bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diminished Function of Maintaining Cerebral Perfusion during Systemic Hypotension in Elderly Humans
Authors: Abdali Kulsum , Chen Xiaoan , Zhao Jinfeng , Ross Sarah , Davis Sandra , Zhou Zhengyang , Shi Xiangrong 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The study sought to test the hypothesis that the function of maintaining cerebral perfusion is diminished in elderly adults due to compromised cerebral autoregulation (CA) and cardiovascular function with aging.
Methods
Healthy elderly (n = 13, 68 ± 1 year) and young (n = 13, 26 ± 1 year) adults underwent a systemic-hypotension induced by rapid-deflation of bilateral thigh-cuffs after 3-min supra-systolic occlusion. The responses of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral artery (VMCA) were determined. Cerebral vascular conductance (CVC) was estimated from mean VMCA/MAP. Duration and rate of the recovery from the nadir of MAP and VMCA were compared between the groups.
Results
Thigh-cuff occlusion-deflation elicited a similar hypotension (ΔMAP) and hypoperfusion to the brain (ΔVMCA) in the elderly and young groups. However, the time elapsed from the cuff-deflation to the nadir of MAP and VMCA (TΔ), and the recovery time from the nadir to reaching the respective baseline levels (TR) were significantly longer in the elderly subjects. There were significant differences between the groups in the response rates of HR, MAP and CVC following the cuff-deflation. Overall TR-VMCA was significantly explained by the response rates of the cardiac-factor, vasomotor-factor, and CVC-factor. However, the TR-VMCA/vasomotor-factor slope (-3.0 ± 0.9) was steeper (P = 0.046) than the TR-VMCA/cardiac-factor slope (-1.1 ± 0.4). The TR-VMCA/CVC-factor slope (-2.4 ± 0.6) was greater (P = 0.072) than the TR-VMCA/cardiac-factor slope; but it did not differ from the TR-VMCA/vasomotor-factor slope (P = 0.52).
Conclusions
Both CA and systemic mechanisms contributed to cerebral perfusion recovery elicited by systemic hypotension; and the vasomotor factor was dominant over the cardiac factor. Recovery from cerebral hypoperfusion is slower in the elderly adults because of the age-diminished rates of the CVC response and cardiovascular reflex regulation. Vasomotor-response mediated perfusion pressure seems more significant in maintaining cerebral perfusion during systemic hypotension.
Management and Surgical Treatment of Parathyroid Carcinoma: a 6-years’ experience of single centre of Endocrine Surgery Unit
Authors: Laforgia Rita , Tomasicchio Giovanni , Cavalera Federica , Sblendorio Maria , Spadone Annamaria , Panebianco Annunziata , Pezzolla Angela 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) affects 0.1–0.3% of the general population1 and represents the rarest malignant neoplasms among endocrinological disease, representing less than 1%. Differential diagnostic from malignant to benign disease is challenging and the best therapeutic treatment and management are still debated in literature14. The aim of this study is the evaluation of management and surgical treatment of Parathyroid Carcinoma after 6 years enrollment from the Endocrine Surgery Unit of the University Hospital of Bari. A retrospective observational study was carried out using a prospectively maintained database of patients affected by primary hyperparathyroidism underwent surgery in the Endocrine Surgery Unit between January 2017 and September 2022. Nine patients were included with hystological diagnosis of PC and the evidence of pre operative high levels of serum PTH and calcium. No mortality was recorded while the incidence of recurrence was 22.2% with a disease-free survival of 8 and 10 months respectively. PC represents a great challenge in terms of pre-operative diagnostic, management and treatment. Surgical approach represents the first best option for PC in referral endocrine surgery units. The early identification of risky patients should be dominant to plan an appropriate therapy and to perform an adequate en bloc surgery.
The Science of Startups: The Impact of Founder Personalities on Company Success
Authors: Braesemann Fabian , McCarthy Paul , Gong Xian , Stephany Fabian , Rizoiu Marian-Andrei , Kern Margaret 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Startup companies solve many of today’s most complex and challenging scientific, technical and social problems, such as the decarbonisation of the economy, air pollution, and the development of novel life-saving vaccines. Startups are a vital source of social, scientific and economic innovation, yet the most innovative are also the least likely to survive. The probability of success of startups has been shown to relate to several firm-level factors such as industry, location and the economy of the day. Still, attention has increasingly considered internal factors relating to the firm’s founding team, including their previous experiences and failures, their centrality in a global network of other founders and investors as well as the team’s size. The effects of founders’ personalities on the success of new ventures are mainly unknown. Here we show that founder personality traits are a significant feature of a firm’s ultimate success. We draw upon detailed data about the success of a large-scale global sample of startups (n=26,781). We found that the Big 5 personality traits of startup founders across 30 dimensions significantly differed from that of the population at large. We can train a classifier to distinguish founders from employees with 82.5% accuracy. Key personality facets that distinguish successful entrepreneurs include a preference for variety, novelty and starting new things (openness to adventure), like being the centre of attention (lower levels of modesty) and being exuberant (higher activity levels). However, we do not find one “Founder-type” personality; instead, six different personality types appear, with startups founded by a “Hipster, Hacker and Hustler” being twice as likely to succeed. Our results also demonstrate the benefits of larger, personality-diverse teams in startups, which has the potential to be extended through further research into other team settings within business, government and research.
A Multi-Material 3D Printing-Assisted Micropatterning
Authors: Jambhulkar Sayli , Ravichandran Dharneedar , Thippanna Varunkumar , Patil Dhanush , Song Kenan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Micropatterned structures have applications in microchips, circuit board designs, microfluidics, evaporator/condenser coils, microelectronics, metasurfaces, and other functional devices. Conventional microfabrication techniques include lithography, vapor deposition, and laser writing. However, these methods have slow processing rates, complex requirements, or costly procedures. As a result, it is challenging to fabricate micropatterned structures onto large-scale surfaces with high production rates and resolution features. Thus, this study focuses on a non-conventional, mask-free micropatterning technique that combines bottom-up 3D printing capable of processing multiple materials and top-down wet etching for selective elimination of sacrificial material. The unique 3D printing, Multiphase Direct Ink Writing (MDIW), utilizes various polymer and nanoparticle systems as feedstocks for depositing lamellar structures containing sublayers of varying compositions (i.e., wet etchable sacrificial ink and ultraviolet-curable patterning ink). The rapid phase transformation of photosensitive ink into solidified features enables "micro-confinement" of the sacrificial ink. Subsequently, wet etching can locally and selectively dissolve sacrificial polymers by solvent diffusion and polymer dissolution at the polymer-solvent interface. The parameter control (i.e., ink rheology, polymer-polymer interdiffusion, layer multiplication, phase transformation, and solvent-polymer interactions) can precisely tune the lamellar-groove transition, thus forming desirable surfaces or internal microstructures. Our MDIW 3D printing and its facilitation in surface micropatterning demonstrate the massive potential of distributing nanoparticles for dissipating thermal energies. With production scalability, operation simplicity, and multi-material compatibility, our 3D-printed micropatterning shows broader applications in nanoparticle assembly, drug delivery, optical lenses, intelligent microbots, and morphing objects.
Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes of Urethritis-like Symptoms in Young Males: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hsu Yi-Ting , Chuang Tzu-Yu , Hsiao Jui Chang , Cheng Weiming 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
Urethritis in young males is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted pathogens, although other non-infectious diseases can cause similar symptoms. The study evaluated the prevalence of gonorrhoea and chlamydia infections in sexually active young males with urethritis-like symptoms and their treatment outcomes.
Methods
Data of 20–50-year-old males who visited our clinic with urethritis symptoms between March 2019 and April 2022 were retrospectively collected. All patients underwent urinalysis, urine culture, and urinary polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for gonorrhoea and chlamydia at the first visit. Student’s t-test and Pearson’s chi-square test were used to compare the differences between participants with at least one positive test result and those with negative results in all three tests. Regression analyses were used to evaluate the predictive factors for positive PCR results for gonorrhoea or chlamydia in patients with negative urinalysis and urine culture results.
Results
Of the 365 participants with urethritis symptoms, those with negative results (39%) in all tests were significantly older and showed less frequent urethral discharge than those with at least one positive result. Among the 202 patients with negative urinalysis and urine culture results, 29.7% were diagnosed with gonorrhoea or chlamydia using PCR. The presence of discharge was an independent predictor of positive PCR results for gonorrhoea or chlamydia. For patients showing negative results in all tests, the most common tentative diagnosis was balanitis. Patients with negative results for all three tests have good prognosis.
Conclusion
The present study outlined the high frequency of negative urinalysis and urine culture results in young male patients with gonorrhoea- and chlamydia-related urethritis and indicated the importance of a history of urethral discharge as an indicator for antibiotic treatment of gonorrhoea and chlamydia in these patients. The findings of this study will be valuable for urologists treating young males with urethritis symptoms, and the insights provided here will facilitate appropriate management and patient satisfaction in such cases.
A Qualitative Analysis of the Botswana Schistosomiasis Control Policy and Plan Using Policy Triangle Framework
Authors: Gabaake Kebabonye Priscillah , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo , Thakadu Olekae Tsompi , Phaladze Nthabiseng A 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The present goal of the World Health Organization (WHO) 2021-2030 roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) is to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem, and reduce its prevalence of heavy infections to less than 1%. Given the evolution and impact of schistosomiasis in the Ngamiland district of Botswana, this study reviewed the control policies for the district.
Aim: The purpose of the study was to analyze the Botswana schistosomiasis control policies using the Policy Triangle Framework (PTF).
Methods: The study used qualitative approaches of a review of policy documents and interviews with twelve (12) informants purposively selected. Although the informants were recruited from all levels of the NTD sector, the analysis of the program responses were predominantly from the Ngamiland district. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke`s approach to content analysis.
Results: The study highlights the presence of clear, objectives and targets for the Ngamiland control policy. Another theme was a success in morbidity control, which was realized primarily through cycles of MDA in schools. The contextual background for the policy was high morbidity and lack of programming data. The implementation process of the policy was centralized at the Ministry of Health (MOH) and WHO, and there was minimal involvement of the community and other stakeholders. The policy implementation process was impeded by lack of domestic resources and lack of comprehensive policy content on snail control and none expansion of the policy content beyond SAC. The actors were predominately MOH headquarters and WHO, with little representation of the district, local level settings, NGOs and private sectors. Conclusions: The lack of resources and content in the control of environmental determinants and inclusion of other at risk groups in the policy impeded sustained elimination of the disease. There is a need to guide the treatment of pre-school-aged children and develop national guidelines on treating foci of intense transmission. Moreover, the dynamic of the environmental transmissions and reorientation of the schistosomiasis policy to respond to the burden of schistosomiasis morbidity, local context, and health system context are required.
Rapid Short-Pulses of Focused Ultrasound and Microbubbles Deliver a Range of Agent Sizes to the Brain
Authors: Chang William Lim Kee , Chan Tiffany G. , Raguseo Federica , Mishra Aishwarya , Chattenton Dani , de Rosales Rafael T. M. , Long Nicholas J. , Morse Sophie V 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Focused ultrasound and microbubbles can non-invasively and locally deliver therapeutics and imaging agents across the blood-brain barrier. Uniform treatment and minimal adverse bioeffects are critical to achieve reliable doses and enable safe routine use of this technique. Towards these aims, we have previously designed a rapid short-pulse ultrasound sequence and used it to deliver a 3 kDa model agent to mouse brains. We observed a homogeneous distribution in delivery and blood-brain barrier closing within 10 minutes. However, many therapeutics and imaging agents are larger than 3 kDa, such as antibody fragments and antisense oligonucleotides. Here, we evaluate the feasibility of using rapid short-pulses to deliver higher-molecular-weight model agents. 3, 10 and 70 kDa dextrans were successfully delivered to mouse brains, with decreasing doses and more heterogeneous distributions with increasing agent size. Minimal extravasation of endogenous albumin (66.5 kDa) was observed, while immunoglobulin (~ 150 kDa) and PEGylated liposomes (97.9 nm) were not detected. This study indicates that rapid short-pulses are versatile and, at an acoustic pressure of 0.35 MPa, can deliver therapeutics and imaging agents of sizes up to a hydrodynamic diameter between 8 nm (70 kDa dextran) and 11 nm (immunoglobulin). Increasing the acoustic pressure can extend the use of rapid short-pulses to deliver agents beyond this threshold, with little compromise on safety. This study demonstrates the potential for deliveries of higher-molecular-weight therapeutics and imaging agents using rapid short-pulses.
D2 receptor sensitization: Neurobiological basis of increase sensitivity of stress on stimulant induced impaired behavioural sensetization
Authors: Alam Nausheen , Abbasi shagufta , Naeem Sadaf 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Stress is associated with high risk of psychological disorders and cognitive impairment. Psychostimulants are also known to potentiate cognition & ameliorate depression, but their long-term use causes behavioural sensitization. The locomotor response to psychostimulant potentiated after repeated exposure to stressful stimulus & dopamine is thought to play a major role in sensitization-like phenomena. The present study is conducted to visualize responsiveness of dopamine D2 receptors by challenge dose of haloperidol following long term psychostimulant administration in restrained & unrestrained rats. Behavioural Effects of oral repeated administration of methylphenidate (10mg/kg/day 2 times daily) & modafinil (75mg/kg/day once daily) in restrained (exposed to immobilization stress for 2 hours daily) and unrestrained rats were monitored to observe locomotor sensitization, by using familiar environment of home cage (performed after every two days) and novel environment of open field (weekly) however, exploratory activity in Head Dip Test and cognitive activity in passive avoidance test (PAT) were carried out weekly for 35 days (till the behavioral sensitization produced). Effects of haloperidol challenge dose (1 mg/kg i.p.) were monitored after 35 days of treatment using Home Cage, Open Field, Head Dip and PAT, 30-, 60-, 90- & 120-minutes post injection. The result shows increase in locomotor activity in drug treated rats potentiated by restrained stress and sensitization effect was significant in 3rd week of psychostimulant administration and was more pronounced in modafinil treated rats. Exploratory activity in Head dip test reduced by restrained stress whereas potentiated by MOD & MPH in unrestrained rats. In restrained rats only MOD prevents stress-induced effect on exploratory behaviour. Restrained stress produced cognitive deficits but MOD and MPH improved cognitive performance in PAT. Challenge dose of haloperidol ameliorated motor activity in familiar and novel environment, impaired cognition in PAT and decreased activity in head dip test, effect was more pronounced in psychostimulant treated restrained mice. This study will be beneficial for the understanding of neurobiological basis of the effect of psychostimulants on stress induced motor and cognitive deficits so helpful to investigate drugs that could prevent psychostimulant induced behavioural sensitization in stressful environment
Sterilization characteristics inside narrow tube using nitrogen oxides generated by atmospheric pressure air plasma
Authors: Muto Reona , Hayashi Nobuya 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The sterilization characteristics of the inner surface of silicon tube were investigated using active species generated by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using air and oxygen gas. A DBD torch-type device installed at one end of the tube and generated long-lifetime active species flowing into the tube. The strip-type BI (Biological indicator) with 105 spore-forming bacteria placed at the position opposite to the DBD device in a 60 cm tube was sterilized within 30 min by active particles generated from air plasma. Major factors for the sterilization using air plasma were HNO3 and N2O5. When the organic materials (keratin, aspartic acid and dipicolinic acid) comprising spores were treated same as sterilization, the treatment hardly changed the composition of dipicolinic acid. Keratin was oxidized by ozone and NOx generated from oxygen plasma and air plasma. The result of aspartic acid showed little change in composition by ozone generated from oxygen plasma, whereas nitro (NO2), nitroso (NO) and aldehyde (CHO) groups were formed by ozone and NOx generated from air plasma.
Knockdown of mechanosensitive adaptor Hic-5 ameliorates post-traumatic osteoarthritis in rats through repression of MMP-13
Authors: Miyauchi Aya , Noguchi Masahito , Lei Xiao-Feng , Sakaki Masashi , Kobayashi-Tanabe Momoko , Haraguchi Shogo , Miyazaki Akira , Kim-Kaneyama Joori 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease associated with articular cartilage destruction. Matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) has an essential role in OA pathogenesis by degradation of collagen II, a major component of articular cartilage. Hydrogen peroxide-inducible clone-5 (Hic-5; TGFB1I1), a transforming growth factor-β-inducible mechanosensor, has previously been reported to promote OA pathogenesis by upregulating MMP-13 expression in mouse osteoarthritic lesions. In our current study, immunohistochemical analysis showed that Hic-5 protein expression was increased in human OA cartilage compared with normal cartilage. Functional experiments demonstrated that Hic-5 and MMP-13 expression was increased by mechanical stress, and mechanical stress-induced MMP-13 expression was suppressed by Hic-5 siRNA in human chondrocytes. Moreover, intracellular localization of Hic-5 shifted to the nucleus from focal adhesions in human chondrocytes subjected to mechanical stress, and nuclear Hic-5 increased MMP-13 gene expression. In vivo, intra-articular injection of Hic-5 siRNA decreased the Osteoarthritis Research Society International score and MMP-13 protein expression in articular cartilage of OA rats. Our findings suggest that Hic-5 regulates transcription of MMP-13 in human chondrocytes, and Hic-5 may be a novel therapeutic target for OA because OA progression was suppressed by intra-articular injection of Hic-5 siRNA in rats.
Biomechanical Test of the Stability of a Cervical Interfacet Self-Locking Cage
Authors: Sun Maji , Li Zhongwei , Wang Qiu'an , Chu Fuchao , Yuan Feng 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose To compare the biomechanical properties of a novel 3D-printed cervical interfacet self-locking cage (CISC) using medical titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) material with the lateral mass screw–rod system.
Methods CT scans were performed on seven preserved human cervical spine specimens (C2–T1) to exclude deformities, infections, tumors, fractures and other lesions, and titanium CISCs were 3D-printed based on the CT scan data. A moment of 1.5 Nm was applied to the specimen using a biomechanics machine. The range of motion (ROM) in bending, extension, lateral bending and rotation directions of each specimen in the different groups was measured, including an intact group (group A), a C5–C6 posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) resection group (group B), a C5–C6 lateral mass screw–rod system fixation group (group C), and a C5–C6 novel CISC fixation group (group D).
Results Groups C and D had smaller ROM than groups A and B in flexion–extension, lateral bending and rotation directions, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Group D had significantly greater ROM than group C in the forward flexion and posterior extension directions (P < 0.05).
Conclusions Injury to the posterior ligament complex of the lower cervical spine can cause flexion and extension, lateral bending, and instability in the direction of axial rotation. CISC fixation is equivalent to the fixation effect of the lateral mass screw-rod system, and can be used as a simple fixation or supplementary fixation for the posterior cervical spine.