bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Electrostimulation Therapy for Vastus Medialis Decreases Varus Thrust During Gait
Authors: Shimada Noboru , Shimada Masashi , Toriyama Minoru , Ishikawa Masakazu , Hirata Kazuhiko , Kono Yoshifumi , Ushio Kai , Mikami Yukio , Adachi Nobuo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Varus thrust is known to affect the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis, and delayed activation of the vastus medialis (VM) muscle has been suggested as a cause of this condition. However, no current reports exist on the effects of physical therapy on delayed activity in the VM. In this study, we investigated whether modifying VM activity delay suppresses varus thrust.Methods Ten participants (Kellgren-Laurence grades I:2, II:6, and III:2) diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis were enrolled. All patients wore a functional electrical stimulation (FES) set to contract the VM before heel contact and practiced walking for 10 min. We evaluated the patients’ varus thrust, maximal knee extension angle, maximal varus moment, and VM onset time before and after intervention. A Vicon Nexus ground reaction force meter and a wireless electromyograph DELSYS were used for the evaluation. The task involved free walking with no specified walking speed on a 10-m walkway, and measurements were taken before and after the intervention.Results Analysis revealed a significant difference in varus thrust before and after intervention (2.7 ± 1.1° vs 2.2 ± 1.3°, p < 0.05). Furthermore the vastus medialis activation time decreased following intervention (-0.06 ± 0.09 vs -0.21 ± 0.1, p < 0.05), as did the knee joint extension angle (8.7 ± 5.1° vs 5.5 ± 5.9°, p < 0.05). Similarly, the knee joint varus moment significantly increased after intervention (0.50 ± 0.20° vs 0.56 ± 0.18°, p < 0.05).Conclusion The vastus medialis muscle stabilizes the knee joint by extending the knee joint and pulling the patella inward. When the knee joint is in a slightly flexed position, the medial and lateral collateral ligaments relax, causing the knee joint to move inward and outward. The results of this study suggest that wearing FES caused the VM to act earlier in response to a heel strike, which improved the knee joint extension angle and suppressed the varus thrust.
Acute/atypical Signs of Budd Chiari Syndrome Secondary to Multi-thrombotic Causes
Authors: Qambar Amna , Zaidi Syeda Mahrukh Fatima , Rangwala Burhanuddin Sohail , Alam Muhammad Tanveer 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Budd-Chiari syndrome is a rare medical condition that affects one in a million people and can be caused by various thrombotic and non-thrombotic factors. In rare instances, multiple factors may contribute to its development, with coagulation factor deficiencies being a less commonly implicated cause. This case report presents a case of BCS associated with protein C deficiency and antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS). The patient is a 30-year-old woman who was brought in due to sudden abdominal distension. She had a three weeks history of intractable vomiting and loose stools. There was also a history of repeated miscarriages. The laboratory findings revealed slightly elevated liver enzymes, a positive Anti-β2 GPI screening, moderately decreased Protein C level and activated protein C resistance/FV Leiden. The patient was discharged after 21 days of inpatient treatment with symptomatic improvement.
What factors promote the development of technological innovation? An analysis of 286 Chinese cities
Authors: LI Yang , CAI Zhaoyang , CAO Shixiong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Scientific discovery and technological innovation are the ultimate forces that promote socioeconomic development. However, researchers are not certain which factors play a leading role in scientific discovery and technological innovation and what differences in these factors exist between regions. In this study, we selected 286 Chinese cities at the same administrative level and developed a coupling model to link them within a comprehensive evaluation framework, then performed multiple-regression analysis and geographically weighted regression to identify the key driving factors for scientific discovery and technological innovation, their contributions to innovation, and their regional differences. We found that marketization (development of a market economy), population density, industrial upgrading, health care, and industrialization most strongly promoted Chinese innovation from 2007 to 2019, whereas the innovation level decreased with increasing environmental pollution. To promote scientific discovery and technological innovation, we should increase marketization, promote market-oriented reform of universities, sustainably increase population density, and upgrade the industrial structure. These results will provide important guidance for the formulation of China's future science and technology policy, but our method will also help other countries improve their own science and innovation by learning from China's experience.
Longitudinal Changes of Refractive Error in Preschool Children with Congenital Ectopia Lentis
Authors: Lian Zhangkai , Hu Yin , Liu Zhenzhen , Young Charlotte Aimee , Liu Siyuan , Zheng Danying , Jin Guangming 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) is a hereditary eye disease which severely impacts preschool children’s visual function and development. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal changes in spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error in preschool children with CEL.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. Medical records of CEL patients under 6-year-old who were diagnosed with Marfan syndrome at the initial visit from January, 2014 to March, 2022 were collected and were divided into surgery and non-surgery groups. Mean change rate of SE in the two groups were evaluated and the potential associated factors of SE change rate were investigated by mixed-effect regression model.
Results: A total of 94 preschool patients from 14 provinces of China were included. Among the 42 children of the surgery group, the mean age with standard deviation (SD) was 5.02±0.81 years and patients experienced a myopic shift of -0.05±0.09 D/month in average. The mean age with SD of the 52 children of the non-surgery group was 4.34±1.02 years and the mean myopic shift was -0.09±0.14 D/month. The mixed-effect regression model identified that higher degree of myopia at baseline was associated with slower myopic shift both in surgery (β= 0.901, 95% CI: 0.822~0.980, P< 0.001) and in non-surgery group (β= 1.006, 95% CI: 0.977~1.034, P< 0.001) in CEL patients. Surgical treatment (β= 2.635, 95% CI: 1.376~3.894, P< 0.001) was associated with slower myopic shift in all participants CEL patients.
Conclusions: Myopic progression was slower in the surgery group than in the non-surgery group of CEL. Preschool CEL patients who met the surgical indication are suggested being performed with timely surgery to slow down the myopic progression.
Association of receiving opioid medication-assisted treatment with sexual identity and mental health/substance use disorder symptoms in a nationally representative sample of adults
Authors: Adzrago David , Evans Gabrielle S , Dias Emanuelle M , Kwentua Victoria , White Grace Elizabeth , Wilkerson J. Michael 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Although the literature suggests that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, limited studies have assessed the prevalence or the association between MAT use and sexual identity, mental health, or substance use disorder among a nationally representative sample. We assessed the prevalence and association of opioid MAT use between sexual identity, depressive disorder symptoms, alcohol use dependence, and marijuana use dependence in the United States.Methods We used the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health public-use data on adults aged 18–64 years (N = 38,841) to conduct a weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis.Results A total of 4.80% and 2.32% of the population identified as bisexual and lesbian/gay, respectively. About 0.31% (612,750 people) of the population reported receiving opioid MAT, 3.73% had alcohol use dependence, 1.42% had marijuana use dependence, and 9.13% had major depressive episode (MDE) symptoms. Of those who had received opioid MAT, 0.57% were bisexuals and 1.07% were lesbians/gays, 0.65% were people with alcohol use dependence, 2.32% with marijuana use dependence, and 1.59% with MDE symptoms. Lesbian/gay individuals were more likely to receive opioid MAT (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI = 1.42, 8.25) compared to heterosexual individuals. The odds were higher for people with marijuana use dependence (AOR = 3.44, 95% CI = 1.47, 8.06) and MDE symptoms (AOR = 5.22, 95% CI = 3.46, 7.89) than their counterparts.Conclusions In this study, sexual minorities, people with MDE symptoms, and those dependent on marijuana use were more likely to receive opioid MAT, suggesting the need to investigate further opioid use disorder symptoms and their risk factors among these populations.
Livestock wastes-derived capped and bactericidal silver nanoparticles induce immuno-physiological responses in fish for multiple stress resilience – The One Health Approach
Authors: Lamare Sowa o , Krishnani K. K. , Kumar Neeraj , Pathak Madhuri , Upadhyay Ajay , Sarkar Biplab , Verma AK , Chakraborty Puja 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present study elucidates the extracellular synthesis of capped silver nanoparticles using processing waste (intestine) of sheep and swine in aqueous media and phosphate buffers incubated with silver nitrate by dispensing with the addition of any capping agent and the advantage of avoiding the agglomeration and loss of nanosized characteristics of AgNPs. The synthesis of Ag-NPs was ascertained by UV-VIS spectrophotometry of the incubated suspension of yellowish-brown at 400-410 nm. The Ag-NPs were further characterized using a High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope, which confirmed that the Ag-NPs were primarily spherical and had a size range of 5–100 nm with a maximum frequency fall between 5-20 nm, 21-30 nm, 31-50 nm and a few falls within 51-100 nm. In addition, Ag-NPs synthesized using sheep and pig wastes are characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering, which confirmed the high stability of Ag-NPs with a zeta potential of -27 and -32 mV respectively. Biomolecules and biological extracts of sheep and swine waste act as biogenic reducing and capping agents. Based on the zone of inhibition achieved through the agar well diffusion method, Ag-NPs biosynthesized using sheep waste showed high bactericidal properties against Aeromonas hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, and Micrococcus luteus as compared to swine waste-derived AgNPs. The chronic toxicity analysis of biosynthesized Ag-NPs on Pangasianodon hypophthalmus was carried out using stress biomarkers such as an antioxidant enzyme, AChE, and metabolic enzyme activity. Chronic toxicity of synthesized Ag-NPs was found to increase with increased sub-lethal ammonia concentration and temperature. The findings of this study revealed that biosynthesis of capped and non-agglomerated Ag-NPs can be undertaken by using sheep and swine wastes for their potential application in aquaculture based on the properties observed in characterization, bactericidal activity, and physiological responses of the fish.
Parkin promotes airway inflammatory response to interferon gamma
Authors: Dimasuay Kris Genelyn , Berg Bruce , Schaunaman Niccolette , Nichols Taylor , Chu Hong Wei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Increased type 2 interferon (i.e., IFN-γ) signaling has been shown to be involved in airway inflammation in a subset of asthma patients who often show high levels of airway neutrophilic inflammation and poor response to corticosteroid treatment. How IFN-γ mediates airway inflammation in a mitochondrial dysfunction setting (e.g., Parkin up-regulation) remains poorly understood. The goal of this study was to determine the role of Parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in IFN-γ-mediated airway inflammation and the regulation of Parkin by IFN-γ.Results Using a mouse model of IFN-γ treatment in wild-type and Parkin knockout mice, and cultured human primary airway epithelial cells with or without Parkin gene deficiency, we found that Parkin was necessary for the production of neutrophil chemokines (i.e., KC and IL-8) and airway neutrophilic inflammation. Mechanistically, Parkin was induced by IFN-γ treatment both in vivo and in vitro, which was associated with less expression of a Parkin transcriptional repressor Thap11. Overexpression of Thap11 inhibited Parkin expression in IFN-γ-stimulated airway epithelial cells.Conclusions Our data suggests a novel mechanism by which IFN-γ induces airway neutrophilic inflammation through the Thap11/Parkin axis. Inhibition of Parkin expression or activity may provide a new therapeutic target for the treatment of excessive neutrophilic inflammation in an IFN-γ high environment.
Some New Identities for the Rogers-Ramanujan Continued Fraction and Functions
Authors: Baruah Nayandeep Deka , Talukdar Pranjal 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
We prove some new modular identities for the Rogers\textendash Ramanujan continued fraction. For example, if $R(q)$ denotes the Rogers\textendash Ramanujan continued fraction, then $$R(q)R(q^4)&=\dfrac{R(q^5)+R(q^{20})-R(q^5)R(q^{20})}{1+R(q^{5})+R(q^{20})}\\\intertext{and}\dfrac{1}{R(q^{2})R(q^{3})}&+R(q^{2})R(q^{3})= 1+\dfrac{R(q)}{R(q^{6})}+\dfrac{R(q^{6})}{R(q)}.$$ In the process, we also find two new relations for the Rogers-Ramanujan functions.
MSC Classification: 11F27 , 11P84 , 11A55 , 33D90
"Unexpected gallbladder cancer" -- was it really an accident?
Authors: Sun Yuxin , Xiang Shuai , Cheng Haihong , Li Xiaoxuan , Zhou Di , Ma Fei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare malignant disease. Unexpected gallbladder cancer (uGBC) is a kind of gallbladder cancer diagnosed in a special way that was previously thought to have a good prognosis that is now controversial. The proportion of uGBC, even the terminal stage in GBC, has increased dramatically, but this phenomenon has not received enough attention.
Methods
Data from all patients with GBC who underwent surgery at the Department of General Surgery of Xinhua hospital between January 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, were collected. Demographics and clinical and pathological data of patients were analyzed. Prognosis was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the effect on uGBC of common factors such as age and sex.
Results
Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, CA125 level, and CA199 level were significantly correlated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 5.486, 95% CI: 1.165-25.824, P = 0.031, HR = 1.005, 95% CI: 1.001-1.010, P = 0.048 and HR = 1.004, 95% CI: 1.002-1.009, P = 0.0336). uGBC was not an independent prognostic factor (p=0.728). The best cutoff values of serum CA125 and CA199 were 15.59 and 41.20, respectively. The KM curve showed that high expression levels of CA125 (p=0.023) and CA199 (p=0.037) predicted worse survival. However, there was no difference in survival prognosis between uGBC and GBC. The rate of misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of uGBC exceeds 60%.
Conclusion
AJCC stage and serum CA125 and CA199 levels are suggestive of the prognosis of gallbladder cancer. The prognosis of unexpected gallbladder cancer was not as good as expected. Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of uGBC are common worldwide. A thorough preoperative examination and rigorous intraoperative cytopathology are important.
Comprehensive Assessment of Low-carbon Development in Resource based Provinces: A Case Study of Shanxi Province, China
Authors: Zhang Miao , Ma Xiaofei , Wang Lili 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Low-carbon development has become an important measure to cope with climate change and promote sustainable development in China. It is of great significance to carry out comprehensive low-carbon development assessment research in resource-based provinces to promote ecological and environmental protection and achieve the "carbon peaking and carbon neutralization" development goal as soon as possible in China. This study takes Shanxi Province as the research area to carry out comprehensive evaluation research on low-carbon development. The factors affecting the development of low-carbon were screened and determined through Literature Meta-Analysis and the Grey Relational Model. Using the three dimensions of carbon source-carbon sink process and social-environment-economy to construct a low-carbon development evaluation index system, and using entropy weight method and TOPSIS model to analyze the low-carbon development level of Shanxi Province from 2000 to 2020, and analyze the formation mechanism of low-carbon development status. Based on the comprehensive index of low-carbon development and carbon intensity, a low-carbon development grade evaluation model is established, which was used to evaluate the low-carbon development grade of Shanxi Province in 2030. The results showed that the most influential factor on the carbon emissions of Shanxi Province is the total number of civil vehicles, the negative indicators have greater impact on carbon emissions. The low-carbon development level of Shanxi Province was transformed from Level III to Level II from 2000–2020. In 2030, the low-carbon development level of Shanxi Province will be Level I .
HIV prevalence and associated factors among orphaned adolescents and youth aged 12-24 years in South Africa
Authors: Ndlovu Philisiwe , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Naidoo Inbarani , Vondo Noloyiso , Zungu Nompumelelo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study examines the HIV prevalence and associated factors orphaned adolescents and youth in South Africa using the 2017 population based national survey.Results Of 1 978 orphaned participants aged 12–24 years. The overall HIV prevalence was 7.8% (95% CI: 6.3–9.6). HIV was higher among females (9.2%) compared to males (6.4%). HIV prevalence was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among Black Africans than other race groups (8.2% versus 1.4%), unemployed compared to those who are employed (8.2% versus 1.3%), no condom use at last sex act (13.8% versus 5.8% who used a condom), had high self-perceived risk of HIV infection (11.4% versus 5.7% with low perception), and those who ever had an HIV test (9.5% versus 5.3% never tested). In the final multivariate model, the odds of HIV infection were significantly higher among female than males [AOR = 2.9 (95%CI: 1.1–7.8), p = 0.032] and those residing in rural informal/tribal areas than urban areas [AOR = 2.9 (05% CI: 1.1–7.7), p = 0.031]. The findings suggest a need for intervention to create employment opportunities, promote protective sex, address perceived susceptibility to HIV and encourage routine testing. Prioritising orphaned female adolescents and youth and those residing in rural informal/tribal areas.
Substance Use and Heroin Abstinence Rates Among Patients Enrolled at a Medically-assisted Therapy Clinic in Kenya: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kuria Susan Wangeci , Mburu John Maina , Owiti Fredrick , Ochieng' Jackline 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) has been shown to be beneficial in several evidence-based studies. However, patients who were using multiple substances at the time of enrollment impacted the program's outcomes. Studies have shown that even while enrolled in the program, patients continue to use heroin and other drugs. The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of substance use and heroin abstinence among patients attending the Medically-Assisted Therapy Clinic in Nairobi, Kenya.Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study on 713 patients who had enrolled in the Medically Assisted Therapy (MAT) clinic between December 2014 and February 2018. Each participant's data was collected over a 24-month period. A researcher-designed socio-demographic form and data collecting form were used to collect data. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0.Results Most participants were males 611(85.7%). The mean age was 34.2 years (SD 8.55). The majority had attained primary level of education 333(46.7%), were employed 424(59.47%), and were separated 322(45.1%). All the participants had used at least one other substance apart from heroin. The commonest substances were; tobacco 649(91%), followed by cannabis 591(82.9%) and benzodiazepines 367(51.5%). At 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, heroin abstinence rates were 61.3%, 76.0%, 73.5%, and 81.4%, respectively. Abstinence rates increased from 61.3% at 6 months to 81.4% at 24 months, which was statistically significant (p < 0.001).Conclusions The majority of the patients attending MAT clinic use more than one substance. There is a need to scale up the program to also offer free management for other substances. This study replicated the evidence of methadone treatment among heroin users. However, there is still a need to explore further why some patients continue to use heroin while in the program.
Structural Equation Modelling of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder in Dumper Operators: The Role of Personal, Habitual, and Work-Related Factors
Authors: Kar Mohith Bekal 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The main objective of this research was to examine how personal, habitual, and work-related factors affect the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among dumper operators. The study utilized Cronbach's (CR) alpha test to assess the reliability of the analyzed underlying variable. The personal factors, measured by five questions about age, work experience, marital status, children, and education, had a CR-alpha coefficient of 0.82. The CR-alpha coefficient for the habitual factors, which included questions about smoking, alcohol consumption, medication use, and tobacco chewing, was 0.76, indicating a high level of internal consistency. Similarly, the work-related factors, which included questions about working posture, repetitive work, job demand, and work design, had a CR-alpha coefficient of 0.77, demonstrating a strong internal consistency among the questions. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to confirm the measurement model's construct validity. After confirming the construct validity, the relationships between the variables were explored using a structural equation model (SEM). Results indicated a moderate positive correlation between WRMSD and personal factors and a moderate positive correlation between WRMSD and work related factors. However, the relationship between WRMSD and habitual factors was not found to be significant. The goodness of fit of the final SEM model was found to be adequate with CFI and RMSEA values of 0.919 and 0.046, respectively, indicating an acceptable fit of the data to the proposed model.