bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Repeatability of [15O]H2O PET Imaging for Lower Extremity Skeletal Muscle Perfusion: A Test-Retest Study
Authors: Christensen Nana Louise , Sørensen Jens , Bouchelouche Kirsten , Madsen Michael Alle , Buhl Christian Selmer , Tolbod Lars Poulsen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
[15O]H2O PET/CT allow non-invasive quantification of tissue perfusion and can potentially play a future role in the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral artery disease. We aimed to evaluate the reliability of dynamic [15O]H2O PET imaging for measuring lower extremity skeletal muscle perfusion.
Results
Ten healthy participants underwent same-day test-retest study with six dynamic [15O]H2O PET scans of lower legs and feet. Manual volume-of-interests were drawn in skeletal muscles, and PET time-activity curves were extracted. K1 values (mL/min/100mL) were estimated using a single-tissue compartment model (1TCM), autoradiography (ARG), and parametric imaging with blood input functions obtained from separate heart scans. Resting perfusion values in the muscle groups of the lower legs ranged from 1.18–5.38 mL/min/100mL (ARG method). In the muscle groups of the feet, perfusion values ranged from 0.41–3.41 mL/min/100mL (ARG method). Test-retest scans demonstrated a strong correlation and good repeatability for skeletal muscle perfusion with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.88 and 0.87 and a repeatability coefficient of 34% and 53% for lower legs and feet, respectively. An excellent correlation was demonstrated when comparing the VOI-based methods (lower legs: ICC = 0.96, feet: ICC = 0.99). Parametric images were quantitative with excellent agreement with the volume-of-interest-based ARG method (lower legs: ICC = 0.97, feet: ICC = 0.98).
Conclusion
Parametric images and volume-of-interest-based methods demonstrated comparable resting perfusion values in the lower legs and feet of healthy individuals. The largest variation was seen between individuals, whereas a smaller variation was seen between muscle groups. Repeated measurements of resting blood flow yielded a strong overall correlation for all methods.
Single intranasal immunization with attenuated Wuhan-like SARS-CoV-2 provides highly effective cross-protection against Delta and Omicron VOCs
Authors: Faizuloev Evgeny , Gracheva Anastasiia , Korchevaya Ekaterina , Ammour Yulia , Smirnova Daria , Khokhlova Darya , Andrey Drokov , Pankratov Andrey , Trunova Galina , Khokhlova Varvara , Leneva Irina , Svitich Oxana , Zverev Vitaly 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Despite the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of vaccine prevention of this disease appears highly relevant. The emergence and widespread distribution of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) and its sublineages has dramatically reduced the efficacy of vaccination with licensed vaccines. The possible approach to solving this problem is to develop a nasal live attenuated vaccine (LAV) capable of activating humoral, mucosal, and cell-mediated immunity, providing a prolonged immune response and cross-protection against different VOCs. The aim of the present study was to determine the immunization efficacy with attenuated cold-adapted Wuhan-like SARS-CoV-2 D-D2 strain against homologous and heterologous challenges. Single intranasal immunization of golden Syrian hamsters with D-D2 strain showed its high immunogenicity: seroconversion was evident in all immunized animals. The absence of infectious virus in the lung, nasal passages, and brains of immunized animals allows us to characterize immunity to SARS-CoV-2 as "sterile" consistent with the viral RNA concentration in the organs on the fourth-day post-challenge. Comparison of data on viral reproduction in organs, weight dynamics, and morphological changes in the lungs of immunized and unimmunized hamsters showed that attenuated Wuhan-like D-D2 strain provides highly effective protection against infection and development of pneumonia when challenged both with ancestral virus and heterologous Delta (B.1.617.2.122) and Omicron (sublineages BA.1 and BA.5.2) variants. Thus, attenuated SARS-CoV-2 variants have great potential for the development of highly effective nasal live COVID-19 vaccines on their basis.
Diversity of fungal community andquality evaluation of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn during the process of mildew
Authors: Xia Chunfeng , Zhao Yuchao , Liu Chunlan , Gao Yang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Spatholobus suberectus Dunn as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which is susceptible to being infected by molds during storage. In order to explore the diversity characteristics of fungal community and the quality evaluation of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn during the process of mildew. The study used high-throughput sequencing technology to detect the diversity characteristics of fungal community, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet spectrophotometry (UV-spectrophotometry) methods to detect the content of flavonoids, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method to detect the content of Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1). The result showed that the fungi of Spatholobus suberectus Dunn samples during the process of mildew belonged to 14 phyla, 43 classes, 92 orders, 189 families, 336 genera, 432 fungal taxa. The species diversity of fungal community was the highest at the early stage of mildew, and the species richness of fungal community was the highest at the late stage of mildew. At the genus level, the dominant fungus at the early stage of mildew was not obvious, while the dominant fungus of samples at middle and late stages of mildew was Aspergillus. The content of AFB1 showed an upward trend and the content of flavonoids showed a downward trend during the process of mildew. In brief, the diversity of fungal community decreased gradually, the number of dominant flavus increased gradually, and the quality of Spatholobus suberectus decreased gradually during the process of mildew.
Enhancing the oxidative stability and bioaccessibility of resveratrol using food-derived nanoparticles
Authors: Ke Lijing , He Fangzhou , Yu Zhaoshuo , Wang Huiqin , PENG Weng Kung , Luo Sihao , Wang Leying , Zhang Yue , meng xiangyu , Jin Xuanlu , Huang Zongke , Deng Peishan , Zhou Jianwu , Wall Patrick , Rao Ping-Fan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study explores the utilization of freshwater clam soup derived food nanoparticles (CFNPs) to encapsulate the antioxidant resveratrol (Res) which is found in red wine. We characterized the encapsulation properties and activities of the bound antioxidant. The results demonstrated that CFNPs can effectively encapsulate Res with a loading capacity exceeding 2.5%, and both encapsulation efficiency and bioaccessibility of over 70%, leading to a uniform particle size of 70.5 ± 0.07 nm and relatively low PDI (less than 0.2). CFNPs-Res exhibited an improved antioxidant stability under various conditions, with over 90% of antioxidant capacity retained after three-day storage at room temperature. The controlled-release profile of Res loaded in CFNPs-Res fits both first and Higuchi order kinetics and is more desirable than that of wine on its own and free Res solution. Examined by the simulated gastrointestinal digestion, CFNPs-Res showed a significantly higher antioxidant retention compared to free Res and wine on its own. We suggest that given there are nanoparticles in calm soup they may be in other foodstuffs with similar properties, and they too could be used to enhance the absorption of micronutrients and antioxidants. The use of nanoparticles to carry micronutrients and antioxidants could lead to a change in nutritional advice to increase the concentration of nanoparticle containing foods in the diet, carrying more bioaccessible micronutrients and antioxidants, in an attempt to make diets healthier and to tackle diet related disease.
Implementation of state health insurance benefit mandates for cancer-related fertility preservation: Following policy through a complex system
Authors: Su H. Irene , Kaiser Bonnie , Crable Erika , Ortega Ricardo Flores , Yoeun Sara W , Economou Melina , Fernandez Estefania , Romero Sally AD , Aarons Gregory A , McMenamin Sara B. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: A myriad of federal, state, and organizational policies are designed to improve access to evidence-based healthcare, but the impact of these policies likely varies due to contextual determinants, re-interpretations of and poor compliance with policy requirements throughout implementation. Strategies enhancing implementation and compliance with policy intent can improve population health. Critically assessing the multi-level environments where health policies and their related health services are implemented is essential to designing effective policy-level implementation strategies. California passed a 2019 health insurance benefit mandate requiring coverage of fertility preservation (FP) services for individuals at risk of infertility due to medical treatments to improve access to services that are otherwise cost-prohibitive. Our objective was to document and understand multi-level environment, relationships, and activities involved in using state benefit mandates to facilitate patient access to FP services.
Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study and used the policy-optimized Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework to analyze implementation of California’s fertility preservation benefit mandate (SB 600) at and between the state insurance regulator, insurer and clinic levels.
Results: Seventeen publicly available FP benefit mandate-relevant documents were reviewed, and four insurers, 25 financial, administrative and provider participants from 16 oncology and fertility clinics, three fertility pharmaceutical representatives, and two patient advocates were interviewed. The mandate and insurance regulator guidance represented two “Big P” (system level) policies that gave rise to a host of “little p” (organizational) policies by and between the regulator, insurers, clinics, and patients. Many little p policies were bridging factors to support implementation across levels and FP service access. Characterizing the mandate’s functions (i.e., policy goals) and forms (i.e., ways that policies were enacted) led to identification of (1) intended and unintended implementation, service, and patient outcomes; (2) implementation processes by level, EPIS phase; (3) actor-delineated key processes and heterogeneity among them; and (4) inner and outer context determinants that drove adaptations.
Conclusions: Following the mid- and down-stream implementation of a state health insurance benefit mandate, data generated will enable development of policy level implementation strategies, evaluation of determinants and important outcomes of effective implementation, and design of future mandates to improve fit and fidelity.
Allelochemicals of invasive tree species Senna spectabilis alleviate antioxidant enzymes activities in native plants of the Western Ghats
Authors: - SUBY , K Hrideek T , V Santhoshkumar A 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Invasive alien species are major threats to biodiversity worldwide. Senna spectabilis is one such species that has been introduced to several countries, including India. This study aimed to investigate the allelopathic potential of S. spectabilis and its effects on seedlings of native plants over a period of three years. Assays such as metabolic activity, L-proline estimation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme assay, and polyphenol oxidase activity were used to assess the allelopathic potential of S. spectabilis and finally, bioactive phytochemical components were identified by Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The metabolic activity of treated seedlings decreased significantly, while lipid peroxidation and L-proline content increased. Antioxidant enzyme activities were also increased in response to S. spectabilis extract. GC-MS analysis detected 28 phytoconstituents in the leaf extracts prepared from 5 different solvents, and 7 plant allelochemicals were identified. The results showed that S. spectabilis extracts contained several allelochemicals, including phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and terpenoids. These findings suggest that S. spectabilis has strong allelopathic potential, which could contribute to its invasive potential. The present study highlights the need for effective management strategies to control the spread of this invasive species and the importance of selecting specific native species for restoration programme.
Profiles of Community Care Sites and provider Community Health Workers: A Case study at Gombe Matadi, Kenge and Kisantu Rural Health Zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Etshumba Jean Mukulukulu , Bebe Dosithee Ngo , Emina Jacques , Ndosimao Celestin Nsibu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, the DRC is ones of countries with high infant and child mortality. To solve this problem, the Ministry of Public Health has set up a new program: IMCI-C at the level of Community Care Sites managed by non-health professionals who are provider CHWs. Since its implementation, there have not yet been many studies that concretely describe the operation of CCS. It’s why we have chosen the Realist Evaluation Approach to analyze CCS functionality in the DRC.
Methods: To carry out this study which is a mixed method case study (qualitative and quantitative); we applied the fundamental principles of a realist evaluation which come down to Context – Mechanisms – Effects in the conceptual framework model that we developed with an emphasis on Mechanisms. Provider CHWs profile and CCSs functionality were defined after data collection through documentary review, CCS direct observation, in-depth interview with registered nurses and health zone team members using an interview guide with semi-structured questionnaire and a survey using a quantitative questionnaire with provider CHWs.
Results: CCS functionality was measured through the standards enacted for the implantation of CCS as well as the profile of provider CHWs which manage them. At the significance level (p=0.039) has been in place for 3 years or more increases by 7 times chance that it is functional (OR = 6.7; p = 0.000), has household is located less than 5 km from the CCS increases by 4 times chance that the CCS is functional (OR = 7.04; p = 0.034), has provider CHW is regularly trained and supervised increases by 10 times chance that the CCS is functional (OR = 10.01; p = 0.031), provider CHW participation in CAC meetings (OR = 4.34; p = 0.009) and CCS Management Team leads the management of CCS increase by 4 times chance that this CCS is functional (OR = 3.6; p = 0.002). Finally, if there is an initiative for funding CCS increases by 8 times CCS functionality (OR = 8.69; p = 0.009).
Conclusion: CCS are functional in the three RHZs. Their organization, establishment and operation are directly linked to the provision of services to populations living mainly in health areas with difficult access, the availability of inputs of three IMCI-C diseases management, namely uncomplicated malaria, diarrhea and pneumonia as well as building provider community health workers capacity to ensure their management. This study shows an effective contribution of provider CHWs on CCS functionality in health areas with difficult access.
A Fully Automated and Explainable Algorithm for the Prediction of Malignant Transformation in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia
Authors: Rajpoot Nasir , Shephard Adam , Bashir Raja , Mahmood Hanya , Jahanifar Mostafa , Minhas Fayyaz , Raza Shan E Ahmed , McCombe Kris , Craig Stephanie , James Jacqueline , Brooks Jill , Nankivell Paul , Mehanna Hisham , Khurram Syed Ali 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a premalignant histopathological diagnosis given to lesions of the oral cavity. Its grading suffers from significant inter-/intra-observer variability, and does not reliably predict malignancy progression, potentially leading to suboptimal treatment decisions. To address this, we developed a novel artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, that assigns an Oral Malignant Transformation (OMT) risk score based on the Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained whole slide image (WSI). Our AI pipeline leverages an in-house segmentation model to detect and segment both nuclei and epithelium. Subsequently, a shallow neural network utilises interpretable morphological and spatial features, emulating histological markers, to predict progression. We conducted internal cross-validation on our development cohort (Sheffield; n = 193 cases) and independent validation on two external cohorts (Birmingham and Belfast; n = 89 cases). The proposed OMTscore achieved an AUROC ≥ 0.75 in predicting OED progression. Survival analyses showed the prognostic value of our OMTscore, compared to WHO and binary grades. Nuclear analyses elucidated the presence of peri-epithelial and epithelium-infiltrating lymphocytes in highly predictive patches of transforming cases (p < 0.0001). This is the first study to propose a completely automated, interpretable and externally validated algorithm for predicting OED transformation. Our algorithm shows better-than-human-level performance, offering a promising solution to the challenges of grading OED in routine clinical practice.
A service evaluation of non-contact vision-based patient monitoring technology for patients in a high-secure forensic psychiatric hospital: a qualitative study
Authors: Dewa Lindsay H , Broyd Josephine , Hira Rita , Dudley Alison , Hafferty Jonathan D , Bates Robert , Aylin Paul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Technology has the potential to monitor patient safety in real-time that helps staff and without disturbing the patient. However, staff and patients’ perspectives on using passive monitoring within an inpatient setting is lacking. The study aim was to explore stakeholders’ perspectives about using Oxehealth passive monitoring technology within a high-secure forensic psychiatric hospital in the UK as part of a wider mixed-methods service evaluation.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with staff and patients with experience of using Oxehealth technology face-to-face within a private room in Broadmoor Hospital. We applied thematic analysis to the data of each participant group separately. Themes and sub-themes were integrated, finalised, and presented in a thematic map. Design, management, and analysis was meaningfully informed by both staff and patients.
Results
Twenty-four participants were interviewed (n = 12 staff, n = 12 patients). There were seven main themes: detecting deterioration and improving health and safety, “Big Brother Syndrome”, privacy and dignity, knowledge and understanding, acceptance, barriers to use and practice issues and future changes needed. Oxehealth technology was considered acceptable to both staff and patients if the technology was used to detect deterioration and improve patient’s safety providing patient’s privacy was not invaded. However, overall acceptance was lower when knowledge and understanding of the technology and its camera was limited. Most patients could not understand why both physical checks through bedroom windows, and Oxehealth was needed to monitor patients, whilst staff felt Oxehealth should not replace physical checks of patients as it is mainly there to reassure staff on patient safety.
Conclusions
Oxehealth technology is considered viable and acceptable by both staff and patients. However, more support and education is needed for new patients and staff to better understand how it works in the short- and long-term. A feasibility study or pilot trial to compare the impact of Oxehealth with and without physical checks may be needed.
Responses of Soil Water Potential and Plant Physiological Status to Pulsed Rainfall Events in Arid Northwestern China: Implications to Disclose the Water-use Strategies of Desert Plants
Authors: Ma Yuanyuan , Liu Hu , Zhao Wenzhi , Guo Li , Yang Qiyue , Li Yulong , Liu Jintao , Yetemen Omer 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Soil water potential (SWP) is vital for plant productivity and ecosystem functioning. This is especially true in arid regions, where rainfall typically falls in brief pulses of variable size. This work aims to improve understanding of the response of SWP to varied rainfall pulses, and of the water-use strategies of a typical desert plant (Haloxylon ammodendron, HA) in arid northwestern China. Rainfall manipulation experiments and field measurements were conducted on HA to explore the response features of SWP and plant physiological status to pulsed rainfall events of varied magnitudes and durations. Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) was used to rank the factors influencing the response patterns of these variables. The response rate and amplitude of SWP increased with rainfall magnitude, and was most affected by three vital factors (antecedent SWP, rainfall amplitude, and rainfall intensity). Very small rainfall (< 2 mm) can increase SWP in the 20-cm layer by nearly 30%, and thus is likely to contribute to the drought relief of HA under low antecedent SWP (< -3.5 MPa), while large rainfall events (> 15 mm) influence deep SWP (60 cm) and enhance the positive correlation between SWP and soil temperature. Very small events play a vital role in maintaining SWP and promoting water use of desert plants. With longer intervals between future rainfall events, HA will tend to improve its water utilization efficiency. Given the nature of plants' utilization of small rainfall events, re-examining ecologically valid SWP thresholds of HA and other similar desert plants is critical.