bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patronage of Traditional Bone Setters in Eastern Nigeria - a challenge to Modern Medical Practice
Authors: Daniel Jovita Ada , Oko Emeka Aleke , Onyido Darlington Chima , Daniel Lydwina Sommachukwu , Akobundu Uzoamake N , Odoh Onyinye I 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Traditional bone setting remains alternative form of healthcare in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas with limited access to modern medical facilities. This study investigates the treatment methods of TBS practitioners, the reasons for its continued patronage, and the socio-economic factors influencing patients' choices.
Methods: A survey design was employed, collecting data through interviews and questionnaires administered to 30 patients at various TBS centres. Information on injury types, treatment methods, and factors influencing the choice of TBS over conventional medical care was gathered and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The study revealed a diverse demographic of TBS patrons, with 50% of injuries resulting from road traffic accidents and fractures being the most common condition (60%). Treatments primarily involved herbs, splints, bamboo sticks, and herbal creams. Reasons for choosing TBS included recommendations from friends and family (53.3%), lower cost (23.3%), and perceived quicker response (10%).
Conclusion: TBS is highly patronised and has come to stay despite significant risks recorded from various studies all over the world. It is believed that the risk could be reduced if the practice of TBS is given the needed attention by the government. The study underscores the need for formal training, regulation of TBS practitioners, and public awareness to ensure safer healthcare outcomes.
Elevated glucose increases methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus antibiotic tolerance in a cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cell infection model
Authors: Hughes Emily M. , Hirsch Meghan J. , Huffines Joshua T. , Krick Stefanie , Kiedrowski Megan R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
In a healthy lung, the airway epithelium regulates glucose transport to maintain low glucose concentrations in the airway surface liquid (ASL). However, hyperglycemia and chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF), can result in increased glucose in bronchial aspirates. People with CF are also at increased risk of lung infections caused by bacterial pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Yet, it is not known how increased airway glucose availability affects bacteria in chronic CF lung infections or impacts treatment outcomes.
Methods:
To model the CF airways, we cultured immortalized CF (CFBE41o-) and non-CF (16HBE) human bronchial epithelial cells at air liquid interface (ALI). Glucose concentrations in the basolateral media were maintained at 5.5 mM or 12.5 mM, to mimic a normal and hyperglycemic milieu respectively. 2-deoxyglucose was added to high glucose culture media to restrict glucose availability. We collected ASL, basolateral media, and RNA from ALI cultures to assess the effects of elevated glucose. We also inoculated S. aureus onto the apical surface of normal or high glucose ALI cultures and observed the results of antibiotic treatment post-inoculation. S. aureus growth was measured by enumerating viable colony forming units (CFU) and with fluorescence microscopy. The effects of elevated glucose on in vitro growth and antibiotic treatment were also evaluated in standard bacterial culture medium and synthetic CF medium (SCFM).
Results:
We found that glucose concentrations in the ASL of ALI cultures maintained in normal or high glucose mimicked levels measured in breath condensate assays from people with CF and hyperglycemia. Additionally, we found hyperglycemia increased S. aureus aggregation and antibiotic resistance during infection of cells maintained in high glucose compared to normal glucose conditions. Heightened antibiotic tolerance or resistance as not observed during in vitro growth with elevated glucose. Limiting glucose with 2-deoxyglucose both decreased aggregation and reduced antibiotic resistance back to levels comparable to non-hyperglycemic conditions.
Conclusions:
These data indicate hyperglycemia alters S. aureus growth during infection and may reduce efficacy of antibiotic treatment. Glucose restriction is a potential option that could be explored to limit bacterial growth and improve treatment outcomes in chronic airway infections.
Mechanical Numerical Simulation of Microcapsule Self-healing Cement Rock Based on Lattice Model
Authors: Liu Yaxuan , Bian Chong , Huo Manlin , Cao Yuxin , Nie Hua , Kou Shuai , Ren Shaowei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Concrete is the most widely used material globally, but it is prone to micro-cracks, which negatively affect the strength and durability of concrete structures. Therefore, there is significant interest in developing materials that can spontaneously repair these micro-cracks. Drawing inspiration from the self-healing properties found in organisms, researchers have proposed a microcapsule-based self-healing system capable of improving material strength. This study examines the impact of microcapsule parameters on the mechanical and repair properties of cement rock by establishing a fracture model that incorporates self-healing microcapsules, based on lattice model theory. The effects of microcapsule content and particle size on the strength, elastic modulus, stress-strain curve, crack development, and repair properties of cement rock were analyzed through simulations of its mechanical response and fracture process under uniaxial tensile and compression conditions. The results indicate that as microcapsule content increases, both the compressive and tensile strength of cement rock decrease, although the microcapsules provide a measurable repair effect.
PM 2.5 Concentration 7-days Prediction in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region Using a Novel Stacking Framework
Authors: Gao Xintong , Wang Xiaohong , Li Fuping , Jiang Wenhao , Zhe Meng , Sun Jiaxing , Zhang Ao , Jiao Linlin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

High-precision prediction of near-surface PM2.5 concentration is an significant theoretical prerequisite for effective monitoring and prevention of air pollution, and also provides guiding suggestions for PM2.5 health risk prevention and control. In view of the fact that the control variables of existing PM2.5 prediction models are mostly dependent on the influencing factors at the near-surface, and it is often difficult to fully explore the continuous spatio-temporal characteristics in PM2.5. In this study, MODIS remote sensing-derived Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) daily data, atmospheric environment ground monitoring station data and meteorological factors are introduced to identify strong correlation factors. A highly robust seven-day prediction model for PM2.5 concentration is constructed based on the Stacking algorithm combined with various machine learning methods to improve the generalisation ability of the model; the estimation ability of the integrated model is compared and analyzed with LSTM, RF and KNN models. The results demonstrated that the PM2.5 prediction results on the basis of this integrated RF-LSTM-Stacking model exhibited a better fit, with R², RMSE, and MAE values of 0.95, 7.74 µg/m³, and 6.08 µg/m³, respectively. This approach improved the prediction accuracy by approximately 17% compared to a single machine learning model. Based on this study, it was evident that the LSTM-RF model, integrated with the fusion-based Stacking algorithm, significantly enhanced the PM2.5 prediction accuracy and provided an effective reference for PM2.5 predicting and early warning monitoring.
Does an Audio Wearable Lead to Agitation Reduction in Dementia: The Memesto AWARD Proof-of-Principle Clinical Research Study
Authors: Shah Raj , Basapur Santosh , Hendrickson Kirsten , Anderson Julie , Plenge Jamie , Troutman Amelia , Ranjit Eukesh , Banker Jeff 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Agitation is a common behavioral symptom in persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (AD/ADRD), especially in the setting of residential care. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions are limited. Memesto is a wearable audio device designed to provide messages and music that can be scheduled or played on demand. The objective of this proof-of-principle study was to quantify whether Memesto can reduce agitation in persons with AD/ADRD.
Methods: Persons living with AD/ADRD with a Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) average score of 4 or greater, one informal caregiver, and one formal caregiver (triad) were recruited from residential care facilities in the Midwest region of the United States. After consent and a two-week training period, the triad was monitored every two weeks from Baseline to Week 10 with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) agitation domain subscale (primary endpoint) and the CGI-S scale (secondary endpoint) with the last observation carried forward. The average score on the NPI agitation domain subscale and the CGI-S scale at Baseline and Week 10 as rated by the two caregivers were compared. A 30% drop in the NPI agitation domain subscale in 50% of the persons living with AD/ADRD was considered a clinically meaningful finding.
Results: Over thirteen months of recruitment, 9 triads were identified in 6 residential care facilities in three Midwestern states. For the NPI agitation domain, 6 of 9 (67%) persons with AD/ADRD had a 30% reduction in the average caregiver ratings at Week 10. No adverse events were identified associated with the use of the device. Device usability was rated as positive based on a survey.
Discussion: This study provided quantitative data on psychometrically sound agitation scales regarding a 10-week treatment course with Memesto after a two-week training period. The results were limited by the inability to recruit the desired set of 20 triads due to disruptions in care and staff at residential care facilities. Further effectiveness testing in a larger cohort with a sham control device is necessary.
Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov. NCT05153161. First posted December 10, 2021.
Studies on Effective Operating Temperature Shifting in Push- Pull Azobenzene-Doped Liquid Crystal Light-Driven Devices
Authors: Ma Jun-Seok , Pradeep Adithya , Oh Seung-Won , Lee Jae-Whan , Choi Jin-Young , Oh Hyun-Woo , Kim Wook-Sung 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Reconfigurable smart devices such as smart windows and light-shutters that use liquid crystals (LCs) mixed with photoresponsive mesogen can be controlled remotely by using light irradiation to exploit the response; in this architecture, complex driving networks are not required. Incorporating azobenzene (azo) into LCs has emerged as a widely adopted strategy for controlling smart windows due to its photoisomerization. However, the nematic-to-isotropic phase-transition temperature TNI of LC/azobenzene composites is generally far above room temperature (RT, ~ 25 °C); this limitation hinders device functionality and feasibility at ≤ RT. To overcome this challenge, we investigated the influence of UV absorbers and push-pull azobenzene on the range of effective operating temperature. This study exploits the ability of 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid (HABA) to reduce the nematic-to-isotropic phase-transition temperature TNI of 5CB LC, and of HABA and Tinuvin 477 ® to convert UV radiation to heat; exploiting these responses yielded smart light-shutters that function at RT. Also, doping of Blue-Phase BL006 LCs with 2-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)benzoic acid (HABA) reduced the nematic-to-isotropic phase-transition temperature TNI by ~ 5 °C in while preserving a temperature range ~ 6 °C in which the BP-phase was maintained. This advance increases their potential for applications that require functionality at temperatures lower than their original TNI.
Single and Multi-Objective Optimal Power Flow Based on JAYA Algorithm with Teaching-Learning Based Optimization
Authors: TAŞDEMİR Oğuz , ERMİŞ Salih 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This paper deals with the Optimal Power Flow (OPF) in an IEEE standard bus (30-bus) power system and presents a multi-objective optimization approach to minimize generation costs, active power losses and voltage deviations. The OPF problem is of critical importance for the reliable, efficient and economical operation of power systems. However, the solution to this problem is complex due to its nonlinear nature and large number of constraints. Conventional methods are often insufficient to overcome the nonlinear challenges inherent in OPF. In addressing these challenges, this study employs metaheuristic algorithms, namely Teaching-Learning Based Optimisation (TLBO), JAYA and hybrid TLBO-JAYA, to enhance the efficiency and convergence speed of the solution process. To manage the multi-objective nature of the problem, Pareto optimisation is utilised to identify a solution set that balances conflicting objectives. The outcomes demonstrate that the hybrid TLBO-JAYA algorithm offers a balanced enhancement in terms of generation cost, active power loss and voltage stability, thereby providing a versatile and efficient solution framework for contemporary power systems. These findings underscore the potential of hybrid metaheuristic algorithms in addressing complex multi-objective optimisation problems in power systems.
Genome-wide identification and evolutionary analysis of m6A-related gene family in poplar Nanlin895
Authors: Li Zeyu , Liu Rongxia , Zhu Mingqiang , Zhang Jinye , Li Zhoujin , Huang Kaixin , Ren Zehua , Zhao Yan , Luo Keming 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent chemical modification of eukaryotic RNA, playing a crucial role in regulating plant growth and development, stress responses, and other essential biological processes. The enzymes involved in m6A modification—methyltransferases (writers), demethylases (erasers), and recognition proteins (readers)—have been identified in various plant species; however, their roles in the economically significant tree species Populus deltoides × P. euramericana (NL895) remain underexplored.
Results
In this study, we identified 39 m6A-related genes in the NL895 genome, comprising 8 writers, 13 erasers, and 18 readers. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the expansion of writers and readers primarily resulted from whole-genome duplication events. Purifying selection pressures were observed on all duplicated gene pairs, suggesting their essential roles in functional differentiation. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that writers, erasers, and readers are categorized into 6, 4, and 2 groups, respectively, with these genes being more conserved among dicotyledonous plants. Gene structure, protein domains, and motifs exhibited greater conservation within the same group. Promoter analysis of m6A-related genes showed enrichment of cis-acting elements associated with responses to light, phytohormones, and stress, indicating their potential involvement in gene expression regulation. Under cadmium treatment, the expression of all writers was significantly upregulated in both the aboveground and root tissues of NL895.
Conclusions
This study systematically identifies m6A-related gene families in Populus deltoides × P. euramericana (NL895), elucidating their evolutionary patterns and expression regulation characteristics. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for analyzing the molecular mechanisms of m6A modification in poplar growth, development, and stress adaptation, and offer candidate genes for molecular breeding in forest trees.
Renewable Energy and Financial Performance: A Panel Data Analysis of Indian Maharatna Firms
Authors: KULKA G SRINIVAS 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The shift of renewable energy has become a top priority for utility companies around the globe. Renewable electricity generation represents one of the factors of BRSR reporting in India to assess the Firms. It strengthens policy and is listed as one of the qualifying activities under the Taxonomy Regulation. The scarce literature on the impact of renewable energy investments on corporate financial performance is divided into two main perspectives: one emphasizes stock returns, while the other explores the factors influencing financial performance, measured either by risk indicators or accounting metrics. A small number of studies have evaluated the impact of investments in renewable energy generation on the performance of utility companies. This article presents three linear regression analyses based on panel data consisting of firm-year observations for Indian Maharatna firms from 2020 to 2024. The analysis focuses on (i) profitability metrics such as return on assets ROA ,return on equity ROE ,return on capital employed ROCE & Market value . The findings to reveal whether the share of renewable generation is significantly and is positively associated with profitability indicators. This could pose a limitation to investments in renewable generation capacity, potentially hindering the achievement of the targets set by the Firm.
The Role of Astrocytes in the Temporoammonic Pathway: Masticatory Behavior as a Neuroprotective Strategy Against Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Authors: Castro Micaele Maria Lopes , Amaral Fabio Leite , Mendes Fabíola de Carvalho Chaves Siqueira , Anthony Daniel Clive , Brites Dora Maria Tuna Oliveira , Wanderley Cristovam , Consentino Marcia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Astrocytes undergo phenotypic changes with aging, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive impairments in later life. The temporoammonic (TA) pathway terminates at the stratum lacunosum-moleculare (SLM) of the CA1 region, where astrocytic support is crucial for synaptic plasticity and information processing related to spatial learning and memory. This study tested the hypothesis that age-related morphological changes in astrocytes of the SLM affect cognitive performance and we explored whether masticatory activity modulates these changes. Young (6 months) and aged (18 months) female Swiss albino mice were subjected to three distinct masticatory regimens: a hard diet (HD), HD followed by a soft diet (HD/SD), or HD followed by SD and a return to HD (HD/SD/HD). Cognitive performance was assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM), with learning rates calculated from escape latencies throughout five days of trials. After behavioral testing, the mice were culled and immunohistochemical analysis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was performed. 3D reconstructions of astrocytes within the SLM were generated and analyzed. Hierarchical clustering identified distinct astrocyte morphotypes, revealing a significant age-related shift from high-complexity astrocytes (AST1) toward lower-complexity subtypes (AST2 and AST3. The results demonstrate that aging reduces astrocytic complexity, especially in the dorsal CA1 region, which correlated with impaired spatial learning and memory. Notably, mice on the HD/SD/HD regimen exhibited partial recovery of cognitive function and astrocytic morphology, suggesting a potential rehabilitation effect from masticatory activity. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in cognitive performance and astrocytic complexity across age groups and dietary regimens (p < 0.01). These findings highlight that the morphological changes in astrocytes within the SLM may contribute to age-related cognitive decline. Overall, maintaining proper mastication may be an effective approach to maintain astrocytic integrity during aging and preserve hippocampus-dependent cognitive function, particularly in older individuals.
Personality Transfer in Human Animation: Handcrafted versus Data-Driven Approaches
Authors: Ergüzen Arçin Ülkü , Demirci Serkan , Sonlu Sinan , Güdükbay Uğur 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Personality is the individual's interrelated behavioral and emotional patterns that form the unique self. Personality-enriched animations benefit digital characters, which helps improve realism and communication. Body movements, among other modalities, can include strong cues for personality expression. We focus on altering the body movements of human animation to express the desired personality traits following two approaches: (i) a traditional approach that utilizes handcrafted motion adjustments following heuristic rules and (ii) a data-driven approach that separates content and personality into different latent spaces to reconstruct the same motion with altered personality. While the sample size does not affect the traditional approach, the scarcity of personality-labeled animation datasets prevents using sophisticated data-driven models; to this end, we utilize Neural Motion Fields (NeMF) in our data-driven personality transfer architecture. We evaluate the performance of the two approaches through a three-part user study; different models stand out for altering specific personality factors.
Targeting KRASG13C: Exploring Warhead Orientation with Cyclic Linker-Based Inhibitors
Authors: Kirschner Tonia , Rodriguez João , Moreira Emerson Gonçalves , Niggenaber Janina , Verli Hugo , Müller Matthias Philipp , Rauh Daniel 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The small GTPase KRAS is a key driver of carcinogenesis when mutated, and significant progress has been made in targeting KRASG12C and other oncogenic variants. Building on our previous work demonstrating the potential of nucleotide-based inhibitors with an acrylamide warhead to target KRASG13C, we designed and synthesized a library of nucleotide-based compounds with cyclic linkers to explore the effect of warhead orientation on reactivity toward Cys13. Using mass spectrometry, kinetic studies, and protein X-ray crystallography, we validated the binding and reactivity of these modulators. In addition, computational predictions of the conformational space of the linkers and warheads provided insights into their reactivity, which agreed well with the experimental data. These findings advance our understanding of the structure-reactivity relationship in these nucleotide-based KRAS inhibitors and will be the basis for further optimization.