bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical evaluation of a new intramedullary nail compared with proximal femoral nail antirotation and InterTAN for the management of femoral intertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Wang ChaoFeng , Duan Ning , Li Zhong , Ma Teng , Zhang Kun , Wang Qian , Huang Qiang 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Surgical treatment is the main treatment method for femoral intertrochanteric fractures (FIFs), however, there are lots of implant-related complications after surgery. Our team designed a new intramedullary nail (NIN) to manage such fractures. The purpose of this study was to introduce this new implant and compare it with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and InterTAN for treating FIFs.Methods: An AO/OTA 31-A1.3 FIF model was built and three fixation models were created via finite element method, comprising PFNA, InterTAN, and the NIN. Vertical, anteroposterior (A-P) bending, and torsional loads were simulated and applied to the three fixation models. Displacement and stress distribution were monitored. In order to compare PFNA and the NIN deeply, finite element testing was repeated for five times in vertical load case.Results: The finite element analysis (FEA) data indicated that the NIN possessed the most outstanding mechanical properties among the three fixation models. The NIN model had lower maximal stress at implants compared to PFNA and InterTAN models under three load conditions. The trend of maximal stress at bones was similar to that of maximal stress at implants. Besides, the NIN model showed smaller maximal displacement compared with PFNA and InterTAN models under vertical, A-P bending, and torsional load cases. The trend for maximal displacement of fracture surface (MDFS) was almost identical with that of maximal displacement. In addition, there was significant difference between the PFNA and NIN groups in vertical load case (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Compared with PFNA and InterTAN, the NIN displayed the best mechanical properties for managing FIFs, including the lowest von Mises stress at implants and bones, and the smallest maximal displacement and MDFS under vertical, A-P bending, and torsional load cases. Therefore, this study might provide a new choice for patients with FIFs.
The genetic landscape of mitochondrial diseases in the next-generation sequencing era: a Portuguese cohort study
Authors: Nogueira C. , Pereira C. , Silva L. , Laranjeira Mateus , Lopes A. , Neiva R. , Rodrigues E. , Campos T. , Martins E. , Bandeira A. , Coelho M. , Magalhães M. , Damásio J. , Gaspar A. , Janeiro P , Gomes A. Levy , Ferreira A. C. , Jacinto S. , Vieira J. P. , Diogo L. , Santos H. , Mendonça C. , Vilarinho L. 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Rare disorders that are genetically and clinically heterogeneous, such as mitochondrial diseases (MDs), have a challenging diagnosis. Nuclear genes codify most proteins involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, despite all mitochondria having their own DNA. The development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized the understanding of many genes involved in the pathogenesis of MDs. In this new genetic era, using the NGS approach, we aimed to identify the genetic etiology for a suspected MD in a cohort of 450 Portuguese patients.Methods: We examined 450 patients using a combined NGS strategy, starting with the analysis of a targeted mitochondrial panel of 213 nuclear genes, and then proceeding to analyze the whole mitochondrial DNA.Results and Discussion: In this study, we identified disease-related variants in 134 (30%) analyzed patients, 88 with nuclear DNA (nDNA) and 46 with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, most of them being pediatric patients (66%), of which 77% were identified in nDNA and 23% in mtDNA. The molecular analysis of this cohort revealed 72 already described pathogenic and 20 novel, probably pathogenic, variants, as well as 62 variants of unknown significance. For this cohort of patients with suspected MDs, the use of a customized gene panel provided a molecular diagnosis in a timely and cost-effective manner. Patients who cannot be diagnosed after this initial approach will be further selected for whole-exome sequencing.Conclusion: As a national laboratory for the study and research of MDs, we demonstrated the power of NGS to achieve a molecular etiology, expanding the mutational spectrum and proposing accurate genetic counseling in this group of heterogeneous diseases without therapeutic options.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue using a novel counter-rotating disc reactor
Authors: Ghasemi Amir Hossein , Zoqi Mohamad Javad , Zanganeh Ranjbar Payam 
Published: February 2024

Introduction: This research introduces an innovative photocatalytic reactor designed to address challenges in wastewater treatment, with a focus on enhancing dye degradation and reducing Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).Methods: The reactor is designed with counter-rotational movements of discs to enhance hydrodynamics and mass transfer, along with a 3D-printed, interchangeable component system to boost efficacy. TiO2 nanoparticles, composed of 80% anatase and 20% rutile, are thermally immobilized on glass discs. The effectiveness of various treatment variables was assessed through a Central Composite Design (CCD), guided by a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model.Results: The RSM analysis reveals that the linear, quadratic, and interactive effects of the counter-rotational movements significantly influence the efficiency of dye and COD removal. The RSM model yields coefficients of determination (R2) values of 0.9758 and 0.9765 for the predictive models of dye and COD removal, respectively. Optimized parameters for dye removal include a pH of 6.05, disc rotation speed of 22.35 rpm, initial dye concentration of 3.15 × 10−5 M, residence time of 7.98 h, and the number of nanoparticle layers set at 3.99, resulting in 96.63% dye removal and 65.81% COD removal under optimal conditions.Discussion: Notably, the reactor demonstrates potential for efficient treatment within a near-neutral pH range, which could reduce costs and resource use by eliminating the need for pH adjustments. The implementation of discs rotating in opposite directions marks a significant advancement in the process of dye removal.
Educating on spatial skills using a paper-folding-and-punched-hole videogame: gameplay data analysis
Authors: Garcia-Segarra Pablo , Santamarta Vicent , Falomir Zoe 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionPaper folding and punched hole tests are used to measure spatial abilities in humans. These abilities are relevant since they are associated with success in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This study addresses the challenge of teaching spatial reasoning skills using an educational videogame, the Paper Folding Reasoning Game.MethodsThe Paper Folding Reasoning Game is an interactive game which presents activities intended to help users train and understand how to fold a paper to get a specific shape (Part I) and the consequence of punching a hole on a folded paper (Part II). This educational videogame can automatically generate paper-folding-and-punched-hole questions with varying degrees of difficulty depending on the number of folds and holes made, thus producing additional levels for training due to its embedded reasoning mechanisms (Part III).ResultsThis manuscript presents the results of analyzing the gameplay data gathered by the Paper Folding Reasoning Game in its three parts. For Parts I and II, the data provided by 225 anonymous unique players are analyzed. For Part III (Mastermode), the data obtained from 894 gameplays by 311 anonymous unique players are analyzed. In our analysis, we found out a significant difference in performance regarding the players who trained (i.e., played Parts I and II) before playing the Mastermode (Part III) vs. the group of players who did not train. We also found a significant difference in players' performance who used the visual help (i.e., re-watch the animated sequence of paper folds) vs. the group of players who did not use it, confirming the effectiveness of the Paper Folding Reasoning Game to train paper-folding-and-punched-hole reasoning skills. Statistically significant gender differences in performance were also found.
Stress hyperglycemia is associated with poor outcome in critically ill patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Long Chuyan , Fan Weiguo , Liu Yang , Hong Kui 
Published: February 2024

Background and objectiveStress hyperglycemia is common in critically ill patients and is associated with poor prognosis. Whether this association exists in pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients is unknown. The present cohort study investigated the association of stress hyperglycemia with 90-day all-cause mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with PH.MethodsData of the study population were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. A new index, the ratio of admission glucose to HbA1c (GAR), was used to evaluate stress hyperglycemia. The study population was divided into groups according to GAR quartiles (Q1-Q4). The outcome of interest was all-cause mortality within 90 days, which was considered a short-term prognosis.ResultA total of 53,569 patients were screened. Ultimately, 414 PH patients were enrolled; 44.2% were male, and 23.2% were admitted to the cardiac ICU. As the GAR increased from Q2 to Q4, the groups had lower creatinine levels, longer ICU stays, and a higher proportion of renal disease. After adjusting for confounding factors such as demographics, vital signs, and comorbidities, an elevated GAR was associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality.ConclusionStress hyperglycemia assessed by the GAR was associated with increased 90-day mortality in ICU patients with PH.
Diosgenin alleviates D-galactose-induced oxidative stress in rats’ brain and liver targeting aging and apoptotic marker genes
Authors: El-Far Ali H. , Elghaity Mona M. , Mohamed Shymaa A. , Noreldin Ahmed E. , Elewa Yaser H. A. , Al Jaouni Soad Khalil , Alsenosy Abdelwahab A. 
Published: February 2024

The theory of aging is primarily concerned with oxidative stress caused by an imbalance in reactive oxygen species generation and cellular antioxidants. To alleviate the oxidative stress, we investigated the protective effect of diosgenin (DSG) for D-galactose (D-gal) using 20 and 40 mg of DSG/kg/day/orally for 42 days. The findings showed that D-gal caused brain and liver oxidative injuries by upregulating aging and oxidative markers. To counteract the oxidative stress caused by D-gal, DSG upregulated glutathione peroxidase-1, superoxide dismutase-1, and glutathione S-transferase-α. DSG also diminished the expression of p53, p21, Bcl-2-associated X protein, caspase-3, and mammalian target of rapamycin in brain and liver, as well as the build-up of β-galactosidase. DSG, in a dose-dependent manner, decreased the oxidative aging effects of D-gal in brain and liver tissues through targeting of aging and apoptotic marker genes. Finally, it should be noted that consuming DSG supplements is a suggesting natural preventative agent that may counteract aging and preserve health through improvement of body antioxidant status and control aging associated inflammation and cellular apoptosis.
Machine learning-based identification of colorectal advanced adenoma using clinical and laboratory data: a phase I exploratory study in accordance with updated World Endoscopy Organization guidelines for noninvasive colorectal cancer screening tests
Authors: Wang Huijie , Cao Xu , Meng Ping , Zheng Caihua , Liu Jinli , Liu Yong , Zhang Tianpeng , Li Xiaofang , Shi Xiaoyang , Sun Xiaoxing , Zhang Teng , Zuo Haiying , Wang Zhichao , Fu Xin , Li Huan , Zheng Huanwei 
Published: February 2024

ObjectiveThe recent World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) guidelines now recognize precursor lesions of colorectal cancer (CRC) as legitimate screening targets. However, an optimal screening method for detecting advanced adenoma (AA), a significant precursor lesion, remains elusive.MethodsWe employed five machine learning methods, using clinical and laboratory data, to develop and validate a diagnostic model for identifying patients with AA (569 AAs vs. 3228 controls with normal colonoscopy). The best-performing model was selected based on sensitivity and specificity assessments. Its performance in recognizing adenoma-carcinoma sequence was evaluated in line with guidelines, and adjustable thresholds were established. For comparison, the Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) was also selected.ResultsThe XGBoost model demonstrated superior performance in identifying AA, with a sensitivity of 70.8% and a specificity of 83.4%. It successfully detected 42.7% of non-advanced adenoma (NAA) and 80.1% of CRC. The model-transformed risk assessment scale provided diagnostic performance at different positivity thresholds. Compared to FOBT, the XGBoost model better identified AA and NAA, however, was less effective in CRC.ConclusionThe XGBoost model, compared to FOBT, offers improved accuracy in identifying AA patients. While it may not meet the recommendations of some organizations, it provides value for individuals who are unable to use FOBT for various reasons.
Preliminary study on the correlation between accelerated current and dose in water for an electron-based LINAC
Authors: Franciosini G. , Muraro S. , De Gregorio A. , De Simoni M. , Di Francesco M. , Di Martino F. , Dong Y. , Felici G. , Galante F. , Harold Pensavalle J. , Marafini M. , Mattei I. , Muscato A. , Pacitti M. , Patera V. , Sarti A. , Schiavi A. , Toppi M. , Traini G. , Trigilio A. , Battistoni G. 
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOeRT) is considered the first clinical translation of FLASH with electrons. A crucial aspect is represented by the precise dose monitoring and measurement; to this aim, we propose a method fully based on Monte Carlo (MC) simulation that uses as input the beam current measurement and the beam optics simulation. To validate this approach, we chose the NOVAC11 (produced by Sordina IORT Technologies SpA) accelerator, which provides a well-studied model.Methods: We used FLUKA and FRED MC software to simulate in detail the geometry of the NOVAC11 and the coupled applicator usually adopted in clinical practice to deliver the dose in the surgical bed. The simulation results of the longitudinal and off-axis profiles and dose per pulse obtained in a water phantom with different applicators are compared to the experimental data.Results: A very good agreement not only for the relative dosimetry in both the longitudinal and off-axis profiles, with a gamma index pass rate of 100% with 3%/3 mm acceptance criteria, but also for the absolute dosimetry was obtained.Conclusion: The results completely validate the MC description of the system and provide a reliable evaluation of the dose per pulse and output factor with an accuracy of the order of few % for different sets of applicator diameters and lengths.
Identification and characterization of the Remorin gene family in Saccharum and the involvement of ScREM1.5e-1/-2 in SCMV infection on sugarcane
Authors: Yang Zongtao , Cheng Guangyuan , Yu Quanxin , Jiao Wendi , Zeng Kang , Luo Tingxu , Zhang Hai , Shang Heyang , Huang Guoqiang , Wang Fengji , Guo Ying , Xu Jingsheng 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionRemorins (REMs) are plant-specific membrane-associated proteins that play important roles in plant–pathogen interactions and environmental adaptations. Group I REMs are extensively involved in virus infection. However, little is known about the REM gene family in sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hyrid), the most important sugar and energy crop around world.MethodsComparative genomics were employed to analyze the REM gene family in Saccharum spontaneum. Transcriptomics or RT-qPCR were used to analyze their expression files in different development stages or tissues under different treatments. Yeast two hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and co-immunoprecipitation assays were applied to investigate the protein interaction.ResultsIn this study, 65 REMs were identified from Saccharum spontaneum genome and classified into six groups based on phylogenetic tree analysis. These REMs contain multiple cis-elements associated with growth, development, hormone and stress response. Expression profiling revealed that among different SsREMs with variable expression levels in different developmental stages or different tissues. A pair of alleles, ScREM1.5e-1/-2, were isolated from the sugarcane cultivar ROC22. ScREM1.5e-1/-2 were highly expressed in leaves, with the former expressed at significantly higher levels than the latter. Their expression was induced by treatment with H2O2, ABA, ethylene, brassinosteroid, SA or MeJA, and varied upon Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infection. ScREM1.5e-1 was localized to the plasma membrane (PM), while ScREM1.5e-2 was localized to the cytoplasm or nucleus. ScREM1.5e-1/-2 can self-interact and interact with each other, and interact with VPgs from SCMV, Sorghum mosaic virus, or Sugarcane streak mosaic virus. The interactions with VPgs relocated ScREM1.5e-1 from the PM to the cytoplasm.DiscussionThese results reveal the origin, distribution and evolution of the REM gene family in sugarcane and may shed light on engineering sugarcane resistance against sugarcane mosaic pathogens.
Sleep quality, quality of life, fatigue, and mental health in COVID-19 post-pandemic Türkiye: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Morgul Ebru , Tokaç Mahmut , Ventriglio Antonio , Jordan Timothy R. 
Published: February 2024

AimThis study explores the predictors and associated risk factors of sleep quality, quality of life, fatigue, and mental health among the Turkish population during the COVID-19 post-pandemic period.Materials and methodsA cross-sectional survey using multi-stage, stratified random sampling was employed. In total, 3,200 persons were approached. Of these, 2,624 (82%) completed the questionnaire package consisting of socio-demographic information, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the WHO Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Patients Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), GAD-7 anxiety scale, and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21).ResultsSignificant differences between genders were found regarding socio-demographic characteristics (p &lt; 0.01). Using PHQ-15 for depressive disorders, significant differences were found between normal and high severity scores (≥ 10), regarding age group (p &lt; 0.001), gender (p = 0.049), educational level (p &lt; 0.001), occupational status (p = 0.019), cigarette smoking (p = 0.002), waterpipe-narghile smoking (p = 0.039), and co-morbidity (p = 0.003). The WHOQOL-BREF indicated strong correlations between public health, physical health, psychological status, social relationships, environmental conditions, and sleep disorders (p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, comparisons of the prevalence of mental health symptoms and sleeping with PHQ-15 scores ≥ 10 (p = 0.039), fatigue (p = 0.012), depression (p = 0.009), anxiety (p = 0.032), stress (p = 0.045), and GAD-7 (p &lt; 0.001), were significantly higher among the mental health condition according to sleeping disorder status. Multiple regression analysis revealed that DASS21 stress (p &lt; 0.001), DASS21 depression (p &lt; 0.001), DASS21 anxiety (p = 0.002), physical health (WHOQOL-BREF) (p = 0.007), patient health depression-PHQ-15 (p = 0.011), psychological health (WHOQOL-BREF) (p = 0.012), fatigue (p = 0.017), and environmental factors (WHOQOL-BREF) (p = 0.041) were the main predictor risk factors associated with sleep when adjusted for gender and age.ConclusionThe current study has shown that sleep quality was associated with the mental health symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. In addition, insufficient sleep duration and unsatisfactory sleep quality seemed to affect physical and mental health functioning.
Including personal boundaries scale: development and psychometric properties of a measurement for nurses' self-efficacy toward intimate and sexual behavior in dementia care
Authors: Waterschoot Karien , Roelofs Tineke S. M. , van Dam Arno , Luijkx Katrien G. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPerson-centered nursing home care recognizes the intimate and sexual needs of residents with dementia but lacks guidance for nurses to address them while effectively respecting their personal boundaries. The Including Personal Boundaries (IPB) scale was developed to complement clinical and scientific efforts to support both nurse and resident wellbeing.MethodsThrough a co-creative process, theoretical principles, day-to-day experiences, and expert knowledge were integrated into an initial nineteen-item version of the IPB scale. The pilot sample comprised 297 Dutch (vocational) nurses in dementia nursing care.ResultsAfter Principal Component Analysis, nine items with strong factor loadings (&gt;0.6) were retained. Internal reliability measures supported the item selection, such as high internal consistency (α = 0.866) and adequate corrected item-total correlations (0.532–0.781).ConclusionThe presented IPB scale, a nine-item scale, is a short, robust measure to assess nurses' self-efficacy in their capabilities to include personal boundaries (physical and emotional) when confronted with the intimate and sexual behaviors of residents with dementia. Further validation is recommended. The IPB scale could provide valuable insights for research, clinical practice, and education.
Real-world effectiveness and safety of baricitinib including its effect on biomarkers and laboratory data in Japanese adult patients with atopic dermatitis: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Watanabe Ayu , Kamata Masahiro , Okada Yoshiki , Suzuki Shoya , Ito Makoto , Mizukawa Itsumi , Uchida Hideaki , Egawa Shota , Chijiwa Chika , Hiura Azusa , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Ishikawa Takeko , Tada Yayoi 
Published: February 2024

Baricitinib demonstrated efficacy and tolerable safety in clinical trials for atopic dermatitis (AD); however, real-world data are limited. We examined effectiveness and safety of baricitinib, and laboratory data in AD patients treated with baricitinib in our department. We also evaluated baseline clinical severity in responders and non-responders. All adult AD patients treated with baricitinib in our department between January 2021 and February 2023 were included. Data on 30 Japanese AD patients were analyzed. Objective severity scores and patient-reported outcomes improved at one and 3 months, except for the affected body surface area at 1 month. The proportions of patients who achieved eczema area and severity index-50% improvement were 30.0% (9/30) at 1 month and 53.3% (16/30) at 3 months. There were no significant changes in AD biomarkers. No significant difference was observed in baseline clinical severity between responders and non-responders. No significant changes were observed in laboratory results except for increased serum creatine phosphokinase levels at 3 months. One case of herpes zoster and one case of ocular herpes were observed. Baricitinib showed mild effectiveness and favorable safety including laboratory findings. Biomarkers did not reflect clinical improvement. Further study is needed to identify characteristics of responders.