bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Using Virtual Reality in Pediatric Pre-intervention Echocardiograms to Decrease Child Anxiety and Fear
Authors: Behera Sarina K. , Punn Rajesh , Menendez Maria , Be Christine , Moon Sandra , Zuniga Michelle , Stauffer Katie Jo , Thorson Kelly , Asi Nora , Lopez Leo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) as a distraction tool decreases anxiety and fear in children undergoing procedures, but its use has not been studied during transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs). We hypothesized that VR in children undergoing pre-intervention TTEs decreases anxiety and fear and increases TTE study comprehensiveness and diagnostic accuracy when compared with standard distractors (television, mobile devices).
Methods: Patients (6-18 years old) scheduled for pre-intervention TTEs at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in 2021 and 2022 were prospectively enrolled and randomized to VR and non-VR groups. Patients completed pre- and post-TTE surveys using the Children’s Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) and Children’s Fear Scale (CFS). Patients, parents, and sonographers completed post-TTE experience surveys. TTEs were reviewed by pediatric cardiologists for study comprehensiveness and compared with electronic medical records for diagnostic accuracy.
Results: Among 67 enrolled patients, 6 declined VR, 31 randomized to the VR group, and 30 to the non-VR group. Anxiety (average CAM-S difference 0.78+1.80, p=0.0012) and fear (average CFS difference 0.36+0.74, p=0.0005) decreased in both groups. There was no difference between groups in the change in anxiety and fear pre- and post-TTE (p=0.96-1.00). TTE study comprehensiveness and diagnostic accuracy were high in both groups. Procedure time (time in the echocardiography room) was less for the VR group (48.4+18.1 minutes) than the non-VR group (58.8±24.4 minutes), but without a statistically significant difference (p=0.075).
Conclusions: VR is similar to standard distractors and may decrease procedure time. Patients, parents, and sonographers rated the VR experience highly and encouraged its use with future procedures.
Comparative study of the reproductive and growth performances of the Hamra and Rumbi ovine breeds
Authors: MEDDAH Belkacem , Belabdi Ibrahim , de Almeida André , Lafri Mohamed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Growth and reproductive performance traits are important economic indicators for analyzing the overall performance of breeding systems. This study aims to evaluate the comparative performance of two Algerian sheep (Rumbi and Hamra) in terms of growth and reproductive performance, and the effect of factors such as breed, season of birth, mode of birth, dam weight and age on this performance in a semi-intensive breeding system. The reproductive performance of 577 Rumbi ewes and 1328 Hamra ewes bred at the Tiaret and Saïda experimental stations respectively, was analyzed using performance monitoring data. Fertility rates for the Rumbi and Hamra breeds of 87.14% and 78.8% respectively were practically similar (p > 0.05). Litter size at birth and weaning was significantly greater in the Hamra breed than in the Rumbi breed (p < 0.05). Analysis of variance of factors (year, season of birth, and age of mother) on reproductive performance in the Hamra breed had a significant effect on reproductive performance (p < 0.05). Weaning mortality was significantly higher in the Hamra breed than in the Rumbi breed, with an average of 22.60% versus 14.94% (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that Rumbi lambs were heavier at birth than Hamra lambs. The values observed were 4.86 kg versus 3.10 kg for the Hamra breed, with a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001), so the average daily weight gains before weaning of Rumbi lambs were higher than those of Hamra lambs, at 0.195 kg/day versus 0.113 kg/day for Hamra lambs, with a high significance (p < 0.0001). According to the findings of this study, the Hamra breed had superior reproductive potential and the Rumbi breed had superior growth. Consequently, these results could be used for selective sheep breeding, taking into account the random effects of the environment and the potential of each breed.
Decellularized Extracellular Matrix Derived from Dental Pulp Stem Cells Promotes Gingival Fibroblast Adhesion and Migration
Authors: Nowwarote Nunthawan , Chahlaoui Zakaria , Petit Stéphane , Duong Lucas , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Chansaenroj Ajjima , Kornsuthisopon Chatvadee , Osathanon Thannaphum , Fournier Benjamin. P.J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) has been proposed as a useful source of biomimetic materials for regenerative medicine due to its biological properties that regulate cell behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of decellularized ECM derived from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on gingival fibroblast (GF) cell behaviors. Cells were isolated from dental pulp and gingival tissues. ECM was derived from culturing dental pulp stem cells in growth medium supplemented with ascorbic acid. A bioinformatic database of the extracellular matrix was constructed using Metascape. GFs were reseeded onto dECM, and their adhesion, spreading, and organization were subsequently observed. The migration ability of the cells was determined using a scratch assay. Protein expression was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining.
Results: Type 1 collagen and fibronectin were detected on the ECM and dECM derived from DPSCs. Negative phalloidin and nuclei were noted in the dECM. The proteomic database revealed enrichment of several proteins involved in ECM organization, ECM–receptor interaction, and focal adhesion. Compared with those on the controls, the GFs on the dECM exhibited more organized stress fibers. Furthermore, cultured GFs on dECM exhibited significantly enhanced migration and proliferation abilities. Interestingly, GFs seeded on dECM showed upregulation of FN1, ITGB3, and CTNNB1 mRNA levels.
Conclusions: ECM derived from DSPCs generates a crucial microenvironment for regulating GF adhesion, migration and proliferation. Therefore, decellularized ECM from DPSCs could serve as a matrix for oral tissue repair.
Financial Toxicity Questionnaire (FIT): Development and Validation of the Italian Version (FITALY) in Head and Neck Cancer patients
Authors: Smussi Davide , Conti Carlo , Lorini Luigi , Mattavelli Davide , Levaggi Rosella , Miniaci Raffaele , Calza Stefano , Deganello Alberto , Paduano Consiglia , Alberti Andrea , Grisanti Salvatore , Ripamonti Carla Ida , Berruti Alfredo , Piazza Cesare , Bossi Paolo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background. Financial toxicity from cancer treatments is rising as an important patient-reported outcome. Its relevance was first assessed in the context of privately financed healthcare system, where the financial hardship caused by out-of-pocket payments negatively affects survival, while fewer evidence exists on its role in countries where care is financed by the public health care system. Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients face an increased risk for financial toxicity due to multimodal treatment and relevant out of pocket costs. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an Italian version of the Canadian Financial Index of Toxicity (FIT) questionnaire, defined FITALY.
Methods. FIT questionnaire was translated through a forward-backward process by two investigators independently, and the process was reviewed by a certified medical scientific English native speaker. Once reached consensus upon Italian translation, two Health Economics experts were consulted to adapt the questionnaire to Italian socio-economic context. The FITALY questionnaire v1.0 hereby developed was anonymously administered to two consecutive groups of 30 patients who had received curative, multimodal treatment for HNC cancer at ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy. A cognitive debriefing form was simultaneously administered to ask patients to exclude recurring and redundant items and include new relevant items.
Results. The 14-item FITALY questionnaire provides a global evaluation of financial toxicity ranging from 0 to 100. The questionnaire is divided into 4 domains: financial burden (6 items), exploring the objective financial toxicity burden; financial distress (2 items), which refers to the psychological distress related to financial toxicity; out-of-pocket costs (4 items), which focus on medical expenses paid by the patient; and loss of productivity (2 items), that investigates the disease impact on both patient’s and caregiver’s job activity.
Conclusions. Starting from the Canadian 9-item FIT questionnaire, we developed and validated the Italian 14-item FITALY questionnaire. Prospective application to a cohort of Italian HNC patients is ongoing.
Oxidative decolorization of indigo carmine dye using spent cathode of Li-ion batteries
Authors: Garcia Eric M. , Martins Talita D. , Taroco Hosane , Melo Julio O.F , Taroco Cristiane 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper proposes recycling spent cathodes (SC) from Li-ion batteries to decolorize indigo carmine (IC) solutions, thus eliminating the need for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. The discoloration of indigo carmine is significantly influenced by the pH level, especially from 4.74 to 2. At lower pH values (pH ≤ 2), the decolorization kinetics are not affected by H+ ions and follow first-order kinetics. A 10ppm solution at pH = 3 was decolorized in approximately 20 minutes, suggesting that spent cathodes from Li-ion batteries are promising for advanced oxidative processes. The study also emphasizes the risks associated with improper disposal of Li-ion batteries, as spent cathodes can chemically react with organic molecules similar to indigo carmine in landfills, without the presence of peroxide or sunlight. Mass spectrometry has helped identify the discoloration mechanism, which involves the oxidative reaction of indigo carmine leading to the formation of isatin acid.
Assessing the effects of sponge city construction in Beijing with an improved coupled hydrologic-hydrodynamic model
Authors: Cheng Siwei , Yang Mingxiang , Li Chenglin , Xu Houlei , Chen Changli , Shu DeWei , Jiang Yunzhong , Gui Yunpeng , Dong Ningpeng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Low Impact Development (LID) theory represents a new paradigm for sustainable urban development, focusing on enhancing stormwater management, mitigating urban flooding, and reinforcing urban planning. In this study, we select Tongzhou District in Beijing as study area, establish an improved coupled hydrologic-hydrodynamic model based on SWMM and TELEMAC-2D model that integrates the dynamics of surface, pipeline networks, and river channels through one-way coupling method. The drainage capacity of pipe network and surface inundation under rainfall during different recurrence periods were simulated and analyzed. The results show that the concept of LID, also known as sponge city transformation in China, offers significant flood mitigation benefits for the megacities. As rainfall return periods increase, the number of overflow nodes and overloaded pipelines is observed by increase rapidly and become stable in study area. Specifically, under 100 year return period rainfall scenario, the original model projected a maximum inundation depth of 0.407m and an overflow node proportion of 20.8%. Through the comparison simulation result of coupling model suggest prioritizing the reconstruction of pipelines under the first-grade roads and overpasses, followed by LID rebuilding around the river to effectively increase urban infiltration rate and mitigate river overflow risks.
A Novel Biomarker of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: Galectin-9
Authors: Ling Jun , You Shao Li , Chen Weiwei , Yang Xinxin , Xv Yiwen , Zhu Bing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Galectin-9 (Gal-9) expression in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure or its correlation with prognosis remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between the prognosis of liver failure and the analysis of Gal-9 expression in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure.
Methods
Patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure attributable to hepatitis B and those with chronic hepatitis B were included in this single-center prospective cohort study. The expressions of Gal-9 and Tim-3 in T cells were measured; the amounts of Gal-9 and related components in each group were examined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. An investigation of the expression and distribution of Gal-9 in liver tissues was conducted using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining.
Results
The Gal-9 levels in the acute-on-chronic liver failure group were significantly higher than those in the chronic hepatitis B group. There was an upregulation of Gal-9 and T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 expressions in peripheral blood T cells. Gal-9 was localized in the regenerative areas of liver tissues in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, co-localizing with Kupffer cells. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that patients with Gal-9 levels less than 9.6 ng/mL had a worse prognosis, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve being superior to that of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score.
Conclusions
Plasma Gal-9 levels can serve as a prognostic marker in patients with hepatitis B virus-acute-on-chronic liver failure. The predominant expression of Gal-9 in liver Kupffer cells suggests a potential immunosuppressive role in this patient population.
Solid-state NMR backbone chemical shift assignments of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils at fast MAS regime
Authors: Toleikis Zigmantas , Paluch Piotr , Kuc Ewelina , Petkus Jana , Sulskis Darius , Org-Tago Mai-Liis , Samoson Ago , Smirnovas Vytautas , Stanek Jan , Lends Alons 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The α-synuclein (α-syn) amyloid fibrils are involved in various neurogenerative diseases. Solid-state NMR (ssNMR) has been showed as a powerful tool to study a-syn aggregates. Here, we report the 1H, 13C and 15N back-bone chemical shifts of a new α-syn polymorph obtained using proton-detected ssNMR spectroscopy under fast (95 kHz) magic angle spinning conditions. The manual chemical shift assignments were cross-validated using FLYA algorithm. The secondary structural elements of a-syn fibrils were calculated using 13C chemical shift differences and TALOS software.
Staged Treatment for Correction of Severe Adult Kyphoscoliosis Complicated by Severe Pulmonary Impairment: Halo-Pelvic Traction, Posterior Release Surgery, Posterior Vertebra Column Resection and Instrument Fusion
Authors: Zhao Deng , Zhang Zhong , Hu Zhengjun , Zhong Rui , Jiang Dengxu , Yin Fuyi , Leng Yuanxian , Yi Yanling , Liang Yijian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients with kyphoscoliosis can present with a variety of chief complaints including axial back pain, concerns about cosmesis, progressively worsening respiratory function, and even neurological deficits. Correction of severe adult kyphoscoliosis remains challenging due to the severity of deformity and poor cardiopulmonary function. Direct one-stage corrective surgery can cause enormous complications and unsatisfactory outcome when dealing with patients with severe kyphoscoliosis. Preoperative halo-pelvic traction (HPT) has become popular to deal with severe scoliosis. The present study aimed to summarize the efficacy and safety of the staged strategy.
Methods
Patients with severe kyphoscoliosis complicated by severe pulmonary impairment who underwent staged treatment and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data including patient demographics, major coronal curve and kyphosis, pulmonary function test results, distraction time, and complications at different stages of treatment were recorded.
Results
Twenty-three patients (16 male and 7 female) with severe kyphoscoliosis and severe pulmonary impairment were included in the study. The mean age of these patients was 26.2 ± 5.7 years. The mean duration of traction before posterior release surgery was 4.0 ± 1.0 months, while the duration after posterior release surgery was 4.4 ± 1.0 months. The mean follow-up was 40.4 ± 3.9 months. The main curve and kyphosis on admission were 145 ± 11.8° and 149 ± 21.7°, respectively. The main curve and kyphosis decreased to 114 ± 12.3° and 124 ± 22.9°, respectively, after HPT. The FVC and FVC% on admission were 1.44 ± 0.63 L and 39.0 ± 16.19%, respectively. The FVC and FVC% improved significantly after HPT. According to the Nash-Moe classification, the rotation of the apical vertebrae was Grade IV in every patients, and the rotation did not improve during the traction. The operative time of posterior release was 266 ± 49 min. The average bleeding of posterior release was 600 ± 242 ml. HPT was maintained after the posterior release surgery. The mean operating time of posterior correction surgery was 588 ± 53min, and the mean bleeding was 1605 ± 313ml. Finally, the correction rate of was 56.6% and 68.5% on coronal and sagittal plan, respectively.
Conclusions
Staged treatment is an effective and safe strategy to correct severe kyphoscoliosis complicated by severe pulmonary impairment. Preoperative HPT combined with posterior release surgery can significantly reduce spinal deformity and improve pulmonary function. Posterior vertebra column resection (PVCR) is an effective technique for correcting kyphoscoliosis, but it is a technically demanding procedure.
The Equilibrium Box
Authors: Anderson G. M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The meaning of the once widely used term the Gibbs Free Energy in terms of availablework energy is perfectly illustrated for chemical reactions by the Van’t Hoff EquilibriumBox. Combining this with DeDonder’s extent of reaction variable and using thereaction of NH3 to H2 and N2 at 200◦C as an example shows the difference betweentotal work energy and available work energy, and in addition allows calculation of theequilibrium composition, demonstration of the minimum in the Gibbs energy curve,and the standard relationship between ΔrG◦ and lnK
Library Screening, Divergent Evolution and Chemoenzymatic Relay Enabled Comprehensive Oxidation of Labdane
Authors: Li Jian , Liu Xiaotao , Xu Yaoyao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In nature, basic terpene skeletons are produced and subsequently undergo oxidative transformations mediated by enzymes or non-enzymatically, leading to diverse structural variations. To date, thousands of natural products featuring a variety of oxidation patterns have been solely isolated from the labdane family. This report delineates a strategy for comprehensive introduction of oxidation states into of the labdane core, by employing a combination of enzyme library screening, directed evolution, and sequential chemoenzymatic oxidation processes. Furthermore, we showcase the functional viability of our chemoenzymatic approach by accomplishing a formal synthesis of nimbolide, highlighting its potential in streamlining the synthesis of complex natural products.
Utilizing statistical and MCDM techniques in indexing morphometric parameters towards improved watershed management in the Nandhour-Kalish drainage system
Authors: Gururani Dheeraj Mohan , Varade Divyesh , Joshi Himanshu , Singh Hemant , Kumar Yogendra , Kumar Vinod 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Morphometric analysis plays a crucial role in the effective management of the surface as well as subsurface water resources. In the present study, ASTER DEM and Survey of India toposheets were utilized to characterize various morphological aspects of the Nandhour-Kalish watershed in Uttarakhand, India. In total, 12 sub-watersheds were determined using the SWAT 2012 in ArcGIS v10.4.1 and were coded as SW1–SW12. For each sub-watershed, 17 morphometric indices were estimated using Principal Component Analysis to determine the most influential indices or criteria of morphometric parameters in the context of the hydro-sedimentological response. The relative influence of identified criteria parameters was assessed using the Criteria Importance for Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method. The developed sub-watersheds were then prioritized towards the prompt implementation of soil and water conservation measures. The results indicate that three sub-watersheds (SW2, SW3, and SW4) were categorized under a very high class of priority, while three (SW1, SW5, and SW6) were indexed under a high priority class. The study is an attempt to ease out the morphometry-based prioritization, which otherwise is relatively complex due to the availability of a large number of input parameters and ambiguity concerning parameter selection for the process of prioritization.
Modeling and future projection of streamflow and sediment yield in a sub-basin of Euphrates River under the effect of climate change
Authors: Güven Aytaç , Gün Muhammed Vedat , Pala Abdulhadi 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Recognizing the differential impacts of climate change across geographical scales, this study emphasizes the importance of statistical downscaling. Using Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Linear Genetic Programming (LGP), statistical downscaling transforms broad climate trends into region-specific insights. This allowed for detailed analyses of anticipated changes in sediment yield and discharge within a Euphrates River sub-basin in Türkiye using large-scale variables from the CanESM2 model. The dataset is divided into calibration (1970–1995) and validation (1996–2005) periods. To assess the models’ accuracy, statistical measures such as RMSE, MAE, NSE, and R were used. The analysis revealed that LGP outperformed GEP in both discharge and sediment yield during validation, with RMSE = 51.79 m3/s and 4,325.66 tons/day, MAE = 27.14 m3/s and 1,593.34 tons/day, NSE = 0.684 and 0.627, and R = 0.841 and 0.788, respectively. However, when simulating future periods based on the observed period (2006–2020), the GEP model was superior to LGP under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP 8.5 scenarios from CanESM2. In 2021–2100, models suggest a moderate decrease in discharge and sediment yield, indicating potential shifts in the basin's hydrodynamics. These changes could disrupt hydropower generation, challenge water management practices, and alter riverine ecosystems. The results necessitate a thorough assessment of potential ecological consequences.