bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of preconditioning with photobiomodulation in preventing oral mucositis and xerostomia and improving quality of life in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: khalil marwa , hamadah omar , saifo maher 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Given the suffering experienced by cancer patients, effective solutions must be found to prevent painful and debilitating side effects of anticancer treatment. This trial aims to study the effect of preconditioning with photobiomodulation in preventing oral mucositis and xerostomia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy alone for the first time, and to examine its role in affecting patients' quality of life.
Materials and Methods
This is a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial including 45 patients divided into three age- and sex-matched groups. Group 1: received basic oral care instructions before undergoing chemotherapy. Group 2: received basic oral care instructions plus photobiomodulation using an intraoral 650 nm diode laser. Group 3: received basic oral care instructions plus photobiomodulation using 650 nm diode laser intraorally and 980 nm extraoral.
Results
In Group 2 and Group 3, 73.3% and 80% of patients did not develop mucositis, respectively, while the remaining patients in both groups had only mild erythema. In contrast, all patients in Group 1 had oral mucositis that ranged from mild erythema to ulceration > 3 cm2. There were statistically significant differences between the three groups in oral mucositis assessment scale after a week and after 2 weeks (p = .000). Regarding LENT SOMA scale, there was a statistically significant difference between the three groups studied (P = .037). There was also a statistically significant difference in the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) between the three groups studied (P = .003 after a week, P = .023 after 2 weeks).
conclusions
Preconditioning before starting chemotherapy, whether with the intraoral red laser alone or in combination with the extraoral infrared laser, has shown significant results in preventing oral mucositis and dry mouth, and it has also played a major role in improving the quality of life of patients.
Trial registration
This trial was registered in ISRCTN registry under no ISRCTN70634383 (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN70634383) on 24/07/2023.
The DCN-BiFPN Object Detection Algorithm based on YOLOv8
Authors: Yu Bo , Li Shun , Wang Wei , Meng Yuanze , Liu Dongying 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aiming at the problems of traditional target detection algorithms such as high demand for model equipment, low detection accuracy, high leakage rate of overlapping targets, and repeated detection of the same target, we propose an improved multilayer deformable convolution as well as a method for fusing attention mechanisms, and use improved BiFPN feature pyramid feature fusion in the network constructed using this method. First, the improved deformable convolution is used to replace part of the ordinary convolution in the original network to enhance the ability of the modified network to extract feature targets from irregular targets; second, the improved cascade feature fusion module is used to enhance the ability of the neural network to represent features at different scales and semantic levels, and by using the improved cascade feature module, it makes the network able to extract features from feature maps at different levels or scales. features, followed by using the weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network connectivity module to stitch the feature maps of different layers along the channel dimension, which is used to enrich the network's representation capability of the target, and finally, the hybrid attention mechanism is added to the network, which reduces the interference of the background as well as non-target objects on the target, and improves the network's accuracy of target detection. The experimental results show that the improved model in this paper improves over the original model by 3.3\% and 4.7\% in mAP50 and mAP50-95.
Effects of MBP under the ERAS Concept on Electrolyte Disturbances and Functional Recovery after Robotic Surgery for Urologic Tumors in Older Adults
Authors: Liu Hongze 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) involves the cleansing of bowel excreta and secretions using methods such as preoperative oral laxatives, retrograde enemas, and dietary adjustments. When combined with oral antibiotics, preoperative MBP can effectively lower the risk of anastomotic leakage, minimize the occurrence of postoperative infections, and reduce the likelihood of other complications. To study the effects of MBP under the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) concept on postoperative electrolyte disorders and functional recovery in older people with urological tumors undergoing robot-assisted surgery.
Methods
Older people with urological tumors undergoing robot-assisted surgery were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group underwent preoperative MBP, while the control group did not. The differences in electrolyte levels and functional recovery between the two groups after radical surgery for urological tumors were observed.
Results
The incidence of postoperative electrolyte disorders in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that the electrolyte disorder was age-related (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative complications, gastrointestinal function recovery, laboratory indicators of infection, body temperature, and length of hospital stay (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Under the accelerated recovery background, preoperative MBP increases the risk of postoperative electrolyte disorders in older people with urological tumors and does not reduce the incidence of postoperative complications or promote postoperative functional recovery.
Obesity prevalence and obesity prediction model among Korean men in their 30s and 40s: a 2022 Community Health Survey
Authors: Han Myeunghee 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to explore general and health-related characteristics according to body mass index (BMI). This study aimed to build a predictive model for BMI in Korean men in their 30s and 40s.
Methods
Data from 28,388 men aged 30-40 years from the 2022 Community Health Survey wereused. The participants were divided into underweight / normal weight groups (n=14,296, 50.4%) and overweight / obese groups (n=14,092, 49.6%) based on their BMI. Chi-square tests and independent t-tests were used to compare general and health-related characteristics. A prediction model was constructed using decision tree analysis. A split-sample test was conducted to verify the validity of the prediction model.
Results
The proportions of participants in the underweight / normal and overweight / obese groups were 50.4% and 49.6%, respectively. From the decision tree, the variable of amount of alcohol consumed was the primary factor predicting BMI (chi-square=228.477, p<.001). The characteristics of the group with the highest overweight or obesity rate of 60.6% were that they drank more than seven cups of alcohol at a time, were married, and were sleep-deprived. In contrast, the characteristics of the group with the lowest overweight or obesity rate (38.7%) were that they drank less than six cups of alcohol at a time, got enough or extra sleep time, and smoked less than 15 cigarettes.
Conclusions
The proportions of participants in the underweight / normal and overweight / obese groups were 50.4% and 49.6%, respectively. From the decision tree, the variable of amount of alcohol consumption was the primary factor predicting BMI. The characteristics of the group with the highest overweight or obesity rate of 60.6% were that they drank more than seven cups of alcohol at a time, were married, and were sleep-deprived. In contrast, the characteristics of the group with the lowest overweight or obesity rate (38.7%) were that they drank less than six cups of alcohol at a time, got enough or over sleep time, and smoked less than 15 cigarettes.
CasRx-Based Kras G12D Silencing for In Vivo Tumor Inhibition in Spontaneous Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaojing , Liu Fei , Xu Lingling , Shi Yan , Zhang Linxiang , Chen Fuliang , Gu Shihui , Jin Zhixin , Zhou Hangtian , Li Tianwen , Gong Huiyuan , Li Wei , Zhang Yongyan , Huang Yinlong , Chen Sixieyang , Liu Yueguang , Li Xiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

KRAS mutation represents a formidable challenge in cancer treatment. Here, we explored the CasRx-editing approach on lung adenocarcinoma driven by KRAS activation and Tp53 loss in vivo, a scenario closely resembling clinical conditions. We screened seven sgRNAs in vitro and identified CasRx + sgRNA5 effectively suppressed Kras-G12D transcript levels, leading to attenuation of cell growth. Subsequently, we administered CasRx + sgRNA5 via in vivo Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) delivery at the early tumorigenesis stage, resulting in inhibition of tumor initiation and progression, ultimately enhancing the survival of the mice. Mechanistically, the treatment directly inhibited KRAS signal pathways and regulated a potential protein network comprising KRAS, DUSP8, NR4A1, DUSP1, and EGR1. Encouragingly, the CasRx + sgRNA5 treatment in mice bearing the induced adenocarcinoma demonstrated a positive therapeutic outcome, characterized by seemingly reduced mutation burden, diminished tumor size, and trend of improved overall survival. Remarkably, no obvious off-target events were detected, highlighting the specificity and safety of CasRx therapy. This study establishes the feasibility of CasRx-based-Kras-G12D editing for in vivo tumor inhibition and provides insights into the potential role of the KRAS-associated protein network in early development of lung cancer. These findings hold promise for development of CasRx therapies for this aggressive malignancy.
Desmin Phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle can be modified by Resistance Exercise rendering the protein less vulnerable to protease-dependent cleavage
Authors: Jacko Daniel , Schaaf Kirill , Aussieker Thorben , Masur Lukas , Zacher Jonas , Bersiner Käthe , Bloch Wilhelm , gehlert Sebastian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The desmin intermediate filament (IF) system plays a crucial role in stress transmission, mechano-protection, and the regulation of signaling in skeletal muscle. Loss of IF integrity is considered a triggering factor for myofibril breakdown and muscle atrophy. Phosphorylation of desmin (pDes) has been identified as a priming factor leading to an organized process provoking muscle atrophy. Intervening in pDes has been suggested as a promising method to counteract the loss of muscle mass. Physical exercise stands out as a prominent and non-pharmacological option for purposefully modifying cellular signaling to promote muscle health and function.
To investigate whether resistance exercise (RE) specifically influences the regulation of pDes, 10 healthy young men (n=7) and women (n=3) performed 7 weeks of RE training (14 sessions; 2 per week). Muscle biopsies were collected in both untrained and trained conditions at rest (pre 1, pre 14) and one hour after RE (post 1, post 14). Desmin content and phosphorylation at serine 31 and 60 (pDesS31, pDesS60) as well as threonine 17 and 76/77 (pDesT17, pDesT76/77) were analyzed.
In untrained condition (pre 1, post 1), acute RE resulted in the dephosphorylation of S31 (p < 0.001) and S60 (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by reduced susceptibility of desmin in the exercised muscle to protease-induced cleavage compared to the resting state (p < 0.05). In the trained condition (pre 14, post 14), acute RE led to an augmented dephosphorylation of S31 (p < 0.01) as compared to the untrained condition (p < 0.05). Furthermore, training affected baseline phosphorylation, upregulating S31 and attenuating S60 as well as T17 while increasing total desmin content.
We conclude that RE is a potent stimulus for modifying desmin phosphorylation, making the protein less prone to cleavage. Because repeated resistance training changes the phosphorylation pattern of Desmin, we introduce pDes as an adaptive mechanism of skeletal muscle, contributing to the proteostatic regulation in response to recurring stress. Focusing on underlying mechanisms and determining the most effective loading in RE-dependent induction of pDes-modification might be a promising strategy to challenge muscle atrophy in health and disease.
Design, Implementation and Evaluation of an AI-based Tutor for Persian Learners of English Language
Authors: Vahid Mirzaeian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper endeavors to delineate the development and deployment of an AI-based intelligent feedback generator tailored to assist Persian learners of the English language. With a primary focus on efficacious system design, the approach involved compiling comprehensive data to pinpoint the most challenging aspects for such learners. Leveraging two AI-based engines for Persian and English, a feedback generator was devised. The framework fulfilled expectations by juxtaposing the logical forms of English and Persian sentences, thereby facilitating error detection. Most of the errors diagnosed were related to misused prepositions, determiners, tenses, and subjects. The results indicated its effectiveness to teach the English language to such learners. With minor adjustments, the system can also be adapted to aid English learners of Persian as it is capable of parsing input from both languages.
Investigating the role of GDF-15 in diabetes and obesity: A comprehensive analysis of a cohort from the KEDP-study
Authors: Abubaker Jehad , Abu-Farha Mohamed , Abdalla Mohammed , Albatineh Ahmed N , Al-Khairi Irina , Cherian Preethi , Qaddoumi Mohammad , Abdul-Ghani Muhammad , Al-Mulla Fahd 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, is expressed in various tissues and is produced during stressful conditions such as inflammation and oxidative stress. It has recently gained attention as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker for metabolic disorders. However, little is known about the GDF-15 protein expression in diabetes and obesity, particularly across various ethnicities, age groups, and genders. This study investigated the association between GDF-15 plasma levels, diabetes mellitus, and obesity in individuals of various ages, ethnic groups, and genders.
Methods
We measured plasma GDF-15 concentrations in 2,083 participants from the Kuwait Diabetes Epidemiology Programme (KDEP) study cohort. The cohort included information on a anthropometric clinical, biochemical, and glycemic markers. The phenotype data were analyzed using multivariate regression analysis.
Results
The average plasma GDF-15 concentration across the study cohort was significantly higher in males than in females (580.6 ng/L vs. 519.3 ng/L, p < 0.001) and in those who were > 50 years old than those < 50 years of age (781.4 ng/L vs. 563.4 ng/L, p < 0.001). Participants from Arab ethnic backgrounds had higher GDF-15 levels than South Asians and Southeast Asians (597.0 vs 514.9 and 509.9 ng/L, p < 0.001). Furthermore, GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in obese individuals, in diabetic individuals, and in insulin resistant individuals. GDF-15 levels were positively corrrelated with BMI, hip and waist circumferences, blood pressure readings, and glycemic indices, including insulin and triglyceride levels, while they were negatively correlated with HDL.
Conclusion
The observed findings on the associations between higher levels of GDF-15 and increased age, diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance suggest that GDF-15 may have particular utility as a valuable biomarker for metabolic disorders, especially in older age groups, among males, and within specific ethnic groups.
Amentoflavone maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis and inhibiting subchondral bone loss in Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting ERK, JNK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways
Authors: Liang Jianhui , Hu Jiawei , Hong Xin , Zhou Ming , Xia Guoming , Hu Liangshen , Luo Song , Quan Kun , Yan Jianbin , Wang Song , Fan Shaoyong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Amentoflavone (AF), a plant biflavone isolated from Selaginella sinensis ethanol extract, is characterized by anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. According to previous studies, inflammation and oxidative stress are closely related to the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the effects and mechanisms of AF on OA have not been elucidated.To investigate the inhibitory effects and its molecular mechanism of AF on extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation stimulated by IL-1β as well as subchondral bone loss induced by RANKL in mice chondrocytes. Quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of genes related to inflammation, ECM, and osteoclast differentiation. Protein expression level of iNOS, COX-2, MMP13, ADAMTS5, COL2A1, SOX9, NFATc1, c-fos, JNK, ERK, P65, IκBα was measured by western blotting. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in the supernatants were measured by ELISA. The amount of ECM in chondrocytes was measured using toluidine blue staining. The levels of Aggrecan and Col2a1 in chondrocytes were measured using immunofluorescence. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, F-actin staining and immunofluorescence were used to detect the effect of AF on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. The effect of AF on destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA mice can be detected in hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining，Safranin O green staining and immunohistochemistry.AF might drastically attenuated IL-1β-stimulated inflammation and reduction of ECM formation by blocking ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways in chondrocytes. Meanwhile, AF suppressed the formation of osteoclasts and the resorption of bone function induced by RANKL. In vivo, AF played a protective role by stabilizing cartilage ECM and inhibiting subchondral bone loss in destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA mice, further proving its protective effect in the development of OA. Our study show that AF alleviated OA by suppressing ERK, JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways in OA models in vitro and DMM-induced OA mice, suggesting that AF might be a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of OA.
Performance Analysis of Rdx Mechanism in Data Transmission Using Ibm Web Sphere, Ai and Tandem Queue
Authors: NIRANJAN S. P. , LATHA S.DEVI 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In this paper we have discussed tandem queue with two service nodes. In this system, the customer require services at both nodes elaborated RDX mechanism and IBM web sphere in artificial intelligence (AI). The first essential service (FES) starts in data search and initiating the data to be required in using the RDX mechanism then the second essential service (SES) starts from validating the information in IBM web sphere and insight with the use of AI. After the completion of a service at node1 if the minimum number of customer is less than ‘a’ then the server leaves for secondary job. The service started once the vacation reaches the threshold value. When the service ends at node 1, it departs from here to proceed node 2 and receive the second service from there. We have to find PGF of a queue size at an arbitrary time epoch by using supplementary variable technique. Various characteristics of the queueing system are also obtained with a numerical solution.
A practical trial example in flood susceptibility studies: Determination of flood susceptibility in Bozburun Peninsula (Marmaris/Türkiye) basins
Authors: ÖZKAN Efekan , EGE İsmail , POLAT Selahattin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This study, carried out in the Bozburun Peninsula (Marmaris-Türkiye), which constantly faces the reality of flood disasters, aimed to determine the torrent and flood susceptibility levels on the basis of sub-basins. For this purpose, some hydrological analyses frequently used in geomorphology and hydrology studies were used. An important part of these analyses consists of the calculation of some morphometric indices. The indices preferred and calculated in our study are; bifurcation ratio (Br), texture ratio (T), drainage density (Dd), basin shape ratio (Bs), relief ratio (Rr), roughness value (Rn), stream accumulation time (Tc), hypsometric integral (Hi) and harmonic slope averages (Hsl) of the first series of streams in each sub-basin. Arc GIS 10.5 package program was used to create and process morphometric indices. While determining the torrent and flood susceptibility of the basins in question, the ranking and scoring of each parametric value on a sub-basin basis was done using a colouring scale in the Microsoft Excel 2010 program. First, the sub-basins were ranked according to their flood generation potential, and then, as 10 sub-basins were selected, susceptibility scores from 1 to 10 were assigned. However, only detecting and scoring the parameters in question may not be sufficient in some cases. Because each parameter will not contribute equally to flood susceptibility. In addition, relying only on expert opinion may lead to a subjective evaluation. The main difference of this study stems from the search for ways to eliminate this problem. In order to overcome these limitations and subjective evaluations, the AHP method, which is a decision-making matrix, was used in the study. In this way, it is thought that a stronger and more objective ranking can be achieved in a quantitative sense. For this purpose, the weight percentage results obtained in AHP were added to the previous scoring as a multiplier. Ultimately, these rankings were reduced to five susceptibility categories -simplified- and mapped. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the sub-basins in the peninsula, which have a significant population, have high/very high flood susceptibility. Historical floods and field works were used as references to check the results obtained, and it was seen that the results pointed to basins that constantly face floods. Only the selection of these parameters and the extent to which prioritization with AHP will benefit need to be controlled in different regions. However, despite all this, it is thought that this study will be able to provide practical benefit and guidance to relevant researchers and decision makers.