bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morocco's Webinars Ignite Global Academic Resilience in Doctoral Research
Authors: Nadif Bendaoud 
Published: August 2024

General Background: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered significant disruptions in education worldwide, compelling a shift to online learning across various contexts, including in Morocco. Specific Background: In response to this challenge, the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences at Mohammed V University in Rabat initiated the "Language, Culture, and Society" (LCS) webinar series. This program provided a virtual platform for doctoral students, aiming to sustain academic progress and emotional well-being during the crisis. Knowledge Gap: Despite the proliferation of online educational initiatives during the pandemic, there is limited research on how such programs specifically impact doctoral students' academic and psychological resilience. Aims: This article aims to explore the transformative role of the LCS webinar series in enhancing the academic journey and personal growth of doctoral students, particularly in alleviating challenges such as despair and reader's block. Results: The LCS webinars emerged as a crucial support mechanism, facilitating academic discourse, skill development, and psychological reinforcement. The program significantly contributed to restoring confidence, refining research trajectories, and fostering a culture of collaboration among an international online community. Novelty: This study provides a unique narrative reflection on the impact of a specific online educational program during a global crisis, emphasizing the dual academic and psychological support offered to doctoral students. Implications: The findings underscore the importance of online platforms in higher education, particularly in crisis contexts. The success of the LCS webinars suggests that similar initiatives could be replicated to support doctoral students globally, offering sustained academic and emotional support through accessible, high-quality online resources.
Highlights:

Webinar Impact: Enhanced academic progress and growth.
Psychological Support: Overcame despair with emotional reinforcement.
Global Collaboration: Fostered international scholarly connections.

Keywords: COVID-19, online learning, doctoral students, webinars, academic resilience
Groundwater and wetlands contamination with pesticides and nutrients from farms in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Cervantes‑Servin Adrian Ixcoatl , Arora Meenakshi , Myers Jackie , Pettigrove Vincent 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Intensive farming in regions like the Glenelg Hopkins, Victoria, Australia, leads to substantial usage of pesticides and nutrients, posing the risk of agrochemical pollution to groundwater and wetlands. This study estimates the extent of pollution in aquifers and wetlands in the agricultural region. Tests were conducted for triazines (atrazine, hexazinone, metribuzin, prometrym, simazine, desisopropyl-atrazine, and desethyl-atrazine), nitrogen and phosphorus in 23 groundwater monitoring bores susceptible to agricultural pollution and ten nearby wetlands. Results indicated that one bore exhibited elevated pesticide levels, with a total concentration of 19.43 µg/L. Nitrogen and phosphorus were detected in most groundwater bores with concentrations below 51.6 mg/L and 0.30 mg/L, respectively. Compound Atrazine was found in three wetlands below 0.064 µg/L, while simazine was detected in four wetlands below 1.2 µg/L. The study suggests that although low pesticide levels were observed in wetlands, nutrient contamination is prevalent in the aquifer at the study site. Further investigation is necessary to comprehend the impacts of pesticides and nutrients on groundwater and wetland ecosystems. These findings emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to mitigate the adverse effects of intensive agricultural practices on groundwater and wetlands, thus, holding significant implications for policymakers and researchers.
Heat and mass transfer in heated concrete: evaluation and validation of five numerical models
Authors: Weber Benedikt , Davie Colin T. , Millard Alain , Wang Jiayi , Dauti Dorjan , Zhang Yiming , Mindeguia Jean-Christophe , Zeiml Matthias , Pont Stefano Dal , Pesavento Francesco 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Modeling the behavior of concrete during fire is a challenging problem involving heat transfer and two-phase fluid flow with phase change in a porous medium. An additional difficulty is that the material properties of concrete are highly temperature dependent and difficult to determine experimentally. As part of the activities of the RILEM Technical Committee 256-SPF, five research teams conducted a study to evaluate their models. The simulated temperatures and pore pressures were compared with the results from tests with two types of concrete. To obtain a realistic comparison, material data of the two concretes were collected from various reports. On the theoretical side, state-of-the-art formulations are reviewed, and similarities and differences between the implementations are discussed. The study shows that all models give satisfactory results, although with calibration of some key material parameters. Possible reasons for the need for calibration are discussed.
A Method for Intangible Cultural Heritage Image Enhancement Based on Digital Twin
Authors: Xie Rongdong , Xia Huan , Li Xiaojie , Zhong Cheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Currently, the existence, inheritance, and innovative development of Intangible Cultural Heritage are faced with various challenges. In order to improve the dissemination, storage, and innovative development of Intangible Cultural Heritage information, and to carry out creative transformations of Intangible Cultural Heritage, it is necessary to adopt more intuitive digital image technologies. Image enhancement is a pivotal application of such technology, enabling it to be utilized effectively. The paper proposes an image enhancement method based on Digital Twin technology. The effectiveness of the model proposed is validated by comparing the method with traditional image enhancement methods. The final test results indicate that the digital twin structural model significantly outperforms existing algorithms.
WITHDRAWN: Comparison of vacuum suction semirigid ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy and flexible ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy for upper ureteral calculi with a diameter ≥ 15mm: a retrospective study
Authors: Lai Longhui , Zhang Yuanfeng , Wang Yingru , Fan Guangrui , Chen Chaohu , Yao Kang , Zhang Wenzhao , Liu Yongfei , Zhu Kai , Xing Jinchun , Bai Peide , Wang Tao , Chen Bin , Wang Zhiping 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Effect of exercise training with consideration of potential moderating variables in patients with atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Manresa-Rocamora Agustín , Kenneally Laura Fuertes , Sempere-Ruiz Noemí , Blasco-Peris Carles , Ibañez-Criado Alicia , Climent-Payá Vicente , Sarabia José Manuel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous evidence has highlighted its beneficial impact in this population. However, studies exhibit significant heterogeneity and often fail to differentiate between AF types. Furthermore, the specific influence of training variables such as exercise modality or intensity on the exercise-induced effects remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of our review was to assess the effect of exercise training (i.e., aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise), on exercise capacity, quality of life (QoL), resting heart rate (HR), AF burden, and symptoms in AF.
Methods
Electronic searches were conducted in Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science up to November 2023. Standardised mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) were estimated in controlled and parallel-arm studies. Effect size indices were pooled using a random-effects model when at least three studies reported a specific outcome. Additionally, subgroup analyses were carried out based on AF type.
Results
Most of the studies used moderate intensity exercise (MIE). The results showed that aerobic exercise improves peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) to a greater extent than usual care, with higher increase in permanent AF (MD = 4.55 [CI = 3.33; 5.78] ml/kg/min) than non-permanent AF (MD + = 1.60 [CI = 1.12; 2.07] ml/kg/min). Compared to usual care, aerobic exercise only diminished resting HR in non-permanent AF (MD+ = − 12.79 [CI = − 15.90: − 9.67] bpm). No differences were found for improving QoL and 6-min walk test (6MWT) (p > .050). The effect of exercise on AF burden and symptoms has been poorly studied. No pooled analyses were performed by including parallel-arm studies. The findings showed no influence of the aerobic intensity or modality.
Conclusion
Aerobic exercise improves VO2 peak in patients with permanent and non-permanent AF. MIE reduces resting HR in patients with permanent AF, while no differences were found in non-permanent AF. In contrast, CR does not demonstrate superior improvements in the 6MWT or QoL compared to usual care. Further research is needed to determine the impact of CR on AF burden and symptoms, and to elucidate how exercise modality and intensity influence outcomes.
Analysis of the Retinal Periphery of High-Performance Athletes: Incidentally Discovered Lesions in Contact Sports Players
Authors: Arej Nicolas , Treguer Hervé , Cossec Chloé Le , Kakona Benjamin , Mandrillon Nicolas , Vasseur Vivien , Garrec Sébastien Le , Blanchard Sylvain , Bruneau Sébastien , Bonnin Sophie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Ocular trauma is common in athletes, especially those practicing contact sports. Besides overt injuries, little is known about asymptomatic lesions resulting from repetitive head or ocular trauma. The prevalence of peripheral retinal lesions in elite athletes and the potential risk attributable to participation in contact sports were investigated in this monocentric retrospective study.
Results
The study enrolled 88 professional athletes, predominantly male (80%) with an average age of 26 years, who were screened at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital. All athletes had fundus examination and ultra-wide field retinal imaging (UWF) for both eyes, looking for lesions of the peripheral retina. The screening encompassed athletes from both contact and non-contact sports, with a majority (62%) engaging in contact sports, primarily rugby. The prevalence of peripheral retinal lesions among contact sport athletes was estimated at 36.4% [27.4% − 45.4%], significantly higher than that among non-contact sports athletes (6.1% [3.0% – 11.8%]). The diagnostic efficacy of UWF imaging in detecting these lesions was limited, with a sensitivity of 45.2% [34.1% − 56.2%]and specificity of 93.6% [88.2% − 99.0%] compared to dilated fundus examination.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that peripheral retinal lesions are more prevalent among high-performance athletes participating in contact sports, underscoring the importance of regular ophthalmological assessment in this population.
Association Between Radiotherapy and Non-Gastric Second Primary Malignancies in Patients with Resectable Gastric Cancer : A propensity-adjusted, population-based SEER analysis
Authors: Li Li , Gao Yunhe , Li Hua , Zhang Benlong , Wang Zijian , Wang ErPeng , Zhang Kecheng , Xia Shaoyou , Qiao Zhi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background The study aims to investigate the relationship between radiotherapy (RT) and the risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs) in GC patients, and assess the prognostic impact of RT. Patients and methods: We retrieved data on patients with primary GC from the SEER database. The study focused on the association between RT and the occurrence of hematologic malignancies at least 2 years post-diagnosis, as well as the emergence of solid cancers at least 5 years post-diagnosis. For the analysis, we employed competing risk regression analysis and Poisson regression following propensity score matching, along with implemented stratified analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the impact of RT on the prognosis of GC patients using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 24,390 surgically treated patients with pathologically confirmed GC were enrolled in the study. The median OS was 37.0 months (95%CI 16.0-100.0) in the RT group and 24.0 months (IQR, 8.0–24.0) in the NRT group (HR = 0.77, 95%CI 0.74–0.80, P < 0.001). Among the survivors who lived beyond 2 years, 56 (0.70%) were diagnosed with second hematologic malignancies. Additionally, both competing risks and Poisson regressions indicate that RT is not linked to second hematologic malignancies (HR = 0.96, 95%CI: 0.57–1.62, P = 0.87; RR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.59–1.69, P = 0.97). In 5-year survivors, 362 (7.10%) were diagnosed with second primary solid malignancies, and RT was also not associated with overall second solid malignancies (HR = 1.05, 95%CI, 0.86–1.32, P = 0.61; RR = 1.10, 95%CI, 0.89–1.35, P = 0.39). In subgroup analyses, no association was found between RT and SPM occurrence at any site, and no specific population was identified regarding the effect of RT on the development of SPMs. Conclusion RT improves the prognosis for patients with resectable GC, with no evidence of increasing the risk of developing second primary hematologic or solid malignancies.
Different dynamics of soluble inflammatory mediators after clearance of respiratory SARS-CoV-2 versus blood-borne hepatitis C virus infections
Authors: Zeuzem Antonia , Kumar Saumya Dileep , Oltmanns Carlos , Mischke Jasmin , Drick Nora , Fuge Jan , Pink Isabell , Tauwaldt Jan , Debarry Jennifer , Illig Thomas , Wedemeyer Heiner , Maasoumy Benjamin , Li Yang , Kraft Anke R.M. , Cornberg Markus 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Viral infections can be acute or chronic, with the immune system pivotal in immunopathogenesis. The potential reversibility of inflammation post-viral elimination is of current interest. This study compares the dynamics of soluble inflammatory mediators (SIM) during and after respiratory infections with SARS-CoV-2 and blood-borne acute and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections.
Patients and Methods: The study included patients with acute HCV (n=29), chronic HCV (n=54), and SARS-CoV-2 (n=39 longitudinal, n=103 cross-sectional), along with 30 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected at baseline, end of treatment/infection, and during follow-up (up to 9 months). SIMs were quantified using the HD-SP-X Imaging and Analysis SystemTM.
Results: At baseline, SIM profiles in acute SARS-CoV-2 and HCV infections were significantly elevated compared with controls. During follow-up, SIM decline was less pronounced in acute and chronic HCV infections after successful therapy than in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Most SIM in the SARS-CoV-2 cohort normalized within 3 months. In chronic HCV, SIM were higher in cirrhotic than noncirrhotic patients post-HCV elimination.
Conclusions: Dynamics of SIM after viral elimination vary between blood-borne acute and chronic HCV infections and respiratory SARS-CoV-2 infections. Immunological imprints 3-9 months after HCV elimination appear more pronounced than after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Waning Success: a 2013-2022 spatial and temporal trend analysis of malaria in Ethiopia
Authors: Jalilian Abdollah , Ayana Galana Mamo , Ashine Temesgen , Hailemeskel Elifaged , Ebstie Yehenew Asmamaw , Molla Eshetu , Esayas Endashaw , Negash Nigatu , Kochora Abena , Assefa Muluken , Teferi Natnael , Teshome Daniel , Reynolds Alison M. , Weetman David , Wilson Anne L. , Kenate Birhanu , Donnelly Martin J , Sedda Luigi , gadisa endalamaw 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background After consecutive decades of success in reducing malaria, Ethiopia went off target to meet the 2030 malaria elimination goal. The current nationwide malaria outbreaks are attributed to emergence and spread of diagnostic and drug resistant Plasmodium falciparum, increased insecticide resistance and the spread of invasive Anopheles stephensi. COVID-19 pandemic, environmental anomalies and internal conflicts are also potential factors for malaria increase. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of environment and An. stephensi in the spatiotemporal trends of malaria in Ethiopia.Methods A negative binomial regression model was used to describe variability and potential overdispersion in the weekly number of malaria cases across Ethiopian zones. Its components included fixed and random effects, temporal trends, zone-specific seasonality, and zone-level spatial trends.Results Significant temporal trend in malaria risk was observed nationwide, a decline from 2013 to 2018 followed by a sharp increase starting in early 2022. While environmental variables were able to explain slightly over half (55%) of the variability, the rest was captured by a residual seasonal variation; itself showing large geographic clusters. Zones of the western and northwestern regions exhibited higher malaria risks compared to other zones. The spread of An. stephensi did not emerge as contributor in our model.Conclusions The waning in the success of malaria program in Ethiopia could palpably eased by having due focus on predictable environmental factor. The random local spatiotemporal variations shaping malaria risk distribution emphasize the need for tailored intervention and better understanding of underling factors that potentially drive local epidemic.
Specific microRNA clusters in cerebrospinal fluid as biomarkers for brain metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Su Yiliin , Wang Lan , Hu Yucheng , Li Ziming , Xu Pingyi , Mo Mingshu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Brain metastasis (BMs) is commonly observed in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is associated with poor prognosis. Specific tissue microRNAs have emerged as clinical biomarkers for the diagnosis of NSCLC, and their profiles in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may be ideal biomarkers for the early detection of BMs in NSCLC patients.
Methods
Based on previous studies, we selected miR-155, miR-21, and miR-492 as specific microRNA cluster for further investigation. We detected and compared the concentration of this miRNA cluster in the serum and CSF of the patients with NSCLC with or without BMs. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the role of microRNAs in predicting BMs in NSCLC patients. The cutoff values were set as the criteria for abnormal expression for qualitative analysis, and patients with all or one of the miRNAs in this cluster with abnormal expression were classified as positive cases.
Results
The serum and CSF concentrations of miR-155, miR-21, and miR-492 were significantly higher in NSCLC patients than in controls. NSCLC patients with BMs had higher concentrations of miR-155, miR-492, and miR-21 in the CSF than without BMs. The miR-155, miR-492, and miR-21 in the CSF were used for predicting BMs from NSCLC, and their areas under the curve (AUC) were 0.911, 0.863, and 0.872, respectively. The concentrations of miR-155, miR-492, and miR-21 in the CSF closely correlated with those in the serum of NSCLC. According to the qualitative analysis, the percentages of specific microRNA clusters in patients with NSCLC with BMs were significantly greater than in patients with NSCLC without BMs.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that the concentrations of specific microRNA clusters, including miR-155, miR-21, and miR-492, increased in the CSF of patients with NSCLC with BMs, suggesting the potential value in predicting BMs in NSCLC patients.
Real-World Data on Clinical Outcomes and Validation of Prognostic Models for Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma: A Multicentric Retrospective Study in Southern China
Authors: Xiang Qiu-Yuan , Wu Jing-Song , Huang Ling , Liu Ting-Bo , Peng Zhi-Gang , Lin Li-E , Wei Xiao-Lei , Zhang Hong-Yu , Lin Yun , Li Guo-Wei , Jiang Yi-Rong , Wang Hua , Shi Ke-Qian , Qiu Xiao , Li Wenyu , Zhou Jihao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:This study aimed to elucidate the treatment outcomes and prognosis of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) patients in a real-world setting.Objectives:We assessed the clinical value of new drug applications, evaluated the predictive power of various prognostic models, and provided valuable insights to guide future research endeavors.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed 140 patients with AITL enrolled in 19 lymphoma centers of the T-cell Lymphoma Collaborative Group in South China. In this study, 82.9% of patients were treated with a CHOP-like chemotherapy regimen as the primary intervention. An initial treatment strategy incorporating Chidamide was employed for 36.4% of the patient cohort. Multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. The concordance index (C-index) was utilized to assess and compare the predictive power of the prognostic models.Results:The median age of the 140 patients was 62.0 years. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 36.1%, and the 2-year overall survival (OS) rate was 60.3%. Among the first-line treatments, the CR rates for the chidamide-containing and chidamide-free groups were 21.6% and 28.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis identified age, bone marrow involvement, and not receiving a CHOP-like regimen as first-line treatment as poor prognostic factors for both PFS and OS. Multivariate analysis showed that age was the most significant independent prognostic factor. The AITL score, PIAI score and Chinese AITL score showed higher C-index values, the Chinese AITL score demonstrating the most distinct stratification between the low-risk and high-risk groups.Conclusions:The prognosis of AITL remains poor in the real world. The addition of the HDAC inhibitor chidamide did not increase the remission rate or prolong the remission. The Chinese AITL score was the most powerful model for risk stratification and predicting long-term prognosis in Chinese AITL patients.
Financial Development, Public Health Financing, and Health Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Musah Abubakar , Aawaar Godfred , Musah Godwin , Abdul-Mumuni Abdallah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
This paper examines the effect of financial development on health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study decomposes financial development into access, depth, and efficiency and test their separate effects on health outcomes. The paper also examines interaction effect of public health spending and financial development on health outcomes.
Methods
This paper is based on panel data for forty-five countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) collected from the World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the period 2000 to 2021. We adopt the 2-step system GMM as the estimation technique to examine the relationships among the variables.
Results
The findings show that improvement in financial development measures improves health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The findings further show that, in SSA, higher out-of-pocket expenses lead to worsening health outcomes. The relationship between financial development and health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa is strongly moderated by public health financing and out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Conclusions
The findings imply that financial development, public health financing, and out-of-pocket health expenditure are critical when it comes to health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa. To lower infant and maternal mortality rates and raise life expectancy, actions must be taken to strengthen the financial system and lower household out-of-pocket medical expenses whilst increasing public health financing. These findings guide health policy formulation for the improvement of health outcomes in SSA.