bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of an educational intervention on women's contraceptive preferences in the immediate postpartum period: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maia Elaine Meireles Castro , Peixoto Raquel Autran Coelho , Guazzelli Cristina Aparecida Falbo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess postpartum women's contraceptive preferences and the impact of an educational intervention on these preferences, identifying factors motivating method choices.MethodThis cross‐sectional quantitative study included women within 48 h after delivery in a public Brazilian hospital. Participants were asked about their contraceptive preferences before and after an educational intervention, which aimed to inform women about the importance of early postpartum contraception, available methods, mechanisms of action, effectiveness, proper use, and side effects. A nursing professional explained contraceptives to postpartum women in individual sessions, demonstrating their use on simulators interactively for about 15 min. Statistical analyses were performed using JAMOVI version 2.3.28 and Microsoft Excel 2016.ResultsA total of 402 women (226 adolescents and 176 adults) were included. After the intervention, preference for long‐acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) increased significantly from 157 (39.1%) to 279 (68.7%) (P < 0.001). At the initial assessment, contraceptive preferences were injectable hormonal contraceptives (159 [39.6%]), intrauterine devices (IUDs) (109 [27.1%]), and implants (48 [11.9%]). After the educational intervention, IUDs became the most popular method, at 143 (35.6%), followed by implants (133 [33.1%]) and injectables (81 [20.1%]). Among adolescents, there was a significant increase in implant choice (P < 0.001) and a decrease in injectables and pills (P < 0.001; P = 0.006). Adults showed increased preference for implants (P < 0.001) and IUDs (P < 0.001), with a reduction in injectable hormonal contraceptives (P = 0.005) and tubal ligation (P = 0.006).ConclusionAn educational intervention during postpartum period can influence women's contraceptive choices. Timely education was associated with a significant increase in LARC preference.
CATNet: A Cross Attention and Texture‐Aware Network for Polyp Segmentation
Authors: Deng Zhifang , Wu Yangdong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPolyp segmentation is a challenging task, as some polyps exhibit similar textures to surrounding tissues, making them difficult to distinguish. Therefore, we present a parallel cross‐attention and texture‐aware network to address this challenging task. CATNet incorporates the parallel cross‐attention mechanism, Residual Feature Fusion Module, and texture‐aware module. Initially, polyp images undergo processing in our backbone network to extract multi‐level polyp features. Subsequently, the parallel cross‐attention mechanism sequentially captures channel and spatial dependencies across multi‐scale polyp features, thereby yielding enhanced representations. These enhanced representations are then input into multiple texture‐aware modules, which facilitate polyp segmentation by accentuating subtle textural disparities between polyps and the background. Finally, the Residual Feature Fusion module integrates the segmentation results with the previous layer of enhanced representations. This process serves to eliminate background noise and enhance intricate details. We assess the efficacy of our proposed method across five distinct polyp datasets. On three unseen datasets, CVC‐300, CVC‐ColonDB, and ETIS. We achieve mDice scores of 0.916, 0.817, and 0.777, respectively. Experimental results unequivocally demonstrate the superior performance of our approach over current models. The proposed CATNet addresses the challenges posed by textural similarities, setting a benchmark for future advancements in automated polyp detection and segmentation.
PLLA Porous Scaffold as a 3D Breast Cancer Model to Investigate Drug Resistance
Authors: Carbone Camilla , Rigogliuso Salvatrice , Brucato Valerio Maria Bartolo , Cusimano Alessandra , Labbozzetta Manuela , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Poma Paola , Notarbartolo Monica , Carfì Pavia Francesco 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMultidrug resistance remains one of the major challenges in breast cancer research, often leading to treatment failure. To better understand this mechanism, sophisticated three‐dimensional (3D) tumor models are necessary, as they offer several advantages over traditional bidimensional (2D) cultures. In this study, poly‐l‐lactic‐acid porous scaffolds were produced using a thermally induced phase separation technique and employed as 3D models for breast cancer cell lines: MDA‐MB‐231, MCF‐7, and its multidrug‐resistant variant, MCF‐7R. The MTS assay was used to compare growth inhibition following doxorubicin treatment in 2D and 3D. Remarkably, the IC50 values increased in 3D cultures compared to 2D: MDA‐MB‐231 (445 vs. 54.5 ng/mL), MCF‐7 (7.45 vs. 0.75 μg/mL), and MCF‐7R (165 vs. 39 μg/mL). MCF‐7R, which usually shows greater resistance in 2D, demonstrated even higher resistance in 3D. In fact, IC50 was not reached within 3 days as with the other models, but only after 6 days. Cellular morphology also played a crucial role. When treated with concentrations higher than the IC50, MDA‐MB‐231 cells lost their physiological 3D clustered structure, while MCF‐7 and its resistant variant exhibited disrupted layers. All cell lines in 3D showed higher chemoresistance, suggesting a more biomimetic spatial architecture. Our work bridges the gap between monolayer and animal models, highlighting the potential of polymeric 3D scaffolds in breast cancer research.
Educational effectiveness of remote training with smart glasses for impression‐taking
Authors: Sekiguchi Ayako , Cao Ridan , Umemori Sachi , Noritake Kanako , Sunaga Masayo , Kinoshita Atsuhiro , Tonami Ken‐ichi , Nitta Hiroshi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo compare the educational outcomes of remote instruction (RI) in impression‐taking using smart glasses with those of face‐to‐face instruction (FI) and paper‐based self‐learning (SL) and analyze the educational effects, aiming to develop a remote clinical training strategy.MethodsParticipants were recruited from among the dental residents who were trained in the first‐year clinical program at the university hospital in 2023. The participants were divided into three groups as the original skill level was equal, and the groups were assigned RI, FI, printed guidance, and SL. All the participants took impressions of the jaw models attached to the mannequin using alginate impression material. Next, assigned instructions were provided. Then again, the trainees took impressions of the jaw models. The pre‐ and postinstruction impressions of each participant were evaluated, and the change in the impression score was statistically analyzed.ResultsThe pre‐ and postinstruction scores of the trainees in the RI and FI groups showed a significant increase (p < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in the score changes in the SL group. In the intergroup comparisons, the score changes of the RI and FI groups were greater than those of the SL group, although no significant difference was found between the score changes of the RI and FI groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionRI in impression‐taking using smart glasses has a greater educational effectiveness than paper‐based SL. It has also been suggested that RI can have educational efficacy similar to FI.
Deficits in or Preservation of Basic Number Processing in Parkinson's Disease? A Registered Report
Authors: Loenneker Hannah D. , Artemenko Christina , Willmes Klaus , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTNeurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) have a huge impact on patients, caregivers, and the health care system. Until now, diagnosis of mild cognitive impairments in PD has been established based on domain‐general functions such as executive functions, attention, or working memory. However, specific numerical deficits observed in clinical practice have not yet been systematically investigated. PD‐immanent deterioration of domain‐general functions and domain‐specific numerical areas suggests mechanisms of both primary and secondary dyscalculia. The current study systematically investigated basic number processing performance in PD patients for the first time, targeting domain‐specific cognitive representations of numerosity and the influence of domain‐general factors. The overall sample consisted of patients with a diagnosis of PD, according to consensus guidelines, and healthy controls. PD patients were stratified into patients with normal cognition (PD‐NC) or mild cognitive impairment (level I‐PD‐MCI based on cognitive screening). Basic number processing was assessed using transcoding, number line estimation, and (non‐) symbolic number magnitude comparison tasks. Discriminant analysis was employed to assess whether basic number processing tasks can differentiate between a healthy control group and both PD groups. All participants were subjected to a comprehensive numerical and a neuropsychological test battery, as well as sociodemographic and clinical measures. Results indicate a profile of preserved (verbal representation) and impaired (magnitude representation, place × value activation) function in PD‐MCI, hinting at basal ganglia dysfunction affecting numerical cognition in PD. Numerical deficits could not be explained by domain‐general cognitive impairments, so that future research needs to incorporate domain‐specific tasks of sufficient difficulty.
Double‐crosslinked hydrogels and hydrogel beads formed by garlic protein hydrolysates for bioactive encapsulation and gastrointestinal delivery
Authors: Li Shuqin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Jia , Lu Jingyang , Li Mingyue , Zhang Min , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Chen Haixia 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDGarlic protein is one of the main components of garlic. It has several beneficial characteristics. This study aimed to characterize a double crosslinked hydrogel formed with alginate, calcium ions (Ca2+), and garlic protein hydrolysates (GPH), and to develop hydrogel beads for targeted delivery of bioactive constituents to the gastrointestinal tract.RESULTSThe results indicated that the degree of GPH hydrolysis was approximately 3% following trypsin treatment. The inner structure of the double crosslinked hydrogel showed a honeycomb pattern, with solid‐like gel rheology and improved texture properties at a 4% (w/v) GPH concentration. The GPH‐based hydrogel beads demonstrated pH sensitivity, swelling in near‐neutral and alkaline environments, and the encapsulated paclitaxel (PTX) exhibited an amorphous phase with preferential release in intestinal conditions. The GPH group also achieved greater drug encapsulation efficiency than a soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) group, and proteomic analysis suggested that lower molecular weight and peptide charge favored the formation of peptide‐integrated double crosslinking hydrogels.CONCLUSIONThis work indicated that GPH was helpful and could inspire the development of drug delivery systems involving GPH with the required mechanical strength and target‐release properties. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
An OLED display fabricated through side‐by‐side pixel patterning via photolithography
Authors: Eguchi Shingo , Kato Sho , Oide Takayuki , Chida Akihiro , Kusunoki Koji , Yamane Yasumasa , Idojiri Satoru , Nakazawa Yasutaka , Okazaki Kenichi , Yamazaki Shunpei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe developed a patterning technology using photolithography that eliminates the need for a fine metal mask, thereby achieving high resolution across all red‐blue‐green pixels of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) display. Traditional methods using fine metal masks typically restrict the resolution and size of a display. However, the proposed technology largely bypasses these constraints. Suitable for OLED applications ranging from microdisplays in augmented reality and virtual reality to large TVs exceeding 80 in., our technology overcomes limitations on alignment accuracy, fine metal mask washing, and running costs and paves the way for mass production in OLED manufacturing.
Mixed Grass Species Enhances Root Production and Plant–Soil Reinforcement
Authors: Wang Yuan , Gu Hao , Liu Sheng 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTVegetation is a widely used eco‐friendly approach for slope reinforcement and ecological restoration. As a potential planting strategy, mixed planting of plants is often recommended to improve biodiversity, but the effects of mixed planting on soil reinforcement and slope stability are not yet clear. To address this issue, a study on two typical herbaceous slope protection plants,
Chrysopogon zizanioides
and
Cynodon dactylon
, were conducted. The biomechanical characteristics of different herbaceous plants were analyzed, and their root distribution and soil reinforcement performance under single and mixed planting were explored. Results show that mixed planting could significantly increase the number and root area ratio of root systems. At 0.1 cm depth after 42 days, the root number under mixed planting increased by 111.42% compared to vetiver grass monoculture and by 19.57% compared to bermuda grass monoculture. Mixed planting can provide stronger soil reinforcement by increasing apparent cohesion, with a maximum increase in apparent cohesion of 47.9%. The results of slope stability analysis showed that vegetation mainly relied on mechanical reinforcement in the root zone and hydrological reinforcement outside the root zone. After 42 days of growth, mixed planting at 0.1 m depth increased slope stability by 11.94% compared to vetiver grass monoculture and by 27.12% compared to bermuda grass monoculture, with both mechanical and hydrological effects of vegetation significantly enhanced. These findings suggest that mixed planting can promote plant development and growth, improve root production, and enhance plant–soil reinforcement and slope stability during the early establishment of vegetation. Therefore, in formulating slope reinforcement and ecological restoration strategies, more consideration can be given to mixed planting of plants, maximizing the utilization of competition characteristics between plants, and reducing the risk of shallow landslides while improving biodiversity.
Overweight Leads to an Increase in Vitamin E Absorption and Status in Mice
Authors: Alvarado‐Ramos Katherine , Bravo‐Núñez Ángela , Vairo Donato , Sabran Charlotte , Landrier Jean‐François , Reboul Emmanuelle 
Published: November 2024

ScopeThis study investigates whether vitamin E (VE) deficiency in subjects with obesity could, at least partly, be due to a defect in VE intestinal absorption.Methods and resultsMice follow either a high‐fat (HF) or a control (CTL) diet for 12 weeks. The study evaluates their VE status, the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in lipid and fat‐soluble vitamin intestinal absorption, and VE absorption using a γ‐tocopherol‐rich emulsion. HF mice have a weight (+23.0%) and an adiposity index (AI, +157.0) superior to CTL mice (p < 0.05). α‐Tocopherol concentrations are higher in both plasma (+45.0%) and liver (+116.9%) of HF mice compared to CTL mice (p < 0.05). α‐Tocopherol concentration in the adipose tissue of HF mice is higher than that of CTL mice after correction by the AI (+72.4%, p < 0.05). No difference is found in the expression of genes coding for proteins involved in intestinal lipid metabolism in fasting mice. After force‐feeding, γ‐tocopherol plasma concentration is higher in HF mice compared to CTL mice (+181.5% at 1.5 h after force‐feeding, p < 0.05).ConclusionHF mice display higher status and more efficient absorption of VE than CTL mice. VE absorption is thus likely not impaired in the early stages of obesity.
Liquid‐Phase NMR of Humic and Fulvic Acids
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTPresent review focuses on the most recent advances in the NMR of the coal‐derived humic and fulvic acids, covering exclusively the results of the liquid‐phase NMR and leaving apart an overwhelming amount of publications dealing with the solid‐state NMR investigations in this field (the latter are comprehensively reviewed elsewhere). Owing to the complexity of humic and fulvic acids together with other coal‐derived products, their 1H and 13C NMR spectra consist of a number of overlapping signals belonging to different hydrocarbon types. Comprehensive studies of humic and fulvic acids by means of NMR revealed characteristic functional groups of their composition together with spectral regions in which they resonate. Quantitative 1H and 13C NMR spectra characterize aromatic and saturated carbons spread over many structural moieties, which provides a solid guideline into molecular structure of humic and fulvic acids together with parent coal‐derived products. Nowadays, quantitative 13C NMR measurements yield information about a variety of structural parameters such as functional group distribution, aromaticity, degree of condensation of aromatic rings, and medium chain lengths together with many other more specific parameters. The structural NMR studies of the coal‐derived products are developing on a background of a marked progress in experimental and computational NMR. Discussed in the present review are the most recent advances in the liquid‐state NMR studies of the coal‐derived humic and fulvic acids together with their processing products.
Analysis of Fracturing Above Block Caving Back: A Spherical Shell Theory Approach and BEM Numerical Simulation
Authors: Shi Jingyu , Shen Baotang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTExperiments and field monitoring have revealed that in block caving, fractures over the cave crown tend to form in narrow curved bands that are parallel or subparallel to the cave back surface. These fractures delineate curved shells of orebody between the bands and the cave back. The effectiveness of block caving hinges on the subsequent fracturing and fragmentation of these orebody shells. This study adopts a dual approach, combining thin spherical shell theory and full 3D numerical simulations along with principles of linear elastic fracture mechanics, to investigate the fracturing behaviour of these shells. Analytical analysis indicates that under axisymmetric loading, latitudinal tensile fractures predominantly initiate across the most part of the shell, occurring on both the upper and lower surfaces, except at a localised area. Additionally, longitudinal tensile fractures may initiate at the central area of the upper surface, while shear fractures tend to occur around the edge of the shell. Consequently, the shells become susceptible to fracturing, leading to the collapse or cave‐in of the orebody. Numerical simulations agree with these findings, illustrating that fracturing points within the shell region are longitudinally dispersed throughout the entire shell. Most of these fracturing points satisfy the criteria for tensile fracturing, particularly within the middle portion of the shell, aligning with the analytical results. Furthermore, simulations considering nonaxisymmetric loading patterns demonstrate that regions surrounding the caving cavity, aligned with the minimum principal in situ stress, exhibit heightened susceptibility to fracture initiation. This insight holds potential significance for optimising the design of the caving process.
Faunal Exploitation Strategies, Dietary Habits, and Social Status in Tang Dynasty Chang'an: Zooarchaeological Insights From Xiajiazhuang
Authors: Festa Marcella , Guo Yanli , Wu Miao , Zhang Quanmin , Li Suyuan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTZooarchaeology in China has consistently enhanced our understanding of past environments and human–animal interactions. However, this research has predominantly focused on prehistoric contexts. Our knowledge of animal exploitation strategies in historical periods remains largely reliant on written and iconographic sources, lacking direct and quantifiable faunal evidence. This paper examines the animal remains found in the residential district of Xiajiazhuang to better understand faunal exploitation strategies, dietary habits, and meat procurement patterns in Chang'an (Xi'an, China) during the Tang dynasty period (618–907 ce). Zooarchaeological evidence identifies caprines as the primary meat source, supplemented by cattle, dogs, pigs, and poultry. Our findings indicate a targeted meat procurement strategy, with animals selected based on their age to secure high‐quality meat, thereby hinting at the potential high status of Xiajiazhuang's residents. Along with other lines of evidence, our results suggest that interactions within the city and between the capital and its surrounding areas could have played a significant role in shaping faunal resource management strategies in Xiajiazhuang during the Tang dynasty.
Exploring the Impact of Environmental Degradation, Income Inequality, Technological Development and Food Availability on Quality of Life: Recent Evidence From South Asia
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Amin Asad , Sethi Narayan , Haouas Ilham , Ahmad Fayyaz 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the determinants of quality of life in South Asian countries, focusing on Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan from 2000 to 2018. Life expectancy is used as the dependent variable, representing life quality. The independent variables include carbon emissions, remittances, information and communication technology, income inequality, government health expenditure, economic development, and food security. Cross‐sectional time series FGLS is the main analytical method, supplemented by Pedroni and Kao cointegration tests and the Drisc/Kraay method. The findings indicate that information and communication technology, remittances, economic progress, and food security positively impact life expectancy, while CO2 emissions, income inequality, and government health expenditures negatively affect it. The study proposes several policy recommendations to improve the quality of life in the South Asian region.
Effects of structural parameters on the load distribution unevenness in CFRP hybrid bonded‐bolted joint
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Yang Xiaodong , Du Kou , Guo Qiming , Bai Zhaohui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCarbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Hybrid Bonded/Bolted (HBB) joint structures are distinguished for their superior jointing performance among current mechanical joint systems, making them a favored option for mechanical joints. These structures are characterized by many structural parameters, with the relationship between these parameters and jointing performance being notably complex. Additionally, the laminate's brittleness and the uneven distribution of bolt loads in multi‐bolt joint structures impair the overall jointing performance. To investigate the impact of structural parameters on the uneven load distribution within CFRP HBB joint structures and improve their jointing performance, a finite element analysis (FEA) model grounded in 3D Hashin failure criterion is developed. Validation of the model with experimental data confirmed the uneven load distribution among bolts in multi‐bolt joints. The study elucidated the influence of changes in structural parameters (overlap length, bolt‐hole spacing, and clearance fit) on the uneven load distribution and the connection strength of CFRP HBB joint structures. A negative correlation is found between the unevenness of load distribution and connection strength, offering insights for enhancing and researching connection strength in CFRP HBB joint structures.Highlights
Developed a FEA model based on the 3D Hashin failure criterion for CFRP Bonded‐Bolted joints.
Identified key factors affecting HBB joint load distribution and jointing performance.
Evaluated the impact of overlap length, bolt‐hole spacing, and clearance fit on CFRP joints.
Suggested design optimizations for enhancing the performance of HBB joints.