bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain perfusion alterations in patients and survivors of COVID‐19 infection using arterial spin labeling: A systematic review
Authors: Mohammadi Sana , Ghaderi Sadegh , Fatehi Farzad 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCoronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has been shown to impact the central nervous system, leading to various neurological complications. Arterial spin labeling (ASL), a non‐invasive magnetic resonance imaging technique, enables the measurement of cerebral blood flow and perfusion abnormalities. This systematic review aims to synthesize ASL findings in patients with COVID‐19 and assess the potential role of ASL in diagnosing and managing neurological complications. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus for studies related to ASL in individuals with COVID‐19 or post‐COVID‐19 syndrome published between December 2019 and August 2024. Extracted data encompassed study characteristics, ASL protocols, cognitive assessments, and principal findings. The most consistent observation across studies was hypoperfusion detected in various brain regions, particularly within the frontal lobes, which may correlate with cognitive impairment and olfactory dysfunction. Additionally, some investigations reported hyperperfusion localized to the leptomeninges. These results may reflect underlying mechanisms such as hypoxic–ischemic injury, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and neuronal damage attributable to COVID‐19. In conclusion, ASL has emerged as a valuable tool for evaluating brain perfusion among patients affected by or recovering from COVID‐19 since it offers critical insights into cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism. Further research is warranted to validate these ASL findings and elucidate whether post‐COVID‐19 syndrome contributes to persistent brain perfusion issues.
Optimal configuration of dynamic VAR compensators considering uncertainty and correlation
Authors: Mao Xiaoming , Qiu Zijing , Chen Shengbo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe transient voltage stability of modern power systems is challenged by the increasing uncertainty on source‐load dual sides. To cope with it, a robust optimal configuration method for dynamic VAR compensators (DVCs) is proposed. First, a series of power‐flow scenarios are generated with uncertainty and correlation considered, where nonparametric kernel density estimation is used to predict the marginal distribution of wind speeds and combined Copula function is employed to characterize correlations between nearby wind farms. Then, the variation‐of‐information indicator is introduced to assess the similarity among power‐flow (PF) scenarios, and representative PF (RPF) scenarios are screened with the help of Spectral clustering algorithm. Finally, locating and sizing of DVCs for RPF scenarios are achieved. By synthesizing the compensation schemes for RPF scenarios, the robust configuration scheme is suggested. Simulation studies in the modified New England 10‐machine 39‐bus system show the proposed method can ensure transient voltage security of the studied power system under source‐load uncertainty.
Rapid high‐dose cyclophosphamide as bridging treatment for advanced therapies in multiple myeloma
Authors: Marable Marcus , Kelly Kaitlin , Cooperrider Jennifer H. , Jakubowiak Andrzej , Derman Benjamin A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPatients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma proceeding with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy or bispecific antibodies (BsAb) may need bridging therapy to realize their benefits. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of rapid, peripheral, high‐dose cyclophosphamide (TurboCy) in 15 patients intending to proceed with CAR T‐cell therapy, BsAbs, or long‐term regimens. The overall response rate was 80% and the clinical benefit rate was 100% in a heavily pretreated high‐risk cohort. Cytopenias were common but no deaths occurred during bridging. All patients proceeded to their next line of intended therapy. TurboCy is an effective and safe bridging strategy.
A Facile Strategy for Preparing Flexible and Porous Hydrogel‐Based Scaffolds from Silk Sericin/Wool Keratin by In Situ Bubble‐Forming for Muscle Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Demiray Elif Beyza , Sezgin Arslan Tugba , Derkus Burak , Arslan Yavuz Emre 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn the present study, it is aimed to fabricate a novel silk sericin (SS)/wool keratin (WK) hydrogel‐based scaffolds using an in situ bubble‐forming strategy containing an N‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐N′‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) coupling reaction. During the rapid gelation process, CO2 bubbles are released by activating the carboxyl groups in sericin with EDC and NHS, entrapped within the gel, creating a porous cross‐linked structure. With this approach, five different hydrogels (S2K1, S4K2, S2K4, S6K3, and S3K6) are constructed to investigate the impact of varying sericin and keratin ratios. Analyses reveal that more sericin in the proteinaceous mixture reinforced the hydrogel network. Additionally, the hydrogels’ pore size distribution, swelling ratio, wettability, and in vitro biodegradation rate, which are crucial for the applications of biomaterials, are evaluated. Moreover, biocompatibility and proangiogenic properties are analyzed using an in‐ovo chorioallantoic membrane assay. The findings suggest that the S4K2 hydrogel exhibited the most promising characteristics, featuring an adequately flexible and highly porous structure. The results obtained by in vitro assessments demonstrate the potential of S4K2 hydrogel in muscle tissue engineering. However, further work is necessary to improve hydrogels with an aligned structure to meet the features that can fully replace muscle tissue for volumetric muscle loss regeneration.
Silk Composite‐Based Multifunctional Pellets for Controlled Release
Authors: Indrakumar Sushma , Gugulothu Sriram Bharath , Joshi Akshat , Dash Tapan Kumar , Mishra Vivek , Tandon Bharat , Chatterjee Kaushik 
Published: October 2024

AbstractChronic wounds present significant clinical challenges due to the high risk of infections and persistent inflammation. While personalized treatments in point‐of‐care settings are crucial, they are limited by the complex fabrication techniques of the existing products. The calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH)‐based drug delivery platform enables rapid fabrication but lacks antioxidant and antibacterial properties, essential to promote healing. To develop a multifunctional platform, a tannic acid (TA)‐silk fibroin (SF) complex is engineered and incorporated as an additive in CSH cement. This cement is then cast into pellets to create silk/bioceramic‐based composite drug delivery systems, designed for point‐of‐care use. Compared to neat CSH pellets, the composite pellets exhibit a 7.5‐fold increase in antioxidant activity and prolonged antibacterial efficacy (up to 13 d). Moreover, the subcutaneous implantation of the pellets shows no hallmarks of local or systemic toxicity in a rodent model. The pellets are optimized in composition and fabrication to ease market translation. Clinically, the pellets have the potential to be further developed into products to place on wound beds or fill into bone cavities that are designed to deliver the intended therapeutic effect. The developed multifunctional system proves to be a promising solution for personalized treatment in point‐of‐care settings.
Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Poly(2‐Alkyl‐2‐Oxazoline)‐Conjugated Hemoglobins as an Artificial O2 Carrier: Comparison with Polyethylene Glycol Conjugates
Authors: Wakabayashi Ryuhei , Ishii Kota , Yamada Taiga , Komatsu Teruyuki 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPolyethylene glycol (PEG) is a biocompatible polymer extensively employed to prolong blood circulation and mitigate the immunogenicity of the protein therapeutics. Nonetheless, there are reports of anti‐PEG antibody production. Poly(2‐alkyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PROx) exhibits analogous immunological stealth properties and represents a potential substitute for PEG. This study details the synthesis of PROx‐conjugated hemoglobins (PROxm‐Hbs, R = Me, Et) as artificial O2 carriers, functioning as red blood cell (RBC) substitutes, and evaluates their O2 affinities and solution properties. The average number of polymers bound is designed to be 6 or 11. The O2 affinities (P50) of PMeOxm‐Hbs and PEtOxm‐Hbs are ascertained as 9 Torr, comparable to those of PEG‐conjugated Hbs (PEGm‐Hbs). The PEtOx6‐HbT, synthesized under an N2 atmosphere, exhibited a low O2 affinity (P50 = 57 Torr). Through the admixture of PEtOx6‐Hb and PEtOx6‐HbT, the P50 value of the formulation to range from 9 to 57 Tor can be tailored as desired. The colloid osmotic pressures and viscosities of PMeOxm‐Hb and PEtOxm‐Hb solutions are lower than those of the corresponding PEGm‐Hb solutions. Furthermore, the PROx conjugates evinced no cytotoxicity against normal cells. PMeOxm‐Hbs and PEtOxm‐Hbs, characterized by their appropriate O2 affinities and solution properties, present themselves as promising alternative materials to RBCs.
Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly Providing PEG‐Gels with Dynamic Micelle‐Crosslinked Hierarchical Structures and Overall Improvement of Their Comprehensive Performances
Authors: Chang Zi‐Xuan , Hong Chun‐Yan , Zhang Wen‐Jian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPolymer gels are fascinating soft materials and have become excellent candidates for wearable electronics, biomedicine, sensors, etc. Synthetic gels usually suffer from poor mechanical properties, and integrating good mechanical properties, adhesiveness, stability, and self‐healing performances in one gel is more difficult. Herein, polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) providing PEG‐gels with an overall improvement in their comprehensive performances is reported. PISA synthesis is carried out in PEG (solvent) to efficiently produce various nanoparticles, which are used as the nanofillers in the subsequent synthesis of PEG‐gels with dynamic micelle‐crosslinked hierarchical structures. Compared to hydrogels, PEG‐gels show excellent long‐term stability due to the nonvolatile feature of PEG solvent. The hierarchical PEG‐gels (with nanofillers) exhibit better mechanical and adhesive properties than the homogeneous‐gels (without nanofillers). The energy dissipation mechanism of the PEG‐gels is analyzed via stress relaxation and cyclic mechanical tests. High‐density hydrogen bonds between the micelles and PAA matrix can be broken and reformed, endowing better self‐healing properties of the dynamic micelle‐crosslinked PEG gels. This work provides a simple strategy for producing hierarchical structural gels with enhanced properties, which offers fundamentals and inspirations for the designing of various advanced functional materials.
Autonomous Attack Mitigation Through Firewall Reconfiguration
Authors: Bringhenti Daniele , Pizzato Francesco , Sisto Riccardo , Valenza Fulvio 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPacket filtering firewalls represent a main defense line against cyber attacks that target computer networks daily. However, the traditional manual approaches for their configuration are no longer applicable to next‐generation networks, which have become much more complex after the introduction of virtualization paradigms. Some automatic strategies have been investigated in the literature to change that old‐fashioned configuration approach, but they are not fully autonomous and still require several human interventions. In order to overcome these limitations, this paper proposes an autonomous approach for firewall reconfiguration where all steps are automated, from the derivation of the security requirements coming from the logs of IDSs to the deployment of the automatically computed configurations. A core component of this process is React‐VEREFOO, which models the firewall reconfiguration problem as a Maximum Satisfiability Modulo Theories problem, allowing the combination of full automation, formal verification, and optimization in a single technique. An implementation of this proposal has undergone experimental validation to show its effectiveness and performance.
Humanistic care ability and its influencing factors among Chinese surgical nurses
Authors: Teng Xiao‐Ju , Yan Miao‐Miao , Yan‐Qun X. U. , Yuan‐Zheng L. I. , Tao Xiu‐Bin , Zou Wei‐Zhen , Wang Xiao‐Ming , Wang Wenru , Jiang Ying 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimThis paper aims to investigate the humanistic care ability among surgical nurses in China and identify its statistically significant influencing factors.DesignA cross‐sectional, descriptive and correlational design was used.MethodsA total of 210 surgical nurses were recruited from a tertiary public hospital in Wuhu, Anhui Province. Four with incomplete responses were excluded, leaving 206 participants for data analysis. Variables were measured using the general questionnaire, caring ability inventory (CAI), and General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES). Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify the statistically significant influencing factors of participants' humanistic caring ability.ResultsThe overall average score of the CAI was 190.14 (SD = 19.24), and the average scores for the three dimensions of cognitive, courage, and patience were 70.46 (SD = 7.77), 62.12 (SD = 8.47) and 57.56 (SD = 6.02), respectively. The overall average score of the GSES was 26.05 (SD = 5.77). Professional attitude, perceived care from the department head nurse, perceived care from colleagues and self‐efficacy were the statistically significant factors influencing the humanistic care ability of surgical nurses (R2 = 0.45, adjusted R2 = 0.44, F = 40.64, p < 0.001).
Conceptual Considerations for Understanding Resilience in Healthcare Students
Authors: Donnellan Claire , Chakkittakandy Deepthi , Lydon Christina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimsIncreasing attention has been given to the concept resilience in the context of healthcare especially during and post the COVID pandemic. Much of the inquiry and evidence reported has focused on promoting or enhancing resilience in healthcare for improving the quality of care and reducing medical negligence. This discursive paper aims to highlight how resilience is conceptualised and identify any potential limitations or gaps in the context of healthcare students, acknowledging considerations for further development and research into this topic.Design and MethodsThis discursive discussion draws on relevant theoretical underpinnings from the fields of adjustment and coping psychology, and research and evidence from health sciences, for facilitating an understanding of resilience in supporting healthcare students to adapt into professional practice.ResultsInvestigation of resilience in healthcare students is mainly identified at an individual level as personal traits or skills for working within complex healthcare systems and clinical environments. Less attention has been given to examining resilience at the organisation or systemic level. This is primarily because of limited frameworks for investigating resilience from a multidimensional perspective recognising a wider systemic level influenced by external factors including socioecological determinants, for example, available support services for healthcare students.ConclusionsThe link between resilience and its function to mitigate against associated neuropsychological distress and subsequent pathopsychological disorders in healthcare student cohorts is recognised; however, greater understanding of resilience as a multidimensional construct is warranted.Relevance to Clinical PracticeA multidimensional investigation of resilience is critical for the preparation and readiness of healthcare structures and organisations in facilitating the needs of healthcare students entering challenging and diverse healthcare working environments.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.
Changing human–nature relationships: Insights from Guinea‐Bissau woodlands
Authors: Leite Ana , Catarino Luís , Seck Sambu , Mbunhe Quintino , Cuní‐Sanchez Aida 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The ecological impacts of landscape changes resulting in significant simplification of natural systems have been extensively studied worldwide. Yet, few studies have examined how such biophysical changes affect the value local communities place on nature and their relationships with it.

In this study, we delve into the case of Guinea‐Bissau, where woodland cover has been increasingly replaced by commercial cashew plantations. Using a sociocultural valuation approach, our empirical research provides a comprehensive assessment of the woodlands' contributions to local communities as well as the potential disruptions caused by the ongoing biophysical changes on the woodlands. We focused on 20 villages of four different ethnic groups—Manjack, Balanta, Mandinka and Fulani—and used a combination of focus group discussions and walks‐in‐the‐woods.

The study's participants identified 19 nature's contributions to people from the woodlands, which revealed a combination of instrumental, relational and intrinsic values in ways that reflect their subsistence needs and social–cultural contexts. We also found that these values are being impacted, mostly negatively, by the ongoing biophysical changes in the ‘natural’ landscapes tied to regional and global dynamics.

Moreover, our study reveals that local communities are aware of ongoing biophysical changes in their woodlands and perceive them as having negative ecological and psychological consequences for them.

Synthesis and applications: Our study highlights the significance of using a sociocultural perspective to investigate how changes in the landscape affect local peoples' values of nature and their relationships with it. This information can help shape policies and management decisions towards creating better futures that are meaningful for both humans and non‐humans.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Respiratory and functional benefits of manual diaphragmatic release for cleaning‐laborers exposed to occupational hazards
Authors: Azab Alshimaa R. , Elnaggar Ragab K. , Hamouda Dalia G , Aloraini Ghfren S. , Alhegaili Alaa S. , Ahmed Ahmed S. , Basha Maged A. , Alsharidah Ashwag S. , Kamel FatmaAlzahraa H. , Elshehawy Ahmed A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and Purpose:To examine the respiratory and functional benefits of manual diaphragmatic release for Cleaning‐Laborers Exposed to Occupational Hazards.MethodsA randomized controlled trial of 36 participants aged 35–45 years was randomly allocated into two groups. The experimental group (n = 18); received manual diaphragm release along with respiratory training exercises, and the control group (n = 18); received respiratory training exercises only. Three times/week for 12 consecutive weeks. The serum immunoglobulin E level, pulmonary functions [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate (PEF)], chest wall mobility, and 6 min walk‐test performance were assessed pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsThere was a greater decline in serum immunoglobulin levels (p = 0.003; Partial η2 = 0.23) and enhancement in pulmonary functions [FEV1 (p = 0.025, Partial η2 = 0.14), FVC (p = 0.017, Partial η2 = 0.16), FEV1/FVC (p = 0.028, Partial η2 = 0.13), and PEF (p = 0.012, Partial η2 = 0.17) in the experimental group. Further, there was a greater increase in chest mobility at the xiphoid level (p = 0.002, Partial η2 = 0.25) in the experimental group, but this was not the case at the axillary level (p = 0.29, Partial η2 = 0.03). Still, the 6 min walk‐test performance improved more significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.002, Partial η2 = 0.24).ConclusionThe diaphragmatic release technique may offer a promising approach for mitigating distressing respiratory symptoms, enhancing immune function, and improving 6 min walk‐test performance among cleaning laborers with work‐related respiratory hazards.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered at XXX (ID: NCT05802355).
Riparian Vegetated Area in Pre‐Dam, Post‐Dam, and Environmental Flow Periods in Canyonlands National Park From 1940 to 2022
Authors: Perkins Dustin W. , Wight Aneth , Wondzell Mark , Friedman Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThe Upper Colorado River Basin is the principal water supply of the western United States and includes a series of canyons that provide habitat for disproportionate numbers of flora and fauna. Following the closing of Flaming Gorge and Blue Mesa dams in 1963 and 1966, decreases in peak flows and elevated base flows allowed extensive vegetation encroachment, channel narrowing, and channel simplification. Since 1992, reservoir releases have been modified to increase the ratio of peak to base flows for environmental reasons, including protection of endangered fish. We used remote imagery from 1940 to 2022 to examine rates of vegetation encroachment along three river reaches in Canyonlands National Park during the pre‐dam (1940–1966), post‐dam (1967–1992), and environmental flows (1993–2022) periods. We found an increase in the vegetated area along the Colorado and Green Rivers upstream of their confluence since 1940. We documented a 6.1% and 4.0% increase in vegetated area in the post‐dam period and a 19.5% and 6.5% increase in vegetated area in the environmental flows period on the Colorado and Green Rivers, respectively. The Cataract Canyon reach (Colorado River below the confluence) has been stable since 1966. All three river reaches showed the slowest period of vegetation encroachment, indicative of channel narrowing, in the last 16 years of environmental flows that included a large peakflow in 2011. Environmental flows that mimic the natural hydrograph have not reversed decreases in peak flow and channel width, due in part to decreasing runoff and increasing flow diversion. Flow alterations that reduce the spring peak could cause further narrowing.
Cryoglobulinemia Associated With Multiple Myeloma in a Dog Presenting With Epistaxis and Skin Lesions
Authors: Spyropoulou Myrto , Montanes‐Sancho Ivan , Gow Adam G. , Bussey Suzanne 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTA 10‐year‐old female neutered Labrador Retriever presented with epistaxis, discoloration and crusting of the nose and a necrotic lesion on the lip. Bloodwork revealed pancytopenia, azotemia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia. Aggregates of amorphous basophilic material were seen in a room‐temperature blood smear which were not present in the sample after warming to 37°C, and grossly a cryoprecipitate was noted in the patient's serum at 4°C. This was interpreted as cryoglobulin. Computed tomography showed multiple heterogeneous lesions in the spleen. Cytology of the splenic lesions revealed marked plasma cell infiltration, consistent with neoplasia. Bone marrow aspiration revealed an increased proportion of plasma cells (approximately 38% of the total cells). Serum protein electrophoresis showed a monoclonal spike in the gamma globulin region. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma associated with cryoglobulinemia was made. The patient received palliative care with prednisolone while the owner was considering chemotherapy. However, she rapidly deteriorated and was euthanized. The combination of cryoglobulin precipitation and hyperviscosity syndrome was considered responsible for the patient's original symptoms. Cryoglobulinemia is an extremely rare phenomenon that is often associated with lymphoproliferative disorders. This report describes its association with multiple myeloma in a dog presenting with atypical initial signs.