bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Balance improvement in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Chang Wen-Ching , Yang Yea-Ru , Hsu Li-Chi , Chern Chang-Ming , Wang Ray-Yau 
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the effect of an additional vestibular stimulated exercise programme on balance for patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Medical centre. Subjects: Twenty-six subjects with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involving the unilateral posterior semicircular canal. Interventions: Subjects were randomized into experimental or control groups. Thirteen subjects in the experimental group received the canalith repositioning manoeuvre and vestibular stimulated exercise training three times a week for four weeks. Thirteen subjects in the control group received only the canalith repositioning manoeuvre. Main measures: Static balance tests, tandem walk test, Dynamic Gait Index and subjective rating of the intensity of vertigo were measured at baseline, two-week and four-week assessments. Results: Compared with the control group, subjects in the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in single leg stance with eyes closed at the two-week assessment (P<0.05). Furthermore, stance on foam surface with eyes closed, single-leg stance with eyes closed, and Dynamic Gait Index at the four-week assessment were also significantly improved (P<0.05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that additional exercise training, which emphasizes vestibular stimulation, can improve balance ability and functional gait performance among patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo who had already undergone the canalith repositioning manoeuvre.
Potential environmental contaminant risks to avian species at important bird areas in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Rattner Barnett A , Ackerson Betty K 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Environmental contaminants can have profound effects on birds, acting from the molecular through population levels of biological organization. An analysis of potential contaminant threats was undertaken at 52 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) within the northeastern Atlantic coast drainage. Using geographic information system methodology, data layers describing or integrating contamination (impaired waters, fish or wildlife consumption advisories, toxic release inventory sites, and estimates of pesticide use) were overlaid on buffered IBA boundaries, and the relative threat at each site was ranked. Some species of birds residing at Jefferson National Forest (NF), Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah National Park (NP), Adirondack Park, Edwin B. Forsythe NWR, George Washington NF, Green Mountain NF, Long Island Piping Plover Beaches, and Merrymeeting Bay may be threatened by environmental contaminants. These sites exhibited moderate to high percentages of impaired waters and had fish consumption advisories related to mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, and were located in counties with substantial pesticide use. Endangered, threatened, and Watch List bird species are present at these sites. The Contaminant Exposure and Effects–Terrestrial Vertebrates database was searched within buffered IBA boundaries, and for a moderate number of sites there was concordance between the perceived risk and contaminant exposure. Several of the IBAs with apparently substantial contaminant threats had no avian ecotoxicological data (e.g., George Washington NF, Shenandoah NP). Based upon this screening level risk assessment, contaminant biomonitoring of birds is warranted at such sites, and data generated from these efforts could foster natural resource management activities.
Histological investigations of Eimeria infection in large-scaled gurnards, Lepidotrigla cavillone (Lacepède, 1801) from the Novigrad Sea, Croatia
Authors: Gjurčević Emil , Kozarič Zvonimir , Bambir Slavko , Petrinec Zdravko , Kužir Snježana , Gudan Andrea , Baždarić Branimir 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe presence of an Eimeria sp. was found in adult large-scaled gurnards Lepidotrigla cavillone (Lacepède, 1801) from the Novigrad Sea, in Croatia. The detection of Eimeria sp. in the pyloric caeca and intestines of the large-scaled gurnards is also the first report of the parasite in this fish species. The analysis of histopathological changes in the digestive tract led to the conclusion that the parasite could be a serious pathogen in heavily infected large-scaled gurnards.
Adiposity, Body Composition Measures, and Breast Cancer Risk in Korean Premenopausal Women
Authors: Tran Thi Xuan Mai , Chang Yoosoo , Choi Hye Rin , Kwon Ria , Lim Ga-Young , Kim Eun Young , Ryu Seungho , Park Boyoung 
Published: April 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between body composition parameters and breast cancer (BC) risk in premenopausal women.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsProspective cohort study using data from the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study. Participants were women aged 20 to 54 years who were enrolled from 2011 to 2019 and followed up for BC development until December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from June to August 2023.ExposuresTrained nurses conducted anthropometric measurements and assessed body composition using segmental bioelectric impedance analysis. The analysis encompassed adiposity measures such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body composition parameters, including muscle mass, fat mass, ratio of muscle mass to weight, ratio of fat mass to weight, and fat mass index.Main outcomes and measuresAdjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for BC during the follow-up period.ResultsAmong 125 188 premenopausal women, the mean (SD) age was 34.9 (6.3) years. During a mean (range) follow-up of 6.7 (0.5-9.9) years, 1110 incident BC cases were identified. The mean (SD) BMI and waist circumference were 21.6 (3.1) and 75.3 (8.2) cm, respectively. Higher BMI and waist circumference were associated with decreased risk, with an aHR of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.84-0.95) per SD increase in BMI and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86-0.98) per SD increase in waist circumference. A higher ratio of fat mass to weight was associated with decreased BC risk (aHR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99 per SD increase), whereas the opposite trend was observed for the ratio of muscle mass to weight, with an aHR of 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02-1.15) per SD increase. The results remained consistent even after additional adjustments for height in the model. The fat mass index was also inversely associated with BC risk, with an HR of 0.90 (95% CI, 0.85-0.97) per SD increase.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study of premenopausal women, a higher level of adiposity, represented by increased BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass, was consistently associated with decreased breast cancer risk. Conversely, muscle mass and its ratio to weight displayed opposite or inconsistent patterns. These findings suggest an inverse association between excess adiposity and the risk of BC in premenopausal women, confirming earlier findings that BMI is an indirect measure of adiposity.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prostate Cancer Screening
Authors: Fazekas Tamás , Shim Sung Ryul , Basile Giuseppe , Baboudjian Michael , Kói Tamás , Przydacz Mikolaj , Abufaraj Mohammad , Ploussard Guillaume , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Rivas Juan Gómez , Gandaglia Giorgio , Szarvas Tibor , Schoots Ivo G. , van den Bergh Roderick C. N. , Leapman Michael S. , Nyirády Péter , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Rajwa Pawel 
Published: April 2024

ImportanceProstate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly integrated within the prostate cancer (PCa) early detection pathway.ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the existing evidence regarding screening pathways incorporating MRI with targeted biopsy and assess their diagnostic value compared with prostate-specific antigen (PSA)–based screening with systematic biopsy strategies.Data SourcesPubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane/Central, Scopus, and Web of Science (through May 2023).Study SelectionRandomized clinical trials and prospective cohort studies were eligible if they reported data on the diagnostic utility of prostate MRI in the setting of PCa screening.Data ExtractionNumber of screened individuals, biopsy indications, biopsies performed, clinically significant PCa (csPCa) defined as International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 2 or higher, and insignificant (ISUP1) PCas detected were extracted.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was csPCa detection rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical insignificant PCa detection rate, biopsy indication rates, and the positive predictive value for the detection of csPCa.Data SynthesisThe generalized mixed-effect approach with pooled odds ratios (ORs) and random-effect models was used to compare the MRI-based and PSA-only screening strategies. Separate analyses were performed based on the timing of MRI (primary/sequential after a PSA test) and cutoff (Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System [PI-RADS] score ≥3 or ≥4) for biopsy indication.ResultsData were synthesized from 80 114 men from 12 studies. Compared with standard PSA-based screening, the MRI pathway (sequential screening, PI-RADS score ≥3 cutoff for biopsy) was associated with higher odds of csPCa when tests results were positive (OR, 4.15; 95% CI, 2.93-5.88; P ≤ .001), decreased odds of biopsies (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.22-0.36; P ≤ .001), and insignificant cancers detected (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.23-0.49; P = .002) without significant differences in the detection of csPCa (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.75-1.37; P = .86). Implementing a PI-RADS score of 4 or greater threshold for biopsy selection was associated with a further reduction in the odds of detecting insignificant PCa (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.05-0.97; P = .048) and biopsies performed (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.09-0.38; P = .01) without differences in csPCa detection (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.49-1.45; P = .22).Conclusion and relevanceThe results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that integrating MRI in PCa screening pathways is associated with a reduced number of unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis of insignificant PCa while maintaining csPCa detection as compared with PSA-only screening.
Contributions and problems of mathematical models in COVID‐19 prevention in Japan
Authors: Kakehashi Masayuki , Matsuda Hiroyuki 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article reviews the essential role of mathematical models in understanding and combatting the pandemic of novel coronaviruses, in particular focusing the advance in the use of mathematical models in disease control in Japan. Highlighting the integral role of mathematical models in public health, the article introduces a model that factors in the heterogeneity of infectious contacts, concentrating on the effectiveness of testing and isolation, alongside a model that involves economic losses. The models exhibit how, given such heterogeneity, milder behavioral restrictions can still achieve suppression, rigorous testing and isolation can effectively curb the spread, and containment measures can mitigate economic losses. These models aid in grasping the complicated dynamics of disease transmission and optimizing interventions. The knowledge of population ecology is also considered effective for public health in statistical analysis, organizing concepts using dynamic mathematical models, which lead to policy proposals and deepen understanding. Evolution theory may help the understanding of virulence subject to change. However, effective prevention necessitates not only models but also the practical implementation of efficacious measures. The cooperation of various disciplines is particularly crucial in achieving a balance between health measures, economic interests, and human rights. Moreover, the article acknowledges the limitations of models and underscores the significance of real‐world execution. Overall, the article advocates for a broader outlook to tackle future pandemics and related challenges, underscoring the importance of ongoing academic cooperation and global governance to effectively address emerging infectious diseases and their far‐reaching implications.
Audiences, automation, and AI: From structured news to language models
Authors: Caswell David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe appearance of large language models (LLMs) and other forms of generative AI portend a new era of disruption and innovation for the news industry, this time focused on the production and consumption of news rather than on its distribution. Large news organizations, however, may be surprisingly well‐prepared for at least some of this disruption because of earlier innovation work on automating workflows for personalized content and formats using structured techniques. This article reviews this work and uses examples from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and other large news providers to show how LLMs have recently been successfully applied to addressing significant barriers to the deployment of structured approaches in production, and how innovation using structured techniques has more generally framed significant editorial and product challenges that might now be more readily addressed using generative AI. Using the BBC's next‐generation authoring and publishing stack as an example, the article also discusses how earlier innovation work has influenced the design of flexible infrastructure that can accommodate uncertainty in audience behavior and editorial workflows – capabilities that are likely to be well suited to the fast‐approaching AI‐mediated news ecosystem.
Tumor‐On‐A‐Chip Model Incorporating Human‐Based Hydrogels for Easy Assessment of Metastatic Tumor Inter‐Heterogeneity
Authors: Monteiro Cátia F. , Deus Inês A. , Silva Inês B. , Duarte Iola F. , Custódio Catarina A. , Mano João F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe coordinated migration of invasive tumor cells is a complex and dynamic mechanism driven by diverse cellular and molecular events. Unfortunately, the inherent heterogeneity within tumors raises multiple challenges in deciphering key biomarkers and novel therapeutic approaches to prevent tumor metastasis. Here, a microengineered tumor‐on‐a‐chip system incorporating human platelet lysate hydrogels is proposed to recreate the early metastatic process of tumor invasion and drug response. By co‐culturing human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with two tumor cell lines with distinct metastatic capability, the developed model can emulate the 3D tumor microarchitecture and inter‐heterogeneity regarding its intrinsic metastatic ability. The recreated microenvironment supports tumor and stromal cell movement, evidencing the synergistic tumor‐stromal cell and cell‐extracellular matrix interactions of an invading tumor. Through gene and protein expression analysis and exometabolomic profiling, this tumor‐on‐a‐chip platform provides evidence for the role of a dynamic environment as a key regulator of tumor metastatic ability. Additionally, the effect of doxorubicin treatment on tumor invasiveness and biomarker profile highlights the suitability of the established models for therapy assessment. Overall, this study presents a tumor‐on‐a‐chip model useful to pursue mechanistic studies on early metastatic events in a fully human‐derived microenvironment, while contributing with fundamental insights into biomolecular profiling.
Injectable Hydrogel Based on Enzymatic Initiation of Keratin Methacrylate for Controlled Exosome Release in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Therapy
Authors: Chen Linjie , Peng Ke , Huang He , Gong Zehua , Huang Jinyi , Mohamed Abdihafid Mohamud , Chen Qizhu , Sow Wan Ting , Guo Liting , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Li Bin , Khan Moonis Ali , Makvnadi Pooyan , Jones Morgan , Shen Shuying , Wang Xiangyang , Ma Chao , Li Huaqiong , Wu Aimin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes has shown success in alleviating inflammation and restoring the extracellular matrix (ECM), however, challenges persist due to the deficiency in mechanical support and controlled release. Herein, a carbon‐carbon double bond modified keratin (KeMA) is synthesized by 2‐isocyanatoethyl modification for exosomes wrapping. This injectable KeMA hydrogel, initiated by a biocompatible glucose/ glucose oxidase/ horse radish peroxidase enzymatic cascade reaction with acetylacetone and N‐vinylpyrrolidone, displayed rapid gelation, resembling nucleus pulposus (NP) elasticity, and excellent cytocompatibility. In vitro studies showcased that the exosomes‐loaded KeMA hydrogel (Exo@KeMA) enhanced exosome release kinetics, suppressed inflammation, fostered extracellular matrix (ECM) regeneration, and reinstated NP biomechanics. RNA‐seq analysis indicated Exo@KeMA's effects involved PI3K‐Akt signaling for matrix regeneration and NF‐κB signaling inhibition for anti‐inflammation. In vivo IVDD rat models demonstrated Exo@KeMA attenuated inflammation, maintained NP water content, preserved disc height, and promoted structural regeneration. This research introduces an injectable KeMA hydrogel as a promising therapy for IVDD, by facilitating biomechanics restoration, anti‐inflammatory response, and ECM regeneration.
Cascade Carrier‐Free Nanoparticles Forming In Situ Nanovaccines for Synergistic Photothermal‐Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Huang Chenlu , Wang Hanyong , Yang Xinyu , Yu Qingyu , Wang Hai , Zhang Linhua , Zhao Yanli , Zhu Dunwan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRapid advances in nanotechnology have made it possible to combine photothermal therapy (PTT) with immunotherapy, enabling to activate an in situ vaccine effect. However, this effect is severely impeded by low antigen presentation level and highly suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (immune “cold” tumors). To overcome the obstacles, multifunctional carrier‐free nanoparticles (FCDP‐NPs) assembled from Fe2+, toll‐like receptor 9 agonist (CpG), cationic lipid (DOTAP) and photothermal agent polydopamine are developed. After intratumoral injection, FCDP‐NPs carrying positive charge are exposed under laser irradiation, which can capture tumor‐associated antigens (TAAs) generated upon post‐PTT to form the nanovaccines (FCD‐NPs@TAAs). The nanovaccines further promote cross‐presentation of TAAs, stimulate adaptive immune responses, and shape immune “hot” tumors. As a result, in situ nanovaccines highly improve survival rates and elicit a durable immune memory that remarkedly prevents tumor metastasis, illustrating a useful platform for PTT synergized with immunotherapy.
A Dynamic Gradient Stiffness Material Platform to Manipulate Cardiac Fibroblasts' Spatio‐Temporal Behavior
Authors: Cao Zheng , Clark Andy T. , Vite Alexia , Corbin Elise A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAfter myocardial infarction, there exists a spatiotemporal variation of cardiac tissue stiffness across the infarcted border region outward to remote regions, influencing adverse remodeling and cardiac fibrosis, and this stiffness gradient changes over time. Here, a platform with dynamic, tunable, and reversible gradient stiffness can recapitulate in vitro the time‐dependent stiffness range across the infarction border that occurs as part of the remodeling process is presented. This platform enables the observation of time‐dependent interaction between cardiac fibroblasts and their mechanical microenvironment in a spatiotemporal manner. Specifically, the competition and cooperation of a chemical cue (antifibrotic drug) and mechanical cue (gradient softening) in tandem to attenuate the fibrotic responses of cardiac fibroblasts is examined. Applying a combined intervention showed either additive or antagonistic effects on fibrosis‐related gene regulation compared to separate interventions of drug or softening. This work reveals the spatiotemporal variation of fibrotic response in cardiac fibroblasts as well as the complexity of antifibrotic drug dosing with stiffness changes and their combinatory effect on cardiac fibroblasts. This platform provides a unique in vitro tool to study disease progression mechanisms in a more clinically relevant microenvironment and also serves as a cost‐effective model for potential therapeutic screening.
One‐Hour Ambient‐Pressure‐Dried, Scalable, Stretchable MXene/Polyurea Aerogel Enables Synergistic Defense Against High‐Frequency Mechanical Shock and Electromagnetic Waves
Authors: Zheng Sinan , Xu Wenlong , Liu Jiurong , Pan Fei , Zhao Shanyu , Wang Yadi , Zeng Zhihui , Wu Na 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe rapid, energy‐efficient, scalable preparation of high‐strength, flexible, multifunctional nanostructured aerogels is highly desired yet challenging. Here, an ambient‐pressure‐dried (APD) strategy is developed involving self‐foaming, dip‐coating, and graphene oxide (GO)‐assisted multiple cross‐linking treatments for the prompt, large‐area preparation of polyurea/transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) aerogels. The APD MXene‐based aerogels showcase low density, remarkable mechanical strength, and ultraflexiblity involving stretchability, good conductivity, hydrophobicity, and high resistance to various solvents. Synergies of robust, elastic cell walls and porous structure contribute to high‐efficiency absorption of high‐frequency, high‐speed mechanical shock waves for the aerogels, significantly transcendinging the biomasses, plastics, elastomers, ceramics, and metals. In addition to the excellent microwave shielding performance of over 40 dB in ultrabroadband frequencies of 4–40 GHz, the oxidation stability is elevated for APD MXene aerogels, consequently yielding applicability in harsh conditions. Furthermore, the superior light absorption capability of aerogels leads to the efficient photothermal conversion, therapy, antibacterial, desalination, water purification, deicing, and thick oil absorption. This work provides a facile, time‐ and energy‐efficient, scalable APD methodology for manufacturing large‐area, high‐strength, ultraflexible, multifunctional MXene‐based aerogels, enlighting a novel synergistic defense against mechanical shock and electromagnetic waves, and promoting them as a prospective candidate in aerospace, device protection, and next‐generation electronics.
Compose and Convert: Controlling Shape and Chemical Composition of Self‐Organizing Nanocomposites
Authors: Bistervels Marloes H. , van der Weijden Arno , Schoenmaker Hinco , Kamp Marko , Noorduin Willem L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOrganizing the right material at the right place has the potential to revolutionize bottom‐up assembly of functional architectures. Despite tremendous progress, this is still difficult in particular because control over chemical composition and morphology are typically inherently entangled. Here a two‐step strategy is introduced based on self‐organization and conversion reactions to shape a wide selection of chemical compositions into user‐defined designs. First, photogeneration of CO2 induces precipitation of nanocomposites of barium carbonate nanocrystals and amorphous silica (BaCO3/SiO2) with control over shape and location following arbitrary illumination patterns. Second, the resulting nanocrystals are converted by sequential ion exchange into a palette of chemical compositions, while the original shape is preserved. By considering thermodynamic stability and chemical reactivity, orthogonal conversion reactions are designed for sequentially positioning nanocomposites of different metal chalcogenide semiconductors next to each other. Based on these strategies, different compositions are integrated into the same hybrid architecture, and the functionality potential is demonstrated by forming a light‐emitting perovskite semiconductor that is embedded into an optical waveguide. Combining light‐controlled self‐organization and shape‐preserving ion‐exchange reactions offers exciting opportunities for shaping up materials.