bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcatheter closure with Eccentric Occluder for Intracristal Ventricular Septal Defect: A Safety and Efficacy Assessment
Authors: Xia Tianhe , Chen Nuo , Han Yu , Zhang Songyue , Rong Xing , Wu Rongzhou 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Intracristal ventricular septal defect (icVSD) pose unique challenges in interventional cardiology. This study evaluated the use of eccentric occluders in icVSD treatment compared with that of standard symmetrical occluders for perimembranous ventricular septal defect (pmVSD), aiming to inform clinical practice.Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the use of eccentric occluders for treating icVSD compared to the use of standard symmetrical occluders for treating pmVSD, with a focus on the success rate, cardiac function, complications, and quality of life.Materials and methods We conducted a comparative analysis of 39 patients with icVSD treated with eccentric occluders and 416 patients with pmVSD treated with symmetrical occluders. A comprehensive assessment of cardiac function recovery, complication occurrence, and changes in quality of life was performed during the intermediate and short-term follow-up periods.Results Of the 39 patients with icVSD, 38 successfully underwent occluder implantation, achieving a surgical success rate of 97.4%. Among the 416 patients with pmVSD, 413 achieved successful occluder implantation, yielding a surgical success rate of 99.3%. No statistically significant difference was observed in the success rates between the two groups. During the follow-up, both patient cohorts demonstrated notable improvements in cardiac function, the absence of severe complications, and improvements in quality of life. These findings underscore the feasibility and superiority of eccentric occluders in transcatheter closure of icVSD.Conclusions Our study demonstrated the high safety and efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter closure using eccentric occluders for treating icVSD. This investigation not only enhances our understanding of transcatheter closure options for icVSD patients but also provides clinicians with robust scientific evidence to guide treatment strategies. Ultimately, this approach may offer patients with icVSD a broadened range of therapeutic options and improved clinical outcomes.
Development and Comparison of Garments with Textile Electrodes Versus Hydrogel Electrodes in a Randomized Crossover Trial: Comfort, Consistency, and Efficiency
Authors: Jafari Ehsan , Descollonges Maël , Deley Gaëlle , Popović-Maneski Lana , Metani Amine 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
The efficacy and comfort of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) largely depend on the type of electrodes used. Traditional self-adhesive hydrogel electrodes, while effective, pose limitations in terms of wearability, skin compatibility, and reusability. This randomized crossover trial investigates the performance of textile electrodes integrated into garments for NMES of lower extremities, focusing on their potential rehabilitative applications for patients with neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and spinal cord injury (SCI).
Methods
In this randomized crossover design, ten healthy subjects participated in the study. Each subject performed isometric knee extension exercises using both textile and hydrogel electrodes in random order. We compared the electrodes in terms of comfort, temporal consistency, stimulation efficiency, and electrical impedance under isometric conditions.
Results
Our findings revealed no significant difference between the two types of electrodes across all evaluated parameters. Textile electrodes, used after applying moisturizing lotion to enhance the electrode-skin interface, demonstrated comparable levels of comfort, consistency, and efficiency to hydrogel electrodes.
Conclusion
The equivalence of textile and hydrogel electrodes, coupled with the advantages of washability and reusability, positions textile electrodes as a promising alternative for NMES applications, particularly in rehabilitation settings.
LncRNA01103/FGF13 axis promotes the progression of bone cancer pain by remodeling ac4C modification
Authors: Xu Longsheng , Chen Liping , Ni Chaobo , Yang Lei , Zhang Shuyao , Lu Dashan , Wang Yahui , Yue Jiayu , Hua Bohan , Gao Wenbo , Ni Huadong , Zhou Qinghe , Yao Ming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Bone cancer pain (BCP) significantly impacts patients' quality of life, yet its causes and mechanisms remain unclear. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained attention for their regulatory role in disease processes. Through analysis and validating of acRIP-seq data from our previous study, we discovered that lncRNA01103 undergoes N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C) modification and increased expression in the SDH of BCP rats. Interestingly, ac4C modification influences the stability of lncRNA01103, impacting its expression levels. Further experiments revealed that lncRNA01103 is localized in SDH neurons and translocated towards the nucleus in BCP rats. Knockdown of lncRNA01103 reversed BCP, spinal c-fos neuron sensitization, and pain-related negative behaviors. Transcriptomic analysis identified FGF13 as a key target of lncRNA01103 in the neuronal nucleus, with FGF13 inhibition alleviating BCP and downregulating Nav1.7 sodium channel expression in SDH of BCP rats. Validation of lncRNA01103's role in regulating FGF13 expression and pain behaviors was confirmed through lncRNA01103-ASO sequence. This study highlights the role of NAT10/ac4C-mediated posttranscriptional modulation of lncRNA01103 in activating the FGF13-Nav1.7 signaling pathway and inducing hypersensitivity in BCP rats. Targeting the ac4C modification of lncRNA01103 could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for BCP.
A novel approach of mapping snow disaster-prone areas based on areal disaster density optimization: a case study of South Korea.
Authors: Ahmad Waqas , Lee Jinwook , Kim Dongkyun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Snow disasters, exacerbated by climate change, present significant challenges to infrastructure and economies worldwide, yet precise identification of vulnerable areas remains difficult. This study introduces a novel approach for assessing snow disaster vulnerability, namely the Maximum Disaster Spatial Density (MDSD) method. The MDSD method involves several key steps: first, it classifies the study area using the K-means clustering algorithm based on eight key features assigned to 1 km grid cells encompassing South Korea. These features include the mean and standard deviation of precipitation, temperature, Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI), elevation, and building counts. The optimization process then iteratively adjusts the weight factors assigned to each of the eight features while repeating the K-means clustering. The objective function of this optimization is to maximize the areal density of disasters within the selected number of top clusters. By optimizing the spatial clustering in this manner, the MDSD method achieves high reliability and objectivity, ensuring accurate identification of areas most vulnerable to snow disasters. The results reveal that the eastern coastline, the belt area extending from the central-west coast toward the mid-inland, and Jeju Island are particularly vulnerable to snow disasters. The analysis shows that clusters with higher average and standard deviation of precipitation and temperature are more prone to snow disasters. Notably, the highest snow disaster vulnerability is found in regions where winter precipitation exceeds 69 mm, regardless of temperature, and where snow cover persists longer, as indicated by higher NDSI values. Furthermore, the relative importance of features indicates that precipitation and temperature are the most critical factors, followed by NDSI, while elevation and building counts have a lesser impact. The discussion highlights the merit of the MDSD method in defining target management areas based on disaster management objectives, whether focusing on highly dangerous zones or encompassing broader regions, thus offering flexibility in disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Astrocyte-Derived MMP-9 is a Key Mediator of PRV Penetration of the Blood-Brain Barrier and Tight Junction Disruption
Authors: Zhang Ying , Song Chunlian , Zhang Ying , Shu Xianghua , Wu Yi , Cui Kesi , Zhang Xue , Sun Yalong , Shen Hong , Wei Qianfei , Li Jianqin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a highly neurotropic zoonotic pathogen. PRV infection can lead to neuroinflammation and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression has a detrimental impairs BBB function. However, the source of elevated MMP-9 expression and function of MMP-9 in PRV invasion of the central nervous system (CNS), and the mechanism by which PRV breaches the BBB, remain poorly understood. This study explored the role of MMP-9 in the permeation of the BBB by PRV and clarified the molecular pathways involved in PRV invasion. In PRV-infected mice, severe neurological symptoms, perivascular cuffing, and an increase in the separation of membranes at the tight junctions were observed via electron microscopy. These results indicated that PRV infection destroys the BBB. Simultaneously, we discovered that the breakdown of the BBB that occurs in viral encephalopathy induced by PRV infection was attributable to the degradation of collagen IV mediated by MMP-9. Furthermore, we determined that astrocytes contributed to the increased levels of MMP-9. Using an in vitro double-layer Transwell BBB model, we found that PRV invades the CNS through a para-cellular pathway, triggering an "inflammatory storm.” These findings highlight the pivotal role of MMP-9 in PRV penetration of the BBB, enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying BBB disruption caused by PRV infection, and highlight potential targets for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies against PRV infection.
“Our children are the forgotten children”: Experiences of COVID-19 asymptomatic testing in young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and those who care for them
Authors: Harragan Aimee , Thorpe Lisa , Amlôt Richard , Carter Holly , Robin Charlotte 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was felt disproportionately by people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), with a substantially higher mortality rate compared with the general population.Method Using focus groups and thematic analysis with young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) this study highlights the negative experiences of COVID-19 asymptomatic testing for this community.Results Participants reported a systemic misunderstanding of SEND needs underpinned experiences of disempowerment, being overlooked, and feeling that needs had been unmet during the pandemic. This sits in contrast with the considerable expertise that parents and families exhibit in understanding the needs of their children with SEND. We propose the following recommendations based on insights gathered from those with lived experience: harnessing these insights in future public health response measures, using robust behavioural and social science approaches; acknowledgment of participant expertise of experience through co-produced public health guidance, crucially reflecting the diversity of SEND; development of more inclusive guidance to testing practice which supports equitable access for those with SEND and guides face-to-face practitioners in providing this support.Conclusions Our findings have implications which highlight the importance of embracing behavioural and social science in understanding the needs of SEND communities and public health policy development to ensure equity.
Social media response to the introduction of the swallowable gastric balloon treatment for severe obesity in the NHS: A snapshot of public opinion
Authors: Cromwell Paul , Gopalan Vignesh , Hall Zoe , Lock Kirsty , Welbourn Richard 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Swallowable gastric balloons are available in the UK to treat severe obesity. Our hospital introduced this treatment in 2023, the first to do so in the National Health Service (NHS). The event was featured by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) on regional television and online by numerous news outlets in February 2024. Obesity and the treatment of obesity are often subject to stigma, prejudice and bias. The event gave an opportunity to observe and analyze public opinion in response to a new NHS-funded obesity treatment.
Methods:
Qualitative review of public comments made to articles about the introduction of swallowable gastric balloon therapy in the NHS. Comments were categorized as positive, neutral, or negative.
Results:
Out of 2364 comments reviewed from all sources, 16.6% were positive, 48.9% were neutral and 34.8% were negative. Obesity stigma was highly prevalent in the responses and included many derogatory and abusive comments, including towards the patients featured in the BBC articles.
Conclusions:
Obesity stigma is highly prevalent in those responding by social media and on news websites to a new treatment within the NHS. Negative stereotypes may be a barrier to obesity treatment within the NHS and need to be addressed.
Diethyl ether extract of Senna siamea Lam. (Fabaceae) exhibits antiplasmodial polypharmacology activity via inhibition of DOXP reductoisomerase, reverse overexpression of pbEMPI, hepatolipodystrophy, and hepatic portal inflammatory genes
Authors: MacDonald Idu , Abbas Waziri , Adedokun Oluwasegun , Benjamin Gabriel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Senna siamea/Cassia siamea (SS) has been used by the locals for the management of malaria over the years. The aim of the research is to experimentally justify the usage of different extracts of Senna siamea in the treatment of malaria using both in vitro and in vivo models and unveiling the probable mechanism of action. Aqueous extract of SS (AQ) was observed to possess a weak antiplasmodial activity due to 10.20 ± 2.52% and 1.44 ± 0.52% suppression and curation, respectively. Upon subjection to confirmatory bioassay, diethyl ether (DeE) extract showed IC50 of 0.0650 ± 0.01, which is significantly different from 0.8838 ± 0.01 observed in the chloroquine treated group (CqN). About100 mg/kg of DeE also significantly suppresses the expression of the Pb-EMPI gene of Plasmodium berghei (post-treatment), relative to the untreated group (UNT), CqN methanol-treated group (MeE). Also, 100 mg/kg of DeE also showed reversed hepatic lipodystrophy by down-regulating FAS, HMG CoA reductase, and Acetyl CoA carboxylase genes relative to overexpressions observed in UnT, CqN, and MeE treated groups. Inhibition of overexpression of 1L-1b, TNF-G, and 1L-10 hepatic portal tract inflammation genes was noted in 100 mg/kg of DeE when compared with UnT,CqN, and MeE extract of SS. GC-MS of bioactive DeE showed that squalene was the main constituent. Bioactive constituents are suggested to be non-polar in nature and they also exhibit antiplasomodial polypharmacology potential, while squalene was also suggested to be abundant in the non-polar extract.
Cadmium bioremediation from cocoa with Bacillus xiamenensis Luk70 in post-harvesting, a technological and economic challenge to achieve
Authors: Millan Duvan Albeiro , Díaz Andrés , Paz Amaury Blanco , Rodríguez-López Claudia M. , Cortés Diana , Gómez Francisco J. , Chica María José , Bautista Eddy J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) levels in chocolate are a significant concern due to the toxic nature of this trace metal. This study presents a bioremediation treatment using Bacillus xiamenensis Luk70´s biomass in the post-harvesting process. The effect of the percentage of fermented beans, treatment time, nib pH, and concentration of bacteria applied to the reduction of Cd concentration was also studied, in addition to a cost analysis of pilot-scale bacteria production. Luk70 biomass with a 1:1 vegetative cell spore ratio applied to fermented cocoa beans at 90% can reduce nib Cd concentrations by a factor of 1.45 or 1.77, which to the best of our knowledge are the highest reductions in nib Cd concentration reductions reported to date without affecting the chocolate quality. The cost of producing Luk70 is estimated to be USD 0.56 per kg of wet cocoa beans, representing 14.4% of the current average price of Colombia´s wet cocoa beans. Although there are potential biosolutions for removing cadmium from cocoa, the economic costs and impact on the cocoa chain and producers must be considered.
Random Shared Local Dominator Guided Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Song Gongwei , Cao Hao , Zhang Lang , Teng Shengbo , Gui Lianfeng , Zhai Xiongfeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Guiding exemplar selection plays a crucial role in assisting particle swarm optimization (PSO) to gain satisfactory performance. To improve the effectiveness in helping PSO solve complex optimization problems with high effectiveness and efficiency deteriorates due to serious diversity loss, this paper devises a random shared local dominator guided scheme (RSLDG) for PSO, leading to a simple yet effective PSO variant named RSLDG-PSO. In contrast to existing studies, where each particle can only follow the guidance of the best position within its local area, RSLDG-PSO first randomly partitions the whole swarm into several sub-swarms and then identifies the best position of each sub-swarm. Then, all these local best positions are collected together to form a shared pool for all particles to learn. Subsequently, for each particle, a random local best position is chosen stochastically from the pool, along with its own historical experience, to guide its learning. In this way, highly diverse yet considerably promising exemplars are provided to update the swarm. Furthermore, to alleviate the sensitivity of RSLDG-PSO to parameters, this paper first devises an adaptive adjustment strategy for the sub-swarm size, and a dynamic strategy for adjusting the two coefficients. With the above schemes, RSLDG-PSO expectedly maintains a good dynamic balance between search diversity and search convergence to traverse complex solution space.
The impact of low back pain on life and work of ICU nurses in China: a hermeneutic phenomenological study
Authors: Xin Chen , Wei Lili , Guo Xiaojing , Gai Yubiao , Han binru 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: In China, due to the large population base, shortage of medical staff, aging population and other reasons, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses are required to work high intensity and long hours, coupled with constant incorrect posture, resulting in a particularly high prevalence of low back pain (LBP). Aim: The aim of this study was to further explore the impact of LBP on the work and life of ICU nurses through a qualitative research method. Methods: This study uses an interpretive phenomenological approach. Fifteen ICU nurses with LBP symptoms from a tertiary hospital in Qingdao, China, were recruited as study subjects. From January to April 2024, data was collected through in-depth interviews in the form of online one-on-one audio, which was then converted into text. Colaizzi's phenomenological approach was used for data analysis. Results: The impact of LBP on ICU nurse work includes 4 themes:1)impaired efficiency and motivation of work, 2)negative emotions: anxiety, fear, and feelings of guilt, 3)turnover intention, 4)presenteeism. The impact of LBP on ICU nurse life includes 3 themes: 1)limitations to daily life, 2)imiting exercise, social and leisure pursuits, 3)roles and problems of family caregivers. Conclusions: The high prevalence of LBP can lead to the loss of ICU nurses, and cause great trouble to their work and life. Effective measures should be taken to improve this phenomenon in the future. Implications for Clinical Practice: This study explored the impact of LBP on ICU nurses in China through qualitative interviews. It also pointed out the potential mechanism of the negative effects of low back pain on ICU nurses, which provided help for researchers to understand the phenomena of nurse turnover and presenteeism. Finally, this study hopes to arouse the attention of society and hospitals to the LBP of ICU nurses, so as to develop effective solutions.
Comprehensive investigation of the debris flow triggered by heavy rainfall in Xi’an, Shaanxi, on August 11, 2023
Authors: Liu Yinpeng , Chen Bo , Li Zhenhong , Song Chuang , Yu Chen , Zhou Pengxiang , Ma Jiahao , Zhang Chenglong , Chen Lili , Peng Jianbing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Amidst the ongoing global climate change, short-term heavy rainfall in local areas is occurring more frequently, exacerbating the risk of chain disasters caused by geohazards such as landslides and debris flows. On August 11, 2023, around 16:00, a large debris flow named Jiwozi occurred in the Haogou small watershed in the middle section of the Qinling Mountains, causing 27 deaths and a direct economic loss of about 15.6 million. To identify the triggering factors and the evolution process of the debris flow, this study carried out a comprehensive investigation using a variety of technical methods, including optical satellite remote sensing, spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), UAV, LiDAR, and field surveys. The study found that: 1) The Jiwozi debris flow is approximately 2.5 km in length, with a catchment area of about 1.2 km2. Jiwozi hydrological station recorded short-term heavy rainfall between 15:00 and 17:00 on 11 August, with a cumulative rainfall of 53 mm. Heavy rainfall provides sufficient hydrodynamic conditions to trigger the debris flow. 2) The loose deposits and fragmented rock mass in the Haogou gully provided the material source conditions for the Jiwozi debris flow. Preliminary calculations reveal that the slope erosion volume is 1.46×104 m3, and the total erosion volume of the debris flow is 15.3×104 m3; the ratio of slope erosion material transformed into debris flow is 3%. The flow velocity of the debris flow is approximately 3.5 m/s, and the corresponding downstream debris flow discharge can reach 103.3 m3/s. 3) A preliminary analysis indicates that the destabilization and evolutionary mechanism of the Jiwozi debris flow follows a pattern of ‘shallow sliding – shovelling – damming – breaching – shovelling – debris flow’. Studying the triggering mechanisms and dynamic processes of the Jiwozi debris flow contributes valuable insights for hazard assessment and early warning systems in mountainous gully areas, especially during the rainy season when there is continuous heavy rainfall.