bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-panniculectomy improvement in low back pain: A Case Report
Authors: Marquette Lauren , Skylsen Marc 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

While abdominoplasty is traditionally considered a cosmetic surgery, there has been growing interest in the potential role of abdominoplasty for the treatment of low back pain. We present a case of a 69 year old man with a history of over 10 years of significant low back pain with radiculopathy resistant to various conservative measures as well as multiple surgeries for spinal decompression. Fourteen years after bariatric surgery and having maintained a stable BMI, he presented with a large pannus desiring abdominoplasty for aesthetic reasons. He underwent an abdominoplasty with panniculectomy only which was uncomplicated. As an unintended benefit of his procedure, he reported on his one month post op visit that he had near resolution of his low back pain and radiculopathy. He had rated his pre-op back pain as 7/10 and reported that it now had been reduced to 1-2/10. More research needs to be done to assess the potential of abdominoplasty as a treatment for low back pain in patients with massive weight loss.
Association between ADA (AGE-D-DIMER-ALBUMIN) and Chest CT severity score in COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Maggio Enrico , Bonito Giacomo , Oliva Alessandra , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Vezza Riccardo , Pugliese Francesco , Violi Francesco , Ricci Paolo , Loffredo Lorenzo , Pignatelli Pasquale 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to assess the association between ADA score with the severity of pneumonia, as evaluated by chest tomography using a severity score.
Materials and Methods:In this observational study we enrolled 350 consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients with COVID-19-related severe acute pneumonia which needed hospitalization, consecutively admitted to non-intensive care unit (ICU) medical wards from March 2020 to March 2022. A standard high-resolution chest CT was performed in all cases with a multidetector CT scanner without intravenous contrast injection, except in case of suspicion of pulmonary embolism. ADA score and semi-quantitative CT Severity Score (CTSS) were calculated for all patients. A linear regression analysis and a correlation analysis regarding Severity Score were performed.
Results: 350 COVID-19 patients (154 males (44%) and 196 females (56%)) were recruited. A linear correlation analysis showed that Severity Score correlates with ADA Score, P/F ratio, SpO2, Respiratory rate, pO2, GFR, Glycemia and CRP. Finally, a linear regression analysis confirmed the relation between Severity Score and ADA Score, GFR and CRP (p=0,003) (Predictors: ADA Score [IC 95% 0,041 - -0,402; p=0,017], GFR [IC 95% -0,095 - -0,001; p=0,045], CRP [IC 95% -0,077 - -0,001; p=0,044]).
Conclusions: This study demonstrates a correlation between the ADA score and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. These findings suggest that the ADA score serves as an index not only capable of predicting thrombotic events but also associated with the severity of the radiological presentation. Future studies should assess the accuracy of the ADA score using non-SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary tomography scores.
Association between oxidative balance score and endometriosis findings from NHANES 1999–2006
Authors: SU SU Luyang , Du Zeqing , Liu Weilan , Xu Ren , Meng Cuiqiao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim
The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) functions as a measure for gauging the oxidative stress condition, OBS has been utilized to assess the overall oxidants and antioxidants exposure status in various chronic disease studies, Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiologic mechanisms of endometriosis, The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between OBS and endometriosis in women between the ages of 20 and 54.
Methods and Results
The correlation between OBS and endometriosis was meticulously examined through a multifaceted approach, encompassing multivariate logistic regression, sensitivity analysis, and the application of smoothing techniques for curve fitting. This analysis was conducted utilizing the extensive dataset from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 1999 to 2006. To ascertain the stability of the observed relationship across diverse demographic segments, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were meticulously implemented. Among the 3881 participants aged between 20 and 54 years, a significant inverse association was identified between OBS scores and the presence of endometriosis. Specifically, within the comprehensively adjusted model, for every 1 score increase in OBS, the odds of endometriosis prevalence decreased by 2.00%. The highest quartile of OBS demonstrated a 29.1% reduction in the prevalence of endometriosis when compared to those in the lowest quartile, with a confidence interval of [0.480, 1.048], underscoring the robustness of the observed trend.
Conclusions
OBS is related to endometriosis among American adults. Our results suggest that elevated OBS may potentially reduce the odds of endometriosis prevalence.
Safety of different termination methods for hydatidiform mole coexisting with a normal fetus in the second trimester
Authors: Zhang Guorui , Chen Weilin , Peng Ping , Jin Li , Liu Xinyan , Li Chunying , Teng Lirong , Zhao Jun , Wan Xirun , Xiang Yang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: To explore the safety of different termination methods of hydatidiform mole coexisting with a normal fetus in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in a referral center for difficult and critical diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Beijing, China. Patients diagnosed hydatidiform mole coexisting with a normal fetus who received termination of pregnancy in the second trimester (12 weeks to 27+6 weeks) were enrolled. The primary end point was the safety of different termination methods, including the volume of blood loss and progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasm.
Results: Different methods of terminating pregnancy in the second trimester of hydatidiform mole coexisting with a normal fetus were feasible, including forceps curettage, combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, intra-amniotic injection of rivanol, and cesarean section. The incidence of massive blood loss (over 300ml) was 50.0%. Molar tissues closer to the lower uterine segment than the fetus (P=0.035), and presence of complications (P=0.015) were the risk factors for massive blood loss during termination of pregnancy. The incidence of progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasm was 35.7%.
Conclusion: Different termination methods might lead to complications including massive blood loss and progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasm. More medical measures should be taken to prevent and reduce the volume of bleeding among patients with high risk factors.
Paranormal believers are quicker but less accurate in rejecting the presence of the target in conjunction visual search compared to skeptics
Authors: Akbari Fatemeh , Asivandzadehchaharmahali Samaneh , Narmashiri Abdolvahed 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that paranormal believers may exhibit cognitive dysfunctions, yet their performance in conjunction with visual search has not been understood. To address this issue, we examined the performance of both paranormal believers and skeptics in a conjunction visual search task, paying particular attention to their search time and accuracy across different set sizes in both target-present (TP) and target-absent (TA) trials. In our study, believers demonstrated a tendency toward speed but also displayed carelessness compared to skeptics when rejecting the presence of the target. Conversely, skeptics exhibited slower search times but demonstrated greater accuracy both in rejecting the presence of the target and in finding it. Overall, our findings suggest that believers were quicker and less accurate in rejecting the presence of the target in conjunction visual search compared to skeptics, highlighting potential differences in cognitive processing between skeptics and believers.
Rapid Degradation of Carbamazepine in Wastewater Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge-Assisted Fe³⁺/Sodium Sulfite Oxidation
Authors: Zhu Yulong , Wei Wei , Zhou Zhenghan , Dong Yuxiang , Ni Ziyan , Wu Xiachun , Kai Zhou , Xu Yulu , Cai Xinli , Zhu Shuguang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The discharge of medical and domestic wastewater has resulted in a steady increase in the levels of pharmaceutical pollutants in water bodies. In this study, we combine dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology with an Fe³⁺/sodium sulfite oxidation system to address the limitations associated with traditional water treatment technologies in removing carbamazepine, exploring the application efficacy and mechanisms of this approach in carbamazepine degradation. Under optimized experimental conditions (0.5 mM Fe³⁺; 5 mM sodium sulfite; 90 W DBD discharge power), this system achieved a 97% degradation rate for carbamazepine within 4 min, significantly outperforming both DBD and sodium sulfite standalone systems. Using response surface methodology to optimize experimental parameters, the effects of sodium sulfite concentration, pH, and Fe³⁺ concentration on degradation efficiency were assessed. The system's degradation rate under optimal conditions was 2.5 times higher than that of individual systems. Hydroxyl and sulfate radicals contributed 65% and 85%, respectively, to carbamazepine degradation, while superoxide radicals contributed only 30%. This system was found to effectively break down carbamazepine's molecular structure. The main degradation products were 10,11-dihydro-10,11-dihydroxy-carbamazepine and benzoic acid. The concentrations of these products gradually decreased as degradation progressed, ultimately resulting in over 85% mineralization, confirming the complete degradation of carbamazepine. This study not only provides an effective technical solution for rapidly treating recalcitrant organic pollutants in water but also offers new insights for environmental protection and the sustainable use of water resources while providing theoretical and experimental data for future related research.
A cross-sectional study explored the association between weight-adjusted waist index and sleep disorders
Authors: Gan Wanling , Han Fangfang , Hu Yuli , Liu Xiaoxin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
A novel way to quantify obesity is the weight-adjusted waist circumference index (WWI). To date, although studies have investigated the relationship between obesity and sleep, the specific relationship between WWI and sleep disorders is yet unknown. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether WWI and sleep disorders were related in American adults.
Methods
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2020, comprising 46,458 participants, provided the data for this cross-sectional study. A range of statistical techniques, such as multiple regression analysis, smoothed curve fitting, threshold effects analysis, and subgroup analysis, were employed to investigate the connection between WWI and sleep disorders.
Results This study involved
46,458 participants, of whom 1,163 (25.03%) suffered from sleep disorders. In models fully adjusted for potential confounders, WWI was positively associated with sleep disorders [1.18, (1.13–1.22)]. Compared to those in the lowest quartile, those in the highest WWI quartile had a 43% higher probability of having a sleep disorder [1.43, (1.32–1.56)]. A nonlinear association between WWI and sleep disorders was revealed by smooth curve fitting. Subgroup analyses showed that it was more significant in the male group, age ≤ 60 years, non-Hispanic blacks, and no physical activity.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate a positive correlation between WWI and the likelihood of sleep disorders. These results suggest that monitoring WWI could help in managing and potentially preventing sleep disorders.
Association of delayed cord clamping with acute kidney injury and two-year kidney outcomes in extremely premature neonates: a secondary analysis of the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial (PENUT)
Authors: Harer Matthew , Zapata Henry , Todurkar Namrata , Favel Kristen , Griffin Russell , Starr Michelle , Charlton Jennifer , McAdams Ryan , Askenazi David , Kulkarni Tapas , Menon Shina , Mammen Cherry 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) occurs in most preterm births.
Objective: Evaluate the association of DCC with acute kidney injury (AKI) and two-year kidney outcomes.
Methods: Secondary analysis of the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial of neonates born 240/7 to 276/7 weeks’ gestation. AKI and two year kidney outcomes were compared in neonates with DCC (≥30 seconds after delivery) to those with early cord clamping (ECC) (<30 seconds after delivery).
Results: The incidence and severity of AKI did not differ between the DCC and ECC groups (aOR 1.17 [95%CI 0.76-1.80]). At two years corrected age, DCC was associated with a 4.5-fold times increased adjusted odds of eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73m2. No significant associations were noted between DCC and albuminuria or elevated BP.
Conclusions: DCC was not associated with decreased neonatal AKI, but was associated with higher adjusted odds of eGFR <90 mL/min/1.73m2 at two years.
Assessment of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practices in the Selected Primary Healthcare Centers in Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State
Authors: Mercy Orji S. , Okorie Ede A. , Okereke Anunonwu C.C. , Oluchi Anyanwu E. , Nkechi Osuoji J. , Queen Kenechukwu-Dozie O. , Alugbala Nwazunku A. , N Ihekwoaba E. , Chima Duru , Chinwe Ngumah J. , Sylvia Egbom 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices remains an issue of global concern in every community level and larger society because several infections and illnesses are linked to water sanitation and hygiene. The study aimed to assess water, sanitation and hygiene practices in the selected primary healthcare centers in Owerri West LGA, Imo state. A descriptive cross sectional research design was adopted for this study. A multi stage sampling technique was used in recruiting a total of 387 respondents that participated in this study and a pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used in the analysis of the study. Results from the study showed that majority, 33.7% (131), of the respondents were between ages 25–34. This study revealed that 55.6% (215) of the respondents sometimes washed their hands daily, 23.0% (89) always washed hand. From the finding, 37.5% (145) reported removable plastic waste collection containers (Garbage bins) was used in disposing healthcare waste. Also, 21.4% (83) used water closets in disposing human waste in the healthcare facilities. The results showed a statistical difference between the socio demographic characteristics of respondents and hand washing practices in primary healthcare centers where cadre of health worker (p = 0.0035), length in service (p = 0.0023) were associated with hand washing practices. In conclusion, the study showed that the workers and patients in the healthcare centers had a moderate underrate of water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practice. Therefore, they should provide proper enlightenment programmes on water sanitation and hygiene in all healthcare centers in Owerri West and beyond.
Pan-cancer analysis of UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase and its carcinogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cao Xu , Li Size , Xue Baiquan , Hou Li , Zheng Shihao , Zhang Jiaxin , Li Xiaoke , Du Hongbo , Zhang Liping , Zao Xiaobin , Ye Yong’an 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds: Abnormalities in glycometabolism lead to carcinogenesis. UDP-glucose 6-dehydrogenase (UGDH) is the key enzyme of glucuronic acid metabolism and acts as a key mediator in several cancer developmental signaling pathways. In this study, our objective is to offer a more systematic and comprehensive elucidation of the involvement of UGDH in the onset and advancement of various malignancies via an in-depth analysis of UGDH in cancer contexts.
Method: We investigated the role of UGDH in cancers using the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases. And analyzed data using various R packages and websites, including TISIDB, cBioPortal, STRING, Cytoscape, GSCALite, and CancerSEA. A rat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model was established using intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, MASSON staining, and KI67 immunohistochemistry of liver tissues were performed. Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) were used to detect the expression of UGDH. UGDH gene was knocked down in Huh7 cells, and CCK8 and nude mice tumor xenograft assays were further performed.
Results: UGDH high expression is associated with poor clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. And differentially expressed across molecular and immune subtypes. UGDH was primarily involved in the pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway. Its expression positively correlated with T helper, Tcm, and Th2 cells in most cancers. Moreover, experimental results demonstrated that UGDH expression is elevated in liver cancer and promotes the proliferation of HCC.
Conclusions: Our study elucidates that UGDH could be used as a valuable prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in many cancers, especially liver and lung cancer. UGDH could promote the proliferation of HCC cells, possibly by modulating the pentose and glucuronate interconversion pathway.
An Empirical Model of Soft Bellows Actuator
Authors: Qiu Zhe , Zhang Shengyang , Xue Yitong , Mori Yoshiki , Hirai Shinichi , Kawamura Sadao , Wang Zhongkui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Soft robotics has emerged as a highly promising field, particularly for handling interactions in unstructured environments such as food factories and agricultural warehouses. This potential is largely attributed to the inherent flexibility and compliance of soft robots. A critical aspect in the development of these robots lies in the selection and utilization of appropriate soft actuators and materials. Nevertheless, the modeling of soft robots presents considerable challenges owing to their intricate properties and continuum nature. In this article, we focus on the design and modeling of a three dimensional (3D) printed soft bellows actuator. The primary objective is to assess its efficacy in creating suitable soft grippers for handling various practical products. We propose an empirical model to predict the output forces of the soft bellows actuator. This model comprehensively integrates parameters such as bellows geometry and material properties, thereby providing valuable insights for the actuator’s design and control. To ascertain the precision of our model, we conducted a series of finite element (FE) simulations considering different designed parameters of the bellows, and performed experimental validations using 3D printed bellows actuators. The empirical model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting the output forces of the bellows actuator, with average absolute and relative errors of 1.35 N and 10%, respectively. As an application, a robotic gripper with two parallel bellows actuators was developed, and its grasping force was validated using the empirical model. Building on this, a robotic gripper incorporating three bellows actuators was designed and fabricated based on the empirical model, and high-speed pick-and-place experiments were effectively conducted for handling a range of products.
Quality of Life and Supportive Care Needs in Prostate Cancer: The Impact of Treatment Choices and Care Service Utilization
Authors: Xiao Hui , Baxter G. David , Liu Lizhou , Hoeta Tobias , Wibowo Erik 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Prostate cancer treatment can lead to significant long-term side effects that impact patients’ quality of life and supportive care needs (SCN). This study explores the associations between quality of life (QoL) and SCN among prostate cancer survivors, with a focus on the impact of treatment choices, care service utilization, and the differences between Māori and non-Māori patients.
Methods
Random stratified sampling data were collected from 1,075 prostate cancer survivors who were diagnosed within the past five years. Hierarchical regression analyses examined the associations between QoL domains and SCN, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and treatment-related factors. LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) was used to select variables to test the interaction effects of different treatments.
Results
Significant disparities were found between Māori and non-Māori patients in physical and mental health scores, care service utilization, and overall SCN. Māori men had lower scores in these areas. Most QoL domains were negatively associated with more SCN, particularly mental health and hormonal issues. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) exacerbates some negative effects of poor mental health and hormonal issues for non-Māori, while the use of care services and radical prostatectomy were associated with mitigating SCN for Māori patients.
Conclusion
This study highlights the complex interplay between QoL, SCN, and treatment modalities among prostate cancer survivors in New Zealand. The findings underscore the need for culturally tailored supportive care services to address the unique needs of Māori patients.
Association between lean body mass and osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional study from the NHANES 2007-2018
Authors: Lu Hongrui , Zhuang Zifan , Wang Gengjian , Zhang Mengyun , Yang Chang , Wang Dongyan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The prevention of osteoarthritis through controlling body measurements has received increasing attention in recent years, but the relationship between lean body mass (LBM) and osteoarthritis remains unclear. Hence, we used large-scale data to explore this association.
Methods
To explore the correlation between LBM and osteoarthritis, we utilized logistic regression equations to explore associations between covariates, exposures, and outcomes. We used multivariate regression models to further eliminate confounding factors. Restricted cubic splines were employed to investigate non-linear relationships. And the inflection point was identified by recursive algorithm. Furthermore, stratified analyses of gender and age were conducted.
Results
Osteoarthritis was negatively correlated with LBM [0.74 (0.67, 0.80)] in the model adjusting for all confounders. A further linear trend test was performed, and the OR (95% CI) were 0.72 (0.61, 0.85), 0.54 (0.44, 0.65), and 0.45 (0.36, 0.56) for Q2, Q3, and Q4, respectively, compared with Q1. Based on the restricted cubic spline curve, an inflection point of 52.26 kg was found to confirm the non-linear relationship. LBM was negatively correlated with osteoarthritis at 0.66 (0.50, 0.86) before the inflection point, and the association was not statistically significant afterward.
Conclusion
This large-scale study revealed that LBM was non-linearly correlated with osteoarthritis in the general American population. Differences in age and gender were further identified.