bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model in cochlear implant recipients: a multi-center prospective follow-up cohort study
Authors: Andries Ellen , Lorens Artur , Skarżyński Piotr Henryk , Skarżyński Henryk , Calvino Miryam , Gavilán Javier , Lassaletta Luis , Tavora-Vieira Dayse , Acharya Aanand , Kurz Anja , Hagen Rudolf , Anderson Ilona , Amann Edda , Van de Heyning Paul , Van Rompaey Vincent , Mertens Griet 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionNo standard protocol based on a multidisciplinary framework currently exists for the evaluation, follow-up and interpretation of Cochlear Implant (CI) outcomes in clinical routine. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and clinically implement a multidimensional Cochlear Implant (CI) outcome assessment protocol for adult CI users based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).MethodsAn international multidisciplinary core group of CI experts selected the most relevant ICF categories and codes for adult CI users out of the existing ICF core set for hearing loss. A well-known, commonly used instrument or method was identified and assigned to each ICF category along with quantified ICF qualifiers. These qualifiers facilitate the interpretation of CI outcomes by categorizing the outcome on a rating scale between 0 and 4, based on the severity of participants' impairment/restriction/limitation/barrier. The ICF-based CI outcome assessment protocol was applied in clinical routine in a prospective longitudinal multicenter study assessing a consecutive sample of 72 adult CI candidates before and 6 months after implantation. For each relevant ICF category, the participants' improvement, stability or deterioration was specified in a descriptive approach using ICF qualifiers.ResultsParticipants either showed improved or stable ICF qualifiers after cochlear implantation across all ICF domains (e.g., Body Functions and Structures, Activities, and Participation and Environmental factors). The ICF qualifiers for environmental sound tolerance (n = 30 [45%]) and vestibular functions (n = 21 [33%]) deteriorated most frequently after implantation. ICF qualifiers for falling (n = 53 [83%]) and dizziness (n = 40 [62%]) remained stable in most participants. Auditory perception-related and communication-related categories generally improved in most participants after cochlear implantation, with 46 to 73% (n = 34 to n = 48) of CI users perceiving an improvement postoperatively.ConclusionThis study is the first to propose and apply a ready-to-use CI outcome assessment protocol based on the ICF model, which provides a common language and comprehensive assessment protocol for the description and measurement of CI outcomes worldwide. Its straightforward outcome description and rating enables CI outcome interpretation by non-experts, enhancing multidisciplinary communication and knowledge on individual healthcare needs in CI users.
Green synthesis of Piper nigrum copper-based nanoparticles: in silico study and ADMET analysis to assess their antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects
Authors: Kiranmayee Modumudi , Rajesh Nambi , Vidya Vani M. , Khadri Habeeb , Mohammed Arifullah , Chinni Suresh V. , Ramachawolran Gobinath , Riazunnisa Khateef , Moussa Ashaimaa Y. 
Published: September 2023

Nanobiotechnology is a popular branch of science that is gaining interest among scientists and researchers as it allows for the green manufacturing of nanoparticles by employing plants as reducing agents. This method is safe, cheap, reproducible, and eco-friendly. In this study, the therapeutic property of Piper nigrum fruit was mixed with the antibacterial activity of metallic copper to produce copper nanoparticles. The synthesis of copper nanoparticles was indicated by a color change from brown to blue. Physical characterization of Piper nigrum copper nanoparticles (PN-CuNPs) was performed using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, XRD, and Zeta analyzer. PN-CuNPs exhibited potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. PN-CuNPs have shown concentration-dependent, enhanced free radical scavenging activity, reaching maximum values of 92%, 90%, and 86% with DPPH, H2O2, and PMA tests, respectively. The antibacterial zone of inhibition of PN-CuNPs was the highest against Staphylococcus aureus (23 mm) and the lowest against Escherichia coli (10 mm). PN-CuNPs showed 80% in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, more than 50 components of Piper nigrum extract were selected and subjected to in silico molecular docking using the C-Docker protocol in the binding pockets of glutathione reductase, E. coli DNA gyrase topoisomerase II, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine to discover their druggability. Pipercyclobutanamide A (26), pipernigramide F (32), and pipernigramide G (33) scored the highest Gibbs free energy at 50.489, 51.9306, and 58.615 kcal/mol, respectively. The ADMET/TOPKAT analysis confirmed the favorable pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicity profiles of the three promising compounds. The present in silico analysis helps us to understand the possible mechanisms behind the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of CuNPs and recommends them as implicit inhibitors of selected proteins.
The impact of SARS-Cov-2 infection on the periocular injection pain and hypersensitive reaction to botulinum toxin type A: results from clinical questionnaires
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Tian Yanli , Jiang Chanyuan , Dong Miao , Li Ming , Sun Hefeng , Han Xuefeng , Li Facheng 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the medical field, yet the use of botulinum toxin type A has remained uninterrupted. Plastic surgeons must carefully consider the timing of administering botulinum toxin type A to patients who have recovered from COVID-19.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among patients who had contracted and recovered from SARS-CoV-2 within a month. The survey aimed to investigate various indicators in patients who had received botulinum toxin A injections at the same site before and after their infection, including pain scores and allergic reactions and the occurrence of complications.ResultsThe pain scores of patients who contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection between 14-21 days post-infection exhibited significant variation from previous injections. However, patients who contracted the infection between 22-28 days post-infection did not exhibit significant variation from previous injections. Furthermore, the incidence of allergic reactions and complications following botulinum toxin injection within one month after contracting the infection did not significantly differ from that observed prior to infection.ConclusionAdministering botulinum toxin type A three weeks after COVID-19 recovery is a justifiable and comparatively secure approach.
The influence of coal mining subsidence on the movement and deformation of loess slope in the loess gully area of Northern Shaanxi
Authors: Zheng Beibei , Song Shijie , Cheng Xia , Niu Ruilin , Cheng Xing , Ruan Hao , Li Guodong 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: How to solve the contradiction between coal mining and soil and water conservation is a key scientific problem to realize ecological environment protection and high-quality development in the middle reaches of the Yellow River.Methods: Using FLAC3D numerical simulation experiment method, the influence of loess slope surface shape and coal seam overburden structure coupling on slope movement and deformation is studied.Results: Under any surface slope shape, the average slope subsidence coefficient (q slope average) increases with the increase of sand layer coefficient after coal mining subsidence. When the sand layer coefficient is less than 0.71, the q slope average increases rapidly, with an increase of more than 2.86%, and when the sand layer coefficient is greater than 0.71, the q slope average tends to be stable. Under any surface slope shape, the q slope average decreases with the increase of sand-mud ratio. When the overburden structure characteristics of any coal seam and the natural slope of the surface slope are less than or equal to 5°, the q slope average of the convex slope is the largest, and the q slope average of the four slope types is ranked as follows: convex slope &gt; straight slope ≈ composite slope &gt; concave slope; When the structural characteristics of overlying strata in any coal seam and the natural slope of surface slope are more than 5°, the q slope average of concave slope is the largest, and the q slope average of four slope types is in the order of concave slope &gt; straight slope ≈ composite slope &gt; convex slope. With the increase of the natural slope of the surface slope, the q slope average first decreases and then increases, and the inflection point is 15°. The influence law of loess slope surface morphology and coal seam overburden structure on the average horizontal movement of slope surface is similar to that of average subsidence of slope surface.Discussion: The results can provide scientific basis for surface movement and deformation and soil and water conservation in the mining subsidence area of northern Shaanxi in the middle reaches of the Yellow River Basin in China.
Technology-driven energy revolution: the impact of digital technology on energy efficiency and its mechanism
Authors: Wu Hui , Han Mengyu , Shen Yang 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Improving energy efficiency is significant for achieving carbon emission reduction and promoting the transformation of green economic development. In the sustainable development framework set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Goal 7.3 explicitly aims to double the global rate of energy efficiency improvement by 2030. The rapid development of digital technology, along with its universality and penetrative characteristics, has provide a feasible solution for improving energy efficiency and environmental conditions. However, the theoretical understanding of the impact and underlying logic of digital technology on energy efficiency remains unclear.Methods: Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2021, this paper adopts econometric methods, including two-way fixed effect, instrumental variable method, and Driscoll-Kraay standard error. It investigates the influence of digital technology on energy efficiency and its internal mechanism from single factor and all factor levels.Result: The results show that Digital technology, represented by industrial robots, significantly improves energy efficiency, whether measured by the energy consumption intensity of GDP or the total-factor energy efficiency estimated using the SBM-GML model. The results still hold even after conducting endogeneity tests and robustness tests. Digital technology can improve energy efficiency by increasing virtual industrial agglomeration and promoting outward foreign direct investment.Discussion: In addition to promoting the theoretical understanding of the impact of digital technology on energy efficiency and exploring its mechanism, this paper also provides empirical evidence for policy makers and enterprises to formulate effective measures and strategies to improve energy efficiency under the background of digital economy.
Variations of soil properties and soil surface loss after fire in rotational shifting cultivation in Northern Thailand
Authors: Arunrat Noppol , Sereenonchai Sukanya , Kongsurakan Praeploy , Yuttitham Monthira , Hatano Ryusuke 
Published: September 2023

Since fire is still necessary for rotational shifting cultivation (RSC), the vertical distribution and slope effect on soil properties and soil surface loss after a fire remain unclear. To address these research gaps, the study aims to achieve the following objectives: 1) investigating post-fire soil properties and soil surface loss in RSC, and 2) assessing the vertical distribution and slope effect on soil properties and soil surface loss in RSC. Soil samples were collected from two stages of RSC: 6 years (RSC-6Y) and 12 years (RSC-12Y), located in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand. A continuous 15-year left fallow field (CF-15Y) was used as the reference site. Soil samples were collected from the upper, middle, and lower slopes at depths of 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm at five different time points: before burning, 5 min, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months post-fire. The results indicated that older fallow fields had a tendency to accumulate more soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil organic nitrogen (STN). The color of the ash was altered by the fire, resulting in dark reddish-brown ash with higher levels of pH, organic matter (OM), electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, and soil nutrients when compared to gray and white ashes. The combustion of OM during the fire was found to release soil nutrients, which could explain the increase after burning. SOC stock increased at deeper layers (5–10 cm) with higher values than pre-burning levels, especially at lower slope positions, while STN stock decreased at the surface soil post-fire but increased in deeper layers at all slope positions. The average soil surface loss ranged from 1.6 to 3.1 cm, with the highest loss observed 9 months after the fire (during the rainy season) at the upper slope. In terms of the impact of slope on soil properties following the fire event, our study indicated a significant correlation between lower slopes and variables including SOC, STN, electrical conductivity, nitrate–nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), exchangeable calcium, and exchangeable magnesium. Further study is required to investigate and develop appropriate post-fire management strategies to effectively reduce nutrient loss and minimize soil surface erosion.
Spatiotemporal variations and trends of air quality in major cities in Guizhou
Authors: Lu Fu , Yuan Yang , Hong Fu , Hao Liu 
Published: September 2023

Tracking the evolution of air pollutants has a critical impact on our ability to further improve air quality, which have been extensively studied in the North China Plain (NCP), the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) regions, but remain poorly characterized in Guizhou located in the east of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Here, we analyzed spatiotemporal variations and trends of six criteria air pollutants, i.e., inhalable particles (PM10), fine particle (PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3), from 2016 to 2020 in the focus major cities in Guizhou, taking advantage of the extensive network data available since 2016. The annual mean concentrations of the six criteria air pollutants were substantially lower than China’s national ambient air quality standard (NAAQS-II), confirmed a significant improvement of air quality in Guizhou. The annual mean concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, SO2, CO and NO2 all decreased year by year during 2016–2020 in the focus major cities, and the highest decrease occurred in fall or winter. By contrast, O3 increased with a rate ranged from 0.85 μg·m−3 yr−1 (95% CI: 0∼1.78) to 3.71 μg·m−3 yr−1 (95% CI: 2.54∼5.13), and the highest increase occurred in spring or summer, revealing a strong impetus for reducing O3 pollution. Correlations among the six criteria air pollutants unveiled that the correlation coefficients between PM2.5 and NO2 were higher than those of between PM2.5 and SO2 in most focus major cities, mirroring a priority to control NOx to further reduce PM2.5 pollution in Guizhou. The focus of curbing O3 pollution in Guizhou should be redesigned to mitigate multiple precursors from multiple sectors, and efficient control strategies to mitigate warm seasons O3 pollution should also be implemented in cold seasons. Our results will benefit for our knowledge about current air pollution situation and police makers for future air pollution control in Guizhou.
Skeletal muscle fibers produce B-cell stimulatory factors in chronic myositis
Authors: Carstens Per-Ole , Müllar Luisa M. , Wrede Arne , Zechel Sabrina , Wachowski Martin M. , Brandis Almuth , Krause Sabine , Zierz Stephan , Schmidt Jens 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionWe aimed to identify B-cell-mediated immunomechanisms in inclusion body myositis (IBM) and polymyositis (PM) as part of the complex pathophysiology.Materials and methodsHuman primary myotube cultures were derived from orthopedic surgery. Diagnostic biopsy specimens from patients with IBM (n=9) and PM (n=9) were analyzed for markers of B cell activation (BAFF and APRIL) and for chemokines that control the recruitment of B cells (CXCL-12 and CXCL-13). Results were compared to biopsy specimens without myopathic changes (n=9) and hereditary muscular dystrophy (n=9).ResultsThe mRNA expression of BAFF, APRIL, and CXCL-13 was significantly higher in IBM and PM compared to controls. Patients with IBM displayed the highest number of double positive muscle fibers for BAFF and CXCL-12 (48%) compared to PM (25%), muscular dystrophy (3%), and non-myopathic controls (0%). In vitro, exposure of human myotubes to pro-inflammatory cytokines led to a significant upregulation of BAFF and CXCL-12, but APRIL and CXCL-13 remained unchanged.ConclusionThe results substantiate the hypothesis of an involvement of B cell-associated mechanisms in the pathophysiology of IBM and PM. Muscle fibers themselves seem to contribute to the recruitment of B cells and sustain inflammation.
Allogeneic cord blood regulatory T cells decrease dsDNA antibody and improve albuminuria in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lyu Mi-Ae , Tang Ximing , Khoury Joseph D. , Raso Maria Gabriela , Huang Meixian , Zeng Ke , Nishimoto Mitsutaka , Ma Hongbing , Sadeghi Tara , Flowers Christopher R. , Parmar Simrit 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundLupus nephritis (LN) constitutes the most severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where pathogenic T cells have been identified to play an essential role in ‘helping’ B cells to make autoantibodies and produce inflammatory cytokines that drive kidney injury in SLE. Regulatory T cells (Tregs), responsible for decreasing inflammation, are defective and decreased in SLE and have been associated with disease progression. We hypothesize that treatment with allogeneic, healthy Tregs derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) may arrest such an inflammatory process and protect against kidney damage.MethodsUCB-Tregs function was examined by their ability to suppress CellTrace Violet-labeled SLE peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or healthy donor (HD) conventional T cells (Tcons); and by inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines by SLE PBMCs. Humanized SLE model was established where female Rag2-/-γc-/- mice were transplanted with 3 × 106 human SLE-PBMCs by intravenous injection on day 0, followed by single or multiple injection of UCB-Tregs to understand their impact on disease development. Mice PB was assessed weekly by flow cytometry. Phenotypic analysis of isolated cells from mouse PB, lung, spleen, liver and kidney was performed by flow cytometry. Kidney damage was assessed by quantifying urinary albumin and creatinine secretion. Systemic disease was evaluated by anti-dsDNA IgG Ab analysis as well as immunohistochemistry analysis of organs. Systemic inflammation was determined by measuring cytokine levels.ResultsIn vitro, UCB-Tregs are able to suppress HD Tcons and pathogenic SLE-PBMCs to a similar extent. UCB-Tregs decrease secretion of several inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ, IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A, and sCD40L by SLE PBMCs in a time-dependent manner, with a corresponding increase in secretion of suppressor cytokine, IL-10. In vivo, single or multiple doses of UCB-Tregs led to a decrease in CD8+ T effector cells in different organs and a decrease in circulating inflammatory cytokines. Improvement in skin inflammation and loss of hair; and resolution of CD3+, CD8+, CD20+ and Ki67+ SLE-PBMC infiltration was observed in UCB-Treg recipients with a corresponding decrease in plasma anti-double stranded DNA IgG antibody levels and improved albuminuria.ConclusionsUCB-Tregs can decrease inflammatory burden in SLE, reduce auto-antibody production and resolve end organ damage especially, improve kidney function. Adoptive therapy with UCB-Tregs should be explored for treatment of lupus nephritis in the clinical setting.
Adsorption of total petroleum hydrocarbon in groundwater by KOH-activated biochar loaded double surfactant-modified nZVI
Authors: Ji Caiya , Yin Hongyang , Zhou Meichun , Sun Zhao , Zhao Yuan , Li Liangzhong 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Crude oil and petroleum hydrocarbon contamination is commonly found in the soil and groundwater during the various processes of mining, processing, and utilization due to issues such as inefficient environmental management, random wastewater discharge, and storage tank leakage.To address this issue, we will use corn stalk biochar (SBC) and surfactants to improve the stability and chemical reactivity of nZVI, thereby enhancing its ability to remove pollutants, and explore the adsorption effect and mechanism of composite materials for petroleum hydrocarbons.Methods: Modified corn stalk biochar (SBC) was synthesized through high-temperature carbonization and KOH activation. Subsequently, the iron/carbon composite PN-nZVI@SBC (PNMSBC) was prepared by loading nano zero-valent iron modified with dual surfactants, and it was adopted to adsorb total petroleum hydrocarbons(TPH) in groundwater. The physical and chemical properties, surface patterns, and elemental mapping of PNMSBC particles were analyzed using SEM, EDS, TEM,XRD, BET, and FTIR spectroscopy. Kinetics and isotherm tests were performed to evaluate the adsorption properties of the composites. TPH adsorption was dependent on ionic strength, initial TPH concentration, as well as pH. The adsorption mechanism combining XPS and EPR spectroscopy was explored.Results: The characterization results by SEM and TEM showed that the particle size of nZVI particles modified by surfactants became smaller, and the dispersibility was enhanced. The characterization results by XRD and FTIR confirmed the successful preparation of the composites. The BET results showed that MSBC and PNMSBC were mesoporous structures. The characterization results indicated that Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Sodium oleate (NaOA) inhibited the oxidation of nZVI while effectively improving its reactivity. The result of the experiments on adsorption showed that the removal of TPH by PNMSBC followed Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, thus suggesting that the main adsorption processes comprise chemisorption and multilayer heterogeneous adsorption. The adsorption capacity of PNMSBC was increased by the abundance of macro and microporous structures. To be specific, a maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity (qm) was achieved as 75.26 g/g. The result of batch experiments indicated that PNMSBC continuously removed considerable TPH under a wide pH range from 2 to 6. The adsorption mechanism of PNMSBC includes surface adsorption, oxidation, complexation, and electrostatic interaction.Discussion: In brief, PNMSBC has a promising application for the adsorption of TPH in groundwater remediation.