bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabis use by individuals with spinal cord injury in the UK: a call for improved patient education and physician awareness for pain and spasticity management
Authors: Anas Mohammad , Raja Usman , Ahmad Bilal Ibrahim , Raza Wajid A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Study design
Prospective observational qualitative study.

Objective
Cannabis is used by patients for the treatment of chronic pain, spasticity, sleep issues or mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Since 2018, it has been authorised in the United Kingdom for medical use as an unlicensed medicine. This study aims to determine if patients are using cannabis for the management of symptoms related to spinal cord injury, and if so, whether they are using medical or illicit cannabis.

Methods
Spinal cord injury patients from the Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and SPINE Community in the United Kingdom were surveyed. Participants were sent a 7-point electronic survey. All results were anonymous, and confidentiality was maintained throughout the process.

Results
In total, 223 patients completed the survey. Not all patients answered every question. Of those who responded 65.35% (n = 132) were paraplegic and 34.65% (n = 70) were tetraplegic. Patients were suffering from chronic pain (longer than 3 months), spasticity, loss of/difficulty in sleeping or anxiety/depression. Almost 15% (14.93%, n = 33 out of 221) used cannabis to manage their symptoms, out of those the majority used street cannabis (79.41%, n = 27 out of 34) were using street cannabis.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that there are spinal cord injury patients in the UK using cannabis to treat their symptoms. A majority appear to be using illicit cannabis. Given that cannabis can interact with other medications, and that the quality and content of illicit cannabis can be highly variable and at times dangerous, it is important for physicians to discuss cannabis use with their patients. This can inform prescribing and allow them to educate patients on the dangers of medical cannabis and potential alternatives.
Presentations and management of hospitalized patients with upper extremity fractures at a level 1 trauma center: a 5-year observational study
Authors: Ghouri Syed Imran , Asim Mohammad , El-Menyar Ayman , Afifi Ibrahim , Abdulrahman Yassir , Jogol Hisham , Al-Thani Hassan , Rizoli Sandro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Upper extremity injuries (UEIs) are common in the emergency departments, yet they are under-reported in developing countries. This study examined the frequency, injury characteristics, and treatment approaches of upper extremity fractures (UEFs) among hospitalized trauma patients in a nationally representative population.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective, observational study including all the hospitalized patients with UEFs in the only level 1 trauma center in Qatar between July 2015 and August 2020. Comparative analyses were performed according to injury mechanisms, severity, and management approach.

Results
A total of 2,023 patients sustained UEIs with an average age of 34.4 ± 12.9 years, and 92% were males. Motor vehicle crashes (MVCs; 42.3%) were the primary cause of shoulder girdle injuries in 48.3% of cases. Fractures of the radius, ulna, and hands occurred in 30.8, 16.5 and 14.5%, respectively. Young adults were more involved in MVCs and motorcycle crashes (MCCs), while pedestrians who were typically older had a higher rate of humerus fractures. Patients with MCCs had a higher rate of clavicle and ulna fractures. Pedestrians were at risk of serious injuries, with a higher mean injury severity score and lower Glasgow Coma Scale.

Conclusion
Most UEFs patients were young males and mainly affected by MVCs. Shoulder girdle, particularly clavicle and scapula/glenoid fractures, emerged as common injury sites. The study highlighted the potential risk of pedestrian injuries, as reflected in higher injury severity, concomitant injuries, and higher mortality. Future studies are needed to optimize preventive measures by incorporating insights into specific injury mechanisms and patterns of UEIs.
Time trend analysis of Injury Severity score of adult trauma patients with emergent CT examination
Authors: Neef Stefanie , Meinel Felix G. , Lorbeer Roberto , Ammermann Felix , Weber Marc-André , Brunk Manuela , Herlyn Philipp , Beller Ebba 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Controversy exists about whole-body computed tomography (CT) as a primary screening modality for suspected multiple trauma patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze time trends of CT examinations for trauma patients in relation to the Injury Severity Score (ISS).

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 561 adult trauma patients (mean age = 54 years) who were admitted to the trauma room of our hospital, immediately followed by a CT examination, in 2009, 2013 und 2017. Review of electronic patient charts was performed to determine the cause of injury. ISS was either calculated upon hospital charts and CT imaging reports or documented in the TraumaRegister DGU® for trauma patients with ICU treatment or ISS ≥ 16.

Results
An increasing number of CT examinations of acute trauma patients were performed at our hospital with 117 patients in 2009 compared to 192 in 2013 and 252 in 2017. Their mean age increased (50 years in 2009, 54 in 2013 and 55 in 2017;p = 0.046), whereas their mean ISS decreased over time (15.2 in 2009 compared to 12.1 in 2013 and 10.6 in 2017;p = 0.001), especially in women (15.1 in 2009, 11.8 in 2013 and 7.4 in 2017;p = 0.001 both), younger age groups (18 to 24 years:15.6 in 2009, 6.5 in 2013 and 8.9 in 2017; p = 0.033 and 25 to 49 years:15.0 in 2009, 11.2 in 2013 and 8.3 in 2017;p = 0.001) as well as motor vehicle collision (MVC) victims (16.2 in 2009, 11.8 in 2013 and 6.1 in 2017; p < 0.001). Trauma patients with a high ISS were especially more likely of older age (OR 1.02,p < 0.001) and with the type of incident being a fall (< 3 m: OR3.84,p < 0.001;>3 m: OR6.22,p < 0.001) compared to MVC.

Conclusion
Previous studies suggesting a benefit of primary whole-body CT for trauma patients might not reflect the current patient population with decreasing ISS. Especially females, younger age groups and MVC patients might benefit from stricter selection criteria for receiving whole-body CT. Our results also emphasize the importance of prevention of fall or tumble for elderly people.
Histamine-related genes participate in the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and impact the immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Xianzhou , Zheng Peng , Meng Bo , Zhuang Hao , Lu Bing , Yao Jun , Han Feng , Luo Suxia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractChronic inflammation is pivotal in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histamine is a biologically active substance that amplifies the inflammatory and immune response and serves as a neurotransmitter. However, knowledge of histamine’s role in HCC and its effects on immunotherapy remains lacking. We focused on histamine-related genes to investigate their potential role in HCC. The RNA-seq data and clinical information regarding HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). After identifying the differentially expressed genes, we constructed a signature using the univariate Cox proportional hazard regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses. The signature’s predictive performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Furthermore, drug sensitivity, immunotherapy effects, and enrichment analyses were conducted. Histamine-related gene expression in HCC was confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A histamine-related gene prognostic signature (HRGPS) was developed in TCGA. Time-dependent ROC and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses demonstrated the signature’s strong predictive power. Importantly, patients in high-risk groups exhibited a higher frequency of TP53 mutations, elevated immune checkpoint-related gene expression, and increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells—indicating a potentially favorable response to immunotherapy. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the signature could effectively predict chemotherapy efficacy and sensitivity. qRT-PCR results validated histamine-related gene overexpression in HCC. Our findings demonstrate that inhibiting histamine-related genes and signaling pathways can impact the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1. The precise predictive ability of our signature in determining the response to different therapeutic options highlights its potential clinical significance.
In Vivo Measurement of Tidal Volume During Non-invasive Respiratory Support by Continuous-Flow Helmet CPAP
Authors: LoMauro A. , De Luca A. , Scarpazza P. , Aliverti A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecently, the interest in the Helmet interface during non-invasive respiratory support (NIRS) has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During NIRS, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) can be given as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which maintains a positive airway pressure throughout the whole respiratory cycle with Helmet as an interface (H-CPAP). The main disadvantage of the H-CPAP is the inability to measure tidal volume (VT). Opto-electronic plethysmography (OEP) is a non-invasive technique that is not sensitive to gas compression/expansion inside the helmet. OEP acquisitions were performed on 28 healthy volunteers (14 females and 14 males) at baseline and during Helmet CPAP. The effect of posture (semi-recumbent vs. prone), flow (50 vs. 60 L/min), and PEEP (0 vs. 5 vs. 10 cmH2O) on the ventilatory and thoracic-abdominal pattern and the operational volumes were investigated. Prone position limited vital capacity, abdominal expansion and chest wall recruitment. A constant flow of 60 L/min reduced the need for the subject to ventilate while having a slight recruitment effect (100 mL) in the semi-recumbent position. A progressive increasing recruitment was found with higher PEEP but limited by the prone position. It is possible to accurately measure tidal volume during H-CPAP to deliver non-invasive ventilatory support using opto-electronic plethysmography during different clinical settings.
Is there a domestication syndrome in Vitis (Vitaceae) seed morphology?
Authors: Obón Concepción , Rivera-Obón Diego José , Valera Javier , Matilla Gonzalo , Alcaraz Francisco , Maghradze David , Kikvadze Maia , Ocete Carlos-Alvar , Ocete Rafael , Nebish Anna , Abellán Javier , Palazón Jose Antonio , Rivera Diego 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Characterizing plant genetic resources and understanding the domestication process are key challenges in horticulture. This study focuses on the common grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), employing molecular, ampelographic, and morphometric techniques to explore its domestication syndrome. We propose a combined domestication index for grape seeds, integrating six commonly used indices. Logistic regression and randomForest machine learning methods were employed to assess the probability of seed domestication. Analysis involved 4029 seeds from 783 samples, spanning live plants (cultivated, wild, feral), archaeological samples, and fossils. Results indicate a distinct domestication syndrome in grapevine seeds, notably characterized by a long stalk (> 1 mm), with combined index values ranging from 0.83 to 1 and domestication probabilities of 0.75 to 1. This syndrome is prevalent in modern cultivars but absent in wild grapevines, aiding in the differentiation of archaeological materials. While not exclusive to Vitis vinifera, the domestication syndrome is characteristic of it, distinguishing it from wild Vitis sylvestris and suggesting isolated domestication events in a few American and Asian Vitis species. Fossil and archaeological materials exhibit low domestication values, hinting at the beginnings of domestication. However, dating reliability remains a challenge.
The Question of Adequacy, from Hermeneutics to Writing Strategies
Authors: Jacob Louis 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe postulate of adequacy had been extensively questioned and deepened in the area of hermeneutics and interpretive social sciences. Some of the protagonists of this ongoing debate stress that the interpretation of human action has much in common with the interpretation of semiotic objects including texts and narratives. This debate goes back to a long tradition in the philosophy of human or social sciences. Here, considering recent exchanges in the fields of the history of ideas, rhetoric, and ethnography, we address basic epistemological and methodological issues about the interpretation of meaning and its adequacy. We argue that one must ascertain performativity on both sides of the meaning process: on the side of the semiotic object (speech acts, social rituals, texts, images…) and on the side of the interpreter (second-degree understanding, description, explanation…) We also argue that this theoretical discussion is more relevant and fruitful for the humanities and social sciences when it includes the question of writing strategies. In this way, it is possible to envision the practical moment of hermeneutic understanding, embracing its material, ethical, and political dimensions.
A Multi-spectral Geometric Approach for Shape Analysis
Authors: Bensaïd David , Kimmel Ron 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA solid object in $$\mathbb {R}^3$$

R

3

can be represented by its smooth boundary surface which can be equipped with an intrinsic metric to form a 2-Riemannian manifold. In this paper, we analyze such surfaces using multiple metrics that give birth to multi-spectra by which a given surface can be characterized. Their relative sensitivity to different types of local structures allows each metric to provide a distinct perspective of the shape. Extensive experiments show that the proposed multi-metric approach significantly improves important tasks in geometry processing such as shape retrieval and find similarity and corresponding parts of non-rigid objects.
Generalised Diffusion Probabilistic Scale-Spaces
Authors: Peter Pascal 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDiffusion probabilistic models excel at sampling new images from learned distributions. Originally motivated by drift-diffusion concepts from physics, they apply image perturbations such as noise and blur in a forward process that results in a tractable probability distribution. A corresponding learned reverse process generates images and can be conditioned on side information, which leads to a wide variety of practical applications. Most of the research focus currently lies on practice-oriented extensions. In contrast, the theoretical background remains largely unexplored, in particular the relations to drift-diffusion. In order to shed light on these connections to classical image filtering, we propose a generalised scale-space theory for diffusion probabilistic models. Moreover, we show conceptual and empirical connections to diffusion and osmosis filters.
Investigating layer-by-layer chitosan-dextran sulfate-coated mesoporous silica as a pH-sensitive drug delivery system
Authors: Hooshyar Mohammad Reza , Raygan Shahram , Mehdinavaz aghdam Rouhollah 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) coated by chitosan (CS) were shown to be a proper candidate as a carrier for drug delivery purposes. However, choosing the suitable drug-containing complexes to be applied on MSNPs-CS is of much greater importance to evaluate the possible candidate for an efficient combination of cell viability, drug release kinetics, and atherosclerosis prevention. In this regard, this study concentrates on the synthesis and assessment of coated MSNPs-CS designed for drug delivery purposes. The MSNPs are coated with polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) composed of CS and dextran sulfate (MSNPs-CS-DX), serving as a versatile drug carrier with favorable biological characteristics. CS-DX is applied to MSNPs without requiring complex or multi-step synthesis procedures. Rosuvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, is chosen for its therapeutic relevance. Additionally, CS-DX is found to relatively impede the uptake of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) by macrophages, enhancing their potential therapeutic utility. FTIR pattern, FESEM, and TEM images prove MSNPs-CS-DX formation. DLS measurement demonstrates the average particle size of 110 nm for MSNPs, with the combined thickness of CS and DX layers ranging from 10 to 15 nm. BET test is carried out to evaluate the pore size and porosity of structure, showing outstanding results that cause an entrapment efficiency of 57% for MSNPs-CS-DX. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate the pH sensitivity of MSNPs-CS-DX on drug release kinetics. Notably, the CS-DX layer exhibits a significant enhancement in cell viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by approximately 24% within a 24 h timeframe compared to MSNPs lacking CS-DX.
Graphical Abstract
Mechanical power during robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: an observational study
Authors: Pozzi Tommaso , Coppola Silvia , Catozzi Giulia , Colombo Andrea , Chioccola Mara , Duscio Eleonora , Di Marco Fabiano , Chiumello Davide 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) requires pneumoperitoneum and steep Trendelenburg position. Our aim was to investigate the influence of the combination of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on mechanical power and its components during RALP.

Methods
Sixty-one prospectively enrolled patients scheduled for RALP were studied in supine position before surgery, during pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position and in supine position after surgery at constant ventilatory setting. In a subgroup of 17 patients the response to increasing positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) from 5 to 10 cmH2O was studied.

Results
The application of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position increased the total mechanical power (13.8 [11.6 – 15.5] vs 9.2 [7.5 – 11.7] J/min, p < 0.001) and its elastic and resistive components compared to supine position before surgery. In supine position after surgery the total mechanical power and its elastic component decreased but remained higher compared to supine position before surgery. Increasing PEEP from 5 to 10 cmH2O within each timepoint significantly increased the total mechanical power (supine position before surgery: 9.8 [8.4 – 10.4] vs 12.1 [11.4 – 14.2] J/min, p < 0.001; pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position: 13.8 [12.2 – 14.3] vs 15.5 [15.0 – 16.7] J/min, p < 0.001; supine position after surgery: 10.2 [9.4 – 10.7] vs 12.7 [12.0 – 13.6] J/min, p < 0.001), without affecting respiratory system elastance.

Conclusion
Mechanical power in healthy patients undergoing RALP significantly increased both during the pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position and in supine position after surgery. PEEP always increased mechanical power without ameliorating the respiratory system elastance.
Extraction of Levulinic Acid from Aqueous Solution Using Trioctylamine at Different Temperatures
Authors: Asadzadeh Behnaz , Saad Mohammed , Uusi-Kyyny Petri , Alopaeus Ville 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLevulinic acid (LA), a carboxylic acid with a keto-acid structure, has recently been gaining increasing attention as a promising biorefinery platform chemical due to its potential to be feasible and sustainable. This work focuses on using trioctylamine (TOA) to separate LA from an aqueous solution by liquid–liquid extraction. For that, binodal curves and tie lines were determined at T = (293.15, 313.15, and 333.15) K under atmospheric pressure. The slope of the determined tie lines demonstrates that higher extraction efficiencies are possible with higher acid concentrations. Furthermore, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was applied to better understand the behavior of phase diagrams. This study detected the acid-extractant complex formation between (LA) and (TOA). Finally, the experimental data were successfully correlated with the NRTL model at all the measured temperatures. The obtained parameters were applied using a decanter model.
New hydrogen-bonded liquid crystal supramolecular systems: role of (+ I)-alkoxy substituents in promoting molecular ordering
Authors: Sonali M. K. , Sinha Rajeev K. , Bhagavath Poornima 
Published: June 2024

AbstractNovel H-bonded liquid crystals (HBLCs) are synthesized and examined for their mesomorphic behavior. The HBLCs are prepared with Schiff base proton acceptors containing 8 and 18 carbons in the alkyl chain and the proton donor with 4-substituted benzoic acids. All the compounds exhibit smectic A mesophases, with one of the compounds exhibiting LC properties below 298 K. It is interesting to note that the ethoxy-substituted HBLCs exhibit a wide range of thermal stability. Density functional theory calculations revealed the formation of two hydrogen bonds between the substituted acids and the pyridine ring based on the orientation of the donor and the acceptor moieties. There are no significant changes observed in the hydrogen bond length with the increase in the chain length of the proton acceptor moiety, indicating the dilution of the cores by the longer alkyl chain lengths is compensated with the (+ I) effect of alkoxy substituents. Quantum chemical modeling studies on these molecules revealed the reduction in the HOMO–LUMO energy gap by approximately 0.3 eV for oxy-containing compounds, making them more chemically reactive by donating electrons (+ I) into the aromatic cores. These materials provide a significant breakthrough in designing innovative LC materials. This work is in support of the SDG-9 of the United Nations.
Graphical abstract
Improvement of pear slices drying by pretreatments and microwave-assisted convective drying method: drying characteristics, modeling of artificial neural network, principal component analysis of quality parameters
Authors: Tepe Tolga Kağan , Tepe Fadime Begüm 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe drying process has been widely used for the preservation of foodstuffs. Among the drying methods, convective drying is frequently preferred. Although frequently used, various techniques need to be developed to overcome the existing disadvantages. The study aimed to enhance the drying and quality parameters of the pear slices by microwave-assisted convective drying and pretreatments (citric acid, ethanol, and ultrasound) and compare thin-layer and artificial neural network modeling (ANN). Microwave-assisted convective drying and pretreatments reduced drying time compared to convective-dried samples. The lowest drying time was obtained from the samples pretreated with 100% ethanol. On the other hand, ANN modeling gave the best prediction results for drying curves. Additionally, L* values decreased, whereas a* and b* values increased after the drying process. The citric acid pretreatment provided the lowest color change. Moreover, chroma values increased; however, hue angle values of the samples decreased compared to the 90.08 value of the fresh samples. An increase in the color intensity and a decrease in the yellowness were observed after drying. Total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) were highly affected by drying processes and pretreatments compared to fresh samples. The highest losses of TPC and AA were determined after ethanol and ultrasound after pretreatments. According to PCA results in terms of total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and color values, ethanol and ultrasound-pretreated samples share a similar plane, while control and citric acid-pretreated samples exhibit a similar arrangement. Additionally, fresh and microwave-assisted convective-dried samples stand apart from each other and the rest of the examples, showcasing a unique positioning. In conclusion, microwave-assisted convective drying and pretreatments had a positive effect on drying time. However, these methods need to be enhanced in terms of quality parameters. Besides, ANN may be suggested for the prediction of the drying process.