12 months, leading to the participant’s quit date ( P < 0.001). Women (Weight lost ± SD= 1.49 lbs. ±16.06 lbs.) lost significantly more weight than men (0.7 lbs. ± 8.5 lbs.; P < 0.001). NRT users lost significantly more weight than non-users ( P = .007). Conclusion Health and wellness coaching was effective for participants to successfully stop tobacco use while in this program by their quit date. The coaching program also elicited weight loss while achieving smoking cessation for both men and women.
Understanding the sources of efficacy dilution in a trial of a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention
Authors: Peebles Kathryn , Matrajt Laura , Baeten Jared M , Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Brown Elizabeth R ,   for the MTN-020/ASPIRE Study Team
Published: November 2024

Introduction Women-initiated HIV – 1 prevention products are key to reducing women’s HIV-1 risk. Clinical trials of vaginal microbicides have shown limited to no efficacy in intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. It is hypothesized that these negative results are partly due to efficacy dilution. Methods We developed a microsimulation model of MTN-020/ASPIRE, a phase 3 trial that evaluated monthly use of a dapivirine vaginal ring for HIV-1 prevention. We evaluated four sources of efficacy dilution: trial-level factors: (i) an imbalance in the number of monthly sex acts between study arms and (ii) heterogeneity in risk emergent over time; and individual-level factors: (iii) product non-adherence and (iv) receptive anal intercourse. Results Assuming 70% per-vaginal exposure efficacy (consistent with the ITT estimate of 27%), heterogeneity in risk accounted for the largest proportion of efficacy dilution, at 42% (90% CrI: 38, 45), followed by non-adherence (33%; 90% CrI: 27, 39), an imbalance in arms (18%; 90% CrI: 16, 21) and lastly, anal intercourse with less than 10% of efficacy dilution. Conclusion Our results suggest that heterogeneity in risk was the most important source of efficacy dilution in the ASPIRE trial. Future trials of HIV-1 prevention products for women should consider alternative trial designs and analytic approaches that minimize bias introduced by heterogeneity in risk.
Electroacupuncture alleviates acute myocardial ischemic injury in mice by regulating the β1 adrenergic receptor and post-receptor protein kinase A signaling pathway
Authors: Zuo Haiyan , Qu Qiaoyu , Tong Yan , Wang Lei , Wang Xiaoxiao , Wu Shengbing , Zhou Meiqi 
Published: November 2024

Objective: To determine the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) and post-receptor protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway after acute myocardial ischemia (MI). Methods: An MI model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of wild-type (WT) C57/BL and β1-AR+/– mice (heterozygous for β1-AR gene deletion). EA treatment was administered at HT5-HT7 or LU9-LU8. We evaluated cardiac function by measuring ST segment displacement, ischemic area and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK)-MB and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Pathological morphology/apoptosis of myocardial tissue were examined using hematoxylin–eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Norepinephrine (NE) levels in myocardial tissue were detected by ELISA. Levels of β1 and post-receptor PKA signaling components were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Results: EA stimulation at HT7-HT5 could better regulate the level of β1-AR in myocardial tissue than that at LU9-LU8. Following EA, the ST segment, serum CK-MB/ LDH and area of myocardial infarction were decreased in WT mice, and the degree of myocardial pathology/apoptosis and expression of cleaved caspase-3 were decreased. Myocardial levels of Gs protein (Gs), adenylate cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), phosphorylated protein kinase A (p-PKA), L-type voltage-gated calcium channel α1C (Cav1.2), serine phosphate 16-phospholamban (p-PLBs16) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-adenosine triphosphate (ATP)ase 2a (SERCA2a) increased after EA. However, these effects of EA were not replicated in β1-AR+/– mice. Interestingly, myocardial NE content decreased after EA in WT and β1-AR+/– mice. Conclusion: EA may enhance cardiac function and reduced MI area/apoptosis by restoring the activity of β1-AR and post-receptor PKA signaling.
High-intensity electroacupuncture is superior to low-intensity electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yuan Shi-Guo , Chen Jung , Chen Mei-Xiong , Zheng Nan-Sheng , Zhang Zhi-Wei , Wang Hua-Jun , Li Jia , Li Ling , Gao Yan-Ping 
Published: November 2024

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been demonstrated to be efficacious and safe in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), yet the optimal current intensity for pain control in KOA remains unspecified. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity and low-intensity EA in terms of pain relief and functional improvement in KOA. Methods: A thorough and comprehensive literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all looking at the intensity of EA for KOA, was carried out in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science Journal Citation Report (VIP) and Wanfang database, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov. All databases were searched from their inception until April 2022. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB)2 tool. Finally, a meta-analysis of all eligible RCTs was performed using Review Manager 5.3. Results: Three studies with 472 individuals were included in the meta-analysis. The pain intensity reductions were significantly different between the high-intensity EA group and low-intensity EA group (mean difference (MD) = −0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.26 to −0.18, p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores (MD = −3.62, 95% CI = −12.22 to 4.98, p = 0.41). High-intensity EA significantly improved emotional scale (ES) scores compared to low-intensity EA (MD = −0.72, 95% CI = −0.76 to −0.67, p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that high-intensity EA provides superior pain relief and has a bigger impact on emotional scale scores in patients with KOA.
Anti-Tumor Effect and Mechanism Study of Caloric Restriction, Achieved by Time-Restricted Feeding, in Mice
Authors: Lu Weisheng , Wang Jue , Wang Chengji , Wang Haijie , Gao Wenhao , Ye Shouchong , Shen Ruling 
Published: November 2024

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects and explore the mechanisms behind caloric restriction achieved through time-restricted feeding (CR) in inhibiting mouse tumors, providing a theoretical basis and data support for future CR diet-assisted anticancer treatment protocols. Methods C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were divided into four cell line groups. Each group was further split into normal diet (ND) and a CR diet groups. The ND groups had free access to water and a normal diet, while the CR diet groups had access to water but were only fed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., fasting for the remaining 22 h. Food intake was recorded daily starting on day 1 of the experiment. Tumor models were established and assessed every 2 days. Blood biochemical indicators, serum pyruvic acid levels, and cytokine expression were measured. Results The CR diet inhibited tumor growth in mice. Colorimetric assays and ELISAs showed a reduction in pyruvic acid levels and in key upstream and downstream rate-limiting enzymes in the sera of CR mice. Routine blood and blood biochemistry tests suggested minor effects of the CR diet on these parameters. Western blotting revealed that the CR diet suppressed mTOR and AKT protein expression in tumor tissues. ELISA showed that various mTOR-related signaling pathways were downregulated. Immunohistochemistry staining indicated reduced expression of P53, P-AKT, EGFR, and IGF-1 in tumor tissues. TUNEL staining confirmed that the CR diet promoted tumor apoptosis. Conclusion The CR diet inhibited tumor growth by suppressing mTOR and its related upstream and downstream gene signaling pathways, reducing tumor glycolysis, and accelerating tumor cell apoptosis.
Evaluation of Risk Factors, and Development and Validation of Prognostic Prediction Models for Distant Metastasis in Patients With Rectal Cancer: A Study Based on the SEER Database and a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhang Huiru , Wang Haojun , Yao Yan , Liu Lijuan , Feng Fubin , Li Huayao , Sun Changgang 
Published: November 2024

Purpose This study aimed to construct a prediction model regarding risk factors and prognostic factors for distant metastasis of T1-T3 stage rectal cancer. For this purpose, a population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted. Methods Data on 7872 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer between 2004 and 2020 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, of whom 746 had distant metastases at diagnosis. Independent risk factors for distant metastasis of rectal cancer were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses clarified the independent prognostic factors for distant metastases of rectal cancer. A 7:3 randomization process was used to place all patients into the training and internal validation groups. Furthermore, we retrospectively collected clinical data from 226 patients who had both rectal cancer and distant metastases between 2012 and 2024 at the Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. We used the calibration curve, DCA curve, C-index, and area under the curve (AUC) to assess the discriminatory and pre-precision qualities of the models. Results The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified race, tumor grade, T stage, N stage, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, tumor size, and histological subtype as risk factors for distant metastases in rectal cancer, with AUC values for both training and validation sets exceeding 0.8. Using Cox regression analysis, we determined that the age, sex, tumor size, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were independent predictors of distant metastasis of rectal cancer. In the prognostic model, the C-index of the training cohort was 0.687 (95% CI: 0.6615-0.7125), that of the internal validation cohort was 0.692 (95% CI: 0.6508-0.7332), and that of the external validation cohort was 0.704 (0.6785-0.7295). Conclusion Our nomogram can predict risk factors and analyze the 1-, 2-, and 3 year prognosis of distant metastases in patients with rectal cancer, providing valuable guidance for future clinical work.
Direct selective laser trabeculoplasty: A retrospective study
Authors: Fossati Giovanni , Trevisi Marco , Sarodia Usman , Malick Huzaifa , Abdou Hamza , Sodeinde Modupe , Romano Mario R , Osman Lina 
Published: November 2024

Purpose To investigate the effectiveness and safety profiles of Direct Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (DSLT). Materials and Methods Retrospective study of 15 eyes of 10 patients diagnosed with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT) who underwent DSLT in June 2023 at University Hospitals of Leicester, UK. We defined success as IOP reduced ≥20% from baseline with no additional medications needed or as a decrease in the number of anti-glaucoma medications while maintaining target IOP. We also considered secondary outcomes such as final BCVA and final number of anti-glaucoma medications. Results At the fourth month visit, success was reached in 11 eyes (73.3%). We registered 4 failures (26.7%). Mean IOP at baseline was 22.7 ± 4.4 mmHg and was reduced to 18.7 ± 4.2 mmHg ( p = 0.008). The absolute mean reduction of IOP in the group of eyes that maintained unchanged the number of medications was 5.4 ± 2.7 mmHg, as baseline IOP was 21.4 ± 4.3 mmHg, and final IOP was 15.9 ± 2.3 mmHg, with a 25.7% reduction ( p = 0.003). Mean BCVA remained unchanged (0.1 ± 0.1 logMAR, p = 1.00). No significant adverse events requiring surgical or clinical intervention were observed. Conclusion DSLT showed profiles of effectiveness and safety comparable with those of SLT in the literature and consistent with the results obtained in previous studies on DSLT itself. DSLT may represent a valid alternative to traditional SLT.
Health Professionals’ Ethical, Security, and Patient Safety Concerns Using Digital Health Technologies: A Mixed Method Research Study
Authors: Mensah Nathan Kumasenu , Adzakpah Godwin , Kissi Jonathan , Taylor-Abdulai Hannah , Johnson Stephen Benyi , Agbeshie Princilla Awudu , Opoku Christabell , Abakah Jessica , Osei Emmanuel , Agyekum Ama Yeboaa , Boadu Richard Okyere 
Published: November 2024

Background: Digital Health Technologies (DHTs) offer numerous health benefits but raise ethical and security concerns about patient health data among health professionals due to potential security breaches. This study explores the ethical, patient safety, and security issues concerning healthcare professionals using DHTs in hospitals in Ghana. Methods: The study used a mixed method design, including a descriptive survey and in-depth interviews with health professionals in 3 tertiary hospitals, between July and September 2022, with thematic content analysis using QSR NVivo 12 software. The descriptive survey was analyzed using Stata 15 to produce percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: A total of 369 health professionals participated in the study. Disclosure of health data on DHTs without consent from patients 299 (81.03%) was the most frequently mentioned concern. The most often raised concern was the disclosure of the patient. Overall, 298(80.76%) health professionals worried about safety issues relating to the use of the DHTs. On occasion, staff members neglect to log out of the system, which compromises all the security measures in place. Other factors such as system unavailable due to unplanned shutdown affected patient safety. Conclusion: Health professionals are concerned about patient information confidentiality and security. They believe staff access to patient information should be on a “need-to-know basis,” and safety policies be periodically updated to prevent human behavior from compromising security measures.