bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family-Related Factors Influencing Resilience of Korean Adolescents and Young Adults with Childhood Cancer: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Son Heeyeon , Han Jung Woo , Hong Sungsil 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Resilience is considered an essential component of the successful recovery of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) from childhood cancer. Factors that affect resilience have been studied in various ways, but family-related factors in Korean AYAs with cancer have received insufficient attention. Families will likely play an important role in acquiring and maintaining resilience. This study aimed to identify family-related variables, such as parent-child communication, family strengths, and family support, that might influence the resilience of Korean AYAs with cancer.
Methods
This study recruited 141 Korean AYAs with cancer aged 11–26 years. Data were collected using online and offline questionnaires between June 2019 and January 2021. Family-related variables were examined as suggested by the Resilience in Illness Model. Data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression.
Results
Resilience was positively correlated with all variables. According to the hierarchical regression analysis, higher levels of family strengths (β = .202, p = .039) and stronger family support (β = .456, p < .001) were associated with higher levels of resilience, with an explanatory power of 40.3% (F = 19.533, p < .001) after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics.
Conclusion
The findings support the contribution of family strengths and support to the resilience of Korean AYAs. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to confirm family strengths and support as predictors while considering other relevant variables. Also, we suggest that family-centered programs include actively encourage family members’ participation in supporting AYAs by reflecting on family dynamics.
Push-pull effects of basal ganglia network in Parkinson’s disease inferred by functional MRI
Authors: Liu Chen , Wang Yuxin , Jiang Zhiqi , Chu Chunguang , Zhang Zhen , Wang Jiang , Li Dianyou , He Naying , Fietkiewicz Chris , Zhou Changsong , Kaiser Marcus , Bai Xuze , Zhang Chencheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has the potential to ameliorate the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor. However, the precise therapeutic mechanism underlying DBS in Parkinson’s disease remains inadequately comprehended, impeding the advancement of personalized DBS treatments. This study introduces a bio-inspired multi-scale brain model driven by blood oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signals to explore the neural mechanisms underlying DBS effects on Parkinson’s disease. The model integrates microscopic neural dynamics with macroscopic brain function, utilizes functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data to uncover the neural basis behind observed brain functional changes. The experiments include 27 Parkinson’s disease patients and 30 healthy controls. Each Parkinson’s disease patient has been conducted DBS surgery targeted on subthalamic nucleus (STN), and the fMRI data are recorded both during DBS-ON and DBS-OFF conditions. Based on our proposed model structure, we fit all the free coupling parameters within the microscopic cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic circuit (CBTC) to match the subject-specific functional connectivity matrix calculated from the fMRI data of each subject. After model validation, we further conduct a three-step deep exploration based on it. Firstly, it is found that an increase in GABAergic transmission into the thalamus has been associated with the exacerbation of rigidity symptom (p = 0.005**), whereas a reduction in GABAergic projections from interneurons within the cortex to pyramidal neurons has been correlated with an elevation in the severity of bradykinesia (p = 0.023*), indicating a “push” effect in the CBTC to impel the symptom-specific coupling intensity to an abnormal state. Secondly, the elevation of GABAergic signaling from the external globus pallidus to the internal globus pallidus indicate a strong correlation with the amelioration of rigidity symptom (p = 0.026*), while the attenuation of excitatory cortical projections to the STN is significantly associated with the remediation of bradykinesia (p = 0.048*). Lastly, the disparity in coupling strength pre- and post-DBS activation is underscored, implying synaptic coupling alterations found in the second step are induced by STN-DBS, which may reveal DBS has the ability to “pull” abnormal network back to a healthy functional state by the directly or indirectly restoration of the loop synaptic characteristics, therefore, normalizing these synaptic couplings. This work provides a promising approach to explore the intrinsic micro-regulatory mechanisms of DBS by interpreting the macroscopic fMRI information, offering new insights into the “push-pull” network dynamics of the CBTC and their implications for motor symptom-specific changes and treatments in Parkinson’s disease.
Maid gene dysfunction promotes hyperobesity via the reduction of anti-inflammatory macrophages in Mc4r gene-deficient mice
Authors: Koyama Kyutaro , Sakamaki Akira , Morita Shinichi , Nagayama Itsuo , Kudo Marina , Tanaka Yuto , Kimura Naruhiro , Arao Yoshihisa , Abe Hiroyuki , Kamimura Kenya , Terai Shuji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The onset and progression mechanisms of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are being studied. We developed and analyzed a new mouse model of obesity by combining maternal Id-like molecule (Maid) and melanocortin-4 receptor (Mc4r) gene deletions. Eight female mice were analyzed for each genotype: Mc4r gene knockout, combined Mc4r and Maid gene knockout, and Mc4r gene knockout with a high-fat diet. Mice with a combined deficiency of Mc4r and Maid gene showed significantly more severe obesity, but no liver fibrosis or a decline in metabolic status were observed. In visceral white adipose tissue, the mice had fewer M1 inflammatory macrophages and lower mRNA expression of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the mice showed lower expression of adipocytokines in visceral white adipose tissue and uncoupling protein-1 in scapular brown adipose tissue, both of which involved in sympathetic nerve signaling. Maid and Mc4r gene-deficient mice are a useful new model of MASLD with hyperobesity and less adipose tissue inflammation for studying the mechanism of MASH progression.
Heat–fluid–solid-coupled model of flue gas displacement CH 4 in coal seams and application
Authors: bai Gang , Wang Xuepeng , Wang Jue , Xin Tianyu , Liu Zhengdong , Wei Jie , Fan Chaojun , Zhou Xihua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of injecting flue gas (CO2, N2, and O2) originating from coal-fired power plants into a coal seam on CH4 extraction and CO2 geological storage. To this end, a multifield thermal–fluid–solid-coupled mathematical model of flue gas injection extraction was established. The results showed that with the time increase, the volume concentration of CH4 decreased, but the CO2, N2, and O2 increased. Compare with single extraction the gas injection extraction brought about a significant reduction in the pressure and content of the CH4, an increase in the CH4 extraction rate, and an increase in the effective radius of CH4 extraction. In the single extraction, the temperature of the reservoir decreased, and its permeability increased. In the gas injection extraction, the temperature near the gas injection hole increased, whereas the temperature near the extraction hole decreased, and the permeability decreased overall. A method of measuring the effective radius of gas extraction by temperature is presented. The storage and extraction time of CO2 exhibited a linear relationship, and the CO2 escape rate increased gradually. The longer gas injection extraction the time, the greater the risk of coal and gas (CO2) outbursts.
The Impact of Light Availibility on the Functional Traits of Quercus Robur L. And Acer Platanoides L. First-year Seedlings by Direct and Indirect Methods
Authors: Blinkova Olena , Żytkowiak Roma , Jagodziński Andrzej M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The resource strategy of seedlings is an important key for understanding the adaptation of trees at this ontogenetic phase to abiotic changes. In this study, we tried to determine the patterns of response of functional traits of shade-tolerant and shade-intolerant species along natural environmental light gradients, using an entire-level, trait-based approach by direct and indirect methods in the Arboretum at Kórnik (Poland). Differences between the two species were found for some variables. Analysis of phenotypic plasticity indices of leaf, stem and root traits of seedlings had high values ​​for both species. The values of plasticity indices of A. platanoides root traits were lower compared to the corresponding traits for Q. robur. Relationships between measures obtained from individual-level trait data were stronger than relationships with measures obtained from community-level trait data. The data obtained from the direct method revealed the closest relationships between functional traits of seedlings and light changes at the individual level trait data for both species. Correlation links between LAI and leaf (LMA, SLA) and stem (SSL, SMR) traits were less tight for Q. robur compared to A. platanoides. The indirect phytoindicative method revealed relationships between LC and LMA, and S/R of seedlings based on community-level trait data. Close relationships between LC and LMF, and SLA were not established in contrast to LAI and DIFN. Internal (closest) and external links between the leaf, stem, and root functional traits at the community-level trait data were established.
Diploid fetus with partially triploid placenta: case presentation and management strategy
Authors: Sahebdel Behrokh , Moghimi Zahra , Sobhanian Ehsan , Shirali Elham , Yarandi Fariba , Golshahi Fatemeh , Shirazi Mahboobeh , Saedi Nafiseh , Rashidi-Nezhad Ali 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Multiple placental cysts are a common finding in obstetric ultrasound imaging. Although it has benign differential diagnoses such as hydropic degeneration of the placenta or placental mesenchymal dysplasia, its important pathologies such as benign gestational trophoblastic disease or hydatiform mole should always be considered. A challenging issue in obstetrics is pregnancies with a placenta that has a bipartite texture. This means that one side of the placenta is normal, but the other side is full of cystic formation and just one fetus is visualized. The main critical concern is the presence of molar pregnancy because of its catastrophic consequences. Here we report a rare case in which the gravid uterus had a normal diploid fetus but had a bipartite placenta which was triploid in the hydropic part, revealing a unique genetic pattern.
The Relationship Between Surgical Interest and Performance on a Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator in a Cohort of Untrained First Year Medical Students
Authors: Pigliacampi Marlena , West Justin , Soucier Claire , Cobbs Jovon , Phelps Alec , Ramalingam Archana , McCann Alec , Bullock Matthew 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
The intersection of technological advancements and medical education has led to integration of virtual reality (VR) surgical simulators, offering a risk-free environment for trainees to hone clinical decision-making and technical skills. Despite the allure of VR in surgical training, the utility of VR exposure in novice medical trainees remains unclear. Numerous studies aim to decipher the relationship between students’ career preferences and proficiency on VR surgical simulators, but results have been inconclusive, necessitating further exploration. We sought to investigate the correlation between students’ interest in a surgical specialty and performance on a VR surgical simulator, aiming to inform the development of tailored pipeline programs for aspiring surgical students and aid in residency program selection processes.
Methods:
Participants included 134 incoming medical students recruited from a local United States medical school. After an informative session on VR’s impact in surgical medicine, participants completed a pre-interventional questionnaire, engaged in a VR simulation of a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) operative procedure, then completed a post-interventional questionnaire. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon test, Chi-squared test, and Fischer’s exact tests on survey responses and VR simulation markers.
Results:
Descriptive statistics revealed students predominately under 25 years old, nearly equitable gender distribution, and varying levels of interest in surgical specialties. Chi-square tests identified a significant association between sports participation and surgical interest. Nonparametric tests showed no statistically significant differences in VR performance metrics across categories of surgical interest, including the distributions of "number of retries" and "hints" against medical students’ surgical interest.
Discussion:
The findings underscore the potential value of sports participation in shaping students’ inclination towards surgical fields. However, no significant relationship was identified between students' performance in VR surgical simulations and their interest in surgery, challenging assumptions about career interests and practical skills performance. Sample limitations and mitigation strategies were discussed, emphasizing the need for further research to explore additional factors influencing performance in surgical simulations.
Conclusions:
Despite constraints, this study provides valuable insights into factors influencing medical students' career interests and performance in VR surgical simulations. Future investigations should delve into specific aspects of sports engagement and other factors that may shape career aspirations, informing targeted educational strategies and residency selection processes.
Evaluation of Mycocorrosion by Amorphotheca resinae in Aluminum Alloys 2024, 7075, 5083 and 3105: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Shariat Amir Hosein , Moghimi Hamid , Giyahchi Minoo , Ebrahim-Habibi Mohammad-Bagher , Tirandaz Hassan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Amorphotheca resinae is a fungus that particularly corrodes aeronautical aluminum alloys, leading to economic issues in various industries. This study aims to investigate the effects of this fungus on the corrosion of four different aluminum alloys, namely 2024, 7075, 5083, and 3105, after 25, 50, and 75 days through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), 3D profilometry, weight loss (%) measurement, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), electrochemical impedance (EIS), and pH changes. After 25 days, the 2024 alloy had the highest mycocorrosion rate (1.3417 mpy), while alloy 3105 had an undetectable value on this day. According to the EIS test, the 3105 alloy had the highest level of resistance (1.12×105 Ω.cm²) to corrosion, while the 2024 alloy was the most susceptible (7138 Ω.cm²). The qualitative data from SEM, CLSM, and 3D profilometry also confirmed the quantitative findings where the surface pits on the 2024 alloy were deeper than those of other alloys. Overall, the results showed that the lowest and highest corrosion rates mediated by A. resinae belonged to 3105 and 2024 alloys, respectively. These findings could have significant implications for industries that use aluminum alloys and might help in developing strategies to prevent or control biocorrosion.
Trends and patterns of ICU referrals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the COVID- 19 pandemic: Results from the National Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre
Authors: Alharbi Abdullah A. , Aljerian Nawfal A. , Alghamdi Hani A. , Binhotan Meshary S. , AlOmar Reem S. , Alsultan Ali K. , Arafat Mohammed S. , Aldhabib Abdulrahman , Aloqayli Ahmed I. , Alwahbi Eid B. , Alabdulaali Mohammed K. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

BackgroundICU e-referrals are an important indicator for exploring potential deficiency in critical care resources. This study explores the epidemiology and patterns of ICU referrals across all regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) during the COVID-19 pandemic using routinely collected secondary data between April 2020 and December 2021.MethodsThis descriptive epidemiological study used data from the Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre (SMARC). The analysed variables included age, sex, month and year of referral, the reason and the speciality and region from which the referral had originated. Descriptive statistics were performed as well as mapping of administrative areas according to the rate of referral requests per 10,000 of the population.ResultsDuring the study period, 36,619 patients had an ICU e-referral request. The average age of these patients was 54.28 ± 20.46 years. Males constituted 64.81% of all requests. Referrals due to being out of scope made up 71.44% of requests. Referrals related to medical specialities were the most common followed by surgical ones (62.48% and 22.13%). The temporal pattern of ICU requests shows a peak in Jully and August of 2020 and a second peak during May of 2021. The graphical distribution of requests shows that these were highest for the Northern Border and Albaha administrative areas.ConclusionsThe temporal patten and geographic distribution of ICU referrals identified in this study have been found to mirror that of previously reported critical cases in the KSA. The implementation of preventive measures and the introduction of the vaccination programs have been found to positively affect ICU referral requests. Also, adjustment for population size should be taken into consideration in healthcare resource management and policy.
Evaluation of a Prototype Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm for Cone Beam CT in Patients Undergoing Radioembolization
Authors: Can Elif , Böning Georg , Lüdemann Willie Magnus , Hosse Clarissa , Kolck Johannes , Paparoditis Sophia , Nguyen Thao , Piper Sophie K. , Geisel Dominik , Wieners Gero , Gebauer Bernhard , Elkilany Aboelyazid , Jonczyk Martin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Metal artifacts notoriously pose significant challenge in computed tomography (CT), leading to inaccuracies in image formation and interpretation. Artifact reduction tools have been designed to improve cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image quality by reducing artifacts caused by certain high-density materials. Metal artifact reduction (MAR) tools are specific algorithms that are applied during image reconstruction to minimize or eliminate artifacts degrading CBCT images. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of a MAR algorithm on image quality in CBCT performed for evaluating patients before transarterial radioembolization (TARE).
Materials and Methods
We retrospectively included 40 consecutive patients (aged 65±13 years; 23 males) who underwent 45 CBCT examinations (Allura FD 20, XperCT Roll protocol, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands) in the setting of evaluation for TARE between January 2017 and December 2018. Artifacts caused by coils, catheters, and surgical clips were scored subjectively by four readers on a 5-point scale (1 = artifacts affecting diagnostic information to 5 = no artifacts) using a side-by-side display of uncorrected and MAR-corrected images. In addition, readers scored tumor visibility and vessel discrimination.
Results
MAR-corrected images were assigned higher scores, indicating better image quality. The differences between the measurements with and without MAR were most impressive for coils with a mean improvement of 1.6 points (95%CI [1.5 1.8]) on the 5-point likert scale, followed by catheters 1.4 points (95%CI [1.3 1.5]) and clips 0.7 points (95%CI [0.3 1.1]). Improvements for other artifact sources were consistent but relatively small (below 0,25 points on average). Interrater agreement was good to perfect (Kendall’s W coefficient = 0.68 - 0.95) and was higher for MAR-corrected images, indicating that MAR improves diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusion
A metal artifact reduction algorithm can improve diagnostic and interventional accuracy of cone beam CT in patients undergoing radioembolization by reducing artifacts caused by diagnostic catheters and coils, lowering interference of metal artifacts with adjacent major structures, and improving tumor visibility.
PDCL3 is a Novel Oncogenic Indicator in Hepatocellular Carcinoma using Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis and in vitro Validation
Authors: Liang Hang , Liu Junnan , Sheng Huajun , Tan Lihao , Xu Jin , Shen Zihao , Zhu Shujuan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the prevalent form of liver cancer and the third major cause of cancer-induced mortality globally. Phosducin-like protein 3 (PDCL3) is linked to the onset and evolution of malignancies, but its role and mechanism in HCC progression are still unclear. Here, to address this issue, we performed multiple bioinformatics mining and analysis through databases such as GEO and TCGA to screen for the HCC-specific targets. Differential and survival prognostic analyses revealed that PDCL3 was upregulated in HCC tissues, and was accompanied by poorer outcomes for HCC patients. PDCL3 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in HCC cell lines HepG2, Hep3B, and Huh7 than in normal human hepatocytes MIHA. The assays with siRNA interference showed that PDCL3 exhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of these HCC cells. The PDCL3 high-expression group presented different immune infiltration analysis and mutation features, compared with PDCL3 low-expression group. Furthermore, enrichment analysis identified that PDCL3 expression was linked to the Hippo pathway and YAP expression. Hence, we emphasized the promotive role of PDCL3 in HCC, thus providing reliable evidence for PDCL3-targeted diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.
The Experience and Knowledge of Traumatic Dental Injuries among Pediatric Physicians
Authors: Schachter Andrea Dora , Kaplan Nata , Blumer Sigalit , Ajzman Gisela Berenstein , Tunis Tanya Sella , Laviv Amir , Ratson Tal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective:To assess the knowledge and attitude of pediatric physicians towards management of permanent and primary avulsed teeth.
Materials and Methods: Pediatric physicians filled out a questionnaire. A total of 133 physicians agreed to participate. The questionnaire surveyed the physician's background, knowledge, and approach to managing tooth avulsion.
Results: Only 27.1% of the physicians underwent dental trauma training. Most of the physicians (74%) prefer to refer avulsed tooth cases to a dentist immediately. Only 3% would put the tooth back into the socket. When the participants were asked about storing the avulsed tooth, 38.3% correctly said they would advise keeping the tooth in milk. Most of the physicians (67%) answered that primary teeth should not be replanted.
Conclusions: The pediatric physicians’ knowledge about tooth avulsion is fair
Clinical Relevance:Educational training programs should be developed and conducted in order to improve awareness of emergency management strategies in such cases.