bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation are associated with lower sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption in low‐income overweight and obese mothers of young children
Authors: Jancsura McKenzie K. , Helsabeck Nathan P. , Militello Lisa K. , Chang Mei‐Wei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractSugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is strongly associated with obesity. Autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy, key concepts of self‐determination theory, may influence SSB consumption. Low‐income mothers of young children experience disproportionate rates of obesity. Whether autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy are associated with SSB consumption in low‐income mothers of young children is unknown. This exploratory secondary data analysis explored whether autonomous motivation or self‐efficacy were associated with SBB consumption using data from a lifestyle intervention for low‐income, overweight or obese mothers with young children. Participants (N = 311) completed surveys assessing autonomous motivation, self‐efficacy, and SSB consumption at baseline, after the 16‐week intervention, and at 3‐month follow‐up. Using baseline data, we performed linear regression models to explore associations of self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation with SSB consumption. We also performed mixed effects models to explore whether autonomous motivation or self‐efficacy were associated with SSB consumption over time. At baseline, a one‐point increase in autonomous motivation and self‐efficacy were associated with 4.36 (p < 0.001) and 6.43 (p = 0.025) fewer ounces of SSB consumption per day, respectively. In longitudinal models, SSB consumption decreased over time. Change in SSB consumption was associated with self‐efficacy (B = −4.88; p = 0.015) and autonomous motivation (B = −2.29; p = 0.008). Our findings suggest self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation may influence SSB consumption among mothers of young children with overweight and obesity. Further investigation should explore if self‐efficacy and autonomous motivation have long‐term effects on SSB consumption.
Reinforcing poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene succinate) biodegradable blends with silicon carbide (SiC): A silane‐coupled approach for enhanced mechanical and thermal performance
Authors: Somdee Patcharapon , Shettar Manjunath , Prasoetsopha Natkrita , Ansari Manauwar Ali 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study aims to enhance the properties of biodegradable plastics by blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as well as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with silicon carbide (SiC). SiC content was varied from 10 to 40 phr using an internal mixer, maintaining a 90/10 wt% ratio of PLA/PBS as the matrix. The investigation covered mechanical, thermal properties, chemical structure, and composite morphology. The morphological analysis confirmed even dispersion of SiC within the PLA/PBS matrix, possibly due to improved compatibility via a silane coupling treatment. This resulted in the maximum Young's modulus and impact strength with 40 phr SiC, showing a 40% and 76% enhancement, respectively, compared to pure PLA. Concerning thermal properties, SiC addition influenced the mobility of PLA/PBS molecular chains and crystalline structure, leading to an increase in Tg with higher SiC fractions. However, ΔHm of PLA, PBS, and Xc,PLA decreased, which corresponds to reduced viscosity in the PLA/PBS blend and increased mobility with higher SiC content, as indicated by the elevated MFI value.Highlights
Young's modulus increased by 40% and impact strength by 76% than pure PLA.
Even SiC dispersion in PLA/PBS, possibly aided by silane coupling.
SiC alters chain mobility, boosts crystalline structure, raising Tg.
ΔHm and Xc,PLA reduced, suggests reduced viscosity in PLA/PBS at more SiC.
Elevated MFI value shows increased chain mobility in PLA/PBS blend at more SiC.
Fetal bradycardia in open versus fetoscopic prenatal repair of spina bifida
Authors: Papastefan Steven T. , Alhajjat Amir M. , Ott Katherine C. , Liesman Daniel R. , Langereis Morgan M. , Boat Anne C. , Pombar Xavier F. , Kominiarek Michelle A. , Bowman Robin M. , Shaaban Aimen F. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the occurrence of fetal bradycardia in open versus fetoscopic fetal spina bifida surgery.MethodsThis is a single‐institution retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing open (n = 25) or fetoscopic (n = 26) spina bifida repair between 2017 and 2022. From October 2017 to June 2020, spina bifida repairs were performed via an open classical hysterotomy, and from November 2020 to June 2022 fetoscopic repairs were performed following transition to this technique. Fetal heart rate (FHR) in beats per minute (bpm) was recorded via echocardiography every 15 min during the procedure. Cohort characteristics, fetal bradycardia and maternal physiologic parameters were compared between the groups.ResultsFetuses undergoing an open repair more frequently developed bradycardia defined as <110 bpm (32% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.008), and a trend was observed for FHR decreases more than 25 bpm from baseline (20% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.073). Profound bradycardia less than 80 bpm was rare, occurring in only three operations (two in open, one in fetoscopic repair) with two fetuses (one in each group) requiring emergency cesarean delivery.ConclusionWhen compared to open fetal surgery, fetal bradycardia occurred less frequently in fetoscopic surgery despite a significantly greater anesthetic exposure and the use of the intraamniotic carbon dioxide insufflation.
Caudal regression in fetus with de novo SMARCA2 pathogenic variant
Authors: Wang Michelle Joy , Febres‐Cordero Daniela A. , Poorvu Tabitha , Delerme Paula , Hecht Jonathan , Oyelese Yinka , O’Brien Barbara , Ferrés Millie Anne 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNicolaides‐Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS) is a rare autosomal dominant genetic condition that is characterized by severe intellectual disability, dysmorphic facial features, short stature, sparse hair, and early onset seizures. This diagnosis is established by suggestive clinical findings and the identification of a heterozygous SMARCA2 pathogenic variant by molecular genetic testing. There are not, however, consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for this condition as there are so few documented cases. Here, we present a case of prenatally diagnosed caudal regression with sacral agenesis and congenital vertical talus (rocker bottom feet) that was ultimately found to have a de novo SMARCA2 pathogenic variant. The patient had an amniocentesis with normal karyotype and microarray followed by failed direct rapid whole exome sequencing (WES) due to maternal cell contamination. She elected for termination of the pregnancy based on the clinical prognosis of the ultrasound findings; WES revealed a pathogenic variant after her termination. We believe this is the first case of these findings associated with NCBRS. If any future cases of either finding are found in association with a SMARCA2 genetic variant, caudal regression and rocker bottom feet should be included in the spectrum of physical traits associated with this pathogenic variant.
Comparative metabolite profiling of salt sensitive Oryza sativa and the halophytic wild rice Oryza coarctata under salt stress
Authors: Tamanna Nishat , Mojumder Anik , Azim Tomalika , Iqbal Md Ishmam , Alam Md Nafis Ul , Rahman Abidur , Seraj Zeba I. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractTo better understand the salt tolerance of the wild rice, Oryza coarctata, root tissue‐specific untargeted comparative metabolomic profiling was performed against the salt‐sensitive Oryza sativa. Under control, O. coarctata exhibited abundant levels of most metabolites, while salt caused their downregulation in contrast to metabolites in O. sativa. Under control conditions, itaconate, vanillic acid, threonic acid, eicosanoids, and a group of xanthin compounds were comparatively abundant in O. coarctata. Similarly, eight amino acids showed constitutive abundance in O. coarctata. In contrast, under control, glycerolipid abundances were lower in O. coarctata and salt stress further reduced their abundance. Most phospholipids also showed a distribution similar to the glycerolipids. Fatty acyls were however significantly induced in O. coarctata but organic acids were prominently induced in O. sativa. Changes in metabolite levels suggest that there was upregulation of the arachidonic acid metabolism in O. coarctata. In addition, the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis as well as cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis were also more enriched in O. coarctata, likely contributing to its anatomical traits responsible for salt tolerance. The comparative variation in the number of metabolites like gelsemine, allantoin, benzyl alcohol, specific phospholipids, and glycerolipids may play a role in maintaining the superior growth of O. coarctata in salt. Collectively, our results offer a comprehensive analysis of the metabolite profile in the roots of salt‐tolerant O. coarctata and salt‐sensitive O. sativa, which confirm potential targets for metabolic engineering to improve salt tolerance and resilience in commercial rice genotypes.
Incidence and outcomes of pediatric patients with dual diagnosis of traumatic spinal cord injury and brain injury on an inpatient rehabilitation unit
Authors: Chicoine Caitlin , Mitelpunkt Alexis , Zhang Nanhua , Bolikal Priya 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundTraumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI) are diagnoses commonly encountered on the pediatric rehabilitation unit. However, there is limited evidence in the literature addressing the incidence of or rehabilitation outcomes in pediatric patients with a dual diagnosis of TBI and SCI.ObjectiveTo determine incidence and functional outcomes of the dual diagnosis population.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingInpatient rehabilitation unit within an academic pediatric hospital.PatientsPediatric patients admitted to a single inpatient rehabilitation unit with a diagnosis of traumatic SCI between 2006 and 2019. Fifty‐four patient records were identified and 26 met inclusion criteria.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasurePresence of concomitant TBI in patients with diagnosed SCI.ResultsSeven of 26 patients were given a dual diagnosis of TBI and SCI during their initial rehabilitation hospitalization. After review of charts, authors identified 12 additional patients with suspected dual diagnoses based on injury characteristics and symptoms. There were no significant differences in functional outcomes across diagnosis groups.ConclusionsIncidence of dual diagnosis among pediatric patients with traumatic SCI was initially found to be 27%; the retrospective review indicated that TBI may be underdiagnosed in this patient population, and the dual diagnosis incidence may be as high as 73%. All patients had improved functional outcomes during their rehabilitation stays regardless of presence or absence of TBI.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy. A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Brindisino Fabrizio , Marruganti Sharon , Lorusso Domenico , Cavaggion Claudia , Ristori Diego 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeTo investigate if Extracorporeal Shock Wave therapy (ESWT) is effective in reducing pain and disability, in improving function, quality of life and complete resorption rate of calcification in patients with Rotator Cuff Calcific Tendinopathy. To investigate which modality of ESWT brings the greatest clinical improvements between High (HE)‐SWT and Low Energy (LE)‐SWT and between Focal (F)‐SWT and Radial (R)‐SWT.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL Database, and PEDro databases until February 2024 were searched. Study registers were further investigated. The Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed with the Revised Cochrane RoB Tool (RoB 2). The certainty of evidence was rated with GRADE.ResultsTwenty‐one randomized controlled trials were included. None was judged as overall low RoB. Comparing ESWT and Ultrasound Guided Needling Procedures (USGNP), the pooled results reported a significant difference favoring USGNP in pain at <24 and <48 weeks (MD = 1.17, p = 0.004, I2 = 59%; MD = 1.31, p = 0.004, I2 = 42%, respectively). Comparing ESWT and sham‐ESWT, the pooled results reported a clinically significant difference favoring ESWT in pain and function at 24 weeks (MD = −5.72, p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%; Standardized Mean Difference = 2.94, p = 0.02 I2 = 98%, respectively). Comparing HE‐SWT and LE‐SWT, HE‐SWT was statistically and clinically superior in pain and function at <24 weeks (MD = −1.83, p = 0.03, I2 = 87%; MD = 14.60, p = 0.002, I2 = 77%, respectively) and showed a significantly higher complete resorption rate of calcification at 12 weeks (Risk Ratio = 2.53, p = 0.001, I2 = 0%). F‐SWT and R‐SWT appear equally effective in reducing pain, improving disability and resorption rate. The certainty of evidence was rated as very low through GRADE approach.ConclusionUSGNP was statistically superior to ESWT in pain reduction at <24 and <48 weeks. ESWT was clinically better to sham‐ESWT in pain reduction and function improvement at 24 weeks. HE‐SWT was clinically more effective than LE‐SWT in reducing pain, improving function at <24 weeks, and resolving calcific deposits at 12 weeks, while no differences between F‐SWT and R‐SWT were reported.
Amphiphilic amidines as potential plasmic membrane‐targeting antifungal agents: synthesis, bio‐activities and QSAR
Authors: Chen Guangyou , Bai Jing , Wu Xinyan , Huo Xinyi , Li Yongqiang , Lei Peng , Ma Zhiqing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDCationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess broad‐spectrum biological activities with less inclination to inducing antibiotic resistance. Herein a battery of amphiphilic amidines were designed by mimicking the characteristics of AMPs. The antifungal activities and the effects to the hyphal morphology and membrane permeability were investigated.RESULTSThe results indicated the inhibitory rates of ten compounds were over 80% to Botrytis cinerea and ten compounds over 90% to Valsa mali Miyabe et Yamada at 50 mg L−1. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) values of compound 5g and 6g to V. mali were 1.21 and 1.90 mg L−1 respectively. The protective rate against apple canker of compound 5g reached 93.4% at 100 mg L−1 on twigs, superior to carbendazim (53.3%). When treated with 5g, the cell membrane permeability and leakage of content of V. mali increased, accompanied with the decrease of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level. Concurrently, the mycelial hyphae contracted, wrinkled, and collapsed, providing evidence of membrane perturbation. A three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) between the topic compounds and the EC50 to V. mali was established showing good predictability (r2 = 0.971).CONCLUSIONAmphiphilic amidines can acquire antifungal activities by acting on the plasmic membrane. Compound 5g could be a promising lead in discovering novel fungicidal candidates. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
FogDEFTKube: Standards‐compliant dynamic deployment of fog service containers
Authors: Thalla Rajesh , Srirama Satish Narayana 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe traditional cloud‐centric approach in IoT applications lack the speed and efficiency required for time‐critical tasks, resulting in network inefficiencies. To address this, the notions of Edge and Fog computing have emerged as alternatives. Fog computing facilitates the deployment of services and applications closer to the network's edge, lowering latency and allowing real‐time capabilities. It enhances reliability, fault tolerance, and connectivity in areas with spotty network coverage. Despite the fact that fog computing overcomes the limitations of cloud‐centric IoT processing, its adoption faces challenges like platform independence, interoperability, and portability. To tackle these challenges, the FogDEFT (Fog computing out of the box: Dynamic dEployment of Fog service containers with TOSCA) framework was developed. It complies to OASIS‐TOSCA standards and guarantees dynamic deployment of fog services on resource‐constrained devices while leveraging Docker containerization technology to ensure platform independence and interoperability. Due to its tight coupling with Docker Swarm, which is designed for medium‐sized deployments, the fogDEFT framework is constrained by Docker Swarm's limitations, hindering its ability to effectively manage large‐scale, automated, and resource‐efficient microservice deployments. To address these limitations, we propose FogDEFTKube, an extension of the FogDEFT architecture that incorporates Kubernetes for orchestration, Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment, and a comprehensive redefinition of the core capabilities of the FogDEFT architecture. This offers a promising solution that supports Kubernetes for handling scalable and highly available fog applications with ease while offering CI/CD. FogDEFTKube simplifies the modeling and deployment of fog services while abstracting the complexities of underlying fog networks.
Viewing cancer as a chaotic ‘information processing system’
Authors: Tez Mesut 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe effort to define life encompasses a wide range of disciplines, from biology and physics to spirituality. Traditionally, replies were restricted to specialized specialties, resulting in disjointed solutions. Cancer research has mostly concentrated on genetic and cellular factors. This essay aims to reframe the way we think about cancer by looking at it through the perspective of information processing. It investigates the cybernetic component of life, perceiving it as a unified system of information processing at all scales. Stem cell research reveals their complex heterogeneity and flexibility, which are critical for tissue repair and development. Initially thought to be harmful, chaotic gene expression is now acknowledged to provide cellular flexibility. Using chaos to improve adaptation contrasts with the unpredictability of evolution, showcasing the system's ability to learn and adapt. Creativity, disorder and chaos interact, opening up new avenues for new ideas. This viewpoint opposes the gene‐centric view of cancer and highlights the importance of understanding biological processes beyond genetic reductionism. The essay finishes by pushing for a paradigm change towards seeing cancer as an informational process rather than just a hereditary disease and encouraging a better knowledge of the information processing capabilities of cellular life.
Influence of Ageing Time of Starch Gels Prior to Freeze–Thaw Cycles on the Properties of Pinhão Starch Hydrogel (Araucaria angustifolia)
Authors: Sena dos Santos Jucilene , Biduski Bárbara , Colussi Rosana , Hernandez Flores Wladimir , Ruschel dos Santos Luciana 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe ageing time of a starch gel can influence the structure of hydrogels as the reorganization of amylose–amylopectin can progressively change over time. This study evaluates the influence of ageing time prior to freeze–thaw cycles on pore formation, water absorption, and mechanical resistance of pinhão starch hydrogels. The hydrogels are prepared by starch gelatinization followed by ageing for 0, 3, 6, and 9 h before the freeze–thaw cycles. Immediately frozen gel (0 h) produces a hydrogel with a honeycomb structure with regular pores size while ageing (3, 6, and 9 h) created a spongy structure. The hydrogels aged for 0 and 3 h fragment after the compression test, while those aged for 6 and 9 h maintain firm and intact structures. The 0 h aged hydrogels have the lowest water absorption (520%) and the highest mechanical resistance (1407.50 g). The hydrogels aged for 3, 6, and 9 h show water absorption between 670% and 700% and mechanical resistance of 635.34–800.79 g. In conclusion, a minimum of 6 h gel ageing before freeze–thaw cycles is necessary to achieve a firm structure and ensure the required functional properties for practical application with pinhão starch.
Analysis on flexural capacity of basalt textile grid‐reinforced ECC strengthening RC beam
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Gejia , Zhang Zhen , Wang Zicheng , Han Yufei 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe basalt textile grid‐reinforced engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is used to strengthening the reinforced concrete beam. Flexural test and theoretical analysis were carried out. The flexural tests were performed, including six basalt textile grid‐reinforced ECC strengthening beams and one control beam. The variables include two grid strength and three treatments for the interface of the strengthening layer. The failure modes of test beams were evaluated. The load‐deflection curve is analyzed, and stress–strain curve of steel bar and grid are analyzed. The strengthening effects of chipping treatment, epoxy resin bonding treatment and rebar‐planting treatment are discussed. The comprehensive evaluation of the results shows that the strengthening effect of the epoxy resin bonding treatment is the best method. The carrying capacity of the strengthened beam in cracking stage, yield stage, and ultimate stage increased 62.8%–78.5%, 10.3%–18.9%, and 1.8%–10.9%, respectively. The analytical solutions for the calculation method of carrying capacity of strengthened beams in cracking, yield, and ultimate stages is proposed. The calculation value of strengthened beam agree well with the test results. The formula for predicting the flexural capacity of a beam strengthened with the basalt textile grid‐reinforced ECC is established.
A prospective single‐arm clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of monofilament polydioxanone barbed suture, MONOFIX®, on abdominal fascial closure
Authors: Pyo Dae Hee , Yun Seong Hyeon , Lee Woo Yong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundFor abdominal fascial closure, the choice of optimal suture material and appropriate suture technique are of paramount importance to prevent the incidence of incisional hernia. Although barbed sutures are widely used in various surgical fields, their safety and feasibility on abdominal fascial closure which requires the most tensile strength for security have not been established yet.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, single‐arm, interventional clinical trial to present the postoperative outcomes of using barbed sutures in abdominal fascial closure between April 2021 and August 2021. Patients with colorectal cancer who underwent minimally invasive surgery in elective setting were included. For all participants, monofilament polydioxanone barbed suture, MONOFIX®, was used to secure the abdominal fasica. The primary outcome was the 1‐year incidence of incisional hernia assessed by computed tomography.ResultsA total of 30 patients were included. The median fascial incision length and suture length were 6.5 cm (range, 6–7.5 cm) and 31 cm (range, 27.5–39.0 cm), respectively. The median procedure time of abdominal fascial closure was 4 min (range, 3–9 min). There was no incidence of unexpected event related to suturing including suture cutting, stopper separation from threads, and suture loosening. One case of superficial surgical site infection occurred during postoperative hospital stays. There was no fascial dehiscence, incisional hernia, and adhesive ileus during a median follow‐up period of 17.5 months.ConclusionMonofilament polydioxanone barbed suture, MONOFIX®, may be used safely and effectively on abdominal fascial closure.Clinicaltrials.gov numberNCT05872334.
Distributive Justice
Authors: de Vries Annick , Werner Gijsbert , Wijlhuizen Elsenoor , Toom Victor , Bovens Mark , Hulscher Suzanne 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn this chapter, we draw on political philosophy and ethics to identify ten principles of distributive justice that are relevant to climate policy. We have divided these principles into four categories: ‘greatest utility’, ‘individual rights and freedoms’, ‘solidarity and capacity’ and ‘contribution and benefit’. We briefly discuss some important ethical and political-philosophical schools associated with these categories, and elaborate on the ten principles.