bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of healthy-side repetitive transcranial magnetic in patients with post stroke dysphagia: a prospective study based on functional near-infrared spectroscopic
Authors: Liu Ruyao , Li Yi , Wang Le , Li Heping , Wang Liugen , Cai Xiguo , Gou Chenggang , Song Yunyun , Zeng Xi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We investigated the effects of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to investigate its possible mechanism.Patients with PSD were randomised into the intervention (rTMS) or control (shame rTMS) group.Along with conventional swallowing therapy,the rTMS group received high-frequency rTMS of the mandibular hyoid cortical region at 5 hz, and the sham rTMS group received sham stimulation. Both groups received a course of six weekly sessions for 2 weeks.At baseline and two weeks later, standardized swallowing Assessment , Penetration-Inhalation Scale and other scales were used to assess swallowing function.At the same time, we used fNIRS to detect cerebral hemodynamic changes in both groups.Two weeks after baseline, clinical assessment of swallowing function improved in both groups compared to the previous results. The results of our fNIRS subgroup analyses showed that enhanced activation mainly in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex,primary somatosensory cortex and primary motor cortex in the left group. In the right group, activation of the primary somatosensory cortex was enhanced.Our findings demonstrate that high-frequency rTMS on the healthy side improves activation of swallowing-related brain regions in PSD patients, which may help to further explore the mechanisms of recovery in PSD.
Associations of HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and NRL with the infectious premature delivery in pregnant women undergoing cervical cerclage
Authors: Cai Shengnan , Wu Yanting , Ding Yiqian , Zeng Li 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of changes in the high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNFR-1) and peripheral blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the infectious premature delivery in pregnant women undergoing cervical cerclage.
MethodsSixty-seven pregnant women with premature delivery after cervical cerclage, who were treated at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital affiliated to Nantong University from January 2022 to October 2023, were enrolled, including 43 with infectious premature delivery (infectious group) and 24 with non-infectious premature delivery (non-infectious group). The pre-delivery serum levels of HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and the peripheral blood level of NRL were compared between the two groups. Further, the clinical value of these three indicators in predicting infectious premature delivery among pregnant women undergoing cervical cerclage was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results The infectious group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of HMGB1 (6.85 ± 2.08 mg/L), sTNFR-1 (4.77 ± 1.13 pg/ml) and peripheral blood level of NRL (6.51 ± 2.51) compared to those in the non-infectious group (4.01 ± 1.05 mg/L, 3.75 ± 0.66 pg/ml and 3.60 ± 1.48), showing significant differences (t = 7.44, 4.64 and 5.92, P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the HMGB1 and NRL were independent influencing factors for premature delivery (P < 0.05). According to the ROC curve analysis results, the changes in HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and NRL levels could somewhat reflect the risk of infectious premature delivery among pregnant women undergoing cervical cerclage. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of combined detection were all markedly higher than those of independent detection.
ConclusionHMGB1, sTNFR-1 and NRL levels are the risk factors for third-trimester premature delivery among pregnant women undergoing cervical cerclage. Timely combined detection of serum HMGB1, sTNFR-1 and peripheral blood NRL at the third trimester can improve the clinical diagnostic rate, which enables early prevention to help lower the risk of premature delivery.
Barriers to participating in an online family- and group-based prevention programme for parents with depression: an online survey
Authors: Joder Angela , Geissler Svenja , Dengl Petra , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Platt Belinda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Children of parents with depression have an increased risk of mental illness themselves and there is an urgent need to implement effective prevention programmes for this population. "Growing Up Healthy and Happy" (“GuG-Auf-Online") is an online family- and group-based cognitive-behavioural preventive programme with a strong evidence base. The aim of the current study was to understand what factors might hamper parents with depression from participating in the programme.
Methods
An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Germany with 274 parents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the programme (parental history of depression and a child aged eight to 17 years with no mental illness). The survey included several a priori-defined barriers (e.g. online format, feelings of shame) which parents rated in terms of (a) whether the barrier was relevant to them and if so, (b) how much it held them back from participating. Open-ended questions identified additional barriers. In addition to qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (2008), Pearson correlations were calculated to determine whether the current severity of parents’ symptoms influenced their responses.
Results
The following aspects emerged as relevant barriers: (a) shame regarding one's depression, (b) overburden and (c) avoidance (not wanting to be reminded of depression). There was no evidence that the online setting was a significant barrier. Most of the correlations between the current severity of parent’s symptoms and their responses were statistically significantly (p < .0037).
Conclusions
The main barriers to participation in prevention related to individual characteristics/ emotional experiences rather than structural issues. Addressing these barriers in the advertisement of future programmes could improve uptake.
Novel, Green, Focal Length Tunable Micro-Lenses from Chiral Cellulose For Micro-displays
Authors: Xu Xuezhu , Meng Ziwei , Tang Xuying , Hu Xiaowen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The assembly and integration of liquid crystal (LC) lenses into micro-displays such as virtual reality (VR) optical systems presents specific challenges in improving imaging quality. Cholesteric LCs possess unique properties, such as voltage-dependent pitch and the capability to selectively reflect or transmit circularly polarized light. In terms of environmental sustainability, cellulose, including its derivative ethyl cellulose (EC), is recognized as an eco-friendly LC material. This study aims to explore the potential of EC as a green, eye-conforming material and investigate its optical features for application in state-of-the-art virtual reality. The research encompasses the dissolution behavior, optical and anisotropic properties, and optoelectronic performance of EC. A notable focus of this study is the exceptional assembly of focal length tunable micro-lenses (FLTMs) for pontential virtual reality uses. These findings shed light on the previously untapped attributes of a well-understood material, paving the way for advancements in cutting-edge micro-display devices.
Development and evaluation of an autism pig model
Authors: Yuan Xiao-Bing , Qiu Shuai , Jia Jingyan , Xu Benlei , Wu Nan , Cao Huaqiang , Xie Shuangyi , Cui Jialong , Ma Ji , Pan Yi-Hsuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Developing cost-effective and disease-relevant animal models is essential for advancing biomedical research into human disorders. This study investigates the feasibility of a pig model for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using embryonic exposure to valproic acid (VPA), an antiepileptic drug known to increase ASD risk. We established experimental paradigms to assess the behavioral characteristics of these pig models. Administration of VPA to Bama miniature pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) during critical embryonic stages resulted in abnormal gait, increased anxiety levels, reduced learning capabilities, and altered social patterns, while largely preserving social preference of treated piglets. Notably, we detected significant neuroanatomical changes in cortical regions associated with ASD in the VPA-treated pigs, including cortical malformation, increased neuronal soma size, decreased dendritic complexity, and reduced dendritic spine density and maturation. Transcriptome analysis of the prefrontal cortex of VPA-treated pigs further revealed substantial alterations in the expression of genes linked to ASD, especially genes of the dopamine signaling pathway, highlighting the model’s relevance and potential for shedding light on ASD’s underlying neuropathological and molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that pig models could serve as a promising alternative to traditional rodent models and provide an ethical substitute for using primates in the translational research of neurodevelopmental disorders.
SIRT3 involves high glucose-induced endothelial impairment in diabetic retinopathy through OPA1-mediated mitochondrial dynamics imbalance
Authors: Shi Jiemei , Liu Min , Zhu Haohao , Jiang Chunhui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The oxidative stress of endothelial cells plays a key role in diabetic retinopathy (DR), and mitochondrial homeostasis is crucial for oxidative stress.
Aim
To explore the potential roles of mitochondrial sirtuins (SIRTs) in oxidative stress-related endothelial impairment in DR and of mitochondrial homeostasis damage.
Methods
The activity of retinal microvascular endothelial cells was detected via the cell counting kit-8 experiment. The dead or alive cells were assessed by calcein-AM/PI staining. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells were labeled using the DCFH-DA fluorescence probe method. The expression of mitochondrial SIRTs (SIRT3–5) and key molecules of mitochondrial homeostasis regulation pathway was detected using qPCR and further verified by western blot. Mitochondria morphology was labeled with an electron microscope and MitoTracker fluorescence probe, and quantitative analysis was performed with Image J software.
Results
Cell viability significantly decreased after 48 h of high glucose (HG), and HG led to a significant increase in the proportion of dead cells and the ROS level, accompanied by a decrease in SIRT3 and the level of mitochondrial dynamics-related molecules. SIRT3 overexpression reversed the proportion of dead cells and ROS levels and had a significant effect on the expression of mitochondrial dynamics-related molecules, especially the mitochondrial fusion-related molecule OPA1. Mitochondrial morphological changes increased mitochondrial fusion after SIRT3 overexpression under HG. However, MYLS22, the OPA1 inhibitor, blocked the protective effect of SIRT3 overexpression, which was manifested by increasing the number of dead cells, the ROS level, and the intensification of mitochondrial fragmentation.
Conclusion
This study found that SIRT3 involved an imbalance of mitochondrial dynamics caused by HG-induced endothelial impairment in DR, possibly through the OPA1 pathway.
A Study Based on BIS Standard IS9845:1998 for Assessing the Migration of Bisphenol A from Food Contact Plastics
Authors: Shrinithivihahshini Nirmaladevi D , Mahamuni Duraisamy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plastics are extensively utilized in the food packaging industry, where they come into direct contact with food products. During processing or storage, the influence of physical factors may cause these plastics to release chemicals into food. This study applied the testing conditions outlined in the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) method IS9845:1998 to evaluate the migration of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine-disrupting chemical, from plastic containers intended for food contact. We selected three types of polymers for analysis: polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP). The investigation involved the use of five different food simulants under a variety of temperature and storage duration conditions. The BPA that migrated into the simulants was extracted via solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed using a reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Data analysis and interpretation were performed using the SPSS and R software packages. The results suggest that aqueous food substances, regardless of their acidity, are more susceptible to BPA contamination when in contact with PC containers subjected to elevated temperatures and/or extended storage periods.
Intelligent remaining useful life prediction of equipment based on digital twin
Authors: Huang Lei , Shi Xiaojun , Shi Haotian , Tang Aochun , Qing Guo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the cutting-edge field of smart manufacturing, accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of intelligent devices plays a crucial role in enhancing production efficiency and ensuring equipment safety. Digital Twin (DT) represents an emergent technology in equipment health management, where high-fidelity digital twin models facilitate the reflection of device operational states, and dynamically updated data aids in the precise prediction of RUL. This paper introduces a DT-based framework for the intelligent prediction of equipment RUL, utilizing a high-fidelity digital twin system to comprehensively capture the operational data of devices, enabling extensive and multi-level monitoring of device operational states. Building upon this foundation, a RUL prediction model (MSCPS) incorporating Multi-Scale Convolution (MSC) and ProSparse Self-Attention is proposed, significantly enhancing the extraction of key features and thereby improving RUL prediction accuracy. Furthermore, through the implementation of a transfer learning strategy supported by the digital twin system, this study successfully addresses the challenge of data scarcity in the target domain, achieving high-accuracy RUL prediction under conditions of limited data. Extensive experiments conducted on two full-lifecycle bearing datasets validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, with results demonstrating its superiority in RUL prediction compared to existing data-driven technologies. This research not only provides a new perspective for equipment health monitoring and management but also lays a solid foundation for the advancement of health diagnosis and prediction technologies in intelligent systems, indicating new directions for future research.
Seasonal Changes of Food in Tench (Cyprinidae, Pisces) Inhabiting Macrophytes Habitats
Authors: Shcherbina G. K. , Bezmaternykh V. V. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The food consumption in the tench of Lake Vistytis is uneven during season. It has a distinct peak in spring followed by quite low values in the latter months. Primary food components here are two Chironomus species at spring, replaced by two species of crustaceans in latter, adding 3 mollusk species at the end of vegetation. The food consumption in the tench of Krugly Pond is more stable during season and gas higher values. The major food component here during the whole season is amphibiotic insects.
Synthesis, Characterization and antibacterial study of Ag-loaded TiO 2 Electrospun nanofibers: Mechanistic insights of nanofibers interacting with bacteria
Authors: Khanam Bisma , Anwar Shahzad , Zakria Muhammad , Khan Taj Muhammad , Rahman A. , Adnan Ahmad , Shan Nida Ali , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Raffi Muhammad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Pristine TiO2 nanofibers with a range of Ag-loading (wt.% 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) were prepared by electrospinning technique whose mechanistic insight into their improved antibacterial activity against E.coli as a model microorganism has been investigated. Calcination of as prepared electrospun nanofibers was carried out in ambient air at 500℃ for 3h to promote transformation crystalline phase of TiO2 from anatase to the rutile, removal of reaction moieties and genesis of Ag clusters in these nanofibers. The physicochemical properties of nanofiber samples were analyzed and observed by employing Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. On the whole, these nanofibers have been found to exhibit a smooth surface morphology with minimal beading effect and sustained compositions of the original elements. Heat treatment of the as prepared samples lead to preferential formation of rutile phase as a function of wt.% loading of Ag that strongly supported phase transformation of TiO2 from anatase to rutile. These nanofibers have been tested for their antimicrobial efficacy against the E. Coli bacterium by Well plate method. The results have exhibited formation of consistent zones of inhibition and log10 CFU/mL with the rising content of Ag loading in the TiO2 matrix, while highest antimicrobial efficacy has been observed with the sample containing 8 wt.% of Ag loading. Confocal microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy analysis of treated bacterial samples has disclosed the interaction between nanofibers and bacterial cells, resulting into disruption of cell membrane. This disruption led to the leakage of cell contents and ultimately causing bacterial cell death.
Double cystic artery originating from the superior mesenteric and right hepatic artery: A case report
Authors: Rao Tanish , Saini Saransh Kumar , Ranaweera Chamath , Dissabandara Lakal 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
The cystic artery serves as an essential anatomical reference in both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. In this report, we present a unique case featuring two rare anatomical variations: double cystic arteries, along with a superficial branch originating from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) a previously undescribed combination that has significant clinical and surgical implications, necessitating a surgeon’s awareness of its anatomical and embryological basis.
Methods:
The cadaver examined in this study was donated to Griffith School of Medicine for medical education and research purposes. A macroscopic examination was conducted to identify anatomical variations and elucidate the relationships between the atypical cystic artery and surrounding abdominal structures.
Results:
The typical cystic artery originated from the right hepatic artery, passing posterior to the common hepatic duct within Calot’s triangle, to supply the superomedial (dorsal/deep) surface of the gallbladder. The wider calibre, 100mm long accessory cystic artery originated 35 mm distal to the SMA origin, with a retro-pancreatic and sub-calot course, bifurcating to supply the cystic duct and inferolateral (superficial) surface of the gallbladder, respectively; almost resembling the calibre and positioning of an aberrant right hepatic artery. This configuration necessitates increased care by a surgeon, as it can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and injury during laparoscopic hepatoduodenal ligament dissection, Kocherisation/duodenal mobilisation, and pancreatic inflammatory/neoplastic processes.
Conclusion:
We believe accumulating knowledge of such variations will significantly enhance the safety and efficacy of cholecystectomy and pancreatic procedures.
Clinical Characteristics and Booster Vaccine Effectiveness of the Omicron Variant
Authors: Sun Lijun , Zhou Biye , Guo Yijia , Huang Yunfei , Tang Zihui , Wu Zhaojun , Li Yuwei , Zhao Liping , Shan Yi , Xu Xiaolong , Jiang Hui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Although many people received the COVID-19 vaccine, shortly after the Chinese government announced that the three-year COVID-19 restrictions were being eased, the first large number of Omicron infections appeared in Beijing. We describe epidemiological characteristics, clinical severity, and time-to-event distribution of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Beijing Omicron outbreak, comparing those who received the booster vaccine with cases of full/partial vaccines.
Methods We collected epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and clinical management data from the hospital information system (HIS) for 1495 cases. We also collected illness onset time, diagnosis time, hospital admission time, and start and end times of each treatment. In addition, we collected the time of vaccination, inoculation times, and type of COVID-19 vaccination thorough the vaccination system. We described the epidemiological characteristics across vaccine inoculation doses, and estimated the risk of death, mechanical ventilation, and admission to the intensive care unit for patients admitted to hospital. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to estimate the survival rate and plot the survival curve, and the Cox proportional hazards model to assess the effect of covariates on survival time.
Results Of the 1495 cases, 58.1% were male. The median ages in the non-vaccinated and vaccinated groups were 80 and 47 years. Elderly with underlying medical conditions and lower BMI less willing to vaccinate(p<0.05). Both the inactivated vaccine and adenovirus vaccine could reduce clinical severity and prolong survival time, and the protective effect of booster vaccination was the best. The clinical severity increased linearly from the booster vaccinated group to the full vaccinated group and non-vaccinated groups, and the death risk of COVID-19 cases without vaccination was the highest.
Conclusion Booster vaccines of COVID-19 can provide greater protection against severe illness and death, and continuous monitoring and regular assessment are needed to minimize the risk of a recurrence of the pandemic.
Internal carotid artery dissection in a patient with Parkinson’s disease after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Okubo Takanobu , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Matsuura Keita , Tamura Asako , Miyashita Koichi , Umino Maki , Maeda Masayuki , Shindo Akihiro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection is a relatively rare cause of acute ischemic stroke. Stretching and compression of the ICA owing to sudden acceleration, deceleration, and rotational forces are risk factors for ICA dissection. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is believed to trigger an inflammatory response exacerbating endothelial dysfunction leading to arterial dissection. Although levodopa-induced cervical dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease often manifests as choreiform movement, dissection has not been reported in such patients.
Case Presentation:
A 51-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease (PD) presented with gradually worsening neck pain and transient aphasia one week after mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The patient presented with levodopa-induced cervical dyskinesia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed acute ischemic stroke in the left parietal lobe and an intramural hematoma with an area of stenosis in the left ICA. The patient was diagnosed with a left ICA artery dissection.
Conclusions
The quick cervical movement under COVID-19-related vessel wall vulnerability may cause ICA dissection. Although patients with PD often have neck pain, ICA dissection should be included as a differential diagnosis if the patient has COVID-19.