bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organ-specific Response with First-line Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab versus Lenvatinib for Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyung-Don , Park Young-Gyu , Kim Sejin , Kim Kyu-Pyo , Park Sook-Ryun , Ryu Min-Hee , Ryoo Baek-Yeol , Yoo Changhoon 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments have become the mainstay of first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but there has been a concern that intrahepatic HCC lesions may be less responsive to ICI monotherapy. We aimed to investigate the organ-specific response patterns among unresectable HCC patients treated with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab or lenvatinib.Methods:This retrospective study included 386 patients with Child-Pugh A unresectable HCC who were treated with first-line atezolizumab-bevacizumab (n = 217) or lenvatinib (n = 169). The organ-specific response was separately evaluated according to the site of the lesions: liver, lung, lymph node (LN), and intra-abdomen based on a radiological evaluation adopted from RECIST v 1.1.Results:The median age was 60 years. Hepatitis B infection was the most common etiology (n = 270, 69.9%), and 291 (75.4%) patients had a viral etiology. The proportion of patients achieving a ≥ 30% reduction in the tumor burden for each organ category was overall higher in the atezolizumab-bevacizumab group than in the lenvatinib group: 20.2% vs. 11.8%, 23.0% vs. 12.2%, 27.9% vs. 17.9% and 33.3% vs. 15.0% for intrahepatic, lung, LN and intra-abdominal lesions, respectively. The corresponding values for the subgroup with a viral etiology were 17.3% vs. 8.1%, 18.8% vs. 13.3%, 28.9% vs. 3.6% and 36.0% vs. 12.5%, respectively.Conclusion: Compared to lenvatinib, atezolizumab-bevacizumab was associated with a favorable organ-specific response regardless of the site of the tumor lesions. Unlike anti-PD-1 monotherapy, atezolizumab-bevacizumab had a comparable organ-specific response between intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions, especially for those with viral etiology HCCs.
Age-related Difference in Oral Adaptation to Masticatory Perturbation
Authors: Lin Chia-Shu , Chen Yi-Chen , Chao Li-Jung , Kao Wei-Chieh , Chen Ta-Chung 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives: Mastication can be interfered with by intraoral perturbation (e.g., hard food). We developed the masticatory perturbation task (MPT) to assess the perturbation effect during mastication and quantify the degree of adaptation to masticatory perturbation in younger (YA) and older adults (OA).
Materials and Methods: 38 YA and 38 OA performed the MPT, which consists of three trials of assessment of masticatory performance (MP) without perturbation (i.e., the baseline condition), and three trials with perturbation (i.e., the perturbation condition). Perturbation was implemented by concurrently chewing testing food on the preferred side and a drinking straw on the non-preferred side. We estimated perturbation effect as ΔMP between the baseline vs. perturbation condition, and adaptation effect as ΔMP between the third vs. the first trial, for both age groups.
Results: We found significant perturbation effect, i.e., lower MP in the perturbation vs. the baseline condition, and adaptation effect, i.e., return of MP from the third trial to the first trial, in both groups. Moreover, the OA group showed a lower degree of adaptation compared to the YA group.
Discussion: The MPT is valid for assessing oral adaptation to masticatory perturbation
Conclusion: Increased age may be associated with lower degree of masticatory adaptation.
The effect of the amount of filler in iron on corrosion
Authors: Sedlarikova Marie , Kuchařík Jan , Gunther Fafilek , Zatloukal Miroslav , Čudek Pavel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The influence of the quantity of polymeric binder in the sintering of commercially obtained iron powder was investigated. Hydrogen-reduced iron powder with grain sizes below 50 µm was mixed with spherical polystyrene dissolved in 5 cm3 of acetone. The resulting dough-like mixture was cast into a mold and subsequently dried at 37°C. After drying, a two-phase firing process was carried out in a protective argon atmosphere. The fired samples were immersed in a 0.9% NaCl solution, and their corrosion current was continuously monitored. The use of polystyrene as a binder offers the advantage of maintaining a stable shape both after drying and firing. Dimensional stability is preserved. Three different quantities of polystyrene, namely 0.5g, 1.0g, and 1.5g, were used. The amount of added polystyrene influenced both the microscopic structure and the measured corrosion current. This research highlights the significance of binder selection and quantity in achieving the desired properties of iron powder compacts, emphasizing the pivotal role played by polymeric binders in the powder metallurgy process.
Epidemiology and factors associated with preterm births in multiple pregnancy: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Seetho Samita , Kongwattanakul Kiattisak , Saksiriwuttho Piyamas , Thepsuthammarat Kaewjai 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
Multiple pregnancies carry an increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications, notably prematurity. There is a limited number of studies evaluating the risk factors for preterm births in multiple pregnancies within the Thai population. This study aims to ascertain maternal and perinatal outcomes and identify factors linked to preterm births in multiple pregnancies.
Methods
This study was carried out at the Khon Kaen University Faculty of Medicine Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Thailand. We included women with multiple pregnancies who delivered at a gestational age of more than 20 weeks between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2021. Medical records were meticulously reviewed. We excluded patients with incomplete data or those for whom data were missing.
Results
Out of 21,400 pregnancies, 427 were multiple pregnancies, constituting approximately 1.99%. Over the ten-year period, 269 multiple pregnancies (65.1%) resulted in preterm births. Of these, 173 (64.3%) were monochorionic twins, and 96 (35.7%) were dichorionic twins. Monochorionic twins had a notably higher rate of preterm delivery (AOR, 2.06; 95%CI 1.29–3.30). Vaginal delivery was observed in 7.9% of the cases, while cesarean sections were performed for both twins in 91.5% of cases. In 0.5% of the cases, only the second twin was delivered by cesarean section. With regard to neonatal outcomes, 160 infants (19.4%) weighed less than 1500 grams at birth, and there were 78 perinatal deaths (9.4%). Birth asphyxia was noted in 97 cases (20.2%) among monochorionic twins and in 28 cases (8.1%) for dichorionic twins.
Conclusion
The prevalence of multiple pregnancies was 1.99%, with 65.1% resulting in preterm births. Neonatal complications were notably more frequent in monochorionic twins. The monochorionic placenta and antepartum complications emerged as significant risk factors for preterm birth.
The Nursing Student’s Ethical Sensitivity Scale: Development Using Item Response Theory
Authors: Torabizadeh Camellia , Gholamzadeh Sakineh , bagheri Zahra , Ebadi Abbas , Shayestehfard Marzieh , khah houshyari 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Recent advancements in medicine and the increasingly complex healthcare environment have led to various challenging ethical dilemmas. Nursing students must be prepared to navigate these ethical issues in their future roles. Ethical sensitivity plays a crucial role in the ethical decision-making process, making it necessary to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure nursing students' ethical sensitivity. Therefore, we developed a scale and assessed its psychometric properties using item response theory.
Methods
The Nursing Student's Ethical Sensitivity Scale (NS-ESS) was developed in three phases. First, questionnaire items were formulated based on a literature review and interviews with nursing students. Next, an expert panel and nursing students examined its face and content validity. Finally, a final draft of the scale was administered to 300 nursing students. Data on the sub-scales of students' ethical sensitivity were analyzed using the generalized partial credit item response theory model.
Results
All items showed acceptable fit, except for four items in the ethical perception category, five items in the moral affectivity category, two items in the critical cognitive processing category, and six items in the intimate participation category. Individual item information function analysis for NS-ESS items indicated that most items in the four subscales provided moderate to high information. Evaluation of item difficulty parameters revealed that approximately half of all items had high difficulty values. Sixty percent of the items demonstrated high discrimination power, effectively differentiating between various levels of students' ethical sensitivity. A closer examination of the individual item information functions for the NS-ESS items revealed that the majority of items across the four subscales exhibited moderate to high levels of information.
Conclusion
Item response theory procedures can provide more informative insights into item and test reliability compared to classical true score theory. The NS-ESS is a valid and reliable questionnaire that can be used to assess ethical sensitivity in nursing students, providing measures that are not dependent on the sample used.
Cell-Free DNA Methylation Analysis as a Marker of Malignancy in Pleural Fluid
Authors: Bixby Billie , Vrba Lukas , Lenka Jyoti , Oshiro Marc , Watts George S. , Hughes Trina. , Erickson Heidi , Chopra Madhav , Knepler James L. , Knox Kenneth S , Jarnagin Lisa , Alalawi Raed , Kala Mrinalini , Bernert Richard , Routh Joshua , Roe Denise J. , Garland Linda L. , Futscher Bernard W. , Nelson Mark A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is made by cytological examination of pleural fluid or histological examination of pleural tissue from biopsy. Unfortunately, detection of malignancy using cytology has an overall sensitivity of 50%, and is dependent upon tumor load, volume of fluid assessed, and cytopathologist experience. The diagnostic yield of pleural fluid cytology is also compromised by low abundance of tumor cells or when morphology is obscured by inflammation or reactive mesothelial cells. A reliable molecular marker that may complement fluid cytology malignant pleural effusion diagnosis is needed. The purpose of this study was to establish a molecular diagnostic approach based on pleural effusion cell-free DNA methylation analysis for the differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion and benign pleural effusion.
Results
This was a blind, prospective case-control biomarker study. We recruited 104 patients with pleural effusion for the study. We collected pleural fluid from patients with: MPE (n = 48), PPE (n = 28), and benign PE (n = 28), and performed the Sentinel-MPE liquid biopsy assay. The methylation level of Sentinel-MPE was markedly higher in the MPE samples compared to BPE control samples (p < 0.0001) and the same tendency was observed relative to PPE (p = 0.004). We also noted that the methylation signal was significantly higher in PPE relative to BPE (p < 0.001). We also assessed the diagnostic efficiency of the Sentinel-MPE test by performing receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC). For the ROC analysis we combined the malignant and paramalignant groups (n = 76) and compared against the benign group (n = 28). The detection sensitivity and specificity of the Sentinel-MPE test was high (AUC = 0.912). The Sentinel-MPE appears to have better performance characteristics than cytology analysis. However, combining Sentinel-MPE with cytology analysis could be an even more effective approach for the diagnosis of MPE.
Conclusions
The Sentinel-MPE test can discriminate between BPE and MPE. The Sentinel-MPE liquid biopsy test can detect aberrant DNA in several different tumor types. The Sentinel-MPE test can be a complementary tool to cytology in the diagnosis of MPE.
Exploratory Study of Neighborhood Change Effect on Mental Health in a Highly Gentrifying Neighborhood
Authors: Williams Christopher , Woodard Nathaniel , Kuo Charlene Chao-Li 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Neighborhood change (NC) is a social determinant of health with direct psychosocial and economic impacts. Our objective was to assess the association between perceptions of NC and self-perceived mental health in a community experiencing intense neighborhood change. We conducted a cross-sectional study using random and convenience sampling from September 2020 to February 2021. Our measures included a combination of scales and indexes that were used for conducting bivariate and cluster analyses. We conducted a regression analysis to determine the variables most influencing mental health. Two clusters were most often significantly different – those with high negative and positive perceptions of NC. There was a positive association between poor or fair mental health and the perceived negative impact of NC. Cluster membership is an important aspect to understanding NC effects on mental health. The negative impact based on self-perception and vulnerable populations was shown to a strong predictor in regression analyses.
Development of Multifunctional Paper Using Lignocellulosic Nanofiber Reinforced Coatings
Authors: Fang Zhen , Feng Jiao , Fu Limei , Sun Changjiang , Liu Weimin , Qiao Zhuhui , Wen Yangbing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Lignocellulosic nanofiber (LCNF) has been recognized as an promising candidate for multifunctional biological coatings. In this work, LCNF was produced in a one-pot approach from high yield pulp (HYP) with different meshes using polymerizable deep eutectic solvent (DES) comprising choline chloride (ChCl) and acrylic acid (AA). The DES-treatment did not alter the chemical properties of LCNF and employment of this LCNF/DES coating endowed the paper with improved hydrophobicity, tensile-strain, and electrical conductivity. Of particular interest is that the LCNF60/DES coated paper presented outstanding fire-resistant properties. This work contributes knowledge to develop an eco-friendly and inexpensive approach by using the most abundant bioresource, lignocellulosic biomass, to produce multifunctional paper and advance the development of the application of LCNF.
Experimental Study of Multidimensional Wire-plate/sintered Hybrid Mini Heat Pipes for Electronics
Authors: Mantelli Marcia B. H. , Batista João V. , Mera Juan P. F. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The experimental study concerning new two and three dimensional mini heat pipes, proposed for cooling electronic components in printed circuit boards is presented. These heat pipes can capture the heat from electronic components and conduct it to the cabinet wall, through the narrow spaces available between boards. As the location and dissipation of the electronic components vary, several different heat pipes are necessary for a complex electronic equipment, which should operate at different temperatures and orientations. A hybrid wick structure, composed by sintered copper powder and wire-plate technologies along the device are proposed. Four different types of hybrid mini heat pipes, in up to three generations, were designed and constructed, using diffusion bonding fabrication technique. Two different testing setups were developed. First, the thermal performance of the hybrid heat pipes was accessed, resulting in the selection of the appropriated working fluid and its volume. Second, the devices were tested in rigs that mimic actual electronic equipment geometries and operational conditions. The several hybrid multidimensional heat types worked well, even against gravity. Besides, the present work shows that the wire-plate wick structure, up to this date considered only in academic studies, resulted in very flexible heat pipes, able to start up easily, in several adverse geometric and gravitational conditions, especially when combined with more conventional technologies, such as sintered porous media. Besides, the fabrication process developed that includes diffusion bonding, can be considered a novelty.
The Association of Agent Orange (AO) Exposure with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) to Multiple Myeloma (MM) Progression: A Population-based Study of Vietnam War Era Veterans
Authors: Liu Lawrence W. , Wang Mei , Grandhi Nikhil , Schroeder Mark A. , Thomas Theodore , Vargo Kristin , Gao Feng , Sanfilippo Kristen M. , Chang Su-Hsin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Herbicide and pesticide exposure (e.g., agent orange [AO]) is associated with an increased risk of multiple myeloma (MM) due to the contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD).​ Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the precursor state to MM; however, not all patients with MGUS progress to MM. It is unclear whether AO exposure increases the risk of progression of MGUS to MM.
Purpose: We aimed to determine the association between AO exposure and progression to MM in a nation-wide study of U.S. Veterans with MGUS.
Patients and Methods: This is a population-based cohort study of Vietnam Era Veterans diagnosed with MGUS. A natural language processing (NLP) algorithm was used to confirm MGUS and progression to MM. The association between AO and progression was analyzed using multivariable Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model with death as a competing event. Veterans who served during the Vietnam War Era from 1/9/1962-5/7/1975 and were diagnosed with MGUS between 10/1/1999-12/31/2021 were included. We excluded patients with missing BMI values, progression within 1 year after MGUS diagnosis date, non-IgG or IgA MGUS, or birth years outside of the range of the AO exposed group, and race other than Black and White. AO exposure and service during 1/9/1962-5/7/1975 and stratified according to TCDD exposure levels by three time periods: 1/9/1962-11/30/1965 (high), 12/1/1965-12/31/1970 (medium), or 1/1/1971-5/7/1975 (low). The association between AO and progression was analyzed using multivariable Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model with death as a competing event.
Results: We identified 10,847 Veterans with MGUS, of whom 7,996 had AO exposure. Overall, 7.4% of MGUS patients progressed to MM over a median follow-up of 5.2 years. In multivariable analysis, AO exposure from 1/9/1962-11/30/1965, high TCDD exposure, was associated with an increased risk of progression (adjusted hazard ratio 1.48; 95% confidence interval 1.02-2.16), compared to Veterans with no exposure.
Conclusions: In patients with MGUS, the high Agent Orange exposure time period is associated with a 48% increased risk of progression to multiple myeloma. This suggests that patients with MGUS and prior Agent Orange exposure or occupational exposure to TCDD (eg. Agricultural workers) may require thorough screening for plasma cell dyscrasias.
Identification of the Hub Genes Linked to Lead (IV)-Induced Spleen Toxicity Using the Rat Model
Authors: Yang Bing , Wang Zhongyuan , Hu Zhongze , Wang Shujuan , Xu Jingen , Li Xiaofeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Exposure to lead (Pd) can have harmful effects on the organs of both humans and animals, particularly the spleen. However, the precise mechanisms through which Pd (IV) exposure leads to spleen toxicity remain unclear. Hence, this study aimed to identify the key genes and signaling pathways involved in spleen toxicity caused by Pd (IV) incubation. We obtained the dataset GSE59925 from the Gene Expression Omnibus, which included spleen samples treated with lead tetraacetate (PdAc4) as well as control samples on the 1st and 5th day after PdAc4 exposure. Through differential expression analysis, we identified 607 and 704 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleens on the 1st and 5th day following PdAc4 treatment, respectively, with 245 overlapping DEGs between the two time points. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the commonly shared DEGs were primarily involved in signal transduction, drug response, cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration. Pathway analysis indicated that the common DEGs were primarily associated with MAPK, TNF, cAMP, Hippo, and TGF-β signaling pathways. Furthermore, we identified hub genes such as CXCL10, PARP1, APOE, and VDR that contribute to PdAc4-induced spleen toxicity. This study enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Pd (IV) toxicity in the spleen.
Boosting Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Adaptability in Cardiac Rehabilitation with Cognitive Model
Authors: Hu Tiehan , Medeiros Elias Paulino , Yuan Ao , Wu Jingzhi , Zheng Yingfang , Jiang Xinyu , Albuquerque Victor Hugo C. , Wu Wanqing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases have emerged as a serious threat to global human health. Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is increasingly known as a crucial component in the continuum of care for patients with cardiovascular. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) facilitates the modulation of the patient's Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) non-invasively by enabling Resonance Frequency (RF) breathing of patients, and realizes the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, which provides support to the development of CR. However, it heavily depends on the manual selection of RF and face-to-face guidance of doctors through the traditional therapies of HRVB, which results in the great constraint of HRVB in widespread application and development in home-based CR. Herein, we proposed a remote human-computer collaborative HRVB system that enabled the independent adjustment of RF, which is named "FreeResp". It gets rid of the requirement of manual adjustment of RF by utilizing a simplistic cognitive computational model. Moreover, wearable technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) were integrated to make remote treatments for patients at home possible. FreeResp exhibited commendable consistency with conventional HRVB methods in determining RF values (22/24) among 24 valid training samples. In addition, the results of the one-month home-based RF breathing training test that used FreeResp demonstrated a significant enhancement in the participants' Heart Rate Variability (HRV) (p < 0.05). Therefore, the FreeResp, as a novel healthcare system, offers timely and precise interventions for home-based patients, providing a fresh perspective for the advancement of home-based CR, and pioneering new therapeutic approaches for long-term cardiovascular health management.