bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stop Demographic-Based Health Disparity in Down Syndrome Screening. A Cross-Sectional Study Among Muslim Women Found Awareness of Screening Is Associated with A Favorable Attitude Toward Testing.
Authors: Arab Kholoud , Halawani Lujain 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objective
There is a general assumption that Muslim women refuse Down syndrome screening, and therefore, many health practitioners do not offer it or briefly discuss it with their patients. This study aims to objectively assess women's awareness, knowledge, and attitudes toward Down Syndrome screening (D.S.S) in a Muslim-majority population.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among attendees of antenatal clinics at a major university hospital in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a sample size of at least 385. A semi-structured questionnaire assessed generic and specific awareness and knowledge of D.S.S (14 items) and attitudes (4 items). The knowledge and attitudes scores were calculated using a five-level agreement Likert-type scale.
Results
Of the 434 participants, 178 (41.0%) reported awareness of D.S.S. Factors associated with increased awareness were maternal age above 40 or under 30, nulliparity, and extended family history of D.S. (P value = 0.03,0.015, and 0.017, respectively). Recognized tests were ultrasound measurement of nuchal translucency (71.9%) and first-trimester serum screening (58.4%). The sources of knowledge were obstetricians (53.9%), followed by family and friends (27%). The mean overall knowledge score was 53.9 ± 8.7 out of 70, and the mean attitude score was 17.4 ± 2.9 out of 20. Having (1–2) children is associated with a higher knowledge score, and most participants who reported awareness of D.S.S. (51.7%) had a favorable attitude toward screening.
Conclusion
Awareness of D.S.S. is associated with favorable attitudes towards testing, contradicting the general assumption highlighting the need for systematic education to increase testing uptake.
Effects of Pilates Exercises on Spine Deformities and Posture: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Fangyi , Dev Roxana Dev Omar , Soh Kim Geok , Wang Chen , Yuan Yubin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Pilates is becoming increasingly popular amongst a wide range of people and is gaining more attention. It is also an effective means of physical rehabilitation. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the effects of Pilates on spinal deformity and posture.
Method: A search was conducted using five recognised academic and scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and Google Scholar) to identify articles that met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. The search process for this study was documented using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020). The 9 studies included in the review were assessed using the PEDro scale.
Results: Pilates can be effective in correcting spinal deformities and posture, as well as improving quality of life, relieving pain, improving function and enhancing fitness.
Conclusions: The findings of this systematic review provide substantial evidence that Pilates has a positive impact on improving spinal deformity and posture. Pilates has considerable potential for public health interventions.
Risk of Binge Eating Disorder in Patients With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Screened for Metabolic Features
Authors: Brodosi Lucia , Stecchi Michele , Marchignoli Francesca , Lucia Elisabetta , Magnani Lucia , Guarneri Valeria , Petroni Maria Letizia , Marchesini Giulio , Pironi Loris 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose - Very few data exist on the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and eating disorders. The study was aimed to evaluate the presence of binge eating disorder (BED), frequently associated with obesity, in NAFLD subjects screened for the features of metabolic syndrome.
Methods - Demographic, clinical investigation, anthropometric measurements and laboratory were collected in 129 patients with NAFLD (34.1% males; age, 53.7 years; BMI, 34.4 kg/m2) addressed by general practitioners to a hospital-based unit of metabolic disorders. The risk of binge eating was tested by the binge eating scale (BES); values in the range 17-26 were considered “possible” BED, values > 26 were considered “probable” BED. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were tested by surrogate biomarkers and imaging (transient elastography). Calorie intake and lifestyle were self-assessed by questionnaires.
Results - Possible BED was present in 17.8% of cases, probable BED in another 7.6%, and were neither associated with gender, obesity class, diabetes, features of metabolic syndrome, nor with presence and severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Also steatosis grade by CAP and fibrosis stage by liver stiffness did not correlate with BES. However, an association was present between the daily caloric intake and “possible” BED (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-1.24; “probable” BED, 1.21; 1.07-1.37), after adjustment for confounders.
Conclusion - Binge eating, as scored by BES, is present in a significant proportion of NAFLD cases screened for metabolic disorders. It may impact behavioral treatment, reducing the chance of weight loss without systematic psychological support.
Optimally Shaped Nanotubes for Field Concentration
Authors: Kostas Konstantinos , Valagiannopoulos Constantinos 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The problem of concentrating electromagnetic fields into a nanotube from an ambient source of light, is considered. An isogeometric analysis approach, in a boundary element method setting, is employed to evaluate the local electric field, which is represented with the exact same basis functions used in the geometric representation of the nanotube. Subsequently, shape optimization of the nanotubes is performed with the aim of maximizing the field concentration in their interior. The optimization framework comprises: (i) one global optimizer implemented as the combination of a derivative-free guided random search approach and a gradient-based algorithm for accurately determining the shape at the final stages, (ii) one parametric modeler generating valid non-self-intersecting nanotube shapes with a relatively small number of parameters, and (iii) one isogeometric-enabled boundary element method solver approximating the value of the electric field on the nanotube with high accuracy. The optimal shapes for a wide range of optical sizes are determined, resulting in a collected energy enhancement of more than two orders of magnitude, compared to the respective circular designs. Importantly, the frequency and angular responses of selected optimal shapes tend to maintain their superior performance over extensive wavelength and directional bands. Therefore, the presented results may assist substantially the photonic inverse design in nanotube-based setups with applications spanning from field localization and power accumulation to wave steering and energy harvesting
Policy attention drives PM2.5 concentration reduction in China: evidence from spatial econometric analysis
Authors: Yang Shu-Hao , Li Bo , Chu Cheng-Jun , Rong Bing , Wang Ming-Xu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between government policy attention and air quality improvement in 285 Chinese cities between 2014 and 2019. We use the frequency of environmental-related vocabulary in annual government reports as an indicator of policy attention and employ a spatial panel model to quantify the impacts of policy attention on PM2.5 concentration reduction. This study attempts to explore the key driving factor from the perspective of government’s motivation and behavior and reveal the effectiveness difference by identifying heterogeneity derived from region endowment discrepancy. Our results demonstrate that environmental policy attention has a significant negative effect on PM2.5 concentration, both directly and indirectly. This study testifies the mechanism behind the effect that policy attention promotes green innovation by affecting relevant enterprises’ expectations and formulating incentive policies, which partially contributes to pollution control and PM2.5 concentration reduction.
Prevalence of Pathergy After Surgical Procedures in Patients with History of Pyoderma
Authors: Borda Luis J. , Saal Ryan C. , Encarnacion Iain Noel M. , Smith Robert J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Pathergy refers to the tendency of a cutaneous disease, such as pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), to arise or flare at sites of physical trauma. The rate of pathergy following routine surgical procedures among patients with known PG is not well described.
Objective: To determine the clinical variables that predict pathergy following surgical procedures in patients with a known history of PG.
Methods: A single-center retrospective chart review was performed from 2015-2021 to identify patients with history of pyoderma gangrenosum, in order to collect: demographics, history of undergoing a surgical procedure, surgical anatomical location, type of PG lesion, comorbidities, and treatments.
Results: 40 patients with a history of PG were identified, 29 (72.5%) were female, and 20 (50%) were white. Of the 12 (30%) patients who underwent surgery, such as orthopedic surgery, mastectomy and other procedures, 6 (50%) developed pathergy as a post-surgical complication. Patients with history of PG developed more PG after surgery (P=0.0002). There was no association between ongoing PG-specific treatment at moment of surgery and development of pathergy (P=0.06).
Conclusions: PG patients are susceptible to pathergy following procedural interventions; thus, improved understanding of specific factors associated with a higher likelihood of pathergy after surgical procedures in PG may help improve identification of these patients in an outpatient dermatologic setting.
‘Context really matters’ - The role of energy system modelling in policymaking in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Fuchs Janina Luisa , Tesfamichael Meron , Clube Rebecca , Tomei Julia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Energy system models are widely used to explore, analyse and plan energy futures and sustainable transitions. These models, often developed in high-income countries, have more recently been applied in low- and middle-Income countries (LMICs). As a result, the role that modelling plays in informing decisions in such contexts lacks adequate exploration. Drawing on 35 qualitative interviews with energy system modellers and policymakers, this research examines the experiences of developing and using energy system models that support decision-making in LMICs. It shows that many conventional modelling approaches do not account for the political economy influences and developmental challenges specific to LMICs, with implications on modelling processes and outcomes. The interviews highlighted the need to understand the roles played by diverse stakeholders in shaping modelling processes as well as their communication, interpretation and use of energy models. This indicates that, especially in modelling projects which bring in external modellers, a good understanding of the country context is essential in order to design appropriate model scenarios and interpret them in the wider relevant context for policymaking. Finally, more in-country capacity is needed to foster local ownership of modelling projects.
The effect of nitric oxide donation on the severity of mitochondrial disfunction to the renal tissue in cardiopulmonary bypass simulation: an experimental study
Authors: Tyo Mark A. , Kamenshchikov N. O. , Podoksenov Yu. K. , Mukhomedzyanov A. V. , Maslov L. N. , Kozlov B. N. 
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: Acute kidney injury is one of the common complications in cardiosurgical operations with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). A number of studies have shown that donation of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) reduces episodes of аcute kidney injury. However, subcellular mechanisms of realization the nephroprotective properties of NO remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: To study the safety of the technology of plasma-chemical synthesis of nitric oxide and to evaluate the effect of the delivery resulting nitric oxide on mitochondrial damage to the renal tissue in the simulation of cardiopulmonary bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experiment included 12 rams of the Altai breed. Animals were divided into 2 groups: 6 animals were modeled CPB; 6 animals were simulated CPB with NO delivery. Mitochondrial damage was assessed by calcium-binding capacity and transmembrane potential of mitochondria 1 h after weaning from the CPB. The safety of the NO delivery according to the proposed method was assessed by the concentration of nitrogen dioxide on inspiration, the level of methemoglobin. The efficiency of NO delivery according to the proposed method was assessed by the level of stable NO metabolites: endogenous nitrite, nitrate and total concentration of NO metabolites. RESULTS: In the group of animals with NO delivery the average level of transmembrane potential of mitochondria was (171.66 ± 20.41 vs 126.66 ± 18.61; p = 0.00256) and calcium-binding capacity of mitochondria was (1466.66 ± 216.02 vs 866.66 ± 216.02; p = 0.000712) of renal parenchyma. Methemoglobin levels above the recommended thresholds in clinical practice were not recorded in the CPB+NO group. The values of total concentration of NO metabolites and nitrate in the CPB+NO group compared to the CPB group are statistically significantly higher, p = 0.00006; p = 0.0035, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma-chemical synthesis of nitric oxide is a safe technology, and the use of the resulting nitric oxide in cardiopulmonary bypass leads to a decrease in the severity of mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney parenchyma.
Co-mutation of TP53 and TTN is Correlated with the Efficacy of Immunotherapy in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ying Kaijun , Zou Li , Wang Daquan , Wang Rao , Qian Jun 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Immunotherapy has been a promising treatment in advanced lung cancer.
However, only a few patients could benefit from it. Herein, we aimed to explore mutationrelated
predictive biomarkers in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), which could help develop
clinical immunotherapy strategies and screen beneficial populations.

Methods:
Co-occurrence and mutually exclusive analysis was conducted on the TCGA-LUSC
cohort. Correlations between the gene mutation status and tumor mutation burden (TMB) levels,
and neo-antigen levels were analyzed by Wilcoxon test. Kaplan-Meier method was employed to
analyze the progression-free survival (PFS) of lung cancer patients with immunotherapy. Gene
set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to investigate the functional changes affected by
TP53mut/TTNmut. The immune cell infiltration landscape in co-mutation subgroups was analyzed
using CIBERSORT.

Results:
1) TP53, TTN, CSMD3, MUC16, RYR2, LRP1B, USH2A, SYNE1, ZFHX4,
FAM135B, KMT2D, and NAV3 were frequently mutated in LUSC patients. 2) TMB levels in
highly mutated groups were higher than that in wild type groups. 3) There were higher neoantigen
levels in mutation group compared to the wild-type group, and LUSC patients in mutation
group had longer PFS. 4) TP53mut/TTNmut co-mutation group exhibited higher TMB levels
and better response to immunotherapy. 5) A host of immune-related signaling pathways was inhibited
in TP53mut/TTNmut subgroup. 6) There were more T follicular helper cells and NK cells
were in TP53mut/TTNmut subgroup than in the WT subgroup.

Conclusion:
The LUSC patients with TP53 and TTN co-mutation had higher TMB levels and
better response to immunotherapy. The TP53 and TTN co-mutation is a promising novel biomarker
to assist LUSC immunotherapy evaluation.
Personality Traits and Anxiety Disorders of Vietnamese Early Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Social Support and Self-Esteem
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi 
Published: October 2023

Aims:
This study aims to investigate the relationship between personality traits and anxiety disorder, in which the mediating role of social support and self-esteem is also explored.

Background:
In Vietnam, anxiety disorder is a major challenge affecting adolescents’ social and academic functioning.

Objectives:
Examine whether adolescents’ personality traits are related to their anxiety disorders and whether social support and self-esteem mediate the relationship between personality and anxiety disorders.

Methods:
A sample population of 582 early adolescents at four secondary schools in Vietnam voluntarily participated in the study through the completion of the big-five personality dimension test, the social support scale, self-esteem scale and generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire. The SPSS statistical software was used to conduct descriptive statistics and analyses of Cronbach’s Alpha, Pearson correlations and Regression. The mediation analysis of self – esteem and social support was conducted to determine the relationship between personality traits and anxiety disorder through SPSS PROCESS Macro.

Results:
Results revealed that the neuroticism trait had a positive correlation with anxiety disorders (r = 0.56), while the agreeableness and conscientiousness traits showed negative correlations (r = - 0.08 and r = - 0.15, respectively). The regression indicated that approximately 33.4% of the variance anxiety could be explained by these traits (R2 = 0.334; F = 55.414; p < 0.01). Bootstrapping and Sobel analyses showed that social support and self-esteem mediated the association between neuroticism trait and anxiety disorder (z = 3.00 and z = 5.45, respectively).

Conclusion:
The findings interpreted that Vietnamese educators can reduce symptoms of anxiety for early adolescents with high neuroticism trait by helping them get more social support from others and improve role of self-esteem.
The Influence of Occlusal Adjustment on Long-term Post-treatment Stability of Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Bonadio Marcos Fernando , Cotrin Paula , Marín Ramirez Cecília Maria , Fialho Tiago , da Silva Moura Wilana , de Oliveira Renata Cristina Gobbi , de Oliveira Ricardo Cesar Gobbi , Valarelli Fabricio Pinelli , Pinzan-Vercelino Célia Regina Maio , Salvatore Freitas Karina Maria 
Published: October 2023

Objective:
This study aimed to compare the long-term occlusal stability in patients treated orthodontically with and without occlusal adjustment.

Material and Methods:
This observational study followed the STROBE guidelines. The sample comprised 77 patients with class I malocclusion treated without dental extractions and without signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), divided into two groups. Group 1 with occlusal adjustment comprised 37 patients, 16 males and 21 females, with mean initial, final, and post-retention ages of 18.33 (s.d.=3.96), 20.99 (s.d.=3.33), and 25.79 years (s.d.=3.34), respectively. The treatment time was 2.66 years (s.d.=1.57), and the time of post-retention evaluation was 4.80 years (s.d.=1.10). Group 2, without occlusal adjustment involved 40 patients, 21 males and 19 females, with mean initial, final, and post-retention ages of 18.07 (s.d.=3.03), 20.75 (s.d.=3.54), and 25.89 (s.d.=3.73) years, respectively. The treatment time was 2.68 years (s.d.=1.09) and the time of post-retention evaluation was 5.14 years (s.d.=1.36). The PAR and Little irregularity indices were measured in the initial, final, and post-retention dental casts. Intergroup comparison was performed using the independent t-test.

Results:
There was no statistically significant difference observed in the intergroup comparison of the PAR and Little irregularity indexes in all phases and periods evaluated.

Conclusion:
There was no significant difference found in the long-term post-treatment crowding and occlusal relapse between class I patients treated with orthodontic non-extraction with and without occlusal adjustment. The occlusal adjustment did not influence the alignment and occlusal post-retention stability.
Clinical Characteristics of Systemic Sclerosis-associated Myopathy Patients Comparing Different Subgroups of Inflammatory Myopathies
Authors: Suwansirikul Songkiet , Intum Jirapath , Tejamai Chontichaporn , Wangkaew Suparaporn 
Published: October 2023

Background:
Available data regarding clinical characteristics of systemic sclerosis-associated myopathy (SSc-M) patients comparing different subgroups of muscle pathology are limited. We aimed to compare clinical and laboratory findings among different subgroups of Thai patients with SSc-M.

Methods:
From January 2010 to December 2019, 27 patients with suspected SSc-M underwent a muscle biopsy. Twenty-three patients with available frozen muscle biopsy specimens for repeating immunohistochemical stained for reviewing were included. There were three subgroups of pathological findings, including immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM), non-specific myopthy (NsM), and polymyositis (PM). No fibrosing myopathy was observed. Baseline clinical data and laboratory findings were compared within those three inflammatory myopathies.

Results:
Of the 23 SSc-M, there were 14 females and 19 DcSSc with a mean age and disease duration of SSc of 53.6±7.7 years and 16.4±23.6 months, respectively. Their mean duration from weakness to muscle biopsy was 3.6±6.0 months. There were 14 (60.9%) patients with IMNM, 6 (26.1%) with NsM, and 3 (13.0%) with PM. At the biopsy date, IMNM had a greater prevalence of severe muscle weakness (42.6% vs. 0% vs. 0%) and arthritis (87.5% vs. 50% vs. 0%) than the NsM and PM groups. There was no significant difference among the three inflammatory patterns regarding baseline clinical characteristics, including age, gender, SSc subtype, disease duration, other organ involvements and median values of CK and ESR levels.

Conclusion:
In this study, we found that the pathological findings of Thai SSc-M were IMNM, NsM, and PM. No fibrosing myopathy was observed. SSc with IMNM tended to have more severe baseline muscle weakness and arthritis than the other inflammatory patterns.