bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Independent Living among Female Youths after Leaving Out-of- Home Care in South Korea: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Noh Dabok , Kim Eunyeong , Kim Goun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Youths in out-of-home care residing in alternative living arrangements in Korea must leave the placement by their 25th birthday. In the transition to independence from out-of-home care, they often encounter significant financial and psychological difficulties. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology using Colaizzi’s phenomenological data analysis to extract, organize, and analyze the data. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten female youths living independently after being discharged from youth shelters. Unstructured and open-ended questions were asked to collect clear and sufficient descriptions regarding participants’ lived experiences of female youths after leaving out-of-home care. Our analyses revealed four themes in transitioning from out-of-home care to independent living related to their experiences of beginning to stand alone; becoming a grown-up suddenly; needing a helping hand to deal with the emptiness in life; and hope for the future. Out-of-home youths struggled and needed help from supportive policies and institutions to achieve financial, social, and psychological stability while becoming independent. These findings should encourage practitioners and policymakers to strengthen and expand tailored and long-term support systems for successful independent living for out-of-home youths in Korea.
The Paradox of Uncertainty: How Tolerance for Uncertainty Modulates Approach Motivation - Evidence from ERPs Experiments
Authors: Fei Dingzhou , Liu Yinrui , Zhang Wenqing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Certainty has an important meaning for an individual, as it gives a sense of security and fulfillment. However, uncertainty occurs every day in real life, causing anxiety and aversion. Therefore, individuals take measures to cope with uncertain feelings. Previous studies have hinted at the important role of approach motivation in alleviating uncertainty and the possibility that loss of a sense of control may induce approach motivations and behaviors, but there is no clear empirical research demonstrating this mechanism. We explored the role of uncertainty in the induction of approach motivation and the moderating role of uncertainty tolerance.
Method
In the present study, we measured subjects' uncertainty tolerance trait, in addition to the classical forced-choice gambling task, and measured 20 subjects' brainwave changes in uncertain situations, using the lateralization of approach-motivated brain activity to test the above hypotheses using the FRN and the P300 as the response indexes.
Result
Subjects who received the feedback "+/-/?" in the gambling task were followed by the production of FRN in the right brain and then P300 in the left brain, and the peaks of the P300 wave in the "+" and "-" feedback cases were significantly lower than those of "?". In addition, the peak difference between the left and right brain P300 waves was significantly higher in individuals with low uncertainty tolerance than in those with low uncertainty tolerance.
Conclusion
We found that subjects experience significant uncertainty after making a high-risk versus high-reward choice and uncertainty is accompanied by approach motivation. After we grouped the subjects according to the level of uncertainty tolerance, we found that the difference between left and right brain P300 was significantly smaller in the high-tolerance group than in the low-tolerance group, suggesting that uncertainty tolerance plays a moderating role in uncertainty-induced approach motivation.
Slip Distribution of the 1946 Showa-Nankai Earthquake Estimated by Nonlinear Tsunami Inversion
Authors: Kamiya Masato , Takeuchi Toshiki , Baba Toshitaka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To address the limitations of linear tsunami inversion, here, the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm was applied to tsunami inversions, which allowed the use of nonlinear tsunami trace height data to estimate earthquake slip distributions. To the best of our knowledge, a completely nonlinear tsunami inversion has been used for the first time to investigate the source processes of historical earthquakes in which only tsunami trace heights are available. Using this inversion scheme and nonlinear long-wave equations, we estimated the slip distribution of the 1946 Showa-Nankai earthquake. The estimated slip distribution using only tsunami trace heights indicated a similar slip pattern to models previously proposed by linear tsunami inversions, although the amount of slip was substantially large. Another nonlinear inversion, which jointly used tsunami trace heights, tsunami waveforms, and crustal displacement data, imaged two slip asperities off Shikoku and the Kii Peninsula. The amount of slip in the asperities was still greater than that in the linear tsunami inversion analysis. However, it is still necessary to explain the tsunami trace heights. Our estimated earthquake magnitude was consistent with that obtained from the analysis of the seismic waveform inversion. The discrepancy in the estimated slip amount between the linear and nonlinear tsunami inversions may be related to uncertainties in the tsunami trace heights and/or tide gauge data.
Brain Connectomics Markers for Response Prediction to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Cocaine Use Disorder
Authors: Ghazi Nayereh , Garza-Villarreal Eduardo A. , Soltanian-Zadeh Hamid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is a worldwide health problem with limited effective treatment options. The therapeutic potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is gaining more attention following evidence of its role on craving reduction in CUD. However, the heterogeneity of results underscores a pressing need for biomarkers of treatment outcome. We asked whether brain connectomics together with clinical assessments can predict response to add-on rTMS therapy for CUD better than solely conventional clinical assessments.
A total of 36 patients with CUD underwent an open-label acute phase of receiving two daily sessions of 5-Hz rTMS on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC). Subsequently, 19 and 14 patients continued to an open-label maintenance phase of two weekly rTMS sessions for 3 and 6 months, respectively. Pre and post treatment resting-state brain functional connectivity as well as two clinical scores related to craving were measured to predict the subsequent response to rTMS therapy. Two conventional clinical scores, namely Cocaine craving questionnaires (CCQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used as craving level assessments. We used a priori seed-driven connectivity of DLPFC and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) together with the connectivity from a whole-brain multi-voxel pattern analysis at each time point to predict the reduction in craving after rTMS.
The combination of connectivity changes and baseline craving severity measures improved the prediction of individual craving compared to the prediction with only initial craving severity. The predictive model from the combination of neuromarkers could explain 45 to 97 percent of variance in craving changes assessed by two different clinical scores. We used leave-one-subject-out cross-validation to support the generalizability of our findings. Our results indicate that employing neuromarkers from resting-state functional connectivity of pre and post condition of CUD patients receiving add-on rTMS therapy increases the power of predicting craving changes and support the idea that neuromarkers may offer improvements in precision medicine approaches.
Age- and Sex-Specific Reference Intervals for Renin and Aldosterone in Healthy Individuals in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Caiyan , Guo Zihong , Yi Chunxiu , Zhang Wen , Wang Han , Zhao Yajing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS) is crucial involvement in both diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for hypertension. However, the thresholds for detection vary depending on the characteristics of the examined population. Numerous factors can influence the quantification of the PRC and PAC, including instrumentation, methodology, geographical location, ethnicity, body posture, dietary habits, sex, and age. This study aimed to establish age- and sex-specific reference intervals for renin and aldosterone in Yunnan Province, China.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a comprehensive dataset including age, sex, medical and medication history, family history, anthropometric measurements (height, weight, blood pressure, and heart rate), blood biochemical indices, plasma renin concentrations (PRC) and plasma aldosterone concentrations (PAC). A rigorous statistical analysis was conducted to investigate variations in renin and aldosterone levels by sex and age, facilitating the redefinition of groups. Subsequently, reference intervals for renin and aldosterone were established in the defined groups.Results This study involved 5200 ostensibly healthy individuals. Renin and aldosterone levels differed significantly across sex and age groups. Specifically, PRC was significantly lower in women than men, while PAC was significantly higher in men than women. PRC decreased with age, while PAC levels were lowest in the18–24 age group and peaked in the 25–64 age group.Conclusions Our findings underscore the crucial role of sex and age when precisely evaluating renin and aldosterone levels. This groundbreaking study established for the first time age- and sex-specific reference intervals for renin and aldosterone in healthy individuals in Yunnan Province, China.
Safety and feasibility of early drinking water after general anesthesia recovery in patients undergoing daytime surgery
Authors: Lu Yixing , Liu Siyan , Jing Shunzhong , Zhao Xuefeng , Liang Jiamei , Sun Xiaoqiang , Lin Yunan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Patients who are recovering from general anesthesia commonly exhibit symptoms such as dry lips, throat irritation, and thirst, prompting a desire to drink water in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects and any potential complications of administering varying quantities of water to such patients. The primary objectives are to assess the safety and feasibility of early water intake after general anesthesia, specifically in the context of daytime surgery.
Methods
A total of 200 nongastrointestinal patients who underwent outpatient surgery were randomly assigned to four groups: Group A (drinking < 1 ml/kg), Group B (drinking 1–2 ml/kg), Group C (drinking > 2 ml/kg), and Group D (no water intake). We monitored changes in the assessment parameters before and after water consumption, as well as the incidence of post-drinking nausea and vomiting, and compared these outcomes among the four groups.
Results
Water intake led to a significant reduction in thirst, oropharyngeal discomfort, and pain scores and a notable increase in the gastric antrum motility index (MI), exhibiting statistical significance compared to the values before drinking (p < 0.05). Remarkably, higher water consumption correlated with enhanced gastrointestinal peristalsis. There was a significant difference in the antral MI among groups B, C, and A (p < 0.05). The occurrence of nausea and vomiting did not significantly differ among groups A, B, C, and D (p > 0.05). Early water consumption enhanced patient satisfaction with medical care, significantly varying from Group D (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Non-gastrointestinal surgical patients who passed pre-drinking water assessments post GA(general anesthesia)recovery could safely ingest moderate amounts of water in the PACU. Early water intake is both safe and feasible, effectively fostering swift postoperative recovery.
Self-assembling solid cathode enables high-capacity, low-cost Ca-Sb battery
Authors: Kim Hojong , Im Sanghyeok , Asghari-Rad Peyman , Varnell Kelly , Vai Alex , Cui Jianyi , Howland Rachael , Bradwell David 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

For renewable energy technologies to decarbonize the power grid without compromising its reliability, low-cost grid-scale energy storage with resilient long-term performance is required. Here, we report a new type of high-temperature liquid metal battery (LMB) that achieves unprecedented capacity, low electrode costs, and strong cycling performance by replacing the traditional liquid LMB cathode with one based on solid particles. Through the combination of a liquid calcium (Ca) alloy anode, a cathode based on solid antimony (Sb) particles, and an all-chloride electrolyte, the Ca||Sb(s) system achieved 318% higher discharge capacity per unit mass of the cathode (715 mAh g-1 vs. 171 mAh g-1) and 76% lower electrode cost (15.5 $/kWh vs. 65 $/kWh) than the lowest cost LMB chemistry yet published. These Ca||Sb(s) batteries cycled with high Coulombic (>98.4%) and energy efficiencies (79–84%) at C-rates relevant for daily cycling applications. The remarkable increase in specific capacity is due to the self-assembly of Sb into a micro-structured, electronically connected cathode network, which enables nearly complete utilization of Sb. Despite using a solid cathode, the Ca||Sb(s) system retains the characteristic minimal capacity fade of LMBs, with no meaningful degradation observed over ~4000 full depth-of-discharge cycles. Additionally, the liquid Ca alloy anode mitigates the formation of solid Ca dendrites which would be detrimental to stable cycling performance.
Physical Studies and Hyperthermia Biomedical Modeling Application of Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoclusters Coated with Barbituric Acid
Authors: El-Kholany Ahmed , Gebreel Doaa Talha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

From both technological and clinical perspectives, cancer statistics exhibit a decline in new diagnosis and treatment techniques. As a result, there is still a lot of potential for improvement in terms of therapeutic alternatives. In this study, emerging biomedical uses of a newer class of composite magnetic nanoparticles in hyperthermia with optimum size have cleared the way for multimodal imaging techniques including nanoparticle-based MRI and CT. A magnetic nano-cluster (Fe3O4) coated with barbituric acid and its complex were synthesized. The structure, mode of bonding, surface charge, physical size, and morphology of the prepared materials were studied. The mechanisms of the thermal decomposition for the naked Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticle (MNP), Coated NP, and the prepared complex were studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The activation energy for the prepared compounds was determined. The prepared materials ' thermal transitions and kinetic studies were determined by differential scanning calorimetry technique (DSC). A model was designed using the 3D Slicer software platform and imported to Computer Simulation Technology (CST studio). The model was simulated in the presence of prepared nanoparticles: barbituric acid@ Fe3O4 to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) and thermal simulation of the model. The results indicate that the prepared coated MNP with a 9–12 nm diameter range enhances microwave imaging and hyperthermia treatment at low frequencies. Therefore, localized heating (hyperthermia) using multifunctional nanoparticles is gaining popularity as a form of “multimodal nanothermal therapy and diagnoses.
If You Build It, Will They Come? A Mixed-Method Formative Evaluation of the Start-up of a Post-Discharge Clinic to Improve Care Transitions
Authors: Lee Seung-Yup , Eagleson Reid , Hearld Larry , Gibson Madeline , Hearld Kristine , Hall Allyson , Burkholder Greer , McMahon Jacob , Mahmood Shoaib , Spraberry Corey , Baker Thalia , Garretson Alison , Bradley Heather , Mugavero Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The transition from hospital care to post-discharge follow-up is pivotal for patient health and healthcare system efficiency. While Post Discharge Clinics (PDCs) are designed to facilitate this transition, these new ventures can face challenges, such as patient adherence to appointments. Formative evaluations can provide guidelines for their effective implementation.Methods A mixed-method formative evaluation was conducted at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System (UABHS)'s PDC to evaluate the first 12 months of operation. The study combined quantitative analysis of patient characteristics, appointment status, and comorbidities with qualitative interviews of PDC staff to assess operational performance and identify areas for improvement.Results The quantitative analysis reported results on 2,168 PDC appointments during the study period. About half of the referred patients attended their appointment (52.1%), while the rest either cancelled (24.0%) or did not show up (23.3%). Statistically significant associations were found between patient demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors (e.g., marital status, insurance type, comorbidities) and adherence to appointments. The qualitative findings with PDC staff highlighted perceived benefits of the clinic, challenges in patient engagement, and the need for dedicated resources, such as social workers and specialists to optimize potential benefits.Conclusions The initial operation of the UAB PDC indicates the potential effectiveness of such clinics in improving transitional care. However, addressing barriers to patient adherence, particularly for socially vulnerable groups, and enhancing resource allocation based on stakeholder engagement are critical for the success and scalability of PDCs.
Exploring Eco-Anxiety and Eco-Coping in Young Adults in India
Authors: Jain Vartika , Jose Alphonsa , NJ Eldhose , John Daisy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Although research on eco-anxiety in young adults is increasing, the prevalence of eco-anxiety in young adults without generalised anxiety disorder and the coping mechanisms they use are scarce. This study aimed to address this research gap in young adults in India and to gain deeper knowledge of the phenomenon. The study used nonprobability purposive sampling for recruitment. A heterogeneous sample of young adults aged 18–24 was recruited for semistructured interviews after the screening process. The participants were also asked to complete an eco-anxiety scale to validate the data further. Seven major themes were found, including information about climate change, associated emotions, coping strategies, blame attribution, barriers to pro-environmental behavior, views about the future, and personal impacts of climate change. These implications may extend to the therapeutic realm, informing the development of coping strategies for long-term well-being. These findings will also aid in developing psychometric scales for coping strategies specific to eco-anxiety and policy development and for including young adults in the decision-making process.
Development and Validation of the eHealth Literacy and Use Scale (eHLUS) to Measure Medical App Literacy.
Authors: Stephan Johannes , Gehrmann Jan , Stullich Ananda , Dehner Jana , Richter Matthias 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The digital transformation in healthcare has significantly driven the integration of medical apps into patient care. The proliferation of medical apps requires a comprehensive understanding and assessment of users' eHealth literacy. Traditional eHealth literacy assessment tools often overlook the direct access to evidence-based information that medical apps provide. To close this gap, we developed and validated the eHealth Literacy and Use Scale (eHLUS), a German-language instrument tailored to the specific requirements of medical app use, such as integration into everyday life and self-efficacy. The eHLUS exhibited robust psychometric properties when evaluated with 121 cases. The evaluation results of the scale, along with the eleven expert interviews conducted as part of the scale development, underscore both the necessity and feasibility of the scale. The eHLUS captures eHealth literacy and its associated determinants in the context of medical app use, thus contributing to optimizing patient care.
Eyes and Movement Differences in Unconscious State during Microscopic Procedures
Authors: Fujita Akiko , Oyama Shintaro , Tatebe Masahiro , Shimoda Shingo , Tokutake Katsuhiro , Yamamoto Michiro , Hirata Hitoshi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Microsurgery is one of the techniques that is increasingly being adopted in many surgical fields. However, the acquisition and transfer of microsurgical skills primarily depend on experience. Additionally, opportunities to improve microsurgical skills are limited and a uniform evaluation system is lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the physical characteristics of experienced and novice surgeons and to propose efficient training and evaluation methods from an educational perspective. In this study, nine hand surgeons and six orthopedic surgeons were included in expert group E and novice group N, respectively. An eye tracker and surface electromyography were used. They were asked to perform the suturing procedure under the same conditions. The viewpoint distribution area was larger in group N than in group E (p < 0.01). In group E, the pupil diameter increased only in a limited phase. The standard deviation of the distance between gaze and hand movements was smaller in group E, especially for gaze. Group E used the synergy of the same muscles to create movement. This study showed that there are differences in eye movements and unconscious body control during suturing techniques under the microscope between experienced users and novices.
Identification of novel gene signature predicting lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer via bioinformatics analysis and in vitro validation
Authors: li Hai , Sun Dongnan , Jin Kai , Wang Xudong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Although with a good prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the patients in PTC experiencing lymph node metastasis (LNM) remained higher recurrence and mortality rate. It was still essential to explore novel biomarkers or methods to predict and evaluate the situation in the stages of PTC.
Method
In this study, mRNA sequence datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were utilized to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PTC tumor and normal specimens and DEGs related to lymph node metastasis were identified using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) according to the clinical information. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied to quest the biological functions and pathways. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING database and a prognosis model was established using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis based on the LNM-related DEGs. Finally, six hub genes were identified and verified in vitro experiments.
Results
LNM-related co-expression modules were identified using WGCNA analysis from samples of TCGA THCA and GSE60542. A novel six-gene signature model including COL8A2, MET, FN1, MPZL2, PDLIM4 and CLDN10 was established based on totally 52 DEGs from the intersection of those modules to predict the situation of lymph node metastasis in PTC. Those six hub genes were all higher expressed in PTC tumors and played potential biological functions on the development of PTC in vitro experiments, which had potential values as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.