bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of different protein diet on the prognosis of children with immunoglobulin A vasculitis
Authors: Kai Feng , Liu Chang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore the association of different protein diet with the recurrence/recurrent rash of immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) and to analyze the potential risk factors for recurrence of IgAV.

Methods

A total of 72 children with IgAV treated in our Hospital from January to June 2021 were collected retrospectively. According to the different protein diets, the children were divided into an animal protein group with 32 children and a plant protein group with 40 children. The clinical data of the children were collected, including general data, times of skin rash recurrence, the incidence of IgAV recurrence, and the incidence of renal lesions. The daily protein intake of the children was recorded by questionnaire and followed up for 8 weeks after discharge.

Results

There were no statistical difference between animal protein group and plant protein group in times of skin rash recurrence, the incidence of IgAV recurrence, and the incidence of renal lesions of children (p > 0.05). However, the protein intake of animal protein group was significantly higher than that of plant protein group (p < 0.05), which did not affect the recurrence of IgAV (p > 0.05). In addition, respiratory infection at the beginning of the disease was potential risk factors for the recurrence of IgAV in children (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

There is no significant association between animal or plant protein diet and the recurrence of IgAV or skin rash. Timely avoidance of infection after cure may help to reduce the recurrence rate of IgAV in children.
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibition for the prevention of anaphylaxis: an open-label, phase 2 trial
Authors: Suresh Ragha V. , Dunnam Collin , Vaidya Dhananjay , Wood Robert A. , Bochner Bruce S. , MacGlashan Donald W. , Dispenza Melanie C. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
IgE-mediated anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal systemic allergic reaction for which there are no known preventative therapies. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is an essential enzyme for IgE-mediated signaling pathways, and is an ideal pharmacologic target to prevent allergic reactions. In this open-label trial (NCT05038904), we evaluated the safety and efficacy of acalabrutinib, a BTK inhibitor that is FDA-approved to treat some B cell malignancies, in preventing clinical reactivity to peanut in adults with IgE-mediated peanut allergy. After undergoing a graded oral peanut challenge to establish their baseline level of clinical reactivity, all patients then received four standard doses of 100 mg acalabrutinib twice daily and underwent repeat food challenge. The primary endpoint was the change in patients’ threshold dose of peanut protein to elicit an objective clinical reaction. At baseline, patients tolerated a median of 29 mg of peanut protein before objective clinical reaction. During subsequent food challenge on acalabrutinib, patients’ median tolerated dose significantly increased to 4,044 mg (range, 444 – 4,044 mg). 7 of 10 patients tolerated the maximum protocol amount (4,044 mg) of peanut protein with no objective clinical reaction, and the other 3 patients’ peanut tolerance increased between 32- and 217-fold. Three patients experienced a total of 4 adverse events that were considered by the investigators to be possibly related to acalabrutinib; all events were transient and nonserious. These results demonstrate that acalabrutinib pretreatment can achieve clinically-relevant increases in patients’ tolerance to their food allergen, thereby supporting the need for larger, placebo-controlled trials.
Effects of fixed functional orthodontic treatment in hypo- and hyperdivergent Class II patients
Authors: Hourfar Jan , Kinzinger Gero Stefan Michael , Frye Linda , Lisson Jörg Alexander 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective
To compare skeletal and dentoalveolar changes after orthodontic treatment of Class II malocclusion in patients with hypo- and hyperdivergent growth patterns through cast splint fixed functional appliances (FFA).
Materials and Methods
N = 42 patients with mandibular plane angles < 34° or ≥ 34° were divided into a hypo- (n = 24) and a hyperdivergent (n = 18) group. All patients received a single-step mandibular advancement protocol through an FFA. Lateral cephalograms were analysed after initial levelling and alignment (T1) and immediately after FFA removal (T2). The therapeutic effect was calculated through comparison with age-matched controls from a growth survey. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Hypo- and hyperdivergent patients showed different treatment outcomes, but significant differences existed only for overbite and interincisal angle. Nearly all measurements suggested similar treatment related changes for both groups with exception for dentoalveolar parameters.
Conclusion
Treatment with FFA causes similar skeletal and dentoalveolar effects in hypo- and in hyperdivergent patients. The correction of overjet and molar relationship is mainly caused by dentoalveolar changes.
Clinical relevance:
Hyperdivergent patients do not respond unfavourably to FFA-treatment compared to hypodivergent patients. Lower incisor protrusion occurs more pronounced in hypodivergent patients. The growth pattern ought to be considered when choosing FFA for Class II treatment.
Assessing teleconnections among ENSO, the tropical Atlantic and precipitation anomalies, and their effects on a tropical watershed
Authors: Xavier Ana Carolina Freitas , Serrão Edivaldo Afonso de Oliveira , Cavalcante Rosane Barbosa Lopes , Pontes Paulo Rógenes Monteiro 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Large-scale ocean-atmosphere mechanisms in distant regions can affect regional variability in diurnal convection through teleconnections and their feedback. This ocean-atmosphere interaction and its impacts on extreme events are well documented at a large scale but need to be better studied in regions where biomes intersect, such as is the case in the Mearim River Basin (MRB). The ocean-atmosphere interaction was investigated through sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies for ENSO regions (Niño 1 + 2; Niño 3; Niño 3.4 and Niño 4) in the tropical Pacific. In the Atlantic, SST was analyzed for the Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) and Tropical South Atlantic (TSA) regions. The rainfall anomaly index (RAI) was calculated for the entire MRB using the daily data from the Daily Gridded Meteorological Variables in Brazil (gridBR) dataset, with a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° over the 1983–2013 period. The cross-correlation function (p value < 0.05) with a lag of 0–12 months was applied to the RAI and SST. Our results indicate that the RAI values have a significant correlation with the TNA, being responsible for 60% of the wet events in the MRB during the Southern Hemisphere summer. In the Pacific, on the other hand, none of the ENOS anomaly indices showed significant (moderate or strong) correlations with the temporal and spatial patterns of RAI for the MRB. These results may assist public and private managers in managing water resources more efficiently for monitoring and predicting extreme events.
Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) measurement properties among adults living with HIV in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and United States
Authors: O’Brien Kelly K. , Erlandson Kristine M. , Brown Darren A. , Carusone Soo Chan , Vera Jaime H. , Bergin Colm , Avery Lisa , Bayoumi Ahmed M. , Hanna Steven E. , Harding Richard , Solomon Patricia , Clair-Sullivan Natalie St. , O’Shea Noreen , Murray Carolann , Boffito Marta , Silva George Da , Torres Brittany , McDuff Kiera , Davis Aileen M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background The Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) is a generic 35-item patient-reported outcome measure of presence, severity and episodic nature of disability. We assessed the measurement properties of the Episodic Disability Questionnaire (EDQ) with adults living with HIV. Methods We conducted a measurement study with adults living with HIV in eight clinical settings in Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and United States. We electronically administered the EDQ followed by three reference measures (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule; Patient Health Questionnaire; Social Support Scale) and a demographic questionnaire. We administered the EDQ only 1 week later. We assessed the internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha; >0.7 acceptable), and test-retest reliability (Intra Class Correlation Coefficient; >0.7 acceptable). We estimated required change in EDQ domain scores to be 95% certain that a change was not due to measurement error (Minimum Detectable Change (MDC95%)). We evaluated construct validity by assessing 36 primary hypotheses of relationships between EDQ scores and scores on the reference measures (> 75% hypotheses confirmed indicated validity). Results 359 participants completed the questionnaires at time point 1, of which 321 (89%) completed the EDQ approximately 1 week later. Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency ranged from 0.84 (social domain) to 0.91 (day domain) for theEDQ severity scale, and 0.72 (uncertainty domain) to 0.88 (day domain) for theEDQ presence scale, and 0.87 (physical, cognitive, mental-emotional domains) to 0.89 (uncertainty domain) for theEDQ episodic scale. ICCs for test-retest reliability ranged from 0.79 (physical domain) to 0.88 (day domain) for the EDQ severity scale and from 0.71 (uncertainty domain) to 0.85 (day domain) for the EDQ presence scale. Highest precision was demonstrated in the severity scale for each domain (MDC95% range: 19–25 out of 100), followed by the presence (MDC95% range: 37–54) and episodic scales (MDC95% range:44–76). Twenty-nine of 36 (81%) construct validity hypotheses were confirmed. Conclusions The EDQ possesses internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and test-retest reliability, with limited precision when administered electronically with adults living with HIV across in clinical settings in four countries. Given the measurement properties, the EDQ can be used for group level comparisons for research and program evaluation in adults living with HIV.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Pediatric Patients with Anxiety Disorders and their Relationship to Treatment with Escitalopram or Placebo
Authors: Baumel W. Thomas , Mills Jeffrey A. , Schroeder Heidi K. , Neptune Zoe , Specht Ashley M. , Levine Amir , Strawn Jeffrey R. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Gastrointestinal symptoms are commonly reported as adverse effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the first-line pharmacologic treatment for pediatric anxiety disorders; however, the temporal course of these symptoms during treatment, although believed to be transient, has never been prospectively evaluated. Additionally, rates of gastrointestinal symptoms and functional gastrointestinal syndromes in anxious youth are poorly understood. We examined gastrointestinal symptoms in youth with anxiety disorders during a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram (n = 51). Then, in a separate sample of prospectively treated children and adolescents with generalized, social and/or separation anxiety disorders (n = 56), we examined the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms based on the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS) and ROME III criteria and the association of these symptoms with clinical and demographic characteristics using logistic regression. The frequency/severity of abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating constipation or total gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between patients receiving placebo (n = 25) or escitalopram (n = 26). However, escitalopram-treated youth had transient improvement in nausea/vomiting and total upper gastrointestinal symptoms during the first two weeks of treatment. ROME III criteria for functional gastrointestinal syndromes were present in 12/56 patients (21.4%). QPGS-related functional gastrointestinal syndromes and symptoms were unrelated to treatment, treatment type, or clinical or demographic variables. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in youth with anxiety and SSRIs produce transient—rather than sustained—gastrointestinal symptoms. Assessing gastrointestinal symptoms prior to pharmacotherapy and discussing factors that increase (or decrease) the likelihood of transient SSRI-related symptoms in youth may decrease patient uncertainty related to side effects and decrease medication-related anxiety.
Loss Estimation in VANET Communications
Authors: Kharchenko Volodymyr , Grekhov Andrii , Kondratiuk Vasyl 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Vehicle Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) provide efficient and secure communications between vehicles and infrastructure. Reliable data exchange between vehicles and Roadside Units (RSUs) is the main objective of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). One of the main tasks associated with automotive communications is the development of methods for predicting the behavior of VANET communication channels in critical conditions. This article explored data transfer between service provider, vehicles, and infrastructure in ITS. Since VANET requires communication channels with low packet loss, minimal message travel time and high Quality of Service (QoS) with the least number of bit errors, we simulated the simplest wireless communication channel in VANET and obtained data about possible packet losses at the RSU unit, message travel time over the network, the load of the vehicle communication link with the infrastructure, as well as information about the effect of the packet loss in the Internet and the influence of bit errors. The importance and usefulness of the performed numerical simulation lies in the ability to set traffic parameters and observe the resulting channel load, packet loss, message travel time, the number of bit errors and QoS in VANET under certain transmission modes.
Picroside II ameliorates Aβ-induced memory deficit by enhancing autophagy in mice
Authors: Li Zhaolun , Wang Maoju , He Yan , Shi Xiuyu , Tian Qiuyun , Fan Yepeng , Ren Fengming , Dong Zhifang , Du Yehong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of misfolded amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides, which is caused by an imbalance between Aβ production and clearance. Picroside II (Picr II), the principal active constituent of Picrorhizakurroa Royle ex Benth, possesses a range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects. However, the exact role of Picr II in AD is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of Picr II on AD and found that it inhibited amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing by enhancing autophagy rather than through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, resulting in a reduction in Aβ production. Furthermore, Picr II treatment improved the decline in autophagy, which was due not only to an increase in autophagic flux but also to an increase in the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes. Most importantly, daily treatment with Picr II (20 mg/kg, i.p.) throughout the experiment rescued the learning and memory in Aβ-treated mice. Taken together, these results suggest that Picr II may have a potent neuroprotective effect against Aβ-induced memory decline by enhancing autophagy, indicating that Picr II may be a promising therapeutic agent for AD.
Patient Discomfort and Intesity of Intraseptal Anesthesia of Controlled Articaine/Epinephrine Delivery for Scaling and Root Planing
Authors: Djoric Jelica , Krasavcevic Ana Djinic , Barac Milena , Pficer Jovana Kuzmanovic , Brkovic Bozidar , Nikolic-Jakoba Natasa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives: The primary aim was assessing the pain during intraseptal anesthesia (ISA) administration, during and after scaling and root planing (SRP). The secondary aims were comparing the pain in different regions of jaws and evaluating factors affecting pain during SRP.
Materials and Methods: ISA was obtained with different doses (0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, and 0.3 ml) of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (4%Ar+Ep) in 360 patients. The pain during ISA administration (VASa), the pain during SRP (VASi), and the pain after SRP (VASp) were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) and correlated with clinical periodontal parameters. Multiple regression analysis was performed for pain during SRP (absence vs. presence) as dependent variable for different factors.
Results: During the anesthetic delivery 80.8% of patients reported pain. VASa negatively correlated with periodontal pocket depth (PPD) (ρ=-0.109, p=0.047). VASi showed no dose-dependency, except in the mandibular premolars (p=0.049). VASi negatively correlated with clinical attachment level (CAL) (ρ=-0.138, p=0.012). VASp reported 13.5% of patients. The regression analysis indicated that increasing the anesthesia duration and the anesthetic field width orally were followed by the greater chance of achieving painless SRP.
Conclusions: ISA obtained with 0.3 ml 4%Ar+Ep will provide a painless SRP.
Clinical Relevance: The pain during ISA administration was mild and well tolerated by the patients. The pain during SRP can be expected in patients with greater CAL. The post-treatment pain can be anticipated after SRP in region with greater PPD and CAL.
Study was registered in a Clinical Trials database (NCT04392804, May 9th, 2020).
Problem-Based Learning as a Practical Approach to Postgraduate Materials Science Education
Authors: CHOU Hung-Lung , CHOU Chih-Hsuan , Lin Meng-Hua , Huang Tzu-Jung , Lin Pei-Xuan , Rick John , Tang Joni-Tzuchen 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe graduate school specializes in introducing novel interdisciplinary courses. Entering students, from a diversity of backgrounds, typically have a low familiarity with current developments in materials science. Hence, interdisciplinary courses invariably erect psychological barriers, thereby reducing willingness to participate and consequently the effectiveness of learning. As a result, it is often a great challenge for students to integrate what they have previously learned with the needs of practical industrial applications. Through this study we aim to address existing questions that reside in the ideology of the “Learning Community” by using the methodology of ‘Teacher’s Action Research’. The interdisciplinary course “Material Science and Simulation” we designed is an attempt to solve problems in traditional teaching methods, such as one-way teaching and examination evaluation, which are replaced with a curriculum that introduces the current situation, describes and analyses basic materials classifications, followed by newly-produced teaching materials consisting of videos and animations offered on online audio-visual platforms, together with the latest recommended readings as references. Furthermore, the course applies the methods of problem-based learning (PBL) to reduce learning barriers, while providing an overall understanding of the latest materials science and current development status of various materials for students with various backgrounds, to facilitate advanced materials science learning. Also, students can amass and assess data through group discussions with peers, put forward their viewpoints, organize their results, and conduct complete in-depth studies. From the students' self-assessment and feedback from the questionnaire, we can see that this method has a positive effect on learning related to current materials science research.
Yield response and water use efficiency of Bell Pepper (Capsicum annum L.) as influenced by irrigation water quality and fertigation under surface drip
Authors: Sidhu Simranpreet K. , Sekhon K. S. , Thaman Sudhir , Garg Naveen , Sharda Rakesh , Choudhary O. P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe injudicious use of poor-quality water for irrigation poses significant challenges to crop production, soil quality, and the environment. The decline in good-quality water resources has forced the use of poor-quality water for agriculture. This study investigated the effect of irrigation water quality and fertigation levels on bell pepper yield, water use efficiency, and soil properties under mulching in sandy loam soil in semi-arid conditions using surface drip. Four irrigation water qualities, namely canal, desalinated, saline, and mixed canal and saline water in equal ratios, were evaluated under varying fertigation levels (100%, 80%, and 60% of recommended NPK dose), for both un-mulched and mulched (using silver-black polyethylene mulch, 25µ) conditions. Results showed that reducing groundwater salinity through desalination from EC 4.07 dSm− 1to EC 0.390 dSm− 1resulted in a 58% increase in fruit yield coupled with enhanced water use efficiency. Soil pH1:2, EC1:2, and sodium adsorption ratio significantly increased with irrigation water salinity. The application of polyethylene mulch and increasing fertigation levels significantly enhanced fruit yield and water use efficiency, while minimizing soil salinity and health hazards in regions with a scarcity of good quality irrigation water and brackish water aquifers. Therefore, desalinated or mixed water sources have an edge over poor-quality irrigation water to raise bell pepper under a drip system with an acceptable yield loss. The overall study underscores the importance of using desalinated or mixed water sources to improve crop production and protect the environment in regions with water scarcity.
Tree species diversity, distribution and population structure of Fraxinus xanthoxyloides in Western Himalayas
Authors: Kukreti Akshit , Thapliyal Manisha , Kurmanchali Neelam , Ramola Gaurav Chand , Singh Rajat 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present study was conducted in West Himalayan Dry Juniper Forest, in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand and Dry Broadleaved and Coniferous Forest, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh, India, to investigate the population structure and regeneration status of Afghan Ash tree species. The results of population status of the Afghan ash in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh indicated the dominance of F. xanthoxyloides. In Uttarakhand, maximum IVI value of F. xanthoxyloides was recorded in Malari (170.26), followed by Jhelum (160.13), whereas in Himachal Pradesh, maximum IVI value 161.50 was recorded in Ribba, while, in Jhangi site 128.68 IVI value was recorded. Density and total basal area in all the sites of the Afghan ash ranged from 344.44 individuals ha− 1 to 482.22 individuals ha− 1 and 18.77 m2 ha− 1 to 35.65 m2 ha− 1, respectively. The natural regeneration status of F. xanthoxyloides was found to be quite good in all the selected sites/ranges. The maximum number of seedlings were recorded from Himachal Pradesh with (837.78 individual’s ha− 1) in Jangi, while minimum number of seedlings per hectare (70.37 individual’s ha− 1) was recorded in Jhelum, Uttarakhand. The reverse J-shaped curve was observed in all the CBH classes which signify regeneration at the stand level was good and maximum portion of curve with more than one-half of the individual’s occurrence was found to be higher between the girth classes 10.1–20 cm to 20.1–30 cm and decreased with the increase of girth in all the study stands. Anthropogenic disturbances resulted to be declined in populations of Afghan ash and may lead this species to endangered, rare and threatened categories. Therefore, proper conservation and management initiatives with active involvement of local people are urgent need to protect this keystone plant species in their habitat particularly in cold desert regions of Western Himalayas.