bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imidazo[1,2‐α] azine's esters increase selectivity and anti‐inflammatory activity in microglial cells
Authors: Guerrero‐González Miguel , Campos‐Aldrete María Elena , Meraz‐Ríos Marco Antonio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractChronic neuroinflammation is crucial in many neurodegenerative diseases, including AD. Neuroinflammation activates microglia, the CNS's central effector cells, and immune cells. Toxins and neuroinflammatory reactions can kill or damage neurons, activating microglial cells. Inflammatory mediators from activated microglia can kill neurons like cytokines, chemokines, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species. Imidazo[1,2‐α]azines with different acid groups in position two of the heterocycle system were synthesized and tested as anti‐inflammatory and cell immunomodulators. We measured the ability of human neuroblastoma (SHSY‐5Y) and microglial (HMC3) cell lines to decrease PGE2 production under pro‐inflammatory conditions. All derivatives reduced PGE2 production. Inhibitory profiles indicate that compounds 8a and 8b are more effective and potent than 9a and 9b, indicating a steric effect of carboxyphenyl on imidazo[1,2‐α]azines, reducing their potency. However, imidazo[1,2α]pyrimidines (8b and 9b) with nitrogen at position 8 were less effective than those observed by other groups (8a, 9a, and 10a). imidazo[1,2‐α]pyrimidines are more polar due to nitrogen at position 8. The synthetically derivative imidazo[1,2‐α]pyridines decreased PGE2 formation in vitro on neural cells, microglia (HMC3), and neuroblastoma (SH‐SY5Y) cells, proving that they are more effective than imidazo[1,2‐α]pyrimidines. Two product esters selectively reduced HMC3 microglial cell PGE2 production. This finding may help develop neurodegenerative disease anti‐inflammatories.
Virtual Reality and Mixed Reality‐Assisted Endoscopic DCR in Extremely Complex Lacrimal Obstructions
Authors: Nowak Rafal , Nowak‐Gospodarowicz Izabela , Rękas Marek , Ali Mohammad J. 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveTo report the techniques and outcomes of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR)‐assisted powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) in extremely complex lacrimal drainage obstructions.MethodsA prospective, non‐randomized clinical study was performed in complex syndromic congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and post‐traumatic secondary acquired lacrimal duct obstruction (SALDO) in the setting of Le Fort fractures. All patients underwent preoperative planning in VR and intraoperative planning with a step ahead with MR assistance during the surgery. Surgery was supported by mixed reality intraoperative guidance with the use of the prearranged 3D models and real‐time‐rendered digital models. Parameters assessed include demographics, clinical presentation, complexities of the nasolacrimal duct obstruction, preoperative and intraoperative utility of VR and MR models, surgical techniques, complications, and outcomes.ResultsThe technique is described as a proof of concept in challenging situations with Apert syndrome and traumatic SALDOs with gross malposition of the sac, and gross nasal and lacrimal anatomical deformities. The VR models helped the surgeon to assess the details of the altered anatomy preoperatively to plan an appropriate approach. Intraoperatively, MR models were present in the surgeon's view without disturbing the endoscopic procedure. Intermittently, the surgeon could pull any of the models virtually present in the operating room, slice them, rotate them, and intricately study the alterations in a stepwise manner, as the surgery proceeds.ConclusionVirtual reality and mixed reality‐assisted powered endoscopic DCR can be an alternate approach reserved for extremely challenging cases of complex syndromic CNLDOs and post‐traumatic SALDOs.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 134:3508–3515, 2024
Effect of Highly Crosslinked Domains on the Dimensions of Network Polymers
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe effect of spatial inhomogeneity on the dimensions of network polymers is investigated by using model networks containing highly crosslinked domains. It is found that the dimensions of network architecture consisting of densely crosslinked domains connected by long chains are larger than those of loosely crosslinked domains connected by short chains, given the cycle rank is the same. The cases with the domains connected by the domains are also investigated. In all cases, the dimensions are larger than the corresponding randomly crosslinked homogeneous networks. This is because the loosely crosslinked regions dominate the dimensions of network polymers. The master curve relationship found for the statistical networks is applicable also for the present types of spatial inhomogeneous network polymers when the cycle rank is increased to make the network well‐developed in a homologous series of networks.
Gaps in strategic problem‐solving methods: A systematic literature review
Authors: Manso Daniel F. , Parnell Gregory S. , Pohl Ed , Belderrain Mischel Carmen N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractStrategic problem‐solving enables organizations to pursue opportunities and address emerging threats proactively. However, traditional problem‐solving methods often rely on business processes and organizational procedures, which may not be available at the strategic level. This article investigates potential gaps in strategic problem‐solving methods through a Systematic Literature Review. The study analyses the existing literature on the potential of current problem‐solving methods to identify and resolve root causes of strategic problems when formal business processes and procedures are unavailable. A rigorous literature search process guided by focused research questions examines Problem Structuring Methods, Lean Thinking, Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, Balanced Scorecard, SWOT Analysis, and other techniques. The synthesis of findings reveals limitations in strategic root cause analysis. In addition, the study introduces a supplementary decision‐making frame of reference to aid the selection of appropriate methods across problem‐solving, decision‐making, and solution implementation stages. This framework addresses the common challenges decision‐makers face in navigating organizational complexity and choosing suitable approaches, as well as visually maps methods to stages based on Content, Organizational, and Analytical complexity dimensions. The framework builds on the study's findings that using a single methodology may be insufficient for a complete decision process. The proposed decision‐making framework also offers valuable guidance for integrating diverse methods aligned to decision situations.
Palmitoleic Acid Ameliorates Metabolic Disorders and Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota and Serum Metabolites
Authors: Zhang Junhui , Zhao Minjie , Yu Huilin , Wang Qianqian , Shen Fei , Cai Haiying , Feng Fengqin , Tang Jun 
Published: March 2024

ScopePalmitoleic acid (POA) is an omega‐7 monounsaturated fatty acid that has been suggested to improve metabolic disorders. However, it remains unclear whether gut microbiota plays a role in the amelioration of metabolic disorders by POA. This study aims to investigate the regulation of POA on metabolism, as well as systemic inflammation in HFD‐fed mice from the perspective of serum metabolome and gut microbiome.Methods and resultsThirty‐six C57BL/6 male mice are randomly assigned to either a normal chow diet containing 1.9% w/w lard or an HFD containing 20.68% w/w lard or 20.68% w/w sea buckthorn pulp oil for 16 weeks. The study finds that POA significantly attenuated hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammation in HFD‐fed mice. POA supplementation significantly alters the composition of serum metabolites, particularly lipid metabolites in the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway. POA obviously increases the abundance of Bifidobacterium and decreases the abundance of Allobaculum. Importantly, the study finds that glycerophosphocholine mediates the effect of Bifidobacterium on LDL‐C, sphingomyelin mediates the effect of Bifidobacterium on IL‐6, and maslinic acid mediates the effect of Allobaculum on IL‐6.ConclusionThe results suggest that exogenous POA can improve metabolic disorders and inflammation in HFD‐fed mice, potentially by modulating the serum metabolome and gut microbiome.
Effects of the valsartan recall on heart failure patients: A nationwide analysis
Authors: Devine Joshua W. , Tadrous Mina , Hernandez Inmaculada , Mukhopadhyay Nandita , Rothenberger Scott D. , Callaway Kim Katherine , Gellad Walid F. , Suda Katie J. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundValsartan is commonly used for cardiac conditions. In 2018, the Food and Drug Administration recalled generic valsartan due to the detection of impurities. Our objective was to determine if heart failure patients receiving valsartan at the recall date had a greater likelihood of unfavorable outcomes than patients using comparable antihypertensives.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study of Optum's de‐identified Clinformatics® Datamart (July 2017–January 2019). Heart failure patients with commercial or Medicare Advantage insurance who received valsartan were compared to persons who received non‐recalled angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme‐inhibitors (ACE‐Is) for 1 year prior and including the recall date. Outcomes included a composite for all‐cause hospitalization, emergency department (ED), and urgent care (UC) use and a measure of cardiac events which included hospitalizations for acute myocardial infarction and hospitalizations/ED/UC visits for stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure or hypertension at 6‐months post‐recall. Cox proportional hazard models with propensity score weighting compared the risk of outcomes between groups.ResultsOf the 87 130 adherent patients, 15% were valsartan users and 85% were users of non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is. Valsartan use was not associated with an increased risk of all‐cause hospitalization/ED/UC use six‐months post‐recall (HR 1.00; 95% CI 0.96–1.03), compared with individuals taking non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is. Similarly, cardiac events 6‐months post‐recall did not differ between individuals on valsartan and non‐recalled ARBs/ACE‐Is (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.97–1.12).ConclusionsThe valsartan recall did not affect short‐term outcomes of heart failure patients. However, the recall potentially disrupted the medication regimens of patients, possibly straining the healthcare system.
Consistency between the National Patient Register and the Swedish Cancer Register
Authors: Sakakibara Sakura , Pazzagli Laura , Linder Marie 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPurposeThe Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) is widely used as a data source in epidemiological studies, but the consistency of all cancer diagnoses compared to the Swedish Cancer Register (SCR) remains unclear. Using NPR supplementary for detecting safety signals is beneficial due to shorter data extraction delays compared to using SCR alone. This study aims to evaluate the consistency of NPR for cancer diagnoses compared to SCR and its potential use in pharmacoepidemiology.MethodsPatients with a cancer diagnosis recorded in SCR during 2018–2020 were included. To measure the consistency of NPR diagnoses with SCR as the gold standard, positive predictive value (PPV), and sensitivity were calculated. As an empirical example showing differences in identification of cancer diagnoses in NPR and SCR, two nested case–control studies for the association between antidiabetic medications and pancreatic cancer were repeated using the two registers. Conditional logistic regression was performed and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the odds ratios (ORs) were checked for overlaps.ResultsFor breast, male genital organs, and oral cancers consistency was high (PPV: 87.5%–97.4%, sensitivity: 82.2%–91.0%), while for female genital organs, thyroid, and ill‐defined, secondary, and unspecified sites cancers it was low (PPV: 8.8%–90.0%, sensitivity: 19.9%–32.3%). All the CIs for the ORs from the nested case–control studies overlapped when pancreatic cancer was identified in NPR or SCR.ConclusionConsistency of cancer diagnoses in NPR when compared to SCR depends on cancer type with higher consistency for some cancers and lower for others. Differences in diagnostic processes for different cancer types and coding of cancer in the two registers may explain part of the inconsistent results.
Burnout syndrome and its correlation with musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists in Saudi: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alghadier Mshari , Almahdi Mesfer Mohammed , Alotaibi Abdulaziz Ashaq , AlAmri Aiyshah Mahdi , Albuwait Abdullah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeThere is a significant impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on individuals of all ages, professions, and fields from various countries worldwide, leading to a negative impact on quality of life and overall health outcomes. The study was conducted to investigate the association between Burnout syndrome (BS) and MSDs among physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out. Physiotherapists of either gender and with no known co‐morbidities and who were not suffering from recent injuries and accidents were included in the study. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory was used to determine the level of burnout. Musculoskeletal disorders were analyzed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (NMQ). The chi‐square test was used to observe the association between two categorical variables and a p‐value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.ResultsA total of 133 participants were recruited and it was observed that 70 (53%) participants had low burnout levels (BoL). It was revealed that 65 (49%) had trouble in the neck and visited a physician clinic, 47 (35%) had trouble in the lower back during the last 12 months, 60 (45%) had trouble in the upper back during the last 12 months that prevented the normal activity and 13 (9.8%) participants had trouble in the shoulders during the last 7 days. History of chronic disease, education, practice setting, and smoking status with Burnout level was statistically significant. Trouble in the upper back, elbow, wrist/hands, hips/thighs, ankle/feet, and neck were also found to be significant.ConclusionThe outcomes revealed that a few demographic factors such as education, practice setting, smoking status, and chronic disease history were significantly associated with BS. Furthermore, it was observed that MSD had a significant impact on BoL.
Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Health Care Satisfaction Questionnaire in patients with spinal pain
Authors: Fanuscu Aybüke , Asliyüce Yasemin Özel , Onan Dilara , Öz Müzeyyen , Berberoğlu Utku , Ülger Özlem 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe concept of satisfaction is an important concept because of the information it provides about both the quality of health services and the patients' utilization of the health services they receive. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Health Care Satisfaction Questionnaire (HCSQ).MethodsThe study sample consisted of 148 patients who received exercise therapy for spinal pain. Psychometric evaluations were analyzed using the Turkish version of the HCSQ (confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, test‐retest reliability). Convergent validity was determined by examining the relationship between the scale and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Patient Satisfaction Scale for Physiotherapy Outpatient Clinics (PSSPOC) , and the Patient Satisfaction Scale in Physiotherapy (PSSP).ResultsThe HCSQ showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's a = 0.96) and excellent test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.944). The HCSQ showed high correlation with NRS, PSSPOC , and PSSP.ConclusionThe HCSQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing satisfaction with health care services in the Turkish population with spinal pain.
Enhancing tomato disease resistance through endogenous antifungal proteins and introduced nematode‐targeting dsRNA of biocontrol agent Bacillus velezensisHS‐3
Authors: Han Juan , Zhu Jinchi , Liu Shuyuan , Sun Xuehan , Wang Shunchang , Miao Guopeng 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs a type of biological control agent (BCA), Bacillus velezensis possesses the efficacy of inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms, promoting plant growth, and overcoming continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs). However, there is limited reporting on the optimization of the cultivation conditions for such biocontrol agents and their role as double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery vectors.RESULTSIn this study, a Bacillus velezensis strain HS‐3 was isolated from the root zone of tomato plants with in vitro anti‐Botrytis cinerea activity. The investigation into active compounds revealed that HS‐3 predominantly employs proteins with molecular weights greater than 3 kDa for its antifungal activity. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis identified various proteases and chitosanase, further suggesting that HS‐3 most likely employs these enzymes to degrade fungal cell walls for its antifungal effect. To optimize the production of extracellular proteins, fermentation parameters for HS‐3 were systematically optimized, leading to an optimized medium (OP‐M). HS‐3 cultured in OP‐M demonstrated enhanced capacity to assist tomato plants in withstanding CCOs. However, the presence of excessive nematodes in diseased soil resulted in the disease severity index (DSI) remaining high. An RNA interference mechanism was further introduced to HS‐3, targeting the nematode tyrosine phosphatase (TP) gene. Ultimately, HS‐3 expressing dsRNA of TP in OP‐M effectively assisted tomatoes in mitigating CCOs, reducing DSI to 2.2% and 17.8% of the control after 45 and 90 days of growth, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe advantages of Bacillus velezensis in crop disease management and the mitigation of CCOs become even more pronounced when utilizing both optimized levels of endogenous enzymes and introduced nematode‐targeting dsRNA. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimal sequential fusion estimation for sampled‐data systems with random delays and multiplicative noise
Authors: Wang Wei , Han Chunyan , Ma Lifeng , Yi Xiaojian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article is concerned with the optimal sequential fusion filter design issue for a class of sampled‐data systems subject to random transmission delays and multiplicative noise. The considered delay is modeled as a multistate Markov chain, while the multiplicative noise corrupting the observation measurements is assumed be a white noise sequence with known statistical properties. First, by reorganizing the original measurements, the solvability of the addressed problem is cast into the feasibility of an optimal estimation issue for the hybrid Markovian jump system without delays. Then, an optimal sequential fusion filter is constructed by utilizing a dynamic model with finite jumps on basis of the arrival order of measurements from different sensors, guaranteeing estimation performances both at sampling instants and within the sampling intervals. Moreover, the desired estimator gains can be computed via solving a series of coupled differential Riccati equations with jumps and coupled differential Lyapunov equations. Further, a stationary sequential fusion filter is achieved with the guarantee of the exponentially mean‐square stability. Finally, two simulation examples are provided to verify the validity of the proposed algorithms.
Prediction, mapping, and implication for better soil organic carbon management in Ethiopia
Authors: Tiruneh Gizachew Ayalew , Hanjagi Ashok , Mumtaz Muhammad , Reichert José Miguel 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA precise soil organic carbon (SOC) content estimate is crucial soil quality parameter for agricultural produce and ecological safety. Moreover, geospatial modeling of SOC is critical when there are limited laboratory equipment and chemical reagents for soil analysis. This study used geostatistics—ordinary kriging (OK) and inverse distance weighting (IDW)—to map SOC in Libokemkem area, Northwest Ethiopia, for improved SOC management. About 107 soil samples were obtained from the plow layer at a 20‐cm depth and SOC was determined. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0 was used to generate descriptive statistics, and geostatistical analysis was also performed on the data using ArcGIS platform. The coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) derived from the validation of the predicted maps were used to assess the models. The results revealed homogeneity (coefficient of variation < 10%), low (0.12%–1.74%), and optimal (1.74%–4.06%) mean levels of SOC in study area. The OK showed an R2 of 0.74 and an RMSE of 13%, and the IDW revealed an R2 of 0.69 and an RMSE of 14%. The semivariogram results indicate a moderate dependence for SOC with stable, circular, spherical, exponential, and Gaussian models. We conclude that the sustainable monitoring of SOC is significant in enhancing soil quality. However, further study considering all drivers of spatial variability for SOC in the study and other soil sampling approaches improving performance of the prediction models is needed.
A review and analysis of particle size parameters and their relationships to physical properties of growing media
Authors: Durand Stan , Fonteno William Carl , Michel Jean‐Charles 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn expanded description of particle morphology and the analysis of its relationships with physical properties may help to optimize the selection of raw materials and particle size fractions used as growing media constituents. Previous works have described the outlines of these relations based mostly on sieving procedures to characterize particle size distribution. They have shown limited and sometimes contradictory results due to the different methods used, size fractions selected, and physical properties measured. Also, sieve analysis, which separates particles based on their width, is less accurate for non‐spherical particles, which is the case for most growing media constituents. Recent works have promoted the use of dynamic image analysis (DIA) to precisely analyze both particle length and width. Five raw materials were chosen (white and black peats, coir, pine bark, and wood fiber) and sieved to obtain various particle size fractions. For each particle size fraction and the raw materials, the mean weight diameter (MWD), derived from sieving, was calculated, whereas mean particle length and width were determined using a DIA tool, the QicPic device. Also, physical properties were assessed from water retention curves established using Hyprop systems. The statement that the larger the particle size, the higher the air‐filled porosity (AFP), the lower the water holding capacity (WHC) was more precisely redefined. Large variations in WHC and AFP mainly occurred for finest particle size fractions, whereas changes were conversely very small or non‐existent for larger particle sizes. From data obtained for each particle size fractions, regression models were established to relate mean particle length and width (both determined using DIA) and MWD (determined from sieving) with WHC and AFP. Mean particle length was identified as the most relevant parameter for predicting WHC and AFP of the raw materials tested.