bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of montmorillonite incorporated natural rubber/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber blends
Authors: Badr Magd M , Abdel-Raouf Manar E , Abdelaziz Alaa IE , Hasan Abdulrahiem MA , Abdeen Zizi I 
Published: March 2024

This article aims to evaluate and compare two types of organic surface-modified-nanoclay of octadecylamine-modified-bentonite-nanoclay (ODA-BNC) and aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-octadecylamine-modified-nanomontmorillonite (APS-ODA-MMT). Each type of nanoclay is combined with silica as a bi-filler for natural rubber (NR)/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) in a 50/50 blend ratio for possible vulcanized rubber nanocomposite application. The total filler content is 50 phr while nanoclay filler content ranges from 0 to 20 phr, keeping the other ingredients ratio fixed. The prepared composites are characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) and their mechanical and thermal properties are thoroughly investigated. The data reveal that the fillers added to the rubber can improve its surface properties according to their type and amount as confirmed by the Atomic force microscope (AFM), and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigation. The surface of rubber containing APS-ODA-MMT displayed higher height (251) and roughness surface (94.11), than those (69.8) and (45.62) respectively, containing ODA-BNC. Moreover, the acid resistance of the prepared composites is verified and indicated that increasing the nanoclay ratio (20%) enhances the acid resistance by reducing the surface distortion while keeping the surface morphology. The mechanical properties and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measurements showed that the rubber containing ODA-BNC has higher values of stress (2.2), elongation (975), and thermal stability (470, 505, 520°C) than those (1.75), (650), and (440, 460, 470°C) respectively, containing the APS-ODA-MMT. Moreover, the durability investigation of the vulcanized rubber via the AFM found the modified composites can be used in harsh environments as a covering layer in petrochemical networks or chemical factories.
Preventive health behaviour differences across racial groups during the early stages of COVID-19
Authors: Mitchell Jordan , Li Xiao , Decker Phillip , Park Jae Man 
Published: March 2024

Background Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice of preventative health behaviours had been used disparately across different racial groups. This study seeks to identify any differences in preventative health behaviours across racial groups, controlling for other socio-demographic factors. Methods A US national survey study was electronically conducted from July through November 2020, to measure racial/ethnic differences in health preventive behaviours about COVID-19. We performed 2-part regression models to assess whether preventive health behaviours differed by race and ethnicity. Specifically, we employed generalized logistic regressions for investigating the predictors of the use of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), or stay-at-home strategy, then performed ordinal logistic regression to examine the predictors of social distancing, face mask wearing, and hand hygiene strategy practice. Results The results show that non-White respondents were more likely to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and hand hygiene strategy to prevent COVID-19, compared to their White counterparts. Additionally, the findings indicate that individuals who experienced COVID-19-related racial abuse or depression had a higher likelihood of practicing preventive health behaviours. Discussion We found ethnicity can be a predictor of health preventive behaviours, in accordance with previous research. The causes of these disparities will require further investigation in order to be addressed.
Occupation-based practice in hand therapy – perspectives from a South African occupational therapy survey
Authors: Vorster Ilande , Buchanan Helen 
Published: March 2024

Introduction Hand injuries affect occupational engagement and participation, yet anecdotal evidence reports a focus on body structures and functions within hand therapy. Failing to address occupational challenges may result in sub-optimal patient outcomes. In line with the growing body of evidence of positive outcomes relating to occupation-based practice (OBP), this article aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards OBP of occupational therapists treating hand-related conditions in South Africa. Methods In this quantitative, cross-sectional study, South African occupational therapists treating hand conditions were recruited. Data were collected via an emailed survey developed for the study. Data were analysed descriptively. Results Sixty-seven responses met the inclusion criteria, a response rate of 62%. Most respondents worked in the private sector (73%) with many holding postgraduate qualifications (54%). Lack of access to evidence and a preference for biomedical literature impacted on acquiring knowledge on OBP. Attitudes towards OBP were mostly positive. Barriers were contextual, patient-related and therapist-related. Practice focussed predominantly on performance components and aimed to reduce impairment rather than promoting occupational engagement. Conclusion Current hand therapy services in South Africa reflect a biomechanically-focused practice that is mis-aligned with occupational therapy philosophy. In line with existing research, OBP should be adopted more routinely in hand therapy in South Africa.
Estimating Periodontitis Susceptibility Cases for Epidemiological Studies with Multiple Imputation
Authors: Zhang L. , Xiao M. , Chu H. , Kotsakis G.A. , Guan W. 
Published: March 2024

Approximately half of the US noninstitutionalized population ≥30 y old has periodontitis. An accurate measure for the assessment of periodontitis burden is crucial to assess population-level treatment needs. Nonetheless, because periodontitis ultimately leads to tooth loss, missing periodontal measurements due to tooth loss may pose a critical challenge to accurate periodontitis surveillance in public health. In this study, we aim to propose a novel estimate, the prevalence of periodontitis susceptibility cases, which incorporates both observed values and plausible values at missing teeth generated using multivariate imputation by chained equations (MICE). Using data from the 2009–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (n = 7,006), preimputation, 48.4% participants were defined as moderate or severe periodontitis cases, and the number increased to 55.1% after considering the periodontitis susceptibility cases via imputation. The imputed periodontitis susceptibility status was validated by linking it to 2 well-established risk factors: age and smoking. Before imputation, the prevalence of severe periodontitis first increased with age and then declined drastically in older age groups (60+ y), reflecting an underestimation due to tooth loss. Postimputation, the prevalence demonstrated a remarkable increase in these groups, who are most affected by tooth loss, and then stabilized, consistent with known trends. The relative risk of periodontitis in smokers to that in nonsmokers was 1.04 (0.82–1.32) among the subpopulation with 15 to 28 teeth lost prior to imputation, while after imputation, the association considerably strengthened (relative risk = 1.16 [1.04–1.30]). Our results elucidated that leveraging the missing data due to tooth loss via MICE is informative for improving the assessment of total periodontitis burden, including active periodontitis cases and periodontitis susceptibility cases, and may have favorable impact in enhancing the validity of periodontitis associations in epidemiological studies. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Our proposed estimate of periodontitis susceptibility cases addresses the issue of missing teeth, offering an innovative solution through a generative missing data imputation model. The implications of our findings extend to fostering more robust investigations into the relationships between periodontal health and systemic diseases, thereby offering valuable insights to clinicians for informed decision-making. Moreover, the study’s capacity to shape clinical practices and interventions in public health will further fortify health policy strategies.
Correlation Between Student Performances on Case-Based Constructed-Response Formative Assessment and Summative Assessment
Authors: Jones Deborah , Oh Se-Lim 
Published: March 2024

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the impact of formative assessment with case-based constructed-response question (CRQ) formats on student performance on the final summative assessment in the second-year periodontics course. METHODS Classroom quizzes with case-based CRQs were implemented as the formative assessment during the course. Each student received feedback on their responses from the course director. After all students (N = 128) took the second-year final examination, the Friedman test was conducted to compare student performances in each assessment over time. The multiple linear regression (MLR) model was used to evaluate the association between the second-year final examination score and plausible predictors—student gender, the second-year formative and midterm examination scores, and time spent on the final examination. RESULTS The mean % scores in the formative assessment (51) and midterm (84) examination were significantly lower than that of the final (87) examination ( P < .01). The number of students who failed the final (6) examination was significantly lower than the midterm (16) examination ( P = .03). The midterm ( P < .0001) and the formative assessment ( P = .0009) scores significantly affected the second-year final examination score while student gender ( P = .59) and time spending ( P = .83) showed no correlations. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of the study, student performance on case-based CRQs was correlated with student performance on the summative assessment.
Current evidence for lung ultrasound elastography in the field of pneumology: a systematic review
Authors: Vargas-Ursúa Fernando , Ramos-Hernández Cristina , Pazos-Area Luis Alberto , Fernández-Granda Ignacio , Rodríguez-Otero Iván , Gómez-Corredoira Eva , Pintos-Louro Manuel , Fernández-Villar Alberto 
Published: March 2024

Background and objectivesElastography is a technology that has strongly impacted several medical specialties; however, it is not yet applied as part of standard clinical practice in the field of pulmonology. The objective of this systematic review is to analyse the evidence available to date in relation to pleuropulmonary ultrasound elastography, focusing on the three pathologies with the most publications: subpleural consolidations, interstitial lung diseases and pleural effusion.MethodsOriginalin vivostudies published up until 12 August 2023 in the Embase, MEDLINE or Web of Science databases were included. The QUADAS-2 tool was applied to analyse bias.ResultsWe found 613 records in database search. After duplicates removal, we screened 246 records and finally included 18 papers. The average cohort sample size was 109 patients. The elastography modes most frequently used were strain (22.2%), transient elastography (22.2%), point shear-wave elastography (38.9%) and two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (22.2%). The possibility of a meta-analysis was ruled out because of the heterogeneity of the studies included.DiscussionThe currently available literature indicates that pleuropulmonary ultrasound elastography produces promising and consistent results, although the lack of standardisation in the use of the technique and in the elastography modes employed still impedes its use in daily clinical pneumology practice. The development of a clinical guideline establishing a common nomenclature and standardised techniques for pleuropulmonary elastography will be imperative to generate quality scientific evidence in this field.
Mechanical stretch leads to increased caveolin-1 content and mineralization potential in extracellular vesicles from vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Shaver Mohammad , Gomez Kassandra , Kaiser Katherine , Hutcheson Joshua D. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Hypertension-induced mechanical stress on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a known risk factor for vascular remodeling, including vascular calcification. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), an integral structural component of plasma membrane invaginations, is a mechanosensitive protein that is required for the formation of calcifying extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the role of mechanics in Cav-1-induced EV formation from VSMCs has not been reported.

Results
Exposure of VSMCs to 10% mechanical stretch (0.5 Hz) for 72 h resulted in Cav-1 translocation into non-caveolar regions of the plasma membrane and subsequent redistribution of Cav-1 from the VSMCs into EVs. Inhibition of Rho-A kinase (ROCK) in mechanically-stimulated VSMCs exacerbated the liberation of Cav-1 positive EVs from the cells, suggesting a potential involvement of actin stress fibers in this process. The mineralization potential of EVs was measured by incubating the EVs in a high phosphate solution and measuring light scattered by the minerals at 340 nm. EVs released from stretched VSMCs showed higher mineralization potential than the EVs released from non-stretched VSMCs. Culturing VSMCs in pro-calcific media and exposure to mechanical stretch increased tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an important enzyme in vascular calcification, activity in EVs released from the cells, with cyclic stretch further elevating EV ALP activity compared to non-stretched cells.

Conclusion
Our data demonstrate that mechanical stretch alters Cav-1 trafficking and EV release, and the released EVs have elevated mineralization potential.
Similarities and differences in the prevalence and risk factors of suicidal behavior between caregivers and people with dementia: a systematic review
Authors: Mohamad Mohd Afifuddin , Leong Bin Abdullah Mohammad Farris Iman , Shari Nurul Izzah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
People with dementia and their caregivers are prone to suicidal behaviors due to difficulty adjusting to their initial caregiving role and due to emotional disturbances resulting from deterioration of functioning. The present systematic review (1) explored the prevalence of and risk factors for suicidal behavior and (2) assessed the similarities and differences in the prevalence and risk factors for suicidal behavior between people with dementia and their caregivers.

Methods
A comprehensive literature search for research articles published between 1950 and 2023 was carried out using major databases, such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Medline.

Results
A total of 40 research articles were selected for review. A total of 12 research articles revealed that the prevalence of suicidal behavior among caregivers ranged from 4.7% to 26%. However, the risk of suicidal behavior among people with dementia was inconsistent, as only 17 out of 28 selected studies reported the risk of suicidal behavior among people with dementia. The risk factors associated with suicidal behavior among caregivers of people with dementia could be both self-related and care receiver-related factors, whereas risk factors in people with dementia were self-related factors. Notably, greater cognitive decline, which impairs individuals’ ability to carry out complex acts and planning, may lower their suicidal risk. Finally, assessment of the risk of bias indicated that 95% of the selected studies had unclear risk.

Conclusion
Self-related and care receiver-related factors should be assessed among caregivers of people with dementia to evaluate the risk of suicidal behavior. In addition, we recommend evaluating suicidal risk in people with dementia in the early phase of dementia when cognitive decline is less severe. However, as the majority of the selected studies had unclear risk of bias, future studies with improved methodologies are warranted to confirm our study findings.
Characteristics of reproductive tract infections caused by common pathogens among the outpatients of reproductive medicine center in Putian: retrospective study
Authors: Zeng Jiancheng , Wu Tingli , Wang Laiping , Yu Liumin , Lin Hua , Chen Zhanfei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to explore the infection and age distribution of Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Herpes simplex virus type II (HSV II) among the outpatients of Reproductive Medicine Center in Putian, Fujian Province to provide a clinical basis for the early diagnosis and treatment of various reproductive tract diseases and infertility in this region.

Methods
A total of 1736 samples of secretions and exfoliated cervical cells were collected from the outpatients of the Reproductive Medicine Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University from December 2021 to April 2023. The infections of UU, CT, NG and HSVII were detected by real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the infection statuses of the patients with different genders, ages and diagnoses were analysed.

Results
Among the 1736 patients, 611 were male and 1125 were female. The male patients had higher UU infection rate but lower HSV II infection rate than the female patients. No significant difference in CT and NG infection rates was observed between the genders. The CT infection rate gradually decreased with the increase in the age. The difference in UU, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different age groups was not statistically significant. For UU infection, the male infertile patients had the highest rate of 37.72% (172/456). Meanwhile, the differences in CT, NG and HSV II infection rates among the different diagnosis groups were not statistically significant. Among the male and female infertile patients, the CT infection rate was the highest in the 21–25 years of age group at 11.11% (2/18) and 9.47% (9/95), respectively. No statistically significant difference in UU, CT, NG and HSV II infection rates was observed among the different age groups of patients diagnosed in relation to the family planning guidance and between the male and female patients with other diagnoses results.

Conclusions
This study showed that UU was the most frequently identified pathogen in infertile men in Putian, Fujian Province. The CT infection rate was the highest in people under 20 years old, and the infection showed a tendency toward young individuals. Therefore, the publicity of sexual health knowledge must be strengthened, and the prevention and treatment of venereal diseases among young and middle-aged people must be improved. Moreover, the pathogen infection is related to infertility to a certain extent, which is conducive to clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Spatio-temporal spread and evolution of Lassa virus in West Africa
Authors: Wang Xia , Ye Xianwei , Li Ruihua , Zai Xiaodong , Hu Mingda , Wang Shaoyan , Ren Hongguang , Jin Yuan , Xu Junjie , Yue Junjie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic disease caused by Lassa virus (LASV), which has been classified by the World Health Organization as one of the top infectious diseases requiring prioritized research. Previous studies have provided insights into the classification and geographic characteristics of LASV lineages. However, the factor of the distribution and evolution characteristics and phylodynamics of the virus was still limited.

Methods
To enhance comprehensive understanding of LASV, we employed phylogenetic analysis, reassortment and recombination detection, and variation evaluation utilizing publicly available viral genome sequences.

Results
The results showed the estimated the root of time of the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for large (L) segment was approximately 634 (95% HPD: [385879]), whereas the TMRCA for small (S) segment was around 1224 (95% HPD: [10301401]). LASV primarily spread from east to west in West Africa through two routes, and in route 2, the virus independently spread to surrounding countries through Liberia, resulting in a wider spread of LASV. From 1969 to 2018, the effective population size experienced two significant increased, indicating the enhanced genetic diversity of LASV. We also found the evolution rate of L segment was faster than S segment, further results showed zinc-binding protein had the fastest evolution rate. Reassortment events were detected in multiple lineages including sub-lineage IIg, while recombination events were observed within lineage V. Significant amino acid changes in the glycoprotein precursor of LASV were identified, demonstrating sequence diversity among lineages in LASV.

Conclusion
This study comprehensively elucidated the transmission and evolution of LASV in West Africa, providing detailed insights into reassortment events, recombination events, and amino acid variations.
Kidney replacement and conservative therapies in rhabdomyolysis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: de Fallois Jonathan , Scharm Robert , Lindner Tom H. , Scharf Christina , Petros Sirak , Weidhase Lorenz 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Toxic renal effects of myoglobin following rhabdomyolysis can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) with the necessity of kidney replacement therapy (KRT). Fast elimination of myoglobin seems notable to save kidney function and intensify kidney repair. Clinical data regarding efficacy of KRT in critical care patients with rhabdomyolysis and AKI are limited. This retrospective analysis aimed to identify differences between conservative therapy and different modalities of KRT regarding myoglobin elimination and clinical outcome.

Methods
This systematic, retrospective, single-center study analyzed 328 critical care patients with rhabdomyolysis (myoglobin > 1000 µg/l). Median reduction rate of myoglobin after starting KRT was calculated and compared for different modalities. Multivariate logistic regression models were established to identify potential confounder on hospital mortality. Filter lifetime of the various extracorporeal circuits was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results
From 328 included patients 171 required KRT. Health condition at admission of this group was more critical compared to patient with conservative therapy. Myoglobin reduction rate did not differ between the groups (KRT 49% [30.8%; 72.2%] vs. conservative treatment (CT) 61% [38.5%; 73.5%]; p = 0.082). Comparison between various extracorporeal procedures concerning mortality showed no significant differences. Hospital mortality was 55.6% among patients with KRT and 18.5% with CT (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression model identified requirement for KRT (OR: 2.163; CI: 1.061–4.407); p = 0.034) and the SOFA Score (OR: 1.111; CI: 1.004–1.228; p = 0.041) as independent predictive factors for hospital mortality. When comparing specific KRT using multivariate regression, no benefit was demonstrated for any treatment modality. Life span of the extracorporeal circuit was shorter with CVVH compared to that of others (log-Rank p = 0.017).

Conclusions
This study emphasizes that AKI requiring KRT following rhabdomyolysis is accompanied by high mortality rate. Differences in myoglobin reduction rate between various KRTs could not be confirmed, but CVVH was associated with reduced filter lifetime compared to other KRTs, which enable myoglobin elimination, too.

Graphical Abstract