bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the activities and participation children and adolescents –neck (APCAN) measure
Authors: Tiwari Devashish , Naidoo Keshrie , Eddy Emily Z. , Chatiwala Naseem , Kaur Maninderjit 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Neck pain is the fourth leading cause of years lost to disability in children warranting a comprehensive assessment of neck pain and its impact on activities and participation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to develop a new measure (i.e., Activities and Participation Children and Adolescents -neck [APCAN]) specific to evaluating activity limitation and participation restrictions in children and adolescents and to establish its content validity.

Methods
Development and content validation of the APCAN was completed in four steps: (1) item development, (2) item evaluation by content experts, (3) content validity calculation, and (4) cognitive testing via interviews to ensure readability and comprehension of the items on the APCAN.

Results
An initial pool of 52 items was created that was revised to 20 items after modified Delphi process and cognitive interviews. Each item was rated on a 0–10 numeric rating scale (0 = not difficult at all, 10 = extremely difficult) with higher scores indicating higher perceived disability secondary to neck pain. All 20 items retained the content validity ratio critical value and the overall content validity index was 0.88 indicating excellent content validity.

Conclusion
The APCAN provides an easy to use, comprehensive assessment of functional limitations associated with neck pain in children.
The Arabic Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale: validation in a sample of Lebanese patients with cancer
Authors: Ibrahim Nour , Yamout Dahlia , Bizri Maya , Taher Ali 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Depression and anxiety are common comorbid psychological disorders among patients with cancer. Despite the wide use of the Arabic Hospital and Anxiety Scale (HADS) in oncological settings, it has not been yet validated among Lebanese patients with cancer. We aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the HADS in a sample of Lebanese patients with cancer. One-hundred one Lebanese patients diagnosed with cancer presenting to the Ambulatory Care Center in the Hematology Oncology Department at the American University of Beirut Medial Center filled the Arabic version of the HADS. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-Item Scale (PHQ-9) were used to assess its concurrent validity in capturing anxiety and depression, respectively.

Results
Reliability analysis using Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficient revealed good internal consistency for the Arabic HADS (α = 0.89) and both subscales (α = 0.86 for depression and α = 0.78 for anxiety). Correlations between HADS with both GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were statistically significant and strong for both depression (r = 0.795; p < 0.0001) and anxiety (r = 0.727; p < 0.0001). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the observed data fits the two-factor model of depression and anxiety (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = 0.86; Tucker Lewis Index = 0.879; root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.08). Depression and anxiety rates were approximately 52% and 25%, respectively.

Conclusion
We conclude that the Arabic version of the HADS is a credible and valid tool for clinical assessment of psychological distress (anxious and depressive states) among Lebanese patients with cancer.
Ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma: a rare mixed odontogenic tumor case report with review of literature
Authors: Darwish Nihal Mohamed Ahmed , Amer Hatem Wael Abdel-Fattah , Mahrous Nesma Nabil Mohamed 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma is considered a rare, benign, mixed odontogenic tumor that occurs mainly in the posterior mandible in the 1st–2nd decade of life. Although the clinical behavior of Ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma is similar to that of ameloblastic fibroma, there is a debate about whether Ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma is a developing hamartomatous odontoma or a separate neoplastic odontogenic tumor like ameloblastic fibroma. However, it is important to understand the histopathogenesis of this rare tumor.

Case presentation
A case report presenting an 11-year-old male child with a swelling in the posterior mandible. Radiographic examination revealed a multilocular lesion with mixed radiodensity related to the impacted lower left second premolar tooth. Incisional biopsy was done, and microscopic examination revealed cords and nests of odontogenic follicles lined by ameloblast-like cells and central stellate reticulum-like cells in the primitive ecto-mesenchymal stroma with areas of dentinoid material and osteodentin. The diagnosis was ameloblastic fibro-dentinoma. Surgical excision of the lesion was done, and the patient was followed up for 1 year without evidence of recurrence.

Conclusion
Reporting such a rare entity clarifies the debate about its nature and the importance of early diagnosis of lesions that are associated with unerupted teeth showing how it is effective in early management and prognosis.
The ABA–AtNAP–SAG113 PP2C module regulates leaf senescence by dephoshorylating SAG114 SnRK3.25 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Gaopeng , Liu Xingwang , Gan Su-Sheng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe previously reported that ABA inhibits stomatal closure through AtNAP-SAG113 PP2C regulatory module during leaf senescence. The mechanism by which this module exerts its function is unknown. Here we report the identification and functional analysis of SAG114, a direct target of the regulatory module. SAG114 encodes SnRK3.25. Both bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and yeast two-hybrid assays show that SAG113 PP2C physically interacts with SAG114 SnRK3.25. Biochemically the SAG113 PP2C dephosphorylates SAG114 in vitro and in planta. RT-PCR and GUS reporter analyses show that SAG114 is specifically expressed in senescing leaves in Arabidopsis. Functionally, the SAG114 knockout mutant plants have a significantly bigger stomatal aperture and a much faster water loss rate in senescing leaves than those of wild type, and display a precocious senescence phenotype. The premature senescence phenotype of sag114 is epistatic to sag113 (that exhibits a remarkable delay in leaf senescence) because the sag113 sag114 double mutant plants show an early leaf senescence phenotype, similar to that of sag114. These results not only demonstrate that the ABA-AtNAP-SAG113 PP2C regulatory module controls leaf longevity by dephosphorylating SAG114 kinase, but also reveal the involvement of the SnRK3 family gene in stomatal movement and water loss during leaf senescence.
Graphical Abstract
Disclinations in vibration-induced size segregation
Authors: Amnuanpol S. , Kongkarat S. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Vibration segregates large disks embedded in a medium of small disks and transits structurally the arrays of disks from the loosely disordered packing to the densely ordered packing. Our experiments on a monodisperse or bidisperse medium of small disks reveal that several types of topological defects, emerging during this disordered-to-ordered transition, are an isolated 5-fold disclination, an isolated 7-fold disclination, a 5-7 pair, a quadrupole of two 5-7 pairs, a grain boundary of alternating 5- and 7-fold disclinations and a closed loop of a grain boundary. The dominant types are an isolated 5-fold disclination and a 5-7 pair. Vibration eliminates more effectively 5-7 pairs than isolated 5-fold disclinations. After sufficient vibration the resulting orientational order is quasi-long-range only in two cases, i) in a monodisperse medium and ii) in a dilute bidisperse medium vibrated at small acceleration, while translational order is always short-range. The arrangement of disks in such two cases is thus hexatic-like.
Molecular compartmentalization in a syncytium: restricted mobility of proteins within the sea urchin skeletogenic mesenchyme
Authors: Khor Jian Ming , Guerrero-Santoro Jennifer , Ettensohn Charles A. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Multinucleated cells, or syncytia, are found in diverse taxa. Their biological function is often associated with the compartmentalization of biochemical or cellular activities within the syncytium. How such compartments are generated and maintained is poorly understood. The sea urchin embryonic skeleton is secreted by a syncytium, and local patterns of skeletal growth are associated with distinct sub-domains of gene expression within the syncytium. For such molecular compartments to be maintained and to control local patterns of skeletal growth: (1) the mobility of TFs must be restricted to produce stable differences in the transcriptional states of nuclei within the syncytium; and (2) the mobility of biomineralization proteins must also be restricted to produce regional differences in skeletal growth. To test these predictions, we expressed fluorescently tagged forms of transcription factors and biomineralization proteins in sub-domains of the skeletogenic syncytium. We found that both classes of proteins have restricted mobility within the syncytium and identified motifs that limit their mobility. Our findings have general implications for understanding the functional and molecular compartmentalization of syncytia.
B-lymphoblastic leukaemia presenting as intrahepatic cholestasis
Authors: Raza Daniyal , Mubashir Maryam , Sachdeva Karan , Kawji Lena , Deville Ashley , Raza Syed Musa , Morris James , Pandit Sudha 
Published: October 2023

Acute cholangitis is a critical medical condition requiring prompt intervention. This case report explores the complexities and uncertainties encountered in clinical decision-making when faced with a patient presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute cholangitis. We emphasise the importance of considering individual circumstances and factors in the diagnostic process. A 38-year-old woman with a history of Crohn’s colitis presented with abdominal pain, jaundice and leukocytosis. Initial evaluation raised suspicions of acute cholangitis, but unexpected findings of blast cells in the peripheral smear led to a diagnosis of B-lymphoblastic leukaemia with BCR-ABL1 fusion. Treatment with steroids and chemotherapy resulted in the resolution of liver abnormalities. This case underscores the necessity of comprehensive assessments for obstructive jaundice and highlights the potential diagnostic challenges posed by underlying haematologic malignancies. It also raises awareness about drug-induced liver injury, and emphasises the importance of complete blood counts and differentials in the initial workup. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in considering alternative diagnoses when faced with obstructive jaundice, as misdiagnosis can lead to invasive procedures with potential adverse events.
A case of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease
Authors: Silva Luciana , Moura Raquel , Rocha Luís , Costa Tiago , Breda Filipe , Cochicho Joana 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Porto-sinusoidal vascular syndrome is characterised by specific histological changes that do not include cirrhosis, with or without portal hypertension. Patients are usually asymptomatic until development of portal hypertension complications. Case description: A 69-year-old female with history of JAK2 positive essential thrombocythemia (ET) was referred to internal medicine consultation due to elevated liver enzymes. The patient had no previous history of liver disease. Seven months earlier, she had an ischaemic stroke and started treatment with atorvastatin. After discontinuing medication, liver enzymes returned to normal and atorvastatin-related drug-induced liver disease (DILI) was presumed. During a follow-up visit, iron deficiency anaemia was detected and an endoscopic study was performed. It revealed a gastric varix actively bleeding, which was successfully treated with cyanoacrylate. Two months later, the patient was admitted due to a new episode of variceal bleeding, and a portal hypertension complementary study was made. Discussion: Although the pathogenesis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) remains poorly understood, vascular changes within the liver have been associated with several predisposing conditions, such as hypercoagulable states. Patients with ET, especially those with JAK2 mutation, are known to be at increased risk of non-cirrhotic vein thrombosis. Concerning PSVD, the association is not clear but it is believed that both PSVD and myeloproliferative neoplasms share a common denominator: a state characterised by hypercoagulability, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and, in some cases, portal hypertension. Conclusion: Portal hypertension without cirrhosis is a rare condition, presenting diagnostic challenges and significant impact on the patient’s prognosis.
Health-related quality of life of adults with cutaneous leishmaniasis at ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Doni Shimelis , Yeneneh Kidist , Hailemichael Yohannes , Gebremichael Mikyas , Skarbek Sophie , Ayele Samuel , Tadesse Abay Woday , Lambert Saba , Walker Stephen L. , Gadisa Endalamaw 
Published: October 2023

Background
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a growing public health threat in Ethiopia. Leishmania aethiopica is the predominant causative organism. Affected individuals develop chronic skin lesions on exposed parts of the body, mostly on the face, which are disfiguring and cause scarring. The effects of CL on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of affected individuals has not been assessed in Ethiopia.

Objective
To assess HRQoL in adults with active CL at ALERT Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was done using the Amharic version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Trained health staff administered the DLQI.

Results
Three hundred and two adults with active CL participated and all of them exhibited a reduced HRQoL. The median DLQI score was 10 (IQR 8). Almost half of the participants reported very poor HRQoL, 36.4% and 11.3% fell within the very large and extremely large effect categories respectively. DLQI scores were higher (median 18) in patients diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) compared to those with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL). The DLQI domain of ‘work and school’ was the most affected, scoring 73.3% and 66.6% of total possible score for female and male respectively, followed by that of ‘symptom and feeling’ (at 50.0% and 56.6% for female and male respectively). Men were more affected than women in the domains of ‘leisure’ (P = 0.002) and ‘personal relationships’ (P = 0.001). In the multivariate ordinal logistic regression site of lesion, clinical phenotype and age of participant remained associated with significantly poor HRQoL.

Conclusion
The HRQoL impairment associated with CL is significant. Thus, patient-reported outcome measure should be used to assess the efficacy of treatments along with clinical outcome measures.
Risk factors for proliferative vitreoretinopathy after retinal detachment surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Jinjin , Fan Jingjing , Wang Jiahui 
Published: October 2023

Background
To comprehensively investigate risk factors for proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after retinal detachment (RD) surgery.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched until May 22, 2023. Risk factors included demographic and disease-related risk factors. Odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) were used as the effect sizes, and shown with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis was conducted. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022378652).

Results
Twenty-two studies of 13,875 subjects were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Increased age was associated with a higher risk of postoperative PVR (pooled WMD = 3.98, 95%CI: 0.21, 7.75, P = 0.038). Smokers had a higher risk of postoperative PVR than non-smokers (pooled OR = 5.07, 95%CI: 2.21–11.61, P<0.001). Presence of preoperative PVR was associated with a greater risk of postoperative PVR (pooled OR = 22.28, 95%CI: 2.54, 195.31, P = 0.005). Presence of vitreous hemorrhage was associated with a greater risk of postoperative PVR (pooled OR = 4.12, 95%CI: 1.62, 10.50, P = 0.003). Individuals with aphakia or pseudophakia had an increased risk of postoperative PVR in contrast to those without (pooled OR = 1.41, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.95, P = 0.040). The risk of postoperative PVR was higher among patients with macula off versus those with macula on (pooled OR = 1.85, 95%CI: 1.24, 2.74, P = 0.002). Extent of RD in patients with postoperative PVR was larger than that in patients without (pooled WMD = 0.31, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.59, P = 0.036). Patients with postoperative PVR had longer duration of RD symptoms than those without (pooled WMD = 10.36, 95%CI: 2.29, 18.43, P = 0.012).

Conclusion
Age, smoking, preoperative PVR, vitreous hemorrhage, aphakia or pseudophakia, macula off, extent of RD, and duration of RD symptoms were risk factors for postoperative PVR in patients undergoing RD surgery, which may help better identify high-risk patients, and provide timely interventions.
Field-level rice yield estimations under different farm practices using the crop simulation model for better yield
Authors: Mandapati Roja , Gumma Murali Krishna , Metuku Devender Reddy , Maitra Sagar 
Published: October 2023

Crop yield estimation is essential for decision-making systems and insurance policy makers. Numerous methodologies for yield estimation have been developed, encompassing crop models, remote sensing techniques, and empirical equations. Each approach holds unique limitations and advantages. The primary aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer) model in predicting rice yields and LAI (Leaf Area Index) across various management methods. Additionally, the study sought to identify the optimal management practice for attaining higher yields. Crop models facilitate the expeditious evaluation of management strategies aimed at improving crop yield and analyzing the balance between production, resource efficiency, and environmental impacts. The study region selected for analysis is Karimnagar district of Telangana state. DSSAT has been chosen as the preferred tool due to its high efficiency in evaluating crop yield. The model's simulated yield was compared to the observed yield obtained from crop-cutting experiments. The results indicate a correlation of 0.81 and 0.85 between observed and simulated yields, as well as between model LAI and yield. An observation was made regarding a discrepancy between predicted and actual yields, which can be attributed to biotic stress. However, it should be noted that the current model does not account for this factor. The observed average yield was 5200 kg ha-1, whereas the projected yield was 5400 kg ha-1. The findings indicate that the model's performance is influenced by both the timing of sowing and the amount of nitrogen applied. The findings indicate that the DSSAT model has demonstrated a high level of accuracy in predicting both yields and leaf area index (LAI) across various management strategies. This study showcases the potential use of crop simulation models as a technology-driven tool to identify the most effective management strategies for rice production.
Mechanical, physical and compositional effects of Meruliporia incrassata on Southern Yellow Pine
Authors: Tatum Garrett , Brenkus Natassia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
With the growing risk of fungal degradation in timber-framed structures from significant moisture intrusion events due to climate change, it is increasingly critical to develop mechanistic relationships between fungal degradation mechanisms and the strength of untreated wood components. While extensive work has been performed characterizing wood decay, no study has yet addressed the effects of Meruliporia incrassata on untreated Southern Yellow Pine. This seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the effects of the common brown rot fungus on an ubiquitous building material in the southeast United States – Southern Yellow Pine. Properties of Southern Yellow Pine were evaluated at seven decay stages over the course of 12 weeks of exposure to M. incrassata. Changes in physical properties – mass, density, and moisture content – were measured at each stage. Changes in stiffness were characterized via ultrasonic pulse velocity testing, and thermogravimetric analysis was utilized to assess compositional changes. The study found rapid and significant losses in stiffness at decay stages as early as four-weeks. Hemicellulose and cellulose degradation occurred steadily throughout the decay period. These results can be utilized to develop a stronger understanding of the mechanical behavior of timber-framed structures in the United States degraded by brown rot.
Caregivers’ knowledge and medication adherence in children with thyroid disorders: an exploratory study
Authors: Gujjar Neetu , Verma Poonam , Rohilla Latika , Sirswal Shivalli , Sharma Divya , Dayal Devi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Many thyroid disorders in children demand long-term therapy. The parent’s understanding of the child’s condition is of utmost importance for adherence to treatment. The study objective was to assess the knowledge, medication adherence, reasons for non-adherence, and their relationship with various clinical parameters.

Methods
An exploratory, cross-sectional study with a total enumeration sampling technique was conducted between July 2022 and September 2022. Children and young adults aged ≤18 years who were diagnosed with a thyroid disorder and taking medications for at least 3 months were included. Data were collected by interviewing parents using the Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and structured knowledge questionnaire.

Results
Parents of 102 children were interviewed. The mean age of the children was 9.2 ± 0.4 years; 58 (57 %) were girls. The mean duration of treatment was 5.5 ± 0.3 years. Many (66 %) informants were mothers. Three-fourths (75.5 %) of parents were educated up to senior secondary and above. Most (91.2 %) of parents had poor knowledge about the disease and its management. Poor disease knowledge was significantly linked to lower education (p<0.001). Nonetheless, strong adherence (>80 %) was noted on the ARMS scale. No significant correlation was found between physical growth, thyroid function, and adherence/knowledge (p-values 0.20–0.71).

Conclusions
The caregivers’ knowledge of thyroid disorders was poor and related to their educational level. There is a need to use clear language and ensure that parents have an adequate understanding of their child’s condition. Healthcare professionals should assess and address gaps in parental knowledge and adherence.
Nonlinear optical response of Li
n
ClK (n = 1–6) superalkali clusters
Authors: Şentürk Şükrü , Ekincioğlu Yavuz , Doğan Ümit 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The geometrical structures, stabilities, electronic properties and nonlinear optical response of the halogen doped bimetallic Li
n
ClK (n = 1–6) clusters were studied within the density functional theory. Based on the dissociation energy, second order energy difference and GH-L (HOMO-LUMO gap), the Li
n
ClK (n = 2, 4, 6) clusters are more stable. According to their ionization energies, the clusters can be classified as a superalkali. From the NBO analysis, the clusters are excess electron systems. The obtained first static hyperpolarizability (β
o) values are in the range of 1.56 × 104 − 4.33 × 104 au while the second static hyperpolarizability vary within 2.47 × 106 au to 13.9 × 106 au for the Li
n
ClK (n = 1–6) superalkalis that are slightly higher than the nonlinear optical response of halogen doped monometallic clusters. More importantly, the Li5ClK is transparent in the deep UV region (λ < 300 nm) among the superalkalis indicating that the Li5ClK superalkali can be a candidate structure as new member of NLO materials.