bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of sport-specific performance parameters during international pre-matches among adolescent basketball players
Authors: Gál-Pottyondy Anna , Meszaros Aron , Farkasinszki Gabor , Molnar Laszlo , Kiss Rita , Trzaskoma Lukasz 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Knowledge of physical performances in the light of match statistics could help to discover what skills make a basketball player successful. The present study aimed to investigate how age and gender affected the Game Related Performance variables (GRP) and find out the connections between GRP) data and game-related statistics (GRS).
Method
Seventeen U19, fifteen U16 boy, and thirteen U16 girl players from Hungarian national teams participated in this study. Players’ GRP data and GRS were collected from fifteen international pre-matches during the preparation training camps in 2023. GRP data were monitored with WIMU PRO™, RealTrack Systems SL, which included a Garmin band that monitors heart rate. The GRS were selected from the official box scores of International Basketball Federation. Depending on homogeneity and normality Mann-Whitney U Test, Welch T-Test, and independent-sample T-Test were used to analyse differences between different age groups and genders. The Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between the GRS and GRP.
Result
There was a significant difference in max-speed (p = 0.024), playing load/min (p = 0.008), average HR, (p = 0.009), jump/min (p = 0.001), and explosive distance/min (p = 0.001) between U16 girls and boys. The average speed (p = 0.015), maximal acceleration (p = 0.037), High Intensity acceleration/min (p = 0.001), and high-intensity Deceleration/min (p = 0.002) were significantly different between U19 and U16 boys. A weak and medium relationship between the GRS and the GRP measured were found. We concluded that AVGSpeed, MaxSpeed, ExplDis/min, HIAcc/min, and HIDec/min are discriminative physical parameters and the total distance, the number of jumps, and the pulse values are not important parameters in terms of the outcome of the match. The main difference between sexes among adolescent players is the covered distance of higher intensity running. Among male basketball players, the number of high-intensity accelerations and decelerations were the main differences between different age groups.
Conclusion
According to our findings, experts might verify their opinion on the importance of individual physical skills that have a decisive impact on the players' effectiveness.
Constructing Monolayer Model Catalysts to Uncover the Distance Effect on CO2 Electroreduction towards Multi-Carbon Products
Authors: He Chuanxin , Yang Hengpan , Feng Shangzhao , Liu Xianguang , Kong Yan , Chen Binhua , Hu Qi , Chen Zhi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The interaction between adjacent active sites has significant effect on the performance of various electrocatalysis, e.g., CO2 electroreduction. Unfortunately, little experimental work has been done to quantify this effect, due to the huge challenge in accurately regulating the distance between active sites. Herein, Cu-coordinated porphyrins with clear Cu–N4 active sites are introduced as platform molecules to construct a monolayer structure on the Au(111) substrate. The distance between Cu centers can be accurately regulated in subnanometer level via changing the molecular ligands and the state of aggregation, and directly measured by scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The adjustable distance between adjacent Cu sites can bring forth fundamentally different selectivity of multi-carbon products in CO2 electroreduction. Specifically, Cu sites with 0.98 nm inter-distance can still generate an appreciable 6.1% faraday efficiency (FE) of C2H4, and then drop dramatically to 1.2% with a 1.50 nm inter-distance. When the inter-distances between Cu sites are furtherly increased to 1.63 and 1.74 nm, the C − C coupling pathway will be totally blocked and thereby the selectivity of C2H4 will decline to almost negligible levels. These experimental results directly demonstrate the distance effect on CO2 electroreduction for the first time. In addition, theoretical calculations also demonstrate a strong correlation between inter-site distance and selectivity of C2H4. This work might inspire the design of model catalysts to investigate the fundamental mechanism of various electrocatalytic reactions.
Clinical characteristics and outcome of treatment-refractory myasthenia gravis -a retrospective study
Authors: Li Yi , Yang Shumei , Dong Xiaohua , Jiang Fei , Chen Kangzhi , Zhou Qian , Cai Haobin , Yang Huan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the frequency, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of treatment-refractory myasthenia gravis (MG) in a Chinese cohort.
Methods
A retrospective cohort of 277 MG patients was conducted between August 2016 and May 2023. Patients were classified as refractory if their Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America post-intervention status (MGFA-PIS) was categorized as “unchanged” or “worse”. Additionally, patients with persistent symptoms and functional limitations despite at least 12 months of concurrent immunosuppressive therapy, including adequately dosed steroids and two other immunosuppressive drugs, were also classified as refractory. The clinical features and outcomes at the end of follow-up of drug-refractory patients were compared with those of drug-responsive patients.
Results
Of the 277 patients, 36 were unequivocally diagnosed with refractory MG. Treatment-refractory patients frequently presented at a younger age, with a generalized form of the disease, and with bulbar/or respiratory symptoms at onset. These patients also exhibited higher disease severity than non-drug-refractory patients. Furthermore, patients classified as drug-resistant experienced a longer interval between disease onset and the initiation of immunotherapy. At the end of follow-up, poor outcome was more frequently found in treatment-refractory MG patients.
Conclusion
This study found that 13% of MG patients were classified as drug-refractory. There is a need for new, more specific drugs to treat drug-refractory MG patients.
Network Congestion Visualization for Vehicular Communication using Streamlit Approach
Authors: Kall Madhu Sree , Karamtoti Krishna Naik 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the modern realm of Mobile Communication with various velocities of mobility, vehicular networks play a vital role in ensuring seamless communication without loss in the network connection. However, the efficacy and reliability of these networks are significantly impacted by ubiquitous network congestion. Understanding the dynamics of network congestion is essential for optimizing the intricate complexities inherent in vehicular systems. This research undertakes a comparative analysis of two distinct methods for visualizing network congestion within vehicular networks. The first approach utilizes Streamlit, a Python library, while the second employs MATLAB based for visualization. Through detailed implementation and evaluation, this study elucidates the strengths, limitations, and advantages of each method. Such insights are invaluable for practitioners and researchers specializing in vehicle networking and associated visualizations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. This research developed the algorithms for verification of congestion in the vehicular network, the same has been cross verified with two methods.
The role of phenolic compounds on abundance of olive psyllid, Euphyllura straminea Loginova on commercial and promising olive cultivars
Authors: Azimi Mahmoud , Marouf Aref , Shafiei Seyyed Ebrahim , Abdollahi Azizollah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Olive psyllid, Euphyllura straminea Loginova has been reported as a key pest of olive in Iran. Field observations have shown that infestation rate of various olive cultivars to olive psyllid are different. This study aimed to determine the levels of total phenol and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (DHPE), as well as the horticultural traits of various olive cultivars Zard, Conservolia, Arbequina, Picual, Cornicabra, Kaissy, Direh, and Koroneiki and how they correlate with the infestation rates of the olive psyllid. The maximum and minimum number of psyllid nymphs were observed in Arbequina (19.79 ± 2.28) and Direh (2.13 ± 0.38) cultivars respectively. In contrast the highest and lowest amount of DHPE were recorded in inflorescences of Direh (11.47 ± 0.54 mg/g) and Arbequina (5.37 ± 0.30 mg/g) cultivars, respectively. Furthermore, negative correlation between the amount of total phenol and the number of nymphs on the inflorescence of olive cultivars. It was concluded that DHPE phenolic compound might play and effective role in pest attack.
DNA supercoiling-mediated G4/R-loop formation tunes transcription by controlling the access of RNA polymerase
Authors: Myong Sua , Hwang Jihee , Lee Chun-Ying , Brahmachari Sumitabha , Paul Tapas , Lee Huijin , Craig Alanna , Ha Taekjip 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

RNA polymerase (RNAP) is a processive motor that modulates DNA supercoiling and reshapes DNA structures. The feedback loop between the DNA topology and transcription remains elusive. Here, we investigate the impact of potential G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) on transcription in response to DNA supercoiling. We find that supercoiled DNA increases transcription frequency 10-fold higher than relaxed DNA, which lead to an abrupt formation of G-quadruplex (G4) and R-loop structures. Moreover, the stable R-loop relieves topological strain, facilitated by G4 formation. The cooperative formation of G4/R-loop effectively alters the DNA topology around the promoter and suppresses transcriptional activity by impeding RNAP loading. These findings highlight negative supercoiling as a built-in spring that triggers a transcriptional burst followed by a rapid suppression upon G4/R-loop formation. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between DNA topology and structural change in transcriptional regulation, with implications for understanding gene expression dynamics.
Ensemble Framework for Multistep Carbon Emission Prediction: An Improved Bi-LSTM Model Based on the Bayesian Optimization Algorithm and Two-Stage Decomposition
Authors: Song Qi , Bai Yu-Long , Wang Rui , Yue Xiao-Xin , liu Wen-Hui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Effective prediction of carbon dioxide emissions is crucial for the real-time monitoring of carbon emission dynamics and the formulation of emission reduction policies. For the accurate and stable prediction of carbon emission data, multiple challenges must be addressed, mainly including nonlinearity, nonstationarity, and dynamic uncertainty. To further improve the accuracy of carbon emission prediction, an ensemble framework for daily CO₂ emission forecasting based on data decomposition-reconstruction is proposed. First, the original data are decomposed into trend, seasonal, and residual components using seasonal trend decomposition via the Loess method. For the trend and seasonal components, the Bayesian optimization algorithm (BOA) is applied to optimize a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) neural network for further prediction. The Bi-LSTM adopts a novel LeakyReLU activation function to effectively extract data features, thereby enhancing the model's expressive power. Meanwhile, the Nadam optimizer is employed, which combines the adaptive learning rate mechanism of the Adam algorithm with the Nesterov momentum to update weights and biases, enabling efficient model training, accelerating convergence, and improving model performance. Then, the residual component is decomposed again using gray wolf optimizer (GWO)-optimized variational mode decomposition (VMD), VMD incorporates a quadratic penalty function and Lagrange multipliers to derive the input series. and the decomposed subsequences are predicted using gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks. Finally, the predictions of each subsequence are stacked and reconstructed to obtain the final forecast value, creating an ensemble framework referred to as STL-BOA-Bi-LSTM-GWO-VMD-GRU. The proposed ensemble framework is tested on real data from seven different regions. In both single-step and multistep prediction processes, the proposed ensemble framework has higher prediction accuracy and stability than other models, demonstrating significant advantages.
Seasonal or cyclical pattern in short-term postoperative outcomes of colorectal cancer? A time series analysis.
Authors: Martín-Arévalo José , Moro-Valdezate David , García-Botello Stephanie , Pérez-Santiago Leticia , Casado-Rodrigo David , Izquierdo-Moreno Ana , Garzón-Hernández Luisa-Paola , Castillejos-Ibáñez Francisco , Sánchez-Lara José Saúl , Pla-Martí Vicente 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To identify a cyclical pattern in short-term postoperative outcomes after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery across the year.
Methods
Observational study including all consecutive patients diagnosed with CRC who underwent oncological surgery between January 2012 and December 2023. A time series study was performed to identify a possible cyclic pattern of postoperative complications. Non-supervised learning techniques were used to identify months of surgery with similar outcome variables in the time series. Multivariable analysis with logistic binary regression was conducted to identify independent risk factors for postoperative complications.
Results
A total of 1576 patients met the inclusion criteria. The postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 41.1% and 3.7%, respectively. A cyclical pattern was identified, suggesting that postoperative complications were periodically higher in some months across the year. Three different clusters were identified. Group 1: January, April, July, and August; Group 2: February, May, September, November, and December; and Group 3: March, June, and October. No differences in baseline characteristics were found between clusters. Group 3 presented the highest rate of anastomotic leak (p ≤ 0.001;OR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.30–2.00), unnoticed perforation p = 0.027;OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.18–2.93), diffuse postoperative peritonitis (p = 0.018;OR = 1.50, 95%CI = 1.10–2.04) and needed more postoperative reoperations (p = 0.013;OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.07–1.65). Multivariate analysis revealed male sex (p = 0.002), duration of operation (p = 0.017) and month grouping (p ≤ 0.001) as independent risk factors for anastomotic leak.
Conclusion
Postoperative complications after CRC surgery follow a cyclical pattern, but without seasonal distribution. Three well-defined clusters with different postoperative outcomes have been identified. Month cluster was one of the independent risk factors for anastomotic leak.
Assess the Efficacy of Combination Therapy for Fungal Otitis Externa
Authors: Li Yan , Bai Guangping , Jin Yonggang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: assess the efficacy of sodium bicarbonate solution and perisone cream combination therapy in the treatment of fungal otitis externa.
Methods: The experimental group was administered a combination of sodium bicarbonate solution and perisone cream, whereas the control group was administered saline and perisone cream. The cleanliness of the external ear canal was assessed using endoscopic Visual Analog Scale（Visual Analog Scale）scores before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate and compare the VAS scores at various time points and levels, with the goal of determining the effectiveness of combining sodium bicarbonate solution with perisone cream for the treatment of fungal otitis externa.
Results: The experimental group exhibited a higher level of treatment efficacy than the control group did. Notably, significant differences in VAS scores were observed between the two groups on the 4th day (t = -4.391, p < 0.001) and the 7th day (t = -5.754, p < 0.001), indicating consistent superiority of the therapeutic effect in the experimental group. Specifically, at the end of the 7th day of treatment, the experimental group demonstrated significantly better efficacy than the control group in terms of the mild score (t = -5.101, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The use of sodium bicarbonate solution along with perisone cream has proven to be highly effective in treating fungal otitis externa. This underscores the importance of expanding the adoption of this therapeutic approach, highlighting its potential for widespread application.
Beetroot juice improves performance in recreational runners without participation of antioxidant activity: a randomized blind double and controlled study
Authors: de França Ana Carla Lima , de Sousa Bruno Rafael Virginio , Toscano Lydiane Tavares , Sena Klécia de Farias , Filho Eder Jackson Bezerra de Almeida , Costa Matheus da Silveira , Pereira Reabias de Andrade , Biasoto Aline Camarão Telles , Silva Alexandre Sérgio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Beetroot improves the performance of athletes mainly due to the action of nitrate, but it is also rich in antioxidants, and this juice property has been little explored. Thus, this study investigated the effects of beetroot juice on physical performance, nitrite plasmatic and oxidative stress in recreational runners.
Method: Eighteen males recreational runners (38.1 ± 8.1 years, VO2 max 55.4 ± 7.2 ml.kg.min) performed a test until exhaustion on a treadmill at 80% of the VO2 max two hours after ingested of 140 ml of beetroot juice (8.2 mmol of NO3-) or control drink in cross over fashion. Blood samples were performed at baseline (before supplementation), pre-exercise (2 hours after supplementation) and immediately post-exercise to analyze plasma nitrite (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).
Result: Running time to exhaustion was 17.5 ± 2.5% higher with juice intake (BTJ: 61.3 ± 18.4 vs. CON: 54.1 ± 19.5 minutes, p = 0.00). The increase in performance was accompanied by an increase in plasma nitrite pre-exercise (BTJ: 16.3 ± 7.4 μM vs. CON: 11.6 ± 5.0 μM, p = 0.00) and post-exercise (BTJ: 16.9 ± 4.7 μM, vs. 12.2 ± 7.4 μM, p = 0.00). There was no significant difference between groups in MDA, TAC, CK, LDH.
Conclusion: Beetroot juice improvement of performance in a race test until exhaustion however without any antioxidant or oxidative stress participation. Trial registration number and date of registration: RBR-9ydn4bn, June 09, 2022.
Effect of Peer Facilitation in Anatomy Small Group Curriculum: Academic Performance, Long-Term Retention, and Leadership Development
Authors: Grachan Jeremy , Li Phoebe , Asri Rijul , Holan George , Traba Christin , Chen Sophia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Small group active learning has proven to enhance learning outcomes, with peer-assisted learning and facilitation being two important modalities in fostering active participation and leadership. This study introduced a student peer facilitator role in an anatomy small-group curriculum for pre-clerkship medical students and explored its impact on academic performance, leadership development, and long-term retention. Students were required to rotate through this unstructured facilitator role and lead their small group during their designated sessions. Data collection methods included pre-course and post-course surveys, post-session group reflection forms, individual quiz grades, and content-based surveys sent one month after each quiz. Overall, the data revealed a significant increase in quiz averages across the curriculum for facilitators (n = 19) compared to participants (n = 70), despite having no notable increase in preparation time. Facilitators (n = 23) also reported improved confidence in various leadership skills. A majority of participants reported that facilitation increased their understanding of the content and improved their group dynamics during the discussion period. This study was unable to identify any significant benefits to long-term retention for either facilitators or participants. In all, this study suggests that an unstructured peer facilitation paradigm can be an effective way to develop knowledge and leadership skills for medical students, and future studies should explore ways to improve knowledge retention through a structured facilitator role.
Substance use and mental health factors associated with self-reported higher risk cannabis use among people with HIV screened in primary care
Authors: Mian Maha N. , Sarovar Varada , Levine Tory , Lea Alexandra , Leibowitz Amy , Luu Mitchell , Flamm Jason , Hare C.B. , Horberg Michael , Young-Wolff Kelly , Phillips Kristina , Silverberg Michael , Satre Derek 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
While cannabis use is prevalent among people with HIV (PWH), factors associated with higher-risk use require further study. We examined factors associated with indicators risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD) among PWH who used cannabis.
Methods
Participants included adult (≥ 18 years old) PWH from 3 HIV primary care clinics in Kaiser Permanente Northern California who reported past three-month cannabis use through the computerized Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS) screening. Primary outcome was TAPS cannabis score (range 1–3), categorized as any use (1) and higher risk for CUD (≥ 2). Measures included sociodemographics (age, sex, race, neighborhood deprivation index [NDI]), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), HIV RNA, CD4 cell counts, higher risk tobacco use (TAPS tobacco score ≥ 2), depression, and anxiety symptoms. Unadjusted and multivariable logistic regression examined factors associated with higher risk for CUD.
Results
Of the complete sample (N = 978; 94.1% Male; 58.3% White; Age Mode=51–60), 35.8% reported higher risk for CUD. Unadjusted models indicated younger age, Black race, higher CCI, depression, anxiety, and higher risk tobacco use were associated with higher risk, while only Black race (OR = 1.84, 95% CI[1.29, 2.63]), anxiety (OR = 1.91, 95% CI[1.22, 2.98]), and higher risk tobacco use (OR = 2.27, 95% CI[1.47, 3.51]) remained significant in the multivariable model.
Conclusions
Black race, anxiety and tobacco use, but not HIV clinical markers, were associated with higher risk for CUD among PWH. Clinical efforts to screen and provide interventions for preventing CUD alongside anxiety and tobacco use among PWH should be evaluated.