bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixed Point and Common Fixed Point of Enriched Hardy-Rogers Contractions in Some Banach Spaces
Authors: Omidire Olaoluwa Jeremiah , Olatinwo Memudu Olaposi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we prove some fixed point and common fixed point theorems for enriched contractions. Having in mind, the wide range of applicability of Banach contraction principle, the focus of this paper is to give more robust contractive conditions called enriched {\itshape{Hardy-Rogers contractions}}. Our results generalize and extend results of [Banach, S. (1922); Sur les Operations dans les Ensembles Abstraits et leur Appliication aux quations intrales, Fundamenta Mathematicae 3, 133-181], [Jungck G. (1976): Commuting mappings and fixed points, Amer. Math. Monthly, 83, 261-263], [Hardy G.E. and Rogers T.D.(1973), A generalization of a fixed point theorem of Reich, Canad.Math.Bull., 16, 201-206], [Berinde, V., Păcurar, M. Approximating fixed points of enriched contractions in Banach spaces. J. Fixed Point Theory Appl. 22, 38 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11784-020-0769-9] and many more related results in the literature.
Spatial Correlation of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer Between Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Targeted and Systematic Biopsy, and Whole-mount Pathology: Implications for Optimal Prostate Biopsy Strategy
Authors: Pacini Matteo , Morganti Riccardo , Zucchi Alessandro , Dazzi Filippo , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Valenzi Fabio Maria , Giannarini Gianluca , Ficarra Vincenzo , Simonato Alchiede , Faviana Pinuccia , Bartoletti Riccardo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE To pinpoint clinically significant Prostate Cancer (csPCa) sites at whole mount pathological analysis (WMA) after radical prostatectomy and compare the results obtained to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and fusion targeted prostate biopsy (TB) combined or less with systematic biopsy (TSB) findings.METHODS 688 patients who underwent to mpMRI and prostate biopsy (PB) were retrospectively evaluated in a multicenter cohort study. 435 of them showed PIRADS ≥ 3 lesions at mpMRI and underwent to Targeted plus Systematic (TSB) or Targeted biopsies alone (TB). Only 201 patients underwent to radical prostatectomy and were suitable for final analysis. T-test for paired DATA and Pearson’s correlation analysis were performed to assess the agreement between different methods.RESULTS The correlation between mpMRI, prostate biopsy and WMA reports was good and comparable in both groups. PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions agreed with TB and WMA findings. However, about 50% of csPCa tumor sites remained undetected at mpMRI. No correlation in TB group for PI-RADS 3 lesions was found. TSB was able to identify 20% more csPCa sites than TB although the higher risk of tumor upgrading.CONCLUSIONS mpMRI is still an accurate method for the diagnosis of PCa, mainly for PI-RADS 4 and 5 lesions although some csPCa sites often remain undetected. This may be considered as a critical issue for the surgical planning in order to avoid the risk of positive margins. The use of TSB improves the location agreement between PB and WMA up to 80% but may increase the risk of tumor upgrading.
Pancreatic cancer-related diabetes mellitus: A retrospective investigation of clinical characteristics and relationship with the prognosis
Authors: Takaoka Takehiro , Oono Takamasa , Ohno Akihisa , Murakami Masatoshi , Matsumoto Kazuhide , Teramatsu Katsuhito , Ueda Keijiro , Fujimori Nao , Ogawa Yoshihiro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The bidirectional association between pancreatic cancer (PaC) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is well-established. PaC-related DM (PRDM) is characterized by low insulin secretion and insulin resistance.
Aims
To investigate the diabetic state and PRDM, and assess whether these markers have predictive value for survival in patients with PaC.
Methods
We retrospectively examined the clinical factors, glucagon stimulation test results, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) scores in patients with PaC. PRDM was defined as if fasting blood glucose was ≥ 126 mg/dL or if hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) was ≥ 6.5%. We reviewed new-onset PRDM without diabetes treatment history. Increments in C-peptide levels after glucagon stimulation (ΔC-peptide) was examined. Kaplan–Meier curves and log-rank tests were used for data analysis.
Results
The ΔC-peptide value was ≥ 1 ng/ml in 77.3% of the patients with PaC, of which 13.8% demonstrated a HOMA-IR score > 2.5 and 42.2% of them showed PRDM. The presence of PRDM was significantly shorter overall survival (OS). Patients with ΔC-peptide < 1ng/ml did not show significantly shorter OS than those with ≥ 1 ng/ml (median, 546 [95%CI, 373–900] vs. 567 [514–772] days, p = 0.59). The group with HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5 also did not show a significantly shorter median OS than the group with HOMA-IR < 2.5 (median, 371 [528–710] vs. 571 [221–954] days, p = 0.068)
Conclusions
The ΔC-peptide values and HOMA-IR score were not significant predictors of survival although PRDM could be related with prognosis.
Variability in resistance training trajectories of breast cancer patients undergoing therapy
Authors: Koeppel Maximilian , Steindorf Karen , Schmidt Martina , Rosenberger Friederike , Wiskemann Joachim 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In resistance training (RT) the change in training volume from training sessions (TS) to TS, is an indicator of training progress. Resulting growth-trajectories are likely to differ between individuals. Understanding this variation is important for exercise planning in general, but even more for clinical populations. We investigated this variation in breast cancer patients undergoing treatment.
Methods
Data of 69 patients from two randomized controlled trails were investigated. They conducted a 12-week RT program. We fitted a quadratic Bayesian regression model to the baseline standardized training volume over the course of the intervention. We allowed all parameters to vary both between exercises and between individuals.
Results
We observed a positive linear component of 0.093 (95% Uncertainty interval (UI) 0.058 to 0.120) and a negative quadratic component of -0.002 (95% UI -0.008 to 0.001) for the mean trajectory of the change in training volume. For the different exercises we observed a dispersion for both the linear (0.043, 95% UI 0.018 to 0.082) and the quadratic component (0.002, 95% UI < 0.001 to 0.004). Variation between-individual appears to be approximately 4 times larger. We also observed between-exercise variation within individuals. Extrapolation of the regression model indicates training progression stagnates after 20.6 TS (95% UI 14.8 to 44.4).
Conclusion
There is substantial variation in RT response between breast cancer patients undergoing tumor therapy and in-between exercises. The non-linear trajectory indicates that training progression will eventually plateau, demanding periodization and timely modification.
Trial Registration:
BEATE Study: NCT01106820, Date: April 20, 2010; BEST Study: NCT01468766, Date: November 9, 2011
Exogenous application of salicylic acid improves eradication of apple stem grooving virus and apple chlorotic leaf spot virus in apple by combining thermotherapy with shoot tip culture or cryotherapy
Authors: Ma Xiao-Yan , Li Jin-Wei , Li Qing , Yan Zi-Han , Cheng Xi , Wang Min-Rui , Hamborg Zhibo , Bao Lu , Zhang Dong , Li Min-Ji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The presence of viral diseases poses a significant challenge to the high-quality, efficient, and sustainable production of apples. Virus eradication and the use of virus-free plants is currently the most crucial method for preventing viral diseases. Among the viruses affecting apples, apple stem grooving virus (ASGV) and apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) present particular challenges in efficient eradication from apples. This study investigated the effects of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) treatment on efficient eradication of these viruses from apple ‘Yanfu 8’ after combining thermotherapy with shoot tip culture or cryotherapy. Results showed that the inclusion of 10 µM SA in thermotherapy significantly decreased the concentrations of ASGV and ACLSV by 73–85% in shoots as compared with that treated without SA. SA treatment also improved the shoot tips survival and regrowth after combining 2 or 4 weeks of thermotherapy followed by shoot tip culture or shoot tip cryotherapy, while maintaining the higher (75–100%) of virus eradication efficiencies. Therefore, the application of SA in combination with thermotherapy proves to be a promising approach for enhancing the efficiency of virus eradication in apple.
Successful aging was negatively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms among adults aged 65 years and older in Ningbo, China
Authors: Li Lian , Yang Hongying , Gao Yan , Yan Wei , Yuan Yuerong , Lian Guomin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Depression and anxiety are the emotional problems most frequently experienced by older adults. We aimed to investigate the associations between successful aging (SA) and depression and anxiety in older adults from Ningbo, China.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 6,672 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older was performed. SA, depression, and anxiety symptoms were self-reported and measured using the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9), and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), respectively. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the associations of SA with depression and anxiety.
Results
After multivariate adjustment, we found that the SAI score was independently associated with the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores (β = −0.048 and − 0.069, respectively). Multivariate-adjusted spline regression models showed negative, nonlinear dose–response associations between the SAI score and both anxiety and depression symptoms (Pfor nonlinearity = 0.001 for both). With the highest quartile set as the reference, we determined that the lowest SAI score quartile was independently associated with both anxiety symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 10.926, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.268, 22.664) and depression symptoms (OR = 16.131, 95% CI: 8.423, 30.892). In subgroup analyses, the association between the SAI score and depression symptoms was significantly higher in rural than in urban areas (P for interaction = 0.024).
Conclusions
Among older adults in Ningbo, China, SA was found to play an important role in depression and anxiety symptoms, suggesting the need for effective and feasible interventions to promote SA in Chinese older adults.
Conception Vessels Acupuncture Research Regularity in the Treatment of Diminished Ovarian Reserve: a multi-center, large-sample prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Sun Hao , Zhang Na , Mou Zijun , Xia Qingchang , Du Dongqing , Ma Yuxia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to a decrease in the number or quality of oocytes in the ovarian cortex, which is a degenerative disease of the reproductive system, and can further develop into premature ovarian failure. There are few studies on acupuncture and moxibustion for DOR, which are still in the exploratory stage.
Methods/design:
This study was a real-world case registry study. According to whether the subjects received conception vessel acupuncture or not, they were divided into the basic treatment combined with conception vessel acupuncture group and the basic treatment group. A total of 1221 patients with DOR were enrolled and treated for 12 weeks. The percentage of patients with ≥30% improvement in anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was evaluated at the end of week 12. Secondary outcomes included Antral follicle count (AFC), modified Kupperman scale, basal FSH level, LH level, FSH/LH ratio, positive pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early spontaneous abortion, ongoing pregnancy, and ectopic pregnancy.
Discussion:
This study provides clinical evidence and theoretical support for the treatment of DOR with conception vessel acupuncture and moxibustion, so as to guide and improve the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion.
Trial registration: Acupuncture-Moxibustion Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2400080471. Registered on 30 January 2024.
Assessment of Bacterial Hand Contamination and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers Working in Catering Establishments of Hosanna Town, Hadiya Zone, South Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Woime Ashenafi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: - Hands are the major source of contamination, which can never be totally free of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Food can become contaminated by dirty hands if there is a lack of proper hygiene among the food handlers when handling food. Human hands are in regular contact with the surrounding environment, and a variety of pathogens can reach the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals of humans through the hands and consequently contribute to foodborne illness outbreaks.
Objective: This study assessed bacterial hand contamination and associated factors among food handlers working in catering establishments in Hossana Town, South Ethiopia.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among food handlers at catering establishments in Hosanna town, Hadiya zone, South Ethiopia, from March 2023 to May 2023. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to allocate study participants into their catering establishment, and then a random sampling technique was applied to recruit participants. After getting signed consent, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and potential risk factors. Data was entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed using the SPSS version 20 statistical package, and descriptive statistics were used to describe variables. Chi-square was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable.
Result: The overall prevalence of bacterial positivity is 18/156 (11.5%), and among the identified bacterial isolates, 10/156 (6.4%) were Staphylococcus aurous, followed by Escherichia coli (5/156 (3.2%)), and 3/156 (1.9%) were Salmonella typhi. The isolated pathogens had associations with those who were not trained in food preparation and handling, those who had no clean nails observed, poor hand washing after sneezing, poor hand washing after touching waste, and those who had no habit of hand washing after latrine usage (defecation) (p < 0.001).
The finding implies the need for strengthening the personal hygiene and redressal training of food handlers on personal hygiene guidelines to improve practice during food processing.
Kidney Transplant Outcomes in Children with Simultaneous Versus Sequential Heart-Kidney Transplant
Authors: Mahajan Ruchi Gupta , Evans Michael D , Kizilbash Sarah J 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Heart transplant recipients frequently require kidney transplantation for concomitant advanced chronic kidney disease. Data on simultaneous (heart and kidney transplants performed simultaneously) versus sequential (heart transplant performed before kidney) heart-kidney transplants in children are limited. Herein, we compare kidney transplant outcomes between the two groups.
Method
We used the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to identify all pediatric (age < 21 years) heart transplant recipients who also received a kidney transplant within 10 years of the heart transplant. We divided the study cohort into simultaneous heart-kidney and sequential heart-kidney recipients. We compared patient and death-censored graft survival using the Cox regression, adjusting for age at kidney transplant, sex, race, pre-transplant dialysis, donor type, and prior kidney transplant. We evaluated delayed graft function (defined as dialysis within the first week posttransplant) using logistic regression.
Results
Our analysis cohort included 165 recipients (86 simultaneous and 79 sequential). The incidence of delayed graft function was higher in simultaneous recipients (22.4% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.017), but the difference lost statistical significance on multivariable analysis. We found no difference in patient survival (aHR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.39, 2.41; p = 0.95) after the kidney transplant but higher death-censored kidney graft survival in sequential heart-kidney recipients compared with simultaneous heart-kidney recipients (aHR: 4.26; 95% CI: 1.21, 14.9; p = 0.02).
Conclusion
Sequential heart-kidney transplants are associated with higher death-censored kidney allograft survival compared with simultaneous heart-kidney transplants in children.
TFC-SpeechFormer: Efficient Emotion Recognition Based on Deep Speech Analysis and Hierarchical Progressive Structures
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Bingkun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Speech emotion recognition aims to automatically identify emotions in human speech, enabling machines to understand and engage emotional communication. In recent years, Transformers have demonstrated strong adaptability and significant effectiveness in speech recognition. However, Transformer models are proficient at capturing local features, struggle to extract fine-grained details, and often lead to computational redundancy, increasing time complexity. This paper proposes a Speech Emotion Recognition model named Temporal Fusion Convolution SpeechFormer (TFCS).The model comprises a Hybrid Convolutional Extractor (HCE) and multiple Temporal Fusion Convolution SpeechFormer Blocks (TFCSBs). HCE, consisting of an encoder and convolutional modules, enhances speech signals to capture local features and texture information, extracting frame-level features. TFCSBs utilize a newly proposed Temporal Fusion Convolution Module and Speech Multi-Head Attention Module to capture correlations between adjacent elements in speech sequences. TFCSBs utilize feature information captured by HCE to sequentially form frame, phoneme, word, and sentence structures, and integrates them to establish global and local relationships, enhancing local data capture and computational efficiency. Performance evaluation on the IEMOCAP and DAIC-WOZ datasets demonstrates the effectiveness of HCE in extracting fine-grained local speech features, with TFCS outperforming Transformer and other advanced models overall.
Assessing the causal association between human blood metabolites and grip strength：a mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zeng Li , Xie Qin , Liu Shasha , Wu Caojie , Li Ying , Zhang Min 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Metabolic disturbance has been reported in patients with sarcopenia. However, evidence about the causal role of metabolites in preventing sarcopenia is lacking. Systematic investigations of the causal relationships between blood metabolites and sarcopenia could help to identify novel targets for sarcopenia screening and prevention.
Methods
We conducted univariate and multivariable mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The data for 486 human blood metabolites were obtained from a genome‑wide association study (GWAS) comprising 7824 participants. The GWAS data for grip strength were obtained from the UK Biobank consortium. GWAS data for type 2 diabetes and obesity from the FinnGen consortium. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity and pleiotropy.
Results
Univariate MR analysis revealed four metabolites with causal effects on grip strength [phenylalanylserine: Beta = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.02–1.06, P = 0.0004; hyodeoxycholate: Beta = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01–1.05, P = 0.01; 3-dehydrocarnitine: Beta = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.83 − 0.6 = 96, P = 0.003; X-11440: Beta = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03–1.07, P = 0.00003]. However, after the multivariable MR analysis, only phenylalanylserine remained significantly associated with grip strength.
Conclusions
The phenylalanylserine is causatively associated with grip strength. The results provide novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia.
Advancing sand concrete sustainability: transforming quarry waste into high-quality crushed sand for superior properties
Authors: Jaradat Oday , Shakarna Mahmoud , Gadri Karima , Suleiman Hisham , Khattab Mohammed , Sirhan Asal , Guettala Abdelhamid 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This research explores the potential of reusing quarry waste into limestone sand for the eco-friendly production of sand concrete, addressing environmental sustainability. The investigation comprised the preparation of five concrete mixtures with differing limestone sand ratios: 0%, 40%, 50%, 60%, and 70%. To evaluate the impact of limestone sand incorporation, we analysed physical and mechanical characteristics through tests such as density, compressive and flexural strength, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity, Dynamic elastic modulus, and microstructure examination. Findings indicate substantial enhancements in sand concrete properties due to the integration of limestone sand, with the 60% ratio emerging as the most productive. The study underscores limestone sand's capability to not only improve sand concrete quality but also offer a sustainable method for quarry waste recycling. It demonstrates the beneficial impact of limestone sand used in sand concrete and advocates for its application as a sustainable quarry waste recycling strategy across the construction industry's various sectors.
Thermal Bioclimatic Transformations in the Coastal Regions of Ganges Delta: Insights from CMIP6 Multi-Model Ensembles
Authors: Kamruzzaman Mohammad , Islam H. M. Touhidul , Mainuddin Mohammad , Affan Abu , Ahmed Sharif , Rahman Md. Abiar , Sadeque Abdus 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The effects of climatic alteration caused by global warming on people, the environment, and ecosystems can be better understood by examining thermal bioclimatic indicators (TBIs) changes. Evaluating such alterations is of utmost significance for the Ganges Delta (GD) coastal region, which offers the world's most extensive biological variety. This study utilizes a multi-model ensemble (MME) of 16 CMIP6 Global Climate Models (GCMs) to assess prospective alterations in thermal bioclimatic indicators (TBIs) across the coastal region of the Ganges Delta (GD) for two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs): SSP245 (moderate) and SSP585 (severe). We employ ensemble median, 5th, and 95th percentiles to analyze temporal shifts and associated uncertainty in TBIs during the near (2020–2059) and far (2060–2100) futures. Our projections reveal a significant escalation in annual temperatures throughout the GD, with MME median average in-crease anticipated to range from 0.77–2.80°C (SSP2-4.5) to 1.03–4.65°C (SSP5-8.5) by 2059. Moreover, notable transformations in thermal patterns are expected, with a projected decrease in both diurnal temperature range (DTR) by 0.02–0.87°C and isothermality by 3.30-12.09%. Additionally, the average temperature during the driest months is anticipated to rise higher than in the wettest months. These findings underscore climate change's existential threat to the GD and its rich biodiversity. They provide vital information for formulating crucial mitigation strategies to curb greenhouse gas emissions and robust adaptation measures to bolster the resilience of communities and eco-systems. Urgent action is paramount to safeguard the future of this invaluable ecological treasure.