bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Art therapy masks reflect emotional changes in military personnel with PTSS
Authors: Estrada Gonzalez V. , Meletaki V. , Walker M. , Payano Sosa J. , Stamper A. , Srikanchana R. , King J. L. , Scott K. , Cardillo E. R. , Rhodes C. Sours , Christensen A. P. , Darda K. M. , Workman C. I. , Chatterjee A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAmong disabling post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) are irritability, aggressive behavior, distressing memories and general impaired cognition and negative mood. Art therapy interventions, including mask-making, can potentially alleviate these symptoms. We tested the hypothesis that art conveys emotions and predicted that blinded viewers would be able to perceive changes in theoretically derived emotional profiles expressed in art made by military personnel with PTSS from the onset to the end of therapy. Five service members and veterans exhibiting PTSS were enrolled in an 8-session art therapy protocol, during which they artistically transformed papier-mâché masks at the beginning and end of the protocol. We found that blinded viewers without knowledge of the masks’ creation stage (onset or end of therapy) read initial masks as conveying more negative emotions (e.g., angry, upset, and challenged) and later masks as conveying more positive emotions (calm and pleasure). Based on the assessments from the blinded evaluators, we infer the emotional transition experienced by the participants was expressed in the masks. In an exploratory arm of the study, we also found that viewers were better able to empathize with the negative emotions experienced by participants with PTSS when asked to explicitly take their perspective.
Social defeat stress induces liver injury by modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Gao XiaoLei , Zhao Tong , Hao Ran , Zhang ZhaoHui , Huang Guang-Biao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSocial defeat stress is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation and apoptosis. ER stress is thought to contribute to many lifestyle diseases such as liver injury, cardiovascular dysfunction and depression. We investigated the expression of the ER stress markers RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), as well as inflammatory and apoptotic factors, to assess how social defeat stress induces liver injury. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of the ER stress inhibitor phenylbutyric acid (PBA) and ER stress inducer thapsigargin (TG) on liver injury. Adult mice were divided into the control, social defeat, social defeat + PBA, TG, PBA and TG + PBA groups. The social defeat and social defeat + PBA groups were simultaneously exposed to social defeat stress for 10 days. The social defeat + PBA, TG, PBA and TG + PBA groups were treated with PBA or TG via intraperitoneal injections. PBA was injected 1 h before the TG injection into the TG + PBA group. Liver samples from six groups of mice were analyzed by histological analysis and western blotting. Social defeat stress promoted ER stress, increased the expression of inflammatory factors and induced apoptosis in the liver of socially defeated mice, which was reversed by PBA. Moreover, ER stress induces TG-induced liver injury by initiating ER stress. Social defeat stress initiates ER stress, promotes the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic factors, and induces liver injury. PBA suppresses liver injury caused by social defeat stress and TG treatment.
Stochastic and multi-objective design of photonic devices with machine learning
Authors: Manfredi Paolo , Waqas Abi , Melati Daniele 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCompact and highly performing photonic devices are characterized by non-intuitive geometries, a large number of parameters, and multiple figures of merit. Optimization and machine learning techniques have been explored to handle these complex designs, but the existing approaches often overlook stochastic quantities. As an example, random fabrication uncertainties critically determines experimental device performance. Here, we present a novel approach for the stochastic multi-objective design of photonic devices combining unsupervised dimensionality reduction and Gaussian process regression. The proposed approach allows to efficiently identify promising alternative designs and model the statistic of their response. Incorporating both deterministic and stochastic quantities into the design process enables a comprehensive analysis of the device and of the possible trade-offs between different performance metrics. As a proof-of-concept, we investigate surface gratings for fiber coupling in a silicon-on-insulator platform, considering variability in structure sizes, silicon thickness, and multi-step etch alignment. We analyze 86 alternative designs presenting comparable performance when neglecting variability, discovering on the contrary marked differences in yield and worst-case figures for both fiber coupling efficiency and back-reflections. Pareto frontiers demonstrating optimized device robustness are identified as well, offering a powerful tool for the design and optimization of photonic devices with stochastic figures of merit.
Effects of exergames on student physical education learning in the context of the artificial intelligence era: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Mengnan , Lu Xurui , Zhang Qi , Zhao Rutong , Wu Bohang , Huang Sheng , Li Sunnan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWhether the application of exergames in physical education (PE) courses can significantly improve student performance in PE learning is still controversial. This review explores the promoting effect of exergames on student PE learning and the conditions in which the effect of exergames can be maximized. Based on the PICOS method, two researchers independently searched the ProQuest database, EBSCO database, Web of Science (WoS) database, PubMed database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Wanfang database, and VIP database, evaluated the literature quality using the Cochrane system evaluation manual, and performed a meta-analysis of the included literature. A total of 16 randomized controlled trials involving 2962 subjects were included in this study. The meta-analysis showed that exergames effectively improved student performance in PE learning (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.27–0.63, P < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that better results could be achieved when exergames were introduced in small kindergarten classes and continued for 1–2 months.
Association between mammillary body atrophy and memory impairment in retired athletes with a history of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Miyata Mari , Takahata Keisuke , Sano Yasunori , Yamamoto Yasuharu , Kurose Shin , Kubota Manabu , Endo Hironobu , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Tagai Kenji , Oya Masaki , Hirata Kosei , Saito Fumie , Mimura Masaru , Kamagata Koji , Aoki Shigeki , Higuchi Makoto 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCognitive dysfunction, especially memory impairment, is a typical clinical feature of long-term symptoms caused by repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (rmTBI). The current study aims to investigate the relationship between regional brain atrophy and cognitive impairments in retired athletes with a long history of rmTBI. Overall, 27 retired athletes with a history of rmTBI (18 boxers, 3 kickboxers, 2 wrestlers, and 4 others; rmTBI group) and 23 age/sex-matched healthy participants (control group) were enrolled. MPRAGE on 3 T MRI was acquired and segmented. The TBV and TBV–adjusted regional brain volumes were compared between groups, and the relationship between the neuropsychological test scores and the regional brain volumes were evaluated. Total brain volume (TBV) and regional brain volumes of the mammillary bodies (MBs), hippocampi, amygdalae, thalami, caudate nuclei, and corpus callosum (CC) were estimated using the SPM12 and ITK–SNAP tools. In the rmTBI group, the regional brain volume/TBV ratio (rmTBI vs. control group, Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.05) underwent partial correlation analysis, adjusting for age and sex, to assess its connection with neuropsychological test results. Compared with the control group, the rmTBI group showed significantly lower the MBs volume/TBV ratio (0.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.19 ± 0.03 × 10−3, p < 0.001). The MBs volume/TBV ratio correlated with visual memory, as assessed, respectively, by the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure test delayed recall (ρ = 0.62, p < 0.001). In conclusion, retired athletes with rmTBI have MB atrophy, potentially contributing to memory impairment linked to the Papez circuit disconnection.
Dynamic analysis of geomaterials using microwave sensing
Authors: Blanche Jamie , Mitchell Daniel , Shang Junlong , Flynn David , Pavuluri Sumanth , Desmulliez Marc 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPrecise characterization of geomaterials improves subsurface energy extraction and storage. Understanding geomaterial property, and the complexities between petrophysics and geomechanics, plays a key role in maintaining energy security and the transition to a net zero global carbon economy. Multiple sectors demand accurate and rapid characterization of geomaterial conditions, requiring the extraction of core plugs in the field for full-field characterization and analysis in the laboratory. We present a novel technique for the non-invasive characterization of geomaterials by using Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar in the K-band, representing a new application of microwave radar. We collect data through the delivery of FMCW wave interactions with geomaterials under static and dynamic conditions and show that FMCW can detect fluid presence, differentiate fluid type, indicate the presence of metallic inclusions and detect imminent failure in loaded sandstones by up to 15 s, allowing for greater control in loading up to a failure event. Such precursors have the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of, and ability to model, geomaterial dynamics. This low-cost sensing method is easily deployable, provides quicker and more accessible data than many state-of-the-art systems, and new insights into geomaterial behavior under dynamic conditions.
Exploring the potential of Ziziphus nummularia and luteolin-7-O-glucoside as tubulin inhibitors in cancer therapy and survival
Authors: Alghamdi Sahar Saleh , Alghashem Sara Abdulaziz , Ali Rizwan , Alsubait Arwa , Suliman Rasha Saad , Mohammed Afrah E. , Alehaideb Zeyad , Alshafi Raghad Abdullah , Alturki Allulu Yousef , Rahman Ishrat 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCancer is responsible for approximately 10 million deaths worldwide, with 70% of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries; as such safer and more effective anti-cancer drugs are required. Therefore, the potential benefits of Ziziphus nummularia and Ziziphus spina-christi as sources of anti-cancer agents were investigated. Z. nummularia and Z. spina-christi extracts were prepared using chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and water. The extracts’ anti-cancer properties were determined using the MTT Cell Viability Assay in four cancer cell lines: breast (KAIMRC2 and MDA-MB-231), colorectal (HCT8), and liver (HepG2). The ApoTox-Glo Triplex Assay and high-content imaging (HCI)-Apoptosis Assay were used to assess KAIMRC2 and HCT8 cells further. In addition, KAIMRC2 cells were tested for microtubule staining, and AKT/mTOR protein expression was determined by western blot analysis. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS) was performed to identify the secondary metabolites in the ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts, followed by in silico techniques to predict molecular targets and interactions, safety, and pharmacokinetic profile for identified metabolites. Out of the eight extracts, the ethanolic extract of Z. nummularia, exhibited the most potent activity against KAIMRC2 cells with an IC50 value of 29.2 μg/ml. Cancer cell treatment with the ethanolic extract of Z. nummularia resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability with increased apoptosis and cytotoxic effects. Microtubule staining showed a disrupted microtubular network. The ethanolic extract treatment of KAIMRC2 cells led to upregulated expression of pAKT and pmTOR. In silico studies predicted luteolin-7-O-glucoside to be a ligand for tubulin with the highest docking score (− 7.686) and similar binding interactions relative to the native ligand. Further computational analysis of the metabolites showed acceptable pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, although ethanolic extract metabolites were predicted to have cardiotoxic effects. Ethanolic extraction is optimal for solubilizing active anticancer metabolites from Z. nummularia, which may act by causing M-phase arrest via inhibition of tubulin polymerization. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside is the lead candidate for further research and development as an anti-cancer agent. In addition, this study suggests that herbal treatment could switch on mechanisms of adaptation and survival in cancer cells.
Nilotinib-induced alterations in endothelial cell function recapitulate clinical vascular phenotypes independent of ABL1
Authors: Pinheiro Emily A. , DeKeyser Jean-Marc , Lenny Brian , Sapkota Yadav , Burridge Paul W. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractNilotinib is a highly effective treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia but has been consistently associated with the development of nilotinib-induced arterial disease (NAD) in a subset of patients. To date, which cell types mediate this effect and whether NAD results from on-target mechanisms is unknown. We utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells for in vitro study of NAD. We found that nilotinib adversely affects endothelial proliferation and migration, in addition to increasing intracellular nitric oxide. Nilotinib did not alter endothelial barrier function or lipid uptake. No effect of nilotinib was observed in vascular smooth muscle cells, suggesting that NAD is primarily mediated through endothelial cells. To evaluate whether NAD results from enhanced inhibition of ABL1, we generated multiple ABL1 knockout lines. The effects of nilotinib remained unchanged in the absence of ABL1, suggesting that NAD results from off- rather than on-target signaling. The model established in the present study can be applied to future mechanistic and patient-specific pharmacogenomic studies.
Continuous monitoring of physiological data using the patient vital status fusion score in septic critical care patients
Authors: Ohland Philipp L. S. , Jack Thomas , Mast Marcel , Melk Anette , Bleich André , Talbot Steven R. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAccurate and standardized methods for assessing the vital status of patients are crucial for patient care and scientific research. This study introduces the Patient Vital Status (PVS), which quantifies and contextualizes a patient's physical status based on continuous variables such as vital signs and deviations from age-dependent normative values. The vital signs, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and temperature were selected as input to the PVS pipeline. The method was applied to 70 pediatric patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), and its efficacy was evaluated by matching high values with septic events at different time points in patient care. Septic events included systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and suspected or proven sepsis. The comparison of maximum PVS values between the presence and absence of a septic event showed significant differences (SIRS/No SIRS: p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.54; Suspected Sepsis/No Suspected Sepsis: p = 0.00047, η2 = 0.43; Proven Sepsis/No Proven Sepsis: p = 0.0055, η2 = 0.34). A further comparison between the most severe PVS in septic patients with the PVS at ICU discharge showed even higher effect sizes (SIRS: p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.8; Suspected Sepsis: p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.8; Proven Sepsis: p = 0.002, η2 = 0.84). The PVS is emerging as a data-driven tool with the potential to assess a patient's vital status in the ICU objectively. Despite real-world data challenges and potential annotation biases, it shows promise for monitoring disease progression and treatment responses. Its adaptability to different disease markers and reliance on age-dependent reference values further broaden its application possibilities. Real-time implementation of PVS in personalized patient monitoring may be a promising way to improve critical care. However, PVS requires further research and external validation to realize its true potential.
The prevalence and risk factors of pressure ulcers among residents of long-term care institutions: a case study of Kazakhstan
Authors: Zhetmekova Zhuldyz , Kassym Laura , Kussainova Assiya , Akhmetova Almira , Everink Irma , Orazalina Ainash , Zhanaspayeva Galiya , Botabayeva Ainur , Kozhakhmetova Dana , Olzhayeva Rauza , Semenova Yuliya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLimited information is available regarding the prevalence of pressure ulcers (PUs) in residential homes in Central Asia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the prevalence rates and risk factors associated with PUs among residents of long-term care medical institutions in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This cross-sectional study was conducted in four long-term care institutions in Kazakhstan. The study sample consisted of 640 patients who were assessed for the presence of PUs and associated risk factors. The evaluation was performed using the International Prevalence Measurement of Care Quality (Landelijke Prevalentiemeting Zorgkwaliteit, LPZ), the Braden scale, and the Care Dependency Score (CDS). The overall prevalence of PUs, classified as categories I–IV, was found to be 37%. When excluding category I PUs, the prevalence decreased to 35.6%. The odds ratios (ORs) for presenting with PUs were as follows: history of stroke (OR 5.22), diseases of the digestive system (OR 10.01), presence of spinal cord lesions/paraplegia (OR 20.50), recent reported confusion within the last 7 days (OR 184.00), and limited extent dependency according to the CDS (OR 4.44; 95%CI 1.31–16.1). It is imperative to establish specialized training programs aimed at equipping medical personnel, relatives, and patients themselves with the necessary skills to provide optimal care for individuals affected by PUs.
The role of local non-tetragonal polar displacements in the temperature- and pressure-induced phase transitions in PbTiO3-BiMeO3 ferroelectrics
Authors: Margaritescu Irina , Liu Zenghui , Ye Zuo-Guang , Mihailova Boriana 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn situ high-pressure/high-temperature Raman-scattering analyses on PbTiO$$_3$$

3

, 0.92PbTiO$$_3-$$

3

-

0.08Bi(Zn$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

Ti$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

)O$$_3$$

3

and 0.83PbTiO$$_3-$$

3

-

0.17Bi(Mg$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

Ti$$_{0.5}$$

0.5

)O$$_3$$

3

single crystals reveal an intensity transfer between the fine-structure components of the A$$_1$$

1

(TO) soft mode. The enhancement of the lowest-energy subpeak, which stems from intrinsic local non-tetragonal polar distortions, along with the suppression of the tetragonal A$$_1$$

1

(1TO) fundamental mode with increasing pressure and temperature indicates the key role of the local polarization fluctuations in transformation processes and emphasizes the significance of the order-disorder phenomena in both the pressure- and temperature-induced phase transitions of pure PbTiO$$_3$$

3

and its solid solutions with complex perovskites. Moreover, the temperature and pressure evolution of the fraction of the local non-tetragonal polar distortions is highly sensitive to the type of B-site substituent.
Ultra-low-dose computed tomography and chest X-ray in follow-up of high-grade soft tissue sarcoma—a prospective comparative study
Authors: Salminen Samuli , Jäämaa Sari , Nevala Riikka , Sormaala Markus J. , Koivikko Mika , Tukiainen Erkki , Repo Jussi , Blomqvist Carl , Sampo Mika 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUltra-low-dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) may combine the high sensitivity of conventional computed tomography (CT) in detecting sarcoma pulmonary metastasis, with a radiation dose in the same magnitude as chest X-ray (CXR). Fifty patients with non-metastatic high-grade soft tissue sarcoma treated with curative intention were recruited. Their follow-up involved both CXR and ULD-CT to evaluate their different sensitivity. Suspected findings were confirmed by conventional CT if necessary. Patients with isolated pulmonary metastases were treated with surgery or stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) with curative intent if possible. The median effective dose from a single ULD-CT study was 0.27 mSv (range 0.12 to 0.89 mSv). Nine patients were diagnosed with asymptomatic lung metastases during the follow-up. Only three of them were visible in CXR and all nine in ULD-CT. CXR had therefore only a 33% sensitivity compared to ULD-CT. Four patients were operated, and one had SBRT to all pulmonary lesions. Eight of them, however, died of the disease. Two patients developed symptomatic metastatic recurrence involving extrapulmonary sites+/−the lungs between two imaging rounds. ULD-CT has higher sensitivity for the detection of sarcoma pulmonary metastasis than CXR, with a radiation dose considerably lower than conventional CT.Clinical trial registration: NCT05813808. 04-14-2023.
Network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation to explore the mechanism of kaempferol in the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Dong Qi , Ren Guoxia , Li Yanzhao , Hao Dingjun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOsteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent global disease characterized by bone mass loss and microstructural destruction, resulting in increased bone fragility and fracture susceptibility. Our study aims to investigate the potential of kaempferol in preventing and treating OP through a combination of network pharmacology and molecular experiments. Kaempferol and OP-related targets were retrieved from the public database. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of common targets was constructed using the STRING database and visualized with Cytoscape 3.9.1 software. Enrichment analyses for GO and KEGG of potential therapeutic targets were conducted using the Hiplot platform. Molecular docking was performed using Molecular operating environment (MOE) software, and cell experiments were conducted to validate the mechanism of kaempferol in treating OP. Network pharmacology analysis identified 54 overlapping targets between kaempferol and OP, with 10 core targets identified. The primarily enriched pathways included atherosclerosis-related signaling pathways, the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway, and the TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking results indicated stable binding of kaempferol and two target proteins, AKT1 and MMP9. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated significant upregulation of AKT1 expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (p < 0.001) with kaempferol treatment, along with downregulation of MMP9 expression (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. This study predicted the core targets and pathways of kaempferol in OP treatment using network pharmacology, and validated these findings through in vitro experiments, suggesting a promising avenue for future clinical treatment of OP.