bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Thermomechanical and Thermal Performance of Epoxidized Natural Rubber Hybrid Nanocomposites Using Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Siriwas Thananya , Pichaiyut Skulrat , Susoff Markus , Petersen Svea , Nakason Charoen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Hybrid nanocomposites, comprising epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) filled with graphene (GP) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), were prepared via the melt mixing technique. TEM imaging confirmed the development of three-dimensional filler networks, facilitated by the π-π interaction between sp2-hybridized carbon atoms in graphene and carbon nanotubes, alongside Van der Waals forces. Moreover, a notable interaction between polar functional groups on the nanofiller surfaces and the ENR molecules emerged as a significant factor in enhancing properties. This was evidenced by the rise in bound rubber content with increasing CNT loading, amplifying reinforcing efficiency through the establishment of bridge links among rubber chains and filler networks. Temperature scanning stress relaxation (TSSR) results unveiled escalating relaxation forces, moduli, and crosslink density upon nanofiller incorporation and with increasing CNT loading. DMA results indicate elevated storage modulus and glass transition temperature (Tg), coupled with reduced coefficient of reinforcement (C-factor), indicative of an increased degree of reinforcement.
Polymers of functionalized L-2,3-diaminopropionic acid are efficient mediators of active exogenous enzyme delivery into cells
Authors: Romanowska A. , Rachubik Patrycja , Piwkowska Agnieszka , Wysocka Magdalena 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Delivery of active protein especially enzyme is one of the major therapeutic challenge. Replacing or substituted invalid/improper acting protein offer fast and effective treatment of disease. Herein, we describe the synthesis and properties of biotinylated peptidomimetics consisting of oxoacid - modified 2,3, L- diaminopropionic acid residues with guanidine groups on its side chains. Electrophoretic analysis showed that the obtained compounds interact with FITC-labeled streptavidin or a streptavidin–β-galactosidase hybrid in an efficient manner. Complexes formed by the abovementioned molecules are able to cross the cell membranes of cancer or healthy cells and show promising compatibility with live cells. Analysis of β-galactosidase activity inside the cells revealed surprisingly high levels of active enzyme in complex-treated cells compared to controls. This observation was confirmed by immunochemical studies in which the presence of β-galactosidase was detected in the membrane and vesicles of the cells.
Pulmonary Fibrosis Followed by Severe Pneumonia in Patients with COVID- 19 infection: A Prospective Multicentre Study
Authors: Kim Junghyun , Chae Ganghee , Kim Won-Young , Chung Chi-Ryang , Cho Young‑Jae , Lee Jinwoo , Jegal Yangjin , Joh Joon-Sung , Park Tae Yun , Hwang Jung Hwa , Nam Bo Da , Yoon Hee-Young , Song Jin Woo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Backgrounds
: The management of lung complications, especially fibrosis, after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pneumonia, is an important issue in the COVID-19 post-pandemic era. We aimed to investigate risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis development in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
Methods
Clinical and radiologic data were prospectively collected from 64 patients who required mechanical ventilation due to COVID-19 pneumonia and were enrolled from eight hospitals in South Korea. Fibrotic changes on chest computed tomography (CT) was evaluated by visual assessment, and extent of fibrosis (mixed disease score) was measured using automatic quantification system.
Results
Sixty-four patients were enrolled, and their mean age was 58.2 years (64.1% were males). On chest CT (median interval: 60 days [interquartile range, IQR; 41–78 days] from enrolment), 35 (54.7%) patients showed ≥ 3 fibrotic lesions. The most frequent fibrotic change was traction bronchiectasis (47 patients, 73.4%). Median extent of fibrosis measured by automatic quantification was 10.6% (IQR, 3.8–40.7%). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, which included nine variables with a p-value of < 0.10 in an unadjusted analysis as well as age, sex, and body mass index, male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–7.11) and higher initial sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02–1.37) were independently associated with pulmonary fibrosis (≥ 3 fibrotic lesions).
Conclusion
Our data suggests that male gender and higher SOFA score at intensive care unit admission were associated with pulmonary fibrosis in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation.
The effect of disease activity on lumbar paraspinal muscles, psoas muscle volume and fatty degeneration in patients with ankylosing spondylitis Disease activity effects on muscles volume and fatty degeneration in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Toprak Murat , Toprak Nursen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background In AS, the paravertebral muscles can deteriorate due to reduced spinal mobility, leading to muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration.Objective To identify the effects of disease activity on lumbar paraspinal muscles (multifidus, erector spinae) and psoas muscle volume and fatty infiltration in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.Methods The study involved 35 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 25 healthy controls. Pain, disease activity, and functional status were assessed using VAS, BASDAI, and BASFI respectively. MR imaging compared CSA and fat infiltration at L5 level of paraspinal muscles (multifidius, erector spinae) and psoas major muscles between AS and healthy groups.Results The mean age of the patients included in the study was 31.54 ± 11.04 in the AS group and 29.04 ± 7.26 in the HC group (p > 0.005). The mean disease duration in the AS group was 3.81 ± 2.82 years. There was no significant difference in age, body weight, height and body mass index between the AS group and healthy control group. There was a significant difference between the right MF, ES and left ES in the AS group compared to the HC group in terms of CSA measurements of the paraspinal muscles.Conclusion Inflammation, fibrosis, immobilization and postural changes in low back pain in ankylosing spondylitis contribute to atrophic changes in the paravertebral muscles.
Impact of Socio-Economic and Behavioural Factors on the Health Care Expenditure Growth of Middle-East Region
Authors: Singh Shailender , Kumar Nishant , Kaul Meenakshi , Rawandale Chandrashekhar J 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The inexorable rise in health expenditure as a share of GDP over the years has been a source of concern among policy makers. This study provides empirical evidence to the drivers of health expenditure growth in the Middle-East region for the time period of 2004 to 2020. Consequently, the objective of the study is to investigate the major drivers of health expenditure growth among the socio-demographic, economic and health system capacity constructs and how it changes with the subsequent introduction of the behavioural construct as a moderator, inter-alia. Data obtained from the World Development Indicators is analysed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM). The empirical evidence suggests that the three constructs drive up health expenditure growth in the Middle-East region. Further, the introduction of moderation improves the fitness of the model, though it has no direct statistically significant effect on health expenditure growth. Conversely, the moderation effect is significant through the socio-demographic, economic and health system capacity indicators. Overall, the socio-demographic transition has been the major driving force for the exponential growth in health care expenditure. The findings suggest that combining set of related variables may help in better understanding of the determinants of health care expenditure growth and ultimately offer informed policy advice that will eventually improve health outcomes.
Alstonia scholaris Leaves: A Biochemical Marvel for Eco-friendly Copper Nanoparticles Synthesis
Authors: Labaran Ahmad Nasir , Zango Zakariyya Uba , Tailor Giriraj , Alsadig Ahmed , Usman Fahad , Mukhtar Muhammad Tukur , Garba Alhassan Muhammad , Alhathlool Raed , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan , Aldaghri Osamah A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The utilization of plants for the production of metallic nanoparticles is gaining significant attention in research. In this study, we conducted phytochemical screening of Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) leaves extracts using various solvents, including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, and water. Our findings revealed higher proportions of flavonoids and alkaloids in both solvents compared to other phytochemical species. In the methanol, extract proteins, anthraquinone and reducing sugar were not detected. On the other hand, the aqueous extract demonstrated the presence of amino acids, reducing sugar, phenolic compounds, anthraquinone, and saponins. Notably, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest levels of bioactive compounds among all solvents. Intrigued by these results, we proceeded to investigate the antibacterial properties of the leaf extracts against two major bacterial strains, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). All extracts exhibited significant zones of inhibition against both bacterial isolates, with S. aureus showing higher susceptibility compared to E. coli. Notably, the methanol extract displayed the most potent I hibitory effect against all organisms. Inspired by the bioactivity of the methanol extract, we employed it as a plant-based material for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). The synthesized Cu-NPs were characterized using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observed color changes confirmed the successful formation of Cu-NPs, while the FTIR analysis matched previously reported peaks, further verifying the synthesis. The SEM micrographs indicated the irregular shapes of the surface particles. From the result obtained by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectroscopic analysis, Cu has the highest relative abundance of 67.41 wt.%. confirming the purity of the Cu-NPs colloid. These findings contribute to the growing field of eco-friendly nanotechnology and emphasize the significance of plant-mediated approaches in nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications.
Ethics of Informed Consent in Medical settings: A qualitative study of clinicians managing patients presenting with self-harm in Pakistan
Authors: Memon Rakhshi , Asif Muqaddas , Shah Bushra Ali , Kiran Tayyeba , Khoso Ameer B , Tofique Sehrish , Miah Jahanara , Ahmad Ayesha , Chaudhry Imran B , Chaudhry Nasim , Husain Nusrat , Edwards Sarah JL 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
informed consent is considered to be the standard method for respecting the autonomy of individual participants in research and is thought to be based on several conditions: 1) providing information on the purpose of the research or a specific treatment, what it will entail, 2) the participants being mentally competent to understand the information and weigh it in the balance, and 3) the participants to be free from coercion. While there are studies of informed consent in other countries, especially Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), this study explored the role of cultural norms in the process of obtaining informed consent by clinicians in healthcare settings in general and mental health in particular, specifically focusing on the tension between contexts of Western autonomy and collectivist values in cultures such as Pakistan.
Methods
Qualitative interviews with 20 clinicians in Pakistan to explore consent processes in participant recruitment in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs), using a topic guide to gain an understanding of the consent process in Pakistan when recruiting participants in RCTs and decision-making regarding treatments and the influence of cultural norms’ impact on attitudes and beliefs in the collectivist culture.
Results
The interviews revealed that shared decision making was more morally important than individual autonomy, the role of the family played a dominant part in the consent-taking procedure, the decision of the elder and/or family patriarch took prominence, and that clinicians and researchers encountered significant challenges in consent process in Pakistan. Four distinct themes emerged which were 1) Family deciding for patients, 2) Benefits of involving family in consent process, 3) Gender disparity in consent process, 4) Challenges experienced by clinicians during consent process in Pakistan.
Conclusions
The concept of consent is generally considered important in many cultures, however, there are two strands of understanding. There seems to be consensus that participant agreement is necessary to protect the participant but with regards to autonomy there are significant cultural differences whether it is the right for autonomy of the individual (western) or family, community, or expert authority in other cultures, in Pakistan clinician-researchers sometimes preferred one approach and sometimes the other as they appreciated the interests of the patient to be.
Phytoextracts and hypoglycemic potential of I. sonorae, C. limetta, and B. media
Authors: Pérez-Ramírez Iza F. , Rubio-Rodríguez Julio C. , Salgado Luis M. , Mora Ofelia , González-Dávalos María L , Reynoso-Camacho Rosalía 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In Mexican traditional medicine, several herbs are used for their potential antidiabetic effects. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antihyperglycemic effects of I. sonorae, C. limetta, and B. media. Aqueous extracts of these herbs demonstrated a consistent reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels in healthy rats during a starch oral tolerance test. Notably, B. media and I. sonorae exhibited significant in vitro inhibitory effects against alpha-amylase activity (20.5 and 25.4%, respectively), while B. media enhanced glucose uptake in adipocytes by 4.0-fold, which was related to the overexpression of key genes involved in insulin signaling cascade including Glut4, Irs1, and Pi3k (2.9-, 2.6-, and 3.2-fold, respectively). Furthermore, multivariate analysis highlighted that hydroxybenzoic acid hexoside and feruloylquinic acid were linked to their alpha -amylase inhibitory activity, while 17 distinct polyphenols were associated with the insulin mimetic activity. These findings propose a potential application of these herbs in the development of herb-based functional beverages with promising anti-diabetic attributes.
A Research on Club Performances in Esports: The Example of the League of Legends 2022 World Cup
Authors: KARACA Burak , Pancar Zarife , Anarefe Buğra , Şenoğlu Mehmet 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The achievements of the clubs in the last 16 round of the 2022 World Cup of League of Legends, which has made a great impact in esports, were analyzed with performance analysis methods used in sports sciences. In the study, the teams in the 2022 League of Legends World Cup were divided into two groups as the top 16 teams, top 8, and top 8 teams and examined from seven variables. The data of the World Cup were created by analyzing match analyses and online match statistics. Independent sample t-tests were used for comparisons between two independent group means to assess the level of differentiation of the data. Statistical results were evaluated at the 95% confidence level and p<0.05 significance. Statistically significant differences were found between the first and last teams in the parameters of the number of Baron Nashors killed in each game, the number of dragons killed in each game, the number of control totems placed per minute, the percentage of first tower destroyed, the number of Rift Heralds killed in each game, and the gold difference in the first 15 minutes. As a result, our study showed that performance analysis methods can be used for esports competitions.
TOSQ: Transparent object segmentation through query based transformer
Authors: Ma Bin , Ma Ming , Li Ruiguang , zheng Jiawei , Li Deping 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Sensing transparent objects has many applications in human daily life, including robot navigation and grasping. However, this task presents significant challenges due to the unpredictable nature of scenes that lay beyond transparent objects. This paper aims to solve the transparent object segmentation problem based Transformer. We design a Query Parsing Module (QPM) that formulates the transparent object segmentation task into a dictionary look-up problem and a set of learnable class prototypes as query inputs. Based QPM, we propose a high-performance transformer-based end-to-end segmentation model Transparent Object Segmentation through Query (TOSQ). TOSQ’s encoder is based on the Segformer’s backbone, and its decoder consists of a series of QPM modules. On the Trans10K-V2 dataset, TOSQ significantly outperforms almost all CNN-based and transformer-based methods, fully demonstrating the unique advantages and great potential of TOSQ to solve the semantic segmentation problem of transparent objects in daily human life. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/ldepn/tosq.
The surprising relationship between CD38 and lipid metabolic in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Shi Cong , Gong Shengping , Ma Chao , Zhang Yi , Yan Xiao , Zou Duobing , Chen Ying , Liu Yanqing , Niu Tingting , Ouyang Guifang , Mu Qitian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
CD38 is a surface protein playing a pivotal role in the initiation, relapse, and progression of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the meanwhile, CD38 catalyzes the conversion of NAD, which is required for mitochondrial fatty acid and amino acid oxidation. This study aimed to explore the relationship between CD38 and lipid metabolism in AML.
Methods
A total of 268 samples from newly diagnosed AML patients excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) were collected and analyzed retrospectively to investigate the expression profile and predict the effectiveness of CD38 in AML. Then, qRT-PCR was applied to analyze the expression of enoyl-CoA hydratase short chain 1 (ECHS1) in AML bone marrow.
Results
The result demonstrated that high CD38 level was an independent beneficial prognostic factor for AML patients (p = 0.017). Moreover, CD38 showed significant negative correlation with ECHS1 in AML (r = -0.498, p = 0.0002). ECHS1 overexpression was associated with decreased OS (p = 0.007), and in the multivariable analysis, elevated ECHS1 level was also an independent poor prognostic factor (p = 0.023).
Conclusions
Our study indicates that CD38 overexpression could be a favorable prognostic factor for newly diagnosed AML patients. CD38 is negative associated with lipid metabolic gene ECHS1 expression. This study provides new basis for anti-metabolite treatment and prognosis judgment of AML.
The substitution effect of financial and non-financial incentives at different income levels in physician recruitment: evidence from medical students in China
Authors: Li Xinyan , Zhang Yue , Han Youli 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Understanding how individual responses to financial and non-financial incentives is crucial for the recruitment and retention of health workers. However, both incentives are integrated in working practice, and existing theoretical studies have suggested that various income levels may influence the substitution effect of both incentives, while the empirical evidence is lacking. Furthermore, little attention has been paid to the intrinsic motivation. This study aimed to explore the substitution effect of extrinsic incentives at different income levels, also taking intrinsic altruism into account.
Methods
We used the behavioral data from Zhang et al.’s experiment on medical students. The data combined job choice set through DCEs and altruism quantified by a lab-like experiment. We separated the choice set based on the actual income and distinguished the medical students on altruism. The willingness to pay (WTP) was used to estimate the substitution effect of incentives.
Results
There was significant substitution effect between non-financial and financial incentives. As the income increased, the non-financial incentives such as excellent work environment, sufficient career development become relatively more important. The impact of the increase in income on the substitution effect was more pronounced among individuals with higher altruism. Concerning the non-financial incentive work environment, in contrast to growth of 546 CNY observed in low-altruism group, the high-altruism group experienced a growth of 1040 CNY in the substitution effect.
Conclusions
The increase in the income level exerted an influence on the substitution effect of non-financial incentives and financial incentives, especially in high-altruism medical students. Policymakers should attach importance to a favorable environment and promising career prospects on the basis of ensuring a higher income level.
Monitoring COPD patients: systemic and bronchial eosinophilic inflammation in a 2-year follow-up
Authors: Pignatti Patrizia , Visca Dina , Zappa Martina , Zampogna Elisabetta , Saderi Laura , Sotgiu Giovanni , Centis Rosella , Migliori Giovanni Battista , Spanevello Antonio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
High blood eosinophils seem to predict exacerbations and response to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate for 2 years, blood and sputum eosinophils in COPD patients treated with bronchodilators only at recruitment.
Methods
COPD patients in stable condition treated with bronchodilators only underwent monitoring of lung function, blood and sputum eosinophils, exacerbations and comorbidities every 6 months for 2 years. ICS was added during follow-up when symptoms worsened.
Results
63 COPD patients were enrolled: 53 were followed for 1 year, 41 for 2 years, 10 dropped-out. After 2 years, ICS was added in 12/41 patients (29%) without any statistically significant difference at time points considered. Blood and sputum eosinophils did not change during follow-up. Only FEV1/FVC at T0 was predictive of ICS addition during the 2 year-follow-up (OR:0.91; 95% CI: 0.83–0.99, p = 0.03). ICS addition did not impact on delta (T24-T0) FEV1, blood and sputum eosinophils and exacerbations. After 2 years, patients who received ICS had higher blood eosinophils than those in bronchodilator therapy (p = 0.042). Patients with history of ischemic heart disease increased blood eosinophils after 2 years [p = 0.03 for both percentage and counts].
Conclusions
Almost 30% of mild/moderate COPD patients in bronchodilator therapy received ICS for worsened symptoms in a 2 year-follow-up. Only FEV1/FVC at T0 seems to predict ICS addition during follow-up. Blood and sputum eosinophils were not associated with worsened symptoms or exacerbations. History of ischemic heart disease seems to be associated with a progressive increase of blood eosinophils.