bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiologic grading scores enhance clinical model's prognostic ability for Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Fang Qiang , Wu Danyang , Wang Bao , Cao Lili , Cai Shifeng , Sun Xiubin , He Jingzhen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) grading scores based on lumbosacral muscle denervation edema in predicting the course of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS).MethodsWe collected data from 354 GBS patients and developed MRI grading criteria (5‐point scale) based on the transverse area and longitudinal length of lumbosacral edema. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with GBS prognosis among 12 demographic and radiological features. Clinical models and clinical‐MRI models were separately trained and validated by data from Institution 1. External test was performed using data from Institution 2. Differences between the models were assessed using the z‐test.ResultsFour clinical factors (sex, albumin cytological dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid, medical research council [MRC] sum score at admission, and MRC sum score at discharge [odds ratio, 0.24–5.15; all p < 0.001]) and MRI grading scores (odds ratio, 2.44; p < 0.001) are independent prognostic factors for GBS patients. The shallow neural network achieved the best prognostic performance both clinical model (accuracy of external test cohort, 83.96%) and clinical‐MRI model (accuracy of external test cohort, 90.56%). A significant difference between clinical and clinical‐MRI model was also found (clinical model vs. clinical‐MRI model, area under the receiver operating curve, 0.84 (95% CI: [0.71, 0.91]) vs. 0.97 (95% CI: [0.86, 0.99]), p < 0.001).InterpretationThe MRI grading scores for muscle denervation edema may serve as a potential prognostic risk factor for GBS. Furthermore, they significantly improve the prognostic performance of standalone clinical model in predicting GBS prognosis.
An Online Program for Primary Care Practitioners to Enhance Confidence in Ability to Care for Patients With or at Risk of Painful Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Mandl Lisa A. , Lin Myriam A. , Gottesman Sarah P. , Mich‐Gennari Erin , Wall Nicole , Nathif Anan , Ma Xiaoyue , Aizer Juliet 
Published: December 2023

ObjectivePrimary care practitioners (PCPs) care for the majority of patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Despite the existing evidence‐based guidelines, PCPs often feel unequipped to evaluate and effectively treat patients with KOA. To address this need, we designed and implemented a free internet‐based program focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of KOA. We assessed whether the program led to improvements in participants’ confidence in their knowledge and skills related to effectively recognizing and caring for patients with or at risk of KOA.MethodsWe used Caffarella's integrative model to develop a program aligned with the American College of Rheumatology 2019 Guideline for the treatment of KOA. The program incorporated 18 case‐based questions to provide retrieval practice and mastery experiences. We assessed changes in participants’ confidence in their KOA knowledge and skills after program completion.ResultsOf the first 353 learners completing the program, 53.8% were women, 41.9% had a clinical focus in primary care, and 69.1% were nonphysicians. Overall confidence in KOA knowledge and skills improved after program completion (P < 0.001; effect size = 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.45), with largest improvements among participants with lower pre‐program confidence. A total of 95.8% of participants indicated they would recommend the program to others.ConclusionA free online program focusing on the effective care for patients with KOA attracted a wide range of learners, even though it targeted PCPs. Participants overwhelmingly endorsed it as highly relevant and would recommend it to others. Whether improvements in confidence translate into better patient outcomes is an important area for future research.
Encoded Magnetization for Programmable Soft Miniature Machines by Covalent Assembly of Modularly Coupled Microgels
Authors: Wei Tanyong , Zhao Ruizhou , Fang Lijun , Li Zongze , Yang Ming , Zhan Zhen , Cheang U. Kei , Hu Chengzhi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe bottom‐up assembly of premagnetized microgels offers remarkable flexibility in programmability, material selection, and complexity for fabricating programmable magnetic soft machines with discrete 3D magnetization profiles. However, the current microgel bonding encounters challenges due to the utilization of adhesives for attachment, biocompatibility for in vivo applications, and the need for elevated temperature for self‐healing materials. Here, an approach is presented that leverages N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester‐activated sodium alginate (SA‐NHS) and chitosan (CS) to form modular gels for on‐demand assembly through covalent bonding, yielding a tough and durable interface. Photolithography‐based patterning and magnetic maneuverability are imparted by introducing poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and ferromagnetic particles into SA‐NHS or CS, resulting in the creation of modularized magnetic or nonmagnetic microgels. Different magnetization profiles of the modular microgel can be achieved by magnetizing the ferromagnetic particles inside the microgel. To prove the versatility of the proposed method, several programmable magnetic soft machines are developed for various application scenarios, including heterogeneous cell‐laden hydrogel assemblies, multisegmented magnetic soft swimmers, programmable magnetic switches for electric circuits, and magnetically triggered release from drug‐encapsulated magnetic capsules. This proposed approach holds great potential to engineer highly intricate and hierarchical architectures, enhancing the functionality, versatility, and adaptability of programmable soft machines.
Versatile Stretchable Conductor with Exceptional Resilience and Rapid Rebound Capabilities: Toward Sustainable and Damage‐Resistant Soft Electronics
Authors: Liu Shanqiu , Li Yizhen , Wen Jun , Shen Zhenxiang , Meng Qiu , Liu Qing , Yang Fan , Yu Zheng Si , Li Jingguo , Sun Zhiyong , Zhuang Guilin , Yang Jintao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractStretchable conductors (SCs) have garnered significant attention in both academia and industry, owing to their promising applications in flexible electronics. However, achieving a highly resilient and rapidly rebounding SC that enables prompt electrical response to applied strain, while also being fully recyclable and self‐healable, remains a challenge. Here, the design and preparation of a high‐performance SC based on a small bio‐molecule (α‐Lipoic acid) are reported, using a straightforward, cost‐effective, and scalable method. The engineered SC exhibits a ≈100% rebound ratio and fast rebound speed (≈0.4 s) under repeated high strains, along with outstanding electrical sensitivity to both deformation and temperature variation. This ensures that the SC possesses high precision and real‐time sensing attributes. Moreover, the SC features high optical transparency (>97%), robust reversible adhesion to diverse surfaces (up to 5.0 MPa), efficient room‐temperature self‐healing properties, and full recyclability. The superior properties of the SC are fundamentally attributed to the installed hierarchical dynamic bonding at the molecular level, which enables continuous energy dissipation and is analyzed through DFT calculations. The developed SC holds great potential for applications in soft electronics and human–machine interfaces.
Features of Anisotropic Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: Kudryavtseva Valeriya , Sukhorukov Gleb B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNatural materials are anisotropic. Delivery systems occurring in nature, such as viruses, blood cells, pollen, and many others, do have anisotropy, while delivery systems made artificially are mostly isotropic. There is apparent complexity in engineering anisotropic particles or capsules with micron and submicron sizes. Nevertheless, some promising examples of how to fabricate particles with anisotropic shapes or having anisotropic chemical and/or physical properties are developed. Anisotropy of particles, once they face biological systems, influences their behavior. Internalization by the cells, flow in the bloodstream, biodistribution over organs and tissues, directed release, and toxicity of particles regardless of the same chemistry are all reported to be factors of anisotropy of delivery systems. Here, the current methods are reviewed to introduce anisotropy to particles or capsules, including loading with various therapeutic cargo, variable physical properties primarily by anisotropic magnetic properties, controlling directional motion, and making Janus particles. The advantages of combining different anisotropy in one entity for delivery and common problems and limitations for fabrication are under discussion.
High number of candidate gene variants are identified as disease‐causing in a period of 4 years
Authors: Hills Sonia , Li Qifei , Madden Jill A. , Genetti Casie A. , Brownstein Catherine A. , Schmitz‐Abe Klaus , Beggs Alan H. , Agrawal Pankaj B. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAdvances in bioinformatic tools paired with the ongoing accumulation of genetic knowledge and periodic reanalysis of genomic sequencing data have led to an improvement in genetic diagnostic rates. Candidate gene variants (CGVs) identified during sequencing or on reanalysis but not yet implicated in human disease or associated with a phenotypically distinct condition are often not revisited, leading to missed diagnostic opportunities. Here, we revisited 33 such CGVs from our previously published study and determined that 16 of them are indeed disease‐causing (novel or phenotype expansion) since their identification. These results emphasize the need to focus on previously identified CGVs during sequencing or reanalysis and the importance of sharing that information with researchers around the world, including relevant functional analysis to establish disease causality.
COL1A1 regulates the apoptosis of embryonic stem cells by mediating the PITX1/TBX4 signaling
Authors: Du Xiangping , Wu Xinle , Yu Lirong , Min Wu , Chen Gan , Liu Fadi , Li Jian 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the regulatory function of COL1A1 against the apoptosis of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and the potential function in congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV).MethodsMuscle tissues were collected from 20 children with CTEV and 20 children without CTEV, followed by detecting the expression of COL1A1 using the RT‐PCR method. COL1A1 was knocked down in H1 and H9 human ESCs using the RNA interference technology, followed by determining the level of COL1A1, PITX1, TBX4, HOXD10, Fas, FasL, and Bax using the Western blotting assay.ResultsCOL1A1 was found markedly upregulated in muscle tissues of CTEV children. In H1 and H9 human ESCs, compared to the empty vector, COL1A1, PITX1, TBX4, HOXD10, Fas, FasL, and Bax were found notably downregulated after transfected with the siRNA targeting COL1A1.ConclusionCOL1A1 induced the apoptosis of ESCs by mediating the PITX1/TBX4 signaling and might be a potential target for treating CTEV.
Inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and genetic disturbance in rheumatoid arthritis rats supported by alfalfa seeds metabolomic constituents via blocking interleukin‐1receptor.
Authors: Aboul Naser Asmaa F. , Ahmed Yomna R. , Mohammed Mona A. , Aboelmagd Mohamed , Aboutabl Mona E. , Hassan Entesar E. , Khalil Wagdy K. B. , Hamed Manal A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive cartilage and bone erosion. This work aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile of Medicago sativa L. (MS) (alfalfa) seeds and explore its therapeutic impact against RA in rats. Arthritis was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and its severity was assessed by the arthritis index. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and interlukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1RA) were evaluated through measuring interlukin‐1 receptor (IL‐1R) type 1 gene expression, interlukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), oxidative stress markers, C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), caspase‐3 (Cas‐3), intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), DNA fragmentation, and chromosomal damage. Total phenolics/ flavonoids content in the ethyl acetate, butanol fraction and crude extract of MS seeds were estimated. The major identified compounds were Quercetin, Trans‐taxifolin, Gallic acid, 7,4′‐Dihydroxyflavone, Cinnamic acid, Kudzusaponin SA4, Isorhamnetin 3‐O‐beta‐D‐2′′,3′′,4′′‐triacetylglucopyranoside, Apigenin, 5,7,4′‐Trihydroxy‐3′‐methoxyflavone, Desmethylxanthohumol, Pantothenic acid, Soyasapogenol E, Malvidin, Helilandin B, Stigmasterol, and Wairol. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and IL‐1RA enhanced all the biochemical parameters and the histopathological features of the ankle joint. In conclusion, Trans‐taxifolin was isolated for the first time from the genus Medicago. MS butanol fraction seeds extract and IL‐1 RA were considered as anti‐rheumatic agents.
Effect of Contractubex phonophoresis on postsurgical scar of carpal tunnel release: A case report
Authors: Bokaee Fateme 
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical MessageContractubex phonophoresis can be used in clinical setting to manage postsurgical scar after carpal tunnel release. Contractubex phonophoresis can improve pliability, height, and tenderness of the scar.AbstractScar is one of the most common complications after open release of carpal tunnel. Scars are mentally and physically disturbing, and they can result into itching and pain. Scar after release of carpal tunnel can lead to compression of median nerve and failure of surgery. Various treatments are suggested for scar management. topical drugs are one of these treatments. Phonophoresis of topical drugs can enhance delivery of topical drugs. In present case, author report the effect of phonophoresis of Contractubex on postsurgical scar after carpal tunnel release. Result indicated that phonophoresis of Contractubex can be effective in scar management.
NIR‐emitting Electrochromic Windows for Cold Climate Region Buildings
Authors: Pinheiro Daniela , Fernandes Mariana , Pereira Rui F. P. , Pereira Sónia , Correia Sandra F. H. , Silva M. Manuela , Fortunato Elvira , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Gonçalves Maria Cristina , de Zea Bermudez Verónica 
Published: December 2023

AbstractElectrochromic devices (ECDs) comprising visible/near‐infrared (NIR) transparent amorphous indium zinc oxide (a‐IZO) outermost layers and novel NIR‐emitting electrolytes are proposed for smart windows of buildings in cold climate regions. The electrolytes are composed of a di‐urethane cross‐linked poly(oxyethylene)(POE)/siloxane hybrid matrix (d‐Ut(600), 600 is the average molecular weight of the POE chains in gmol−1), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid, and the Er(tta)3(H2O)2 complex (tta− is 2‐thenoyltrifluoracetonate). The electrolytes, synthesized by sol‐gel route, were obtained as transparent, flexible, and hydrophilic monoliths with nanoscale surface roughness, exhibiting emission in the NIR wavelength region. The first electro‐optical tests, performed in 2019, with an archetypal ECD including amorphous tungsten oxide and crystalline nickel oxide as EC layers, a‐IZO as outermost layers, and d‐Ut(600)400Er(tta)3(H2O)2[Bmim]Cl (400 is the molar ratio of oxyethylene units/Er3+ ion) as the electrolyte, demonstrated rather low coloration efficiency (CEin/CEout) values of −4/+6 cm2 C−1 at 555 nm. After 3 years of storage at rest in the dark and at room temperature, the same device demonstrates a huge performance enhancement, leading to CEin/CEout values about two orders of magnitude higher, apart from higher optical density, and improved cycling stability. In addition, this device offers a bright hot, and semi‐bright warm dual modulation operation suitable for smart windows of skylights, roof lights, upper windows, inclined glazing, and privacy glazing of buildings located in cold climate regions.
Titin takes centerstage among cytoskeletal contributions to myocardial passive stiffness
Authors: Loescher Christine M. , Linke Wolfgang A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBoth diastolic filling and systolic pumping of the heart are dependent on the passive stiffness characteristics of various mechanical elements of myocardium. However, the specific contribution from each element, including the extracellular matrix, actin filaments, microtubules, desmin intermediate filaments, and sarcomeric titin springs, remains challenging to assess. Recently, a mouse model allowing for precise and acute cleavage of the titin springs was used to remove one mechanical element after the other from cardiac fibers and record the effect on passive stiffness. It became clear that the stiffness contribution from each element is context‐dependent and varies depending on strain level and the force component considered (elastic or viscous); elements do not act in isolation but in a tensegral relationship. Titin is a substantial contributor under all conditions and dominates the elastic forces at both low and high strains. The contribution to viscous forces is more equally shared between microtubules, titin, and actin. However, the extracellular matrix substantially contributes to both force components at higher strain levels. Desmin filaments may bear low stiffness. These insights enhance our understanding of how different filament networks contribute to passive stiffness in the heart and offer new perspectives for targeting this stiffness in heart failure treatment.
CEOs' digital technology backgrounds and enterprise digital transformation: The mediating effect of R&D investment and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Zhu Changchun , Li Na , Ma Jing , Qi Xiaobin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEnterprise digital transformation (EDT) is becoming an essential strategy for business growth owing to the rapid iterative invention of digital technologies. Based on imprinting theory, we examined the effects of chief executive officers' (CEOs') digital technology backgrounds (DTBs) on EDT using data on Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2020. We found that (1) CEOs with digital technology‐related learning or career experience can drive EDT to a higher degree. (2) Research and development (R&D) investment and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are significant variables that influence the digital transformation of CEOs' digital technology. Both partially mediate CEOs' DTBs, driving digital transformation by increasing R&D investment and enhancing CSR. (3) CEOs' DTBs significantly promote digital transformation in state‐owned, high‐tech, and digital economy enterprises. By promoting digital transformation, CEOs' DTBs substantially increased their sustainable development.
Theoretical and Methodological Framework for Studying Video Games and Orientalism
Authors: Šisler Vít 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article proposes a theoretical and methodological framework for studying orientalism and representation in video games, grounded in information science, communication studies, game studies, and cultural studies. Utilizing the approaches of critical transculturalism, game production studies, and a newly refined concept of gamevironments, the proposed framework understands video games as hybrid cultural artifacts existing within interconnected technical, socio‐cultural, political, economic, and religious spheres. It examines games on three levels: as computational systems encompassing procedural, narrative, and audiovisual layers; as designed by authors encoding worldviews and ideas; and as dynamically interpreted by players. Encompassing the contexts influencing design and reception, this framework enables nuanced analysis of how games perpetuate or challenge orientalist discourses. Methodologically, it integrates techniques from across disciplines to study games' components, creators, audiences, and wider environments. Using Arab and Iranian gaming cultures as an example, this article highlights applying the framework to local productions negotiating global media flows and political constraints. Overall, it aims to offer an expansive and multifaceted toolkit for researching orientalism, representation, and identity construction in video games.
Reliable cooperative communication in cognitive vehicular networks for intelligent transportation systems
Authors: Dubey Dheeraj , Tiwari Jahnvi , Yadav Paritosh Kumar , Pandey Sudhakar 
Published: December 2023

SummaryRapid intelligent transportation systems (ITS) innovations need a reliable MAC protocol to enable massive nonsafety message delivery and high‐priority safety broadcasts. The significant rise in spectrum need is regulated by collaboration in cognitive vehicular networks (CVNs). For QoS improvement, a reliable cooperative MAC for CVNs (CCVN‐MAC) is presented in this study. CCVN allows vehicles to collaborate and share channel status information, allowing for proactive channel switching in case of a legacy user (LU) appearance. To enable transmission mode selection, additional control signals are included. Using the suggested cooperative makeup technique, the helper nodes resend failed transmission. A Markov chain represents the protocol, and NS‐2 is used to evaluate it for several performance characteristics. Compared with conventional MAC techniques, the proposed protocol depicts improved performance, including depreciation of 70% in average latency and an increment of 42.4% in throughput.
Quantitative analysis of tetrahydrocannabinol isomers and other toxicologically relevant drugs in blood
Authors: Mantinieks Dylan , Di Rago Matthew , Drummer Olaf H. , Glowacki Linda , Schumann Jennifer , Gerostamoulos Dimitri 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA multi‐analyte liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method is described, involving the separation of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (delta‐9‐THC) and delta‐8‐THC in addition to other commonly encountered drugs and metabolites. Briefly, sample preparation involved an alkaline liquid–liquid extraction (methyl tert‐butyl ether) of blood (100 μl). The solvent layer was transferred, evaporated to dryness, reconstituted, and samples then separated on an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC‐C18 100 Å (50 mm × 3.0 mm, 2.7 μm) analytical column using a multi‐step gradient elution of 50 mM ammonium formate in water (pH 3.5) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol over 14 min. A SCIEX Triple Quad 6500+ system operating in scheduled multiple reaction monitoring and positive electrospray ionization was used for detection. There were no interferences, and matrix effects were generally acceptable (±20% of neat response). Linearity was achieved within the calibration range, including methylamphetamine (MA) (10–1000 ng/ml), 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐methylamphetamine (MDMA) (10–1,000 ng/ml), cocaine (10–1000 ng/ml), and two THC isomers (1–100 ng/ml). Accuracies of MA, MDMA, cocaine, and two THC isomers were 3.6 to 8.9%, −1.2 to 4%, −5.3 to 5.8%, and −11 to 14%, respectively; while precision estimates of the same were 1.6 to 5.4%, 1.7 to 5.3%, 1.2 to 4.5%, and 2 to 10%, respectively. Autosampler stability and dilution integrity were within acceptable limits, and no carryover was detected at the limit of detection. This validated LC‐MS/MS method made the routine identification of both delta‐9‐THC and delta‐8‐THC in blood possible.