bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A digital liver twin demonstrating the interplay between biomechanics and cell kinetics can explain fibrotic scar formation
Authors: Drasdo Dirk , Zhao Jieling , Hammad Seddik , de Langlard Mathieu , Erdoesi Pia , Li Yueni , Liedekerke Paul Van , Buttenschoen Andreas , Winkler Manuel , Kürschner Sina , Reiners-Koch Philipp-Sebastian , Grabe Niels , Wolf Stephanie , Bode Johannes , Hengstler Jan , Ebert Matthias , Dooley Steven 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Formation of liver fibrosis patterns is a complex process that can only be marginally investigated experimentally. A digital twin (DT), a computational model of the liver, is warranted, as it permits integration and modulation of multiple mechanisms. We develop a DT on chronic injury-mediated formation of CCl4-induced septal fibrosis based on experimental iterations. This DT closely reproduces the spatial-temporal pattern of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), macrophages (Mphs), collagen fibers secreted by activated HSCs, blood vessels and cell-cell communication through literature and quantitative imaging. It simulates formation of septal fibrosis and predicts that attraction of activated HSCs and Mphs is controlled by hepatocytes, damaged by CCl4 intoxication. Meanwhile, undamaged hepatocytes proliferate to replace the dead ones, thereby mechanically compressing the fibrotic network formed by collagen into “wall”-like shapes. Importantly, simulations assuming loss of spatial pattern of CYP2E1 expressing hepatocytes match with experimental data from mice with deleted transcription factor GATA4 in endothelial cells displaying a decreased CYP2E1 expression and disturbed distribution pattern in hepatocytes, thereby validating the DT.
Enhancing the Mechanical Performance of Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK Composite Through Double Reinforcement with MWCNTs
Authors: Jaiswal Anand Prakash , Kim Sang One , Jeon Min Hyeok , Thuan Ho Nguyen Tan , Yoon Soon ho , Kim Minkook 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, a double reinforcement method relied on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to significantly enhance the strength and fracture toughness of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) was demonstrated. MWCNTs were first grafted onto carbon fiber surfaces via nitric acid treatment and silane coupling. Additional MWCNTs were dispersed into a polyether ether ketone (PEEK) thermoplastic matrix. The synergistic effects of the fiber reinforced and matrix-incorporated MWCNTs improved the interlocking network and nanoscale bridging characteristics. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) substantially increased by 63.39% from 60 MPa for the baseline to 98.2 MPa for the optimized double reinforcement configuration. The fracture toughness measured by double cantilever beam tests increased by 61.7% from 746.2 J/m2 to 1206.7 J/m2. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed enhanced energy dissipation mechanisms with nanotube pull-out and crack deflection attributes. The double reinforcement method developed here via the incorporation of MWCNTs into the fiber and matrix phases significantly enhanced the ILSS, fracture toughness, and damage resistance of the CFRTP composites without detrimentally impacting the baseline tensile strength.
To develop a prognostic marker related to nicotinamide metabolism in ovarian cancer based on multiple machine learning
Authors: zheng xiaojiao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Nicotinamide metabolism play important roles in the formation and progression of ovarian cancer(OC). This study aimed to develop a prognostic marker related to nicotinamide metabolism in OC based on multiple machine learning. Gene expression profiles were obtained from the TCGA and GEO database. The TCGA dataset was used as a train cohort and GSE19829 was used as a validation cohort. The levels of these feature genes were also confirmed in an independent single-cell dataset GSE147082. A consensus prognostic model was constructed from a combination of 112 machine learning algorithms, including 10 classical ones. The STRING database facilitated the construction of protein-protein interaction networks around hub genes. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method with the survival R package. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was conducted via the cluster Profiler R package, while mutation patterns were examined with maftools. Immune infiltration and regulatory differences were assessed using the estimate R package. Single-cell datasets underwent quality control and cell-type annotation with Seurat v4.0, and pseudotime trajectory analyses were executed to map cellular development. Our results identified stable prognostic genes associated with OC and developed a risk scoring system that effectively stratifies patients into high- and low-risk groups with significant survival differences (p<0.05). A final prognostic model based on 23 hub genes demonstrated a robust mean concordance index (C-index) of 0.709. Furthermore, we revealed significant disparities in immune checkpoint markers expression between different risk groups, underscoring potential therapeutic implications. Finally, the model was tested on additional cancer types and clinical utility was assessed using calibration and decision curve analysis. Overall, this novel multiple machine learning could develop a prognostic marker, related to Nicotinamide metabolism, which is very promising in clinical promotion.
Engineered Microbial Platform Confers Resistance against Heavy Metals via Phosphomelanin Biosynthesis
Authors: Yan Xuehai , Ren Xiaokang , Zhao Luyang , Zhou Peng , Yuan Chengqian , Xing Ruirui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Environmental concerns are increasingly fueling interest in engineered living materials derived from microbial sources. Melanin biosynthesis in microbes, particularly facilitated by recombinant tyrosinase expression, offers sustainable protection for the habitat of microorganisms against severe environmental stressors. However, there exists a vast urgency to optimize these engineered microbial platforms, which will amplify their protective capabilities, integrate multifaceted functions, and thereby expand their utility and effectiveness. In our work, we have genetically engineered microbial platforms capable of endogenously biosynthesizing phosphomelanin, a unique phosphorus-bearing melanin featured by its distinctive phosphate and phosphonate groups. The ability to heterogeneously biosynthesize phosphomelanin endows the microbes with enhanced resistance to heavy metals, thus safeguarding their survival in adverse conditions. Furthermore, we have upgraded these engineered microbes by integrating PET-degrading enzymes, thereby achieving effective integrated management of metallized plastic waste. This engineered microbial platform, with its phosphomelanin biosynthetic capabilities, presents significant opportunities for microbes to engage in bioengineering manufacturing, potentially serving as the next-generation guardians against global ecological challenges.
Study of the influence of the protection arrangement on piezoelectric transducers applied in the electromechanical impedance technique in concrete structures
Authors: Gomes Lucas , Silva Raquel Naiara Fernandes , Motta Leila Aparecida de Castro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This work presents an analysis of structural health monitoring using the electromechanical impedance method in conjunction with a finite element model. The objective is to implement and evaluate a protection arrangement for piezoelectric transducers, verifying its influence on damage detection. The technique employs piezoelectric transducers embedded in the structure to collect impedance signatures, where changes in the curve indicate possible damage. The signatures are evaluated using specific metrics that allow detecting the presence of damage characterized by displacements in the signatures. The experiment compares a simulated model with a concrete sample subjected to tests under controlled conditions. The results show the correlation between the model values and those observed in the tests, highlighting the efficiency of the applied metrics.
Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Breastfeeding Among Female Non-Nutrition Students at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Edward Moringe Campus, Morogoro, Tanzania
Authors: Ndeki Douglas , Simon Lukonu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Adequate nutrition during early childhood ensures optimal growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months of life, as recommended by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund, provides unparalleled nutritional benefits.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and sources of information regarding exclusive breastfeeding among female non-nutrition students at Sokoine University of Agriculture, Edward Moringe Campus, in Morogoro.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1, 2020, to April 31, 2021, among 150 purposively selected female students aged 20-33. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering personal details, attitudes, knowledge, and sources of information on exclusive breastfeeding. Analysis was performed using SPSS software version 22
Results: The majority of respondents (48.0%) believed that breastfeeding should continue up to two years. About 50.7% agreed that breastfeeding should be on demand rather than scheduled. A significant portion (24.0%) strongly disagreed with giving pre-lacteal feeds, while 17.3% strongly agreed. Most respondents (31.3%) supported following vaccination schedules such as the polio vaccine. A notable 37.3% strongly disagreed that breastfeeding should be stopped during a child’s diarrheal episodes. However, 67.3% perceived formula feeding as superior to breastfeeding, and 35.5% disagreed that breastfeeding enhances mother-child bonding. Among the participants, 78.7% had heard about exclusive breastfeeding, with 46.7% learning from health professionals and relatives/friends, and 56.0% receiving detailed information on the topic.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The knowledge and attitudes towards exclusive breastfeeding among female university students were generally positive, although some misconceptions persisted. These gaps can be addressed through culturally sensitive, age-appropriate health education sessions and relevant reading materials. Future breastfeeding promotion programs should emphasize these aspects to improve understanding and practices.
Improvement by the drop of water absorption in treated Bambusa vulgaris fibers used in composite materials for building components.
Authors: Dieudonné EBANDA Ebanda , Joseph NKONGHO Anyi , Ekmon MBANGUE Nzengwa , Achille PANDON , Séverin NGUIYA 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the improvement of the hydrophilic behavior of bamboo fibers extracted by the "Improved Hydrophilic Extraction Method" (IHEM) (with 3% soda) and treated by acetylation. A sample of Bambusa vulgaris fibers obtained. Three categories of fibers’s structure were exploded in composite sample, molded in same condition. Each categories of fibers’s structure has composite with treated fibers and other with untreated fibers, and was subjected to a cycle of wetting/drying/wetting test for five days duration under. It resulted that the surface area of the fibers was smoothed by 3.57% and the density was reduced by 70.08%. The elastic properties of the accessible fiber, such as Young's modulus read 14777.75 MPa while the breaking stress yieds 39.21 MPa. Water absorption decreased by 20% to 37% after 48 hours of quenching, despite the temperature variation. The comparison of water saturation mass (DM), moisture mass after drying (MT) and mass variation of the composite substituted in water after soaking (ΔM), showed that the increase in the rate of treated fibers reduces the hydrophilic character of the composite which becomes completely hydrophobic to 15%, and that the damage caused to the composite by the hydrophilic effect also becomes less important.
Comparative study of the Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential oils obtained From Seeds and Leaves of Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L.)
Authors: Babatunde Oluwatoyin , Yeye Emmanuel , Oladeji Olatunde , Kolade Adejoke , Adefioye Olusolabomi , Mohammed Isiaka 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, the essential oils of seeds and leaves from Star Apple (Chrysophyllum cainito L) were profiled and screened for their antimicrobial potential. The volatile oils were isolated by means of hydro-distillation process using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oils were analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antimicrobial activity of the isolated essential oils was investigated by agar well diffusion method against seven bacterial isolates and two fungal isolates. A total of thirty-one chemical constituents were identified in essential oil of leaves with β-ocimene (12.37%), TMTT 1,3,7,11-Tridecatetraene (9.73%), α-farnesene (9.19%) and cyclofenchene (7.16%) as major components. Twenty-eight compounds were characterised in the seeds oil with citral (36.60%), Geranial, (28.50%) and (E)-3,7-Dimethylocta-3,6-dienal (10.82%) as main constituents. The two oils contained beta and alpha ocimene, cyclofenchene and pelargonaldehyde in common. The lowest MIC observed with essential oil of the leaves was 0.781251 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and 1.625 mg/mL for Escherichia coli. The lowest MIC recorded for essential oil of the seeds was 12.5 mg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Essential oil obtained from leaves exhibited higher antimicrobial and antifungal activities against all tested organisms than essential oil of seeds. The good to moderate antimicrobial results in this study has further justified the ethnomedicinal use of C. cainito in the treatment of inflammation caused by pneumonia and laryngitis microbes.
A structured framework for pediatric endocrine resident rotations: A single center experience
Authors: Zipursky Rachel , Vidmar Alaina P. , Cheung Clement C. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Over the past decade, there have been fewer pediatric residents applying to pediatric endocrine fellowship. One possible contributor to this trend is a lack of exposure to pediatric endocrinology outpatient work while in residency. The aim of this narrative review is to describe a single center medical education experience to create a standardized framework for residents rotating through a pediatric endocrine rotation.
Methods
In a multi-stage process, a working group consisting of medical educators developed a pediatric resident framework for subspeciality rotations and implemented it from 2019–2022. Afterwards, the new framework was evaluated.
Results
The conceptualization process and the implementation of the framework together can be represented as a modified PDSA. A standardized subspeciality framework resulted in increased resident satisfaction, faculty satisfaction, and popularity of the pediatric endocrinology selective course, thus exposing more residents to pediatric endocrinology. The process required 75–135 minutes of administrative time per resident (15 minutes of administrator time, 60–120 minutes of faculty time) and 120 minutes of teaching time per resident (medical education faculty team).
Conclusions
This study shows that in a single academic center, restructuring the resident elective in pediatric endocrinology with an eye to customization based on resident interest led to increased resident satisfaction, faculty satisfaction, and increased popularity of the pediatric endocrinology elective course. In an era where overall popularity of pediatric endocrinology is dwindling, but need for specialized expertise is growing, this is a step towards increased resident exposure to the subspecialty.
Harmonizing Assistance: Moderating Visual andTextual Aids in AI-Enhanced Textbook Readingwith IRead
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Dörig Vincent , Cui Peng , Zouhar Vilém , Netland Torbjorn , Sachan Mrinmaya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Textbooks continue to be one of primary mediums of learning. Students often need additional support during the process of reading textbooks leading to several research efforts that aim to increase student engagement and provide tailored experiences in textbook reading. However, providing excessive information beyond the textbook can also distract students from the reading task. When enhancing the reading experience, one has to strike a delicate balance between providing sufficient informational support and maintaining students’ focus on textbook reading. Fusing together latest developments in large language models (LLMs), their applications in education and several pedagogical theories, we design a textbook reading guidance mechanism. We introduce IRead, an interactive tool for textbook reading which uses LLMs with visualization and interaction techniques, to enhance students’ reading and learning experiences. IRead incorporates conceptual visualizations that reflect the textbook’s content and features an AI-driven question bot that generates questions and offers hints in response to student reading and interaction history. We evaluate IRead with a between-subject user study and measure the effectiveness of our methodology in supporting the students’ reading experience based on the Bloom’s Taxonomy and the ARCS model. We collect feedback from participants ranging from undergraduate to doctorate students. The results highlight the effectiveness of simple yet intuitive visualizations, such as the concept tree in IRead. We also derive general insights for the development of tools that enhance educational reading experiences.
Real-World Performance of Large Language Models in Emergency Department Chest Pain Triage and the development of MediGuide-14B
Authors: Tang Yi-Da 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance of large language models (LLMs) in diagnosing acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in emergency chest pain triage. We compared two Chinese LLMs, ‘Tongyi Qianwen’ and ‘Lingyi Zhihui,’ with MediGuide-14B and human experts using data from 11,428 patients. MediGuide-14B demonstrated the highest accuracy (87.52%) and specificity (78.63%), comparable to human experts (86.37% accuracy, 89.26% specificity). The study highlighted the potential of LLMs to assist in emergency diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, limitations such as potential bias and the need for human oversight were noted. This research underscores the importance of integrating LLMs with clinical expertise for optimal patient care.
Future expansion of alpine forest-grassland ecotone under land-use and climate change
Authors: Marzini Sebastian , Tasser Erich , Wellstein Camilla , Albrich Katharina , Rammer Werner , Mina Marco 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context
Across Alpine landscapes, a combination of land-use abandonment and climate change is driving forest expansion and promoting the upward migration of trees on grasslands. Yet, it remains unclear how rapidly the upper forest-grassland ecotone will shift and how tree species composition will change, both in terms of species proportions and along elevational gradients.
Objectives
Our aim is to investigate the future forest expansion in a landscape in the Eastern Alps under potential grassland abandonment, climate change, natural disturbances (wind and bark beetle), and forest management.
Methods
We used the forest landscape model iLand to simulate long-term forest development under different scenarios. We coupled model outputs with a machine learning algorithm to identify potential changes in the forest-grassland ecotone, tracking tree species expansion and quantifying elevation and compositional shifts.
Results
Under a potential abandonment of alpine grasslands, forest will likely expand rapidly within the 21st century regardless climate warming. This because the current upper forest-grassland ecotone is mainly constrained by land use rather than climate. Our simulations also showed that ecotone shifts will be more pronounced on S-facing slopes, while climate change will affect more future tree species composition and forest stocking at higher elevations.
Conclusions
Our outcomes highlight the capacity of forest landscape models to provide useful insights on future dynamics of the upper forest ecotone, integrating not only species migration and climate but also other factors such as disturbances and management. Our results could provide useful information for designing landscape management strategies in rapidly changing Alpine mountain valleys.
Role and Perception of Healthcare Professionals in Referring Cancer Patients to Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
Authors: Zanni Louise , Journiac Jonathan , Savard Josée , Guerdoux Estelle , Paillard-Brunet Guilhem , Fasse Léonor , Provost Jean-Bernard Le , Charles Cécile , Dauchy Sarah , Boinon Diane 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Insomnia represents a major issue in oncology, which can be successfully treated by online Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, such as the Insomnet program. However, promoting its successful implementation in routine care requires healthcare providers' involvement. This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' perceptions of this online program.
Methods
This qualitative study was a part of [anonymize for reviewing (AFR)]. It explored, through two focus groups including 19 healthcare professionals of three cancer centers, their perceptions regarding their role in patient referral, as well as the perceived barriers and facilitators in accessing this type of intervention. The content of the focus groups was subjected to a descriptive thematic analysis.
Results
Four major themes were identified: (1) Ambivalent representations of online tools (including Patients convinced by remote intervention, Evolution of representations in relation to the health context, Adapted to sleep disorders, Professionals’ preconceptions of online tools), (2) Barriers to implementation (including Few perceived barriers, Forgetting patients' particularities, Professionals' lack of knowledge, A possible threat to the patient-caregiver relationship, Financial cost), (3) Levers for implementation (including Real benefits for patients, Professionals who feel confident, Preserved patient-caregiver relationship, Institutional innovations to remedy dysfunctions), and (4) Professional involvement in implementation (What they need, What to avoid, What they already do, What they see themselves doing).
Conclusion
Online (healthcare) services were reported to help increase access to healthcare, but that should not replace the relationship between patients and healthcare professionals. All professionals must be informed and trained to refer patients to these programs.