bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inventory of Loranthaceae parasites of Bayangam fruit trees in West Cameroon
Authors: Azangue Gilles Jiope , Sonke Bonaventure , David Wauffo Fokom 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundLoranthaceae parasitism is a limiting factor for crops as well as many other plant diseases and pests. The present study was conducted to make an inventory of Loranthaceae present on fruit trees species grown in the Bayangam locality. It also aimed to record the damage caused by these pests on the host plants. To achieve this, 40 transects of 100 m length and 50 m width were set up in the locality of Bayangam. Observations were made on the presence or absence of the parasites on the host plants, the number of Loranthaceae clumps carried by each parasitized tree, the taxon of the parasite, and the damage caused by the Loranthaceae on the host plants.ResultsThe inventories identified six species of Loranthaceae belonging to four genera. These were Globimetula braunii, Globimetula dinklagei, Globimetula oreophila, Helixanthera mannii, Phragmanthera capitata, and Tapinanthus globiferus. Parasite densities varied among species and increased with the circumference of host plants. Globimetula braunii and Phragmanthera capitata were the most invasive species on host plants.ConclusionFruit trees in Bayangam are largely parasitized by Loranthaceae. The only control method used by the populations is pruning of parasitized branches during drought periods. This method is not effective because of the large number of trees and branches parasitized. The identification of Loranthaceae‐resistant cultivars in fruit tree production is an interesting element in the perspective of control.
The effects of Mitragyna speciosa extracts on intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in vitro fecal fermentation
Authors: Pansai Nattha , Wungsintaweekul Juraithip , Wichienchot Santad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDKratom (Mitragyna speciosa) has a long history of traditional use. It contains various alkaloids and polyphenols. The properties of kratom's alkaloids have been well‐documented. However, the property of kratom's polyphenols in water‐soluble phase have been less frequently reported. This study assessed the effects of water‐soluble Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) extract (MSE) on gut microbiota and their metabolite production in fecal batch culture.RESULTSThe water‐soluble kratom extract (MSE0) and the water‐soluble kratom extract after partial sugar removal (MSE50) both contained polyphenols, with total phenolic levels of 2037.91 ± 51.13 and 3997.95 ± 27.90 mg GAE/g extract, respectively and total flavonoids of 81.10 ± 1.00 and 84.60 ± 1.43 mg CEQ/g extract. The gut microbiota in fecal batch culture was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing at 0 and 24 h of fermentation. After fermentation, MSE50 stimulated the growth of Bifidobacterium more than MSE0. MSE0 gave the highest total fatty acids level among the treatments. The phenolic metabolites produced by some intestinal microbiota during fecal fermentation at 24 h were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The major metabolite of biotransformation of both water‐soluble MSEs by intestinal microbiota was pyrocatechol (9.85–11.53%).CONCLUSIONThe water‐soluble MSEs and their produced metabolites could potentially be used as ingredients for functional and medicinal food production that supports specific gut microbiota. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dendrobium officinale flos water extract ameliorates ethanol‐induced acute gastric mucosal injury via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation
Authors: Fan Pinglong , Xie Shuchun , Zhang ZhiQian , Yuan Quan , He Jiajiang , Zhang Jie , Liu Xinyue , Liu Xiaoyi , Xu Lieqiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDendrobium officinale flos (DOF), a novel food raw material, is used in Chinese folk medicine to nourish the stomach. However, there is still no available study to evaluate the effects of DOF on animal models of acute gastric injury and its mechanism by modern pharmacological research.RESULTSHerein, we characterized the major components of an aqueous extract of DOF and assessed its potential ameliorative effects in a rat model of acute gastric mucosal injury. The DOF water extract showed significant protective effects on the gastric mucosa and exhibited excellent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Acute gastric injury rat models induced by ethanol (6 mL kg−1) were pretreated with different doses of DOF water extract (50–100 mg kg−1 day−1), and the biological effects of DOF extract in gastric tissues were evaluated. DOF extract alleviated the symptoms of ethanol‐stimulated acute gastric mucosal injury, as evidenced by a significant reduction in gastric injury index and the degree of gastric pathological changes. Additionally, treatment with DOF extract upregulated mucin expression in the gastric mucosa, attenuated oxidative stress, decreased the release of inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, IL‐6), suppressed the expression of key proinflammatory enzymes (COX‐2 and iNOS), reduced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and p65 NF‐κB and increased the level of PGE2 in gastric tissues.CONCLUSIONDOF exerts protective effects against ethanol‐induced acute gastric mucosal injury, mainly by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fetal 24‐Segment Sphericity Index and Ventricular Fractional Shortening Between 12 and 20 Weeks of Gestation
Authors: Inamura Noboru , Machida Megumi , Nakamura Takako , Uenishi Kohtaro , Pooh Ritsuko K. 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAlthough the fetal sphericity index (SI) and fractional shortening (FS) of 24 transverse segments have been previously reported after the 20th gestational week, there have been no reports during the first and early second trimester.ObjectiveThis study aimed to clarify the SI and FS of 24 transverse segments in normal fetuses before the 20th gestational week.MethodsA total of 101 normal fetuses aged between 12 and 20 gestational weeks were examined. The displacement of the ventricular endocardium during the cardiac cycle was computed using speckle‐tracking software (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). We analyzed the length of 24 end‐diastolic lateral segments and the end‐diastolic basal (seg1‐6)‐ middle (Seg7‐15)‐apical (Seg16‐24) distribution from the base to the apex of each ventricle, according to the method described by DeVore et al. The SI and FS were computed for each of the 24 segments by dividing the mid‐basal‐apical length by the transverse size.ResultsThe SI for each segment was independent of the gestational age. The SI of the right ventricle was significantly lower than that of the left ventricle for segments 1–14, suggesting that the right ventricle was more spherical than the left ventricle in the basal segment only. The FS of the right ventricle was significantly lower than that of the left ventricle in segments 1 to 2 and 13 to 24.ConclusionThe morphology of the ventricles before 20 weeks of gestation differs from that between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation. This difference may be related to myocardial densification or performance.
Augmented and Virtual Reality Applications in Rhinology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Edalati Shaun , Slobin Jacqueline , Harsinay Ariel , Vasan Vikram , Taha Mohamed A. , Del Signore Anthony , Govindaraj Satish , Iloreta Alfred Marc 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesVirtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are innovative technologies that have a wide range of potential applications in the health care industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the body of research on AR and VR applications in rhinology by performing a scoping review.Data SourcesPubMed, Scopus, and Embase.Review MethodsAccording to PRISM‐ScR guidelines, a scoping review of literature on the application of AR and/or VR in the context of Rhinology was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.ResultsForty‐nine articles from 1996 to 2023 met the criteria for review. Five broad types of AR and/or VR applications were found: preoperative, intraoperative, training/education, feasibility, and technical. The subsequent clinical domains were recognized: craniovertebral surgery, nasal endoscopy, transsphenoidal surgery, skull base surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, and sinonasal malignancies.ConclusionAR and VR have comprehensive applications in Rhinology. AR for surgical navigation may have the most emerging potential in skull base surgery and endoscopic sinus surgery. VR can be utilized as an engaging training tool for surgeons and residents and as a distraction analgesia for patients undergoing office‐based procedures. Additional research is essential to further understand the tangible effects of these technologies on measurable clinical results. Laryngoscope, 134:4433–4440, 2024
T2 magnetic resonance imaging mapping and morphology of the median nerve before and after surgery in carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Kondo Harunori , Suzuki Taku , Hayakawa Katsuhiko , Maeda Atsushi , Funahashi Takuya , Kuroiwa Takashi , Kawano Yusuke , Iwamoto Takuji , Fujita Nobuyuki 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsT2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) mapping has been applied to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) for quantitative assessment of the median nerve. However, quantitative changes in the median nerve before and after surgery using T2 MRI mapping remain unclear. We aimed to investigate whether pathological changes could be identified by pre‐ and postoperative T2 MRI mapping of the median nerve in CTS patients after open carpal tunnel release.MethodsThis was a prospective study that measured median nerve T2 and cross‐sectional area (CSA) values at the distal carpal tunnel, hamate bone, proximal carpal tunnel, and forearm levels pre‐ and postoperatively. Associations between T2, CSA, and nerve conduction latency were also evaluated.ResultsA total of 36 patients with CTS (mean age, 64.5 ± 11.7 years) who underwent surgery were studied. The mean preoperative T2 values significantly decreased from 56.3 to 46.9 ms at the proximal carpal tunnel levels (p = .001), and from 52.4 to 48.7 ms at the hamate levels postoperatively (p = .04). Although there was a moderate association between preoperative T2 values at the distal carpal tunnel levels and distal motor latency values (r = −.46), other T2 values at all four carpal tunnel levels were not significantly associated with CSA or nerve conduction latency pre‐ or postoperatively.DiscussionT2 MRI mapping of the carpal tunnel suggested a decrease in nerve edema after surgery. T2 MRI mapping provides quantitative information on the median nerve before and after surgery.
Development of a major histocompatibility complex class II conditional knockout mouse to study cell‐specific and time‐dependent adaptive immune responses in peripheral nerves
Authors: Ubogu Eroboghene E. , Conner Jeremy A. , Wang Yimin , Yadav Dinesh , Saunders Thomas L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe precise relationship between molecular mimicry and tissue‐specific autoimmunity is unknown. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen presenting cell‐CD4+ T‐cell receptor complex interactions are necessary for adaptive immunity. This study aimed to determine the role of endoneurial endothelial cell MHC class II in autoimmune polyneuropathy.MethodsCryopreserved Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) patient sural nerve biopsies and sciatic nerves from the severe murine experimental autoimmune neuritis (sm‐EAN) GBS model were studied. Cultured conditional ready MHC Class II antigen A‐alpha chain (H2‐Aa) embryonic stem cells were used to generate H2‐Aaflox/+ C57BL/6 mice. Mice were backcrossed and intercrossed to the SJL background to generate H2‐Aaflox/flox SJL mice, bred with hemizygous Tamoxifen‐inducible von Willebrand factor Cre recombinase (vWF‐iCre/+) SJL mice to generate H2‐Aaflox/flox; vWF‐iCre/+ mice to study microvascular endothelial cell adaptive immune responses. Sm‐EAN was induced in Tamoxifen‐treated H2‐Aaflox/flox; vWF‐iCre/+, H2‐Aaflox/flox; +/+, H2‐Aa+/+; vWF‐iCre/+ and untreated H2‐Aaflox/flox; vWF‐iCre/+ adult female SJL mice. Neurobehavioral, electrophysiological and histopathological assessments were performed at predefined time points.ResultsEndoneurial endothelial cell MHC class II expression was observed in normal and inflamed human and mouse peripheral nerves. Tamoxifen‐treated H2‐Aaflox/flox; vWF‐iCre/+ mice were resistant to sm‐EAN despite extensive MHC class II expression in lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissues.DiscussionA conditional MHC class II knockout mouse to study cell‐ and time‐dependent adaptive immune responses in vivo was developed. Initial studies show microvascular endothelial cell MHC class II expression is necessary for peripheral nerve specific autoimmunity, as advocated by human in vitro adaptive immunity and ex vivo transplant rejection studies.
Finite element analysis with deformed shape constraints generated by laser‐scanned point clouds
Authors: Haraki Hibiya , Yusa Yasunori , Masuda Hiroshi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article proposes a computational method for finite element analysis with deformed shape constraints for analyzing constructed structures to account for deformations that occur before shape measurement by a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). In this method, point clouds obtained by a TLS are considered as a partial surface of the deformed structure. An analysis model is assumed to be created from CAD data or drawings. The analysis is performed under deformed shape constraints, namely, the deformed surface constraints or the normal vector constraints, which are generated by the point clouds. These constraints are introduced to reproduce the current displacements and stresses for the structure through the analysis. This method was applied to analyses of a plate and a desk using point clouds, which were created virtually on a computer or obtained by a TLS in the numerical examples. The results showed that this method can consider unexpected deformations that occur before laser scanning. Although the computed stresses oscillated when the scanned point cloud was used due to measurement errors and conventional point cloud processing methods, the stress values were responsive enough to indicate unnatural shapes of the deformed structure. Moreover, the oscillation was observed only in areas with constraints, whereas it was not seen in areas without constraints.
High‐performance electromagnetic shielding composite materials based on carbon nanotubes and Sandwich laminate structures
Authors: Wu Jiangxing , Gao Yantao 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCarbon fiber‐reinforced composite materials exhibit excellent mechanical and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. However, they have some drawbacks, such as high cost and significant reflection losses. In order to address these shortcomings, this study set out to design a sandwich‐structured composite material and produce a composite material designed for electromagnetic shielding using Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technology. This composite material promotes the “absorption‐reflection‐reabsorption” process of electromagnetic waves, significantly enhancing its shielding effectiveness, achieving up to 59.4 dB of shielding effect in the 8.2–12.4 GHz (X‐band) range. The study also employed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) matrix doping to modify the composite material, significantly reducing reflection losses. When the amount of carbon nanotubes added reaches 0.6 wt%, the overall SE can be increased by 18%. Additionally, the introduction of CNTs significantly improves the flexural strength and tensile strength of the composite material; at a 0.6 wt% CNT content, the average tensile strength increased from 526.4 to 600.9 MPa, indicating good interfacial interactions between CNTs and epoxy resin. This work provides valuable insights for the preparation of high‐performance electromagnetic shielding materials, with profound theoretical and practical significance.Highlights
Observations through SEM and CT scanning techniques reveal that Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) technology facilitates strong interlayer bonding between carbon fibers, glass fibers, and copper wires, alongside effective epoxy resin adhesion, thus enhancing the mechanical properties.
The sandwich structure's impedance mismatch characteristic facilitates an efficient “absorption‐reflection‐reabsorption” process of electromagnetic waves. Additionally, the incorporation of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) enhances the absorption mechanism, reducing reflection losses.
Incorporating CNTs further boosts both flexural and tensile strengths, attributed to improved interfacial interactions inhibiting crack formation.
Discovery of pathogenic variants in EFEMP2 and RAG1 and undetectable fetal phenotype: A challenge of prenatal exome sequencing
Authors: Favier Maud , Dard Rodolph , Gorincour Guillaume , Tessier Aude , Motte‐Signoret Emmanuelle , Duvillier Clemence , Racine Caroline , Faivre Laurence , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Mau‐Them Frédéric Tran 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundExome sequencing in prenatal context confronts with pathogenic variants associated with phenotypes that are not detectable prenatally.Materials and MethodsA consanguineous couple was referred at 24 weeks of gestation for prenatal genetic investigations after ultrasonography findings including decreased fetal movements, hypoplastic male external genitalia, retrognathia, prefrontal edema, anomalies of the great vessels with pulmonary atresia and dilated tortuous aorta.ResultPrenatal trio exome sequencing identified two homozygous likely pathogenic variants, i.e. a missense in EFEMP2 involved in cutis laxa and a nonsense in RAG1 involved in several types of severe combined immunodeficiency.DiscussionThe fetal ultrasonographic phenotype was partially compatible with previously reported prenatal presentations secondary to EFEMP2 biallelic variants, but prenatal presentations have never been reported for RAG1 related disorders because the RAG1 phenotype is undetectable during pregnancy.ConclusionBoth EFEMP2 and RAG1 variants were disclosed to the couple because the EFEMP2 variant was considered causative for the fetal ultrasonographic phenotype and the RAG1 variant was considered a finding of strong interest for genetic counselling and monitoring of future pregnancies following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics recommendations about the discovery of incidental findings in fetal exome sequencing in prenatal diagnosis.
International students' intercultural sensitivity and academic adaptation in Chinese universities: The mediating role of general health
Authors: Takyi Mensah Elijah , Chen Mingkun , Ntim Seth Yeboah , Shen Tingyu , Asanga Arnold Amasiya , Aboagye Michael Osei , Gabrah Antoinette Yaa Benewaa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe quest to flourish academically and acquire skills needed for job opportunities has brought people from different cultures and countries to closely interact. Using Vygotsky's sociocultural theory, this study examines the relationship between international students' intercultural sensitivity and academic adaptation and the mediating role of general health. A one‐way analysis of variance and structural equation model were conducted to assess the differences and relationships between the constructs, utilizing 338 respondents. The findings showed that male, doctoral, and English‐taught students reported significantly higher academic adaptation. Students who have no or less COVID‐19 related issues reported higher general health. Further, the regression results revealed that intercultural sensitivity is related to academic adaptation, and general health partially mediated the intercultural sensitivity and academic adaptation relationship. These findings demonstrate that intercultural sensitivity nurtures students' self‐esteem and mental toughness, which allow them to reap good health outcomes that impact academic adaptation. The practical implications and limitations of the study have been discussed.
School adjustment scale for high school students: Development and initial validation
Authors: Kaynak Semih , Kan Adnan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAlthough research has consistently highlighted the importance of school adjustment for high school students, validated tools for assessing this construct are currently lacking. To address this gap, our study aimed to develop and validate a scale to measure school adjustment among high school students. Employing a two‐stage approach, we first examined the concept of adjustment and generated scale items. Subsequently, we surveyed 1121 high school students, and randomly split the data into two groups for subsequent analyses. Through exploratory in the first stage and confirmatory factor analyses in the second stage, we identified two higher‐order factors within the scale: social adjustment and academic adjustment, with academic adjustment consisting of two sub‐factors, academic performance and, academic engagement. The results indicated that the scale has an excellent model fit, as well as adequate reliability and high construct validity. Overall, our study provides a valuable tool for assessing school adjustment in high school students.
The detection rate for prostate cancer in systematic and targeted prostate biopsy in biopsy‐naive patients, according to the localization of the lesion at the mpMRI: A single‐center retrospective observational study
Authors: Massanova Matteo , Barone Biagio , Caputo Vincenzo Francesco , Napolitano Luigi , Ponsiglione Andrea , Del Giudice Francesco , Ferro Matteo , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Lasorsa Francesco , Busetto Gian Maria , Robertson Sophie , Trama Francesco , Imbimbo Ciro , Crocetto Felice 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveEvaluate the detection rates of systematic, targeted and combined cores at biopsy according to tumor positions in biopsy‐naïve patients.Material and MethodsA retrospective analysis of a single‐center patient cohort (n = 501) that underwent transrectal prostate biopsy between January 2017 and December 2019 was performed. Multi‐parametric MRI was executed as a prebiopsy investigation. Biopsy protocol included, for each patient, 12 systematic cores plus 3 to 5 targeted cores per lesion identified at the mpMRI. Pearson and McNemar chi‐squared tests were used for statistical analysis to compare tumor location‐related detection rates of systematic, targeted and combined (systematic + targeted) cores at biopsy.ResultsMedian age of patients was 70 years (IQR 62–72), with a median PSA of 8.5 ng/ml (IQR 5.7–15.6). Positive biopsies were obtained in 67.7% of cases. Overall, targeted cores obtained higher detection rates compared to systematic cores (54.3% vs. 43.1%, p < 0.0001). Differences in detection rates were, however, higher for tumors located at the apex (61.1% vs. 26.3%, p < 0.05) and anteriorly (44.4% vs. 19.3%, p < 0.05). Targeted cores similarly obtained higher detection rates in the posterior zone of the prostate gland for clinically significant prostate cancer. A poor agreement was reported between targeted and systematic cores for the apex and anterior zone of the prostate with, respectively κ = 0.028 and κ = −0.018.ConclusionA combined approach of targeted and systematic biopsy delivers the highest detection rate in prostate cancer (PCa). The location of the tumor could however greatly influence overall detection rates, indicating the possibility to omit (as for the base or posterior zone of the gland) or add (as for the apex or anterior zone of the gland) further targeted cores.