bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of recombinant Echinococcus granulosus antigen B subunit 2 protein on sepsis in a mouse model
Authors: Qian Ya-Yun , Huang Fei-Fei , Chen Si-Yu , Zhang Wei-Xiao , Wang Yin , Du Peng-Fei , Li Gen , Ding Wen-Bo , Qian Lei , Zhan Bin , Chu Liang , Jiang Dong-Hui , Yang Xiao-Di , Zhou Rui 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Sepsis is a potentially fatal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) that threatens millions of lives worldwide. Echinococcus granulosus antigen B (EgAgB) is a protein released by the larvae of the tapeworm. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune response. In this study we expressed EgAgB as soluble recombinant protein in E. coli (rEgAgB) and explored its protective effect on sepsis.

Methods
The sepsis model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure in BALB/c mice. The therapeutic effect of rEgAgB on sepsis was performed by interperitoneally injecting 5 µg rEgAgB in mice with CLP-induced sepsis and observing the 72 h survival rate after onset of sepsis. The proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6] and regulatory cytokines [IL-10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)] were measured in sera, and the histopathological change was observed in livers, kidneys, and lungs of septic mice treated with rEgAgB compared with untreated mice. The effect of rEgAgB on the macrophage polarization was performed in vitro by incubating rEgAgB with peritoneal macrophages. The levels of TLR2 and MyD88 were measured in these tissues to determine the involvement of TLR-2/MyD88 in the sepsis-induced inflammatory signaling pathway.

Results
In vivo, we observed that treatment with rEgAgB significantly increased the survival rate of mice with CLP-induced sepsis up to 72 h while all mice without treatment died within the same period. The increased survival was associated with reduced pathological damage in key organs such as liver, lung, and kidneys. It was supported by the reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels and increased regulatory cytokine expression in peripheral blood and key organ tissues. Further study identified that treatment with rEgAgB promoted macrophage polarization from classically activated macrophage (M1) to regulatory M2-like macrophage via inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 signal pathway.

Conclusions
The therapeutic effects of rEgAgB on mice with sepsis was observed in a mice model that was associated with reduced inflammatory responses and increased regulatory responses, possibly through inducing polarization of macrophages from proinflammatory M1 to regulatory M2 phenotype through inhibiting TLR2/MyD88 inflammatory pathway.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of oral hyaluronic acid on monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rats: mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications
Authors: Shin Mi-Rae , Kim Minju , An Hui Yeon , Choi Hwang-Yong , Ham Youngseok , Choi Hakjoo , Roh Seong-Soo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to meticulously assess the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid (HA) in mitigating symptoms associated with monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in rodent models and to investigate the underlying mechanistic pathways. Eight-week-old rats were randomly allocated to a normal control group and three experimental groups (n = 10 per group). The normal group did not undergo any treatment. The experimental groups were administered MIA for 1 week to induce osteoarthritis, and orally administered distilled water (control group), 2 mg/kg indomethacin (INDO group), or 20 mg/kg HA (HA20 group) daily for 4 weeks. The HA20 group showed a significant improvement in hind-paw weight-bearing distribution after 4 weeks compared to the control group. HA suppressed inflammatory responses by reducing the overproduction of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 and protected the vital components of the articular ECM, including glycosaminoglycans and aggrecan. HA treatment effectively reduced inflammation, protected cartilage by inhibiting MMP expression, and suppressed inflammatory mediator production. This study demonstrates that HA has potential to alleviate OA symptoms in a rodent model stimulated with MIA, rendering it a promising therapeutic agent for OA.
How do Confucian schools and Anglo schools differ? A latent profile analysis based on PISA 2015
Authors: Hu Yu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractStudents in Confucian culture are typically high-achieving on international assessments such as PISA and TIMSS. To explore factors that may explain the high performance of Confucian students, the present study compared the latent subpopulations of school resources and disciplinary climate in two Confucian countries and two Anglo countries. Using Latent Profile Analysis, the results identified the same number of school profiles in the two countries in the two cultures, and these profiles were similar in their levels of disciplinary climate and school resources. The percentage of high-discipline school profiles is about 11.72% higher in Confucian countries than in Anglo countries. In addition, in both cultures, students who attended high-discipline schools were from higher socioeconomic status (SES) families and performed better in science. These results revealed the importance of the disciplinary climate for a school to be effective and provided evidence indicating that Confucian culture has more schools with a positive disciplinary climate.
Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer as a potential biomarker of hepatocellular carcinoma in HCV-cured patients
Authors: Hanafy Amr Shaaban , Abdelaziz Khalid Ali Muftah , Mohammad Fedaa Nabil , Ibrahim Amr Samir 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objective
Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is produced in the extracellular matrix and serves as an indicator of hepatic stellate cell activation. Assessing M2BPGi levels could aid in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of M2BPGi as a biomarker for HCC in HCV patients and its association with disease severity and progression.

Methods
This study included patients who were cured of chronic hepatitis C virus. The patients were divided into three subgroups: HCV without cirrhosis, HCV with cirrhosis, and HCV with HCC. These subgroups were then compared to a subgroup of healthy volunteers. In addition to routine laboratory investigations, M2BPGi levels were measured in all the enrolled subjects.

Results
The level of serum M2BPGi was significantly greater in the HCV with cirrhosis and HCC groups than in the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, it was significantly greater in multifocal HCC than in those with unifocal HCC (P < 0.001), and it was directly proportional to the size of the focal lesion of HCC (P = 0.001). The cutoff for serum M2BPGi in diagnosing HCC was ≥ 0.869 (C.O.I), with an AUC of 0.762, a sensitivity of 78.6%, and a specificity of 61.9% (P = 0.004). Furthermore, the cutoff for predicting multifocality was > 0.93 (C.O.I), with an AUC of 0.73, sensitivity of 66.7%, and specificity of 63.8% (P = 0.03). Although the AFP level was still superior in predicting cirrhosis and HCC, the M2BPGi level was better at predicting the size and diagnostic value of HCC when the AFP level was normal. The cutoff for M2BPGi in this case was 0.903(C.O.I), with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 75%, and an accuracy of 76.25%. M2BPGi was independently associated with the CRP level (β = 0.484, P = 0.001) and the size of the HCC focal lesion (β = 1.422, P = 0.001).

Conclusion
M2BPGi can be used as an effective marker to assess the biological behavior and aggressiveness of HCC. Further studies are warranted on a large scale of patients to confirm our findings.
Complete auricular avulsion and reconstruction techniques: a literature review
Authors: Awad Manar A. , Deshisha Mahmoud A. , Salam Yasmin Z. , Mostafa Hadir M. Abou , Ibrahim Mohamed G. , Nada Ihab M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Auricular avulsion can cause severe psychological effects. There are no established protocols for surgical treatment for such injuries. Acute care involves various procedures like graft reattachment, skin flap reconstruction, Baudet approach, and microvascular repair.

Objectives
Reviewing the literature regarding various reattachment techniques for managing complete auricular avulsion was the goal of this review. It also aimed to help the surgeon choose the best total reconstruction method considering the available materials and to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

Methods
We thoroughly reviewed relevant research on publications describing total auricular avulsion repaired with reattachment which were indexed in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus. The study accepted and reviewed English-language papers without determining their publication date, using a database search based on key words.

Conclusions
According to the literature, microvascular restoration is more successful for avulsed ears, although composite grafts are better aesthetically. Early hyperbaric oxygen and surgical treatment can improve patient outcomes. Recently, 3D printing is a big step forward in auricular reconstruction, providing a patient-specific, customizable, and efficient alternative for people with auricular loss.
Response analysis of a long-span cable-stayed bridge with ultra-high piles subjected to near-fault ground motions considering deep-water, sedimentation, local site, and wave-passage effect
Authors: Gao Libao , Liu Zhao , Dai Fu , Chen Jilai 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study is to examine the dynamic response behavior of a long-span cable-stayed bridge with ultra-high piles subjected to near-fault ground motions, comprehensively considering deep-water, sedimentation, local site, and wave-passage effects. Firstly, a 3D finite element (FE) model of the long-span cable-stayed bridge with ultra-high piles (Approximately 105 m) and a tower height of 216.4 m was established using Midas software. The deep-water, sedimentation, local site, and wave-passage effects were synthetically considered in this FE model. The FE model incorporates the sag effect of the stayed cable and the pile-soil interaction, enabling a detailed seismic analysis. Secondly, the examined near-fault ground motions with long-period velocity pulses were selected from the PEER database according to the design acceleration response spectrum with a fortification intensity of VIII degrees. Finally, nonlinear time history analyses of the selected long-span cable-stayed bridge, subjected to spatial near-fault ground motions including local site effect and wave-passage effect, were conducted, and the responses of critical design sections and points in structures were examined and evaluated. The results demonstrate that long-period velocity pulses can significantly affect the structural responses, while deep-water and sedimentation effects do not have a significant impact on the dynamic responses of long-span cable-stayed bridges. For the local site effect, the softer the soil at the support site and the greater the difference in soil conditions at the support, the larger the structural response. Regarding the wave effect, the structural response will increase or decrease depending on the magnitude of the wave speed and the span length between towers.
Medicaid Waivers to Address Homelessness: Political Development and Policy Trajectories
Authors: Willison Charley E. , Dewald Alisa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article reviews the role of Medicaid Waivers in homeless policy, and their emerging role as a mechanism to address homelessness. We evaluate the political development of Waivers in housing and homeless policy over the past thirty years, and investigate the status of current and approved Waivers targeting homelessness. We then consider how Waivers may shape homeless policy governance going forward, including the success of existing systems, and ethical questions related to the role of healthcare payers in solutions to homelessness. We find that the scope of Medicaid Waivers to address homelessness has always been present, but significantly expanded post Affordable Care Act (ACA) and more notably following the COVID-19 pandemic. These expansions brought new opportunities for states to fund responses to homelessness through Medicaid social determinants of health (SDoH) provisions providing wrap-around medical services for populations at-risk of or experiencing homelessness, and now through time-limited direct housing costs paired with essential medical services. Over one third of states have an 1115 Waiver specifically targeting homelessness, with nearly one in five states including provisions that cover direct housing costs (e.g., rent). Going forward, Medicaid's involvement in homeless policy has the potential to reshape state and local responses to homelessness.
Breakthrough in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Therapy: The Role of Monoclonal Antibodies as a New Hope for Targeted Treatment in Children
Authors: Sosin Julia , Pilarz Anna , Stachowiak Julia , Zwierzchowska Maria , Sojka Aleksandra , Salamon Dariusz , Domagała Wojciech 
Published: November 2024

Aims:
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent skin condition affecting children of all ages and ethnicities. The aim of this review paper is to explore emerging treatments for atopic dermatitis, with a focus on the latest advancements in monoclonal antibody therapy. By evaluating their benefits and potential risks, the review seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their efficacy and safety in managing moderate to severe AD. Highlighting recent progress in targeted therapies, this paper aims to encourage continued research into innovative, effective, and safer options that can significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

Methods:
A systematic review of scientific and medical literature was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Researchers included only studies that mentioned monoclonal antibodies approved by EMA (European Medicines Agency) or that are being currently researched for use in pediatric population with AD.

Results:
AD is a debilitating health issue both for children and their caregivers. Advances in understanding its pathophysiology have introduced new treatment approaches. Monoclonal antibody therapies provide notable benefits for moderate to severe AD, though more pediatric-specific studies are necessary.

Conclusions:
Monoclonal antibody therapy appears to be a promising treatment for pediatric patients with moderate to severe AD, effectively reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Despite the potential distress of injections for young children, their infrequency aids in management. Further research is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of these therapies in children. Ongoing development of new antibodies targeting various aspects of AD is crucial for improving management and outcomes.
Nonblocking conditions for Clos fabrics with non-uniform switch radixes
Authors: Inoue Takeru , Mano Toru , Anazawa Kazuya , Uno Takeaki 
Published: November 2024

Datacenter networks (DCNs) evolve over years and so comprise switches from different generations. Thus, each stage/layer of the Clos fabric may consist of switches with varying radixes (i.e., different port counts), leading to non-uniform stages. While optical circuit switches are increasingly deployed in DCNs to enhance transmission capacity and energy efficiency, the nonblocking condition, crucial for determining the performance of circuit-switched networks, has been established only for Clos fabrics with uniform stages. This study extends the nonblocking condition to Clos fabrics with non-uniform stages. To facilitate practicality, we formulate the condition using integer linear programming (ILP). Using our novel, to our knowledge, condition, we quantitatively demonstrate how much the nonblocking property is compromised under two practical scenarios, random link failures and network expansion, which would break network uniformity. In particular, we reveal that network expansion, common in DCN evolution, could significantly undermine the nonblocking property. Additionally, we assess the computational efficiency of our ILP formulation, which can successfully evaluate the nonblocking property of a large Clos fabric accommodating 32K terminals/uplinks in just 19 min.
Optimization and characterization of a PCF-based SPR sensor for enhanced sensitivity and reliability in diverse chemical and biological applications
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Abhijit Kumar , Sarkar Santu , Mukherjee Subhadeep , Das N. R. 
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the meticulous design and characterization of a photonic crystal fiber (PCF)-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor, analyzed using finite element method (FEM) simulations. The sensor’s superior performance is demonstrated by its exceptional sensitivity to minute changes in the refractive index (RI) of various analytes. The optimized structure reveals a peak resonance at 0.78898 µm with a maximum confinement loss of 546.34 dB/cm. Detailed investigations show resonance wavelength red shifts of up to 0.93% with a 5% increase in air hole diameter and blue shifts of up to 0.88% with a 5% decrease. Additionally, variations in the plasmonic gold layer thickness result in resonance shifts of up to 0.76% longer or 0.87% shorter wavelengths. The sensor achieves remarkable wavelength sensitivity (WS) of up to 13,000 nm/RIU and amplitude sensitivity (AS) of up to 1538.90RIU−1, underscoring its high precision in detecting analyte concentration changes. The design’s robustness against fabrication errors, evidenced by minimal variations in resonance characteristics, highlights its practical reliability. Furthermore, the use of a polynomial regression model with an R2 value near unity accurately approximates the relationship between resonance wavelength and analyte RI, ensuring precise sensing capabilities without overfitting. Comparative analysis with existing designs confirms the sensor’s superior performance, rendering it highly suitable for a wide range of applications, including biosensing of glucose, water contaminated by cholera germs, mucosa of the human intestine, important components of human blood, and detection of chemicals like acetone, ethanol, benzene, propanol, glycerol, and expired transformer oil.
Perceptions of distinctions between patient and healthcare zones among intensive care unit nurses at a Korean tertiary hospital: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chang Hayoung , Kang JaHyun 
Published: November 2024

Background
Intensive care unit (ICU) patients face higher infection risks from invasive procedures, highlighting the critical role of ICU nurses in infection prevention. Clear differentiation between the patient and healthcare zones is essential for effective hand hygiene and disinfection, yet research on this topic is limited.

Aim
To assess ICU nurses’ perception of the concept of patient and healthcare zones and evaluate their similarity and accuracy in identifying the zones.

Methods
A descriptive survey was conducted at a 2,732-bed tertiary hospital in Korea from 28 July to 27 August 2022. Participants were recruited from various ICUs through flyers. 225 questionnaires—with illustrations 27 item locations for three ICU scenarios—were made available at nursing stations for voluntary completion. Participants were asked to classify items into the patient zone or the healthcare zone. Similarity scores reflected participant agreement, while accuracy scores measured the proportion of correct answers. Participants’ free-text opinions regarding zone classification were analysed thematically.

Findings
104 nurses participated voluntarily. Average similarity and accuracy were 84.7% and 82.7%, respectively. The top 8 items, with over 97% similarity and accuracy, were all frequently in contact with ICU patients (e.g., pulse oximeter, Levin tube, central line, urine bag, and patient bed). The bottom 7 items, with less than 80%, included the glucometer, flashlight, trolley, and sink. Participants with higher education levels had significantly higher similarity (p = .044) and accuracy (p = .033), whereas those already familiar with the patient-zone concept had significantly higher accuracy (p = .009). From the free-text analysis, participants considered factors beyond proximity to the patient, such as patient contact, room type, and distance.

Conclusions
To address zone classification challenges, clear criteria for patient and healthcare zones, space redesign, and educational programs are recommended. Further research is necessary to improve greater clarity and consensus regarding patient and healthcare zones to enhance infection control practices.
Pityraisis Licheniodes after cOVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Singh Maneesh 
Published: November 2024

•The importance of this case lies in the possible link between the COVID-19 vaccine and Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA). Prior to his COVID-19 vaccine, the patient had never had an outbreak of PLEVA. Therefore, PLEVA could be considered as a possible reaction to the COVID-19 vaccination.
•PLEVA mimics many common diseases and can be misdiagnosed. This can lead to a great deal of emotional and psychological distress for the patient and his family members due to lack of symptom resolution.
•In this case, the patient was diagnosed with scabies. He had his apartment fumigated multiple times and was using permethrin cream with no relief of his symptoms. In addition to this the cost of fumigating the apartment as well as multiple visits to urgent care caused a great deal of financial stress. Therefore, it is important to correctly diagnosis the disease to avoid emotional and financial stress to the patient.
Formative assessment of group work skills: An analytics-enabled conceptual framework
Authors: Arthars Natasha , Thompson Kate , Huijser Henk , Kickbusch Steven , Cunningham Samuel , Winter Gavin , Cook Roger , Lockyer Lori 
Published: November 2024

Assessing group work formatively in higher education poses a significant challenge. The complexity of evaluating individual contributions is compounded by the lack of efficient and effective methods for tracking, analysing and assessing individual engagement and contributions, which can impede timely feedback and the development of group work skills. This paper contributes to the growing body of research on collaboration analytics, which focuses on learning analytics (LA) in collaborative settings, and formative assessment while providing practical guidance for educators seeking to enhance formative assessment practices. The potential enhancement lies at the intersection between analytics technology and assessment design. In this paper, we present a conceptual framework that can harness multimodal data collection as well as LA to formatively assess and provide feedback on individual engagement and contributions to group work across physical and digital spaces. Drawing on research that considers design for learning, conjecture mapping, assessment design, multimodal LA and feedback, we outline a structured approach to developing formative assessment of group work skills in collaborative projects and higher education contexts.

Implications for practice or policy:

Practical guidance is provided for educators to enhance formative assessment practices with LA.
The integrated framework and process offers a guide for formative assessment in group work scenarios, providing tools for monitoring student progress, informing pedagogical decision-making and enhancing learning experiences.
The integration of the activity-centred analysis and design framework and LA allows educators to harness the power of both data-driven decision-making and learner-centred pedagogical approaches to better support learner development in group work settings.