bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Change in the order of activation of lower limb muscles relative to spinal extensors during the Janda test and change in postural balance in patients with LBP after muscle energy techniques
Authors: Wegner-Czerniak Katarzyna , Mączyński Jacek , Błaszczyk Anna , Ogurkowska Małgorzata Barbara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate change in the order activation of legs muscles in relation to the spinal extensors during the Janda test and change postural balance in patients with LBP (low back pain) after FRS and ERS muscle energy techniques (MET).
Methods
The study included fifteen men (mean age 41.9 years) with chronic non-specific low back pain syndrome, working on an assembly line in the automotive industry. Activity and recruitment of the following muscles: biceps femoris (BF), gluteus maximus (GM) and erector spinae (ES) were measured with the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) during the hip extension (PHE) test. Pain levels and postural balance were analysed.
Results
MET translated into a reduction of muscle activation time in both the left and right side of the body (p&lt;0.001). The change was observed in the following muscles: BF (p = 0.003) and GM (p = 0.004). A reduction in pain was obtained thanks to the MET therapy (p&lt;0.001). It was observed that after the therapy, along with the later activation time of the GM muscle, the range of motion of the COP along the x-axis increased (p = 0.0368). Increased activation time of the RES (p = 0.0411) and the LES (p = 0.0350) muscles influenced a decrease in the COP range of motion along the x-axis.
Conclusion
The use of segmental muscle energy techniques in individuals with LBP improves the activation sequence of the ES, GM and BF muscles, which has an impact on postural balance. Diagnosis of the level and type of dysfunction used in MET enables restoration of muscle balance in the lumbar spine and lower limbs and reduction of pain.
Weak form quadrature shell elements based on absolute nodal coordinate formulation
Authors: He Zixuan , Li Huayi , Zhong Hongzhi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Weak form quadrature elements for moderately thick shells with arbitrary initial configurations are developed under the framework of continuum mechanics and the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). Nodal variables of the element consist of the position vector, the transverse gradient vector and the transverse derivatives thereof at the shell mid-surface. In-plane gradient vectors which are not taken as nodal variables are obtained with the aid of the differential quadrature analog. Using the transverse gradient vector and one in-plane gradient vector, joint constraint equations for shells with discontinuous slopes are established. Simplified equations of motion with constant mass matrix result. The elements are applicable to analysis of shell structures undergoing large displacements and rotations. Five examples encompassing static and dynamic shell analysis, post-buckling analysis of shells, as well as analysis of shells with discontinuous mid-surface slopes are examined to assess the performance of the proposed elements. Satisfactory results are obtained, validating the efficacy of the proposed elements.
Individual performance niches may buffer population responses to climate change in estuarine fishes
Authors: Bellotto Clara , Fowler Ashley M. , Booth David 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Climate change may impact individual organisms in different ways, a consideration often overshadowed by predominant focus on population effects in studies. We examined three estuarine fish species to determine if individual fish performance, persisted across winter water temperatures. Fish performance at 16°C (current Sydney winter estuarine water temperature) and 20°C (predicted under climate change) with low and high food regimes was compared using key physiological (growth, aerobic scope, burst speed) and behavioural parameters (foraging activity, boldness, shelter usage, predator escape response). We expected a strong positive relationship between performance at 16°C and 20°C for each parameter, and interactions with food level, however in general this was not found for any species. Relative performance was only maintained across temperatures for a few parameters, such as bite rate, boldness, and shelter response in one species (trumpeter Pelates sexlineatus), with aerobic scope in silver biddy Gerres subfasciatus, and boldness in fortescue Centropogon australis. Our results suggest that individuals’ fitness (directly via changes in growth, indirectly via behaviours) will be impacted by climate warming due to differences in relative performance among individuals across water temperatures. Changes in relative performance among individuals may initially compensate for a population-level response, thereby buffering the effects of climate change.
Enhancing oxidative phosphorylation through pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 2 deficiency ameliorates cartilage degradation in surgically induced osteoarthritis
Authors: HAN Seungwoo , Han Jin , Kim Yoon Hee 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Chondrocytes can shift their metabolism to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in early stages of osteoarthritis (OA), but as the disease progresses, this metabolic adaptation becomes limited and eventually fails, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This study investigated whether enhancing OxPhos through pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) 2 affects the metabolic flexibility of chondrocytes and cartilage degeneration in surgical model of OA. Among the PDK isoforms, PDK2 expression was increased by IL-1β in vitro, and in articular cartilage of the DMM model in vivo, accompanied by an increase in phosphorylated PDH. Mice lacking PDK2 showed significant resistance to cartilage damage and reduced pain behaviors in DMM model. PDK2 deficiency partially restored OxPhos in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes, leading to an increased APT and NAD+/NADH ratio. These metabolic changes were accompanied by a decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and senescence of chondrocytes, as well as the expression of MMP-13 and IL-6 following IL-1β-treatment. At the signaling level, PDK2 deficiency reduced p38 signaling and maintained AMPK activation, without affecting JNK, mTOR, AKT and NF-kB pathways. Among them, p38 MAPK signaling was critically involved in ROS production under glycolysis-dominant condition in chondrocytes. Our study provides the proof-of-concept for PDK2-mediated metabolic reprogramming towards OxPhos as a new therapeutic strategy for OA.
Development of a Novel Bivalent Vaccine Candidate against Hepatitis A Virus and Rotavirus Using Reverse Vaccinology and Immunoinformatics
Authors: Yarmohammadi Hassan , Sepahi Abbas Akhavan , Hamidi-fard Mojtaba , Aghasadeghi Mohammadreza , Bahramali Golnaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hepatitis A virus (HAV) and rotavirus are mainly transmitted through fecal-oral and person-to-person contact, which cause severe gastrointestinal complications and liver diseases. This work used reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatic methods to create a novel bivalent vaccination against the rotavirus and HAV. The amino acid sequences of HAV-rotavirus proteins (VP1 and VP8*) were retrieved from GenBank. Multi-epitope DNA structures. Various computational approaches were employed to predict highly conserved regions and the most immunogenic B-cell and T-cell epitopes of VP8 and VP1 of rotavirus and HAV proteins in both humans and BALB/c. Moreover, the predicted fusion protein was analyzed regarding primary and secondary structures and homology validation. In this study, we used two highly conserved peptide sequences of VP8 and VP1 of rotavirus and HAV that induce T and B cell immunogenicity. According to T-cell epitope prediction, this area comprises 2713 antigenic peptides for HLA class II and 30 HLA class I antigenic peptides, both of which are virtually entirely conserved in the Iranian population. In this study, validation as well as analysis of the secondary and three-dimensional structure of the VP8*-rotavirus + AAY + HAV-VP1 fusion protein, with the aim of designing a multi-epitope vaccine with different receptors such as complications. TLR), 3,4 high immunogenic binding ability with immunological properties and interaction between multi-epitope target and TLR receptors were predicted, and it is expected that the target protein fusion has stable antigenic potency and compatible half-life. The above is suggested as universal vaccination programs.
The practice of drug emergency supply in China from a policy mix perspective
Authors: Jie-ying Zhang , Jun Li , Xue-ya Wang , Rui-xue Fan , Feng Zhao , Yi Tang , Jun-lin Zhang , Ning-ying Mao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to analyze relevant policy texts, explore and determine the focal points and inadequacies of the Chinese government in guaranteeing supplies of medicines, and provide advice on how to make better policies about drug supply when public health emergencies occur.
Methods
We selected 559 documents that guided the support of drug supply during emergencies issued by governments at both the national and provincial levels from December 1, 2019, to February 28, 2023. In addition, we developed a four-dimensional analysis framework of the issuing agency, issuing period, policy tools, and drug supply chain to analyze specific policy items, determine their basic characteristics, and quantitatively analyze them from a policy mix perspective.
Results
The analysis using policy tools showed that the national government tended to call on stakeholders in all aspects of drug supply to fulfil their responsibilities, and both national and provincial governments tended to use incentive tools, such as opening up urgent drug supply tracks and applying financial incentives to promote drug supply. However, managing stakeholders’ behaviors in drug supply and the capacity building to guarantee drug supply are still lacking and require improvement. From the perspective of the drug supply chain, the national government has paid much attention to the distribution of drugs, whereas attention to the supply of drug substances has been lacking. As various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of policies related to drug supply increased slowly after a surge at the beginning of the pandemic and then rapidly decreased. From the policy mix perspective, the analysis showed that incentives were lacking in drug research and development, and capacity building was not discussed much in the drug manufacturing process.
Conclusions
We suggest enhancing the complementarity and cohesion of the policy content issued by national and provincial governments, strengthening the coordination and connection between policymaking bodies, optimizing the internal structure of policy tools, improving the performance of various policy strategies, and using appropriate policy tools to create policies suited to various stages of emergencies and drug supply chains.
Pyogenic granuloma of oral and maxillofacial region
Authors: Aldelaimi Afrah A. K. , Enezei Hamid H. , Humadi Thamer Yousif , Mohammed Khalil Abdullah , Aldelaimi Tahrir N. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background A pyogenic granuloma (PG) represents a swiftly proliferating benign vascular tumor situated in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, commonly observed as a reactive lesion in the orofacial area. Causative factors encompass injuries, medications, calculus, infections, and hormonal changes. Typically manifesting in the period spanning the second ten years of life, it presents as an exophytic smooth lesion prone to bleeding upon simple probing.Objectives This research intended to scrutinize the clinicopathological characteristics of pyogenic granulomas in the oral and maxillofacial region.Methods Seventy participants, comprising 24 men (33%) and 48 women (67%), underwent surgical ablation of pyogenic granuloma in oral and maxillofacial regions utilizing 940nm and 980nm diode lasers. Standard tissue processing procedures were applied to all specimens, with subsequent slicing of paraffin-embedded blocks at a 5µm thickness for H & E staining. A microscopic examination via light microscopy was conducted on all slides to confirm the diagnosis.Results All cases underwent pyogenic granuloma surgical laser ablation, with 53 individuals (74%) aged 30 years or younger, 19 (26%) aged 30 years or more, 52 (72%) have duration less than six months,, and 20 (28%) have a six months or more.Conclusions Pyogenic granuloma emerges as a prevalent reactive lesion in the oral and maxillofacial domain. The diode laser demonstrates utility in oral and facial soft tissue surgery owing to its facile application, enhanced coagulation, avoidance of suturing, reduced swelling and pain, and its capacity for esthetically favorable outcomes, encompassing superior de-epithelialization, absence of bleeding, and improved repair. The roles of surgeons and pathologists are pivotal in diagnosing and treating pyogenic granuloma in oral and maxillofacial regions.
Manufacturing of spherical activated carbons using anion exchange resins and analysis of the properties
Authors: Park Jun Beam , Lee Dong Won , Lee Chang Ha , Hong Yeon Soo , Suh Jeong Kwon 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Anion exchange resins that have diverse properties were selected to study properties suitable for spherical activated carbon manufacturing. In addition, stabilization methods were studied to overcome the low yield when spherical activated carbons are manufactured from anion exchange resins. Diverse properties of anion exchange resins such as the structures and functional groups were found to have large effects on the shape of the manufactured activated carbons. The porous structure of anion exchange resins was found to form cracks in the activation process, and the dimethylethanolammonium functional group was found to be unable to maintain the spherical shape due to its very low thermal stability. The O2 stabilization process was determined to be a very effective method for improving the yields of activated carbons manufactured from strongly basic anion exchange resins. However, activated carbons manufactured by carrying out a stabilization process in a gas containing O2 showed a decrease in benzene adsorption under a relative pressure of 0.01 or lower due to an increase in the O2 content, and the excessive or limited cross-linking on the surface changed the shape of the activated carbons. Therefore, it is necessary to manufacture activated carbons considering whether they are stabilized or not and under conditions depending on the type and properties of the adsorbate. As a result of a benzene breakthrough experiment, activated carbons manufactured from anion exchange resins showed smaller performance decreases ranging from 7.0% to 9.0% in humid conditions compared to dry conditions. Therefore, anion exchange resins were identified as suitable precursors for manufacturing activated carbons for application to highly humid actual processes.
Perceived Stress among Graduate Students in Health Sciences at a Military University: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Mushtaq Omar , Soh Michael , Dong Ting , Durning Steven J , Melton John , McCants Khalilah M. , Taylor Laura , Baumann Laura , Olapeju Bolanle 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: There is a gap in the literature about the experiences of active-duty military students pursuing a graduate degree in health sciences at a university that emphasizes a military context. This exploratory study investigates how graduate students navigate stress in the context of a military university.
Method: The study applied a mixed-methods approach including a survey (N=59) and in-depth interviews (N=16) of students enrolled in a graduate program at the School of Medicine (368 students) and School of Nursing (187 students). Survey data was collected via email blasts to various health science departments. In the survey, students could opt-in to complete in-depth interviews. Survey data were analyzed using cross-tabulations while a phenomenological approach was employed to code and analyze qualitative data.
Results: Survey findings showed that more civilian students (70.6%) felt more noticeably and severely stressed than their active-duty counterparts (64.3%). Active-duty students were more likely to see their grades as a source of stress (76.2%) than their civilian counterparts (64.7%). Active-duty students were less likely to see finances as a source of stress (67.7%) than their civilian counterparts. Active-duty students were not as connected to their families and friends as their civilian counterparts were. The interviews found that active-duty students anticipated the coursework and were adept at juggling multiple demands; whereas, the civilian students centered their concerns around culture and collaboration. Active-duty students saw their program as less of a “big deal;” whereas, civilian students highlighted how they were concerned about the program and financial situations. Active-duty students relied on technical knowledge to understand their well-being; whereas, civilian students understood their well-being in holistic terms. Active-duty students focused on the idea of the individual, and how they take personal responsibility; whereas, civilian students focused more on self-care and compassion.
Conclusion: The study uncovered differences in perceptions regarding stress, stressors, and factors influencing active-duty and civilian students’ ability to handle stress. Study findings may inform the design of interventions to improve student well-being and resilience mechanisms among similar graduate school contexts.
BR or R-CHOP induction followed by rituximab maintenance in transplant-ineligible patients with mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Hoster Eva , Gutmair Katja , Cunningham Nicholas , Silkenstedt Elisabeth , Rimsza Lisa , Ramsower Colleen , Scott David , Gerrie Alina , Kluin-Nelemans Hanneke , Dreyling Martin , Villa Diego 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
There are no studies directly comparing the efficacy of bendamustine with rituximab (BR) as induction therapy followed by maintenance rituximab (Rm) against rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (R-CHOP) followed by Rm in previously untreated, older, transplant-ineligible patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). The objective of this international study was to retrospectively compare the efficacy of these two treatment regimens by pooling and comparing a clinical trial cohort with a population-based cohort. 140 patients treated with R-CHOP and 112 patients treated with BR were evaluable for the analysis of the primary endpoint progression-free survival (PFS). Patients receiving R-CHOP had a more favorable risk profile. Median PFS for the R-CHOP group was 3.93 years (95% CI: 2.79–5.30) and for the BR group 2.88 years (95% CI: 1.84–4.61, p-value = 0.12). The Hazard ratio of PFS of R-CHOP vs. BR adjusted for MIPI score was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.57–1.13, p-value = 0.2) and adjusted for MIPI score, Ki67 and cytology was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.51–1.40, p-value = 0.52). These data indicate that there was no difference regarding the efficacy between R-CHOP + Rm and BR + Rm for previously untreated, older patients with MCL.
Microbial Carbon Oxidation in Seawater Below the Hypoxic Threshold
Authors: Wolf Sarah , Jayawickrama Clare , Carlson Craig A. , Deutsch Curtis , II Edward W. Davis , Chan Francis , Giovannoni Stephen J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Global oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) often reach hypoxia but seldom reach anoxia. Recently it was reported that Michaelis Menten constants (Km) of oxidative enzymes are orders of magnitude higher than respiratory Km values, and in the Hypoxic Barrier Hypothesis it was proposed that, in ecosystems experiencing falling oxygen, oxygenase enzyme activities become oxygen-limited long before respiration. We conducted a mesocosm experiment with a phytoplankton bloom as an organic carbon source and controlled dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations in the dark to determine whether hypoxia slows carbon oxidation and oxygen decline. Total oxygen utilization (TOU) in hypoxic treatment (ca. 8.7 µM O2) was 21.7% lower than the oxic treatment (ca. 301.3 µM O2) over the first 43 days of the experiment. In addition, following the restoration of fully oxic conditions to the hypoxic treatment, TOU accelerated, demonstrating that oxidative processes are sensitive to DO concentrations found in large volumes of the ocean. Microbial amplicon-based community composition diverged between oxic treatments, indicating a specialized microbiome that included Thioglobaceae (SUP05 Gammaproteobacteria), OM190 (Planctomycetota), related to annamox bacteria, ABY1 (Patescibacteria), and SAR86 subclade D2472, thrived in the hypoxic treatment, while Actinobacteria and SAR11 were sharply inhibited. Our findings support the hypothesis that oxygenase kinetics might slow the progression of ocean deoxygenation in oxygen-poor regions and be a factor in the evolution of microbial taxa adapted to hypoxic environments.
Primary drug-coated balloon angioplasty with provisional stenting versus primary stenting for the treatment of de novo coronary artery lesions: REC-CAGEFREE I trial rationale and design
Authors: Gao Chao , He Xinqiang , Liu Yunpeng , Liu Jianzheng , Jiang Zhiwei , Zhu Bin , Qin Xing , Xia Yunlong , Zhang Tingting , Wang Ping , Zhang Ruining , Onuma Yoshinobu , Xia Jielai , Wang Duolao , Serruys Patrick , Tao Ling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with primary stenting, which stands for stent implantation regardless of obtaining satisfactory results with balloon angioplasty, has superseded conventional plain old balloon angioplasty with provisional stenting. With drug-coated balloon (DCB), primary DCB angioplasty with provisional stenting has shown non-inferiority to primary stenting for de novo coronary small vessel disease. However, the long-term efficacy and safety of such a strategy to the primary stenting on clinical endpoints in de novo lesions without vessel diameter restrictions remain uncertain.
Study design
The REC-CAGEFREE I is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial aimed to enroll 2270 patients with acute or chronic coronary syndrome from 43 interventional cardiology centers in China to evaluate the non-inferiority of primary paclitaxel‐coated balloons angioplasty to primary stenting for the treatment of de novo, non-complex lesions without vessel diameter restrictions. Patients who fulfill all the inclusion and exclusion criteria and have achieved a successful lesion pre-dilatation will be randomly assigned to the two arms in a 1:1 ratio. Protocol-guided DCB angioplasty and bailout stenting after unsatisfactory angioplastyare mandatory in the primary DCB angioplasty group. The second-generation sirolimus-eluting stent will be used as a bailout stent in the primary DCB angioplasty group and the treatment device in the primary stenting group. The primary endpoint is the incidence of Device-oriented Composite Endpoint (DoCE) within 24 months after randomization, includingcardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction, and clinically and physiologically indicated target lesion revascularization.
Discussion
The ongoing REC-CAGEFREE I trial is the first randomized trial with a clinical endpoint to assess the efficacy and safety of primary DCB angioplasty for the treatment of de novo, non-complex lesions without vessel diameter restrictions. If non-inferiority is shown, PCI with primary DCB angioplasty could be an alternative treatment option to primary stenting.