bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A single-centre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-arm study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly Sirolimus (Rapamycin) on muscle strength and endurance in older adults following a 13-week exercise program.
Authors: Stanfield Brad , Kaeberlein Matt , Leroux Brian , Jones Julie , Lucas Ruth , Arroll Bruce 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Aging leads to a decline in muscle mass and strength, contributing to frailty and decreased quality of life. Sirolimus (Rapamycin), an mTOR inhibitor, has shown potential in preclinical studies to extend lifespan and improve healthspan. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of once-weekly Sirolimus (Rapamycin) administration on muscle strength and endurance in older adults engaged in a 13-week exercise program.Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will enrol 40 participants aged 65–85. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Sirolimus (Rapamycin) 6 mg/week or placebo for 13 weeks, in conjunction with an at-home exercise program. The primary outcome measure is the change in muscle strength and endurance, assessed by the 30-Second Chair-Stand Test. Secondary outcome measures include adverse events, changes in muscle strength and endurance as measured by the 6-minute walk test, handgrip strength, and participant-reported outcomes using the SF-36 survey. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, mid-intervention (week 6), and post-intervention (week 13). Blood samples will be collected for hematology and biochemistry analyses, including full blood count, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, HbA1c, lipids, serum IGF-1, and hs-CRP. DNA methylation will be analyzed using TruDiagnostic™ to explore changes in biological age.Discussion This study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of intermittent Sirolimus (Rapamycin) administration on muscle performance in older adults. By alternating periods of mTOR inhibition through Rapamycin and activation via exercise, this study will explore a novel approach to enhancing muscle strength and endurance in the aging population. The results could have significant implications for developing interventions to improve physical function and overall health outcomes in older adults. Safety and tolerability will also be closely monitored to ensure the feasibility of this regimen for wider application.Trial registration: The trial is registered in the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624000790549) on the 26th June 2024. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12624000790549
A Qualitative Study Exploring Patient Global Impression of Disease Severity in Early Stages of Parkinson’s Disease.
Authors: Williams A , Stroupe Angela , Rosario C del , Umanzor-Figueroa C , Symonds T , Durlach C 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Although Parkinson’s Disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, the lived experience of individuals with early-stage Parkinson’s has not received much attention. This study sought to understand how the spectrum of severity is described and perceived by this population using the Patient-Global Impressions of Severity scale. Additionally, early-stage Parkinson’s patients described what symptoms and quality of life impacts were most important to the early stages of the Parkinson’s experience.
Methods
In this study, 17 participants with early-stage Parkinson’s (1-2.5 on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale) were interviewed about their experience with Parkinson’s as well as cognitively debriefed on the Patient Global Impressions of Severity scale. Analysis was performed using NVivo 13 a qualitative analysis software.
Results
Most participants reported tremors as their most bothersome symptom and the impact to their daily lives was most disruptive. Nearly every participant spoke about the emotional burden of their Parkinson’s diagnosis. Contemplating the future of their disease had a significant impact, which several said caused them to experience anxiety and/or depression. Participants were also able to describe the spectrum of severity for Parkinson’s and its quality of life impact, including severity levels they have not yet reached, using the global severity scale.
Discussion
This study highlights that even at the early stages of the disease, individuals living with Parkinson’s experience a wide range of symptoms and related quality of life impacts which shape their daily experience and contribute to perceptions of severity.
P-doped NiCo LDH loaded three-dimensional substrate as an efficient oxygen evolution electrocatalyst
Authors: Zhang Jingchun , Weatherspoon Erin , Alsubaie Abdullah Saad , Burcar Ethan , DeMerle Ashley , El-Bahy Zeinhom M. , Wang Zhe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Developing new clean energy sources and equipment to replace fossil fuel usage is an urgent global priority. However, one such essential method, electrolytic water hydrogen production's characteristics of slow kinetics and high potential barrier of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hinder the large-scale application of such an approach. While precious metal catalysts have shown excellent catalytic activity, their high cost limits their feasibility for large-scale implementation. As a result, the development of stable and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction catalysts is critical. Transition metal layered hydroxides (TM LDHs) have been widely studied as a promising candidate for water electrolysis catalysis for their unique two-dimensional layered structure, high specific surface area, great electron exchangeability, and densely distributed active sites. Here in this research, we have synthesized nickel cobalt phosphide LDH (P-NiCo-LDH) that maximizes the utilization of foam nickel as the conductive substrate while protecting the phosphated LDH. This work proposes a practical approach for developing LDH as an OER catalyst and contributes to the ongoing efforts to advance sustainable clean energy sources.
Should Adolescents and Young Adults With Hodgkin Lymphoma Be Treated as Children or Adults?
Authors: Lew-Derivry Lucille , Chevillon Florian , Brice Pauline , Bigenwald Camille , Landman-Parker Judith , Leblanc Thierry , BOISSEL Nicolas , Cabannes-Hamy Aurélie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is one of the most common cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYA). Pediatric and adult therapeutic strategies diverge while sharing the common objective: maintaining optimal efficacy with less long-term toxicity. However, few studies have compared the outcome of AYA treated according to one or the other approach.
Among the 148 patients aged 15 to 25 years, treated at Saint-Louis Hospital for newly diagnosed HL between 2012 and 2018, 71 were treated according to an adult protocol and 77 according to a pediatric one. The 5-year OS and PFS were respectively 100% and 85%, with no significant difference between treatment groups (85% in pediatric vs 86% in adult, p=0.7). Overall, the 5-year PFS was 100% for early favorable stages and 78% for advanced stages.
A higher risk of short-term steroid and vincristine-related toxicities was observed in pediatric regimen, whereas a higher risk of late toxicities was expected in adult regimen, due to higher anthracyclines, procarbazine, bleomycin and radiotherapy exposure.
These results confirm the excellent outcome of AYA patients with HL, whatever the treatment strategies. They justify a tailor-made therapeutic decision and highlight the importance of managing AYA patients in dedicated units with trained professionals.
Circular RNA KIF18A promotes development of hepatocellular carcinoma via influencing KPNA2 in Estrogen signaling pathway
Authors: Yuan Meng , Chen Qing , Weng Jing , Meng Meng , Lei Ji-an , Ren Siqian , Sadula Abuduhaibaier , Wang Hangyan , Ma Zhaolai , Jiang Bing , Zhang Li , Xiu Dianrong , Li Lei , Yuan Chunhui , Bing Yuntao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background & Aims: There are notable gender disparities in the incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Women have comparatively lower incidence and mortality rates of HCC than men. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators in HCC biology, yet their functions in patients of different genders remain unexplored. In this investigation, we aimed to identify the significant circRNA between male and female patients, and to explore its functional implications and underlying molecular mechanisms in the progression of HCC.
Methods: First, we used microarray and found circRNA transcripts that are differently expressed in men and women patients with HCC. Then, through bioinformatics analysis, we identified a significant circular RNA KIF18A, and validated its expression in cells. And we analyzed the differentially expressed transcriptome genes between HCC cells with circKIF18A knockout and normal cells. Using bioinformatics methods, we identified pathways and proteins that may be associated with circKIF18A regulation. Meanwhile, we performed cell behavioral experiments to demonstrate the knockdown of circRNAs’ implication on HCC.
Results: A novel circRNA named circKIF18A was found upregulated in males with HCC compared with females, promoting cell proliferation and migration, while inhibiting apoptosis. We performed extensive bioinformatic analyses, we discovered that the estrogen receptor pathway might be involved in KIF18A regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Within this pathway, KPNA2 was identified as the most significantly differentially expressed protein, and it is associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Conclusions: Our working hypothesis suggests that circKIF18A may orchestrate KPNA2 through the estrogen signaling pathway, demonstrating their combined significance as promoting roles in the initiation and progression of HCC. Meanwhile, this finding may provide potential evidence for the observed disparities in incidence and mortality rates of HCC between male and female patients; however, further experimental validation is required.
Quantitatively evaluation of the hydrogen bonding effects on the crystallization kinetics of poly (vinyl alcohol)/tea polyphenol composites
Authors: He Xiao , Zhang Li-Hua , Shen Qing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The crystallization kinetics behavior of PVA (poly (vinyl alcohol)) /TP (tea polyphenol) composites was studied in this paper. Results showed that the addition of TP component in such composites would reduce the crystallinity, leading to the formation of a lower Avrami exponent, n, based on crystal structures and nucleation. Under the fixed cooling rate condition, the n values of Avrami and α values of Mo are both higher for the above composites with TP ingredient at 10–20%. Subsequently, the influence of the hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) in PVA/TP composites, pure PVA and non-hydrogen bonding (non-H-bonding) in such composites were further quantitatively assessed by analyzing the H-bonding factor, F%, in relation to different crystallization kinetic parameters including Avrami exponent n, Zt, α, and F(T). Results showed that the relationship of Avrami exponent n and α were presented as n=-a1 + b1FPVA/TPH−bonding-c1F2PVA/TPH−bonding and α=-a5 + b5FPVA/TPH−bonding-c5F2PVA/TPH−bonding. The Zt were described as the functions like Zt=a2-b2e(FPVA/TPH−bonding−c2)/d, Zt=-a3 + b3FPVAH − bonding-C3F2PVAH − bonding, and Zt = a4(Fnon−H−bonding-b4)c4 respectively. The F(T) was presented as F(T) = a6−b6FPVA/TPH−bonding+c6F2PVA/TPH−bonding, where a, b and c are positive constants.
First aid knowledge, attitude, practice, and associated factors among primary school teachers in Jimma Town, South West Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Endale Dereje , Hailu Digafe , Bekelcho Tariku 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Childhood accidents and injuries are the leading causes of death among school-age children, the majority of whom need only first aid measures. First aid measures can make the difference between life and death if they are applied by experienced personnel. The main aim of this study was to assess first aid knowledge, attitudes, practices, and associated factors among primary school teachers in Jimma Town.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted. The data were collected through a self-administered and structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 software. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to test the associations between dependent and independent variables, and a P value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant.
Results
The study revealed that only 44.8% of participants were knowledgeable. Service year (AOR: 10.7, 95% CI; 2.6, 44.7), school type (AOR: 11.8, 95% CI; 3.9, 34.9), and previous first aid training (AOR: 6.5, 95% CI; 2.5, 17.2) were significantly associated with the level of knowledge about first aid. Moreover, being a female teacher (AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.9), service year (AOR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.7, 6.3), negative attitude (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7)) and first aid training (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2, 0.7) were significantly associated with the level of practice in first aid.
Conclusion
The primary schoolteachers’ knowledge of first aid was low. Generally, there needs to be awareness creation for teachers by giving training on the knowledge and basic skills required in providing first aid.
Estimating the Spread Scenario of Acute Diarrhea and Dengue Diseases in India: A Comparative Analysis of Statistical, Mathematical, and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Singh Avaneesh , Bajpai Manish Kumar , Sharma Krishna Kumar , Kalare Kailash Wamanrao , Tripathi Ashutosh , Sharma Abhinav 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This work estimates the spread scenario of acute diarrhoea and dengue diseases in India. Statistical, mathematical (compartmental), and deep learning time series models are employed to forecast the spread of these diseases. Predictions are based on the reported cases and fatalities recorded between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2021. Ten different techniques for disease spread forecast, including Regression, Bayesian Linear Regression MultiOutputRegressor + XGBoost, SIR model, Prophet, NBEATS, Gluonts, LSTM, Seq2Seq, and ARIMA statistical model, are evaluated using mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error (RMSE) as evaluation parameters. The ARIMA model outperforms cases of acute diarrheal disease with an RMSE value of 317.7 and a MAPE value of 2.4. The Seq2Seq model performs better for dengue cases with an RMSE value of 399.1 and a MAPE value of 6.3. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers in developing and monitoring strategies to combat these diseases.
DGKZ Promotes Tumor Progression in Bladder Cancer Cells by Modulating Phosphatidic Acid Biosynthesis through Interaction with CEBPZ Protein
Authors: Ma Baojie , Chen Mingzhe , Xiao Xiong , Guo Shanqi , Jiang Xingkang , Wang Nan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKZ) plays a crucial role in converting diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid, yet its specific involvement in bladder cancer (BCa) progression remains unclear. We utilized clinical samples from tissue microarrays and conducted Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining to evaluate DGKZ expression in human bladder tissues. Cell growth, apoptosis, wound-healing, and invasion assays were performed to assess DGKZ’s impact on cell proliferation. Co-immunoprecipitation assays coupled with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry explored DGKZ’s interactions with associated proteins. Analysis of the TCGA-BCa database revealed that elevated DGKZ expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in BCa patients, suggesting its potential as a pro-metastatic gene. Inhibition of DGKZ significantly reduced both in vitro and in vivo cell proliferation and invasion. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation assays identified 1,743 potential protein interactors of DGKZ in T24 cells. Bioinformatics analysis and rescue experiments pinpointed CEBPZ as a DGKZ binding partner, with the interaction relying on DGKZ’s PDZ-binding motif in its C-terminus. Ectopic expression of CEBPZ countered the suppression of the Akt/mTOR pathway observed in DGKZ-knockdown BCa cells, thereby promoting phosphatidic acid biosynthesis. In conclusion, these findings underscore the significance of the DGKZ-CEBPZ interaction in BCa growth and pave the way for exploring therapeutic interventions targeting this interaction to inhibit DGKZ-mediated tumor growth in BCa.
Barriers and facilitators for universal Gestational Diabetes Mellitus screening in a low resource setting: A cross-sectional study in Sri Lanka
Authors: godevithana janaka , Wijesinghe Champa Jayalakshmie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes and increased risk of developing diabetes in later life. Sri Lanka adopted universal GDM screening at two time points in pregnancy (before 12 weeks and between 24 to 28 weeks) in 2014 and its utilization has not been assessed. This study assessed the utilization of GDM screening services and associated factors among antenatal mothers in Southern Sri Lanka.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out in a consecutive sample of 420 postpartum mothers who delivered at three major hospitals in Sri Lanka. Data were collected on socio-demographics, pregnancy, availability and utilization of screening services and logistics using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and a data record sheet. Data was analysed using SPSS software. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression was used to assess the association between variables.
Results
The coverage of first and second screening tests were 91.4% and 94.5% and timeliness was 72.4% and 59.5%, respectively. The median period of amenorrhoea at the first and second screening were 10.0 (inter-quartile range-2.5) weeks and 28.0 (inter-quartile range-1.5) weeks. A higher utilization was associated with higher income (OR = 3.4, 95% CI – 1.1–10.5) and planned pregnancy (OR = 4.9, 95% CI – 2.2–10.7) for the first screening test. Primiparity (OR = 0.3, 95% CI – 0.1–0.9) and proximity of the nearest laboratory (OR = 3.5, 95% CI – 1.0–12.0) were positively associated with the second screening test. The timeliness of both screening tests was associated with planned pregnancy (OR = 2.1, 95% CI – 1.1-4.0 and OR = 2.3, 95% CI – 1.1–4.5) and being non-employed during the pregnancy (OR = 2.5, 95% CI – 1.4–4.3 and OR = 2.3, 95% CI – 1.3–4.1).
Conclusions
A high utilization of GDM screening was observed. Timeliness should be ensured through improved availability and accessibility of screening facilities.
Water Spring Quality and its Distribution around Semarang City
Authors: Nugraha Satya Budi , Jamhur Jamhur , Al-Hanif Ervando Tommy 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The increasing need for clean water cannot be balanced with a sustainable supply. Big cities in the world and Indonesia commonly experience it. Semarang is also one of the big cities needing help maintaining a clean water supply. The clean water supply managed by the Regional Enterprise of Semarang City can only reach some areas evenly. Therefore, many residents use alternative water sources (springs), which are spread across several locations in the Semarang area. However, the phenomenon of climate change has the potential to threaten the existence of these springs. In this study, ten samples of water springs were taken, which were used by the community as an alternative to meet their daily needs. The research results show that most of these springs have sufficient quantity potential with relatively stable water conditions throughout the year so that they can be used to meet people's daily needs. However, in terms of quality, most of them have fecal and total coliform values higher than the quality standards. It means that the water springs have the potential for contamination and, therefore, require further treatment before being used.
Optimizing Cervical Cancer Classification through Transfer Learning and Kernel Methods: Analyzing the Performance of Deep Gaussian Processes and Support Vector Machines on Pap smear Image Data
Authors: Ahishakiye Emmanuel , Kanobe Fredrick 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women worldwide. Even though cervical cancer deaths have decreased significantly in Western countries, low and middle-income countries account for nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths. While Western countries are leveraging the powers of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector, most countries in sub-Saharan Africa are still lagging. In Uganda, cytologists manually analyze Pap smear images for the detection of cervical cancer, a process that is highly subjective, slow, and tedious. Machine learning (ML) algorithms have been used in the automated classification of cervical cancer. However, most of the MLs have overfitting limitations which limits their deployment, especially in the health sector where accurate predictions are needed.
Methods
In this study, we propose two kernel-based algorithms for automated detection of cervical cancer. These algorithms are (1) an optimized support vector machine (SVM), and (2) a deep Gaussian Process (DGP) model. The SVM model proposed uses an optimized radial basis kernel while the DGP model uses a hybrid kernel of periodic and local periodic kernel.
Results
Experimental results revealed accuracy of 100% and 99.48% for an optimized SVM model and DGP model respectively. Results on precision, recall, and F1 score were also reported.
Conclusions
The proposed models performed well on cervical cancer detection and classification, and therefore suitable for deployment. We plan to deploy our proposed models in a mobile application-based tool. The limitation of the study was the lack of access to high-performance computational resources.
Usefulness of lateral-anteroposterior diameter ratio on computed tomography for evaluation of the effect of posterior tracheopexy on tracheomalacia associated with esophageal atresia
Authors: Sumida Wataru , Tainaka Takahisa , Shirota Chiyoe , Makita Satoshi , Amano Hizuru , Yasui Akihiro , Maeda Takuya , Kato Daiki , Goda Yosuke , Ishii Hiroki , Ota Kazuki , Yaohui Guo , Jiahui Liu , Hinoki Akinari , Uchida Hiroo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Tracheomalacia (TM) with esophageal atresia (EA) is a common condition. Compression by brachiocephalic artery (BCA) is a factor of TM. Previous research focused on the lateral-to-anteroposterior tracheal diameter ratio (LAR) on computed tomography (CT). The current study examined the changes of LAR and the postoperative course by posterior tracheopexy (PT).
Methods:
This study included patients undergoing thoracoscopic repair for EA. PT was performed during thoracoscopic repair on patients with bronchoscopy-confirmed TM. The clinical courses and LAR were retrospectively analyzed.
Results:
In total, 14 of 18 patients with TM underwent PT. Six patients who underwent PT also underwent CT before and after surgery. Their median LAR improved from 2.26 to 1.50. Of the 14 patients who underwent PT, 8 were discharged without any respiratory support. Meanwhile, four patients were discharged with respiratory support and were successfully weaned within a year. Two patients required tracheostomy. Furthermore, one patient with tracheobronchomalacia who had a postoperative LAR of 2.25 subsequently required external tracheal stenting. Four patients without TM did not undergo PT. Their median LAR was 1.59, which was lower than the preoperative LAR of patients with TM.
Conclusion:
Aggressive PT significantly alleviates TM symptoms, and LAR is a direct severity indicator.