bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trophic niche partitioning of three anuran species in forest using stable isotopes analysis
Authors: LEE Su-Yeon , Song Jae-Young , Koo Kyo Soung , Seung Jinbae , Choi Chang-Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Stable isotopes provide knowledge of dynamic relationships within ecosystems. However, research on the trophic niche of domestic anurans—which serve as biological indicator of ecosystem health—using stable isotope analysis is limited. Therefore, we analyzed stable isotope values in the bone collagen of three anuran species—Bombina orientalis, Rana uenoi, and R. huanrenensis—representative of the domestic forest ecosystem to determine the trophic levels, niche partitioning, overlap, and shifts with growth within populations. Our findings indicate that B. orientalis occupied a relatively higher trophic level, while no significant difference was observed between the two Rana species. R. uenoi and R. huanrenensis, which share similar ecological characteristics and life cycles, tended to utilize a wide range of overlapping resources. Large Rana individuals occupied higher trophic levels and broader trophic niches than small individuals, indicating size-based niche partitioning within populations. B. orientalis showed a high trophic niche overlap between males and females, indicating resource sharing, although males were found to utilize a wide range of resources. Ultimately, the three anuran species might function as higher-order consumers as their size increases and two Rana species would increasingly consume terrestrial prey resources as they grow, while B. orientalis would consume more aquatic-origin prey resources.
The Prognostic Role of SIRI and PIV in Patients with Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Receiving Systemic Chemotherapy
Authors: Uzun Mehmet , Hamitoglu Buket , Gokcek Savas , Ellez Halil Ibrahim , Oztop Ilhan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
To determine the relationship between SIRI, PIV and prognosis in metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and to create a formula based on parameters that can be easily accessed in daily practice.
Methods
A total of 126 patients diagnosed with metastatic NSCLC and receiving systemic chemotherapy were evaluated. Laboratory values measured within 24 hours before the initiation of chemotherapy were recorded. The systemic immune-inflammation index (SIRI) was calculated using the formula (neutrophil count × monocyte count) / lymphocyte count, and the pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) was obtained using the formula (neutrophil count × platelet count × monocyte count) / lymphocyte count. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the average threshold values for SIRI and PIV. According to the ROC curve, the mean threshold value was established as 2.57 for SIRI and 772 for PIV. Patients with SIRI ≤ 2.57 were classified as SIRI-low, and those with SIRI > 2.57 as SIRI-high. Similarly, patients with a PIV ≤ 772 were classified as PIV-low, and those with a PIV > 772 as PIV-high. Survival analysis was conducted based on the PIV and SIRI cut-off values determined using the ROC curve.
Results
Of the 126 patients included in the study, 100 (79.4%) were male, and 26 (20.6%) were female, with a median age of 64 ± 9.3 years. The median overall survival (mOS) was 17 months in the SIRI-low group, whereas it was 6 months in the SIRI-high group, with a statistically significant correlation between SIRI and survival (p = 0.005). Similarly, the mOS was 19 months in the PIV-low group and 6 months in the PIV-high group, demonstrating a statistically significant relationship between PIV and survival (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
For metastatic NSCLC, the SIRI and PIV can be used to determine prognosis and develop treatment strategies, as it is a clinical decision-making tool based on parameters that are easily accessible in daily practice.
Application of alternative integration methods, to obtain more accurate photovoltaic devices’ parameters, through refinement of the Co-Content function, for Current-Voltage curves with a percentage noise of the short circuit current, measured in the zero volt to open-circuit voltage range
Authors: Rangel-Kuoppa Victor-Tapio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this article, the application of the Newton-Cotes quadrature formula, the 3/8 rule, the Boole’s rule, and order 5 and 6 integration techniques, are explored to refine the Co-Content function, of Current-Voltage (IV) measurements done between 0 V and the open circuit voltage, which include a percentage noise of the short circuit current. Their impact on the extraction of the five photovoltaic devices’ parameters (within the one-diode model) is investigated and reported. The shunt resistance, series resistance, ideality factor, and photocurrent can be obtained with less than 10 % error, using these integration techniques and 101 measured points per volt, when the percentage noise is 0.05 % or less, of the short circuit current. It is not possible to obtain the saturation current with less than 10 % error. These integration techniques are implemented in photovoltaic devices, such as solar cells and single-crystalline silicon, CdTe, CIGS, and heterojunction with intrinsic thin-layer solar panels IV curves, to extract the five solar cell parameters.
PACS: 73.50.Pz, 73.61.−r, 84.60.Jt, 85.30.−z, 85.30.De, 88.40.−j
Digital health co-design: Perspectives from participating stakeholders on creating the Compass app
Authors: Ryan Jillian , Sicari Alexandra , Stewart Charlie , Davis Aaron , Edney Sarah , Cox David N 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Co-design is increasingly heralded as an appealing and effective method for engaging diverse stakeholders in public health research. However, it is not clear how co-design can best be implemented in research projects and what the constraints and enablers of its use are.
Methods
In this study, we evaluate the use of co-design in the design of a digital health prevention intervention, titled ‘Compass’. The co-design process is evaluated according to Normalisation Process Theory and investigated how co-design was implemented in a public health research setting. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 stakeholders who were heavily involved in the co-design process.
Results
Co-design of a digital health intervention was widely perceived to be beneficial by those involved. Key advantages include that it empowered diverse stakeholders to have a voice in the digital health design process, that the use of design thinking led to the disassembly of power imbalance that typically characterise traditional patient - professional relationships, and it generated new ideas for the intervention design that wouldn’t otherwise have eventuated. Challenges include the substantial effort required to initiate and execute a co-design process including coordination of the various activities and diverse stakeholder group. High-quality project management was identified as a critical factor in the success of the co-design process.
Conclusion
Co-design is a substantial yet worthwhile undertaking that can add significant value to the development of digital health interventions including increasing the relevance of such outputs and empowering diverse stakeholders in the process.
Synergistic Effects of Niraparib and Anlotinib on Suppressing the Growth of Ovarian Cancer and Stem-Like Cells by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt Signalling
Authors: Chu Baiwang , Sun Wenhui , Wang Ying , Zhang Yue , Yuan Yafan , Yang Linxia , Wang Xueyu , Wen Tingjie , Wang Dong , Sun Hua 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Identifying novel and effective treatments is urgent to reduce the recurrence rates and drug resistance of patients with ovarian cancer, given the deficiencies of traditional treatments. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effects of combining niraparib (NIR) and anlotinib (ANL) on their anti-proliferative, anti-migratory, anti-stem cell, and pro-apoptotic abilities on ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, NIR combined with ANL inhibited clone formation, proliferation, and migration and promoted apoptosis of A2780 cells through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. The combination of the two drugs also inhibited the sphere-forming ability of ovarian cancer stem cells and reduced the expression of SOX2 and ALDH1A1, two markers related to stem cells. In vivo, NIR combined with ANL inhibited the growth of solid tumours and stem-like cells through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Our study suggests that the efficacy of combining NIR and ANL in treating ovarian cancer is superior to that of monotherapy, identifying it as a novel therapeutic modality for treating the disease.
Confidence in Providing Primary Care to Patients with Low Back Pain among Physiotherapists
Authors: Shavit Ron , Kushnir Talma , Nudelman Yaniv , Weisman Asaf , Springer Shmuel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder with distinct clinical features. Direct access to physiotherapy (PT), with PTs acting as primary care providers, can improve the management of individuals with LBP. However, the success of these treatments is related to clinician confidence. The objectives of this study were to develop the Primary Care Confidence Scale (PCCS) and to describe the confidence of PTs in treating LBP in primary care.
Methods
The PCCS questionnaire was developed through a seven-stage Delphi process involving experts who modified an existing self-confidence scale. The questionnaire was completed by 314 PTs, 140 of whom completed it again after 2 weeks. Structural validity was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for test-retest reliability. Spearman tests assessed correlations between background characteristics and PCCS scores. Two independent t-tests estimated the effects of gender and post-graduate education. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the impact of the workplace.
Results
The PCCS had a multidimensional structure with three factors demonstrating an acceptable model fit and good reliability (α = 0.83, ICC = 0.78). The mean level of confidence was 75% (PCCS = 45 ± 6/60), with moderate positive correlations between age and years of experience (r = 0.33) and PCCS scores (r = 0.42, p < 0.001( for both. PTs working in public or private outpatient clinics had significantly higher scores (PCCS = 45.3 and 47.0, respectively) compared to PTs working in an inpatient hospital or in rehabilitation centers (PCCS = 40.6 and 40.3, respectively, p < 0.009).
Conclusions
The newly developed PCCS demonstrated adequate validity and high reliability, suggesting that it is suitable for measuring confidence in treating patients with LBP in primary care settings. PTs showed similar confidence levels to other healthcare professionals treating patients in primary care, which could support direct access to PT. Health policy makers and educators could incorporate the PCCS into training and evaluation programs to assess the readiness and competence of clinicians to treat LBP in primary care.
Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in breastfeeding women in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in infants
Authors: Laoprasopwattana Kamolwish , Tassanakijpanich Nattaporn , Khantee Puttichart , Kittivisuit Sirinthip , Rachatawiriyakul Pornruedee , Koosakulchai Vanlaya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: To compare the COVID-19 transmission rates between infants who were primarily breastfed and those formula fed in mothers who received at least 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted during the Omicron wave (January 1-October 1, 2022). Infants who exhibited respiratory symptoms were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR.
Results: Of 234 infants, 66 (28.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, with 63 out of the 66 (95.5%) having a mother with COVID-19, and a median (IQR) age at diagnosis of 11.3 (10.8-11.9) months. The proportions of COVID-19 in 6- and 12-month breastfed and formula fed dominant infants were 27.0% vs. 31.0%, p =0.53 and 21.1% vs. 31.3%, p =0.11, respectively.
In the multivariate Cox regression models, both 6- and 12-month breastfed only/dominant infants had a protected effect against COVID-19 with hazard ratios (HRs, 95% CI) of 1.50 (0.90, 2.51), p =0.13 and 1.63 (0.90, 2.51), p =0.09, respectively. Maternal vaccine regimens had no protective effect against COVID-19 with the HR of 0.86 (0.49, 1.52), p =0.61. In sub-group analysis, infants with a mother that had received 2 doses within 6 months and were breastfed only/dominant at 12 months had a protected effect against COVID-19 with the HR of 3.77 (0.77, 18.43), p =0.05.
Conclusion: Mothers who have experienced COVID-19 can nurse without increasing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Despite the possibility that breastfeeding mothers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine can shield their infants from the virus, the statistical evidence is insignificant.
Prevalence, associated factors, and prevention practices of hepatitis B and C infections in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Alula Gebre Ayanaw , Gebeyehu Sefenew , Abinew Yideg , Chane Jemberu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Hepatitis is a major health problem worldwide, which can lead to the development of extensive liver scarring (cirrhosis), liver failure, liver cancer, and death. Hepatitis B and C viruses infect 350 million and 170 million individuals worldwide, respectively.
Objective
The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and prevention practices of hepatitis B and C infections in the North Gondar Zone.
Method
A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted from February to June 2023 at Debark General Hospital and Janamora Primary Hospital to assess the prevalence, associated factors, and level of prevention practice of the hepatitis B and C virus. Data was collected using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire and a blood test. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to evaluate the possible association between dependent and independent variables.
Result
The overall prevalence of hepatitis was 7%, and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C was 4.18% and 2.87%, respectively. The result of multivariate analysis revealed that age (AOR = 0.41 [0.12–1.4]), residence (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI = 1.6–8.8), blood transfusion (AOR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02–0.86), and history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.04–0.79) were found to be statistically significantly associated with the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infection among patients.
Conclusion
A significant number of patients participating in the study were infected by the hepatitis B and C virus which needs efficient intervention to reduce the infection rate. Therefore, immediate intervention strategies should be designed and implemented to overcome this disease.
Triglyceride Glucose-Waist to Height Ratio(TyG-WHtR) as a Potential Predictor of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A cross-sectional study from NHANES(March 2017-March 2020)
Authors: Yang Yubo , Sun Xijie , Lei Yuqing , Tao Shaohong , Xie Weining 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:The objective of this study was to elucidate the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the triglyceride glucose-waist to height ratio (TyG-WHtR), and to ascertain its predictive value for the occurrence of NAFLD.
Methods: Data was collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES) from March 2017 to March 2020. Age,Gender,Height, Weight, Waist circumference(WC),Hip circumference(HC), Body mass index(BMI), Fasting blood glucose(FBG),Triglycerides(TG),High-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) and Controlled attenuation parameter(CAP)of the 3674 subjects were collected. The logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate associations between the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) ,waist-hip ratio (WHR),the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index,the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(TG/HDL-C) ratio, and TyG-WHtR with a diagnosis of NAFLD. The diagnostic performance of WHtR, WHR, TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG-WHtR for cirrhosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.
Results: The prevalence rates of NAFLD progressively increased across the quartiles of WHtR, WHR, TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio and TyG-WHtR (P for tend < 0.0001).After adjusting for confounders, the TyG-WHtR had a better association with NAFLD risk than other indices.The odds ratios (ORs) of NAFLD from the second to the fourth quartiles of TyG-WHtR compared to the first quartile were 1.58 (1.16, 2.14), 1.84 (1.16, 2.93), and 2.15 (1.06, 4.37), respectively. The TyG-WHtR curve's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.823 (0.809, 0.837).the highest of all other study parameters.
Conclusions: Compared to WHtR, WHR, TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio, TyG-WHtR was a more effective predictor of NAFLD. TyG-WHtR has the potential to be a simpler, more accurate, and more cost-effective non-invasive marker for predicting NAFLD patients.
Treatment patterns and survival outcomes in octogenarians with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer from 2011 to 2020: a SEER database analysis
Authors: Hua Wenxuan , Zhang Zhigang , Ni Lianfang , Liu Xinmin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated treatment patterns and survival outcomes in octogenarians with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
Methods: Data from the SEER 17 Registries (2000-2020) was analyzed. Patients aged 80 years or older who were diagnosed with early-stage NSCLC (stage I-IIA) between2011 and 2020 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance clinical characteristics between treatment groups. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were assessed using Kaplan‒Meier analysis and Cox regression.
Results: A total of 31371 patients aged 80 years or older were diagnosed with NSCLC in the SEER database from 2011 to 2020, including 8042 patients with early-stage I–IIA (AJCC 8th) NSCLC, 7372 of whom met the study entry criteria. Early-stage NSCLC patients increased significantly to over 30% during 2018-2020, compared to less than 25% in 2011-2017. Over the decade, radiotherapy increased from 31.2% to 49.4%, while surgery decreased from 44.5% to 32.4%. Radiotherapy has surpassed surgery and been the predominant treatment for octogenarians since 2014. A total of 5496 patients were included in survival analysis. The mediansurvival was 67 months for patients who underwent surgery and 33 months for those who received radiotherapy. Lobectomy was associated withbetter long-term OS thansegmentectomy and wedge resection. Stratification by tumor size confirmed the superiority of surgery in most categories except for the smallest tumors (0-1 cm).
Conclusions: The proportion of early-stage NSCLC patients aged 80 and older increased significantly in 2018-2020 compared to 2011-2017. Radiotherapy is increasingly used to treat early-stage NSCLC in octogenarians, yet surgery provides superior long-term survival. These findings support surgical intervention as the preferred treatment for eligible octogenarians with early-stage NSCLC.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone activates lactate production and inhibits NLRP3 to improve the apoptosis of granulosa cells in POI rats
Authors: Liu Ke , Huo Peng , Li BaoXiang , Li Tianlong , Ma Yue , Zhong Ou , Li Wanhan , Zhang Shun , Chen Xi , Lei Xiaocan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an extreme form of reproductive aging in women, while the inflammatory factors manifest a vital cause of ovarian aging and serve as a research hotspot. However, there is still no effective method to restore the ovarian reserve. In the present study, we investigated the potential association between pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and chemotherapy-induced POI. To investigate this, a POI rat model was established by cyclophosphamide (CTX) successfully, we demonstrated that PQQ intervention reduced the ovarian injury and improved ovarian function, as well as increased the lactate levels and up-regulated the expression of key rate-limiting enzymes of glycolysis, while inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors such as NLRP3 and so on in the ovarian aging rats. To further explore the mechanisms, KGN cells were treated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the inflammatory environment. PQQ alleviated the inflammation level and enhanced the glycolysis rate of KGN cells treated by LPS, meanwhile an identical effect was detected by inhibiting NLRP3. Furthermore, PQQ acted as a molecule which could activated the process of glycolysis. Collectively, our findings show that PQQ as an antioxidant may effectively restore the ovarian reserve function, which suggesting that great clinical significance to apply PQQ for prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian insufficiency in the future.
The Effectiveness of Intelligent Tutoring Systems in Supporting Students with Varying Levels of Programming Experience
Authors: Kouam Arthur William Fodouop 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) in supporting students with varying levels of programming experience. Through a mixed-methods research design, the study explores the impact of ITS on student performance, adaptability to different skill levels, and best practices for utilizing ITS in heterogeneous programming classrooms. The quantitative analysis reveals significant differences in the influence of ITS on improving programming skills, the usefulness of ITS feedback, and satisfaction levels with the interface based on students' programming experience levels. Advanced students show the most significant improvement in programming skills and find the feedback more valuable, while intermediate and advanced students report higher satisfaction with the ITS interface. The qualitative analysis highlights positive impacts on the learning process, challenges faced, and suggestions for improvement. This study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of tailoring ITS interventions to meet the unique needs of students with varying levels of programming experience, offering insights for educators, curriculum developers, and educational technology designers.