bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality assessments of the quality of dying and death by medical record review for patients dying in intensive care units in China
Authors: ZENG Jili , LIU wen , WANG Zaihua , XU Dandan , SUO Yaxi , HOU Ruitong , Dai Xiaojing , HU Fen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to assess the intensity of life-sustaining therapies and end-stage symptom management within 24 hours preceding death among patients in the intensive care unit.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 131 deceased patients in the comprehensive intensive care unit of XXX hospital, spanning from January to June 2019.
Results: Among the patients examined, 76.33% received comprehensive life support until their demise, with the majority undergoing continuous life support measures. In the 24-hour period prior to their death, 76.34% of patients were intubated, 74.81% underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, 29.01% received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 19.85% underwent continuous blood purification. Furthermore, 87.02% of terminally ill patients were administered vasoactive drugs, while 56.49% utilized analgesics. The mean hospitalization expense totaled $2,724.11.
Conclusion: This retrospective analysis underscores the prevalent use of invasive treatments, even during the final stages of life among intensive care unit patients in mainland China. The quality of death in these cases appears suboptimal. Implementing appropriate strategies for the withdrawal of non-beneficial life-sustaining treatments and integrating active hospice care is imperative to improve end-of-life care for these patients.
Implications for Clinical Nursing: Employing a quantitative approach highlights the significance of evaluating both the measures and intensity of life-sustaining therapy, as well as the actual situation regarding end-stage symptom management within 24 hours before death among patients in the intensive care unit. This underscores the necessity for further research in this domain. The study's findings offer compelling evidence that advocates for the establishment of hospice programs aimed at enhancing the quality of dying and death among patients in mainland China.
River plastic transport and storage budget
Authors: Schreyers Louise J. , Emmerik Tim H.M. van , Huthoff Fredrik , Collas Frank P. , Wegman Carolien , Vriend Paul , Boon Anouk , de Winter Winnie , Oswald Stephanie B. , Schoor Margriet M. , Wallerstein Nicholas , Ploeg Martine van der , Uijlenhoet Remko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Rivers are one of the main conduits that deliver plastic from land into the sea, and also act as reservoirs for plastic retention. Yet, our understanding of the extent of river exposure to plastic pollution remains limited. In particular, there has been no comprehensive quantification of the contributions from different river compartments, such as the surface, water column, riverbank and floodplain, to the overall river plastic transport and storage. This study aims to provide an initial quantification of these contributions. We first identified the main relevant transport processes for each river compartments considered. We then estimated the transport and storage terms, by harmonizing available observations on surface, suspended and floodplain plastic. We applied our approach to two river sections in the Netherlands, with a focus on macroplastics (>= 2.5 cm). Our analysis revealed that for the studied river sections, suspended plastics account for over 96% of item transport within the river channel, while their relative contribution to mass transport is only 30-37% (depending on the river section considered). Surface plastics predominantly consisted of heavier items (mean mass: 7.1 g/#), whereas suspended plastics were dominated by lighter fragments (mean mass: 0.1 g/#). Additionally, the majority (98%) of plastic mass was stored within the floodplains, with the river channel accounting for only 2% of the total storage. Our study developed a harmonized approach for quantifying plastic transport and storage across different river compartments, providing a replicable methodology applicable to different regions. Our findings emphasize the importance of systematic monitoring programs across river compartments for comprehensive insights into riverine plastic pollution.
Impact of a tailored exercise regimen on physical capacity, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profile in patients affected by post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC)
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Mobarak H , Fontaine Marie-Noelle , Lord Sarah-Eve , Quenum Akouavi Julite Irmine , Limoges Marc-André , Rioux-Perreault Christine , Lucier Jean-François , Cliché Dominic O. , Levesque Dominique , Boisvert François-Michel , Cantin André M. , Allard-Chamard Hugues , Menendez Alfredo , Ilangumaran Subburaj , Piché Alain , Dionne Isabelle J. , Ramanathan Sheela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Individuals affected by the post-covid condition (PCC) show an increased fatigue and the so-called post-exertion malaise (PEM) that led health professionals to advise against exercise although accumulating evidence indicates the contrary. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of a closely monitored 8-week mixed exercise program on physical capacity, symptoms, fatigue, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profiles of PCC cases.
Methods: Twenty-five women and men with PCC were assigned sequentially to exercise (n = 15) and non-exercise (n = 10) groups. Individuals with no PCC served as a control group. The exercise program included cardiovascular and resistance exercises. Physical capacity, physical activity level and the presence of common PCC symptoms were measured before and after the intervention. Fatigue was measured the day following each exercise session. Plasma and PBMC samples were collected at the beginning and end of the training program. Glutathione and deoxyguanosine levels in PBMC and plasma proteomic profiles were evaluated.
Results: Bicep Curl (p=0.040) and STS-30 (p=0.043) improved to a greater extent in the exercise group than in the non-exercise group. An interaction effect was also observed for the level of physical activity (p=0.007) with a positive effect of the program on their daily functioning and without any adverse effects on general or post-effort fatigue. After exercise, glutathione levels in PBMCs increased in women but remained unchanged in men. Discernable changes were observed in the plasma proteomics profile with certain proteins involved in inflammatory response (SA100A8) decreasing in the exercise group.
Conclusions: Supervised exercise adapted to the level of fatigue and ability is safe and effective in PCC patients in improving their general physical capacity and wellbeing. Systemic molecular markers that accompany physical improvement can be monitored by analyzing plasma proteomics and markers of oxidative stress. Large-scale studies will help identify promising molecular markers to objectively monitor patient improvement.
Temperature and compositional dependences of H2O solubility in majorite
Authors: Liu Dan , Purevjav Narangoo , Fei Hongzhan , Withers Anthony C. , Ye Yu , Katsura Tomoo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We systematically investigated H2O solubility in majorite as a function of temperature from 1670–2270 K under a pressure of 20 GPa using multi-anvil techniques. The H2O solubility in majorite decreases with increasing temperature. In addition, the H2O content is relatively independent of the concentrations of Al2O3 and SiO2 in majorite. Majorite can store more H2O than bridgmanite in the lower mantle. Therefore, when a slab sinks into the lower mantle, hydrous melt could be produced not only by the phase transformation from ringwoodite to bridgmanite + ferropericlase near 660 km depth but also by the majorite to bridgmanite transformation over a wide range of depths from 660 km up to ~800 km, at which majorite dissolves completely in bridgmanite.
Validation and measurement uncertainty of the determination of 24 elements in drinking water using ICP-MS
Authors: Kilic Murat 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In this study, the concentrations of 24 elements, which are suspicious to be found in drinking and utility waters for the province of Antalya/Turkey, were determined using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Validated methods with a low limit of detection are required to analyze such waters. The method was validated considering selectivity, limits of detection and quantification, sensitivity, linearity, operating range, accuracy, precision, and measurement uncertainty. All monitored isotope calibration plots had a correlation coefficient of 0.9994 or higher. According to the results of recovery, the expected results of all element isotopes were determined in the range of 94–104%. The average precision quantities for items were calculated as percent relative standard deviation (%RSD) between 0.10 and 2.31%. The analytical method provided here for detecting the concentrations of 24 elements in drinking water samples with demonstrated traceability and estimated uncertainty can yield reliable and internationally comparable results.
Enhancing floc size and strength with a hybrid polymer of zinc oxide, acrylamide, and tannin in textile wastewater
Authors: Ishak Siti Aisyah , Murshed Mohamad Fared , Zainol Mohd Remy Rozainy Mohd Arif , Kamal Nurul Hana Mokhtar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study involved synthesising new hybrid polymers called ZOPAT, made up of zinc oxide, acrylamide, and tannin, using a blended technique. The effectiveness of ZOPAT in treating textile wastewater was then tested by measuring floc growth rate, flocculation index, strength factor, and recovery factor under optimised conditions. The study also identified the zeta potential, morphology, elemental composition, and functional groups of the polymers. Response surface methodology determines the optimal pH and ZOPAT dose, resulting in 93% colour, 80% chemical oxygen demand (COD), 100% turbidity, and suspended solids (SS) removal at pH 9.22 and 737 mg/L ZOPAT. The study found that ZOPAT was more effective than commercial Polyaluminium chloride in reducing colour and COD, producing larger and stronger flocs, and requiring a shorter coagulation time of 17.5 min. ZOPAT was also easy to homogenise and operate due to its one-unit dosing system. The study attributes the success of ZOPAT to the presence of Zn, N, and K, which create electrostatic attraction with opposite charged particles, and the formation of dye–particle–dye with amide, hydroxyl, and carboxyl groups in ZOPAT, which remove colour, turbidity, COD, and SS. Overall, the study concludes that ZOPAT has significant potential for textile wastewater treatment.
Ethical and Quality of Care-Related Challenges of Digital Health Twins in Older Care Settings: Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Jabin Md Shafiqur Rahman , Yaroson Emillia Vann , Ilodibe Adaobi , Eldabi Tillal 
Published: December 2023

Background
Digital health twins (DHTs) have been evolving with their diverse applications in medicine, specifically in older care settings, with the increasing demands of older adults. DHTs have already contributed to improving the quality of dementia and trauma care, cardiac treatment, and health care services for older individuals. Despite its many benefits, the optimum implementation of DHTs has faced several challenges associated with ethical issues, quality of care, management and leadership, and design considerations in older care settings. Since the need for such care is continuously rising and there is evident potential for DHTs to meet those needs, this review aims to map key concepts to address the gaps in the research knowledge to improve DHT implementation.

Objective
The review aims to compile and synthesize the best available evidence regarding the problems encountered by older adults and care providers associated with the application of DHTs. The synthesis will collate the evidence of the issues associated with quality of care, the ethical implications of DHTs, and the strategies undertaken to overcome those challenges in older care settings.

Methods
The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The published studies will be searched through CINAHL, MEDLINE, JBI, and Web of Science, and the unpublished studies through Mednar, Trove, OCLC WorldCat, and Dissertations and Theses. Studies published in English from 2002 will be considered. This review will include studies of older individuals (aged 65 years or older) undergoing care delivery associated with DHTs and their respective care providers. The concept will include the application of the technology, and the context will involve studies based on the older care setting. A broad scope of evidence, including quantitative, qualitative, text and opinion studies, will be considered. A total of 2 independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts and then review the full text. Data will be extracted from the included studies using a data extraction tool developed for this study.

Results
The results will be presented in a PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) flow diagram. A draft charting table will be developed as a data extraction tool. The results will be presented as a “map” of the data in a logical, diagrammatic, or tabular form in a descriptive format.

Conclusions
The evidence synthesis is expected to uncover the shreds of evidence required to address the ethical and care quality-related challenges associated with applying DHTs. A synthesis of various strategies used to overcome identified challenges will provide more prospects for adopting them elsewhere and create a resource allocation model for older individuals.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/51153
Transdermal Blood Sampling for C-Peptide Is a Minimally Invasive, Reliable Alternative to Venous Sampling in Children and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Besser Rachel E.J. , Long Anna E. , Owen Katharine R. , Law Rebecca , Birks Jacqueline S. , Pearce Olivia , Williams Claire L. , Scudder Claire L. , McDonald Timothy J. , Todd John A. 
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVE
C-peptide and islet autoantibodies are key type 1 diabetes biomarkers, typically requiring venous sampling, which limits their utility. We assessed transdermal capillary blood (TCB) collection as a practical alternative.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Ninety-one individuals (71 with type 1 diabetes, 20 control; individuals with type 1 diabetes: aged median 14.8 years [interquartile range (IQR) 9.1–17.1], diabetes duration 4.0 years [1.5–7.7]; control individuals: 42.2 years [38.0–52.1]) underwent contemporaneous venous and TCB sampling for measurement of plasma C-peptide. Participants with type 1 diabetes also provided venous serum and plasma, and TCB plasma for measurement of autoantibodies to glutamate decarboxylase, islet antigen-2, and zinc transporter 8. The ability of TCB plasma to detect significant endogenous insulin secretion (venous C-peptide ≥200 pmol/L) was compared along with agreement in levels, using Bland-Altman. Venous serum was compared with venous and TCB plasma for detection of autoantibodies, using established thresholds. Acceptability was assessed by age-appropriate questionnaire.

RESULTS
Transdermal sampling took a mean of 2.35 min (SD 1.49). Median sample volume was 50 µL (IQR 40–50) with 3 of 91 (3.3%) failures, and 13 of 88 (14.7%) &lt;35 µL. TCB C-peptide showed good agreement with venous plasma (mean venous ln[C-peptide] – TCB ln[C-peptide] = 0.008, 95% CI [−0.23, 0.29], with 100% [36 of 36] sensitivity/100% [50 of 50] specificity to detect venous C-peptide ≥200 pmol/L). Where venous serum in multiple autoantibody positive TCB plasma agreed in 22 of 32 (sensitivity 69%), comparative specificity was 35 of 36 (97%). TCB was preferred to venous sampling (type 1 diabetes: 63% vs. 7%; 30% undecided).

CONCLUSIONS
Transdermal capillary testing for C-peptide is a sensitive, specific, and acceptable alternative to venous sampling; TCB sampling for islet autoantibodies needs further assessment.
The Effect of Irradiation Methods on Biomass Yield on Mix of Corn (zea mays) and Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) with Hydroponic system
Authors: Susilawati Iin , Khairani Lizah 
Published: December 2023

The objectives of this research was to find effect of irradiation methods on the production of biomass fresh weight, leaf and root dry weight on combination of mung bean and corn with hydroponic system. This research was design with experimental method using Completely Randomized Design with 2 treatmens and 9 replications. The observed of P1 = irradiation method with the sunlight for 12 hours and P2 = irradiation method with LED grow light 7. watt for 16 hours. Parameters observed were biomass fresh weight, leaf and root dry weight Data were analyzed using of two samples Independent T-tes. The result showed that biomass fresh weight and leaf dry weight of irradiation with LED higher than irradiation with the sunlight, the average’s 3155,844 g/m2, and 55,14 g/m2, but no significant effect on dry weight of root.
Pseudo-absorbing comultiplication modules over a pullback ring
Authors: ATANI Shahabaddin Ebrahimi , KHORAMDEL Mehdi , DOLATI PISHHESARI Saboura 
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we introduce the notion of pseudo-absorbing
comultiplication modules. A full description of all indecomposable pseudo-absorbing
comultiplication modules with finite dimensional top over certain kinds of pullback rings
are given and establish a connection between the pseudo-absorbing comultiplication
modules and the pure-injective modules over such rings.
On Almost Everywhere K-Additive Set-Valued Maps
Authors: Jabłońska Eliza 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Let X be an Abelian group, Y be a commutative monoid, K ⊂Y be a submonoid and F : X → 2
Y

\ {∅} be a set-valued map. Under some additional assumptions on ideals ℐ
1 in X and ℐ
2 in X
2, we prove that if F is ℐ
2-almost everywhere K-additive, then there exists a unique up to K K-additive set-valued map G : X → 2
Y

\{∅} such that F = G ℐ
1-almost everywhere in X. Our considerations refers to the well known de Bruijn’s result [1].
Prediction and causes of open gingival embrasure spaces between the mandibular central incisors following orthodontic treatment
Authors: Ikeda Tadataka , Yamaguchi Masaru , Meguro Daijiro , Kasai Kazutaka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: An open gingival embrasure space (OGES) between the mandibular incisors, also known as a “black triangle” (BT), can be an undesirable outcome of adult orthodontic treatment.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the parameters that contributed most to the occurrence of an OGES between the mandibular central incisors, the area with the highest incidence of BT in the lower arch following orthodontic treatment.

Methods: A stepwise regression model was used to identify the variables (age, crowding, treatment duration, alveolar bone height, and six variables describing crown morphology) related independently to OGES score. Intra-oral photographs taken before and after orthodontic treatment, study models and intra-oral radiographs of 60 patients were used. Embrasures between the mandibular central incisors were measured and classified into three types: papilla filling, pinpoint, and BT.

Results: Age at the first consultation, length of active treatment and maximum crown width were larger in the BT group than in the normal group. In contrast, incisal edge – centre of the contact point, upper contact point – lower contact point, mesial CEJ – distal CEJ, and mesial CEJ – distal CEJ / maximum crown width were smaller in the BT group than in the normal group. Variation in OGES score was explained by the independent contributions of age at the first consultation, duration of active treatment, maximum crown width, and mesial CEJ – distal CEJ width. The multiple regression coefficient was 0.98, and the regression coefficient square was 96 per cent.

Conclusion: We conclude that age at the first consultation, duration of active treatment, and crown morphology are involved in OGES manifestation. We suggest also that BT occurrence may be predictable prior to treatment.
An orthodontic information package designed to increase patient awareness
Authors: Anderson Michael A. , Freer Terry J. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Most patients and their parents experience difficulty in fully appreciating the implications and demands of orthodontic treatment. This is largely because of inadequate understanding of the process of treatment or the commitment required. Objectives: To determine if a specifically developed video information package could significantly increase patient awareness of the implications of a full course of orthodontic treatment. Changes in attitude to orthodontic treatment after viewing the package were also measured.

Methods: Year 7 (12 year-old) students in two primary schools in the City of Gold Coast, Australia were randomly allocated to either a study group or a control group. Knowledge of and attitude to orthodontic treatment were measured with self-administered questionnaires before and after viewing the information package.

Results: The intervention group showed a 15 per cent gain in knowledge (p < 0.001). There was no gain in knowledge for the 45 students in the control group. There was no measured change in perception of need for orthodontic treatment in the study group. There was, however, an increase in potential compliance and positive attitude to the appearance of orthodontic appliances. There was a small increase in willingness to undertake treatment, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions: The information package developed for this study increased awareness of the implications and practical difficulties which may be encountered during a course of orthodontic treatment, and produced some changes in attitude to treatment.
Levels of t-PA and PAI-2 in gingival crevicular fluid during orthodontic tooth movement in adults
Authors: Hoshino-Itoh Junko , Kurokawa Akihiko , Yamaguchi Masaru , Kasai Kazutaka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: The regulation of plasminogen activation is a key element in controlling proteolytic events in the extracellular matrix.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI -2) during orthodontic tooth movement in adults.

Methods: Five male subjects (Mean age: 22.5 ± 2.8 years) and five female subjects (Mean age: 23.4 ± 3.9 years) were used. Each subject had one upper canine retracted into an extraction space. The contralateral and opposing canines, which were not moved, served as controls. GCF was collected at the distal cervical margins of the experimental and control teeth 0, 1, 24, and 168 hours after a retracting force was placed. GCF levels of t-PA and PAI-2 were determined by commercially available ELISA kits.

Results: After 24 hours of tooth movement the levels of t-PA and PAI-2 in the GCF were significantly higher from the experimental canines compared with the control teeth. There were no significant experimental - control differences at 0, 1, and 168 hours. There were no differences in the total protein levels up to 168 hours after orthodontic tooth movement.

Conclusions: These results indicate that the amounts of t-PA and PAI-2 in the GCF increase with orthodontic tooth movement, and suggest that such increases may be involved in extracellular matrix degradation in response to mechanical stress. Failure to detect elevated levels of t-PA and PAI-2 at 168 hours was attributed to decay of the force retracting the canines.