bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glare at Night-Time Driving: Effect of Correlated Color Temperature of Led Lamps
Authors: Matesanz Beatriz M. , Vicente Eduardo G. , Issolio Luis , Rodríguez Merino Fernando , Arteaga M Teresa G. , Arranz Isabel 
Published: December 2024

Objective This study aims to analyze the effect of correlated color temperature from LED glare sources on driving performance. The evaluation includes assessing the effect of disability glare on visual reaction time and rating discomfort glare using a standardized scale. Background LED technology is widely incorporated into various lighting systems; however, the impact of glare from oncoming car headlamps on driving performance at night-time is crucial for road safety. Method Twenty-three healthy young subjects participated in a laboratory-based experiment simulating night driving using a two-channel Maxwellian view optical system. Two LED lamps with correlated color temperature of 2800 K and 6500 K were used to generate a glare of 52 lx. Disability glare was quantified in terms of foveal reaction time and discomfort glare was rated using the de Boer scale. Results The results show that glare-induced effect is mitigated by an increase in background luminance. The correlated color temperature of the LED lamp does not affect either reaction time or discomfort glare rating. Conclusion The greater short-wavelength emission of 6500 K lamp does not intensify the effect of disability or discomfort glare, probably due to the macular pigment absorption on foveal vision and the transparency of ocular media, coupled with the involvement of other contributing factors. The correlated color temperature of the lamp is not the best descriptive parameter to identify its effect on glare. Application It is important to consider the impact of LED technology on visual performance to enhance road safety in critical glare situations during night driving.
Retrospective cohort study of fluctuations in emergency department visits for nonspecific back and neck pain during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ohana Nissim , Baruch Yuval , Tavdi Alex , Palmanovich Ezequiel , Benharroch Daniel , Engel Itzhak , Yaacobi Eyal 
Published: December 2024

Objective We examined fluctuations in emergency department (ED) visits for nonspecific back and neck pain during the COVID-19 pandemic and explored potential contributing factors. Methods This retrospective cohort study included patients who presented to the ED with nonspecific back and neck pain between January 2019 and December 2021. Demographic data, visit frequencies, and clinical outcomes were analyzed to assess the impact of the pandemic on visit patterns. Results A total of 1245 ED visits were recorded. Visits decreased by 30% during the peak of the pandemic, with a gradual return to baseline by mid-2021. No significant changes in patient demographics or clinical outcomes were noted during the pandemic. However, a proportional increase in neck pain visits was observed. Conclusions The observed decline in visits may be linked to pandemic-related concerns, such as fear of exposure in the hospital and reduced activities. The increased neck pain visits highlights the potential influence of pandemic-related stress and lifestyle changes. Visit patterns rebounded as the pandemic eased, indicating a temporary decrease unrelated to condition severity. The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily affected ED visits for nonspecific back and neck pain. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of the pandemic on health care utilization.
Pattern, severity, and preventability of adverse drug reactions from a Northern Indian tertiary care facility: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Lhamo Yangshen , Purohit Kalpana , Singh Sunita , Chopra Deepti , Bharti Mani 
Published: December 2024

Background Over the years, it has been observed that adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity and a major cause of concern for all healthcare professionals. ADR is a leading cause for hospitalisation and increases the financial burden of the patient. Thus, it is imperative that we need steps and strategies to decrease the burden of ADRs and effectively reduce the cost of therapy to treat ADR. Objective This study evaluated the pattern, severity, and preventability of ADRs in a tertiary care hospital. Methods A retrospective observational study of all the ADR reports due to medications submitted to the ADR monitoring centre in a Northern Indian tertiary care hospital from October 2017 to December 2019. Causality assessment of the ADRs was done using the WHO-UMC causality assessment scale, and the severity was assessed using the modified Hartwig scale. Furthermore, the preventability of the ADR was assessed using the Schumock and Thornton scale. Results A total of 252 ADRs were reported. A maximum number of the ADRs (33%) were due to antimicrobials followed by analgesics (16%) and antihypertensives (10%). Amongst the analgesics, a majority of ADRs were associated with Diclofenac (16 ADRs). Amlodipine was associated with maximum ADRs (10) amongst the antihypertensives. The ADRs of gastrointestinal systems (34.5%) were most common among all system organ class (SOCs) followed by skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders (32%). Majority of ADRs were probable and mild in severity. According to the Schumock and Thornton preventability scale 69% were not preventable while 12% were definitely preventable. Conclusions Antimicrobials were associated with majority of ADRs with gastrointestinal system being the most commonest organ involved. It was also observed that most of the ADRs were not preventable but some were definitely preventable. The awareness regarding preventability of ADRs needs to be emphasised and further studies to elaborate on the preventability of ADRs needs to be carried out.
Understanding Cultural Values and Beliefs of Puerto Ricans Regarding Suicide and Suicide Prevention: An Ethnonursing Study
Authors: Batista Griselle , Zoucha Rick , Colbert Alison M. , Duarté-Vélez Yovanska 
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Suicide is a Latinx leading cause of death. A deeper understanding of the cultural factors that can inform suicide prevention efforts among specific Latinx subgroups, such as Puerto Ricans, is needed. This study aimed to explore the cultural values and beliefs of Puerto Rican adults pertaining to suicide and its prevention. Methodology: The Ethnonursing Research Method, a qualitative approach, was used for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted via Zoom with 27 Puerto Rican adults in the U.S. Southwest. Data were analyzed using Leininger’s four phases of data analysis. Results: Three major themes were abstracted: (a) family should play a central role in suicide prevention, (b) a concern for what people will say or think can influence help-seeking, and (c) suicide prevention includes the provision of care that fosters confianza (relational trust, safe space). Discussion: Culture care values, such as confianza and familismo, must inform suicide prevention efforts and stigma campaigns targeting Puerto Rican communities in the U.S. mainland.
Exploring the relationship between COVID-19 risk and employment quality among a sample of individuals with disabilities
Authors: Brehmer Chelsea E , Fry Hannah , Bishop Malachy , Hall Jean P , Kurth Noelle K 
Published: December 2024

Background Physical and psychosocial contexts of employment and the quality of the work environments impact both physical and mental health, particularly among individuals with disabilities. Objective Given the relationship between health and employment and the need to understand the relationship between quality of work and COVID-19 acquisition risk, this project focused on studying the impacts of job quality following the emergence of the COVID-19 virus. Method GLM logistic regression to explore odds ratios of employment quality factors on our dependent variable, contracting COVID-19. Results The overall model was significant, indicating selection of predictor and control variables have an impact on COVID-19 risk (χ2(11) = 59.53, p < .001, N = 2325). Age and race were significant individual predictors. Finally, among the employment quality variables, only one comparison was significant. Individuals with some but not all markers of employment quality, compared to individuals who were unemployed, were 1.3 times more likely to contract COVID-19 (OR = 1.3, p = 0.03). Conclusion Employment, in light of COVID-19, is full of complexity and nuances. Even more so is the relationship between COVID-19, health, and employment for PWDs. The significant findings from the current study have important implications for the incorporation of employment, and specifically quality employment, as a predictor of physical health among PWDs.
Impact of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wan Jun , Xu Feng , Zuo Heping , Jiang Xin , Wang Yulin , Jiang Yang , Chen Cai , Yin Chunlin , Cheng Jinglin , Li He 
Published: December 2024

Objective To assess the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-I) on cardiac remodeling and prognosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods In this single-center retrospective active-comparator study, consecutive diabetic AMI patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between 2021 and 2023 were enrolled. Patients were divided into SGLT2-I users and non-SGLT2-I users based on discharge medications. The primary endpoint was the left ventricular remodeling index (LVRI), defined as the relative change in LV end-diastolic volume after six months. The secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), comprising all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, nonfatal MI, and nonfatal stroke. Results The study comprised 423 T2DM AMI patients(with or without ST-segment elevation), with 239 SGLT2-I users and 184 non-SGLT2-I users. At six months, LVRI was significantly lower in the SGLT2-I users compared to the non-SGLT2-I users (3.49 ± 19.71 vs 7.06 ± 15.15, P = .042). The non-SGLT2-I users exhibited a higher prevalence of positive LVR (LVRI > 0%) (64.67% vs 50.63%, P = .004) and pathological LVR (LVRI > 20%) (19.57% vs 12.13%, P = .036). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that SGLT2-I was associated with a reduced risk of LVR (OR 0.6; 95%CI 0.38-0.97; P = .035). During a mean follow-up of 25 ± 8 months, Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated a lower rate of MACE-free survival in the non-SGLT2-I users ( P = .005). Conclusions SGLT2-I protects against LVR and lowers the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in T2DM AMI patients.
Repurposing FDA-approved drugs for COVID-19: targeting the main protease through multi-phase in silico approach
Authors: Metwaly Ahmed M , Elkaeed Eslam B , Alsfouk Aisha A , Ibrahim Ibrahim M , Elkady Hazem , Eissa Ibrahim H 
Published: December 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for effective therapeutic agents. The SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro) plays a crucial role in viral replication and immune evasion, making it a key target for drug development. While several studies have explored Mpro inhibition, identifying FDA-approved drugs with potential efficacy remains a critical research focus. Purpose This study aims to identify FDA-approved drugs that could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Using computational screening, we seek compounds that share structural similarities with a known co-crystallized ligand (PRD_002214) and exhibit strong binding affinity to the enzyme, providing viable candidates for COVID-19 treatment. Research Design A systematic in silico approach was used, screening 3009 FDA-approved drugs. The initial screening focused on structural similarity to PRD_002214 (PDB ID: 6LU7), followed by molecular docking studies to predict binding affinity. Promising compounds were further analyzed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to evaluate their stability and interactions with Mpro over 100 ns. Study Sample Of the 3009 FDA-approved drugs screened, 74 were selected for initial evaluation. After refinement, 28 compounds underwent docking analysis, with eight showing strong binding potential to Mpro. Analysis Molecular docking assessed the binding affinity and interaction of the selected compounds with Mpro. MD simulations were conducted on the top compound, Atazanavir, to study its dynamic interactions. MM-GBSA, PLIP, and PCAT analyses were used to validate binding affinity and interactions. Results Eight compounds, including Carfilzomib, Atazanavir, Darunavir, and others, exhibited promising binding affinities. Among them, Atazanavir showed the highest binding strength and was selected for further MD simulation studies. These simulations revealed that Atazanavir forms stable interactions with Mpro, demonstrating favorable binding and dynamic stability. The binding affinity was further confirmed through MM-GBSA, PLIP, and PCAT analyses, supporting Atazanavir's potential as an effective Mpro inhibitor. Conclusions In silico results suggest that Atazanavir is a promising candidate for targeting SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, with strong binding affinity and dynamic stability. These findings support its potential as a lead compound for further preclinical and clinical testing, though in vitro and in vivo validation are needed to confirm its therapeutic efficacy against COVID-19.
Alzheimer's disease-like pathology induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis in middle-aged mice is mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome via the microbiota-gut-brain axis
Authors: Zhang Pei , Liu Yan , Jin Xin , Hu Zhaoliang , Yang Jucui , Lu Haotian , Hang Taijun , Song Min 
Published: December 2024

Background Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis) has been found to enter the brain and induce inflammation, contributing to Alzheimer's disease (AD). P. gingivalis is also closely linked to gut dysbiosis. However, does P. gingivalis induce AD-like pathology through the microbiota-gut-brain axis? There is limited literature on this topic. Objective To determine the precise causal link among P. gingivalis, intestinal inflammation, and AD-related pathology. Methods 12- to 13-month-old female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to ligature placement and oral administration of P. gingivalis over a 24-week period. Then, cognitive performance was evaluated with behavioral tests, while AD neuropathological changes, neuroinflammation, and intestinal inflammation were assessed through qPCR, immunofluorescence, and western blot, and gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA. Results Mice exposed to P. gingivalis showed impaired behavior in open field test, novel object recognition, and Y-maze tests. The bacterium infiltrated their brains, increasing Aβ42, AβPP, and Aβ fragments, promoting tau phosphorylation and microglial activation, and reducing levels of ZO-1, PSD95, SYP, and NeuN proteins. Inflammatory factors like NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were elevated in both brains and intestine, while ZO-1 and occludin levels decreased in intestine. P. gingivalis also altered gut microbial compositions. Conclusions P. gingivalis induced gut dysbiosis and activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in the intestine and brains of mice. This led to impairment of both the intestinal and brain-blood barriers, triggering neuroinflammation and promoting the progression of AD. These findings highlight the critical role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the AD-like pathology induced by P. gingivalis.
Combined valorization of industrial and post-consumer plastic waste. An industrial symbiosis approach
Authors: Volpin Marcos , Vazquez Yamila V , Barbosa Silvia E 
Published: December 2024

The aim of this work is to analyze two different strategies based on industrial symbiosis (IS) approaches, for the combined valorization of plastic waste from rubber polymerization process (WSBR) and plastic from Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The proposed strategies are: (a) WSBR as compatibilizer for HIPS/ABS mixtures from WEEE; and (b) WSBR as a component in mixtures with plastics from WEEE (HIPS or ABS). In the first strategy, two different proportions of HIPS/ABS mixtures are studied using three different concentrations of WSBR onto each one. In the second one, mixtures of each plastic WEEE, ABS and HIPS, with two different amounts of WSBR are analyzed. Tensile strength and ductility of ABS with 20 wt% of WSBR, increased around 8% and 40% respectively, with respect to the ABS. Regarding tensile behavior of HIPS and HIPS with 20 wt% of WSBR, both matches up to the break of the last one at a strain of 1.5 %, approximately. Obtained results indicate that the second strategy, is the best one for the combined valorization of both plastic wastes. This conclusion is based on the fact that properties are not deteriorated in successive melt-mixing. It is completely aligned with IS approaches, combining two plastic waste, an industrial one (WSBR) and a postconsumer one (WEEE), for the obtention of new materials with appropriate properties for their use.
The Role of MIEF2 in Cisplatin Sensitivity in KIRP Patients: Insights from Four-gene Mitochondrial Fusion RNA Markers
Authors: Hou Yusong , Jiang Longyang , Liu Jing , Wang Dan , Luo Hongli 
Published: December 2024

Background Mitochondrial fusion is vital for cellular function and has been increasingly linked to cancer development. Kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), the second most common renal cell carcinoma, presents diverse prognostic outcomes. Identifying novel biomarkers is critical for improving prognosis and treatment response in KIRP. Objective This study aims to explore the gene expression associated with mitochondrial fusion and establish a novel gene signature model to predict KIRP prognosis and cisplatin sensitivity. Methods We analyzed RNA sequencing data and clinical records of 285 KIRP patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). LASSO regression identified four key mitochondrial fusion-related genes (BNIP3, GDAP1, MIEF2, PRKN). Multivariate Cox regression evaluated their association with overall survival. Risk stratification was developed based on gene expression. We assessed immunotherapy responses using checkpoint inhibitor scores, tumor mutation burden, TIDE scores, and tumor microenvironment characteristics. Cisplatin sensitivity was evaluated via correlation analysis of gene expression levels and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). In vitro loss- and gain-of-function experiments in KIRP cell lines (Caki-2, ACHN) assessed MIEF2's role in cisplatin sensitivity. Results The gene signature successfully stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups, with significant survival differences. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the risk model was 0.782. MIEF2 was notably associated with cisplatin sensitivity, confirmed through functional experiments. Patients in the high-risk group exhibited lower MIEF2 expression and increased cisplatin sensitivity.
Assessing the completeness of patient-reported outcomes reporting in congestive heart failure clinical trials
Authors: Rorah Drayton , Pollard Jonathan , Walters Corbin , Roberts Will , Hartwell Micah , Hemmerich Christian , Vassar Matt 
Published: December 2024

Objective: We aim to evaluate the quality of patient-reported outcomes included in randomized control trials for the treatment of congestive heart failure using the International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL) checklist, a validated tool for critically appraising the quality of patient-reported outcomes. Design: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 65 randomized control trials with patient-reported outcomes for drug intervention trials for treating congestive heart failure. Setting: N/A. Participants: N/A. Main outcome measures: The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate the reporting completeness of patient-reported outcomes in congestive heart failure clinical trials with drug interventions according to the ISOQOL checklist. Results: Our search returned 1114 studies, of which, 65 are included in the analysis. The average completion of the ISOQOL reporting standards was 44.51%. Higher completion of the ISOQOL patient-reported outcome standards was observed in the clinical trials with patient-reported outcomes as primary endpoints compared to the clinical trials with patient-reported outcomes as a secondary endpoint. The multivariable regression model showed that clinical trials with patient-reported outcomes as a primary endpoint had a 21.46% better completion percentage ( t = 4.45, p ⩽ 0.001) when controlling for PRO recording duration and trial registration. Eight (8/65, 12.31%) of the clinical trials met the satisfaction criteria of completing two-thirds of the ISOQOL patient-reported outcomes reporting standards. All of these RCTs had a patient-reported outcome as a primary endpoint. Conclusion: Our analysis of the reporting of patient-reported outcomes in congestive heart failure clinical trials with drug interventions suggests that the quality of reporting is suboptimal. This evidence of substandard reporting of patient-reported outcomes is disconcerting as it reduces the transparency of randomized control trials, which are considered the foundation of evidenced-based medicine. Inadequate reporting may result in clinicians implementing misrepresented or incomplete evidence into clinical practice. Validated reporting tools, such as the ISOQOL, can be used by trialists and clinicians alike to improve and critically appraise the reporting of patient-reported outcomes in randomized control trials. Trial registration: N/A.
Altered orbitofrontal and pars opercularis cortical thickness in betel quid dependence chewers
Authors: Fu Li Li , Chen Hui Juan , Huang Wei Yuan , Guo Yi Hao , Liu Li Ting , Fu Qing Qing , Qin Hao Dong , Liu Tao , Chen Feng 
Published: December 2024

Background: Altered cerebral cortex’s structural organization has been found in individuals with betel quid dependence (BQD). However, the neurological underpinnings of the BQD-related abnormalities in cortical thickness and brain circuitry deficit are largely unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate potential abnormalities of brain circuitry in the cortical thickness of BQD individuals by applying the surface-based morphometry (SBM) method. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: High spatial resolution, three-dimensional T1-weighted structural imaging data were collected from 53 individuals with BQD and 37 healthy controls (HCs) who were similar to the BQD group in terms of age, sex, and educational level. The SBM method was applied to analyze the cortical thickness alterations in BQD-related areas. Independent-samples t-test was used to assess the cortical thickness difference between the two groups. Pearson correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between cortical thickness changes and clinical characteristics, including BQD scale scores and duration of BQD. Results: The BQD group had a higher cortical thickness than the HC group at the lateral orbitofrontal ( t = 4.703, p = 0.0028) and pars opercularis ( t = 3.602, p = 0.0403) clusters in the right cerebral hemisphere, with age, sex, and education duration as covariates ( p < 0.05, Monte Carlo). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or education duration-adjusted cortical thickness of the left cerebral hemisphere between BQD chewers and HCs ( p > 0.05, Monte Carlo). Correlation analysis revealed that the cortical thickness of the right pars opercularis was negatively correlated with the BQD duration ( r = −0.274, p = 0.047). The cortical thickness of the right lateral orbitofrontal cluster was not significantly correlated with Betel Quid Dependence Scale (BQDS) or BQD duration ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that BQD might be associated with changes in the orbitofrontal and pars opercularis cortical thickness, which may be related to the neurobiological basis of BQD.