bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heel-to-toe drop effects on biomechanical and muscle synergy responses during uphill walking
Authors: Jiang Liang , Qu Feng , Yang Zihan , Chen Xue , Gao Xianzhi , Sun Qing , Huo Bo 
Published: May 2024

Uphill walking is a common task encountered in daily life, with steeper inclines potentially imposing greater biomechanical and neuromuscular demands on the human body. The heel-to-toe drop (HTD) in footwear may influence the biomechanical and neuromuscular pattern of uphill walking; but the impact remains unclear. Adjustments in HTD can modulate biomechanical and neuromuscular patterns, mitigating the demands and optimizing the body’s response to different inclinations. We hypothesize that adjustments in HTD can modulate biomechanical and neuromuscular patterns, mitigating the demands and optimizing the body’s response to different inclinations. Nineteen healthy men walked on an adjustable slope walkway, with varied inclinations (6°, 12°, 20°) and HTD shoes (10mm, 25mm, 40 mm), while the marker positions, ground reaction forces and electromyography data were collected. Our study reveals that gait temporo-spatial parameters are predominantly affected by inclination over HTD. Inclination has a more pronounced effect on kinematic variables, while both inclination and HTD significantly modulate kinetic and muscle synergy parameters. This study demonstrates that an increase in the inclination leads to changes in biomechanical and neuromuscular responses during uphill walking and the adjustment of HTD can modulate these responses during uphill walking. However, the present study suggests that an increased HTD may lead to elevated loads on the knee joint and these adverse effects need more attention.
Optimisation of the biological production of levulinic acid in a mixed microbial culture fed with synthetic grape pomace
Authors: Correa-Galetote David , Serrano Antonio , Ciudad Gustavo , Pinto-Ibieta Fernanda 
Published: May 2024

Levulinic acid (LA) is a polymer with a vast industrial application range and can be co-produced as a minor by-product during the biological production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). However, the influence of key parameters as tools for favouring the production of LA over PHA is still unclear. In this study, we investigated how several critical operational conditions, i.e., carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), organic loading rate (OLR) and airflow, can be optimised to favour LA accumulation over PHA production by a mixed microbial culture (MMC), using synthetic grape pomace (GP) hydrolysate as the substrate. The results showed that it was possible to direct the MMC towards LA accumulation instead of PHA. The maximum LA yield was 2.7 ± 0.2 g LA/(L·d) using a C/N of 35, an airflow of 5 L/min and an OLR of 4 g sCOD/(L·d). The OLR and, to a lesser extent, the C/N ratio were the main factors significantly and positively correlated with the biological synthesis of LA.
Design and synthesis of new dihydropyrimidine/sulphonamide hybrids as promising anti-inflammatory agents via dual mPGES-1/5-LOX inhibition
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Lamya H. , Elshamsy Ali M. , Ali Taha F. S. , Youssif Bahaa G. M. , Bräse S. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed , El-Koussi Nawal A. 
Published: May 2024

A novel series of dihydropyrimidine/sulphonamide hybrids 3a–j with anti-inflammatory properties have been developed and tested as dual mPGES-1/5-LOX inhibitors. In vitro assay, results showed that compounds 3c, 3e, 3h, and 3j were the most effective dual inhibitors of mPGES-1 and 5-LOX activities. Compound 3j was the most potent dual inhibitor with IC50 values of 0.92 µM and 1.98 µM, respectively. In vivo, anti-inflammatory studies demonstrated that compounds 3c, 3e, 3h, and 3e had considerable anti-inflammatory activity, with EI% ranging from 29% to 71%. Compounds 3e and 3j were equivalent to celecoxib after the first hour but exhibited stronger anti-inflammatory effects than celecoxib after the third and fifth hours. Moreover, compounds 3e and 3j significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-6) with gastrointestinal safety profiles. Molecular docking simulations explored the most potent derivatives’ binding affinities and interaction patterns within mPGES-1 and 5-LOX active sites. This study disclosed that compound 3j is a promising anti-inflammatory lead with dual mPGES-1/5-LOX inhibition that deserves further preclinical investigation.
Empowering engagement: unveiling motivational drivers for social media adoption: a Facebook case study
Authors: Allam Hesham , Dempere Juan , Lazaros Edward J. , Davison Chris 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionSocial networking websites and applications are increasingly becoming significant cultural phenomena. However, the motivation driving individuals to utilize these platforms, particularly in the Middle East, remains unclear. While numerous studies have explored technology adoption, limited research has investigated social media usage in the UAE. Therefore, this study proposes and empirically analyzes a framework based on a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model to understand the factors influencing users’ opinions, objectives, and actual usage of social media platforms, focusing on Facebook.MethodsTo investigate these factors, we employed structural equation modeling and smart PLS techniques on a sample of 540 participants. We aimed to identify predictors such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, as well as a hedonic dimension encompassing perceived enjoyment, curiosity, and perceived connectedness, in shaping users’ attitudes towards Facebook usage. Additionally, we examined the relationship between social presence and users’ intentions to use Facebook.ResultsOur analysis revealed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are significant predictors of users’ attitudes towards utilizing Facebook. Furthermore, the hedonic dimension, comprising perceived enjoyment, curiosity, and perceived connectedness, also plays a crucial role in shaping users’ attitudes. Moreover, social presence was found to have a significant association with users’ intentions to use Facebook.DiscussionThese findings contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing the adoption and usage of social media platforms, particularly in the context of the UAE. By highlighting the importance of both utilitarian and hedonic aspects, this research provides insights into the complex motivations behind individuals’ acceptance of dynamic applications like Facebook. Furthermore, our empirical model lays the groundwork for exploring additional factors that may influence the uptake of information systems and social media utilities, thereby advancing attitude-behavior theories in this domain.
Staging reinterventions for remodeling of residual aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Chen Bailang , Huang Kunpeng , Zhuang Xianmian , Wang Zanxin , Wei Minxin 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveInadequate remodeling of residual aortic dissection (RAD) following repair of Stanford A or B aortic dissections has been identified as a significant predictor of patient mortality. This study evaluates the short- to mid-term outcomes of staged reinterventions for RAD at a single center with prospective follow-up.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from patients with RAD who underwent staged reinterventions or received none-surgery treatment in the Cardiovascular Surgery Department of our hospital between July 2019 and December 2021. The cohort included 54 patients with residual distal aortic dissection post-primary surgery, comprising 28 who underwent open surgery and 26 who received thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent staged stent interventions for distal dissection [staged reintervention (SR) group] and those who did not undergo surgery (non-surgery group). For the SR group, second or third staged stent interventions were performed. The study assessed distal remodeling of aortic dissection between the groups, focusing on endpoints such as mortality (both general and aortic-specific), occurrences of visceral branch occlusion, necessity for further interventions, and significant adverse events. Morphological changes were analyzed to determine the therapeutic impact.ResultsThe study encompassed 54 participants, with 33 in the SR group and 21 in the non-surgical control group. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were statistically comparable across both groups. During an average follow-up of 31.5 ± 7.0 months, aortic-related mortality was 0% in both groups; all-cause mortality was 3% (one case) and 5% (one case) in the SR and control groups, respectively, with no statistically significant difference noted. In the SR group, a single patient experienced complications, including renal artery thrombosis, leading to diminished blood flow. An increased true lumen (TL) area and a decreased false lumen area at various aortic planes were observed in the SR group compared to the control group.ConclusionThe staged reintervention strategy for treating RAD is safe and provides promising early results.
Sudan's rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease guidelines: a simplified approach in an endemic country
Authors: Ali Sulafa Khalid M. , Karrar Zein A. , Elkurdufani Nawal , Ibrahim Nazik 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundRheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable sequelae of group A beta hemolytic streptococcal infection leading to an immune reaction: acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and progressive heart valve dysfunction. RHD is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children and young adults in Sudan and many low/middle-income countries. In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a resolution for RHD mandating that each country adopt updated guidelines for ARF and RHD management. These current guidelines are mainly directed to primary healthcare workers.MethodsSudan’s Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in collaboration with the WHO East Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) assembled a committee for updating RHD guidelines. We conducted a systematic literature search from 2000 to 2022 in National Institute of Health Database (PubMed) under the following titles: streptococcal pharyngitis, acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, benzathine penicillin. Best available, evidence-based practices for diagnosis and management of ARF/RHD were selected and adapted to Sudan's situation. The guidelines were critically appraised by the committee then endorsed to the FMOH and WHO EMRO Noncommunicable Disease Departments in January 2023. This paper describes the updated guidelines.ResultsSimplified algorithms are provided for diagnosis of bacterial pharyngitis including two clinical criteria: sore throat and the absence of viral symptoms in the target age group. A simplified algorithm for diagnosis and management of ARF is adopted using two levels of diagnosis: suspected case at primary level where penicillin prophylaxis is started and secondary/tertiary care where echocardiography is performed and diagnosis confirmed or excluded. Echocardiography screening is recognized as the standard method for early diagnosis of RHD; however, due to the anticipated limitations, its implementation was not adopted at this time. Streptococcal skin infection is included as a precursor of ARF and a detailed protocol for benzathine penicillin administration is described.ConclusionThe Sudan guidelines for ARF/RHD management were updated. Endorsement of these guidelines to FMOH and WHO EMRO is expected to improve control of RHD in the region.
Investigating the temporal trends of diabetes disease burden in China during 1990-2019 from a global perspective
Authors: Liu Jinli , Shen Mingwang , Zhuang Guihua , Zhang Lei 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionDiabetes poses a global public health challenge and our understanding of its temporal evolution in China relative to the rest of the world is limited. Our study aims to comprehensively examine the temporal trend of diabetes DALYs in China from a global perspective.MethodsWe analyzed data on diabetes incidence, prevalence, and mortality for individuals aged ≥20 years in China and globally from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. We assessed trends in age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of diabetes in China and globally by estimating annual percentage changes (EAPCs). We employed decomposition analysis to reveal factors driving the trend of diabetes DALYs in China.ResultsDuring 1990-2019, the number of diabetes patients increased by 160% from 35.14 million to 91.70 million in China. The ASIR of diabetes increased from 249 per 100,000 to 329 per 100,000 in China, which was lower than the global rate (419 per 100,000 in 2019). The EAPC of diabetes incidence was also lower in China compared to the global rate (1.02% vs. 1.57%). Consistently, the age-standardized prevalence rate of diabetes increased from 4788 per 100,000 to 8170 per 100,000 during 1990-2019 in China, which remained lower than the corresponding global rate (8827 per 100,000 in 2019). Further, the ASMR of diabetes increased from 9 per 100,000 to 15 per 100,000 during 1990-2019 in China, which was lower than the corresponding global rate (30 per 100,000 in 2019). However, EAPC of diabetes mortality in China was much higher than the global level (1.75% vs. 1.07%). Globally, the rising diabetes DALYs was predominantly attributed to population growth (55.2%) and epidemiologic changes (24.6%). In comparison, population growth (48.9%) also played an important role in the increasing diabetes DALYs in China, but aging (43.7%) was second major contributor.ConclusionOur findings show that diabetes DALYs in China followed a global increasing trend during 1990-2019. Notably, aging has a very substantial contribution to the increase in diabetes DALYs in China in addition to population growth.
A causal examination of the correlation between hormonal and reproductive factors and low back pain
Authors: Chen Dafu , Zhou Jiaxiang , Lin Chengkai , Li Junhong , Zhu Zhengya , Rao Xuezhi , Wang Jianmin , Li Jianfeng , Chen Hongkun , Wang Fuan , Li Xianlong , Gao Manman , Zhou Zhiyu , Xi Yongming , Li Shufen 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundThe relationship between hormonal fluctuations in the reproductive system and the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) has been widely observed. However, the causal impact of specific variables that may be indicative of hormonal and reproductive factors, such as age at menopause (ANM), age at menarche (AAM), length of menstrual cycle (LMC), age at first birth (AFB), age at last live birth (ALB) and age first had sexual intercourse (AFS) on low back pain remains unclear.MethodsThis study employed Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) using publicly available summary statistics from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and FinnGen Consortium to investigate the causal links between hormonal and reproductive factors on LBP. Various MR methodologies, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median, were utilized. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness and validity of the findings. Subsequently, Multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was employed to assess the direct causal impact of reproductive and hormone factors on the risk of LBP.ResultsAfter implementing the Bonferroni correction and conducting rigorous quality control, the results from MR indicated a noteworthy association between a decreased risk of LBP and AAM (OR=0.784, 95% CI: 0.689-0.891; p=3.53E-04), AFB (OR=0.558, 95% CI: 0.436-0.715; p=8.97E-06), ALB (OR=0.396, 95% CI: 0.226-0.692; p=0.002), and AFS (OR=0.602, 95% CI: 0.518-0.700; p=3.47E-10). Moreover, in the reverse MR analysis, we observed no significant causal effects of LBP on ANM, AAM, LMC and AFS. MVMR analysis demonstrated the continued significance of the causal effect of AFB on LBP after adjusting for BMI.ConclusionOur study explored the causal relationship between ANM, AAM, LMC, AFB, AFS, ALB and the prevalence of LBP. We found that early menarche, early age at first birth, early age at last live birth and early age first had sexual intercourse may decrease the risk of LBP. These insights enhance our understanding of LBP risk factors, offering valuable guidance for screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for at-risk women.
Global trends in research on aging associated with periodontitis from 2002 to 2023: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Li Hongjiao 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundAging has been implicated in many chronic inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease caused by long-term irritation of the periodontal tissues by the plaque biofilm on the surface of the teeth. However, only a few bibliometric analyses have systematically studied this field to date. This work sought to visualize research hot spots and trends in aging associated with periodontitis from 2002 to 2023 through bibliometric approaches.MethodsGraphpad prism v8.0.2 was used to analyse and plot annual papers, national publication trends and national publication heat maps. In addition, CtieSpace (6.1.6R (64-bit) Advanced Edition) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.18) were used to analyse these data and visualize the scientific knowledge graph.ResultsThe number of documents related to aging associated with periodontitis has steadily increased over 21 years. With six of the top ten institutions in terms of publications coming from the US, the US is a major driver of research in this area. journal of periodontology is the most published journal in the field. Tonetti MS is the most prolific authors and co-cited authors in the field. Journal of Periodontology and Journal of Clinical Periodontology are the most popular journals in the field with the largest literature. Periodontitis, Alzheimer’s disease, and peri-implantitis are current hot topics and trends in the field. Inflammation, biomarkers, oxidative stress cytokines are current research hotspots in this field.ConclusionOur research found that global publications regarding research on aging associated with periodontitis increased dramatically and were expected to continue increasing. Inflammation and aging, and the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases, are topics worthy of attention.
Meta-analysis shows that mesenchymal stem cell therapy can be a possible treatment for diabetes
Authors: Habiba Umm E. , Khan Nasar , Greene David Lawrence , Ahmad Khalil , Shamim Sabiha , Umer Amna 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveThis meta-analysis includes the systematic literature review and meta-analysis involving clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation for treating T1DM and T2DM.MethodsWe searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Library for “published” research from their inception until November 2023. Two researchers independently reviewed the studies’ inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our meta-analysis included 13 studies on MSC treatment for diabetes.ResultsThe MSC-treated group had a significantly lower HbA1c at the last follow-up compared to the baseline (MD: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.33 to 1.57, P-value: 0.003&lt; 0.05), their insulin requirement was significantly lower (MD: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.31, P-value: 0.002&lt; 0.05), the level of FBG with MSC transplantation significantly dropped compared to baseline (MD: 1.78, 95% CI: -1.02 to 4.58, P-value: 0.212), the FPG level of the MSC-treated group was significantly lower (MD: -0.77, 95% CI: -2.36 to 0.81, P-value: 0.339 &gt; 0.05), and the fasting C-peptide level of the MSC-treated group was slightly high (MD: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.02, P-value: 0.231 &gt; 0.05).ConclusionThe transplantation of MSCs has been found to positively impact both types of diabetes mellitus without signs of apparent adverse effects.
LcDel: deletion variation detection based on clustering and long reads
Authors: Yu Yanan , Gao Runtian , Luo Junwei 
Published: May 2024

Motivation: Genomic structural variation refers to chromosomal level variations such as genome rearrangement or insertion/deletion, which typically involve larger DNA fragments compared to single nucleotide variations. Deletion is a common type of structural variants in the genome, which may lead to mangy diseases, so the detection of deletions can help to gain insights into the pathogenesis of diseases and provide accurate information for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Many tools exist for deletion variant detection, but they are still inadequate in some aspects, and most of them ignore the presence of chimeric variants in clustering, resulting in less precise clustering results.Results: In this paper, we present LcDel, which can detect deletion variation based on clustering and long reads. LcDel first finds the candidate deletion sites and then performs the first clustering step using two clustering methods (sliding window-based and coverage-based, respectively) based on the length of the deletion. After that, LcDel immediately uses the second clustering by hierarchical clustering to determine the location and length of the deletion. LcDel is benchmarked against some other structural variation detection tools on multiple datasets, and the results show that LcDel has better detection performance for deletion. The source code is available in https://github.com/cyq1314woaini/LcDel.
Nomogram for predicting post-therapy recurrence in BCLC A/B hepatocellular carcinoma with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis
Authors: Qiao Wenying , Sheng Shugui , Xiong Yiqi , Han Ming , Jin Ronghua , Hu Caixia 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionThis study conducts a retrospective analysis on patients with BCLC stage A/B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accompanied by Child-Pugh B cirrhosis, who underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in combination with local ablation therapy. Our goal was to uncover risk factors contributing to post-treatment recurrence and to develop and validate an innovative 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence free survival (RFS) nomogram.MethodsData from 255 BCLC A/B HCC patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis treated at Beijing You’an Hospital (January 2014 - January 2020) were analyzed using random survival forest (RSF), LASSO regression, and multivariate Cox regression to identify independent risk factors for RFS. The prognostic nomogram was then constructed and validated, categorizing patients into low, intermediate, and high-risk groups, with RFS assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves.ResultsThe nomogram, integrating the albumin/globulin ratio, gender, tumor number, and size, showcased robust predictive performance. Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) values for the training and validation cohorts were 0.744 (95% CI: 0.703–0.785) and 0.724 (95% CI: 0.644–0.804), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS in the two cohorts were also promising. Calibration curves highlighted the nomogram’s reliability and decision curve analysis (DCA) confirmed its practical clinical benefits. Through meticulous patient stratification, we also revealed the nomogram’s efficacy in distinguishing varying recurrence risks.ConclusionThis study advances recurrence prediction in BCLC A/B HCC patients with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis following TACE combined with ablation. The established nomogram accurately predicts 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS, facilitating timely identification of high-risk populations.