bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Study of Apatinib plus Ifosfamide and Etoposide versus Ifosfamide and Etoposide in Patients With Advanced Osteosarcomas (OAIE/PKUPH-sarcoma 11)
Authors: Tang Xiaodong , Xie Lu , Xu Jie , Sun Xin , Liu Kuisheng , Sun Kunkun , Li Yuan , Liu Rong , Wang Du , Shao Shurong , Chen Zhongjiang , Pang Zheng , Zhou Guangxin , Wu Sujia , Hua Yingqi , Hu Haiyan , Wei Ran , Yang Yi , Ji Tao , Guo Wei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: Retrospective analysis have indicated potential benefits of combining apatinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) for advanced osteosarcoma. This study aims to compare the efficacy of apatinib plus IE versus IE alone in patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma.
Methods: This multicenter, randomized controlled trial (NCT05277480) involved patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma, who had progressed on first-line chemotherapy, typically comprising high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin with or without ifosfamide (MAP/I). Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either apatinib plus IE or IE alone. The apatinib plus IE group received 500 mg of oral apatinib daily, along with ifosfamide (1.8 g/m²/day) and etoposide (100 mg/m²/day) d1-3 q3w. The IE group received the same daily regimen d1-5 q3w. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (mPFS).
Results: From April 2022 to August 2023, 81 patients were enrolled, with 53 receiving apatinib plus IE and 28 receiving IE alone. With median follow-up of 19.9 months, the mPFS was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9 to 6.4) for the apatinib+IE, compared to 3.4 months (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.6) for single IE (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.98; P=0.0402). The median OS was 18.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.7 to 25.2) for apatinib+IE, compared to 22.9 months (95% CI, 19.3 to NE) for single IE (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.76 to 2.89; P=0.2493). The incidence of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was similar between two groups. Quality of life assessments revealed significant improvements in global health status in apatinib+IE.
Conclusion: Combining apatinib with IE significantly enhances PFS in patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma post MAP/I chemotherapy, maintaining an acceptable safety profile.
Assessing Health Risks from Heavy Metals and Arsenic in Polished Rice: A Focus on the South Bengal Region, India
Authors: Mondal Priyabrata , Mondal Nil Sadhan , Majumder Arunabha , Roy Pankaj Kumar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

This study investigates the presence of arsenic and other heavy metals in polished rice from regions of West Bengal, India, traditionally not known for arsenic contamination. Given the significant health risks posed by heavy metal contamination, this research provides critical insights into the quality of polished rice available in Kolkata, Purulia, and Birbhum districts. Polished rice samples were collected from Kolkata, Purulia, and Birbhum districts to evaluate the quality of polished rice by examining heavy metal contamination within the food chain. Using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), it was found that 98% of rice samples were contaminated with arsenic, with concentrations ranging from 0.163 to 0.986 mg/kg. Additionally, the concentrations of chromium, lead, and cadmium exceeded the maximum permissible limits. The study also assessed the incremental cancer risk and hazard index for adults and children using the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The results indicated that, compared to the lower risk threshold set by the USEPA, the risk is 2–13 times higher for males, 2–16 times higher for females, and 0.45–2 times higher for children. The hazard index was greater than 1 for both adults and children. Finally, the presence of heavy metals and arsenic was confirmed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. From a societal perspective, this study enhances understanding of arsenic contamination in locally sourced polished rice, potentially mitigating health risks for communities of West Bengal.
Prevalence of Congenital Malaria in an Urban and a Semirural Area in Lagos; a Two-centre Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Omidiji Moyinolorun Oluwakayode , Lesi Afolabi , Esezobor Christopher , Fajolu Iretiola , Oyibo Wellington , Daramola Adetola 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background Congenital malaria is a recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Signs and symptoms of congenital malaria are non-specific and could be confused with Neonatal sepsis. There has been a recent decline in malaria burden worldwide attributed to a new strategy recommended by the WHO including the use of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy using Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) during pregnancy, long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs), malaria case management with Artemisinin-based combination therapy etc. This study sets out to determine the effect of this changes on the prevalence of congenital malaria in two centres in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods Using a cross-sectional observational descriptive design, a total of 291 mother and newborn pairs were enrolled from an urban area and a semi-rural area in Lagos between April and October 2014. About three-fifths of the total study population was derived from the urban centre. A predesigned questionnaire was used to extract basic physical and demographic information such as the use of IPT-SP during pregnancy. Malaria microscopy was carried out on the maternal blood samples, and;.the corresponding newborns’ heel prick and cord blood samples while the placenta tissues were examined for malaria pigments. Results Malaria parasitaemia, cord blood and congenital malaria were 0.34%, 0% and 0% respectively while that of placental malaria pigmentation was 18.9%. Placental malaria incidence was less in mothers who received IPT-SP in pregnancy (p = 0.016). Placental malaria incidence was higher in mothers ≤ 24 years (p = 0.044) and the less educated women had a higher prevalence of placental malaria (p = 0.001). The incidence of placental malaria was higher in the semi-rural area (92.7% v 7.3%, p = < 0.0001). Newborns of mothers with placental malaria had lower birth weight (2881.8 v 3100.7 g, p = 0.020) and smaller head circumference (34.3 v 35.1 cm, p = 0.006) Conclusion- This study demonstrated a significant decline in the prevalence of congenital malaria reflecting the recently reported decline in the burden of malaria in the general population in Africa. Use of IPT-SP during pregnancy, urban area residence and higher educational status appear to have been protective against malaria. A regular surveillance is however necessary considering the dynamics involved in malaria drug resistance.
Efficacy of a Novel Continuous Irrigation Mode in Endoscopic Ear Surgery for External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma
Authors: Zeng Nan , Yang Qiong , Zhang Lue , Hu Jing , Tang Mingxing , Li Shuo , Yan Shang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the application and efficacy of a novel continuous irrigation mode in endoscopic ear surgery for external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC).
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 66 patients undergoing surgery for EACC at Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital (January 2022 – December 2023) was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups of 33 each: continuous irrigation mode (experimental) and non-irrigation mode (control). Key metrics included intraoperative lens cleaning frequency, operation duration, postoperative complications, epithelialization time(defined as the external auditory canal having no exudate and the granulation tissue on its surface being covered by normal skin tissue), hearing improvement,cleaning frequency within 6 months, and recurrence rate of external auditory canal cholesteatoma .
Results
The experimental group demonstrated shorter operation time, fewer lens cleanings, reduced complication rates, faster epithelialization, and lower postoperative cleaning frequency (P < 0.05). Hearing improvement and recurrence rates were comparable between groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The novel continuous irrigation mode significantly enhances surgical efficiency, safety, and outcomes in EACC management, with potential for broad application in primary healthcare settings.
Evaluation of kidney injury and metabolomic analysis in adulthood in a non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model after birth with low birthweight
Authors: Shimizu Shoichi , Nagano Nobuhiko , Katayama Daichi , Matsuda Kengo , Tokunaga Wataru , Nakazaki Kimitaka , Aoki Ryoji , Fuwa Kazumasa , Morioka Ichiro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Low birthweight infants have high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in later in life, however, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism using a low birthweight-non-obese hyperglycemic adulthood mouse model.
Methods
Pregnant ICR-strain mice underwent uterine artery ligation at day 16.5 of gestation to induce fetal hypoxia (ischemic group, I). Female newborns were weaned at 4 weeks of age and fed a normal diet until 8 weeks of age (n = 10). The group I was compared to the control group (C) regarding the body weight, tubular injury markers, renal function, pathology, and metabolome analysis.
Results
Group I were born with a low birth weight (group I: C = 1.4:1.9 g, p < 0.01), which persisted after birth. By 8 weeks of age, there were minimal changes in kidney histopathology between the two groups. However, group I showed an increase in markers for detection of CKD, such as urinary β2-microglobulin levels (group I༚C = 116:26 µg/L), albumin levels (group I༚C=0.14:0.07 mg/gCr) (both p < 0.01) and serum creatinine levels (group I༚C༝0.18:0.12 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Furthermore, kidney metabolomic analysis revealed notable differences between the two groups, particularly in succinic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-5-carboxamide (4PY), which are closely linked to kidney injury.
Conclusion
The low birthweight-non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model may develop CKD in adulthood, potentially caused by increased renin activity related to succinic acid and tissue injury related to S-adenosylmethionine and 4PY.
The association between psychotic-like experiences and violent behavior in adolescents: A cross-lagged longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Rui , Foo Jerome Clifford , Nishida Asuka , Ogawa Sayoko , Togo Fumiharu , Sasaki Tsukasa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have been identified as risk factors for mental health issues and behavioral problems including violence. While cross-sectional studies suggest an association between PLEs and violent behavior in adolescents, their longitudinal relationship remains unexamined. This study aims to examine the temporal association between PLEs and violent behavior in adolescents. PLEs and violent behavior were assessed using data from self-report surveys conducted from 2011 to 2019 in a Tokyo junior and senior high school (grades 7–12). The study included 1685 participants aged 12-18 surveyed annually for up to 6 years. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) were used to examine between-person and within-person associations among study variables, with analyses stratified by gender. Results showed a bidirectional relationship between PLEs and violent behavior on both the between-person (p < 0.001) and within-person levels (p < 0.05). This relationship was significant for PLEs and violence towards objects (between-person: p < 0.001; within-person: p < 0.05), but not for PLEs and interpersonal violence. When analyzed by gender, these associations were significant in girls but not in boys. The findings suggested that PLEs may have a bidirectional relationship with violent behavior (especially violence towards objects), particularly in girls, indicating potential gender-specific pathways in this association. Further research should explore the underlying mechanisms of this bidirectional relationship, with a focus on gender-specific factors.
Effects of Probiotics on Markers of Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Damage Associated with Inflammation in Non-Communicable Diseases: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Silva Natanny Swerts , Cerdeira Cláudio Daniel , Reis Tiago Marques , Rodrigues Maria Rita 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress (O&NS) are serious complications in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including endocrine & metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The beneficial probiotic microbes, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus, can decrease O&NS and inflammation. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to elucidate the effects of probiotics on O&NS and inflammation in NCDs. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE resulted in the inclusion of studies if they met the eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Data (combined effect size) were analyzed using Meta Essentials software. Fifteen studies/16 trials with a total of 837 participants were reviewed. There was high and moderate certainty of evidence (GRADE) for the effectiveness of probiotic intervention (vs. placebo) in increasing (↑) glutathione (GSH) levels [SMD(SE) = 0.89 (0.51)/p < 0.05, 95%CI -0.23 to 2.1, I2 = 92.77%] and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) [SMD(SE) = 0. 75 (0.22)/p < 0.01, 95%CI 0.28 to 1.23, I2 = 87.50%] as well as decreased (↓) malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD(SE) = 1.03 (0.31)/p < 0. 01, 95%CI 0.37 to 1.7, I2 = 93.88%) and C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (SMD(SE) = 0.74 (0.36)/p < 0.05, 95%CI -0.07 to 1.55, I2 = 94.32%). There was no effects on nitric oxide, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Subgroup analysis to reduce heterogeneity indicated probiotic effectiveness on strain number (one/↑GSH), age bracket (41–60 year./↓MDA or > 61 year./↓hsCRP) and NCD (nervous system/neurodegenerative diseases/↑GSH and ↓hsCRP or rheumatoid arthritis/polycystic ovary syndrome/↑TAC). An overall low risk of bias was observed. In conclusion, probiotics may have beneficial effects on markers of O&NS and inflammation in patients with NCDs.
Healthcare seeking, associated costs and its consequences on household economy in India: design and baseline characteristics of an observational household survey
Authors: Jadaun Arun Singh , Johansson kjell Arne , Haaland Oystein A , Mohan Shyam , Mazumder Sarmila , Choudhary Tarun Shankar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The high cost of care is a major barrier to access and, in extreme cases, can push families into poverty. Protection from financial hardship due to care seeking is fundamental to universal health coverage. We aim to generate high-quality evidence on care-seeking patterns and associated costs at the household and individual levels to quantify the financial risk from healthcare seeking in India.
Method
We established a cohort of 3,000 households in Haryana, India. We followed them on a monthly basis and collected data on care seeking and associated costs for all members of the household. Data on household consumption for different food and nonfood items were collected at baseline, at 6 months, and during the endline survey. A short recall period of 1 month was used to capture data for the utilization of preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services.
Results
We enrolled 15,390 individuals from 3,000 households with a mean household size of five. Most households owned their homes (95.9%) and belonged to marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (40.3%) and Other Backward Classes (26.4%). Approximately two-thirds held below poverty line (BPL) cards, and one-third were covered by health insurance. While 82.9% of individuals were literate, only 37.4% of those aged > 14 years were employed, among whom the majority were in private jobs (53.6%). The average monthly consumption expenditure was ₹ 26031; 310.7 USD. Most care-seeking was for communicable and maternal/neonatal diseases (62.2%), with 72.9% relying on informal care sources. Among those who sought care, expenses associated with inpatient care averaged ₹ 13,354.7,159.4 USD (105 individuals), higher than those associated with outpatient (₹ 4882.4; 58.3 USD; 1087 individuals) and informal care (₹ 829.3; 9.9 USD; 4571 individuals).
Conclusion
We have established a prospective cohort to generate robust, context-specific evidence on out-of-pocket health expenditures, care-seeking patterns, and associated costs in India. Our cohort is comparable to national-level surveys for key parameters such as age and sex distribution. Here, we describe the study design, plan of analysis and baseline characteristics of the enrolled cohort at the household and individual levels.
Effects of physically active lessons and active breaks on cognitive performance and health indicators in elementary school children: A cluster randomized trial
Authors: Melo João Carlos Nascimento , Tejada Julian , Silva Ellen Caroline Mendes , Nascimento José Ywgne Vieira do , Oliveira David Nunes , Gandarela Larissa , Silva Danilo Rodrigues Pereira da 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
This cluster-randomized trial investigated the effects of active breaks and physically active lessons on cognitive function and health indicators in elementary school children in Aracaju, SE.
Methods
Six schools were randomly divided into three groups: 1) active breaks (n = 61), which consisted of short physical activity intervals during classes; 2) physically active lessons (n = 77), which combined physical activity with educational content; and 3) control (n = 46), which followed the traditional curriculum. The interventions were conducted over eight weeks. Cognitive function was assessed via reaction time and correct responses on five computerized tests: visual search, Go/NoGo, mental rotation, cueing positive, and digit span. Physical activity was measured by pedometers and the Web-CAAFE questionnaire. Quality of life, daytime sleepiness, and school perception were also evaluated as secondary outcomes. Generalized estimating equation models were used, with a significance level of 5%.
Results
The physically active lesson group showed significant improvements in inhibitory control on the Go/NoGo test (∆ = -104.5 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.50) and in working memory on the DigitSpan test (∆ = 0.62 hits; p < 0.001; d = 0.44). The physically active lessons and active breaks groups showed significant improvements in spatial reasoning on the mental rotation test (∆ = -1967.5 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.72, and ∆ = -1477.8; p < 0.001; d = 0.54, respectively). All groups demonstrated significant improvements in spatial orientation on the Cueing Posner test, with the largest effect in the physically active lessons group (∆ = -386.4 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.69).
Conclusion
The study concluded that physically active lessons improved various cognitive functions, whereas active breaks, although less impactful, are still a beneficial strategy without adverse effects.
Trial registration:
Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC trial: RBR-10zxwdrh, retrospectively registered on 2025-01-09, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10zxwdrh).
Research on the effect of social capital on public tuberculosis prevention and control practices based on stimulus‒organism‒response theory
Authors: Gu Zhuoting , Zhu Lihong , Ren Feilin , Wei Qi , Cao Ruofei , Zhang Yuxuan , Dong Jiale , Chen Aiqi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The burden of tuberculosis has emerged as a significant challenge in the domain of global public health, particularly in developing nations. Hence, the prevention and control of TB are delayed. The current study is based on the SOR theory and
aims
to explore how social capital affects TB prevention and control practices. The goal of this investigation is to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for future strategies
aim
ed at preventing and controlling TB.
Methods
This study employed a multi-stage stratified random sampling method to implement a questionnaire survey combining online and offline surveys on 3179 study participants. Based on the SOR theory, the chain mediation effect model of TB knowledge reserves and TB prevention and control attitudes between social capital and TB prevention and control practices was constructed and empirically evaluated using SPSS27.0 software.
Results
The findings of this study suggest that social capital positively contributes to TB prevention and control practices. Both the knowledge reserves regarding TB and control attitudes act as mediators between social capital and TB prevention and control practices. Additionally, the TB knowledge reserves and control attitudes function together in a chain mediation effect between social capital and TB control practices.
Conclusions
To eliminate tuberculosis by 2030, government and public health organizations must actively promote prevention and control efforts. Support from all sectors of society is essential. Public awareness through education and reducing discrimination against patients are crucial steps. Additionally, scientific research is needed to identify more effective prevention and treatment methods to increase cure rates and reduce transmission. Achieving these objectives is vital for safeguarding global health and reaching the goal of tuberculosis elimination.
Anomaly Detection with Variational Autoencoders
Authors: Nettey David Adlai , Ansong Edward Danso 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Credit card fraud has emerged as a pervasive threat, impacting financial institutions and individuals as online banking and payment methods become increasingly integral to daily life. Despite efforts to mitigate this problem through measures like passwords and two-factor authentication, financial institutions continue to suffer substantial losses, often amounting to millions of dollars. Traditional machine learning solutions, developed and trained as supervised learning models, have failed to address this issue effectively. In anomaly detection, such as credit card fraud detection, the available training datasets are vast but inherently imbalanced, posing a formidable obstacle for supervised learning models in developing accurate hypothesis functions during model training. In response to this challenge, we propose an alternative approach using unsupervised machine learning models, specifically the Variational Autoencoder. In our study, we constructed the Encoder and Decoder components of our VAE using deep neural networks, implemented and trained with pre-processed data using the TensorFlow and Keras libraries. Our model's effectiveness was assessed using the AUC-PR score, yielding a robust score of 88%. Additionally, we subjected our model to an accuracy test on a test dataset, achieving a commendable accuracy score of 78%. The results of our study underscore the viability of unsupervised learning models, particularly VAE, for credit card fraud detection, demonstrating their potential as a machine learning solution to mitigate credit card fraud. This research offers a promising avenue for bolstering security measures in financial transactions and reducing the impact of fraudulent activities.