bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rural-urban disparities in epidemiology of metabolic associated fatty liver disease in the representative area of China
Authors: Wu Tingfeng , Ye Junzhao , Mo Suilin , Ye Miaosheng , Li Xiaoyi , Li Qing , Wang Wengeng , Zheng Qiaocong , Luo Ke , Zhang Yi , Tu Shouwei , Che Daituan , Gong Rulong , Chen Xing , Miu Rong , Shao Congxiang , Sun Yanhong , Zhong Bihui 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
The unexpectedly increased burden of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) continues in China, and the differences between rural and urban areas remain unclear. We aimed to clarify the prevalence and risk factors in rural areas of China.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used the most densely populated area with highly unbalanced development differences in China (Guangdong Province) as a representative sample, and multistage stratified random sampling was performed. The participants’ demographic, socioeconomic, and lifestyle data were collected. Fatty liver and liver stiffness were screened by FibroScan.
Results
A total of 7287 individuals were enrolled (rural: 2684; urban: 4603). The overall MAFLD prevalence was 35.7%, and MAFLD was higher among rural individuals (38.0% vs. 34.4%, p < 0.001) than urban individuals. Rural individuals had more severe hepatic fibrosis (fibrosis stage 3–4) overall (3.0% vs. 1.3%) and among different sexes (male: 4.2% vs. 2.0%; female: 1.5% vs. 0.5%) (all p < 0.05) than urban individuals. For both rural and urban individuals, lifestyle and dietary habits, including midnight snacks, dining out, and overeating salt, red meat and sugar, were associated with an increased risk of MAFLD, and drinking tea and consuming dietary fibers were associated with a decreased risk of MAFLD. However, midnight snacks and overeating red meat were associated with a higher risk of hepatic fibrosis only in urban individuals.
Conclusion
There is a surprisingly high burden of MAFLD in rural Guangdong, China, which implicates a lack of awareness among rural individuals and a warrant the need for disease counteraction strategies.
Risk factors of poor developmental outcome in Children with Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Saal Caro-Lee , Springer Priscilla , Seddon James A , Toorn Ronald , Esterhuizen Tonya M , Solomons Regan S 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neurodevelopmental delay is a significant long-term complication of childhood tuberculous meningitis (TBM). The objective of this study was to assess risk factors for neurodevelopmental delay in children with TBM.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children diagnosed with TBM at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa, over a 30-year period between 1985 and 2015. We assessed the relationship between demographic, clinical, laboratory and neuro-imaging characteristics, and cognitive impairment at the conclusion of anti-tuberculous treatment. Poor outcome was defined as moderate-to severe cognitive impairment.
RESULTS: A total of 327 TBM patients were included, 71 (21.7%) suffered a poor outcome. Multivariate analysis revealed that decreased level of consciousness (adjusted OR (aOR): 4.68; 95%CI: 2.43-13.88; p=0.005), brainstem dysfunction (aOR: 3.20; 95%CI: 1.70-6.00; p<0.001) and radiological infarction (aOR: 3.47; 95%CI: 1.87-6.45; p<0.001) were associated with a poor developmental outcome. Left hemispherical (single and multiple) stroke as well as bilateral stroke were associated with poor developmental outcomes.
CONCLUSION: Certain neurological signs as well as radiological infarct characteristics are important predictors of poor developmental outcome. Anticipation of the likely level of cognitive impairment at diagnosis allows more accurate prognostication and prompt institution of supportive and rehabilitative measures, after the acute illness.
Research on digital twin modeling method for complex production scenarios
Authors: Gao Jujian , Yang Yanfang , Shu Liang 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Complex production scenarios includes large equipment scale, complex processes and sub-model constraints are highly coupling at each level. It is difficult in inheritance of similar equipment information, causing the low reusability of models in the reconfiguration process of twin platform. To address this problem, a component based rapid modeling method for digital twin is proposed, which can enable efficient reuse of model information. Mainly includes: (1) for the decoupling problem of complex models, a hierarchical division scheme and a component based twin model are designed. (2) a K-means clustering algorithm integrating subjective and objective weights to filter templates is proposed to address the efficiency and executability of information reuse. (3) for the inheritance problem of subjective information, an information inheritance process is designed to process and quantify the subjective information inheritance. Finally, the circuit breaker digital twin workshop system is used as an case to exame. The efficiency of dynamic, static and control twin model construction of the researched sub-model are improved by 44.74%, 48.96% and 72.55%. The actual development cycle of multiple projects can be reduced by about 33% compared to the expected cycle.
Intraoperative Shear-wave elastography and Superb microvascular imaging contribute to the Glioma grading
Authors: Cai Siman , Xing Hao , Wang Yuekun , Wang Yu , Ma Wenbin , Jiang Yuxin , Li Jianchu , Wang Hongyan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
To explore the diagnostic value and feasibility of shear wave elastography and superb microvascular imaging in the grading diagnosis of glioma intraoperatively.
Methods
Forty-nine patients with glioma were included in this study. B-mode ultrasonography, Young's modulus in shear-wave elastography(SWE) and vascular architecture in superb microvascular imaging(SMI) of tumor parenchymaand peritumoral tissue were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic effect of SWE. Logistic regression model was used to calculate the prediction probability of HGG diagnosis
Results
Compared with LGG, HGG was often characterized by peritumoral edema in B mode(P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in Young's modulus between HGG and LGG; the diagnostic threshold of HGG and LGG was 13.05 kPa, the sensitivity was 78.3%, and the specificity was 76.9%. The vascular architectures of the tumor parenchyma and peritumoral tissues of HGG and LGG were significantly different (P < 0.05). The elasticity value of SWE and the tumor parenchymal vascularity patterns of the tumor were clearly correlated with the diagnosis of HGG.
Conclusions
Intraoperative ultrasound(ioUS), especially SWE, and SMI are beneficial for the differentiation of HGG and LGG and may help optimize clinical surgical procedures.
FOLFOX regimen after failure of fluorouracil and leucovorin plus nanoliposomal-irinotecan therapy for advanced pancreatic cancer: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Kobayashi Satoshi , Tezuka Shun , Yamachika Yui , Tsunoda Shotaro , Nagashima Shuhei , Tozuka Yuichiro , Fukushima Taito , Morimoto Manabu , Ueno Makoto , Furuse Junji , Maeda Shin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Fluorouracil, leucovorin (5FU/LV), and nanoliposomal-irinotecan (nal-IRI) combination therapy has been established as the second-line treatment for advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oxaliplatin with 5FU/LV (FOLFOX) is often used as a subsequent treatment, although its efficacy and safety are yet to be fully elucidated. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FOLFOX as a third- or later-line treatment for patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Methods: We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study that enrolled 43 patients who received FOLFOX after failure of gemcitabine-based regimen followed by 5FU/LV+nal-IRI therapy between October 2020 and January 2022. FOLFOX therapy consisted of oxaliplatin (85 mg/m2), levo-leucovorin calcium (200 mg/m2) and 5-FU (2400 mg/m2) every two weeks per cycle. Overall survival, progression-free survival, objective response, and adverse events were evaluated.
Results: At the median follow-up time of 3.9 months in all patients, the median overall survival and progression-free survival were 3.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.1–4.8) and 1.3 months (95% CI, 1.0–1.5), respectively. Response and disease control rates were 0% and 25.6%, respectively. The most common adverse event was anaemia in all grades followed by anorexia; the incidence of anorexia and grades 3 and 4 was 21% and 4.7%, respectively. Notably, grades 3–4 peripheral sensory neuropathy was not observed. Multivariable analysis revealed that a C-reactive protein (CRP) level of >1.0 mg/dL was a poor prognostic factor for both progression-free survival and overall survival: hazard ratios were 2.037 (95% CI, 1.010–4.107; p = 0.047) and 2.471 (95% CI, 1.063 – 5.745; p = 0.036), respectively.
Conclusion: FOLFOX as a subsequent treatment after failure of second-line treatment with 5FU/LV+nal-IRI is tolerable, although its efficacy is limited, particularly in patients with high CRP levels.
Self-Association of the glycan antibiotic teicoplanin A2 in aqueous solution studied by molecular hydrodynamics
Authors: Chun Taewoo , Pattem Jacob , Gillis Richard B. , Dinu Vlad T. , Yakubov Gleb E. , Corfield Anthony P. , Harding Stephen 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The semi-synthetic glycan antibiotic teicoplanin is used for the treatment of serious Gram-positive related bacterial infections and can be administered intravenously, intramuscularly, topically (ocular infections), or orally. It has also been considered for targeting viral infection by SARS-CoV-2. The hydrodynamic properties of teicoplanin A2 (monomer molar mass ~ 1880 g/mol) were examined in phosphate chloride buffer (pH 6.8, I = 0.10 M) using sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium in the analytical ultracentrifuge together with capillary (rolling ball) viscometry. In the concentration range, 0-10 mg/mL teicoplanin A2 was found to self-associate plateauing > 1 mg/mL to give a molar mass of (35400 ± 1000) g/mol corresponding to ~ (19 ± 1) mers, with a sedimentation coefficient s20,w = ~ 4.65 S. The intrinsic viscosity [h] was found to be (3.2 ± 0.1) mL/g: both this, the value for s20,w and the hydrodynamic radius from dynamic light scattering is consistent with a globular macromolecular assembly, with a swelling ratio through dynamic hydration processes of ~2.
Radiogenic heat production in rocks from the Sabinas Basin (northeastern Mexico) determined by in situ gamma radiation measurements
Authors: Batista-Rodríguez J. A. , Tolentino-Álvarez J. , Batista-Cruz R. Y. , Almaguer-Carmenates Y. , López-Saucedo F. J. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In situ gamma radiation measurements were performed to calculate the radiogenic heat production of sedimentary and igneous rocks from the Sabinas Basin (northeastern Mexico). The sedimentary rocks include shales, sandstones, and limestones from Cretaceous geological formations. The igneous rocks consist of basalts and granodiorites. The basalts belong to different volcanic fields, and the granodiorites are located in the Candela-Monclova magmatic belt. The analysis of all rocks yielded values of up to 13.4 ppm, 47.3 ppm, and 9.1% for uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K), respectively, and their radiogenic heat production (RHP) values ranged from 0.11 to 6.42 µWm− 3. The studied rocks were accordingly classified as having a low (< 2 µWm− 3), moderate (2–4 µWm− 3), and high (> 4 µWm− 3) RHP. Most studied rocks were characterized by a low heat production, and only 12% of the measurements indicated rocks with moderate and high heat production rates. These latter rocks are represented by clastic sedimentary rocks (shale and sandstone) and granodiorites. The sedimentary rocks, particularly shales, had the highest contents of radioelements and RHP (0.43 to 6.42 µWm− 3). These rocks belong to the Olmos Formation, and their high RHP potential are related to their organic matter and silica contents, and their relationship with deep geological structures. The sandstones of the Pátula Formation also yielded high RHP values (0.72 to 4.73 µWm− 3), linked to their silica contents, feldspar, and micas. The shales and granodiorites showed the highest RHP rates from U and sandstones from Th.
The effects of nano-iron on volatile compounds and phytoestrogens in the Flowering Process of Trifolium pratense
Authors: Li Run , Li Yitong , Ren Xiaoyan , Wang Tian , Yu Haitao , Liu Quan 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Fe fertilizer is usually used to accelerate the growth and development of plants and trigger the accumulation of specific secondary metabolites to promote resistance and/or immunity of plants. Flowering is a critical process for plant growth and species continuation in angiosperms. However, little is known about the effect of Fe fertilizer on the flowering process. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phytoestrogens in five flowering stages of Trifolium pratense with three Fe treatments (0, 1 and 2 g/mu) were evaluated in the study, which is a very important leguminous forage worldwide. The results showed that Fe contents in flowers dramatically increased with Fe concentrations. It was interesting that the highest Fe content of the flowers was in the senescent stage with 1 g/mu Fe treatment. The control group (CK) in the bud stage had the lowest amount of volatile organic compounds, but nano Fe significantly increased the amount of volatile organic compounds in the bud stage with various aromas. Alkane had the highest relative abundance among VOCs, accounting for more than 45–81%, and gradually increased in pace with the flowering process. Furthermore, nano Fe fertilizer promoted the accumulation of phytoestrogens. The main secondary metabolites exhibited obvious continuity throughout the whole flowering process. The results of the partial least squares discriminant analysis model illustrated that nano Fe fertilizer significantly changed the highly related VOCs and phytoestrogens in different flowering stages. The concentration of 1 g/mu was considered as a cost-effective agronomic measure to promote effectively reproduction and improve the contents of secondary metabolite in seed.
A Bidirectional Fabric-Based Soft Robotic Glove for Hand Function Assistance in Patients with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Lim Daniel Yuan-Lee , Lai Hwa-Sen , Yeow Raye Chen-Hua 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic stroke patients usually experience reduced hand functions, impeding their ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) independently. Additionally, improvements in hand functions by physical therapy beyond six months after the initial onset of stroke are much slower than in the earlier months. As such, chronic stroke patients could benefit from an assistive device to enhance their hand functions, allowing them to perform ADLs independently daily. In recent years, soft robotics has provided a novel approach to assistive devices for motor impaired individuals, offering more compliant and lightweight alternatives to traditional robotic devices. The scope of this study is to demonstrate the viability of a fabric-based soft robotic (SR) glove with bidirectional actuators in assisting chronic stroke study participants with hand impairments in performing ADLs.
Methods
Force and torque measurement tests were conducted to characterize the SR Glove, and hand functional tasks were given to eight chronic stroke patients to assess the efficacy of the SR Glove as an assistive device. The tasks involved object manipulation tasks that simulate ADLs, and the series of tasks was done by the participants once without assistance for baseline data, and once while using the SR Glove. A usability questionnaire was also given to each participant after the tasks were done to gain insight into how the SR Glove impacts their confidence and reliance on support while performing ADLs.
Results
The SR Glove improved the participants’ manipulation of objects in ADL tasks. Difference in mean scores between the unassisted and assisted conditions was significant across all participants. Additionally, the usability questionnaire showed the participants felt more confident and less reliant on support while using the SR Glove to perform ADLs than without the SR Glove.
Conclusions
The results from this study demonstrated that the SR Glove is a viable option to assist hand function in chronic stroke patients who suffer from hand motor impairments.
Crustal seismic anisotropy beneath the Zagros and Central Iran
Authors: Mirahmadi Shirin , Sadidkhouy Ahmad , Javan-Doloei Gholam , Mohammadi Najmieh 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

This study investigates the variation of shear wave anisotropy among the crustal structure of the Zagros and central Iran. We used the waveforms of 327 tele-seismic earthquakes with magnitude greater than 5.0 (Mb) at epicentral distances between 30° and 90°, recorded by 22 broadband seismic stations in the study area. The radial and transverse components of the receiver functions in the frequency band from 0.05 to 0.5 Hz were calculated using the earthquakes recorded at each station. Considering to as arrival time of the Ps-converted phase on radial receiver functions in the isotropic case, we estimate the effective arrival time for the overlapping phases of the split shear waves as a function of back azimuth. We then determine the seismic anisotropy parameters of the shear waves (φ , δt). The results show that the average splitting time in the study area varies from 0.24 to 0.65 seconds, which is a good constraint on the seismic anisotropy compared to the range of crustal seismic anisotropy. Analysis of the fast direction of motion shows that φ changes parallel to the direction of the surface structures and agrees with measurements of the velocity vector GPS that the deformation is rooted in shallower, brittle structures of the crust and active fault zones throughout the environment.
Perception of Old Age and Institutions for the Elderly among the Inhabitants of Beirut, Lebanon: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: WEHBE Amine , CHALHOUB Hussein , RAHMAN Haitham ABDEL , OSTA Lana El 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Aging is a social factor that every human considers. Consequently, myths and stereotypes have been associated with old age, sometimes depicting a negative image. The human perception of old age is formed by knowledge, opinions, and cultural realities. Some people perceive old age as a sign of wisdom, while others consider old age as a loss of or decline in independence. This study aims to explore the perceptions, opinions, and attitudes of a representative sample of the inhabitants of Beirut, Lebanon toward old age and institutions for the elderly.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of the inhabitants of Beirut using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire in the Arabic Language, filled out voluntarily by the respondents. The information obtained through the survey included socio-demographic characteristics, perception of old age and residential institutions for the elderly, and factors influencing the fear of old age.
Results
A total of 400 individuals completed the questionnaire, 50.3% of whom were male. Only 7% of the respondents were 65 years and older. The mean age considered by respondents as old age was 64.23 years. For 28.8% of the respondents, old age mainly meant illness and health problems. Most of the respondents (89%) expressed worry when thinking about old age. The respondents expressed several concerns about old age; the most prominent were health concerns (38.4%) and loss of autonomy (23.7%). Furthermore, our sample’s perception of homes for the elderly was positive: good (39.8%) and very good (11.8%). However, only 3.5% of the respondents had an elderly relative in such institutions. Finally, 33.5% of the respondents agreed to pay for the services in such institutions, and 28.3% suggested an increase in compulsory levies to improve the care of people in such institutions.
Conclusions
Most of the respondents had a negative perception of old age, which was marked by pessimism about their health and autonomy. Similarly, institutions for the elderly represent an undesirable option as the respondents outlined several factors that explain their reluctance. The findings indicate an urgent need for action to improve people’s perceptions and attitudes toward old age.
Lung Cancer Screening Penetration in an Urban Underserved County
Authors: Lee Kristen , Haramati Linda Broyde , Ye Kenny , Lin Juan , Mardakhaev Edward , Gohari Arash 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To compare distributions of residential geography, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity of patients who underwent screening at Montefiore’s Lung Cancer Screening Program with those of patients diagnosed with lung cancer, assessing whether screening efforts are appropriately focused.
Methods
This is a retrospective cohort study involving patients within our multisite urban academic medical center who underwent lung cancer screening or were diagnosed with lung cancer from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Inclusion criteria consisted of residence within seven neighborhoods in the Bronx, NY and age between 55 and 80 years. Institutional review board approval was obtained. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon two-sample t-test and chi-square.
Results
The cohort comprised 1568 (50.1%) women and 1551 (49.1%) men (mean age 65.6 ± 6.16). The Southeast Bronx had the highest rates of diagnosed lung cancers (423, 29.96%) and lung cancer screenings (533, 31.22%). However, overall geographic distribution between cohorts differed significantly (p = 0.0015). Sex between cohorts did not significantly differ (p = 0.0534). Both cancer and screening cohorts were from impoverished neighborhoods with mean SES of -3.11 ± 2.78 and -3.44 ± 2.80, respectively (p < 0.01). Both cohorts included a majority of Hispanic patients, although ethnicity differed significantly (p = 0.009).
Conclusion
Though statistically significant differences were found between cohorts, likely due to sample size, few clinically meaningful differences were found, implying our lung cancer screening program was effective in reaching the desired population. Demographics-based screening programs should be considered in global efforts efficaciously screen vulnerable populations.