bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Efficacy of Lymph Node Parameters in Resected Ampullary Adenocarcinoma Based on Long-term Follow-Up Data after Adjuvant Treatment
Authors: Park Namyoung , Cho In Rae , Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Joo Seong , Choi Jin Ho , Lee Min Woo , Paik Woo Hyun , Joo Kwang Ro , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Yong-Tae 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Lymph node (LN) metastasis is an important prognostic factor in the ampulla of Vater (AoV) adenocarcinoma. Various LN parameters have been proposed, but their prognostic efficacy has not been compared in the same population. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic values of LN parameters in AoV adenocarcinoma patients who underwent surgical resection and adjuvant treatment based on the long-term follow-up data.
Methods
A total of 86 patients with surgically resected AoV adenocarcinoma followed by adjuvant treatment were analyzed. We evaluated the prognostic values of various LN parameters such as pathologic N stage, number of metastatic regional LN (LNN), LN ratio (LNR), and log odds of positive LNs (LODDS). Each LN parameter was separately analyzed using Cox regression models with the same confounders.
Results
The median follow-up period was 69.4 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 114 months. In the univariable analyses, all LN parameters showed significant prognostic efficacy for OS, DFS (disease-free survival), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). In the multivariate Cox regression analyses, LNN ≥ 2 was a statistically significant prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11–3.97; p = 0.022), DFS (HR 2.51, 95% CI 1.28–4.93; p = 0.007), and DMFS (HR 2.74, 95% CI 1.39–5.41; p = 0.004).
Conclusions
LN parameters showed good long-term predictive performance in AoV adenocarcinoma patients treated with curative resection and adjuvant treatments. Among LN parameters, LNN ≥ 2 showed better prognostic value than others. Further large-scale studies are needed to validate the clinical usefulness of various LN parameters.
Investigation of UV shielding of bio-based superhydrophobic outdoor wood paint properties
Authors: Mashalavi Belgheis , Masoum Saeed 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study presents the development of a simple and cost-effective method for fabricating a superhydrophobic coating on wood surfaces. The resulting coating exhibited a high water contact angle of 160°, a low water slide angle of 6°, excellent durability, and effective UV shielding and resistance. In this research ZnO-TiO2 nanostructured material was prepared using the sol-gel method and incorporated into a paint mixture consisting of natural bio-based ingredients such as linseed oil and beeswax. This mixture, along with epoxy resin (E06) and hardener (5161), was applied to wood surface to enhance durability and provide a low surface free energy substance. Furthermore, the treated wood exhibited improved physical properties, including better UV shielding and resistance. The developed superhydrophobic coating paint is easy to apply and significantly increases the lifetime of wood. The superhydrophobic coating was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Do pandemics influence food choice motives, diet, and health behaviors? Evidence from a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khan Rida , Tanweer Afifa , Iqbal Sanaullah 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 has significanlty impacted the health and wellbeing of individuals by influencing the diet and lifestyle. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the dietary and health practices pre and post COVID-19 infection and to study the association of change in dietary and health practices with the change in food choice motives.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted, and retrospective data was gathered from 259 recovered cases of COVID-19 aged 18–50 years in Pakistan. Survey questionnaire included socio-demographic information, adherence to Pakistan dietary guidelines, Breslow’s health practices and food choice motives.
Results
Dietary practices improved (0.17 ± 1.56), and health practices deteriorated (-0.18 ± 1.36) after COVID-19 infection. Importance of convenience, health, mood, natural content, weight control, familiarity and ethical concern while choosing food increased after suffering from COVID-19. Improvement in the dietary practices was correlated with the health practices (r = 0.32), convenience (r = 0.15), health concern (r = 0.16), mood (r = 0.18) and natural content of food (r = 0.15). Changes in the dietary practices were found to be negatively associated (p = 0.043, B=-0.145) with the price of food.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that food choice motives of Pakistani population have changed during COVID-19 and these changes were found to be related to the dietary and health practices.
A Meta-analysis Studying the Utility of Cryotherapy in the Prevention of Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Paclitaxel and Nab-Paclitaxel.
Authors: Kumar Prashanth Ashok , Sampat Parth , Sandhu Michael , Kumar Vishnu Charan Suresh , Smith Abigail , Paulraj Shweta , Ghelani Ghanshyam , Huang Danning , Wang Dongliang , Sivapiragasam Abirami 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Cryotherapy with taxane infusion is a non-invasive strategy to prevent PN, but its efficacy is not proven
Methods
A systematic search was conducted, and 477 records were identified. The titles were screened independently by 2 reviewers. 14 were included for the meta-analysis using R package meta. Only studies that analyzed cryotherapy use in BC patients who received paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel were included. Relative risk (RR) derived from random effects model was used to compare the occurrence of PN.
Results
Incidence of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade ≥ 2 PN was 24.85% (81/326) in the cryotherapy arm and 42.35% (72/170) in the placebo arm. Overall RR for CTCAE grade ≥ 2 PN with cryotherapy compared to placebo was 0.45 [0.27,0.77, p = 0.0031]. RR for sensory PN was 0.19 [0.05,0.66, p = 0.009] and for motor PN was 0.18 [0.03,0.99, p = 0.0491]. RR for Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire (PNQ) score ≥ D which connotes severe neuropathy was 0.24 [0.09,0.62, p = 0.0035]. Cold intolerance was the predominant adverse effect at 15% (37/247).
Conclusions
Use of cryotherapy decreased the occurrence of CTCAE grade ≥ 2 PN by 55%. Cold intolerance was the most frequently reported issue with its use but lead to relatively low discontinuation rates.
Progressive enhancement and restoration for mural images under low-light and defected conditions based on multi-receptive field strategy
Authors: Wei Xiameng , Fan Binbin , Wang Ying , Feng Yanxiang , Fu Laiyi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ancient murals are valuable cultural heritage with great archaeological value. They provide insights into ancient religions, ceremonies, folklore, among other things through their content. However, due to long-term oxidation and inadequate protection, ancient murals have suffered continuous damage, including peeling and mold etc. Additionally, since ancient murals were typically painted indoors, the light intensity in images captured by digital devices is often low. The poor visibility hampers the further restoration of damaged areas. To address the escalating damage to ancient murals and facilitate batch restoration at archaeological sites, we propose a two-stage restoration model with automatic defect area detection strategy which called MER(Mural Enhancement and Restoration net) for ancient murals that are damaged and have been captured in low light. Our two-stage model not only enhances the visual quality of restored images but also achieves commendable results in relevant metric evaluations compared with other competitors. Furthermore, we have launched a website dedicated to the restoration of ancient mural paintings, utilizing the proposed model. Code is available at https://gitee.com/bbfan2024/MER.git.
Transcriptome and DNA Methylation Analysis of the Goat Pineal Gland During Puberty
Authors: Zhang Bochao , Xie Huihui , Qian Wei , Wu Jianling , Cui Jiankun , Zhu Genbao , Yi Qing , Pan Fuqiang , Fang Fugui , Ling Yinghui , Zhang Yunhai , Li Yunsheng , Liu Ya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Epigenetic regulation of gene transcription may play a critical role in the onset of puberty. Previous studies have confirmed that methylation regulates gene transcription in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis during puberty initiation, but little is known about the regulation of DNA methylation on gene expression in the pineal gland. This study aims to screen pineal gland candidate genes related to the onset of goat puberty and regulated by genome methylation to clarify the initiation mechanism of goat puberty and lay the foundation for improving goat reproductive performance. Pineal glands were collected from three female Anhui white goats during prepuberty (2.5 to 3.0 mo) and three during puberty (4.0 to 4.5 mo). Genome-wide hydrogen sulfite sequencing determined the DNA methylation profile, while RNA sequencing determined the transcriptome. The relationship between gene transcription and DNA methylation was determined by joint analysis. We found that there was no significant change in the whole-genome methylation level of the goat pineal gland before and after puberty, but the methylation pattern changed significantly, indicating that genomic DNA methylation of the pineal gland may be involved in regulating goat puberty initiation. Changes in DNA methylation patterns affected some pineal gland transcriptomes, while the transcriptional level of most genes was not affected by DNA methylation differences. Genes regulated by DNA methylation were mainly involved in metabolic processes, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and signaling pathways related to thermogenesis. The differentially expressed genes ATP5F1D, CACNB2, and PTEN were significantly regulated by methylation, and the fold changes in LIN28B, GIP, OPN1SW, and DCC were the most significant, possibly indicating involvement in puberty initiation.
Morphomolecular identification of two new isolates of Aspergillus niger, PP373715 (ITS) and PP596863 (BenA), in agroforestry systems in Buenaventura, Colombia
Authors: Arboleda-Riascos Carlos Emiro , Velásquez-Ortiz David , Asprilla Sebastián Mosquera , Segura Julio Geovanny Angulo , Cardona-Montoya José Omar , Obregon Claudia Melissa Murillo , Quiñonez–Candelo Elizabeth 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A reliable diagnosis of Aspergillus species requires the use of an integrative taxonomy (macro, microscopic- and molecular-based analysis). In this research, the population of Aspergillus in agroforestry systems in Buenaventura (Colombia) was examined. The CYA and YES colonies had powdery surfaces, white areas and black pigmentation. The colony produces a colorless exudate, sclerotia are absent, and the reverse pigmentation is pale yellow. The radial folds are irregular. The micromorphology of the isolates revealed the presence of radiate conidial heads. Biseriate conidiophores. Hyaline, thick-walled, smooth stipes measuring 1482.59 ± 52.45 (759.97-1946.12) × 6.36 ± 1.25 (5.24–9.37) µm were used. Vesicles globose to subglobose, 45.25 ± 3.98 (38.51–56.37) × 38.54 ± 4.58 (33.54–52.83) µm. Metulae 11.42 ± 1.24 (9.83–13.59) x 2.50 ± 0.24 (2.29–2.74) µm, covering 100% of the head. Phialides ampulliform, 12.28 ± 0.84 (9.36–11.59) x 2.36 ± 0.21 (2.17–2.64) µm. Conidia globose, rough, 2.67 ± 0.43 (2.40–2.97) × 2.43 ± 0.35 (2.24–2.89) µm. Two DNA sequences were obtained from the study: one for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) segment (PP373715) and the other for the β-tubulin gene (PP596863). These sequences matched those of A. niger. ITS region and β-tubulin gene analyses revealed that the isolates were Aspergillus niger. This study presents the first sequences of this fungus in agroforestry systems in the study area (Buenaventura, Colombia). For species identification in the genus Aspergillus, the ITS region and the presence of the BenA gene are currently mandatory. The detection of A. niger in local agroforestry systems (AFSs) could enhance soil and ecosystem quality while reducing the reliance on pesticides. The secondary metabolites produced by this fungus could be employed in the agricultural industry to identify promising native species in the Colombian Pacific.
Stock Price Nowcasting and Forecasting with Deep Learning
Authors: Fan Chuanzhi , Zhang Xiang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recent studies have improved stock price forecasting with the emerging deep learning models. Despite advancements in deep learning, stock price prediction faces significant challenges. Existing studies predominantly focus on forecasting future prices, with limited attention to nowcasting, which predicts current or near-future market states. Additionally, most methods use univariate data, neglecting the valuable interactions between multiple financial variables.
This study addresses these challenges by evaluating both forecasting and nowcasting approaches using deep learning. We incorporate multivariate inputs, including opening price, high, low, close, volume, inday-change and trend, to enhance the predictive power of our models. We implement and compare several deep learning methods: Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, Gated Recurrent Units (GRU), Convolutional Neural Networks combined with LSTM (CNN-LSTM), and the transformer-based Patch Time Series Transformer (PatchTST).
Our experimental results reveal that the standard LSTM model achieves superior performance compared to the more recent PatchTST and CNN-LSTM models. Specifically, models perform better in nowcasting scenarios, likely due to smaller price fluctuations over shorter periods. Furthermore, our analysis shows that including variables such as opening prices, highest prices, and lowest prices enhances predictive accuracy, whereas trading volume tends to reduce performance.
These findings suggest that deep learning models are more effective for real-time or near-term stock price prediction and highlight the importance of multivariate inputs in developing robust prediction models. This study provides valuable insights for enhancing the accuracy and reliability of stock price forecasts, with significant implications for financial analysts and investors.
AB0 and Rh Blood Groups as a Predictors of Infarct Etiology in Ischemic Stroke: Insights from a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Dikbas Husniye Aylin , Tonkaz Gokhan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
AB0 blood group antigens has shown to be linked with coagulopathy. In this context, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between AB0 and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups with ischemic stroke on the basis of infarct etiology and trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST) classification.
Methods
The population of this retrospective case-control study was consisted of 264 patients with ischemic stroke between January 2021 and December 2023. Patients’ stroke etiologies based on TOAST classification, serum biochemical data, brain and neck computed tomography angiograms, AB0 and Rh blood groups were obtained from their electronic medical records.
Results
We compared large vessel atherosclerosis (LVA) with all other etiologies in the TOAST classification. AB blood type was observed more frequently in patients with LVA than all other AB0 blood types combined (p = 0.049).
Conclusions
We observed stroke due to LVA more frequently in patients of advanced age and AB blood type compared to other patients. Our findings suggest that AB blood type may also be a risk factor in addition to known stroke risk factors.
Headaches and adolescents: why so many failures in their management
Authors: Cucchiaro Giovanni , Frye William 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The management of headaches in children and adolescents is still a challenge, with patients experiencing pain for years and polypharmacy.
Methods
We reviewed the medical history of 31 patients referred to our pain clinic for chronic headaches between April 2022 and March 2024.
Results
There were more female than male patients (73%). Patients have been reporting headaches for 52±44 months on average. Twenty-nine patients (94%) were experiencing different types of pain besides headaches. The most common medication prescribed in this group of patients was Topiramate (69%), followed by Tricyclic antidepressants (36%) and Triptans (21%). Patients had been prescribed and tried, on average, 4.5±2 (range 1-10) different medications to manage headaches and concomitant mood disorders. Twenty-two patients (71%) had been diagnosed with a mood disorder, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and 14% had a history of attempted suicide/self-harm. Fourteen of them (64%) had been prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. They had been prescribed, on average, 2±1 (range 1-4) mood stabilizer medications. We agreed with the referral diagnosis in 39% of the patients. We attributed the headaches to more complex chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia (15%) and AMPS (15%), autism with sensory integration problems (9%), and major depression (9%). Patients had seen an average of 3±1 (range 1-5) different specialists; none consulted a pain specialist. Patients underwent between 0 (12%) and 4 tests (6%), including MRI (52%) and CT of the brain (8%). These neuroimaging studies did not demonstrate any brain pathology. We prescribed new medications and treatments, including nerve blocks, in 19 (58%) patients. In 47% of the cases, patients reported improvement in their headaches, while 22% of the patients did not feel that our recommendations were effective. Twenty-one percent of patients never came back to the clinic for a follow-up. Significant catastrophizing was present in 57% of the patients, 76% of patients had mild to severe anxiety, and 81% had symptoms of depressive disorder.
Conclusions
Headaches are often the manifestation of more complex pain syndromes that require a more holistic approach, different from conventional pharmacological management
Surrounding Rock Control Technology of Entry Retained along Gob Side with Small Coal Pillar Based on Shaped Charge Blasting with Combined and Grouped of Deep and Shallow Holes
Authors: Li Lei , Yang Yuzhong , Wu LiYun , Zhang Weiyu , Yang Wanli , Zhai Yaowei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In order to effectively control the large deformation of coal pillar and roadway while entry retained along gob side with small coal pillar, taking 1311 and 1312 working face of a coal mine in Shanxi Province as engineering background, the structural characteristics of overlying rock of entry retained along gob side with small coal pillar are studied comprehensively by means of theoretical analysis, numerical simulation and industrial test, and the stress source of entry retained along gob side with small coal pillar and the principle of roof cutting and pressure relief by shaped charge blasting with combined and grouped of deep and shallow holes are analyzed, then the roof cutting and pressure relief technology of shaped charge blasting with combined and grouped of deep and shallow holes and the cooperative control scheme of small coal pillar are put forward. Combined with the geological conditions of 1311 working face, through the calculation of caving zone and crack zone height of working face, the analysis of roof breaking and instability conditions and the calculation of crack zone radius during blasting, the key parameters of roof cutting by deep and shallow hole combined blasting are determined. Through the numerical simulation and analysis of roof cutting and pressure relief of different key stratum, the vertical stress in small coal pillar under different foor cutting height is as follows: uncut roof > only cut layer 2 > only cut layer 1 > cut layer 3 + partial layer 2 > cut layer 1 ~ 3; on this basis, a cooperative control scheme of "roof cutting and pressure relief by shaped charge blasting with combined and grouped of deep and shallow holes" + "anchor-cable combined support" + "coal pillar strengthened" is put forward. The field industrial test results show that the control effect of small coal pillar and roadway surrounding rock is good.
Smoking and E-cigarette Use in Young Adults with Disabilities
Authors: Hanafin Joan , Sunday Salome , Shevlin Michael , Clancy Luke 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is strongly associated with social and health inequalities, being linked with economic vulnerability, morbidity and premature death. Young adults with disabilities face pervasive social and material hardship, inequalities that are potentially exacerbated by tobacco use. Relatively little is known about smoking and even less about e-cigarette-use in this young adult population. In this study, we report on protective and risk factors for smoking and e-cigarette use in Irish 20-year-olds with disabilities other than mental health conditions.
Methods: We use data from Wave 4 of the longitudinal Growing Up in Ireland Cohort ’98, when participants were 20 years old (n=4,729). Current smoking and e-cigarette use were measured by whether participants reported “occasional” or “daily” use. Disability was measured by whether respondents reported having one or more long-lasting health conditions or difficulties (vision; hearing; physical; intellectual; learning; pain or breathing). All analyses were carried out using SPSS version 27.
Results: Some 18% of 20-year-olds report having a disability. Bivariate and multivariable analyses show that disability is associated with significantly increased prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use. Logistic regression analyses suggest that young men, starting smoking before age 16 and those in paid employment are at increased risk of smoking and e-cigarette use. In multivariate modelling, having a disability remains a separate and significant risk factor for smoking and e-cigarette use.
Conclusion: Smoking and e-cigarette use is significantly higher in 20-year-olds with disabilities adding further inequality to the lives of these rarely-surveyed young adults. Targeted surveys and interventions are required.