bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Waste bamboo‐derived biochar and multiporous carbon as adsorbents for methyl orange removal
Authors: Wang Shu‐Sian , Yan Yu‐Ming , Hsu Chun‐Han , Lin Hong‐Ping 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMaterialsMultiporous carbon (MPC) with a high specific surface area (1121 m2g−1) and mesoporous and microporous structures was prepared by using bamboo biochar (308 m2g−1) as raw material.MethodsThe preparation involved a CaCO3 activation process, where CaCO3 served as both the template for mesopores and the activating agent for micropores. The template could be easily removed by dilute HCl(aq) solution, making the preparation process simpler and more environmentally friendly compared to using mesoporous SiO2 as a hard template.ResultsThe performance of the MPC and biochar as adsorbents for methyl orange (MO) dye was investigated by means of thermal dynamic isotherms and kinetic models tests. The Langmuir isothermal analysis results revealed that the MPC exhibited a significantly higher MO adsorption capacity (344.8 mg g−1) compared to the bamboo biochar (12.4 mg g−1). The adsorption kinetics of the MPC followed a pseudo‐second‐order model.ConclusionOverall, the obtained MPC material offers a cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient solution for removing dyes from aqueous solutions.
Script concordance testing in genetic counseling training: A pilot study
Authors: Begun Yakira S. , Stange Lila R. , Davis Claire R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractClinical reasoning is a complex skill that represents a trainee's ability to use their professional knowledge and skills to assess and solve the problems that arise in clinical practice. As an integral tenet of the genetic counseling process, clinical reasoning skills underlie many of the Practice‐Based Competencies (2019) across a variety of domains. Despite the long‐lasting recognition of the importance of this complex skill in the training of genetic counselors, clinical reasoning has traditionally been difficult to assess in a standardized way in healthcare education. Script concordance testing is a standardized method of assessing clinical reasoning skills in ambiguous clinical situations. The tool has been used to successfully measure the clinical reasoning skills of trainees in various healthcare training programs and has never been used in a genetic counseling training program. We conducted a pilot study to assess the utility of script concordance testing in the field of genetic counseling as an objective measure of clinical reasoning in trainees. The script concordance test was constructed for the field of genetic counseling and administered to 22 second year genetic counseling students in the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah Lawrence College. Twelve genetic counselors served on a panel to provide expert clinical reasoning responses and a scoring grid was developed using the aggregate scores method. The utility of the tool was measured using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and scores of students and the panel were compared using Hedge's g. Results revealed statistically significant differences between the scores of panelists and students and good reliability. This study shows that script concordance testing can be used to measure clinical reasoning skills in genetic counseling trainees in a way that is reliable, standardized, and easy to use, thereby allowing programs to better assess the clinical reasoning skills of trainees prior to graduation.
Higher education and employability in Tanzania: Students' account
Authors: Kibona Bertha 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe changing nature of work is a real concern in higher education (HE) today, in which preparing students for jobs has become a trend attached to broader transformations in the global knowledge economy. This changing nature of work also manifests in the national and local context within which graduates operate. In Tanzania, the experience of students and graduates within the labour market is complex. With the growing number of university students and graduates, access to employment is still limited. This study explores how students' perspectives are featured in such discourses. Specifically, the study investigates students' views on how university education prepares them for future employment. The analysis is based on empirical data collected from focus group discussions with students at two Tanzanian universities. While students report that the emphasis on their learning in classes is firmly on developing employment competence, they also expressed their dissatisfaction with how the university curriculum is preparing them for the world of work. Issues raised include the imbalance between practical and theoretical learning and the irrelevance of the curriculum to the changing needs of society. This study argues for a university informed by human development and the capability approach to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work.
The impact of differential knee laxity on brain activation during passive knee joint loading
Authors: Park‐Braswell Kyoungyoun , Shultz Sandra J. , Ross Scott E. , Sunnassee Devdass , Grooms Dustin R. , Schmitz Randy J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAlthough higher anterior knee laxity (AKL) is an established risk factor of anterior cruciate ligament injury, underlying mechanisms are uncertain. While decreased proprioception and altered movement patterns in individuals with AKL have been identified, the potential impact of higher laxity on brain activity is not well understood. Thus, the purpose of this study is to identify the impact of different magnitudes of knee laxity on brain function during anterior knee joint loading. Twenty‐seven healthy and active female college students without any previous severe lower leg injuries volunteered for this study. AKL was measured using a knee arthrometer KT‐2000 to assign participants to a higher laxity (N = 15) or relatively lower laxity group (N = 12). Functional magnetic resonance images were obtained during passive anterior knee joint loading in a task‐based design using a 3 T MRI scanner. Higher knee laxity individuals demonstrated diminished cortical activation in the left superior parietal lobe during passive anterior knee joint loading. Less brain activation in the regions associated with awareness of bodily movements in females with higher knee laxity may indicate a possible connection between brain activity and knee laxity. The results of this study may help researchers and clinicians develop effective rehabilitation programs for individuals with increased knee laxity.
Leukocyte‐poor platelet‐rich plasma and leukocyte‐rich platelet‐rich plasma promote myoblast proliferation through the upregulation of cyclin A, cdk1, and cdk2
Authors: Chen Li‐Siou , Chen Chih‐Kuang , Pang Jong‐Hwei Su , Lin Li‐Ping , Yu Tung‐Yang , Tsai Wen‐Chung 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMuscle injuries are common among athletes and often treated with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP). However, whether the leukocyte concentration affects the efficacy of PRP in treating muscle injuries remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of leukocyte‐poor platelet‐rich plasma (LP‐PRP) and leukocyte‐rich platelet‐rich plasma (LR‐PRP) on myoblast proliferation and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Myoblasts were treated with 0.5% LP‐PRP, 0.5% LR‐PRP, 1% LP‐PRP, or 1% LR‐PRP for 24 h. The gene expression of the LP‐PRP‐ and LR‐PRP–treated myoblasts was determined using RNA sequencing analysis. Cell proliferation was evaluated using an bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) assay, and cell cycle progression was assessed through flow cytometry. The expression of cyclin A, cyclin‐dependent kinase 1 (cdk1), and cdk2 was examined using Western blotting. The expression of myoblast determination protein 1 (MyoD1) was examined through Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. The LP‐PRP and LR‐PRP both promoted the proliferation of myoblasts and increased differential gene expression of myoblasts. Moreover, the LP‐PRP and LR‐PRP substantially upregulated the expression of cyclin A, cdk1, and cdk2. MyoD1 expression was induced in the LP‐PRP and LR‐PRP–treated myoblasts. Our results corroborate the finding that LP‐PRP and LR‐PRP have similar positive effects on myoblast proliferation and MyoD1 expression.
The potential of suspended chitosan nanoparticles as a surgical irrigation fluid
Authors: Holmes Miles D. , Narro Analisa J. , Jones Hugh L. , Noble Philip C. , Ambrose Catherine G. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn this study, we sought to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles (CS‐NPs) and characterize their morphology, efficacy in inhibiting bacterial attachment, and efficacy in eradicating bacteria established on implantable hardware. CS‐NPs possess desirable properties, including antibacterial properties in biofilm‐mediated infections. CS‐NPs were produced using ionic gelation and characterized via scanning electron microscope imaging. Staphylococcus aureus was incubated with CS‐NPs at various concentrations and compared to a 1% povidone‐iodine with 1% H2O2 control in 24‐well plates. Stainless steel bone screws were placed in six‐well plates and inoculated with S. aureus. After 24 h, the screws were transferred to one of three solutions (saline, 40 mg/mL CS‐NP, or 1% povidone‐iodine with 1% H2O2). Four screws from each group were vortexed in saline and plated. The remaining screw from each group was prepped and imaged to map the location of persistent bacteria. Synthesized CS‐NPs had a mean diameter of 0.39 ± 0.13 μm and circularity of 0.87 ± 0.05. The percent inhibition of bacterial attachment was 73% at 20 mg/mL, 73% at 30 mg/mL, 75% at 40 mg/mL, 79% at 50 mg/mL, and 78% at 60 mg/mL. When compared to saline, the 40 mg/mL CS‐NP solution reduced bacteria on the screws by 76%. No bacteria were retrieved from the 1% povidone‐iodine with 1% H2O2 group. This study demonstrated that CS‐NP solution effectively inhibited S. aureus bacterial attachment and was more effective than saline in eradicating bacteria from orthopedic hardware, suggesting that CS‐NPs have the potential for prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal infections as a component of an intraoperative surgical irrigation solution.
Bazi Bushen maintains intestinal homeostasis through inhibiting TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota in SAMP6 mice
Authors: Xu Zhe , Man Shan‐shan , Gong Bo‐yang , Li Zhao‐dong , Zhou Hui‐fang , Peng Yan‐fei , Zhao Shu‐wu , Hou Yun‐long , Wang Li , Bian Yu‐hong 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDBazi Bushen is a Chinese patented medicine with multiple health benefits and geroprotective effects, yet, no research has explored its effects on intestinal homeostasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Bazi Bushen on intestinal inflammation and the potential mechanism of gut microbiota dysbiosis and intestinal homeostasis in senescence‐accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6). The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the function of the intestinal mucosal barrier. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting were used to determine the level of intestinal inflammation. The aging‐related β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining and Western blotting were used to measure the extent of intestinal aging. The 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) was performed to analyze the change in gut microbiota composition and distribution.RESULTSBazi Bushen exerted remarkable protective effects in SAMP6, showing a regulated mucosal barrier and increased barrier integrity. It also suppressed intestinal inflammation through down‐regulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α) and inhibiting TLR4/NFκB signaling pathway (MYD88, p‐p65, and TLR4). Bazi Bushen improved intestinal aging by reducing the area of SA‐β‐gal‐positive cells and the expression of senescence markers p16, p21, and p53. In addition, Bazi Bushen effectively rebuilt the gut microbiota ecosystem by decreasing the abundance of Bacteroides and Klebsiella, whiles increasing the ratio of Lactobacillus/Bacteroides and the abundance of Akkermansia.CONCLUSIONOur study shows that Bazi Bushen could serve as a potential therapy for maintaining intestinal homeostasis. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Fertilization as the most critical factor affecting yield response and agronomic efficiency of phosphorus in Chinese rice production: evidence from multi‐location field trials
Authors: Yan Xiaojun , Chen Xiaohui , Zhang Siwen , Muneer Muhammad Atif , Xu Xiuzhu , Ma Changcheng , Cai Yuanyang , Cui Zhenling , Chen Xinping , Wu Liangquan , Zhang Fusuo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDEfficient utilization of phosphorus (P) has been a major challenge for sustainable agriculture. However, the responses of fertilizer rate, region, soil properties, cropping systems and genotypes to P have not been investigated comprehensively and systematically.RESULTSA comprehensive analysis of 9863 fertilizer‐P experiments on rice cultivation in China showed that rice yield increased first and then fell down with the addition of P fertilizer, and the highest yield of 7963 kg ha−1 was observed under 100% P treatment. Under 100% P treatment, the yield response of applied P (YRP) and agronomic efficiency of applied P (AEP) were 12.8% and 30.1 kg ha−1, respectively. Lower soil pH (< 5.5) and organic matter (< 30.0 g kg−1) were associated with lower YRP and AEP. By contrast, soil available P < 25.0 mg kg−1 resulted in decreased YRP (15.3 to 11.4%) and AEP (32.3 kg kg−1 to 26.2 kg kg−1), whereas soil available P > 25.0 mg kg−1 maintained the relatively stable YRP and AEP. Also, the YRP and AEP were significantly higher for single‐cropping rice compared to other cropping systems. Moreover, the rice genotypes such as ‘Longdun’, ‘Kendao’ and ‘Jigeng’ had higher YRP and AEP than the average value. Overall, the fertilizer‐P rate was the primary factor affecting YRP and AEP, and the recommended P fertilizer rate can be reduced by 9–21 kg P ha−1 compared to existing expert recommendations.CONCLUSIONThe present study highlights the role of fertilizer‐P rate in maximizing the YRP and AEP, thereby providing a strong basis for future fertilizer management in rice cultivation systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Outcomes of Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer in Renal Failure Patients
Authors: Oglesby Kacie R. , Jefferson Gina D. , Thomas Carissa M. , Tomblin Caitlyn , Alnemri Angela , Curry Joseph M. , Bonaventure Caroline , Sweeny Larissa , Richards Holden W. , Wax Mark , Kane Anne C. 
Published: July 2023

ObjectiveTo assess if there is increased risk of free flap failure in renal failure patients undergoing head and neck reconstruction. We seek to primarily assess free flap outcomes based on stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and secondarily determine increased risk for postoperative complications.MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed at five tertiary care centers. Patients were identified that had undergone microvascular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck with diagnosis of renal failure, classified as Stage 3 CKD or higher. Demographic data was collected. Outcomes in the postoperative period were examined.ResultsSeventy‐three patients met inclusion criteria. The average patient age was 69 years with a male predominance (n = 48). The majority of patients had CKD Stage 3 (n = 52). Overall flap failure rate was 12.33% (n = 9, CKD stage 3 = 7.69%, CKD stage 4 = 30%, CKD stage 5 = 18%). There was an increased risk of flap failure on multivariate analysis for CKD stage 4/5 patients when compared to CKD 3 patients (p = 0.0095). When compared to matched controls, there was an increased risk of flap failure in CKD patients (p = 0.01) as well as an increased risk of overall complications (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsPatients with CKD undergoing head and neck reconstruction are at a higher risk of flap failure and overall complications. When comparing CKD stages there may be increased risk of flap failure in later stages of CKD compared to CKD 3. Appropriate patient counseling is recommended pre‐operatively in this patient population with consideration for regional flaps in the appropriate patient.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:688–694, 2024
The Use of Digital Image Processing Method to Estimate the Foam Characteristics of Polyurethane
Authors: Celik Bayar Caglar , Onur Tugba Ozge 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFour air‐bubbled polyurethane (PU) foams with different polyol:PMDI wt.% are produced, respectively. The chemical reaction mechanisms of polyurethane and bubble formation are proposed by performing standard Gibbs free energy calculations using the DFT M06‐2X/6‐31+G(d,p) method. The local minima, transition states, and intermediates in reaction mechanisms are detected. It is concluded that both reactions are exothermic. Then, raw images of the produced PU foams are taken with a 13 MP mobile phone camera, which can be considered inexpensive, and the mean radii of the pores are calculated by an image processing based method (IPBM) on a standard desktop computer with an i5 processor. It is determined that there is a close relationship between the calculated mean radius and instrumentally measured thermal conductivity coefficient of the foams. However, the thermal conductivity coefficients are independent of the calculated number and percentage of the pores. The mean radii of the samples calculated by the proposed IPBM are close to that of the SEM, with acceptable relative errors of less than 10%. Finally, it is concluded that IPBM, which is a more cost‐effective, cleaner, and faster method than SEM, might replace SEM in the air bubble analysis of PU foams.
Azomethine‐Containing Pyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrrole Copolymers for Simple and Degradable Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Bartlett Kimberley A. , Charland‐Martin Ariane , Lawton Jonathan , Tomlinson Aimée L. , Collier Graham S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractConjugated polymers have received significant attention as potentially lightweight and highly tailorable alternatives to inorganic semiconductors, but their synthesis is often complex, produces toxic byproducts, and they are not typically designed to be degradable or recyclable. These drawbacks necessitate dedicated efforts to discover materials with design motifs that enable targeted and efficient degradation of conjugated polymers. In this vein, the synthetic simplicity of 1,4‐dihydropyrrolo[3,2‐b]pyrroles (DHPPs) is exploited to access azomethine‐containing copolymers via a benign acid‐catalyzed polycondensation protocol. Polymerizations involve reacting a dialdehyde‐functionalized dihydropyrrolopyrrole with p‐phenylenediamine as the comonomer using p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. The inherent dynamic equilibrium of the azomethine bonds subsequently enabled the degradation of the polymers in solution in the presence of acid. Degradation of the polymers is monitored via NMR, UV‐vis absorbance, and fluorescence spectroscopies, and the polymers are shown to be fully degradable. Notably, while absorbance measurements reveal a continued shift to higher energies with extended exposure to acid, fluorescence measurements show a substantial increase in the fluorescence response upon degradation. Results from this study encourage the continued development of environmentally‐conscious polymerizations to attain polymeric materials with useful properties while simultaneously creating polymers with structural handles for end‐of‐life management or/and recyclability.
Outpatient Motor Retraining for Functional Movement Disorder: Predictors of a Favorable Short‐Term Response
Authors: Callister Marcus N. , Klanderman Molly C. , Boddu Sayi P. , Moutvic Margaret A. , Geissler Elizabeth N. , Traver Katie J. , Staab Jeffrey P. , Hassan Anhar 
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACTBackgroundTreating functional movement disorder (FMD) with motor retraining is effective but resource intensive.ObjectivesIdentify patient, disease, and program variables associated with favorable treatment outcomes.MethodsRetrospective review of the 1 week intensive outpatient FMD program at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota from February 2019 to August 2021. Outcomes included patient‐reported measures (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure‐Performance and Satisfaction subscales [COPM‐P and COPM‐S, range 0–10] and Global Rating of Change [GROC, −7 to +7]) and a retrospective investigator‐rated scale (0–3, worse/not improved to significantly improved/resolved). Linear regression models identified variables predicting favorable outcomes.ResultsParticipants (n = 201, 74% female, mean age = 46) had median FMD duration of 24 months. The commonest FMD subtypes were gait disorder (65%), tremor (41%) and weakness (17%); 53% had ≥2 subtypes. Most patients (88%) completed a therapeutic screening process before program entry. Patient‐reported outcomes at the end of the week improved substantially (COPM‐P average change 3.8 ± 1.9; GROC post‐program average 5.5 ± 1.7). Available investigator‐rated outcomes from short‐term follow‐up were also positive (102/122 [84%] moderately to significantly improved/resolved). Factors predicting greater improvement in COPM‐P were completing therapeutic screening, higher number of non‐motor symptoms, shorter FMD duration, earlier program entry, lower baseline COPM scores, and (among screened patients) higher GROC between therapeutic screening and program start.ConclusionPatients with diverse FMD subtypes improved substantially over a 1 week period. Utilization of therapeutic screening and greater improvement between therapeutic screening and program start were novel predictors of favorable outcomes. Non‐motor symptoms did not preclude positive responses, although patients with predominant non‐motor burden were excluded.
Extracellular Vesicles for the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Xylaki Mary , Chopra Avika , Weber Sandrina , Bartl Michael , Outeiro Tiago F. , Mollenhauer Brit 
Published: July 2023

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) biomarkers are needed by both clinicians and researchers (for diagnosis, identifying study populations, and monitoring therapeutic response). Imaging, genetic, and biochemical biomarkers have been widely studied. In recent years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become a promising material for biomarker development. Proteins and molecular material from any organ, including the central nervous system, can be packed into EVs and transported to the periphery into easily obtainable biological specimens like blood, urine, and saliva. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of articles (published before November 15, 2022) reporting biomarker assessment in EVs in PD patients and healthy controls (HCs). Biomarkers were analyzed using random effects meta‐analysis and the calculated standardized mean difference (Std.MD). Several proteins and ribonucleic acids have been identified in EVs in PD patients, but only α‐synuclein (aSyn) and leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) were reported in sufficient studies (n = 24 and 6, respectively) to perform a meta‐analysis. EV aSyn was significantly increased in neuronal L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM)–positive blood EVs in PD patients compared to HCs (Std.MD = 1.84, 95% confidence interval = 0.76–2.93, P = 0.0009). Further analysis of the biological sample and EV isolation method indicated that L1CAM‐IP (immunoprecipitation) directly from plasma was the best isolation method for assessing aSyn in PD patients. Upcoming neuroprotective clinical trials immediately need peripheral biomarkers for identifying individuals at risk of developing PD. Overall, the improved sensitivity of assays means they can identify biomarkers in blood that reflect changes in the brain. CNS‐derived EVs in blood will likely play a major role in biomarker development in the coming years. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.