bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of a blended indoor and outdoor multicomponent structured exercise program on depressive symptoms in Hong Kong older adults: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: CHENG Shishi , DUAN Yanping , LAU Wui-Man Benson , LIANG Wei , CHAN Ngai-Man Jackie , YOUNG Kim-Wan Daniel , BAKER Julien Steven , LAU Tai-Fai Joseph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Depression is a mental health problem often occurring in older adults. More attention has been paid to the benefits of green exercise on mental health in recent years. However, most existing studies of structured exercise on older adults’ depressive symptoms only encompassed one or two exercise components (aerobic/muscular strength/balance) in indoor setting. Considering the advantages of indoor exercise and the high relevance between nature and mental health, the combination of indoor and outdoor multicomponent structured exercise (MSE) programs might be able to maximize intervention effectiveness. The aim of this study is to develop and examine the effect of a blended indoor and outdoor MSE program on depressive symptoms, physical fitness and physical activity (PA) enjoyment in Hong Kong older adults with depressive symptoms.
Methods: The 16-week single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) (2 sessions/week, 90 min/session) will include 129 community-dwelling older adults aged 60 to 74 years old with depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomized to one of three groups (IG-1: a blended indoor and outdoor MSE group; IG-2: an indoor-only MSE group; CG: a control group) using 1:1:1 allocation ratio. The MSE program (aerobic + muscular strength + balance) will be conducted in IG-1 and IG-2. Primary outcome will be depressive symptoms. Secondary outcomes will include salivary cortisol, physical fitness, physical activity (PA) enjoyment. In addition, the mediating role of connectedness to nature (CN) will be examined to reveal the psychological mechanism of intervention. All measured data will be collected at the pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow up stages.
Discussion: This study will take the initiative to implement the blended indoor and outdoor MSE intervention catering older adults with depressive symptoms. The results will provide more comprehensive evidence support for non-pharmacological interventions and guide future relevant public health policies for the improvement of older adults’ depressive symptoms.
Trial registration: This trial is prospectively registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial registration number NCT06190327 registered 19 December 2023.
The Power of ESG Factors in Driving Financial Growth - Insights from Palestine
Authors: Alslaibi Naji , Abdalkarim Naser 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the effects of environmental, social, and governance disclosure (ESG) components on the financial performance (FP) of firms listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange (PEX) from 2016 to 2022, focusing on the moderating role of corporate governance.
Design/methodology/approach: This study used primary data from 44 PEX-listed companies. A context analysis technique was used through company websites and disclosures, the entire population (308 observations) was used for this study, and the study used STATA utilizing the required statistical analysis for this research.
Findings: The study finds that environmental, social, and governance disclosures significantly influence the Return on Equity and Return on Assets. Testing for the moderating role of Corporate Governance, especially board diversity and size, shows that board diversity moderates the association between social and governance disclosure and firm performance. Board size moderates the relationship between social disclosure and firm performance. By contrast, Board Size and Diversity do not moderate the relationship between environmental disclosure and firm performance.
Originality: The study contributes to the literature as the first of its kind conducted in Palestine, examining the moderating effects of board size and diversity on the association between ESG disclosure and firm performance.
Recurrence of Chronic subdural hematoma caused by contralateral middle meningeal artery neovascularization
Authors: Zhai Xiaodong , Wang Chongcheng , Qi Tengfei , Wang Min , Xu Guangming , Yang Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is one of the most common conditions affecting the nervous system that has a high incidence and mortality rate, especially in elderly individuals. Regardless of whether Burr-hole drainage, craniotomy, or embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) is performed, there is still a risk of recurrence. We report a rare case of cSDH recurrence caused by neovascularization of the contralateral MMA. Ultimately, the patients underwent craniotomy for hematoma removal and embolization of the contralateral MMA achieves good results.
Case presentation: A 74-year-old elderly male was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma involving the left frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital regions. The patient underwent embolization of the MMA and burr-hole craniostomy with drainage to resolve the cSDH. The patient underwent continuous re-examination via head CT and MR, which showed a fresh left subdural hemorrhage and a gradual increase in the amount of subdural hematomas. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination showed good occlusion of the original left MMA and a new vascular network of the right MMA crossing the midline to the left, with contrast agent leaking to the opposite side. Superselective embolization of the right MMA with Onyx was satisfactory. After MMA embolization, surgery to remove the intracranial hematoma was performed. The postoperative CT re‐examination showed no recurrence.
Conclusion: This study indicates that the patient will develop cSDH recurrence through contralateral MMA neovascularization. Whichever the hematoma side is, to perform DSA of bilateral MMA and selective embolization of the MMA with positive radiological findings are proper treatment options and methods for reducing the rate of cSDH recurrence.
A novel inhibitor isoimperatorin targeting YWHAZ suppresses human lung adenocarcinoma activity by activating autophagy
Authors: Wang Xiaowen , Li Zhu , Li Caihong , Ye Meng , Huang Guichuan , Tan Xinran , Luo Xian , Liu Daishun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Precise targeted therapy for lung cancer is a key strategy that benefits patients. Existing research indicates that Tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein zeta (YWHAZ) plays a role as an oncogene in the occurrence and development of lung cancer. However, there are currently few targeted inhibitors developed against YWHAZ. This study investigated a novel small-molecule drug, isoimperatorin, targeted inhibit YWHAZ and further indicated the anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. We intend to provide a promising therapeutic strategy for lung adenocarcinoma with high YWHAZ gene expression.
Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was used to assess YWHAZ expression in Non-small cell lung cancer and normal lung tissues. We detected YWHAZ expression in different types of lung cancer tissue. A high-throughput dual-luciferase reporter system was used to screen YWHAZ-targeting inhibitors. The fuction experiment of tumor cell and mice xenografts were used to investigate the roles of YWHAZ and the antitumor activity of the targeted inhibitors in lung adenocarcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting was conducted to preliminarily explore potential mechanisms.
Results: We revealed high expression of YWHAZ in clinical lung cancer tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis. Knockdown of YWHAZ in lung adenocarcinoma cells impaired the malignant functions, and inhibited the tumor growth in mice xenograft. Isoimperatorin exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the viability of lung adenocarcinoma cells, but its effect on the cells with YWHAZ knockdown was not significant. Treatment with isoimperatorin in lung adenocarcinoma cells inhibited the malignant functions and suppressed tumor growth in mice xenografts. More importantly, we found PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is suppressed after YWHAZ was targeting inhibited by isoimperatorin, while autophagy-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins were activated.
Conclusion: Our study indicates that YWHAZ plays an oncogenic role as a core target molecule in lung adenocarcinoma. As a novelly targeted inhibitor, isoimperatorin effectively inhibited YWHAZ gene with potent antitumor activities in lung adenocarcinoma. The underlying mechanism may involve inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, then activating cell autophagy, and subsequently promoting cell apoptosis.
Treatment of Upper Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies with Different Endoscopic Instruments: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lv hanfeng , zhu linzhen , yang heng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the performance and safety of two types of endoscopic instruments, serrated biopsy forceps and foreign body retrieval forceps, for removing upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies.
Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 143 cases from January 1, 2016, to December 1, 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the instruments used: serrated biopsy forceps (48 cases) and foreign body retrieval forceps (95 cases). We collected data on patient demographics, retrieval success rates, postoperative complications, and characteristics of the foreign bodies. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).
Results: In the 143 cases, the serrated biopsy forceps group had 45 successful retrievals and 3 failures, while the foreign body retrieval forceps group had 82 successful retrievals and 13 failures. There were significant differences in the types and categories of successfully retrieved foreign bodies between the two groups (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Flexible endoscopic serrated biopsy forceps are effective for extracting elongated and small flat foreign bodies such as fish bones and poultry bones in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Due to their advantages in terms of cost and flexibility, serrated biopsy forceps can be given priority when considering the removal of such foreign bodies.
Medical Students’ Perception and Attitude towards Embryology Course in Khartoum State Universities, Sudan -2023
Authors: Awadelkareem Mohammed Maher Abdallah , Muhammed Abubakr , Awad Mustafa Sabir Abakar , Awadelkarim Hala Maher Abdalla , Awadelkarim Heyam Maher Abdalla , Awadelkarim Reham Maher  Abdalla , Mohamed Montaha Ahmed Adam , Dafaalla Afnan Elsiddig Abdalla 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Embryology teaching is challenging; it is important to determine how students think about it to develop the best teaching strategies. This study was conducted to assess Sudanese medical students’ perception towards embryology course.
Materials and methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted in medical schools at Khartoum state, Sudan. The study included all the medical students who have completed the embryology course within their faculty curricula. Data was collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The collected data were cleaned using Microsoft excel 2016 and analyzed using SPSS V28, the results are presented in terms of tables and figures.
Results:
The study included 385 participants with a mean age of 22.3 ± 2 years, females were 273 (71%), and they were from public governmental universities 264 (68.6%). Medical students perceived that integrating embryology and gross anatomy courses in the first and second years are better than teaching each discipline alone 225(58.5%), and they preferred problem-based learning 244(63.4%), and virtual reality for teaching embryology 307(79.7%). Only 22 (5.7%) of them reported that they would pursue embryology as a career due to absence of role model 248 (64.4%), followed by lack of future specialization 238 (61.8%), lack of promotion chances 194 (49.6%), difficulty of the subject 171 (44.4%), and the slow financial growth 110 (28.6%).
Conclusion:
The study found that medical students preferred problem based learning and use of technology to enhance the learning experience. While they showed positive attitude towards embryology course, only few considered it as a future career.
The Characteristics of Renal Microperfusion in Acute Kidney Injury: Initial Experience with Quantitative Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Liu Jiajia , Chen Luzeng , Su Tao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to assess use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in evaluating patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and investigate its correlationwith renal pathology and clinical outcomes. 16 patients with AKI induced by tubulointerstitial nephritis and 12 volunteers. CEUS parameters, including peak intensity (PI), rise time (RT), time to peak (TTP), mean transit time (mTT), and their cortex-to-medulla ratio, were compared within AKI subgroups and the control group. The relationship of these parameters with renal pathology and renal outcome was analyzed.
The cortex-to-medulla PI ratio of AKI showed a decrease, indicating the presence of medullary congestion. In patients with AKI stage 3, the cortex-to-medulla PI ratio showed positive correlation with the glomerular sclerosis score(r=0.690). Additionally, the score for chronic tubulointerstitial injury had negative correlations with cortical RT and cortical TTP (r=-0.807 and r=-0.821), and their cortex-to-medulla ratios (r=-0.576 and r=-0.547), while having a positive correlation with cortex-to-medulla PI ratio (r=-0.501). 14 patients underwent a 3-month follow-up. Subsequent comparison disclosed that a lower PI ratio was closely related to a more favorable renal outcome.
We found CEUS enables the detection of renal perfusion redistribution in AKI, and a reduced cortex-to-medulla PI ratio suggests medullary congestion. The cortex-to-medulla PI ratio holds potential as a prognostic indicator for AKI, contributing to both diagnosis and the prediction of renal outcomes.
Acute Poisoning in children in Chengdu, China: A Retrospective Study (2019- 2022)
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Shunli , Huang Lan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Understanding the characteristics of children with acute poisoning admitted to emergency departments is helpful to the pediatrician to identify and treat poisoning. This retrospective and descriptive study included 2036 cases aged from 0-14years admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of acute poisoning. The incidence was slightly higher in boys than girls (51.2% vs. 48.8%). The most common route of poisoning was the digestive system (99.3%), and the majority were accidental poisonings (92.7%). Drugs were the most common toxic substances (62.1%), followed by pesticides (12.4%) and household cleaners (8.8%). The proportion of toxic substances varied among different age groups, with household cleaners being the most common in infants, and pesticides in other age groups, excluding drugs. Young children accounted for most acute poisoning cases, mostly due to unintentional ingestion of a single substance. Female adolescents were the most common patients intentionally ingested toxic substances, mainly psychotropic drugs.
Quality of registration of antenatal, intrapartum, and newborn information in the Georgian Birth Registry
Authors: Rylander Charlotta , Manjavidze Tinatin , Nedberg Ingvild Hersoug , Kerselidze Maia , Anda Erik 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The Georgian Birth Registry (GBR) is a digital nationwide birth registry implemented in 2016 that currently covers 99.8% of deliveries in the country. Registration in the GBR is mandatory by law for antenatal care providers and hospitals, and much of the data are transferred from medical records (MRs) to GBRs by a designated person at the medical facility, a so-called single-entry data transfer. We aimed to assess the correspondence of the registration of selected antenatal, intrapartum, and newborn variables between GBR and MRs for a random selection of delivering women.
Methods
We randomly selected 1,050 women who gave birth in 2018. We collected data from the GBR, encompassing around 26 distinct variables associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn, and mirrored this data extraction process for individual MRs. For dichotomous, ordinal, and date variables, we compared the proportion of registrations with complete agreement between the GBR and the MRs, as well as the proportion of registrations deviating +/- one category or more. Differences in the registrations of newborn birthweight were compared using paired t-tests and visualized with a Bland-Altman plot.
Results
Of the 25 dichotomous, ordinal, and date variables related to pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn birth in the GBR, 20 displayed more than 95% complete agreement with the information in the MRs, and no substantial difference in newborn birthweight registered in the GBR and MRs was observed. The prevalence of maternal morbidity and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) registered in the MRs was lower than expected, while the proportion of fetuses with transverse lies was higher than expected.
Conclusions
Most antenatal, intrapartum, and newborn information registered in the GBR has satisfactory agreement with the MRs, and error rates are as expected for a single-entry data processing method. The lower-than-expected prevalence of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hypertensive disorders, and PPH registered in the MRs, as well as the higher-than-expected prevalence of transverse fetal presentation, warrants in-depth investigation to ensure that the quality of care is satisfactory and to further improve registration in both the MRs and GBR.
Prediction the occurrence of thalassemia with hematological phenotype
Authors: Wan Yafang , Zhang Yu , Li Tian , Chen Shuyue , Niu Changchun , Liao Pu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background The patients who conducted hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) testing in clinical laboratory showing high hemoglobin F (HbF) level (≥1.5%) or abnormal Hb peak indicated possibility of thalassemia. Therefore, current investigation aims to analysis the occurrence of thalassemia in such populations and predict main influence factors by using different statistical model.
Methods HbA1c concentration was detected by using TOSOH HLC-723G8 glycated hemoglobin analyzer. SNaPshot SNP typing and AccuCopy technology were employed to detect 69 single mutation sites and 6 deletion mutations in common α- and β-thalassemia-related pathogenic genes.
Results Total 126 patients endured high HbF level or abnormal Hb peak during HbA1c detection and 66.7% subjects (n=84) showed thalassemia mutations. Three heterozygosity mutations, including c.52A>T (p.K18*), c.-78A>G and c.126_129delCTTT(p.F42Lfs*19) present in HBB gene were newly identified in thalassemia. --SEA/αα mutation demonstrated the youngest ages (P<0.001). 17M (P<0.001) and 41/42M (P<0.01) mutations with β-thalassemia showed higher HbF level compared with patients without thalassemia mutations. Except for -α3.7, mutations in thalassemia showed lower level of MCH and MCV compared with patients without thalassemia mutations. Patients with thalassemia mutations showed younger age (P<0.001), lower Hb (P<0.001), MCV and MCH level (P<0.001), higher RBC count (P<0.001) and PDW level (P=0.007) than patients without thalassemia mutations. Three statistical model indicate MCV is the most valuable independent factor for predicting thalassemia, and ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves analysis of AUC of 0.855 (95%CI [0.787-0.923], P<0.001) with MCV.
Conclusions High HbF level (≥1.5%) or abnormal Hb peak present in HbA1c testing indicated high incident rate of thalassemia. Therefore, further genetic testing was advised for such patients. MCV is the most valuable independent predicting factor for subjects having thalassemia.
Efficacy and Safety of Tumour-Treating Fields Combined with Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Wang Zixuan , Zong Dan , Zhu Huanfeng , Guo Wenjie , Ge Yizhi , Wang Xiao , Yu Jiamin , Zou Guannan , He Xia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Tumour-treating fields (TTFields) have demonstrated efficacy in extending survival in the temozolomide maintenance therapy phase. We present a retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed Chinese glioblastoma patients treated at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital from September 2021 to December 2023 to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TTFields combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for these patients.
Methods: Progression-free survival (PFS) curves were constructed using the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the effect of TTFields and to account for confounding factors.
Results: Among the 58 glioblastoma patients included in the study, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.7 months (95% CI: 9.4-14.0), with a 6-month PFS rate of 88.5%. The objective response rate (ORR) was 58.6% (34/58), and the disease control rate (DCR) was 93.1% (54/58). Mild to moderate skin toxicity underneath the transducer arrays occurred in 56.9% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that surgery type and compliance rate with TTFs were favourable prognostic factors.
Conclusion: In our final analysis of single-centre Chinese patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma, concurrent chemoradiotherapy with TTFields resulted in a statistically significant improvement in PFS and demonstrated improved safety profiles.
Comparative Analysis of two presbyopia correction IOLs: Objective and Subjective Visual Outcomes
Authors: Zanata Maria Carolina , Hida Wilson Takashi , Vilar César Martins Cortez , Moscovici Bernardo Kaplan , Chaves Mario Augusto Pereira Dias , Tzelikis Patrick Frensel de Moraes , Lake Jonathan Clive , Carricondo Pedro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Compare and assess the objective and subjective visual outcomes of bilateral implantation of two different intraocular lenses (IOLs) for presbyopia correction.
Methods: A prospective comparative case series with cataract surgery and bilateral implantation of Synergy or Panoptix was performed. We assessed the monocular defocus curve using subjective visual-quality questionnaires and compared each group’s near, far, and intermediate visual acuity.
Results: In total, 19 patients (38 eyes), 8 (42%) of whom had Synergy lenses and 11 (58%) had Panoptix lenses, were included in the study. Patients in both groups could achieve good quality distance, intermediate, and near vision. The defocus curves revealed no statistically significant difference, with the Synergy group showing better results from −1.50 to −3.00. No statistically significant difference was observed in photic events between the compared groups. Patients in both groups reported good outcomes in the visual-quality questionnaires.
Conclusions: The two IOLs studied exhibited good objective and subjective results with no significant difference between the investigated groups.