bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiation and characterization of healthy versus pathological tau using chemical exchange saturation transfer
Authors: Yu Fang Frank , Rathnakar James , Ryder Bryan , Hitt Brian , Kashmer Omar M. , Sherry A. Dean , Vinogradov Elena 
Published: April 2024

Neurofibrillary tangles of tau constitute one of the key biological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the assessment of regional tau accumulation requires intravenous administration of radioactive tracers for PET imaging. A noninvasive MRI‐based solution would have significant clinical implications. Herein, we utilized an MRI technique known as chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) to determine the imaging signature of tau in both its monomeric and pathologic fibrillated conformations. Three sets of purified recombinant full‐length (4R) tau protein were prepared for collection of CEST spectra using a 9.4 T NMR spectrometer at varying temperatures (25, 37, and 42 °C) and RF intensities (0.7, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.2 μT). Monomeric and fibrillated tau were readily distinguished based on their Z‐spectrum profiles. Fibrillated tau demonstrated a less prominent peak at 3.5 ppm with additional peaks near 0.5 and 1.5 ppm. No significant differences were identified between fibrillated tau prepared using heparin versus seed‐competent tau. In conclusion, monomeric and fibrillated tau can be readily detected and distinguished based on their CEST‐derived Z‐spectra, pointing to the potential utility of CEST‐MRI as a noninvasive biomarker of regional pathologic tau accumulation in the brain. Further testing and validation in vitro and in vivo will be necessary before this can be applied clinically.
Early outcomes of referrals to the English National Health Service Digital Weight Management Programme
Authors: Taylor Katharine , Indulkar Tejal , Thompson Bethany , Pinkard Christine , Barron Emma , Frost Tom , Jayawardane Priyantha , Davies Neil , Bakhai Chirag , Forouhi Nita Gandhi , Aveyard Paul , Jebb Susan , Valabhji Jonathan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe study objective was to assess participant weight change for the English National Health Service (NHS) Digital Weight Management Programme, the first such digital intervention to achieve population coverage.MethodsA service evaluation was used to assess intervention effectiveness for adults with obesity and a diagnosis of hypertension and/or diabetes, between April 2021 and March 2022, using prospectively collected, national service–level data in England.ResultsOf the 63,937 referrals made from general practices, within the time period, 31,861 (50%) chose to take up the 12‐week Programme. There were 31,718 participants who had time to finish the Programme; of those, 14,268 completed the Programme (defined as attending ≥60%), a 45% completion rate. The mean weight change for those who had time to finish the Programme was −2.2 kg (95% CI: −2.25 to −2.16), for those who completed it was −3.9 kg (95% CI: −3.99 to −3.84), and for those who had time to finish the Programme but did not complete it was −0.74 kg (95% CI: −0.79 to −0.70).ConclusionsThe NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is effective at achieving clinically meaningful weight loss. The outcomes compare favorably to web‐based weight management interventions tested in randomized trials and those delivered as face‐to‐face interventions, and results suggest that the approach may, with increased participation, bring population‐level benefits.
Structural relaxation in a Schiff base‐crosslinked aldehyde modified xanthan gum/gelatin hydrogel: Experimental and numerical validation using linear poroelasticity model
Authors: Seresht Hassan Beheshti , Aghajanzadeh Mohamad Sadegh , Imani Rana , Haghbin Nazarpak Masoumeh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHydrogels hold immense promise in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication. This study focuses on the mechanical behavior of a novel polysaccharide/protein hybrid hydrogel, GEL‐AXG, synthesized via a Schiff base reaction between aldehyde‐modified xanthan gum (AXG) and gelatin (Gel). Hydrogel samples with varying AXG‐to‐Gel ratios were subjected to unconfined compression tests to assess their mechanical properties. The observed stress‐relaxation mechanism in deformed hydrogels primarily involves water migration. To quantify these mechanical properties, we applied the linear poroelasticity theory. Our results highlight that Gel‐AXG hydrogels with a 2:1 AXG‐to‐Gel ratio exhibit significantly higher peak and equilibrium stresses. This enhancement can be attributed to increased crosslink density and reduced dangling chain presence. Moreover, the linear poroelasticity formulation yielded a shear modulus of G = 44.91 ± 0.25 kPa for Gel‐AXG hydrogels with a 1:2 AXG‐to‐Gel volume ratio, which we identified as our optimized hydrogel.
Two siblings with Fanconi anemia (FANCQ, ERCC4/XPF) presenting with tumor‐mimicking lesions in the brain and acute neurological deterioration
Authors: Özdemir Zeynep Canan , Yarar Coşkun , Öztunalı Çiğdem , Töret Ersin , Çarman Kürşat Bora , Bör Özcan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe complementation Q group (FANCQ) subtype of Fanconi anemia (FA) caused by the ERCC4/XPF mutation is very rare. Two siblings, aged 13 and 10 with Fanconi phenotypic features, presented with right hemiparesis and focal‐onset seizures. In both cases, cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed mass‐like lesions accompanied by peripheral edema and calcification. In one case, oral steroid treatment and surgical excision were performed, while in the other case, the cranial lesion regressed just with steroid treatment and without surgery. Both siblings remained wheelchair‐bound due to neurological dysfunction. One case died due to hepatocellular carcinoma. ERCC4/XPF gene mutation was detected in both siblings.
Impact of sociodemographic factors, stress, and communication on health‐related quality of life in survivors of pediatric cancer
Authors: Patterson Valdeoso , Olsavsky Anna , Garcia Dana , Sutherland‐Foggio Malcolm , Vannatta Kathryn , Prussien Kemar V. , Bemis Heather , Compas Bruce E. , Gerhardt Cynthia A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundWhile most research has largely focused on medical risks associated with reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in survivors, sociodemographic and family factors may also play a role. Thus, we longitudinally examined sociodemographic factors and family factors associated with survivor HRQOL, including adolescent's cancer‐specific stress, mother's general stress, and mother–adolescent communication.MethodsMothers (N = 80) and survivors (ages 10–23, N = 50) were assessed 5 years following initial diagnosis. Mothers completed measures regarding sociodemographic background adolescent's cancer‐specific stress, mother's general stress, mother–adolescent communication, and adolescent HRQOL. Survivors also reported on their own HRQOL. Two hierarchical multiple regressions examined predictors of (a) mother's report of adolescent HRQOL, and (b) survivor's self‐report of HRQOL.ResultsThe final model predicting mother‐reported adolescent HRQOL was significant, F(5,74) = 21.18, p < .001, and explained 59% of the variance in HRQoL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress (β = −.37, p < .001), mothers’ stress (β = −.42, p < .001), and communication (β = .19, p = .03). The final model predicting survivor‐reported HRQOL was also significant, F(5,44) = 5.16, p < .01 and explained 24% of the variance in HRQOL. Significant predictors included adolescent stress (β = −.37, p = .01) and communication (β = −.31, p = .04). Sociodemographic factors were not a significant predictor of HRQOL in any model.ConclusionFamily stress and communication offer potential points of intervention to improve HRQOL of pediatric cancer survivors from mother and survivor perspectives. While additional research is needed, healthcare professionals should encourage stress management and strong mother–child communication to enhance survivors’ long‐term HRQOL. Such interventions may be complimentary to efforts targeting the known sociodemographic factors that often affect health.
Early diagnosis of sickle cell retinopathy by using ocular coherence tomography in pediatric population (7–18 years) in central India
Authors: Soni Pooja , Dhingra Bhavna , Karkhur Samendra , Chaudhary Narendra K. , Pakhare Abhijit P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is the commonest inherited blood disorder leading to complications occurring due to vaso‐occlusion including sight‐threatening retinopathy. Retinopathy can be managed if diagnosed early and vision loss can be prevented. Since, very less data are available from India, hence, this study was conducted in children (7–18 years) with SCD to diagnose retinopathy by using ocular coherence tomography (OCT) in subclinical stages.MethodsThis cross sectional single‐center study was performed in 7–18 years age group children with SCD without any visual symptoms. Enrolled participants underwent complete ophthalmological examination including macula and optic disc thickness measurements using Cirrus HD‐OCT and results were analyzed.ResultsAmong 55 participants, none had visual impairment. Significant fundoscopy finding (nonproliferative sickle cell retinopathy/NPSR) was found in three patients (5.4%), thinning of central macula in four patients (7.27%), inner macula thinning in eight patients (14.5%), outer macula thinning in one patient (1.81%), retinal nerve fiber layer thinning in five patients (9%), ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thinning in eight patients (14.54%). Overall NPSR was found in 5.4% patients detected with fundoscopy, whereas retinal layer thinning was found in 14 patients (25.4%) using OCT.ConclusionDespite of the significant prevalence of SCR, it is still underdiagnosed complication, leading to thinning of the retina from early ages; thus, its early diagnosis by regular screening using newer diagnostic methods can prevent progression to sight‐threatening complications and provide better quality of life for these patients.
Classroom mathematics learning: Association of joy of learning and school connectedness among high school students in India
Authors: Sasidharan Syama , Kareem Jacqueline 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMathematics learning experiences can influence the overall academic and socio‐emotional development of a child. The present study investigates the mediating effect of mathematics anxiety and emotional engagement on the relationships between teacher–student interaction, the joy of learning, and school connectedness. Two mediation models were tested for the dependent variables: the joy of learning and school connectedness, using Hayes' process macro in SPSS on a sample of 774 eighth‐standard students from Indian schools. The study's results indicate the presence of a serial mediation effect on the relationship between teacher–student interaction and joy of learning, teacher–student interaction, and school connectedness through mathematics anxiety and emotional engagement. The study emphasized the role of mathematics learning within the overall framework of “joy of learning” and “school connectedness.”
Understanding the relations between parental conditional regard, teacher autonomy support, and adolescent well‐being: A self‐determination theory perspective
Authors: Koçak Aylin , Alp Christ Ayşenur 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBased on the self‐determination theory, many studies have attempted to uncover the contextual features that satisfy adolescents' basic psychological needs. Most of these, however, have focused on one aspect of the social context, either the school or the family environment, and focused on either the issue of need frustration or need satisfaction and their implications on well‐being. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate whether adolescents' perceptions of parental conditional regard (both positive and negative regards) and teacher autonomy support were associated with need frustration and need satisfaction, which in turn, would be related to adolescents' well‐being (both subjective stress and life satisfaction). To test our hypotheses, we recruited 340 Turkish adolescents (Mage = 16.88 years, SD = 0.86). Results of structural equation modeling showed that parental conditional negative regard was positively related to need frustration, which in turn, was associated positively with adolescents' subjective stress, and negatively with life satisfaction. However, parental conditional positive regard was related to neither need satisfaction nor need frustration. Moreover, teacher autonomy support was positively related to need satisfaction, which in turn, was positively associated with life satisfaction. The results indicate that future research should consider both parent‐ and teacher‐related contexts together in relation to adolescents' basic needs and their well‐being.
Adolescents' loneliness and problematic smartphone use: The mediating role of upward social comparison and the moderating role of self‐identity
Authors: Shao Siyang , Mao Ningning , Zhang Zhengtian , Yang Mo , He Siyu , Yue Xiaodong , Li Chieh , Cui Lixia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLoneliness is an important risk factor for problematic smartphone use (PSU) among adolescents and the mechanisms underlying this correlation remain unclear. In this study, a moderated serial mediation model was tested by administering the Problematic Smartphone Use Scale for Chinese Adolescents, the Loneliness Scale (LS), the Upward Social Comparison Scale, the Fear of Missing Out Scale, and the Self‐Identity Scale to 466 Chinese adolescents. The results showed that: (1) loneliness was positively correlated with PSU, (2) upward social comparison (USC) and fear of missing out served as sequential mediating factors in the correlation between loneliness and PSU, and (3) self‐identity played a moderating role between USC and fear of missing out. These findings shed new light on developing strategies to prevent and intervene in adolescents' PSU by revealing the underlying mechanisms between loneliness and PSU.
Ultrasound versus palpation‐guided corticosteroid injection for de Quervain disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuo Ying‐Chen , Hsieh Lin‐Fen , Liu Ya‐Fang , Chang Chia‐Sung 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionCorticosteroid injection effectively treats de Quervain disease, and due to the high prevalence of the intracompartmental septum in the first extensor compartment, ultrasound guidance improves injection accuracy.ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness, adverse events, and the recurrence rate between ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided injection in patients with de Quervain disease.DesignProspective, single‐blind, randomized controlled trial.SettingRehabilitation department of a private teaching hospital.ParticipantsWe enrolled 49 patients, ≥20 years of age, clinically diagnosed with de Quervain disease based on their medical history and physical examination.InterventionsPatients were randomized into two groups: ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided injection. Both groups received a mixture of 10 mg triamcinolone acetonide (10 mg/1 mL) and 0.3 mL 1% lidocaine.Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome measure was the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score at 1 week. The secondary outcome measures were visual analog scale for pain (pain VAS) score, patient satisfaction, and adverse events or complications from the interventions at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months.ResultsBoth groups showed improvement over time in QuickDASH scores and pain VAS (p < .001); however, no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups for either QuickDASH scores (p = .22) or pain VAS (p = .30). In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of patient satisfaction (p = .76) and adverse events (p = .47, .33, .58) at the 1‐week, 3‐month, and 6‐month follow‐ups.ConclusionsBoth ultrasound‐guided and palpation‐guided injections effectively treated de Quervain disease. During a 6‐month follow‐up, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups in pain relief, upper limb function, or patient satisfaction. However, the palpation‐guided group showed a tendency for more recurrence and skin side effects.
Numerical simulation of multi‐layer flyer impact initiation of a certain PBX explosive
Authors: Yuan Jingyao , Duan Yingliang , Han Yong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of multi‐layer flyer impact‐induced initiation of a high‐energy explosive PBX‐1(based on 95 % TATB). The CREST reaction combustion model based on the time‐step difference method is embedded in LS‐DYNA, and the pressure history of PBX‐1 in multiple impact initiation is numerically simulated. The strengths and weaknesses of the two models are analyzed by comparing the simulation results of the pressure‐based IG model and the entropy‐based CREST model in multiple impact initiation. The results show that the CREST model is significantly better than the IG model in the problem of multiple impact initiation of PBX‐1, and it matches the experimental results better.
Numerical simulation on the bomb case effects of non‐ideal aluminized explosive
Authors: Li Yin , Deng Guoqiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe detonation process of non‐ideal explosives is influenced by the casing of the bomb. Non‐ideal charges in the process of the explosion of live ammunition energy output mechanism and distribution ratio, the impact of the case on the explosion flow field, and other issues cannot be obtained through the existing theoretical analysis and testing techniques to obtain specific values. This paper establishes a “detonation+afterburning” energy output model to characterize the energy release characteristics of non‐ideal charges, using step‐by‐step numerical simulation of the near and middle, and far fields of the explosion, and verify simulation results through experiments, quantitative analysis the case of a type of earth penetrator on the normal particle size (4 μm) and two times the normal particle size (8 μm) of non‐ideal charges of aluminum powder explosion process. The results indicate that the presence of the casing enhances the energy output of aluminum powder with 4 μm by ≈5 %. When the particle size of aluminum powder is doubled, the maximum reaction rate and the peak of the shock wave are merely around 35 % and 75 %, respectively, compared to those of normal particle size. The detonation products, case fragments, and air constitute 49 %, 48 %, and 3 % of the overall explosion energy, respectively. The proportional equation of the conversion between the chemical energy of the explosion and the kinetic energy of the case fragments is obtained. These conclusions can provide data support for the design of non‐ideal charge warheads, lethality assessment, and establishment of engineering protection standards.
Thermal structural damage and thermal decomposition characterization of GAP propellants with nitrate ester plasticizers
Authors: Jin Fengkai , Wu Yi , Wu Haibo , Yang Junsen , Li Haitao , Liu Xiangyang , Hou Xiao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGAP and nitrate ester compounds are introduced into the solid propellant formulation as energetic binders and energetic plasticizing agents, respectively, to further enhance the energy level of solid propellants. However, under abnormal thermal conditions, various components within GAP propellants, especially nitrate ester plasticizers, can collectively result in the generation of a large number of voids within the propellant due to factors such as thermal stress and slow component decomposition. This phenomenon can impact the safety of solid rocket engines, necessitating research into their thermal decomposition processes and thermal damage structures. In this study, the thermal decomposition characteristics and gas products of GAP propellants with different nitrate ester plasticizer formulations were investigated using DSC‐TG and FT‐IR. The damage structure of GAP propellants heated under unignited conditions was studied through Micro‐CT, examining the influence of heating conditions and nitrate ester plasticizers on the thermal damage structure of GAP propellants. During heating, the thermal damage structure of GAP propellants was found to include voids generated within the GAP binder and cracks at the interface between the GAP binder and particles, with nitroglycerin as a plasticizer exacerbating the thermal damage of GAP propellants (about 2.2–2.9 times).
N‐acetylcysteine absorption and its potential dual effect improve fitness and fruit yield in Xylella fastidiosa infected plants
Authors: Picchi Simone C. , Rebelatto Daniele , Martins Paula M.M. , Blumer Silvia , Mesquita Geisa L. , Hippler Franz W. R. , Mattos Jr Dirceu , Boaretto Rodrigo M. , Machado Marco A. , Takita Marco A. , Coletta‐Filho Helvécio D. , de Souza Alessandra A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDXylella fastidiosa is a multi‐host bacterium that can be detected in hundreds of plant species including several crops. Diseases caused by X. fastidiosa are considered a threat to global food production. The primary method for managing diseases caused by X. fastidiosa involves using insecticides to control the vector. Hence, it is necessary to adopt new and sustainable disease management technologies to control not only the insect but also the bacteria and plant health. We demonstrated that N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a low‐cost cysteine analogue, is a sustainable molecule that can be used in agriculture to decrease the damage caused by X. fastidiosa and improve plant health.RESULTSUsing 15N‐NAC we proved that this analogue was absorbed by the roots and transported to different parts of the plant. Inside the plant, NAC reduced the bacterial population by 60‐fold and the number of xylem vessels blocked by bacterial biofilms. This reflected in a recovery of 0.28‐fold of the daily sap flow compared to health plants. In addition, NAC‐treated citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) plants decreased the oxidative stress by improving the activity of detoxifying enzymes. Moreover, the use of NAC in field conditions positively contributed to the increase in fruit yield of CVC‐diseased plants.CONCLUSIONOur research not only advances the understanding of NAC absorption in plants, but also indicates its dual effect as an antimicrobial and antioxidant molecule. This, in turn, negatively affects bacterial survival while improving plant health by decreasing oxidative stress. Overall, the positive field‐based evidence supports the viability of NAC as a sustainable agricultural application. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.