bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictive value of MRI for identifying symptomatic neurovascular compressions in classical trigeminal neuralgia: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yin Changyou , Ma Lei , Ding Mingzeng , Kong Wei , Wang Yanbin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Patients with trigeminal neuralgia frequently undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to surgery. In patients without the signs and symptoms of face discomfort, MRI has shown the presence of neurovascular contact (NVC) in humans. Therefore, its capacity to accurately exclude NVC of the trigeminal nerve is not properly understood. A meta-analysis of the literature satisfied the criteria to further explore the value of MRI for the diagnosis of classical trigeminal neuralgia (CTN).
Study Design
The association between the symptomatic and asymptomatic trigeminal nerves, NVC, root entry zone (REZ), non-REZ, and anatomical variation was measured by a comprehensive review and meta-analysis of 13 observational studies using MRI for CTN neurovascular compression diagnosis.
Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of MRI in detecting the neurovascular compression that causes symptoms in individuals with classic trigeminal neuralgia.
Setting
This study was conducted at the Department of Neurosurgery, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Qingdao University.
Methods
Digital searches of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were performed to identify studies published until December 31, 2022. The following were evaluated: 1) MRI evidence of NVC in symptomatic and asymptomatic trigeminal nerves; 2) MRI indication of NVC at the REZ in symptomatic and asymptomatic trigeminal nerves; 3) MRI substantiation of non-REZ neurovascular contact in patients with CTN; and 4) asymptomatic and symptomatic anatomical changes at the NVC site of the trigeminal nerves. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the fixed effects models.
Results
Thirteen observational studies were analyzed. First, MRI of 88.2% of symptomatic versus 36.3% of asymptomatic trigeminal nerves revealed marked differences in NVC in the REZ. Second, pooled data showed that REZ NVC was detected in 78.6% of symptomatic and 37.9% of asymptomatic nerves. Third, MRI analysis of NVC in the non-REZ revealed no differences between 12.1% asymptomatic nerves and 16.5% symptomatic nerves, and MRI revealed marked differences in 53.2% symptomatic and 7.9% asymptomatic anatomic changes at the NVC site of the trigeminal nerve.
Limitations
Despite the systematic evaluation of 13 observational studies, large-scale randomized controlled trials should be conducted, focusing on the specificity of MRI for the diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia and evaluating the specificity of the imaging findings and the impact of the patient's postoperative treatment.
Conclusions
A previous meta-analysis showed that patients with CTN were more likely to have NVC-specific anatomical changes. MRI of patients with CTN can detect anatomical changes in the REZ NVC with higher sensitivity.
Improving the Maternal Healthcare Quality for Women with Disabilities in Nepal
Authors: Herren Laura , Noori Savo , Lanzarotti Francesca , Devkota Hridaya Raj , Hillman Sara , Roll Kate 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction ​This study identifies approaches to quality improvement for women with disabilities in Nepal from the perspective of the women themselves and the policymakers. Nepal has seen significant progress in maternal healthcare, including a marked reduction in maternal mortality. However, this progress masks disparities, particularly for women with disabilities. The study aims to address the gap in quality of maternal healthcare for these women, in light of Nepal’s evolving healthcare policies and federal structure. Studies have been conducted on quality improvement for maternal health but few studies have been done from both perspectives.Methods Qualitative data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with two groups: 12 women with visual and physical disabilities, and 12 policymakers at different administrative levels. Conducted in the outskirts of Kathmandu, these interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed thematically.Results Women with disabilities in Nepal highlighted significant healthcare challenges, including inadequate disability-friendly infrastructure, scarce resources like wheelchairs and interpreters, understaffing, financial barriers, and lack of adequately trained healthcare staff. They advocated for better policy enforcement, increased staff training, and self-education on disability effects. Policymakers acknowledged these issues, noting improvements in infrastructure after the 2015 federalization of Nepal, but noted financial constraints and a lack of staff training and awareness. They suggested leveraging private funds and NGO collaboration for better resource allocation and emphasized the potential of local government initiatives for more tailored healthcare solutions.Conclusion In this study examining healthcare quality improvements, women with disabilities and policymakers agreed on the necessity of enhanced infrastructure, resources, and state financing, but diverged in their perceptions of progress and implementation strategies. Policymakers view current efforts optimistically and favor leveraging private funding, whereas women report insufficient improvements and neglect. Both groups value healthcare provider training, yet differ on approaches to achieve it. To address these disparities, the study recommends interactive workshops for shared understanding, strategic optimization of state spending, and curriculum updates to include specialized training for healthcare providers, aiming to unify efforts towards better healthcare for women with disabilities.
Discussion on Therapeutic Effect of ALA on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy rats from mitochondrial transport
Authors: Tian Jiaxin , An jingwen , Song Linchun , Zhang Wang , Chen Die , Zhang Tianya , Ben Ying 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the AMPK/CREB pathway–mediated effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on the sciatic nerve of rats with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and to attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
Methods
In vivo experiment, healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were induced by high-carbohydrate/high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg·kg− 1) to induce diabetes. The diabetes SD rats were randomly divided into DPN group and alpha lipoic acid (ALA) group (n = 15). The other 15 SD rats were set as Control group. Then Control group and DPN group received the same amount of normal saline by intragastric administration, and ALA groups received ALA intervention every day for 12 weeks. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and Paw Withdrawal Threshold (PWT) were detected. The morphological changes were observed by HE staining in sciatic nerves. Kinesin family member 5A (KIF5A), Dynein Cytoplasmic 1 Intermediate Chain 2 (DYNC1I2), phosphorylated Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated cAMP responsive element binding protein(p-CREB) and cAMP responsive element binding protein(CREB)were observed by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot. In the vitro cell experiment, the NSC34 cells injury model was established by treating with 50 mmol·L− 1 of high glucose and 250 µmol·L− 1 of palmitic acid sodium. NSC34 cells were randomly divided into Control group, Model group and alpha lipoic acid intervention group (ALA group). ALA group was given corresponding ALA for 24 hours of intervention. The axon changes were observed by measured neuron axon length in NSC34 cells. KIF5A, DYNC1I2, p-AMPK,AMPK, p-CREB and CREB were observed by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot.
Results
ALA improved the MNCV and PTW of rats with DPN and reduced their mechanical pain threshold. AMPK was activated by ALA. p-CREB, KIF5A expression was upregulated, while DYNC1I2 expression was downregulated. ALA regulates mitochondrial transport in peripheral nerve.
Conclusion
ALA activates CREB and KIF5A through AMPK, regulates positive mitochondrial transport, protects axons, and attenuates DPN.
Deep Reinforced Learning Based Inductively Coupled DSTATCOM Under Load Uncertainties
Authors: Mangaraj Mrutyunjaya , Muyeen S M , Babu B Chitti , Khan N Toushif , Singh Satyavir , Chakravarty A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Concerning the power quality (PQ) issues in the power distribution network (PDN) due to load uncertainties and improper impedance matching of the inductances, deep reinforced learning (DRL) based inductively coupled DSTATCOM (IC-DSTATCOM) is proposed. First, by analyzing the impedance matching principle, the expression of source, load and filter current is derived with the help of inductive transformer. And second, an individual DRL subnet structure is accumulated for each phase using mathematical equations to perform the better dynamic response. The constraints like poor adaptability and PQ obtained from the direct coupled distributed static compensator (DC-DSTATCOM) due to uncertainties of loads is considered to improve the filtering performance. The IC-DSTATCOM is augmented better dynamic performance in terms of harmonics curtailment, improvement in power factor (PF), load balancing, potential regulation etc. The benchmark IEEE-519-2017 and IEC-61000-1 grid code are used to evaluate the effectiveness of the simulation and experimental study. Index Terms-PQ, PDN, DC-DSTATCOM, IC-DSTATCOM, and DRL algorithm. I. INTRODUCTION DC-DSTATCOM has achieved a great success in terms of shunt compensation for the PDN. There are several suggested improvement are being considered to improve the performance of the DC-DSTATCOM. The prime objectives such as harmonics curtailment, improvement in PF, load balancing, and potential regulation are considered. The drawbacks of DC-DSTATCOM has raised the important conceren related issues due to the flow of short circuit current at point of common coupling (PCC), poor protection and thermal issues. Considering the medium and long term development plan for “automotive industry” regulated by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, It is encouraged for the development of IC-DSTATCOM.
Using qualitative system dynamics modeling to understand overdose bystander behavior in the context of Connecticut’s Good Samaritan Laws and identify effective policy options
Authors: Thompson Rachel , Sabounchi Nasim S. , Ali Syed Shayan , Heimer Robert , D’Onofrio Gail , Heckmann Rebekah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Good Samaritan Laws (GSLs) are a harm reduction policy intended to facilitate a reduction in fatal opioid overdoses by enabling bystanders, first responders, and health care providers to assist individuals experiencing an overdose without facing civil or criminal liability. However, GSLs may not be reaching their full impact in many communities due to a lack of knowledge of GSL protections, distrust in law enforcement, and fear of legal consequences among potential bystanders. The purpose of this study was to develop a systems understanding of the factors influencing bystander responses to opioid overdose in the context of Connecticut’s GSLs and identify high-leverage policies for improving opioid-related outcomes and GSL implementation in Connecticut (CT).
Methods: We conducted six group model building (GMB) workshops that engaged a diverse set of participants with medical and community expertise and lived bystander experience. Through an iterative, stakeholder-engaged process, we developed, refined, and validated a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model in the form of a causal loop diagram (CLD).
Results: Our resulting qualitative SD model captures our GMB participants’ collective understanding of the dynamics driving bystander behavior and other factors influencing the effectiveness of GSLs in the state of CT. In this model, we identified seven balancing (B) and eight reinforcing (R) feedback loops within four narrative domains: Narrative 1 - Overdose, Calling 911, and First Responder Burnout; Narrative 2 - Naloxone Use, Acceptability, and Linking Patients to Services; Narrative 3 - Drug Arrests, Belief in Good Samaritan Laws, and Community Trust in Police; and Narrative 4 - Bystander Naloxone Use, Community Participation in Harm Reduction, and Cultural Change Towards Carrying Naloxone.
Conclusions: Our qualitative SD model brings a nuanced systems perspective to the literature on bystander behavior in the context of GSLs. Our model, grounded in local knowledge and experience, shows how the hypothesized non-linear interdependencies of the social, structural, and policy determinants of bystander behavior collectively form endogenous feedbacks that can be leveraged to design policies to advance and sustain systems change.
Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of Ethanolic Extract of Plumbago Zeylanica
Authors: Usman Fathima Nausheen , Singhal Naveen Kumar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Experiments were designed to establish the hepatoprotective activity of Plumbago zeylanica (EPZE) ethanolic Root extracts at different doses (100 and 200 mg/kg bw) against thioacetamide-induced liver damage in albino Wistar rats. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by evaluating the activity of liver- function marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase as well as antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, Glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione. Lipid peroxidation was measured as malonaldehyde, a thiobarbituric acid reactive substance. Liver histopathological changes were also evaluated. EPZE administration was found to markedly prevent the elevation of serum liver enzymes and conjugated dienes, and significantly increase hepatic levels of antioxidant markers. Histological findings also confirmed the EPZE protective effects on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, results from the present study demonstrate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of EPZE, strongly suggesting that it could be used as a rich source of natural antioxidants.
Changes of moral distress in nurses from 2012 to 2021: A cross-temporal meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Mengyun , Lu Yifu , Mo Wenping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aims: To examine how moral distress among Chinese nurses changed between 2012 and 2021, and its relationship with regions and departments.
Methods: We examined this question using a cross-temporal meta-analysis (CTMA). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were used as a guide for reporting the results.
Results: A total of 25 studies were included (N=7438). The results showed that nurses’ mean score of total moral distress and dimensions of individual responsibility, not in the patient’s best interest and damage patients’ interests increased significantly over year, but the trend of conflict of values was no significant. The scores of not in the patient’s best interest of nurses in other regions increased significantly. The conflict of values’ scores of ICU nurses and total moral distress and not in the patient’s best interest scores of oncology nurses showed increased significantly over time.
Conclusion: Results reveal that moral distress level of Chinese nurses increased over time, which might be due to ethics climate, international relationships, and burnout. It also shows the associations changes in nurses’ moral distress over years with region and department.
Promoting electrocatalytic methanol oxidation through Mn- generated oxygen vacancies on NiMn LDH/N-enriched carbon matrix
Authors: Wang Tao , Cheng Shiru , Wang Zhen , Zhou Juhong , Zhao Hui , Sheng Kefa , Jiang Binbin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With growing demand for renewable energy, it is urgent to develop prominent and robust transition metal electrocatalysts toward direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). Nevertheless, the limited intrinsic activity of non-noble metal catalysts impeded their wide applications. To promote the electronic property of the non-noble metal catalysts, generating oxygen vacancies in non-noble metal catalysts could effectively modulate the intrinsic properties, resulting in significantly enhanced electrocatalytic performances. Herein, NiMn LDH/N-enriched carbon matrix with abundant oxygen vacancies (Ov-NiMn LDH/NCM) was achieved toward the methanol oxidation reaction through the simple hydrothermal approach. Remarkably, the optimal Ov-NiMn LDH/NCM exhibits outstanding methanol oxidation activity. The onset oxidation potential for methanol oxidation shifts negatively about 53 mV in comparison to Ni(OH)2/NCM. The current density activity of Ov-NiMn LDH/NCM reaches 38.4 mA·cm− 2, which is 1.6 folds than that of Ni(OH)2/NCM (24.0 mA·cm− 2) in 0.1 M KOH with 0.10 M methanol at the potential of 0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The excellent performances for methanol oxidation reaction are attributed to the oxygen vacancies, which can significantly exposing the active sites and accelerate the charge transfer ability of the electrocatalysts. This work provides an effective avenue to construct the efficient and robust electrocatalysts toward methanol oxidation reaction.
Significant Role of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D on Serum Calcium Levels After Total Thyroidectomy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yamashita Hiroyuki , Mori Yusuke , Shindo Hisakazu , Yoshimoto Kouichi , Tachibana Seigo , Fukuda Takashi , Takahashi Hiroshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To comprehensively investigate the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) on calcium (Ca) concentrations after total thyroidectomy.
Methods
Serum Ca, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 1,25(OH)2D levels were measured in 82 patients with thyroid disease before and after surgery.
Results
Serum Ca, PTH, and 1,25(OH)2D levels decreased significantly on the morning of the first postoperative day. Notably, the decrease in 1,25(OH)2D concentration was significantly lower than that of the PTH concentration (10.5% ± 33.4% vs. 52.1% ± 30.1%, p < 0.0001), with 28% of patients showing increases in 1,25(OH)2D. A high pre-operative 1,25(OH)2D concentration was the only factor to predict a postoperative 1,25(OH)2D decrease. Postoperative 1,25(OH)2D concentrations and the magnitude and rate of decrease from preoperative levels showed strong positive correlations with preoperative 1,25(OH)2D concentrations (p < 0.0001 for all three variables) but not with PTH concentrations. These findings suggest that 1,25(OH)2D concentrations after thyroidectomy were more strongly dependent on preoperative concentrations than on the effect of PTH decrease and were relatively preserved, possibly preventing sudden severe postoperative hypocalcemia. A high 1,25(OH)2D level was the most important preoperative factor for hypocalcemia (< 2 mmol/L; p < 0.05) on the first postoperative day; however, when intraoperative factors were added, only the decrease in PTH was significant (p < 0.001). In the PTH > 10 pg/mL group, a decrease in 1,25(OH)2D was significantly associated with postoperative hypocalcemia (p < 0.05). Similarly, in the PTH levels > 15 pg/mL group, a decrease in 1,25(OH)2D concentration was a significant factor, and the amount of PTH decrease was no longer significant.
Conclusions
1,25(OH)2D plays an important role in preventing sudden, severe hypocalcemia due to decreased PTH levels after total thyroidectomy, whereas high preoperative 1,25(OH)2D levels are a significant risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia. Optimizing preoperative protocols to adjust Ca, PTH, and 1,25(OH)2D levels may reduce the risk of hypocalcemia.
Mixing of powders under periodic shear stress: effect of initial filling level
Authors: Obregón-Quiñones Luis Guillermo , Velázquez-Figueroa Carlos , Vanegas-Chamorro Marley Cecilia 
Published: December 2023

Powder Mixing continues being of great importance in the field of particle technology because of the challenge to get homogeneous mixtures at a large scale. However, it is still moderately understood because of the complexity of designing 3D experiments that consider all the factors affecting the powder flow and powder mixing, hindering the acquisition of enough data that would provide a basic conception of powder behavior. This study involves a simple granular material mixing system of low friction that has five walls, where two of them are high friction moving walls following a cyclic function, and the others are non-friction static walls. The purpose was to create a complete set of 3D experiments of powder distribution to have a better insight into the inside mixing behavior as a function of the initial powder filling level. Experiments at different filling heights were run, obtaining the best mixing at the highest filling level. It was obtained a non-mixing zone with a triangle shape highly affected by the column particle weight. The increase of the vertical component of the resultant force produced by the acrylic motion walls causes a high momentum transfer in the x, y and z directions resulting in a decrease in the no-mixing zone. It was found an asymptotic behavior of the triangle height as a function of the initial filling height of the powders which indicates that values above a limited initial filling level will not have a significant effect on the triangle. A filling height increment of 100 % from 3.81 to 7.62 cm causes an increase in the mixing of 4.44 %. DEM simulations for mixing in the low-shear equipment were run to compare the experimental work
Stress analysis of the frame of a corn harvesting tractor
Authors: Putra Randi Purnama , Waskito  , Yuvenda Dori , Adri Junil 
Published: December 2023

The extent of existing corn land in Indonesia and the activities carried out by farmers in corn farming requires the innovation of an effective and efficient corn harvesting machine. This underlies the Research Center for Appropriate Technology located at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Padang to design a corn harvesting tractor that can facilitate the community in carrying out activities in the agricultural sector. The design of the corn harvester tractor consists of the harvester mechanism, the frame, the engine, and the powertrain. The frame is a crucial component of the corn harvester tractor, and its strength depends on its shape and proportions. The construction's strength of the frame must take into account both safety considerations and the structure's strength. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frame strength of a corn harvester tractor made of steel of the ASTM A36 type. In this study, the von Mises stress that exists in the frame is used to calculate the strength of the frame of a corn harvester tractor. In numerical analysis, the chassis utilizes two tests with various load variations, namely the concentrated load and the load that is evenly distributed on the surface. The simulation results show that the frame of the corn harvester tractor can withstand the load well. The results of the stress analysis that occurs on the frame of the corn harvester tractor are that the maximum stress that occurs due to the concentrated load on the frame is 3.248 MPa. While the maximum stress that occurs due to the distributed load acting on the frame is 3.510 MPa. In addition, information was obtained that the value of the safety factor for the frame with ASTM A36 type met the component requirements that could withstand concentrated loads and distributed loads