bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Three-circle Post Standing Qigong on insomnia in college students: a four-arm, double-blind, randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Xu Ming-min , Li Nan , Hu Tian-nuo , Zhou Zhengkun , Chen Yue , Huang Xue , Wei Yulong , Guo Yu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Insomnia is common in college students, but its impact on health and wellbeing is often neglected. Enhancing sleep quality through targeted interventions could improve overall health and reduce the risk of consequent co-morbidities and mental health problems. Qigong exercises have been shown to significantly improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia. Three-circle Post Standing (TCPS) can help integrate body, breath, and mind, a fundamental principle of Qigong that promotes holistic wellbeing. In this clinical trial, we aim to (1) evaluate the feasibility, safety, and therapeutic efficacy of administering TCPS to improve sleep quality and quality of life in college students with insomnia; (2) explore the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the mind adjustments mediated by TCPS in insomnia; (3) investigate body and breath pathophysiology mediated by TCPS in insomnia; and (4) assess the long-term efficacy of TCPS in terms of sleep quality and quality of life.
Methods: This will be a prospective, parallel, four-arm, double-blind randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of TCPS on college students with insomnia. One hundred college students meeting diagnostic criteria for insomnia will be randomly assigned to receive either 14 weeks of standardized TCPS training (two weeks of centralized training followed by 12 weeks of supervised training) or sham-control Post Standingtraining. Efficacy outcomes including sleep quality, quality of life, neurophysiological assessments, plantar pressure, biomechanical balance, and physical measures will be collected at baseline, eight weeks (mid-point of supervised training), and 14 weeks (end of supervised training). Sleep quality and quality of life will also be evaluated during the four- and eight-week follow-up.
Discussion: This trial will be an important milestone in the development of new therapeutic approaches for insomnia and should be easily implementable by college students with insomnia. The neuro- and pathophysiological assessments will provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying TCPS.
Clinical trial registration: This trial has been registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2400080763).
Safflower Yellow Alleviates Cognitive Impairment in Mice by Modulating Cholinergic System Function, Oxidative Stress, and CREB/BDNF/TrkB Signaling Pathway
Authors: qi yanqiang , wang yanyou , he yingxi , li le , hu yanli 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily develops in old age. The main clinical symptom of the disease is memory loss. Therefore, the treatment of learning and memory dysfunction is an important research direction for prevention and treatment of AD. Studies have shown that scopolamine hydrobromide (SCOP), sodium nitrite (NaNO2) and ethanol impair memory acquisition, memory consolidation and memory retrieval in mice, respectively. Safflower yellow (SY) can effectively improve the memory function of AD mice, but the specific mechanism needs further exploration. In the present study, mice were injected with SCOP, NaNO2 and 40% ethanol to establish models of memory acquisition, memory consolidation and memory retrieval impairment. This study investigated the mechanism of SY treatment of AD from the perspectives of oxidative stress, the cholinergic system, the CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway and synaptic protein expression. We conducted several studies that have shown that after SY treatment, the memory ability of three memory impairment mice models improved, the pathological changes in brain tissue were reduced, the activity of cholinergic system-related enzymes were changed, the level of oxidative stress in the brain of mice was reduced, and the CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway was activated. In addition, SY can also upregulate the expression of synapse-associated proteins and exert neuroprotective effects.
A Mixed Method Approach for Analyzing Drivers of Land Use Land Cover Change in the Northwestern Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Bogale Temesgen , Damene Shimeles , Seyoum Aseffa , Haregeweyn Nigussie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study gives empirical evidence on the drivers of land use land cover change by conducting qualitative assessment first, and then making use of time series data for quantifying the relationship between land use land cover change and factors that cause the change. Analyzing the drivers of land use land cover change employing a mixed method approach gives good ground for the selection of exogenous variables as well as justification of the results of the quantitative analysis. Temporal changes of land use land cover in a given time are interdependent with changes in the previous years which needs time series data analysis. Vector autoregressive models with exogenous variables were used to analyze the time series data. The findings revealed demographic and environmental factors were the main causes of land use and land cover change. Population growth was found among the key drivers for losses of the natural vegetation on the one hand and rehabilitation of bare lands and grazing lands on the other hand, through contributing productive labor force for rehabilitating gullies, construction of soil and water conservation structures, and plantations of trees on degraded lands. This implies population growth can be an opportunity or a threat for sustainable natural resources management depending on how the available labor force is used. Climatic factors like maximum temperature and precipitation were also important causes of change in land use land cover. The study has important contributions to improving land use practices through designing appropriate land resources management policies.
Risk assessment of a national railway infrastructure due to sea-level rise: a theoretical framework concerning the Italian coastal railways
Authors: Ricciardi Guglielmo , Ellena Marta , Barbato Giuliana , Alcaras Emanuele , Parente Claudio , Carcasi Giuseppe , Zarelli Cristiano , Franciosi Alberto , Mercogliano Paola 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Nowadays, within the built environment, railway infrastructures play a key role to sustain national policies oriented toward promoting sustainable mobility. For this reason, national institutions and infrastructure managers need to increase their awareness in relation to the current and future climate risks on their representative systems. Among climate change impacts, preventing the effects of sea-level rise (SLR) on coastal railway infrastructures is a priority. The first step in the climate change adaptation policy cycle is the development of an ad hoc climate risk assessment. In this view, this research develops a vulnerability and a risk assessment metric to identify the hotspots within a national coastal railway due to the SLR impacts. The proposed methodology required different steps to quantify the SLR projections and the vulnerability characteristics of the assets, in terms of sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The investigated case study is the coastal railway infrastructure in Italy, thanks to co-design participative processes with the national Infrastructure Manager: Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI). The results of this application, although non included in the paper due to confidential reasons imposed by the infrastructure manager - led to a clear identification of the areas and the coastal railway sections which are exposed to high levels of risks and of the places which require priority actions for urgent adaptation in a view of climate proof infrastructures.
Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy plus Camrelizumab and Apatinib for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zuo Meng-Xuan , Cao Yuzhe , Yi Yang , Zheng Guanglei , Li Da , Shao Hongyan , Ma Qiaoyun , Song Peng , An Chao , Li Wang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and aims:
there is limited information on combination of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) and systemic therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (Ad-HCC). We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of HAIC plus camrelizumab (a PD-1 inhibitor) and apatinib (an VEGFR-2 inhibitor) versus camrelizumab and apatinib for Ad-HCC.
Methods
From April 2019 to October 2022, 416 patients with Ad-HCC received either HAIC plus camrelizumab and apatinib (TRIPLET protocol, n = 207) or camrelizumab and apatinib (C-A protocol, n = 209) were reviewed retrospectively. The propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce selective bias. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method with the log-rank test. Cox regression analyses of independent prognostic factors were evaluated.
Results
After PSM 1:1, 109 patients were assigned to two groups. The median OS of not reached in the TRIPLET group was significantly longer than that of 19.9 months in the C–A group (P < 0.001), while in the TRIPLET group, the median PFS of 11.5 months was significantly longer than that of 9.6 months in the C–A group (P < 0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that the factors ‎significantly affected the OS were‎ CTP grade, tumor number > 3, and TRIPLET treatment (P < 0.001). Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred at a rate of 82.1% vs. 71.3% in TRIPLET and C-A groups, respectively.
Conclusion
The TRIPLET protocol has promising survival benefits in the management of patients with Ad-HCC, with acceptable safety.
How much is known about palliative care in lay public? A case study from Slovenia
Authors: Pavlic Danica Rotar , Maksuti Alem , Božič Nataša 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Around 22,000 people die in Slovenia every year, therefore, knowledge of palliative care options is important. The lay public the lay public must know as much as possible about the benefits offered by palliative care. The purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes and familiarity of lay public with palliative care and the possibilities of palliative care in the home environment. We were interested in statements of relatives of persons who have been admitted to nursing homes as well.
Methods
We invited to survey as many adults as possible, whom we approached via social networks. As a special subgroup of respondents, we included relatives of those who were residents of nursing homes. The survey took place in 2021. We considered only those survey questionnaires that were completely filled out. We used statistical analytical package IBM SPSS program, version 25.0. First, we checked the normality of the data distribution. We used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences. The level of statistical significance considered was 0.05.
Results
The majority of all respondents were not familiar with the possibility of palliative care at home. In terms of the purpose of palliative care, the respondents ranked first that it is intended for the entire family, second for patients with chronic diseases, and third for patients with cancer. Lay women with higher education were more familiar with the purpose of palliative care. Older respondents were not better informed about the possibility of palliative care in the home environment compared to other respondents. Relatives of people who are housed in a nursing home are not better acquainted with palliative care compared to the rest of the respondents.
Conclusions
Lay people, including relatives of residents of nursing homes, do not know about the possibilities of palliative care at home. Even the elderly, who should be key decision-makers regarding the organization of palliative care, are not familiar with it. We believe that it is necessary to set up a national e-portal to inform the public about the possibilities of palliative care at home.
Solving the Resource-Constrained Project Scheduling Problem (RCPSP) with Quantum Annealing
Authors: ARMAS Luis Fernado PÉREZ , DELEPLANQUE Samuel , CREEMERS Stefan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Quantum annealing emerges as a viable solution for solving complex problems such as the resource-constrained project scheduling problem (RCPSP). We analyze 12 Mixed Integer Linear Programming formulations in an attempt to solve the RCPSP, and convert the most qubit-efficient formulation into a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) model. We solve this QUBO model using the D-Wave Advantage 6.3 Quantum Annealing (QA) machine and compare its performance with that of classical computer solvers. This pioneering effort marks the first use of quantum annealing for RCPSP, and shows promising results, especially for small to medium-sized instances.
Influence of joint form on shear characteristics of asphalt concrete core under steep bank slope condition
Authors: Li Yong , Li Yanlong , Liu Yunhe , Sun Xinjian , Wen Lifeng , Li Weimei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The connection performance between the core and the concrete plinth under steep bank slope conditions is related to the overall seepage safety of the dam. In this study, combined with the actual engineering, the steep slope control groups with slopes of 71°, 76° and 81° were designed. The research scheme not only considers the limit situation of the existing specifications, but also makes further exploration on the situation of high and steep valleys beyond the specifications. Considering the asymmetric valley and the symmetric valley, two contact forms of arc joint and flat joint are set up. Based on the numerical calculation, the influence of the joint embedding depth and the amplification angle on the shear action of the asphalt concrete core (ACC) is quantitatively studied. The results indicate that the symmetry of the valley will cause stress to deflect, affecting the characteristics of shear stress of the core. Under the condition of high-steep bank slope, large shear deformation occurs at the joint of ACC, and significant arching occurs near the bank slope. The overall stress level of the arc joint is higher than that of the flat joint, and it is highly sensitive to the change of the bank slope. Increasing the embedded depth of the joint, the local shear effect of the core wall becomes larger. As the joint magnification angle decreases, the stress level of the core and the maximum shear stress decrease. Expanding the contact surface of the joint can reduce the shear effect of the core. This study breaks through the conventional dam construction conditions and explores the mechanical properties of anti-seepage bodies in high and steep valleys. The research results of this paper can provide reference for the design of ACC joints under extreme steep bank slope conditions.
Azurocidin is associated with dienogest-resistance in ovarian endometriotic cysts
Authors: Watanabe Momoe , Kobayashi Yoichi , Ishida Manami , Tajima Atsushi , Tanigaki Shinji , Morisada Tohru 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Endometriosis, a common estrogen-dependent inflammatory disease, and ovarian endometriotic cysts (ECs) cause dysmenorrhea and infertility. Currently available hormonal therapies for EC treatment, are sometimes ineffective. The signaling of progesterone receptors can downregulate estrogen receptors and therefore are involved in endometriosis. Dienogest (DNG) is an oral progestin that is highly selective for progesterone receptors (PRs). In our previous proteomics study, we identified that azurocidin could be associated with DNG resistance. In this study, we conducted using the human immortalized endometriotic epithelial Emosis-CC/TERT1 cell line, and examined the effect of azurocidin on ECs and its clinical significance.
We examined whether azurocidin suppresses the action of DNG on IL-6 and IL-8 in ECs. We also examined whether azurocidin affects PR or ER in ECs.　This study was conducted using the human immortalized endometriotic epithelial Emosis-CC/TERT1 cell line. DNG inhibited the production of IL-6 and IL-8, but this effect was suppressed in the presence of azurocidin. Inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 enhanced azurocidin production. Furthermore, azurocidin increased estrogen receptor (ER) expression; the proliferation of EMosis-CC/TERT1 cells increased significantly when incubated with 17β-estradiol and azurocidin. The results suggest that azurocidin inhibits the action of DNG by increasing estrogen sensitivity by promoting ER mRNA expression and promoting endometriosis in endometrial epithelial cells. Thus, azurocidin may be associated with dienogest-resistance in ovarian ECs.
Recurrent thymic carcinoma treated with anterior median thoracotomy, innominate vein replacement for superior vena cava, and iodide implantation: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Chen Zhong zheng , Qu Wen dong , Zhang Xing shu , Song Yong xiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Thymic neuroendocrine tumors are rare malignant tumors with neuroendocrine functions located in the anterior mediastinum thymic region. They exhibit a high degree of malignancy and can early invade surrounding fat,pericardium, pleura, major blood vessels, and lungs,posing a significant risk of recurrence.Here, we report a case of recurrent thymic cancer treated with complete surgical resection, replacement of the innominate vein, superior vena cava formation, and iodine ion insertion.A 51-year-old male diagnosed with stage lllA malignant thymoma in November 2021, accompanied by lymph node metastasis,involving the peripheral left lung.The patient underwent six cycles of adjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab and cisplatin plus etoposide, along with one course of radiotherapy postoperatively.Subsequently, the patient received regular immunotherapy and follow-up at our hospital. In October 2023,chest CT revealed tumor recurrence, with infiltration into the pericardium, bilateral innominate veins, superior vena cava, and brachiocephalic artery.Subsequently, the patient underwent a midline thoracotomy for extensive resection of recurrent thymic tumor,enlargement of pericardial resection, left innominate vein-to-right atrial artificial grafting,superior vena cava formation,and iodine-125radioisotope brachytherapy.Aggressive surgical intervention combined with adjuvant therapy is an essential treatment modality for locally advanced thymic cancer involving the superior vena cava and surrounding blood vessels.
H-type hypertension is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease: a case-control study
Authors: Long Tianyao , Zheng Liuyangyi , Ding Zihao , Yu Tong , Hong Xiuqin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have examined the relationship between hypertension or homocysteine and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the relationship between H-type hypertension and CKD remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between H-type hypertension and CKD and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of CKD;
Methods: This case-control study included 514 study subjects, 257 in each of the case and control groups. The diagnostic criteria for CKD were structural or functional abnormalities of the kidneys for ≥ 3 months, which may or may not be accompanied by a decrease in eGRF, and which may be manifested by abnormalities of pathology or indicators of renal injury (including blood urine and composition or imaging tests). All patients were categorized into normal, Hcy (Hcy ≥10 μmol/L), hypertensive, and H-type hypertension groups according to their Hcy levels and whether they had hypertension.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between H-type hypertension and CKD, and subgroup analyses were performed for potential confounders;
Results: The differences between the CKD group and the control group in terms of age, education, exercise, BMI, TG, HDL, UA, Scr, BUN and hs-CRP were statistically significant (p < 0.05).Logistic regression modeling showed that after correcting for confounders, we found that the H-type hypertension group had the highest risk of CKD (OR=4.453; 95% CI: 2.075-9.560; P<0.001). There was no interaction of H-type hypertension with age, education level, physical activity, or TG on the development of CKD(P＞0.05);
Conclusions: The coexistence of Hcy and hypertension increases the risk of developing CKD, and H-type hypertension is a risk factor for CKD.
Cocaine-derived hippuric acid activates mtDNA-STING signaling in alcoholic liver disease: Implications for alcohol and cocaine co-abuse
Authors: Ma Hwan , Lee Gyu-Rim , Park Jeong-Su , Lee Jin , Wang Feng , Ma Yuanqiang , Sui Guo-Yan , Rustamov Nodir , Kim Sou Hyun , Jung Young-Suk , Yoo Hwan-Soo , Han Sang-Bae , Hong Jin Tae , Yun Jaesuk , Roh Yoon Seok 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The simultaneous abuse of alcohol and cocaine synergistically worsens liver injury, but the underlying mechanisms of this interaction remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that cocaine exposure alone promotes liver injury and inflammation in both marmosets and mice. Notably, co-administration of cocaine and ethanol in mice exacerbates liver damage compared to individual treatments. Metabolomic analysis identifies hippuric acid (HA), a metabolite of cocaine produced in hepatocytes, as the most abundant serum metabolite in cocaine-treated marmosets. Mechanistically, HA increases mitochondrial DNA leakage in hepatocytes, leading to enhanced proinflammatory factor production via STING signaling in Kupffer cells (KCs). In addition, conditioned media from cocaine-treated KCs induces hepatocyte necroptosis through alcohol-induced TNFR1 activation. Importantly, disrupting STING signaling in vivo alleviates alcohol- and cocaine–induced liver injury and inflammation. These findings propose the HA-STING-TNFR1 axis as a potential therapeutic target for alcohol- and cocaine-induced excessive liver damage.
Momentum dependent nucleon-nucleon contact interactions andtheir effect on $p-d$ scattering observables
Authors: Filandri E. , Girlanda L. , Kievsky A. , Marcucci L.E. , Viviani M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Starting from a complete set of relativistic nucleon-nucleon contact operators up to order \(O(p^4)\) of the expansion in the soft (relative or nucleon) momentum \(p\) , we show that non-relativistic expansions of relativistic operators involve twenty-six independent combinations, two starting at \(O(p^0)\) , seven at order \(O(p^2)\) and seventeen at order $O(p^4)$. This demonstrates the existence of two low-energy free constants that parameterize interactions dependent on the total momentum of the pair of nucleons \(P\) .The latter, through the use of a unitary transformation, can be removed in the two-nucleon fourth-order contact interaction of the Chiral Effective Field Theory, generating a three-nucleon interaction at the same order.Within a hybrid approach in which this interaction is considered together with the phenomenological potential AV18, we show that the LECs involved can be used to fit very accurate data on the polarization observables of the low-energy \(p-d\) scattering, in particular the \(A_y\) asymmetry.