bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Robotic Gait Training After Stroke (ERA Stroke): study protocol for a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Areas Fernando Zanela da Silva , Baltz Sara , Gillespie Jaime , Ochoa Christa , Gilliland Taylor , Dubiel Rosemary , Bennett Monica , Driver Simon , Swank Chad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Walking impairment after stroke is associated with substantial limitations in functional independence, quality of life, and long-term survival. People in the subacute phase after stroke who are unable to walk are most likely to benefit the greatest from use of overground robotic gait training (RGT). This study will provide preliminary evidence regarding the clinical use and efficacy of RGT during the subacute phase of stroke recovery as well as observational findings associated with the safety, tolerability, feasibility, and cost of delivering RGT during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.
Methods: This prospectively registered randomized controlled trial will enroll 54 patients admitted to inpatient rehabilitation within six months of stroke. Admitted patients will be screened at admission to inpatient rehabilitation for eligibility. Consented patients will be randomized based on stroke severity to receive either RGT or usual care for 90 minutes per week of gait training intervention during inpatient rehabilitation length of stay. Patients will complete assessments on walking and health outcomes at admission and discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and at 1- and 3-month follow-up. Intent-to-treat and per protocol analysis will be performed to evaluate safety [rate of adverse events, visual analog scale, and treatment completion rate], walking function [gait speed via 10-Meter Walk Test, Functional Ambulation Category, gait endurance via 6-Minute Walk Test] and health outcomes [Modified Rankin Scale, Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement, Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation Tool, 5 Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale–16], and cost-analysis.
Discussion: This study will provide foundational evidence regarding the clinical use and efficacy of a RGT program during the subacute phase of stroke recovery with specific findings associated with the safety, tolerability, feasibility, and cost-analysis of delivering RGT during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.
Trial registration: NCT06430632
A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Laparoscopic Ureteroureterostomy versus Single Ureteral Bladder Reimplantation in Treating Pediatric Complete Renal Duplication
Authors: yu bin , fan yingzhong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective: To explore the therapeutic value of laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy compared to single ureteral bladder reimplantation in the treatment of pediatric complete renal duplication.
Methods: This retrospective study included 80 pediatric patients with complete renal duplication who underwent surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: the laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy group (LUU group, n=45) and the single ureteral bladder reimplantation group (UR group, n=35). The two groups were compared in terms of operative time, intraoperative blood loss, number of stent placements, postoperative length of hospital stay, changes in ante-posterior diameter (APD) of the affected upper kidney pelvis before and after surgery, changes in upper ureteral diameter (UD), and variations in renal function.
Results: The LUU group demonstrated significantly shorter operative time (t=3.480, P=0.004), less intraoperative blood loss (t=-2.465, P=0.0196), and reduced postoperative length of stay (t=2.308, P=0.027) compared to the UR group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the number of stent placements (x²=0.762, P=0.383). The UR group had four cases of long-term complications (two cases of anastomotic stricture, one case of vesicoureteral reflux, and one case of recurrent urinary tract infection), while the LUU group experienced one case of long-term complication (one case of anastomotic stricture), with no significant difference between groups (x²=1.493, P=0.222). Both groups showed significant improvement in preoperative and postoperative APD, UD, and affected side differential renal function (DRF). However, the differences in improvement values for upper kidney pelvis APD (ΔAPD; t=-0.032, P=0.962), differential renal function (ΔDRF; Z=1.895, P=0.073), and ureteral diameter (ΔUD; t=1.832, P=0.079) were not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Both LUU and UR procedures are safe and effective in treating pediatric complete renal duplication. Compared to UR, LUU results in shorter operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, and reduced postoperative length of stay, while also causing less damage to the bladder.
A FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma discovered after ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: a case report, illustrating pitfalls in the interpretation of serum FSH levels
Authors: Yano Keigo , Nakai Go , Matsutani Hiroki , Ohmichi Masahide , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Osuga Keigo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Most cases of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are caused by infertility treatment using human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). OHSS is widely known to have a “spoke-wheel” appearance on imaging, presenting as bilateral symmetric enlargement of ovaries with multiple cysts of varying sizes. When this spoke-wheel appearance is observed in patients not undergoing infertility treatment, tumor-derived hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and hCG should be measured. However, pitfalls exist in the interpretation of FSH levels.
Case presentation: A 29-year-old, gravida 0, para 0 woman visited her local doctor for irregular menstruation and to seek fertility treatment. At the first medical examination, bilateral ovarian tumors were found by ultrasonography, and she was referred to our hospital.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of the bilateral ovarian tumors suggested typical OHSS, and thus levels of serum hormones including FSH and hCG were measured to determine whether endogenous follicle-stimulating hormones were the cause. Estradiol was elevated at 737 pg/ml (normal: 28.8-196.8 pg/ml in follicular phase) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was low at < 0.3 mIU/ml (normal: 1.4-15 in follicular phase, 2.1-88 mIU/ml in ovulatory phase). Both FSH and hCG were within normal ranges. Therefore, the ovarian masses seemed to be estrogen-producing neoplasms rather than endogenous OHSS, and surgical resection was scheduled. However, computed tomography of the neck to pelvic region was performed to rule out metastatic ovarian tumors, and indicated a coincidental pituitary lesion, which was pathologically characterized as an FSH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Consequently, the scheduled ovarian surgery was avoided.
Conclusions: Awareness of MRI findings of OHSS is important to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures. When treating patients who have suspected OHSS on imaging but whose serum FSH is in the normal range, it is also important to know that an unsuppressed FSH level despite the negative feedback effect of high estrogen can suggest an FSH-producing tumor.
Increased Peritoneal Dialysis Associated Peritonitis Rate During Novel Coronavirus Pandemics
Authors: BILDACI Yelda DELIGOZ , KORUCU Berfu , OKTAN Mehmet Asi , BOZKAYA Evrim , AKDAM Hakan , TANRISEV Mehmet , DEGER Serpil Muge , CAVDAR Caner 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Due to the restriction rules that were placed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the visits to the peritoneal dialysis (PD) outpatient clinics decreased. We aimed to analyze the changes in peritonitis rates before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among four different nephrology clinics located in the western part of Turkey.
Methods
We have retrospectively screened 48 PD patients between March 2018 and March 2022. The patients who had peritonitis attacks were only included in to analyses. Peritonitis rates were calculated at three-month intervals.
Results
Number of peritonitis cases occurring in a 3-month period over the two-year timeframe revealed a significantly higher rate in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
During COVID-19 pandemic, our study showed no decrement regarding peritonitis rates. These findings serve as an important reminder of the importance of face-to-face clinical visits regarding to control and manage PD patients.
Overexpression of erythropoietin receptor causes paclitaxel resistance in ovarian adenocarcinoma cells
Authors: Harvanik Pavol , Solárová Zuzana , Šemeláková Martina , Bhide Mangesh , Solár Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The emergence of tumour cell resistance is one of the major issues in current oncology practice. It reduces the effectiveness of therapy and worsens cancer patients' prognoses. However, it confirms a wide range of molecular interactions as well as the complexity of the human organism. Our previous research confirmed the functionality of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) in ovarian and breast cancer cells, as well as its relationship to these cells' sensitivity to specific therapies. The current study demonstrates that EPOR overexpression in human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells A2780 is directly linked to paclitaxel resistance. Furthermore, EPOR overexpression results in morphological changes that vary according to the pattern of EPOR isotypes expressed. In this regard, the most interesting result appears to be the change in the shape of T clone, which has a tendency to form spheroidal structures. Indeed, T clone with single 68 kDa EPOR isotype demonstrates also significant resistance to paclitaxel therapy.
How to prioritise the development and regeneration of traditional villages?A Research Framework Based on Web Crawling, Natural Language Processing, and Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Liu Zongming , Zhu Yue , Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhu Kongxi , Hong Wei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the context of China’s rural revitalization, preventing the misallocation of national resources and identifying villages in urgent need of renewal have become critical goals. Existing planning methods often overlook how emotional perceptions influence environmental awareness and spatial planning. This study proposes an innovative framework to address this gap, focusing on optimizing village construction to enhance emotional responses. By using web crawling and natural language processing (NLP), social media data is analyzed to assess emotional evaluations. Geographic information systems (GIS) are then applied to evaluate village layouts and environmental characteristics. Focusing on national-level traditional villages in Weinan, Shaanxi Province, the study identifies “exemplary,” “inefficient,” and “priority” villages, offering targeted planning recommendations. Results show: 1) emotional differences across population groups; 2) varying impacts of landscape elements, with the sky having the strongest positive influence (r=0.328, p=0.001); and 3) “exemplary,” “priority,” and “inefficient” villages account for 6.52%, 39.13%, and 50.00%, respectively, revealing a need for timely renewal. This study offers a novel theoretical and practical framework for integrating emotional analysis into China’s rural planning to ensure more effective resource allocation and village development.
Efficient rigid and flexible perovskite solar cells with 86% fill factor using multifunctional electron-enriched molecular passivation
Authors: Fan Xi , Chen Jiwen , Wang Jinzhao , Wang Jing , Zeng Jixi , Wei Feng , Gao Shuai , Li Jia , Zhang Jing , Yan Feng , Song Weijie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Multiple active sites of additives with strong adsorption energies adsorb on perovskite facets, coordinate with lead ions and reduce halogen vacancy defects, leading to a highly ordered atomic arrangement of grain boundaries for efficient perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we demonstrate efficient rigid and flexible PSCs via 1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine hydrochloride (TDH) molecular passivation. The TDH treatments restrain a formation of small twin crystals and remarkably improve the crystallinity through reducing the aligned point vacancy defects on the perovkite lattices, and the dislocations and distortions across the boundaries in the perovkite crystals. The rigid PSCs yield high PCE of 26.15% with fill factor (FF) as high as 85.94% (maximum: 86.03%). The flexible PSCs yield high PCE of 24.68% with FF as high as 86.07%. Both efficient rigid and flexible PSCs without package exhibit superior operation stability. The work provides an effective passivation strategy and valuable insights for crystalline perovskite materials and high-performance rigid and flexible PSCs.
Precision Molecular Engineering of Miniaturized Near-Infrared Fluorophores for Bioimaging
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Huang Rongrong , Qiao Qinglong , Seah Deborah , Shen Tianruo , Wu Xia , de Moliner Fabio , Wang Chao , Ding Nannan , Chi Weijie , Sun Huaming , Vendrell Marc , Xu Zhaochao , Fang Yu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Organic fluorophores with near-infrared (NIR) emission and reduced molecular weight are crucial for advancing bioimaging and biosensing technologies. Traditional methods, such as conjugation expansion and heteroatom engineering, often fail to reduce fluorophore size without sacrificing NIR emission properties. Addressing this challenge, our study utilized quantum chemical calculations and structure-property relationship analysis to establish an iterative design approach and enable precision engineering for compact, single-benzene-based NIR fluorophores. These newly developed fluorophores exhibit emissions above 700 nm and maintain molecular weights under 200 g/mol, approximately 50% of that of Cy7. Additionally, they display unique environmental sensitivity—non-emissive in aqueous solutions but highly emissive in lipid environments. This property significantly enhances their utility in wash-free imaging of live cells. Our findings mark a substantial breakthrough in fluorophore engineering, paving the way for more efficient and adaptable imaging methodologies.
Evaluation of Hazard Quotient (Hq) of Toxic and Heavy Metal Concentration in Air Sediments Across Selected Cities in Nigeria
Authors: Ewona I. O , Ekah B. J , Akwagiobe J. U , Udo S. O , Rabiu B. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates air quality index (HQ) from toxic and heavy metal concentration across selected cities in Nigeria. Gravitational sedimentation method was used to collect air sediments to extract toxic and heavy metals contained in air particulates. Funnel shaped collectors securely attached to clean empty containers were exposed in open spaces at designated locations within the city, for a period of nine months, covering the two major seasons in Nigeria. (January to September, 2023). Airborne particles were allowed to settle naturally in the container along with rainwater. Samples from various points in a city were put together for laboratory analyses. This procedure was repeated in five other cities covering various geographical and climatic regions in Nigeria. The cities include: Benin (S1), Kano (S2), Abuja (S3), Lagos (S4), Enugu (S5), and Calabar (S6). The average concentration of toxic and carcinogenic elements reveals that salinity exhibits the highest HQ at 21.25, followed by nickel (Ni) at 4.58, magnesium (Mg) at 4.43, lead (Pb) at 3.66, chlorine (Cl) at 1.83, and chromium (Cr) at 1.06. Conversely, elements such as; Ar:0.3, NH3:0.042, Al:0.36, CO:0.02, Cu:0.11, Zn:0.01, K:0.36, NO2:0.32, NO3:0.042, Fe:0.31 and Na:0.18 have HQs below 1, indicating safe exposure levels. Cadmium (Cd) displays the highest HQ in Kano (S2) at 2.33, suggesting significant health risks, including cancer and kidney failure. Nickel’s highest HQ is recorded in Edo State, Benin (S1) at 5.5, linked to bronchitis, asthma, and skin irritation. Manganese (Mn) has the highest HQ in Enugu (S5) at 16, with potential for lung inflammation, liver damage, and cognitive impairment. Lead (Pb) shows the highest HQ in Kano (S2) and Calabar (S6) at 8, associated with kidney damage and developmental issues. Salinity’s highest HQ is found in Abuja (S3) at 32.74, impacting water quality and health. Chromium (Cr) exhibits the highest HQ in Kano (S2) at 1.3, potentially causing lung cancer and bronchitis. Potassium (K) exceeds an HQ of 1 only in Kano (S2) at 1.05, posing risks of hyperkalemia and kidney issues. Elements with HQs below 1, including aluminum, cobalt, copper, zinc, nitrite, fluoride, sodium, and conductivity, are deemed safe for human exposure. This study highlights the critical need for monitoring and mitigating exposure to elements with high HQs to protect public health in these urban areas.
The Entomotoxic Synergistic Effect Of Sesame Seed Oil With N-doped TiO2 Against the Red Flour Beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Abbood Naseer Malaky , Al-Yaqoubi Hussein Saleh Mahdi , Albadry Majid A.Z. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

N-doped TiO2 was prepared and characterized using several techniques, including X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy, (AFM) and Infra-Red Spectrophotometry, then their entomotoxic effect and the synergistic effect of sesame oil with this nanoparticle against the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) adults were tested, where it was found that the greatest effectiveness was for the mixing ratio (N-doped TiO2 1:3 oil) with a rate of mortality percentage (35.19%) and LC50 (2.10 Ml/L), but they did not differ significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with N-doped TiO2 and the mixing ratio (N-doped TiO2 1:1 oil), which were rate of mortality percentage 31.25% and 32.26%, and their LC50 were 2.68 Ml/L and 2.58 Ml/L, respectively. It was also shown that the toxicity index for the mixing ratio (N-doped TiO2 1:3 oil) is the highest, reaching 100%. It was also shown that Sesame oil had a synergistic effect with N-doped TiO2, as the result of the synergistic effect equation for the two mixing ratios reached more than 1.
Rusty Pipe Syndrome: First Case Report from a Nigerian Lactating Mother
Authors: Afolayan Folake Moriliat , Idowu-Tunji Oluwatimilehin Grace , Ogunkayode Oluwatosin Stephen , Abdulkareem Misbahudeen Olohuntoyin , Olasinde Adeola , Lawal Olajide , Ibrahim Olayinka Rasheed , Owolabi Bilikis 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Rusty pipe syndrome is a rare medical condition seen in late pregnancy or early lactation, which may affect successful breastfeeding despite being benign and self-limiting. Although rare, RPS can cause significant concern for mothers, caregivers, and healthcare providers. Thus, we highlight this case report in a Nigerian lactating motherCase presentation A 24-year-old first-time mother delivered an infant with a birth weight of 3000 g via spontaneous vaginal delivery at 38 weeks of gestation. While attempting to breastfeed her baby, the mother experienced painless bilateral bloody nipple discharge. Physical examination of her breasts revealed that they were unremarkable. Breast ultrasonography and cytological analysis of the discharge revealed no signs of neoplasm. The bloody discharge resolved spontaneously over 72 hours, and she continued to breastfeed her baby exclusively.Conclusion Rusty pipe syndrome is a benign, self-limiting condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of bloody nipple discharge. Awareness of this rare disease among medical healthcare workers would be extremely beneficial and help ensure successful breastfeeding.
Jet Stream Poleward Migration Leads to Marine Primary Production Decrease
Authors: Crespin Júlia , Solé Jordi , Canals Miquel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Jet streams (JS) are high-speed upper-tropospheric winds that have significant influence on weather and climate. As anthropogenic climate change alters temperature gradients, subtropical JS are projected to shift poleward, which can have unforeseen impacts on midlatitude Earth systems. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the impact of the steady poleward migration of the Northern Hemisphere subtropical JS on marine primary production (MPP). This northward migration lines up with a consistent decrease in MPP over the last two decades in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea. While the primary influence of JS position on MPP is seasonal, its impact extends to non-seasonal components as well. These findings highlight the direct consequences of JS latitudinal shifts on marine ecosystems, indicating potential cascading effects driven by climate change.
Capacity Optimization of a Wind-Solar Integrated Oxygen Production and Pure Oxygen Combustion Carbon Reduction System Using Typical Wind-Solar-Load Scenario Generation
Authors: Ding Ying , Wang Weiqing , Ding Ming , Han Dianlei , Sun Lixiang , Liu Jixun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In response to the growing need for carbon reduction and enhanced integration of renewable energy into the power grid, this paper introduces a capacity optimization approach for a wind-solar integrated system that combines oxygen production with pure oxygen combustion to achieve carbon reduction. The method incorporates the generation of typical wind-solar-load scenarios to account for variability and interdependencies across multiple energy sources and demand loads. A Dirichlet Process Mixture Model with Markov Chain Monte Carlo (DPMM-MCMC) is employed to generate representative daily scenarios, capturing the uncertainties and correlations among energy sources and loads. Based on these scenarios, a capacity optimization model is formulated for the wind-solar integrated system. Simulations and comparative analyses, using annual data from a region in Northwest China, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results highlight the significant impact of pure oxygen combustion technology, which not only increases carbon capture efficiency but also reduces capture costs by approximately 27.8%. Additionally, the optimal wind power share is identified within 60% to 80%, with load penetration further enhancing energy utilization efficiency. These findings underscore the potential of the proposed system to improve renewable energy absorption and reduce carbon emissions.
Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and their evaluations as anti-diabetic, cytotoxic and antibacterial agent
Authors: khan jehangir , Gul Taj Gul , jan Sorab Jan , islam Islam Uddin , khan Wajid Ali Khan , Ullah Rizwan Ullah , ahmad Zubair Ahmad , zaid Zaidur Rahman , khan shakeel ahmad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In recent years, there has been significant interest in the eco-friendly production of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts and their potential applications. This study presents a green synthesis method for producing ZnO NPs from Dodonaea viscosa leaf extract. The crystalline phase, morphology, and surface area of the synthesized sample were characterized using FTIR for functional group analysis, XRD for crystal structure determination, and SEM and TEM for surface morphology evaluation. The NPs were then tested for anti-diabetic, cytotoxic, and antibacterial properties. The highest α-amylase enzyme inhibition (30.8%) was observed at the highest concentration of 200 mg/mL, while no inhibition was detected at the lowest concentration of 5 mg/mL. Similarly, the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs was measured at 21.8% for a concentration of 200 μg/mL, with no hemolysis observed at doses below 5 μg/mL. Additionally, the ZnO NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species.