bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative assessment of the effects of dobutamine and levosimendan on right ventricular ejection fraction in patients with biventricular heart failure
Authors: Kaplangoray Mustafa , Aydın Cihan 
Published: March 2023

Aim The primary objective of this study was to comparatively assess the effects of levosimendan and dobutamine on RVEF, right ventricular diastolic function, and hormonal balance in patients with biventricular heart failure. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between the RVEF and the peak systolic velocity (Sa), an indicator of right ventricular systolic function, as measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography from the tricuspid annulus, and by the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).Material and Methods The population of this cross-sectional, single-center, prospective study was comprised of 81 patients, who between December 2019 and January 2022, applied to the study health institution with diagnosis of ADHF. The study sample included 67 biventricular heart failure patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35 % and RVEF <50 %, as measured by the ellipsoidal shell model, and who met the other study inclusion criteria. Of these 67 patients, 34 were treated with levosimendan, and 33 were treated with dobutamine. RVEF, LVEF, Sa, peak early (Ea) and peak late (Aa) annular velocities, Ea / Aa ratio, TAPSE, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and functional capacity (FC) were measured before treatment and at 48 hrs of treatment. The within group pre- and post-treatment differences (Δs) of these variables were compared.Results RVEF, SPAP, and BNP, and FC significantly improved in both treatment groups (p<0.05 for all). Sa (p<0.01), TAPSE (p<0.01), LVEF (p<0.01), and Ea / Aa (p<0.05) improved only in the levosimendan group. The pre- and post-treatment Δs for RVEF, LVEF, SPAP, Sa, TAPSE, FC, and Ea / Aa were higher in the levosimendan group than in the dobutamine group (p<0.05 for all).Conclusion Compared to dobutamine, levosimendan produced greater improvement in right ventricular systolic and diastolic function in patients with biventricular heart failure and in need of inotropic therapy support.
Indications and Efficacy of Halo-Gravity Traction in Pediatric Spinal Deformity
Authors: O'Donnell Jennifer , Garcia Steven , Ali Syed , Asturias Alicia , Swarup Ishaan 
Published: March 2023

» Halo-gravity traction (HGT) is a well-established technique for correcting severe spinal deformity in pediatric patients.» HGT induces soft-tissue relaxation and gradually lengthens the spine, and it can be used preoperatively and intraoperatively.» It is typically indicated for spinal deformity over 90° in any plane and medical optimization.» There are several complications associated with the use of HGT, and it is critical to follow a protocol and perform serial examinations to minimize this risk.
Correct for the wrong reason: why we should know more about Mathematical Common Student Errors in e-Assessment questions
Authors: Sikurajapathi Indunil , Henderson Karen , Gwynllyw Rhys 
Published: March 2023

Students may arrive at an incorrect answer when answering a mathematical question due to several reasons, such as random errors, calculation errors or misreading the question. Such errors are sometimes referred to as Common Student Errors (CSEs). This article explains why it is important to know more about Mathematical CSEs in e-Assessment questions, using several examples encountered while conducting the CSE Project at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol). The CSE Project at UWE Bristol began with an aim of developing a technique to detect CSEs and provide tailored feedback in e-Assessment questions delivered via Dewis, UWE Bristol’s in-house e-Assessment system. In this research article, we present one important finding of this project that is related to the parameter selection(s) of e-Assessment questions which have at least one CSE. We highlight why, in this digital era, it is more vital than ever to know more about mathematical CSEs.
Suicidality, depression, and anxiety among Hong Kong veterinarians: a quantitative pilot study
Authors: Chan Camille K.Y. , Wong Paul W.C. 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective
The suicidality and poor mental health conditions of the veterinary profession have drawn increasing attention; however, little is known about the mental health status of veterinarians in Hong Kong. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of suicidality and symptoms of depression and anxiety among Hong Kong veterinarians.
Methods
All veterinarians were registered and practising in Hong Kong at the time of recruitment to the e-survey study between 1 January 2022 and 31 March 2022. Participants’ suicidality, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were assessed using validated scales.
Results
Data from 56 participants were included in the analysis. Among them, 22.0% self-reported as at risk of suicide, 19.6% had current suicidal ideation, and 29.4% and 23.5% had depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Our findings were comparable to or higher than those reported in Anglophone and European countries.
Conclusion
Contextual factors affecting the mental health of veterinarians practising in Hong Kong are worth further investigation. It is important to enhance mental health awareness by improving the profession’s mental health literacy as a suicide prevention strategy.
Physician Burnout and Associated Risk Factors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Reimann Raissa Santos , Romano Filippo , Cavatti Mariana Moraes 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome consists of a group of psychological symptoms due to chronic exposure to stressors in the workplace, which increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of burnout, and the possible associated risk factors, among physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic in Porto Velho-RO, Brazil.
METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out through the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) answered by physicians who signed the informed consent form, between August 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS: The prevalence of burnout in this study was 77.5% (107/138), with 43.48% (60/138) with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Statistical tests were carried out and suggested being female, being under 30 years of age, being single, and working on the frontline as risk factors for burnout. While having children and being married are possible protective factors.
CONCLUSIONS: High levels of burnout syndrome were evidenced in the research participants. This study highlights correlated risk factors, with its results being consistent with the literature.
Physical activity before, during, and after COVID-19 pandemic: a smartphone-tracking study of university students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aly Mohamed , AlMarzooqi Mezna , Mohamed Sheref , Alzahrani Turki , Abdelkarim Osama 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a real threat to human society in terms of economy, health, and people's lifestyle. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the physical activity level of Egyptian and Saudi university students before and during the first and second years of COVID-19 pandemic by recording daily step counts to understand the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity in Egyptian and Saudi Arabia young adults.
Methods: We used the daily step counts recorded by a smartphone application (iPhone Health App) from January 2019 to December 2021 for 1273 university students in Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Results: Of 1273 university students who participated in the study, 645 were from Egypt, and 628 were from Saudi Arabia. The mean age of Egyptian university students was 20.00 ± 3.39 years, while the mean age of Saudi university students was 21.02 ± 2.99 years. There was a significant difference between pre-COVID and post-COVID 1st year (3909.766 ± vs 2913.45) and between post-COVID 1st year and post-COVID 2nd year (2913.45 vs 3726.24). The daily step count was also significantly higher among Egyptian university students than male Saudi university students (4146.72 vs 3305.75) in post-COVID-2nd year but not in females. The daily step counts were significantly lower in females than males, with only Egyptians in the three-time points (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: These findings outline that both Egyptian and Saudi participants were far from the physical activity guidelines. Our data also showed that COVID-19 pandemic greatly influenced the daily step counts of university students due to restrictive governmental measures. Physical activity initiatives are needed in both countries to encourage active living and discourage sedentary lifestyles especially in female university students.
Unravelling the mechanism of autoinhibition by Pseudomonas aeruginosa aminopeptidase enables the development of a potent antibiofilm cyclic peptide
Authors: Harding Christopher John , Bischoff Marcus , Bergkessel Megan , Czekster Clarissa Melo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes serious illness, especially in immunocompromised individuals, including those with cystic fibrosis. P. aeruginosa extensively forms biofilms which significantly contribute to its growth and persistence in a wide range of environments. In addition, its success can be attributed to several secreted proteases. Here, we investigated the aminopeptidase PaAP from P. aeruginosa, which is one of the most abundant extracellular proteins in the biofilm matrix. Increasing evidence suggests this quorum-sensing-regulated peptidase is associated with biofilm development and contributes to nutrient recycling by complementing the activity of other secreted proteases. We confirmed that post translational processing was required for activation, as a C-terminal truncation mutant possessed ~100-fold higher activity than the full-length enzyme. We determined that PaAP is a promiscuous aminopeptidase acting on unstructured regions of peptides and proteins. High-resolution crystal structures of wild type enzyme and mutants revealed the mechanism of autoinhibition, whereby the Cterminal pro-peptide locks the protease-associated (PA) domain and the catalytic peptidase domain, into a closed, inhibited conformation. Inspired by this selfregulatory mechanism and guided by structural data, we designed a highly potent small cyclic-peptide inhibitor (KI in the nM range). This inhibitor recapitulates the deleterious phenotype observed with a PaAP deletion mutant in liquid cultures and biofilm assays and presents a path towards targeting secreted proteins in a biofilm context.
STIM1-regulated exosomal EBV-LMP1 empowers endothelial cells with aggressive phenotype by activating the Akt/ERK pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Deng Yayan , Liu Xue , Huang Yujuan , Ye Jiaxiang , He Qian , Luo Yue , Chen Yong , Li Qiuyun , Lin Yan , Liang Rong , Li Yongqiang , Wei Jiazhang , Zhang Jinyan 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1)-mediated Ca2+ signaling regulates tumor angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-related human malignancy. However, the mechanism by which STIM1 modulates the endothelial functional phenotypes contributing to tumor angiogenesis remains elusive.
Methods We explored the intercellular communication via exosomal biomolecules released by EBV-infected NPC cells and delivered to endothelial cells (ECs). The NPC cell-derived exosomes were isolated via differential centrifugation and observed with transmission electron microscopy. Exosome particle size was assessed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Uptake of exosomes by recipient ECs was detected by fluorescent labeling of the exosomes with PKH26. Tumor angiogenesis-associated profiles were characterized by determining cell proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and permeability in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Activation of the Akt/ERK pathway was elucidated by detecting the phosphorylation level using western blotting. A chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft model was employed to study tumor-associated neovascularization in vivo.
Results The NPC cell-derived exosomes harboring EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) promoted proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and permeability by activating the Akt/ERK pathway in ECs. STIM1 silencing reduced LMP1 enrichment in NPC cell-derived exosomes, thereby reversing its pro-oncogenic effects in an Akt/ERK pathway-dependent manner. Furthermore, STIM1 knockdown in NPC cells blunted tumor-induced vascular network formation and inhibited intra-tumor neovascularization in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) xenograft model.
Conclusion STIM1 regulates tumor angiogenesis by controlling exosomal EBV-LMP1 delivery to ECs in the NPC tumor microenvironment. Blocking exosome-mediated cell-to-cell horizontal transfer of EBV-associated oncogenic signaling molecules may be an effective therapeutic strategy for NPC.
Dynamics Modeling and Simulation Analysis of a Gas-hydraulic Buffer Based on AMESim
Authors: Feng Zengming , Heng Tianlong , Wang Lu , Xu Jiancheng , Feng Shuai , Zheng Chenggong , Zhang Yiming 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Previous studies on train crash behaviour have focused on the entire train buffer system, and few studies have focused on the internal structure and dynamic characteristics of the gas-hydraulic buffer in the buffer device. In this paper accurate three-dimensional and dynamic models of a gas-hydraulic shock absorber are constructed, and a simulation model of the gas-hydraulic shock absorber is established using the AMESim software platform. Based on this model, the influence of the structural parameters of the gas-hydraulic buffer and the parameters of the internal working medium on its dynamic characteristics is studied, which provides a reference for the practical application, development and optimization of gas-hydraulic buffers in the future. Compared with the impedance force-travel data curve of an impact trolley crash test at different speeds, it is proven that the model can simulate the dynamic characteristics of the gas-hydraulic buffer in the collision process.
Key words: Gas-hydraulic buffer; Dynamic characteristics; Structural parameters; Working medium; Simulation analysis
Chronic and acute health effects of PM2.5 exposure and the basis of pollution control targets
Authors: Bui Long Ta , Nguyen Nhi Hoang Tuyet , Nguyen Phong Hoang 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Ho Chi Minh City is changing and expanding quickly, leading to environmental consequences that seriously threaten human health. PM2.5 pollution is one of the main causes of premature death. In this context, studies have evaluated strategies to control and reduce air pollution; such pollution-control measures need to be economically justified. The objective of this study was to assess the socio-economic damage caused by exposure to the current pollution scenario, taking 2019 as the base year. A methodology for calculating and evaluating the economic and environmental benefits of air pollution reduction was implemented. This study aimed to simultaneously evaluate the impacts of both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) PM2.5 pollution exposure on human health, providing a comprehensive overview of economic losses attributable to such pollution. Spatial partitioning (inner-city and suburban) on health risks of PM2.5 and detailed construction of health impact maps by age group and sex on a spatial resolution grid (3.0 km × 3.0 km) was performed. The calculation results show that the economic loss from premature deaths due to short-term exposure (approximately 38.86 trillion VND) is higher than that from long-term exposure (approximately 14.89 trillion VND). As the government of HCMC has been developing control and mitigation solutions for the Air Quality Action Plan towards short- and medium-term goals in 2030, focusing mainly on PM2.5, the results of this study will help policymakers develop a roadmap to reduce the impact of PM2.5 during 2025–2030.
Topical use of tranexamic acid can reduce opioid consumption for patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Lei , Jiang Zhenhuan , Wang Qiang , Xu Wei 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: The problem of opioid addiction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been widely concerned. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been shown to be effective in reducing blood loss for patients undergoing THA, but few studies focus on its alleviation of postoperative local pain symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether topical TXA could reduce early postoperative hip pain for primary THA patients, thereby reducing the use of opioids, and whether local pain is related to inflammatory response.
Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled study, we randomly divided 161patients into a topical group (n=79) and an intravenous group (n=82). Hip pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score within three days after surgery and tramadol was used for pain relief when necessary. Inflammatory markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total blood loss and hemoglobin drop were assessed by hematologic tests. The primary outcomes included the VAS score and dose of tramadol from the first to the third day after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the inflammatory markers level, total blood loss and complications.
Results: The pain score and inflammation markers level on the first day in the topical TXA group were significantly lower than those in the intravenous TXA group (P＜0.05). The correlation analysis showed that the VAS score on the first day after surgery was positively correlated with the inflammation markers level (P＜0.05). The tramadol dose for topical group was lower than intravenous group on the first and second day after surgery. There were no differencesin total blood loss between the two groups (640.60± 188.12ml vs. 634.20± 187.85ml, P= 0.06). There was no difference in the incidence of complications.
Conclusion: Topical use of TXA could relieve the local pain symptoms and reduce opioid consumption for patients undergoing primary THA by reduce the early postoperative inflammatory response.
Trial registration: The trial was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100052396) on 10/24/2021.
Cas13a-based multiplex RNA targeting for potato virus Y
Authors: Zhan Xiaohui , Tu Zhen , Song Wenlei , Zhang Jiang , Zhang Fengjuan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCRISPR-Cas systems endow the bacterial and archaeal species with adaptive immunity mechanisms to fend off invading phages and foreign plasmids. The class 2 type VI CRISPR/Cas effector Cas13a has been harnessed to confer the protection against RNA viruses in diverse eukaryotic species. However, whether gRNA targeting sites have effects on the efficiency of RNA viruses inhibition is unknown. Here we repurpose of CRISPR/Cas13a coupled with an endogenous tRNA-processing system (polycistronic tRNA-gRNA, PTG) to target four genes of potato virus Y (PVY). Expression of Cas13a and four different gRNAs were evidenced in transgenic potato lines expressing Cas13a/PTG construct. We show that the multiple gRNAs transgenic plants could suppress PVY accumulation and disease symptoms at a similar level to transgenic plants expressing single gRNA. Collectively, our study suggests that the Cas13-based multiplex RNA targeting system can be used to engineer resistances to RNA viruses in plants, and the number of gRNAs target sites have no effect on CRISPR/Cas13a-mediated viral interference in plants.
Bacterial Diversity and Community Characteristics of the Sinus and Dental Regions in Adults with Odontogenic Sinusitis
Authors: Wu Jianyou , Zheng Ming , Zhao Yan , Yin Weihong , Sima Yutong , Zhao Jinming , Wang Xiangdong , Lin Jiang , Zhang Luo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background
The microbiome plays a crucial role in Odontogenic sinusitis (OS); however, bacterial characteristics of the sinuses and connected dental regions in OS are poorly understood. In this study, nasal secretion were collected from 41 OS patients and 20 simple nasal septum deviation patients, and oral mucosa samples from dental regions were collected from 28 OS patients and 22 impacted teeth extraction patients. DNA was extracted and 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to explore the characteristics and structure of microbiome in sinuses and dental regions of OS patients.
Results
Alpha diversity of oral and nasal microbiome in OS patients all were higher than that in control. Principal co-ordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that oral samples clustered separately from nasal samples, beta diversity of oral and nasal samples in OS patients were also higher than that in control. Dominant phylum was Bacteroidota in OS patients and Firmicutes in control, either in oral or nasal cavity. Dominant genera in oral microbiome of OS patients were similar to that of control, were Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas and Prevotella, which were close to nasal microbiome structure of OS, while dominant genus in nasal microbiome of control were Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Cutibacterium. Co-occurrence network analysis showed decreased microbial connectivity in oral mucosa and nasal secretion samples of OS patients.
Conclusions
Odontogenic infection promotes structural and functional disorders of nasal microbiome in OS. The interaction of dominant pathogens in nasal and oral regions may promote the development of OS. Our study provides the microbiological aetiology of the nasal and connected dental regions in OS and is expected to provide novel insights into the diagnosis and therapeutic strategies for OS.
An Interpretable Multiparametric Radiomics Model of Basal Ganglia to Predict Dementia Conversion in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Park Yae Won , Chung Seok Jong , Park Chae Jung , Eom Jihwan , Park Ki Sung , Kim Yun Joong , Ahn Sung Soo , Kim Jinna , Lee Phil Hyu , Sohn Young Ho , Lee Seung-Koo 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objectives: Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) severely affects patients’ prognosis, and early detection of patients at high risk of dementia conversion is important for establishing treatment strategies. We aimed to investigate whether multiparametric MRI radiomics from basal ganglia can improve the prediction of dementia development in PD when integrated with clinical profiles.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 262 patients with newly diagnosed PD (June 2008 – July 2017, follow-up >5 years) were included. MRI radiomic features (n = 1,284) were extracted from bilateral caudate and putamen. Two models were developed to predict dementia development: 1) a clinical model – age, disease duration, and cognitive composite scores, and 2) a combined clinical and radiomics model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated for each model. The models’ interpretabilities were studied.
Results: Among total 262 PD patients (mean age, 68 years ± 8 [standard deviation]; 134 men), 51 (30.4%) and 24 (25.5%) patients developed dementia within 5 years of PD diagnosis in the training (n = 168) and test sets (n = 94), respectively. The combined model achieved superior predictive performance compared to the clinical model in the training (AUCs 0.928 vs. 0.894, p= 0.284) and test set (AUCs 0.889 vs. 0.722, p = 0.016). The cognitive composite scores of the frontal/executive function domain contributed most to predicting dementia. Radiomics derived from the caudate were also highly associated with cognitive decline.
Conclusion: Multiparametric MRI radiomics may have an incremental prognostic value when integrated with clinical profiles to predict future cognitive decline in PD.