bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evenness improvement method for high-speed turnout crossing areas
Authors: Wang Pu , Zhao Zhenhua , Ma Siyuan , Wang Shuguo , Si Daolin 
Published: January 2024

In this study, an evenness improvement method for new high-speed turnout crossing areas is proposed for the development of high-speed turnout and amplification of the wheel–rail dynamic impact in the crossing areas. A dynamic analysis model of the vehicle–turnout coupling system is established. In this model, the stock and switch rails as well as the wing and point rails are independent units. These independent units are connected using spring–damper units with variable parameters to accurately simulate the wheel-load transition process and the dynamic characteristics of the turnout. On this basis, an optimized scheme is developed for point rail–wing rail matching based on the center-of-mass oscillation compensation of wheelsets, and the rationality of the optimization method is verified via dynamic simulation evaluation at a high speed. Finally, the proposed method is validated through indoor actual-scale tests. The following are the results of this study. (1) As the vehicle passed over the crossing under the existing design scheme, the center-of-mass oscillation reached an oscillation length of 1.16–1.52 mm such that lifting the wing rail alone failed to eliminate the center-of-mass oscillation of the wheelsets. This is because the point and wing rails were incorrectly matched, leading to a backward shift in the wheel-load transition, thus causing a sharp drop of the wheelsets. Together with wing rail lifting, the longitudinal slope matching of the point rail effectively retained the wheel-load transition characteristics under the existing design scheme and eliminated the center-of-mass oscillation of the wheelsets. (2) As the train passed through the turnout crossing at a high speed, the optimized scheme substantially reduced the center-of-mass oscillation of the wheelsets, wheel–rail dynamic impact, and axle-box vibration while ensuring consistency of the wheel-load transition characteristics with the existing design scheme. (3) The maximum deflection change rate of the wing rail in the assembled crossing was only 1.67 mm/m, which could not meet the requirement of the theoretical longitudinal curve, and would cause the problem of turnout sleeper lifting, affecting the precision of laying turnouts on-site. Computer numerical control machining should be used to achieve the longitudinal curve requirement of the wing rail. The iron plate thickness should be increased gradually to 0.5 mm from the #82 sleeper to the #86 sleeper. Accordingly, the amount of machining of the wing rail should be increased from 0 mm to 2 mm. At the #92–#95 sleepers, this amount of machining should be decreased from 2 mm to 0.6 mm and then increased to 2 mm. This process would accurately realize the theoretical longitudinal slope curve.
Epidemiological Insights into Diabetic Foot Amputation and its Correlates: A Provincial Study
Authors: Aalaa Maryam , Vahdani Amir Mohammad , Mohajeri Tehrani Mohammadreza , Mehrdad Neda , Zohdirad Mehri , Sadati Marzieh , Amini Maryam , Mehrpour Saeid , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Larijani Bagher , Amini Mohammad Reza , Sanjari Mahnaz 
Published: January 2024

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer and potential subsequent lower extremity amputation are major complications of diabetes mellitus and are also prominent morbidity factors that could affect patients’ quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot amputation and explore correlates of amputation cause and type among subjects with diabetes mellitus in Tehran, Iran. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the demographic, sociological, and clinical characteristics of subjects who had undergone lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot ulcers, from 2011 to 2020, in two educational medical centers in Tehran, Iran. We examined the medical records of 4676 individuals who were admitted to Shariati and Sina hospitals due to diabetic foot issues. Information related to patient demographics (age, gender, marital status), social factors (education level, insurance), and clinical data (medical history, laboratory results, and characteristics of diabetic foot ulcers) was collected for subjects who had undergone lower extremity amputation due to diabetic foot ulcer. The collected data was reported using average values, standard deviations and proportions and analyzed using statistical tests. Results: During one decade, 882 out of 4676 (18.8%) patients with diabetic foot ulcers underwent lower extremity amputations of various types in Sina and Shariati hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Of these, 692 (14.5%) were included for further analysis in the study and the rest were excluded due to lack of sufficient recorded data. About 75.9% of the study population was male, and the average age including both sexes was 60 years. About 92.7% were married, and on average, subjects had been afflicted with diabetes mellitus for 15.1 years. Statistical analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test showed there was a significant association between the treatment regimen for diabetes mellitus and the type of amputation ( P = .01), as well as between the duration of the disease and the cause of amputation ( P = .01) and its type ( P = .04). Conclusion: diabetes mellitus related treatment regimen and duration of disease are significantly associated with amputation cause and type.
Intrinsic brain activity differences in perampanel-responsive and non-responsive drug-resistant epilepsy patients: an EEG microstate analysis
Authors: Zhu Chaofeng , Li Juan , Wei Dazhu , Wu Luyan , Zhang Yuying , Huang Huapin , Lin Wanhui 
Published: January 2024

Background: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients exhibit aberrant large-scale brain networks. Perampanel may be a therapeutic option for controlling seizures in these patients. Objective: We aim to explore the differences of resting-state electroencephalogram (EEG) microstate in perampanel-responsive and non-responsive DRE patients. Design: Retrospective study. Methods: Clinical data were collected from DRE patients who received perampanel treatment at the Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from June 2020 to September 2021, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Patients were classified into three groups based on the extent of reduction in seizure frequency: non-responsive (seizure reduction <50%), responsive (seizure reduction >50% but not seizure-free), and seizure-free. Resting-state EEG data sets of all participants were subjected to EEG microstate analysis. The study comprehensively compared the mean duration, frequency per second, and temporal coverage of each microstate among the three groups. Results: A total of 76 perampanel-treated DRE patients were categorized into three groups based on their response to treatment: non-responsive ( n = 20), responsive ( n = 36), and seizure-free ( n = 20), according to the degree of seizure frequency reduction. The results of EEG microstate analysis revealed no statistically significant distinctions in frequency, duration, and coverage of microstate D in these DRE patients. However, the seizure-free group showed significantly increased duration and coverage of microstate A, frequency and coverage of microstate B, and significantly decreased duration, frequency, and coverage of microstate C when compared with the other groups. Conclusion: Microstate A, B, and D is associated with the sensorimotor network, visual network, salience network, and attention network, respectively. This study demonstrates statistically significant differences in the sensorimotor, visual, and salience networks, but not in the attention network, between perampanel-responsive and non-responsive DRE patients.
Prediction of Body Height Using Hand Length and Hand Breadth in Pharmacy and Nursing Students at Misrake Ghion College, Northeast Ethiopia: An Anthropometry Study
Authors: Tiruneh Chalachew , Teshome Daniel , Geberemeskel Teshome , Derso Mohammed , Necho Mogesie , Teshome Yossef , Molla Abebaw 
Published: January 2024

Objectives: To predict body height using hand length and hand breadth in pharmacy and nursing students at Misrake Ghion College, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted from October 15 to January 20, 2021. The study was carried out on 316 students (160 males and 156 females). The study participants were from the Amhara ethnic groups, with the age range of 18 to 25 years. Body height, hand length, and hand breath were measured and analyzed using SPSS version 23. The strength of association was evaluated using correlation analysis. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. A paired sample t test was performed. Regression equations were derived using simple and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Hand length and hand breadth had a positive significant correlation with body height in both male and females. In both males and females, left hand length had a strong significant correlation (males r = 0.768, females r = 0.670), followed by right hand length (males r = 0.711, females r = 0.626). Regarding hand length, right hand breadth (males r = 0.671, female r = 0.438) and left hand length (males r = 0.504, females r = 0.525). There was a significant bilateral difference in hand length and hand breadth on its right and left sides ( p < 0.05). Simple and multiple regression equations were formulated for each sex. Conclusion: In both males and females, body height can be estimated from hand length and breadth using simple or multiple regression equations.
The Influence of Exposure to Nature on Inpatient Hospital Stays: A Scoping Review
Authors: Guidolin Keegan , Jung Flora , Hunter Sarah , Yan Han , Englesakis Marina , Verderber Stephen , Chadi Sami , Quereshy Fayez 
Published: January 2024

Aim: To summarize the existing literature surrounding the influence of natural elements on course in hospital and to introduce clinicians to the concept of biophilic design and the potential for incorporation of nature into the hospital environment as a component of a therapeutic hospitalization. Background: For decades, architects and designers have espoused the benefits of incorporating natural elements into the healthcare environment for therapeutic purposes. The benefits of this “biophilic” design philosophy has been investigated predominantly in long-term care or rehabilitation settings; however, some of the most appealing opportunities lie in the acute care setting. Methods: This scoping review surveyed the literature surrounding the influence of exposure to nature on course in acute hospitalizations. After screening 12,979 citations, 41 articles were included. Exposures were divided into seven categories, the most common of which were the presence of a window/natural light, a natural scene through a window, and nature soundscapes. These articles were reviewed in a narrative fashion and thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Studies were extremely heterogeneous in their design, research questions, and reported outcomes. Types of exposure to nature studied were exposure to a real natural scene through a window, presence of a window/nature light, nature in the healthcare environment, art depicting nature, direct contact with nature, nature soundscapes, and nature experienced through virtual reality (VR). Conclusions: Exposure to nature during an acute hospital admission appears to have a real but small therapeutic effect, predominantly on psychological metrics like anxiety/depression, pain, and patient satisfaction. Greater beneficial effects are seen with greater durations of exposure to nature and greater degrees of immersion into nature (e.g., creating multisensory experiences using emerging technology like VR).
The Influence of Strength and Sport Exposure on Psychological Readiness After ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Zink Griffin P. , Zwolski Christin M. , Thomas Staci M. , Paterno Mark V. , Schmitt Laura C. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Among young athletes returning to sport after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), the extent to which psychological readiness is influenced by factors beyond the psychological domain is largely unknown. Hypothesis: Young athletes with recent sport exposure and higher quadriceps strength will demonstrate higher psychological readiness within 8 weeks of medical clearance to return to sport (RTS) after ACLR. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: A total of 38 young athletes after primary ACLR completed testing within 8 weeks of medical clearance to RTS. All participants completed isometric knee extension strength testing, in addition to the ACL Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) questionnaire. Athletes who participated in sport between time of medical clearance to RTS and date of study enrollment were categorized as SPORT-YES. Those who had not yet participated in sports were categorized as SPORT-NO. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine differences in ACL-RSI scores based on quadriceps strength and sport exposure status, while adjusting for age and sex. Results: Of the 38 participants, 20 (52.6%) were categorized as SPORT-YES. The regression model estimating overall ACL-RSI score ( P < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.389) included significant independent contributions from age, sex, and sport exposure variables (age: P = 0.01, β [95% CI] = -2.01 [-3.54, -0.48]; sex (male): P = 0.02, β [95% CI] = 12.50 [2.36, 22.64]; strength: P = 0.51, β [95% CI] = -2.47 [-10.07,5.13]; sport exposure: P < 0.01, β [95% CI] = 12.89 [3.58, 22.19]). Conclusion: In partial accordance with our hypothesis, recent sport exposure was significantly associated with higher ACL-RSI scores among young athletes in the weeks after medical clearance to RTS after ACLR, while quadriceps strength was not. Clinical Relevance: Future prospective work is needed to determine the existence and direction of causal relationships between exposure to sport environment and psychological readiness among young athletes after ACLR.
Cloning, expression and molecular analysis of recombinant Netrin-A protein of Lucilia sericata Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larvae
Authors: Moemenbellah-Fard Mohammad Djafar , Bagheri Masoumeh , Bonyani Mehdi , Sedaghat Hamed , Raz Abbasali , Azizi Kourosh , Soltani Abouzar , Alipour Hamzeh 
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is used in larval therapy for wound healing. Netrin-A is an enzyme secreted from the salivary glands of these larvae, and has a central role in neural regeneration and angiogenesis. This study aimed to produce the recombinant Netrin-A protein from Lucilia sericata larvae by the baculovirus expression vector system in the Sf9 insect cell line. Methods: The coding sequence of Netrin-A was cloned, amplified in the pTG19 vector, and then cloned in the pFastBac HTA vector. It was then transformed into DH10Bac, and the recombinant Bacmid was subsequently transfected into Sf9 cells. The recombinant Netrin-A was purified by Ni-NTA agarose. The evaluation was done using SDS-PAGE and western blot, respectively. Finally, its concentration was calculated with the Bradford assay. Results: The molecular weight of this protein was 52 kDa with 404 amino acids. The signal peptide was located between amino acids 24 and 25. The concentration of Netrin-A was calculated to be 48.8 μg/ml. It reaffirmed the characterized gene codes of Lucilia sericata Netrin-A in a previous study. Conclusions: The generation of recombinant Netrin-A could be used in larval therapy, and as a biomarker in certain diseases. The netrin-A of Lucilia sericata was unprecedentedly cloned and expressed in a eukaryotic cell line. Given that this larva is FDA-approved, and non-pathogenic, it conduces to research on the development of maggot therapy in future.
Prevalence and associated factors of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mohammed Anissa , Melak Dagnachew , Demeke Bayou Fekade , Yasin Husniya , Zerga Aregash Abebayehu , Wagaye Birhanu , Yeshanew Ayele Fanos , Hussien Asfaw Ahmed , Kebede Natnael , Mekonen Asnakew Molla , Mihiretu Mengistu Mera , Tsega Yawkal , Addisu Elsabeth , Cherie Niguss , Birhane Tesfaye , Endris Hussien , Abegaz Zinet , Endawkie Abel 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Even though breast cancer incidence is lower in Sub-Saharan Africa, its mortality is higher in these countries. However, the impact does not end with diagnosis and treatment; rather many patients struggle with depression which is very common among these patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis helps to provide valuable insights into the overall prevalence of depression and associated factors among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa. Method: We searched several databases, including MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Hinary, CINHAL and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant literatures from inception up to 15 June 2023. All observational studies, published in English at any time were included, while, letters to editor, review articles, commentaries, interventional and qualitative studies, and, abstracts presented in conferences or seminars were excluded. The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis have been written based on the PRISMA 2020 checklist and the protocol have been registered in PROSPERO database (CRD42023428910). Result: We have included nine articles with 2226 study participants. The result showed that, the pooled prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa was 45.6% (95% CI: 30%–61%) with significant heterogeneity I2 = 98.9%, (Cochrane) Q < 0.0001. There was no single study effect and publication bias but substantial heterogeneity was observed. In addition, there has been a publication bias with eggers test ( p < 0.0033). However, there were no studies imputed after trim and fill analysis. From the factors, breast cancer patients who had poor financial support were 1.47 (95% CI: 1.02–2.13) times more at risk of developing depression than their counterparts. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients in Sub-Saharan Africa countries were higher than other regions. Thus, Emphasis should be given on developing financial assistance programs designed to cover the medical costs and improving the health care infrastructure.
Ten-year national trends in in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage by age in Japan: J-ASPECT study
Authors: Nakaoku Yuriko , Ogata Soshiro , Ren Nice , Tanaka Tomotaka , Kurogi Ryota , Nishimura Kunihiro , Iihara Koji 
Published: January 2024

Introduction: National-level data on trends in the prognosis of age-stratified patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are lacking. This study aimed to assess time trends in in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes of ICH patients by sex and age, and to explore factors associated with changes in in-hospital mortality trend. Patients and methods: Using the largest nationwide, J-ASPECT stroke database in Japan, this serial cross-sectional study included ICH patients aged ⩾18 years who were hospitalized for non-traumatic ICH from April 2010 to March 2020. We examined trends in in-hospital mortality and functional outcomes using the modified Rankin Scale at discharge, as well as differences in in-hospital mortality change between age groups. Results: Among 262,399 ICH patients from 934 hospitals, crude in-hospital mortality showed a significant decreasing time trend (from 19.5% to 16.7%), and this trend was consistent across sex and age groups. In addition, differences in in-hospital mortality change over the 10-year study period were significant between male patients aged ⩾75 years and those aged ⩽64 years (−3.9% [95% confidence interval, −5.4 to −2.4] for 75–84 years; −4.1% [−6.3 to −1.9] for ⩾85 years). On the other hand, the proportion of dependent patients (mRS 3–5) at discharge increased from 52.0% to 54.9% over the 10-year study period. Conclusion: The in-hospital mortality of ICH patients improved, whereas the proportion of patients with dependent functional outcome at discharge increased, over the 10-year study period. Elucidating the mechanism underlying differences in in-hospital mortality reduction in men may provide insights into effective interventions in the future.
“Treatment with curative intent”: the emergence of genetic therapies for sickle cell anemia
Authors: Benz Edward J. , Silberstein Leslie E. , Panepinto Julie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The root cause of sickle cell anemia has been known for 7 decades, yet no curative therapies have been available other than allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, for which applicability is limited. Two potentially curative therapies based on gene therapy and gene editing strategies have recently received US Food and Drug Administration approval. This review surveys the nature of these therapies and the opportunities and issues raised by the prospect of definitive genetically based therapies being available in clinical practice.
Influence of ATLG serum levels on CD3/CD19-depleted hematopoietic grafts and on immune recovery in pediatric haplo-HSCT
Authors: Maier Claus-Philipp , Klose Chihab , Seitz Christian Martin , Heubach Florian , Döring Michaela , Meisel Roland , Schuster Friedhelm , Gruhn Bernd , Keller Frieder , Rabsteyn Armin , Arendt Anne-Marie , Amorelli Germano , Eichholz Thomas , Feuchtinger Tobias , Martinius Holger , Nierkens Stefan , Teltschik Rouwen , Schulte Johannes Hubertus , Lengerke Claudia , Handgretinger Rupert , Lang Peter 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Anti–T lymphocyte globulin (ATLG) significantly reduces the risk of engraftment failure in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) but hampers posttransplant immune reconstitution. We hypothesized that in patients receiving haploidentical CD3/CD19-depleted grafts, these double-edged effects could be better balanced by attaining high ATLG serum concentrations before transplant but as low as possible on the day of transplant. Therefore, we moved the start of ATLG application to day −12 and determined serum concentrations of T-cell–specific ATLG in pediatric patients treated with 3 established dosing regimens (15, 30, or 60 mg/kg). Corresponding mean T-cell–specific ATLG serum concentrations at day 0 were 1.14, 2.99, or 12.10 μg/mL, respectively. Higher ATLG doses correlated with higher peak levels at days −8 and −7 and reduced graft rejection, whereas lower ATLG doses correlated with significantly faster posttransplant recovery of T and natural killer cells. The rate of graft-versus-host disease remained low, independent of ATLG doses. Moreover, in vitro assays showed that ATLG concentrations of 2.0 μg/mL and lower only slightly reduced the activity of natural killer cells, and therefore, the function of such effector cells might be preserved in the grafts. Pharmacokinetic analysis, compatible with linear first-order kinetics, revealed similar half-life values, independent of ATLG doses. Hence, the day on which a desired ATLG serum level is reached can be calculated before HSCT. Our retrospective study demonstrates the relevance of dosing and time of administration of ATLG on engraftment and immune recovery in ex vivo CD3/CD19-depleted haploidentical HSCT.