bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of SiO 2 @PANI Core/Shell nanoparticles on Mechanical properties, Electrical properties, and thermal aging of epoxy resin
Authors: Vu Cuong Manh , Vu Tung 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The pristine epoxy resin exhibited its low fracture toughness and low thermal stability. The using of functionalized liquid rubber led to an improvement of fracture toughness along with a reduction of thermal stability of epoxy resin. So to simultaneously improve both the fracture toughness and the thermal stability of epoxy resin the silica/PANI core-shell particles have been used as an additive. The core/shell particles were prepared by decorating the surface of silica with polyaniline via a chemical oxidation reaction. The silica was extracted from rice husk via some simple steps. The high-speed mechanical stirring was utilized to enhance the uniform dispersion of core/shell particles in epoxy resin. The nanocomposite was formed at room temperature using DETA as a curing agent. The mechanical characteristics and thermal stability of nanocomposite were examined including tensile strength, flexural strength, fracture toughness, and TGA. The tensile strength was improved by 16,16% from 40,9 MPa to 47,51 MPa by adding core/shell particles to epoxy resin. The thermal stability of epoxy resin was also improved with presence of core/shell particles. In particular, the fracture toughness was improved by 52,8% from 1,12 MPa.m− 1/2 to 1,87 MPa.m− 1/2. The electrical conductivity of epoxy resin with SiO2@PANI Core/Shell increased by 178 times when compared with pristine epoxy. The SEM image was also used to provide the evidence for the improvement in fracture toughness, and mechanism.
The Prevalence, Determinants, and Health Risks of Domestic Violence in Gedeo and West Gujji Zones, Southern Ethiopia: An Evidence-based Study
Authors: AMADO ASEBE AWOL , Gezehagn Melkamu 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study was aimed at looking into women's experiences of violence in the home in selected woreda of Gedeo and West Gujji Zones. A mixed research approach was employed to collect the required data from victims of domestic violence, police officers, officials, and experts in concerned government offices. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and the thematic analysis method was employed for qualitative data. The result revealed those women's accounts of abuse are a complex phenomenon because it includes various forms, ranging from humiliation, threats, and social isolation to forced sex and battering. Violence against women runs along a range, often escalating from milder forms to more serious acts. The finding indicated that physically abusive men are also psychologically, economically, and sexually abusive. In this study, Economic dependence, and transgressions of gender roles were found to be the main causes of domestic violence. Alcoholism, jealousy, and masculinity linked to dominance were also mentioned as factors of violence. Domestic violence has profound consequences on women’s overall well-being. The experience of domestic violence puts women at greater risk of physical, social, mental, and health problems. Concerning response to domestic violence, the study shows that some abused women are not passive victims but rather adopt active strategies to maximize their and their children's safety. As economic dependence was found to be the prominent cause for domestic violence the researchers suggest the integrated interventions of stakeholders to economic empowerment of women to scale up the capabilities of women in household decision making thereby reducing the likelihood of violence in the home. Furthermore, enforcing the existing legal frameworks related to domestic violence and enacting additional responsive regulations on domestic violence is imperative to protect the victims of domestic violence.
Effects of a multilevel intervention of resistance training with or without beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate in critical illness patients during entire hospitalisation: a four-arm multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wu Ting-Ting , Chen Qiao-Ling , Lin Xiu-Xia , Xu Mei-Lian , Chen Xue-Xian , Luo Chen-Juan , Zhuang Yao-Ning , Wei Yue-Qing , Wu Jing-Bing , Chen Li-Li , Li Hong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a prevalent and severe issue among ICU patients. Resistance training (RT) and beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) intervention have demonstrated the potential to enhance muscle function in patients with sarcopenia and in older adults. The purpose of this study was to determine whether RT and/or HMB administration would improve physical function, muscle strength, and quality of life in medical ICU patients.
Methods: In this multicentre, four-arm, single-blind RCT, a total of 112 adult patients with internal medical diagnoses admitted to the ICU were enrolled. These participants were then randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: the RT group received protocol-based multilevel resistance exercise, the HMB group received 3g/day of HMBCa, combination group and control groups received standard care, from the ICU to the general ward until discharge. The primary outcomes assessed at discharge included six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and short physical performance battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes measured included muscle mass, MRC score, grip strength, and health reports quality of life at different time points. Data analysis was performed using a generalised linear mixed model (GLLM), adhering to the principles of intention-to-treat analysis.
Results:
RT and combination treatment groups exhibited significant increases in SPPB scores (3.848 and 2.832 points, respectively) compared to the control group, and substantial improvements in 6WMD (99.768 and 88.577 metres, respectively) (all with P<0.01). However, no significant changes were observed in the HMB group. Muscle strength, as indicated by MRC and grip strength tests conducted at both ICU and hospital discharge, showed statistically significant improvements in the RT and combination groups (P<0.05). Nevertheless, no significant differences were found between the treatment groups and usual care in terms of 60-day mortality, prevalence of ICU-AW, muscle mass, quality of life, or other functional aspects.
Conclusions:
RT with or without HMB during the entire hospitalisation intervention improves physical function and muscle strength in medical ICU patients, but muscle mass, quality of life, and 60-day mortality were unaffected.
Trial registration: ChiCTR2200057685 was registered on March 15th, 2022.
ApoE - Functionalization of Nanoparticles for Targeted Brain Delivery - A Feasible Method for Polyplexes?
Authors: Hartl Natascha , Gabold Bettina , Uhl Philipp , Xiao Ximian , Fricker Gert , Mier Walter , Liu Runhui , Merkel Olivia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The blood- brain barrier (BBB) poses a major obstacle in the treatment of all types of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers in principle a promising therapeutic approach by downregulating disease-related genes via RNA interference. However, the BBB is a formidable barrier for macromolecules such as nucleic acids. In an effort to develop a brain-targeted strategy for siRNA delivery systems formed by electrostatic interactions with cationic polymers (polyplexes, PXs), we investigated the suitability of the well-known surfactant-based approach for Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-functionalization of nanoparticles (NPs). In the present work, we used cationic branched 25kDa poly(ethyleneimine) (b-PEI) and nylon-3 polymers to form PXs with siRNA and subsequently, we coated them with ApoE without or after precoating with polysorbate 80 (PS 80). We utilized highly hydrophobic NM0.2/CP0.8 nylon-3 polymers to evaluate the effects of hydrophobic cyclopentyl (CP) subunits on ApoE binding efficacy. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that ApoE functionalization particularly of hydrophobically modified PXs is in principle possible and very promising for siRNA delivery based on in vitro results, but further optimization and more sophisticated in vitro models are required to achieve an appropriate in vitro-in vivo translation in future approaches.
Disclosing Core Strength: Reliability and Correlations Before and After COVID-19 Pandemic in Plank and Sit-Ups Tests
Authors: Lemes Vanilson , Brand Caroline 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective: to assess the reliability of the core "Plank" test, investigate its correlation with abdominal resistance strength, and examine its longitudinal association before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in schoolchildren during the transition to adolescence.
Methods: The initial sample included 221 students aged 6 to 11 years in 2018 (58.8% of boys). These same students were reevaluated between May and June 2023, at ages 11 to 16 years. The baseline assessments encompassed the Plank Isometric Test and the Abdominal Sit-up (Dynamic Strength test). Due to resource limitations, only the Plank test was conducted during the post-pandemic evaluation. To verify the reliability and reproducibility of the plank test, the two-way intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used, also correlation coefficients (r) were calculated.
Results: The final sample comprised 130 boys and 91 girls, and the Plank test demonstrated high reliability for both genders, with ICC ranging from 0.623 to 0.869 for boys and 0.695 to 0.901 for girls, as well as high Cronbach's Alpha (α) values, indicating internal consistency. The results revealed significant correlations between the Plank Test and other physical fitness variables for both boys and girls. The Sit-Up test showed moderate positive correlations with the follow-up Plank Test in girls, while in boys, the correlation was weak and negative in the baseline evaluation but became moderate and positive when adjusted for age.
Conclusion: The isometric plank strength test is highly reliable in children aged 6 to 16 years and can be used as an alternative measure to assess core strength in school-aged children. Additionally, there was a significant and strong relationship between the Plank Test and the abdominal sit-up strength-resistance test, which provides valuable insights for fitness assessment in this age group.
Predictors of spontaneous passage of ureteral calculi in cases receiving Medical Expulsive Therapy: A Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: R Viswas M , Kaushal Devashish , Madhavan Kumar , Malik Rajesh , Sarica Kemal , Sahin Cahit 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is a safe and effective option for the spontaneous passage of uncomplicated ureteric stones sizing ≤ 10 mm. Our objective was to identify parameters that can accurately predict the spontaneous passage of ureteral stones during MET.
Methods
Patients receiving MET (tamsulosin 0.4mg od) for a single unilateral ureteral calculi sizing ≤ 10 mm were followed up to 1 month. The potential parameters, stone related (location, density, volume and transverse, longitudinal, sagittal diameters), ureter related (diameter, density, and wall thickness at the stone site) and hydronephrosis grade were evaluated on CT images and analyzed by using univariate, multivariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.
Results
Of fifty-five patients, 31 (56.4%) passed the stone successfully within 4 weeks of MET. Univariate analysis revealed these patients tended to have lower ureteric stones (p 0.048), lower longitudinal (p 0.024) and transverse stone diameters (p 0.006), lower stone volume (p 0.015) and ureteral wall thickness (p 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the only variable with significant independent predictive value on successful stone passage (SP) was the maximal ureteral wall thickness (UWT) at stone site (p 0.036). Sagittal stone diameter, ureteral diameter, ureteral & stone densities were found to be insignificant. The UWT cut off was 2.1mm with sensitivity and specificity of 83.8% and 62.5% respectively.
Conclusion
The most significant predictor of successful stone passage in MET of unilateral ureteral stones is the maximal UWT, with an optimal cut-off point of 2.1mm.
An automatic evaluation system for Treatment Effects on Port-wine Stains based mapping algorithm and deep learning
Authors: Li Zhu , Peng YuHang , Wang Ji , Yang ZhaoYi , Tong HeXin , Jin TingTing , Chen Yan , Pan Lei 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objectives
A port-wine stain (PWS) is a common type of capillary malformation that often occurs on the head and neck, seriously affecting patients' appearance. Currently, laser phototherapy devices are mainly used to treat PWS. The accuracy of lesion efficacy evaluation results affects the rational selection of treatment plans. In clinical practice, visual assessment methods are commonly used to judge the efficacy of this disease by estimating the degree of improvement in lesions, which is highly subjective and difficult to quantify. To achieve convenient and accurate efficacy evaluation, many image-based evaluation schemes have been proposed. However, these schemes usually require doctors to manually select random areas for color comparison, making it difficult to ensure comprehensiveness and objectivity when evaluating results. To address existing problems in previous studies, we propose an automatic method for evaluating PWS treatment effects.
Methods
By implementing steps such as image correction, lesion area segmentation, and image mapping, color difference comparisons based on all lesion areas and all normal skin color areas can be achieved to realize more objective and accurate treatment evaluations.
Results
We verify the proposed method through consistency experiments. In the experiments, the highest consistency between our proposed method and the findings of three professional doctors reached 88.89%, which was higher than their highest consistency rate of 85.19%.
Conclusions
The experimental results show that this method can significantly improve both efficiency and accuracy in evaluating the effects of PWS treatment.
Comparison of distal radius fracture plating surgery under wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet technique and general anesthesia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Chih-Ting , Chou Shih-Hsiang , Huang Hsuan-Ti , Fu Yin-Chih , Jupiter Jesse B. , Liu Wen-Chih 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Distal radius fractures (DRF) are frequently treated with internal fixation under general anesthesia (GA) or a brachial plexus block. Recently, the wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been suggested as a method that results in higher patient satisfaction. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of DRF plating surgery under both the WALANT and GA methods.
Methods
Ninety-three patients with DRFs who underwent open reduction and plating were included. Regarding the anesthetic technique, 38 patients received WALANT, while 55 received GA. The patient's overall satisfaction in both groups and the intraoperative numerical rating scale of pain and anxiety (0 to 10) in the WALANT group were recorded. The peri-operative radiographic parameters were measured; the clinical outcomes, including Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) score, wrist mobility, and grip strength, were recorded in up to 1-year follow-up. Results presented with a mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results
The mean age of patients in the WALANT group was higher than in the GA group (63±17 vs. 54±17, P<0.01), and there were fewer intra-articular DRF fractures in the WALANT group than in the GA group (AO type A/B/C: 30/3/5 vs. 16/10/19, P<0.01). The reduction and plating quality were similar in both groups. The clinical outcomes at follow-up were comparable between the two groups, except the WALANT group had worse postoperative 3-month pronation (88% vs. 96%; -8.0% [-15.7 to -0.2%]) and 6-month pronation (92% vs. 100%; -9.1% [-17.0 to -1.2%]), and better postoperative 1-year flexion (94% vs. 82%; 12.0% [2.0 to 22.1%]). The overall satisfaction was comparable in the WALANT and GA groups (8.7 vs. 8.5; 0.2 [-0.8 to 1.2]). Patients in the WALANT group reported an injection pain scale of 1.7±2.0, an intraoperative pain scale of 1.2±1.9, and an intraoperative anxiety scale of 2.3±2.8.
Conclusion
The reduction quality, functional outcomes, and overall satisfaction were comparable between the WALANT and GA groups. With meticulous preoperative planning, the WALANT technique could be an alternative to GA for DRF plating surgery in selected patients.
Trial registration
This retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUHIRB-E(I)-20210201).
A Case Report of Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: raulji jay , sharma rahul 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Hemolytic anemia is a hematologic disorder characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). This can lead to a shortage of RBCs, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and jaundice.
The destruction of RBCs can occur in two main ways: intravascular hemolysis and extravascular hemolysis. In intravascular hemolysis, the RBCs are destroyed within the bloodstream. This can be caused by factors such as immune-mediated hemolysis, mechanical trauma, or infections. In extravascular hemolysis, the RBCs are destroyed by the spleen and other organs of the reticuloendothelial system. This can be caused by factors such as hereditary defects in RBCs, infections, and medications.
The diagnosis of hemolytic anemia is made based on a clinical evaluation and a variety of laboratory tests. The clinical evaluation should focus on identifying the symptoms and signs of hemolytic anemia, as well as any underlying conditions that may be causing the hemolysis. The laboratory tests that are typically performed include a complete blood count (CBC), a direct antiglobulin test (DAT), a haptoglobin test, and a bilirubin test.
The treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, no treatment is necessary. In other cases, treatment may include medications, blood transfusions, or surgery.
The prognosis for hemolytic anemia varies depending on the underlying cause. Some types of hemolytic anemia are chronic and lifelong, while others can be cured.
Seasonal variation and identification of parasitic fauna of edible ornamental fish by using Light and scanning electron microscopic summery with special reference to histopathological tissue alteration of infected organ
Authors: M.Sc Saikat , Saha Mandira , M.Sc Beauty , Molla Sabir 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This communication deals with seasonal variation of protozoans of edible ornamental fishes of West Bengal, India. During this survey, more than 1556 edible ornamental fishes were collected from different fish farms, ponds, bherries and nearby markets of several district of West Bengal namely, Nadia, South 24-parganas, Hooghly, North 24-parganas, Birbhum, Purba Barddhaman and Paschim Barddhaman from November 2019 to December 2022. Three ciliate ectoparasites belonging to the genus Trichodina, Trichodinella and Tripartiella and three myxozoan parasites belonging to the genus Myxobolus, Thelohanellus and Kudoa has identified from edible ornamental fish namely, Anabas testudineus. The study shows ciliate parasites have a higher rate of infection than myxozoan parasites. The highest prevalence of ectoparasitic infection have been reported during the post-monsoon season, i.e., from November to February, followed by monsoon season while lowest prevalence has been observed during pre-monsoon season i.e., March to June, implying that environmental variables play a role in the spread of infections. The identification of these ciliates and myxozoans parasites were done by widely used staining technique, along with an ultra-structural study of the myxozoan parasites using scanning electron microscope. The current work also reveals the histopathological alterations in the gill and fin of Anabas testudineus, infected with myxozoan parasites along with an ultrastructural study using scanning electron microscope.
The Pilot Psychology Group Intervention (MindLINC) within a Community-based Participatory Research: Lessons from Community Connect Campaign
Authors: Singh Suyesha , Sharma Sadhana , Sharma Neha , Patel Manisha , Agrawal Vanshika 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Within community-based participatory research partnerships, the implementation of pilot interventions presents distinctive challenges and opportunities.
Study Objectives: The primary goal of this research is to shed light on the difficulties and prospects associated with executing initial test interventions within a long-standing Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) partnership. Additionally, we offer insights into the lessons drawn from engaging in a collaborative approach to trial community interventions. We provide suggestions to funding organizations on effective strategies for supporting these preliminary interventions and effectively addressing the challenges they bring.
Methods: We collected insights through interviews with key informants and a group discussion that brought together leaders from the hosting organization and members of the project team.
Lesson Learned: Our discoveries emphasize the dynamic relationship between opportunities and challenges linked to the needs and wishes of community members, the capability of trial interventions to meet those needs, and the essential role of consistent communication in managing both expected and unexpected hurdles encountered during short-term pilot projects in community settings.
Conclusion: Based on our observations, we recommend the exploration of various funding mechanisms that facilitate the rollout of more extensive interventions following successful pilot initiatives within community contexts.
ArcTiCA: Arctic Tidal Constituents Atlas
Authors: Hart-Davis Michael G. , Howard Susan L. , Ray Richard D. , Andersen Ole B. , Padman Laurence , Nilsen Frank , Dettmering Denise 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Tides in the Arctic Ocean affect ocean circulation and mixing, and sea ice dynamics and thermodynamics. However, there is a limited network of available in situ tidal coefficient data for understanding tidal variability in the Arctic Ocean; e.g., the global TICON-3 database contains only 111 sites above 60ºN and 21 above 70ºN. At the same time, the presence of sea ice and latitude limits of satellite altimetry complicates altimetry-based retrievals of Arctic tidal coefficients. This leads to a reliance on ocean tide models that require validation and reliable data for assimilation into inverse solutions. Here, we present a comprehensive new dataset of tidal constituents in the Arctic region, combining analyses of in situ measurements from tide gauges, ocean bottom pressure sensors and GNSS interferometric reflectometry. The new dataset contains 914 measurement sites above 60ºN and 399 above 70ºN, with each site being quality-assessed and expert guidance provided to help maximise the usage of the dataset. We also compare the dataset to recent tide models.