bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strain-Induced Control of Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers in Diamond: A First-Principles Study on Orientation Regulation
Authors: Zeng Ziquan , Guo Yangyang , Gong Shijing , Wu Botao , li bo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study employs first-principles computational methods to investigate the impact of strain on Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, focusing on the orientation control effects at varying defect concentrations. The influence of tensile strain along the [111] direction during annealing at 1323 K on NV centers is systematically explored. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in the proportion of [111]-oriented NV centers (A-type NV centers) under tensile strain, enhancing their stability and relative abundance within the lattice. This effect is attributed to the increased formation energy of A-type NV centers, boosting the strength of sensor signals. Meanwhile, the formation energy of NV centers in other orientations is lowered, thereby intensifying the contrast of A-type NV center signals. Furthermore, we observe that strain modulation is more effective at lower doping concentrations. Achieving ideal orientation control in experiments necessitates precise management of the relative content of nitrogen atoms and vacancies. This research provides valuable insights into accurately manipulating NV center orientation through doping and strain, thereby advancing the development of defect-based quantum information processing and sensing technologies.
Exploring Triglyceride-Glucose Index's Role in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy: A Comprehensive Study of Its Impact on Disease Severity and Prognostic Accuracy
Authors: Shi Xiaopeng , Xu Lijun , Ren Jia , Jing Lijuan , Wei Kaifeng , Qin Lijie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a complex condition with variable outcomes. This study investigates the potential of the Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index as a marker for disease severity and prognosis in SAE patients.
Methods: Our cohort comprised 1578 SAE patients from the MIMIC-IV database, stratified based on TyG index tertiles. We analyzed baseline characteristics, disease severity, and prognostic outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses were employed for survival analysis, while Spearman rank correlation and various statistical tests were used to assess correlations between TyG index and clinical outcomes.
Results: The study population's median age was 65.96 years, predominantly male (60.1%). Higher TyG index scores correlated with elevated clinical severity scores (APSIII, LODS, OASIS, SAPSII, and CCI) and increased ICU and hospital stay durations. TyG index categorization revealed significant differences in 90-day survival probabilities, with "high TyG" associated with a 25% increased mortality risk compared to "low TyG". Furthermore, TyG index showed a moderate positive correlation with ICU stay duration and use of norepinephrine and vasopressin, but not with dopamine and epinephrine use.
Conclusions: The TyG index is a significant independent predictor of disease severity and prognosis in SAE patients. High TyG levels correlate with worse clinical outcomes and increased mortality risk, suggesting its potential as a valuable tool in managing SAE.
Reallocating just 10 minutes to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity from other components of 24-hour movement behaviors improves cardiovascular health in adults
Authors: Ji Yemeng , Atakan Muhammed , Yan Xu , Wu Jinlong , Kuang Jujiao , Peng Li 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: As components of a 24-hour day, sedentary behavior (SB), physical activity (PA), and sleep are all independently linked to cardiovascular health (CVH). However, insufficient understanding of components’ mutual exclusion limits the exploration of the associations between all movement behaviors and health outcomes. The aim of this study was to employ compositional data analysis (CoDA) approach to investigate the associations between 24-hour movement behaviors and overall CVH.
Methods: Data from 581 participants, including 230 women, were collected from the 2005-2006 wave of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This dataset included information on the duration of SB and PA, derived from ActiGraph accelerometers, as well as self-reported sleep duration. The assessment of CVH was conducted in accordance with the criteria outlined in Life's Simple 7, encompassing the evaluation of both health behaviors and health factors. Compositional linear regression was utilized to examine the cross-sectional associations of 24-hour movement behaviors and each component with CVH score. Furthermore, the study predicted the potential differences in CVH score that would occur by reallocating 10 to 60 minutes among different movement behaviors.
Results: A significant association was observed between 24-hour movement behaviors and overall CVH (p<0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders. Substituting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for other components was strongly associated with favorable differences in CVH score (p<0.05), whether in one-for-one reallocations or one-for-remaining reallocations. Allocating time away from MVPA consistently resulted in larger negative differences in CVH score (p<0.05). For instance, replacing 10 minutes of light physical activity (LPA) with MVPA was related to an increase of 0.21 in CVH score (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.11 to 0.31). Conversely, when the same duration of MVPA was replaced with LPA, CVH score decreased by 0.67 (95% CI -0.99 to -0.35). No such significance was discovered for all duration reallocations involving only LPA, SB, and sleep (p>0.05).
Conclusions: MVPA seems to be as a pivotal determinant for enhancing cardiovascular health among general adult population, relative to other movement behaviors. Consequently, optimization of MVPA duration is an essential element in promoting overall health and well-being.
Preparation of Silicon Monoxide by Using Electric Current Assisted Sintering Process
Authors: He Minqi , Zhao Peng , Luo Xiao , Li Jiangjiang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study uses Electric Current AssistedSintering (ECAS) technology to heat a mixture of silicon (Si) and silicon dioxide (SiO2), exploring a new method for preparing silicon monoxide (SiO). The effects of the Si:SiO2 mass ratio, reaction time, and powder size on the preparation of SiO using ECAS heating were investigated and discussed.The generation of SiO vapor was confirmed through the analysis of sample components and their morphology characterization before and after heat treatment. In particular, the study found that the optimal temperature range for condensing SiO vapor in a vacuum environment is 330 to 480°C (Cross-section current density 10.57A/cm2). At a condensation temperature of 480°C, SiO(g) condensate, characterized by a unique red-brown appearance and a spherical microstructure, was successfully obtained, with a Si:O atomic fraction ratio of approximately 1:1. In addition, according to the real-time voltage changes during the reaction, the entire reaction process is divided into four stages. Hope this study can open up new possibilities for the preparation of silicon monoxide at low temperatures.
Association between adverse nutrition status by BMI and increased time-to-pregnancy in planed pregnancy couples: A cohort study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zhang Yuxian , Gu Dongling , Xie Yanyuan , Li Bing 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
This study addresses China's low fertility and aging issues by examining the impact of overweight and obesity on fertility. Given inconsistent results in previous research, mostly focused on females, our study targets couples in Guangzhou. We investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Time to Pregnancy (TTP) to provide evidence-based strategies for enhancing reproductive outcomes in China.
Methods
This cohort study, utilizing the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkups Project (NFPCP), employs a Cox regression model to assess the correlation between different BMI categories and TTP. Heatmaps are utilized to investigate the association between various BMI combinations of couples and TTP. Additionally, we use Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) curves to explore the non-linear relationship between male and female BMI and TTP.
Results
The results showed that overweight and obese females (fecundability ratios (FR)0.783, 95%CI 0.644,0.954) and males (FR0.857, 95%CI 0.758,0.970) had longer TTP compared with normal weight, regardless of controlled covariates, while underweight females and males also had longer TTP, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Among all BMI combinations, couples in the overweight and obese groups had the lowest fertility, with a 34% decrease in fertility (TTP) compared to couples in the normal BMI combination (FR0.66; 95% CI 0.50,0.85). After adjusting for all covariates in the RCS model, female BMI surpassing 23.65 and male BMI within the range of 23.4 to 29.4continued to indicate a decrease in fertility (FR less than 1) with statistical significance.
Conclusions:
Elevated BMI, both in females and males, emerges as a significant predictor of prolonged TTP.
Color, Proximate Composition, Bioactive Compounds and Antinutrient Profiling of Rose
Authors: Mallick Sharmila Rani , Hassan Jahidul , Hoque Md. Azizul , Sultana Hasina , Kayesh Emrul , Ahmed Minhaz , Ozaki Yukio , Siddiqui Manzer H. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Rose (Rosa sp.) is one of the most important ornamentals which is commercialize for its aesthetic values, essential oils, cosmetic, perfume, pharmaceuticals and food industries in the world. It has wide range of variations that is mostly distinguished by petal color differences which is interlinked with the phytochemicals, secondary metabolites and antinutrient properties. Here, we explored the color, bioactive compounds and antinutritional profiling and their association to sort out the most promising rose genotypes. For this purpose, we employed both quantitative and qualitative evaluation by colorimetric, spectrophotometric and visual analyses following standard protocols. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications where ten rose accessions labelled R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 were used as plant materials. Results revealed in quantitative assessment, the maximum L*, a* and b* value was recorded from rose accessions R4, R6 and R10, respectively which is further confirmed with the visually observed color of the respective rose petals. Proximate composition analyses showed that the highest amount of carotenoid and β-carotene was found in R10 rose accession, anthocyanin and betacyanin in R7. Among the bioactive compounds, maximum tocopherol, phenolic and flavonoid content was recorded in R8, R6 and R3 while R1 showed the highest free radical scavenging potentiality with the lowest IC50 (82.60 µg/ mL FW) compared to the others. Meanwhile, the enormous variation was observed among the studied rose genotypes regarding the antinutrient contents of tannin, alkaloid, saponin and phytate whereas some other antinutrient like steroids, coumarines, quinones, anthraquinone and phlobatanin were also figured out with their presence or absence following qualitative visualization strategies. Furthermore, according to the Principal Component Analysis (PCA), correlation matrix and heatmap dendogram and cluster analysis, the ten rose accessions were grouped into three clusters where, cluster-I composed of R3, R4, R5, R8, cluster-II: R9, R10 and cluster-III: R1, R2, R6, R7 where the rose accessions under cluster III and cluster II were mostly contributed in the total variations by the studied variables. Therefore, the rose accessions R9, R10 and R1, R2, R6, R7 might be potential valuable resources of bioactive compounds for utilization in cosmetics, food coloration, and drugs synthesis which have considerable health impact.
Neural Mechanisms Responsible for Vagus Nerve Stimulation-Dependent Enhancement of Somatosensory Recovery
Authors: Malley Kaitlyn M. , Ruiz Andrea D. , Darrow Michael J. , Danaphongse Tanya , Shiers Stephanie , Ahmad Fatima N. , Beltran Clareth Mota , Stanislav Benjamin T. , Price Theodore , II Robert L Rennaker , Kilgard Michael P , Hays Seth A 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Impairments in somatosensory function are a common and often debilitating consequence of neurological injury, with few effective interventions. Building on success in rehabilitation for motor dysfunction, the delivery of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) combined with tactile rehabilitation has emerged as a potential approach to enhance recovery of somatosensation. In order to maximize the effectiveness of VNS therapy and promote translation to clinical implementation, we sought to optimize the stimulation paradigm and identify neural mechanisms that underlie VNS-dependent recovery. To do so, we characterized the effect of tactile rehabilitation combined with VNS across a range of stimulation intensities on recovery of somatosensory function in a rat model of chronic sensory loss in the forelimb. Consistent with previous studies in other applications, we find that moderate intensity VNS yields the most effective restoration of somatosensation, and both lower and higher VNS intensities fail to enhance recovery compared to rehabilitation without VNS. We next used the optimized intensity to evaluate the mechanisms that underlie recovery. We find that moderate intensity VNS enhances transcription of Arc, a canonical mediator of synaptic plasticity, in the cortex, and that transcript levels were correlated with the degree of somatosensory recovery. Moreover, we observe that blocking plasticity by depleting acetylcholine in the cortex prevents the VNS-dependent enhancement of somatosensory recovery. Collectively, these findings identify neural mechanisms that subserve VNS-dependent somatosensation recovery and provide a basis for selecting optimal stimulation parameters in order to facilitate translation of this potential intervention.
Ultrasound-Guided Caudal Epidural Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Steroid Injections for Single-Level Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Le Viet-Thang , Nguyen Anh Minh , Nghiem Thao Phuong , Nguyen Nhu Quynh Thi , Bui Dung Tuan Hoang , Do Phuoc Trong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Caudal epidural steroid injections are a common intervention for managing radicular symptoms in patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis. Existing studies on the efficacy of various epidural injection routes often involve heterogeneous groups. In this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio, we investigated the effectiveness of caudal Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) versus Steroid Injection for Single-Level Lumbar Spinal Stenosis. This study included 60 patients (n = 30 for each group) requiring intervention for single-level lumbar spinal stenosis, conducted at the Pain Management Unit, University Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from June 2021 to June 2023. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in pain and disability scores at 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months compared to baseline (p < 0.001). In conclusion, Caudal Epidural Injection (CEI) emerges as a safe and effective modality for managing Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS), delivering excellent short-term outcomes. Notably, ultrasound-guided caudal epidural PRP and steroid injections for single-level lumbar spinal stenosis exhibit comparable effectiveness in terms of both pain relief and functional improvement.
Peroxiredoxin 1 inhibits streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in hippocampal neuronal cells via Ca 2+ /Calpain/Cdk5-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation
Authors: Park Junghyung , Won Jinyoung , Yang Eunyeoung , Seo Jincheol , Cho Jiyeon , Seong Jung Bae , Yeo Hyeon-Gu , Kim Keonwoo , Kim Yu Gyeong , Kim Minji , Jeon Chang-Yeop , Lim Kyung Seob , Lee Dong-Seok , Lee Youngjeon 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced abnormal brain insulin signaling and oxidative stress play crucial roles in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like pathology. Peroxiredoxins (Prxs) are associated with protection from neuronal death induced by oxidative stress. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying Prxs on STZ-induced progression of AD in the hippocampal neurons are not yet fully understood. Here, we investigated the effect of Peroxiredoxin 1 (Prx1) on STZ-induced AD-like pathology. Prx1 expression was increased by STZ treatment in the hippocampus cell line, HT-22 cells. We evaluated whether Prx1 affects STZ-induced HT-22 cells using overexpression. Prx1 successfully protected the forms of STZ-induced AD-like pathology, such as neuronal apoptosis, synaptic loss, and tau phosphorylation. Moreover, Prx1 suppressed STZ-induced increase of mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation by down-regulating Drp1 phosphorylation and mitochondrial location. Prx1 plays a role in an upstream signal pathway of Drp1 phosphorylation, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) by inhibiting the STZ-induced conversion of p35 to p25. We found that STZ-induced of intracellular Ca2+ accumulation was an important modulator of AD-like pathology progression by regulating Ca2+-mediated Calpain activation, and Prx1 down-regulated STZ-induced intracellular Ca2+ accumulation and Ca2+-mediated Calpain activation. Finally, we identified that Prx1 antioxidant capacity affected Ca2+/Calpain/Cdk5-mediated AD-like pathology progress. Therefore, these findings demonstrated that Prx1 is a key factor in the STZ-induced hippocampal neuronal death through inhibition of Ca2+/Calpain/Cdk5-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction by protecting oxidative stress.
Missing topics for a newly established general practice curriculum for medical students in Hesse – a qualitative study
Authors: Kronemann Bibiane , Joson-Teichert Elisabeth , Michiels-Corsten Matthias , Bösner Stefan , Groth Jana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
To address declining numbers of general practitioners (GPs) in rural areas and a lack of medical students pursuing a career in primary care, a general practice-based curriculum coupled with additional university admissions for students has been established at three universities in Hesse, Germany. The aim of this study is to analyze potential topics that need to be taught to students who strive to become GPs to best prepare them for their chosen career and working in rural areas. Our aim was to explore the views of both specialists and GPs on central topics and necessary skills in primary care.
Methods
In our study we used semi-structured interviews with outpatient specialists and specialists in clinical practice and semi-structured group interviews with GPs in training. The topic guide addressed contents of the curriculum for medical students with an extracurricular focus (addressing additional topics) on primary care.
Data analysis was carried out using qualitative content analysis according to Mayring.
Results
GPs in training and specialists agreed on the importance of knowledge in the fields of medical history, physical examination, communication as well as common diseases in primary care. Essential competences mentioned were: induce medical treatment, decision making and triage, conduct structured conversations, have patient knowledge (hard skills) as well as interest in continuous learning, empathy, personal commitment, listening and down-to-earthness (soft skills). Case reports, symptom-based learning, practical training, lessons with simulated patients and the integration of role models were regarded as useful teaching methods.
Conclusions
General practice-based curriculums should not only focus on the transfer of knowledge. The training of soft and hard skills is equally important to prepare future GPs for their work in primary care. New teaching methods as well as practical training should be the heart of a newly established curriculum.
Understanding global perspectives for the acceptance of community sanitation welfare schemes through a localised qualitative survey in Kho Nagorian, Jaipur, India
Authors: Gupta Vinayak , Gonzales Hazel , Hungwe Douglas , Kanokwan Yamsomphong , Takahashi Fumitake 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Community sanitation is a fundamental human right and need. Every year, as per the World Bank, total cost of providing sanitation services is estimated at around 114 billion USD per year. In India, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), a public welfare scheme (PWS), is aimed at addressing community sanitation problems. Despite the successful implementation of SBA, local communities still practise open defaecation. To deduce the behavioural patterns governing communal toilet use, interviews were conducted with the local communities in the Kho Nagorian area of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. This qualitative survey examined attitudes towards the construction of a toilet, awareness towards the SBA scheme, and the willingness to use sewage-based manure. The study then discusses the factors that increase the local community’s willingness to use these toilets. Results show that open defaecation is still prevalent in society. One way to foster the adoption of toilets is that the construction materials should mainly consist of local materials. As a recourse, places of worship could be used to influence people`s perception of hygiene. In addition, community toilets should be cleaned often as well. PWS should not be made accessible at no cost to prevent a sense of entitlement among the people. A small sum should be charged to increase social responsibility towards the PWS. Another way to curb open defaecation is to tap into the sense of entitlement by making effective use of social campaign programs. Further, cross-table analysis revealed that the locals were inclined to use a toilet if they have invested in it. Advertisements were found to be ineffective, and proposals were made to make them effective. These findings aid in understanding public perceptions and can guide the development of public policies. The findings also assist in making tax distribution decisions that reflect public concerns, attitudes, and values.