bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Doppler sonography and diuretic renogram in the diagnosis and follow-up of infants with unilateral pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction
Authors: Patil Neehar , Shubha A. M. , Das Kanishka , Pavan K. V. , Prashanth G. R. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Conventionally, diuretic isotope renogram is used to establish and quantify severity of the obstruction in pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction. Doppler ultrasonography too assesses obstruction by evaluating the resistive index (RI) and resistive index ratio (RIR) in the intrarenal vasculature of the kidneys. This study aimed to note correlation between RI, RIR on Doppler ultrasonography and perfusion index (PI) on diuretic isotope renogram in suspect unilateral pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in infants. A prospective study (2016–2019) in infants with suspect unilateral hydronephrosis, i.e. anteroposterior pelvic diameter (APPD) > 15 mm, divided into Group A (0–6 months) and Group B (6–12 months) based on the age at diagnosis. The RI, RIR and PI were noted at diagnosis, at 3 and 6 months, post-interventions and the correlation assessed.

Results
37/94 with hydronephrosis were included in the study. 30 among these underwent surgical intervention. A decrease in RI and RIR and increase in PI following surgery were documented at follow-up. Also, the improvement was statistically more significant in the first 3 months following intervention.

Conclusions
An increased RI and RIR and a decreased PI are good indicators of obstruction in unilateral hydronephrosis in infants. The decline in RI with increase in PI following relief of obstruction shows a positive correlation between the two. Doppler sonography may be effective in monitoring unilateral hydronephrosis with unobstructed or equivocal renogram curves and consequently negate the need for repeated nuclear scans.
Effect of gender identity on the association between gender dysphoria and suicidality via appearance anxiety among transgender and gender-diverse young people: moderated mediation study
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Feng Yi , Yu Yi , Xu Shicun , Wang Yuanyuan 
Published: March 2024

Background
Gender dysphoria is associated with suicidality among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) people. Gender dysphoria also results in a stress on appearance.

Aims
The objectives of this study were to examine: (a) whether appearance anxiety mediates the effect of gender dysphoria on suicidality; and (b) whether gender identity moderates the mediating effect of appearance anxiety.

Method
A total of 117 769 college and university students were recruited in this cross-sectional study from Jilin Province, China. After screening based on participants’ gender identity, 2352 TGD young people (aged from 15 to 25 years) were divided into three subgroups: female to male (FTM), male to female (MTF) and non-binary. Self-report inventories measured gender dysphoria, suicidality and appearance anxiety. A structural equation model was run to examine the relationships among TGD gender identity, gender dysphoria, appearance anxiety and suicidality.

Results
Among TGD young people, gender dysphoria was significantly positively associated with suicidality (β = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.11–0.18, P < 0.001). Appearance anxiety partially mediated the association between gender dysphoria and suicidality (β = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.05–0.08, P < 0.001). Gender identity moderated the mediating effects: compared with individuals with FTM identity, among those with MTF and non-binary identities, gender dysphoria showed stronger positive effects on appearance anxiety, and appearance anxiety showed greater effects in mediating the association between gender dysphoria and suicidality.

Conclusions
Among TGD young people, gender dysphoria is significantly associated with suicidality via appearance anxiety, with gender identity moderating the mediating effects. Diverse treatments should consider the heterogeneity of TGD subgroups, with the aim of limiting the tendency of gender dysphoria to trigger appearance anxiety, thus further buffering against the risk of suicide.
Presentation of Breast Cancer and Impact of Patient Navigation on Timeliness of Diagnosis and Treatment and on Adherence to Treatment Recommendations in a Multicenter Network in Malaysia
Authors: Jaganathan Maheswari , Ang Boon Hong , Ali Adibah , Sharif Siti Zubaidah , Mohamad Mazwela , Mohd Khairy Azuddin , Muniandy Kavitha , Zainal Hani , Sabtu Fizati , Sapiee Norija , Zainal Nur Hidayati , Zaipudin Nur Fazilah Hanisah , Muniandi Mallika , Ghazali Aini Fatimah , Roimin France Olovia , Chong Clara Ching Ling , Rajaram Nadia , Jaafar Nurshuhadah , Julaihi Rokayah , Rahim Norlia , Zakaria Nor Aniza , Menon Isabella , Tajudeen Nurul Ain , Ho Kah Yee , Md Yusof Suryani , Abdul Wahab Mohamed Yusof , Ab Hadi Imi Sairi , Teo Soo-Hwang 
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE Breast cancer deaths disproportionately affect women living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Patient navigation has emerged as a cost-effective and impactful approach to enable women with symptoms or suspicious mammogram findings to access timely diagnosis and patients with breast cancer to access timely and appropriate multimodality treatment. However, few studies have systematically evaluated the impact of patient navigation on timeliness of diagnosis and treatment in LMICs. METHODS We established a nurse- and community-navigator-led navigation program in breast clinics of four public hospitals located in Peninsular and East Malaysia and evaluated the impact of navigation on timeliness of diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS Patients with breast cancer treated at public hospitals reported facing barriers to accessing care, including having a poor recognition of breast cancer symptoms and low awareness of screening methods, and facing financial and logistics challenges. Compared with patients diagnosed in the previous year, patients receiving navigation experienced timely ultrasound (84.0% v 65.0%; P < .001), biopsy (84.0% v 78.0%; P = .012), communication of news (63.0% v 40.0%; P < .001), surgery (46% v 36%; P = .008), and neoadjuvant therapy (59% v 42%, P = .030). Treatment adherence improved significantly (98.0% v 87.0%, P < .001), and this was consistent across the network of four breast clinics. CONCLUSION Patient navigation improves access to timely diagnosis and treatment for women presenting at secondary and tertiary hospitals in Malaysia.
Efficacy of Chemotherapy Rechallenge Versus Regorafenib or Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Third-Line Setting of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Bazarbashi Shouki , Alkhatib Radwan , Aseafan Mohamed , Tuleimat Yasmin , Abdel-Aziz Nashwa , Mahrous Mervat , Elsamany Sherif , Elhassan Tusneem , Alghamdi Mohammed 
Published: March 2024

PURPOSE Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a significant global health burden. This retrospective study compared the effectiveness of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI), regorafenib, and chemotherapy rechallenge for third-line mCRC treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We reviewed the medical records of 132 patients with mCRC treated with regorafenib, FTD/TPI, or a rechallenge with the initial chemotherapy regimen in a third-line setting from four different institutions. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary end points were objective response rate and overall survival (OS) across the three treatment approaches. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients received chemotherapy rechallenge, and 103 received FTD/TPI or regorafenib. Patients' characteristics were comparable, except for a lower number of left-sided primaries and KRAS wild-type tumors in the FTD/TPI-regorafenib group. The median PFS for the entire group was 3.0 months, and the median OS was 13.7 months. Chemotherapy rechallenge has resulted in a median PFS of 3.1 months and a median OS of 21.2 months, compared with 2.9 months (PFS) and 12.6 months (OS) for the FTD/TPI-regorafenib group. Multivariate analyses identified male sex and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0-1 as independent prognostic factors for better PFS, whereas chemotherapy rechallenge, localized stage at diagnosis, and an ECOG PS of 0-1 were significant prognostic factors for better OS. CONCLUSION This study suggests that chemotherapy rechallenge may provide a survival benefit in the third-line treatment of mCRC. However, patient characteristics, such as sex and ECOG PS, should also be considered in treatment decisions. Further prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.
Effects of Supplemental Vitamin D3, Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Physical Performance Measures in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL
Authors: Chou Sharon H , Cook Nancy R , Kotler Gregory , Kim Eunjung , Copeland Trisha , Lee I Min , Cawthon Peggy M , Buring Julie E , Manson JoAnn E , LeBoff Meryl S 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
Declining muscle strength and performance in older adults are associated with falls, fractures, and premature death.

Objective
This work aimed to determine whether supplementation with vitamin D3 or omega-3 fatty acids vs placebo for 2 years improves physical performance measures.

Methods
VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) was a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial of supplemental vitamin D3 and/or omega-3 fatty acids vs placebo in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease in 25 871 US adults. This ancillary study was completed in a New England subcohort that had in-person evaluations at baseline and 2-year follow-up. This study was conducted with 1054 participants (age: men ≥50 and women ≥55 years) at the Center for Clinical Investigations in Boston. Interventions included a 2 × 2 factorial design of supplemental vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol, 2000 IU/day) and/or marine omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day). Main outcome measures included 2-year changes in physical performance measures of grip strength, walking speed, standing balance, repeated chair stands, and Timed-up and Go (TUG).

Results
At 2 years, all randomized groups showed worsening walking speeds and TUG. There were no differences in changes in grip strength, walking speeds, Short Physical Performance Battery (composite of walking speed, balance, and chair stands), and TUG between the vitamin D3-treated and the placebo-treated groups and between the omega-3-treated and the placebo-treated groups. Effects overall did not vary by sex, age, body mass index, or baseline measures of total or free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) or plasma omega-3 index; TUG slightly worsened with vitamin D supplementation, compared to placebo, in participants with baseline total 25(OH)D levels above the median (P = .01; P for interaction = .04).

Conclusion
Neither supplemental vitamin D3 nor marine omega-3 fatty acids for 2 years improved physical performance in this generally healthy adult population.
Critical Role for 24-Hydroxylation in Homeostatic Regulation of Vitamin D Metabolism
Authors: Shahidzadeh Yazdi Zhinous , Streeten Elizabeth A , Whitlatch Hilary B , Montasser May E , Beitelshees Amber L , Taylor Simeon I 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
The body has evolved homeostatic mechanisms to maintain free levels of Ca+2 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) within narrow physiological ranges. Clinical guidelines emphasize important contributions of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in maintaining this homeostasis.

Objective
This work aimed to investigate mechanisms of homeostatic regulation of vitamin D (VitD) metabolism and to apply mechanistic insights to improve clinical assessment of VitD status.

Methods
This crossover clinical trial studied community participants before and after VitD3 supplementation. Participants included 11 otherwise healthy individuals with VitD deficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] ≤20 ng/mL). VitD3 supplements (50 000 IU once or twice a week depending on body mass index, for 4-6 weeks) were administered to achieve 25(OH)D of 30 ng/mL or greater.

Results
VitD3 supplementation significantly increased mean 25(OH)D by 2.7-fold and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (24,25(OH)2D) by 4.3-fold. In contrast, mean levels of PTH, fibroblast growth factor-23, and 1,25(OH)2D did not change. Mathematical modeling suggested that 24-hydroxylase activity was maximal for 25(OH)D 50 ng/mL or greater and achieved a minimum (∼90% suppression) with 25(OH)D less than 10 to 20 ng/mL. The 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio better predicted modeled 24-hydroxylase activity (h) (ρ = −0.85; P = .001) compared to total plasma 25(OH)D (ρ = 0.51; P = .01) and the 24,25(OH)2D/25(OH)D ratio (ρ = 0.37; P = .3).

Conclusion
Suppression of 24-hydroxylase provides a first line of defense against symptomatic VitD deficiency by decreasing metabolic clearance of 1,25(OH)2D. The 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio provides a useful index of VitD status since it incorporates 24,25(OH)2D levels, and therefore provides insight into 24-hydroxylase activity. When VitD availability is limited, this suppresses 24-hydroxylase activity—thereby decreasing the level of 24,25(OH)2D and increasing the 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio. Thus, an increased 1,25(OH)2D/24,25(OH)2D ratio signifies triggering of homeostatic regulation, which occurs at early stages of VitD deficiency.
Moderate-intensity Combined Training Induces Lipidomic Changes in Individuals With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Duft Renata Garbellini , Bonfante Ivan Luiz Padilha , Palma-Duran Susana Alejandra , Chacon-Mikahil Mara Patrícia Traina , Griffin Julian Leether , Cavaglieri Cláudia Regina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Context
Alterations in the lipid metabolism are linked to metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance (IR), obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Regular exercise, particularly combined training (CT), is a well-known nonpharmacological treatment that combines aerobic (AT) and resistance (RT) training benefits. However, it is unclear whether moderate-intensity exercise without dietary intervention induces changes in lipid metabolism to promote a “healthy lipidome.”

Objective
The study aimed to investigate the effect of 16 weeks of CT on plasma and white adipose tissue in both sexes, middle-aged individuals with normal weight, obesity (OB), and T2D using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) untargeted lipidomics approach.

Methods
Body composition, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), strength, and biochemical markers were evaluated before and after the control/training period and correlated with lipid changes. CT consisted of 8 to 10 RT exercises, followed by 35 minutes of AT (45%-70% VO2max), 3 times a week for 16 weeks.

Results
The CT significantly reduced the levels of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid side-chains (SFA/MUFA) in sphingolipids, glycerolipids (GL) and glycerophospholipids (GP) as well as reducing fat mass, circumferences and IR. Increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in GPs and GLs were also observed, along with increased fat-free mass, VO2 max, and strength (all P &lt; .05) after training.

Conclusion
Our study revealed that 16 weeks of moderate-intensity CT remodeled the lipid metabolism in OB, and T2D individuals, even without dietary intervention, establishing a link between exercise-modulated lipid markers and mechanisms that reduce IR and obesity-related comorbidities.
Critical importance of DNA binding for CSL protein functions in fission yeast
Authors: Marešová Anna , Oravcová Martina , Rodríguez-López María , Hradilová Miluše , Zemlianski Viacheslav , Häsler Robert , Hernández Pablo , Bähler Jürg , Převorovský Martin 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
CSL proteins [named after the homologs CBF1 (RBP-Jκ in mice), Suppressor of Hairless and LAG-1] are conserved transcription factors found in animals and fungi. In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, they regulate various cellular processes, including cell cycle progression, lipid metabolism and cell adhesion. CSL proteins bind to DNA through their N-terminal Rel-like domain and central β-trefoil domain. Here, we investigated the importance of DNA binding for CSL protein functions in fission yeast. We created CSL protein mutants with disrupted DNA binding and found that the vast majority of CSL protein functions depend on intact DNA binding. Specifically, DNA binding is crucial for the regulation of cell adhesion, lipid metabolism, cell cycle progression, long non-coding RNA expression and genome integrity maintenance. Interestingly, perturbed lipid metabolism leads to chromatin structure changes, potentially linking lipid metabolism to the diverse phenotypes associated with CSL protein functions. Our study highlights the critical role of DNA binding for CSL protein functions in fission yeast.
Constraint Learning to Define Trust Regions in Optimization over Pre-Trained Predictive Models
Authors: Shi Chenbo , Emadikhiav Mohsen , Lozano Leonardo , Bergman David 
Published: March 2024

There is a recent proliferation of research on the integration of machine learning and optimization. One expansive area within this research stream is optimization over pre-trained predictive models, which proposes the use of pre-trained predictive models as surrogates for uncertain or highly complex objective functions. In this setting, features of the predictive models become decision variables in the optimization problem. Despite a recent surge in publications in this area, only a few papers note the importance of incorporating trust-region considerations in this decision-making pipeline, that is, enforcing solutions to be similar to the data used to train the predictive models. Without such constraints, the evaluation of the predictive model at solutions obtained from optimization cannot be trusted and the practicality of the solutions may be unreasonable. In this paper, we provide an overview of the approaches appearing in the literature to construct a trust region and propose three alternative approaches. Our numerical evaluation highlights that trust-region constraints learned through our newly proposed approaches compare favorably with previously suggested approaches, both in terms of solution quality and computational time. History: Accepted by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2022.0312 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2022.0312 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Exploring the subject, adjunct and Wh-island constraints in the usage of English in some selected Nigerian newspapers
Authors: Ambrose Lynda , Igene Stela 
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the subject, adjunct and Wh-island constraints in the usage of English in some selected Nigerian newspapers. The purpose is to know the extent to which these constraints have adapted to the Nigerian English. This study is based on the same code which is English language but of different varieties such as Nigerian English and English by the native speakers. This research is qualitative in nature, it is based on textual analysis, data were purposively sampled from the reportage columns in some selected Nigerian newspapers such as the interview columns. The theoretical framework used in this study is the Chomskyan Principles and Parameters theory with a focus on movement and bounding theories. Findings show that writers of Nigerian newspaper columns use the subject island, adjunct island and wh-island constraints sparingly and this shows a tactful attempt to avoid expressions which permits long distant wh- movement in order not to violate the subjacency conditions and syntactic constraints. Due to the tactful avoidance, this paper recommends that complex syntactic structures should be thought extensively at all stages in the Nigerian classrooms to enable L2 learners of English gain adequate competence and performance of the language.
Unleashing the power of pixels: Digital gaming as an unconventional catalyst for spontaneous Language learning in an EFL environment
Authors: Sutrisno Djoko , Zainal Abidin Noor Azlinda 
Published: March 2024

In the past two decades, the world has witnessed an exponential rise in the use of digital games, thanks to the widespread availability of Personal Computers (PCs) and mobile devices. These games have not only provided entertainment but have also demonstrated both positive and negative effects on players. While numerous studies have explored the impact of digital games on attention span, concentration, and addiction, little attention has been given to their influence on incidental Foreign Language acquisition. To bridge this research gap, the researcher embarked on a three-month longitudinal observational study during the post Covid-19 pandemic in 2022. The goal was to explore how digital games, which young learners played for leisure at home, affected their unintentional acquisition of English as foreign language. Participants in the study ranged from 8 to 14 years old, and three popular games, namely Free Fire, Minecraft, and Among Us, were included in the experiment.
The results of our study shed light on the significant impact of digital gaming on participants' vocabulary development, highlighting gaming as a valuable asset for foreign language acquisition. Moreover, the players displayed a remarkable ability to retain the newly acquired vocabulary. However, we did identify two drawbacks. Firstly, the prolonged screen time associated with gaming raised concerns. Secondly, we observed that the vocabulary acquired was often specific to certain areas within a particular game, limiting its transferability to broader language contexts. This study serves as a catalyst for further research, encouraging an exploration of the benefits and drawbacks of employing digital games for targeted aspects of foreign language acquisition, such as cognitive skill development and enhanced comprehension. By delving deeper into these areas, researchers can better understand how digital games can be optimized to foster effective language learning experiences. Ultimately, this knowledge will contribute to the design of educational games that leverage the potential of digital technologies to facilitate language acquisition and promote a holistic learning experience for young learners
Improving sensory awareness in a dental setting for patients with autism spectrum disorder (autism)
Authors: Budhdeo Rakhee , Kabban Marielle 
Published: March 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an unknown aetiology and a combination of characteristics, including social interactions, repetitive behaviours and sensory behaviours. Some studies have suggested that up to 82.7% of parents noted that their child was upset by particular sensations, with reports of between 80% and 100% of individuals with autism having sensory processing difficulties. While patients with ASD are reported to be at an increased risk for caries, treatment can be difficult owing to variations in levels of cooperation during dental examinations. CPD/Clinical Relevance: To assist in a successful dental visit, dental professionals should be aware of the sensory processing difficulties that patients diagnosed with autism have.