bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urban–suburb disparities in pre-hospital emergency medical resources and response time among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A mixed-method cross-sectional study
Authors: Jin Yinzi , Chen Hui , Ge Hongxia , Li Siwen , Zhang Jinjun , Ma Qingbian 
Published: February 2023

AimTo investigate (1) the association between pre-hospital emergency medical resources and pre-hospital emergency medical system (EMS) response time among patients with Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); (2) whether the association differs between urban and suburbs.MethodsDensities of ambulances and physicians were independent variables, respectively. Pre-hospital emergency medical system response time was dependent variable. Multivariate linear regression was used to investigate the roles of ambulance density and physician density in pre-hospital EMS response time. Qualitative data were collected and analyzed to explore reasons for the disparities in pre-hospital resources between urban areas and suburbs.ResultsAmbulance density and physician density were both negatively associated with call to ambulance dispatch time, with odds ratios (ORs) 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.96–0.99; P = 0.001) and 0.97 (95% CI; 0.93–0.99; P &lt; 0.001), respectively. ORs of ambulance density and physician density in association with total response time were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99; P = 0.013) and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.86–0.99; P = 0.048). The effect of ambulance density on call to ambulance dispatch time in urban areas was 14% smaller than that in suburb areas and that on total response time in urban areas was 3% smaller than the effect in suburbs. Similar effects were identified for physician density on urban–suburb disparities in call to ambulance dispatch time and total response time. The main reasons summarized from stakeholders for a lack of physicians and ambulances in suburbs included low income, poor personal incentive mechanisms, and inequality in financial distribution of the healthcare system.ConclusionImproving pre-hospital emergency medical resources allocation can reduce system delay and narrow urban-suburb disparity in EMS response time for OHCA patients.
Effects of negative emotions and information perceived value on residents' risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical survey from China
Authors: Chen Chaoyi , Sang Xiaodong , Wu Ruijun , Feng Zhanchun , Long Chengxu , Ye Yisheng , Yan Ziqi , Sun Can , Ji Lu , Tang Shangfeng 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly and heavily hit the globe, and the mutation and transmission speed of the coronavirus have accelerated so that the world is still in danger. Thus, this study aims to investigate the participants' risk perception and explore the associations of risk perception of COVID-19 with negative emotions, information value perception and other related dimensions.MethodsA cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted from April 4 to 15, 2020, in China. A total of 3,552 participants were included in this study. A descriptive measure of demographic information was used in this study. Multiple regression models and moderating effect analysis were used to estimate the effect of potential associations of risk perceptions.ResultsThose who showed negative emotions (depressed, helplessness, loneliness) and perceived video information in social media to be useful were positively correlated with risk perception, whereas individuals who perceived experts' advice to be useful, shared risk information with friends and thought that their community made adequate emergency preparation reported lower risk perception. The moderating effect of information perceived value (β = 0.020, p &lt; 0.001) on the relationship between negative emotion and perception of risk was significant.ConclusionsIndividual differences in risk cognition during the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in subgroups of age level. Furthermore, the role of negative emotional states, the perceived usefulness of risk information and the sense of security also contributed to improving the public's risk perception. It is crucial for authorities to focus on residents' negative emotions and to clarify misinformation in accessible and effective ways in a timely manner.
Trapping virus-loaded aerosols using granular material composed of protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxides nanoparticles
Authors: Armanious Antonius , Wang Heyun , Alpert Peter A. , Medaglia Chiara , Peydayesh Mohammad , Zwygart Arnaud Charles-Antoine , Gübeli Christian , Handschin Stephan , Bolisetty Sreenath , Ammann Markus , Tapparel Caroline , Stellacci Francesco , Mezzenga Raffaele 
Published: February 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that developing effective therapeutics against viruses might be outpaced by emerging variants, waning immunity, vaccine skepticism/hesitancy, lack of resources, and the time needed to develop virus-specific therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of non-pharmaceutical interventions as the first line of defense against virus outbreaks and pandemics. However, fighting the spread of airborne viruses has proven extremely challenging, much more if this needs to be achieved on a global scale and in an environmentally-friendly manner. Here, we introduce an aerosol filter media made of granular material based on whey protein nanofibrils and iron oxyhydroxides nanoparticles. The material is environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, and composed mainly of a dairy industry byproduct. It features filtration efficiencies between 95.91% and 99.99% for both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the influenza A virus strain H1N1, enterovirus 71, bacteriophage Φ6, and bacteriophage MS2. While the filtration efficiencies were relatively high, they came at the cost of high pressure drop (≈0.03 bar). We believe that the methods and results presented here will contribute to advancing our understanding of granular-based aerosol filters, hopefully helping the design of highly-efficient granular media with low-pressure drops.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding dogs and dog bites in Indigenous northern communities: A mixed methods study
Authors: Daigle Laurence , Ravel André , Rondenay Yves , Simon Audrey , Mokoush Kabimbetas Noah , Aenishaenslin Cécile 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionThe singular relationship developed over the years between northern Indigenous peoples and dogs has been profoundly changed through historical trauma, settlements and increased use of snowmobiles. Issues related to dogs have become increasingly complex and worrisome with the endemic presence of the rabies virus among Arctic fox populations, and given the fact that northern Indigenous peoples may have a higher risk of dog bites than the general population. This study aimed to investigate factors related to the risk of dog bites in Naskapi and Innu communities located in northern Quebec (Canada) by (1) describing the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding dogs and dog bites in these communities, and (2) analyzing experiences of inhabitants and health professionals with regard to dog bites and their management.MethodsA mixed methods study design that combined an observational cross-sectional survey and individual interviews was used. The survey collected data on KAP regarding dogs and dog bites among 122 respondents. Individual interviews (n = 37) were then conducted with victims of dog bites, owners of dogs that have bitten a person before, and health professionals. Descriptive and inferential analysis (quantitative data) and thematic analysis (qualitative data) were performed.Results and discussionResults highlighted that 21% of respondents have had a dog bite in their lifetime. Most respondents were not aware of the risk of contracting rabies following a dog bite, although rabies risk perception was associated with risk perception of dogs (linear regression: coefficient = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.36–1.02). The odds of being more knowledgeable on rabies were higher (logistic regression: OR = 2.92, 95% CI = 1.07–7.98) among young adults. Dogs were perceived as both threats and protectors by community members. When the fear of dogs was present, it affected the quality of life of some inhabitants. There was confusion about responsibilities in the management of biting dogs, although protocols to follow after a bite were clear for health care professionals. This study revealed a lack of awareness and knowledge about dog bites and rabies risks in both communities. Results provide important knowledge for the development of interventions adapted to northern Indigenous communities.
Efficacy of Pendimethalin Rates on Barnyard Grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv) and Their Effect on Photosynthetic Performance in Rice
Authors: Onwuchekwa-Henry Chinaza B. , Coe Robert , Ogtrop Floris Van , Roche Rose , Tan Daniel K. Y. 
Published: February 2023

Pendimethalin herbicide toxicity to rice plants and barnyard grass invasion have increasingly affected the productivity of direct-seeded rice (DSR) in the fields. Whether and how to promote DSR productivity and sustain weed management depend on the appropriate pre-emergence herbicide application rate to minimise its toxicity in the rice ecosystem. Pot experiments were conducted to determine the effects of pendimethalin rates (1.5, 1.75, 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1, two control treatments include the untreated control and the treated control with 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1 S-metolachlor) on barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beaux) and their potential toxicity risk to photosynthetic performances of rice (Topaz and Sen pidao). All the pendimethalin treatments provided excellent control of barnyard grass. Among the treatments, 1.5, 1.75, 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin and 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1 S-metolachlor (treated control) decreased leaf area of barnyard grass significantly by 38.9, 49.6, 49.6 and 46.2%, respectively, compared with the untreated control at 40 days after sowing (DAS). The above-ground biomass of barnyard grass significantly decreased by 40% (1.48 g plant−1) with 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin and by 46.2% (1.33 g plant−1) when 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1S-metolachlor was applied at 40 DAS compared with the untreated pots. Higher pendimethalin rates increased toxicity in Topaz and Sen pidao varieties, and 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin significantly reduced effective quantum yield (light-adapted) of photosystem (PS) II by 18% (0.58) and 19% (0.52), respectively, compared with the untreated control. Application of 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin rate significantly decreased the maximum quantum yield (dark-adapted) of Sen pidao (0.66) compared with 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin (0.68) including the untreated control. All pendimethalin treatments suppressed above-ground biomass at 55 DAS, but above-ground biomass of barnyard grass significantly decreased by 59.9% when 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin was applied compared with the untreated control. Although application of 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin rates reduced the effective quantum yield (light-adapted) of photosystem II of Sen pidao (0.55) by a small percentage (8%) than Topaz (0.65), it was non-toxic for both varieties compared with 2.0 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin. Therefore, the use of 1.5 kg a.i. ha−1 pendimethalin can be used for effective weed management in the direct seeding of rice at an early growth stage.
Characterization of Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Compounds of Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum and Optimization of Extraction Condition
Authors: An Heewon , Thanh Le Nguyen , Khanh Le Quoc , Ryu Se Hwan , Lee Solip , Yeon Sang Won , Lee Hak Hyun , Turk Ayman , Lee Ki Yong , Hwang Bang Yeon , Lee Mi Kyeong 
Published: February 2023

Cratoxylum formosum ssp. pruniflorum (Kurz.) Gogel (Guttiferae), called kuding tea, is widely distributed in Southeast Asia. In this study, the constituents and biological activity of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum were investigated. Extract of its leaves, roots and stems showed antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Interestingly, comparison of the metabolite profiles of leaves, roots and stems of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum by LC-MS analysis showed a great difference between the roots and leaves, whereas the roots and stems were quite similar. Purification of the roots and leaves of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum through various chromatographic techniques resulted in the isolation of 25 compounds. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis as 18 xanthones, 5 flavonoids, a benzophenone and a phenolic compound. Among them, a xanthone (16) and a benzophenone (19) were first reported from nature. Evaluation of biological activity revealed that xanthones had a potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while flavonoids were responsible for the antioxidant activity. To maximize the biological activity, yield and total phenolic content of C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum, extraction conditions such as extraction solvent, time and temperature were optimized using response surface methodology with Box–Behnken Design (BBD). Regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data, and the optimal condition was obtained as MeOH concentration in EtOAc, 88.1%; extraction time, 6.02 h; and extraction temperature 60.0 °C. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity, yield and total phenolic content under the optimal condition were found to be 72.2% inhibition, 10.3% and 163.9 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. These results provide useful information about C. formosum ssp. pruniflorum as functional foods for oxidative stress–related metabolic diseases.
Influence of Grain Size on Mechanical Properties of a Refractory High Entropy Alloy under Uniaxial Tension
Authors: Deluigi Orlando , Valencia Felipe , Tramontina Diego R. , Amigo Nicolás , Rojas-Nunez Javier , Bringa Eduardo M. 
Published: February 2023

There is a growing interest in High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) due to their outstanding mechanical properties. Most simulation studies have focused on face-centered cubic (fcc) HEAs; however, bcc HEAs can offer a larger elastic modulus and plastic yielding, thus, becoming possible candidates for the next generation of refractory materials. In this work, we focus on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of bcc HfNbTaZr nanocrystalline samples, with a grain size (d) between 5 and 17 nm, deformed under tension at 300 K. The elastic modulus increases with the grain size and reaches a plateau near 10 nm. We find the typical inverse Hall–Petch (HP) behavior with yield strength, ultimate tensile stress (UTS), and flow stress increasing with d. Up to 12 nm, there are contributions from dislocations and twins; however, grain boundary (GB) activity dominates deformation. For the 5 nm grains, the GB disorder extends and leads to extensive amorphization and grain size reduction. For d>10 nm, there is a HP-type behavior with dislocations and twinning controlling deformation. For this regime, there is hardening at large strains. Compared to bcc single metal samples, the HP maximum of this HEA appears at a lower grain size, and this could be related to the chemical complexity facilitating dislocation nucleation. We use machine learning to help understand deformation regimes. We also compare our results to a single crystal (SC) HfNbTaZr HEA deformed along [001] and find that the single crystal is weaker than the nanocrystalline samples. The single crystal deforms initially by twinning and then rapidly by dislocation multiplication, leading to strong hardening. It has been proposed that edge dislocations play a major role in bcc HEA plasticity, and we also analyze the relative contributions of edge versus screw dislocations during deformation for both single crystal and nanocrystalline samples.
Deep Learning-Based Image Quality Improvement in Digital Positron Emission Tomography for Breast Cancer
Authors: Mori Mio , Fujioka Tomoyuki , Hara Mayumi , Katsuta Leona , Yashima Yuka , Yamaga Emi , Yamagiwa Ken , Tsuchiya Junichi , Hayashi Kumiko , Kumaki Yuichi , Oda Goshi , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Onishi Iichiroh , Kubota Kazunori , Tateishi Ukihide 
Published: February 2023

We investigated whether 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography images restored via deep learning (DL) improved image quality and affected axillary lymph node (ALN) metastasis diagnosis in patients with breast cancer. Using a five-point scale, two readers compared the image quality of DL-PET and conventional PET (cPET) in 53 consecutive patients from September 2020 to October 2021. Visually analyzed ipsilateral ALNs were rated on a three-point scale. The standard uptake values SUVmax and SUVpeak were calculated for breast cancer regions of interest. For “depiction of primary lesion”, reader 2 scored DL-PET significantly higher than cPET. For “noise”, “clarity of mammary gland”, and “overall image quality”, both readers scored DL-PET significantly higher than cPET. The SUVmax and SUVpeak for primary lesions and normal breasts were significantly higher in DL-PET than in cPET (p < 0.001). Considering the ALN metastasis scores 1 and 2 as negative and 3 as positive, the McNemar test revealed no significant difference between cPET and DL-PET scores for either reader (p = 0.250, 0.625). DL-PET improved visual image quality for breast cancer compared with cPET. SUVmax and SUVpeak were significantly higher in DL-PET than in cPET. DL-PET and cPET exhibited comparable diagnostic abilities for ALN metastasis.
Effects of Ultra-Weak Fractal Electromagnetic Signals on Malassezia furfur
Authors: Madl Pierre , Germano Roberto , Tedeschi Alberto , Lettner Herbert 
Published: February 2023

Malassezia spp. are dimorphic, lipophilic fungi that are part of the normal human cutaneous commensal microbiome. However, under adverse conditions, these fungi can be involved in various cutaneous diseases. In this study, we analysed the effect of ultra-weak fractal electromagnetic (uwf-EMF) field exposure (12.6 nT covering 0.5 to 20 kHz) on the growth dynamics and invasiveness of M. furfur. The ability to modulate inflammation and innate immunity in normal human keratinocytes was also investigated. Using a microbiological assay, it was possible to demonstrate that, under the influence of uwf-EMF, the invasiveness of M. furfur was drastically reduced (d = 2.456, p < 0.001), while at the same time, its growth dynamic after 72 h having been in contact with HaCaT cells both without (d = 0.211, p = 0.390) and with (d = 0.118, p = 0.438) uwf-EM exposure, were hardly affected. Real-time PCR analysis demonstrated that a uwf-EMF exposure is able to modulate human-β-defensin-2 (hBD-2) in treated keratinocytes and at the same time reduce the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human keratinocytes. The findings suggest that the underlying principle of action is hormetic in nature and that this method might be an adjunctive therapeutic tool to modulate the inflammatory properties of Malassezia in related cutaneous diseases. The underlying principle of action becomes understandable by means of quantum electrodynamics (QED). Given that living systems consist mainly of water and within the framework of QED, this water, as a biphasic system, provides the basis for electromagnetic coupling. The oscillatory properties of water dipoles modulated by weak electromagnetic stimuli not only affect biochemical processes, but also pave the way for a more general understanding of the observed nonthermal effects in biota.
Inositol in Disease and Development: Roles of Catabolism via myo-Inositol Oxygenase in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Contreras Altagracia , Jones Melissa K. , Eldon Elizabeth D. , Klig Lisa S. 
Published: February 2023

Inositol depletion has been associated with diabetes and related complications. Increased inositol catabolism, via myo-inositol oxygenase (MIOX), has been implicated in decreased renal function. This study demonstrates that the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster catabolizes myo-inositol via MIOX. The levels of mRNA encoding MIOX and MIOX specific activity are increased when fruit flies are grown on a diet with inositol as the sole sugar. Inositol as the sole dietary sugar can support D. melanogaster survival, indicating that there is sufficient catabolism for basic energy requirements, allowing for adaptation to various environments. The elimination of MIOX activity, via a piggyBac WH-element inserted into the MIOX gene, results in developmental defects including pupal lethality and pharate flies without proboscises. In contrast, RNAi strains with reduced levels of mRNA encoding MIOX and reduced MIOX specific activity develop to become phenotypically wild-type-appearing adult flies. myo-Inositol levels in larval tissues are highest in the strain with this most extreme loss of myo-inositol catabolism. Larval tissues from the RNAi strains have inositol levels higher than wild-type larval tissues but lower levels than the piggyBac WH-element insertion strain. myo-Inositol supplementation of the diet further increases the myo-inositol levels in the larval tissues of all the strains, without any noticeable effects on development. Obesity and blood (hemolymph) glucose, two hallmarks of diabetes, were reduced in the RNAi strains and further reduced in the piggyBac WH-element insertion strain. Collectively, these data suggest that moderately increased myo-inositol levels do not cause developmental defects and directly correspond to reduced larval obesity and blood (hemolymph) glucose.
Fetal Growth Restriction and Long-Term Cardiovascular Morbidity of Offspring in Dichorionic–Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Tzafrir Tuval , Wainstock Tamar , Sheiner Eyal , Miodownik Shayna , Pariente Gali 
Published: February 2023

Objective: We opted to investigate whether fetal growth restriction (FGR) in dichorionic–diamniotic twins is a risk factor for long-term cardiovascular morbidity in offspring. Study design: A population-based retrospective cohort study, comparing long-term cardiovascular morbidity among FGR and non-FGR twins, born between the years 1991 and 2021 in a tertiary medical center. Study groups were followed until 18 years of age (6570 days) for cardiovascular-related morbidity. A Kaplan–Meier survival curve compared the cumulative cardiovascular morbidity. A Cox proportional hazard model assisted with adjusting for confounders. Results: In this study, 4222 dichorionic–diamniotic twins were included; 116 were complicated with FGR and demonstrated a significantly higher rate of long-term cardiovascular morbidity (4.4% vs. 1.3%, OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.35–8.78, p = 0.006). The cumulative incidence of long-term cardiovascular morbidity was significantly higher among FGR twins (Kaplan–Meier Log rank test p = 0.007). A Cox proportional-hazard model found an independent association between FGR and long-term cardiovascular morbidity, when adjusted for both birth order and gender (adjusted HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.31–8.19, p = 0.011). Conclusions: FGR in dichorionic–diamniotic twins is independently associated with an increased risk for long-term cardiovascular morbidity in offspring. Therefore, increased surveillance may be beneficial.