bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Discontinuation Risk from Adverse Events: Immunotherapy Alone vs. Combined with Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Shin Sangwon , Moon Jimin , Oum Chiyoon , Kim Seulki , Cho Soo Ick , Lim Yoojoo , Ock Chan-Young , Shin Seunghwan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
While immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy (Chemo-IO) is generally recognized for providing superior outcomes compared to monotherapy (mono-IO), it is associated with a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). However, there have been few direct comparisons of treatment discontinuation rates between these two treatments. In this study, we compared the rates of treatment discontinuation between mono-IO and Chemo-IO as first-line treatments for various solid tumors.
Methods
We systematically reviewed clinical trials from databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and an additional source) published from January 1, 2018, to July 10, 2023. We included phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that utilized immunotherapy agents in at least one arm as first-line treatments for a variety of solid tumors. Data extraction followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) extension statement for network meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the network meta-analysis, with the risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool II. The primary outcomes encompassed treatment discontinuation rates due to TRAEs among patients who underwent immunotherapy, either alone or combined with chemotherapy, for various solid tumors. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to compare between treatment groups.
Results
From 29 RCTs, a total of 21,677 patients and 5 types of treatment were analyzed. Compared to mono-IO, Chemo-IO showed a significantly higher rate of discontinuation due to TRAEs (RR 2.68, 95% CI 1.98–3.63). Subgroup analysis for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients also exhibited a greater risk of discontinuation due to TRAEs with Chemo-IO compared to mono-IO (RR 2.93, 95% CI 1.67–5.14). Additional analyses evaluating discontinuation rates due to either treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) or AEs regardless of causality (any AEs) consistently revealed an elevated risk associated with Chemo-IO.
Conclusions
Chemo-IO was associated with an elevated risk of treatment discontinuation not only due to TRAEs but also any AEs or TEAEs. Given that the treatment duration can impact clinical outcomes, a subset of patients might benefit more from mono-IO than combination therapy. Further research is imperative to identify and characterize this subset.
A cross sectional study of role of health literacy on the differences in health behaviors between shift workers and day workers
Authors: Morikawa Yuko , Teranishi Keiko , Sakurai Masaru , Ishizaki Masao , Kido Teruhiko , Naruse Yuchi , Nakagawa Hideaki 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Shift work is a common working style in the manufacturing industry. Many studies have reported that shift workers have unfavorable health behaviors. To investigate using a cross-sectional study whether health literacy had a mediating influence on the differences in health behaviors between the shift workers and day workers.
Methods
The target population was employees in a light metal product manufacturing company in Japan. In 2020, we conducted a survey on job characteristics, health literacy, and health behaviors using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 2152 manual workers aged between 18-64 years were enrolled in the study (961 fixed day and 1191 shift workers). The odds ratios for favorable habits in shift workers relative to those in daytime workers were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Logistic regression structural equation models were used to analyze the mediating role of health literacy on the relationship between shift work and health behaviors.
Results
The odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of shift workers, with daytime workers as the reference group, following adjustment for age, health literacy, educational attainment, marital status, and working hours were 0.85 (95%CI, 0.70-1.02) for performing leisure time exercise, 0.68 (95%CI, 0.56-0.80) for not currently smoking, 0.63 (95%CI, 0.52-0.76) for brushing their teeth, 0.79 (95%CI, 0.65-0.95) for having breakfast, and 0.58 (95%CI, 0.48-0.70) for eating green and yellow vegetables. With the exception of smoking, health literacy was associated with health behaviors independent of job characteristics. The odds ratios of the direct effects of shift work on favorable habits were almost the same as the total effect.
Conclusions
Health literacy did not have a mediating influence on the association between the shift work and health behaviors in manual workers. Both job characteristics and Health literacy were related independently with health behaviors in the workers. Our findings suggest that in order to improve health behaviors in workers, both improvement in the working environment and efforts to improve Health literacy are required.
Level of Aflatoxins in Dairy Feeds, Poultry Feeds and Feed Ingredients Produced by Feed Factories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Genet , Bekele Tilahun , Ashagrie Henok , Woldegiorgis Ashagrie Zewdu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aflatoxins are one of the major factors that affect the quality and safety of feeds. They can be transferred into livestock through contaminated feed and then onto humans via animal sources of food such as milk, meat and egg. The objective of this study was to detect and quantify the level of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and total aflatoxin) in dairy feeds, poultry (layer and broiler) feeds and feed ingredients produced in Addis Ababa. A total of 42 feeds and feed ingredients consisting of dairy feeds (n = 5), poultry broiler feeds (n = 6), layer feeds (n = 6), and feed ingredients (n = 25) were collected. The aflatoxins were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography after clean-up with an Immunoaffinity columns. Aflatoxin B1 levels in feeds ranged from (51.66 to 370.51) µg/kg in dairy cattle feed; from (1.45 to 139.51) µg/kg in poultry layer feed; and from (16.49 to 148.86) µg/kg in broiler feed. Aflatoxin B1 levels in maize ranged from (2.64 to 46.74) µg/kg and in niger seed cake from (110.93 to 438.86) µg/kg. Aflatoxin B1 levels in wheat bran, wheat middling, and soybean were below 5 µg/kg. 100% of dairy feeds, 67% of poultry layer, 67% broiler feeds, and 24% of ingredients contained aflatoxin in levels higher than the maximum tolerable limit set by the US Food and Drug Administration and Ethiopian Standard Agency. This shows the need for a strong regulatory monitoring and better feed management practices to prevent consumers of animal source foods from significant health impacts associated with aflatoxins.
Opalski Syndrome; A rare variant of Wallenberg Syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Mansour Marah , Qubaitary Kenan Al , Almaalouli Bsher , Charaf Obada , Chama Mohd Beshr , Qasem Yasmine , Alwaw Ricarda , Hassan Khalil , Mansour Nawar , allabwani Abd alqader , Hammad Yousha 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Opalski Syndrome, first described in 1946, is a rare variant of Wallenberg Syndrome (Lateral Medullary Syndrome) associated with ipsilateral hemiplegia, which is attributed to concomitant lateral medullary and cervical spine infarction and its extension downwards to comprise the post-pyramidal decussation corticospinal tract.
Case presentation
We report a case of a 56-year-old man who initially complained of unilateral headache with right cervical pain, and after a brief period, developed Wallenberg Syndrome’s classical symptoms-vertigo, dysphonia, and dysarthria, right limb ataxia with a tendency to fall, ptosis- in addition to ipsilateral hemiparesis. Initial diffusion weighted-imaging magnetic resonance imaging (DWI MRI) results were suggestive of an acute infarct in the dorsolateral medulla. A hyperintense focal region in the dorsolateral medulla was visible on an axial T2-weighted MRI. According to magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), the right vertebral artery revealed complete stenosis.
Conclusion
This interpretation demonstrates that Opalski Syndrome must be considered when findings suggest lateral medullary infarction in patients who also experience ipsilateral hemiparesis with hyperacute onset.
Analysis of related factors of plasma antibody levels in patients with severe and critical COVID-19
Authors: Xie Yudi , Xia Yang , Xu Haixia , Wang Jue , Zhang Wei , Li Ling , Liu Zhong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to impact global public health. The sever acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become less virulent as it mutates, so China relaxed its control the at the end of 2022. With the full opening, many COVID-19 patients have begun to appear. Therefore, we conducted a study to explore the correlation between plasma antibody level and baseline conditions or clinical outcomes in severe and critical patients. We collected the basic information of 79 included patients. ELISA tests were performed on plasma samples. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG antibody level of mild group was significantly higher than that of severe/critical group (P = 0.00049). And in severe/critical group, there existed association between plasma antibody levels and age (P < 0.001, r = - 0.471), as well as plasma antibody levels and vaccination status (P = 0.00147, eta2 = 0.211). Between the mild and severe/critical patients, the level of RBD (Omicron BA.4/5) IgG antibody was significantly different. Besides, the level of plasma antibody seemed to be correlated with the age, suggesting that infection in the elderly should be paid more attention. And plasma antibody levels were strongly associated with vaccination status in the severe/critical patients.
3D printed Microfluidic Valve on PCB for Flow Control Applications using Liquid Metal
Authors: Hamza Ahmed , Navale Anagha , Song Qingchuan , Bhagwat Sagar , Pezeshkpour Pegah , Rapp Bastian E. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Direct 3D printing of active microfluidic elements on PCB substrates enables high-speed fabrication of stand-alone microdevices for a variety of health and energy applications. Microvalves are key components of microfluidic devices and liquid metal (LM) microvalves exhibit promising flow control in microsystems integrated with PCBs. In this paper, we demonstrate LM microvalves directly 3D printed on PCB using advanced digital light processing (DLP). Electrodes on PCB are coated by carbon ink to prevent alloying between gallium-based LM plug and copper electrodes. We used DLP 3D printers with in-house developed acrylic-based resins, Isobornyl Acrylate, and Diurethane Dimethacrylate (DUDMA) and functionalized PCB surface with acrylic-based resin for strong bonding. Valving seats are printed in a 3D caterpillar geometry with chamber diameter of 700 µm. We successfully printed channels and nozzles down to 90 µm. Aiming for microvalves for low-power applications, we applied square-wave voltage of 2 Vpp at a range of frequencies between 5 to 35 Hz. The results show precise control of the bistable valving mechanism based on electrochemical actuation of LMs.
Neopterin production in relation to COVID-19 in the Haut-Ogooué Province, Gabon
Authors: Dibakou Serge Ely , Mbani-Mpega-Ntigui Chérone Nancy , Oyegue-Liabagui Sandrine Lydie , Ekore Desire Otsaghe , Nguema Yasmine Okome , Lekana-Douki Jean Bernard , Ngoubangoye Barthelemy 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the immunological aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 were not at the forefront of research in sub-Saharan Africa. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the association between plasma neopterin concentrations and COVID-19 infection, with a focus on changes over time and age-related changes in immune response.
Methods
We included a cohort of 325 individuals, consisting of 124 with COVID-19 and 201 healthy controls between June to August 2020. Whole blood and associated symptoms and comorbidities were collected from all individuals at the time of enrollment and longitudinally over 28 days. Concentrations of plasma neopterin were measured using a commercial competitive neopterin ELISA (Neopterin ELISA, IBL International GmbH, Germany).
Results
We found elevated plasma neopterin concentration in individuals with COVID-19 (mean ± SD: 50.0 ± 15) compared to healthy controls (mean ± SD: 34.0 ± 1.6), indicating active immune responses in COVID-19 cases. Longitudinal analysis showed a decline in neopterin levels over time, at the initial sampling (first day) it was 42.00 ± 12.00 nmol/l, measure at day 10 it was 30.00 ± 02.00 nmol/l and at day 14 it was 25.00 ± 05.00 nmol/l. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between plasma neopterin concentrations and age. This age-related increase in neopterin may indicate a more pronounced immune response in older individuals.
Conclusion
This study provides evidence of an association between neopterin levels and COVID-19 infection, and indicates neopterin as a marker capable of diagnosing age related changes in older individuals compared to young one. Our study suggests also that neopterin may serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing the immune response and monitoring disease progression during an outbreak.
Current status and influencing factors of decision fatigue among nursing staff in NICU: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Tuan , Zhou Yu-e , Liu Tianyun , Fu Yingping 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The work in NICU puts forward higher requirements for nurses' professional ability and emergency response ability. Nurses often need to face a variety of complex emergencies, quickly make decisions, which easily lead to decision fatigue. At present, the domestic research mainly focuses on the decision-making fatigue of patients' families, and no relevant research has been found on the decision-making fatigue of NICU nurses.
Objectives
To investigate the status of decision fatigue of nursing staff in NICU and analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide reference for formulating and implementing corresponding intervention measures.
Design
An online cross- sectional survey.
Participants
Nurses working at provincial tri Service hospitals in Yunnan, China
Primary and secondary outcome measures
In February, 2023, 218 NICU nurses in four Class III A hospitals in Yunnan Province were investigated by using general information questionnaire, Chinese version of decision fatigue scale and self-control scale, and the influencing factors of decision fatigue of NICU nurses were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression.
Results
The total score of decision fatigue scale for 218 nursing staff in NICU was (18.56±2.812) and the score of self-control was (49.37±9.962). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that age, length of service, professional title, monthly income, and self-control were the influencing factors of decision fatigue for nursing staff in NICU (all P <.05).
Conclusion
Nurses in NICU had higher degree of decision-making fatigue. Managers should pay attention to the status quo of decision-making fatigue of nursing staff in NICU and take corresponding intervention measures on influencing factors.
Association between serum lipid and papillary thyroid cancer: a retrospective study in China
Authors: Zhang Zike , Lan Xingyu , You Long , Han Dongsheng , Tang Hui , Zhao Ying , Hu Xiao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The incidence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has increased drastically in recent decades. Various studies have reported a concurrent rise in PTC morbidity in the obese, implying a possible role of lipids in the pathogenesis of PTC. However, the role of serum lipids in the pathogenesis of PTC requires further investigation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum lipid level and PTC. From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020, a total of 1,650 PTC and 882 control samples were enrolled for this study. PTC subjects were more likely to have higher Body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, triglyceride (TG) levels, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) when compared to controls (P < 0.05). Although age and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) did not appear to change across all age groups, the PTC patients exhibited obvious differences in terms of TG and HDL-C when compared to controls (P < 0.05) for each age group. BMI (Odds Ratio, OR and 95% CI: 1.045(1.002–1.089), P < 0.038), FGB (OR and 95% CI: 2.543(1.968–3.286), P < 0.001), TG (OR and 95% CI: 1.267(1.025–1.566), P < 0.001), and HDL-C (OR and 95% CI: 0.422(0.289–0.616), P < 0.001) were risk factors of PTC in the multivariate analysis of females. For males, FBG (OR and 95% CI: 2.136(1.551–2.941), P < 0.001), TG (OR and 95% CI: 1.264(1.039–1.615), P < 0.05), total cholesterol (TCH) (OR and 95% CI: 0.778(0.626–0.968), P < 0.001), and HDL-C (OR and 95% CI: 0.154(0.077–0.308), P < 0.001) were risk factors of PTC. Both in the female and male subgroups, patients with tumors > 1 cm in size and multifocality had a greater risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) among PTC subjects (P < 0.001). The study results revealed that elevated TG and declined HDL-C were related to increased PTC risk among Chinese of both sexes.
Research progress in detection methods of biomechanics and metabolic changes of human tendons
Authors: Zhao Liping , Wang Chuhuai , Ge Ruidong , Jiang Shan , Fu Ruochen , Bai Shuo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Research on tendon biomechanics and metabolism spans several decades. However, most previous tendon experiments have used animal models in vitro cell cultures, among other methods. Factors such as anatomical and metabolic distinctions between these models and isolated cell cultures detached from the human physiological environment may lead to a biased interpretation of experimental results. Recently, advancements in human tendon detection methodology have sparked interest in studying human tendon biomechanics and metabolic cycles, consequently generating numerous related studies. This study aimed to summarize novel methods for detecting biomechanical and metabolic changes in human tendons over the past two decades. It is a valuable reference in this research field and elucidates potential future direction for human tendon detection and research endeavors.
Spatial Distribution and Landscape Impact Analysis of Quarrying in the Highly Fragmented Ecosystem of Tandilia System (Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Authors: Carabia-Sanz Irati , Simoy María Verónica , Cortelezzi Agustina , Trofino-Falasco Clara , Berkunsky Igor 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Quarrying generates significant changes in the grasslands, by reducing ecological functions, reducing connectivity, impairing biodiversity, and degrading soil. Unlike other forms of destruction such as agriculture or urbanization, mining is characterized by eliminating soil and exposing the bedrock, facilitating groundwater contamination processes. Quarrying in Pampean grassland has been expanding for a century and little is known about the extent and distribution of quarries over the native environment.
In this work, we analyze the spatiotemporal variation of quarrying activity on the Highland grassland in the Tandilia mountains of Argentina. Based on Landsat 5, 7, and 8 satellite imagery, from 1996 to 2022, and using QGIS software, we identified the location and extension of quarries, and we analyzed their change through time. Quarries covered 6428 ha, which was originally part of the Pampean grassland. The number of open quarries increased by 129%, from 69 in 1996 to 158 in 2022, and the area used for this activity increased by 172%, with a greater expansion being detected in the last ten years. At least 87 quarries were abandoned in 2022. Quarries are often abandoned without any kind of remediation, leading to further ecosystem deterioration. The current extension of quarrying activity (active and abandoned quarries) reduced the connectivity and a significant area (5.2%) of the Highland grassland of the Tandilia Mountains. Grassland conservation planning should include quarrying as a significant threat, and management actions must be considered to reduce its impact.
Towards Energy-Balance Closure With a Model of Dispersive Heat Fluxes
Authors: Wanner Luise , Jung Martin , Paleri Sreenath , Butterworth Brian J. , Desai Ankur R. , Sühring Matthias , Mauder Matthias 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The energy-balance-closure problem in eddy-covariance measurements has been known for decades. It has been thoroughly investigated from different angles, resulting in approaches to reduce but not completely close the surface energy balance gap. Energy balance transport through secondary circulations has been identified as a major cause of the remaining energy imbalance, which is not captured by eddy covariance measurements and can only be measured additionally with great effort. Several models have already been developed to close the energy balance gap that account for factors affecting the magnitude of the energy transport by secondary circulations. However, to our knowledge, there is currently no model that accounts thermal surface heterogeneity and that can predict the transport of both sensible and latent energy. Using a machine-learning approach, we developed a new model of energy transport by secondary circulations based on a large data set of idealized large-eddy simulations covering a wide range of unstable atmospheric conditions and surface-heterogeneity scales. In this paper, we present the development of the model and its promising test on more realistic large-eddy simulations and field measurements from the CHEESEHEAD19 project. We further show that it can be applied without additional measurements and, thus, can retrospectively be applied to other eddy covariance measurements to model energy transport through secondary circulations. Our work provides a promising mechanistic energy balance closure approach to 30-minute flux measurements.
Surface-Based Ultrasound Scans for the Screening of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bennett Rory , Tse Zion , Barrett Tristan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Surface-based ultrasound systems have shown a remarkable improvement over the years, both in enhanced image quality, ease-of-use, and reduction in overall system size. Their ability to image organs non-invasively make them a prime technology for the diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases and conditions. One such potential use case is the screening of prostate cancer using prostate-specific antigen density (combining prostate-specific antigen values with prostate volumes). Current literature predominantly focuses on prostate volume estimation techniques that make use of magnetic resonance- or transrectal ultrasound-imaging, while surface-based techniques are largely skipped over. If a reliable surface-based ultrasound prostate cancer screening method can be introduced, a portion of patients may be able to forgo unnecessary magnetic resonance- or transrectal ultrasound-scans. This would save healthcare systems both time and resources as such a screening procedure could potentially be introduced into standard primary care settings with portable point-of-care ultrasound systems available at a fraction of the cost of their larger hospital counterparts. This review considers whether published literature suggests it is possible to use surface-based ultrasound devices in the calculation of prostate volume with high enough efficacy to be used in prostate cancer screening in primary health care, prior to secondary referral.