bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cholecystectomy effectively reduces the gallstones-induced risk of some gastrointestinal tumors: A real-world study
Authors: Yang Zelong , He Kun , Yang Kai , Cui Xin , Han Dandan , Gao Wenjie , Xia Jielai , Li Chen , Chen Yong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Currently, there is a scarcity of concrete evidence regarding the connection between cholecystectomy and the risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. Our main objective was to delve deeper into this association further and explore any potential relationships.
Method
We extracted more than 20 million medical reimbursement records from the healthcare database of the Shanghai Medical Insurance Center in 2007. Following a predetermined screening strategy using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), we continued our observation of the medical records of the screened patients for a decade during the follow-up. We segregated the sifted patients into two distinct cohorts: those who underwent cholecystectomy for gallstones (CG cohort) and those who received conservative treatment for gallstones (CTG cohort). Additionally, we randomly sampled a blank control cohort consisting of individuals who were neither diagnosed with gallstones nor underwent cholecystectomy from the database (Control cohort). We extensively examined the unadjusted incidence rates, standardized incidence rates (SIR), and relative hazard ratios (HR) of major gastrointestinal tumors. To minimize potential bias, we employed propensity score matching (PSM).
Results
The Control cohort consisted of a total of 171,301 individuals, while the CG and CTG groups comprised 89,879 and 54,838 individuals, respectively. The CG group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of colon cancer (0.23%), stomach cancer (0.20%), bile duct cancer (0.07%), and liver cancer (0.17%) compared to the Control group. The HR for bile duct cancer was particularly noteworthy, with a value of 2.54 (95% CI [1.59, 4.08]), while the HR for liver cancer was 1.35 (95% CI [1.06, 1.72]). However, compared to the CTG group, the standardized incidence rates of each tumor type in the CG group were significantly lower and decreased with longer follow-up time. The hazard ratios (HRs) for each cancer in the CG group were all less than 1.00 (with all p-values < 0.05).
Conclusions
Cholecystectomy is an effective option for reducing the risk of gastrointestinal tumors arising from gallstones. While it may not completely eliminate the risk of bile duct and liver cancers associated with gallstones, it still should be considered as a valuable option in managing the condition.
Effects of knee joint kinematics on sprint performance in male and female football players
Authors: Xu Wangyang , Gong Bo , Zhang Xinbi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to understand the relationship between knee joint kinematics and sprint performance, and to run a regression analysis to explain which kinematic variables could be used to better explain sprint performance in male and female football players. A total of 26 national-level football players (13 males and 13 females) participated in the study. Each participant’s 30 m sprint time and corresponding inertial sensor data were collected once. The inertial attitude data of the sensor was then calculated as knee joint kinematic data through inverse kinematics. The Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between sprint time and knee extension angular velocity during the swing phase (r = -0.629, p = 0.021) in males. For females, a significant negative correlation was found between sprint time and knee extension range of motion during the support phase (r = -0.687, p = 0.009). The regression model, which includes knee extension angular velocity during the swing phase, significantly predicts sprint time (R2 = 0.396, β = -0.629) in males. For females, the model containing knee extension range of motion during the support phase significantly predicts sprint time (R2 = 0.472, β = -0.687). In conclusion, male football players with faster knee joint extension during the swing phase had faster sprint performance. Female football players with fuller knee joint extension during the support phase had faster sprint performance.
How to present economic evaluations to non-technical audiences? Randomized trials with professionals and the general population.
Authors: Linertová Renata , Hernández-Yumar Aránzazu , Guirado-Fuentes Carmen , Rodríguez-Díaz Benjamín , Valcárcel-Nazco Cristina , Imaz-Iglesia Iñaki , Carmona-Rodríguez Montserrat , García-Pérez Lidia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background Cost-effectiveness analyses of health technologies have become a part of the decision-making process in healthcare policies. Nevertheless, economic results are not always presented in comprehensible formats for non-technical audiences, such as the general population, healthcare professionals or decision-makers. The purpose of this study was to observe which formats better convey the key message of an economic evaluation, and which are better received in two different audiences.Methods Summary of a hypothetical cost-effectiveness analysis was edited in different formats: infographic, plain language text and video-abstract for the general population; executive summary and policy brief for a specialized population, i.e. clinicians, clinical and non-clinical managers, or methodologists in health-technology assessment. Participants were randomly shown one of the formats, and data on objective and subjective comprehension, and perceived usefulness/acceptability were gathered via on-line questionnaires. Statistical differences between formats were evaluated with t-test and analysis of variance.Results In the general population (N = 324), the infographic group had significantly better objective comprehension than the plain text and video-abstract groups (p = 0.012), there were no differences in subjective comprehension, and video-abstract was considered slightly more useful to understand the information than the other formats. In the specialized population (N = 100), no significant differences were observed for objective and subjective comprehension, although both measures were slightly better for executive summary than policy brief; however, policy brief was perceived to be significantly more useful than executive summary (p = 0.043).Conclusions Infographic could be a good way to present economic data to the general public, although video-abstract seemed to be more attractive for this audience. Among the specialized population, policy brief was clearly preferred, but not better understood. A balance between effectivity of transmitting the message and attractivity of the format needs to be sought, to facilitate non-technical audiences’ understanding economic data and consequently perceive the decision-making processes as more transparent and legitimate.
Intertrochanteric Fracture in Young Woman Without Osteoporosis: A Case Study
Authors: Gray Hazel , Gray Atticus 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This case presents a 42-year-old non-osteoporotic white female runner with an intertrochanteric stress fracture in the right hip which progressed to a displaced intertrochanteric fracture during a low-impact weighted hip exercise and required surgical intervention. X-rays revealed several previously untreated stress fractures throughout her lower body which had healed without intervention. This is an unusual case because nontraumatic stress fractures in the hip are quite rare in younger and non-osteoporotic patients. Additionally, the previous fractures in her lower body indicate that her injury was not acute, but part of a deeper, chronic issue. This study investigates and briefly discusses several inconspicuous factors present in this patient that could have contributed to this issue, including: Coeliac disease and other food intolerances, malnutrition, subclinical hypothyroidism, overexercise, and iron-deficiency anaemia. Herein are also identified and suggested relevant, potent areas for the consideration of further research.
Development of a protocol for the micropropagation of two forest species threatened with extinction in Ecuador
Authors: Hector Eduardo , Cevallos Damaris , Corozo Liliana , Macías Fatima , Fosado Osvaldo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Handroanthus chrysanthus Jacq. S. O. Grose and Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC are two forest species that grow in the coastal region of Ecuador and are threatened with extinction. A protocol for the mass multiplication of these species was developed using in vitro culture techniques. The cultures were initiated from seeds, and the effect of two culture media (WPM and MS), two concentrations of NaClO (0.5% and 1%), and two disinfection times (3 and 5 minutes) was studied. During multiplication, the effect of three concentrations of two cytokinins (6-BAP 4.4, 5.5, or 6.6 µM; KIN 4.6, 5.75, or 6.9 µM) on the number of shoots, their length, and diameter was analyzed. This phase of the experiment was carried out in two successive multiplications. For rooting, two concentrations of IBA (2.45 and 4.9 µM) were tested, and the number of roots formed and their length were determined. It was demonstrated that the WPM medium is the most suitable for the in vitro culture of both species and that disinfection time and NaClO concentration affect each species differently. For the multiplication of H. chrysanthus, the most suitable cytokinin was 6-BAP 6.6 µM; T. rosea performed better in the absence of cytokinins. IBA 2.45 µM produced the best results for the rooting of H. chrysanthus, while for T. rosea, IBA 4.9 µM was the most suitable. The acclimatized plants showed a high survival rate, demonstrating the feasibility of using this methodology for the accelerated propagation of these endangered species.
Extreme Arctic lakes reveal accelerating ecological shifts linked to 21st century warming
Authors: Cameron Emma , Oliva Marc , Antoniades Dermot 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The Arctic is among the most rapidly warming regions on Earth, and climate change has triggered widespread alterations to its cryosphere and ecosystems. Among these, extreme northern lakes are highly sensitive to rising temperatures due to the influence of ice cover on multiple limnological processes. Here, we studied the sediments of three lakes on northern Ellesmere Island (82.6 °N), at the terrestrial limit of the Last Ice Area, to produce records of past environmental change. The colonization of the lakes by diatoms, as well as subsequent diversification and the appearance of planktonic forms, marked important ecological shifts due to warming temperatures and lengthening ice-free periods. A subsequent meta-analysis of 22 circumpolar diatom records revealed trends in species overturn that paralleled those of temperature, including a notable acceleration since the 1980s that eclipses shifts previously observed since the mid-19th century. Projections for sustained amplified warming imply that the accelerating changes we observed are likely to continue, as rising temperatures and lengthening ice-free seasons push Arctic lakes across further ecological thresholds.
Language diversity, economic growth and per capita income distribution
Authors: GAMMADIGBE Vigninou 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes a neoclassical growth model that analyzes the key role of language diversity on the long-term trajectory of economies. It considers language as a social technology, which provides workers with linguistic capital enabling them to absorb new knowledge produced locally and abroad. We show that the plurality of languages fragments the global stock of knowledge available to countries, and projects them onto different long-term growth trajectories depending on the structure of their workforce. The study shows that the adoption of a common language for all countries, in addition to their national languages, could be a solution that would promote the long-term convergence of countries' per capita incomes. The conclusions of the theoretical analysis are supported by empirical evidence, which shows, from a sample of 158 countries from 1978 to 2022, that sharing a common official language significantly reduces per capita income disparities across countries after controlling for other important factors such as human capital, investment rates, foreign direct investment, trade, and colonial ties.
JEL Classification : E13, E23.
Record-breaking rainfall in Sri Lanka in 2014 enhanced by the MJO
Authors: Kajakokulan Pathmarasa , Hunt Kieran M R 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Sri Lanka has experienced a number of severe floods over the past decades, illustrating the importance of understanding the events leading to extreme rainfall. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), an intraseasonal phenomenon over the tropical ocean, strongly influences interannual precipitation variability in Sri Lanka. However, the impact of the MJO on rainfall over Sri Lanka during the October-November-December (OND) period is less well understood. In this study, we use reanalysis data to explore the impact of the MJO on Sri Lankan rainfall during this season. We show that OND seasons with heavier-than-usual rainfall typically have more days where an active MJO is in phases 2 and 3 and that this is also true for 2014, where both November and December experienced about a week of strong phase 3 MJO. This led to a persistent synoptic-scale circulation anomaly over Sri Lanka, which increased moisture convergence over the island, leading to widespread and long-lived deep convection. We also argue that the persistent 2014 MJO events adjusted the Walker circulation, leading to anomalous ascent over Sri Lanka, which further amplified the seasonal rainfall. This study shows that a better understanding of the link between the MJO and local thermodynamics is needed to improve extreme precipitation forecasts over Sri Lanka.
Elucidating the Roles of Redox and Structure in the Grain Growth of Mn-doped UO2
Authors: Murphy Gabriel , Bazarkina Elena , Rossberg Andre , Silva Clara , Amidani Lucia , Thuemmler Robert , Klinkenberg Martina , Henkes Maximilian , Marquardt Julien , Lessing Jessica , Svitlyk Volodymyr , Hennig Christoph , Kvashnina Kristina , Huittinen Nina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Mn-doped UO2 is considered a potential advanced nuclear fuel due to ameliorated microstructural grain growth compared to non-doped variants. However, recent experimental investigations have highlighted limitations in growth mechanisms, apparently arising from misunderstandings of its redox-structural chemistry. To resolve this disparity, this investigation has used a combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy measurements supported by ab initio calculations to cross-examine the redox and structure chemistry of Mn-doped UO2 single crystal grains and ceramic specimens. Mn was found to enter the UO2 matrix divalently with additional formation of fluorite Mn+ 2O in the bulk material. Extended X-ray absorption near edge structure measurements indicated that due to the isostructural fluorite relationship between UO2 and Mn+ 2O, grain enhancing diffusing U species, that should migrate to neighbour UO2 grains during sintering, are inadvertently incorporating within MnO, inhibiting grain growth. The investigation consequently highlights the significance of considering total redox and structural chemistry of main and minor phases in the design of advanced materials.
“Heard or Unheard?” a Qualitative Inquiry Into the Nuanced Experiences of Mothers with Intrapartum Care in Kano, Nigeria
Authors: Rajah Amina Suleiman , Idris Abdulrashid , Yunusa Umar , Ladan Muhammad Awwal , Mba Chioma Judith 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Childbirth experience significantly impacts maternal and neonatal outcomes, with negative experiences leading to consequences such as postpartum depression, self-care neglect, sleeping problems, posttraumatic stress disorder and the reluctance to use health facilities and recommend hospital delivery to other women.
Aim:This study aimed to explore maternal experience with intrapartum care in Kano, Nigeria.
Methods:A qualitative narrative inquiry approach involving in-depth interviews with 11 postpartum women was utilized. The interviews were transcribed, translated, and thematically analysed to identify patterns and themes related to maternal experiences of intrapartum care.
Results:Three main themes emerged: (1) Dignified care during birth, emphasizing positive experiences with midwives and healthcare personnel; (2) Intense pain and search for relief, highlighting the challenging nature of labor; and (3) Inadequate care and neglect, capturing negative experiences with wait times, lack of support, and even verbal abuse.
Conclusion:This study highlights the diverse range of maternal experiences during childbirth in Kano, Nigeria, encompassing both positive and negative aspects of intrapartum care.
Effect of melamine on the oxygen reduction reaction in the n(111)-(111) series of Pt3Co
Authors: Kamei Takuro , Nakamura Masashi , Hoshi Nagahiro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Enhancement of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity is an important subject for the development of fuel cells. In this study, we prepared the n(111)-(111) series of Pt3Co single crystal electrodes using an induction heating furnace and investigated the ORR in 0.1 M HClO4 using the rotation disk electrode (RDE). The specific activity of the ORR (jk) increased monotonously with increasing terrace width n on the n(111)-(111) series of Pt3Co, showing the highest activity on Pt3Co(111). The value of jk of Pt3Co(111) was 59-fold higher than that of Pt(111) at 0.95 V(RHE). This trend was different from those of the same series of Pt, Pt3Co, and Pt3Ni reported previously. Furthermore, the ORR activity was improved on all electrodes by adding melamine to the electrolytic solution. Melamine was preferentially adsorbed at the terrace edge. Pt3Co(553) n = 5 showed the highest activity. The values of jk at 0.95 V(RHE) were 23- and 3.3-fold higher than those of Pt(553) n = 5 and Pt3Co(553) n = 5 without melamine modification, respectively. The durability of Pt3Co(553) n = 5 with melamine was improved 8.0-fold.
Risk factors and common organisms in bacterial keratitis in a tertiary center in Iran, a retrospective study.
Authors: Hadi Yasaman ,   Saba Gholamalizadeh1, Ghiasian Leial , Dadpour Negar , Elmi Navid , Mazouchi Marjan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
To report the range of isolated microorganisms and identify the underlying factors contributing to infectious keratitis in a 12-year period at a referral center in Tehran.
Methods
This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with infectious keratitis from 2009 to 2021. A total of 867 patients were admitted, with corneal scrapping performed for 414 of them. Fortified empiric antibiotic eye drops were initiated for all patients, while surgical intervention was carried out for a total of 376 patients during their hospitalization.
Results
Trauma being identified as the most prevalent risk factor (21.9%). The primary microorganisms responsible for corneal ulcers were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Staphylococcus aeuros was the predominant microorganism cultured in patients under 50 years old, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common in patients over 50 years old. Tarsorrhaphy was carried out on 23.6% of the patients. Other surgical procedures were performed on a total of 44.6% of the patients, with tectonic graft and corneal patch graft being the most common surgeries.
Conclusion
This research highlights the significance of trauma as the primary predisposing factor and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as the predominant cultured microorganism in adult microbial corneal ulcer cases in Iran. Furthermore, we emphasize the necessity of surgical procedures in cases of bacterial keratitis.
A new validated instrument to assess sustainability perception among university students
Authors: Salahange Laura , Sánchez-Martín Jesús , Dávila-Acedo María A. , Cañada-Cañada Florentina 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Promoting sustainability within university institutions entails conducting assessments to lay the groundwork for developing educational methodologies. This article presents the validation of a quantitative 36-item scale questionnaire that aimed to measure university students' perceptions towards sustainability. A total of 285 university students from different Spanish Universities participated in completing the questionnaire. The reliability and validity of the instrument were statistically assessed through the Cronbach’s alpha and confirmatory factor analysis. The questionnaire consists of six dimensions: affective, knowledge, attitude, willingness to act, behavior, self-efficacy, which were confirmed by the confirmatory factor analysis, with results that show a good fit level in the model (RMSEA = 0.043, CFI = 0.972, SRMR = 0.076, TLI = 0.970 and X2/df = 1.45). Internal reliability, which was found using Cronbach’s alpha, varies between 0.737 and 0.909. The results show that the instrument meets the validity and reliability criteria. Consequently, a valuable tool for academic utilization is suggested, offering a diagnostic and monitoring mechanism for evaluating sustainability perceptions, a topic that has recently garnered significant attention.
Distinct CDH11+ circulating fibroblasts and immune cells co-expressing chemokine receptors in chronic inflammatory arthritis patients
Authors: Vetsika Eleni-Kyriaki , Kyriakidi Maria , Fragoulis George , Sakkou Maria , Verrou Kleio Maria , Mourikis Anastasios , Vlachogiannis Nikolaos , Tektonidou Maria , Sfikakis Petros 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The mechanisms underlying the progression of chronic inflammatory arthritis, affecting over 1% of adults, remain largely unclear. Using single-cell mass cytometry on peripheral blood of patients with active rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, we identified various cells co-expressing mesenchymal markers, including the homotypic adhesion molecule cadherin-11 (CDH11), and chemokine receptors. Circulating fibroblasts (podoplanin+CD45−CD3−CD19−CD4−CD8−CD56−CD66b−CD294−) co-expressing CDH11 and CCR7 were found exclusively in patients and not in paired bone marrow samples, suggesting their origin from inflamed joints. Increased fibrocytes (CD34+HLA-DR+CD45+CD3−CD19−CD4−CD8−CD56−CD66b−CD294−) co-expressing CDH11 and CCR7 were also found in patients, being more prevalent in bone marrow than blood, supporting their bone marrow origin. Among various leukocyte subsets, CDH11+CD90+neutrophils co-expressing CCR6 were markedly increased in patients. Paired measurements three months post-antirheumatic treatment revealed persistently increased circulating CDH11+fibroblasts, CDH11+fibrocytes and CDH11+CD90+CCR6+neutrophils, regardless of clinical responses. Moreover, CDH11+neutrophils were identified by confocal microscopy in close proximity to synovial fibroblasts in knee-surgery-obtained rheumatoid synovium. Combining our findings with previous data showing circulating pre-inflammatory mesenchymal cells to precede clinical arthritis flares, we suggest a drug-independent process orchestrated by chemokines that may contribute to ‘arthritis spreading’, wherein synovial fibroblasts and fibrocytes migrate into distant synovium, either alone or by forming complexes with CD90+CDH11+ neutrophils, through CDH11-mediated binding.