bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of waste rubber particles on workability, mechanical, and sound insulation properties of recycled aggregate mortar
Authors: Xie Xiaoli , Zheng Yubin , Zhu Weiwei , Yu Siliu , Zhu Shengchun , Yang Yang 
Published: March 2024

The influence mechanism of waste rubber particles (WRPs) on the workability, mechanical properties, and sound insulation performance of recycled aggregate sound insulation mortar (RCM) were investigated. According to the principle of volume fraction replacement of recycled fine aggregate by 0 to 50%, WRPs with a particle size of 1–4 mm were incorporated in various mixtures of RCM. Each RCM mixture was tested for workability, mechanical, and sound insulation performance. Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to analyze the distribution of pores and their sizes inside the material, and X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the characteristics of the interfacial transition zones (ITZs) between the rubber particles and the cement paste. The results showed that, owing to the hydrophobicity of WRPs, greater WRPs content led to greater fluidity of the mortar mix and a smaller water retention rate. Notably, the rubber in the mortar did not contribute to the hydration reactivity of the cement paste, but it changed the crystal morphology and pore structure of ITZ hydration products. The RCM incorporating 3–10% WRPs produced the optimal pore structure through the aggregate effect, which increased its overall compactness and mechanical performance. Further increase of WRP content significantly improved the sound insulation performance while significantly reducing the strength. Moreover, there was a clear logarithmic relationship between the strength and impact sound level index. This new knowledge can be used to prepare RCM that meets the actual strength and sound insulation requirements of the floor. Thus, the resource utilization of solid waste can be expanded.
Participation Patterns and Associated Factors in Japanese Children With Autism
Authors: Iwanaga Yuto , Tanaka Goro , Maruta Michio , Shiozu Hiroyasu , Kawanaka Mizuho , Iwanaga Ryoichiro 
Published: March 2024

Background: Children’s participation is an important outcome for children, families, and rehabilitation. Objectives: We compared participation patterns (home and community) of 6- to 12-year-old Japanese children with autism and children with typical development (TD) and explored the associations of participation with familial, environmental, and child-related factors. Method: Twenty-five mothers of children with autism and 21 mothers of TD children completed a survey covering their child’s participation and environment, family empowerment, autism symptoms, sensory processing, behavior, and demographic characteristics. Results: Children with autism showed restricted home and community participation. Home involvement was associated with family empowerment and the children’s age, whereas home frequency was linked to environmental supportiveness and household income. Conclusion: Japanese children with autism need appropriate support to address decreased participation. Occupational therapists may focus on family empowerment and the child’s environment to facilitate the home participation of children with autism.
Metabolomics-Based Effects of a Natural Product on Remyelination After Cerebral Ischemia Injury Via GABABR–pCREB–BDNF Pathway
Authors: Fan Xiaodi , Zhan Min , Song Wenting , Yao Mingjiang , Wang Guangrui , Li Tian , Zhang Yehao , Liu Jianxun 
Published: March 2024

Background Yi-Qi-Tong-Luo Granules (YQTLs) is a natural compound of Traditional Chinese Medicine authorized by China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA). These granules are employed in the convalescent stage of cerebral infarction and render notable clinical efficacy. This study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of YQTLs on remyelination after cerebral ischemia injury. Materials and Methods We established cerebral ischemia model in rats using microsphere-induced multiple cerebral infarction (MCI). We evaluated the pharmacological effects of YQTLs on MCI rats, through Morri’s water maze test, open field test, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and glycine silver immersion. We employed liquid chromatography mass spectrometry metabolomics to identify differential metabolites. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was utilized to measure the release of neurotrophins, while immunofluorescence staining was used to assess oligodendrocyte precursor cells differences and myelin regeneration. We used Western blotting to validate the protein expression of remyelination-associated signaling pathways. Results YQTLs significantly improves cognitive function following cerebral ischemia injury. Pathological tissue staining revealed that YQTLs administration inhibits neuronal denaturation and neurofibrillary tangles. We identified 141 differential metabolites among the sham, MCI, and YQTLs-treated MCI groups. Among these metabolites, neurotransmitters were identified, and notably, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) showed marked improvement in the YQTLs group. The induction of neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and PDGFAA, upregulation of olig2 and MBP expression, and promotion of remyelination were evident in YQTLs-treated MCI groups. Gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptors (GABABR), pERK/extracellular regulated MAP kinase, pAKT/protein kinase B, and pCREB/cAMP response element-binding were upregulated following YQTLs treatment. Conclusion YQTLs enhance the binding of GABA to GABABR, thereby activating the pCREB/BDNF signaling pathway, which in turn increases the expression of downstream myelin-associated proteins and promotes remyelination and cognitive function.
Estimating the Minimal Clinically Important Difference on the Visual Analogue Scale for Carpometacarpal Thumb Joint Osteoarthritis
Authors: Olaiya Oluwatobi R. , Abraha Beraki , Gallo Lucas , Hircock Caroline , Huynh Minh , McRae Matthew 
Published: March 2024

Background: The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) is the smallest perceived treatment effect that patients deem clinically significant. There is currently no agreement on an appropriate MCID for the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) in the context of thumb osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: We approximated MCIDs using a distribution-based approach that pooled standard deviations (SDs) associated with baseline mean values of the pain VAS (0-100 mm). We extracted the data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in a systematic review of adults with long-term OA of the thumb. We excluded RCTs that did not report baseline SD values. The MCIDs were derived at 0.4 and 0.5 SDs of the pooled SD and compared with previously published MCIDs for the pain VAS in OA. Results: A total of 403 patients were pooled from 7 RCTs for the analysis. The mean baseline VAS pain score was 5.6 cm. We derived an MCID of 0.72 cm at 0.4 SDs and 0.91 cm at 0.5 SDs using baseline SDs. We found that MCIDs derived from a distribution-based approach approximated published MCIDs for the VAS for pain for OA in the knee and hip. Conclusion: The authors propose that a change of 0.7 to 0.9 cm on the VAS is clinically meaningful in the context of long-term OA of the thumb.
Thumb Pronation Angle in Thumb Opposition Evaluated by the Nail Tip Angle of Thumb-Ring Finger Opposition
Authors: Taniguchi Shinji , Matsuura Yusuke , Takehara Tatsuya , Yamada Ayae , Shiko Yuki , Nakagawa Koichi , Ohtori Seiji 
Published: March 2024

Background: This study aimed to devise the method for the evaluation of the thumb pronation angle and calculate its reference value. Methods: The study was conducted from October 2021 to March 2022, and 600 hands of 300 healthy volunteers were included in this study. The participants were divided into 6 age groups with 50 participants each. In study 1, 12 participants from group 1 were randomly selected, which included 6 male and 6 female participants. We measured the thumb pronation angle using FASTRAK system and the nail tip angle of thumb-ring finger opposition (T-R angle) and also evaluated the relation between them. In study 2, we measured the T-R angle of 600 hands of 300 healthy volunteers. The T-R angle mean (SD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each age group were calculated as reference values. Results: The thumb pronation angle was correlated with the T-R angle. The T-R angle mean (SD) and 95% CI of the 6 groups were as follows: group 1, 142.5° (12.4) and 117.7 to 167.3; group 2, 139.9° (10.1) and 119.7 to 160.1; group 3, 142.3° (9.7) and 122.9 to 160.5; group 4, 140.2° (12.6) and 115.0 to 165.4; group 5, 138.3° (11.9) and 114.5 to 162.1; and group 6, 135.4° (13.0) and 109.4 to 161.4. The 95% CI tended to decrease with an increasing age. Conclusions: The T-R angle was a suitable evaluation method for the thumb pronation angle, and it should be evaluated by age groups.
Comparison between covered-stents grafting and ligation in the treatment of infected femoral pseudoaneurysm due to intravenous drug abuse
Authors: Zeng Yanzhang , Yuan Ping , He Qiang 
Published: March 2024

Objectives The study compared the outcomes between covered-stents grafting (CSG) and ligation of femoral artery (LFA) in the treatment of infected femoral pseudoaneurysm (IFP) caused by intravenous drug injection. Methods From 1st January 2016 to 30th November 2021, the clinical data of patients with IFP caused by intravenous drug injection who underwent CSG ( n = 31, 55.4%) and LFA ( n = 25, 45.4%) are retrospectively analyzed. We compared the baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes of the two groups, including early and late mortality and morbidity. Results A total of 56 patients were enrolled in the study, comprising 50 (89.3%) men and 6 (10.7%) women, with a mean age of 34.3 years. There was no significant difference observed between the two groups in terms of 30-day mortality (3.2% vs 0%, p = .365) and length of stay (9 [7, 12] vs 11 [8.5, 12.5] days, p = .236). However, group CSG exhibited a lower rate of intermittent claudication (0% vs 32%, p = .001), less blood loss (67.1 ± 22.5 mL vs 177.0 ± 59.8 mL, p < .001), and shorter surgery duration (57.5 ± 9.9 min vs 84.4 ± 22.8 min, p < .001) compared to group LFA. The LFA group were divided into subgroups according to the ligation site. The amputation rate of superficial femoral artery ligation group (0 vs 27.3%, p = .014) was significantly lower than common femoral artery ligation. Conclusions Covered-stents grafting may be a preferable treatment to LFA for IFP due to intravenous drug abuse, particularly when the entry tear is located in the common femoral artery.
Understanding aggression displayed by patients and families towards intensive care staff: A systematic review
Authors: Sridharan Varadaraj , Leung Kelvin CY , Peisah Carmelle 
Published: March 2024

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review was to synthesise literature pertaining to patient and family violence (PFV) directed at Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff. Design: Study design was a systematic review. The data was not amenable to meta-analysis. Data Sources and Review Methods: Electronic searches of databases were conducted to identify studies between 1 January 2000 and 6 March 2023, limited to literature in English only. Published empirical peer-reviewed literature of any design (qualitative or quantitative) were included. Studies which only described workplace violence outside of ICU, systematic reviews, commentaries, editorials, letters, non-English literature and grey literature were excluded. All studies were appraised for quality and risk of bias using validated tools. Results: Eighteen studies were identified: 13 quantitative; 2 qualitative and 3 mixed methodology. Themes included: (i) what is abuse and what do I do about it? (ii) who is at risk? (iii) it is common, but how common? (iv) workplace factors; (v) impact on patient care; (vi) effect on staff; (vii)the importance of the institutional response; and (viii) current or suggested solutions. Conclusions: This systematic review demonstrated that PFV in the ICU is neither well-understood nor well-managed due to multiple factors including non-standardised definition of abuse, normalisation, inadequate organisational support and general lack of education of staff and public. This will guide in future research and policy decision making.
Combining an Electrochemical Continuous Glucose Sensor With an Insulin Delivery Cannula: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Yuan Cheng Yi , Halim Bella , Kong Yee W. , Lu Jean , Dutt-Ballerstadt Ralph , Eckenberg Peter , Hillen Ken , Koski Anh , Milenkowic Vlad , Netzer Emma , Obeyesekere Varuni , Reid Solomon , Sims Catriona , Vogrin Sara , Wu Huan-Ping , Seidl Thomas , O’Neal David N. 
Published: March 2024

Background: Combining a continuous glucose monitor with an insulin delivery cannula (CGM-IS) could benefit clinical outcomes. We evaluated the feasibility of a single-needle insertion electrochemical investigational CGM-IS (Pacific Diabetes Technologies, Portland, Oregon) in type 1 diabetes adults. Methods: Following 48 hours run-in using a Medtronic 780G in manual mode with a commercial insulin set, 12 participants commenced insulin delivery using the CGM-IS. A standardized test meal was eaten on the mornings of days 1 and 4. Venous samples were collected every 10 minutes one hour prior to and 15 minutes post-meal for four hours. CGM-IS glucose measurements were post-processed with a single capillary blood calibration during warm-up and benchmarked against YSI. A Dexcom G6 sensor was worn post-consent to study end. Results: Mean absolute relative difference (MARD) for the CGM-IS glucose measurements was 9.2% (484 paired data points). Consensus error grid revealed 88.6% within zone A and 100% in A + B. Mean (SD) % bias was −3.5 (11.7) %. There were 35 paired YSI readings <100 mg/dL cutoff and 449 ≥100 mg/dL with 81.4% within ±15 mg/dL or ±15%, and 89.9% within ±20 mg/dL or ±20%. Two cannula occlusions required discontinuation of insulin delivery: one at 70 hours post insertion and another during the day 4 meal test. Mean (SD) Dexcom glucose measurements during run-in and between meal tests was respectively 161.3 ± 27.3 mg/dL versus 158.0 ± 25.6 mg/dL; P = .39 and corresponding mean total daily insulin delivered by the pump was 58.0 ± 25.4 Units versus 57.1 ± 28.8 Units; P = .47. Conclusions: Insulin delivery and glucose sensing with the investigational CGM-IS was feasible. Longer duration studies are needed.
Imaging of hypodense gliotic lesions in photon counting computed tomography using virtual monoenergetic images
Authors: Schoenbeck Denise , Sacha Alexander , Niehoff Julius Henning , Moenninghoff Christoph , Borggrefe Jan , Kroeger Jan Robert , Michael Arwed Elias 
Published: March 2024

Objectives Glioses appear as hypodense lesions in non-contrast CT examinations of the head. Photon counting CT (PCCT) enables the calculation of virtual monoenergetic images (VMI). The aim of this study is to investigate in which VMI hypodense gliotic lesions can be delineated best. Materials and methods 35 patients with an MRI-confirmed gliotic lesion and a non-contrast PCCT of the head were retrospectively included. All available VMI from 40 keV to 190 keV were calculated. In a quantitative analysis, conventional image quality parameters were calculated, in particular the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the hypodense lesion compared to the white matter. In a qualitative analysis, selected VMI were rated by experienced radiologists. Results The absolute maximum of CNR was 8.12 ± 5.64 in the VMI 134 keV, in post hoc testing, there were significant differences in comparison to VMI with keV ≤110 and keV ≥180 (corrected p < .05). In the qualitative analysis, there were only very slight differences in the rating of the VMI with 66 keV, 80 keV, 100 keV, and 134 keV with overall low agreement between the readers. Conclusions The quantitative superiority of VMI 134 keV for the delineation of hypodense gliotic lesions did not translate into a superiority in the qualitative analysis. Therefore, it remains uncertain if the reconstruction of a high keV VMIs for the detection of hypodense gliotic lesions is useful in everyday clinical practice. However, more studies, are necessary to further assess this issue.
Trends in the place of death in Sweden from 2013 to 2019 – disclosing prerequisites for palliative care
Authors: Larsdotter Cecilia , Nyblom Stina , Gyllensten Hanna , Furst Carl-Johan , Ozanne Anneli , Hedman Ragnhild , Nilsson Stefan , Öhlén Joakim 
Published: March 2024

Background: The drive for home care has increasingly impacted the organization and allocation of resources within the Swedish healthcare system. Objectives: With an interest in uncovering prerequisites for palliative care, this study aimed to investigate longitudinal trends in place of death within the adult Swedish population from 2013 to 2019 and examine potential associations between place of death and individual, geographic, and socioeconomic factors; hospital capacity; and healthcare utilization. Methods: This population-level comprehensive register study included all deceased individuals ⩾18 years old with a registered place of death ( n = 599,137). Data were retrieved from public and patient data registers and the national register for palliative care. Trends and associations between place of death and co-variables were investigated by logistic regression- and interaction analyses. Results: From 2013 to 2019, the total number of home deaths increased by 1.9%, whereas the number of hospital deaths decreased by 2.6%. In the overall population of individuals living in their own homes, from 2013 to 2019, the likelihood of dying in hospital versus dying at home decreased (odds ratio: 0.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.97–0.99). Within the population with potential palliative needs living in their own home (78.4%), the likelihood of dying in hospitals equally decreased, except in Stockholm and the north region. For individuals residing in a nursing home, however, the likelihood of dying in hospital versus remaining in the nursing home until death only significantly decreased in the southern region. Conclusion: The results show a trend towards a decrease in hospital deaths but with cross-regional variations. Still, in 2019, only about one-fifth of all individuals died in their own homes. Public health-oriented interventions aimed at strengthening palliative care resources in nursing homes and home care are suggested.
Physiological responses to drought stress of three pine species and comparative transcriptome analysis of Pinus yunnanensis var. pygmaea
Authors: Xiao Feng , Zhao Yang , Wang Xiurong , Jian Xueyan , Yang Yao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDrought stress can significantly affect plant growth, development, and yield. Fewer comparative studies have been conducted between different species of pines, particularly involving Pinus yunnanensis var. pygmaea (P. pygmaea). In this study, the physiological indices, photosynthetic pigment and related antioxidant enzyme changes in needles from P. pygmaea, P. elliottii and P. massoniana under drought at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 d, as well as 7 days after rehydration, were measured. The PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) and Illumina RNA sequencing were used to uncover the gene expression differences in P. pygmaea under drought and rehydration conditions. The results showed that the total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of P. pygmaea was significantly higher than P. massoniana and P. elliottii. TAOC showed a continuous increase trend across all species. Soluble sugar (SS), starch content and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) of all three pines displayed a "W" pattern, declining initially, increasing, and then decreasing again. P. pygmaea exhibits stronger drought tolerance and greater recovery ability under prolonged drought conditions. Through the PacBio SMRT-seq, a total of 50,979 high-quality transcripts were generated, and 6,521 SSR and 5,561 long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) were identified. A total of 2310, 1849, 5271, 5947, 7710, and 6854 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified compared to the control (Pp0D) in six pair-wise comparisons of treatment versus control. bHLH, NAC, ERF, MYB_related, C3H transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in drought tolerance of P. pygmaea. KEGG enrichment analysis and Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis showed that P. pygmaea may respond to drought by enhancing metabolic processes such as ABA signaling pathway, alpha-linolenic acid. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed GST, CAT, LEC14B, SEC23 were associated with antioxidant enzyme activity and TAOC. This study provides a basis for further research on drought tolerance differences among coniferous species.
A single workflow for multi-species blood transcriptomics
Authors: Orcel Elody , Hage Hayat , Taha May , Boucher Noémie , Chautard Emilie , Courtois Virginie , Saliou Adrien 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Blood transcriptomic analysis is widely used to provide a detailed picture of a physiological state with potential outcomes for applications in diagnostics and monitoring of the immune response to vaccines. However, multi-species transcriptomic analysis is still a challenge from a technological point of view and a standardized workflow is urgently needed to allow interspecies comparisons.

Results
Here, we propose a single and complete total RNA-Seq workflow to generate reliable transcriptomic data from blood samples from humans and from animals typically used in preclinical models. Blood samples from a maximum of six individuals and four different species (rabbit, non-human primate, mouse and human) were extracted and sequenced in triplicates. The workflow was evaluated using different wet-lab and dry-lab criteria, including RNA quality and quantity, the library molarity, the number of raw sequencing reads, the Phred-score quality, the GC content, the performance of ribosomal-RNA and globin depletion, the presence of residual DNA, the strandness, the percentage of coding genes, the number of genes expressed, and the presence of saturation plateau in rarefaction curves. We identified key criteria and their associated thresholds to be achieved for validating the transcriptomic workflow. In this study, we also generated an automated analysis of the transcriptomic data that streamlines the validation of the dataset generated.

Conclusions
Our study has developed an end-to-end workflow that should improve the standardization and the inter-species comparison in blood transcriptomics studies. In the context of vaccines and drug development, RNA sequencing data from preclinical models can be directly compared with clinical data and used to identify potential biomarkers of value to monitor safety and efficacy.