bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-obesity effect of Neoagaro-oligosaccharides with overweight and obese subjects: A 16- week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Baek Hyang-Im , Ha Ki-Chan , Park Yu Kyung , Lee Je Hyeon , Kim Eun Joo , Ko Hye-Jeong , Joo Jong Cheon 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
This trial aimed to evaluate the anti-obesity effects and safety of Neoagaro-oligosaccharide (NAOs) in humans in a 16 week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Methods
A total of 100 overweight or obese subjects with a body mass index (BMI) of 23 to 34.9 kg/m2 and a body fat percentage of > 25% for males or > 30% for females were enrolled. NAOs or placebo products were administered at 3 g each for 16 weeks. Efficacy and safety biomarkers were measured before and after intervention.
Results
After 16 weeks of intervention, the group administered with NAOs had statistically significant decreases of visceral fat area (VFA), visceral-subcutaneous fat area ratio (VSR), weight, and BMI compared to the placebo group. High-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C) was increased in the group administered with NAOs, which showed a significant trend compared to the placebo group. Clinical changes were not observed for any safety biomarkers.
Conclusions
These results suggest that NAOs have a beneficial effect on obesity. Thus, NAOs could be used as an anti-obesity supplement without side effects.
Trial registration:
cris.nih.go.kr: (KCT0006640, 07/10/2021).
Native low-density lipoproteins are priming signals of adipose tissue NLRP3 inflammasome/ interleukin-1β pathway in humans
Authors: Bissonnette Simon , Lamantia Valérie , Ouimet Benjamin , Cyr Yannick , Devaux Marie , Rabasa-Lhoret Remi , Chrétien Michel , Saleh Maya , Faraj May 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Elevated numbers of atherogenic apoB-lipoproteins (apoB), mostly as low-density lipoproteins (LDL) predict diabetes risk by unclear mechanisms. Upregulation of the innate immunity pathway, the NLRP3 inflammasome/interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) system, in white adipose tissue (WAT) is implicated in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, metabolic signals that stimulate it remain unexplored. We hypothesized that LDL stimulate WAT NLRP3 inflammasome. Forty non-diabetic subjects were assessed for risk factors for T2D related to systemic and WAT glucose and fat metabolism before and after 12-week supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids. Regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was explored in hip WAT biopsies and macrophages using LDL without/with the inflammasome priming and activation controls (LPS and ATP). Baseline data indicate that LDL induce IL1B-expression and IL-1β-secretion in the presence of ATP in WAT and primary macrophages. Subjects with high-apoB (above median) had higher WAT IL-1β-secretion than subjects with low-apoB independently of covariates. The direction of association of LDL-induced WAT IL-1β-secretion to T2D risk factors was consistently pathological in subjects with high-apoB only. Adjustment for IL-1β-secretion eliminated the association of plasma apoB with T2D risk factors. In conclusion, LDL are priming signals of the human WAT NLRP3 inflammasome/IL-1β pathway. Targeting IL-1β in subjects with high-apoB may prevent T2D.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Public Hospitals Performance Indicators in Iran: an Interrupted Time-series Analysis
Authors: Ranjbar Mohammad , Bazyar Mohammad , Sarkari Omolbanin , Ameri Hossein , Angell Blake , Assefa Yibeltal 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The Covid-19 pandemic stretched health systems globally including in Iran. Hospital demand and performance was affected both directly and indirectly as a result of the pandemic. Analyzing hospital indicators can provide insights to deal with the consequences and challenges related to various aspects of future pandemics.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on key performance indicators of public hospitals in Iran.
Methods
We used time-series analysis to examine six key indicators of hospital performance: average length of stay, hospital mortality rate, number of surgeries, hospitalization rate, emergency visits, and bed occupancy rate. Data were extracted from four public hospitals in Yazd at two time intervals, 15 months before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. Data were analysed using interrupted time series analysis models with STATA17.
Results
Average length of stay (p = 0.02) and hospital mortality rate (p < 0.01) increased significantly following the outbreak of COVID-19, while the mean of other indicators such as number of surgeries (p = 0.01), hospitalization rate (p < 0.01), emergency visits (p < 0.01) and bed occupancy rate (p < 0.01) decreased significantly. The Covid-19 pandemic had an immediately reverse significant impact on the level changes of "hospitalization rate", "emergency visits" and "bed occupancy rate" indicators (p < 0.05). although the trend of surgeries indicator was affected significantly (p = 0.01) after the covid-19 outbreak.
Conclusion
We showed significant changes in most hospital indicators after the Covid-19 pandemic, reflecting the effect of this pandemic on the performance of hospitals. Understanding the impact of a pandemic on hospital indicators is necessary for decision-makers to effectively plan an effective pandemic response and to inform resource allocation decisions.
Use of Ilizarov and MIPPO techniques in the treatment of a 20-year infected nonunion of the tibia: a case report
Authors: Niu Zhipeng , Cui Yutao , Ren Guangkai , Wu Dankai 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The management of infected nonunion has always been an orthopedic challenge, and it is more difficult to treat it if it is accompanied by shortening and angulation deformity.
Case report: we present a case of osteomyelitis and infected nonunion of the right tibia with right lower extremity shortening and angular deformities. The Ilizarov technique was applied to treat large segmental bone defects with deformities via simultaneous lengthening of the free bone segment and the broken distal tibia.
Conclusion: Use of the Ilizarov technique in combination with MIPPO can effectively treat bone deformities caused by infected nonunion while reducing the duration of external fixation, protecting against refracture and allowing for early rehabilitation.
Selective feticide in dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins complicated with previable premature rupture of membrane before 24 weeks may be a safe therapeutic alternative to ongoing pregnancy
Authors: Zhu Caixia , Liu Haiyan , Zhu Hui , Huang Linhuan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background To date, there are no clinical guidelines for dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins complicated with previable premature rupture of membrane (PV-ROM) before 24 weeks of gestation. The typical management options including expectant management and/or pregnant termination, induce the risks of fetal mortality and morbidity. Objective To explore the feasibility selective feticide in DCDA twins complicated with PV-ROM. Study Design A Retrospective cohort study, enrolling 28 DCDA twins sufferding from PV-ROM in a terity medical center from Jan 01 2012 to Jan 01 2022. The obstetric outcome was compared between selective feticide group and expectant management group. Results There were 12 cases managed expectantly and 16 underwent selective feticide. More cases suffered from oligohydramnios in expectant management group compared to selective feticide group (P = 0.008). Among 13 cases with ROM of upper sac, the mean gestational age at delivery was (33.9 ± 4.9) weeks in the selective feticide group, which was significantly higher than that in the expectant management (P = 0.038). Five fetuses (83.3%) with selective feticide delivered after 32wks, whereas only one (14.3%) case in expectant management group (P = 0.029). However, in the subgroup with ROM of lower sac, no significant difference of the mean gestation age at delivery between groups and none of cases delivered after 32 weeks. Conclusion There was a trend towards an increase in latency interval in DCDA twins with PV-ROM following selective feticide, compared to that with expectant management. Furthermore, selective feticide in cases with PV-ROM of upper sac has a favorable outcome.
Molluscicidal activity of Piper anisum (Spreg.) Angely Essential Oil and of its 1-butyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene Major Compound
Authors: Castilho Rubens Diego de C. , de Carvalho Rosângela R. , Ramos Ygor Jessé , Marques André Mesquita , Moreira Davyson de Lima 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a historically endemic disease in Brazil, which is caused by the trematode parasiteSchistosoma mansonihosted by the wormBiomphalaria glabratasnails. The searching for new environmental non-toxic active agents forB. glabratacontrol is emerging. Natural products as alternative drug lead can be justified by its low toxicity and environmental sustainability. In this work,Piper anisumessential oil (EO) and its major compound were investigated for molluscicidal activity against snails of the speciesB. glabrata, taking into account the seasonal variation of EO. Leaves ofP. anisumwere collected in different seasons and the EO was obtained by hydrodistillation. Chemical analysis of the EO by Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled to Mass Spectrometer (MS) and GC coupled to Flame Ionization Detector (FID) allowed identification and quantification of the EO compounds, respectively. The EO major compound 1-butyl-3,4-methylenedioxybenzene (BMDB) was also isolated from leafn-hexane extract. The molluscicidal activity was determined by exposing snails to increasing concentrations of the EO and BMDB, and the lethal concentration (LC50) was calculated. The chemical composition of the EO varied between seasons, with higher percentage (> 99%) of BMDB observed in the summer.The results showed molluscicidal activity againstB. glabrata, of all EO samples at 100 µg/mL. The LC50was determined as 35 ppm for BMDB suggesting this compound as an alternative source of biocontrol agent againstB. glabrata.
Effects of the Pandemic on Working Mothers: Exploring Perspectives from the United States and South Africa
Authors: Rosen Lisa , Scott Shannon , Shukla Roshni , Poe Darian , Ahmed Shazia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on working mothers from the United States and South Africa. This study sought to highlight both cross-cultural similarities and differences. American and South African working mothers took part in online interviews. Each participant met individually with the researcher and answered a series of open-ended questions regarding their experiences of being a working mother during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed interviews using thematic analysis. Common themes emerged in the interviews with both American and South African working mothers. Mothers in the United States and South Africa both noted the need for flexible work schedules as well as expressed difficulty balancing roles as mothers and professionals during the pandemic. Increased motivation and resiliency as well as lack of representation of women leaders were themes specific to South African mothers in this study. Conversely, feelings of decreased interest in pursuing leadership opportunities was a theme specific to American mothers in this study. The current study adds to the growing body of literature documenting the effect of the pandemic on working mothers, and builds on this research by including a qualitative component to gain knowledge from working mothers themselves. The narratives collected in the current study highlight commonalities as well as differences in the experiences of working mothers in the United States and South Africa, which holds important implications for how workplaces and the broader community can best attend to the unique needs of working mothers.
Microheater with Copper Nanofiber Network via Electrospinning and Electroless Deposition
Authors: Kim Geon Hwee , Kim Na Kyoung , Kim Kanghyun , Jang Hansol , Shin Hyun-Joon , An Taechang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this report, we present the development of a copper nanofiber network-based microheater, designed for applications in electron microscopes, gas sensing, and cell culture platforms. The seed layer, essential for electroless deposition, was crafted through the electrospinning of a palladium-contained polyvinylpyrrolidone solution followed by a heat treatment. This process minimized the contact resistance between nanofibers. We successfully fabricated a microheater with evenly distributed temperature by controlling the electrospinning time, heat treatment conditions, and electroless deposition time. We assessed the electrical and thermal characteristics of the microheater by examining the nanofiber density, sheet resistance, and transmittance. The microheater’s performance was evaluated by applying current, and we verified its capacity to heat up to a maximum of 350 ℃. We further observed the microheater’s temperature distribution at varying current levels through an infrared camera. The entire manufacturing procedure takes place under normal pressure, eliminating the need for masking or etching processes. This renders the method easily adaptable to the mass production of microdevices. The method is expected to be applicable to various materials and sizes and is cost-effective compared to commercially produced microheaters developed through microelectromechanical system processes, which demand complex facilities and significant expenditure.
Identifying Three Types of East Asian Summer Rainfall Based on Monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Activities: Unique Features and Major Influential Factors
Authors: Wang Jingying , Wu Zhiwei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Most prior studies have investigated East Asian summer rainfall as a unified entity. This study investigates the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), Western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclones (TCs), and the concurrent rainfall occurring between May and September from 1983 to 2021. Three distinct types of rainfall are identified: monsoon-only rainfall, TC-only rainfall, and monsoon-TC joint rainfall (MS-TC rainfall), each exhibiting its own unique characteristics. Monsoon-only rainfall is characterized by positive anomalies along the East Asian subtropical front, while a decrease in TC activity leads to negative rainfall anomalies in the tropical WNP. TC-only rainfall, on the other hand, contributes to positive rainfall anomalies in the tropical WNP, as more TCs exhibit westward movement. In the case of MS-TC rainfall, positive precipitation anomalies are observed in the Philippines, the Korean Peninsula, and southern Japan. These anomalies can be attributed to an increased northward movement of TCs during such rainfall events.
During strong monsoon-only (TC-only) rainfall years, the tropical western Pacific experiences anticyclonic (cyclonic) anomalies, along with a westward (eastward) monsoon trough and Western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH). In strong MS-TC years, a localized cyclonic anomaly dominates the Philippine Basin, resulting in an eastward shift of the monsoon trough and WNPSH. Additionally, a significant increase (decrease) in vertical wind shear (VWS) is observed in the tropical WNP during strong monsoon-only (TC-only) years, while a moderate decrease is observed in strong MS-TC years.
Distinct influential factors are associated with each rainfall type. Preceding warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the offshore China seas and WNP, in conjunction with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), play a primary role in driving interannual variations of monsoon-only rainfall. ENSO serves as the principal modulator of interannual variations in TC-only rainfall. Additionally, anomalous thermal conditions in the Maritime Continent (MC) act as major drivers for MS-TC rainfall. This study enhances our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and influential factors contributing to the diverse patterns of East Asian summer rainfall.
A scoping review on the methodological and reporting quality of scoping reviews in China
Authors: Xue Xinyu , Tang Xintong , Liu Shanshan , Yu Ting , Chen Zhonglan , Chen Ningsu , Yu Jiajie 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Scoping reviews have emerged as a valuable method for synthesizing emerging evidence, offering a comprehensive contextual overview, and influencing policy and practice developments. The objective of this study is to provide an overview of scoping reviews conducted by Chinese authors over the last decades.
Method
We conducted a comprehensive search for scoping reviews conducted by Chinese authors across nine databases and six grey literature databases. The reporting quality of included reviews was assessed using the Preferred Reporting Items for PRISMA-ScR checklist. We performed both quantitative and qualitative analyses, examining the conduct of the scoping reviews and exploring the breadth of research topics covered. We used Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests to compare methodological issues and reporting quality in English-reported and Chinese-reported reviews.
Results
A total of 392 reviews published between 2013 and 2022 were included, 238 English-reported reviews and 154 Chinese-reported reviews, respectively. The primary purposes of these reviews were to map and summarize the evidence, with a particular focus on health and nursing topics. 98.7% of reviews explicitly used the term "scoping review", and the Arksey and O’Malley framework was the most frequently cited framework. Thirty-five English-reported scoping reviews provided a protocol for scoping review. PubMed was the most common source in English-reported reviews and CNKI in Chinese-reported reviews. Reviews published in English were more likely to search the grey literature (P = 0.005), consult information specialists (P < 0.001) and conduct an updated search (P = 0.012) than those in Chinese. Reviews published in English had a significantly high score compared to those published in Chinese (16 vs. 14; P < 0.001). The reporting rates in English-reported reviews were higher than those in Chinese reviews for seven items, but lower for structured summary (P < 0.001), eligibility criteria (P < 0.001), data charting process (P = 0.009) and data items (P = 0.015).
Conclusion
There has been a significant increase in the number of scoping reviews conducted by Chinese authors each year since 2020. While the research topics covered are diverse, the overall reporting quality of these reviews is unsatisfactory. Therefore, there is a need for greater standardization in the conduct of scoping reviews by Chinese authors.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease characterized by multiple stroke-like episodes and visual hallucinations: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Fan , Fang Yong , Xie Shengjun , Gong Daokai 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare progressive neurodegenerative disease featured by eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions in the central nervous system and multiple systems of the body. For the reasons stated above, the clinical manifestation of NIID has high heterogeneity, such as dementia, parkinsonism, and psychiatric. Thus, in this report we describe a rare case of NIID characterized by multiple stroke episodes in China. A 79-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with multiple stroke-like episodes for seven years and visual hallucinations for a week. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain suggested chronic infarction in the right occipital lobe, multiple ischemic infarction lesions of bilateral half oval centers and radial crowns. However, the patient did not have risk factors for cerebrovascular disease, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and coronary heart disease. The stroke-like episodes of patient gradually improved after improving the circulations, providing the nerves nutrition and giving treatments aiming to patients’ current symptoms. Considering patient’s restorable stroke-like symptoms episode repeatedly without other neuro injured symptoms and diffusion weighted images (DWI) did not show new infarctions all the time, we observed her oromandibular dystonia and head tremor phenomenon additionally, as well as her reduced pupils (~ 1.5mm). We suggest the patient do a genetic testing for CGG repeat expansion of NOTCH2NLC showing a positive result. This case report highlights that the necessity of genetic testing in atypical NIID patients. Additionally, we reviewed previously reported cases of NIID, which will facilitate more accurate clinical diagnosis in the future and help us better understand the diagnostic flow of adult-onset NIID.
Genotype Detection of Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) in Swine Clinical Samples from Brazil
Authors: Miotto Rovian , Pissetti Caroline , Bordin Luiz Carlos , Zanella Janice Reis Ciacci 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Porcine circovirus disease (PCVD) is one of the most impactful diseases in commercial pig production. It is caused by the infection of a small, circular DNA virus, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Currently, four types of PCV have been identified: PCV1, PCV2, PCV3, and PCV4. PCV2 is classified into 9 different genotypes (a-i). Although there is widespread use of commercial vaccines for PCV2 and PCVD is not a new disease, its presentation has changed. In addition, PCV2 has also evolved genetically, requiring monitoring of vaccinated herds for clinical and genotypic aspects. The objective of this study was to identify genotypes of PCV2, namely, PCV2a, PCV2b, and PCV2d. Additionally, the study aimed to identify coinfections of different PCV2 genotypes and PCV3 coinfections. Herein, 333 PCVD clinical samples of pigs that tested positive for PCV2 from various tissues, states in Brazil, and production phases were analyzed. Of those, 266 were genotyped, and PCV2b was the most frequent genotype found in 56.77% of positive samples, mainly in nursery samples. However, PCV2d was present in 33.10% of the samples, mainly from finishing pigs and breeding sows. The PCR used in this study was compared to a commercial kit and was effective in PCV2 genotyping. This study shows that it is important to genotype PCV2, and conventional PCR demonstrated a good option for this. PCV2b remains the most prevalent in pig farms in Brazil and continues to cause disease. It is necessary to state that in Brazil, the most commonly used commercial vaccines are for PCV2a. Even though PCV2a vaccines provide heterologous protection for other genotypes, the adequate diagnosis and study of the need for updating vaccines for the genotypes currently circulating must be considered.
Social Groups and Polarization of Aesthetic Values
Authors: Mather Kathleen B. , Aleem Hassan , Rhee Yewon , Grzywacz Norberto M. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
When deciding what images we prefer, our brain must weigh many aesthetic variables, such as symmetry and complexity. To date, aesthetic research has mainly focused on investigating one variable at a time. In this article, we use symmetry and complexity to study the problem of multi aesthetic-variable interactions. For symmetry and complexity, there are two simple interaction hypotheses. The independence hypothesis proposes that the evaluation of aesthetic variables is mutually independent. Meanwhile, Birkhoff’s aesthetic-measure hypothesis predicts that people prefer images high in symmetry and low in complexity, and dislike the opposite. To test these hypotheses, we generated images that systematically varied in levels of symmetry and complexity. We then compared the subjects’ preference maps to identify regions of likes and dislikes. Unlike the predictions from these hypotheses, we found that most, but not all subjects, formed two distinct natural clusters, termed “islands,” in terms of likes and dislikes. We also found that people with more art exposure were less likely to belong to an island. If someone did belong to an island, their gender influenced which cluster they belonged to. We discuss alternate hypotheses, possible mechanisms for the occurrence of islands, and their possible social implications.