bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell-free DNA release following psychosocial and physical stress in women and men
Authors: Limberg Alicia , Berg Fabian , Köper Elisabeth , Lindgraf Chiara , Gevers Charlotte , Kumsta Robert , Hummel Elisabeth , Moser Dirk 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is continuously shed by all cells in the body, but the regulation of this process and its physiological functions are still largely unknown. Previous studies have shown that nuclear (cf-nDNA) and mitochondrial (cf-mtDNA) cfDNA increase in plasma in response to acute psychosocial and physical stress in men. These findings have now been further investigated by testing female participants for the first time and comparing the results with those of men. In addition, cf-nDNA and cf-mtDNA was comparatively quantified in both plasma and saliva at all measurement times. To obtain plasma, a novel method was implemented that allows, easy sampling of arterial blood by non-medical professionals. Although cf-mtDNA can be easily detected in body fluids due to its high copy number, cf-nDNA is more difficult to quantify because of its low copy number. To address this issue, a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol was utilized to detect LINE elements, which are abundant in the human genome. The analysis revealed significantly increased levels of cf-nDNA in plasma and saliva in all female and male participants after psychosocial and physical stress. However, neither plasma nor saliva showed a consistent or stress-induced release pattern for cf-mtDNA. CfDNA is a promising biomarker that is released after stress in both men and women and can be reliably detected in plasma and saliva. The mechanisms by which cfDNA is released from specific cells and its biological function in the body need to be elucidated in future research.
Aqueous benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) removal using core-shell structure activated carbon ball as a permeable reactive barrier material
Authors: Myung Eunji , Kim Hyunsoo , Choi Nagchoul , Cho Kanghee 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Permeable reactive barriers (PRBs) are passive and sustainable treatment systems for remediating the diffusion of contaminant plumes in groundwater. Several conventional reactive materials such as activated carbon (AC) have long been used as reactive media for PRBs. AC, which is known for its high adsorption capability and cost-effectiveness, is commonly used to remove multiple pollutants from groundwater. Unfortunately, among the reactive materials, AC can fill in the barrier and pose practical problems, such as a pressure drop, solid losses during handling, and safe disposal of filled sorbents, because of its low particle strength. In this study, AC balls were prepared using zeolite as the core and powdered AC, quartz, and calcite as the shell. AC ball with excellent mechanical strength and high permeability properties in the form of a core–shell layer is a good alternative to conventional reactive materials. The adsorption characteristics of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and p-xylene (BTEX) from solutions using AC balls were investigated. The adsorption equilibrium is in the order of X > E > T > B. To validate the proposed models, batch experiments indicated that the pseudo-2nd-order and Langmuir models were the most suitable for describing the kinetics and equilibrium of benzene and toluene, respectively. Regeneration experiments were performed using chemical extraction (methanol) and microwave (MW) heating. MW heating is a promising alternative regeneration technique for AC balls. A series of experiments (six adsorption–desorption cycles) revealed that AC balls have considerable reusability. Based on these results, AC balls are a potential reactive medium for field-scale PRB practical remediation applications.
Assessing the relationship between spiritual intelligence and care burden in family caregivers of older adults with chronic diseases
Authors: Partovirad Mehrnoosh , Rizi Saba Barati , Majdabadi Zahra Amrollah , Mohammadi Fatemeh Ardestani , Hosseinabadi Ali Barani , Nikpeyma Nasrin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Providing care to older adults with chronic diseases can make their family caregivers face care burdens as a set of physical, psychological, social, and economic problems. Spiritual intelligence is also one of the psychological components that can lead to self-control and maintaining inner peace in difficult situations. This study aimed to assess the relationship between spiritual intelligence and care burden in family caregivers of the elderly with chronic diseases.
Methods
This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2022–2023 in Tehran. Several 263 qualified family caregivers were included in the survey by multi-stage sampling method from comprehensive health service centers. The criteria for entering the research included: caring for people over 60 years old with chronic disease, ability to speak Persian, not suffering from psychological disorders, and caring for the elderly at least 20 hours a week for at least 6 months. Data were collected through demographic information questionnaires, Zarit Burden Interview (22 items), and spiritual intelligence self-report inventory (24 items) and were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression statistical tests and SPSS 22 version. P-values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant.
Results
A total of 263 family caregivers completed the research tools. Their average age was 46.88 ± 11.71 years, and most were women (81.4%). The results showed that there is an inverse and significant relationship between spiritual intelligence and care burden (p = 0.002, r(263)=-0.19). The results of multiple regression showed that there is a significant multiple relationship between spiritual intelligence and the demographic characteristics of caregivers and the elderly with care burden (P = 0.000, F(12,199) = 6.11, R2 = 0.27, R = 0.52).
Conclusions
In this study, family caregivers had an average care burden and a high level of spiritual intelligence. Care burden affects various aspects of the life of family caregivers of older adults with chronic diseases and is related to spiritual intelligence. Considering that informal caregivers play an important role in caring for older adults with chronic diseases; Therefore, identifying factors related to care burden helps to design appropriate interventions to reduce the care burden of this group.
Preoperative Nutrition Status in Children with Congenital Heart Disease and Its Impact on Postoperative Outcomes – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abbas Qalab , Ali Haider , Ahuja Akash Kumar , Bhatti Omaima Anis , Ladak Shamila , Khan Iraj , Rahman Abdu R , Mohsin Shazia , Shah Ibrahim , Ilyas Aneela , Ladak Laila Akbar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Despite the significant advancement in congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery over the years, the mortality and morbidity rate in children undergoing CHD surgery is substantial, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Evidence shows that malnutrition contributes to morbidity and mortality in these children, with a negative impact on their surgical outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the impact of preoperative nutritional status on postoperative outcomes among patients with CHD. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2000, to Mar 1, 2024. Sixteen studies were included in the review with 2003 malnourished and 4681 well-nourished children undergoing CHD surgery. Malnourished children had a significantly longer LOS in the hospital, with a standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.49 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02–0.95] days, a longer ICU stay (SMD 0.52 [95% CI, 0.14–0.91] days), a higher RACHS-1/STAT score (SMD 1.72 [95% CI, 1.32–2.25]), and a higher mechanical ventilation time (SMD 0.47 [95% CI, 0.16–0.77] hours). However, there was no significant difference in mortality, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.6 [95% CI, 0.81–3.15], and postoperative infection rates (OR 1.27 [95% CI, 0.05–35.02]) between the malnourished and well-nourished groups.
Deep learning-based automated measurement of hip key angles and auxiliary diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Li Ruixin , Wang Xiao , Li Tianran , Zhang Bibei , Liu Xiaoming , Li Wenhua , Sui Qirui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

objectives Radiographic examination is currently the most commonly used method for diagnosing developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant advances in image recognition, segmentation, decision-making, and statistical analysis of a large number of data sets. Our study aim is whether AI model can be accurately measured angles in pelvic radiography of hip. Then evaluation of AI model effectiveness of pelvic radiographs in diagnosis of DDH and BDDH. Methods A total of 1029 patients, comprising 273 men and 757 women (aged 18–84 years, median age: 33 years) who underwent pelvic radiography examination between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively included in this study. The images were randomly allocated into the training set (720 cases), validation set (103 cases), and test set (206 cases). The anatomical key points were marked: L-fhc, L-uar, L-tar, L-lt, R-fhc, R-uar, R-tar, and R-lt. The Sharp, Tönnis, and Center edge (CE) angles were calculated automatically based on the above coordinates and corresponding rules. Hip development situation was compared among measurements obtained by the AI model and those obtained manually by two radiologists. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of the AI model. Results Manually- and AI model-measured results showed no significant differences in terms of Sharp, Tönnis and Center edge (CE) angles (all P > 0.05). ICCs and correlation coefficient r values were greater than 0.75, indicating that AI model and manual measurements had good repeatability and were positively correlated. AI model measurement results are highly consistent with manual measurement results, with smaller errors. Both AI model and manual measurement results had similar repeatability. The AI model measurement was therefore faster than the radiologists (P < 0.001). AI model measurement had a high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of DDH. AI model has high diagnostic performance for DDH. AI model and manual measurements were basically consistent with clinical diagnosis results (P < 0.05). AI model can be used to evaluate the hip condition by measuring hip sharp, Tönnis and CE angles, which are similar to the clinical diagnosis results and can be used for the auxiliary diagnosis of DDH and BDDH. Conclusion AI model measurement results are highly consistent with manual measurement results. The AI model measurement was far faster than the radiologists. Sharp, Center edge, and Tönnis angles measured using the deep learning based convolutional neural network model can be used to diagnose DDH and BDDH with a high diagnostic performance. AI model can completely replace manual measurement key angles of hip and diagnosing DDH and BDDH, faster and more precise.
Expression of an Eucalyptus grandis Xyloglucan Endoglycosylase Gene in Nicotiana tabacum Confers Tolerance to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Assis Elza Thaynara , Quisbert Maria Teresa , Oliveira Dandara , Sousa Aurizangela , Pasquali Giancarlo , Silva Delmira , Santos Martielly , Pirovani Carlos , Alvim Fatima 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Comparative analyzes of the xylem transcriptomes from Eucalyptus grandis and E. globulus allowed us to identify a gene sequence putatively encoding an enzyme similar to xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH). XTHs are a family of enzymes involved in plant cell wall modification, impacting cell expansion and growth. Besides cell wall structure remodeling induced by XTHs, the activity of this class of enzymes was also related to plant responses to stress conditions. In this work, we show that in Eucalyptus, EucXTH expression is induced in response to stress conditions such as those promoted by injury, salinity and cold, indicating its involvement in adaptive responses to abiotic stress. Additionally, we demonstrate that Nicotiana tabacum plants overexpressing EucXTH present changes in secondary xylem differentiation, increased mechanical strength and enhanced tolerance to salt stress. These findings demonstrate the potential of the XHT gene to improve plant tolerance to environmental challenges.
“Pull-Back” Insights. Results of A Survey of 297 Israeli Physicians During and after Fellowship on their Motivations for Returning Home.
Authors: Seluk Lior , Weltsch Daniel , Segal Gadi , Gilboa Mayan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background. Emigration of healthcare professionals, particularly physicians, is an unresolved “pandemic”, influenced by various factors. In high-income countries, the training phase (fellowship) abroad is critical for career development, yet it poses challenges for the retention of these professionals upon their completion of training. This study aimed to identify the determinants influencing Israeli physicians' decisions to return to their home country after completing fellowship training abroad.
Methods. This cross-sectional study conducted in early 2024, surveyed Israeli physicians with post-graduate training who pursued a fellowship abroad between 2013-2024. An anonymous survey included questions on demographics, training experience, and professional challenges. Analytical methods included descriptive statistics and regression analysis to explore factors associated with the decision to return.
Results. Of the 323 individuals surveyed, 297 met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 141 (47.5%) have returned to Israel, while 156 (52.5%) currently reside in their fellowship country. Respondents identified several significant challenges, including a complex and demanding application process (47% of responders stated this as a major challenge), substantial financial burdens averaging 35,546 USD in direct out-of-pocket expenses, and job uncertainty, with only 55% having secured positions upon return. Of the 155 Israeli fellows still abroad, 107 (69%) reported medium to low confidence in returning. Factors associated with a higher likelihood of confidence in returning to Israel included a secured job position upon return (OR 8.6, 95% CI 3.1-28.9) and having an opportunity for a position that would utilize the skills gained during the fellowship (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-10.2).
Conclusion. The decision to return to the origin country after a fellowship abroad involves a complex interplay of professional opportunities, personal circumstances, and geopolitical factors. Enhancing occupational certainty after fellowship can increase return rates, ensuring the sustainability of the healthcare system in Israel. These findings have implications for health care policy, suggesting the need for policies that support returning physicians and address the challenges they face.
Development of metal-polymer luminescent markers for bioimaging: synthesis and optical properties of polymeric europium complexes based on polyvinylpyrrolidone derivatives
Authors: Zhidomorova Ksenia Alekseevna , Sivtsov Evgeny Viktorovich , Selutin Artem Aleksandrovich , Krasikov Valery Dmitrievich , Ilyina Ksenia Igorevna , Muslimov Albert Radikovich , Laushkina Valeria Olegovna , Shakirova Alyona Igorevna , Eremin Aleksei Vladimirovich 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Polymeric derivatives of poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone containing different amounts of linker carboxylate ligands (partially hydrolyzed poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone with 5 mol% COOH groups and copolymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone with other monomers) were synthesized. The following copolymers were obtained: N-vinylpyrrolidone/crotonic acid and N-vinylpyrrolidone/N-vinylamidoanthanoic acid (containing 16 and 50 mol% COOH-groups). Metal-polymer complexes (MPC) with varying europium content were prepared through the interaction of the obtained polymers with equimolar amounts of hydroxocomplex Eu(Phen)2(OH)3 (Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The polymers and MPC were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence; their cytotoxicity toward living cells was estimated. All the obtained MPC exhibited photoluminescence with higher intensity than that of the reference complex Eu(Phen)2Br3. The dependence of luminescence intensity on the content of metallocenters in MPC was demonstrated. The relative quantum yield of luminescence was found to decrease with increasing europium content in MPC. It was shown that none of the polymers under investigation exhibited cytotoxicity. Furthermore, the presence of the polymeric anion in MPC contributed to a sharp decrease in the toxicity of metallocenter [Eu(Phen)2]solv3+. The MPC based on the N-vinylpyrrolidone/N-vinylamidoanthanoic acid copolymer exhibited no cytotoxicity within the entire investigated concentration range.
Impact of Code Changes on The Design of RC Frame Structure
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Ahmed Nishad , Islam Md. Asiful , Zubaer Abdur Razzak 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Behavior of building frames under different loading conditions and different serviceability and limiting conditions is still under a continuous process. This study discusses the comparison of two Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC) code named as BNBC 2020 to grasp an idea of the impact of code changes on Reinforced Cement Concrete (RC) structures. For this, three buildings are chosen with three different options for each and three different framing conditions for the earlier code (BNBC 2006). All the buildings are in the low seismic zone and high wind zone. The analyses were carried out by the state-of-the-art finite element software using respective design code for the earlier version and for the later version (BNBC 2020). Output results are tabulated in the figures for three buildings for the seismic force and the wind load. Seismic base shear is increased while wind force is reduced for all three buildings for all the options except option 1 of building 1. Finally, the concrete volumes of the structural items are calculated and are tabulated in the figure. When comparing the results, it is seen that the overall cost is reduced by the updated code for this zone.
Keywords: Comparison, BNBC 2006, BNBC 2020, RC Frame, LOw Seismic Zone, High Wind Zone
Cardiovascular autonomic failure correlates with cutaneous autonomic devervation in PD and MSA
Authors: Koay Shiwen , Provitera Vincenzo , Vichayanrat Ekawat , Caporaso Giuseppe , Valerio Fernanda , Stancanelli Annamaria , Borreca Ilaria , Manganelli Fiore , Santoro Lucio , Nolano Maria , Iodice Valeria 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular autonomic failure and neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) are common and disabling in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Recent studies have shown evidence of postganglionic denervation in MSA as well as PD.
Objectives
To characterise the relationship between nOH, autonomic failure and markers of postganglionic denervation in PD and MSA.
Methods
We assessed 57 patients (37 PD, 20 MSA, 18 females, median 64[IQR 59-70] years) with autonomic cardiovascular testing, plasma noradrenaline levels, dynamic sweat testing, skin biopsies for quantification of intraepidermal, pilomotor and sudomotor innervation and COMPASS-31 autonomic symptom questionnaires.
Results
78% with MSA and 36% with PD had nOH≥ 20/10mmHg. Overall, compared to patients without nOH, patients with nOH demonstrated greater 1) cardiovascular autonomic failure, with significantly reduced responses to isometric exercise, deep breathing and Valsalva ratio, 2) intraepidermal, pilomotor and sudomotor denervation, 3) autonomic symptoms and Hoehn-Yahr grade. Quantitative cardiovascular biomarkers including nOH severity correlated with autonomic denervation, patient symptoms and Hoehn-Yahr grade (ρ≥0.50).
Compared to PD, MSA patients had worse nOH, pressor responses to isometric exercise, sudomotor dysfunction and cutaneous denervation, with higher supine noradrenaline, but subgroup analysis showed only supine noradrenaline differed significantly between MSA and PD with nOH subgroups (P=.04).
Conclusions
NOH was associated with cutaneous denervation in both PD and MSA, with significant correlations between quantitative cardiovascular autonomic biomarkers, cutaneous denervation, and Hoehn-Yahr grade. Postganglionic denervation may contribute to autonomic failure in PD and MSA and affect responses to therapeutic agents for nOH.
Microwave assisted synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Cocculus hirsutus leaves Extract and their Anti-Urolithic activity
Authors: Chintha Muthaiah , Puligilla Balaswamy , Dhoddi Bala Narsimha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

As highlighting the synergetic action of Nanoscale metal along with the biomolecules play crucial role in modern medicine. The silver nanoparticles were owed many uses in the field of medicine; one of the most important approaches of silver nitrate is Anti-urolithiasis effect. The present study focuses on the anti-urolithiasis activity of Cocculus hirsutus leaf extract capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were synthesized by silver nitrate salt solution and Cocculus hirsutus leaf extract in microwave oven. The Microwave assisted synthesis is an efficient technique and promises more environment benign than traditional heating. The newly prepared AgNPs were characterized by various techniques. the invitro struvite crystal preparation and inhibition activity were examined by using freshly prepared silver nanoparticles.
Research on Multi-DirectionalPiezoelectric-Electromagnetic CompositeVibration Energy Harvesters
Authors: Liu Junjie , Hu Liduo , Shi Xiaofan , Song Fang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Vibration energy harvesting technology plays a crucial role in converting minuscule vibrational energy into stored electrical energy, holding significant research importance. To address the collection of low-frequency vibration energy from various directions, this paper introduces a piezoelectric-electromagnetic hybrid vibration energy harvester capable of multi-directional energy collection. The piezoelectric component of this harvester employs a structure coupling a resonant beam and a cantilever beam at a 90-degree angle, enabling the collection of vibration energy in any direction within a two-dimensional plane. The electromagnetic part utilizes a tile-shaped permanent magnet to ensure adequate cutting of magnetic flux lines by the relative motion between the magnet and the coil. This paper establishes a dimensionless parameter model and derives a normalized power output expression. Through simulation analysis using Ansys and Comsol, the harvester's structure parameters are optimized. Additionally, based on this analysis, a physical model is fabricated, and comprehensive experiments and analyses are conducted. The results indicate that the maximum power outputs of the piezoelectric and electromagnetic components are 5.91mW and 3.12mW, respectively. For excitation in different directions within a two-dimensional plane, the harvester consistently achieves a maximum root mean square voltage exceeding 5V in the 10-25Hz frequency band, demonstrating excellent multi-directional harvesting performance.