bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of case series and clinical trials investigating systemic oral or injectable therapies for the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Jafarzadeh Alireza , Pour Mohammad Arash , Khosravi Mina , Amiri Shila , Rasouli Asma , Keramati Haniyeh , Goodarzi Azadeh 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAims and objectivesThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of oral and injectable systemic treatments, such as methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclosporine, tofacitinib, baricitinib, corticosteroids, statins, zinc, apremilast, etc., for treating vitiligo lesions.MethodDatabases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were meticulously searched for studies spanning from 2010 to August 2023, focusing on systemic oral and injectable therapies for vitiligo, using comprehensive keywords and search syntaxes tailored to each database. Key data extracted included study design, treatment efficacy, patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and safety profiles.ResultsIn a total of 42 included studies, oral mini‐pulse corticosteroid therapy (OMP) was the subject of six studies (14.2%). Minocycline was the focus of five studies (11.9%), while methotrexate, apremilast, and tofacitinib each were examined in four studies (9.5%). Antioxidants and Afamelanotide were the subjects of three studies each (7.1%). Cyclosporine, simvastatin, oral zinc, oral corticosteroids (excluding OMP) and injections, and baricitinib were each explored in two studies (4.8%). Azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and Alefacept were the subjects of one study each (2.4%).ConclusionSystemic treatments for vitiligo have been successful in controlling lesions without notable side effects. OMP, Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Cyclosporine, Mycophenolate mofetil, Simvastatin, Apremilast, Minocycline, Afamelanotide, Tofacitinib, Baricitinib, Antioxidants, and oral/injectable corticosteroids are effective treatment methods. However, oral zinc and alefacept did not show effectiveness.
Staying in the shadow or not? Remittances and the Shadow Economy
Authors: Choi Hongbi , Moon Chungshik 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigates the impact of remittances on the shadow economy and how domestic institutions, particularly property rights, moderate this relationship.MethodsWe employed a quantitative research method using panel data from developing countries from 1990 to 2018. We adopted both fixed‐effects and instrumental variable approaches to address possible endogeneity concerns between remittances and the shadow economy.ResultsThe results demonstrate that remittances are positively associated with the shadow economy's size. However, this positive effect is weaker in countries with strong property rights institutions. These findings remain robust across alternative measures of key variables and estimation techniques.ConclusionThe results suggest that foreign income in the form of remittances is an important determinant of the shadow economy in recipient countries. We believe that exploring the relationship between foreign sources of income and the decisions of economic actors to enter specific sectors warrants further investigation.
Comparable bacterial growth in platelet concentrates suspended in plasma and platelet additive solution and improved detection of bacterial contamination using a new generation automated culture system
Authors: Kou Yuntong , Kumaran Dilini , Howell Anita , Ramirez‐Arcos Sandra 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundMicrobial screening of platelet concentrates (PC) with automated culture methods is widely implemented to reduce septic transfusion reactions. Herein, detection of bacterial contamination in PC was compared between units prepared in plasma and a mix of plasma and platelet additive solution (PAS) and between the BACT/ALERT 3D and next generation BACT/ALERT VIRTUO systems.Study Design/MethodsDouble apheresis units were split into single units, diluted in either PAS (PAS‐PC) or plasma (plasma‐PC), and tested for in vitro quality and sterility prior to spiking with ~30 CFU/unit of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, and Klebsiella pneumoniae or ~10 CFU/mL of Cutibacterium acnes. Spiked PC were sampled for BACT/ALERT testing (36 and 48 h post‐spiking) and colony counts (24, 36, and 48 h post‐spiking). Times to detection (TtoD) and bacterial loads were compared between PC products and BACT/ALERT systems (N = 3).ResultsBacterial growth was similar in plasma‐PC and PAS‐PC. No significant differences in TtoD were observed between plasma‐PC and PAS‐PC at the 36‐h sampling time except for S. epidermidis which grew faster in plasma‐PC and C. acnes which was detected earlier in PAS‐PC (p < .05). Detection of facultative bacteria was 1.3–2.2 h sooner in VIRTUO compared with 3D (p < .05) while TtoD for C. acnes was not significantly different between the two systems.DiscussionComparable bacterial detection was observed in plasma‐PC and PAS‐PC with PC sampling performed at 36‐h post blood collection. PC sampling at ≤36 h could result in faster detection of facultative pathogenic organisms with the VIRTUO system and improved PC safety.
Reduction of left ventricular diastolic pressure as a key regulator of infarct coronary flow under mechanical left ventricular support
Authors: Sakata Tomoki , Mavropoulos Spyros A. , Mazurek Renata , Romeo Francisco J. , Ravichandran Anjali J. , Marx Jonas M. , Kariya Taro , Ishikawa Kiyotake 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRestoring ischaemic myocardial tissue perfusion is crucial for minimizing infarct size. Acute mechanical left ventricular (LV) support has been suggested to improve infarct tissue perfusion. However, its regulatory mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the physiological mechanisms in six Yorkshire pigs, which were subjected to 90‐min balloon occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. During the acute reperfusion phase, LV support using an Impella heart pump was initiated. LV pressure, coronary flow and pressure of the infarct artery were simultaneously recorded to evaluate the impact of LV support on coronary physiology. Coronary wave intensity was calculated to understand the forces regulating coronary flow. Significant increases in coronary flow velocity and its area under the curve were found after mechanical LV support. Among the coronary flow‐regulating factors, coronary pressure was increased mainly during the late diastolic phase with less pulsatility. Meanwhile, LV pressure was reduced throughout diastole resulting in significant and consistent elevation of coronary driving pressure. Interestingly, the duration of diastole was prolonged with LV support. In the wave intensity analysis, the duration between backward suction and pushing waves was extended, indicating that earlier myocardial relaxation and delayed contraction contributed to the extension of diastole. In conclusion, mechanical LV support increases infarct coronary flow by extending diastole and augmenting coronary driving pressure. These changes were mainly driven by reduced LV diastolic pressure, indicating that the key regulator of coronary flow under mechanical LV support is downstream of the coronary artery, rather than upstream. Our study highlights the importance of LV diastolic pressure in infarct coronary flow regulation.
imageKey points
Restoring ischaemic myocardial tissue perfusion is crucial for minimizing infarct size. Although mechanical left ventricular (LV) support has been suggested to improve infarct coronary flow, its specific mechanism remains to be clarified.
LV support reduced LV pressure, and elevated coronary pressure during the late diastolic phase, resulting in high coronary driving pressure.
This study demonstrated for the first time that mechanical LV support extends diastolic phase, leading to increased infarct coronary flow.
Future studies should evaluate the correlation between improved infarct coronary flow and resulting infarct size.
Escalas en español para valoración de personas en cuidados paliativos y sus familias: revisión sistemática psicométrica
Authors: Useche Cuellar Neify Nathalya , Carreño-Moreno Sonia , Arias-Rojas Mauricio 
Published: March 2024

Introducción: una de las bases de la atención en cuidados paliativos es la valoración regular e integral de síntomas en pacientes y familias. Al respecto, es importante reconocer las escalas usadas en cuidados paliativos en idioma español y sus propiedades psicométricas. Objetivo: identificar las escalas en español para la valoración del paciente en cuidados paliativos y su familia, evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas y la calidad metodológica de sus propiedades basados en los estándares COSMIN. Método: revisión sistemática psicométrica. Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura de las escalas de valoración en cuidados paliativos en español y sus propiedades psicométricas de acuerdo con la propuesta PRISMA. Se utilizaron los estándares propuestos por COSMIN para la evaluación de propiedades psicométricas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 21 escalas de valoración. La escala de calidad de vida EORTC-QLQ fue la que mayor número de propiedades reportó. La consistencia interna, validez de constructo, contenido y fiabilidad fueron las pruebas más reportadas. Ningún estudio reportó pruebas de validez transcultural. Conclusión: los resultados de este estudio indican una gran variedad de instrumentos disponibles en español para valorar al paciente y al cuidador familiar en cuidados paliativos. Sin embargo, un gran número de propiedades psicométricas de los instrumentos aún se encuentran incompletas. Los resultados muestran la necesidad de seguir investigando las propiedades psicométricas de dichas escalas para garantizar la confiabilidad de estos instrumentos, así como su uso en la práctica e investigación.
Respuesta clínica al tratamiento por trastorno de déficit atencional en niños con y sin hallazgos epileptiformes
Authors: Morales Ojeda Ismael , De Faria Soares Jefferson Carlos , Magalhães Barbosa Diêgo 
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Trastorno de Déficit de Atención con o sin Hiperactividad se asocia a un compromiso funcional en diversas áreas de la vida académica, profesional, social y afectiva. Las causas de este trastorno, son atribuidas a una combinación de factores genéticos, biológicos y ambientales.
OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la respuesta clínica al tratamiento por Trastorno de Déficit Atencional en niños con y sin hallazgos epileptiformes al ECG, mediante el Test de Conners para maestros.
METODOLOGÍA: Estudio analítico, prospectivo, que trabajó con 2 cohortes de niños diagnosticados con Trastorno por Déficit de Atención, separados en grupos con y sin signos de electroencefalograma epileptiforme. Evaluados con el Test de Conners para maestros aplicado inicio, seis meses y al año de tratamiento médico integral y farmacológico.
RESULTADOS: La presencia de electroencefalograma epileptiforme no tiene relación con la variable hiperactividad (p=0,804) ni con la variable sexo (p=0,077). Ambos grupos presentan descensos significativos en los valores del test de Conners aplicado a maestros, durante los periodos inicial, a los 6 meses y al año (p<0,050).
DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: El tratamiento médico integral y farmacológico permite reducir las manifestaciones del TDA a lo largo del tratamiento de un año, tanto en niños con rasgos epileptiformes como no epileptiformes.
Hybrid Soft-Rigid Active Prosthetics Laboratory Exercise for Hands-On Biomechanical and Biomedical Engineering Education
Authors: Gao Run Ze , Lee Peter S. , Ravi Aravind , Ren Carolyn L. , Dickerson Clark R. , Tung James Y. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces a hands-on laboratory exercise focused on assembling and testing a hybrid soft-rigid active finger prosthetic for biomechanical and biomedical engineering (BME) education. This hands-on laboratory activity focuses on the design of a myoelectric finger prosthesis, integrating mechanical, electrical, sensor (i.e., inertial measurement units (IMUs), electromyography (EMG)), pneumatics, and embedded software concepts. We expose students to a hybrid soft-rigid robotic system, offering a flexible, modifiable lab activity that can be tailored to instructors' needs and curriculum requirements. All necessary files are made available in an open-access format for implementation. Off-the-shelf components are all purchasable through global vendors (e.g., DigiKey Electronics, McMaster-Carr, Amazon), costing approximately USD 100 per kit, largely with reusable elements. We piloted this lab with 40 undergraduate engineering students in a neural and rehabilitation engineering upper year elective course, receiving excellent positive feedback. Rooted in real-world applications, the lab is an engaging pedagogical platform, as students are eager to learn about systems with tangible impacts. Extensions to the lab, such as follow-up clinical (e.g., prosthetist) and/or technical (e.g., user-device interface design) discussion, are a natural means to deepen and promote interdisciplinary hands-on learning experiences. In conclusion, the lab session provides an engaging journey through the lifecycle of the prosthetic finger research and design process, spanning conceptualization and creation to the final assembly and testing phases.
Influence of Gap Shape on Flow Characteristics of Highly Loaded Compressor Tandem Cascades
Authors: Mao Xiaochen , Jiao Yingchen , Cheng Hao , Zhang Botao , Liu Bo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Gap shape is an important factor affecting the tandem cascade performance. This paper uses the gap expansion angle (Kb−b) to define gap shape and studies the effect of Kb−b on the two-dimensional flow field and flow characteristic near the endwall in a highly-loaded subsonic tandem cascade. By changing the incidence angle from −20 to 10°, the Kb−b value increases, and the two-dimensional tandem cascade performance improves at positive incidence angles, while it descends at zero and negative incidence angles. Due to the influence of Kb−b on the camber of front and rear blades (RB), the optimal Kb−b should provide appropriate load distribution and sufficient gap flow strength. The corner stall more likely appears on the front blade near the endwall, which can suppress the flow separation on the rear blade to a certain extent. The Kb−b value near the endwall should be slightly larger than in the midspan to ensure a sufficient operating range for the front blade. For a highly loaded subsonic tandem cascade, the overall optimal range of Kb−b is between −12 and 0°.
The Synthesis Method of Series-Based Bistable Compliant Mechanisms for Rigid-Body Guidance Problem Based on Geometrical Similarity Transformation of Pole Maps
Authors: Jiang Jingyu , Lin Song , Wang Hanchao , Modler Niels 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Designing guidance mechanisms using bistable mechanisms with two stable positions is a common low-power solution for maintaining the guidance position without continuous external energy input. However, the coupling between kinematics and statics in compliant bistable mechanisms poses a challenge for their application in mechanism synthesis. To address this issue, this paper introduces the pole similarity transformation theory into the synthesis of compliant mechanisms and proposes a general synthesis method for planar serial-based compliant bistable mechanisms. This method models the compliant mechanism using the strain energy method and analyzes the bistable characteristics of the mechanism within its motion plane using the saddle point searching method. By doing so, the proposed method can identify stable positions without predetermined motion trajectories, making it more suitable for designing compliant bistable mechanisms with general planar motion. Additionally, this method utilizes the pole map to describe the stable positions of the rigid components in the compliant mechanism and establishes an information database for compliant bistable mechanisms. Through leveraging the pole similarity transformation, the pole maps of the mechanisms in the information database are matched with the pole map of the motion task, thus achieving the synthesis of planar serial-based compliant bistable mechanisms for the rigid-body guidance problem. The paper provides a detailed explanation of the mechanism synthesis process and demonstrates its application through a case study.
Generalized Analytical Well-Test Solutions for Vertically Fractured Wells in Commingled Reservoirs
Authors: Wei Cao , Tan Zhiliang , Huang Guangqing , Cheng Xiaodong , Zeng Yuqiang , Luo Hongwen , Li Ying , Li Haitao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Layered zones with vertical fracture are often found in analyzing well-test data of deep/ultra-deep reservoirs and tight reservoirs. Analyzing and modeling the well-test data in a computation-accurate and easy-program manner have been a challenge for these problems due to the lack of suitable solutions. This work thus presents the generalized analytical well-test solutions for vertically fractured wells in infinite and bounded commingled reservoirs with computation accuracy and functional simplicity. These solutions are derived based on the early-time approximate solution of the infinite/finite-conductivity fracture model, Laplace and Fourier cosine transformation, pressure superposition principle, and Duhamel principle. Subsequently, model validation is carried out by comparing the pressure and derivative results with those of commercial saphir software. The results show that the average absolute percent deviation between the presented analytical solutions and saphir for three kinds of outer boundaries is ∼2% for pressure results and ∼4% for pressure derivative results. Finally, a field case in Xinjiang oilfield is interpreted, indicating that the proposed analytical well-test solutions are feasible to interpret the parameters of commingled reservoirs.
Becoming a World Champion Powerlifter at 71 Years of Age: It Is Never Too Late to Start Exercising
Authors: Fuchs Cas J. , Trommelen Jorn , Weijzen Michelle E.G. , Smeets Joey S.J. , van Kranenburg Janneau , Verdijk Lex B. , van Loon Luc J.C. 
Published: March 2024

This case study assessed body composition, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic health of the present female world champion powerlifter in the 70+ age category who started resistance exercise training at 63 years of age with no prior experience with structured exercise training. Measures of body composition (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning, leg volume); strength (one-repetition maximum leg press and extension, maximum voluntary contraction, and handgrip strength); physical function (short physical performance battery); cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption); and metabolic health (oral glucose tolerance test) were assessed. In addition, a muscle biopsy was collected to assess muscle fiber type distribution and cross-sectional area (CSA). Where possible, data were compared with previously (un)published sex- and age-matched data using z scores. Skeletal muscle mass index was calculated by dividing limb muscle mass by height squared. Data from the control groups are expressed as mean ± 95% confidence interval. Our participant (age: 71 years; body mass: 64.5 kg; body mass index: 27.6 kg/m2) reported a good bone mineral density of 1.09 g/cm2 (T score between −1 and +1) and very low values of abdominal and organ body fat (i.e., between 20% and 70% lower compared with a reference group of postmenopausal women). In addition, she showed a 33% greater skeletal muscle mass index when compared with healthy, older female control subjects (7.9 vs. 5.9 [5.7–6.2] kg/m2; n = 61) as well as 37% greater muscle quadriceps CSA (63.8 vs. 46.6 [44.5–48.7] cm2; n = 48) and 46% greater Type II muscle fiber CSA (4,536 vs. 3,097 [2,707–3,488] μm2; n = 19). Absolute leg press muscle strength was 36% greater (190 vs. 140 [132–147] kg; n = 30) and handgrip strength was 33% greater (33 vs. 25 [23–26] kg; n = 48) when compared with healthy, age-matched controls. In conclusion, even for resistance exercise naïve individuals, starting exercise at an advanced age can lead to improvements in body composition and muscle strength allowing older adults to reduce the risk for developing metabolic syndrome, live independently, and even compete at a world class level.
Crosstalk involving two-component systems in
Staphylococcus aureus
signaling networks
Authors: Ali Liaqat , Abdel Aziz May H. 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Staphylococcus aureus
poses a serious global threat to human health due to its pathogenic nature, adaptation to environmental stress, high virulence, and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The signaling network in
S. aureus
coordinates and integrates various internal and external inputs and stimuli to adapt and formulate a response to the environment. Two-component systems (TCSs) of
S. aureus
play a central role in this network where surface-expressed histidine kinases (HKs) receive and relay external signals to their cognate response regulators (RRs). Despite the purported high fidelity of signaling, crosstalk within TCSs, between HK and non-cognate RR, and between TCSs and other systems has been detected widely in bacteria. The examples of crosstalk in
S. aureus
are very limited, and there needs to be more understanding of its molecular recognition mechanisms, although some crosstalk can be inferred from similar bacterial systems that share structural similarities. Understanding the cellular processes mediated by this crosstalk and how it alters signaling, especially under stress conditions, may help decipher the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This review highlights examples of signaling crosstalk in bacteria in general and
S. aureus
in particular, as well as the effect of TCS mutations on signaling and crosstalk.