bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Chronic Glial Border Does Not Inhibit Axonal Regeneration After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Lu Paul , Graham Lori , Tran Amanda , Villarta Ashley , Koffler Jacob , Tuszynski Mark 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Neuroscience dogma avers that astrocytic “scars” inhibit axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). A recent report suggested however that astrocytes form “borders” around lesions that are not inhibitory and may be permissive to axonal growth, although direct evidence is lacking. We now provide direct evidence that astrocytes support axonal growth after SCI. First, even 6 months after SCI, injured axons are retained within regions of densely reactive astrocytes, in direct contact with astrocyte processes without being repelled. Second, 6 month-delayed implants of neural stem cells extend axons into reactive astrocyte borders surrounding lesions, densely contacting astrocyte surfaces. Third, bioengineered hydrogels implanted into sites of SCI re-orient reactive astrocytic processes to align along the rostral-to-caudal spinal cord axis resulting in successful regeneration along astrocytic processes. Fourth, corticospinal axons regenerate into neural stem cells implanted six months after injury in close association with host astrocytic processes. Thus, astrocytes support axonal regeneration.
Reusable Pd nanoparticle catalysts supported on KOH-activated waste coffee grounds for the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol
Authors: Ryu Hyeonjeong , Park Eunhae , Selvaraj Rengaraj , Kim Younghun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Waste coffee grounds (CGs) are typically incinerated or used as landfills, which can pollute the environment. However, after chemical treatments such as carbonization and KOH-activation, CGs can exhibit macroporous and microporous structures, besides high chemical stability and surface area (2710 m2/g). Thus, activated CGs (ACGs) may be used as catalyst supports. Herein, Pd nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with ACG catalysts were prepared in this study by two different methods: immobilization of PdNPs on the support and in situ reduction of Pd ions to Pd metal in the support. The catalytic performance of the ACG-supported PdNPs for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol was investigated. In the recycling test, the ACG-supported PdNP catalysts outperformed the unsupported PdNPs in terms of the stability and conversion efficiency. Thus, the as-prepared ACG support was determined to be a suitable candidate for aqueous catalytic reactions.
Excavating Important Nodes in Complex Networks based on the Heat Conduction Model
Authors: Hu Haifeng , Zheng Junhui , Wang Feifei , Wang Guan , HU Wentao , Wang Liugen , Zhao JiangWei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Analyzing the important nodes of complex systems by complex network theory can effectively solve the scientific bottlenecks in various aspects of these systems, and how to excavate important nodes has become a hot topic in complex network research. This paper proposes an algorithm for excavating important nodes based on the heat conduction model (HCM), which measures the importance of nodes by their output capacity. The number and importance of a node’s neighbors are first used to determine its own capacity, its output capacity is then calculated based on the HCM while considering the network density, distance between nodes, and degree density of other nodes. The importance of the node is finally measured by the magnitude of the output capacity. The similarity experiments of node importance, sorting and comparison experiments of important nodes, and capability experiments of multi-node infection are conducted in nine real networks using the SIR model as the evaluation criteria. The effectiveness of the HCM is demonstrated through a comparison with eight other algorithms for excavating important nodes.
Serum Vitamin D Affects the Association Between Cadmium and abdominal aorta calcification: A Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Kai , Han Yu , Gu Zhaoxuan , Hou Zhengyan , Yu Xiaoqi , Gao Min , Cai Tianyi , Gao Yafang , Xie Jinyu , Chen Jianguo , Chen Bowen , Liu Tianzhou 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal that can accumulate in the body over time and the exposure to this element has been linked to abdominal aorta calcification. Vitamin D deficiency has also been reported to be associated with vascular calcification risk. It has been proposed that cadmium's toxic effect is exerted via impaired activation of vitamin D. Therefore, we designed this cross-sectional study to assess the effect modification of vitamin D on the association between Cadmium and risk of AAC.
Method
The cross-sectional observational study used data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. By having stratified participants based on Serum Vitamin D category (low Serum Vitamin D <70.65 nmol/L; high Serum Vitamin D: ≥70.65 nmol/L), we further evaluated the difference (interaction test) between the relationship of Cadmium with the risk of AAC among low Serum Vitamin D participants and high Serum Vitamin D participants using weighted multivariable logistic regression.
Results
The sample analyzed in this study consisted of 846 participants aged ≥40 years, with 422 participants having serum vitamin D levels below 70.65 nmol/L and 424 participants having levels above 70.65 nmol/L. Our findings show that as total cadmium levels increased, the incidence of AAC also increased significantly in the high serum vitamin D group (p=0.002), indicating a significant interaction between serum vitamin D, cadmium, and AAC occurrence (p-value for probability ratio test=0.005). However, in the low serum vitamin D group, there was no statistically significant difference (p=0.197). Sensitivity analysis indicated that our results remained stable after excluding imputed data. Furthermore, our results show that as total cadmium levels increased, the incidence of severe AAC was significantly higher in the high serum vitamin D group (OR=3.52, 95% CI: 1.17-10.55, p=0.025).
Conclusion
The results of our study indicated that Serum Vitamin D might affect the association of Cadmium with the risk of AAC. More randomized controlled trials are required to further support this finding.
Genetic evidence for variability in the social mating system of the Midday Gerbil (Meriones meridianus)
Authors: Yu Peng , Wu Chendong , Kong Zixuan , Cao Ruidong , Chen Peng 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Social mating systems (e.g., monogamy, polygamy, or polyandry) are relatively stable behavioral strategies developed by environmental in animals, but the genetic imprint of a particular mating system is often incongruent with the social mating system due to extrapair matings. However, the genetics of mating systems remain little understood in rodents. In this study, we investigated the genetic signature of the mating system of 141 (63 females, 78 males) field-captured Midday Gerbils (Meriones meridianus) -a rodent species commonly found in the Minqin Desert in China-through microsatellite site analyses of genetic structure and relatedness. Seven pairs of highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were selected and were highly polymorphic, the combined exclusion probability was greater than 0.99. The parent pair paternity test by Cervus 3.0 software show that, eleven mother-offspring and nine father-offspring relationships were identified in 2018, involving 26 individuals from 10 families. Similarly, 19 mother-offspring and 19 father-offspring relationships were identified in 2019, involving 48 individuals from 18 families. All three types of genetic mating structure were identified: monogamy (19 families), polyandry (4 families), and polygyny (5 families), providing evidence that the genetics underlying mating systems in this species are variable, can be incongruent with behavioral evidence for social mating systems, and could vary based on environmental cues, including degree of perceived or actual predation.
Life Experiences on Social and Economic Re-Integration for Fistula Victims Post Repair, Tanzania
Authors: Mutayoba Rita , Kimbute Omari , Amani Davis E. , Ndahani Clement , Njovu Anthony , Mfaume Juhudi , Mushy Stella ,   Frida Ngalesoni1
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Although exact figures on fistula victims differ among countries of sub-Saharan Africa and the Mediterranean yet it is one of the debilitating conditions after delivery, especially in third-world countries. Besides physical conditions that include fecal or urinary incontinence or both plus nerve damage, there are psychological, sociological, and economic consequences that are associated with the condition in which fistula survivors are ostracized and cut off from their friends, relatives, and economic activities engagements deepening them into poverty and loneliness. The author’s field experiences show that most of fistula treatment intervention end up whenever the survivor becomes dry and a significant portion of the intervention focuses on physical well-being not knowing that the closure of the fistula is not the end, but the beginning of the reintegration journey. This study examined the life experiences of former fistula patients after repair surgeries to determine whether treated fistula survivors were able to live the life they lived before the fistula.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in six districts in northwestern Tanzania where already identified and treated fistula survivors were interviewed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA version 15 and, frequency, proportions, and measures of central tendencies were computed for different variables. Also, an association between some variables was explored at a p-value of < 0.05. These findings were presented in tables and figures. For the qualitative data, Nvivo software was used, and codes and relevant themes were generated. Triangulation of qualitative with quantitative data was made.
Results
A total of 106 women with a mean age of 39 years were enrolled in the study. Most of the clients returned to work following the repair, and their revenues increased as a result. Beneficiaries were also able to reunite with their loved ones and reengage in social events. The engagement of various stakeholders enhanced the project’s ownership and hence its success. Language barriers during training and unpredictable market prices and conditions affected the attainment of the project’s goals.
Conclusion
The welfare of survivors improved after the implementation of the project. More efforts by different stakeholders are needed to sustain and expand the current initiatives so that more women can benefit from them.
What is the evidence for medical school applicants’ reasons for choosing medicine? A qualitative study
Authors: Kimura Shunsuke , Tanemura Fumitaka , Kodama Satoshi , Nishigori Hiroshi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
It is important for medical school applicants and faculties to identify applicants’ reasons for choosing medicine as a career. Several studies suggest that there is a discrepancy between applicants’ real reasons for choosing medicine and those presented in entrance examinations. This discrepancy can be addressed in terms of evidence in which applicants identify reasons as their own. This study thus aims to explore applicants’ evidence for their real and stated reasons for choosing medicine.
Methods
The paradigm of this study is constructivism. We carried out individual semi-structured interviews with 15 medical students or physicians who had entered medical school through graduate-entry programs in Japan. In the interviews, we explored the participants’ real and stated reasons, including evidence for these reasons. We analyzed the data by conducting a reflexive thematic analysis on applicants’ evidence for their real and stated reasons.
Results
The thematic analysis on applicants’ evidence for their real reasons revealed six themes: (a) an idea since childhood or adolescence; (b) an episode of disease in one’s family or patient; (c) further development of one’s past major; (d) a comparison of the meaning and value of work; (e) an absence of evidence; and (f) an inability to identify one’s reasons or evidence. Moreover, the thematic analysis on applicants’ evidence for their stated reasons revealed four themes: (a) an episode of disease in one’s family or patient; (b) further development of one’s past major; (c) a comparison of the meaning and value of work; and (d) no explanations in the entrance examination.
Conclusions
This study clarified medical school applicants’ evidence for their real and stated reasons for choosing medicine as a career. The most important finding is the possibility that applicants may not even be able to justify their real reasons with evidence. Moreover, they can arbitrarily present their stated reasons and evidence for them in entrance examinations regardless of whether their real and stated reasons coincide. Medical faculties should reconsider why and how they ask applicants about their reasons for choosing medicine in the student selection process.
Does WHO child growth standards suitable for Indian Children: A comparison of anthropometric measurements from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Phukan Deepika , Kumar Kaushalendra 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background:Growth charts are fundamental tools for monitoring individual infants and children. But the current WHO-specified growth standards generally rely on single, one-size-fits-all cut-offs.
Methods:The present study developed a new growth reference of Indian children aged 0-60 months using 2005-2006 & 2015-16 National Family and Health Survey data.
Results:Box-Cox power exponential (BCPE) distribution and lambda mu sigma (LMS) model suggested that the median height for Indian children at age five years was 6.35 cm (boys) and 4.23cm (girls) lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) growth reference values, 2006. A similar height value for age is observed in both Indian and WHO growth curves at younger generations. However, a significant height difference was observed in WHO growth curves compared to Indians at later ages. Relatively heavier children in the WHO standard appeared at later ages than the Indian growth curve.
Conclusions:The study recommended high priority in using national derived reference data, which correctly define growth trajectories in children.
Internet Addiction and Depression among Syrian College Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Swed Sarya , Bohsas Haidara , Alibrahim Hidar , Rais Mohammed Amir , Elsayed Mohamed , Nashwan Abdulqadir J. , Shaheen Nour , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Nasif Mohamad Nour , Ghaith Hazem S. , Sawaf Bisher , Albuni Mhd Kutaiba , Battikh Elias , Kash Rawan Abo , Shoib Shiekh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Problematic internet use (PIU) or internet addiction has become increasingly prevalent, and concerns about its impact on mental health and social functioning have grown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PIU among Syrian university students and its relationship with their demographics, internet user behavior, and mental health.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students in Syrian government universities between April 14 and April 24, 2022. The survey included the Beck Depression Inventory and the Internet Addiction Scale.
Results: Out of 2891 participants, 75.2% were female, with an average age of 21.87. The average IAT score was 49.4, and the overall prevalence of PIU was 90.6%. Furthermore, 93.1% of participants displayed possible signs and symptoms of depression. Separation was associated with a higher incidence of PIU (p = 0.000). PIU was significantly linked with physical abuse (P = 0.001) and mental stress (P = 0.000). Online gaming (p = 0.005) and YouTube video viewing (p = 0.000) were strongly associated with PIU.
Conclusion: The study found a high rate of internet addiction among Syrian medical students, with those experiencing mental health problems and depression symptoms more likely to be internet addicts. To prevent PIU, students should be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, such as sports, and awareness programs should be enhanced to highlight the negative effects of internet addiction.
Mixed Thyrotropin-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma Coexisted with Graves' Disease: a case report
Authors: Huang Yijing , Wen Xiaoming , Liang Xinxin , Xu Lingling 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
At present, thyrotropin-secreting pituitary adenoma (TSHoma) is recognized as a rare disease. Mixed TSHomas accounted for 20-25% of all TSHomas. This study aimed to report an extremely rare case of mixed TSHoma coexisted with Graves’ disease(GD) and review the literature.
Case presentation
A 36-year-old male patient presented with both elevated levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), but non-suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. His anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb), anti-thyroid peroxidase autoantibody (TPOAb), and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) were positive. The symptoms of palpitations, hyperhidrosis, heat intolerant, and irritability appeared 2 years before his admission. But he showed neither signs nor symptoms of acromegaly. Contrast-enhanced pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed enlarged pituitary fossa, with an irregular abnormal signal mass. The patient underwent endoscopic partial pituitary resection via transsphenoidal approach. Postoperative pathology suggested mixed pituitary adenoma. The patient had postoperative thyroid function recurrence of hyperthyroidism and the recurrence of TSHoma was confirmed by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) 11months after surgery. After administration of lanreotide, his levels of FT3, FT4, TSH, TPOAb and TGAb became normal, and levels of TRAb and IGF-1 improved.
Conclusion
A rare case of TSHoma coexisted with GD was reported. When circulating levels of both FT4 and FT3 were upregulated, non-suppressed TSH levels and positive thyroid antibodies were found. Importantly, TSHoma associated with GD should be carefully taken into account to avoid the potential risk of treatment-induced tumor progression.
A case series to test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary efficacy of AVATAR therapy in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Thompson Alistair , Calissano Chiara , Treasure Janet , Ball Hannah , Montague Alice , Ward Thomas , Cardi Valentina 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background. Patients with anorexia nervosa often describe the experience of living with the “eating disorder” voice. They struggle to recognise and assert their own identity over the illness’s identity and relate to it from a powerless and subordinate position. AVATAR therapy was developed to help patients with psychosis to gain greater power and control over distressing voices. The goal of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability, safety and preliminary efficacy of an adaptation of AVATAR therapy for anorexia nervosa.
Methods. Twelve adult patients with anorexia nervosa were recruited. Ten completed an assessment session and between five to seven therapy sessions. The assessment session consisted in the creation of a visual and auditory representation of the “eating disorder” (“the avatar”) through specialist computer software. During the therapy sessions, patients engaged in a dialogue with the avatar to assert their power and control over it. Patients completed baseline, end of intervention and follow-up (4-week) online questionnaires. A non-concurrent multiple baselines single case experimental design (SCED) was used (A1BA2). Feasibility, acceptability, safety and preliminary efficacy of the intervention were assessed.
Results. The therapy met pre-specified criteria relating to: Feasibility: sample recruited within three months; retention rate at the end of the treatment phase= 81.9%; therapy completion rate= 90.1%. Safety: no serious adverse experiences associated with the intervention. Acceptability: mean ratings= 7.5 (SD = 2.61) out of ten on a 0-10 scale of acceptability (10= complete satisfaction). With respect to preliminary indications of efficacy, participants reported significantly lower levels of distress associated with the eating disorder voice and higher levels of self-compassion post-therapy. No other significant changes were observed with regards to frequency of the eating disorder voice, voice’s characteristics, such as omnipotence and malevolence, eating disorder symptoms and symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Patients’ feedback indicated that the therapy had helped with their ability to stand up to the illness, make positive changes around eating, and increase their motivation to recover and their self-compassion.
Conclusion. AVATAR therapy for anorexia nervosa is feasible, acceptable and safe for patients. Larger studies are needed to test clinical efficacy.
Registration
The study was pre-registered on the clinicaltrials.gov registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04778423).
Inter-observer agreement among specialists in the diagnosis of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer using Store-and-Forward technology
Authors: Gurushanth Keerthi , Mukhia Nirza , Sunny Sumsum P , Song Bofan , Raghavan Shubhasini A , Gurudath Shubha , Mendonca Pramila , Li Shaobai , Patrick Sanjana , Imchen Tsusennaro , Leivon Shirley T. , Shruti Tulika , Kolur Trupti , Shetty Vivek , R Vidya Bhushan , Ramesh Rohan Michael , Pillai Vijay , S Kathryn O. , Smith Petra Wilder , Suresh Amritha , Liang Rongguang , N Praveen Birur , Kuriakose Moni A. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Oral Cancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Screening and mobile Health (mHealth) based approach facilitates remote early detection of Oral cancer in a resource-constrained settings. The emerging eHealth technology has aided specialist reach to rural areas enabling remote monitoring and triaging to downstage Oral cancer. Though the diagnostic accuracy of the remote specialist has been evaluated, there are no studies evaluating the consistency among the remote specialists, to the best of our knowledge. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the interobserver agreement between the specialists through telemedicine systems in real-world settings using store and forward technology. Two remote specialists independently diagnosed the clinical images from image repositories, and the diagnostic accuracy was compared with onsite specialist and histopathological diagnosis when available. Moderate agreement (k = 0.682) between two remote specialists and (k = 0.629) between the onsite specialist and two remote specialists in diagnosing oral lesions. The sensitivity and specificity of remote specialist 1 were 92.7% and 83.3%, whereas remote specialist 2 was 95.8% and 60%, respectively, compared to histopathology. The store and forward technology and telecare can be effective tools in triaging and surveillance of patients.
Interest-driven creator English course for developing Chinese private college students’ listening and speaking proficiency based via blended setting
Authors: Wang Yongkang , Chen Pengfei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study is to improve the English learning outcomes of undergraduate students enrolled in bachelor’s degree by designing a compulsory interest-driven creator (IDC)-based English course in blended setting. A total of 210 Chinese college students participated in a quasi-experimental intervention. The research treatment was conducted for 16 lessons over 16 weeks at a private college in China. The performance of the experimental group (EG) and the control group (CG) was assessed by Exam English as a pre-test and a post-test to investigate listening and speaking proficiency. The results indicated that the course effectively enhanced the students’ language learning outcomes. Therefore, the IDC course can be integrated in an innovative English curriculum. The EG showed a better outcome on the test than the CG. The IDC English course in the blending setting efficiently enhanced the students’ English listening and speaking skills.