bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors Predict the Stroke Specific Quality Of Life In Post Stroke Aphasia Patients in Pakistan
Authors: Bhutta Nimra Ilyas , Sethi Shehzad Waqar , Um-e-Habiba  , Omer Aadil , Syed Shahnoor , Shah Syed Tariq , Haroon Ramsha 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Stroke-specific quality of life (QoL) is an important outcome measure in stroke rehabilitation, reflecting the impact of stroke and its associated impairments on an individual's overall well-being and daily functioning. Understanding the factors that predict stroke specific QoL in post-stroke aphasia patients in Pakistan is crucial for developing targeted interventions and improving the rehabilitation process.
Objective: to determine the factors predicted the stroke specific quality of life in post stroke aphasia patients in Pakistan.
Methodology: This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 18 months from June 2021 to December 2022 at RHS Rehabilitation Centre Islamabad Pakistan. A total of n=134 independent participants with fluent and non-fluent aphasia at least six-month post stroke, and able to follow one step command were included in the study through non-probability convenient sampling technique. The stroke specific quality of life (SS-QoL) scale was used to assess the quality of life in the participants, while the list of predictors was developed from the literature. SPSS version 21 was used for statistical analysis.
Result: A multiple regression was run to predict the quality of life from marital status, gender, family status, patient's socioeconomic status, types of strokes, types of aphasia, and comorbidities. These variables statistically significantly predicted quality of life {F(13,120)=10.366, p<0.001}. All variables cause 47.8% (Adj. R2=0.478) variance in stroke specific quality of life in aphasia patients.
Conclusion: the male gender, married marital status, middle and upper socioeconomic status, ischemic stroke compared to hemorrhagic stroke, fluent aphasia, and the cardiac disease compared to other comorbidities positively affect the quality of life in post stroke aphasia patients. But age and the family system did not show any impact on the quality of life.
Lung gene expression study identifying Zscan2 and Bag6 as novel tissue repair players in an experimental model of COPD
Authors: Pérez-Rial Sandra , Carretero Laura Sánchez , Pérez Àdele Chole Cardeñosa , Peces-Barba Germán 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic lung disease with an ever-increasing incidence. Despite years of drug research and approvals, we are still not able to halt progress or restore normal lung function. Our previous studies have demonstrated that liver growth factor (LGF) has an effect on the repair of the affected tissue in a mouse model of cigarette smoke exposure (CSE), but by what pathways it achieves this is unknown. The present study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between emphysematous mice treated with LGF to identify potential biomarkers for the treatment of pulmonary emphysema.
Methods
The emphysema mouse model was induced by prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke. To determine the gene expression profile of the lung in smokers treated or not with LGF, lung messenger RNA (mRNA) gene expression was assessed with the Agilent Array platform and validated in mouse lung samples.
Results
The treated group significantly improved lung function (~ 35%) and emphysema level (~ 20%). Microarray analysis demonstrated a total of 290 DEGs (1.5-fold up- or downregulated). The expression trends of 2 genes (Zscan2 and Bag6) were different in emphysematous lungs treated with LGF compared to untreated lungs.
Conclusions
Therefore, Zscan2 and Bag6 could play a role in regulating inflammation and the immune response in the lung that undergoes partial lung regeneration.
Step-by-step causal analysis of Electronic Health Records to ground decision making
Authors: Doutreligne Matthieu , Struja Tristan , Abecassis Judith , Morgand Claire , Varoquaux Gaël , Celi Leo Anthony 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Accurate predictions, as with machine learning, may not suffice to provide optimal healthcare for every patient. Indeed, prediction can be driven by shortcuts in the data, such as racial biases. Causal thinking is needed for data-driven decisions. Here, we give an introduction to the key elements, focusing on routinely-collected data, electronic health records (EHRs) and claims data. Using such data to assess the value of an intervention requires care: temporal dependencies and existing practices easily confound the causal effect. We present a step-by-step framework to help build valid decision making from real-life patient records by emulating a randomized trial before individualizing decisions, eg with machine learning. Our framework highlights the most important pitfalls and considerations in analysing EHRs or claims data to draw causal conclusions. We illustrate the various choices in studying the effect of albumin on sepsis mortality in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database (MIMIC-IV). We study the impact of various choices at every step, from feature extraction to causal-estimator selection. In a tutorial spirit, the code and the data are openly available.
Structural fluctuations at nanoscale and cooperative molecular dynamics in bulk water
Authors: Russina Margarita , Günther Gerrit , Farago Bela , Babcock Earl , Salhi Zahir , Ioffe Alexander , Mezei Ferenc 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The investigation of cooperative dynamics in H2O, visible in the coherent neutron scattering, has been hindered up to now due to the very small signal. Using a novel approach with employing of neutron polarization analysis we were able for the first time to directly measure the coherent neutron scattering signal in light water with unprecedented accuracy. The observed coherent signal is enhanced at intermediate Q range of 0.2-1 Å -1 which is clear evidence that intermolecular interactions in water spread beyond distances between two nearest neighbours. Our study reveals the existence of a picosecond cooperative process in water, whose nature could be related to the cooperative rearrangements between several water molecules. This process serves as a precursor to the large-scale transport related to the viscosity. Our results help to understand the general transport mechanism at nanoscale which can be useful for biomedical technologies or the development of nanofluidic devices.
When the levee breaks: the largest channel-wall collapse ever described
Authors: McArthur Adam , Tek Daniel , Poyatos-Moré Miquel , Colombera Luca , McCaffrey William 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
3D seismic reflection data from the Hikurangi trench-axial channel-levee system, offshore New Zealand, reveal the largest channel-wall failure yet described. Wholesale collapse of both channel banks along a 68 km stretch created a mass transport deposit (MTD) containing blocks up to 4 km long, with a preserved volume of 19 km3. Subsequent deposits have erosional contacts into the MTD, confirming that its original volume was even larger. Channel-walls typically collapse locally, yet synchronous failure of both channel flanks is documented here, implying a catastrophic external trigger. For most of its length, the MTD overlies deposits imaged as high-amplitude reflectors, representing the pre-failure channel floor. Locally these older channel deposits were excavated, transported across and down channel, and then deposited in imbricated stacks, such that the volume of displaced materials exceeded that of the initial failure. Metadata studies of other channel-wall derived MTDs confirm this to be the largest channel-wall collapse documented. MTDs initiated by large-scale levee-collapse like that documented here pose an under-appreciated risk to seafloor infrastructure both within channels and over regions extending at least twice the channel width into their overbank areas.
Effects of Epirubicin-loaded HepaSphere Microsphere with a New Loading Method transarterial chemoembolization: In vitro and In vivo Experiments
Authors: Zhang Wen , Du Nan , Wang Liangwen , Yu Jiaze , Yang Minjie , Zhang Wei , Qu Xvdong , Luo Jianjun , Yan Zhiping 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to examine pharmacokinetic profiles and embolization effect of HepaSphere (HS) with a new loading method to reduce its expansion size.Methods HS microsphere were loaded in a solution of hypertonic saline and contrast medium at different ratio. Morphology, size distribution and drug loading capacity of the microsphere were evaluated to effectively reduce expansion of HS. Rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumors underwent conventional TACE, drug-eluting beads TACE with HS microsphere loading epirubicin by recommend method (dTACE) or by a new loading method (ndTACE). The plasma and tissue epirubicin concentration, tumor necrosis and the microsphere distribution within the tumor were assessed.Results It was found that the mean diameter of HS microspheres was effectively reduced to 102 ± 14 µm after loading with 10.0% NaCl and Ultravist (370 mg I /mL) at a ratio of 2: 8 ml. The loading capacity reached 78.7%. It was noted that the concentration of tumor epirubicin was significantly higher (p = 0.016) in the ndTACE group (11989.8 ± 5776.6 ng/g) than concentration in the dTACE (6516.5 ± 3682.3 ng/g) and in cTACE groups (1564.1 ± 696.1 ng/g, p < 0.001). Further, the tumor necrosis in group with the new loading method (ndTACE) was 92.4%.Conclusions The size of HS microsphere can be effectively reduced when it is loaded with a mixture of hypertonic saline and non-ionic contrast material. HS microsphere loaded with epirubicin using the new method (ndTACE) can increase the drug concentration in tumor and hence exert better improved antitumor effect.
Clinical outcomes of immunomodulation therapy in immunocompromised patients with severe Covid-19 and high oxygen requirement
Authors: Goldstein Avigayil , Neuberger Ami , Darawsha Yazeed Qassem , Hussein Khetam , Shafat Tali , Grupel Daniel , strahilevitz Jacob , Israel Sarah , Weil Ariel , Ben-Ami Ronen , Elbaz Meital , Najjar-Debbiny Ronza , Bishara Jihad , Shlomai Amir , Landes Michal 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background & Objective: Covid-19 disease is implicated in increased mortality among immunocompromised patients. The JAK inhibitor, baricitinib (bar), or the IL-6 inhibitor, tocilizumab (toc), demonstrated a survival benefit in patients with severe disease. However, evidence supporting their use in immunocompromised patients with severe Covid-19 is scarce. We aimed to assess clinical outcomes of bar/toc treatment in immunocompromised patients.
Design and Participants: A multi-center registry of consecutive immunocompromised patients hospitalized due to severe Covid-19 during the Omicron variant dominance period. After excluding patients who did not require high oxygen supply, patients treated with bar/toc were compared to patients treated by standard of care (SOC). Primary outcome was in hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30- and 60-days mortality, super-infection and thromboembolic events.
Key Results: Among an overall 228 immunocompromised patients hospitalized in six Israeli hospitals with severe Covid-19, 112 patients required high oxygen support, of whom 48 (43%) were treated with bar/toc. In-hospital mortality rates were exceptionally high and did not significantly differ between bar/toc and SOC treated patients (62.5% vs. 64.1%, p=1.0). A logistic regression analysis revealed that advanced age and incomplete vaccination were predictors of in-hospital mortality. Patients treated with bar/toc had no excess of suspected super-infection (62.8% vs. 60.7%, p=0.84) or thromboembolic events (8.3% vs 3.1%, p=0.39).
Conclusions: In immunocompromised patients with severe Covid-19 and a high oxygen demand, bar/toc therapy was not associated with reduced mortality or with a higher rate of associated complications, compared to SOC. Larger prospective studies should better address efficacy and safety.
The effect of Whey protein and MBP (milk basic protein) on bone health parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Khodadadi Fatemeh , Morvaridzadeh Mojghan , Khodadadi Hashem , Parnian-khajehdizaj Nazila , Pizarro Ana Beatriz , lamir Amir Rashid 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background and Aims:
A major public health concern worldwide, osteoporosis causes an increased risk of bone fractures and a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD). The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the effect of whey protein and MBP (milk basic protein) on bone health parameters.
Methods
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trial (RCT) studies. The online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was searched up to 30 July 2022, using controlled terms (e.g. MESH) and text words for milk protein or whey and bone-health outcomes, including lumbar-BMD, hip-BMD, Urinary N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx) serum C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (CTx), Osteocalcin, and IGF levels.
Results
Outcomes were pooled as standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a Random-effect meta-analysis model. Nine RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were selected for the final analyses. The analysis indicated a significant decrease in NTx [SMD: -0.89 nmol/mmol, CI: -1.69 to -0.10%, P = 0.028] following supplementation with MBP compared to the placebo group. Also, whey supplementation resulted in a significant increase in IGF [SMD: 3.55 nmol/l, 95% CI: 3.12 to 3.98%, P = 0.001, \({I}^{2}\) = 58.1%, p = 0.092]. However, there were no significant mean differences in lumbar-BMD, hip-BMD, serum CTx and Osteocalcin between the two groups.
Conclusions
Whey or MBP supplementation may reduce NTx and increase IGF, particularly when adults are supplemented for 12 weeks or longer, however findings on lumbar-BMD, hip-BMD, serum CTx and Osteocalcin are inconclusive.
The Impact of Ecological Nano-Calcium from Eggshells as an Alternative Calcium Source on Calcium Nutrition and Oxidative Stress Mechanisms in Lettuce Grown Under Saline and Boron Toxic Conditions
Authors: Sahin Ozge , Yagcioglu Kıymet Deniz , kadioglu Yusuf Kagan , Gunes Aydin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Nano-fertilizers with higher efficacy compared to conventional fertilizers can provide advantage for plant cultivation in both productive and problematic soils. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of nano-calcium (nano-Ca) on lettuce plants grown in saline-boron (B) toxic soil. Nano-calcium fertilizer was prepared from eggshells. Functional and structural properties of nano-Ca was determined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before plant experiment. The treatments was; control, 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg− 1 B (NaCl + B), and 40 mM NaCl and 20 mg kg− 1 B with 4 mM Nano-Ca (NaCl + B + nano-Ca). The nano-Ca significantly increased the dry weight and calcium (Ca) concentration of lettuce plants under saline-B toxic conditions. Although there was a decrease in the concentrations of sodium, chloride, and B with nano-Ca application, it was not statistically significant. Due to salinity and B toxicity, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration decreased significantly with nano-Ca application. The catalase activity (CAT) increased with nano-Ca application, while the ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity decreased, and there was no significant change in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD). The results obtained from the study indicate that nano-Ca plays a protective role for lettuce plants grown saline-B toxic conditions.
Effect of vacancy defects on thermal transport properties of tungsten nitride compounds on divertor surface in ITER
Authors: Pan Bicai , Yu Pengfei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In Tokomak, tungsten nitrides (WNx) films that form on the surface of the divertor are a byproduct of the nitrogen seeding system. The impact of their thermal transport properties is an important issue. Leveraging density functional theory calculations along with the Kubo-Greenwood method, we investigate how vacancy defects influence the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of h-W2N1, β-W1N1, and h-W2N3, respectively. Our findings suggest that both nitrogen vacancy and tungsten vacancy defects can suppress the electrical and thermal conductivities of h-W2N1 and β-W1N1 to some extent, with the tungsten vacancy having a more considerable effect than the nitrogen vacancy. Conversely, for h-W2N3, both types of vacancy defects can enhance its electrical and thermal conductivities. Furthermore, we reveal that the fluctuation in the electrical conductivity of the three WNx compounds correlates with the changes in the density of states at the fermi energy level induced by the vacancies for each system. The insights gleaned from our findings are beneficial for the assessment and comprehension of the thermal conductivity performance of WNx films on the divertor surface.
Creep behavior of dry and saturated medium-grain sandstone and its relationship with short-term mechanical properties
Authors: Gu Qingheng , Tan Yunliang , Zhao Guangming , Meng Xiangrui , Cheng Xiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
With the continuous exploitation of coal and the increase of abandoned goafs under weakly cemented aquifer strata in Western China, the study of the time dependent mechanical properties of the unique weakly cemented medium-grain sandstone, which is susceptible to water, is imminent. In this paper, creep mechanical properties of dry and saturated medium-grain sandstone, which represent two limit states affected by water, were studied and compared. The results showed that water greatly weakens the compressive resistance of medium-grained sandstone, but balances the volumetric compressive deformation by filling in the internal defects of rock samples with different confining pressures. The rock showed a state of volume expansion except for the first or second loading stage. Compared with short-term compressive strength, the turning point of saturated rock from viscoelasticity to viscoplasticity is earlier than that of dry rock. The short-term elastic modulus has a negative exponential relationship with deviating stress, and creep rate has a positive exponential relationship with deviating stress. Based on Burges model with exponential damage variables, the method of obtaining creep model parameters by short-term mechanical parameters of rocks was introduced, and the linear relationship between elastic modulus of medium-grained sandstone and parameters of Burgers model with damage was found. This conclusion will enrich the framework of the above-mentioned methods for obtaining time-dependent properties.
The pathogenic role of Succinate-SUCNR1: A critical function that induces renal fibrosis via infiltration of M2 macrophage
Authors: Pu Min , Zhang Jing , Hong Fuyan , Wang Yan , Zhang Chengwei , Zeng Yongcheng , Fang Zhenzhen , Qi Weiwei , Yang Xia , Gao Guoquan , Zhou Ti 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Renal fibrosis is a major determinant of progressive loss of kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and alternatively activated M2 macrophages play an essential role in the progression. Serum succinate level is consistently elevated in diabetes and obesity, and diabetes and obesity are critical causes of CKD, but whether elevated succinate can mediate M2 polarization of macrophages and contribute to renal interstitial fibrosis is undetermined.
Methods
Male C57/BL6 mice were fed with special water (supplement with 4% succinate) for 12 weeks to evaluate the effects on renal interstitial fibrosis, and depletion of macrophages by clodronate liposomes was adopted to validate the importance of macrophages in vivo. We further used RAW 264.7 and NRK-49F cells to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Results
Succinate caused renal interstitial macrophage infiltration, activation of profibrotic M2 phenotype, upregulation of profibrotic factors, and interstitial fibrosis. Treatment of clodronate liposomes markedly depleted macrophages and prevented the succinate-induced increase in profibrotic factors and fibrosis. Mechanically, succinate promoted CTGF transcription via triggering SUCNR1-p-Akt/p-GSK3β/β-catenin signaling, which was inhibited by SUCNR1 siRNA. The knockdown of succinate receptor (SUCNR1) or pretreatment of anti-CTGF(connective tissue growth factor) antibody suppressed the stimulating effects of succinate on RAW 264.7 and NRK-49F cells.
Conclusions
The causative effects of succinate on renal interstitial fibrosis were mediated by the activation of profibrotic M2 macrophages, and succinate-SUCNR1 was involved in activating p-Akt/p-GSK3β/β-catenin, CTGF expression and the crosstalk between the macrophages and fibroblasts. Our findings provide a promising strategy for preventing metabolic CKD progress by promoting urine succinate excretion and/or employing selective antagonists for SUCNR1.
Identification of abnormal closed-loop pathways in patients with MRI-negative drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Bu Jinxin , Yin Hangxing , Ren Nanxiao , Zhu Haitao , Wang Yonglu , Wei Ran , Zhang Rui , Zhang Shugang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
To identify abnormal changes in closed-loop pathways among magnetic resonance imaging-negative drug-resistant epilepsy (MRI−-DRE) patients and to examine the associations of these abnormalities with emotional and cognitive impairments. A total of 26 patients with MRI−-DRE and 26 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Causal brain networks and temporal-lag brain networks were constructed from rs-fMRI data, and the Johnson algorithm was used to identify stable closed-loop pathways. Abnormal closed-loop pathways in the MRI−-DRE group were identified by comparison with HCs, and associations with indicators of cognitive and emotional impairments were examined using Pearson correlation analysis. The results reveal that the abnormal stable closed-loop pathways were distributed across frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, and included altered FC values both within and between cerebral hemispheres. Four abnormal closed-loop pathways in the occipital lobe were associated with emotional and cognitive impairments. These abnormalities may serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and guidance of individualized treatments for MRI−-DRE.
Mechanism study of flow characteristics of molten pool and keyhole dynamic behavior of K-TIG welding
Authors: Cui Shuwan , Dai Penghui , Ma Rong , Xu Lei , Pang Shuwen , Tian Fuyuan , Yu Yunhe 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The stability and reliability of K-TIG welding depend on the flow characteristics of molten pool and the dynamic behavior of keyhole. In order to explain the variation mechanism between the flow behavior of liquid metal and the dynamic behavior of the keyhole while taking electromagnetic force, surface tension, buoyancy, etc. into consideration, this work developed a mathematical model of K-TIG welding. The simulation results of the keyhole exit were compared with images of the keyhole exit taken by the high-speed CCD camera and the keyhole exit characteristics parameters, and the deviation of keyhole outlet parameters XL and YL under each group of process parameters were less than 0.2 mm, and the deviation of SA was less than 0.4 mm2. The flow trend of molten metal in keyhole formation was mainly from the center of keyhole to the surrounding of the keyhole under the consideration of electromagnetic force, surface tension, etc. The trend of melt pool distribution decreased along the perimeter of the keyhole and the thickness of the workpiece, and the overall flow field was stepped. Moreover, the keyhole exit was in a dynamic equilibrium state under the action of gravity, surface tension and arc pressure. The reduction in welding speed accelerated the formation of the keyhole exit and increased the maximum flow velocity of molten metal under the influence of Marangoni forces.