bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Upper Limb Kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy After Lower Limb Surgery
Authors: Gokceoglu Yasar Samet , Bilgili Fuat , Sardogan Cansu , Koyuncu Dağhan , Akalan Ekin , Demirel Mehmet 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Backround
Cerebral palsy (CP), which is characterized by movement and posture disorders, is a neurological disorder that affects the movement of both the lower and upper extremities. Current research on gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy is mostly focused on the lower extremities, whereas research on the upper extremities is limited to three-dimensional gait analysis. However, in many countries, visual gait analysis is used instead of three-dimensional gait analysis owing to its high cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lower extremity surgery in children with cerebral palsy using visual gait analysis and to determine whether upper extremity kinematics change after lower extremity surgery.
Methods
The study included 30 children (17 diplegic and 13 hemiplegic) with a mean age of 8.9 years and 29 healthy children (15 boys and 14 girls) with a mean age of 9.3 years. The efficacy of the surgical procedure was determined using Edinburgh Visual Gait Scores before and after surgery. Bilateral upper limb kinematics, including wrist, elbow, shoulder, trunk, and head flexion/extension angles, as well as trunk and head lateral flexion and shoulder abduction in the coronal plane during the initial contact and mid-stance phases, were measured during all gait phases using Kinovea 0.9.5 software by 2 different observers. Preoperative, postoperative, and control groups were compared by ANOVA. The ICC test was used to evaluate the interobserver reliability between the 2 observers. Student’s t test was used to compare EVGS scores.
Results
Postoperative outcomes at the wrist and elbow were found to differ in the sagittal plane, with notable adjustments in the flexion/extension angles during the initial contact and midstance phases. In addition, compared with those in the preoperative phase, the Edinburgh Scale (Edinburgh) score showed favorable postoperative improvements.
Conclusions
This study revealed changes in the kinematics of the upper extremities after lower extremity surgery. However, further prospective randomized controlled trials with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and increase the validity of these measurements.
Trial Registration
This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT05957783, titled "Changes in Upper Limb Kinematics in Children with Cerebral Palsy After Lower Limb Surgery." The trial was publicly registered on 07/24/2023 to ensure transparency and reproducibility of the research process. The party responsible for the trial registration was Yaşar Samet Gökçeoğlu, which is contactable via sametgokceoglu@gmail.com.
Precision medicine targets for prostate cancers in African American men
Authors: jung mira 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
To investigate molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer health disparities, the primary prostate epithelial cell cultures were established from the tumors and adjacent non-tumor tissues of prostatectomy specimens of African American (AA) men surgically treated for cancer. We performed whole genome sequencing of 10 tumor samples paired with 10 non-tumor controls derived from the same donors using next generation sequencing technologies. Here, we report that tumor cells harbor various mutations with insertion/deletion variants, some of which are unique in individual specimens. Comparative analyses of genomic profiling revealed that 40% of the cohort harbored more than 20 mutated genes with high impactful consequences, coinciding with clinical-pathological characteristics of patients, including higher Gleason’s grade and T3 clinical stage. Several mutated genes were oncogenes or potentially oncogenic variants of tumor suppressors, affecting key pathways in the carcinogenic process. Our study highlights unique somatic gene alterations in AA patient-derived prostate tumor cells offering potentially targetable drivers in support of precision medicine for individual prostate cancers rather than disease specific therapies.
Analysis of the Impact of Digital Literacy on Life Satisfaction (2019- 2022) for Older Adults in South Korea: A National Community-Based Panel Study
Authors: Lee Hocheol 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study analyzed the effects of digital literacy on life satisfaction in older adults aged 65 years and above in modern day Korea. It utilized raw data from the 2019–2022 Report on the Digital Divide, an annual survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Science and Information and Communications Technology. A total of 4,216 participants were assessed from 2019–2022. Correlation between digital literacy and life satisfaction was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis and polynomial linear regression analysis. Life satisfaction was significantly positively correlated with digital access, digital competency, and digital utilization in all the years. In 2019, participants’ life satisfaction score rose significantly by 0.15 with every one-point increase in digital competency. It further rose by 0.035 in 2020, 0.030 in 2021, and 0.116 in 2022. Digital literacy was consistently positively correlated with life satisfaction in each year from 2019–2022. Of the three main elements, digital competency had the strongest impact and digital information, income, and education level also significantly impacted life satisfaction. While digital competency improved steadily from 2019 to 2022, it remains below 50% for Korea’s older adult population. Further efforts are required to improve digital competency and subsequent life satisfaction among Korea’s older adult population.
Horizontal gene transfer from chloroplast to mitochondria of seagrasses in the Yellow–Bohai Seas
Authors: Yong Yu-shun , Qin Hua-Wei , Wen Yun , Zhou Yue , Ma Rui-Xue , Zhong Ming-Yu , Zhang Quan-Sheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Seagrasses are ideal for studying plant adaptation to marine environments. A previous study reported the transfer of lost chloroplast (cp) genes to the nuclear genome. However, it remains unclear whether the lost cp genes were transferred to the mitochondrial (mt) genome.
Result: A divergent evolutionary trajectory was determined between cp and mt genomes across four seagress species. The cp genome exhibited a more stable genome structure, while the mt genome displayed structural diversity. Compared to other monocotyledons, these seagrasses have smaller mt genomes. This study revealed significant gene loss during evolution, including the complete loss of all cp-rpl19 genes in Zosteraceae; most of cp-ndh genes in Hydrocharitaceae; and mt-rpl and mt-rps genes in all seagrasses, except for the mt-rpl16 gene in P. iwatensis. Notably, most ribosomal protein genes were lost in both mt and cp genomes. Horizontal gene transfer showed that the deleted cp genes were not transferred to the mt genome. Extensive sequence transfer between the organelles of the four seagrasses was discovered, with the mt genome of Zostera containing a large portion of DNA transferred from the cp genome. Rearrangement analyses revealed an inversion in the cp genome of R. sinensis, which had not been reported previously. Moreover, four positively selected genes (atp8, nad5, atp4, and ccmFn) and five variable regions (matR, atp4, atp8, rps7, and ccmFn) were identified in seagrasses, potentially associated with their adaptation to the marine environment.
Conclusion: In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete organelle genome of R. sinensis. This study enriches the genomic resources and provides new evidence of dynamic gene evolution in seagrasses.
The RNAi enhancer enoxacin inhibits the growth and migration of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Torabi Parisa , Torkian Hanieh , Miri Seyed Rohullah , Moradi Sharif 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. A decrease in the global expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) is observed in various types of cancer, including esophageal cancer. It has been found that the small molecule enoxacin serves as an RNA interference (RNAi) enhancer, increasing the maturation rate of various cellular miRNAs. Here, we show that enoxacin significantly reduces the growth characteristics of ESCC cell lines. It induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells, leading to a clear decrease in ESCC cell number and viability. In addition, enoxacin suppresses the ability of cells to migrate and decreases their capacity to form colonies. Mechanistically, we reveal that enoxacin promotes the maturation of miRNAs through the stimulation of TARBP2 protein, the physical partner of DICER1. Taken together, enoxacin potently blocks the growth, motility, and clonogenicity of ESCC cells, paving the way for further investigation of this small-molecule chemical in animal models of ESCC.
Effect of Low-level Laser on Proliferation, Angiogenic and Dentinogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Shakoori Shahrzad , Fazlyab Mahta , Esnaashari Ehsan , Savadkouhi Sohrab Tour 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: The aim was to evaluate the effect of single and double doses of low-level laser irradiation on proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and dentine sialoprotein (DSP).
Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, after confirming the stemness of DPSCs, the cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) for MTT assay and VEGF-ELISA and osteogenic medium for DSP-ELISA. The wells containing DPSCs were divided into three main groups and 9 subgroups (n=7). In groups with single low-level laser, 660-nm diode laser was irradiated at 100 mW and 3 J/cm2 energy density for 15 seconds. In groups with double doses of low-level laser the second identical irradiation was after 48 hours. The MTT-assay and ELISA for DSP/VEGF (dentinogenic/angiogenic differentiation) were performed at 1, 7 and 14 days post irradiation. Using the SPSS software 20 (SPSS, Chicago, Ill, USA) with 95% confidence interval (P=0.05), a two-way ANOVA test with Tukey’s post hoc test was used for the effect of LLLI on VEGF and DSP. The One-Way ANOVA was used for of cell proliferation.
Results: Higher proliferation rate in both single and double low-level laser was reported. The difference was statistically significant for double doses of low-level laser (P=0.001, P=0.020 and P=0.000 for 1, 7 and 14 days, respectively). Also after one, 7 and 14 days, cells in significant increase in DSP (P>0.05) and VEGF (P>0.05) was observed that was significantly higher for double doses of low-level laser.
Conclusions: Low level laser enhanced the mitochondrial activity and proliferation of DPSCs. Increased production of DSP/VEGF indicates dentinogenic/angiogenic activity.
Clinical relevance: Low level laser increases the proliferation of DPSCs, elevates the production of VEGF (which means better angiogenesis in regenerative treatments) and increases the production of DSP (which means better dentinogenesis in vital pulp treatments)
Effect of body mass index on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced cancer: Is the obesity paradox real?
Authors: Şen Gülin Alkan , Öztaş Nihan Şentürk , Değerli Ezgi , Guliyev Murad , Turna Hande , Özgüroğlu Mustafa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Recent studies have shown that an increased body mass index (BMI) is associated with an improved response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). We evaluated the association between BMI and response to the ICIs in solid tumors.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with advanced cancer treated with ICIs at one academic center between 2014-2022. We calculated the BMI based on the weight of the patients when they started ICI treatment and divided the patients into two groups: underweight/normal weight (BMI < 25) and overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25) and compared the treatment responses between these two groups. After excluding underweight patients, we also compared the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of normal-weight, overweight, and obese patients.
Results: Overall, 130 patients were evaluated. The median age was 61, and 83.8% were male. 53 (40.7) patients had BMI <25 and 77 (59.3) patients had a BMI ≥ 25. In underweight/normal patients, median PFS was 7.7 months (95% CI: 4.9–10.4) vs 8.7 months (95% CI: 2.6–14.9) in overweight/obese patients (HR 1.03, 95% CI: 0.69–1.53), p = 0.865). In underweight/normal patients, the median OS was 22.1 months (95% CI: 11.1-33.1) compared to 21.3 months (95% CI: 13.8–28.8) in overweight/obese patients (HR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.67–1.57, p = 0.898). The objective response rate (ORR) was 39.6% in underweight/normal patients and 40.3% in overweight/obese patients (p = 0.942). After excluding underweight patients, there were also no significant differences in PFS (p = 0.962), OS (p = 0.609), and ORR (p = 0.815) between patients of normal weight, overweight, and obesity.
Conclusion: In patients with advanced cancer treated with ICIs, there is no impact of BMI on PFS, OS, or ORR. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the prognostic impact of dynamic changes of BMI on the response to ICIs.
Fault Model of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake Based on Aftershock, Tsunami, and GNSS Data
Authors: Mizutani Ayumu , Adriano Bruno , Mas Erick , Koshimura Shunichi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

On January 1, 2024, at 16:10 (local time), a magnitude (Mw) 7.5 earthquake occurred on the Noto Peninsula, Japan. Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale of 7 was observed and a tsunami warning was issued for a wide area along the Japan Sea. In this study, we constructed the ﬁnite fault model of this earthquake. First, we estimated the fault geometry based on the aftershock within 7 days after the mainshock, and then, estimated the slip distribution using the tsunami and GNSS data. Most of the obtained fault geometry agreed with the one detected by the Japan Sea earthquake and tsunami project (JSPJ) in the strike angle but not in the dip angle; the angles were more gradual. The slip distribution had two large slip areas on the east and west sides of the hypocenter. The model also indicated that the eastern part of the fault, or the fault buried under the sea ﬂoor, generated the tsunami which was dominant east of the peninsula. In the west of the peninsula, on the other hand, the tsunami generated by the westernmost fault, or the inland fault under the peninsula, hit ﬁrst, and then the tsunami propagating from the east of the peninsula arrived.
Two-year Follow-up of Internet-based Parent Training with Telephone Coaching Aimed at Treating Child Disruptive Behaviors in a Clinical Setting during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sourander Saana , Westerlund Minja , Baumel Amit , Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki Susanna , Ristkari Terja , Kurki Marjo , Sourander Andre 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
There is a lack of studies examining the long-term outcomes of internet-based parent training programs implemented in clinical settings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objective:
To study two-year outcomes of families with 3–8-year-old children referred from family counseling centers to the Finnish Strongest Families Smart Website (SFSW), which provides digital parent training with telephone coaching aimed at treating child disruptive behaviors.
Methods
Counseling centers in Helsinki identified 50 3–8-year-old children with high levels of disruptive behavioral problems. Child psychopathology and functioning as well as parenting styles and parental mental health were reported by parents at baseline, posttreatment and at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-ups.
Results
The SFSW program had positive long-term effects on child psychopathology and parenting skills. Improvements in child psychopathology, including Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) total score (Cohen’s d = 0.47, p < .001), SDQ conduct scores (Cohen’s d = 0.65; p < .001) and Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) irritability scores (Cohen’s d = 0.52; p < .001) were maintained until the 24-month follow-up. Similarly, treatment effects of parenting skills measured with the Parenting Scale, including overreactivity (Cohen’s d = 0.41; p = .001) and laxness (Cohen’s d = 0.26; p = .021), were maintained until the 24-month follow-up. Parent training did not have a long-term effect on parental hostility (Cohen’s d = − 0.04; p = .70).
Conclusions:
The study shows that the SFSW parent training program can yield significant long-term benefits. Findings indicate that the benefits of the treatment may vary between different parenting profiles, which is important to consider when developing more personalized parenting interventions.
Identifying and testing adaptive management options to increase river catchment system resilience using a Bayesian Network model
Authors: Adams Kerr James , Metzger Marc J. , Helliwell Rachel , Melville Nicola , Macleod Christopher (Kit) A. J. , Pritchard Jim , Edwards Katie , Glendell Miriam 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The cumulative impacts of future climatic and socio-economic change threaten the ability of freshwater catchments to provide essential ecosystem services. Stakeholders who manage freshwaters require decision-support tools that increase their understanding of catchment system resilience and support the appraisal of adaptive management options to inform decision-making. Our research aims to test the ability of a Bayesian Network model to identify adaptive management scenarios and test their effectiveness across future pathways to 2050. Using the predominantly arable Eden catchment (320 km2), in eastern Scotland as a case study, we invited stakeholders from multiple sectors to participate in a series of workshops aimed at addressing water resource issues and achieving good ecological status in the catchment both now and in the future. Our participatory methods helped stakeholders overcome multiple layers of complexity and uncertainty associated with future-focused water management. Outputs of a Bayesian Network model simulated both current and future catchment resilience to inform the identification of five management scenarios. The effectiveness of each management scenario was tested using the Bayesian Network model. Three adaptive management scenarios increased catchment resilience and helped achieve good status; a ‘Nature-Based’ management scenario including options such as wetland wastewater treatment methods and rural sustainable drainage systems, a ‘Best Available Technology’ scenario, including aerobic granular sludge treatment, and a management scenario focused on ‘Resource Centres’, including phosphorus recovery from wastewater treatment works and constructed lagoons for crop irrigation. Findings led to a recognition that innovative and collaborative action was required to improve the current and future freshwater conditions.
Variable resolution in scale-resolved simulations of turbulence
Authors: Carlsson Magnus , Wallin Stefan , Girimaji Sharath 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A new formulation for scale-resolved simulations of turbulence with variable resolution (VR) is proposed. A delayed detached-eddy simulation (DDES) model based on the k − ω framework is extended with VR-terms representing the commutation terms arising from variable resolution defined in terms of the DDES length scale. The VR-terms are responsible for the exchange of turbulence kinetic energy between the resolved and unresolved partitioning of the computational representation of turbulent flow. The new formulation is implemented in a general-purpose CFD code and applied on two cases, namely, a mixing shear layer and a wall-mounted hump and have been compared with and combined with the baseline model and two additional grey-area mitigation (GAM) formulations. The proposed method is shown to provide the mechanism for the exchange of energy between unresolved and resolved representation of the flow and to enhance the transition from modelled to resolved turbulence and thus improve the prediction of the resolved Reynolds stresses, development of the vorticity thickness for the shear layer flow and the skin friction recovery length for the hump flow.
Characterization of maternally derived antibody titers against porcine circovirus type 2 in serum of piglets and identification of piglets at elevated risk of infection
Authors: Ukita Makoto , Kano Yukine , Taharaguchi Saya , Takino Tadashi , Makita Kohei , Hagiwara Katsuro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is commonly associated with several clinical syndromes and diseases collectively referred to as porcine circovirus-associated disease, which has a significant economic impact on the global swine industry. In Japan, PCV2 is endemic to most pig farms, and vaccination for piglets and/or sows has been implemented on most farms. The present study explored factors associated with piglets at elevated risk of PCV2 infection. Pre-vaccination serum samples were collected, from birth through 19 days, from 39 piglets born to five sows; these specimens were used to measure the titer of maternally derived antibody (MDA) against PCV2, immunoglobulin G concentration, and total protein concentration. Additionally, records of sow parity and piglet body weights were examined.
Results
Regarding anti-PCV2 MDA, the mean maximum sample-to-positive (S/P) ratios among litters born from the five sows differed significantly (p < 0.001). The half-life of the anti-PCV2 MDA was estimated to be 17.4 days (95% confidence interval: 16.2–18.9 days). The trend to lower antibody titers appeared to be attenuated in piglets born from sows with higher parities. Furthermore, among litters from sows with a large number of parities, litters with larger mean birth weights exhibited greater variability in antibody titers. Additionally, within litters of piglets with higher mean birth weights, piglets with lower birth weights or lower serum total protein concentrations exhibited lower antibody titers.
Conclusions
The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum anti-PCV2 MDA titers and several indicators in suckling piglets and to identify characteristics of piglets at elevated risk of PCV2 infection. In the field, indicators such as sow parity, birth weight, and serum total protein concentration may facilitate the identification of piglets at elevated risk of PCV2 infection.