bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scalable Glassy X-Ray Scintillators with Bright Singlet-Triplet Hybrid Self-Trapping Excitons
Authors: Liu Kai-Kai , Song Shi-Yu , Gao Chao-Jun , Zhou Rui , Wang Bingzhe , Zhao Wen-Bo , Cao Qing , Hu Yan-Wei , Dong Lin , Shan Chong-Xin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Size-scalable X-ray scintillators with high transparency and robust photon yield allow for imaging large objects with greater precision and detail. Solution-processable scintillators, typically crafted from quantum dots (QDs), are promising candidates for highly efficient scintillation applications. However, the restricted size, low transparency, and dark nature of triplet excitons in QD-based scintillators lead to less efficient X-ray imaging for large objects requiring high resolution. Herein, we demonstrate a meter-scale glassy ZnO QD scintillator with a visible range transmittance exceeding 96% at a thickness of 0.5 mm, showcasing bright singlet/triplet hybrid self-trapping hybrid excitons (STEs). The quantum yields (QYs) of singlet excitons and triplet excitons are 44.7% and 26.3%. Benefiting from a large Stokes shift and bright triplet excitons, the scintillator has a negligible self-absorption and elevated photon yields. Additionally, the scintillator exhibits exchange invariance, demonstrating identical optical performance upon exchanging the coordinates (r) of the QDs. Featuring bright singlet/triplet hybrid STEs and high transparency, the scintillator achieves high resolution X-ray imaging of 42 line pairs per millimeter (42 lp mm-1) at a meter scale. Moreover, demonstrations of 5000 cm2 X-ray imaging and real-time dynamic X-ray imaging are presented. The lowest detectable dose rate for X-ray detection is as low as 38.4 nGy s−1. This work provides a novel sizable and transparent scintillator with bright singlet/triplet hybrid excitons, showcasing their potential in high-resolution and sizable object X-ray imaging.
Ceramic Soft Tissue Trimming Bur Gingival Depigmentation: Clinical Performance and Patient Experience. “A Split Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial”
Authors: Nassar Sally Khaled , El-Ela Hala Ahmed Abu , Fouad Yasmine Ahmed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Ceramic soft tissue trimming bur (Cerabur) was primarily launched to be used in gingivoplasty but has been used recently in gingival depigmentation. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of depigmentation using the novel cerabur versus the gold-standard surgical scalpel technique.
Methods
Eight healthy, non-smokers with moderate to severe gingival hyperpigmentation in both arches were randomly assigned for cerabur depigmentation in one arch as a test group (TG) and scalpel depigmentation in the opposite arch as a control group (CG). Pigmentation indices were used to assess the clinical outcome. Treatment time, pain levels, and esthetic satisfaction were the parameters of patient experience. The assessment was done at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
Results
At all the assessment visits, the pigmentation intensity represented by Dummet oral pigmentation index (DOPI), and distribution represented by Hedin melanin index (MI) were significantly less than baseline (p < 0.001) in both groups. When comparing both groups, Scalpel depigmentation had better initial clinical outcomes, while Cerabur had less visible re-pigmentation, pain Scores, and treatment time, along with more esthetic satisfaction. However, all these differences were not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Both techniques successfully removed the gingival hyperpigmentation with comparable clinical outcomes. Cerabur depigmentation was favored by the patients.
Trial registration:
The study protocol was registered on 11/09/2023 on the www.clinicaltrials.gov database (NCT06031116) after the approval of the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University (FDASU-Rec012124).
Comprehensive Exploration of Technological Tensioning Effects in Welded Thin Plate Girders: An In-Depth Investigation
Authors: Khalaf Hassanein I. , Chodorowska D. , Al-Sabur Raheem , Kubit Andrzej , Macek Wojciech 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Thin-walled plate girders occupy a special place in structures and construction due to their efficiency in carrying loads. The permanent deformations of the girder lead to a lack of stability, which necessarily leads to its replacement. Replacing permanently deformed thin-walled load-bearing structures requires large financial outlays. Technological prestressing is one of the most effective methods for studying and treating permanent deflections in girder elements. This study looks at the defection of welded thin-plate S235JR steel girders, examining how technological tensioning effects interact with different loading conditions. Four configurations were investigated: welded in bottom caps, welded in two side caps (two configurations), and welded in two side caps and bottom caps. Five loads of P (20, 40, 60, 80, and 95) kN were applied to the seven sensor positions of each girder section (A, B, C, and D). All points were examined during the 95 minutes of cooling time. For technological compression, the results showed that there is a convergence between the analytical solution and the experimental results, as the most significant deviation achieved in the analysis was 5.21 mm compared to 6 mm experimentally. When the grinder is loaded with the force P = 50N, the maximum defect achieved at grinder A4 is 4 mm, compared with 1mm at grinder A2. In prestressed grinder B, the deflections that were reached were 2.50 mm, 3.50 mm, and 3.52 mm in the analytical, experimental, and FE numerical models, respectively. The tensions that were reached were 36.96 MPa, 44.28 MPa, and 27.93 MPa.
A randomized proof-of-mechanism trial of TNF antagonism for motivational anhedonia and related corticostriatal circuitry in depressed patients with high inflammation
Authors: Treadway Michael , Etuk Sarah , Cooper Jessica , Hossein Shabnam , Hahn Emma , Betters Samantha , Liu Shiyin , Arulpragasam Amanda , DeVries Brittany , Irfan Nadia , Nuutinen Makiah , Wommack Evanthia , Woolwine Bobbi , Bekhbat Mandakh , Kragel Philip , Felger Jennifer , Haroon Ebrahim , Miller Andrew 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Chronic, low-grade inflammation has been associated with motivational deficits in patients with major depression (MD). In turn, impaired motivation has been linked to poor quality of life across psychiatric disorders. We thus determined effects of the anti-inflammatory drug infliximab–a potent tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist–on behavioral and neural measures of motivation in 42 medically stable, unmedicated MD patients with a C-reactive protein > 3mg/L. All patients underwent a double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, randomized clinical trial with infliximab (5mg/kg) versus placebo. Behavioral performance on an effort-based decision-making task, self-report questionnaires, and neural responses during event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging were assessed at baseline and 2 weeks following infusion. We found that relative to placebo, patients receiving infliximab were more willing to expend effort for rewards. Moreover, increase in effortful choices was associated with reduced TNF signaling as indexed by decreased soluble TNF receptor type 2 (sTNFR2). Changes in effort-based decision-making and sTNFR2 were also associated with changes in task-related activity in a network of brain areas, including dmPFC, ventral striatum, and putamen, as well as the functional connectivity between these regions. Changes in sTNFR2 also mediated the relationships between drug condition and behavioral and neuroimaging measures. Finally, changes in self-reported anhedonia symptoms and effort-discounting behavior were associated with greater responses of an independently validated whole-brain predictive model (aka “neural signature”) sensitive to monetary rewards. Taken together, these data support the use of anti-inflammatory treatment to improve effort-based decision-making and associated brain circuitry in depressed patients with high inflammation.
High-Throughput profiling of SH2 domains using Affimer reagents: unravelling protein interaction networks
Authors: Heseltine Sophie J. , Billenness Gregory J. , Martin Heather L , Tiede Christian , Tang Anna A.S. , Foy Eleanor , Reddy Grace , Gibson Naomi , Webb Michael E. , McPherson Michael J. , Tomlinson Darren C. , Johnson Matt 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Despite SH2 domains, being pivotal in protein interactions linked to various diseases like cancer, we lack specific research tools for intracellular assays. Understanding SH2-mediated interactions and creating effective inhibitors requires tools which target individual protein domains. Affimer reagents exhibit promise, yet their potential against the extensive SH2 domain family remains largely unexplored. Our study aimed to bridge this gap by identifying Affimer reagents that selectively bind to 22 out of 41 SH2 domains. These reagents enabled a medium-throughput screening approach resembling siRNA studies, shedding light on their functionality. Notably, select Affimers demonstrated the ability to curtail the nuclear translocation of pERK, with Grb2 being a prominent target. Further analyses revealed that these Grb2-specific Affimer reagents displayed competitive inhibition with impressive metrics: IC50s ranging from 270.9 nM to 1.22 µM, together with low nanomolar binding affinities. Moreover, they exhibited the ability to pull down endogenous Grb2 from cell lysates, illustrating their efficacy in binding the Grb2 SH2 domain. This comprehensive assessment underscores the potential of Affimer reagents as domain-specific inhibitors. Their viability for medium/high-throughput phenotypic screening presents a promising avenue via which to identify and characterize potential drug targets within the SH2 domain family.
TOO-BERT: A Trajectory Order Objective BERT for self-supervised representation learning of temporal healthcare data
Authors: Amirahmadi Ali , Etminani Farzaneh , Bjork Jonas , Melander Olle , Ohlsson Mattias 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Healthcare data accumulation over time, particularly in Electronic Health Records (EHRs), plays a pivotal role by offering a vast repository of patient data with the potential to enhance patient care and predict health outcomes. While Bert-inspired models have shown promises in modeling EHR trajectories, the challenge lies in capturing intricate disease-intervention relationships over time. This study introduces TOO-BERT, enhancing MLM representations by explicitly leveraging sequential patient trajectory information at code and visit levels. TOO-BERT excels in learning frequent sequential patterns by refining the TOO self-supervised objective through two proposed methods, Conditional Code Swapping (CCS) and Conditional Visit Swapping (CVS) weighting functions. Evaluation on MIMIC-IV and Malmö Diet cohort datasets demonstrates TOO-BERT's performance in predicting Heart Failure (HF), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Prolonged Length of Stay (PLS). Notably, TOO-BERT outperforms Bert in HF prediction, even with limited fine-tuning data. Our findings illustrate the potency of integrating TOO objectives in MLM-based models, enabling intricate EHR data relationships to be captured. Attention analysis highlights the model's capability to learn complex structural patterns.
Association between End-stage renal disease and the polymorphism of HLA in Guangxi Zhuang population
Authors: Pei Yongfeng , Li Haibin , Huang Chengxin , Qin Yinhong , Sun Xuyong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the genetic relationship between end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the Guangxi Zhuang population's human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele.
Methods: To perform the polymerase chain reaction reversed sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-rSSO)method, genotyping for 325 patients with ESRD at the HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 loci was done. The direct counting method was used to determine the HLA alleles' frequencies, and Arlequin software(3.5.2.2) was used for haplotypic frequency analyses, compared with 350 healthy donors of Guangxi Zhuang nationality.
Results: We found that only HLA-DRB1*14:54 showed a positive association with ESRD (P=0.005, Pc=0.035, OR=1.484, CI=1.122-1.963) after Bonferroni correction, so that it may be a protective allele for ESRD. A*11:01-B*15:02-DRB1*15:01 and A*11:01-C*08:01-B*15:02-DRB1*12:02-DQB1*03:01 were more prevalent in ESRD after Bonferroni correction.
Conclusion: ESRD patients and the healthy population in Guangxi Zhuang have high HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, and DQB1 allele and haplotype frequencies. DRB1*14:54, A*11:01-B*15:02-DRB1*15:01, and A*11:01-C*08:01-B*15:02-DRB1*12:02-DQB1*03:01 were potentially valuable allele and haplotypes for evaluating the risk of ESRD in Guangxi Zhuang population.
Dyadic Coping Experience With Pancreatic Cancer: a Qualitative Study of Dyadic Interviews
Authors: Zhang Bo , Xiao Qigui , Gu Jingtao , Ma Qingyong , Han Liang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective: Cancer affects the patients as well as their spouses. Couples use different strategies to cope with cancer and the associated burden. This qualitative dyadic interviews aims to gain a deeper and more differentiated understanding of the support system about couples.
Methods: An exploratory qualitative study set in China. The study was based on 10 pancreatic cancer couples semi-structured face-to-face interviews with patients undergoing pancreatic cancer and experiencing different symptoms. Interviews were verbatim transcribed and analysed using thematic framework analysis. This study was guided by the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist.
Results: Ten pancreatic cancer couples (patients: seven men and three women) with different ages (patients: range = 49-75; spouses: range = 47-73), different stage of cancer (e.g., potentially resectable, borderline resectable, locally advanced) and cancer types (initial diagnosis or relapse) participated in the study. Eleven minor themes emerged from the data, namely unbearable pain, suffer from malnutrition,unhealthy eating habits, negative emotions, disease stigma, lack of knowledge, unable to fulfill social roles, forced to stop work, worried about a costly medical bill, conceal the fact about illness, and loss of intimacy with friends and spouse. All couples described cohesion in relationship as an essential common dyadic coping strategy. Most strategies were focused on the patient’s well-being. Furthermore, couples reported different common plans for the future: while some wanted to return to normality, others were reaching out for new goals.
Conclusions: Active dyadic coping is conducive to promoting disease adaptation, spouses seemed to need more psychological support to improve their own well-being particularly. Health care systems should pay attention to patients and spouses with pancreatic cancer in terms of the four areas of the RAM: physiological, self-concept, role function and interdependence. Future studies should use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to explain dyadic coping in greater depth.
Investigating ethical considerations in the communication network of married women undergone hysterectomy: Instrumentation of a questionnaire
Authors: Bahador Elahe , Tajadiny Laleh , Nataj Abolfazl Hossein , Ghazanfarpour Masumeh , Ahmadi Atefeh , Khorasani Fahimeh , Mobasher Mina , Tajadini Jaleh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the importance of complying medical and general ethics and the lack of a study on determining ethical considerations in the communication network of women undergoing hysterectomy surgery, this study aimed to present these aspects in the patients' lives by a standard researcher-made instrument. Method: This mixed method analysis (exploratory sequential mixed methods design was conducted in the whole of 2020 to create the “ethical considerations in communication network of women undergone hysterectomy” questionnaire and investigate its psychometric properties. A researched-made instrument was validated and its psychometric properties were checked among 218 women by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: Accordingly, the 8 factors extracted included “complying ethical consideration by the physician (a)”, “complying ethical consideration by medical team (b)”, “complying ethical consideration in the hospital (c)”, “complying ethical consideration by the secretory in the clinic (d)”, “complying ethical consideration by the spouse (e)”, and “complying ethical consideration by the family and friends (f)”, “complying ethical consideration by the media and society (g)” and “complying ethical consideration by herself (h)”. The results of Cronbach's alpha test showed that there is moderate to good internal consistency in all dimensions. Cronbach's alpha for the whole questionnaire was calculated as 0.75, which shows that the internal consistency is at a good level. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the reliability (internal consistency) and construct validity of the ethical considerations in the communication network of women undergoing hysterectomy questionnaire were confirmed. However, in light of the study limitations, caution should be practiced in the interpretation of the results. There is a need for further longitudinal studies in multiple settings using random sampling methods.
Development and Implementation of a Transgender Medicine Curriculum for Internal Medicine residents
Authors: Sandre Anthony R. , Sidhu Bikrampal , Awad Sara 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) individuals present with unique health care needs and are known to have higher rates of chronic disease and substance misuse disorders. Further, patients who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming present with explicit health care needs as it relates to addressing gender dysphoria, psychosocial support, and medication access. Considering this, medical education strategies should be implemented to train the next generation of Internal Medicine physicians to be competent in this area.
Methods: We adopted Kern’s six step approach to curriculum design to create and implement an educational curriculum for teaching Internal Medicine residents the necessary skills to care for transgender patients (1). Semi-structured individual interviews of Internal Medicine Faculty and Residents were conducted to understand the needs for delivering content related to transgender health during residency training. The results informed the development and implementation of an academic half day (AHD) session and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Prior to the AHD, participants were sent three journal articles highlighting key concepts related to the medical care of transgender patients (2–4). A numeric assessment form was distributed to participants before and after the AHD which provided subjective assessment of comfort providing gender-affirming care.
Results: There was a significant increase in subjective comfort providing gender-affirming care (p = 0.042) following delivery of the AHD content. During the OSCE station, formal grading was conducted across five educational domains of transgender health. Most residents scored “acceptable” or “exemplary” on a global assessment scale by faculty raters. Both the clinical case and OSCE scenario were developed via an iterative review process by study investigators.
Conclusions: We implemented a novel Transgender Medicine curriculum for Internal Medicine residents. Following completion of the curriculum, residents have demonstrated competency in communication skills, basic knowledge on gender-affirming hormone therapy, and health promotion activities (e.g., screening for and management of chronic disease, discussion of sexual health, community supports, peer engagement).
Navigating the complexities of diabetes insipidus worsened by primary polydipsia: A case report
Authors: Davoudi Zahra , farsad faraneh , haghighimorad maryam , Ghaemi Farahnaz , Amirdosara Mahdi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Fluid-electrolyte balance is regulated within a narrow range in diabetes insipidus. Coexisting Polydipsia and the related phenomenon of hyponatremia cause considerable mortality and morbidity.
Case presentation: this case report presents the detailed treatment of central diabetes insipidus aggravated by primary polydipsia in a 70-year-old woman after experiencing a stressful event. The patient&#39;s increased usage of Desmopressin led to hyponatremia and altered consciousness, prompting a comprehensive assessment. The individualized approach involved limiting fluid intake and providing psychiatric intervention. Monitoring showed successful resolution of hyponatremia, highlighting the importance of personalized strategies in managing the multifactorial aspects of diabetes insipidus and Primary polydipsia.
Conclusion: this case underscores the complexities and potential remedies for handling DI in patients with underlying psychiatric conditions, emphasizing the necessity of a collaborative approach to optimize patient outcomes.
The Cortical Asymmetry Index (CAI) for subtyping dementia patients
Authors: Pérez-Millan Agnès , Estrada Uma Maria Lal-Trehan , Falgàs Neus , Guillén Núria , Borrego-Écija Sergi , Juncà-Parella Jordi , Bosch Beatriz , Tort-Merino Adrià , Sarto Jordi , Augé Josep Maria , Antonell Anna , Bargalló Nuria , Ruiz-García Raquel , Naranjo Laura , Balasa Mircea , Lladó Albert , Sala-Llonch Roser , Sanchez-Valle Raquel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients usually show more asymmetric atrophy patterns than Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients. Here, we define the individual Cortical Asymmetry Index (CAI) and explore its diagnostic utility.
Methods: We collected structural T1-MRI scans from 554 participants, including FTD (different phenotypes), AD, and healthy controls, and processed them using Freesurfer. We defined the CAI using measures based on a metric derived from information theory with the cortical thickness measures. Different subsets of the study participants had additional follow-up MRIs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or plasma measures. We analyzed differences at cross-sectional and longitudinal levels. We then clustered FTD and AD participants based on the CAI values and studied the patients’ fluid biomarker characteristics within each cluster.
Results: CAI differentiated FTD, AD, and healthy controls. It also distinguished the semantic variant Primary Progressive Aphasia (svPPA) from the other FTD phenotypes. In FTD, the CAI increased over time. The cluster analysis identified two subgroups within FTD, characterized by different CSF and plasma neurofilament-light (NfL) levels, and two subgroups within AD, with different plasma Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) levels. In AD, CAI correlated with plasma-GFAP and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE); in FTD, the CAI was associated with NfL levels (CSF and plasma.
Conclusions: The method proposed here is able to quantify asymmetries previously described visually. The CAI could define clinically and biologically meaningful disease subgroups. We highlight the potential clinical utility of CAI in the differential diagnosis between FTD and AD and the different FTD phenotypes.