bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiomic biomarkers of locoregional recurrence: prognostic insights from oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma preoperative CT scans
Authors: Ling Xiao , Alexander Gregory S. , Molitoris Jason , Choi Jinhyuk , Schumaker Lisa , Tran Phuoc , Mehra Ranee , Gaykalova Daria , Ren Lei 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to identify CT-based imaging biomarkers for locoregional recurrence (LR) in Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) patients.MethodsComputed tomography scans were collected from 78 patients with OSCC who underwent surgical treatment at a single medical center. We extracted 1,092 radiomic features from gross tumor volume in each patient’s pre-treatment CT. Clinical characteristics were also obtained, including race, sex, age, tobacco and alcohol use, tumor staging, and treatment modality. A feature selection algorithm was used to eliminate the most redundant features, followed by a selection of the best subset of the Logistic regression model (LRM). The best LRM model was determined based on the best prediction accuracy in terms of the area under Receiver operating characteristic curve. Finally, significant radiomic features in the final LRM model were identified as imaging biomarkers.Results and discussionTwo radiomics biomarkers, Large Dependence Emphasis (LDE) of the Gray Level Dependence Matrix (GLDM) and Long Run Emphasis (LRE) of the Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM) of the 3D Laplacian of Gaussian (LoG σ=3), have demonstrated the capability to preoperatively distinguish patients with and without LR, exhibiting exceptional testing specificity (1.00) and sensitivity (0.82). The group with LRE &gt; 2.99 showed a 3-year recurrence-free survival rate of 0.81, in contrast to 0.49 for the group with LRE ≤ 2.99. Similarly, the group with LDE &gt; 120 showed a rate of 0.82, compared to 0.49 for the group with LDE ≤ 120. These biomarkers broaden our understanding of using radiomics to predict OSCC progression, enabling personalized treatment plans to enhance patient survival.
Alpha and beta diversity of functional traits in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved secondary forest communities
Authors: Yao Liangjin , Wu Chuping , Wang Zhigao , Jiang Bo 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionIntra-speciic variation is the main source of functional trait diversity and has similar ecological effects as inter-speciic variation.MethodsWe studied 79 species and 3546 individuals from 50 ixed monitoring plots in subtropical evergreen broad - leaved secondary forests in Zhejiang Province, China. Using trait gradient analysis, we examined nine traits (speciic leaf area, leaf dry matter content, wood density, leaf area, chlorophyll content, leaf nitrogen content, leaf phosphorus content, leaf potassium content, and nitrogen-phosphorus ratio) by decomposing species functional traits into alpha (within-community) and beta (among-communities) measure the impact of environmental gradients and the presence of other species on the variation of traits.ResultAll nine functional traits showed some degree of differentiation in the forest communities, with a greater range of variation in alpha values than in beta values . Correlations were signiicantly different between the trait differences in the communities. The alpha values of each trait showed a higher correlation with other components than the beta values. The factors affecting intra-speciic trait variation were relatively complex. The alpha component had a more signiicant and stronger effect on intra-speciic trait variation compared to the beta component. Abiotic factors, such as soil nutrient content, soil nitrogen-phosphorus content, directly affected the beta component. In contrast, biotic factors, such as tree height variation, had a direct and stronger effect on the alpha component.DiscussionOur results demonstrate that alpha and beta components, as independent differentiation axes among coexisting species, have different sensitivities to different environmental factors and traits in different ecological strategies and spatial scales. Trait gradient analysis can more clearly reveal the variation patterns of species traits in communities, which will help to understand the scale effects and potential mechanisms of trait relationships.
Subjective experiences of tertiary student pianists with playing-related musculoskeletal disorder: a transcendental phenomenological analysis
Authors: Xiaoyu Miao , Musib Ahmad Faudzi , Selvarajah Indra V. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe literature suggests that the medical community needs musicians to provide an insider’s perspective to understand the physical and psychological dimensions of playing an instrument, and healthcare providers need to understand musicians’ experiences in order to develop coping strategies. Compared with professional pianists, student pianists are a neglected group. However, student and professional pianists both want to maintain their playing careers and have the experience of giving up playing because of playing-related musculoskeletal disorder (PRMD). There are a few studies conducted on student pianists’ experiences with PRMD, but none have been conducted in the Chinese context. Given the distinctive characteristics of higher music education in China and Chinese piano students, this study aims to investigate the lived experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD.MethodsPhenomenology is the most suitable qualitative method for investigating lived experiences. This study employed a transcendental phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of student pianists, collecting data through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. Since phenomenological research emphasizes the homogeneity of research subjects, all 25 participants in this study are tertiary student pianists from seven Chinese higher education institutions.ResultsFour themes and ten sub-themes were identified in this study. They are as follows: Theme one, Perceptions of PRMD, with sub-themes of body perceptions, negative thought, and emotional changes; Theme two, Complex Identity, with sub-themes of future pianists’ identity, nuanced identity of student pianists, and the dual identity between student pianist and patient; Theme three, Coping Strategies, with sub-themes of self-regulation and actively seek help from social relations; Theme four, Influences and Meanings, with sub-themes of negative influences of PRMD and positive meanings of PRMD.ConclusionThis study explores the experiences of tertiary student pianists with PRMD, including their subjective thoughts and feelings. It also highlights the importance of understanding tertiary student pianists’ experiences in developing health education and healthcare measures tailored to them.
A virtually supervised exercise program improved fitness and mental wellness in healthy and comorbidity older adult individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Canton-Martínez Ermilo , Rentería Iván , Machado-Parra Juan Pablo , Reyes Rubén Avilés , Moncada-Jiménez José , Johnson David K. , Gonzalez Olga Molinero , Del Valle Alfonso Salguero , Jiménez-Maldonado Alberto 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic affected older adults worldwide. Sedentary older adults experienced more severe adverse health effects due to their shelter-in-place. Physical activity was strongly recommended during periods of social distancing. The present study evaluated the impact of a virtually supervised exercise program on the physical fitness and mental health of Mexican older adults during the pandemic’s lockdown.MethodsParticipants were 44 older adults who were assigned to one of four physical fitness groups: a healthy control group (Ctrl-H, n = 15), a comorbidity control group (Ctrl-COM, n = 9), an exercise group without comorbidities (Exe-H, n = 11), and an exercise group with comorbidities (Exe-COM, n = 9). The participants engaged in a 60-min, virtually-supervised concurrent exercise session three times/week for 12 weeks. Fitness was measured using the online Senior Fitness Tests and the 4-m Gait Speed Test. Mental health was evaluated through virtual interviews using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Within-subject pre vs. post-intervention comparisons tested for significant differences, between-groups and over time.ResultsSignificant interactions were found in the scores of the Geriatric Depression Scale (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.35), the Hamilton Depression Scale (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.35), resilience scores (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.46), lower-body strength (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.32), timed up-and-go test (p = 0.018; ηp2 = 0.18), the 6MWT distance scores (p ≤ 0.0001; ηp2 = 0.39), and the 4-m gait speed test scores (p = 0.011; ηp2 = 0.20).ConclusionA long-term virtually-supervised exercise program conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown period led to marked improvements in both the fitness and mental health of older Mexican adults. Comorbidities did not diminish these benefits. These findings provide empirical support for online exercise programs in the daily routines of older adults to make clinically meaningful improvements in both physical and mental well-being.
The Reduction of Anastomosis-Related Morbidity Using the Kono-S Anastomosis in Patients with Crohn’s Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Baloyiannis Ioannis , Perivoliotis Konstantinos , Sarakatsianou Chamaidi , Chatzinikolaou Charito , Tzovaras George 
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: we conducted this study to evaluate the effect of Kono-S anastomosis on postoperative morbidity after bowel resection for Crohn’s disease. (2) Methods: This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The primary endpoint was the overall complications rate. Secondary outcomes included specific complications analyses, disease recurrence and efficiency endpoints. A systematic literature screening was performed in major electronic scholar databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science), from inception to 17 January 2024. Both Random (RE) and Fixed Effects (FE) models were estimated; the reported analysis was based on the Cochran Q test results. (3) Results: Overall, eight studies and 913 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled analyses confirmed that Kono-S was not superior in terms of overall morbidity (OR: 0.69 [0.42, 1.15], p = 0.16). Kono-S displayed a reduced risk for anastomotic leakage (OR: 0.34 [0.16, 0.71], p = 0.004) and reoperation (OR: 0.12 [0.05, 0.27], p < 0.001), and a shortened length of hospital stay (WMD: −0.54 [−0.73, −0.34], p < 0.001). On the contrary, Kono-S results in higher rates of postoperative SSIs (OR: 1.85 [1.02, 3.35], p = 0.04). (4) Conclusions: This study confirms a comparable morbidity, but a lower risk of anastomotic leak and reoperation of Kono-S over conventional anastomoses. Further high quality studies are required to validate these findings.
Estimation and Prediction of Commodity Returns Using Long Memory Volatility Models
Authors: Basira Kisswell , Dhliwayo Lawrence , Chinhamu Knowledge , Chifurira Retius , Matarise Florence 
Published: April 2024

Modelling the volatility of commodity prices and creating more reliable models for estimating and forecasting commodity price returns are crucial. The body of research on statistical models that can fully reflect the empirical characteristics of commodity price returns is lacking. The main aim of this research was to develop a modelling framework that could be used to accurately estimate and forecast commodity price returns by combining long memory models with heavy-tailed distributions. This study employed dual hybrid long-memory generalised autoregressive conditionally heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models with heavy-tailed innovations, namely, the Student-t distribution (StD), skewed-Student-t distribution (SStD), and the generalised error distribution (GED). Based on the smallest forecasting metrics values for mean absolute error (MAE) and mean squared error (MSE) values, the best performing LM-GARCH-type model for lithium is the ARFIMA (1, o, 1)-FIAPARCH (1, ξ, 1) with normal innovations. For tobacco, the best model is ARFIMA (1, o, 1)-FIGARCH (1, ξ, 1) with SStD innovations. The robust performing model for gold is the ARFIMA (1, o, 1)-FIGARCH (1, ξ, 1)-GED model. The best performing forecasting model for crude oil and cotton returns are the FIAPARCH 1,ξ, 1−SStD model and HYGARCH 1,ξ, 1−StD model, respectively. The results obtained from this study would be beneficial to those concerned with financial market modelling techniques, such as derivative pricing, risk management, asset allocation, and valuation.
Generating Spatiotemporal Seamless Data of Clear-Sky Land Surface Temperature Using Synthetic Aperture Radar, Digital Elevation Mode, and Machine Learning over Vegetation Areas
Authors: Li Jingbo , Yang Hao , Chen Weinan , Li Changchun , Yang Guijun 
Published: April 2024

The continuous retrieval of clear-sky land surface temperature (LST) holds paramount importance in monitoring vegetation temperature and assessing water stress conditions. Nonetheless, the extensive cloud cover results in a widespread lack of LST data, posing challenges in accurately forecasting LST in regions characterized by diverse vegetation types and complex terrains. Therefore, this paper proposes a synthetic aperture radar (SAR)- and digital elevation model (DEM)-integrated LST reconstruction model (SDX-LST) to generate realistic and high-spatial-resolution (30 m) clear-sky LST data. To assess the practicality and robustness of the SDX-LST model, this paper selects the study areas of Loess Plateau (LP), Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Northeast China Plain, Nanling Mountains, and North China Plain in China, Desert Rock, Nevada in America, spanning a wide range of longitude and latitude and having obvious differences in topography, landforms, and vegetation. The analysis of the reconstruction results in different spatial location distributions, vegetation cover types, and multidate and time distributions throughout the year indicate that the SDX-LST model achieves excellent performance and high stability (with a mean absolute error lower than 2K). The SDX-LST predictions demonstrate a commendable level of consistency with the ERA5-hourly product and in situ data. We conclude that the integration of SAR and DEM within the SDX-LST model enables precise predictions of LST for various vegetation types and intricate terrains. The study quantitatively analyzes the effects of SAR and DEM on LST and introduces novel insights for exploring SAR-based reconstruction of LST.
Integrating Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics to Uncover and Elucidate GP73-Mediated Pro-Angiogenic Regulatory Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ye Jiazhou , Gao Xing , Huang Xi , Huang Shilin , Zeng Dandan , Luo Wenfeng , Zeng Can , Lu Cheng , Lu Lu , Huang Hongyang , Mo Kaixiang , Huang Julu , Li Shizhou , Tang Minchao , Wu Tianzhun , Mai Rongyun , Luo Min , Xie Mingzhi , Wang Shan , Li Yongqiang , Lin Yan , Liang Rong 
Published: April 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was characterized as being hypervascular. In the present study, we generated a single-cell spatial transcriptomic landscape of the vasculogenic etiology of HCC and illustrated overexpressed Golgi phosphoprotein 73 (GP73) HCC cells exerting cellular communication with vascular endothelial cells with high pro-angiogenesis potential via multiple receptor–ligand interactions in the process of tumor vascular development. Specifically, we uncovered an interactive GP73-mediated regulatory network coordinated with c-Myc, lactate, Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signals in HCC cells and elucidated its pro-angiogenic roles in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that GP73, the pivotal hub gene, was activated by histone lactylation and c-Myc, which stimulated the phosphorylation of downstream STAT3 by directly binding STAT3 and simultaneously enhancing glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78)-induced ERS. STAT3 potentiates GP73-mediated pro-angiogenic functions. Clinically, serum GP73 levels were positively correlated with HCC response to anti-angiogenic regimens and were essential for a prognostic nomogram showing good predictive performance for determining 6-month and 1-year survival in patients with HCC treated with anti-angiogenic therapy. Taken together, the aforementioned data characterized the pro-angiogenic roles and mechanisms of a GP73-mediated network and proved that GP73 is a crucial tumor angiogenesis niche gene with favorable anti-angiogenic potential in the treatment of HCC.
Impact Assessment of Patient Experience Capacity-Building Program Using Kirkpatrick Model for Program Evaluation at a Regional Healthcare System
Authors: Abid Muhammad Hasan , Al Shehri Nada , Din Shaikh Muhammad Saif Ud , Mir Mahmood , Al Nofeye Jamal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The patient experience (PX) is central to improving the quality of healthcare services. We launched a PX capacity- and capability-building program at the Armed Forces Hospitals Taif Region, which is integral to our regional healthcare cluster transformation plans and is an initial step toward developing a culture of improvement in human experience in healthcare.

Methods
A multidisciplinary PX committee recruited five frontline interprofessional PX heads, one from each of our regional healthcare hospitals. The Kirkpatrick model for program evaluation was used to assess the impact on four key levels: reaction, learning, behavior, and results. A pre-program competency assessment was conducted to evaluate the level of expertise across various PX competencies, and a program curriculum was developed accordingly. Participants underwent an intensive workshop-based PX capacity-building training program. A post-program competency assessment was performed along with a post-program survey. The PX-related activities led by interprofessional frontline PX heads at their respective hospitals’ post-programs were tracked. The impact on the regional PX mean score across various settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings, was measured using Press Ganey PX surveys. Our work is reported in accordance with the SQUIRE-EDU guidelines of the EQUATOR network.

Results
The PX capacity-building program led to a significant improvement in participants’ expertise across various PX competencies. Significant improvements beyond the strategic targets were observed in the PX mean score in inpatient departments pre-program (83.31) vs. post-program (86.34), with a p-value of &lt; 0.001 across the regional healthcare system.

Conclusion
The PX capacity-building program is a first step toward major cultural change amid the healthcare cluster transformation in our regional healthcare system. The Kirkpatrick model helps evaluate the impact of PX capacity- and capability-building training programs comprehensively through an organizational approach. Sustainable improvements in PX over a long period through a capacity-building program alone remain challenging.
EFEKTIVITAS PELAKSANAAN PROGRAM KB WANITA DI DESA GALAGAH KECAMATAN SUNGAI TABUKAN KABUPATEN HULU SUNGAI UTARA
Authors: Barkatullah Barkatullah , Setiawati Budi 
Published: April 2024

Program KB Wanita merupakan salah satu sub-kegiatan dalam skema pembangunan kependudukan di Indonesia dalam beberapa periode pemerintahan terakhir. Di Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Utara, Program KB Wanita di berbagai kecamatan tidak semuanya berjalan efektif, tak terkecuali di Kecamatan Sungai Tabukan yang merupakan Kecamatan baru pasca pemekaran dengan Kecamatan Sungai Pandan. Oleh sebab itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektifitas pelaksanaan Program KB Wanita di desa Galagah Kecamatan Sungai Tabukan Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Utara.
Guna pelaksanaan penelitian, ditempuh metode penelitian bercorak deskriptif-kualitatif dengan sejumlah informan kunci secara purposive sampling. Data yang dikumpulkan melalui teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi dianalisa dengan jalan data reduction, data display, dan conclusion drawing/verification. Adapun uji keabsahan data dilakukan melalui perpanjangan pengamatan, meningkatkan ketekunan, triangulasi, analisis kasus negatif, menggunakan bahan referensi, serta mengadakan member check.
Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diketahui efektifitas pelaksanaan Program KB Wanita di desa Galagah Kecamatan Sungai Tabukan Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Utara tidak terpenuhi. Dari segi ukuran dan tujuan kebijakan, diketahui sudah bersifat realistis. Berikutnya dari segi sumber daya, diketahui ketersediaan petugas belum memadai meskipun ketersediaan anggaran pemerintah dan ketersediaan waktu sudah sama-sama terlihat efektif. Selanjutnya, dari segi karakteristik agen pelaksana, diketahui keterlibatan organisasi formal sudah efektif. Begitupun juga organisasi informal. Menyangkut segi sikap atau kecenderungan para pelaksana, diketahui semua agen pelaksana bersikap menerima serta mendukung dengan bersikap pro-aktif dan berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan-kegiatan terkait, juga memberikan pelayanan masyarakat dalam hal penggunaan alat kontrasepsi. Kemudian dari segi komunikasi antar organisasi dan aktivitas pelaksana, diketahui koordinasi belum berjalan efektif oleh karena minimnya komunikasi di antara instansi terkait. Terakhir, dari segi lingkungan ekonomi, sosial, dan politik, diketahui dalam hal lingkungan ekonomi telah berlangsung efektif sebab untuk biaya alat kontrasepsi tergolong terjangkau bahkan sebagian telah digratiskan oleh pemerintah. Untuk lingkungan sosial belum berjalan efektif di mana partisipasi masyarakat tergolong rendah sedangkan dalam hal lingkungan politik sudah efektif, sebab dalam pelaksanaannya mendapat dukungan penuh dari pemerintah daerah.
Untuk meningkatkan efektifitas pelaksanaan Program KB Wanita di Desa Galagah Kecamatan Sungai Tabukan, hendaknya Koordinator BPKB Kecamatan lebih aktif dalam kegiatan pembinaan kepada para kader PPKBD dan sub-sub PPKBD. Kepala Puskesmas agar mengikutsertakan bidan desa Galagah pada pelatihan mengenai MKJP terutama untuk implan dan IUD. Adapun kader PPKBD, sub PPKBD, dan anggotanya seyogyanya dapat menggalakkan kegiatan sosialisasi dengan mengikutsertakan tokoh agama/tokoh masyarakat.