bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of diet and sunshine exposure with inflammatory bowel disease: a multicentered case-control study using propensity matching analysis in China
Authors: Chu Xiaotian , Chen Xuanfu , Zhang Huimin , Wang Yufang , Guo Hong , Chen Yan , Liu Xiaowei , Zhu Zhenhua , He Yao , Ding Xueli , Wang Qunying , Zheng Changqing , Cao Xiaocang , Yang Hong , Qian Jiaming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The association of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) emergence and several environmental factors remained unclear, especially in Chinese. The aim is to explore the association of different environmental factors with IBD risk. This is a multicentered case-control study including 11 hospitals from 11 cities in China. Totally 1230 subjects were enrolled consecutively. IBD patients and healthy controls (HC) were matched at a 1:1 ratio using propensity-score matching (PSM) with a caliper value of 0.02. Questionnaires of different environmental factors were collected. In multivariate conditional logistics regression analyses, for both CD and UC, proper amount of alcohol and milk consumption, and fresh fruit every day were protective factors, while egg and chocolate were risk factors. Sunshine exposure for over 25% of a day was a protective factor only in CD. In eastern regions of China, CD patients tended to consume more egg and have less sunshine exposure and UC patients had more chocolate. IBD patients from urban regions or with higher per capita monthly income consumed more fruit, egg and chocolate. The difference in diet of different population highlights the importance of a balanced diet and different prevention strategy in different regions.
“No PBL is better than online PBL”: Qualitative exploration regarding the perceived impact of online problem-based learning on nursing and medical students’ learning during COVID-I9 lockdown
Authors: Adongo Pamella R , Epuitai Joshua , Mpagi Joseph Luwaga , Nekaka Rebecca , Lyagoba Ivan , Odula Joseph , Oboth Paul 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions increased the adoption of online learning even in low-income countries. The adoption of online teaching methods may have affected teaching and learning, particularly in settings where it was used for the first time. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of medical and nursing students regarding the impact of online delivery of problem-based learning (PBL) on students learning and academic performance during COVID-19 imposed restrictions.

Methods and materials

This was a qualitative study among fourth and fifth-year nursing and medical undergraduate students at Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences. Four focused group discussions were conducted and the interviews focused on students’ perceptions, experiences, and attitudes toward the PBL process conducted online and its likely impact on their learning. Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis was used for qualitative data analysis.
Results
Four themes were identified that represented perceptions of online PBL on learning: transition to online learning; perceived benefits of online learning; limited learning and poor performance; and lost soft and practical skills. During the initial stages of introduction to online PBL learning, students transitioning to online had to adapt and familiarize themselves with online learning following the introduction of online learning. Students perceived that learning was less online compared to face-to-face sessions because of reduced learner engagement, concentration, motivation, peer-to-peer learning, and limited opportunities for practical sessions. Online learning was thought to increase students’ workload in the form of a number of assessments which was thought to reduce learning. Online tutorials were perceived to reduce the acquisition of soft skills like confidence, communication, leadership, and practical or clinical skills. While learning was thought to be less during online teaching, it was noted to allow continued learning during the lockdown, to be flexible, enhance self-drive and opportunity for work, solve infrastructure problems, and protect them from COVID-19 infection
Conclusion
Generally, online learning enabled continuity and flexibility of learning. However, online PBL learning was perceived to be less engaging compared to traditional classroom-based PBL. Online PBL was seen to deter students from acquiring critical generic and clinical skills inherently found in traditional PBL. Innovative pedagogical measures should be adopted to avoid reduced learning noted in the online teaching methods to ensure the successful adoption of online teaching and learning in the post-COVID-19 era.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics of Pediatric Infective Endocarditis and Predictors of Embolic Events: Experience from A Tertiary Center
Authors: Xu Liyuan , Zhang Hongju , Sun Yan , Li Jingya , Yang Jiao , Ma Ning 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Pediatric infective endocarditis (IE) is uncommon but associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to identify the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of IE in children and predictors of embolic events during hospitalization.
Methods
We identified children diagnosed with IE between January 2010 and December 2021 in our hospital. Demographic data, symptoms, underlying microorganisms, echocardiographic characteristics, underlying heart disease (HD), and outcome were documented.
Results
Ninety children were enrolled, and 60% had underlying HD. The most common causative microbial species was Staphylococcus aureus, which was more likely in non-HD patients than in HD patients (p = 0.030). Echocardiography detected vegetations in 88 cases, involving the left heart in 41 patients, the right heart in 45 patients, and both sides in two patients. Vegetations were more often detected in the right heart in HD patients and more common in the left heart in non-HD patients (p < 0.001). Embolic events (EEs) occurred in 25 patients, more often seen in non-HD patients (44.4% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.004). Vegetations disappeared in nine patients, while four died during hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis showed that the absence of HD and the presence of moderate or severe valvular dysfunction independently predicted EEs.
Conclusions
IE more often involved the left heart in non-HD patients and the right heart in HD patients. We should pay more attention to non-HD patients and those with valvular dysfunction, as they have a higher risk of EEs.
Precise Determination of Molecular Adsorption Geometries by Room Temperature Non-Contact Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Brown Timothy , Blowey Philip , Sweetman Adam 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
High resolution force measurements of molecules on surfaces, in non-contact atomic force microscopy, are often only performed at cryogenic temperatures, due to needing a highly stable system, and a passivated probe tip (typically via CO-functionalisation). Here we show for the first time, a reliable protocol for acquiring three-dimensional force map data over both single organic molecules and assembled islands of molecules, at room temperature. Isolated cobalt phthalocyanine and islands of C60 are characterised with submolecular resolution, on a passivated silicon substrate (B:Si(111)-(√3×√3)R30°). Geometries of cobalt phthalocyanine are determined to a ∼10 pm accuracy. For the C60, the protocol is sufficiently robust that areas spanning 10nm×10nm are mapped, despite the difficulties of room temperature operation. These results provide a proof-of-concept for gathering high-resolution three-dimensional force maps of networks of complex, non-planar molecules on surfaces, in conditions more analogous to real-world application.
Functional Characterization of Cooperating MGA Mutations in RUNX1::RUNX1T1 Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Klco Jeffery , III Melvin Thomas , Qi Wenqing , Walsh Michael , Ma Jing , Westover Tamara , Abdelhamed Sherif , Ezzell Lauren , Rolle Chandra , Xiong Emily , Rosikiewicz Wojciech , Xu Beisi , Pruett-Miller Shondra , Loughran Allister , Janke Laura 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
MGA (Max-gene associated) is a dual-specificity transcription factor that negatively regulates MYC-target genes to inhibit proliferation and promote differentiation. Loss-of-function mutations in MGA have been commonly identified in several hematological neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with RUNX1::RUNX1T1, however, very little is known about the impact of these MGA alterations on normal hematopoiesis or disease progression. We show that representative MGA mutations identified in patient samples abolish protein-protein interactions and transcriptional activity. Using a series of human and mouse model systems, including a newly developed conditional knock-out mouse strain, we demonstrate that loss of MGA results in upregulation of MYC and E2F targets, cell cycle genes, mTOR signaling, and oxidative phosphorylation in normal hematopoietic cells, leading to enhanced proliferation. The loss of MGA induces an open chromatin state at promotors of genes involved in cell cycle and proliferation. RUNX1::RUNX1T1 expression in Mga-deficient murine hematopoietic cells leads to a more aggressive AML with a significantly shortened latency. These data show that MGA regulates multiple pro-proliferative pathways in hematopoietic cells and cooperates with the RUNX1::RUNX1T1 fusion oncoprotein to enhance leukemogenesis.
Comparative molecular profiling of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the head versus body/tail reveals differences in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME)
Authors: Weinberg Benjamin , Abdelrahim Maen , Esmail Abdullah , Kasi Anup , Esnaola Nestor F. , Xiu Joanne Joanne , Baca Yasmine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of the head (H) and body/tail (B/T) differ in embryonic origin, cell composition, blood supply, lymphatic and venous drainage, and innervation. We aimed to compare the molecular and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) profiles of PDAC of the H vs. B/T.
Methods
A total of 3499 PDAC samples were analyzed via next-generation sequencing (NGS) of RNA (whole transcriptome, NovaSeq), DNA (NextSeq, 592 genes or NovaSeq, whole exome sequencing), and immunohistochemistry (Caris Life Sciences, Phoenix, AZ). Significance was determined as p values adjusted for multiple corrections (q) of < 0.05.
Results
Anatomic subsites of PDAC tumors were grouped by primary tumor sites into H (N = 2058) or B/T (N = 1384). There were significantly more metastatic tumors profiled from B/T vs. H (57% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). KRAS mutations (93.8% vs. 90.2%), genomic loss of heterozygosity (12.7% vs. 9.1%), and several copy number alterations (FGF3, FGF4, FGF19, CCND1, ZNF703, FLT4, MUTYH, TNFRS14) trended higher in B/T when compared to H (p < 0.05 but q > 0.05). Expression analysis of IO-related genes showed significantly higher expression of CTLA4 and PDCD1 in H (q < 0.05, fold change 1.2 and 1.3) and IDO1 and PDCD1LG2 expression trended higher in B/T (p < 0.05, fold change 0.95).
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this is one of the largest cohorts of PDAC tumors subjected to broad molecular profiling. Differences in IO-related gene expression and TIME cell distribution suggest that response to IO therapies may differ in PDAC arising from H vs B/T. Subtle differences in the genomic profiles of H vs. B/T tumors were observed.
Analyzing a planet that crosses a small comet’s fragment chain
Authors: Rafizadeh Hamid 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This article studies a planet whose orbit intersects the orbit of a small comet’s fragment chain. A simple, general, multi-generational model of comet fragmentation and fragment separation is developed, yielding the fragment distribution for each generation of the comet’s fragment chain. The fragment chain is used in analysis of the planet’s chain crossing and fragment capture. Simulating the chain crossing and fragment capture, the probability distributions for the chain crossing and fragment capture are calculated. The average probability for the planet crossing the fragment chain of a small, long period comet is 0.43 × 10− 3 per perihelion passage. The average probability for the planet crossing the fragment chain of a small, short period comet is 1.01 × 10− 3 per perihelion passage. For both, the average probability of fragment capture in chain crossing is 5.84 × 10− 2 per crossing. The probabilities calculated for the planet crossing a fragment chain and capturing fragments are higher than the planet-comet collision probability of the order of 10− 9 per perihelion passage for both the short period and long period comets, thus making chain crossing and fragment capture more probable planetary events.
Far-reaching Effects of Tyrosine64 Phosphorylation on Ras Revealed with BeF3– Complexes
Authors: Jin Yi , Baumann Patrick 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Tyrosine phosphorylation on Ras by Src kinase is known to uncouple Ras from upstream regulation and downstream communication. However, the mechanisms by which phosphorylation modulates these interactions have not been detailed. Here, the major mono-phosphorylation level on tyrosine64 is quantified by 31P NMR and mutagenesis. Crystal structures of unphosphorylated and tyrosine64-phosphorylated Ras in complex with a BeF3− ground state analogue reveal “closed” Ras conformations very different from those of the “open” conformations previously observed for non-hydrolysable GTP analogue structures of Ras. They deliver new mechanistic and conformational insights into intrinsic GTP hydrolysis. Phosphorylation of tyrosine64 delivers conformational changes distant from the active site, showing why phosphorylated Ras has reduced affinity to its effector Raf. 19F NMR provides evidence for changes in the intrinsic GTPase and nucleotide exchange rate and identifies the concurrent presence of a major "closed" conformation alongside a minor yet functionally important "open" conformation at the ground state of Ras. This study expands the application of metal fluoride complexes in revealing major and minor conformational changes of dynamic and modified Ras proteins
Does the digital divide reduce the probability of formal employment for workers？ --Empirical evidence based on CHFS microdata
Authors: Wang Qiankun , Zhang Chunhua , Hou Guanyu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The digital economy, as an emergent economic construct, has progressively become a major driver for employment promotion. Nevertheless, as the digital economy evolves, the "digital divide" has subtly begun to sway individuals' employment decisions. Utilizing China Household Financial Survey (CHFS) data and the Probit model, this paper embarks on an empirical exploration of the digital divide's impact on workers' employment decision-making behavior. The mechanism of the digital divide is scrutinized by incorporating aspects of information accessibility and risk tolerance. The study unveils that: (1) the digital divide markedly diminishes the likelihood of workers securing formal employment; (2) the digital divide can deter workers from venturing into formal employment channels by curbing their access to information and risk tolerance; (3) this deterrent effect is more pronounced among workers in central and western regions, non-metropolitan cities, rural areas, and those burdened with high household indebtedness; (4) the digital divide also significantly undermines workers' subjective well-being. The findings bear significant theoretical and practical implications for labor market improvement and the enhancement of workers' employment quality.
Tuina on knee pain and physical function for patients with mild-moderate knee osteoarthritis in Shanghai: protocol for a multicenter, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ma Jianwen , Guo Guangxin , Yue Hongyu , Xie Chaoqun , Xie Fangfang , Chen Ziying , Gu Yuanjia , Zhang Shuaipan , Fang Min , Yao Fei 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common osteoarthritis, imposing substantial economic and medical burdens on both individuals and society. In China, Tuina has been chosen as a complementary and alternative therapy to relieve symptoms of knee pain and dysfunction. However, current evidence is insufficient to support the efficacy of Tuina therapy in addressing knee pain and improving physical function. The purpose of this trial was to investigate the efficacy of Tuina compared to celecoxib, by observing changes in outcome measures and assessing its level of effectiveness as an alternative treatment.
Methods and analysis
A total of 360 patients with KOA aged between 40 and 70 years and classified as Kellgren and Lawrence Grade I-II will be recruited from eight sub-central hospitals. The participants will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (Tuina, Biw) or the control group (Celecoxib, Qd), with both groups undergoing a 4-week intervention phase followed by an 8-week follow-up phase. The primary outcome is the change of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale at week 4 compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes including WOMAC stiffness and function subscales, WOMAC total score, 36-item short form health survey (SF-36), timed up and go test (TUG), short physical performance battery (SPPB), gait analysis parameters, and pain medication records will be assessed at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Any adverse events occurring during the trial will be promptly recorded.
Discussion
This multicenter randomized trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Tuina on relieving pain and increasing physical function of KOA patients. This protocol, if proven effective, will present more compelling evidence supporting the value of Tuina and contribute to providing a promising alternative therapy for patients with mild-moderate KOA.
Trial registration number: This trial has been registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2300069416).
Biogeochemical behavior, health risk assessment and source identification of antimony and arsenic in soil from a legacy antimony smelter in Gansu, Northwest China
Authors: Li Qiang , Cao Ying , Meng Tian , He Liansheng , Zhang Sen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The study of the contamination patterns and characteristics of Sb and As in the soils of the legacy contaminated sites of antimony smelters is important for the redevelopment and utilization of industrial sites. In this study, 13 heavy metals were determined in the soil and plants of an antimony smelter in Gansu Province to study the biogeochemical behavior, health risk, and pollution source. The results showed that Nemerow index of Sb (728) exceeded the value of As (43.6) by 17.6 times, and the average Igeo values of Sb and As were 10.1 and 1.97, respectively, categorized as extremely and moderately contaminated classes. Compared to As, Sb had a larger proportion of oxidizable fraction and a smaller proportion of reducible fraction. Even though the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for As were about 10 times higher than those for Sb, the accumulation of Sb in plants was not negligible. For the USEPA model, the mean HQ values of As by oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation accounted for 99.0%, 0.97%, and 0.0002% of the total, and 54.2%, 45.3%, and 0.51% for MEEPRC model. There were significant positive correlations between Sb, As, Zn, Se, Cd, and Ba (P < 0.05). The results of the source identification analysis revealed that antimony smelting, solid waste pollution and natural origin were identified as the main pollution sources. The PCA and PMF methods differed by more than 20% in the analysis of the contribution of antimony smelting activities and solid waste pollution sources.
Meta-analysis of Licorice Heart-draining Decoction combined with western medicine in the treatment of oral ulcers after chemotherapy for malignant tumors
Authors: Zihan Wang , Meng Dong , Shihao Wang , Mengyu Dou , Yongqi Kang , Wenchen Sun , Wenhao Liu , Yuqiu Li 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Licorice Heart-draining Decoction(LHDD) plus reduction combined with western medicine in the treatment of oral ulcer (OU) after chemotherapy for malignant tumors.
Methods: A computerized search of Chinese and English databases, such as CNKI, Wanfang database, Wipro database , Pubmed Centeral, Dutch Medical Abstracts Database , Cochrane Library, was performed to retrieve all the related clinical Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted, and valid data were extracted after literature screening and quality evaluation, and Meta-analysis was performed based on RevMan 5.3 software.
RESULTS: Nine papers with a total of 1421 patients were included in the RCTs, and the results of Meta-analysis showed that the clinical efficacy rate of LHDD combined with conventional western medicines in the treatment of oral ulcers of malignant tumors treated with chemotherapy in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group [OR=4.20, 95% CI (2.90,6.07), Z=7.63, P<0.01]. The recurrence rate was lower in the test group than in the control group [OR=0.34, 95% CI (0.20, 0.56), Z=4.16, P<0.01].
CONCLUSION: The clinical efficacy of LHDD combined with conventional western drugs in treating OU after chemotherapy for malignant tumors is better than that of using western drugs alone.
Experimental assessment of lipid yield and phycoremediation potential of five indigenous microalgae under various nutrient regimes (N:P) in BBM
Authors: Joseph Theja , Ray Joseph George 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The success of the emerging algal fuel industry depends on identifying high-quality species and standardization of their culture protocols for lipid yield and nutrient removal efficiency. The primary objective of the study was to determine the phycoremediation cum lipid-rich biomass production potential of five green microalgae isolated from bloomed freshwaters of Kerala. Three experiments were carried out under various nitrogen and phosphorus content with different N:P. The first experiment included four different treatment levels of N, the second experiment included four different treatment levels of P, and the third experiment had two different treatment levels of N and P together in BBM. Regular BBM was the control. The parameters measured were biomass and lipid productivity, fatty acid composition, biodiesel properties, Nitrogen and Phosphorus removal rate, and efficiency. Chlorolobion braunii appeared productive in N-rich media with high N:P, whereas Monoraphidium contortum in P-rich media with low N:P. Among the five species tested, the latter shows the highest lipid yield and productivity at low N:P in culture media. The lipid content of four species has demonstrated high-quality biofuel properties. The optimum nutrient regimes and N:P for Nitrogen Removal and Phosphorus removal rates were found to be species-specific. Overall, the experiments stand as a model for understanding the influence of variations in N and P concerning N:P on biomass productivity, lipid content, lipid productivity, and N and P removal rate and efficiency of algae for initial standardization of the culture protocols for further industrial trials.