bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation and application of an automated rheoscope for measuring red blood cell deformability distributions in different species
Authors: Dobbe J.G.G. , Hardeman M.R. , Streekstra G.J. , Grimbergen C.A. 
Published: November 2024

Background. The deformability of red blood cells (RBCs) is of great importance for the conservation of oxygen delivery in the microcirculation. Even a small fraction of rigid cells is considered to harm the exchange of respiratory gases. Techniques that measure RBC deformability often provide an indication of the mean deformability. It may not be possible, however, to assess whether this mean value is reduced by the presence of a small rigid cell fraction or by a slight overall reduction in RBC deformability. A technique that provides a deformability distribution would be of great value to study diseases that are marked by subpopulations with a reduced deformability. Methods. This paper describes a rheoscope system that uses advanced image analysis techniques to quickly quantify the deformability of many individual cells in shear flow, in order to find the RBC‐deformability distribution. Since variations in the shear stress are responsible for variations in cell elongation, and hence introduce an additional spread in the cell deformability distribution, we first determined the spread caused by instrumental error. We then utilized the technique to investigate the relation between cell deformability and cell size of single blood samples of different species (human, pig, rat and rabbit). Results. The spread caused by instrumental error was small compared to the actual RBC‐deformability spread in blood samples. The deformability distribution of human and pig cells are alike although their cell sizes are different. Rat and rabbit cells show comparable deformability and size distributions. With this technique no correlation was found between cell deformability and cell size in animal RBCs. In the human sample a minor correlation was found between cell deformability and cell size. Conclusions. The automated rheoscope enables us to study the mechanical properties of RBCs more thoroughly by their deformability distribution. These deformability distributions are hardly influenced by the technique or by cell size.
Investigation of platelet margination phenomena at elevated shear stress
Authors: Zhao Rui , Kameneva Marina V. , Antaki James F. 
Published: November 2024

Thrombosis is a common complication following the surgical implantation of blood contacting artificial organs. Platelet transport, which is an important process of thrombosis and strongly modulated by flow dynamics, has not been investigated under the shear stress level associated with these devices, which may range from tens to several hundred Pascal. The current research investigated platelet transport within blood under supra-physiological shear stress conditions through a micro flow visualization approach. Images of platelet-sized fluorescent particles in the blood flow were recorded within microchannels (2 cm × 100 μm × 100 μm). The results successfully demonstrated the occurrence of platelet-sized particle margination under shear stresses up to 193 Pa, revealing a platelet near-wall excess up to 8.7 near the wall (within 15 μm) at the highest shear stress. The concentration of red blood cells was found to influence the stream-wise development of platelet margination which was clearly observed in the 20% Ht sample but not the 40% Ht sample. Shear stress had a less dramatic effect on the margination phenomenon than did hematocrit. The results imply that cell–cell collision is an important factor for platelet transport under supra-physiologic shear stress conditions. It is anticipated that these results will contribute to the future design and optimization of artificial organs.
The Tribe–Caste Continuum and Kinnaur: Aspects of Acculturation, Stratification and Factorial Heterogeneity
Authors: Negi Prashant 
Published: November 2024

This article discusses aspects of ‘hybridity’ in societal relations based on religion, caste, identity, power etc. in Kinnaur to underscore the negotiability of caste and tribe and argues that the presence of a localised two-fold system of caste stratification in a region designated as ‘tribal’ questions the universality of the varna model as a pan-Indian classificatory system. Discussing the concurrence of traditional and modern denominators of identity formation, the article problematises the basic premise of the tribe–caste continuum within which the larger theoretical framework of tribal integration is located and critiques the meta-narrative of unilinear cultural evolution by substantiating heterogeneity, internal differentiation, contact etc. among the Kinnauras to render the a priori reduction of tribal societies into a few identifiable stages or modes of production as historically and epistemologically erroneous. Characteristics of cultural assimilation alongside processes of modernisation and democratisation effectuating mobility and other associational aspects among the Kinnauras are also discussed.
Exploring physiotherapy staff’s perceptions of physiotherapy delivery in acute stroke rehabilitation
Authors: James Jimmy , Purcell Damian , McGlinchey Mark P. 
Published: November 2024

Objective To explore physiotherapists’ perspectives on current and alternative models of physiotherapy delivery in acute stroke rehabilitation. Design Qualitative service evaluation Setting An acute stroke rehabilitation unit within a London teaching hospital in the UK. Participants A purposive sample of 17 physiotherapy staff (qualified physiotherapists and physiotherapy support staff) working in the acute stroke rehabilitation unit at the time of, or in the previous 3 months of the study were recruited to participate. Results Three themes were identified: barriers to effective physiotherapy delivery, enablers of effective physiotherapy delivery, and alternative models of physiotherapy delivery. Themes were framed by the concept of providing effective and efficient physiotherapy guided by reflection. Main barriers included patients not being ready for and underutilisation of time within physiotherapy sessions. Use of timetabling and access to senior therapy support enabled more effective and efficient physiotherapy delivery. Alternative models to optimise physiotherapy delivery included different staff to patient ratios, group therapy, opportunistic physiotherapy delivery and self-management. Conclusions Several enablers of and barriers to providing effective and efficient physiotherapy post-stroke exist. Physiotherapists should consider implementing alternative models of physiotherapy delivery to increase the amount of physiotherapy provided to patients’ post-stroke, thereby facilitating post-stroke functional recovery.
Diffusion-weighted imaging based on intravoxel incoherent motion: correlation with molecular prognostic factors and subtypes in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Dan , Ren Yike , Wang Guanying , Wang Chunhong 
Published: November 2024

Background Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI), which indicates biological tissue attributes, may be applied to accurately assess breast tumors. Purpose To analyze the IVIM parameters of different molecular prognostic factors and subtypes to find out whether there are any connections. Material and Methods A total of 181 patients enrolled in this retrospective study had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, and pathologies were verified as breast cancers. Regions of interest were placed at all slices of the parameter maps (D, tissue diffusivity; ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; f, perfusion fraction; and D*, pseudo-diffusivity maps) of IVIM and generated parameter values to be used for comparative analysis among molecular prognostic factors and subtypes. Results D and ADC were greater in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, and Ki67-low expression groups (all P values < 0.05). The progesterone receptor (PR)-negative group had a higher D value ( P < 0.05). f was larger in the lymph node metastasis-negative group and the PR-positive group ( P = 0.012 and 0.046, respectively). Among breast cancer subtypes, D and ADC were different between the HER2-overexpression and the Luminal B (HER2-negative) subtypes ( P = 0.019 and 0.028, respectively). The difference in D between the luminal and non-luminal subtypes was statistically significant ( P = 0.008). The triple-negative subtype significantly differs from the other subtypes in D* and f ( P = 0.012 and 0.016, respectively). Conclusion IVIM-related metrics exhibited relationships with breast cancer molecular prognosis factors and subtypes.
The role of diet as adjuvant treatment in FAP patients
Authors: Pasanisi Patrizia , Sassi Giada , Oliverio Andreina , Bruno Eleonora , Lauricella Sara , Brignola Clorinda , Vitellaro Marco 
Published: November 2024

Background: The management of individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) includes invasive prophylactic surgery and intensive endoscopic surveillance to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer. FAP patients frequently ask for dietary recommendations to alleviate bowel disturbances after prophylactic colectomy, and to prevent the formation and growth of new adenomas. We have enriched the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for FAP with nutritional support. This paper presents the results of the first six months of this nutritional activity. Methods: Sixty-eight individuals with FAP, >18 years of age, who underwent a prophylactic total colectomy, entered in this observational study. At the baseline visit, participants underwent anthropometric measurements, answered the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire, and reported the number of their diarrhoeal discharges per day. They received dietary recommendations including specific information about the inflammatory food to reduce (red/processed meat, sugar, sweets), and the Mediterranean food to increase (vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereal in cream and legumes’ hummus). Results: After six months, participants repeated the same baseline measurements. Fifty-three individuals with FAP completed the six-month follow-up. The before-after analysis showed significant improvements in patients’ body composition measurements and MEDAS score. Participants significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal discharges per day. FIQL results showed improvements in lifestyle, behaviour, and depression scores. Conclusions: These results suggest that targeted low-inflammatory Mediterranean dietary recommendations are effective in improving anthropometric parameters, diet quality, and various aspects of quality of life related to bowel function in individuals with FAP.
Traditional and Online Health Information Seeking Among Individuals With Limited English Proficiency in the United States: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Swoboda Christine , Stamos Athena , Fareed Naleef 
Published: November 2024

Purpose We investigate how individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) seek, access, and evaluate traditional and online sources they rely on for health information. Design Retrospective cross-sectional survey analysis from the United States. Setting Pooled Health Information National Trends Survey surveys (2013-2019). Subjects The sample was comprised 15,316 respondents; 236/15,316 (1.54%) completed the survey in Spanish and 1727/14,734 (11.72%) had LEP (did not speak English “very well”). The sample was nationally representative across demographic categories. Measures Independent and dependent variables were self-reported using validated measures. Analysis Multivariable logistic regression models using jackknife replicate weights for population estimates. Results Adults with LEP were less confident in their capacity to access health information (aOR = 0.59, CI: 0.47-0.75) and had less trust in health information from medical professionals (aOR = 0.57,CI: 0.46-0.72) than English proficient (EP) adults. Although LEP and EP adults were both most likely to use the internet as their first source of information, LEP adults were more likely than EP adults to consult health professionals, print sources like books, news or brochures, family and friends, television and radio. Spanish language survey respondents were more likely to trust health information from government agencies (aOR = 1.99, CI: 1.09-3.62) and watch health-related videos on the internet than respondents who took the survey in English (aOR = 2.51, CI: 1.23-5.12). Conclusion Our results show how language barriers may contribute to health disparities experienced by linguistic minorities. Government agencies and health care organizations need to promote health information dissemination in underserved communities and may need to embrace the use of alternative information sources such as television, radio, and the internet to reach LEP populations.
Understanding Goal Setting and Behavior Change Mechanics in an Older Adult Sitting Reduction Intervention
Authors: Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Yarborough Laura , Shulman Lisa , Arterburn David E. , Cooper Julie , Delaney Kristin , Estrada Camilo , Green Beverly B. , Holden Erika , McClure Jennifer B. , Romero Diana , Rosenberg Dori E. 
Published: November 2024

Purpose We explored intervention fidelity, participant satisfaction, and the goals and reminder strategies participants chose to reduce sitting. Approach Mixed methods approach leveraging data collected during study coaching and fidelity monitoring. Setting A successful 6-month randomized controlled trial of a sedentary behavior (SB) intervention for adults ≥60 years in Washington, USA. Participants N = 283 (140 intervention, 143 attention control); mean age 69, 66% women, 69% Non-Hispanic White. Intervention Theory-based SB reduction intervention structured around phone-based health coaching and goal setting. Attention control received equal coaching on non-SB health topics. Method Coaches tracked all participant goals, and 8% of visits were randomly observed and fidelity coded using a structured template. Participants completed a satisfaction questionnaire at study end. Goals data were qualitatively grouped by reminder strategy and topic. Fidelity and satisfaction data were summarized and compared by study arm using two-sided paired t-tests. Results Both participants’ satisfaction (>90% satisfied, between-group P = .195) and coach fidelity to intervention content and techniques were high (96% sessions set SMART goals, P = .343) across both arms. Intervention participants primarily set goals leveraging outward (e.g., fitness band prompts) and habit (e.g., adding standing to a daily meal) reminder strategies highly tailored to individual preferences and lifestyle. Conclusion Participants’ SB-related goals varied widely, suggesting tailored intervention approaches are important to change sitting behavior, particularly for older adults with chronic conditions.
Pulsed peritoneal dialysis in an experimental rat model: A first experience
Authors: Öberg Carl M , Wagner Steffen , Hobro Sture , Agar Baris U 
Published: November 2024

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is commonly performed using either intermittent or tidal exchanges, whereas other exchange techniques such as continuous flow PD are little used. Previous research indicated that stirring the intra-peritoneal dialysate markedly increases small solute clearances. Here, we tested the hypothesis that stirring of the dialysate increases small solute clearances by using a novel exchange technique where the dialysate is pulsed back and forth during the treatment without addition of fresh fluid. Methods PD was performed in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats with either no pulsations (20 mL fill volume), 2 mL (10%) pulses (21 mL fill volume), or 5 mL (25%) pulses (22.5 mL fill volume) utilizing a pulse flow rate of 5 mL/min. The higher fill volume for the pulsed treatments compensates for the fact that the average intra-peritoneal volume would otherwise be lower in pulsed treatments. Water and solute transport were closely monitored during the treatment. Results Net ultrafiltration decreased significantly during pulsed PD with the 25% pulse volume. The 60 min sodium dip was unaltered, whereas the fluid absorption rate was increased for the 25% group. Solute clearances did not significantly differ between groups, except for a slightly lower calcium clearance in the 25% group. Conclusion Our data indicate that stirring the dialysate using pulsed exchanges does not provide any advantage compared to conventional exchange techniques. In contrast, pulsed treatments had slightly lower ultrafiltration and small solute transport. The present findings may have implications regarding the choice of tidal volume in automated PD, favoring smaller tidal volumes.
Effects of new ionic liquids on mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of PC/ABS composites
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Long Jiapeng , Liang Bing 
Published: November 2024

According to the structural characteristics of PC/ABS containing benzene rings, an imidazole ionic liquid [MTMSiIM]H2PO2 was synthesized. [MTMSiIM]H2PO2 served as the modifier for modifying G powder via ball milling to produce ionic liquid functional graphene (Si-G). Si-G was utilized as a thermal conductive filler to investigate its impact on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity network formation of PC/ABS composites. During the melt blending process, the imidazole group of Si-G and the benzene ring in PC/ABS form a π-π interaction. This interaction enhances the dispersion of Si-G in PC/ABS and strengthens the interface interaction between the two. As a result, it improves the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of PC/ABS composites. Experimental results indicate that when 11 wt% of Si-G is added, the tensile strength of the composites is 63.05 MPa, marking a 9.4% and 4.5% increase compared to PC/ABS and G powder/PC/ABS, respectively. Furthermore, the flexural modulus of the 11 wt% Si-G/PC/ABS composites is 3495.37 MPa, showing a 65.5% and 5.7% improvement over PC/ABS and G powder/PC/ABS, respectively. Moreover, the 11 wt% Si-G/PC/ABS composites exhibit the highest thermal conductivity at 0.488 W·m−1 K−1, which is 103.7% and 10.4% higher than that of PC/ABS and G powder/PC/ABS, respectively.
The Perianal Mirage: Case of Primary Perianal Paget’s Disease
Authors: Shah Harsh J. , Sharma Swapnil V. , Dave Vinayak N. , Dave Aniket 
Published: November 2024

Background: Paget’s disease is rare and arises from the apocrine glands of skin. Perianal Paget’s disease is very rare form of extramammary Paget’s disease. Method and Results: Patient presented with complaints of perianal itching which on examination had patchy depigmented nodular skin in perianal region. Biopsy showed Paget’s cells, and immunohistochemical staining was positive for CK7, CEA and GCDFP-15, confirming the diagnosis of primary perianal Paget’s disease. Further, patient was staged and was planned for surgery and underwent wide local excision of perianal skin preserving internal and external anal sphincters. Reconstruction of the defect was completed with a local flap. Conclusions: Surgery remains most effective and only curative option for perianal Paget’s disease. As it is a rare disease, a high degree of suspicion is required for early diagnosis and treatment.
Information Needs of Australian Families Living with Craniosynostosis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Osborn Amanda J. , Roberts Rachel M. , Dorstyn Diana S. 
Published: November 2024

Objective Craniosynostosis is considered a lifelong condition, yet relatively little focus has been directed toward ascertaining the information needs of Australian families. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the information needs of Australian parents whose child has been diagnosed with nonsyndromic or syndromic craniosynostosis. Design Twenty-one online narrative interviews were conducted with parents of children with craniosynostosis (aged between 4 months and 20 years). Transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis and themes were developed. Results Four themes were generated: (1) lots of information …. and quickly!; (2) the practicalities of hospital and surgery; (3) guidance on how to talk about my child's condition; and (4) the path is rarely clear. Parents of children with craniosynostosis discussed a range of information that was provided to them, or they would have liked to have been given, following their child's diagnosis. Parents noted that insufficient information was provided by the health system and that they faced considerable difficulties accessing credible information about their child's condition, relevant location-specific surgical options, the treatment process and outcomes. Conclusions Narrative interviews provided detailed insight into the information needs of Australian parents of children diagnosed with craniosynostosis. Although parents were frequently challenged by a lack of information detailing their specific treatment and support options, suggestions relevant to craniofacial providers globally were offered. Further work is now needed to develop and provide these information resources in a timely and easily accessible way.
Bilateral epithelial keratopathy and punctate keratitis due to ribociclib
Authors: Bilen Neslihan Bayraktar , Tarım Bilge , Hamurcu Mualla , Ulusoy Döndü Melek 
Published: November 2024

Introduction This report describes a rare occurrence of corneal epithelial keratopathy associated with ribociclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor widely used in breast cancer treatment. Case report An 83-year-old female with a recent breast cancer diagnosis presented with blurred vision during the third cycle of ribociclib treatment. Ocular examination revealed corneal epitheliopathy and fluorescein staining findings. Detailed assessments and comparisons were made with existing literature, identifying a few reported cases of vortex keratopathy linked to ribociclib. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of epitheliopathy. Management and Outcome Since it decreased visual acuity, ribociclib treatment was discontinued in consultation with oncology. There was no regression in epithelopathy findings and visual acuity did not improve during follow-up visits. Discussion This report underscores the uncommon association between ribociclib and corneal epithelial keratopathy, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and collaboration between oncologists and ophthalmologists.
Ocrelizumab-associated cryptogenic organizing pneumonia in multiple sclerosis: Two case reports and comprehensive literature review
Authors: Gans Alessandro , Verrengia Elena Pinuccia , Ricchiuti Elisabetta , Leva Serena , Brajkovic Simona , Colombo Daniele , Mazzone Antonino , Prelle Alessandro 
Published: November 2024

Background: Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) is an interstitial lung disease, with causes including anti-CD20 antibodies. Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against CD20 approved for use in relapsing-remitting or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS), with no conclusive data regarding pulmonary toxicity. Cases: We describe two cases of COP associated with ocrelizumab use in multiple sclerosis patients. Conclusions: We suggest considering COP whenever respiratory symptoms arise in MS patients receiving ocrelizumab therapy. COP diagnosis requires clinical and radiological exclusion of alternative diagnoses such as opportunistic infections, autoimmunity, drugs, and neoplasms. Appropriate steroid therapy has an excellent clinical response rate.