bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stressing the Relevance of Differentiating between Systematic and Random Measurement Errors in Ultrasound Muscle Thickness Diagnostics
Authors: Lohmann Lars Hubertus , Hillebrecht Martin , Schiemann Stephan , Warneke Konstantin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
The majority of studies that explore changes in musculature following resistance training interventions or examine atrophy due to immobilization or sarcopenia use ultrasound imaging. While most studies assume acceptable to excellent reliability, there seems to be unawareness of the existing absolute measurement errors. As early as 1998, methodological research addressed a collective unawareness of the random measurement error and its practical indications. Referring to available methodological approaches, within this work, we point out the limited value of focusing on relative, correlation-based reliability indices for the interpretability in scientific research but also for clinical application by assessing 1,512 muscle thickness values from more than 400 ultrasound images. To account for intra- and inter-day repeatability, data were collected on two consecutive days within four testing sessions. Commonly-stated reliability values (ICC, CV, SEM and MDC) were calculated, while evidence-based agreement analyses were applied to provide the accompanied systematic and random measurement error.

Results
While ICCs in the range of 0.832 to 0.998 are in accordance with the available literature, the mean absolute percentage error ranges from 1.34 to 20.38% and the mean systematic bias from 0.78 to 4.01 mm (all p ≤ 0.013), depending on the measurement time points chosen for data processing.

Conclusions
In accordance with prior literature, a more cautious interpretation of relative reliability values should be based on included systematic and random absolute measurement scattering. Lastly, this paper discusses the rationale for including different measurement error statistics when determining the validity of pre-post changes, thus, accounting for the certainty of evidence.
The interplay among Chinese EFL teachers’ enthusiasm, engagement, and foreign language teaching enjoyment: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Guo Shufa , Zhao Xiaomei , Fekri Neda , Azari Noughabi Mostafa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractTeacher enthusiasm is receiving remarkable scholarly attention in L2 education, and its effect on students’ language learning outcomes has been extensively investigated. Nevertheless, exploring the antecedents of language teacher enthusiasm has received scant attention in foreign language education, particularly within the Chinese context. Thus, informed by the principles of positive psychology, the present study investigated the extent to which English as a foreign (EFL) teachers’ enthusiasm can be predicted by their work engagement and foreign language teaching enjoyment (FLTE) in the context of China. The study involved three online questionnaires completed by 576 EFL teachers in China. The results of structural equation modeling revealed that teacher work engagement and FLTE were strong predictors of Chinese EFL teachers’ enthusiasm. In addition, EFL teachers’ FLTE was a better predictor of their enthusiasm than their work engagement. The findings highlighted the importance of applying positive psychology in foreign language education. Finally, the paper concludes with avenues for future research.
Photobiomodulation efficacy in age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Rassi Tiago N. O. , Barbosa Lucas M. , Pereira Sacha , Novais Eduardo A. , Penha Fernando , Roisman Luiz , Maia Mauricio 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. Photobiomodulation (PBM) offers a controversial approach for managing dry AMD, aiming to halt or reverse progression through mitochondrial activity modulation. However, the efficacy and clinical relevance of PBM as a potential approach for managing dry AMD remain debated.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PBM versus a sham in patients with dry AMD. We performed trial sequential analysis (TSA) and minimal clinically important difference (MCID) calculations to assess statistical and clinical significance applying a random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results
We included three RCTs comprising 247 eyes. The pooled analysis showed that PBM significant improved BCVA (MD 1.76 letters; 95% CI: 0.04 to 3.48) and drusen volume (MD -0.12 mm³; 95% CI: -0.22 to -0.02) as compared with a sham control. However, the TSA indicated that the current sample sizes were insufficient for reliable conclusions. No significant differences were observed in GA area. The MCID analysis suggested that the statistically significant results did not translate into clinically significant benefits. In the quality assessment, all studies were deemed to have a high risk of bias.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis points limitations in the current evidence base for PBM in dry AMD treatment, with issues around small sample sizes. Statistically significant improvements do not translate into clinical benefits. The research underscores need for larger RCTs to validate PBM’s therapeutic potential for dry AMD.
Social environment influences microbiota and potentially pathogenic bacterial communities on the skin of developing birds
Authors: Martínez-Renau Ester , Martín-Platero Antonio M. , Bodawatta Kasun H. , Martín-Vivaldi Manuel , Martínez-Bueno Manuel , Poulsen Michael , Soler Juan José 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Animal bacterial symbionts are established early in life, either through vertical transmission and/or by horizontal transmission from both the physical and the social environment, such as direct contact with con- or heterospecifics. The social environment particularly can influence the acquisition of both mutualistic and pathogenic bacteria, with consequences for the stability of symbiotic communities. However, segregating the effects of the shared physical environment from those of the social interactions is challenging, limiting our current knowledge on the role of the social environment in structuring bacterial communities in wild animals. Here, we take advantage of the avian brood-parasite system of Eurasian magpies (Pica pica) and great spotted cuckoos (Clamator glandarius) to explore how the interspecific social environment (magpie nestlings developing with or without heterospecifics) affects bacterial communities on uropygial gland skin.

Results
We demonstrated interspecific differences in bacterial community compositions in members of the two species when growing up in monospecific nests. However, the bacterial community of magpies in heterospecific nests was richer, more diverse, and more similar to their cuckoo nest-mates than when growing up in monospecific nests. These patterns were alike for the subset of microbes that could be considered core, but when looking at the subset of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera, cuckoo presence reduced the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacterial genera on magpies.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight the role of social interactions in shaping the assembly of the avian skin bacterial communities during the nestling period, as exemplified in a brood parasite—host system.
The implementation of exercise therapy within hospital-based mental healthcare: Delphi study
Authors: McMahen Caleb , Wright Kemi , Jackson Ben , Stanton Robert , Lederman Oscar , McKeon Grace , Rosenbaum Simon , Furzer Bonnie 
Published: August 2024

Background
The physical health comorbidities and premature mortality experienced by people with mental illness has led to an increase in exercise services embedded as part of standard care in hospital-based mental health services. Despite the increase in access to exercise services for people experiencing mental illness, there is currently a lack of guidelines on the assessment and triage of patients into exercise therapy.

Aims
To develop guidelines for the pre-exercise screening and health assessment of patients engaged with exercise services in hospital-based mental healthcare and to establish an exercise therapy triage framework for use in hospital-based mental healthcare.

Method
A Delphi technique consisting of two online surveys and two rounds of focus group discussions was used to gain consensus from a multidisciplinary panel of experts.

Results
Consensus was reached on aspects of pre-exercise health screening, health domain assessment, assessment tools representing high-value clinical assessment, and the creation and proposed utilisation of an exercise therapy triage framework within exercise therapy.

Conclusions
This study is the first of its kind to provide guidance on the implementation of exercise therapy within Australian hospital-based mental healthcare. The results provide recommendations for appropriate health assessment and screening of patients in exercise therapy, and provide guidance on the implementation and triage of patients into exercise therapy via a stepped framework to determine (a) the timeliness of exercise therapy required and (b) the level of support required in the delivery of their exercise therapy.
Selecting Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Side Effects for Real-Time Monitoring in Routine Cancer Care: A Modified Delphi Study
Authors: Lai-Kwon Julia , Jefford Michael , Best Stephanie , Zhang Iris , Rutherford Claudia 
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE
Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) symptom monitoring may support the safe delivery of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). There is no consensus on which side effects should be monitored in routine care. We aimed to develop a prioritized list of ICI side effects to include in ePRO systems and compare this to existing ICI-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

METHODS
We conducted a two-round modified Delphi survey. Participants were patients (or their carers) who had received/were receiving ICI or managing health care professionals (HCPs). Round 1 (R1) side effects were generated from a literature review and existing PROMs. In R1, participants rated the importance of 63 ICI side effects in an ePRO system on a five-point Likert scale. In round 2 (R2), participants ranked the 10 most important side effects from 36 side effects. Content mapping of the prioritized list against existing PROMs was conducted.

RESULTS
In R1, 47 patients, nine carers, and 58 HCPs responded. Twenty-eight side effects were rated important (I)/very important (VI) by >75% of participants and included in R2. Ten were rated I/VI by <50% of participants and excluded. Twenty-five were rated I/VI by 50%-75% of participants and discussed at an HCP roundtable to determine inclusion in R2. In R2, 39 patients, 11 carers, and 42 HCPs ranked seizures, shortness of breath, chest pain, diarrhea, and rash as the most important side effects for monitoring. Content mapping showed significant differences between the prioritized list and existing PROMs.

CONCLUSION
We developed a consumer- and clinician-driven prioritized list of 36 ICI side effects to include in future ePRO systems. This process highlights the importance of broad stakeholder engagement in side-effect selection and rigorously identifying clinically important side effects to ensure content validity and clinical utility.
Statin Use and Development and Progression of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Based on Ultrasonography
Authors: Feng Baoyu , Li Fengde , Lan Yanqi , Wang Xiaomo , Chen Shuohua , Yang Chenlu , Yin Meihua , Cui Feipeng , Wang Guodong , Zhou Di , Zhou Yang , Wu Shutong , Wang Li , Wu Shouling 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a public health issue, while no drugs have been specifically approved for treatment.

Objective
This study aimed to examine the association between statin use and NAFLD occurrence, progression, and regression.

Methods
A cohort study was designed based on the Kailuan Study and electronic medical records from the Kailuan General Hospital. Participants aged 18 years with statin indication, including statin and nonstatin users, were enrolled from 2010 to 2017. Propensity score (PS)-matched cohorts were also used.

Results
In the entire cohort, 21 229 non-NAFLD and 22 419 NAFLD patients (including 12 818 mild NAFLD patients) were included in the final analysis. After a median follow-up of about 4 years, the incidence of NAFLD occurrence and progression for statin users was lower than those for nonstatin users (occurrence: 84.7 vs 106.5/1000 person-years; progression: 60.7 vs 75.5/1000 person-years). Compared with nonstatin users, the risk of NAFLD occurrence (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87) and regression (HR [95% CI]; 0.71 [0.60-0.84]) was decreased in statin users. The significantly negative association was observed only in those with cumulative statin duration of 2 years or more (HR [95% CI] for occurrence 0.56 [0.46-0.69] vs 0.52 [0.30-0.90] for progression) and those with low or moderate atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk (HR [95% CI] for occurrence 0.74 [0.66-0.82] vs 0.68 [0.57-0.80] for progression). No statistically significant correlation was observed between statin use, statin use duration, and NAFLD regression. The PS-matched cohort had similar results.

Conclusion
Taking statin may decrease the risk of NAFLD occurrence and progression in the population with statin indication, suggesting the potential role of statin both in primary and secondary prevention strategies for NAFLD, especially among those with low or moderate ASCVD risk.
Myosteatosis Predicts Bariatric Surgery Response: A Longitudinal Study in Patients With Morbid Obesity
Authors: Han Eugene , Kim Mi Kyung , Lee Hye Won , Ryu Seungwan , Kim Hye Soon , Jang Byoung Kuk , Suh Youngsung 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context
Data on the preoperative factors for bariatric surgery response in patients with morbid obesity are limited, and there are no studies on the relationship between myosteatosis and surgery response.

Object
We investigated the preoperative factors determining bariatric surgery response and the impact of preoperative muscle fat infiltration on bariatric surgery response.

Methods
This retrospective longitudinal cohort study included 125 individuals (37 men, 88 women) with morbid obesity who underwent bariatric surgery. Muscle fat infiltration [skeletal muscle fat index (SMFI)] was evaluated using computed tomography-based psoas muscle mass and density at the fourth lumbar level. A bariatric surgery response was defined as ≥50% excessive weight loss at 1 year postoperatively.

Results
Before bariatric surgery, the patient’s mean body weight and body mass index (BMI) were 107.0 kg and 39.0 kg/m2, respectively. After 1 year, the mean body weight was 79.6 kg. The mean excessive weight loss at 1 year was 75.6%, and 102 (81.6%) patients were categorized as responders. There were no statistically significant differences in initial BMI, age, sex, or proportion of diabetes between responders and nonresponders. Responders were more likely to have lower SMFI and triglyceride and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels than nonresponders at baseline (P &lt; .05). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a lower baseline SMFI was associated with bariatric surgery response (odds ratio = 0.31, 95% confidence interval = 0.14-0.69, P = .004).

Conclusion
Preoperative myosteatosis may determine the response to bariatric surgery.
Cross-scale surface shape error correction in the bonnet polishing of a freeform surface
Authors: Peng Lirong , Wang Yiren , Chen Hao , Li Longxiang , Cheng Qiang , Zhou Xiaoqin , Zhang Xuejun 
Published: August 2024

High-precision freeform surfaces are widely used in ultra-precision optical systems to improve imaging performance and reduce optical system weight. With the development of short wavelength optics represented by extreme ultraviolet lithography, the high-precision requirements for the full frequency errors and geometrical complexity of optical freeform surfaces pose great challenges to optical processing and are difficult to achieve by traditional manufacturing processes. This paper proposes a cross-scale surface shape error correction method to correct surface shape errors in different cycles in bonnet polishing. First, the material removal mechanism based on physical and chemical effects was discussed to obtain the method of cross-scale removal functions. Secondly, the analysis method of the frequency response characteristics of the tool based on power spectral density was discussed to analyze, evaluate, and guide the bonnet polishing process of freeform surfaces. Finally, the proposed method was verified by the experiments in processing a fused silica freeform surface of 120 mm diameter; the final root-mean-square (RMS) of surface shape accuracy was better than λ/100.
Design and analysis of an electro-optic effect-driven directional coupler for realization of an optical BCD to excess-3 code converter circuit
Authors: Yadav Ajay , Prakash Amit , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Ajay 
Published: August 2024

This research investigates the application of an electro-optic effect-driven directional coupler in the design of an optical binary-coded decimal (BCD) to excess-3 code converter circuit. The work explores electro-optic modulation in GaAlAs 3µm×3µm modulators with directional couplers. A theoretical study and practical validation demonstrate that achieving 100% modulation requires minimal changes in the refractive index difference (Δn
g
). For a 1 cm length GaAlAs modulator with a directional coupler configuration, a fluctuation of approximately Δn
g
≈1×10−4 can entirely switch light of a 900 nm vacuum wavelength from one waveguide to another. The required electric field is expected to be roughly 3×104V/cm equivalent to a voltage of 10 V across the 3 µm thick channel, as derived from the coupled wave theory. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the extinction ratio, contrast ratio, and amplitude modulation characteristics of the proposed optical code converter circuit. These findings illustrate that electro-optic effect-driven directional couplers can efficiently process signals, paving the way for advances in optical computing and digital electronics.
Optimising the public health benefits of sex work regulation in Senegal: Results from qualitative interviews with policy stakeholders
Authors: Lépine Aurélia , Procureur Fanny , Szawlowski Sandie , Treibich Carole , Mbaye El Hadj , Gueye Khady , Ndour Cheikh Tidiane 
Published: August 2024

Context
There is compelling evidence that eliminating sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among female sex workers (FSWs) is a cost-effective approach to reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Although many countries recognise sex work as a public health issue, few have implemented public health policies specifically aimed at controlling the transmission of HIV/AIDS among FSWs. In particular, Senegal stands out as the only African country to regulate sex work through a specific public health policy that requires FSWs to register with a health centre. Despite the potential health and legal benefits associated with registration, a staggering 80% of FSWs in Senegal remain unregistered. This low registration rate hinders the realisation of the policy’s full potential for public health benefits. The reluctance of FSWs to register is due to inherent flaws in the policy design, where the disadvantages of registration outweigh the benefits for FSWs.

Objective
To identify which modifications to the current registration policy have the potential to increase uptake of registration by FSWs and to assess their feasibility in the context of Senegal.

Method
We conducted a qualitative policy research study using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 22 national stakeholders in this policy, including representatives from the police, government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Dakar, Senegal, as well as FSWs’ leaders. The interview data were thematically coded using the interview topic guide and other recurring themes and analysed using thematic analysis on Nvivo 12.

Results
A total of 20 relevant themes were selected, focusing primarily on assessing the feasibility of potential interventions and identifying potential barriers and associated risks. We found that, without changing current legislation, improving relationships between FSWs and police officers, providing accurate and accessible information about the rules and benefits of the policy, and offering psychosocial support have the potential to improve both the registration rate of FSWs and their wellbeing. Policy features designed to increase registration by improving FSWs’ confidentiality, and thus their confidence in the services offered, were also discussed.

Conclusions
The study highlighted that several national public health policies could be changed to increase the registration rate of FSWs and improve their wellbeing without overturning constitutional law.
Atorvastatin inhibits Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced vascular inflammation to protect endothelium by inducing Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression
Authors: Luo Jian , Zhu Qian , Huang Keming , Wen Xue , Peng Yongquan , Chen Gong , Wei Gang 
Published: August 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the differential effects of varying doses of atorvastatin on antagonizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial inflammation based on heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression.

Method
Vascular endothelial inflammatory injury was induced in 40 Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of LPS. These rats were randomly divided into control, low-dose atorvastatin, high-dose atorvastatin, and HO-1 blocking groups. Seven days after treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and heart-derived peripheral blood was collected to measure the serum concentrations of bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, malondialdehyde, endothelial cell protein C receptor, endothelin-1, von Willebrand factor, and soluble thrombomodulin. Meanwhile, the number of circulating endothelial cells was determined using flow cytometry. Vascular tissues from descending aorta of rats from each group were extracted to detect the expression level of HO-1.

Results
After different doses of atorvastatin intervention, the above inflammatory indices were decreased, and HO-1 expression and ALT concentration were increased in the atorvastatin-treated group of rats compared with the control group. These changes were more pronounced in the high-dose statin group (P < 0.05). Conversely, no significant decrease in the above inflammatory indices and no significant increase in HO-1 expression were observed in rats in the blocking group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion
For LPS-induced vascular inflammation, high-dose atorvastatin exerts potent anti-inflammatory and vascular endothelial protection effects by inducing HO-1 expression.
PRIME LABELING OF SOME WEB GRAPHS WITHOUT CENTER
Authors: Scada Jovanco Albertha , Susanti Yeni 
Published: August 2024

The prime labeling of a graph \(G\) of order \(n\) is a bijection function from the set of vertices in \(G\) to the set of the first \(n\) positive integers, such that any two adjacent points in \(G\) have labels that are coprime to each other. In this paper we discuss the primality of the graph \(W_0(2,n)\) along with its combinations with similar graphs and various types of edges subdivisions in the graph \(W_0(2,n)\). Moreover, it is also presented the necessary and sufficient conditions for the graph to be prime.