bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced Contrast Sensitivity Function and Outer Retina thickness in Convalescent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Li Yisha , Hu Xia , Zhou Fang-Yue , Guo Xingneng , Yang Xiaoling , Liu Ruru , Lin Dan , Dai Mali , Wu Ke , Wu Jiaqing , Hou Fang , Lesmes Luis Andres , Lu Zhong-Lin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in convalescent Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and investigate the relationship between CSF and chorioretinal thickness in VKH patients with and without sunset glow fundus (SGF).
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study. Seventy-six eyes of VKH patients and 56 eyes of normal controls were evaluated. Patients were divided into SGF and non-SGF groups. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of all the participants was ≤ 0.0 logMAR. Their CSF and macular chorioretinal thickness were measured with quick CSF (qCSF) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and compared using repeated measures analysis of variance at the group level. Relationships between CSF and macular chorioretinal thickness were evaluated using generalized estimating equations.
Results
Compared with controls, CSF was significantly impaired in eyes with SGF, especially at medium and high spatial frequencies. The CSF of the eyes without SGF was not significantly different from those of the controls and the SGF group. Compared to the controls, outer retinal thickness (ORT) in both VKH subgroups was significantly reduced (P < 0.001 or 0.005, respectively), although their outer nuclear layer thickness (ONLT) and choroidal thickness (CT) were not significantly different (both P = 1.000, P = 0.829 or 0.112, respectively). We found no significant correlation between CSF metrics and chorioretinal thickness.
Conclusions
Despite good recovery of visual acuity, reduced CSF and outer retina thickness were found in convalescent VKH patients. CSF may be an important and sensitive metric to evaluate functional vision in VKH disease.
Preliminary Assessment of Waste Accumulation along Riverbanks in Italy
Authors: Fortibuoni Tomaso , Scocchera Elisa , Vito Stefania Di 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary assessment of waste accumulation along riverbanks in Italy, aiming to provide baseline data for future monitoring and management efforts. The study surveyed 18 stations along 16 rivers across different regions of Italy, from north to south, to quantify and characterise the types and abundance of litter present along their banks. Field surveys were conducted by Legambiente citizen scientists applying a standardised protocol to record and categorise litter items systematically. Results indicate widespread litter accumulation, with a median density of 457 items/100 m. A diverse range of items was observed, including artificial polymer materials (56%), glass/ceramics (20%), metal (11%) and paper/cardboard (6%). Half of the items belonged to just four categories: glass bottles (17%), cigarette butts (14%), plastic pieces (11%), and wet wipes (8%). Differences in litter density and composition were observed according to the land use (urban, agricultural, natural, urban park) of the area surrounding the monitoring stations. Riverbanks included in urban parks presented the highest litter densities. They were characterised by the high presence of litter from recreational activities (glass bottles, cigarettes, caps, and pull tabs), suggesting uncivil behaviour by visitors. The findings of this study allow for the identification of litter sources and underscore the importance of citizen science in filling information gaps since no previous data on litter on riverbanks in Italy were available.
PPP3CB inhibits pancreatic cancer progression via promoting translocation of ATOH8 and further transcriptionally regulating Sp1
Authors: Hang Junjie , Dong Xiao , Wu Lixia , Gong Libao , Huang Junjie , Guo Jinfeng , Ma Meng , Xiao Li , Chen Xiao , Xu Shuangwei , Wang Liwei , Liu Tao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy which lacks effective therapeutic targets. We previously demonstrated that low expression level of PPP3CB was correlated with poor prognosis in PDAC but its function and mechanism remain to be elucidated. Here, we found that the expression of PPP3CB was higher in PDAC patients with early stage than that in late stage. PPP3CB overexpression impaired proliferation and metastatic ability of PDAC both in vitro and in vivo, whereas its depletion or the treatment of CsA, a PPP3CB inhibitor, had the opposite effect. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analysis predicted the protein interaction between PPP3CBand ATOH8. PPP3CB interacts with ATOH8 and increases its translocation into the nuclei of PDAC cells. ChIP-seq and luciferase analysis showed that ATOH8 can bind to the promoter of Sp1, a well-known oncogenic transcription factor in PDAC. Furthermore, PPP3CB transcriptionally inhibits Sp1 expression and pancreatic cancer metastases by enhancing ATOH8 nuclear content. These findings suggest a novel role for PPP3CB in preventing progression of PDAC by promoting the nuclear translocation of ATOH8 and transcriptionally inhibiting Sp1 expression. Consequently, PPP3CB emerges as a potential therapeutic target for PDAC.
Appraising the corrosion inhibitory efficacy and adsorption mechanism of crude leaf extract of Datura discolor on low-carbon steel in low pH media via gravimetric experiments and AFM analysis
Authors: Ahanotu Cornelius C. , Ezigbo Veronica O. , Okonkwo Sylvia I. , Madu Kenneth C. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The study investigated the inhibitory action of Datura discolor leaf extract against the corrosion of low-carbon steel in 0.5 M solutions of three acids. The purpose was to ascertain the effect of extract concentration, immersion time and temperature variation on corrosion inhibitory efficiency, and to relate to existing reports which show that organic molecules in most plant extracts inhibit corrosion. Extraction of the leaves was done by maceration using methanol and solvent was removed by evaporation to dryness. Classical gravimetric (mass loss) experiments were used and experimental data was fitted to adsorption isotherm models to ascertain the best approximation. Surface examination of the low-carbon steel substrates was carried out using the atomic force microscope.
Results
Inhibitory protective efficiency of extract was found to appreciate with increasing Datura discolor leaf extract concentration at a fixed temperature, with values ranging 77.6–88.8%, 91.35–98.08% and 19.64–44.64% in H2SO4, HCl and HNO3 solutions respectively at 270C. Elevation of temperature was found to depreciate the inhibitor efficiency at constant inhibitor concentration. Best isotherm model fitting was obtained with Langmuir model both at 270C and 600C and in all the hostile media, while Temkin model gave good approximation only at 600C and in H2SO4 and HCl solutions only. The negative values of free energy of adsorption \({(\varDelta G}_{ads}^{0})\) suggested that the adsorptive interaction of the inhibitor with the substrate surface was very spontaneous. Values of \({\varDelta G}_{ads}^{0}\) were all consistent, fluctuating between − 16.35 kJ mol− 1 and − 17.63 kJ mol− 1 in both H2SO4 and HCl solutions, and between − 9.76 kJ mol− 1 and − 10.25 kJ mol− 1 in HNO3 solution, and this suggests that adsorption of the inhibitor molecules occurred via physisorption. Values of the activation energy of the corrosion reaction \({(E}_{act})\) are all < 40 kJ mol− 1, suggesting that the inhibition occurred by a physical adsorption mechanism.
Conclusions
The study concludes that Datura discolor crude leaf extract suppressed the corrosion reactions and the inhibition was found to arise from the physisorptive interaction of the organic molecules with the substrate/solution interface, forming a stabilize inhibitor film on the substrate surface as revealed by the atomic force micrographs.
Game Analysis of End-of-Life Vehicle Reverse Logistics Evolution with Extended Producer Responsibility System
Authors: Zhang Lu , Yan Yan , Xu Wei , Di Xinyue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The increasing number of scrapped cars and the low recycling rate have caused global environmental pollution, resource waste, and safety hazards. This article is based on the extended producer responsibility system and constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model of government, automobile production enterprises, and recycling enterprises from the perspectives of product lifecycle and reverse logistics. It explores the impact of government subsidies, social reputation, and coordination costs on the cooperation process between automobile production enterprises and recycling enterprises, and conducts numerical simulation analysis to verify the effectiveness of the model. Research conclusion: (1) Increasing the cost savings and new car sales revenue of automobile production enterprises purchasing remanufacturing materials from recycling enterprises will increase their willingness to cooperate, but it will reduce the willingness of recycling enterprises to cooperate. (2) Increasing coordination costs will suppress the cooperation enthusiasm between automobile production enterprises and recycling enterprises, especially recycling enterprises. (3) The increase in government management costs and subsidies is not conducive to government subsidy preferences. (4) The increase in social reputation benefits will be conducive to increasing the enthusiasm of government subsidies and promoting the willingness of automobile production enterprises and recycling enterprises to cooperate.
The interlayer twist effectively regulates interlayer excitons in InSe/Sb van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Niu Xianghong , Shi Anqi , Guan Ruilin , Niu Zifan , Zhang Wenxia , Zhang Xiuyun , Wang Shiyan , Wang Bing , Lv Jin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The interlayer twist angle endows a new degree of freedom to manipulate the spatially separated interlayer excitons in van der Waals (vdWs) heterostructures. Herein, we find that the band-edge Γ-Γ interlayer excitation directly forms interlayer exciton in InSe/Sb heterostructure, different from that of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) heterostructures in two-step processes by intralayer excitation and transfer. By tuning the interlayer coupling and breathing vibrational modes associated with the Γ-Γ photoexcitation, the interlayer twist can significantly adjust the excitation peak position and lifetime of recombination. The interlayer excitation peak in InSe/Sb heterostructure can shift ~ 400 meV, and the interlayer exciton lifetime varies in hundreds of nanoseconds as a periodic function of the twist angle (0°-60°). This work enriches the understanding of interlayer exciton formation and facilitates the artificial excitonic engineering of vdWs heterostructures.
A Human Centred Innovative Approach Based on Persona in Hereditary Angioedema
Authors: Perego Francesca , Zingale Lorenza Chiara , Marcelli Azzurra Cesoni , Ranucci Luca , Rimoldi Lorenzo , Nsanbayeva Nurgul , Natale Maria Rosaria , Vecchia Laura Adelaide Dalla , Gorini Alessandra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Hereditary Angioedema (HAE) due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (HAE-C1-INH) is a rare condition, clinically characterised by recurrent swelling. The unpredictability of attacks affects the patients’ quality of life (QoL). HAE patients and their families have vast unmet physical, psychological, and social needs. A human-centred design (HCD) approach to describing the needs of different user types is to utilise personas, a data-driven narrative tool for communicating user archetypes that capture the individuals’ attitudes, goals, and behaviours.
The aim of this study was to create and analyse personas based on HAE patients’ and their caregivers’ interviews.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted through anthropological conversations with patients, patient-caregivers (double role of patient and caregiver), and non-affected caregivers. Qualitative and quantitative insights from analyses formed the basis to create personas.
Results We enrolled 17 subjects: 15 patients (6 of them were patient-caregivers) and 2 non-affected caregivers. The mean age of participants was 50,3±14,4 yrs. Eight patients were on treatment with prophylactic therapy. The mean percentage score of Angioedema Quality of Life (AE-QoL) for HAE patients was 19,8±12,0. Six personas were identified describing the participants’ personal history, disease management, and needs: four personas referred to patients, one to patient-caregivers, and one non-affected caregiver personas were identified. Across patient personas, the most expressed needs were psychological support and better awareness amongst healthcare professionals. Caregivers, on their side, desired better information about the disease, including the latest therapies, and higher awareness within the community.
Conclusion A Human Centred Innovative Approach Based on Persona extends beyond the physical symptoms to encompass the psychological and social aspects of the individual's well-being also including the family in the evaluation.
Enhancing foot ulcer prevention and adherence through personalised footwear and insole design features: insights from N- of-1 trials
Authors: Ahmed Sayed , Barwick Alex , Sharma Anita , Kabir Muhammad , Hasan Md Zobaer , Nancarrow Susan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of personalised footwear and insole design and modification features on offloading efficacy and patient adherence in people at risk of diabetes-related neuropathic plantar forefoot ulceration.
This study involved a series of non-randomised, unblinded N-of-1 trials with 12 participants who had a history of neuropathic plantar forefoot ulcers recruited from three sites in Sydney, Australia. Barefoot and in-shoe plantar pressures were measured using Mobilemat™ and F-Scan® plantar pressure mapping systems by TekScan® (Boston, USA). Adherence to footwear use was captured using participant self-report. Other outcome measures were participant preference toward footwear, insole design and quality of life.
The study identified foot-specific pressure thresholds crucial for effective offloading and ulcer prevention. It showed that the current plantar pressure threshold (<200 kPa or >30% reduction) recommended by the guidelines may not apply to all participants. Reulceration prevention may require a pressure threshold as low as 103 kPa at one site and as high as 352 kPa at another site in the same participant to keep the individual foot in remission. It underscores the significance of considering individual participant's factors such as the site of amputation, current activity level, and the use of mobility aid. The recommended footwear needs to meet the criteria for the participant's intention of use, whether for outdoor use for walking, shopping, medical appointments, social or religious events, occupational purposes or indoor use. In these populations, considering indoor-specific footwear design and options helps to increase adherence and reduce the risk of ulcer occurrence and recurrence. Moreover, factors such as comorbidities, biomechanics, and adherence significantly impact ulcer prevention outcomes.
Participant-centric footwear designs that fit individual participants' needs are emphasised as a key strategy to enhance adherence, influenced by social support and healthcare involvement. The study advocates for prioritising patient-centric device designs to achieve therapeutic success. However, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of these parameters in improving offloading and adherence, thereby promoting physical and emotional health and overall well-being.
Experimental Investigation on Seabed Response Under Wave-Induced Motion of Marine Structure
Authors: Wu Yuwei , Ren Xingyue Y. , Xiong Fangjie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Periodic wave loads acting on marine structures cause them to vibrate accordingly. The wave-induced vibration of marine structures can induce seabed liquefaction, and result in foundation instability. Therefore, seabed stability induced by wave-induced vibrations of marine structures should be one of the key issues to guide the design of marine structures to ensure their safety. In this study, the effect of wave-induced vibration of marine structure on seabed liquefaction was carefully investigated based on a flume experiment. The effects of grain size of sandy seabed sediments, self-weight of structures, and amplitude and period of external forces acting on the structures on the spatial distribution of super-hydrostatic pore water pressure in the seabed, and influences of them on the liquefaction characteristics of the seabed were also investigated through modeling experiments. The experimental results show the accumulation of super-static pore water pressure caused by wave-induced vibration of the structure is more obvious in the experiments with smaller grain size sediment; the peak value of the transient pore water pressure in the seabed increases with the increase of the self-weight of the structure, while the peak value of the residual pore pressure shows a tendency to increase firstly and then decrease with the increase of the structure's self-weight; the amplitude of the external force acting on the structure increases and the period decreases, which will lead to the accumulation of superstatic pore water pressure and liquefaction of the seabed. An increase in amplitude or decrease in the period of external force on the structure will cause the accumulation of superstatic pore water pressure and the deepening of liquefaction.
Transverse diameter of Brainstem Infarction is a Strong Predictor of Miserable Outcome after Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion
Authors: Tajima Yosuke , Yoichi Yoshida , Kubota Masaaki , Ebihara Koichi , Yamauchi Toshihiro , Nishino Wataru , Niimi Jun , Nakamura Kazuya , Kado Ken , Miyazaki Tadashi , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Mochida Hidetoshi , Oishi Hiromichi , Higuchi Yoshinori 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Although the efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute basilar artery occlusion (ABAO) has been established in two randomized controlled studies, many patients have miserable clinical outcomes after MT for ABAO. Predicting severe disability prior to the procedure might be useful in determining the appropriateness of treatment interventions. Among the ABAO cases treated at 10 hospitals between July 2014 and December 2021, 144 were included in the study, all of whom underwent MRI before treatment. A miserable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of 5–6 at 3 months. The associations between clinical, imaging, and procedural factors and miserable outcomes were evaluated. A miserable outcome was observed in 54 cases (37.5%). Multivariate analysis identified the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), transverse diameter of brainstem infarction, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage as independent factors associated with miserable outcomes, with cutoff values of NIHSS 22 and transverse diameter of brainstem infarction 15 mm. Cases with a higher preoperative severity may result in miserable postoperative outcomes. Particularly, the transverse diameter of a brainstem infarction can be easily measured and serves as a useful criterion for determining treatment indications.
ADHD Knowledge, perception, and misconceptions among Sudanese Elementary school teachers in 2022
Authors: Mahjoub Mohammed Elhadi Badawi , Ali Mohammednour Mukhtar Mohammednour 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is impaired functioning in at least two settings: home and school due to impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention.
Primary school teachers play an essential role in assessing children's behavior and are often the first ones to recognize a child with ADHD as they are exposed daily to children and play a role in evaluating treatment plans at school. This study aims to assess the knowledge, perception, and misconceptions of elementary school teachers in the locality of Khartoum regarding ADHD and to examine the differences in their knowledge in terms of sociodemographic variables.
Method
The study utilizes a descriptive cross-sectional study design conducted at 37 randomly selected elementary schools in the locality of Khartoum in October/November 2022. We applied cluster sampling and used a structured self-administered two-part questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data and the Knowledge of attention deficit disorder scale.
Results
The study included 321 teachers, 270 (84.1%) females and 51(15.9%) males. The mean age of participants was 47.9 (SD = 8.5) years, with an average teaching experience of 21.94 (SD = 10.2) years.
The overall knowledge about ADHD was 48.53% (SD = 9.71). Teachers tend to show higher knowledge about ADHD symptoms and relatively poor awareness regarding ADHD treatment. Teachers with previous experience with a child with ADHD were more knowledgeable.
Conclusion
Knowledge regarding ADHD among elementary school teachers in the locality of Khartoum was suboptimal, particularly regarding ADHD treatment. Teachers with previous experience with ADHD were more knowledgeable. Many of the teachers had several misconceptions about ADHD.
Clinical using of innovative Biodegradable Stent with Extension Sleeve in TaTME for Low Rectal Cancer with high risk of anastomotic leakage
Authors: Hao Rongrong , Wang Wensheng , Ma Yuanhang , Chen Jianghong , Li Yunbo , Yang Yang , Ma Dan , Zhang Zhicao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this paper is to observe and evaluate the safety and feasibility of using a degradable colorectal endoluminal stent with extension sleeve(DCESES) in patients at high risk of anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer using the transanal total mesorectal excision (Ta_tme) technique.
Methods: Six patients with low rectal cancer undergoing Ta_tme surgery and identified as high risk for anastomotic leakage were selected. During surgery, the tumor was mobilized transanally and excised outside the anus. A suitable biodegradable stent was chosen and connected to a sterile extension sleeve. The stent was fixed with absorbable sutures 5 cm proximal to the intestinal cut end. Anastomosis was then completed at the anus, and the extension sleeve was pulled through the anus to externalize, diverting fecal matter and preventing contact with the anastomotic site. None of the six patients underwent a prophylactic ileostomy.
Results: All six patients successfully underwent Ta_tme surgery with the implantation of the biodegradable colorectal endoluminal stent with an extension sleeve. Within 3-4 weeks postoperatively, the stent disintegrated into fragments and was expelled through the anus along with the plastic sleeve. All patients experienced no significant perianal discomfort, anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, or other complications during the perioperative period.
Conclusion: Fecal diversion using a biodegradable stent with an extension sleeve in high-risk patients for anastomotic leakage following Ta_tme is safe and feasible. This approach effectively prevents complications such as anastomotic leakage and stricture during Ta_tme, avoiding the need for prophylactic ileostomy and its associated complications, thereby reducing patient suffering, saving medical resources, lowering medical costs, and improving patient quality of life.