bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
External beam radiation therapy versus radical prostatectomy for high-risk prostate cancer: protocol of the RECOVER study
Authors: Starre Caroline M. van der , Bangma Chris H. , Bijlsma Maarten J. , Bergh Alfons C.M. van den , Kiemeney Lambertus A.L.M. , Kievit Wietske , Vos Kees , Somford Diederik M. , Wildeman Sally M. , Aben Katja K.H. , Jong Igle J. , Pos Floris J. , Heesterman Berdine L. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: This paper describes the rationale and design of the RECOVER study. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment for high-risk, non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). The study primarily aims to evaluate and compare the impact of treatment with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RP) versus external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for men with high-risk, non-metastatic PCa regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional outcomes. Secondary objectives are progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), costs and cost-effectiveness.
Methods: The RECOVER study is a comparative effectiveness study that prospectively includes newly diagnosed high-risk (cT3a-bN0M0, ISUP-grade ≥ 4 and/or PSA >20 ng/mL), non-metastatic PCa patients. Four Dutch prostate cancer networks, comprising 28 hospitals, are currently participating in the study. Patient reported outcomes are collected before treatment initiation, 12 months and 36 months after treatment initiation and include the EORTC-QLQ-C30, the EPIC-26, an adapted version of the SCQ, an adapted version of the iMTA Productivity Cost Questionnaire and several specific questions regarding patient characteristics, treatment of PCa specific complaints and health resources used. Clinical data regarding patient-, tumor- and treatment characteristics and oncological outcomes are collected up to 5 years after diagnosis. For sufficient power, patient reported outcomes of 471 patients must be collected 36 months after treatment initiation. Descriptive statistics and mixed-effects models are used to assess differences in HRQoL and functional outcomes over time between the patients treated with radical prostatectomy versus EBRT (+ ADT). Inverse probability of treatment weighting or the g-formula are used to adjust for confounding covariates associated with treatment. Secondary endpoints PFS and DMFS are evaluated using a competing risk analysis and cost-utility and budget-impact analyses will be performed to determine cost and cost-effectiveness.
Discussion: An observational prospective design was chosen since a randomized controlled trial comparing surgery and radiotherapy was not deemed feasible. This study evaluates effectiveness of treatment in a routine clinical setting (with adjustment for confounding) and its findings will enhance patients’ and healthcare professionals’ awareness for the impact of both treatment modalities on (long-term) daily functioning and HRQoL and aid treatment decision making.
Trial registration: This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05931419).
Primary outcomes from Partner2Lose: A randomized controlled trial to evaluate partner involvement on long-term weight loss
Authors: Voils Corrine , Shaw Ryan , Gavin Kara , Hetzel Scott , Lewis Megan , Pabich Samantha , Johnson Heather , Elwert Felix , Mao Lu , Gray Kristen , Yuroff Alice , Garza Katya , Yancy William , Porter Laura 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Partner support is associated with better weight loss outcomes in observational studies, but randomized trials show mixed results for including partners. Unclear is whether teaching communication skills to couples will improve weight loss in index participants.
Purpose: To compare the efficacy of a partner-assisted intervention versus participant-only weight management program on long-term weight loss.
Methods: This community-based study took place in Madison, WI. Index participants were eligible if they met obesity guideline criteria to receive weight loss counseling, were aged 74 years or younger, lived with a partner, and had no medical contraindications to weight loss; partners were aged 74 years or younger and not underweight. Couples were randomized 1:1 to a partner-assisted or participant-only intervention. Index participants in both arms received an evidence-based weight management program. In the partner-assisted arm, partners attended half of the intervention sessions, and couples were trained in communication skills. The primary outcome was index participant weight at 24 months, assessed by masked personnel; secondary outcomes were 24-month self-reported caloric intake and average daily steps assessed by an activity tracker. General linear mixed models were used to compare group differences in these outcomes following intent-to-treat principles.
Results: Among couples assigned to partner-assisted (n=115) or participant-only intervention (n=116), most index participants identified as female (67%) and non-Hispanic White (87%). Average baseline age was 47.27 years (SD 11.51 years) and weight was 106.55 kg (SD 19.41 kg). The estimated mean 24-month weight loss was similar in the partner-assisted (2.66 kg) and participant-only arms (2.89 kg) (estimated mean difference, 0.23 kg [95% CI, -1.58, 2.04 kg]). There were no differences in 24-month average daily caloric intake (50 cal [95% CI: -233, 132 cal]) or steps (806 steps [95% CI: -1675, 64 steps]). The percentage of participants reporting an adverse event with at least possible attribution to the intervention did not differ by arm (partner-assisted: 9%, participant-only, 3%, p=0.11).
Conclusions: Partner-assisted and individual weight management interventions led to similar outcomes in index participants.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03801174
Can the reduction of institutional transaction costs help private enterprises move towards "Specialization, Refinement, Differential, and Innovation"?
Authors: Li Hui , Yu dongsheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Can the reduction of institutional transaction costs help private enterprises move towards "Specialization, Refinement, Differential, and Innovation"(SRDI)? This article takes the lead in clearly defining the generation and essence of institutional transaction costs, and scientifically constructs an institutional transaction cost index. Using the matching data of private listed enterprises and institutional transaction costs from 2003 to 2020, the GMM method is used to empirically analyze the impact of institutional transaction costs on the "Specialization, Refinement, Differential, and Innovation" of private enterprises. The research findings are as follows: (1) Institutional transaction costs in China have shown an overall downward trend during the sample inspection period, with a decrease of 23.91%. There are also differences in the levels among different regions, with the lowest in the eastern region and the highest in the western region. (2) The reduction of institutional transaction costs is conducive to the growth of total factor productivity and the improvement of innovation level in private enterprises, which helps them move towards "Specialization, Refinement, Differential, and Innovation". This supportive effect is mainly achieved through the "factor allocation effect" and "market competition effect" of enterprise entry. (3) The promotion effect of reducing institutional transaction costs on the Specialization, Refinement, Differential, and Innovation of private enterprises is more evident in enterprises in the eastern region and those with high financing constraints. The research conclusion of this article has important implications for reducing institutional transaction costs, helping private enterprises move towards "Specialization, Refinement, Differential, and Innovation", and building an innovative country.
Dose-Dependent Responses: A Preliminary Investigation into the Olfactory Effects of Essential Oil Concentrations on Canine Behavior
Authors: Haverbeke Anouck , Uccheddu Stefania , Reinert Clemens , Tertemiz Selene , Arnouts Heidi , Sannen Adinda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The positive impact of essential oils (EOs) on stress has been demonstrated in both humans and dogs. Among the EOs known for their anxiety-reducing properties, including Cananga odorata, Citrus aurantium, Cupressus sempervirens, Lavandula angustifolia, and Litsea citrata, there is a lack of consensus on the optimal concentration for efficacy. This exploratory study sought to investigate the effects of olfactory enrichment with a blend of these EOs on the activity levels of dogs introduced to an unfamiliar environment. The authors aimed to ascertain the minimum concentration necessary for stress reduction.
In a randomized controlled crossover study design, 54 dogs were exposed to 0, 1, 5, and 10 drops of the EO blend applied to their collars before entering an unfamiliar room with their owners. Behavioral observations were employed to quantify the total duration of stress-related behaviors for each dog under each treatment condition. A significant difference in panting was identified among the treatments (χ2(3) = 9.88; p = 0.020). Dunn-Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed a significant reduction in panting during the 10 drops treatment compared to the control treatment (p = 0.047). No significant differences were observed for other stress-related behaviors.
To provide a comprehensive overview of behavioral tendencies in this canine population, owners also completed the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), revealing low scores for anxiety in the study group.
The findings suggest that a concentration of 10 drops of the EO blend on a dog's collar induces stress reduction, specifically reflected in decreased panting behavior. Lower concentrations did not exhibit a significant relationship with observed stress behaviors.
This study underscores the importance of exposing dogs to an appropriate concentration of EOs when exploring their potential benefits on welfare among dogs with low anxiety levels. Further research in this area is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of EOs for canine well-being.
Home Oxygen Therapy for Thai Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. What Are the Predictive Factors for Successful Weaning: A 20-year Review
Authors: Grajangdara Vipada , Limrungsikul Anchalee , Coates Allan L. , Kamalaporn Harutai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Consequences of lung injury and inflammation in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) contribute to prolonged oxygen requirements. Home oxygen therapy (HOT) is an alternative way of respiratory support in BPD infants. However, there is no consensus on weaning guidelines either under the supervision of physicians or unsupervised weaning by parents. Our objective is to identify the median age of home oxygen discontinuation and the factors that might predict the duration of HOT in a resource poor country.
Methods
All preterm (≤ 36 weeks' gestation) infants diagnosed BPD who required HOT after discharged from Ramathibodi Hospital during January 2000 – December 2019 comprised this retrospective study. Timing of HOT withdrawal was identified. Demographic data, severity of BPD, history of respiratory support, procedures, prenatal history, comorbidities, and complications were recorded and analyzed as factors associated of home oxygen withdrawal.
Results
Of 8581 preterm infants born during the 20-year period, 563 (6.6%) had BPD. Among 40 infants treated with HOT, 18 (45%) were successfully weaned oxygen within 12 months. The median corrected age (CA) of oxygen withdrawal was 13.8 months (8.5, 22.1). Longer duration of total respiratory support, longer length of hospital stay, and poor weight gain were associated with longer duration of HOT. Greater weight gain was associated with a shorter duration of HOT at 12 months CA (adjusted OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.13–3.23; p = 0.015).
Conclusions
The median corrected age of oxygen withdrawal in Thai BPD infants was 13.8 months. Severe BPD and poor weight gain were associated with prolonged home oxygen use. Despite not being able to follow all the guidelines due to economic constraints, the clinical outcomes were comparable to the resource rich countries.
Melatonin Levels and Embryo Quality in IVF Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Yingying , Liu Shangjie , Gan Feifei , Xiong Dan , Zheng Zhou , Zhang Xiuming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Melatonin, a hormone found in various bodily fluids and cells, is known for its potent antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and endocrine regulatory properties. This study aimed to analyze melatonin levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and its impact on embryo quality.
Methods
we enrolled 85 women who were undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedures, including normal ovarian reserve (NOR, n = 27), pathological DOR (DOR-Path, n = 25), and physiological DOR (DOR-Phy, n = 33). Melatonin levels in patient serum and follicular fluid were assessed using ELISA, and correlations between melatonin levels and indicators of embryo quality were examined.
Results
Our findings indicate that melatonin levels in the follicular fluid and basal serum of the DOR-Path and DOR-Phy groups were lower compared to the NOR group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in melatonin levels were found between the DOR-Path and DOR-Phy groups (P > 0.05). Additionally, the concentration of melatonin in the follicular fluid of the NOR group was significantly higher than in their serum (P < 0.001). Lastly, a significant correlation was discovered between melatonin levels in serum and follicular fluid and parameters of ovarian reserve and embryonic development (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Melatonin levels in DOR patients may impact embryo quality, offering insights into potential DOR pathogenesis and opportunities to enhance treatment outcomes in these patients.
The Stringency of Climate Legislation and Policy in the European Union and the 21OECD Countries, 1990-2020.
Authors: Jahn Detlef 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Legislation and policies to mitigate climate change are an important part of the toolkit available to highly industrialized democracies to address climate change. However, our knowledge of the stock of legislation is far from perfect. There are some studies that count the number of laws and policies. But when it comes to a deeper analysis of the content of the measures, our knowledge is very limited. In this paper, I offer a way to measure important aspects of policy stringency (or, as it is often called, ambition, importance, relevance, significance, intensity) of legislative initiatives for macro-comparative studies using publicly available data. The paper examines three well-established datasets from the International Energy Agency, the Grantham Institute, and EcoLex/FaoLex for their representativeness and suitability for such an analysis. In particular, it uses the European Union's 2020 and 2030 climate and energy frameworks and the national and subnational legislation of 21 OECD countries. It shows that the EcoLex/FaoLex dataset is best suited to capture qualitative aspects of legislation. The paper develops indices for the relevance, scope and importance of legislation and policy measures, which are cumulated into an index of saliency and filly in a measure of the (gross) potential impact (GPI) of legislation at the national level.
A study investigating the effects of a personalized Ceiling suspension shield-sensor system on minimizing radiation exposure in cath lab interventional procedures
Authors: Nair Sajeesh S , Gupta Saral Kumar , S Shine N , T Thomas K , Nair Sarath S , George Vijo , K Gopakumar M , Rajan Raji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aim: To develop and evaluate a sensor system that can alert cardiologists when the ceiling suspension shield (CSS) is not positioned correctly during cath lab procedures.
Methodology: This study was carried out in our cath lab room which was equipped with the MAVIG ® OT90001 CSS model. A Ray Safe ® X2 detector was used to measure the dose rate with and without CSS to study the efficacy of CSS. A CSS sensor system was designed using basic electronic components and ultrasonic sensor module. The impact of the CSS sensor system in the cath lab was analysed by comparing the cardiologist's dose and the total dose during an angioplasty procedure.
Result: The CSS sensor system successfully detected any misalignment of CSS within a 50cm range. Analysis showed an 82.38% reduction in cardiologist’s radiation exposure while using this new system
Conclusion: The implementation of a radiation safety sensor system in the cath lab is a novel step toward ensuring the well-being of healthcare professionals and enhances the overall radiation safety standards in the cath lab.
Can white matter hyperintensities based Fazekas visual assessment scales inform about Alzheimer’s disease pathology in the population?
Authors: Pradeep Aishwarya , Raghavan Sheelakumari , Przybelski Scott A. , Preboske Gregory , Schwarz Christopher G. , Lowe Val J. , Knopman David S. , Petersen Ronald C. , Jack Clifford R. , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Cogswell Petrice M. , Vemuri Prashanthi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are considered hallmark features of cerebral small vessel disease and have recently been linked to Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Their distinct spatial distributions, namely periventricular versus deep WMH, may differ by underlying age-related and pathobiological processes contributing to cognitive decline. We aimed to identify the spatial patterns of WMH using the 4-scale Fazekas visual assessment and explore their differential association with age, vascular health, Alzheimer’s imaging markers, namely amyloid and tau burden, and cognition. Because our study consisted of scans from GE and Siemens scanners with different resolutions, we also investigated inter-scanner reproducibility and combinability of WMH measurements on imaging.
Methods
We identified 1144 participants from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging consisting of older adults from Olmsted County, Minnesota with available structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), amyloid, and tau positron emission tomography (PET). WMH distribution patterns were assessed on FLAIR-MRI, both 2D axial and 3D, using Fazekas ratings of periventricular and deep WMH severity. We compared the association of periventricular and deep WMH scales with vascular risk factors, amyloid-PET and tau-PET standardized uptake value ratio, WMH volume, and cognition using Pearson partial correlation after adjusting for age. We also evaluated vendor compatibility and reproducibility of the Fazekas scales using intraclass correlations (ICC).
Results
Periventricular and deep WMH measurements showed similar correlations with age, cardiometabolic conditions score (vascular risk), and cognition, (p < 0.001). Both periventricular WMH and deep WMH showed weak associations with amyloidosis (R = 0.07, p = < 0.001), and none with tau burden. We found substantial agreement between data from the two scanners for Fazekas measurements (ICC = 0.78). The automated WMH volume had high discriminating power for identifying participants with Fazekas ≥ 2 (area under curve = 0.97).
Conclusion
Our study investigates risk factors underlying WMH spatial patterns and their impact on global cognition, with no discernible differences between periventricular and deep WMH. We observed minimal impact of amyloidosis on WMH severity. These findings, coupled with enhanced inter-scanner reproducibility of WMH data, suggest the combinability of inter-scanner data assessed by harmonized protocols in the context of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia biomarker research.
Dual Action Potential: Bromophenol in Combatting COVID-19 and Modulating ACE2-Mediated Circulatory Hemostasis: A Molecular Modeling Study
Authors: CİNİSLİ Kağan Tolga , SHADIDIZAJI Azizeh , ÇINAR Burak , REZAİ Mohsen , MEMARKASHANI Sahar , HACIMÜFTUOĞLU Ahmet , WARDA Mohamad 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The possible recurrent threat of the COVID-19pandemic driven by SARS-CoV-2 underscores the critical need for innovative pharmaceutical interventions targeting Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Beyond the recognized role of ACE2in viral entry, its intricate involvement in circulatory hemostasis, with potential hypotension-related complications, necessitates a comprehensive approach. This in silico study investigates the therapeutic potential of Bromophenol (BP) derived from Halophitys incurves (HIE) against both ACE2-mediated viral entry and circulatory complications, particularly hypotension.
Utilizing advanced in silico techniques; we assessed the pharmacokinetic parameters of BP through SWISSADME, ADME/T, and Swisstargetprediction. The Molecular Dynamics Simulation analysis further substantiated the favorable interactions within the BP-ACE2 complex. The results elucidated a favorable performance of BP in comparison to β-D-Mannose, serving as a potent inhibitor in impeding ACE2-mediated viral entry and contributing to the regulation of circulatory hemostasis. This inquiry emphasizes BP's potential as a robust inhibitor against the multifaceted actions of ACE2, offering valuable insights into its therapeutic effectiveness against COVID-19. Additionally, it contributes to a deeper understanding of ACE2-mediated circulatory hemostasis by revealing BP's regulatory role in this physiological process. The encouraging findings warrant further exploration of BP as a novel therapeutic agent targeting ACE2 -induced dual unfavorable actions.
Unique features of conventional and nonconventional nuclear pre-mRNA introns in Euglena gracilis
Authors: Gao Pingwei , Zhao Yali , Xu Guangjie , Zhong Yujie , Sun Chengfu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Nuclear precursor messenger RNA introns in Euglenida have been understudied. This study aims to address this question by identifying a large number of introns in Euglena gracilis (E. gracilis), including cis-spliced conventional and nonconventional introns, as well as trans-spliced outrons. We also examine the sequence characteristics of these introns.
Results
A total of 28,337 introns and 11,921 outrons were identified. Conventional and nonconventional introns have distinct splice site features with the former harbor the canonical GT/C-AG splice sites, whereas the latter are capable of forming structured motifs with their terminal sequences. We notice that short introns are observed to prefer the canonical GT-AG introns. Notably, conventional introns and outrons in E. gracilis exhibit a distinct cytidine-rich polypyrimidine tract, in contrast to a thymidine-rich one observed in other organisms. Furthermore, the SL-RNAs in E. gracilis, as well as in other trans-splicing species, can form, with the respective U6s, a recently discovered motif called the extended U6/5' ss duplex. We also describe a novel type of alternative splicing pattern in E. gracilis. Tandem repeat sequences of introns in this protist are also determined and their content is comparable to that in human.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the unique features of E. gracilis introns and provide insights into the splicing mechanism of these introns, as well as the genomics and evolution of Euglenida.