bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of pattern standard deviation of Humphrey 10-2 visual field to evaluate central visual function in patients with early-stage glaucoma
Authors: Shin Hee Jong , Oh Si Eun , Park Chan Kee , Park Hae-Young Lopilly 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose: To explore various parameters that can evaluate the progression of central visual impairment in patients with early-stage glaucoma, including eyes in the preperimetric stage, according to the 24-2 VF test. A possible association between structural parameters acquired by OCT and functional parameters of VF and PERG was determined.
Study design: Cross-sectional observational study.
Methods: A total of 70 eyes of patients with suspected glaucoma or normal-tension glaucoma underwent VF, OCT, and PERG examinations. The patients were classified into two groups according to the MD of the 24-2 VF test. We used Pearson correlation analysis to evaluate the relationships between GCIPL thickness/RNFL thickness and visual functional parameters, such as PERG and perimetry. Linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the significant factors affecting the PSD of VF 10-2.
Results: In the low MD group the P50 amplitude presented significant correlations (r = 0.346, P = 0.048) with GCIPL thickness. In the correlation analysis of the high MD group, it was found that only the PSD of 10-2 uniquely presented borderline significant correlations with GCIPL thickness (r=-0.327, P = 0.055), and no other functional parameter showed significant correlation. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that GCIPL thickness was significantly associated with a PSD of 10-2 VF (P <0.001 and 0.013, respectively).
Conclusions: Most functional parameters showed no significant association, the P50 amplitude and 10-2 PSD demonstrated statistically borderline significant structure-function relationships with GCIPL thickness. Given the importance of the central VF in patients’ quality of life, we suggest examining the PSD of 10-2 VF and the P50 amplitude of PERG to evaluate early macular involvement in very early-stage glaucoma.
Synapsin2a tetramerization selectively controls the presynaptic nanoscale organisation of reserve synaptic vesicles.
Authors: Sanders Shanley , Gormal Rachel , Wallis Tristan , Joensuu Merja , Augustine George , Martinez-Marmol Ramon , Meunier Frederic 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Neurotransmitter release relies on the regulated fusion of synaptic vesicles (SVs) that are tightly packed within the presynapse of neurons. The mechanism by which SVs are anchored at the presynapse while preserving their ability to dynamically recycle thereby supporting neuronal communication remains unknown. Synapsin2a tetramerization was recently suggested to cluster SV in presynapses. Here, we used Dual-pulse sub-diffractional Tracking of Internalised Molecules (DsdTIM) to simultaneously track SVs from the recycling and reserve pools, in live hippocampal neurons. The reserve pool displays a lower presynaptic mobility compared to the recycling pool and exhibits a more mobile axonal pool. Synapsin1-3 triple knockout (SynTKO) selectively increased the reserve pool mobility. Re-expression of wild-type Synapsin2a, but not the tetramerization-deficient mutant K337Q, fully rescued these effects. Tracking Synapsin2aK337Q-mEos3.2 revealed altered synapsin activity-dependent presynaptic translocation and nanoclustering. Synapsin2a tetramerization therefore controls its own presynaptic nanoclustering allowing dynamic immobilisation of the reserve pool at the presynapse.
Impact of whole brain radiotherapy after treatment of melanoma brain metastases on an individual’s employment and household income
Authors: TRAN ANH DAM , NG SHARON , HONG ANGELA M , NGUYEN MAI TH , Fogarty Gerald , Paton Elizabeth , Steel Victoria , Burmeister Bryan , Thompson John F , Morton Rachael L 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose: A cancer diagnosis can result in a considerable financial burden to individuals and their households. This study aimed to investigate this problem in patients treated for melanoma brain metastases.
Methods: An economic evaluation was conducted as a sub-study of a randomised controlled trial of whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) versus observation following surgery and/or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for 1-3 melanoma brain metastases. Employment status and pre-tax household income were measured at baseline and every 2 months for 12 months. Outcomes included changes in employment status or household income category at 12 months.
Results: Of 125 patients, 64 were included in the analysis, 31 randomised to WBRT and 33 to observation, 61 patients were excluded because they were not in the workforce at baseline (42) or were unsure about their income (19). Mean age was 61 years (range 27-88), 37 (58%) completed employment questionnaires and 61 (96%) completed income questionnaires at baseline. Prior to treatment, 39% worked full-time, 8% part-time and 53% were unemployed. At 12 months, 23%, 12% and 65% individuals were employed full-time, part-time and unemployed, respectively. Job status change and household income at 12 months were not significantly different between the two treatment groups (p=0.18 and 0.87, respectively).
Conclusions: A substantial proportion of patients experienced job loss after treatment of melanoma brain metastases, however this was similar for those undergoing WBRT or observation alone. Strategies to reduce the impact for both groups (e.g., financial counselling, employment rehabilitation) could be implemented by clinicians and allied health workers.
Persistent current in a mesoscopic Holstein-Hubbard ring with Dresselhaus interaction
Authors: Bhattacharyya Kuntal , J. Monisha P. , Chatterjee Ashok 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The effect of electron-phonon coupling, onsite repulsive Coulomb interaction and temperature on the persistent current in a quantum ring is studied in the presence of Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction. The quantum ring threaded by the Aharonov-Bohm flux is modelled by the one-dimensional Holstein-Hubbard-Dresselhaus Hamiltonian. The electron-phonon interaction and Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction are decoupled by employing the Lang-Firsov coherent transformation and a unitary transformation respectively. Thereafter, a self-consistent diagonalization technique is performed numerically at the Hartree-Fock level to obtain the effective electronic energy and current. It is shown that the intrinsic Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction enhances the persistent charge and spin currents significantly. On the other hand, the persistent current is reduced by the onsite and nearest-neighbour electron-phonon interaction and Coulomb interaction. Also, the behaviour of the currents is modified by temperature. The spin-splitting of persistent spin current is enhanced considerably by Dresselhaus spin-orbit interaction and this splitting is tuneable in different regimes of magnetic flux, temperature, chemical potential and the interactions present in the system.
Mixed methods evaluation of an extended hours clinical pharmacy service in the paediatric emergency department
Authors: Stacey Sonya Rae , Gillies Bryanna Jane , Tasker Natalie , Lowe Jade , Smith Christine Helen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

There is substantial evidence of the positive impact of a clinical pharmacy service in the adult emergency department (ED), but less so in paediatrics, despite the well-known increased risk of medication related harm in children compared to adults.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of an extended hours clinical pharmacy service on the safety and quality of medication management for children presenting to ED.

Method

Mixed methods design using retrospective analysis of routinely collected data from the electronic medical record, manually collected descriptive data on pharmacist activities, and a survey of ED clinicians. Three 12 week periods representing three different ED pharmacy service models were compared.

Results

Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) was the most frequent activity undertaken by the pharmacist and highly valued by ED clinicians. Mean time to BPMH from admission was significantly shorter with the ED pharmacist (6.11 hours) in comparison to the ward pharmacist (37.56 hours) and doctor (165.75 hours, p<0.001). Time from prescribing to inpatient and discharge dispensing was also shorter with an ED pharmacist. Clinicians were strongly supportive of the service, with themes reflecting patient flow improvement, timely medication access, early documentation of medication history, assistance in prescribing, identification and resolution of errors, and valuable resource for rapid access to information for staff and families.

Conclusion

A pharmacy service in the paediatric ED improves timeliness of BPMH documentation, inpatient and discharge dispensing and was strongly supported by other ED clinicians as improving patient flow, and safety and quality of care for children and families.
Turning Parameters Optimizing for Surface Quality of Al- MMCs: A Comparative Study of Cutting Environments
Authors: Khandey Umesh , Chandra Viabhav , Arya Vedpal , Kumar Praveen 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The machining of Aluminum-based Metal Matrix Composites (Al-MMCs) is challenging due to their inhomogeneity, anisotropic nature, and dynamic cutting forces. In this paper, the effect of machining parameters, including cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut, on surface quality (Ra) and cutting forces (Fc) during turning of Al-MMCs under different cutting conditions (DRY, WET, and MQL) was investigated. Statistical analysis tools were used to analyze the experimental results, and ANOVA and RSM techniques were used to model the relationships between machining parameters and responses. The results showed that feed rate had the most significant effect on both Ra and Fc for all machining conditions. The optimum feed rate of 0.03 mm/rev was found to produce the best surface finish and lower cutting forces in all conditions. The DRY mode of machining was found to be optimal for surface finish, and the MQL mode was found to be effective in reducing cutting forces due to its cooling and lubrication properties. Future research should focus on investigating the effect of different cutting tool materials and geometries on the machinability of Al-MMCs and developing more effective and sustainable machining strategies.
Exploring Hypertension Incidence and Predictors in a Prospective Cohort Study of Kharameh in Southern Iran
Authors: Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Johari Masoumeh Ghoddusi , Baeradeh Najibullah , Seif Mozhgan , Hosseini Seyed Vahid 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background:
Hypertension (HTN) is a significant public health concern globally. The study aims to estimate the incidence of HTN among adults aged 40 and above in southern Iran and identify the risk factors associated with it.
Methods:
The participants in the present prospective cohort study consisted of 7710 people aged 40–70 years. HTN is defined according to European guidelines for HTN management. Firth Logistic regression was used to model and predict the factors related to HTN. Additionally, the age standardized incidence rate (ASPR) of HTN was determined using the standard Asian population.
Results:
The study found that the incidence rate of HTN during the four-year follow-up was 21.54 per 1000 person-years, with higher incidence in females than males. Risk factors for developing HTN included being old, female, obesity, and using opium. Clinical risk factors included pre-HTN, family history of HTN, rheumatoid disease, kidney stones, recurrent headaches, history of head injury with anesthesia, and high triglyceride levels.
Conclusion:
The incidence of HTN was greater in women than in men. Furthermore, pre- HTN, advanced age, obesity, opioid use, and family history of HTN were the most significant risk factors for developing HTN. Therefore, it is advisable to develop strategies to lessen modifiable risk factors.
GC-FID based analysis of trace phthalates with a novel nanocomposite by polar-nonpolar properties in plastic bottled water
Authors: omidi Ali , Khaloo Shokooh Sadat , Zendehdel Rezvan , Ravannakhjavani Fatemeh , Khodakarim Soheila , kakavandi Masoud Ghanbari 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Risk of emerging contaminants such as phthalates in drinking water and food are concerned due to adverse effect of these chemicals. Release of phthalates as a plastics additive from bottles to drinking water is a source of risk. On the other hand, trace level determination of phthalates in plastic bottled samples is a hurdle in risk assessment. A dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE) with polar-nonpolar properties adsorbent was prepared for trace analysis of di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP). Adsorbent consisted of magnetic nano silica aerogel (MSi) coated by CuO ROD (CuR) which was supported ionic liquid (IL). Produced MSi@CuR@IL was characterized by SEM, VSM, BET, EDS, FTIR, C/H/N elemental analysis and TGA. In DSPE method, the effect of adsorbent amount, time of sample absorption and suspension speed were optimized based on the central composite design (CCD). Optimized condition was evaluated in 24 mg MSi@CuR@IL, sample absorption time of 14 min at pH = 6.2 by suspension speed of 700 RPMI. Using optimized method suitable performance was presented including detection limit of 0.78 to 1.25 µg/L, phthalate recovery of 92.21 to 102.12, linear rage of 3 to 200 µg/L and repeatability by RSD% of < 10%. Evaluated DSPE was performed in 10 plastic bottled water between 8.9 to 195.3 µg/L. In conclusion application of a potent adsorbent prepare a simple, sensitive and rapid DSPE for phthalate detection by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) as a commercial technique.
Evaluation of a PlayPosit Guided Group Project’s Impact on Student Engagement in an Undergraduate Course
Authors: Sherifi Sherifi , Jia Yuane , Hunt Thomas J. , Ndanga Memory 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background

Student engagement is critical for meaningful learning and can be impacted by teaching methods, tools, and course content. Online student engagement continues to be challenging because they have fewer ways to engage with professors, peers, and the university. Our study aimed to evaluate how a PlayPosit guided group project impacted engagement in a structured online learning environment.
Methods: For this qualitative study, a PlayPosit guided group project was implemented in an online undergraduate course taught via Canvas learning management system. Engagement was evaluated using online course analytics and student’s written feedback. Basic Canvas reports were analyzed using descriptive statistics and students’ written feedback was analyzed using directed content analysis.
Results: All 29 students enrolled in the course completed the course successfully. They completed 99.3% of the PlayPosit activities with accuracy 87.6%-100% and completed the course project with scores 89%-100%. Student comments were grouped into themes related to PlayPosit, group project, and engagement. Students found PlayPosit activities helpful/beneficial, aligned with deliverables, a great learning resource, and enjoyable. Students recognized the group project for its importance in teaching them collaboration, expressed that it enabled them to learn more from each-other, was an enjoyable networking experience, and was challenging. Engagement themes included knowledge gained was applicable to the real world, the course stimulated higher-order thinking, and the course was enjoyable and kept students wanting more.
Conclusions: This study suggested that a PlayPosit guided group project was well-received by students and contributed to high engagement with the content, peers, and the professor.
Dietary patterns associated with the incidence of hypertension: Application of machine learning to a cohort study
Authors: Li Longfei , Momma Haruki , Chen Haili , Nawrin Saida Salima , Xu Yidan , Inada Hitoshi , Nagatomi Ryoichi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have focused on the relationship between specific dietary factors (such as sodium intake or consumption of fruits and vegetables) and the development of hypertension. However, less is known about the role of overall dietary patterns (food intake, dietary behaviors, and cooking methods) in the development of hypertension. This study aims to address this gap in the literature by using unsupervised machine-learning techniques to identify dietary patterns associated with the incidence of hypertension.
Methods: Data were obtained from Japanese participants enrolled in a prospective cohort study between August 2008 and August 2010. A total of 447 male participants were included in the analysis. Dimension reduction using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) and subsequent K-means clustering was used to derive dietary patterns. In addition, multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and the incidence of hypertension.
Results: We identified four dietary patterns: ‘Sweet Tooth,’ ‘Herbivorous,’ ‘Meat-based healthy,’ and ‘Seafood and Alcohol.’ Approximately 13.4% of the cohort study participants developed hypertension in the following two years. Compared with ‘Seafood and Alcohol’ as a reference, the protective dietary patterns for hypertension were ‘Herbivorous’ (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19–0.80, p = 0.013) and the ‘Meat-based healthy’ (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.16–0.86, p = 0.022) after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including age, body mass index, smoking, education, physical activity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. An age-matched sensitivity analysis confirmed this finding.
Conclusions:From a methodological perspective, we successfully identified clear dietary patterns by clustering using the UMAP and K-means algorithms in an epidemiological dataset with a small sample size. The ‘Herbivorous’ and ‘Meat-based healthy’ dietary patterns were associated with a lower risk of hypertension in Japanese males than the ‘Seafood and Alcohol’ pattern. These findings provide helpful insights into hypertension-preventive interventions in Japanese males through dietary pattern regulation.
Dietary Effects of Sodium Propionate Supplementation on Growth, Digestive Enzyme Activity and Immune System Gene Expresion of Tropical Gar Juveniles (Atractosteus Tropicus)
Authors: Arellano-Carrasco Jesús G. , Martínez-García² Rafael , Asiain-Hoyos¹ Alberto , Reta-Mendiola¹ Juan L. , Díaz-Rivera¹ Pablo , Frías-Gómez³ Susana A. , Martínez-Burguete² Talhia , Asencio-Alcudia² Gloria G. , Jiménez-Martínez Luis Daniel , Guerrero-Zarate² Rocío , Sepúlveda-Quiroz² Cesar A. , Álvarez-González² Carlos A. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The effect of sodium propionate (SP) added to balanced diets was determined for Atractosteus tropicus juveniles on growth, survival, digestive enzyme activity, and expression of genes associated with the immune system. Five treatments (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) were evaluated in triplicate during a 61-day feeding trial. 180 organisms (3.65 ± 0.12 g) were distributed in 15 tanks of 70 L. The juveniles were fed five times daily with 6% in relation to the biomass of the organisms. Juveniles fed with 0.5% of SP showed higher final weight, absolute weight gain (AWG), and specific growth rate (SGR). Fish fed with 1.5 and 2.0% SP showed highest survival rate (91.6%). Control group (0%) showed greater activity of lipases and trypsin. The highest activity of alkaline proteases and chymotrypsin was found in treatments with 0 and 0.5% SP, while addition of 1.5% of SP promoted highest activity of acid proteases, and highest relative gene expression of ocln, muc2, and nod2. The inclusion of SP in the diet of A. tropicus juveniles may benefit the activity of digestive enzymes, as well as the expression of genes related to the function of intestinal barrier and therefore increasing the survival of organisms.
Ethnobotanical studies of some wild plants of Swat valley, Kp, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Shujat , Munazir Mehmooda , Shah Sayed Afzal , Qurashi Rahmat Ullah 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Over a long history of understanding and utilizing natural resources, Swat's indigenous peoples have amassed a wealth of traditional knowledge about local plants. Thus, the aim of the present study is to document the ethnobotanical importance of native plants among the different indigenous communities in district Swat. The present study was carried out from 2018 to 2022. Data for the study were collected from approximately 300 informants, ranging in age from 20 to 90 years old, from various villages in seven tehsils within Swat via formal and informal interviews and group discussions. A total of 234 plant species belonging to 74 families were used for various purposes in the area. The most dominant family were the Poaceae (20%), followed by the Rosacea (9%), Fabaceae (5%), Asteraceae (5%), Brassicaceae (3%). The highest number of plants were used as fodder (52%), followed by medicinal (42%), (34 %), fuel wood (25%), ornamental (12%), honeybee (10%), furniture making (8%), agricultural tools (8%), thatching (5%), fencing (4%), and timber were (3%). While leaves were highly used (42%) for medicinal purposes, followed by fruits (19%), shoots (16%), bark (9%), flowers (8%), seed (5%), gum (4%), roots (4%), cones (2%), milky juice (2%), needles (2%), oil (1%), and cob (1%). The majority of plants served multiple functions. Dominant ethnobotanical uses were accounted for as laxatives, purgatives, emollients, fodder, thatching, basket making, fuel wood, sports materials, and agricultural tools. Traditional knowledge of local plants, owned by Swat people, is rich but at risk of being lost among the young generation. It is concluded that the present research will improve the socioeconomic conditions and provide guidelines for the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area.
Evaluation of liver functionality after liver stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using blood tests and imaging examinations
Authors: Tanaka Osamu , Taniguchi Takuya , Nakaya Shuto , Adachi Kousei , Kiryu Takuji , Makita Chiyoko , Matsuo Masayuki 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background

Several studies have shown that liver function can be evaluated after hepatic stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using galactosyl human serum albumin (GSA) liver scintigraphy and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (EOB. However, there are no reports investigating the relationship (including Chile–Pugh classification) between imaging and blood tests. Therefore, we investigated the changes that occur in the liver between before and after SBRT by combining imaging (GSA, computed tomography (CT), and MRI) with and without EOB enhancement) with blood tests that assess total liver function (albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, ICG-R15). We decided to find a method that could assess liver reserve capacity locally and globally.

Methods

Of the 23 patients who underwent hepatic SBRT, 12 patients underwent GSA, MRI, and ICG-R15 testing before treatment, 1 month after treatment, and 3 months after treatment. All patients underwent imaging studies and blood tests at the beginning of treatment, 1 month after treatment, and 3 months after treatment ended. The evaluation items were as follows: 1) changes over time in Child–Pugh classification, ICG-R15, and ALBI values before and after SBRT; 2) changes over time in GSA count and ICG; and 3) selection of the optimal sequence for recognizing radiation hepatitis on MRI.

Results

The ICG values were 14.4 before RT, 17.1 after 1 month, and 17.6 after 3 months. ICG worsened after 1 month of treatment, but was similar after 3 months. ALBI values were − 2.61 before RT, − 2.67 after 1 month, and − 2.71 after 3 months. ALBl worsened slightly over time.

Conclusion

Regarding the ICG-R15, there was an average worsening of 2.8 after 1 month of treatment compared with before SBRT, but only of 0.5 between 1 month and 3 months after SBRT. Therefore, evaluation using ICG-R15 after SBRT after 1 month alone may be sufficient.

Clinical trial registration: UMIN000035026