bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing Psychiatric Characteristics and Death Anxiety Levels in Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Aker Derya Adalı , Aker Cemal 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Given that lung cancer is the deadliest cancer globally, it not only leads to physical issues but also triggers psychiatric challenges in patients with lung cancer. Research has shown that individuals with lung cancer encounter a higher prevalence of psychiatric issues when compared to patients with other types of cancers. For this reason, we endeavored to examine the levels of death anxiety, as well as the symptoms of depression and anxiety, among patients with lung cancer in our nation.
Method
The study included 43 patients with lung cancer who were monitored at the Istanbul Sisli Florence Nightingale Hospital’s Medical Oncology Clinic between August 29 and October 29, 2021. Additionally, 41 patients without any history of cancer, who had sought care at the internal medicine clinic, were included as the control group.
Results
In our study, there was no statistically significant difference in the sociodemographic characteristics of the case and control groups. The case group exhibited statistically significantly higher levels of ASDA, DAS, and HAD-D compared to the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, and p = 0.002, respectively). When evaluating the case group in terms of cut-off scores, it was found that their DAS > 6 and HAD-A ≥ 10 scores were statistically significantly higher than those of the control group (p = 0.049 and p = 0.045, respectively). Within the case group, 55.8% underwent lung surgery, while 44.2% did not undergo lung surgery. There was no statistically significant relationship between DAS and ASDA in the case group (p = 0.271). HAD-A was found to have a statistically significant positive correlation with both DAS and ASDA (p = 0.018 and p = 0.026, respectively). In the case group, a negative and statistically significant correlation was observed between ASDA and educational background levels, whereas a positive and statistically significant relationship was identified between HAD-A and age (p = 0.039 and p = 0.046, respectively). A statistically significant difference in ASDA levels was observed based on educational background (p = 0.044). The ASDA levels of elementary school graduates were statistically significantly higher than those of university graduates (p = 0.004). The DAS and HAD-D scores of individuals who underwent lung surgery were statistically significantly higher than those who did not undergo lung surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). In the models derived from the variables in univariate analyses with p-values less than 0.250, the significant determinants identified were HAD-A for DAS, and history of lung surgery, HAD-A and HAD-D for ASDA.
Conclusion
The results of our study showed that patients with lung cancer had higher levels of depression and anxiety than those without cancer, as well as greater death anxiety. Furthermore, our observations indicated that individuals who underwent surgery exhibited higher levels of depression when compared to those who did not undergo surgical procedures.
Variable energy dynamic penetration resistance of soils based on a dynamic load-displacement relationship
Authors: Lopez Sebastian , Canou Jean , Dupla Jean-Claude , Benz Miguel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The evaluation of dynamic penetration resistance can be performed by applying different theoretical and empirical approaches, however, each method is based on the application of different concepts and assumptions. The objective of this paper is to present a methodology for the evaluation of the penetration resistance of dynamic driving equipment, based on the evaluation of the dynamic load-displacement relationship at the cone-soil interface. For the construction of the dynamic load-displacement relationship, an iterative methodology of decoupling and reconstruction of the dynamic deformation and acceleration signals at the cone-soil interface is applied, which allows evaluating the soil resistance response under the dynamic load generated by the cone driving into the soil. The results show that the dynamic penetration resistance evaluation methodology based on the load-displacement curve allows the determination of the penetration resistance based on a physical-mechanical soil response approach. The dynamic penetration resistance evaluated through the dynamic load-displacement relationship allows evaluating the sensitized soil response to density conditions and vertical effective stresses.
Mathematics MOVES Me: Digital Solutions for Coordinating Enactive and Symbolic Perspectives—The Case of Basic Arithmetic With Positive and Negative Integers
Authors: Anton Jacqueline , Cosentino Giulia , Gelsomini Mirko , Sharma Kshitij , Giannakos Michail N. , Abrahamson Dor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We present an innovative educational design for basic arithmetic that responds to students’ documented difficulties with adding and subtracting single-digit positive and negative numbers. The design utilizes MOVES, a technological architecture that combines floor- and wall-projected interactive interfaces. Students enact arithmetic operations, e.g., “3 - (-2)” by walking along a projected body-scale number line, while their actions are captured and analyzed to provide in-the-moment feedback on elements of their solution procedure. Next, a screen-based avatar is introduced who mimics their whole-body movements. Finally, analogous problems are presented on a tablet that utilizes tangible interaction, where students walk the avatar, now as an action-figure, along a standard-sized number line. Our theoretical framework, design conjecture, product evaluation, and data analysis all pertain to fostering conceptual understanding through coordinating full-body egocentric experiences on a body-scale number line with the allocentric experience of “puppeting” the avatar along the desk-scale number line. Based on pilot trials, we speculate on the nature and type of supports students require to coordinate these perspectives and discuss implications for future iterations of the design.
Terraces in Species Tree Inference from Gene Trees
Authors: Habib Mursalin , Roy Kowshic , Hasan Saem , Rahman Atif Hasan , Bayzid Md. Shamsuzzoha 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

A terrace in a phylogenetic tree space is a region where all trees contain the same set of subtrees, due to certain patterns of missing data among the taxa sampled, resulting in an identical optimality score for a given data set. This was first investigated in the context of phylogenetic tree estimation from sequence alignments using maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP). It was later extended to the species tree inference problem from a collection of gene trees, where a set of equally optimal species trees was referred to as a ''pseudo'' species tree terrace which does not consider the topological proximity of the trees in terms of the induced subtrees resulting from certain patterns of missing data. In this study, we mathematically characterize species tree terraces and investigate the mathematical properties and conditions that lead multiple species trees to induce/display an identical set of locus-specific subtrees owing to missing data. We report that species tree terraces are agnostic to gene tree heterogeneity. Therefore, we introduce and characterize a special type of gene tree topology-aware terrace which we call ''peak terrace''. Moreover, we empirically investigated various challenges and opportunities related to species tree terraces through extensive empirical studies using simulated and real biological data. We demonstrate the prevalence of species tree terraces and the resulting ambiguity created for tree search algorithms. Remarkably, our findings indicate that the identification of terraces and the trees within them can substantially enhance the accuracy of summary methods and provide reasonably accurate branch support.
A synchronous atmosphere-cryosphere-land response to climate on the northern Antarctic Peninsula since the mid-Holocene
Authors: Evangelista Heitor 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

West Antarctica plays a pivotal role in sea level rise in projected scenarios with global socioenvironmental and economic consequences. Therefore, describing its recent and past climate history and changes is essential for identifying the main climate controls and past responses. To better understand the climatic sensitivity of this region, we analyzed sedimentary records from newly surveyed proglacial lacustrine profiles dated from the middle Holocene to the present on the North Antarctic Peninsula. We combined atmosphere-glacier-land databases that evidenced a close coupling among these compartments during intense melting events. Our analyses furthermore suggest that a short Neoglacial phase from ∼2,000 kyr BP until the onset of the 20th century was possibly influenced by a combined long-term decline in total solar irradiance, Andean volcanism and ENSO.
The effects of initial water content and casein solution viscosity on enhancing the mechanical properties of casein-amended soil
Authors: Ashour Mohammed , Aiping Tang , Yingzi Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Utilizing casein in geotechnical engineering and construction can reduce global dairy waste. Variations in initial water content during sample preparation influence cation and OH ion availability, alkaline additive concentrations, casein binder function, and rheological properties of the casein solution. This study investigates the impact of initial water content and casein solution rheology on unconfined compressive strength in two soil types (coarse and fine) treated with casein, both in dry conditions and after water immersion. The study also assesses the long-term performance of casein-treated soil under bio-decomposition. Results suggest that increasing casein content, beyond the optimal ratio, can enhance strength by adjusting initial water concentration. Notably, calcium caseinate-treated soil exhibits improved water resistance due to reduced viscosity and enhanced workability, leading to a more rigid soil structure during initial preparation. We propose an empirical formula describing the influence of casein solution rheological characteristics on soil strength. Furthermore, artificial neural networks, developed from experimental data, predict casein-treated soil strength, highlighting the significance of initial water content and rheological parameters.
MRI-Guided Radiation Therapy for Splenomegaly: Clinical Experiences and Technical Tips
Authors: Romano Angela , Placidi Lorenzo , Boldrini Luca , Chiloiro Giuditta , Dinapoli Nicola , Galetto Matteo , Mazzarella Ciro , Meffe Guenda , Nardini Matteo , Panza Giulia , Ceglie Sara , Chiusolo Patrizia , Rossi Elena , Indovina Luca , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction

Splenomegaly is a common manifestation in chronic lymphoid and myeloid malignancies. While splenectomy is the preferred treatment for symptomatic splenomegaly, it carries significant risks. Radiotherapy (RT) has traditionally been considered a palliative option. This study explores the use of Magnetic Resonance-Guided Radiotherapy (MRgRT) for splenic irradiation (SI) in patients with myelofibrosis (MFI) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN).

Methods

This single-center retrospective analysis includes patients with MFI and MDS/MPN who underwent MRgRT SI between 2018 and 2022. Ten 1 Gy fractions was delivered to PTV (spleen+5mm margin). An adaptive online/offline strategy has been used to reduce the dose to healthy organs. Dosimetric data and clinical outcomes, including pain relief, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hematological values, were assessed.

Results

Twelve patients completed SI without interruption, with supportive transfusions as needed for cytopenias. Pain and gastrointestinal symptoms relief was observed in most cases. The mean percentage reduction in spleen volume was 53.61%, with an average cranio-caudal extension reduction of 77.78%. Twenty-nine (24.2%) out of 120 fractions were online adapted and 14 (11.7%) were replanned offline. Non-hematological toxicities were not reported. At a median follow-up of 12.9 months, 6 patients died, while 9 patients underwent hematopoietic cell transplantation, with 6 of them surviving.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates MRgRT SI feasibility in MFI and MDS/MPN patients, offering symptom relief and significant spleen volume reduction. Real-time setup verification and adaptive planning allowed for tailored treatment with reduced margins, minimizing healthy tissue exposure. Larger prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed to further validate its efficacy and safety.
Drivers of Active Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Use among Transgender Women in Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: JadKarim Luzan , Galka Jonathan , Shrestha Roman , Mazzeo Rosanna , Restar Arjee , Gautam Kamal , Azwa Iskandar , Wickersham Jeffrey A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

While ample evidence exists regarding the use of active amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) among sex workers, the impact of ATS use has yet to be characterized among the transgender population in Malaysia. Our aim is to highlight and assess health-related factors associated with ATS use among transgender women in Malaysia. A total of 361 transgender women completed a cross-sectional survey regarding their attitude towards PrEP knowledge and use for HIV prevention. The original study explored a myriad of health-related topics including active ATS use. Data was analyzed using logistic regression analyses to determine factors associated with active ATS use. Most of the participants were between 25–40 years old (57.3%), ethnically identified as Malay (75%), and single (67.6%). We found that 10.2% of the participants were actively using ATS. On a multivariate level, hormone therapy use was associated with reduced odds of active ATS use (aOR = 0.364; 95% CI = 0.169, 0.784) and was positively associated with a history of drug related arrest (aOR = 4.604; 95%CI = 1.813, 11.691). Our findings show a high prevalence of active ATS use among transgender women in Malaysia, in addition to its correlation to other health-related factors. Interestingly, we found that trans women who were actively using hormone therapy, were less likely to engage in active ATS use. This relationship should be explored further along with the relationship between incarceration history. In addition, further prevention strategies and efforts are needed to decrease ATS use among transgender women in Malaysia.
A cupping spots Image Enhancement Algorithm Based on LAA-CycleGAN
Authors: Jianhua Qin , Mengyan Zhu , Liu Yingbin , ZENG Guifen , XU Baolin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
During the automatic cupping process, a LAA-CycleGAN based image enhancement algorithm is proposed to address the issues of reduced image clarity and loss of detail features caused by fog adhering to the surface of the can body. Firstly, the generator contains a self-attention module to capture global features of the images; secondly, the discriminator introduces an Auto-Encoder to generate more stable images; Finally, a perceptual loss term is added to optimize the network for better perception. Experiments were conducted on the collected cupping spots dataset, and the results showed that compared with DCP, DehazeNet, AOD-Net, and CycleGAN algorithms, SSIM values increased by 48.78%, 61.02%, 53.45%, and 85.42%, while PSNR values increased by 5.02%, 5.09%, 4.78%, and 4.27%. The algorithm in this article reconstructs the cupping spots image with higher clarity, which can effectively enhance the quality of the cupping spots image and preserve details.
The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus as a tool to develop climate change adaptation strategies: a case study of the Buffalo River catchment, South Africa
Authors: Dlamini Nosipho , Senzanje A. , Mabhaudhi T. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The Buffalo River catchment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, has limited water resource infrastructure development, and climate change is predicted to increase its water supply deficits by exacerbating water distribution inequalities. This study evaluates and optimises current climate change policy plans on the Buffalo River catchments water system to aid in assessing the sustainability of policies that address the aforementioned challenges. The water–energy–food (WEF) nexus approach, which encourages system thinking by considering interconnections among water, energy, and food resources when developing integrated natural resource management strategies, was used to perform the evaluation. The water system's reliability in meeting projected domestic, agricultural, and energy water demands under climate change conditions was used for gauging the sustainability of the development plans. Findings projected the existing water policy plans to increase the domestic water provision by &gt;70% under climate change; however, the &lt;3% increase in irrigation and energy generation water demand coverage yielded a significant contrast in reliability between densely populated areas and regions with extensive agricultural activities. The optimised policy plans, which improved water provision for all considered sectors increased by &gt;20% under climate change, are thus recommended for future water resource management research and dialogue in the Buffalo River catchment.
Integrated safety assessment of water–energy–food systems based on improved substance element extensions
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhou Hao , Tso Geoffrey Kwok Fai , Po Hsun Chen , Tua Chuang , Zheng Tao 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

To explore the integrated security of water-energy-food system, 26 indicators were selected from six aspects: water security, energy security, food security, water-energy system security, water-energy system security, energy-food system security; the frequency analysis method was used to construct the integrated security evaluation index system for water-energy-food systems. Then, the matter-element expansion model was refined and used to assess the overall security of the water, energy and food system in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The evaluation metrics used to assess the overall security of water, energy, and food system were examined and researched from two dimensions: time and space. This model adequately represents the overall security of the water-energy-food system, as demonstrated by empirical studies. Comparisons are made between the evaluation results of the modified model and those of the conventional matter-element inflationary model, confirming the feasibility and validity of the modified model. Finally, the main factors affecting the security of the water-energy-food system in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region are discussed using the index weight and obstacle degree model. Relevant suggestions are also provided to enhance the security of the water-energy-food system.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Nanovesicles Carry microRNA with Nephroprotective Proprieties Regardless of Aging
Authors: Convento Marcia Bastos , de Oliveira Andréia Silva , Boim Mirian Aparecida , Borges Fernanda Teixeira 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Containing information molecules from their parent cells and inclining to fuse with
targeted cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells-derived extracellular vesicles (MSCs-
EV) are valuable in nanomedicine.

Background:
The effects of aging on the paracrine mechanism and in the production and action
of MSCs-EV and their cargos of miR-26a and siRNA-26a for the treatment of tubular renal cells
under nephrotoxicity injury remain unelucidated.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate MSCs-EV of different ages and their ability
to deliver the cargos of miR-26a and siRNA-26ª to target renal tubular cells affected by nephrotoxicity
injury.

Methods:
In a model of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, renal tubular cells treated with
MSCs-EV expressing or not expressing microRNA-26a were analyzed. Western blotting was utilized
to evaluate cell cycle markers, and MTT assay was utilized to evaluate auto-renovation capacity.

Results:
Tubular cells under nephrotoxicity injury showed decreased proliferative capacity, but
the treatment in the tubular renal cells under nephrotoxicity injury with MSCs-EV expressing
microRNA-26a showed nephroprotective effects, regardless of EV age. While the treatment with
EV-mediated siRNA-26a failed to preserve the nephroprotective effects equally, regardless of
age.

Conclusion:
Mesenchymal stromal cell nanovesicles carry microRNA with nephroprotective proprieties
regardless of aging.
Liraglutide Improves Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Downregulation of
Cardiac Inflammatory and Apoptosis Markers
Authors: Gupta Polly , Ekbbal Rustam 
Published: November 2023

Background::
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is one of the leading causes of mortality for
people with diabetes worldwide. The majority of the formalistic alterations in the heart associated
with diabetic cardiomyopathy have been found to be primarily caused by the ongoing oxidative
stress brought on by hyperglycemia, which leads to the dysfunctional reactions of apoptosis
and inflammation. Liraglutide, a long-acting counterpart of glucagon-like peptide-1, has
been demonstrated to have a number of therapeutic applications in medicine and other biological
processes.

Methods::
The PubMed database was searched using the terms liraglutide, DCM, and all associated
inflammatory markers.

Results::
There has been a lot of research on liraglutide's potential to protect the heart from cardiomyopathy
brought on by diabetes. Liraglutide's therapeutic actions as an antioxidant, antihyperglycemic,
anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory medicine may help to lessen diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion::
The most recent studies on the effects of liraglutide therapy on DCM are presented
in this review, along with an explanation of the underlying mechanisms.