bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Yoga Practice on Cervical Tactile Acuity and Body Awareness
Authors: Sarak Kucukosmanoglu Hazal , Coskun Gursoy , Yosmaoglu Hayri Baran 
Published: July 2023

Body-mind-based holistic methods of relaxation and improved well-being, such as yoga and meditation, improve body awareness and have often been used to enhance quality of life and the ability to cope with pain. We aimed to compare tactile sensory acuity and body awareness in healthy sedentary individuals who practiced yoga regularly and in control participants who had not practiced yoga. Participants were 60 individuals, aged between 18 and 35 years who were divided into two groups according to whether they had previously practiced yoga. We used the two-point discrimination (TPD) test to determine participants’ tactile acuity, as measured with a digital calliper at the C7, C5, C3, C1 and T1 spinal segments and with the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). The TPD measurements of individuals who practiced yoga and meditation had a lower discriminatory threshold compared to those who had not practiced yoga ( p < .001), and the self-reported BAQ score of yoga practitioners was higher than that of the controls ( p < .001). We found a positive correlation between the length of the prior duration of yoga experience and self-reported body awareness ( r = .567, p < .001). There was a significant negative correlation (r = −.379, p = .015) between the C5 segment and the TPD measurements, but not for the other cervical spinal segments ( p > .05). There was a negative correlation between the length of prior yoga practice and the TPD measurements in all cervical segments ( p < .001). The most negative correlation was found at the C7 segment ( r = −.844, p < .001) and the least negative correlation was found at the C3 segment ( r = −.669, p < .001). These data suggest that yoga and meditation practices may improve well-being and diminish pain by increasing body awareness and tactile sensory acuity in the cervical region.
The Role of Parent Social Capital and College-Aligned Actions in Explaining Differences in Intergenerational Resource Transfer among Hispanic and White Youth on the Path to College
Authors: Ryan Sarah 
Published: July 2023

Background A growing number of scholars argue that Hispanic—White disparities in college pathways are at least partly attributable to the fact that Hispanic students experience the college preparation and enrollment process differently from their White peers. Recent research suggests that one way in which the process differs between the two groups is in how parent resources, and particularly forms of parent social capital, facilitate college preparation and enrollment. Purpose This study examines whether group-level variability in the utility of parent social capital can help explain the recent finding that parent income and education confer greater benefits among White youth, relative to similar Hispanic youth, when it comes to 4-year college enrollment. The study also asks whether engagement in college-aligned actions might mediate the association between parent social capital and college enrollment. Participants The study focuses on a nationally representative sample of Hispanic and White 10th graders in 2002 who completed high school expecting to complete a bachelor's degree. Research Design The study uses multiple group structural equation modeling techniques and three waves of data from the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS: 2002) to test whether forms of parent social capital indirectly influence 4-year college enrollment through an association with college-aligned actions. Multiple group invariance testing is used to test whether associations of interest are measurably different across the two groups. Conclusions The results suggest that Hispanic-White differences in the intergenerational transmission of parents’ educational and economic resources can be partly attributed to differences in the functioning of parent social capital. This finding is consistent with the assertion that social capital often serves as a hidden form of capital— and mechanism of stratification— by facilitating the conversion of tangible resources into advantageous outcomes.
Knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vitamin D and sun exposure of parents of infants and young children and health professionals in New Zealand
Authors: von Hurst Pamela , Mazahery Hajar , Reynolds Esme , Thomson Alexandra , Franklin Mia , Conlon Cathryn 
Published: July 2023

Background Vitamin D deficiency may result in adverse long-term health consequences in adulthood if it occurs during fetal development, infancy and childhood. To effectively improve vitamin D status of infants/toddlers, there needs to be knowledge and awareness of vitamin D among parents and health professionals. Aims The aim of this study was to investigate parents’ and health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards vitamin D and sun exposure over two timepoints. Methods The study was an ecological study over two timepoints (Parents 2009 and 2021; Health professionals 2010 and 2019) and used an online questionnaire. Results The analysis included 9834 parents (2009 n = 8032; 2021 n = 1802) and 283 health professionals (2010 n = 193; 2019 n = 90). Parents and health professionals had good knowledge of vitamin D sources, roles and risk factors for deficiency over two timepoints. There were however some confusions regarding the vitamin D content of breast milk, exclusive breastfeeding as a risk factor for deficiency, and ineffectiveness of sun exposure through glass windows in relation to vitamin D synthesis. In 2019, only 37% of health professionals indicated giving advice on supplements for infants/toddlers. Most parents and health professionals believed there was not enough information available to parents regarding vitamin D (>90%) and that skin cancer prevention messages make it difficult to get information about vitamin D across (>70%). Conclusion Although parents and health professionals had good knowledge in most areas, knowledge of some specific sources and risk factors for vitamin D deficiency was poor.
The Biotransformation of Phenylbutazone (Butazolidin ®)
Authors: Faigle J W , Dieterle W 
Published: July 2023

In the present paper a review of published work on the metabolic fate of phenylbutazone is given, inclusive of results from very recent radiotracer studies in man. Phenylbutazone, l,2-diphenyl-3,5-dioxo-4-n-butylpyrazolidine, being a highly lipophilic compound, is readily absorbed following oral administration to man, and is re-eliminated mostly in metabolized form via urine and faeces. In the biotransformation of phenylbutazone in the human organism two major pathways are involved, i.e. straightforward C-glucuronidation at the 4-position of the pyrazolidine ring and, to a much lesser extent, hydroxylation at one of the phenyl rings or at the n-butyl side chain. Hydrolytic cleavage of the amide bonds in the dioxopyrazolidine ring which, theoretically, would be a possible third pathway of biotransformation, does not take place to any significant extent. In contrast to man, the animal species studied, namely rat and dog, metabolize phenylbutazone predominantly through hydroxylation. This principal difference in metabolic handling may explain why the elimination rate of the drug from plasma is largely different in these species, the average half-lives being 3—4 hours in rat and dog as compared to about 80 hours in man following single doses. The enzyme systems that are primarily involved in phenylbutazone metabolism are mono-oxygenases in the animal species considered, and glucuronyltransferase in man. Auto-induction of enzymes, resulting in an enhanced elimination of the drug from plasma in the course of repeated administration, has unequivocally been proven for rat and dog only but not for man.
Butacote and Naproxen: A Comparison of Effectiveness in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Million R 
Published: July 2023

A double-blind crossover trial compared Butacote, 200 mg b.d. with naproxen, 250 mg b.d., each given for four weeks, in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The trial was multicentre, and twenty-six general practitioners admitted forty-eight patients. Seven patients dropped out: two for technical reasons; one in each treatment group because of exacerbation of symptoms; one because of intolerance of rescue analgesic; and two with gastric intolerance to naproxen. Both drugs were effective in relieving pain, morning stiffness, and joint tenderness, as compared with the condition before the trial. There was little effect on grip strength or joint size, and no real differences between the two drugs. The two preparations had a similar frequency and spectrum of side-effects, except that oedema did not occur with naproxen, and rash did not occur with Butacote. Gastro-intestinal upsets were the commonest unwanted effects, but only two patients had to stop treatment for this reason, both while taking naproxen. Although the doctors preferred each drug on an equal number of occasions, the patients preferred Butacote to naproxen almost twice as often (20:11), particularly when Butacote was given after naproxen. The reason for this divergence of opinions is not obvious.
Prognostic significance of N6-methyladenosine-modified related chemotransferase METTL3 in gastric carcinoma: Evidence from meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Chenglou , Wu Qiong , Xu Yan , Ma Jichun , Hu Yongli , Wang Junhong , Gao Zhenhua , Da Mingxu 
Published: July 2023

Background N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is known as the research hotspot for tumor epimodification, and its associated methyltransferase-like3 (METTL3) is significantly differentially expressed in gastric carcinoma, but its clinical value has not been summarized. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of METTL3 in gastric carcinoma. Material and methods Databases, including PubMed, EMBASE (Ovid platform), Science Direct, Scopus, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, were used to identify relevant eligible studies. The endpoints included overall survival, progression-free survival, recurrence-free survival, post-progression survival, and disease-free survival. Hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to correlate METTL3 expression with prognosis. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Results Seven eligible studies involving 3034 gastric carcinoma patients were recruited for this meta-analysis. The analysis showed that high METTL3 expression was associated with significantly poorer overall survival (HR  =  2.37, 95% CI 1.66–3.39, P < 0.01) and unfavorable disease-free survival (HR  =  2.58, 95% CI 1.97–3.38, P  < 0.01), as did unfavorable progression-free survival (HR  =  1.48, 95% CI 1.19–1.84, P  < 0.01)/recurrence-free survival (HR  =  2.62, 95% CI 1.93–5.62, P  < 0.01)/post-progression survival (HR  =  1.53, 95% CI 1.22–1.91, P  < 0.01). Subgroup analysis found that high METTL3 expression was associated with worse overall survival in patients with Chinese (HR  =  2.21, 95% CI 1.48–3.29, P  < 0.01), in studies with sample source from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues (HR  =  2.66, 95% CI 1.79–3.94, P  < 0.01), and the reported directly from articles group (HR  =  2.42, 95% CI 1.66–3.53, P  < 0.01). The subgroup analysis that was performed based on sample size, detected method, and follow-up showed the same results. Conclusions High expression of METTL3 predicts poor prognosis in gastric carcinoma, indicating promise for METTL3 as a prognostic biomarker. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero , ID = CRD42023408519
Interfacial shear strength of surface functionalized and functionalized CNT coated carbon fiber: A single fiber fragmentation study
Authors: Gogoi Rupam , Shankar Uday , Rawat Shweta , Manik Gaurav , Bandyopadhyay Anasuya 
Published: July 2023

The compatibility among nonpolar thermoplastics like polypropylene (PP) and carbon fibers (CF) having traditional sizing or coating is challenging. In this study, facile and effective surface functionalization of CF and its subsequent coating with functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were carried out to obtain improved interfacial shear strength (IFSS) which was validated by the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT). Functional groups, -COOH, -OH, and -NH2, were separately grafted on the CF surface using different chemical routes. Additionally, ultrasonic assisted electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique was used to coat -COOH, -OH, and -NH2 functionalized CNTs on the sized and surface functionalized CFs. Attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images confirmed the successful surface functionalization and coating on CF. Neat PP and a blend of PP and maleic anhydride-grafted-styrene ethylene butylene styrene (MA-g-SEBS) were used as two different base polymer matrixes in preparing a total of 26 different SFFT samples. Silane functionalized CF coated with amine functionalized CNTs using ultrasonic assisted EPD process showed IFSS of ∼29 MPa which was an impressive ∼758% higher than pristine CF and highest among all the surface modified CFs. Interestingly, this translated into useful increase of ∼13% in single fiber tensile strength of functionalized and treated CF over and above that of as received CF.
Investigation of low-percentage graphene reinforcement on the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured polyethylene terephthalate glycol composites
Authors: Bedi Surjeet Singh , Mallesha Vasu , Mahesh Vishwas , Mahesh Vinyas , Ponnusami Sathiskumar Anusuya 
Published: July 2023

The current work investigates the influence of graphene on the mechanical properties of additive-manufactured polyethylene terephthalate glycol (Prince Edward IslandTG) composites. To this end, the graphene content is varied by 0.02 wt.%, 0.04 wt.%, 0.08 wt.%, and 0.1 wt.% to obtain different compositions of PETG/graphene composites. The filaments were prepared by mixing the PETG pellets and graphene flakes into the required quantity. Further, the mixture is extruded using a single screw extruder into small filaments with a 1.75 mm diameter. Using fused deposition modelling (FDM), the specimens were 3D printed following ASTM requirements. The fabricated PETG/graphene specimens are assessed for their mechanical properties, such as tensile, compression, flexural and impact characteristics. Finally, the fractography of the tested specimens is analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimentation of PETG/graphene composites reveals that the optimum mechanical properties can be achieved when PETG is reinforced with 0.04 wt.% of graphene. As opposed to virgin PETG, an increment of 89.71%, 81.76%, 21.60%, and 81.25% is witnessed in the tensile, compression, flexural, and impact strengths of the PETG/0.04 wt.% graphene composite. The outcome of this work is believed to pave the way for broadening the applications of graphene-based composites in electromechanical and smart structure engineering domains.
Perceived Neighborhood Conditions, Psychosocial Factors, and Sleep Problems Among Urban and Rural Older Adults in China
Authors: Zhang Dan 
Published: July 2023

Objectives To examine the associations between perceived neighborhood conditions and older Chinese adults’ sleep problems, and whether these associations are mediated by psychosocial factors and moderated by urban-rural residence. Methods Data were from the World Health Organization Study on global Ageing and Adult Health. We used OLS, binary, and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Karlson–Holm–Breen decomposition method was used to test mediation effects. Results Positively perceived neighborhood social cohesion was associated with fewer insomnia symptoms and decreased odds of poor sleep quality, sleepiness, lethargy, and short sleep duration. Positively perceived neighborhood safety was related to decreased risks of poor sleep quality and sleepiness. Depression and perceived control partially mediated the effects of perceived neighborhood on sleep. Furthermore, the protective effects of neighborhood cohesion against sleep problems were more pronounced among older urban adults than their rural counterparts. Discussion Interventions that make neighborhoods safer and more integrated will improve late-life sleep health.
The frequency and duration of side-effects associated with the use of oral metronidazole; A prospective study of VITA trial participants
Authors: Ayinde Oluseyi , Ross Jonathan DC 
Published: July 2023

Background The tolerability of metronidazole is often perceived as being poor and in particular as being a cause of gastrointestinal side effects, but the frequency, severity and duration of adverse effects (AE) is not well characterised. This study assessed the frequency and type of metronidazole associated AEs in women treated for bacterial vaginosis. Methods An exploratory study of participants from the lactic acid gel versus metronidazole for treating bacterial vaginosis (VITA) randomised controlled trial. In this sub-study, women aged ≥16 years, diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis and who received oral MTZ (400 mg twice daily, for 7 days) were followed up prospectively over 2 weeks. Baseline demographic and clinical data, and self-reported data on the incidence, time to onset, and duration of AEs were analysed. Results 155 women were included, of whom 64% (99/155) reported at least one metronidazole AE, including 47% (72/155) who reported gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and/or vomiting [52/155], abdominal pain [31/154] or diarrhoea [31/154]) mostly within 3 days of starting treatment and resolving within 5 days of onset. Treatment discontinuation occurred in 8% (12/148) overall and AEs were given as the reason for discontinuing in only 3% (4/148). Conclusion Overall, metronidazole side effects occurred commonly, but resolved within a few days and had a limited impact on treatment completion.
Galactagogue Food Consumption, Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply, and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Chinese Postpartum Women: An Analysis of Repeated Measures
Authors: Shen Quan , Huang Can-Ran , Du Wen-Wen , Li Jun-Yan , Redding Sharon R. , Ouyang Yan-Qiong 
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Little research has explored galactagogue food consumption in China. This study aims to investigate consumption patterns and how they relate to perceived insufficient milk supply and exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: Data were collected from postpartum women in China at six time points: baseline demographic questionnaire before hospital discharge (T0), galactagogue food questionnaire at 1 month postpartum (T1), Hill and Humenick Lactation Scale at 6 weeks postpartum (T2), and breastfeeding practices at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postpartum (T1, T3, T4, T5). Results: Of 218 participants who completed the galactagogue food questionnaire, 64.68% were consumers. No association was found between galactagogue food consumption and perceived insufficient milk supply. Consumers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively. Discussion: Future research should emphasize a deeper understanding of consumer behaviors and family support in providing professional guidance on postpartum nutrition that considers not only social and cultural experiences but also broader medical aspects.
Local Versus General Anesthesia in Pediatric Otoplasty: A Cost and Efficiency Analysis
Authors: Iyer Hari , Bouhadana Gabriel , Cugno Sabrina 
Published: July 2023

Objective Quantify the cost benefits of otoplasty under local as opposed to general anaesthesia. Design A cost analysis of all components of otoplasty surgery under local anaesthesia (LA) in a minor operating room (OR) and general anaesthesia in a main OR was performed. Setting Our institution, compared to provincial/federal data, with costs converted into 2022 Canadian dollars. Patients, Participants Patients undergoing otoplasty under LA in the last year. Interventions An efficiency analysis was performed by means of an opportunity cost, and the cost of failure was added to the overall LA costs. Main Outcome Measure Expenses for infrastructure, surgical and anaesthetic material, salaries, and personnel costs were derived from the literature, our hospital OR catalog and federal/provincial salary data, respectively. The cost of failure to tolerate local anaesthesia for such cases was also tabulated. Results The true cost of LA otoplasty was computed as the absolute cost ($611.73) added to the cost of failure ($10.80), resulting in a total of $622.53/procedure. The true cost of GA otoplasty was calculated as the absolute cost ($2033.05) added to the opportunity cost ($1108.94), representing 3141.99$/procedure. The total savings when performing LA otoplasty to GA otoplasty are thus 2519.44$/case, with 1 GA otoplasty costing 5.05 LA otoplasties. Conclusion Otoplasty under local anaesthesia offers significant cost savings when compared with the same procedure under general anaesthesia. Economic considerations must be given particular attention given the elective nature of this procedure, which is often publicly funded.
Intravascular Ultrasound Guidance During Peripheral Vascular Interventions: Long-term Clinical Outcomes and Costs From the Japanese Perspective
Authors: Soga Yoshimitsu , Ariyaratne Thathya V. , Secemsky Eric , Leboucher Claire , Blein Cecile , Jaff Michael R. , Priest Virginia 
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance during peripheral vascular revascularization procedures is incompletely understood. Moreover, data on long-term clinical outcomes and costs are limited. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes and costs between IVUS and contrast angiography alone in patients undergoing peripheral revascularization procedures in Japan. Materials and Methods: This retrospective comparative analysis was performed using the Japanese Medical Data Vision insurance claims database. All patients undergoing revascularization for peripheral artery disease (PAD) between April 2009 and July 2019 were included. Patients were followed until July 2020, death, or a subsequent revascularization procedure for PAD. Two patient groups were compared: one undergoing IVUS imaging or the other contrast angiography alone. The primary end point was major adverse cardiac and limb events, including all-cause-mortality, endovascular thrombolysis, subsequent revascularization procedures for PAD, stroke, acute myocardial infarction, and major amputations. Total health care costs were documented over the follow-up and compared between groups, using a bootstrap method. Results: The study included 3956 patients in the IVUS group and 5889 in the angiography alone group. Intravascular ultrasound was significantly associated with reduced risk of a subsequent revascularization procedure (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.25 [0.22–0.28]) and major adverse cardiac and limb events (0.69 [0.65–0.73]). The total costs were significantly lower in the IVUS group, with a mean cost saving over follow-up of $18 173 [$7 695–$28 595] per patient. Conclusion: The use of IVUS during peripheral revascularization provides superior long-term clinical outcomes at lower costs compared with contrast angiography alone, warranting wider adoption and fewer barriers to IVUS reimbursement for patients with PAD undergoing routine revascularization. Clinical Impact Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance during peripheral vascular revascularization has been introduced to improve the precision of the procedure. However, questions over the benefit of IVUS in terms of long-term clinical outcome and over cost have limited its use in everyday clinical practice. This study, performed in a Japanese health insurance claims database, demonstrates that use of IVUS provides a superior clinical outcome over the long term at a lower cost compared to angiography alone. These findings should encourage clinicians to use IVUS in routine peripheral vascular revascularization procedures and encourage providers to reduce barriers to use.