bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follistatin (FST) is expressed in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) ovarian follicles and promotes oocyte maturation and early embryonic development
Authors: Wang Haoxin , Chen Weili , Shen Penglei , Feng Yun , Shi Deshun , Lu Fenghua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFollistatin (FST), a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, has been identified as an inhibitor of follicle‐stimulating hormone. Previous studies showed that it plays an important role in animal reproduction. Therefore, this study aims to investigate its effect on the maturation of buffalo oocytes in vitro, and the underlying mechanism of FST affecting oocyte maturation was also explored in buffalo cumulus cells. Results showed that FST was enriched in the ovary and expressed at different stages of buffalo ovarian follicles as well as during oocyte maturation and early embryo development. The FST expression level was up‐regulated in MII buffalo oocytes compared with the GV stage (p < .05). To study the effects of FST on buffalo oocytes' maturation and early embryonic development, we added the pcD3.1 skeleton vector and PCD3.1‐EGFP‐FST vector into the maturation fluid of buffalo oocytes, respectively. It was demonstrated that FST promoted the in vitro maturation rate of buffalo oocytes and the blastocyst rate of embryos cultured in vitro (p < .05). By interfering with FST expression, we discovered that FST in cumulus cells plays a crucial role in oocyte maturation. Interference with the FST expression during the buffalo oocyte maturation did not affect the first polar body rate of buffalo oocyte (p > .05). In contrast, the location of mitochondria in oocytes was abnormal, and the cumulus expansion area was reduced (p < .05). After parthenogenetic activation, the cleavage and blastocyst rates of the FST‐interfered group were reduced (p < .05). Furthermore, RT‐qPCR was performed to investigate further the underlying mechanism by which FST enhances oocyte maturation. We found that overexpression of FST could up‐regulate the expression level of apoptosis suppressor gene Bcl‐2 and TGF‐β/SMAD pathway‐related genes TGF‐β, SMAD2, and SMAD3 (p < .05). In contrast, the expression levels of SMAD4 and pro‐apoptotic gene BAX were significantly decreased (p < .05). The FST gene could affect buffalo oocyte maturation by regulating the oocyte mitochondria integrity, the cumulus expansion, cumulus cell apoptosis, and the expression levels of TGF‐β/SMAD pathway‐related genes.
Analysis of Multilayer Cylindrical Thermal Conduction With a Time-Varying Convective Boundary Condition
Authors: Zhou Long , Parhizi Mohammad , Jain Ankur 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Heat transfer in a multilayer body plays a key role in design and optimization of several engineering systems. While the analysis of simple multilayer problems is quite straightforward, realistic scenarios such as time-dependent boundary conditions result in significant complications in analysis. This work presents thermal analysis of a one-dimensional heat-generating multilayer cylinder with time-varying convective heat transfer at the boundary. Such a scenario may occur in applications such as nuclear reactors, jet impingement cooling, turbine blade heat transfer, as well as casting and related manufacturing processes. Analysis is presented for both annular and solid cylinders. A derivation for the temperature distribution is carried out, using a shifting function to split the time-dependent boundary condition into two parts, followed by appropriate mathematical substitution. For particular special cases, the analytical results derived here are shown to reduce exactly to results from past work. Good agreement of the theoretical results with numerical simulations is also demonstrated. Thermal response to various realistic time-dependent boundary conditions is analyzed. This work contributes towards the design of realistic multilayer problems and may facilitate the optimization of engineering systems where multilayer thermal conduction plays a key role.
Hospital discharge using salbutamol as required after acute attacks of wheeze in children: a service evaluation
Authors: Connett Gary , Harper Stephanie , Raut Bhargav , James David 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveMost UK hospitals discharge children after acute wheeze with advice to give regular salbutamol using a fixed dose weaning regime. We have introduced and evaluated the safety and efficacy of changing practice to using bronchodilators only as needed after 4 hourly assessments.DesignA multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals worked with eight families of children who had needed hospital treatment with acute wheeze to develop guidance for the use of salbutamol on an as required basis after 4 hourly assessments. Data on salbutamol used with this approach were compared with a similar period in the previous year.ResultsData from 103 families showed a 73% reduction in salbutamol on day 1, 69% on day 2 and 50% on day 3 compared with what would have been used according to previous advice. Families found the advice easy to follow. There was a trend towards lower reattendance rates within 1 week compared with those recorded in the previous year. Those who had previously attended preferred this change in practice.ConclusionsThese data suggest that with information to support the use of salbutamol on an as required basis after hospital attendance, children can be safely managed by their parents/guardians with much lower doses of salbutamol than those recommended in commonly used fixed dose weaning regimes.
Identification of a potential bioinformatics-based biomarker in keloids and its correlation with immune infiltration
Authors: Li Zihan , Zhang Chuwei , Zhang Qingrong , Dong Yipeng , Sha Xinyu , Jiang Ming , Yan Jun , Wang Wenmiao , Li Houqiang , Zhang Yi , Zhou You Lang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractKeloid formation is a pathological consequence resulting from cutaneous irritation and injury, primarily attributed to excessive collagen matrix deposition and fibrous tissue proliferation. Chronic inflammation, left uncontrolled over an extended period, also stands as a substantial contributing factor. The precise mechanisms underlying keloid formation remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to identify key genes for diagnostic purposes. To achieve this, we used two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets to identify differentially expressed genes. We identified one particular gene, homeobox C9 (HOXC9), using a thorough strategy involving two algorithms (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination) and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. We then assessed its expression in normal and keloid tissues. In addition, we explored its temporal expression patterns via Mfuzz time clustering analysis. In our comprehensive analysis, we observed that immune infiltration, as well as cell proliferation, are crucial to keloid formation. Thus, we investigated immune cell infiltration in the keloid and normal groups, as well as the correlation between HOXC9 and these immune cells. It was found that HOXC9 was closely associated with the immune microenvironment of keloids. This shows that HOXC9 can serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for keloids.
Treatment Planning for Victims with Heterogeneous Time Sensitivities in Mass Casualty Incidents
Authors: Shi Yunting , Liu Nan , Wan Guohua 
Published: November 2023

Treatment Planning for Mass Casualty Incidents The existing emergency response guidelines emphasize prioritizing the treatment of victims with initially critical health conditions, but tend to overlook the potential deterioration of less critical victims. Such deterioration can result in prolonged treatment times and irreversible health damages. In “Treatment Planning of Victims with Heterogeneous Time Sensitivities in Mass Casualty Incidents,” Shi, Liu, and Wan draw insights from a unique data set containing timestamps of surgeries conducted in a field hospital established in response to a large-scale earthquake. They develop scheduling models to enhance treatment planning for mass casualty incidents. They identify conditions under which victims with less critical initial conditions may have higher or lower priority than their counterparts in an optimal schedule, aiming to do the greatest good for the greatest number. Through a counterfactual analysis utilizing their data set, the authors demonstrate that implementing their model could significantly reduce surgical makespan, overdue cases, and victim deterioration compared with the previously employed treatment plan.
Analysis of a specialist service for non-pregnant women with female genital mutilation: 2008–2019
Authors: Albert Juliet , Evans Catrin , Wells Mary 
Published: November 2023

Background Female genital mutilation affects an estimated 200 million women and girls worldwide. This article examines a midwife-led service that integrates health advocates and counsellors into a model of holistic woman-centred care and was the blueprint for new national clinics opened in 2019. Methods This retrospective case note review examined referral patterns, clinical findings and interventions over 11 years at a UK specialist clinic for non-pregnant women with female genital mutilation. Results More than 2000 consultations were conducted. Two thirds of women had type 3 mutilation. Most were Somali (73.4%) with 18 other ethnic backgrounds represented. Women presented with dysuria, dyspareunia/apareunia, dysmenorrhea, recurrent infections, post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, flashbacks and psychosexual issues. Interventions included deinfibulation under local anaesthetic (many as same day walk-in cases), clinical reports for asylum applications and trauma counselling. One in 10 attendees were healthcare professionals/carers. Nearly 5% were refugees/asylum seekers. There were 12 safeguarding referrals, three cases of mandatory reporting duty and two protection orders. Intersectional violence was frequently reported among women of West African origin. Conclusions Significant numbers of non-pregnant women require specialist help. Innovative means to publicise clinics and routine enquiry during gynaecological consultations and GP registration, could ensure earlier signposting to services. Deinfibulation can be safely performed by an expert midwife in a community or outpatient setting.
Fabrication and characterization of a rapid-response, ultrasensitive dual-head interferometric pressure sensor
Authors: Ullah Rahim , Mehmood Khan Raja Yasir , Faisal Muhammad 
Published: November 2023

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, dual-head Michelson interferometer-based pressure sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity and rapid response has been fabricated and optimized. The sensor consists of two diaphragm-based sensing heads, which operate on the principle of path-length variations of the interferometers due to the effect of pressure variation within the pressure channel. Pressure has been measured independently by the heads in terms of the fringe counts across two photodetectors with different sensitivities and working ranges. Head 1 had a linear working range of 0–6 psi and a sensitivity, resolution, and response time of 1295.04 fringe counts/psi, 25.74 µpsi, and 0.86 ms, respectively, which were 2.46, 2.46, and 0.86 times better than those of head 2. However, head 2 had a larger working range of 0–15 psi. Heads 1 and 2 yielded repeatable responses with negligible hysteresis and an average absolute error of 0.55% and 0.58%, respectively, compared to the predicted results. The proposed sensor has great potential for use in laboratory and industrial nonintrusive precise and fast-response pressure sensing applications.
Investigating and promoting health behaviors reactivity among Hong Kong older adults in the post-COVID-19 Era: An exploratory network analysis
Authors: Wong Ming Yu Claudia , Ou Kai-ling , Man Leung Ka 
Published: November 2023

Background
Physical distance has increased the risk of developing a variety of health problems, especially among older people. During the COVID-19 lockdown period, physical activity decreased, screen time increased, food consumption increased, as well as exposure to unhealthy behaviour, leading to poorer sleep quality and more negative emotions, which ultimately led to poorer physical health, mental health, and subjective vitality among older adults. Although there were numerous research studies on changes in health behaviours during COVID-19, only a few were targeted at older adults, and none were conducted in Asian countries.

Method
The current study is aiming to identify the changes in health behaviours, as well as their associations with older adults’ mental health as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic among Hong Kong older adults, using exploratory network analysis. In this study, a random tele-survey was conducted among older adults.

Results
A total of 664 participants have been involved in the telephone survey, with 213 males and 451 females, of which mean age was 74.37. The explored network showed strong centrality and edge stability, thus enabling to reveal an overview of the associations between health behaviours and mental well-being of older adults. The lavaan model has also demonstrated the casual paths within the explored network, which indicated the significant impact of sleeping quality, eating habits and social networking on resilience.

Conclusion
The outcomes of the study were able to identify the lifestyle changes of Hong Kong older adults due to COVID-19. Although the present study is not regarded as novel internationally, it may be representative of the Hong Kong community. In order to facilitate active aging during the pandemic, a user-friendly electronic platform for healthy living should include older adults in the future.
A Unique Presentation of Familial Idiopathic Colonic Varices
Authors: Gallagher John , Quach Bill , Sempokuya Tomoki , Sivaraman Anita 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Colonic varices typically occur in the setting of portal hypertension, and patients may present with rectal bleeding or occult anemia. Idiopathic colonic varices occur infrequently in the absence of cirrhosis and can involve the entire colon. We present a case of a 54-year-old Eastern European woman who had undergone diagnostic colonoscopy for newly diagnosed sigmoid adenocarcinoma and was incidentally found to have colonic varices with normal portal pressure gradients. Her 38-year-old daughter was found to have similar varices, raising concerns for hereditary etiology.
Decay resistance and dimensional stability of wood impregnated with castor oil using a pressure treatment
Authors: Kwon Ohkyoung , Choi Yeong Seo , Choi Wonsil , Lee Young-kyu , Choi Jongyeol , Choi Joon weon , Yang In 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the uptake of castor oil (CAO) in some wood specimens and the effect of CAO on the leaching ability, dimensional stability and fungal-decay resistance of the wood specimens. CAO was infused into the specimens using a pressure treatment. Uptakes of CAO penetrated in yellow poplar (YEP), Japanese cedar (JAC) and Douglas fir (DOF) blocks were higher than 100 %. The leaching ability of the CAO-based suspensions against saline water was the lowest in YEP, followed by Japanese larch (LAR), JAC and DOF. The retention values were 90 % or higher in most of the specimens. Radial and tangential swellings of CAO-treated strips submerged in saline water for 2 weeks were restrained compared to control specimens. No significant differences were found between bending strength and Janka hardness of CAO-treated and control strips. CAO treatment provided acceptable decay resistance to most wood specimens against Fomitopsis palustris and Trametes versicolor. Retention of CAO in the leached strips were identified through X-ray microscopic observation. Based on the results, CAO was determined to be an effective agent for improving the dimensional stability of wood. These results demonstrate the great potential of CAO as an environmentally friendly wood preservative and dimensional stabilizer, allowing CAO-permeated wood as raw materials for both indoor and outdoor use.
Implementation of IT supported standardization of individualized hydrocortisone management for treatment of patients with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Chakravarthy Varshini , Barger Katie , Gonsalves Rob , Shaibi Gabriel Q. , Vaidya Vinay , Kapadia Chirag , Newbern Dorothee 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Hydrocortisone stress dosing guidelines for children with adrenal insufficiency (AI) recommend a wide range of acceptable stress doses. This has led to variability in dosing recommendations resulting in confusion among endocrine, non-endocrine providers and patient families. This quality improvement project sought to standardize documentation and hydrocortisone stress dosing within our pediatric endocrine division to optimize communication regarding AI management.

Methods
Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle one aimed to address documentation of components important in AI management including body surface area (BSA), home daily dose, home stress dose, in-patient stress dose, procedure dose and crisis dose using a smart phrase within the electronic health record (EHR). To automate the process, PDSA cycle two introduced two smart buttons within the endocrine notes. PDSA cycle three focused on standardizing hydrocortisone stress doses.

Results
Initial documentation targets were met for all AI management components except for the crisis dose. The second target was only met for the home stress dose. Implementing the smart buttons aided in reaching the second target for home daily and home stress doses. Dose standardization targets were achieved in all categories except for the on-going crisis dose. A follow up survey after an in-service for non-endocrine providers showed increased knowledge of locating hydrocortisone stress dosing recommendations within the EHR.

Conclusions
With the assistance of technology, this quality improvement project ultimately enhanced communication through the standardization of documentation and individualized hydrocortisone stress dosing for children with AI. Although not all secondary targets were met, there was meaningful improvement in documentation and stress dose standardization compliance.
Thermosetting polymer composites: Manufacturing and properties study
Authors: Ali Malek 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In the proposed study, TiC is used in different sizes (i.e., 70–150 nm and 200–250 μm) and different ratios (e.g., 0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) to reinforce the epoxy matrix. Micro- or nano-epoxy–TiC mixtures are poured into molds that have been prepared. The results obtained show a significant improvement in hardness, impact, creep, and tensile strength when the hard particles of nano- and micro-TiC are increased up to 20 wt%. This is due to the good dispersion of the TiC powder with minimal agglomeration and air bubbles. In addition, the results obtained show a decrease in hardness, impact, creep, and tensile strength when the ratio of the hard particles of nano- and micro-TiC is increased to 30 wt% due to agglomeration and air bubbles, which create a path for cracks to propagate. The results of the hardness, impact, creep, and tensile strength tests when 20 wt% nano-TiC composite specimens are used are 22.4, 67.55 J·m−2, 0.0132, and 34.7 MPa, respectively. These results show higher values than other composite specimens. A pin-on-disc wear testing process with various sliding lengths is used to analyze wear behavior. The maximum wear resistance of the 10 wt% of micro-epoxy–TiC composites is found at a load of 5 N and a 100 m sliding distance. Optical microscopy shows small scratches on the 10 wt% micro-epoxy–TiC composite specimens in comparison with the 10 wt% nano-epoxy–TiC composites at a load of 5 N and a 200 m sliding distance.
Wave Mechanics of Microwave Absorption Films: Part 1 - Insights and Review
Authors: Liu Yue , Liu Ying , Drew Michael 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Based on transmission line theory, it has been established that the mechanism governing microwave absorption in films differs from that observed in their constituent materials. This fundamental distinction, though straightforward, remains a point of contention within the research community. The prevailing argument posits that microwaves become entrapped through successive reflections within the film, subsequently being absorbed along a zigzag trajectory within the material. As a result, some researchers argue against any distinction between film and material. Their stance is underpinned by their conviction that the existing microwave absorption theory garners robust support from experimental data. However, Part 1 of this study endeavors to demonstrate that these empirical observations can be reinterpreted with greater accuracy by recognizing the pivotal role of the film. This role will receive further exploration from a fresh perspective in Part 2, where disparities between films and their constituent materials will be examined, and in Part 3, dedicated to the design of multilayer films. The key features of the novel wave mechanics theory, which unveil new principles in film physics, have been examined.
Lakes expansion and emergence of potentially dangerous glacier lakes in Astore River Basin, Western Himalaya during 1993-2021
Authors: Akbar Saddique , Wang Junbo , Ullah Atta , Latif Yasir , Muhammad Sher 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Glaciers in High Mountain Asia ensure freshwater to billions of people downstream but this supply is dwindling owing to rapid melting due to climate change. On the same note, glaciers in the Astore River Basin, of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB), are rapidly melting leading to accelerated expansion of glacial lakes, emergence of new glacial lakes, and increasing the risk of Glacial Lakes Outburst Floods (GLOFs). This study investigates seasonal and decadal fluctuations in glacier lakes using Landsat data between 1993 and 2021 and differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) field observations. We found an increase in the number of glacial lakes and areal expansion of existing glacial lakes in the study area. During the 2021 ablation period (Jun-Oct), the number of contemporary glacial lakes grew fivefold (18 to 100), while the area expanded sixfold (0.62 to 3.86 km2), the newly developed lakes were greater than 0.01 km2. Over the past decade, PDGLs have doubled. To lessen the risk of GLOF, continuous monitoring of these lakes is necessary in the future. The implementation of GLOF monitoring and early warning systems, as well as sustainable water management practices, ought to be prioritized for mitigation and adaptation measures.