bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Addressing the COVID‐induced healthcare backlog: How can we balance the interests of people and nature?
Authors: Pratt Bridget 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic created healthcare backlogs of routine primary and preventive care, elective procedures, dental care, and mental healthcare appointments across the world. So far, governments are responding by enacting pandemic recovery policies that expand their healthcare sector activity, without much, if any, consideration of its effects on the environmental crisis that is (among other things) worsening human health and health equity. This paper argues that, as a matter of health and social justice, governments have an ethical responsibility to equitably reduce the backlog with minimal environmental damage. To do so, a first key action is to give priority to policy options that minimise negative human impacts on the environment. Yet these policies alone will not be sufficient to address the backlog, particularly in relation to elective procedures. The paper therefore contends that a second key action for governments is to enact the policy options that are best able to equitably reduce the remainder of the backlog, while accelerating the transition to sustainable health care in ways that are best able to reduce the specific environmental costs of those policy options. It concludes by considering whether limits apply to governments' ethical responsibilities that ultimately mean accelerating the transition to sustainable health care is not required when addressing the backlog.
Clinical research vehicles as a modality for medical research education and conduct of decentralized trials, supporting justice, equity, and diversity in research
Authors: Moore Kenneth T. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCurrent clinical research lacks diversity in those that participate. This lack of diversity is concerning given its importance for successful drug development. The frequency and severity of many diseases, along with the pharmacological properties of therapies, can display significant differences based on patient diversity. A clinical trial population that is more reflective of these differences will help researchers better understand the therapeutic profile of the treatment and provide generalizable knowledge to the medical community. The advent of decentralized clinical trial designs is meant to help address this lack of diversity by using portable digital health technologies and virtual interactions to enhance clinical trial access and broaden participation. By leveraging these technologies, trial conduct can occur at locations other than traditional research sites. This shift in trial location may help address some of the logistical, educational, engagement, and trust barriers that have historically prevented enrollment of diverse populations. However, these types of trials still have limitations. Ethical concerns around justice, equity, and diversity will still exist with decentralized clinical trials, which could be mediated using clinical research vehicles. When utilized, this modality may enhance the scientific design and conduct of clinical trials and better follow these ethical principles. These enhancements and improved ethical direction could be accomplished through increasing community involvement, improving health literacy, supporting more diverse trial sites, creating community‐based research footholds, fostering connections with researchers, limiting technical challenges, and preventing data security issues.
Overview of mechanism of electroacupuncture pretreatment for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Zeng Jiaming , Cao Jiaojiao , Yang Haitao , Wang Xue , Liu Tingting , Chen Zhihan , Shi Fangyuan , Xu Zhifang , Lin Xiaowei 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCardio‐cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) is a serious threat to huma strategy to prevent the occurrence and development of disease by giving electroacupuncture intervention before the disease occurs. EAP has been shown in many preclinical studies to relieve ischemic symptoms and improve damage from ischemia–reperfusion, with no comprehensive review of its mechanisms in cardiovascular disease yet. In this paper, we first systematically discussed the meridian and acupoint selection law of EAP for CCVD and focused on the progress of the mechanism of action of EAP for the prevention and treatment of CCVD. As a result, in preclinical studies, AMI and MCAO models are commonly used to simulate ischemic injury in CCVD, while MIRI and CI/RI models are used to simulate reperfusion injury caused by blood flow recovery after focal tissue ischemia. According to the meridian matching rules of EAP for CCVD, PC6 in the pericardial meridian is the most commonly used acupoint in cardiovascular diseases, while GV20 in the Du meridian is the most commonly used acupoint in cerebrovascular diseases. In terms of intervention parameters, EAP intervention generally lasts for 30 min, with acupuncture depths mostly between 1.5 and 5 mm, stimulation intensities mostly at 1 mA, and commonly used frequencies being low frequencies. In terms of molecular mechanisms, the key pathways of EAP in preventing and treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are partially similar. EAP can play a protective role in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by promoting autophagy, regulating Ca2+ overload, and promoting vascular regeneration through anti‐inflammatory reactions, antioxidant stress, and anti‐apoptosis. Of course, both pathways involved have their corresponding specificities. When using EAP to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, it involves the metabolic pathway of glutamate, while when using EAP to prevent and treat cerebrovascular diseases, it involves the homeostasis of the blood–brain barrier and the release of neurotransmitters and nutritional factors. I hope these data can provide experimental basis and reference for the clinical promotion and application of EAP in CCVD treatment.
Technical risk factors for benign anastomotic strictures in colorectal and/or coloanal anastomosis: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Garoufalia Zoe , Meknarit Sarinya , Emile Sameh Hany , Gefen Rachel , Horesh Nir , Zhou Peige , Rogers Peter , DaSilva Giovanna , Wexner Steven D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimAnastomotic stricture occurs in up to 30% of colorectal resections; however, evidence on risk factors and preventive measures remains scarce. This study aimed to identify technical factors responsible for increasing the risk for colorectal and coloanal anastomotic strictures.MethodThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients with anastomotic stricture who underwent resection and/or redo anastomosis between January 1, 2011 and August 1, 2021 in a tertiary referral centre. Patients with anastomotic stricture were compared with an equal number of randomly selected patients without anastomotic complications, who were operated on during the same time period. The main outcome measures were technical risk factors of anastomotic stricture.ResultsEach group included 50 patients who were similar for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, distance of anastomosis to the dentate line and indication for surgery. Median follow‐up was significantly longer in the non‐stricture group (38.6 months vs. 12.6 months, p = 0.04). Splenic flexure mobilization [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.18 [2], 95% CI: 0.08–0.39, p < 0.001], high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (HR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.5, p < 0.001) and high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vein (HR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.09–0.50, p < 0.001) were associated with a lower likelihood of anastomotic stricture. Conversely, use of a 25‐mm‐diameter circular stapler (HR = 22.69, 95% CI: 2.69‐191.10, p < 0.001), clinically significant anastomotic leak (HR = 3.94, 95% CI: 2.04–7.64, p < 0.001), firing the stapler more than once for rectal division (HR = 24.75, 95% CI: 6.85–89.38, p < 0.001) and diverting stoma (HR = 3.087, 95% CI: 1.736–5.491, p < 0.0001) were predictive of an anastomotic stricture.ConclusionFailure to mobilize the splenic flexure and to perform high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vessels were associated with higher odds of anastomotic stricture. A small‐diameter circular stapler and multiple distal stapler firings were also associated with anastomotic stricture. These data support routine splenic flexure ligation and high ligation of the inferior mesenteric vessels as well as avoidance of both multiple stapler firings for rectal transection and a 25‐mm circular stapler for anastomosis.
Extraction of flavonoid dyes from vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) waste and application in bleached pulp dyeing
Authors: Liu Tingting , Xiao Jian , Wang Wenjie , Chu Qiulu , Wang Qiong , Liu Chenghang , Wu Shufang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNatural dyes are receiving more attention due to wide and renewable resources and their functionalities. This study delved into the optimal conditions for extracting Ampelopsis grossedentata flavonoid dyes (AGFDs) from vine tea waste, resulting in a dye sample with a total flavonoid extraction percentage of 27.4 %. Ultraviolet (UV), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis revealed the presence of 18 flavonoids in AGFD. Additionally, various factors, including pH, light exposure, temperature, metal ions, and redox agents were found to impact the stability of AGFD. Moreover, the dyeing performance of AGFD for the bleached chemical pulp was investigated. Under optimal conditions, the AGFD‐dyed pulp displayed a vibrant yellow hue and excellent colour fastness when using aluminum potassium sulphate dodecahydrate (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) as a mordant with a dyeing uptake level up to 88 %. FTIR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that AGFD chemically bound to the pulp fibre. Remarkably, the hand sheet made from the AGFD‐dyed pulp exhibited thermal stability, physical strength properties and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the peroxide value of cheese packaged with the AGFD‐dyed pulp hand sheet was only 43 % of that of the undyed one, indicating its good antioxidant properties. This study highlights the promising potential of AGFD in the production of functional coloured paper.
A Meta‐Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Plus Chemotherapy for Resectable Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Xinru , Kang Tianhua , Liu Baodong , Zhang Yin , Huang Guangming 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionNeoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy has ushered in a new era for surgical treatment for patients with NSCLC. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy in NSCLC.MethodsEligible studies were identified from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and conference meeting abstracts. The endpoints included major pathological response (MPR), complete pathological response (pCR), surgical resection rate, R0 resection, treatment‐related adverse events (TRAEs), severe adverse events (SAEs), surgical complications, treatment discontinuation, surgical delay, and treatment‐related death. Stata 18 software was used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Twenty‐two studies including a total of 1108 patients were eligible for this study.ResultsAmong the patients who received neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy, the pooled MPR rate was 51% (95% CI [0.44–0.58]), and pCR rate was 34% (95% CI [0.28–0.40]). The pooled surgical resection rate was 85% (95% CI [0.81–0.89]), and the pooled R0 rate was 94% (95% CI [0.91–0.96]). The pooled rate of pathological tumor downstaging was 84% (95% CI [0.79–0.88]), and the pooled rate of pathological nodal downstaging was 38% (95% CI [0.23–0.57]). During the treatment of neoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy with or without surgery, the pooled rate of TRAEs (any grade) was 84% (95% CI [0.73–0.91]), and the pooled rate of SAEs was 29% (95% CI [0.21–0.38]). Surgical complications pooled rate was 25% (95% CI [0.14–0.41]). The pooled rate of treatment discontinuation (11%, 95% CI [0.09–0.13]), surgical delay (3%, 95% CI [0.02–0.05]), and treatment‐related death (2%, 95% CI [0.02–0.03]) were conducted.ConclusionNeoadjuvant immunotherapy plus chemotherapy provides a high pathological response, surgical resection rate, R0 resection rate, and pathological downstage rate and has a low risk of increasing the incidence of SAEs, surgical complications, treatment discontinuation, surgical delay, and treatment‐related death. The validation of prospective and large sample studies is needed to confirm this conclusion.
Association of metabolic score for visceral fat with all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer mortality: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jia Shanshan , Huo Xingwei , Zuo Xianghao , Zhao Liming , Liu Lu , Sun Lirong , Chen Xiaoping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimOur study aimed to evaluate the association between the metabolic score for visceral fat (METS‐VF) and mortality.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study comprising 11,120 participants. We employed weighted multivariable Cox regression analysis to assess the relationship between METS‐VF and mortality. Restricted cubic spline analyses were used to investigate potential non‐linear associations. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of METS‐VF and other obesity‐related indicators for mortality. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to confirm the robustness of the results. Mendelian randomization analysis was utilized to assess potential causality.ResultsOver a median follow‐up duration of 83 months, a total of 1014 all‐cause deaths, 301 cardiovascular deaths, and 262 cancer deaths occurred. For every 0.2‐unit increase in METS‐VF, the hazard ratios(HRs) of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer mortality were 1.13 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.20], 1.18 (95% CI: 1.06, 1.31), and 1.13 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.25), respectively. In addition, restricted cubic spline analyses revealed no significant non‐linear associations between METS‐VF and all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer mortality. In multivariate Cox regression models, hazard ratios of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality were higher in the highest METS‐VF group compared to the reference group. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses confirmed that our results were robust. Receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that METS‐VF predicted mortality better than other obesity‐related indicators. Mendelian randomization analysis confirmed significant causal relationships.ConclusionsMETS‐VF was positively associated with all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and cancer mortality. These findings suggest that METS‐VF could serve as a straightforward, reliable, and cost‐effective marker for identifying individuals at high risk of mortality.
Associations of metabolic syndrome with cognitive function and dementia risk: Evidence from the UK Biobank cohort
Authors: Zuo Qianlin , Song Lingling , Gao Xinxin , Cen Manqiu , Fu Xihang , Qin Shifan , Wu Jing 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimTo investigate the associations of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with cognitive function, dementia and its subtypes.MethodsBased on the participants recruited by UK Biobank, this study aims to investigate the associations of MetS with cognitive function, dementia and its subtypes. Generalized estimating equations, Cox proportional risk models, and multiple linear regression models were respectively used to assess associations between MetS and dementia‐related outcomes.ResultsAmong the 363,231 participants, 95,713 had MetS at baseline. The results showed that MetS was significantly associated with cognitive function related to fluid intelligence and prospective memory at follow‐up. Among participants aged ≥60 years, MetS was correlated with elevated risk of all‐cause dementia, particularly vascular dementia (VaD) [hazard ratio 1.115 (95% confidence interval: 1.047, 1.187), hazard ratio 1.393 (95% confidence interval: 1.233, 1.575), respectively]. With increasing MetS components, the risk of all‐cause dementia and VaD tended to be elevated. MetS has also been associated with dementia‐related structural changes in the brain, including alterations in overall brain volume, white matter volume, grey matter volume and white matter integrity.ConclusionMetS was associated with poorer cognitive performance and might increase the risk of all‐cause dementia as well as VaD, but the effect on Alzheimer's disease was not significant. Holistic control of the MetS may benefit the prevention and control of cognitive impairment and dementia.
Functional connectivity compensation in Parkinson's disease with freezing of gait
Authors: Huang Li‐Chuan , Chen Li‐Guo , Kao Hung‐Wen , Lin Sheng‐Huang , Tsai Sheng‐Tzung , Wu Ping‐An , Chen Shin‐Yuan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFreezing of gait (FOG) is a disabling motor symptom prevalent in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its pathophysiological mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate whole‐brain functional connectivity (FC) pattern alterations in PD patients with FOG. A total of 18 PD patients, 10 with FOG (PD‐FOG) and 8 without FOG (PD‐nFOG), and 10 healthy controls were enrolled. High‐resolution 3D T1‐weighted and resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) data were obtained from all participants. The groups' internetwork connectivity differences were explored with rs‐fMRI FC using seed‐based analysis and graph theory. Multiple linear regression analysis estimated the relationship between FC changes and clinical measurements. Rs‐fMRI analysis demonstrated alterations in FC in various brain regions between the three groups. Freezing of Gait Questionnaire severity was correlated with decreased brain functional connection between Vermis12 and the left temporal occipital fusiform cortex (r = −0.82, P < .001). Graph theory topological metrics indicated a decreased clustering coefficient in the right superior temporal gyrus in the PD‐nFOG group. PD‐FOG patients exhibited a compensatory increase in connectivity between the left inferior frontal gyrus language network and the postcentral gyrus compared to PD‐nFOG patients. Further, the decreased connection between Vermis 12 and the left temporal occipital fusiform cortex may serve as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for tracking PD‐FOG and distinguishing between PD subtypes.
Inducing ipsilateral motor‐evoked potentials in the biceps brachii muscle in healthy humans
Authors: Hu Nijia , Tanel Meghan , Baker Stuart N. , Kidgell Dawson J. , Walker Simon 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo assess reticulospinal tract excitability, high‐intensity transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to elicit ipsilateral motor‐evoked potentials (iMEPs). However, there is no consensus on robust and valid methods for use in human studies. The present study proposes a standardized method for eliciting and analysing iMEPs in the biceps brachii. Twenty‐four healthy young adults participated in this study. Electromyography (EMG) electrodes recorded contralateral MEPs (cMEPs) from the right and iMEPs from the left biceps brachii. A dynamic preacher curl task was used with ~15% of the subject's one‐repetition maximum load. The protocol included maximal compound action potential (M‐max) determination of the right biceps brachii muscle, TMS hotspot determination, and four sets of five repetitions where 100% stimulator output was delivered at an elbow angle of 110° of flexion. We normalized cMEP amplitude by M‐max (% M‐max) and iMEP by cMEP amplitude ratio (ICAR). Clear iMEPs above background EMG were observed in 21 subjects (88%, ICAR = .31 ± .19). Good‐to‐excellent agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .795–1.000) and low bias (.01–.08 mV and .60–1.11 ms) were demonstrated when comparing two different analysis methods (i.e. fixed time‐window vs. manual onset detection) to determine the cMEP and iMEP amplitude and latency, respectively. Most subjects demonstrated clear iMEPs above background EMG triggered at a pre‐determined joint angle during a light‐load dynamic preacher curl exercise. Similar results were obtained when comparing a single‐trial manual identification of iMEP and a semi‐automated time‐window data analysis approach.
Uncoupled Evolutionary Patterns in Spectral and Temporal Components of Acoustic Signals in Anurans Associated With Streams
Authors: Vargas‐Salinas Fernando , Londoño‐Guarnizo Carlos A. , Duarte‐Marín Sebastián , Torres‐Suárez Olga L. , Amézquita Adolfo 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe use of high‐pitched auditory signals by species communicating alongside noisy streams has been often considered an adaptation, yet studies testing this hypothesis have yielded inconclusive results. The major challenge has been to quantify the proportion of across‐species signal variation that could be attributed to either common history (phylogenetic load) or adaptation. We further advance in this approach by comparing the phylogenetic load between different components of anuran calls. Because stream noise allegedly represents a stronger selective pressure for call frequency than for call temporal traits, we predicted a weaker phylogenetic signal in call frequency, particularly in the taxa that breed alongside streams. We first built a phylogenetic hypothesis using four mitochondrial genes on each of three clades: the genus Hyloscirtus and the family Centrolenidae, which call alongside streams and the subfamily Phyllomedusinae, known to call at lentic water bodies. In parallel, we compiled data on the advertisement calls of 154 species and used them to calculate Blomberg's K values as a proxy for the phylogenetic load (signal) of the call traits. The phylogenetic signal was weaker in spectral than in temporal call traits within the Hyloscirtus calls and weak or absent in both spectral and temporal components of Phyllomedusine calls. Against our expectations, the phylogenetic signal was strong in call frequency, but absent in call temporal components of the centrolenid calls. Our results support uncoupled evolution between spectral and temporal components of anuran calls. They also indicate that the selective role of abiotic noise varies among taxa and that other factors must be invoked to fully understand among‐species variation in advertisement calls.
S–N curves established from limiting energy in the case of specimens additively manufactured from AlSi10Mg
Authors: Matušů Martin , Šimota Jan , Papuga Jan , Rosenthal Jakub , Beránek Libor , Costa Pedro , Bumba Francisco , Reis Luis 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the varying thermal response of additively manufactured specimens made of AlSi10Mg and subjected to cyclic loading. It is well known that the thermal response is driven primarily by the self‐heating effect. The paper explores the possibility of employing thermographic methods to establish an S–N curve for fatigue life prediction with the use of fewer specimens than are traditionally required for an S–N curve established from constant‐amplitude fatigue tests. Specific self‐heating step tests are conducted by gradually increasing the loading amplitude while monitoring the temperature of the specimen. A new approach is introduced to assess the lower limitation of the existing Fargione method, which addresses the absence of the fatigue limit threshold in previously published works. The validity of this approach is compared with our own experimental data. This new dataset concerns additively manufactured (AM) specimens made from AlSi10Mg powder, which were all printed on a single platform. To observe the sensitivity of the updated approach, four groups with different heat treatments were evaluated.