bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum ES1 reduces endometrial inflammation in women with recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Tersigni Chiara , Barbaro Greta , Castellani Roberta , Onori Marianna , Granieri Chiara , Scambia Giovanni , Di Simone Nicoletta 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundOver‐activation of endometrial inflammasome NALP‐3 (Nod‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) can be found in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) women probably due to leaky gut and passage into circulation of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Leaky gut can be caused by exposure to gluten in RPL women genetically predisposed to celiac disease, positive for Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype. Oral administration of Bifidobacterium longum ES1 (GliadinES®) can inactivate gluten peptides toxicity to epithelial gut cells and improve gut barrier.MethodsWe investigated by enzyme‐linked immunoassay: (a) serum levels of LPS and zonuline (a marker of leaky gut); (b) LPS, NALP‐3, caspase‐1, interleukine (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 concentration in endometrial fluids, in untreated women with uncomplicated pregnancies (negative HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype) (n = 22) and in women with unexplained RPL, HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 positive (n = 22), before and after daily oral administration for 3 months of GliadinES®.ResultsRLP women showed higher serum levels of LPS (p < 0.0001) and higher concentration of LPS (p < 0.0001), NALP‐3 (p < 0.01); Caspase‐1 (p < 0.0001), IL‐1β (p < 0.0001), and IL‐18 (p < 0.0001) in endometrial fluids compared to controls. GliadinES® treatment significantly reduced serum levels of both LPS (p < 0.0001) and zonuline (p < 0.01), as well as LPS (p < 0.5), NALP‐3 (p < 0.01), Caspase‐1 (p < 0.001), IL‐1β (p < 0.001), and IL‐18 (p < 0.01) concentrations in endometrial fluids of RPL women.ConclusionsRPL women positive for HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 haplotype show increased circulating and endometrial levels of LPS and endometrial inflammasome NALP‐3 over‐activation. Oral administration of GliadinES® can reduce gut permeability, decrease serum levels of LPS and, contextually, improve endometrial inflammation in this specific subset of RPL women.
Potential risks associated with laparoscopic gastrostomy in patients with the COL4A1 variant: Two case reports
Authors: Deguchi Koichi , Saka Ryuta , Todo Marie , Toyama Chiyoshi , Watanabe Miho , Masahata Kazunori , Kamiyama Masafumi , Tazuke Yuko , Nabatame Shin , Itai Toshiyuki , Miyatake Satoko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Okuyama Hiroomi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe COL4A1 (collagen Type 4 alpha1) pathogenic variant is associated with porencephaly and schizencephaly and accounts for approximately 20% of these patients. This gene variant leads to systemic microvasculopathy, which manifests as brain, ocular, renal, and muscular disorders. However, only a few patients with surgical interventions have been reported and the potential surgical risks are unknown. Here, we present the cases of two female patients between 7 and 8 years of age who were diagnosed with the COL4A1 variant and underwent laparoscopy‐assisted percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (LAPEG) for oral dysphagia. Their primary brain lesions were caused by porencephaly and paralysis, which are caused by multiple cerebral hemorrhages and infarctions, and both patients had refractory epileptic complications. Although LAPEG was successfully performed in both patients without any intraoperative complications, one patient developed alveolar hemorrhage postoperatively and required mechanical ventilation. Thus, careful perioperative management of patients with the COL4A1 variant is important.
Mesial temporal dopamine: From biology to behaviour
Authors: Mann Leah G. , Claassen Daniel O. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhile colloquially recognized for its role in pleasure, reward, and affect, dopamine is also necessary for proficient action control. Many motor studies focus on dopaminergic transmission along the nigrostriatal pathway, using Parkinson's disease as a model of a dorsal striatal lesion. Less attention to the mesolimbic pathway and its role in motor control has led to an important question related to the limbic–motor network. Indeed, secondary targets of the mesolimbic pathway include the hippocampus and amygdala, and these are linked to the motor cortex through the substantia nigra and thalamus. The modulatory impact of dopamine in the hippocampus and amygdala in humans is a focus of current investigations. This review explores dopaminergic activity in the mesial temporal lobe by summarizing dopaminergic networks and transmission in these regions and examining their role in behaviour and disease.
Do peer‐based short‐form educational videos created by nursing students improve youths' knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases? A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Dolu İlknur , Bozkurt Feyza Demir , Bulut Ebru , Yıldırım İlayda , Dilcen Hacer Yalnız 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remains high worldwide in today's society, especially among young people. Youth education on STDs could help to reduce the prevalence of the condition in society and prevent new cases.AimThe aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of peer‐based short‐form educational videos on youths' knowledge of STDs.MethodsThis quasi‐experimental study was conducted in Turkey. The sample consisted of 121 students divided into experimental and control groups. Pre‐ and post‐test control group quasi‐experimental research design was employed in this study during the spring semester of the academic year 2021–2022. Peer‐based short‐form educational videos created by nursing students were used as an intervention. The survey form and Sexually Transmitted Disease Knowledge Questionnaire were used to collect data.ResultsParticipants with parental responsibilities and had previous STD experience had higher knowledge score than the other subgroups. There was a significant main effect of peer‐based short‐form educational video on participants overall knowledge score of STDs. Additionally, the effect of intervention continued at 12‐week follow‐up measurement.ConclusionPeer‐based short‐form educational videos increase young people's knowledge of STD, and the impact of the intervention continued at 12‐week follow up.
Evaluation of a concise fall risk stratification among older adults with cataracts in day surgery settings: A historically controlled study
Authors: Wang Ya‐ping , Dai Can , Ou‐yang Ping , Zhao Yan‐hua , Xu Dan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAimThis study aimed to evaluate the use of a concise fall risk stratification in assessing and predicting falls compared with the Morse Falls Scale among older adults with cataracts in day surgery settings.MethodsA historically controlled study conducted from July 2020 to June 2022 was used in a municipal ophthalmic hospital in China. The concise fall risk stratification which directly graded fall risk by multifactorial judgment was used during the intervention period, while the Morse Falls Scale which graded fall risk by scale scores was used during the control period. The fall risk levels, fall assessment time, fall rates, fall‐related injuries, predictive validity, and patient satisfaction with day surgery care were extracted. Propensity score matching was performed to balance baselines.ResultsAfter matching, 4132 patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly higher assessment results for fall risk level, a significantly shorter (by 48.15%) fall assessment time, and higher patient satisfaction. There were no differences in fall rates and fall‐related injuries. Compared with the Morse Falls Scale, the concise fall risk stratification had higher sensitivity and negative predictive validity, and lower specificity and positive predictive validity, while the area under curve did not differ significantly.ConclusionThe use of the concise fall risk stratification reduced fall assessment time, improved patient satisfaction, and is unlikely to impact falls with an overall predictive performance comparable to that of the Morse Falls Scale for older cataract adults in day surgery settings.
Pretreatment CT perfusion collateral parameters correlate with penumbra salvage in middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Lakhani Dhairya A. , Balar Aneri B. , Koneru Manisha , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Hyson Nathan , Cho Andrew , Greene Cynthia , Xu Risheng , Luna Licia , Caplan Justin , Dmytriw Adam , Guenego Adrien , Wintermark Max , Gonzalez Fernando , Urrutia Victor , Huang Judy , Nael Kambiz , Rai Ansaar T. , Albers Gregory W. , Heit Jeremy J. , Yedavalli Vivek 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and PurposeAcute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS‐LVO) is a major cause of functional dependence. Collateral status (CS) is an important determinant of functional outcomes. Pretreatment CT perfusion (CTP) parameters serve as reliable surrogates of CS. Penumbra Salvage Index (PSI) is another parameter predictive of functional outcomes in AIS‐LVO. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship of pretreatment CTP parameters with PSI.MethodsIn this prospectively collected, retrospectively reviewed multicenter analysis, inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) CT angiography confirmed middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1‐segment and proximal M2‐segment occlusion from 9/1/2017 to 9/22/2022; (2) diagnostic CTP; and (3) available diagnostic Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) diffusion‐weighted images. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to assess the association between cerebral blood volume (CBV) index and hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR) with PSI. p value ≤.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn total, 131 patients (n = 86, M1 and n = 45, proximal M2 occlusion) met our inclusion criteria. CBV index showed a modest positive correlation with PSI (r = 0.34, p<.001) in patients with proximal MCA occlusion. Similar trends were noted in subgroup analysis of patients with M1 occlusion, and proximal M2 occlusion. Whereas, HIR did not have a strong trend or correlation with PSI.ConclusionCBV index correlates with PSI, whereas HIR does not. Future studies are needed to expand our understanding of the adjunct role of CBV index with other similar pretreatment CTP‐based markers in clinical evaluation and decision‐making in patients with MCA occlusion.
Accuracy of merging scans of definitive fixed prosthodontic impressions to obtain single, accurate digitized master casts
Authors: Raffa Ossama , An Hongseok , Drago Carl , Elshewy Mohamed , Thompson Geoffrey A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPurposeMany elastomeric impressions sent to commercial laboratory dental technicians may include marginal defects. To fabricate accurate restorations, digital technology may be used to merge digital files of defective impressions into a single standard tessellation language (STL) file free of errors. This would save clinicians and patients time and may improve clinical care. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital master casts reconstructed from merged STL files of defective impressions with the file of the original defect‐free preparations.Material and MethodsIvorine teeth on a dentoform were prepared to receive a posterior fixed dental prosthesis (FDP) with complete coverage preparations. An impression was made in a stock tray using polyvinyl siloxane (PVS) impression material and an extraoral scanner (E3, 3Shape, Denmark) was used to digitize the impression; this was the reference cast. Wax was used to create defects on the buccal and lingual margins of the preparations. Fifteen PVS impressions were made of the FDP preparations with defects in the mesial and distal margins; another set of 15 PVS impressions was made of FDP preparations with defects in the buccal and palatal margins for a total of 30 impressions. All impressions were digitized using the same extraoral scanner (E3, 3Shape, Denmark). Corresponding STL files were paired and merged, and a master cast was created by eliminating the defects using the scanned data. This master cast was compared to the reference cast using reverse engineering software (Geomagic, Morrisville, NC, USA). The results were expressed as average errors and standard deviations in the master casts relative to the reference cast. To account for the presence of positive and negative values in the data set, in terms of errors, the root mean square (RMS) value was calculated for each sample.ResultsThe mean average error in the sample was −0.4 μm. The average upper limit of 95% confidence interval was +36.5 μm, while the average lower limit of 95% confidence interval was −37.3 μm. The mean RMS of the errors found was 18.9 μm.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that merging digitized definitive impressions to correct marginal defects resulted in master casts with a high level of accuracy relative to the reference cast.
Effect of bivalirudin on coagulation in neonatal (cord) and adult human blood in vitro
Authors: Nadtochiy Sergiy M. , Stefanos Tatsiana , Wissler Richard , Gu Yang , Feng Changyong , Lebedko Natalie , Eaton Michael P. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionBivalirudin is recommended as an alternative to heparin in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Although it has been used in infants and children for this indication, there is a paucity of data on the pharmacologic effects of bivalirudin in neonates. Given the immaturity of the hemostatic system in neonates, we hypothesized that coagulation responses to bivalirudin in this population would be different than in adults.MethodsBlood samples were drawn from placenta‐cord units and from healthy adult donors. The study was carried out in two steps. First, bivalirudin was added to cord and adult blood samples at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL. Activated clotting time and thromboelastographic variables were recorded. Next, we used a Chandler loop system to assess the efficacy of bivalirudin in a simple model of cardiopulmonary bypass. The loops were primed with cord or adult blood and were run until thrombus was detected. Plasma bivalirudin concentrations were measured at 1, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 min after initiating rotation of the loops using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.ResultsBivalirudin elicited a dose‐dependent prolongation inhibition of coagulation in both cord and adult blood samples with greater potency in cord blood in comparison to adult blood (activated clotting time: 627 ± 50 vs. 452 ± 22 s at 15 μg/mL bivalirudin, p < .0001). This relative potency was also demonstrated in the Chandler loop system, but interestingly, cord blood appeared to inactivate bivalirudin more rapidly than adult blood with earlier clotting in loops containing cord blood.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that bivalirudin has greater potency in cord blood in vitro than in adult blood. Plasma degradation appears to proceed more rapidly in cord blood than in adults. Both of these findings should be considered when planning dosing regimens in neonatal patients.
The Brassica napus boron deficient inflorescence transcriptome resembles a wounding and infection response
Authors: Verwaaijen Bart , Alcock Thomas David , Spitzer Christoph , Liu Zhaojun , Fiebig Anne , Bienert Manuela Désirée , Bräutigam Andrea , Bienert Gerd Patrick 
Published: December 2023

AbstractOilseed rape and other crops of Brassica napus have a high demand for boron (B). Boron deficiencies result in the inhibition of root growth, and eventually premature flower abortion. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying flower abortion in B‐limiting conditions could provide the basis to enhance B‐efficiency and prevent B‐deficiency‐related yield losses. In this study, we assessed transcriptomic responses to B‐deficiency in diverse inflorescence tissues at multiple time points of soil‐grown plants that were phenotypically unaffected by B‐deficiency until early flowering. Whilst transcript levels of known B transporters were higher in B‐deficient samples, these remained remarkably stable as the duration of B‐deficiency increased. Meanwhile, GO‐term enrichment analysis indicated a growing response resembling that of a pathogen or pest attack, escalating to a huge transcriptome response in shoot heads at mid‐flowering. Grouping differentially expressed genes within this tissue into MapMan functional bins indicated enrichment of genes related to wounding, jasmonic acid and WRKY transcription factors. Individual candidate genes for controlling the “flowering‐without‐seed‐setting” phenotype from within MapMan biotic stress bins include those of the metacaspase family, which have been implicated in orchestrating programmed cell death. Overall temporal expression patterns observed here imply a dynamic response to B‐deficiency, first increasing expression of B transporters before recruiting various biotic stress‐related pathways to coordinate targeted cell death, likely in response to as yet unidentified B‐deficiency induced damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). This response indicates new pathways to target and dissect to control B‐deficiency‐induced flower abortion and to develop more B‐efficient crops.
The Poetics of Hunger: Responding to Rupture in the Wake of the 1932–33 Famine (Holodomor) in Soviet Ukraine
Authors: Vsetecka John 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article examines poems that were written by students in Soviet Ukraine during the 1930s to better understand how poetry served as a response to the ruptures caused by the 1932–33 famine (Holodomor). In a time when speaking openly about the famine was prohibited, survivors turned to poetry to write about what could not be said out loud. In this article, I contend that the poetry composed by these students offered alternative narratives about 1932–33 that challenged the state’s silencing of events and addressed what it meant, from a survivor’s point of view, to live through and experience the man‐made famine. The poems produced by these students, which were written between 1933 and 1937, described in detail what it was like to be subjected to search brigades, theft, humiliation, and starvation. As a whole, these poems offer a window into the physical and emotional impact of the famine on the lives of everyday Ukrainians and communicate what it meant to work through related pain, suffering, and trauma. However, the onset of repressions in the late 1930s served as another rupture and worked to suppress survivor efforts to write further about the famine and come to terms with what happened.
Curvature-Matching Mechanics in Skin-Based Bioelectronics to Minimize Interfacial Stresses
Authors: Avila Raudel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A geometrical and mechanical design strategy is proposed for bioelectronics to improve wearability and comfort by reducing the magnitude of interfacial stresses and ensuring that the spatial stress distributions are below the somatosensory threshold for skin sensitivity. Conceptually, bioelectronic devices with soft polymeric encapsulations and internal rigid electronic components result in a mechanically hybrid composite structure, with intrinsically soft mechanics to facilitate integration with biological tissues through mechanical compliance. For accurate signal acquisition and sensing in curvilinear regions (e.g., limbs, chest, forehead), bioelectronic devices are pressed and bent to closely match the skin morphology, resulting in additional interfacial stresses. In the present work, we demonstrate how curvature-matching designs for the bioelectronic–skin interface can reduce the resulting normal and shear stresses generated from device adhesion and skin stretching during dynamic motions. Finite element modeling of the skin curvature, encapsulation, and internal electronic layouts was used to quantify the spatial distribution of the underlying stresses at the skin interface based on a mismatch curvature angle θ between the device and skin. The results show that curvature-matching designs for selected cases of θ = 30 deg and 60 deg can reduce the normal and shear stresses by up to 45% and 70%, respectively, even for a stretch of up to λ = 1.3. The proposed curvature-matching design strategy can inform the future design of user-specific bioelectronics to create anatomically compatible geometrical layouts that enhance mechanical compliance and enable physiological monitoring and integration in curved body structures.
A Comparative Analysis of Optimal and Biomechanical Torque Control Strategies for Powered Knee Exoskeletons in Squat Lifting
Authors: Arefeen Asif , Xiang Yujiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Exoskeletons have the ability to aid humans in physically demanding and injury-prone activities, such as lifting loads while squatting. However, despite their immense potential, the control of powered exoskeletons remains a persistent challenge. In this study, we first predict the human lifting motion and knee joint torque using an inverse dynamics optimization formulation with a two-dimensional (2D) human skeletal model. The design variables are human joint angle profiles. The normalized human joint torque squared is minimized subject to physical and lifting task constraints. After that, the biomechanical assistive knee exoskeleton torque is obtained by scaling the predicted human knee joint torque. Second, we also present a 2D human skeletal model with a powered knee exoskeleton for predicting the optimal assistive torque and lifting motion. The design variables are human joint angle profiles and exoskeleton motor current profiles. Then, the biomechanical and optimal exoskeleton torques are implemented in a powered knee exoskeleton in real-time to provide external assistance in human lifting motion. Finally, the biomechanical and optimal assistive exoskeleton torque controls for lifting are compared. It is observed that both control methods have a significant impact on reducing muscle activations for the specific muscle groups compared to the cases without the exoskeleton. Especially, peak activations of erector spinae and rectus femoris muscles are reduced by 57.79% and 47.26% with biomechanical assistive torque. Likewise, vastus medialis and vastus lateralis activations drop by 46.82% and 52.24% with optimal assistive torque.
Dual-Objective Mechanobiological Growth Optimization for Heterogenous Lattice Structures
Authors: Arefin Amit M. E. , Egan Paul F. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Computational design is growing in necessity for advancing biomedical technologies, particularly for complex systems with numerous trade-offs. For instance, in tissue scaffolds constructed from repeating unit cells, the structure’s porosity and topology affect biological tissue and vasculature growth. Here, we adapt curvature-based tissue growth and agent-based vasculature models for predicting scaffold mechanobiological growth. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is used for dual-objective optimization of scaffold tissue and blood vessel growth with heterogeneous unit cell placement. Design inputs consist of unit cells of two different topologies, void unit cells, and beam diameters from 64 to 313 µm. Findings demonstrate a design heuristic for optimizing scaffolds by placing two selected unit cells, one that favors high tissue growth density and one that favors blood vessel growth, throughout the scaffold. The pareto front of solutions demonstrates that scaffolds with large porous areas termed channel voids or small voids improve vasculature growth while lattices with no larger void areas result in higher tissue growth. Results demonstrate the merit in computational investigations for characterizing tissue scaffold design trade-offs and provide a foundation for future design multi-objective optimization for complex biomedical systems.