bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retrospective study of clinical settings, indications and consequences of measurement of direct oral anticoagulant plasma levels in Northern Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Lim Ming S. , Mohamed Muhajir 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundRoutine monitoring of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) levels is not recommended but may be useful in certain clinical situations. There is a knowledge gap regarding the clinical use of DOAC levels in Australian hospitals.AimsTo evaluate the clinical settings, indications and changes to anticoagulant management associated with DOAC levels in a tertiary hospital in Northern Tasmania, Australia.MethodsPatients with one or more DOAC levels (dabigatran, rivaroxaban or apixaban) requested between January 2017 and December 2022 were identified. Retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate the clinical settings, indications, adequacy of request information and changes to clinical management associated with the measurement of DOAC levels.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐nine DOAC measurements (54 rivaroxaban, 66 apixaban and nine dabigatran) were performed in 98 patients between January 2017 and December 2022. Annual requests for DOAC levels increased significantly between 2017 and 2019 and remained stable between 2020 and 2021 but declined in 2022. Overall, the most common indication for a DOAC level was renal impairment, followed by bleeding and recurrent thrombosis. Approximately 25% of requests were for acute bleeding with a reversal/haemostatic agent given in 45% of patients, while 10% were prior to urgent surgery. Measurement of DOAC levels was associated with a change in management in 50% of cases. 10% of requests did not specify anticoagulant history.ConclusionTrends in requests for DOAC levels have changed over time. Clinician education regarding the importance of providing specific anticoagulant history is essential. Future prospective studies investigating the clinical utility of DOAC levels in different clinical settings are needed.
Prognostic biomarkers associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xiu , Kou Liqiu , Xie Xiaolu , Su Song , Li Jun , Li Yaling 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), particularly advanced HCC, has been a serious challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are landmark drugs in the field of cancer therapy in recent years, which have changed the landscape of cancer treatment. In the field of HCC treatment, this class of drugs has shown good therapeutic prospects. For example, atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has been approved as first‐line treatment for advanced HCC due to significant efficacy. However, sensitivity to ICI therapy varies widely among HCC patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to search for determinants of resistance/sensitivity to ICIs and to screen biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of ICIs. This manuscript reviews the research progress of prognostic biomarkers associated with ICIs in HCC in order to provide a scientific basis for the development of clinically individualised precision medication regimens.
Flexible dual‐phase rare‐earth zirconate high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes for superior thermal insulation
Authors: Wang Hengchang , Xu Jie , Wei Mingyue , Feng Xiaoying , Wu Jiamin , Zhang Ping , Gao Feng 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCeramic fibers are potential lightweight materials for high‐temperature insulation due to their excellent high‐temperature stability and low thermal conductivity. However, the grain growth at high temperatures leads to the loss of flexibility and decreases in the thermal insulation performances of the ceramic fibers. Herein, we prepared flexible (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Gd0.2Yb0.2)2Zr2O7 (LNSGY) high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes using polyacetylacetone rare‐earth zirconium precursors by electrospinning method. According to the XRD and TEM analyses, the LNSGY nanofibrous membranes exhibited dual phases of defective fluorite and ordered pyrochlore structures. The grain size of the LNSGY fibers increased from 15.4 to 40.8 nm at heat treatments increasing from 800 to 1200°C; the slow grain growth in high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes contributed to the good flexibility. The fiber morphology was continuous and well distributed with diameters less than 500 nm. The thermal conductivity at room temperature was 0.0339 W/(m K). In addition, the high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes exhibited tensile strength and thermal stability at high temperatures. These performances provide further applications for high‐entropy ceramic nanofibrous membranes as high‐temperature insulation materials.
Prevalence and characteristics of diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: The Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective study (JDCP study 10)
Authors: Kamiya Hideki , Himeno Tatsuhito , Watarai Atsuko , Baba Masayuki , Nishimura Rimei , Tajima Naoko , Nakamura Jiro 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of diabetic symmetric sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes registered in the Japan Diabetes Complication and its Prevention Prospective study. In the study, 6,338 patients with diabetes who had been treated by diabetes specialists were registered in 2007–2009. Of these, patients with type 2 diabetes who could be evaluated for DSPN were analyzed using the t‐test, χ2‐test and logistic regression analyses. DSPN was diagnosed using the Simple Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetic Polyneuropathy proposed by the Diabetic Neuropathy Study Group in Japan. Of the total participants, 5,451 patients (mean age 61.4 years, duration of diabetes 10.8 years) were analyzed. Based on the criteria, 35.8% of patients were diagnosed with DSPN. The prevalence of sensory symptoms was 25.8%. The following factors increased the risk for DSPN: age (odds ratio [OR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–1.73), duration of diabetes (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.43), body mass index (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.30), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.10), hemoglobin A1c (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.22), biguanides (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.06–1.39) and insulin therapy (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.36–1.84). The following factors decreased the risk for DSPN: total cholesterol (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and exercise therapy (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73–0.98). The baseline survey clarified the prevalence and characteristics of DSPN in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. The survey also showed the risk factors of DSPN.
Serum amyloid A facilitates expansion of CD4+ T cell and CD19+ B cell subsets implicated in the severity of myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , An Xueting , Gao Xue , Wang Ningning , Liu Jia , Zhang Yong , Qi Guoyan , Zhang Chao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSerum amyloid A (SAA) is a clinically useful inflammatory marker involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to explore the SAA levels in a cohort of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) in relation to disease‐related clinical parameters and myasthenic crisis (MC) and elucidate the effects of SAA on immune response. A total of 82 MG patients including 50 new‐onset MG patients and 32 MC patients were enrolled in this study. Baseline data and laboratory parameters of all enrolled MG patients were routinely recorded through electronic medical systems. SAA levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. CD4+ T and CD19+ B cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry. In vitro, human recombinant SAA (Apo‐SAA) was applied to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from MG patients to observe the effect on T and B cell differentiation. Our results indicated that SAA levels in new‐onset MG patients were higher than those in controls and were positively correlated with QMG score, MGFA classification, plasmablast cells, IL‐6, and IL‐17 levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that SAA levels were increased in generalized MG (GMG) patients than in ocular MG (OMG), as well as elevated in late‐onset MG (LOMG) than in early‐onset MG (EOMG) and higher in MGFA III/IV compared with MGFA I/II. The ROC curve demonstrated that SAA showed good diagnostic value for MC, especially when combined with NLR. In vitro, Apo‐SAA promoted the Th1 cells, Th17 cells, plasmablast cells, and plasma cells differentiation in MG PBMCs. The present findings suggested that SAA was increased in MG patients and promoted expansion of CD4+ T cell and CD19+ B cell subsets, which implicated in the severity of MG patients.image
Morphological and functional changes of the geniohyoid muscle in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery: Comparison of ultrasound images with a focus on swallowing function
Authors: Kiyomiya Yuto , Fujiu‐Kurachi Masako , Hirata Aya , Nakasone Waku , Azuma Masaki , Kishida Shunji , Tsuda Gota 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to clarify, using ultrasound imaging, (1) whether the area and contraction of GH change in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery and (2) whether the changes in the area and contraction of GH are related to decline in swallowing function.MethodsThe participants were 21 female patients over 65 years of age who underwent hip fracture surgery. The patients were divided into two groups based on the results of swallowing assessment by water drinking: One with normal swallowing function (NSF) and the other with suspected decline in swallowing function (DSF). Sagittal cross‐sectional area (SA) of GH at rest and the shortening rate (SR) of GH upon contraction during swallowing were compared at two time points: immediately and 2 weeks after surgery. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for intra‐group comparisons, and Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for between‐group comparisons.ResultSA of GH decreased significantly at 2 weeks after surgery in both groups, regardless of their swallowing function. In the intra‐group comparison, SR significantly decreased (worsened) only in DSF group. SR at 2 weeks after surgery was significantly higher in NSF than in the DSF. In the inter‐group comparison, DSF showed a significantly smaller (worse) change of SR than NSF in 2 weeks after surgery.ConclusionDecrease in muscle mass, or atrophy, of GH observed in both NSF and DSF, did not coincide with the post‐operative change in GH contraction of the two groups. The results suggest the importance of continuous swallowing assessment in the elderly individuals during their perioperative period.
Circadian misalignment impairs oligodendrocyte myelination via Bmal1 overexpression leading to anxiety and depression‐like behaviors
Authors: Zuo Yao , Hou Yuanyuan , Wang Yunlei , Yuan Linran , Cheng Lingna , Zhang Tong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCircadian misalignment (CM) caused by shift work can increase the risk of mood impairment. However, the pathological mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unclear. In the present study, we used long‐term variable photoperiod (L‐VP) in wild‐type mice to better simulate real‐life shift patterns and study its effects on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, which are closely related to mood function. The results showed that exposure to L‐VP altered the activity/rest rhythms of mice, by eliciting phase delay and decreased amplitude of the rhythms. Mice with CM developed anxiety and depression‐like manifestations and the number of mature oligodendrocytes (OL) was reduced in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampal CA1 regions. Mood impairment and OL reduction worsened with increased exposure time to L‐VP, while normal photoperiod restoration had no effect. Mechanistically, we identified upregulation of Bmal1 in the PFC and hippocampal regions of CM mice at night, when genes related to mature OL and myelination should be highly expressed. CM mice exhibited significant inhibition of the protein kinase B (AKT)/mTOR signaling pathway, which is directly associated to OL differentiation and maturation. Furthermore, we demonstrated in the OL precursor cell line Oli‐Neu that overexpression of Bmal1 inhibits AKT/mTOR pathway and reduces the expression of genes OL differentiation. In conclusion, BMAL1 might play a critical role in CM, providing strong research evidence for BMAL1 as a potential target for CM therapy.
Railway sleeper vibration measurement by train‐borne laser Doppler vibrometer and its speed‐dependent characteristics
Authors: Zeng Y. , Núñez A. , Li Z. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA train‐borne laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) directly measures the dynamic response of railway track components from a moving train, which has the potential to complement existing train‐borne technologies for railway track monitoring. This paper proposes a holistic methodology to characterize train‐borne LDV measurements by combining computer‐aided approaches and real‐life measurements. The focus is on the speed‐dependent characteristics because the train speed affects the intensity of railway sleeper vibrations and the intensity of speckle noise, which further affects the quality and usability of the measured signals. First, numerical models are established and validated to simulate sleeper vibrations and speckle noise separately. Then, a vibration–noise separation method is proposed to effectively extract speckle noise and structural vibrations from LDV signals measured at different speeds. The parameters of the separation method are tuned using simulation signals. The method is then validated using laboratory measurements in a vehicle‐track test rig and applied to field measurements on a railway track in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Further, the speed‐dependent characteristics of train‐borne LDV measurement are determined by analyzing the competition between sleeper vibrations and speckle noise at different speeds. Simulation and measurement results show that an optimal speed range yields the highest signal‐to‐noise ratio, which varies for different track structures, measurement configurations, and operational conditions. The findings demonstrate the potential of train‐borne LDV for large‐scale rail infrastructure monitoring.
Effect of dietary and physical activity behavioral interventions on reducing postpartum weight retention among women with recent gestational diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: He Jing , Hu Kaili , Wang Binghua , Wang Hui 
Published: January 2024

SummaryPostpartum weight retention (PPWR) increases the risk of long‐term obesity and metabolic disease in women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of dietary and physical activity behavior interventions in reducing PPWR. We systematically searched 13 electronic databases to retrieve articles published in English or Chinese before October 22, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed dietary and/or physical activity behaviors interventions on the outcomes of PPWR among women with recent GDM were included. Twelve studies researched a total of 5672 participants. The meta‐analysis indicated that dietary and physical activity behaviors interventions showed significant effects on the pooled effect size of body weight changes (WMD = −2.19, 95% CIs: −3.39, −0.98 kg), body mass index (WMD = −0.98, 95% CIs: −1.56, −0.39 kg/m2), and waist circumference (WMD = −1.20, 95% CIs: −2.49, 0.08 cm). Furthermore, the intervention group was more likely to achieve weight reduction (OR = 0.76, 95% CIs: 0.67, 0.87) than the control group. Postpartum dietary and physical activity behavior interventions for women with a recent GDM can reduce PPWR, and 1 year postpartum may be a window of opportunity.
Efficacy and safety between radiofrequency ablation and types of cryoablation catheters for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia: A Network Meta‐analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Siranart Noppachai , Keawkanha Ponthakorn , Pajareya Patavee , Chokesuwattanaskul Ronpichai , Ayudhya Choutchung Tinakorn Na , Prasitlumkum Narut , Chung Eugene H , Jongnarangsin Krit , Tokavanich Nithi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionAtrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is the most common supraventricular tachycardia referred for ablation. Periprocedural conduction system damage was a primary concern during AVNRT ablation. This study aimed to assess the incidence of permanent atrioventricular (AV) block and the success rate associated with different types of catheters in slow pathway ablation.MethodA literature search was performed to identify studies that compared various techniques, including types of radiofrequency ablation (irrigated and nonirrigated) and different sizes of catheter tip cryoablation (4, 6, and 8‐mm), in terms of their outcomes related to permanent atrioventricular block and success rate. To assess and rank the treatments for the different outcomes, a random‐effects model of network meta‐analysis, along with p‐scores, was employed.ResultsA total of 27 studies with 5110 patients were included in the analysis. Overall success rates ranged from 89.78% to 100%. Point estimation showed 4‐mm cryoablation exhibited an odds ratio of 0.649 (95%CI: 0.202–2.087) when compared to nonirrigated RFA. Similarly, 6‐mm cryoablation had an odds ratio of 0.944 (95%CI: 0.307–2.905), 8‐mm cryoablation had an odds ratio of 0.848 (95%CI: 0.089–8.107), and irrigated RFA had an odds ratio of 0.424 (95%CI: 0.058–3.121) compared to nonirrigated RFA.ConclusionOur study found no significant difference in the incidence of permanent AV block between the types of catheters. The success rates were consistently high across all groups. These findings emphasize the potential of both RF ablation (irrigated and nonirrigated catheter) and cryoablation as viable options for the treatment of AVNRT, with similar safety and efficacy profile.
The reprogramming of mitochondrial energy metabolism in Rice: The role of the TCA cycle and GABA shunt under Arsenic exposure
Authors: Bhatia Priyanka , Saini Himanshu , Mirza Zainab , Gupta Meetu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractArsenic (As) pollution is hazardous for all living organisms. Plants growing in As‐contaminated soil are less performant. Recently, seed priming has attracted significant attention for its beneficial effects on plants. Numerous studies have associated priming technique with the induction of stress memory against traumatic conditions, but its relation to crop's energy balance is under‐researched. The present study highlights variations in energy metabolic pathways, particularly TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle and GABA (gamma‐aminobutyric acid)‐shunt in multi‐nutrient [silicon (Si), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and ascorbic acid (AA)] primed rice seedlings under As stress. Arsenic exposure decreased the TCA cycle enzymes' activity while intensifying GABA accumulation and metabolism. This enhancement in GABA shunt provides an alternative energy source for As‐stressed seedlings. However, priming and further Fe‐supplementation reduced As‐toxicity by accelerating the activity of both energy pathways, namely, TCA and GABA cycle. Improved energy regulation by priming and Fe‐augmentation also enhanced the functionality of anabolic respiratory‐interactive‐pathway, i.e., carbon‐nitrogen metabolism. The As‐tolerance response of priming and Fe‐augmentation was further analyzed from the expression profiling of nitrogen and phosphorous utilization genes. Out of 10 genes, particular enhancement was observed in OsNiR, OsGS, and OsGOGAT expression with improved macro‐micronutrient content of the seedlings. Thus, irrespective of As infestations, multi‐nutrient (Si, Fe, Zn, and AA) seed priming approach along with Fe‐supplementation may emerge as a beneficial strategy to improve plant metabolic capacity in terms of nitrogen, phosphorous, and carbon assimilation to support normal vigor because they balance cellular energy levels.
A profound absence of counseling interventions for suicide prevention among youth in Africa: A call to action based on an empty scoping review
Authors: Knettel Brandon A. , Obale Armstrong , Iqbal Hamza , Fotabong Mela C. , Philippe Ngaha N. , Graton Margaret , Ledbetter Leila 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectiveOne‐third of all global suicide deaths occur among adolescents and young adults, making suicide the second leading cause of death among young people. Nearly 80% of suicide deaths occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and many African nations have higher rates of suicide than global averages. However, interventions are scarce. We conducted a scoping review of counseling interventions for suicide prevention among youth in Africa.MethodWe performed structured searches of the Medline, Embase, PyscINFO, African Index Medicus, Global Heath Database, and Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global databases. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they described a counseling intervention conducted in Africa, focused on participants under age 22, and included a suicide‐related outcome.ResultsAfter removal of duplicates, 1808 titles and abstracts were screened and 10 studies were identified for full‐text review. Of these, six included adult participants and did not disaggregate results for youth, two did not describe an intervention, and two did not include a relevant outcome. Thus, no studies were eligible for inclusion.ConclusionsThis empty review highlights the striking absence of published research on a life‐threatening public health challenge, representing a distinct call to action for improved efforts in adolescent suicide prevention in Africa.
KULEX-Wrist: Design and Analysis of Linkage-Driven Exoskeleton for Wrist Assistance
Authors: Bok Hong Man , Yoon Dukchan , Park Jaehyun , Kim Keehoon 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a wrist exoskeleton called the KIST Upper-Limb EXoskeleton (KULEX)-wrist for activities of daily living assistance of the elderly and the disabled. A novel linkage-based structure of the rotational mechanism with three degrees-of-freedom is proposed. The proposed wrist mechanism is composed of two prismatic-universal-spherical serial chains and one revolute-revolute-revolute spherical chain. Besides, a combination of a planar slider-crank and spherical four-bar linkages was employed as a drive mechanism for power transmission. Kinematic analysis was conducted to understand its working principle. Then, the dimensions of all the linkages were synthesized to meet the structural design suitable for the wearable exoskeleton and the transmission quality. In addition, motion twists and wrenches were geometrically derived. Finally, a prototype of the KULEX-wrist was designed, and then its performance of mechanical stiffness, motion capability, and power assistance was verified.