bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Surgical Options for Obese Rectal Cancer Patients: A Comparison of Open, Laparoscopic, and Robotic Surgery Short-Term Outcomes
Authors: Shi Youquan , Baral Shantanu , Jiang Yongjun , Tian Zhen , Zhao Shuai , Li Ruiqi , Zhang Youlei , Wang Jie , Huang Yong , Zhang Yue , Zhang Xianhu , Wang Wei , Tang Dong , Wang Liuhua , Wang Daorong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The presence of obesity significantly complicates surgical procedures for patients suffering from rectal cancer, while also amplifying the risk of encountering severe postoperative complications. This research examines the short-term outcomes experienced by obese individuals with rectal cancer who underwent open, laparoscopic, and robotic surgical procedures, with the aim of providing insights into clinical decision-making. A retrospective analysis was performed on data gathered from 348 patients treated at Subei People's Hospital, spanning November 2019 to March 2024. The patients were categorized into three groups: those who underwent open surgery (OS, n = 107), laparoscopic surgery (LS, n = 185), and robotic surgery (RS, n = 56). The results show that although baseline characteristics and tumor efficacy were similar across groups, It is noteworthy that the RS group exhibited the longest operative time and incurred the highest inpatient costs, but it also manifested the minimal intraoperative blood loss and the shortest postoperative recovery period, encompassing first flatus time, first oral diet time, and hospital stay duration. This was followed by the LS group and subsequently the OS group, with statistically significant disparities evident among the three groups (P < 0.05). Compared to the OS group, both the LS and RS groups exhibited notably reduced rates of overall complication and wound infection (P < 0.05), while no substantial difference was observed between the LS and RS groups (P > 0.05). RS significantly outperformed both OS (P = 0.038) and LS (P = 0.046) in preventing urinary dysfunction. These findings suggest that RS, despite higher costs and longer operative times, offers significant advantages in recovery and complication rates, highlighting its potential as a preferred surgical option for obese rectal cancer patients. This study provides crucial evidence to guide surgical approach choices, underscoring the importance of weighing operative time and cost against patient recovery and complication outcomes.
Ultrastructural changes in the tegument and tissues of Fasciola hepatica adults and their eggs due to the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. spp mexicana
Authors: Ezeta-Miranda Alonso , Avila-Acevedo José Guillermo , Espinosa-González Adriana Montserrat , Flores José del Carmen Benítez , Marquez Gerardo Francisco , Montenegro Yolanda Vera 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Artemisia ludoviciana on the viability of adult Fasciola hepatica parasites and eggs. Ovicidal assays were performed at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/L Artemisia ludoviciana extract. Bioassays of fasciolicidal efficacy in adult specimens of F. hepatica were performed at extract concentrations of 125, 250, 375 and 500 mg/L. The effects of triclabendazole, a reference drug, and artemisinin were also evaluated. The ovicidal effectiveness of the extracts obtained after 16 h of incubation at concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/L was 48%, 52%, 87%, 89% and 92%, respectively (p < 0.05), and the fasciolicidal efficiencies during the first 24 h posttreatment ranged from 82–100% (p < 0.05). In both cases, scanning electron microscopy revealed damage to the shells of the eggs treated with the extract, compromising their stability. In adult fasciolae, alterations to the integument that resulted in its erosion and detachment were observed. Histopathological studies of the affected specimens revealed damage to the tegumentary and subtegumentary cells and alterations in the ovaries, testicles and intestine. This damage was more severe after treatment with the extract than after treatment with the other compounds.
YOLO-LE: A lightweight and efficient UAV aerial image target detection model
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Yinyang , Xing Sihao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We designed a lightweight and efficient target detection algorithm YOLO-LE: 1) By designing the C2f-Dy and LDown modules, the small target feature sensitivity of the backbone is improved, while the number of backbone parameters is reduced and the model efficiency is improved. 2) By designing an adaptive feature fusion module, we can flexibly integrate feature maps of different sizes, optimize the neck architecture, lightweight the neck network, and improve model performance. 3) We replace the loss function of the original model with a distributed focal loss and combine it with a simple self-attention mechanism by design to improve small object recognition and anchor box regression performance.In comparative experiments on the VisDrone2019 dataset, our YOLO-LE model improves mAP(0.5) by 9.6% compared to YOLOv8n.The results show that our method can effectively improve the model performance.
RETRACTED: Polymorphisms rs2073618 and rs3102735 in TNFRSF11B with the Susceptibility to Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tang Xuan , Dai Zhe , Gong Dandan , Pan Huiwen , Man Changfeng , Zhang Shiqi , Gao Zhenjun , Wang Xiaoyan , Fan Yu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Assessing the Impact of Institutional Quality and Financial Stability on Sustainable Development Goal One in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rahman Mohammed Muntaka Abdul , Khan Asad Ul Islam , Kaplan Muhittin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Institutional quality and financial stability are essential for achieving sustainable growth. It is safe to say that Sub-Saharan African countries have struggled to achieve sustainable development goals, despite cyclical institutional inconsistencies and financial instability. This study not only investigates the role of institutional quality and financial stability in achieving SDG 1 but also the impact of factors such as colonial footprint and the capability theory on the progress made in eradicating poverty. The study employed panel data from 23 SSA countries from 2002 to 2020 which was analyzed using the two-step system GMM estimator. The result of the study indicates that in comparison, institutional quality has a far greater impact on reducing poverty than institutional quality. Additionally, poverty levels are exacerbated by hunger levels and inflation, while levels of well-being lower it. Furthermore, the result indicates that colonial footprints play a key role. As a result, the impact of each regressor is either higher or lower in francophone nations than in anglophone ones. The result reveals also that hunger affects poverty through well-being, confirming the assertion of Sen (1999). In order to support the achievement of SDGs, the study suggests that governments should make efforts to strengthen their institutions as they form the bedrock on which other macroeconomics indicators can as well as implement policies to eradicate food insecurity and improve financial development, which can guarantee a stable financial system.
Distribution Characteristics of Denitrifying Bacteria in the Rhizosphere of Wetland Plants in Urban Rivers of the Karst Region in Southwest China
Authors: Yin Xingjia , Yao Liangzhu , LI YI 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The discharge of nitrogen-rich wastewater into urban rivers often leads to water eutrophication, and the construction of river wetlands is a crucial measure to mitigate this issue. Microorganisms play a significant role in the nitrogen removal processes within river ecosystems, particularly in the rhizosphere of plants where microbial activity is intense. This study investigates the distribution characteristics of denitrifying microbial communities in the rhizosphere sediments of wetland plants in the Xiaoche River urban wetland in Guiyang. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze the bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere sediments of three typical wetland plants (Acorus calamus, Cyperus alternifolius, and Echinochloa crus-galli). Additionally, the abundance of denitrifying and anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing (anammox) bacteria in the sediments was determined using real-time quantitative PCR. Sequencing results indicated that there are 16 bacterial phyla with a relative abundance greater than 1% in both rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere sediments, with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Acidobacteria being the dominant phyla, collectively accounting for over 50% of the relative abundance. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was higher in the rhizosphere than in the non-rhizosphere, while Bacteroidetes showed higher relative abundance in the non-rhizosphere compared to the rhizosphere. There were 24 bacterial genera with relative abundance greater than 1%, and the dominant genera varied significantly among different sampling sites. Cluster analysis revealed significant differences in genus-level populations between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere samples, with high similarity between the populations of Acorus calamus and Cyperus alternifolius. Quantitative gene results indicated that the abundance of denitrification and anammox genes was lower in the non-rhizosphere sediments than in the rhizospheres of the three plants, with anammox 16S rRNA and nirS gene abundance levels reaching 1010 copies/g dry sediment, suggesting a high richness of anammox and denitrifying bacteria in the rhizospheres of wetland plants in the Xiaoche River. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that the environmental factors most influencing the abundance of these two genes were total phosphorus (TP), organic matter (OM), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N).
Health Characteristics Associated With Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses After Repeated Vaccinations in Older Persons Over Time: The Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Kuijpers Yunus , Kaczorowska Joanna , Picavet H. Susan J. , de Zeeuw-Brouwer Mary-lène , Kuijer Marjan , Slits Irene , Gijsbers Esther , Rutkens Ryanne , de Rond Lia , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Buisman Anne-Marie 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Older persons elicit heterogeneous antibody responses to vaccinations that generally are lower than those in younger, healthier individuals. As older age and certain comorbidities can influence these responses we aimed to identify health-related variables associated with antibody responses after repeated SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and its persistence thereafter in SARS-CoV-2 infection-naïve and previously infected older persons.
Method: In a large longitudinal study of older persons of the general population 50 years and over, a sub-cohort of the longitudinal Doetinchem cohort study (n=1374), we measured antibody concentrations in serum to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S1) and Nucleoprotein (N). Samples were taken following primary vaccination with BNT162b2 or AZD1222, and pre- and post-vaccination with a third, fourth BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 (Wuhan), and a fifth BNT162b2 bivalent (Wuhan/Omicron BA.1) vaccine. Associations between persistence of antibody concentrations over time and age, sex, health characteristics including cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases as well as a frailty index were tested using univariate and multivariate models .
Results: The booster doses substantially increased anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 (S1) antibody concentrations in older persons against both the Wuhan and Omicron strains. Older age was associated with decreased antibody persistence both after the primary vaccination series and up to 1 year after the fifth vaccine dose. In infection-naïve persons the presence of inflammatory diseases was associated with an increased antibody response to the third vaccine dose (Beta = 1.53) but was also associated with reduced persistence over the 12 months following the fifth (bivalent) vaccine dose (Beta = -1.7). The presence of cardiovascular disease was associated with reduced antibody persistence following the primary vaccination series (Beta = -1.11), but this was no longer observed after bivalent vaccination.
Conclusion: Although older persons with comorbidities such as inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases responded well to SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccinations, they showed a reduced persistence of these responses. This might indicate that especially these more vulnerable older persons could benefit from repeated booster vaccinations.
Analysis of Research Trends on the Textured Vegetable Protein(TVP) Technology using Topic Modeling
Authors: Kang Sang Jin , Choi Jong Woo , Lee Joon Young 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To analyze recent research trends on textured vegetable protein (TVP) and suggest future directions for research and policy implementation, focusing on its industrialization rather than nutritional aspects.
Design/Methodology:
The study conducted an integrated search on Google Scholar for academic papers with "TVP: Textured Vegetable Protein" as the main keyword. Text mining methodologies, including frequency analysis and topic modeling, were used to analyze the research trends.
Findings:
Since the 2020s, research has frequently mentioned keywords related to texture, manufacturing process technology, and commercialization of TVP, while keywords related to nutritional ingredients have decreased. Topic modeling revealed a shift from studying TVP as an experimental nutrition alternative before 2000 to its market potential after 2000, and to developing it as a commercial product similar to meat after 2020. Logit analysis indicated high interest and citation of studies related to functional differences, ingredients of TVP patties, and their functional values.
Originality/Value:
The study highlights the shift in research focus from nutritional aspects to the industrialization and commercialization of TVP, suggesting that future research and policies should prioritize reducing the textural differences from meat and improving mass production processes.
Changes on growth and secondary metabolite production in Cannabis sativa L. by simultaneous treatment of plasma activated water, melatonin and nano-zinc
Authors: Oloumi Hakimeh , Nasibi Fatemeh , Poorsheikhali Zakie , Malekpourzadeh Leila 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of plasma activated water (PAW), melatonin and nano-zinc on the secondary metabolites production in Cannabis sativa. We treated C. sativa plants cultivated in greenhouse with PAW, melatonin and zinc oxide nanoparticles (nZnO), either individually or in combination. After the simultaneous treatment of zinc oxide and melatonin, PAW was used as irrigation water on the plants under greenhouse conditions and the content and composition of secondary metabolites in the plant leaves were analyzed. After two weeks and harvesting the plants tissues, the secondary metabolites of the seedlings were measured in leaves. We found that the combined treatments of PAW, melatonin and nZnO resulted in the highest increase of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, total phenolic compounds, alkaloids and terpenoids (CBD and THC). The enhancement of secondary metabolites was associated with higher relative leaf water content, membrane stability index, total chlorophyll content and nitrogenous compounds. Moreover, the combined treatment increased the and growth parameters of Cannabis sativa such as shoots and roots length, shoots and roots fresh and dry weight, indicating a higher potential for pharmacological and agricultural applications. Our results suggest that PAW, melatonin and nZnO can act synergistically to enhance the production of secondary metabolites in Cannabis sativa, by modulating the plant's physiological and biochemical mechanisms. The results of this research provide a new understanding of the regulation and optimization of the secondary metabolism pathway of Cannabis sativa by these factors, it also has several implications for optimizing the cultivation and production of cannabis.
Ethical Considerations Related to Virtual Visiting for Families and Critically Ill Patients in Intensive Care: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Clarke Kirsty , Borges Karen , Hatab Sultan , Richardson Lauren , Taylor Jessica , Evans Robyn , Chung Bethany , Cleverdon Harriet , Xyrichis Andreas , Cook Amelia , Meyer Joel , Rose Louise 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visiting technologies were rapidly integrated into the care offered by intensive care units (ICUs) in the UK and across the globe. Today, these technologies offer a necessary adjunct to in-person visits for those with ICU access limited by geography, work/caregiving commitments, or frailty. However, few empirical studies explore the ethical issues associated with virtual visiting. This study aimed to explore the anticipated and unanticipated ethical implications of introducing ICU virtual visiting during the pandemic to better inform current virtual visiting practices.Methods We used a descriptive exploratory qualitative research approach recruiting a convenience sample of newly-graduated junior doctors facilitating ICU virtual visits in a tertiary academic centre. We conducted semi-structured interviews and analysed transcripts using an inductive coding approach.Results Eight newly graduated junior doctors, seven female and one male, aged 23–27, participated in semi-structured interviews. Five overarching themes emerged. Two of the themes namely, ‘fulfilling a moral instinct to connect families’ and ‘promoting autonomy’, arose from participants’ descriptions of how virtual visits aligned with healthcare standards and practices they considered ethical. Three further themes including ‘preserving dignity and privacy’, ‘managing emotional distress’, and ‘providing equitable access’ to virtual visiting technologies, highlight how virtual visits might exacerbate ethical issues related to family communications.Conclusion Virtual visiting may potentially both ameliorate and exacerbate aspects of ethical healthcare delivery for ICU patients and family members. ICU team members should consider unique ethical considerations related to using ICU virtual visiting. We recommend virtual communications skills training for staff and advocate for the use of easily accessible educational resources for families who wish to visit critically unwell patients remotely.
Determination of the visco-hypoplastic material parameters of rolled asphalt
Authors: Mahler András , Kisgyorgy Lajos , Gajari György 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Describing the mechanical behaviour of asphalt is a difficult task, which is usually performed with the help of simple material models and empirical corrections. The purpose of this article is to verify the hypothesis that asphalt behaviour can be properly described using the visco-hypoplastic constitutive model. For this purpose, asphalt specimens were subjected to traditional geotechnical tests (triaxial and oedometer tests) at different temperatures and at varying strain rates. These test results were used to verify the applicability of the constitutive model and to determine the model parameters and their temperature dependency. The performed tests and numerical analyses demonstrated that the visco-hypoplastic material model can be used effectively in the numerical modelling of rolled asphalt behaviour.
Research on a novel ground pressure control mode of deep mining in a subsea metal mine by physical model test and numerical simulation analysis
Authors: liu weijun , liu zhixiang , Qiu Jiadong , Guo Tengfei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To solve the problems of deep mining safety and ground pressure control in Sanshandao gold mine, a novel ground pressure control mode of deep mining in a subsea metal mine was studied by physical model test and numerical simulation analysis. First, the novel ground pressure control mode was studied by physical model test, the surface deformation characteristics of the physical model were observed by the DIC method, and the deformation and damage characteristics of the rock layer were obtained. Then, the numerical simulation analysis of the novel ground pressure control mode was carried out and verified with the results of the physical model test. Finally, the determined ground pressure control model was verified by engineering. The research results show that the physical model has an obvious disturbance to the surrounding area during the excavation process according to the analysis of the strain monitoring points, and the strain value at the monitoring point was maintained at approximately one ten-thousandth. Meanwhile, the stress change reflected by the strain was consistent with the numerical simulation results, confirming the authenticity of the physical model test results. Additionally, the field industrial test shows that the control mode has a good control effect on the high ground stress in the deep subsea metal mining.
Confinement and optimization of electromagnetic wave in photonic crystals based on SU-8 photoresist strip
Authors: Shao Hanbo , Hang XiaoChen , Jiang Dong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Confinement of electromagnetic wave is key to the realization of applicable filters in optics technologies. We present a flexible cavity fabrication process that writes SU-8 photoresist microstrip onto a photonic crystal waveguide deterministically, in which electromagnetic wave can be confined excellently. Corresponding simulation shows bandgap of the waveguide shifts from 0.269c/a to 0.266c/a by adding a 0.1µm-thick layer of SU-8 with a refractive index of 1.57 on top of PhC. This is equivalent to an increment in wavelength from 1.265 µm to 1.277 µm. We also study the relationship of the Q factor with the strip width of SU-8 strip cavity. Tesults show that as the strip width is increased beyond 2 µm, Qtotal increases by up to approximately an order of magnitude, while V0 increases by only a factor of 2. It provides a way to optimize Q factor and hence enables potential improvement on optical cavity mode.
Comparative Analysis of Social Health Policies for the Elderly: A Case Study of Iran and Developed Countries
Authors: koosha maryam 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Given the rapid increase in the elderly population worldwide, designing and implementing effective policies to improve the quality of life for this group is of special importance. Developed countries have effectively responded to the needs of their elderly populations by offering policies based on institutional economics, comprehensive healthcare services, and social empowerment. In contrast, developing countries face challenges such as an imbalanced workforce, poor environmental conditions, and high healthcare costs. This research employs content analysis and utilizes the framework of health systems theories, social justice, demographic and epidemiological transitions, and community-oriented care to examine and compare social health policies for the elderly in Iran and developed countries. The findings indicate that developed countries possess more comprehensive and coordinated systems for providing services to the elderly. These countries, relying on preventive policies, universal health insurance, and the development of rehabilitation and care centers, have significantly improved the health status and quality of life of their elderly. In contrast, despite efforts made, Iran still faces serious challenges in providing services to the elderly. This study suggests that Iran should develop comprehensive and coordinated policies to improve the situation of the elderly by leveraging the successful experiences of developed countries. Expanding health insurance, developing care and rehabilitation centers, promoting social and cultural activities, and teaching life skills to the elderly are among the proposed solutions to enhance the situation of the elderly in Iran.