bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-Intensity Interval Training and Strength Conditioning in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: a systematic review.
Authors: Cunha Pedro , Ribeiro Ricardo , Pizarro Andreia , Mota Jorge , Ribeiro José 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
This systematic review explores the impact of physical exercise (EX) on Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients' physical fitness, immunologic, and quality of life outcomes.
Methods
Eligible cohort studies were searched in PubMed and Web of Science up to February 2024 and were included if they involved participants in adult age, with confirmed CLL diagnose, using physical activity protocols with study design helding intervention protocols, clinical trials, or quantitative data reporting.
Results
This review identifies 92 studies, with 6 meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies focus on cardiovascular training combined with resistance training, continuous cardiovascular training, and endurance resistance training, highlighting the importance of EX in CLL patients before treatment, with significant improvements in physical fitness and immunologic parameters. However, none address strength training, which is known as one of the best options to increase muscular mass in physical activity (PA) interventions.
Conclusions
There is a gap in the literature regarding exercise influence on CLL, with small samples of patients in Pilot Study experiments. It is noted that exercise plays a vital role in improving physical fitness and immunologic parameters. But to advise Exercise Professionals on prescribing different modes of exercise, improving compliance with the prescribed exercise program, and determining which intervention in the context of exercise prescription should be used to maximize the benefits resulting from regular practice of EX, more studies are needed to evaluate the impact of PA on the health-related quality of life and life span of the CLL patient.
Systematic review registration:
This review was registered in PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews with ID: CRD42023464877.
The Association of Dietary Inflammation Index with Incidence of Both All-cause and Cardiovascular Mortality among US Adults with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Luo Zehua , Tian Cheng , Ge Sheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Dietary Inflammation Index (DII) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have revealed an association between DII with Incidence of Both All-cause and CVD Mortality among CVD populations.
Methods: The effect of DII on all-cause and CVD mortality was assessed using weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Weighted restricted cubic spline (RCS) and weighted Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine the linearity between DII and mortality. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore whether the effect of DII on all-cause and CVD mortality was influenced by confounding factors.
Results: The data in this study were obtained from The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2018. During the mean follow-up time of 7.13 years, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 38.96% and 13.51%, respectively. Furthermore, we found a linear relationship between the DII and all-cause and CVD mortality. After full adjustment for potential confounders (Model 3), the presence of the DII increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 4.3% (HR, 1.043; 95% CI, 1.006-.082; P-value =0.023) and the risk of CVD mortality by 8.3% (HR, 1.083; 95% CI, 1.020-1.150; P-value =0.009). Weighted Kaplan-Meier survival curves and weighted RCS plots revealed that All-cause and CVD mortality increased as DII increased.
Conclusion: Elevated DII levels were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality among CVD populations. However, the existence of a causal relationship between the two needs to be explored further.
Negative exokarstic units as a basis for urban management: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: May-Arias Elsi Margarita , Frausto-Martínez Oscar , Rodríguez-Castillo José Francisco , Arroyo-Arcos Lucinda 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The morphological characterization of large-scale depressions, with high-resolution contributions and in urban contexts, has been carried out in the cities of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. For Tulum, the inputs have been insufficient in identifying depressions at a detailed level. This research aimed to analyze and characterize the negative exokarstic relief of the city of Tulum through morphometric parameters and urban elements that contribute to the knowledge of the man-nature relationship. From the DEM ALOS PALSAR, contour lines, elevation models, slopes, and shadows were extracted, which allowed the identification of depressions, topographic profiles, and the calculation of morphometric indices; subsequently, the distribution of depressions was analyzed concerning urban elements. The identified depressions were classified into uvalas, sinkholes, and poljes. The analysis of the topographic profiles allowed us to recognize units in the shape of "V" (64%), "U" (19%), and "Hoya" (17%). The highest concentration of type V depressions is observed in the city's central area, characterized by a medium and high population density, as well as the centralization of commercial and public establishments. The detailed characterization of depressions is a planning and management tool for the territory.
Associations of fish oil with cardiovascular disease events: results from the Taiwan longitudinal study in aging
Authors: Chen Hsiu-Chuan , Tai Chi-Jung , Huang Jing-Yang , Kuo Tsu-Ann , Huang Yuan-Der , Yen Chi-Hua , Lee Meng-Chih 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The effectiveness of fish oil in preventing cardiovascular events is still debating. Some studies indicate a correlation between the use of fish oil supplements and reduced mortality or decreased incidence of stroke. However, other studies show no significant association between fish oil intake and stroke prevention, indicating an ongoing debate.This study aimed at exploring which subjects may benefit more from fish oil supplementation.
Methods
This study utilized the data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study in Aging (TLSA). A total of 3,652 participants were included from the 2003 baseline data, after excluding patients with pre-existing ischemic heart disease or stroke. Participants were divided into two groups based on whether taking fish oil supplement or not. Participants were followed until 2015, estimating and comparing the all-cause mortality and cumulative incidence rate of stroke between both groups.
Results
The results of the 12-year longitudinal study showed that the cumulative incidence rate of stroke in the fish oil supplementation group was 5.7%, compared to 7.7% in the non-supplemented group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the crude hazard ratio for stroke was significantly lower in the fish oil supplementation group (HR = 0.686;95% CI 0.476–0.987). However, after adjusting potential confounders, the adjusted risk of stroke was lower only for the diabetic patients supplemented with fish oil (aHR = 0.123; 95% CI 0.016–0.930) compared to non-diabetic patients (aHR = 0.917; 95% CI 0.616–1.364).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that fish oil supplementation can reduce the cumulative incidence rate of subsequent stroke among diabetic patients.
Short-term effects of live comedy on optimism, anxiety, and stress in a pre-post comparison study
Authors: Tomisawa Toshiko , In Naoya , Horie Kayo , Nanashima Naoki , Takamagi Shizuka , Mikami Kasumi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Although there have been many studies on laughter and health, few studies have clarified the effects of laughter on optimism and pessimism, as well as anxiety. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of viewing a comedy live performance on optimism, pessimism, and anxiety, sAA as a stress marker, and examine the relationship between laughter attitude and optimism, pessimism and stress marker and clarify significant factors that contribute to optimism.
Methods
In this pre–post study, we evaluated the effects on attendees of laughter elicited by a comedy live performance (CLP). The participants were 110 volunteers aged 18–64 years. Participants attended a two-hour CLP by four famous Japanese comedians (Sisonnu, Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura, Mouchugakusei, and Panther) and completed pre- and post-event questionnaires that included items from the Japanese Optimism and Pessimism Scale(JOPS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Laughter Attitude Scale(LAS) and Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA).
Results
The valid response rate was 101. Participants’ optimism was higher, and pessimism, anxiety and sAA were lower, after attending the CLP. α-amylase was significantly lower in more people before and after CLP. Factors contributing to optimism were strongly influenced by the degree to which people made them laugh, as well as pessimism, anxiety, and forced laughter.
Conclusion
The personal factors contributing most strongly to optimism were “A state that makes you laugh”, as well as pessimism, anxiety, and a low level of “Forced Laughter”. Attending a two-hour CLP increased optimism and decreased stress level, pessimism and anxiety, these effects were more pronounced in those who laughed regularly in their everyday lives
Exploring the impact of body mass index on tumor biology and cancer development
Authors: Ahrenfeldt Johanne , Carstensen Stine , Eriksen Ida Maria Hemdorff , Birkbak Nicolai Juul 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Cancer continues to be a major global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals and placing substantial burdens on healthcare systems worldwide. Recent research suggests a complex relationship between obesity and cancer, with obesity increasing the risk of various cancers while potentially improving outcomes for diagnosed patients, a phenomenon termed the "obesity paradox". In this study, we used a cohort of 1,781 patients to investigate the impact of obesity on tumor characteristics, including gene expression, pathway dysfunction, genetic alterations and immune infiltration.
Methods
Patient samples spanned 10 different cancer types, and were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas, with annotations for body mass index (BMI), age, sex, tumor size and tumor gene expression data.
Results
When we compared the proportion of large (T3-T4) to small tumors (T1-T2) between obese and non-obese patients, we found that obese patients tended to present with smaller, less invasive tumors and exhibited distinct gene expression profiles, particularly in metabolic and proliferative pathways. Moreover, smaller tumors in obese patients show higher immune cell infiltration and increased T cell diversity, suggesting enhanced immune activity.
Conclusion
Taken together, these findings highlight the influence of obesity on tumor biology, with implications for personalized treatment strategies that consider patient physiology alongside tumor characteristics.
Patients with uHCC and Child-Pugh B8/9 also benefit from a combination of antiangiogenic agents and PD-1 inhibitors: a multicenter real-world study
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Yin Xue , Zheng Linlin , Zhou Lin , Hu Junke , Sun Wei , Sun Lei , Shen Yanjun , Teng Ying , Xu Yawen , Li Wendong , Liu Mei , Chen Jinglong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) patients with Child-Pugh grade B have limited treatment options and poor outcomes.
Methods: Patients with uHCC and Child-pugh B who received lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors or sorafenib plus PD-1 inhibitors at one of three centers were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were divided into two subgroups: one with Child-pugh B7 (Group A, n =106) and another with Child-pugh B/9 (Group B, n = 73). Overall survival (OS) was defined as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included time to progression (TTP), the objective response rate (ORR), and safety. Prognostic factors were evaluated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, while nomograms were constructed to predict 12-month survival.
Results: Between December 31, 2020 and March 30, 2023, a total of 179 patients were enrolled. The objective response and disease control rates of patients in the Child–pugh groups B and A were 26.0% and 76.7%, and 33.0% and 83.0%, respectively. There was no difference in median TTP (6.3 vs. 7.8 months, P = 0.28) or OS (14.0 vs. 17.8months, P = 0.20) between Group B and Group A. However, while the safety profiles were comparable between the two groups, patients with Child-pugh B8/9 had a significantly higher frequency of dose reductions and discontinuations (P = 0.04 and P < 0.001), compared to those with Child-pugh B7. According to the results of multivariate analysis，we constructed a nomogram to predict 12-month survival rates，considering tumor size, BCLC stage, tumor response , drug resistance. The nomogram-related receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.752. Furthermore, the calibration curves revealed good agreement between real measurements and nomogram predictions.
Conclusions:
A combination of multi-kinase inhibitors (lenvatinib or sorafenib) plus PD-1 inhibitors was safe, well-tolerated, and especially it can also benefit patients with uHCC and Child-pugh B8/9.
Nonlinear dynamics of rotating functionally graded graphene platelets/titanium alloy trapezoid plates under 1:3 internal resonance
Authors: Fan Ming-Yang , Chen Jie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Although rotating blades are designed to operate diverging from structural frequencies, internal resonance also occurs under certain rotation speeds that greatly affect the stiffness of the blades. Therefore, a detailed investigation of the resonance mechanisms of rotating blades, especially those introduced by nonlinearities, is of great importance in structural design and optimization. A dynamic model of a functionally graded graphene/titanium alloy composite trapezoid plate is established to investigate the nonlinear dynamics of a rotating blade with varying cross-sections. The ordinary differential equations of the plate are established based on the energy method and Lagrange equations. The occurrence of one to three internal resonance for the trapezoid plate is identified through the analysis of linear and nonlinear free vibrations. Then, the steady-state responses of the rotating plate in the case of 1:3 internal resonance are numerically calculated and verified by the approximation solution of the method of multiple scales. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the effects of the rotation speed, taper ratio, excitation amplitude and excitation frequency on the amplitude‒frequency and amplitude‒force curves.
The effects of lower eyelid epiblepharon surgery on the meibomian glands
Authors: Kim Seongmi , Yoon Da Eun , Kim Namju , Jeon Hyun Sun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
To investigate the morphological and functional changes of meibomian glands (MG) in pediatric patients who underwent surgery for lower eyelid epiblepharon.
Methods
A total of 176 eyes of 88 patients aged 19 and under (mean age: 8.9 ± 2.8 years old) who underwent bilateral lower eyelid epiblepharon correction surgery from May 2022 to April 2023 were included. Meibograde, lipid layer thickness (LLT), total blink rate, and corneal/refractive astigmatism were compared between pre- and 2 months postoperatively.
Results
There were no statistically significant changes in meibograde and LLT after surgery. The total blink rate was significantly decreased after surgery (p = 0.02). While corneal and refractive astigmatism showed no significant changes in total eyes, corneal astigmatism in eyes of high astigmatism of 2.0D or more subgroup exhibited a significant decrease postoperatively (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Lower eyelid epiblepharon surgery in pediatric patients does not significantly alter the structure and function of the MG. Additionally, stabilizing the ocular surface through surgical correction may have beneficial effects on blink rate and corneal astigmatism. Although the long-term evaluation would be needed, we suggest that lower eyelid epiblepharon surgery could be performed without worrying about adverse effects on the MG.
Cholecystitis and cholangiocarcinoma: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Xing , Gao Hao , Wang Song , Tang Futian , Zhao Yang , Li Yumin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
In recent years, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma increases. Epidemiological studies suggest that cholecystitis elevates the risk of hepatobiliary cancer. However, an independent causal relationship remains unrevealed. Observational studies are vulnerable to residual confounders and bias, which compromises causal inference. Our study aimed to evaluate whether cholecystitis is an independent risk factor for cholangiocarcinoma.
Methods
Instrument variables were identified as independent single nucleotide polymorphisms highly associated with cholecystitis (n = 62). The entire dataset from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) public availability genome-wide association studies was utilized to determine outcomes for cholangiocarcinoma (n = 62). In this study, five Mendelian randomization (MR) statistical techniques (Inverse Variance Weighted, MR Egger, Weighted Median, Simple Mode, and Weighted mode) were used. The MR Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis, and the funnel plot were all utilized in sensitivity analyses.
Results
Results of the Inverse Variance Weighted tests genetically predicted that cholecystitis was significantly associated with higher risk of cholangiocarcinoma, with an odds ratio of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.038–1.553; P = 0.02). But the Weighted Median Method, MR Egger Regression, Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode all showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Both funnel plots and MR Egger intercepts indicated the absence of any directional pleiotropic effects between cholecystitis and cholangiocarcinoma.
Conclusion
We found potential evidence of a causal effect between cholecystitis and cholangiocarcinoma, indicating an increased likelihood of cholangiocarcinoma in patients with cholecystitis through mendelian randomization analysis. Our results excepted enhance the management of patients with cholecystitis to decrease the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
Exploring Spiking Neural Networks for Deep Reinforcement Learning in Robotic Tasks: A Comparative Study
Authors: Zanatta Luca , Barchi Francesco , Manoni Simone , Tolu Silvia , Bartolini Andrea , Acquaviva Andrea 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) stand as the third generation of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), mirroring the functionality of the mammalian brain more closely than their predecessors. Their computational units, spiking neurons, characterized by Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), allow for dynamic system representation, with spikes serving as the medium for asynchronous communication among neurons. Because of their inherent capability of capturing input dynamics, SNNs are promising as deep networks in Reinforcement Learning (RL) tasks. Deep RL (DRL), and in particular Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) has been proven to be valuable for for training robots due to the difficulty in creating comprehensive offline datasets that capture all environmental features.DRL combined with SNNs offers a compelling solution for tasks characterized by temporal complexity. In this work, we study the effectiveness of SNNs on DRL tasks leveraging a novel framework we developed for training SNNs with PPO in Isaac Gym simulator implemented using the SKRL library. Thanks to its significantly faster training speed compared to available SNN DRL tools, the framework allowed us to: i) Perform an effective exploration of SNN configurations for DRL robotic tasks; ii) Compare SNNs and ANNs for various network configurations such as the number of layers and neurons. Our work demonstrates that in DRL tasks the optimal SNN topology has a lower number of layers than ANN and highlights how in complex tasks, such as Ant, SNNs fail to leverage deeper layers. Finally, we applied the best topology identified thanks to our Isaac Gym-based framework on Ant-v4 benchmark running on MuJoCo simulator, exhibiting a performance improvement by a factor of 4.4x over the state-of-art SNN trained on the same task.
Phenomenon of room-temperature interdiffusion self-bonding between entangled glassy polymers: a statistical study
Authors: Boiko Yuri M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A comprehensive statistical analysis of the distributions of the adhesion strength (σ) developed during a long-term contact (up to 2 months) of two identical specimens of an amorphous entangled polymer at a very low temperature (T) of 24°C with respect to the bulk glass transition temperature (Tg), below Tg by 80°C, was carried out. For this purpose, two representative glassy polymers, polystyrene [PS; three PSs differing markedly in the number-average molecular weight (Mn) from 75 to 966 kg/mol] and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA; Mn = 43.5 kg/mol), were selected. Keeping in contact the two specimens of PS or PMMA at T = 24°C resulted in self-bonding at PS-PS and PMMA-PMMA interfaces. The as-self-bonded interfaces were shear fractured in tension to measure their σ values. The four σ distribution sets obtained for such a low T for the first time were examined using a number of common formal tests for normality and graphical statistical methods, including Weibull’s model. In general, the σ distributions for the PS with the highest Mn = 966 kg/mol were described more correctly than those for the other three polymers, regardless of the statistical methods applied. These results were compared with those obtained after self-bonding at a significantly higher T = Tg − 33°C for the same polymers. The statistical parameters estimated at markedly different temperatures (T = Tg − 80°C and Tg − 33°C) were compared and discussed.
tert-Butylhydroquinone alleviates postharvest endocarp browning of longan fruit by regulating antioxidant metabolism
Authors: Yu Zhiqian , Kang Wenjing , Zhang Zhengke , Yang Ziqin , Jiang Yueming , Pan Yonggui , Yang Jiali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Harvested longan fruit is prone to endocarp browning, which restricts preservation quality and shelf life. The antioxidant system defends against oxidative stress-mediated quality deterioration such as fruit browning. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of tert-Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on anti-browning ability of longan fruit in association with antioxidant capacity. The results indicated that application of 0.02% TBHQ significantly suppressed the progression of endocarp browning. In comparison with control, TBHQ treatment decreased the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide radical (O2−⋅), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and retained high levels of ascorbic acid (AsA), glutathione (GSH), total phenolics as well as 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging rate. Enhanced enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), but inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) activities were also observed in TBHQ-treated fruit. Gene expression analysis suggested oxidative stress-related genes including DlSOD, DlCAT, DlGR, and DlAPX were up-regulated after TBHQ treatment. The results suggest that TBHQ is effective in alleviating endocarp browning by increasing antioxidant capacity of longan fruit.