bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of a Compton camera-equipped robotic system capable of moving autonomously towards the radiation source
Authors: Sato Y. , Kakuto T. , Tanaka T. , Shimano H. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, understanding the distribution of radioactive substances is crucial to developing detailed decontamination plans and minimizing worker exposure. In this study, an autonomous mobile radiation source detection system based on a mecanum wheel robot equipped with a Compton camera was constructed. The Compton camera visualizes the radiation source, and software embedded in the robot system reads the results to recognize the radiation source and move the robot toward it. If the robot’s depth camera detects an obstacle while moving, it changes direction, visualizes the radiation source again using the Compton camera, and repeats moving the robot toward the radiation source. Furthermore, two demonstration tests were conducted in the laboratory using a 137Cs radiation source to confirm that the robot can reach it where there are obstacles or a narrow region. We have also summarized issues that must be identified to apply this system to actual decommissioning sites.
Three Types of Existential Entailments in a Multi-domain Semantics
Authors: Rami Dolf , Köpping Jan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this article, we argue for the distinction of three different types of predicates: existence entailing, (existence) neutral, and nonexistence entailing predicates. We provide linguistic tests as well as examples to motivate this distinction. After motivating our views on predicates, we show how our theory is able to deal with a multitude of problematic data both known from the literature as well as new. Then, we develop a multi-domain predicate logic inspired by certain versions of free logics in order to represent these entailments in a formal way.
Unmasking Distress: An Analysis of COVID-19’s Mental Health Impact on Nurses in South Africa
Authors: Haine Phillipa , Kagee Ashraf , Coetzee Bronwyne , Janse Van Vuuren Marnus , Shongwe Lindokuhle 
Published: February 2025

Background: The acute mental health challenges faced by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic have the potential to result in long-lasting psychological impacts. Promoting the mental health of nurses is crucial not only to safeguard their wellbeing but also to ensure the delivery of optimal patient care. Objective: This study sought to ascertain the extended mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among nurses in South Africa. Methods: Participants involved nurses working at four hospitals in the Western Cape province: Helderberg, TC Newman, Stellenbosch, and Tygerberg. A convenience sample of nurses ( N = 264) from the four hospitals participated in the study. Data collection involved an online survey, which included a comprehensive battery of psychological measures, such as fear of COVID-19, perceived vulnerability to disease, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use, and worry about COVID-19 infection. Results: The mean age of participants was 34.4 ( SD = 7.9), with a majority being female (82%). Age was positively correlated with hopelessness and life satisfaction but negatively associated with fear of COVID-19 and symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, alcohol use, and depression. Nurses in the private sector reported higher levels of alcohol use and PTSD than nurses in public, while married and partnered nurses reported reduced levels of anxiety compared to their unmarried counterparts. Higher education levels were associated with reduced adverse mental health outcomes. Conclusion: Psychological distress among nurses was exacerbated even after the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Potential areas of concern are highlighted, indicating the need for targeted interventions.
Day-ahead and Reserve Prices in a Renewable-based Power System: Adapting Electricity-market Design for Energy Storage
Authors: Deman Laureen , Siddiqui Afzal S. , Clastres Cédric , Boucher Quentin 
Published: February 2025

Decarbonizing the power mix will require investments in storage and flexibility options to replace the current carbon-intensive supply of reserves. This paper questions whether reserve-capacity markets can serve as a capacity mechanism for flexible technologies. A fundamental model of the day-ahead and reserve markets is used to investigate the evolution of reserve prices with large shares of renewable energy and storage. The model represents the current market design in Continental Europe with a centralized supply and platforms for the exchange of reserves. By becoming the main suppliers of reserve capacity, batteries have a noticeable impact on reserve prices. Their flexibility implies zero opportunity cost most of the time, meaning that the flexibility is not rewarded by the market. These results suggest that reserve-capacity markets cannot provide additional remuneration for flexible technologies and, thus, do not solve the missing-money problem in the context of the energy transition. JEL Classification: Q41, Q47
Determinants of health-related quality of life in patients undergoing medical expulsion therapy for acute renal colic
Authors: Ito Katsuhiro , Takahashi Toshifumi , Koterazawa Shigeki , Somiya Shinya , Haitani Takao , Kanno Toru , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi 
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Patients with ureteral stones and acute renal colic significantly impaired their quality of life (QOL). However, the factors that affect quality of life during conservative management, particularly medical expulsive therapy (MET), are not well understood. This study aimed to assess the determinant of QOL. Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective study to longitudinally assess QOL using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) in patients undergoing medical expulsive therapy. Results: Ninety-three patients were enrolled between April 2020 and December 2022, and 187 questionnaires were completed at each visit before spontaneous passage or intervention. The study found that a higher pain intensity was significantly associated with worse QOL during the primary visit ( p = 0.03). At the second visit, younger age ( p < 0.01), increased frequency of renal colic attacks ( p < 0.01), maximum pain intensity since the last visit ( p < 0.01), and shorter time from disease onset ( p = 0.03) were associated with a worse QOL. Multivariate analysis showed that only the total number of renal colic attacks was associated with EQ-5D score ( p = 0.047). The stone location significantly affected the cumulative incidence of renal colic attacks ( p = 0.02). The mean total number of renal colic until stone passage was 3.58 in individuals with proximal stones versus 0.86 in with distal stones ( p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study identified pain intensity and colic frequency as key factors contributing to the decline in QOL in patients with ureteral stones. Patients with proximal stones may be good candidates for early intervention to reduce colic events.
Association between changes in intrinsic foot muscle swelling and improvements in navicular drop height after toe flexor exercises
Authors: Komiya Makoto , Maeda Noriaki , Ishihara Honoka , Ishida Ayano , Esaki Hinata , Arima Satoshi , Nishikawa Yuichi , Urabe Yukio 
Published: February 2025

Background Exercise efficacy can be determined by muscle swelling confirmed through ultrasound, but this method has not been investigated for the intrinsic foot muscles (IFM). Objective To investigate changes over time in muscle swelling and navicular drop (ND) values after IFM exercises and evaluated the relationship between changes in muscle swelling and ND values. Methods In total, 40 feet (10 men; 10 women) were included. The navicular height (NVH) in sitting and standing positions and four IFM cross-sectional areas (CSAs) were measured. Measurements were taken pre-exercise, immediately, and 10 and 20 min after the toe flexor exercise (TFE) at 80% or greater intensity for 40 times. Changes over time in muscle swelling and ND values in men and women and their relationship were evaluated. Results Significant increases were observed in CSAs of all IFMs and improved navicular bone height in sitting and standing positions post-exercise. There was a moderate correlation between changes in CSAs of abductor hallucis (AbH) in women from pre-exercise and changes in ND values from pre-exercise up to 20 min post-exercise. Conclusion A positive correlation between AbH muscle swelling and ND values was observed in women, suggesting the importance of the AbH muscle in arch support.
Cephalometric Parameters as Predictive Factors for Orthognathic Surgery in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sennimalai Karthik , Mohaideen Kaja , Selvaraj Madhanraj , Siddiqui Hamza Parvez , Kharbanda Om Prakash , Katyal Sakshi 
Published: February 2025

To identify cephalometric parameters that could predict future need for orthognathic surgery (OGS) in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP). Final search was conducted on July 7, 2024, across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, EBSCO, and LILACS, without any language and publication time restriction. Studies comparing surgical versus nonsurgical UCLP patients were included. Two independent reviewers screened studies, and those included were evaluated using Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. Random-effects meta-analysis of various sagittal and vertical cephalometric parameters (SNA, SNB, ANB, mandibular plane angle [MPA], and lower anterior face height [%LFH]) was performed. Ten studies were included in systematic review and 5 in meta-analysis. Quality in Prognostic Studies tool assessment indicated moderate risk in 6 studies, with 2 demonstrating high and low risks of bias. Meta-analysis revealed that in the 5- to 8-year age group, significant differences were observed in SNA and ANB angles between surgical and nonsurgical groups, with mean differences of 2.25° (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.12, 3.39) and 3° (95% CI = 1.86, 4.15), respectively. In 9- to 14-year age group, significant differences were found in all 3 sagittal parameters: SNA angle difference of 2.65° (95% CI = 1.44, 3.86), SNB angle difference of 3.23° (95% CI = −4.69, −1.77), and ANB angle difference of 5.54° (95% CI = 3.66, 7.42). Vertical parameters (MPA and %LFH) were not statistically significant between groups in any age group. Cephalometric parameters could be a valuable predictive factor for determining the future need for OGS in patients with UCLP. ANB angle has been shown to be a significant predictor for distinguishing between surgical and nonsurgical patients.
Microtia in Indonesia: Characteristics and Family History Analysis on the Presence of Other Congenital Anomalies in Patients With Microtia
Authors: Gunadiputri Desrainy Inhardini , Aisyah Imaniar Fitri , Zarasade Lobredia , Lestari Pudji , Putri Indri Lakhsmi 
Published: February 2025

This study aims to explore the characteristics of microtia in Indonesia and examine whether family traits influence its severity, focusing on other congenital anomalies in patients categorized as either isolated or syndromic microtia. This study is a descriptive-analytical study with a cross-sectional design. Questionnaires were distributed via the WhatsApp group “Indonesian Microtia Family,” established by the Airlangga University Hospital Microtia Team. A total of 354 respondents completed the questionnaire, comprising patients with microtia and their family members and relatives. There is no intervention in this study. The data on the characteristics of patients with microtia are presented in a descriptive form. An analysis was conducted to determine the influence of family characteristics on the presence of other congenital anomalies in patients. Familial microtia, defined as microtia occurring in patients with a family history of microtia or related anomalies such as preauricular tags and preauricular fistulas, significantly influences the presence of additional congenital malformations (syndromic microtia), as indicated by a P value of .018. An odds ratio of 3.191 was obtained, indicating that the risk of isolated microtia occurrence is 3 times higher in familial microtia compared to sporadic microtia. In Indonesia, the majority of patients with microtia are male (78%), unilateral right (55.9%), third-degree Hunter (64.4%), solitary (72%), and sporadic (88.1%). Compared to sporadic microtia, familial microtia will increase the probability of isolated microtia occurrence by 3-fold.
Cytokines and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents
Authors: Leung Cherry Y. , Weiss Sandra J. 
Published: February 2025

Background: Inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of depression, but there is limited and conflicting research on the role of inflammatory markers in adolescent depression. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 and depression among a community-based sample of adolescents (13–19 years of age). Methods: Salivary samples were self-collected by adolescents for assay of cytokines. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to measure depressive symptoms and clinical depression, where a score ≥11 indicated the threshold for experiencing clinical depression. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between cytokines and depression, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, income, and body mass index. Results: The mean age of the 83 participants was 15.86 years. Eight participants screened positive for depression; the mean depressive symptom score was 5.11. Higher levels of IL-6 (Coef = 1.33, p < .001) and IL-8 (Coef = 0.69, p = .025) were associated with more frequent depressive symptoms while higher levels of TNF-α (OR = 2.50, p = .002), IL-1β (OR = 1.98, p = .001), and IL-8 (OR = 2.44, p = .008) were associated with greater odds of meeting criteria for clinical depression. Conclusions: Future research should focus on factors that induce higher cytokine levels and the mechanisms underlying their effects on depression. Cytokines assessed in this study may ultimately have implications as methods for depression screening or targets for biologic interventions to prevent and treat adolescent depression.
Real-world evidence of anti-VEGF therapies in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Italy: The RADIANCE study
Authors: Parravano Mariacristina , Viola Francesco , Nicolò Massimo , Vujosevic Stela , Bianchino Laura , Sicari Emilia , Villa Giulia , Lanzetta Paolo 
Published: February 2025

Purpose Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, particularly neovascular AMD (nAMD). This study aimed to investigate the real-world treatment patterns, effectiveness, and safety of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies for anti-VEGF naïve nAMD patients in Italy. Methods RADIANCE is a retrospective, observational, multicenter cohort study conducted at 13 clinical sites across Italy. The study enrolled all consecutive patients with nAMD, naïve to any intraocular anti-VEGF treatment and who initiated therapy with aflibercept, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab between January 2017 and November 2018. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate changes in visual acuity (VA) 52 weeks after initiating treatment with anti-VEGF. Results A total of 405 patients were enrolled; of these, 263 patients had at least two VA measurements and were included in the completer analysis (CA) set. At 52 weeks, the median VA change from baseline in the CA set was +1 letter, with 41.1% showing ≥ 5-letter improvement. Stratified by anti-VEGF agent, no statistically significant differences were observed. Overall, patients received a median of 5.0 (25th–75th percentile 3–6) injections of the initial anti-VEGF agent during the first year. Patients receiving ≥ 6 injections in the first year showed better VA outcomes. Undertreatment was evident at decreasing injection frequency over time. Conclusion The results of the RADIANCE study suggest an overall moderate effectiveness after 1 year of treatment with anti-VEGF in naïve patients with nAMD in Italy. Real-world outcomes demonstrated suboptimal treatment with no significant differences among anti-VEGF agents.
Molecular Docking Appraisal of Pleurotus ostreatus Phytochemicals as Potential Inhibitors of PI3K/Akt Pathway for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Effiong Magdalene Eno , Bella-Omunagbe Mercy , Afolabi Israel Sunmola , Chinedu Shalom Nwodo 
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease involving a network of numerous extracellular signal transduction pathways. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/serine/threonine kinase (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for understanding the BC development. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), mTOR, Akt, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1), FoxO1, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), mouse double minute 2 (MDM2), H-Ras, and proapoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family protein (BAD) proteins are key drivers of this pathway and potential therapeutic targets. Pleurotus ostreatus is an edible mushroom that is rich in flavonoids and phenols that can serve as potential inhibitors of proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Aim: This study evaluated the anticancer properties of P ostreatus through a structure-based virtual screening of 22 biologically active compounds present in the mushroom. Method: Model optimization was carried out on PI3K, PTEN, mTOR, Akt, PDK1, FoxO1, GSK-3, MDM2, H-Ras, and BAD proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and molecular docking of compounds/control inhibitors in the binding pocket were simulated AutoDock Vina in PyRx. The drug likeness, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic features of prospective docking leads were all anticipated. Result: Several potent inhibitors of the selected key driver proteins in PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were identified from P ostreatus. Ellagic acid with binding affinities of −8.0, −8.0, −8.1, −8.2, −6.2, and −7.1 kcal/mol on PI3K, Akt, PDK1, GSK-3, MDM2, and BAD, respectively, had better binding affinity compared with their reference drugs. Likewise, apigenin (−7.8 kcal/mol), chrysin (−7.8 kcal/mol), quercetin (−6.4 kcal/mol), and chlorogenic acid (−6.2 kcal/mol) had better binding affinities to PTEN, mTOR, FoxO1, and H-Ras proteins, respectively. Conclusion: Ellagic acid, apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, chrysin, and naringenin phytochemicals are seen as the better lead molecules due to their ability to strongly bind to the proteins under study in this pathway. Analogs of these compounds can also be designed as potential drugs.
Absence of hippocampal pathology persists in the Q175DN mouse model of Huntington's disease despite elevated HTT aggregation
Authors: Solem Melissa A , G Pelzel Ross , Rozema Nicholas B , Brown Taylor G , Reid Emma , Mansky Rachel H , Gomez-Pastor Rocio 
Published: February 2025

Background Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing motor, cognitive, and psychiatric impairments, with the striatum being the most affected brain region. However, the role of other regions, such as the hippocampus, in HD remains less understood. Objective Here, we study the comparative impact of enhanced mHTT aggregation and neuropathology in the striatum and hippocampus of two HD mouse models. Methods We utilized the zQ175 as a control HD mouse model and the Q175DN mice lacking the PGK-Neomycin cassette generated in house. We performed a comparative characterization of the neuropathology between zQ175 and Q175DN mice in the striatum and the hippocampus by assessing HTT aggregation, neuronal and glial pathology, chaperone expression, and synaptic density. Results We showed that Q175DN mice presented enhanced mHTT aggregation in both striatum and hippocampus compared to zQ175. Striatal neurons showed a greater susceptibility to enhanced accumulation of mHTT in Q175DN. On the contrary, no signs of hippocampal pathology were found in zQ175 and absence of hippocampal pathology persisted in Q175DN mice despite higher levels of mHTT. In addition, Q175DN hippocampus presented increased synaptic density, decreased Iba1+ microglia density and enhanced HSF1 levels in specific subregions of the hippocampus compared to zQ175. Conclusions Q175DN mice are a valuable tool to understand the fundamental susceptibility differences to mHTT toxicity between striatal neurons and other neuronal subtypes. Furthermore, our findings also suggest that cognitive deficits observed in HD animals might arise from either striatum dysfunction or other regions involved in cognitive processes but not from hippocampal degeneration.
Pharmacodynamic Elucidation of Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton for its Folkloric Claims in Diarrhea and Asthma via in Vitro, in Vivo and in Silico Methods
Authors: Naz Rabia , Saqib Fatima , Latif Muhammad Farhaj , Sajer Bayan H. , Misarca Catalin , Toma Sebastian Ionut , Podasca Petru Cezario , Andreescu Oana 
Published: February 2025

Ethnopharmacological relevance Pelargonium zonale (L.) L'Hér. ex Aiton ( P.zonale) is used against various cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases involving smooth muscles relaxation. It is traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea, gastropathy, and toothache. Aim of study The current study was designed to validate its conventional applications, we conducted the investigational studies to evaluate the potential mode of operation in the management of disorders pertaining to the cardiovascular system, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract via in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico studies. Material and methods The bioactive compounds were identified via HPLC done by using a binary-gradient solvent system containing of C-18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm), flow rate of 0.8 ml/min, and run time of 36 min was used for the illumination of P.zonale crude extract chromatogram. These compounds were predicted spasmolytic and bronchodilation potential in molecular docking. Invitro methods confirmed the spasmolytic and bronchodilator effects. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal experiments were conducted in in-vivo studies. Results Experimental investigations have disclosed that it possesses antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic attributes. In vitro examinations of this botanical specimen demonstrated its spasmolytic, vasorelaxant, ionotropic, and bronchodilator activities, which involve adrenergic, muscarinic, and potassium ion channels by alleviating sustained contractions induced by phenylephrine (1 µM), carbamylcholine (1 µM), and KCl (25 mM L−1) respectively. The properties associated with the opening of potassium channels were validated by conducting repeat experiments in the presence of tetraethylammonium (TEA) and glibenclamide (GB), which confirmed the activation of voltage-activated and ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Both in vitro and in vivo investigations reveal the existence of significant smooth muscle relaxant activity, further corroborated by in silico studies. Conclusion In vitro and in vivo studies reveal substantial capacities for smooth muscle relaxation, which encompass bronchodilation, spasmolytic activity, and vasodilation, with these observations being corroborated by molecular docking analyses. However, further studies are needed to deﬁne the clinical signiﬁcance and safety treatment with P.zonale.