bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Language, Age, and Hearing Loss on Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Ma Harrison J. , Orozco Francis Reyes , Raj Christine K. , Herrera Kevin , Parsons John C. , Kim Ian , Hur Kevin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo understand the effect of age on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with hearing loss and determine how primary language mediates this relationship.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingGeneral otolaryngology clinic in Los Angeles.MethodsDemographics, medical records, and HRQoL data of adult patients presenting with otology symptoms were reviewed. HRQoL was measured using the Short‐Form 6‐Dimension utility index. All patients underwent audiological testing. A path analysis was performed to generate a moderated path analysis with HRQoL as the primary outcome.ResultsThis study included 255 patients (mean age = 54 years; 55% female; 27.8% did not speak English as a primary language). Age had a positive direct association with HRQoL (p < .001). However, the direction of this association was reversed by hearing loss. Older patients exhibited significantly worse hearing (p < .001), which was negatively associated with HRQoL (p < .05). Primary language moderated the relationship between age and hearing loss. Specifically, patients who did not speak English as a primary language had significantly worse hearing (p < .001) and therefore worse HRQoL (p < .01) than patients who spoke English as a primary language with hearing loss. Increasing age was associated with bilateral hearing loss compared to unilateral hearing loss (p < .001) and subsequently lower HRQoL (p < .001). Polypharmacy (p < .01) and female gender (p < .01) were significantly associated with lower HRQoL.ConclusionAmong otolaryngology patients with otology symptoms, older age and not speaking English as a primary language were associated with worse hearing and subsequently lower HRQoL.
Evaluation of polyaniline protonation onPLGApolycondensation viaSty‐DVB/Pani catalyst
Authors: Gomes Naylon Barroso , Moura Bruno Henrique Ferraz , Chaves Andréa Rodrigues , Rabelo Denilson 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis study presents a method to polymerize aniline in styrene‐divinylbenzene copolymer pores using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The composites are sulfonated, impregnated with tin oxide (IV) and used as heterogeneous catalysts in the direct polycondensation synthesis of PLGA. Evaluation of parameters such as molar proportion, temperature, time, quantity and type of catalyst were carried out. The characterization of composites and PLGA's were performed by: elemental analysis, DRX, FTIR, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, Brønsted acid site determination, SEM, ICP/OES, and inherent viscosity. The polyaniline deprotonation before thermal treatment enhances crosslinking, increasing surface area and stability of the porous structure. The composite acts as a catalyst, increasing PLGA molar mass, reducing oxidation and tin contamination. The process has several advantages like PLGA production without solvent contamination, lower tin content, and no high‐cost cyclic dimmers use. So far, the results show promising catalytic performance of the developed composite.
Molecularly imprinted polymer preparations for selective detection of C‐reactive protein: Thermodynamic and kinetic studies
Authors: Öter Çiğdem , Tawfeeq Abdulqader 
Published: May 2023

AbstractC‐reactive protein (CRP) is a member of the pentraxin protein group. CRP is considered an acute‐phase protein produced by the liver during inflammation in various diseases limited to pathogenic infections. It is very important that serum CRP concentration can be measured quickly, reliably and easily. Therefore, a three‐dimensional crosslinked molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) with selective recognition sites for CRP was synthesized (CRP‐MIP) and characterization analyzes (scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis) were performed. The binding abilities of the synthesized polymers by adsorption of CRP in aqueous solution were evaluated in detail and compared with the abilities of an unprinted polymer (CRP‐NIP) used as a reference. It was found that the MIP prepared by the printing effect selectively adsorbed the template molecule CRP. For this effect, the selectivity of MIP toward CRP and various positive acute‐phase reactants such as α1‐antitrypsin and α1‐acid glycoprotein was evaluated and high selectivity toward CRP was obtained. CRP‐MIP was used to remove CRP from crude human serum, and the recovery was up to 91%. Adsorption process of CRP from aqueous solutions on polymeric adsorbents; equilibrium was evaluated in terms of kinetic and thermodynamic conditions and the necessary parameters to describe the process were calculated under these conditions. Adsorption data: the pseudo‐first order kinetic model, the pseudo‐second order kinetic model, the Elovich kinetic model and the intraparticle diffusion model were studied and the thermodynamic parameters ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° were calculated.
Trends in prostate cancer incidence among Black men in the Caribbean and the United States
Authors: Zeigler‐Johnson Charnita , McDonald Alicia C. , Pinheiro Paulo , Lynch Shannon , Taioli Emanuela , Joshi Shivam , Alpert Naomi , Baudin Jacqueline , Joachim Clarisse , Deloumeaux Jacqueline , Oliver JoAnn , Bhakkan‐Mambir Bernard , Beaubrun‐Renard Murielle , Ortiz Angel G. , Ragin Camille 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer incidence is highest for Black men of the African diaspora in the United States and Caribbean. Recent changes in recommendations for prostate cancer screening have been shown to decrease overall prostate cancer incidence and increase the likelihood of late stage disease. However, it is unclear how trends in prostate cancer characteristics among high risk Black men differ by geographic region during the changes in screening recommendations.MethodsIn this study, we used population‐based prostate cancer registry data to describe age‐adjusted prostate cancer incidence trends from 2008 to 2015 among Black men from six geographic regions. We obtained data on incident Black prostate cancer patients from six cancer registries (in the United States: Florida, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and New York; and in the Caribbean: Guadeloupe and Martinique). After age standardization, we used descriptive analyses to compare the demographics and tumor characteristics by cancer registry site. The Joinpoint regression program was used to compare the trends in incidence by site.ResultsA total of 59,246 men were analyzed. We found the highest incidence rates (per 100,000) for prostate cancer in the Caribbean countries (181.99 in Martinique and 176.62 in Guadeloupe) and New York state (178.74). Incidence trends decreased significantly over time at all sites except Martinique, which also showed significantly increasing rates of late stage (III/IV) and Gleason score 7+ tumors.ConclusionsWe observed significant differences in prostate cancer incidence trends among Black men after major changes prostate screening recommendations. Future studies will examine the factors that differentially influence prostate cancer trends among the African diaspora.
A CXCR4 inhibitor (balixafortide) enhances docetaxel‐mediated antitumor activity in a murine model of prostate cancer bone metastasis
Authors: Robinson Tyler , Escara‐Wilke June , Dai Jinlu , Zimmermann Johann , Keller Evan T. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) bone metastases have been shown to be more resistant to docetaxel than soft tissue metastases. The proinflammatory chemokine receptor CXCR4 has been shown to confer resistance to docetaxel (DOC) in PCa cells. Balixafortide (BLX) is a protein epitope mimetic inhibitor of CXCR4. Accordingly, we hypothesized that BLX would enhance DOC‐mediated antitumor activity in PCa bone metastases.MethodsPC‐3 luciferase‐labeled cells were injected into the tibia of mice to model bone metastases. Four treatment groups were created: vehicle, DOC (5 mg/kg), BLX (20 mg/kg), and combo (receiving both DOC and BLX). Mice were injected twice daily subcutaneously with either vehicle or BLX starting on Day 1 and weekly intraperitoneally with DOC starting on Day 1. Tumor burden was measured weekly via bioluminescent imaging. At end of study (29 days), radiographs were taken of the tibiae and blood was collected. Serum levels of TRAcP, IL‐2, and IFNγ levels were measured using ELISA. Harvested tibiae were decalcified and stained for Ki67, cleaved caspase‐3, and CD34 positive cells or microvessels were quantified.ResultsTumor burden was lower in the combo group compared to the DOC alone group. Treatment with the combination had no impact on the number of mice with osteolytic lesions, however the area of osteolytic lesions was lower in the combo group compared to the vehicle and BLX groups, but not the DOC group. Serum TRAcP levels were lower in the combo compared to vehicle group, but not the other groups. No significant difference in Ki67 staining was found among the groups; whereas, cleaved caspase‐3 staining was lowest in the Combo group and highest in the BLX group. The DOC and combo groups had more CD34+ microvessels than the control and BLX groups. There was no difference between the treatment groups for IL‐2, but the combo group had increased levels of IFNγ compared to the DOC group.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that a combination of BAL and DOC has greater antitumor activity in a model of PCa bone metastases than either drug alone. These data support further evaluation of this combination in metastatic PCa.
Absorption, metabolism and distribution of carbosulfan in maize plants (Zea maysL.)
Authors: Shi Lihong , Lang Hongbin , Shen Jiatao , Shen Fan , Song Jialu , Zhang Luqing , Fang Hua , Yu Yunlong 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe insecticide carbosulfan is usually applied as a soil treatment or seed‐coating agent, and so may be absorbed by crops and pose dietary risks. Understanding the uptake, metabolism and translocation of carbosulfan in crops is conducive to its safe application. In this study, we investigated the distribution of carbosulfan and its toxic metabolites in maize plants at both the tissue and subcellular levels, and explored the uptake and translocation mechanism of carbosulfan.RESULTSCarbosulfan was mainly taken up by maize roots via the apoplast pathway, was preferentially distributed in cell walls (51.2%–57.0%) and most (85.0%) accumulated in roots with only weak upward translocation. Carbofuran, the main metabolite of carbosulfan in maize plants, was primarily stored in roots. However, carbofuran could be upwardly translocated to shoots and leaves because of its greater distribution in root‐soluble components (24.4%–28.5%) compared with carbosulfan (9.7%–14.5%). This resulted from its greater solubility compared with its parent compound. The metabolite 3‐hydroxycarbofuran was found in shoots and leaves.CONCLUSIONCarbosulfan could be passively absorbed by maize roots, mainly via the apoplastic pathway, and transformed into carbofuran and 3‐hydroxycarbofuran. Although carbosulfan mostly accumulated in roots, its toxic metabolites carbofuran and 3‐hydroxycarbofuran could be detected in shoots and leaves. This implies that there is a risk in the use of carbosulfan as a soil treatment or seed coating. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
The UPHILL study: A nutrition and lifestyle intervention to improve quality of life for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Kwant Chermaine T. , de Man Frances , van der Horst Frans A. L. , Bogaard Harm J. , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe aim of the UPHILL study (a nutrition and lifestyle intervention in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension [PAH]: effect on quality of life [QoL]), was to determine the effect of innovative nutritional interventions on adjustments in nutritional intake and QoL. In this study a group of prevalent PAH patients at a single center in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) was informed about healthy nutrition using a newly designed video e‐learning. They were subsequently instructed to follow a healthy diet during dietary intervention. Nutritional intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire (HELIUS) and QoL by the short‐form (SF)‐36 questionnaire. Nutritional parameters were determined in blood samples. Seventeen patients stable under treatment, who had been diagnosed with PAH 7.0 [3.0−14.0] years before, started and completed the intervention (2 males, 15 females; 45.35 ± 13.57 years). Since all patients in the intervention group made behavioral changes in nutritional intake, during study and follow‐up, nutritional and lifestyle adaptations persisted. Despite the fact that patients had already high mean scores at baseline for both mental (74.10 [60.51−84.25]) and physical QoL (66.46 [50.21−73.84]), scores improved further during e‐learning. Furthermore, patients who realized most nutritional adaptations, had the best improvement in QoL. This pilot study showed that e‐learning modules on nutrition provide an unique opportunity to change nutritional intake in PAH patients and by that improve QoL.
Sustainable development goals in the European Union and its regions: Are we moving forward in economic, social, and environmental dimensions?
Authors: Gracia‐de‐Rentería Pilar , Ferrer‐Pérez Hugo , Drabik Dušan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe build a framework using Markov transition matrices to develop comparative analyses of the dynamics of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals across 20 EU Member States and three sustainability dimensions—economic, social, and environmental—over the period of 2011–2019. The results indicate that the European Union has significantly progressed in achieving sustainable development, and that this progress has been achieved in all dimensions of sustainability and all EU regions. Nevertheless, we have detected different dynamics of sustainability across some countries and dimensions. This can help policymakers identify where greater emphasis should be placed on putting global goals back on track.
Local government competition, environmental regulation, and green development in China: Empirical analysis based on regional heterogeneity and path mechanisms
Authors: Yang Liu , Yu Zhiqian , Zhu Ning , Wu Xueli , Jin Yao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUsing China's interprovincial panel data from 2007 to 2019, this paper empirically investigates the relationship between environmental regulation and green development efficiency (GDE) by examining the local governments competition behavior. The main instruments of local government competition, involving taxation, government spending and attracting investment, are considered as well as the institutional context. Following the “performance‐output‐performance” to clarify the role of local government competition and environmental regulation on GDE, it is found that fiscal spending competition increases GDE, while tax and capital attraction competition play the opposite role; performance promoted inter‐governmental competition makes local governments' strategic choices between economic catch‐up and environmental protection volatile, and this volatility brings about fluctuations and losses in GDE. The study by regions finds that government competition and environmental regulation have a greater impact on GDE in the eastern and developed regions, while the impact on other regions is relatively small. Further, the mechanism setting and institutional improvement of environmental governance achieved significant results after 2013, but the function of local government competition mechanisms in improving environmental quality has not yet emerged in China. The findings based on the heterogeneity of regional economic development and path mechanisms provide a reference for social planners to carry out top‐level design in taxation, fiscal spending, and investment attraction, as well as to formulate differentiated regional environmental regulation policies.
European Union Cooperation in Colombia: A Commitment to Peacebuilding in Historical Perspective
Authors: Duque Juana García 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis chapter describes the historical evolution of the EU’s international development cooperation in Colombia. This has continued to favour peacebuilding, which began two decades ago with the Peace Laboratories and has continued to the present day. The internationalization of the Colombian armed conflict during the mandate of President Pastrana attracted resources from international cooperation in the search for a negotiated peace. Following the failure of the dialogues with the FARC-EP, the Colombian government developed the Plan Colombia, which was not supported by the EU. The latter, on the contrary, during the mandate of President Uribe, when the path of negotiation with the armed groups was closed, opted to give economic and political support to the Peace Laboratories. In this way, it sought to build peace in the midst of the conflict by strengthening local capabilities and social processes. Later, during the mandate of President Santos, the EU was one of the main supporters of the negotiations in Havana and, subsequently, of the Peace Agreement.
Do stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of Nitella flexilis differ between softwater and hardwater lakes?
Authors: Pronin Eugeniusz , Banaś Krzysztof , Chmara Rafał , Ronowski Rafał , Merdalski Marek , Santoni Anne-Lise , Mathieu Olivier 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe composition of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) is widely used for tracking the origin of organic matter (OM) present in lacustrine sediments. These isotopes also define the evolution of OM in food web loops. Charophyte species Nitella flexilis C. Agardh, 1824 can be found in different aquatic environments where it contributes significantly to sediment formation and influences biota function. Therefore, it is crucial to study more about δ13C and δ15N in different lake types. Here, we present the results of the first comprehensive study of N. flexilis δ13C and δ15N, which add to the knowledge of the C and N isotope records of charophytes. We obtained the δ13C and δ15N records of N. flexilis OM from hardwater and softwater lakes and checked for differences between these records. We also analyzed the differences in physical and chemical parameters. Finally, we compared the δ13C and δ15N records with physical and chemical parameters to identify the variables that have the highest influence on N. flexilis δ13C and δ15N values. Our study showed that both δ13C and δ15N did not differ significantly in the two types of lakes, although the lakes had significant differences in several physical and chemical parameters (pH, Ca2+, dissolved inorganic carbon, total phosphorus, conductivity). However, we observed that δ13C values were influenced by light conditions (photosynthetic active radiation, depth, dissolved OM), while δ15N values were influenced by the total nitrogen concentration in water.
Clinicopathologic and prognostic factors of patients with T3/T4 colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Xu Boqi , Peng Yao , Mao Zhongqi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
To evaluate cancer-specific survival (CSS) and construct a nomogram to predict the CSS of patients with colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC).

Methods
The data for patients with colorectal SRCC from 2000 to 2019 was identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to minimize bias between SRCC and adenocarcinoma patients. Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to estimate the CSS. A nomogram was constructed based on the independent prognostic factors identified by univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. The model was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration plots.

Results
Poor CSS was more common in patients with colorectal SRCC, especially in patients with T4/N2 stage, tumor size > 80 mm, grade III-IV, and chemotherapy. Age, T/N stage, and tumor size > 80 mm were identified as independent prognostic indicators. And a prognostic nomogram was constructed and validated as an accurate model for the CSS of patients with colorectal SRCC by ROC curves and calibration plots.

Conclusion
Patients with colorectal SRCC have a poor prognosis. And the nomogram was expected to be effective in predicting the survival of patients with colorectal SRCC.
Acoustic Analysis of Voluntary Coughs, Throat Clearings, and Induced Reflexive Coughs in a Healthy Population
Authors: Mootassim-Billah Sofiana , Schoentgen Jean , De Bodt Marc , Roper Nicolas , Digonnet Antoine , Le Tensorer Mathilde , Van Nuffelen Gwen , Van Gestel Dirk 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCough efficacy is considered a reliable predictor of the aspiration risk in head and neck cancer patients with radiation-associated dysphagia. Currently, coughing is assessed perceptually or aerodynamically. The goal of our research is to develop methods of acoustic cough analysis. In this study, we examined in a healthy population the acoustical differences between three protective maneuvers: voluntary cough, voluntary throat clearing, and induced reflexive cough. Forty healthy participants were included in this study. Voluntary cough, voluntary throat clearing, and reflexive cough samples were recorded and analyzed acoustically. Temporal acoustic features were the following: the slope and curvature of the amplitude contour, as well as the average, slope, and curvature of the sample entropy and kurtosis contours of the recorded signal. Spectral features were the relative energy in the frequency bands (0–400 Hz, 400–800 Hz, 800–1600 Hz, 1600 Hz-3200 Hz, > 3200 Hz) as well as the weighted spectral energy. Results showed that, compared to a voluntary cough, a throat clearing starts with a weaker onset pulse and involves oscillations from the onset to the offset (concave curvature of the amplitude contour, p < 0.05), lower average (p < 0.05), and slope (p < 0.05) as well as lower convex curvature (p < 0.05) of the kurtosis contour. An induced reflexive cough starts with a higher and briefer onset burst and includes higher frication noise (larger convexity of the curvature of the amplitude and kurtosis contours (p < 0.05)) compared to a voluntary cough. The conclusion is that voluntary coughs are acoustically significantly different from voluntary throat clearings and induced reflexive coughs.
Some Applications of Renormalization Group to Few-Body Problems in EFT
Authors: Mindadze B. , Epelbaum E. , Gegelia J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractGeneral aspects of applying renormalization group in perturbative calculations are briefly discussed. Next, an application of the Wilsonian renormalization group with multitude of cutoff parameters to halo EFT for P-wave shallow states is considered.