bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coal combustion modeling: A comparative study
Authors: Vilakazi Lethukuthula N. , Madyira Daniel 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCoal combustion is a major power source in the world, and energy conservation and environmental protection are now the top priorities in terms of carrying out the strategy for continuous and persistent development in power generation. The intricate coal combustion process must be investigated to present the process inside a live boiler as accurately as possible. In this study, the ANSYS FLUENT program is used to compare two species models namely, species transport (STM) and nonpremixed model (NPM). The two models are run with similar geometry and boundary conditions. It was found that the STM enables entering of the species reactions and activates a selection for the crucial coal combustion and devolatization processes. The NPM combustion process takes place with the assumption that combustion is in equilibrium, a Probability Density Function (PDF) mixture table is calculated first before the simulation can be run. Both submodels can depict the combustion process for a CFPP boiler providing temperature gradients within the boiler with species composition throughout the boiler. The NPM does not track species individually through the boiler, limiting model validation data. The STM was found to be suitable since it provided more comprehensive coal combustion results, that can be used for model validation.
Improvement of intestinal microbial structure in patients with cerebral infarction through in vitro fermentation of anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum Murray
Authors: Qiu Jun , Ye Bin , Feng Lei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnthocyanins in Lycium ruthenicum Murray can be degraded into metabolites by intestinal microorganisms and have a wide range of biological functions. However, there are limited studies on the effect of anthocyanins on the intestinal flora structure in patients with cerebral infarction. To explore the new probiotic effects of ACN, the gut microbiota present in fecal samples obtained from healthy volunteers and patients with acute cerebral infarction underwent in vitro fermentation analysis. The in vitro fermentation product of ACN with L. ruthenicum Murray can significantly increase the diversity of the gut flora in patients with cerebral infarction. It can also promote beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) in the guts of patients with acute cerebral infarction (e.g. Bifidobacterium, Allisonella, and Prevotell), reduce the growth of potentially harmful bacteria (Dialister, Megamonas, and Clostridium), and increase the levels of SCFAs. This investigation demonstrated the capability of ACN in vitro fermentation to improve the gut microbiota structure in patients with cerebral infarction. This, in turn, furnishes new theoretical underpinnings for its potential development as a functional food component.
Prebiotics enhance the immunomodulatory effect of Limosilactobacillus fermentum DALI02 by regulating intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Zhang Longfei , Liu Xiaoxiao , Liu Yang , Cheng Xinyi , Xu Mingze , Qu Hengxian , Wang Wenqiong , Gu Ruixia , Chen Dawei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe colonization ability of Limosilactobacillus fermentum DALI02 and the promoting effect of fermented prebiotics have been studied. This study aims to evaluate the systemic immunomodulatory effects of DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics on cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppressed rats. We found that DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics, especially DALI02 + Prebiotics, exhibited significant restorative effects on the immunocompromised state in rats (p < .05). Specifically, both of them promoted the recovery of body weight and immune organ function, enhanced the proliferative capacity of immune cells, and effectively reduced the levels of interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α). Furthermore, both of them significantly reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D‐lactic acid in the blood (p < .05). Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), principal component analysis (PCA), and unsupervised cluster analysis revealed that DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics group were more similar to the blank group at the genus level of the gut microbiota. At the level of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), DALI02 + Prebiotics and blank group belonged to Cluster 3. These results suggested that the intervention with DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics effectively modulated the structure of the gut microbiota, and DALI02 + Prebiotics restored the dysregulation of SCFAs. In summary, DALI02 and DALI02 + Prebiotics possess immunomodulatory functions, with the latter showing superior effects.
Knowledge, perception, and practical understanding of food labels: A cross‐sectional study among Bangladeshi consumers
Authors: Islam Md. Nazrul , Roy Nitai , Madilo Felix Kwashie , Akinsemolu Adenike , Arifuzzaman Md. , Shakil Md. Imran Hossain , Nishi Jannatul Ferdous , Akter Sharmin , Elius Md. , Islam Md. Shahidul 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis research aimed to assess consumers' knowledge, perception, and practical understanding of food labels. A validated, structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. Data were collected from 1238 respondents covering all eight administrative divisions of Bangladesh using a nonrandomized convenience sampling method. Linear regression analyses were conducted to establish the relationship between demographic attributes and respondents' practical understanding of food labels. The majority of participants (52.5%) actively read food labels when purchasing a product for the first time. Food labels are regarded as “very important” by 56.2% of respondents and “important” by 35.7% of respondents. Label information is prioritized to highlight the importance of clear production and expiration dates (70%), followed by nutritional composition (56.7%) and source of raw material (52.5%). Despite this, over half of the participants demonstrated a limited practical understanding of the nutritional components on labels. The results of our linear regression analysis suggest that individuals within the age range of 18–28, belonging to Muslim communities, residing in the Dhaka and Khulna divisions, being higher educated, possessing a good understanding of nutrition, and being acquainted with the food safety agency of Bangladesh tend to exhibit a greater degree of practical knowledge regarding food labeling when compared to their counterparts. The study emphasizes the importance of clearer label information, particularly for nutritional value, and calls for targeted educational programs to improve consumer understanding of food labels, with a focus on older age groups and expanded educational efforts.
A prospective cohort study on stereotactic radiotherapy in the management of dural recurrence of olfactory neuroblastoma
Authors: Goodman Christopher D. , DeMonte Franco , Nguyen Theresa P. , Garden Adam S. , Wang Catherine He , Wang Xin A. , Diao Kevin , Lee Anna , Reddy Jay , Moreno Amy , Spiotto Michael , Fuller Clifton D. , Rosenthal David , Ferrarotto Renata , Raza Shaan M. , Su Shirley Y. , Warner Andrew , Hanna Ehab , Phan Jack 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundTreatment for dural recurrence of olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is not standardized. We assess the outcomes of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in this population.MethodsONB patients with dural recurrences treated between 2013 and 2022 on a prospective registry were included. Tumor control, survival, and patient‐reported quality of life were analyzed.ResultsFourteen patients with 32 dural lesions were evaluated. Time to dural recurrence was 58.3 months. Thirty lesions (94%) were treated with SBRT to a median dose of 27 Gy in three fractions. Two patients (3 of 32 lesions; 9%) developed in‐field radiographic progression, five patients (38%) experienced progression in non‐contiguous dura. Two‐year local control was 85% (95% CI: 51–96%). There were no >grade 3 acute toxicities and 1 case of late grade 3 brain radionecrosis.ConclusionIn this largest study of SBRT reirradiation for ONB dural recurrence to date, high local control rates with minimal toxicity were attainable.
The impact of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for major head and neck oncologic surgery on postoperative complications and adjuvant treatment delivery
Authors: Frenkel Catherine H. , Donahue Erin E. , Cochran Allyson , Brickman Daniel , Hong Steven , Ward Matthew C. , Moeller Benjamin J. , Carrizosa Daniel R. , Milas Zvonimir L. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe Commission on Cancer (CoC) recently introduced a quality metric to optimize time between major head and neck surgery and adjuvant treatment (TAT) ≤6 weeks, as TAT delay adversely impacts patient survival. This study evaluates whether enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for this population reduces the rate of postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and TAT.MethodsPatients undergoing larynx or oral cavity resection with free flap reconstruction, ERAS, and adjuvant treatment after 2018 were compared to a historical pre‐ERAS cohort. Patients underwent surgery at a single‐institution tertiary referral center for complex head and neck oncology. Differences between groups were compared by chi‐square, Fisher's exact, or Wilcoxon rank‐sum test. TAT >6 weeks was evaluated with univariate and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsThirty‐nine pre‐ERAS patients were compared to 39 ERAS patients. No demographic differences existed between groups. LOS was improved with ERAS (p = 0.005). ERAS patients were discharged to home and returned to their activities of daily living (ADL) earlier (p = 0.004, 0.001). ADL recovery was associated with on‐time TAT ≤42 days on univariate analysis (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.13–1.63, p = 0.001). TAT delay was less frequent with ERAS (51.3% vs. 69.2%), but this was not significant after multivariable logistic regression (p = 0.11).ConclusionERAS decreases LOS and returns advanced head and neck cancer patients to their ADL sooner. Postoperative ADL recovery independently predicts on‐time adjuvant treatment. Still, compliance beyond 50% with the TAT ≤6 weeks CoC quality metric remains a major treatment barrier.
Evaluation of dental students and alumni's confidence level in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment‐planning: A qualitative study
Authors: Ismail Hadi Mohmmad , Abdulrahman Adham Ameen , Ibrahim Ali Ismail 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOrthodontic education, besides some other factors, influences the confidence level of recently graduated dentists to diagnose subjects seeking orthodontic treatment and provide treatment plans. This study aims to explore the factors that influence the confidence level of undergraduate dental students to diagnose subjects seeking orthodontic treatment and provide treatment plans after graduation.MethodsA qualitative study was undertaken using focus groups and interviews. Purposive sampling was used, focus groups and face to face semi‐structured interviews were adopted as the method of data collection. Three focus groups were evaluated including fifth‐year undergraduate, postgraduate orthodontic students, and recently graduated general dentists. In addition, eleven interviews were performed with the fifth‐year undergraduate students. Data collection ceased upon reaching data saturation, with thematic analysis employed for qualitative data analysis.ResultsSix themes and two sub‐themes were extracted from the data. More focus on the theory was highly noticed, and most of the participants exhibited a low level of self confidence in extrapolating orthodontic diagnosis and establishing treatment plans after graduation. In addition, they believed that practical teaching sessions mostly deal with wire bending and demanded to expand the clinical orthodontic knowledge to be able to indicate the right diagnosis and initiate proper treatment plans.ConclusionsClinical and practical training alongside theoretical foundation represent key factors in orthodontic education required to obtain confidence in orthodontic practice among dental undergraduate students and alumni. The findings help in enhancing undergraduate programs via providing a clinically oriented orthodontic education from student perceptions.
Defining the minimal clinically important difference for IKDC and KOOS scores for patients undergoing tibial tubercle osteotomy for patellofemoral pain or instability
Authors: Retzky Julia S. , Shah Aakash K. , Neijna Ava G. , Rizy Morgan E. , Gomoll Andreas H. , Strickland Sabrina M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the present study is to define the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) for patients undergoing tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) for either (1) patellofemoral pain or (2) patellar instability.MethodsPatients undergoing TTO for either patellofemoral pain or patellar instability by one of two sports medicine fellowship‐trained surgeons at a single institution between September 2014 and May 2023 were included in the study. IKDC and KOOS scores were collected preoperatively and minimum 1 year postoperatively. Distribution‐based methods were used to calculate the MCID.ResultsSeventy‐seven patients (82 knees) were included, with a median age of 29.3 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 22.2−36.3 years) and a median BMI of 24.5 kg/m2 [IQR: 22.3−28.3 kg/m2]. Fifty‐seven patients (74%) were female, and there were 40 right knees (49%). The median time to IKDC and KOOS score was 1.8 and 1.7 years, respectively. Forty‐five patients (46 knees) underwent TTO for patellofemoral instability, and 32 patients (36 knees) underwent TTO for patellofemoral pain. The MCID was 11.5 for IKDC, 10.2 for KOOS pain, 10.1 for KOOS symptoms, 9.9 for KOOS ADL, 14.2 for KOOS sport and 14.2 for KOOS QoL for patients undergoing TTO for patellofemoral pain. The MCID was 11.2 for IKDC, 10.1 for KOOS pain, 10.6 for KOOS symptoms, 10.2 for KOOS ADL, 16.0 for KOOS sport and 13.2 for KOOS QoL for patients undergoing TTO for patellar instability.ConclusionWe define the MCIDs for commonly used patient‐reported outcome measures for patients undergoing TTO for either patellofemoral pain or patellar instability.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
An intranasal attenuated Coxsackievirus B3 vaccine induces strong systemic and mucosal immunity against CVB3 lethal challenge
Authors: Deng Huixiong , Li Yanlei , He Xuanting , Wang Haoyang , Wang Shenmiao , Zhang Hengyao , Zhu Jiacheng , Gu Liming , Li Rui , Wang Gefei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCoxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) triggers viral myocarditis, with no effective vaccine yet. This fecal‐oral transmitted pathogen has prompted interest in mucosal immunization strategies to impede CVB3 spread. We developed a new attenuated vaccine strain, named CVB3(mu). The potential of CVB3(mu) to stimulate mucosal immune protection remains to be elucidated. This study evaluates the attenuation characteristics of CVB3(mu) via a rapid evolution cellular model and RNA sequencing. Its temperature sensitivity and safety were evaluated through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The mucosal immunity protection of CVB3(mu) was assessed via intranasal immunization in Balb/c mice. The results indicate that CVB3(mu) exhibits temperature sensitivity and forms smaller plaques. It sustains fewer genetic mutations and still possesses certain attenuated traits up to the 25th passage, in comparison to CVB3(WT). Intranasal immunization elicited a significant serum neutralizing antibodies, and a substantial sIgA response in nasal washes. In vivo trials revealed CVB3(mu) protection in adult mice and passive protection in suckling mice against lethal CVB3(WT) challenges. In conclusion, CVB3(mu), a live attenuated intranasal vaccine, provides protection involving humoral and mucosal immunity, making it a promising candidate to control CVB3 spread and infection.
Comparison of predictive accuracy of knee height equations in children
Authors: Edwards Matthew , Feuling Mary B. , Silverman Alan , Hettich Kyndal , Jacobs Caitlin , Kopesky Jessica , Bashir Anam , Hessenthaler Caitlin , Martin Nicole , Thiem Danielle , Davis Kendall , Noe Joshua , Goday Praveen S. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractKnee height can be a proxy for height when standing height cannot be reliably measured. We compared two commonly used equations (Chumlea and Rumapea) that estimate standing height from knee height. We prospectively enrolled 210 children without scoliosis or kyphosis aged 7–12 years (mean age: 10.2 years, 47.6% males) and measured their knee heights and standing heights. A two‐tailed T‐test was used to compare predicted heights from each of the equations to actual standing height. Chumlea equation was found to be unreliable (p = 0.0376) while Rumapea equation was found to be reliable in estimating standing height (p = 0.878). Additionally, Rumapea equation was also found to be more accurate than Chumlea equation when results were segregated based on gender and race. In conclusion, the Rumapea equation yields more accurate estimates of standing heights than the Chumlea equation in US children aged 7–12 years.
Investigation of rainfall‐runoff and sediment yield dynamics under varying slope land use patterns in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China
Authors: Meng Xianmeng , Zhu Yan , Shi Ruohui , Yin Maosheng , Liu Dengfeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractField experiments were conducted on various runoff plots within the Zhangjiachong watershed, located in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, to study rainfall‐runoff processes and sediment yields under different slope land use patterns. A hillslope run‐on model considering vegetation interception was used to simulate runoff generation and concentration. A slope erosion model including raindrop erosion, sheet erosion, and rill erosion was developed to estimate sediment yield and concentration. The parameters of both models were calibrated and validated using observed runoff and sediment yield data. The results show that the runoff simulations in the validation have relative errors below 20% for all runoff plots, except those planted with crops. The saturated hydraulic conductivity of soil was found to be ca. 10% higher on slope lands with hedgerows than those without. In addition, it was about 15% higher on slope lands with crops than on slope lands with tea plants and citrus. The sediment yield was shown to be influenced by both precipitation characteristics and antecedent sediment conditions. There was a significant relationship between sheet erosion, rill erosion, and vegetation coverage, while the amount of raindrop erosion was similar across different runoff plots. The proportions of sheet and rill erosion on slope land with crops were minimal whether hedgerows existed or not. The proportions of the three main forms of soil erosion on slope lands with tea plants and citrus were more or less the same under concentrated rainfall. For more evenly distributed rainfall, raindrop erosion was the primary form on slope lands with hedgerows‐tea plants and citrus. The proportions of sheet and rill erosion significantly increased on slope lands without hedgerows.
Optimizing Active Layer Morphology of Organic Solar Cells by Constructing Random Copolymers with Simple Third Units
Authors: Xie Qian , Qiao Chunyu , Fang Jie , Xia Dongdong , Ding Feng , Wang Qian , Xu Guodong , Shan Siyu , Liao Xunfan , Chen Yiwang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe molecular structure of the polymer PM6 is elaborately modified through random copolymerization by incorporating simple units of either difluoro‐substituted thiophene (2FT) or dicyano‐substituted thiophene (2CNT). The incorporation of the 2FT unit significantly enhanced the coplanarity of the random copolymers, leading to improved molecular crystallinity, whereas the introduction of the 2CNT unit featured the opposite effect. Thanks to the optimized morphology resembling a fiber‐like interpenetrating network structure, the organic solar cells based on PM6‐10%2FT:IT4F showed higher and more balanced charge mobilities, achieving a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 12.65%, which is comparable to that of PM6‐based devices. For comparison, the 2CN‐series random copolymers‐based devices exhibited lower PCEs of ˂12%. Interestingly, a superior PCE close to 19.0% is achieved in PM6:L8‐BO:PM6‐20%2CN based ternary device due to the significant improvement in open‐circuit voltage. This work demonstrates that the crystallinity of donor polymers can be enhanced by introducing simple structural units to strengthen the coplanarity of the backbone, thereby achieving an optimized morphology that promotes favorable charge transport.
Puerarin Attenuates Insulin Resistance by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Suppresses Inflammation by Modulating the JNK and IKKβ/NF‐κB Pathways in Epididymal White Adipose Tissue of Mice on a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Sun Jie , Liu Yan , Zhang Jinjin , Shi Huilin , Jiang Rujiao , Guo Meihua , Liu Yilin , Liu Bo , Wang Ning , Ma Rui , Zhang Danna , Zhang Fang , Wang Shujing , Wu Yingjie 
Published: July 2024

ScopeObesity is associated with insulin resistance (IR), which is characterized by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in multiple organs. ER stress in adipose tissue causes metabolic disturbances and activates inflammatory signaling pathways. Puerarin, an isoflavone extracted from Pueraria lobata, exhibits antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. This study explores the potential mechanisms underlying puerarin's role in mitigating insulin resistance in high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice.Methods and resultsIn this study, insulin resistant in mice is induced by a high‐fat diet, followed by treatment with puerarin. The results demonstrate that puerarin effectively attenuates insulin resistance, including weight loss, improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and activation of insulin signaling pathway. Additionally, puerarin administration suppresses ER stress by down‐regulation of ATF6, ATF4, CHOP, GRP78 expressions in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), along with decreased phosphorylation IRE1α, PERK, and eIF2α. Furthermore, puerarin exerts anti‐inflammatory effects by inhibiting JNK and IKKβ/NF‐κB pathways, leading to reduction of TNF‐α and IL‐6.ConclusionThese findings suggest that puerarin mitigates insulin resistance by inhibiting ER stress and suppressing inflammation through the JNK and IKKβ/NF‐κB pathways. This highlights the promising clinical application of puerarin in the treatment of insulin resistance.