bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly acetyl amine grafted xanthan gum: Synthesis, Characterization and evaluation as Mucoadhesive Polymer
Authors: Singla Neelam , Patil Manisha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Polyacetal amine grafted xanthan gum was synthesized by treating xanthan gum with chloroacetyl chloride which resulted in an intermediate to which ammonia was reacted. Proton NMR and IR spectrum confirmed the formation of poly-acetyl amine grafting on xanthan gum (MXG). The crystallinity of MXG was confirmed by DSC and XRD. SEM image indicates that the smooth polyhedral structure of xanthan gum changed to a rough spongy surface in MXG along with size and shape. Comparative mucoadhesion evaluation of MXG using goat buccal mucosa revealed higher ex vivo bio adhesion time as compared to xanthan gum. This improved mucoadhesion property of MXG can be attributed to the formation of attractive force between negative charge mucus and positive charged amine functionality. However, grafted polyhedral amine into xanthan gum backbone also enhanced other physiochemical properties such as viscosity, gelling property and swelling index etc. Acute oral toxicity and dermal toxicity studies reveals the safety of MXG. Therefore, this grafted polymer might be well exploited as a potential polymer for various drug delivery systems.
Validation and clinical applicability of the Hypotension Prediction Index in a general ICU population: a prospective observational cohort study Study acronym Prediction of Hemodynamic Instability in Patients Admitted to the ICU; the PHYSIC study
Authors: Terwindt Lotte E. , Veelo Denise P. , Ligtenberg Max , Schuurmans Jaap , Hollmann Markus W. , Schenk Jimmy , Vlaar Alexander P.J. , Ster Björn J.P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Hypotension is associated with adverse outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The application of an arterial blood pressure derived algorithm predicting hypotension significantly reduced hypotension during surgery. This Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI), calculates the likelihood (range 0-100) of hypotension occurring within minutes. In this study, the performance and clinical applicability of HPI is assessed in ICU patients.
Objectives:
The primary objective was to assess overall performance of the HPI in ICU patients. Secondary objectives were to assess; the time to hypotensive events, change in the average sensitivity of HPI-85 preceding a hypotensive event, performance of HPI at clinical relevant threshold (HPI ≥ 85), and differences in patient subgroups.
Methods:
We performed a prospective cohort study in an adult general ICU population of a tertiary academic medical centre using continuous arterial pressure waveform data. Hypotension was defined as mean arterial pressure below 65 mmHg for at least one minute. The predictive ability of HPI was evaluated using a forward analysis, calculating sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), time to event, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and precision recall (PR) curve.
Results:
In 499 included and analysed patients, HPI showed an excellent predictive performance (area under ROC curve 0.97, PR curve 0.95), with a statistical optimum calculated at HPI 95 (Youden Index 0.87). Employing HPI ≥ 85 as an alarm resulted in a sensitivity of 99.7%, specificity of 76.3%, PPV of 83% and a median time to hypotensive event of 160 sec [IQR 60–380]. There was no difference in HPI performance between different patient subgroups.
Conclusions:
HPI showed excellent performance in the prediction of hypotension in a general ICU population, without differences between subgroups. However, the average time between alarm (HPI ≥ 85) and the onset of hypotension is relatively short, which might affect the applicability and added value in an ICU setting.
Trial registration
This study was registered with the Netherlands Trial Register (NTR7349). The study was submitted and accepted for registration 2018-07-04, before the first patient was included. (https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/7150). Source ID: W18_142#18.176
Prospective life cycle assessment of activated carbon production derived from banana peel for methylene blue dye removal
Authors: Pereira Paulo , Maia Lana , Silva Andressa da , Silva Bianca A. R. , R Fernanda , Oliveira Sueli Aparecida , Rosa Derval , Mulinari Daniella R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Activated carbon (AC) produced from agro-industrial waste is an interesting adsorbent in water purification and effluent treatment processes. In this work, activated biochar (BFAC) from banana peel waste (BPF) was prepared by chemical activation (NaOH) followed by pyrolysis at 600 °C to remove methylene blue (MB) from wastewater. BFAC was characterized by TGA, XRD, SEM, and FTIR techniques. The influence of dye concentration (10, 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg L−1) and zero point charge (ZPC) were investigated. Besides, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate and analyze the environmental effects of the developed process. BFAC presented a well-developed pore structure with a predominance of mesopores and macropores, influencing the MB removal capacity. The highest efficiency for dye removal was 62 % after 10 min to an initial concentration of 50 mg.L-1. Temkin, Langmuir, and Freundlich, isotherm models defined the adsorption isotherms well. The Langmuir model represented the best fit of experimental data for BFAC with a maximum adsorption capacity of 417 mg g−1. Regarding LCA, a prospective approach at the early stage of development was conducted to orient the transition from laboratory to industrial scale, aiming at providing a competitive CO2-based technological route. The proposed scenarios suggest that this route is promising either from the life cycle assessment or the circular economy perspective. Thus, BFAC can be considered as an adsorbent of great practical application for post-treatment of wastewater effluents aiming to remove contaminants.
Improving growth performance, immunity, and health status of rabbits by using cinnamon Nanoparticles
Authors: Tahoon A. Y , Ali Gehan I. E. , Naena Nehal A.A. , Abeer El-Keredy M.S. , Al-sokary Eman T. , Elbaz Shaimaa , Asa Samah Abou 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The goal of this study was to find out how supplementing rabbits with cinnamon Nanoparticles (CNP) affected their immunity, growth performance, serum biochemistry, blood haematology, and the histology of their liver, lung, and kidney in addition to their protective impact against a fake infection with Escherichia coli O25. After being acclimated for two weeks and separated into six equal groups, sixty weaned white New Zealand rabbits (35 days old) that appeared healthy were acquired from a private farm in Kafr EL-Sheikh Governorate. According to our findings, the rabbits that got CNP exhibited better growth performance, P.M. lesions, bacterial re-isolation outcomes, and clinical symptoms. The hepatic and renoprotective effects of CNP may be supported by the mean values of serum ALT and AST levels decreasing and mean values of total protein, albumin, globulin, total white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) increasing. The histological analysis showed that the positive control group had apparent pathological changes, such as interstitial nephritis, hepatic coagulative necrosis, and interstitial pneumonia with mononuclear cell infiltrations. The CNP and streptomycin-treated group, on the other hand, showed milder to moderately changed tissue conditions. It is possible to conclude that CNP can be used as an alternative to antibiotics because the combined treated group showed high efficacy (growth performance, antibacterial, and favourable effects on liver, kidney, and antioxidant enzyme functions in addition to reducing the histological alteration changes in liver, kidney, and lung tissues).
Group Stepping Stones Triple P for South Korean families of children with developmental disabilities: A pilot study
Authors: Chung Jeehae , Park Eun Ju , Kim Hyelim , Lee Anna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Children with developmental disabilities (CwDDs) present behavioral, emotional, and social challenges, thereby affecting family dynamics. While the Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) addresses these challenges, few studies have examined its feasibility and effectiveness in the South Korean context.
Aims
To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Level 4 Group SSTP for South Korean families of CwDDs.
Methods and procedures
The one-group, pre-post pilot study included eight parents of CwDDs who participated in six online group sessions and three individual telephone sessions, supplemented with a behavior-tracking mobile app. Data were collected at three time points to assess behavior problems, quality of life (QoL), parenting stress, efficacy, and parent-child relationships. Additionally, intervention satisfaction and usability of the mobile app were examined.
Outcomes and results:
Significant improvements in children’s behavior problems and QoL, parenting efficacy, positive parenting skills, and parent-child relationships were observed at the one-month follow-up. Participants reported high satisfaction with the intervention and offered enhancement recommendations.
Conclusions and implications
Group SSTP can effectively address behavioral issues in CwDDs and improve parenting practices. These findings underscore the applicability of Group SSTP for full-scale studies and applicability in healthcare and education settings to improve the QoL of CwDDs and their families.
Monitoring and evaluating progress towards universal health coverage: An analysis of health service coverage indicators in Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Rasool Shafiqa , Geer Mohammad Ishaq 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Universal health coverage (UHC) aims to ensure equitable access to essential medical services regardless of individuals' financial circumstances. In Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the health sector faces several challenges, including limited institutional capacity, inadequate access to modern equipment, and a shortage of healthcare professionals, hindering the efficiency of healthcare delivery. This study evaluates the system of primary healthcare in the Union Territory (UT) J&K and its progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030. Utilizing SDG UHC indicator 3.8.1, which evaluates coverage of population, coverage of services was assessed across a spectrum from 0 to 100%. The Index of UHC Service coverage (SCI) was represented on a scale extending from 0 to 100, where elevated scores denoted superior performance. Achieving a score of 100 on the index signified alignment with the SDG target. While there have been significant improvements in health service coverage and the control of infectious diseases, addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases requires further efforts. Although healthcare indicators in Jammu and Kashmir are improving, additional measures are needed to achieve universal health c overage. This study provides insight into the developmental milestones in healthcare that are significantly contributing to the patient care. The methodology used in this study will be helpful to other scholars in measuring progress towards UHC.
Multimodality Fusion based Topic Detection and Evolution Analysis of Web Videos
Authors: Zhu Hengmin , Wei Hongcheng , Wei Jing , Ye Dongyu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Due to the prevalence of video social media and the increase of user generated content, the Internet is filled with a large amount of unstructured data. Videos often contain multimodal data such as title, tags, images and audios. Therefore, fusion of multimodal features is a valid way for video topic detection. The titles and tags of videos are short and sparse, and they are high level semantics, whereas the audio and images of videos are low level semantics. It is not suitable to represent a video by directly fusing these features. To address the issue, an effective multimodal fusion method based on the transformer model is proposed for detecting video topics. First, video data is crawled from Bilibili platform, and the titles, tags and descriptions of videos are processed by deleting invalid symbols and null values. The audios are converted to text and texts are recognized from video covers. Second, the transformer-based model is applied to fuse the three forms of text from different modalities to represent videos with multi-dimensional vectors. Then the HDBSCAN and hierarchical clustering (HC) are compared by Silhouette coefficient when clustering videos for topic detection. In addition, we compare video topic clustering under multimodal and single-modal. Finally, the intensity and content evolution of video topics over time are analyzed in the paper. Experimental results with the real data collected from Bilibili verify the effectiveness of the proposed method for video topic detection and evolution.
Recovery of Cranial Nerve Neuropathies After LINAC-based Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Benign Cavernous Sinus Meningioma
Authors: Kaisman-Elbaz Tehila , Blumenfeld Philip , Wygoda Marc , Feldman John , Shoshan Yigal 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Cranial Nerve Neuropathies (CNNs) often accompany Cavernous Sinus Meningioma (CSM), for which Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSR) are established treatments. This study assesses CNNs recovery in CSM patients treated with LINAC, offering insight into treatment effectiveness.
Methods
This study was conducted on patients with 128 CSM treated with LINAC-based SRS/FSR between 2005 and 2023 at a single institution. 46 patients presented with CNNs. The study analyzed patients' demographics, clinical parameters, SRS/FSR treatment characteristics, post-treatment CNNs recovery duration, status, and radiological control on their last follow-up.
Results
The median follow-up duration was 53.4 months. Patients were treated with SRS (n = 25) or FSR (n = 21). The mean pretreatment tumor volume was 9.5 cc decreasing to a mean end-of-follow-up tumor volume was 5.1 cc. Radiological tumor control was achieved in all cases. CNN recovery was observed in 80.4% of patients, with specific nerve recoveries documented as follows: extra-ocular nerves (43.2%), trigeminal nerve (32.4%), and optic nerve (10.8%). A higher CNNs recovery rate was associated with a smaller pre-treatment tumor volume (p < 0.001), The median time-to-improvement was 3.7 months. Patients with tumor volumes exceeding 6.8 cc and those treated with FSR exhibited prolonged time-to-improvement (P < 0.03 and P < 0.04 respectively).
Conclusion
This study suggests that SRS/FSR for CSM provides good and sustainable CNNs recovery outcomes with excellent long-term radiological control. A higher CNNs recovery rate was associated with a smaller pre-treatment tumor volume, while shorter time-to-improvement was identified in patients treated with SRS compared to FSR, particularly in those with small pre-treatment tumor volume.
Perioperative risk factors associated with prolonged postoperative hospital stay in patients with severe complications after highly advanced hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Fukada Masahiro , Horaguchi Takeshi , Yasufuku Itaru , Sato Yuta , Tajima Jesse Yu , Kiyama Shigeru , Tanaka Yoshihiro , Murase Katsutoshi , Matsuhashi Nobuhisa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS) is an important indicator of surgical quality, particularly because postoperative complications are closely related to PLOS. Prolonged PLOS (PPLOS) increases treatment costs and delays the transition from surgery to adjuvant chemotherapy. PPLOS may also have an unfavorable impact on long-term prognosis. However, the risk factors for PPLOS, particularly after highly advanced hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery (HBPS), have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we aimed to identify the perioperative risk factors for PPLOS following highly advanced HBPS.
Methods
In this single-center retrospective study, we included 737 patients who underwent highly advanced HBPS at Gifu University Hospital, Japan, between 2010 and 2023. Of these, 190 patients with severe postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo classification grades ≥Ⅲ) were evaluated for perioperative risk factors for PPLOS using uni- and multivariate analyses.
Results
The median PLOS of patients with severe postoperative complications was 40 days, and 97 patients had a PPLOS. Univariate analysis indicated that pancreatic surgery, open surgery, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistulas (CR-POPF), postoperative respiratory failure (PORF), and C-reactive protein levels > 15 mg/dL on postoperative day 3 significantly correlated with PPLOS. Multivariate analysis showed that open surgery (odds ratio [OR], 14193908; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06–; p = 0.01), CR-POPF (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.10–5.77; p = 0.03), and PORF (OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 1.29–40.48; p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for PPLOS.
Conclusions
After highly advanced HBPS, the PLOS was significantly prolonged with the presence and severity of postoperative complications, regardless of the type of surgery. In cases with severe postoperative complications, open surgery, CR-POPF, and PORF may be risk factors for PPLOS. This study underlines the need for proficient minimally invasive surgery and appropriate perioperative management to avoid severe POPF and PORF, leading to a shorter PLOS after highly advanced HBPS.
Web-based diagnostic platform for microorganism-induced deterioration on paper-based cultural relics with iterative training from human feedback
Authors: Liu Chenshu , Ben Songbin , Liu Chongwen , Li Xianchao , Meng Qingxia , Hao Yilin , Jiao Qian , Yang Pinyi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Paper-based artifacts hold significant cultural and social values. However, paper is intrinsically fragile to microorganisms, such as mold, due to its cellulose composition, which can serve as a microorganisms' nutrient source. Mold not only can damage papers' structural integrity and pose significant challenges to conservation works but also may subject individuals attending the contaminated artifacts to health risks. Current approaches for strain identification usually require extensive training, prolonged time for analysis, expensive operation costs, and higher risks of secondary damage due to sampling. Thus, in current conservation practices with mold-contaminated artifacts, little pre-screening or strain identification was performed before mold removal, and the cleaning techniques are usually broad-spectrum rather than strain-specific. With deep learning showing promising applications across various domains, this study investigated the feasibility of using a convolutional neural network (CNN) for fast in-situ recognition and classification of mold on paper.
Methods: Molds were first non-invasively sampled from ancient Xuan Paper-based Chinese books from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Strains were identified using molecular biology methods and the four most prevalent strains were inoculated on Xuan paper to create mockups for image collection. Microscopic images of the molds as well as their stains situated on paper were collected using a compound microscope and commercial microscope lens for cell phone cameras, which were then used for training CNN models with a transfer learning scheme to perform the classification of mold. To enable involvement and contribution from the research community, a web interface that actuates the process while providing interactive features for users to learn about the information of the classified strain was constructed. Moreover, a feedback functionality in the web interface was embedded for catching potential classification errors, adding additional training images, or introducing new strains, all to refine the generalizability and robustness of the model.
Results & Conclusion: In the study, we have constructed a suite of high-confidence classification CNN models for the diagnostic process for mold contamination in conservation. At the same time, a web interface was constructed that allows recurrently refining the model with human feedback through engaging the research community. Overall, the proposed framework opens new avenues for effective and timely identification of mold, thus enabling proactive and targeted mold remediation strategies in conservation.
An innovative approach to biofilm-associated infections: CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Genetic Intervention
Authors: Ates Aysegul , Aydemir Şöhret , Ermertcan Şafak 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause of biofilm-associated infections. S.aureus biofilms can be formed through surface proteins (bap) as well as the ica operon. We used pCasSA to target icaA, icaD and bap genes for the first time. Suppression of these genes expression was confirmed by qPCR. Crystal violet assay was performed to quantify the biofilm formation. Mutations in the related genes were shown by Sanger sequence analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was used to assess the effect of suppression of biofilm-associated genes on methicillin susceptibility. Compared to the Wild-type strain, icaA, icaD, bap genes decreased by 70%, 60%, 40%, respectively. Biofilm formation was reduced 6-fold in Knock-out(KO)-icaA strain, 5.6-fold in KO-icaD and 3-fold in KO-bap. KO-icaA, KO-icaD and KO-bap strains exhibited a 64, 16, 4-fold decrease in oxacillin MIC, respectively. Cefoxitin zone increased approximately 2.5-fold in the KO strains. We conclude that the CRISPR/Cas system may be an alternative strategy to inhibit bacterial biofilm.
The impact of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies on families: A qualitative study
Authors: García Juan Francisco Velarde , Güeita-Rodríguez Javier , Jiménez-Antona Carmen , García-Bravo Cristina , Aledo-Serrano Ángel , Gómez-Sánchez Stella Maris , Palacios-Ceña Domingo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) cause disability and dependence affecting both children and the family. The questions guiding this study were: What changes do parents of children with DEEs experience in their life as a couple? What changes occur within the family and for the other family members?. We carried out a qualitative study based on the interpretivist paradigm. Twenty-one participants were selected by means of purposive sampling. Parents of children with DEEs of SCN1A, KCNQ2, CDKL5, PCDH19 and GNAO1 variants were included. In-depth interviews and researcher notes were used for data collection. A thematic analysis was performed on the data. Three themes were identified in the results: a) Assuming conflicts and changes within the couple, which caused them to distance themselves, reduced their time and intimacy and made them reconsider having more children; b) Impact of the disorder on siblings and grandparents, where it conditioned siblings who perceived DEEs as a burden in their lives, felt neglected, and needed to grow and mature alone; whereas grandparents suffered for their grandchildren and parents, in addition to perceiving that their health worsened, and c) Reconciling the care of the child with family life and work; this led the parents to share tasks, abandon or reduce working hours and ask for help
Conclusions: Caring for a child with DEEs can result in neglect of social, psychological, emotional, recreational, educational, or occupational needs and obligations that ultimately impact all family members.