bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenging the status quo: Methylene blue at recommended concentrations alters metabolism in early zebrafish development
Authors: Mennigen Jan , Nipu Niepukolie , Wei Lai , Lee Hyojin , Thomas Jith 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Methylene blue (MB) is an antifungal agent widely used during critical stages of zebrafish development. Most guidelines recommend 0.00005% or 0.0001% of MB for embryo/larval rearing. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development zebrafish embryo toxicity test guideline omits MB recommendations, leading to inconsistent MB use in zebrafish research. Because MB affects oxidative energy metabolism in vitro and in vivo, we investigated possible metabolic effects of recommended MB concentrations in developing zebrafish (1-5 days post-fertilization (dpf)). MB increased O2 consumption rate at 1 dpf, followed by an overall reduction in oxidative energy metabolism in post-hatch eleutheroembryos (4-5 dpf). Concomitantly, mitochondrial transcripts decreased in 1 and 4 dpf zebrafish. Our findings show that MB, at recommended husbandry concentrations, affects oxidative metabolism and can thus confound experiments. Since the zebrafish embryo/larval model is gaining traction as a high-throughput New Approach Methodology (NAM) for toxicity assessment, researchers should reconsider MB use.
Poly(ether-ketone)/Silica Nanocomposites: Storage Modulus and Hardness
Authors: Joshi Mandar , Goyal Akhilesh , Gadve Roshan , Upadhyay Gautam , GOYAL RAJENDRA KUMAR 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Dynamic mechanical properties of the poly(ether-ketone) (PEK) based nanocomposites reinforced with 0–30 wt.% (0-20.2 vol.%) SiO2 nanoparticles (20–40 nm) were investigated at 1 Hz over the temperature range of 30–250°C for the application in printed circuit boards/electronic substrates. It was found that uniform dispersion of SiO2 nanoparticles in the PEK matrix resulted in significant increase in storage modulus and microhardness. The highest increase in storage modulus measured at 50 ℃ (glassy region) and 250 ℃ (rubbery region) was more than 100% and 250% than that of neat PEK, respectively. A linear relationship between the storage modulus and microhardness of the nanocomposites with a correlation factor (R2) of 0.96 was obtained. The ratio of storage modulus to microhardness (E′/H) was ~ 0.09. The nanocomposites exhibited lower peak values of the tan δ than that of neat PEK. Scanning electron microscopy revealed good interfacial adhesion between the PEK matrix and the SiO2 nanoparticles which was validated by Kubat parameter. The glass transition temperatures determined from the loss modulus and tan δ are slightly increased for the nanocomposites. However, differential scanning calorimetry could not detect glass transition temperature.
Investigation and validation of stereocilia development in homogenic cochlea progenitor cell organoid using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Lee Min Young , Carpena Nathaniel , Chang So-Young , Mun Seyoung , Kim Kyung Wook , Yoon Hyun C , Mo Ji-Hun , Chung Phil=Sang , Ahn Jin-Chul , Han Kyudong , Choi Ji Eun , Jung Jae Yun , Park Ji On 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The hair cell (HC)s exhibit mechanoelectrical transduction that is enabled by stereocilia. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is known to be involved in the generation of HCs. The stripping method is widely used to differentiate LGR5 progenitor cells (LPC) into inner-ear organoids. However, cells separated via stripping are heterotypic, making it impossible to identify specific cell–cell interactions that affect differentiation. Therefore, methods are needed to differentiate homotypic LPCs. We performed homotypic differentiation of LPCs, and eventually observed HC like cells. However, in further analysis of cellular morphology, immature stereocilia was identified from organoids grown from homotypic LPCs. Using bulk RNA-seq, downregulation of morphogenesis-related genes was identified in organoid by homotypic LPCs. We assessed the effects of an SHH agonist and found that it induced the generation of further differentiated stereocilia. This was confirmed by electron microscopy and significantly heightened expression of stereocilia-related genes (Pls, LMO7, LRBA). Using scRNA-seq, we concentrated on various cochlear markers, including stereocilia formation, to identify cell types that shared a similar developmental trajectory with HCs. Among them, cluster 11 showed robust expression of stereocilia-related genes including Espn, Lhfpl5, Loxhd1, and Tmc1. Further functionality of the cells with this mature stereocilia was confirmed by electrophysiology using multielectrode array.
Duration of Effect in Treatment of Methotrexate Intolerance in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be Improved by Bi-lateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) Wristbands
Authors: Höfel Lea , Eppler Bruno , Haas Johannes-Peter , Hugle Boris 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) intolerance in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently leads to discontinuation due to anticipatory and associative gastrointestinal symptoms. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has successfully been used in MTX intolerance, with lasting effects but frequently diminishing efficacy over time. BLAST (bi-lateral alternating stimulation tactile) wristbands utilize a similar process to EMDR. The aim of this study was to determine if utilization of BLAST wristbands could improve and prolong the effect of EMDR on patients with MTX intolerance.
Methods: Consecutive patients admitted to the German Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology with JIA and signs of MTX intolerance from October 2016 until March 2024 were included in this study. Treatment was performed using an adapted 8 phase EMDR protocol implementing BAST wristbands. Initial patients were treated with EMDR, subsequent patients additionally with BLAST wristbands.
Health-related quality of live was determined using the PedsQL. Measurements of MISS and PedsQL were taken at 4 time points: directly before and after (MISS only) treatment, as well as 4 and 12 months after treatment. Changes in MISS and PedsQL were compared using descriptive statistics and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: 87 patients with MTX intolerance were included, 53 in group 1 without BLAST wristbands and 34 in group 2 which were concurrently treated with BLAST wristbands.
All patients reported marked improvement of MTX intolerance symptoms (mean MISS score group 1: 15.0 ± 5.5 before treatment, 1.3 ± 1.5 after treatment, group 2: 16.8 ± 5.6 and 2.5 ± 2.5, respectively). After 4 and 12 months, MISS in group 1 was 8.1 ± 7.1 and 8.7 ± 8.4, and in group 2: 7.1 ± 6.3 and 6.5 ± 5.7. A repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between the MISS results over time (F(3,114) = 64.6, p < 0.001), and also demonstrated a significant difference of the PedsQL results between the two groups over time (F(2,64) = 8.9, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Treatment with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) presents an effective treatment of MTX intolerance, and further significant improvement can be achieved using BLAST wristbands.
Alterations in cerebral perfusion and corresponding brain functional networks in NPSLE with cognitive impairment
Authors: Liu Huiyang , Liu Hu , Tian Bailing , Sun Zhen , Xiong Wen , Yang Pingting , Fan Guoguang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) frequently occurs in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may result from neuroinflammation processes and vascular changes in the brain. The cerebral hemodynamics underlying SLE with CI (SLE-CI) remain unclear. We aimed to explore changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and intrinsic functional connectivity (FC) in patients with SLE-CI.
Methods: We enrolled 97 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and 51 heathy controls (HCs) matched for age and gender. The CI status of patients was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Based on the findings, the patients were subdivided into two subgroups, the SLE-CI (n = 40) and SLE-NC (n = 57) subgroups. Sagittal three-dimensionT1-weighted (3D-T1), arterial spin labeling (ASL) and resting-state functional (rs-fMRI) sequences were obtained. Seed-based FC was calculated using the CBF results as regions of interest (ROIs). Correlation analysis was performed for further examination of differences in alterations and clinical scores between the patient subgroups.
Results: Compared with patients with SLE-NC, patients with SLE-CI had higher CBF in the left hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum crus II and lower CBF in the left frontal lobe. Left hippocampus gray matter (GM) atrophy was detected in patients with SLE-CI but not in patients with SLE-NC. Secondary analyses revealed that compared with patients with SLE-NC, patients with SLE-CI had increased FC of the left insula gyrus when the left cerebellum crus II was set as the seed region and decreased FC in the homolateral parahippocampus when the left hippocampus was set as the seed region. Correlation analysis revealed that CBF in the left hippocampus, cerebellum, and thalamus was negatively associated with MoCA and memory scores and slightly positively associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores. CBF in the left frontal lobe was positively associated with MoCA and visual space execution capability scores and slightly negatively associated with SLEDAI scores and serum double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) titer.
Conclusion: The changes of structure, function, and network in hippocampus gray matter may be biomarkers of cognitive impairment in patients with NPSLE.
Maternal Health-related Behaviors: The Moderating Effect of Pre-pregnancy Smoking on the Association Between Pre-pregnancy Folic Acid Intake and Breastfeeding Duration
Authors: Artzi-Medvedik Rada , Santos Sueny Paloma Lima dos , Haile Zelalem T. , Chertok Ilana R.A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
There is limited research on the interaction between pre-pregnancy behaviours of folic acid intake and smoking, and breastfeeding duration. Pre-pregnancy folic acid intake and breastfeeding are health promoting behaviours benefiting mothers and infants, whereas smoking has adverse effects. This study aims to examine the association between maternal pre-pregnancy folic acid intake frequency and 3-month breastfeeding with further examination of the moderating influence of pre-pregnancy smoking.
Methods
A secondary data analysis was conducted using data from the 2016–2019 Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (n = 70,947 postpartum mothers).
Results
Overall, 28.5% did not breastfeed at least 3 months, 42.0% reported not taking folic acid pre-pregnancy, and 13.2% reported pre-pregnancy smoking. In the multivariable model, there was a significant interaction between pre-pregnancy smoking and folic acid intake on 3-month breastfeeding. For the subgroup of non-smokers, the odds of breastfeeding for at least 3 months were significantly higher among mothers who took folic acid (1 to 3 times per week, aOR 1.21, p = 0.001; 4 to 6 times per week aOR 1.74, p < 0.001; and daily aOR 1.25, p < 0.001; p-trend < 0.001) compared to those who did not take folic acid.
Conclusions
In the population-based study, pre-pregnancy folic acid intake was associated with higher odds of breastfeeding at least 3 months among women who did not smoke pre-pregnancy. Nurse-midwives and other healthcare professionals caring for women of childbearing age should encourage a positive health-promoting lifestyle before pregnancy, including folic acid intake and smoking abstinence, which may contribute to positive health behaviour of breastfeeding.
Experimental and numerical studies of laminar natural convection heat transfer from an isothermally heated narrow flat plate oriented at different angles of rotation
Authors: Alhendal Yousuf , Kalendar Abdulrahim 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The laminar natural convection heat transfer from isothermally heated narrow flat plates oriented at different angles of rotation is experimentally and numerically studied. The heated flat plate is narrow, i.e., has a relatively small width, w, to length, l, ratio, and is embedded in a plane adiabatic surface within which the heated plate can be oriented at different angles of rotation. The three-dimensional governing equations for geometrical assessment were solved numerically in terms of non-dimensional variables using finite volume-based solution. Model results for the average Nusselt number were obtained for a relatively wide range of non-dimensional variables included the Rayleigh number ranging from 1×103 ≤ Ra ≤ 1×108, non-dimensional plate width ranging from 0.15 ≤ W ≤ 1, and angle of rotation ranging from 0° ≤ α ≤ 90°. On the other hand, experimental results for the average Nusselt number were obtained for a narrower range of non-dimensional variables included the Rayleigh number ranged from 5.98×103 ≤ Ra ≤ 1.18×105, the angle of rotation ranged from 0° ≤ α ≤ 90°, and the non-dimensional plate width was fixed at 0.4. Additionally, a Prandtl number of 0.7 was used, which is the value for air in some of the applications that initiated this study. The model results are validated against present experimental results and existing correlations. The effects of these non-dimensional variables on the average and local Nusselt numbers for the heated flat plate were investigated. It was found that in some situations the non-dimensional variables have a significant effect on heat transfer rate from the heated flat plate. Correlations to calculate the average Nusselt number for the heated flat plate were developed.
Predictive Modeling of Gestational Weight Gain: A Machine Learning Multiclass Classification Study
Authors: Victor Audêncio , Santos Hellen Geremias dos , Silva Gabriel Ferreira dos Santos , Filho Fabiano Barcellos , Cobre Alexandre de Fátima , Luzia Liania A. , Rondó Patrícia H.C. , Filho Alexandre Dias  Porto Chiavegatto 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Gestational weight gain (GWG) is a critical factor influencing maternal and fetal health. Excessive or insufficient GWG can lead to various complications, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, cesarean deliver, low birth weight, and preterm birth. This study aims to develop and evaluate machine learning models to predict GWG categories (below, within, or above recommended guidelines)
Methods
We analyzed data from the Araraquara Cohort, Brazil comprising 1557 pregnant women with a gestational age of 19 weeks or less. Predictors included socioeconomic, demographic, lifestyle, morbidity, and anthropometric factors. Five machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, LightGBM, AdaBoost, CatBoost, and XGBoost) were employed for model development. The models were trained and evaluated using a multiclass classification approach. Model performance was assessed using metrics such as area under the ROC curve (AUC-ROC), F1 score and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC).
Results
The outcome were categorized as follows: GWG within recommendations (28.7%), GWG below (32.5%), and GWG above recommendations (38.7%). The LightGBM model presented the best overall performance with an AUC-ROC of 0.79 for predicting GWG within recommendations, 0.756 for GWG below recommendations, and 0.624 for GWG above recommendations. The Random Forest model also performed well, achieving an AUC-ROC of 0.774 for GWG within recommendations, 0.732 for GWG below recommendations, and 0.593 for GWG above recommendations. The most importante were predictors of GWG were pre-gestational BMI, maternal age, glycemic profile, hemoglobin levels, and arm circumference.
Conclusion
Machine learning models can effectively predict GWG categories, providing a valuable tool for early identification of at-risk pregnancies. This approach can enhance personalized prenatal care and interventions to promote optimal pregnancy outcomes.
Malignant spinal cord compression pathway: A new step toward standard of care for a critical oncological finding
Authors: Aldakheel Abdulrahman , Al-Rajhi Nasser , Alshabanah Mohammed , Alwhaid Mohammed , Julaidan Bedour , Alsamari Faisal , Aldehaim Mohammed 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Malignant cord compression syndrome (MCCS) must be addressed clinically using whole-spine magnetic resonance imaging in suspected patients and managed accordingly. Establishing a Malignant spinal cord compression pathway is crucial for addressing these patients sequentially with an immediate management plan. Here, we reported the outcomes of a Malignant spinal cord compression pathway and compared the results with those before its implementation.
Methods: This is a prospective observational study where data collection was performed for patients with activated cord compression pathway between July 2021 and October 2022. Collected data was including demographics of patients, presenting symptoms, time of recorded clinical pathway activation and subsequent events including final management plan. Retrospective data collection was done for 52 patients whom were treated from the period between 2018-2019. Non-parametric test was used to compare medians for both groups.
Results: In total, 170 patients were included, and 52 of them were treated based on positive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Malignant spinal cord compression pathway between 2018 and 2019. Moreover, 118 patients were identified during the implementation of the cord compression pathway in 2020–2022. Three main targeted intervals were calculated in hours using medians and means: interval 1, time from cord compression suspicion to MRI; interval 2, MRI completion to MRI report; and interval 3, cord compression suspicion to intervention. In 2018–2019, medians of these three intervals were 9.5, 12, and 110 h, and in 2020–2022, they substantially decreased to 6, 3, and 24 h, respectively. An independent nonparametric test was performed to compare the medians, and statistically significant results were obtained for intervals between MRI completion and MRI report (p = 0.001) as well as between cord compression suspicion and intervention (p = 0.001).
Conclusions: The use of the malignant spinal cord compression pathway effectively shortens the time needed for identifying patients at risk, reduces the time to report critical findings, and significantly shortens the interval between identification and treatment. In our study, clinical pathway reduced time needed to identify, diagnose and manage such disease.
A Model to Protect Disaster Recovery Centers from Cyber Threats with Multi-Layered Network Security Architecture
Authors: Yilmaz Aykut , Gunes Ali 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) systems are critical infrastructures for business continuity, cyber-attacks can cause valuable corporate and personal data to be seized by cyber attackers. This, in return, results in material and moral damages to institutions, individuals and states. In this study, a modern cyber network security architecture was developed to prevent attack vectors managed by cyber attackers from the internet to DRC systems. EVE-NG, Nessus, OpenVAS, Kali, Parrot, MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise, NIST v2 professional applications and framework systems, which are used and accessible worldwide, were used. A comprehensive application was conducted with ninety-nine real world systems and fourteen different virtual networks in the simulation environment. The simulation was conducted in three phases: the first phase involved attacks aimed at partially or completely disrupting internet access, while the second and third phases involved attacks aimed at rendering the application service servers (DMZ) and local network servers unavailable to the internet. As a result of attacks using various techniques on this network, attempts were made to damage target servers and devices. At the time of the attack, the network traffic between the attacker and the target device was examined using Wireshark and Forti Analyzer software.
Perceived Structural Empowerment, Resilience, and Intent to Stay among Midwives and Registered Nurses in Saudi Arabia: a convergent parallel mixed methods study.
Authors: Al-Otaibi Areej , Aboshaiqah Ahmad , Aburshaid Fatimah , AlKhunaizi Anwar , AlAbdalhai Sarah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The retention of midwives and registered nurses in Obstetrics and Gynecology department/unit (OB/GYN) is not just a matter of organizational effectiveness and financial wellness. It's a crucial aspect of ensuring quality healthcare delivery. This study delves into the factors that influence retention, with a particular focus on structural empowerment and resilience.
Methods
The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed methods approach. The study was divided into two phases. Phase one was a cross-sectional quantitative study utilizing a convenience sample of 200 midwives and nurses in OB/GYN departments to discuss the level of structurally empowered, resilient, and committed to staying in the organization and to examine their perceptions of structural empowerment and resilience are good predictors of their decision to remain with the organization, Phase two was a qualitative study; a semi-structured, open-ended interview was adopted. Eighteen nurses and midwives purposely selected as the target population were invited to participate in individual interviews and interview the Obstetrics and Gynecology department/unit participants towards their perception of the phenomenon under study. The data collection took place at three major hospitals in Saudi Arabia, commenced at the beginning of January 2023, and continued until the end of February 2023.
Results
The study results revealed that structural empowerment and resilience were statistically significant predictors of the intent to stay in the organization (F = 35.216, p < 0.001), with 26.3% variation, the structural empowerment is higher predictor (β = 0.486) to intent to stay if compared to resilience (β = 0.215). Five major themes emerged from the narratives of the nurses and midwives: the nurturing of the physical and physiological, the developing the psychological, the managing Financial, the restructuring of the organization, and the enriching of the professional and occupational.
Conclusion
The study's findings have significant implications for healthcare organizations. They highlight the importance of cultivating a culture of empowerment and resilience, which can serve as a powerful tool to encourage registered nurses and midwives to remain in their organization. This insight empowers healthcare administrators, human resource managers, and professionals in the field of obstetrics and gynecology to take proactive steps toward improving retention rates.