bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-healable epoxy/graphene oxide vitrimers and their recyclable glass fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Sharma Harsh , Bijalwan Viranchika , Mourad Abdel-Hamid I , Kumar Ajay , Schlögl Sandra , Rana Sravendra 
Published: October 2024

Glass fiber-reinforced polymers (GFRPs) made from thermoset polymers have been widely used across various industries. However, these composites have significant drawbacks, including poor interfacial adhesion between the fiber and matrix, as well as a substantial contribution to waste and environmental pollution due to the challenges in recycling, reprocessing, and reuse. Herein, firstly graphene oxide (GO) was incorporated in vitrimer matrix to fabricate recyclable vitrimer nanocomposites with improved interfacial interaction, high thermal stability, low dielectric constant, fast stress relaxation as well as rapid self-healing ability. The nanocomposite with 0.2 wt% GO is optimized to achieve excellent remoulding (89% of flexural strength) and self-healing (60 min for a 48 μm scratch) properties due to dynamic disulfide bond exchange mechanism. Furthermore, epoxy/GO matrix was used to develop glass fiber reinforced composites via vacuum assisted resin infusion molding process (VARIM). The developed composites demonstrate tremendous mechanical strength (250 MPa), shape-memory, weldability, and degradable properties. Due to the rapid chemical degradation of epoxy vitrimer under mild conditions in the thiol (2-mercaptoethanol and 1-otanethiol), facilitated by thiol disulfide exchange reaction, glass fibers (GFs) can be effectively recycled. The performance of recycled glass fibers closely matches that of original fibers, exhibiting nearly identical woven structure and mechanical properties. The single yarn of recycled glass fibers can achieve tensile strength of 85% (1-octanethiol) and 72% (2-mercaptoethanol) of the original glass fibers, thus, the recycling of glass fibers would be highly advantageous in terms of achieving the sustainability goals.
Associations Between Testing and Treatment Pathways in a Case of Pediatric Nonlesional Epilepsy: A Census Survey of NAEC Center Directors
Authors: Beatty Christopher W. , Ahrens Stephanie M. , Arredondo Kristen H. , Bagic Anto I. , Bai Shasha , Chapman Kevin E. , Ciliberto Michael A. , Clarke Dave F. , Eisner Mariah , Fountain Nathan B. , Gavvala Jay R. , Perry M. S. , Rossi Kyle C. , Wong-Kisiel Lily C. , Herman Susan T. , Ostendorf Adam P. 
Published: October 2024

Objective Epilepsy surgery is vital in managing of children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Noninvasive and invasive testing modalities allow for evaluation and treatment of children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Evidence-based algorithms for this process do not exist. This study examines expert response to a vignette of pediatric nonlesional epilepsy to assess associations in evaluation and treatment choices. Methods We analyzed annual report data and an epilepsy practice survey reported in 2020 from 135 pediatric epilepsy center directors in the United States. Characteristics of centers along with noninvasive and invasive testing and surgical treatment strategies were collected. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed. Results The response rate was 100% with 135 responses included in the analyses. Most used noninvasive testing modalities included Neuropsychology evaluation (90%), interictal brain fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (85%), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (72%) with nearly half obtaining genetic testing. Choosing functional MRI was associated with stereo electroencephalography (EEG) ( P = .025) and selecting Wada with subdural grid/strips ( P = .038). Directors from pediatric-only centers were more likely to choose stereo EEG as opposed to combined centers ( P = .042). Laser interstitial thermal therapy was almost 7 times as likely to be chosen as a treatment modality compared with open resection in dedicated pediatric centers (OR 6.96, P = .002). Significance In a vignette of nonlesional childhood drug-resistant epilepsy, epilepsy center directors’ patterns of noninvasive testing, invasive testing, and treatment were examined. Management choices were associated with pediatric versus combined pediatric/adult center characteristics. Expert opinions demonstrated equipoise in evaluation and management of children with drug-resistant epilepsy and the need for evidence-based management strategies.
Optimization of polypropylene high-strength injection molding welding and interface structure analysis
Authors: Tang Jianhua , Qiu Jianhui , Sakai Eiichi , Zhang Guohong , Wu Haonan , Zhao Wei , Zhang Bin , Wu Hong , Guo Shaoyun 
Published: October 2024

Secondary injection molding is an effective method for joining polymer parts, where the weld interface plays a critical role in the overall performance of the part. This study discusses the influence of injection molding parameters on the interface strength of polypropylene and polypropylene (PP-PP) secondary injection molding and analyzes the welding interface structure. The injection molding parameters for PP-PP were optimized using the Taguchi method and the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N). The optimal injection molding parameters were determined to be a mold temperature of 120°C, injection temperature of 350°C, and injection speed of 100 mm/s. The interface tensile strength was measured at 33.42 MPa, corresponding to 98.1% of the tensile strength of the base material. Among these parameters, mold temperature has the greatest influence on the strength of the welding interface. Secondly, polarizing microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to observe and analyze the crystal structure and fracture failure modes at the interface. The results indicate that elevated injection molding parameters promote the formation of crystal nuclei and spherulite growth at the secondary melt interface, with the spherulite size at the interface significantly affecting the interface strength. This study offers valuable reference for the welding of other polymers and fiber-reinforced materials.
How Do Men Who Post Publicly on Social Media Author Themselves and Their Experiences of Crohn’s Disease? A Dialogical Analysis of Three Cases
Authors: Prodgers Lucy , Gough Brendan , Madill Anna 
Published: October 2024

Despite distinct sex- and gender-related differences in the presentation and manifestation of Crohn’s disease (CD), little research to date has considered men’s particular experiences. Whilst hegemonic masculine ideals have been reported to negatively impact men’s mental and physical health, increasingly research has emphasized that men engage in a diverse range of practices, including those beneficial to health. One such practice is posting about their illness experiences on social media. The interactive nature of posting online means that a dialogical approach, based on a relational epistemology, is particularly useful. This study therefore asked: “How do men who post publicly on social media author themselves and their experiences of CD?” Three participants were recruited, all of whom had a diagnosis of CD, wrote a blog, and posted on other social networking sites (SNSs) about CD. Two resided in Canada and one in the United Kingdom. All were white. For each participant, 2 years of multimodal social media data was downloaded. After screening, in-depth analysis was conducted using a dialogical approach focusing on three key dialogical concepts: genre, chronotope, and forms of authorship. The key findings emphasized the participants’ different responses to the lack of predictability caused by CD and the different ways they used social media to gain a greater sense of control over their illness stories and identities, providing important insights into the interaction between masculine identities and illness. Finally, the potential deployment of such methods in future research and within therapeutic contexts was considered.
Assessment of the quality of life of cats affected by paraparesis/paraplegia and urinary retention, and their impact on caregivers
Authors: Canal Sara , Rinaldi Valentina , Gerrits Linda , Vignoli Massimo , Boari Andrea , Crisi Paolo Emidio 
Published: October 2024

Objectives In cats affected by severe thoracolumbar spinal cord pathologies, paraplegia and paraparesis, often accompanied by urinary retention, pose significant challenges, impacting both the cats’ welfare and owners’ lives. This study aimed to assess the quality of life (QoL) of cats affected by these conditions, and to evaluate the social and familial implications for caregivers. Methods The study was structured into two parts. The first part comprised direct observations of aspects of QoL in cats both in household and shelter settings, while the second part involved the distribution of questionnaires to cat owners and shelter operators. Results Cats with paraplegia/paraparesis and urinary retention can maintain a good QoL, with hindlimb mobility significantly influencing QoL scores. Shelter cats showed a comparable QoL to household cats, challenging the anecdotal beliefs that shelter cats with severe neurological impairments are destined to lead substandard lives. Operator surveys highlighted the feasibility of managing these cats in shelter environments, emphasising the importance of collaboration between caregivers and veterinary professionals. Likewise, owner surveys revealed a manageable time commitment for care, with most owners achieving proficiency in manual bladder expression within 1 month. Despite challenges, most of the owners reported positive experiences and did not contemplate euthanasia for their cats. Regular veterinary visits and occasional physiotherapy were common practices among caregivers. Conclusions and relevance Owners who respond to the questionnaire and shelter operators have a high commitment to cats with paraplegia/paraparesis. Although the study acknowledges this potential bias, it suggests that dedicated care can ensure a good QoL for cats with severe spinal injuries, both in shelter and household settings. Effective communication between caregivers and veterinary professionals is essential for accurate information dissemination and optimal care provision. This research contributes to raising awareness of managing these conditions and emphasises the importance of collaborative care approaches in veterinary medicine.
Trajectories of depressive symptoms in early to mid-adolescence: associations with school pedagogical and social climate
Authors: Bortes Cristian 
Published: October 2024

Aims: Adolescence is a critical period for mental health development, yet research exploring how contextual factors influence the development of depressive symptoms remains limited. This study explored trajectories of depressive symptoms during early to mid-adolescence and their association with various aspects of school climate. Methods: The study sample comprised 3671, 7th-grade students (aged 12–13 years) from 101 schools across Sweden, followed longitudinally across three time points spanning grades 7, 8 and 9. Depressive symptom trajectories were identified using latent class growth modelling. The Pedagogical and Social Climate questionnaire assessed school climate, and multinomial logistic regression was employed to predict trajectory membership based on sociodemographic and school climate factors. Results: Four distinct developmental patterns of depressive symptoms emerged: ‘Sustained low symptoms’ (76.7%), ‘Low–increasing’ (10.9%), ‘Sustained high symptoms’ (7.9%), and ‘High–decreasing’ (4.5%). Gender, parental education and six specific school climate factors, out of the total 19 examined, significantly distinguished these trajectory classes. Positive teacher expectations and strong principal involvement were associated with more favourable trajectories, whereas teaching activities, teacher support and communication between school and home were associated with less favourable trajectories, suggesting a nuanced understanding of their relationship with depressive symptom trajectories. Conclusions: Few school factors were found to be relevant to depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of considering external factors beyond the school environment in supporting adolescents during this developmental stage. Although the findings are multifaceted, it is primarily positive interpersonal relationships, especially through teacher expectations, that stand out as significant factors in promoting youth mental health.
Paeoniflorin Inhibits Atrial Fibrosis and Atrial Fibrillation in Angiotensin II-Infused Mice Through the PI3K-Akt Pathway
Authors: Ji Yaqiong , Ning Zhongping 
Published: October 2024

Objective: The investigation aimed to analyze the effect of Paeoniflorin (PF) on the initiation of atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation (AF) induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and explore its associated underlying mechanism. Introduction: PF has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and hypolipidemic properties. However, the protective effect of PF against atrial fibrosis and AF remains unclear. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice aged 8-10 weeks, with 40 individuals, were subjected to subcutaneous infusion of either saline or Ang II at a dosage of 2.0 mg/kg/day. Furthermore, PF at a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day was administered through gavage once daily for 28 days. Morphological, histological, and biochemical examinations were undertaken. AF was elicited through in vivo transesophageal burst pacing. Results: PF treatment significantly improved AF in Ang II-infused mice. In addition, PF attenuated cardiac hypertrophy, atrial fibrotic area, atrial apoptosis and oxidative stress in Ang II-induced mice. The effect of PF on the PI3K-Akt pathway reduced the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (p-PI3K) and Phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) in Ang II-induced mice. Conclusion: PF may, therefore, avert Ang II-induced atrial fibrosis and AF by inhibiting the PI3K-Akt pathway.
Psychological and physiological health outcomes of virtual reality-based mindfulness interventions: A systematic review and evidence mapping of empirical studies
Authors: Wieczorek Alissa , Schrank Florian , Renner Karl-Heinz , Wagner Matthias 
Published: October 2024

Objective In the past two decades, mindfulness, rooted in Buddhist traditions, has gained considerable scientific interest. Virtual reality (VR) technology, in particular head-mounted displays, offers immersive experiences and is examined in this systematic review in terms of VR-based mindfulness interventions and their effects on psychological and physiological health outcomes. Methods Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta Analyses guidelines, a systematic search was conducted with the following search terms: [(mindful* OR “meditat*”) AND (“virtual reality” OR “VR”) AND (health OR physio* OR psycho* OR mental OR physical)]. Considering critiques of methodological quality in existing systematic reviews, this study adopts Boell and Cecez-Kecmanovic’s hermeneutic approach, critically evaluating research outcomes. Results Psychological benefits include improved anxiety, mindfulness, emotions, disease patterns, affect, stress, (presleep) arousal, meditation and others. Physiological effects focus on neurobiological markers, heart rate/heart rate variability, pain, blood pressure, cortisol and galvanic skin resistance. Evidence mapping shows that more research has been conducted in the last 6 years, particularly by North American and South Korean authors, and points to gaps in study methodology. In addition, attention regulation is identified as a primary mindfulness mechanism in VR scenarios, often in nature-based virtual environments, with mainly single-session studies lasting 5 or 10 minutes. Discussion Critical mapping reveals the need for additional studies to support and extend initial findings in this emerging research field. Methodologically, there is a call for more true-experimental studies to enhance rigor. From a content perspective, VR protocols are currently still strongly characterized by single-session interventions, which makes it especially difficult to make a dose–response statement regarding long-term effects. Conclusion In summary, the studies provide important initial findings on psychological and physiological effects of VR-based mindfulness interventions on health. In addition, the need for more methodologically rigorous studies was emphasized, along with other methodological adjustments that must be carefully considered in the planning of future studies.
Smartwatch-based algorithm for early detection of pulmonary infection: Validation and performance evaluation
Authors: Chen Yibing , She Danyang , Guo Yutao , Chen Wenjuan , Li Jing , Li Dan , Xie Lixin 
Published: October 2024

Background The proliferation of smart devices provides the possibility of early detection of the signs of pulmonary infections (PI). This study validates a smartwatch-based algorithm to monitor the risk of PI in adults. Methods An algorithm that runs on smartwatches was developed and tested in 87 patients with PI and 408 healthy subjects. The algorithm examines heart rate variability, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and cough sound. It was embedded into the Respiratory Health Study app for a smartwatch to detect the risk of PI and was further validated in the hospital. Doctors diagnosed PI using a clinical evaluation, lab tests, and imaging examination, the gold standard for diagnosis. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the algorithm predicting PI were evaluated. Results In all, 80 patients with PI and 85 healthy volunteers were recruited to validate the accuracy of the algorithm. The area under the curve of the algorithm for predicting PI was 0.86 (95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.91) ( P < 0.001). Compared to the gold standard, the overall accuracy of the algorithm was 85.9%, the sensitivity was 81.4%, and the specificity was 90.4%. The algorithm for heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and body temperature had an accuracy of 68.2%, and the accuracy of the algorithm including cough sound was 82.6%. Conclusion Our wearable system facilitated the detection of risk of PI. Multi-source features were useful for enhancing the performance of the lung infection screening algorithm. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry of the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform of the World Health Organization ChiCTR2100050843; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj = 126556
Outcomes and Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality of Systemic-to-Pulmonary Shunts in a Tertiary Hospital in Thailand
Authors: Kadeetham Khunthorn , Samankatiwat Piya 
Published: October 2024

Objectives A systemic-to-pulmonary shunt is the palliation of choice for many children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. However, significant morbidity and mortality related to these procedures and the postoperative course still exists. We aim to report our outcomes of systemic-to-pulmonary shunts as well as to define certain risk factors for adverse events. Materials and Methods We retrospectively collected data from the electronic medical records of Ramathibodi hospital from January 01, 2013, to April 30, 2024. Demographic data, operative, and postoperative details were collected and reviewed. Inclusion criteria included patients whose primary operation was a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt. Exclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and whose medical record data were missing significant information. Results There were initially 56 patients eligible for our study. After exclusion, the total number of patients enrolled was 42. Overall the results were excellent, with only one operative mortality, no discharge mortality, and four reinterventions. Outcomes between different shunt types, shunt sizes, surgical approaches, and diagnoses were statistically similar. Conclusions We demonstrate that systemic-to-pulmonary shunts are a safe and reliable procedure based on our results at a tertiary hospital in Thailand. We emphasize meticulous surgical techniques as well as utilization of proper and reproducible postoperative care protocols to optimize patient outcomes.
Mediterranean Diet adherence, physical activity level, and quality of life in patients affected by thyroid diseases: Comparison between pre- and post-lockdown assessment
Authors: Corrias Silvia , Fosci Michele , Galletta Maura , Boi Francesco , Baghino Germana , Oppo Alessandro , Pigliaru Francesca , Melis Marietta , Rodia Rossella , Pani Angelo , Piras Carolina , Deledda Andrea , Puglia Lorenzo , Loviselli Andrea , Velluzzi Fernanda 
Published: October 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic resulted in lifestyle change of world’s population because of the measures adopted by governments to contain the virus spread. Design and Methods: This study examined whether lockdown impacted anthropometric indices, Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence, Physical Activity Level (PAL), and Quality of Life (SF-12) in a cohort of 116 patients (96 F, aged 57.2 ± 13.1 years) affected by thyroid disorders. Before lockdown, data were collected during the endocrinological examination; after lockdown they were collected through a tele-phone interview (via video call). Results: Data revealed an overweight condition in 59% of patients, with no significant differences between the two observations (BMI values: 26.5 ± 4.9 vs 26.6 ± 4.9 kg/m2), whereas waist circumference values significantly increased over time (93.3 ± 12.6 vs 94.4 ± 12.5 cm; p = 0.003). Moreover, a lower adherence to the MD (PREDIMED score: 7.3 ± 1.8 vs 7.0 ± 1.8; p = 0.003) and a significant increase of sitting time (6.4 ± 3.2 h/die vs 9.0 ± 4.2; p < 0.001) were observed. A not significant decrease in PAL, which revealed a sedentary condition in pre- and post-lockdown (648 and 562 METs/week respectively), was found. The SF-12 score did not show relevant changes between the two observations. Conclusion: Our study highlights that patients with thyroid diseases are often sedentary and exhibit a high prevalence of over-weight, underscoring the need for a systematic anthropometric evaluation and, at times, lifestyle interventions.