bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Method and efficacy of cryoablation combined with hyperthermia for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Wang Kaiyu , Guo Tianyu , Zheng Wenheng , Zhang Wenhui , Wang Xin , Dong Yue , Bai Jinghui , Jiao Dexin , Liu Yefu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective: To explore the method and short-term efficacy of cryoablation combined with hyperthermia (CCH) for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Methods: The study recruited 22 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) at the Liaoning Cancer Hospital from February 2023 to December 2023. We explored the treatment procedure and evaluated the efficacy of the CCH therapy. The method of examination and characteristics before and after surgery were compared, and the effectiveness of open surgery versus a laparoscopic approach was evaluated.
Results: All patients underwent an MDT-centered surgery to receive CCH. Patients were categorized based on the surgery into simple CCH (n=12, 55%), CCH with bilioenterostomy (n=4, 18%), and CCH with bilioenterostomy and gastroenterostomy (n=6, 27%). The average intraoperative blood loss volume was 114.1±81.1 mL; the average number of cryoprobes used was 1.3±0.5. The average time was 11.6±2.9 min for the first CCH cycle and 12.5±5.3 min for the second cycle. The average postoperative fasting time was 3.1±0.6 days, and the average postoperative hospital stay was 9.2±2.4 days. The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula was 9.1% (n=2), with severe complications. Pathology of the puncture biopsy tumor tissue showed malignancy in 77.3% of cases. There were no significant differences in tumor markers and CT values before and after surgery. The average maximum diameter of the tumor before and after surgery was statistically significant (P=0.001), but there was no difference in tumor volume change (P=0.67). The surgical approaches included open surgery (n=15, 68%) and laparoscopy (n=7, 32%), with only a difference in surgical categories (P=0.006). Five patients (29%) underwent genetic testing, and all had identified potentially clinically significant mutations, but none had BRCA1/2 germline mutations.
Conclusions: CCH therapy through MDT is suggested as the primary treatment approach for unresectable pancreatic cancer. This approach is applied with the aim to demonstrate high safety and low complication rate associated with CCH treatment for unresectable pancreatic cancer.
Chromatic evolution, chemical changes, and biological colonisation in the quarry fronts of the Santullán limestone massif (Cantabria, Spain): Implication for the mitigation of visual impact in mountain quarrying
Authors: Iglesias-Martínez Mario , Fernández-Suarez Jorge , Ríos Asunción , Arroyo Xabier , García-Lorenzo Mari Luz , Crespo Elena , Plet Chloe , De Andrés Pedro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aims to quantify the colour modifications for different time periods observed in three fronts of an active limestone quarry (Santullán, Cantabria), exposed to atmospheric conditions in 1978, 2003 and 2021. The visual impact associated with the chromatic contrast between quarry faces and rocky outcrops represents one of the main disturbances to natural environments. For this purpose, the biological colonisation contribution to the natural darkening, as well as the physico-chemical changes that take place on the front surfaces, have been evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy in secondary and backscattered electron mode, UV-VIS spectrophotometric techniques, Raman spectroscopy and XRD and XRF analysis. The analysis showed that colour change was due mainly to biological colonisation and not to oxidative chemical reactions. While colour does not follow a direct and progressive relationship with exposure time, biological colonisation, identified as cyanobacteria and free-living fungi, shows in the older samples a clear increase in the presence of microbial communities, bioalteration and rock substrate penetration. The main visual changes seem to take place in the first years of exposure of the massif to atmospheric conditions.
Associations between organophosphate esters exposure and metabolic syndrome: Exploring the mediating role of oxidative stress and inflammation in adults
Authors: Yang Sijie , Li Yaping , Liu Ling , Wan Zhengce , Xu Qitong , Xie Chang , Song Lulu , Wang Youjie , Chen Hui , Mei Surong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence regarding the relationships of organophosphate esters (OPEs) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its underlying mechanism was largely unknown. This study sought to estimate the correlations of individual OPEs and their mixture with MetS risk, while also evaluating the potential mediation of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers. We measured urinary OPE metabolites, urinary biomarkers of oxidative stress, and serum biomarkers of inflammation among 694 adults based on a case-control design. Our findings revealed positive correlations between urinary 1-hydroxy-2-propyl bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPHIPP) and bis(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (BBOEP) and elevated odds of MetS risk. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) analyses demonstrated the overall effect of the OPE mixtures on MetS risk, with BBOEP identified as the primary contributor. Mediation analysis further revealed that the association between urinary BCIPHIPP and BBOEP and MetS risk was mediated by urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), with mediation proportions of 23.27% and 8.70%, respectively. In addition, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration mediated the association between BBOEP and MetS risk, and the proportion of mediation was 16.32%. Our results indicated that oxidative stress and inflammation might exert a substantial influence on the correlations between OPE exposure and the risk of MetS.
Experimental data and modeling of viscosity in the quinary system NaCl+KCl+CaCl2+MgCl2+H2O
Authors: Wang Sheng , Luo Mengjie , Sun Yuzhu , Wang Congying , Song Xingfu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The viscosities of the quinary system NaCl + KCl + CaCl2 + MgCl2 + H2O and its binary subsystems are measured in the temperature range of 288.15K-308.15K. The viscosity of binary solutions of MgCl2, NaCl, and CaCl2 increases with the increase in concentration. In contrast, for the binary solution of KCl, the viscosity decreases with increasing concentration at low temperature and low concentration. The extended Jones-Dole model that incorporates higher-order term parameters is used to fit the viscosity of binary solutions, with a maximum Average Absolute Deviation (AAD) of 1.42%. By comparing the values of the Pearson correlation coefficients, it is found that MgCl2 has the most significant impact on the viscosity of the quinary system MgCl2 + KCl + NaCl + CaCl2 + H2O, while the impact of KCl is the least. The modified extended Jones-Dole model, with the introduction of parameter Gi, can accurately predict the quinary system, resulting in a maximum AAD value of 0.63%. Moreover, the Hu model is also applied to predict the viscosity of the quinary system, achieving a maximum AAD value being 1.54%. Compared to the Hu model, the modified extended Jones-Dole model performs better. The viscosity calculation models for the quinary system MgCl2 + KCl + NaCl + CaCl2 + H2O in this study contribute key parameters for the design and optimization of the potassium chloride production process.
Posture and path optimization based on stiffness performance index in robotic milling
Authors: Yuan Qiuwei , Xu Yang , Lv Xiao , Li Peibo , Zhao Yanzheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent years, industrial robots (IRs) have been widely used in the field of machining. The relatively low stiffness causes the IRs to be prone to deformation during processing and reduces the machining accuracy. According to the characteristics of milling and stiffness characteristics of robot, this paper presents an optimization method for posture and path. Firstly, considering the influence of milling force and spindle gravity on the normal deformation of machining plane, the posture stiffness performance index (PSPI) is proposed. Secondly, the machining path is discretized, and the machining path stiffness performance index (MPSPI) is proposed. Then, a machining path optimization model is established by minimizing MPSPI. Finally, the experimental results of milling are discussed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed indices. Analysing the machining parameters based on PSPI and MPSPI, it is concluded that selecting the appropriate feed direction, machining area and redundancy angles can improve machining accuracy.
Impact of serum chitotriosidase activity on tuberculosis outcome: single center study from Serbia
Authors: Adzic-Vukicevic Tatjana , Stosic Maja , Sumarac Zorica , Markovic Ognjen , Maric Dragana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The aim of our study was to investigate serum chitotriosidase level in pulmonary TB, its relationship with microbiological and clinical parameters and response to treatment.
Material and methods: This retrospective single center study included 149 patients with confirmed TB disease. Serum chitotriosidase activity was measured at the beginning and the end of treatment. Factors associated with chitotriosidase activity were explored using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis.
Results:Out of 149 study participants 71(47.7%) were female. The mean age was 53.0 (SD=18.2). Most cases were diagnosed with TB for the first time 118(79.2), predominantly 145 (97.3%) pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum smear was positive on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 91 (61.1%) patients, while solid cultures in 146 (98%) patients. According to radiological finding, cavitary lesions were found in 92 (63.4%) patients. Anti TB treatment led to significant decrease in serum chitotriosidase level (<0.001). New TB treatment (OR=4.41%;95% CI=1.20-9.89), age 45-64 (OR=6.36; 95%CI0.78-52.79), cavitary (OR=3.86;95%CI=0,59-26.57) and spotted lesions (OR=4.55;95%CI=o.58-35.79) were found to be significantly associated with decrease of chitotriosidase activity.
Conclusions: Decrease of chitotriosidase activity during TB treatment indicates favorable outcome. Non sputum based diagnostic assays should be useful for starting anti TB treatment while waiting conventional culture results and treatment monitoring.
Prognostic significance of total choline on in-vivo proton MR spectroscopy for 10-year survival in patients with: hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer
Authors: Kim Hyun jik , Park Heung Kyu , Chun Yong Soon , Kim Hag Jun , Baek Hyeon Man , Kim Yun Yeong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In-vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive method of analyzing choline metabolism that has been used to predict breast cancer prognosis. A strong choline peak may be a surrogate for aggressive tumor biology but its clinical relevance is unclear. The present study assessed whether total choline(tCho), as measured by proton MRS, can predict survival in patients with hormone receptor(HR)-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.
Methods
The study cohort included 560 breast cancer patients who underwent diagnostic single-voxel proton MRS (3.0T scanner) prior to first-line surgery from March 2011 to July 2014. The relationships between tCho compound peak integral (tChoi) values and biologic subtypes were analyzed, as were the effects of tChoi on 10-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The clinical significance of tChoi was also analyzed using Harrell's C-index.
Results
Of the 560 patients included in this study, 261 had HR+/HER2- breast cancer. Mean tChoi differed among patients with HR+/HER2- (15.5), triple negative (20.6), HR+/HER2+ (17.1), and HR-/HER2+ (15.0) breast cancer (p = 0.07). 10-year DFS differed significantly between HR+/HER2- with tChoi < 15 and ≥ 15 (p = 0.017), with differences differing significantly for late (5–10 years; p = 0.02) but not early (0–5 years; p = 0.323) recurrence. Cox regression analysis showed that tChoi was significantly predictive of 10-year DFS (p = 0.046, OR 2.69) and tended to be predictive of late recurrence (HR 4.36, p = 0.066). Harrell’s C-index showed that the Ki-67 index (AUC = 0.597) and lymphovascular invasion (AUC = 0.545) were also predictive of survival, with the addition of normalized tChoi improving the AUC to 0.622 (p = 0.014), indicating better predictive power.
Conclusion
A tChoi determined by in vivo MRS was predictive of prognosis in patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer. This parameter may serve as a valuable, non-invasive tool to predict prognosis when combined with other known prognostic factors.
A structural equation modelling to explore the determinants of mental health disorders among reproductive-aged women in Nepal: A nation-wide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashfikur , Tohan Mortuja Mahamud , Zaman Sayeeda , Islam Md. Amirul , Rahman Md Sazedur , Howlader Md. Hasan , Kundu Satyajit 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Similar to other countries, reproductive-age women in Nepal frequently encounter diverse mental disorders, yet they receive inadequate screening and attention. This research seeks to address this gap by conducting a comprehensive examination of the prevalence and factors associated with mental disorders of reproductive-age women in Nepal.
Methods
This study used the nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2022 dataset to examine the association between mental disorders and potential confounders. Screening tools for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were employed, and descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression and structural equation modeling, were utilized in the analysis.
Results
The study found that 22% of Nepalese women aged 15 to 49 reported anxiety symptoms, while 5% reported depressive symptoms. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that anxiety had the most significant positive effect on depression (β = 0.683, p < 0.001), followed by emotional violence (β = 0.139, p < 0.001). Marital status (β = 0.072, p < 0.001) and the presence of genital discharge (β = 0.084, p < 0.001) or ulcer (β = 0.058, p < 0.001) in the last 12 months were also associated with higher levels of depression. Conversely, self-rated health status (β=-0.121, p < 0.001) was negatively associated with depression, indicating that better-perceived health was linked to lower levels of depression.
Conclusion
Although the prevalence of anxiety symptoms is higher than that of depression, there is a positive relationship between these two. Consequently, it is crucial to address the identified factors contributing to anxiety and depression in this population group through behavioral and policy interventions to enhance the mental well-being of reproductive-age women.
Study on grinding surface quality of superalloy GH4145
Authors: zhao bintong , Gao Qi , Wang Quanzhao , Yun Dake , Sun HA 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Nickl-based Superalloy GH4145 is widely used in aero-engine springs, blades, and other parts due to its excellent mechanical properties. It is a high-hardness and difficult-to-machine material. Improving the surface quality after processing has great significance for the long-term stable service of aero-engines. In this paper, Simulation models with different rake angles were established to predict the damage forms on the machined surface and subsurface on Abaqus. The effects of different process parameters on the surface quality of GH4145 were studied by using CBN grinding wheel. The influence of experimental parameters on the surface quality of GH4145 was analyzed and the related grinding mechanism was expounded. Under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) detection, the crack propagation process and the phenomenon of serious damage to the surface quality such as white layer were analyzed. The results show that the single particle prediction models with different rake angles can reflect the actual grinding situation to a large extent, and the model with the rake angle of -15° is more consistent with the detection phenomenon observed in this experiment. The surface damage forms are mainly pits, burrs, and boundary bosses caused by plastic deformation under simulation and experimental detection. The detection of the subsurface shows that in addition to the above phenomena, there are cracks and debris adhesion. The linear velocity of the grinding wheel is the main factor affecting the surface quality of the machined surface, the cutting depth is the second, and the feed rate has the least influence. The maximum roughness in the grinding experiment reaches 1.992 µm. Considering the thermal softening phenomenon of the material, the linear velocity range should be selected from 30 m/s to 35 m/s, and the feed rate and grinding depth should be selected relatively small values.
Sexual behaviours among MSM during the first COVID-19 lockdown not associated with risk of COVID-19 infection
Authors: Farnham Andrea , Frei Anja , Kopp Julia , Schori Larissa J. , Kotoun Olivia J. , Reinacher Matthias , Rasi Manuela , Puhan Milo A. , Fehr Jan S. , Hampel Benjamin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
The social distancing measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic had far reaching effects on sexual behavior worldwide. However, it remains unclear whether sexual contact with non-steady partners was a contributor to the spread of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to (i) assess whether the SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity after the first pandemic wave among people using HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Zurich, Switzerland differed from that of a demographic matched population level comparison group, (ii) describe risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in this population, and (iii) determine whether sexual contact with non-steady partners was associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.
Methods:
The study was conducted between July 2020 and October 2020 as a nested cross-sectional study within two ongoing cohort studies, SwissPrEPared (all eligible PrEP users in Switzerland ≥18 years old) and Corona Immunitas (a series of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies measuring the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across Switzerland, beginning in April 2020). All SwissPrEPared participants were recruited from Checkpoint Zurich (the main PrEP clinic in Zurich). Data were collected on participants’ SARS-CoV-2 antibody status, social characteristics and behavioral data after the first wave of the corona pandemic in Switzerland, and seroprevalence was compared with a propensity score-matched sample from the general Zurich population.
Results:
Of the 218 participants enrolled, 8.7% (n=19, 95% CI: 5.5-13.5%) were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 during the first pandemic wave, higher than that of the general male population in Zurich aged 20-65 (5.5%, 95% CI: 3.8–8.2%). Participants on average reduced their social outings, but the seronegative were more socially active before, during, and after the first lockdown period. In a logistic model, increasing mean sexual partner count was not associated with seropositivity (OR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.8, 1.0), but increasing number of trips abroad was associated with higher seropositivity (p=0.06, OR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.3). The estimated risk ratio for seropositivity for the participants compared to the general Zurich population after propensity score matching was 1.5 (95% CI: 0.53, 4.0). 94% of participants reported later receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.
Discussion:
Our study suggests that COVID-19 seropositivity was slightly elevated among people taking PrEP in Zurich during the first wave of the pandemic, but that socializing and sexual activity were less important than other factors in contributing to risk.
Acupuncture and related therapy for constipation predominant irritable bowel syndrome: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kang Xueling , Zhang Honglin , Li Xiaying , Huang Zhansheng , Zhang Kai , Li Yuanyuan , Chai Yemao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: This study was aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and related therapies onirritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) in adults and providing guidance for clinical treatment.
Methods: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP databases were searched to obtain clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture and related therapies in the treatment of IBS-C published from establishment of the database to January 2023. The literature was evaluated for quality using the Cochrane 5.3 risk of bias assessment tool, and StataSE 15.0 and GeMTC 0.14.3 software was used fornetwork Meta-analysis (NMA).
Results: 27 studies were included eventually in the NMA, involving 7 acupuncture-related therapies.The results of NMA showed that 7 acupuncture-related therapies were more effective than western medicine. Total effective rate showed that acupoint injection combined with medicine was the most effective therapy (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 2.01, 41.74, P<0.05). The recovery rate showed that acupoint catgut embedding was the best treatment of IBS-C (OR=8.38, 95% CI: 2.65, 38.00, P<0.05). The total effective rate on follow-up showed that acupoint injection combined with medicine had the best-sustained effect.
Conclusion: Acupuncture-related therapies are more clinically effective than conventional medicine in the treatment of IBS-C. Acupoint injection combined with medicine has the best effect on both short and long-term efficiency and combination therapy may be more advantageous. However, the existing studies have limitations, and more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.
Causal relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and respiratory tuberculosis susceptibility: A two-sample Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Aili Abulikemu , Zhang Yan , Wang Xiaomin , Wen Baofeng , Wang Junan , Cao Mingqin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The causal relationship between COPD and respiratory TB is still unclear due to limited evidence from prospective studies. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the causal relationship between COPD and respiratory TB using this two-sample Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomization (BWMR) study.
Methods The genetic instrumental variants (IVs) for COPD and respiratory TB were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS project in 2021. The inverse variance weighted (IWV) method was used as the main statistical analysis method and was supplemented with weighted median and BWMR methods. Pleiotropy was tested using the MR-PRESSO global test and MR-Egger regression. Heterogeneity was analyzed using Cochran's Q statistics. The robustness of the results was tested using the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis method.
Results In our two-sample BWMR analysis, we found that patients with COPD had a higher risk of respiratory TB based on IVW (OR = 1.259, 95% CI for OR: 1.011–1.568; p = 0.040), weighted median (OR = 1.287, 95% CI for OR: 0.981–1.688; p = 0 .069) and BWMR (OR = 1.240, 95% CI for OR: 1.013–1.518; p = 0.037). Reverse BWMR analysis showed that respiratory TB has no causal effect on COPD. We found no significant pleiotropy or heterogeneity in all selected IVs. The results were stable when removing the SNPs one by one.
Conclusion This two-sample BWMR study provided compelling evidence that individuals with COPD are at a higher risk of respiratory TB at the genetic level, while respiratory TB has no causal effect on COPD.