bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graves disease is associated with increased risk of clinical Alzheimer’s disease: evidence from the Medicare system
Authors: Yashkin Arseniy Pavlovich , Kolpakov Stanislav , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Yashin Anatoliy , Akushevich Igor 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Identification of modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) onset is an important aspect of controlling the burden imposed by this disease on an increasing number of older U.S. adults. Graves disease (GD), the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the U.S., has been hypothesized to be associated with increased AD risk, but there is no consensus. In this study, we explore the link between GD and risk of clinical AD.

Methods
Cox and Fine-Grey models were applied to a retrospective propensity-score-matched cohort of 19,798 individuals with GD drawn from a nationally representative 5% sample of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries age 65 + over the 1991–2020 period.

Results
Results showed that the presence of GD was associated with a higher risk of AD (Hazard Ratio [HR]:1.19; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.13–1.26). Competing risk estimates were consistent with these findings (HR:1.14; CI:1.08–1.20) with the magnitude of associated risk varying across subgroups: Male (HR:1.25; CI:1.07–1.47), Female (HR:1.09; CI:1.02–1.16), White (HR:1.11; CI:1.03–1.19), and Black (HR:1.23; CI:1.02–1.49).

Conclusions
Our results indicate a robust and consistent association between a diagnosis of GD and a subsequent diagnosis of AD in later stages of life. The precise biological pathways that could potentially connect these two conditions remain unclear as is the role of treatment in this relationship. Replications of these findings on datasets with both biomarkers and laboratory test results, especially in underrepresented groups is vital.
Enhancing English writing competence in higher education: a comparative study of teacher-only assessment versus teacher and student self-assessment approaches
Authors: Apridayani Aisah , Han Wei , Sakkanayok Kanyanat 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDespite the critical role of academic English writing proficiency in higher education, existing research has inadequately addressed the comparative impact of teacher-led and student-involved assessments on writing outcomes. To address the research gap, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 'Teacher-Only Assessment' compared to 'Combined Teacher and Student Self-Assessment' in English writing at a university in southern Thailand. Additionally, the study examined the viewpoints of students regarding the implementation of these approaches. It utilized a sequential explanatory research design in conjunction with a quasi-experimental design. The research instruments included a series of writing tasks, a teacher assessment rubric, a self-assessment form, and a questionnaire with open-ended questions. A group of 62 first-year English majors was divided into two groups: a control group and an experimental group, consisting of 31 students each. Both groups were taking an English Composition I course for 12 weeks and were assigned the same writing tasks. The experimental group was provided with both self-assessments and teacher evaluations, whereas the control group solely received teacher evaluations. The quantitative data was analyzed using an independent sample, while the qualitative data was examined through a thematic analysis. Quantitatively, the independent t-test results indicated that there was no statistically significant distinction in overall writing performance between both groups, except for narrative paragraphs. Moreover, the qualitative findings emphasized the merits of incorporating teacher-led and student-involved assessments. This study suggests various implications for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction and assessment practices.
Outcomes of short- versus long-acting gas tamponades in vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Schöneberger Verena , Li Jeany Q. , Menghesha Leonie , Holz Frank G. , Schaub Friederike , Krohne Tim U. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, long-acting gas tamponades (LGT) such as C3F8 or C2F6 may improve surgical success rate due to their prolonged effect compared to a short-acting gas tamponade (SGT) with SF6. On the other hand, SGT allow a significantly faster visual rehabilitation after surgery and may reduce the risk of gas-related complications. As comparative data in retinal detachment surgery is limited, we assessed the outcomes of vitrectomies using either LGT or SGT.

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 533 eyes of 524 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment not complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and treated by vitrectomy at two clinical sites. Depending on the site the patients presented at, they received either preferentially LGT (study site 1) or SGT (study site 2). Retinal re-detachment rates during a period of 6 months following surgery were analyzed.

Results
At study site 1, 254 of 278 eyes (91.4%) were treated by LGT (C3F8 72.3%; C2F6 19.1%), whereas at study site 2, 246 of 255 eyes (96.5%) received SGT (SF6). Rates of retinal re-detachment in the LGT- and SGT-treated groups were similar with 23 of 254 eyes (9.1%) and 24 of 246 eyes (9.8%), respectively (p = 0.9). Median time to re-detachment was 5.7 weeks in the LGT-treated group and 4.4 weeks in the SGT-treated group (p = 0.4).

Conclusion
In rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair by vitrectomy, the use of SGT results in comparable rates of successful retinal re-attachment as LGT. Given the faster visual rehabilitation with SGT, these results suggest SGT as a sensible alternative to LGT in surgery of retinal detachment without PVR.
Optical coherence tomography angiography of the macula of high myopia in children and adolescents
Authors: Abdellah Marwa Mahmoud , Amer Ahmed Ali , Eldaly Zeiad Hasan , Anber Mohamed Abdellatif 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
High myopia represents a health issue and leads to the development of complications that threaten vision. The study of macular changes in high myopia patients has undergone great advances with updated technology via new spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Most of related studies have focused on the adults and additional studies need to investigate macular changes in children and adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the macular structure by OCT and the macular vessel density in high myopia in children and adolescents by OCTA.

Methods
A cross-sectional comparative study. The population was divided into two groups: group 1 (4–11 years) and group 2 (12–18 years). The results were comparable to those of control study of the same age group. The two high myopia groups and the control groups were examined by macular OCT and OCTA to evaluate macular thickness and vessel density in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses.

Results
OCT measurements of patients in group 1 revealed that central macular thickness was significantly lower in high myopia group than in the control group and measured 220.91 ± 27.87 μm and 258.23 ± 17.26 μm, respectively, (P < 0.0001). However, in group 2 the central macular thickness in the high myopia group and control group was 236.32 ± 27.76 μm and 247.09 ± 16.81 μm respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). The parafoveal macular thickness and the perifoveal macular quadrants thickness were significantly lower in high myopic children and high myopic adolescents (P < 0.0001) than age matched controls. The parafoveal and perifoveal vessel densities in the superficial and deep capillary plexuses were lower in the high myopia groups than in the age-matched controls in both groups with a few segment exceptions in group 1. The FAZ was significantly wider in group 1 than in the age-matched emmetropes (P = 0.02). The FAZ was wider in group 2 than controls, but the difference was not statistically significant, (P = 0.75).

Conclusion
High myopic children and adolescents have thinner macular thickness than comparable age-matched emmetropes and have less vessel density in superficial and deep capillary plexuses with a wider FAZ.
Health-related quality of life and quality-adjusted progression free survival for carfilzomib and dexamethasone maintenance following salvage autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 2 trial by the Nordic Myeloma Study Group
Authors: Nielsen Lene Kongsgaard , Schjesvold Fredrik , Möller Sören , Guldbrandsen Nina , Hansson Markus , Remes Kari , Peceliunas Valdas , Abildgaard Niels , Gregersen Henrik , King Madeleine T. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Decisions regarding maintenance therapy in patients with multiple myeloma should be based on both treatment efficacy and health-related quality of life (HRQL) consequences. In the CARFI trial, patients with first relapse of multiple myeloma underwent salvage autologous stem cell transplantation (salvage ASCT) before randomization to carfilzomib-dexamethasone maintenance therapy (Kd) or observation. The primary clinical endpoint was time to progression, which was extended by 8 months by Kd. The aim of this paper is to present the all HRQL endpoints of the CARFI trial including the HRQL effect of Kd maintenance therapy relative to observation. The primary HRQL endpoint was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 Summary score (QLQ-C30-sum) at 8 months follow-up. A key secondary HRQL endpoint was quality-adjusted progression-free-survival (QAPFS).

Methods
HRQL was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-MY20 and FACT/GOG-Ntx at randomization and every second month during follow-up. HRQL data were analyzed with linear mixed effect models until 8 months follow-up. QAPFS per individual was calculated by multiplying progression-free survival (PFS) by two quality-adjustment metrics, the QLQ-C30-sum and EORTC Quality of Life Utility Measure-Core 10 dimensions (QLU-C10D). The QAPFS per treatment group was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. P < 0.05 was used for statistical significance, and a between-group minimal important difference of 10 points was interpreted as clinically relevant for the QLQ-C30-sum.

Results
168 patients were randomized. HRQL questionnaire compliance was 93%. For the QLQ-C30-sum, the difference of 4.62 points (95% confidence interval (CI) -8.9: -0.4, p = 0.032) was not clinically relevant. PFS was 19.3 months for the Kd maintenance group and 16.8 months for the observation group; difference = 2.5 months (95% CI 0.5; 4.5). QAPFS based on the QLQ-C30-sum for the Kd maintenance group was 18.0 months (95% CI 16.4; 19.6) and for the observation group 15.0 months (95% CI 13.5; 16.5); difference = 3.0 months (95% CI 0.8–5.3). QAPFS based on the QLU-C10D for the Kd maintenance group was 17.5 months (95% CI 15.9; 19.2) and 14.0 months (95% CI 12.4; 15.5) for the observation group; difference = 3.5 months (95% CI 1.1–5.9).

Conclusions
Kd maintenance therapy after salvage ASCT did not adversely affect overall HRQL, but adjustment for HRQL reduced the PFS compared to unadjusted PFS. PFS of maintenance therapy should be quality-adjusted to balance the benefits and HRQL impact.
Peak load estimation of renewable energy generation based on imitator dynamic algorithm
Authors: Ye Siqi , Yu Ling , Luo Jinman 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the field of renewable energy generation forecasting, it is crucial to accurately estimate the peak load. However, due to the complex nonlinear characteristics of the data, the traditional long short-term memory network performs poorly in processing these data. This study introduces the imitator dynamic algorithm, which is able to generate samples close to the real situation by learning the change pattern of the data. Extensive experimental tests show that with the number of iterations increasing to 200, the prediction accuracy of the model reaches 62.35%, which is significantly better than that of the long short-term memory network, although it is decreased compared with the initial iteration. The imitator dynamic algorithm accurately learns the unknown data distribution according to two metrics of probability density and cumulative distribution within 5% error, demonstrating good generalization ability and robustness. These research results are of great significance for predicting the actual generation capacity of renewable energy. It not only enables grid operators to accurately predict and schedule power generation, but also supports sustainable energy development by improving grid stability and promoting the use of renewable energy.
Reduction of the mangosteen tree (Garcinia mangostana L.) production cycle: effect of soil type and fertilisers
Authors: Haba Jean Florent , Silué Nakpalo , Dembele Ardjouma , Phaceli Elichama Désirée , Koffi Jean Kouao , Letto Ange Kouakou 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Shortening the vegetative cycle of slow-growing crops is a significant challenge for breeders, agronomists, and growers. This reduction is particularly crucial for the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) as it would make it easier for farmers to adopt this crop. The mangosteen tree is notoriously slow-growing, taking between 8 and 15 years to produce its first fruits. The plant's slow growth and late fruiting pose a significant obstacle to its adoption and spread in rural areas. In Côte d'Ivoire, these constraints have limited its cultivation to small farms owned by a few producers. However, it could be an alternative for diversifying agricultural income and contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas. This study aims to evaluate the effects of soil type and fertiliser on the agronomic parameters of mangosteen tree growth. The goal is to contribute to shortening its vegetative phase.

Results
The study results indicate that soil type and fertiliser have a significant effect on mangosteen growth parameters. Evaluating the agronomic performance of mangosteen, it was found that lowland soil promotes better plant growth. Growth rate and height growth were found to be significantly influenced (p = 0.03). After 36 months of monitoring, the growth rates for mangosteen trees grown on lowland soil were 53.08 ± 7.30%, while those grown on forest soil were 41.51 ± 13.43%. Additionally, the use of foliar and granular N-P-K fertilisers resulted in earlier fruiting, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.

Conclusions
The results showed that fertilisers play a crucial role in managing and shortening the juvenile phase of the mangosteen tree. Foliar and NPK fertilisers performed exceptionally well, resulting in earlier fruiting of mangosteen trees, starting from the 5th year of cultivation.
Exploring the booming tea tourist industry and unconventional tourism through the ritual of drinking tea in India
Authors: Banerjee Shuvasree , Tyagi Pankaj Kumar 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMore and more individuals are realizing the need to take time away from their regular lives to recharge their bodies and minds by visiting new places. That's why we reasoned that drinking tea while on holiday would be the most significant element in promoting the growth of the tea tourism sector. We want to bring attention to how, via the medium of tastescape, the ritual of drinking tea may help one better understand the notion of unconventional tourism in India. A tastescape is a combination of physical elements, social norms, and geographical settings. One kind of nature tourism that includes visits to tea plantations is an example of a niche market. Without a question, if you're looking for a place to visit that serves excellent tea, you should make your way to India. If the right marketing campaigns are launched to attract eco-travelers, and if the necessary efforts are made to enhance the quality of the area, the Indian Tea Estates have the potential to become a leading destination for tea tourism. The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of tea tourism prospects in India and the investigation into how the fascination with tea influences the decisions of foreign tourists visiting the country. The research aims to promote travel to India so that more people may learn about and appreciate the tea culture there. Both primary and secondary sources are used in this qualitative study. Features and advertising tactics for luring tourists are described in this research. At this point, we analyze the research data and use it to inform a set of preliminary marketing strategies. The study also found that enhancing a customer's overall impression of a company is one of the most effective ways to encourage repeat business. It is difficult to advance plans to combine the tourism and tea industries due to a lack of personnel and expertise. The difficulty may be overcome if the two parties can work together to mutual benefit. Achieving future achievements will require strengthening the connection between tea and tourism, establishing collaborations, encouraging a higher degree of local engagement, and highlighting local benefits as a way of life.
The impact of N-terminal modification of PAA with different chain lengths on the structure, thermal stability and pH sensitivity of succinylated collagen
Authors: Zhang Juntao , Liu Yang , Xu Haofei , Sui Peishan , Liu Tianyi , Zheng Mingming , Shirshin Evgeny A. , Wei Benmei , Xu Chengzhi , Wang Haibo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe limitations of native collagen, such as thermal stability and solubility in physiological environments, can be improved by applying bioconjugation and synthetic chemistry techniques. However, the exquisite control of the modification site of collagen remains a challenge. In this work, pH-responsive poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) with different chain lengths was attached to the N-terminal α-amino groups of succinylated collagen using a site-specific modification strategy. Additionally, the structure, thermal stability, and pH sensitivity of succinylated collagen were explored. The modification rate of amino groups in the succinylated collagen-PAA bioconjugate (SPSC-PAA) was evaluated by the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid assay. The impact of N-terminal modification of PAA and its chain length on the thermal stability of collagen was explored by CD and DSC. These techniques revealed that the thermal stability of SPSC-Col is pH-responsive and closely related to the chain length of grafted PAA. The pH sensitivity of SPSC-PAA was further explored by rheology and turbidity. Subsquently, the critical pH and isoelectric point of SPSC-PAAs were also examined by turbidity and isoelectric point titration, respectively. This work provides a new insight into the N-terminal modification of collagen on its properties.
Graphical abstract
MycoNews 2023: Editorial, news, reports, awards, personalia, and book news
Authors: Hawksworth David L. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis fifth annual edition of MycoNews starts with an editorial on the critical importance of International Mycological Congresses (IMCs) to the health of mycology. Items on Counting down to IMC12, the State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023, and progress towards Improving nomenclatural stability in medically important fungi follow. Reports are provided of several mycological meetings in 2023: the Asian Mycological Congress, XIX Congress of European Mycologists, a meeting of European Mycological Groups and Societies, the XI Latin American Mycological Congress, Westerdijk Spring Symposium on Fungal Evolution, the Brazilian Society of Mycology, the Annual Meeting of the Mycological Society of China, and the Fifth Iranian Mycological Congress. Information is provided on how to make nominations for the various IMA Awards due to be presented at IMC12 in August, the new Future is Fungi Award launched in 2023, and the Adel-Azeem and Stamets Award for work on Psilocybe in Africa. The Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute Awards for 2023 were made to Andrey Yurkov and Cathie Aime and the citations to those awards are provided. We include tributes to the passing of two eminent mycologists, Lorelei Norvell and Takashi Matsushima, and also send birthday greetings to Bryce Kendrick who turned 90, and Maria Ławrynowicz, Yu Li, and Anthony Whalley who all became octogenarians. Reviews of seven mycological books published in 2022–2023 are included in the Book News section.
Platelet-to-albumin ratio and radiation-induced lymphopenia—prognostic biomarker for carcinoma esophagus
Authors: Ghosh Adrija , Dagar Abhilash , Bharat Ram Pukar , Raj Jaswin , Shah Dyuti , Sharma Jyoti , Kumar Akash , Patil Pritee A. , Sharma Aman , Sharma Dayanand , Mallick Supriya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Esophageal cancer has a poor survival outcome with 5-year OS at 16.7% despite treatment. Some inflammation-based prognostic indicators like the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been previously studied as potential biomarker for predicting outcome in esophageal cancer. Recently, platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) has been reported as a promising prognostic factor in gastrointestinal malignancies.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively treated patients of carcinoma esophagus to evaluate the prognostic significance of inflammation-based prognostic indicators—neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and a composite inflammation-nutrition index: platelet-to-albumin ratio (PAR) in esophageal cancer. Based on previous studies, the optimal cut-off value of PAR was kept at 5.7 × 10^9, and 2.62 for NLR.

Results
A total of 71 patients of locally advanced esophageal cancer treated between 2019 and 2022, with either neoadjuvant or definitive chemoradiotherapy, were included. Median follow-up time was 19 months [range: 7–44 months]. Median OS and PFS in our study cohort were 11.3 months [range: 7–23 months] and 7.8 months [range: 3–17 months], respectively. In univariate analysis, lower PAR was found to be significantly correlated with shorter survival time (HR = 2.41; 1.3–4.76; p = 0.047). There was no association found between the OS and the NLR [HR = 1.09; 0.95–1.26; p = 0.222]. Univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regressions found no association between V15, V10, V5, or V2 of spleen and nadir lymphocyte count or between Dmax or Dmean and nadir lymphocyte counts.

Conclusion
Present analysis found a trend toward an inverse association between PAR and OS. PAR, in the not-so-distant future, may evolve as a novel, convenient, and inexpensive prognostic indicator in esophageal cancer.