bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid purification and multiparametric characterization of circulating small extracellular vesicles utilizing a label-free lab-on-a-chip device
Authors: Sharma Manju , Sheth Maulee , Poling Holly , Kuhnell Damaris , Langevin Scott , Esfandiari Leyla 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Nano-scale extracellular vesicles are lipid-bilayer delimited particles that are naturally secreted by all cells and have emerged as valuable biomarkers for a wide range of diseases. Efficient isolation of small extracellular vesicles while maintaining yield and purity is crucial to harvest their potential in diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. Most conventional methods of isolation suffer from significant shortcomings, including low purity or yield, long duration, need for large sample volumes, specialized equipment, trained personnel, and high costs. To address some of these challenges, our group has reported a novel insulator-based dielectrophoretic device for rapid isolation of small extracellular vesicles from biofluids and cell culture media based on their size and dielectric properties. In this study, we report a comprehensive characterization of small extracellular vesicles isolated from cancer-patients’ biofluids using the device. The three-fold characterization that was performed using conventional flow cytometry, advanced imaging flow cytometry, and microRNA sequencing indicated high yield and purity of the isolated small extracellular vesicles. The device thus offers an efficient platform for rapid isolation while maintaining biomolecular integrity.
An Agent-Based Modeling Simulation Study in China: Will Adjusting Medical Insurance Reimbursement Rates Impact Hierarchical Diagnosis and Treatment?
Authors: Zhao Ning , Yang Jia , Gu Mei , Li Jin , Li Danhui , Ju Wensheng , Guo Moning 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Promoting hierarchical diagnosis and treatment is important to deepen medical reform in China. One effective way to achieve this goal is by implementing medical insurance payment policies. Currently, China uses differentiated reimbursement rates for medical insurance to steer patients toward hospitals of different levels.
Objective
To study the medical services-seeking behaviors of hypertensive inpatients in response to the change in the basic medical insurance policy of urban residents and the impact on medical insurance expenses, and to promote hierarchical diagnosis and treatment and improve the allocation efficiency of health resources.
Methods
This study utilized agent modeling simulation to establish a simulation system consisting of four models of patients, diseases, hospitals, and policies. Based on data from urban residents and different levels of hospitals in Beijing from 2015 to 2017, the medical service-seeking behavior of hypertensive inpatients at different levels of hospitals was observed by adjusting the reimbursement rate of medical insurance to find the optimal decision point to balance patients' medical-seeking behavior and medical insurance fund control.
Results
Modifying hospital reimbursement rates at different levels can impact patient flow and medical insurance fund utilization. Increasing the reimbursement rate for primary hospitals encouraged more patients to seek care at these facilities. When the reimbursement rates of the primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals were 95%, 85%, and 70%, respectively, the highest proportion of hypertensive inpatients seeking care at primary hospitals was observed while ensuring the best balance between the proportion of primary hospital visits and total expenditure of the medical insurance fund.
Conclusion
Our system model complements the traditional qualitative and quantitative research methods and provides a better simulation and prediction of the impact of medical insurance policy adjustment on patients' medical treatment choice behavior and medical insurance fund expenditure. A linkage mechanism of medical and pharmaceutical policies is proposed to promote the synergy of health insurance policies. Enhancing the capacity of primary hospitals is crucial for promoting hierarchical diagnosis and treatment, and the adjustment of medical insurance payment policy can only serve as a means to achieve this goal.
Demystifying Carbon Removals in the Context of Sub-Global Net-Zero Targets
Authors: Pehrs Malin , Ahonen Hanna-Mari , Spalding-Fecher Randall , Möllersten Kenneth 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The concepts of net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and GHG-neutrality are emerging as fundamental principles for initiatives to address climate change ranging from the global to the corporate scale. Offsetting emissions by using carbon credits features in many sub-global net-zero and GHG-neutrality claims and pledges. This paper shows that regardless of whether a sub-global entity offsets its emissions using carbon credits based on GHG emission reductions or removals, the outcome in terms of impact on net global GHG emissions is the same. Despite this, assertions that the use of carbon credits based on emission reductions is insufficient in the context of offsetting emissions for net-zero claims at sub-global scales are gaining acceptance. This article argues that such assertions are based on an incorrect setting of assessment boundaries and related misconceptions. Path choices for the share of carbon credit demand from emission reductions versus removals have important implications for the possibility to reach global climate goals and should be guided by the robust application of relevant GHG accounting principles. The results presented in this article have fundamental implications for what kind of GHG mitigation action may be considered adequate in relation to entities’ claims concerning making no contribution to net accumulation of GHG in the atmosphere.
Validity and Reliability of the Portable Metabolic Analyzer PNOE to assess cardiometabolic capacity during walking exercise
Authors: Kwok Manny M.Y. , Ng Shamay S. M. , So Billy C. L. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The accuracy of measurement of cardiometabolic functions of individuals is crucial. The objective of this study was to compare the validity and reliability of the PNOE in measuring cardiometabolic outcomes in the expired air of healthy individuals, during a treadmill walking protocol.
Methods
A total of 21 subjects (15 male, 6 females) aged 22.76 ± 3.85 years took part in this study. Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), metabolic equivalent (MET), ventilatory threshold (VT), energy expenditure (EE) was measured by PNOE and COSMED K5 portable systems during a four-stage incremental protocol on a treadmill. Test-retest reliability was tested on separate days with trail repetition. Validity was evaluated by Bland-Altman plots, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and mean percentage difference.
Results
ICC found in VCO2 is in the good range (0.75–0.90). ICC of RER from level 1–3 and VT of level 2–4 fall in good to excellent reliability. No specific pattern seen on VO2, VCO2 and EE on the changes of CV upon speeds variations. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was moderately high (r = 0.60–0.79) between metabolic variables measured by PNOE and K5 systems. All subjects, except few more cases in VT, lie within the upper and lower 95% confidence intervals acceptance range of the Bland Altman plots.
Conclusion
PNOE system is a valid and reliable measure for cardiometabolic outcomes and is as comparable to COSMED K5 system.
Simulation of the improved parameterization scheme for snow radiation effect over the Tibetan Plateau on the impact of summer rainfall in China
Authors: An Yingying , Meng Xianhong , Zhao Lin , Li Zhaoguo , Wang Chan , Chen Hao , Shang Lunyu , Wang Shaoying , Wang Shiwen , Liu Yumeng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The radiation effect of snow cover on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) impacts East Asia's weather and climate by affecting the local energy balance. Given the overestimation of snow cover on the TP in the model, the Noah with Multiparameterization options (Noah-MP) surface model was used in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) to modify the fresh snow density scheme and soil texture on the TP to improve the model's simulation of snow-related parameters. Then further analyze the impact of the improved scheme on the summer rainfall simulation in China. The results show significant snow cover on the TP in winter 2012, with average surface albedo and snow cover fraction (SCF) of 0.32 and 34.30%, respectively. The WRF control experiment (CTL) overestimates the surface albedo and SCF of the TP, with a simulated average winter albedo of 0.54. The simulated SCF improved by 8% in the experiment with modified fresh snow density and soil texture on the TP (FSD) compared to the CTL. Larger snow cover in winter on the TP leads to excessive rainfall in Southern China and less precipitation in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River in the summer of 2012. Compared with the observed rainfall, the deviations in South China, North China, and Yellow River basins in China simulated by the WRF FSD are significantly reduced. The spatial correlation coefficient between the observed-based and WRF-simulated rainfall increases from 0.76 in CTL to 0.88 in FSD. The simulated snow cover on the TP in the improved WRF experiment is smaller than that in the CTL, causing a decrease in surface albedo and an increase in sensible heat flux. The continued melting of snow leads to an increase in latent heat flux, a decrease in sensible heat flux, and a weakening of diabatic heating. The diabatic heating changes on the TP in the improved experiment further enhanced the westerly jet in the jet exit area. The low-level anticyclonic circulation from the South China Sea to the Bay of Bengal is also anomalous, affecting the water vapor transport processes. The results illustrated and emphasized that improving the simulation of snow accumulation and melting processes on the TP contributes to improving rainfall simulation in the mid-lower reaches of the Yangtze River in climate models.
Development of a causal model of self-regulated learning by students at Loei Rajabhat University
Authors: Kumyoung Anuphum , Kessung Patthraporn , Pinasa Chaimongkhon , Srijumn Jutamas , Inyai Chao 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background Self-regulation learning are behaviors based on the concepts of self-regulation and learning in social cognitive theory. Self-regulation is the process of controlling one's own thoughts, behaviors, and emotions to acquire new skills through one's own motivation and action. Examining the congruence between a causal model of self-regulated learning and empirical data, as well as investigating the direct and indirect effects, were the aims of this study. Methods In the model for 660 students at Loei Rajabhat University, the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, which is implemented in the LISREL software package. Results The research results show that the causal model of self-regulated learning was congruent with the empirical data. Self-efficacy, achievement motive, and learning by imitation had direct effects on self-regulated learning at a statistical significance of 0.01, while achievement motive and learning by imitation had indirect effects on self-regulated learning via the self-efficacy variable with a statistical significance of 0.01. The variables of learning by imitation and achievement motive were able to explain the variance of the variables of self-regulated learning and self-efficacy at percentages of 73.60% and 72.10%, respectively. Conclusions This research suggests that teachers should organize teaching and learning activities that promote achievement motivation and develop self-efficacy, and they should be good role models for students. All parties, including administrators, should implement policies that promote and develop activities to create incentives for achievement. Self-efficacy and learning by imitation are necessary for students to practice self-regulated learning in the future.
Characterization of phenotypic traits associated with anthracnose resistance in selected common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding material
Authors: Kadege Edith , Venkataramana Pavithravani , Assefa Teshale Assefa , Girma Ellena , Ndunguru Joseph , Mukankusi Clare , Rubyogo Jean Claude , Mbega Ernest 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is the major common bean disease worldwide. This study aimed to determine phenotypic traits associated with anthracnose resistance for future use in breeding programmes. Twenty-two common bean varieties (CBVs) were planted in anthracnose hotspot fields and the same CBVs were planted in a screen house to validate resistance to anthracnose. Anthracnose infection score, leaf length, leaf width, length of fifth internode, length of petiole, plant vigour, canopy height and canopy width were recorded. Data on (i) number of plants emerging; (ii) days to flowering; (iii) days to maturity; (iv) plant stands at harvest; and (v) grain yield were also collected and analysed using R and GenStat software. Phenotypic traits evaluated differed significantly among genotypes, environment and genotype by environment interaction. Seventy-five per cent of phenotypic traits evaluated were positively correlated to anthracnose resistance. Highly-strong correlations were observed on number of days to maturity, plant stands at harvest, plant vigour and grain yield. Leaf length, leaf width, length of fifth internode, length of petiole and number of stands emerging were strongly correlated to anthracnose resistance. Based on study results, four traits – plant vigour, number of days to maturity, number of plant stands at harvest and grain yield – are recommended for selecting anthracnose-resistant varieties. NUA 48, NUA 64 and RWR 2154 were superior varieties, resistant to anthracnose and high yielding, while Sweet Violet and VTT 923-23-10 were most stable varieties across environments. Further on-farm research is suggested to assess their performance and identify traits preferred by farmers.
The Surgical Treatment of Ossified Cephalhematoma in Infants
Authors: wei min , Zhan Qijia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Some newborns' cephalhematoma will ossify if it lasts for a long time, which will affect the shape of the head and lead to other complications. There is still controversy about the operation. Our purpose is to evaluate whether the operation can effectively improve the skull shape and improve the clinicians' understanding of the ossification of cephalhematoma.
Methods: A retrospective cohort review in ossified cephalhematoma cases who had undergone ablation in the Department of Neurosurgery of Shanghai Children’s Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University from since Jan. 2015 to Jan. 2022 with at least 6 months follow-up was conducted. Our study focused on the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, perioperative precautions and prognosis of the disease.
Results: A total of 20 cases were included in the current study. All infants were treated for head mass and examined by CT. The cephalhematomas were localized in typical parietal(n=18) or parieto-occipital/ temporoparietal region. All infants were full-term, including 16 infants delivered vaginally, 3 cesarean section, 1 conversion cesarean. Birth weight was 2750-3900g, and preoperative hemoglobin range was 96-124g / L. After the preoperative examination was completed, all infants received surgical treatment.13 patients received blood transfusion during and after operation. After at least half a year's follow-up, their surgical results were good, and the scalp incision healed in one stage, without any complications.
Conclusion: Early intervention for cephalohematoma to minimize the possibility of ossification. When local double-layer sign is revealed in theircranial CT, ossified cephalhematoma cases could benefit from surgery with regard toimproving their skull shape without complications.
Synthesis, molecular docking studies and cytotoxicity evaluation of new tetrazolic substituted para toluene sulfonamid on HT29 cancerous cell line
Authors: sadeghi zahra , Abolhasani Hoda , Mirjafary Zohreh , Najafi Gholamreza , Heidari Fatameh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In this study, novel tetrazolic substituted para toluene sulfonamid derivatives were synthesized using an azide-nitrile cycloaddition reaction. The easy availability of the inexpensive starting materials, avoiding isolation and handling of hazardous organic azide, and mild reaction conditions make this synthetic protocol a valuable tool for the synthesis of functionalized tetrazole compounds. All reactions proceeded smoothly to achieve the corresponding tetrazole compounds 5a, in moderate to good yields (70–78%) using ZnBr2 as a catalyst and green solvent system H2O/2-propanol. The structure of all products was confirmed by FT-IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR analysis. N-((2H-tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)(phenyl)-N-tosylmethanamine and N-((2H-tetrazol-5-yl)methyl)-N-tosylpyridin-2-amine Cytotoxicity evaluations of compounds 5a and 5b on HT29 cell line demonstrated that compound 5a displayed the most potent in vitro antiproliferative activity with IC50 values of 85.57 ± 6.61 µM on HT29 cells. Although, compound 5b displayed anti-proliferative activity with IC50 values of 24.66 ± 4.51 µM on HT29 cells, comparable to Cisplatin, as a potent known anticancer drug with IC50 values of 7.49 ± 1.71 µM. Furthermore, we used molecular docking studies to investigate the possible drug-likeness of the synthesized molecules 5a, 5b revealing that some molecules are the most promising drug-like molecules out of the two synthesized molecules.
The reliability and validity of the OneStep smartphone application for gait analysis among patients with gait asymmetry undergoing rehabilitation for lower limb chronic pain or functional disability
Authors: Marom Pnina , Brik Michael , Agay Nirit , Dankner Rachel , Katzir Zoya , Keshet Naama , Doron Dana 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
An affordable, easy-to-use, reliable, and valid tool is essential for gait assessment of people with various gait pathologies. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the OneStep smartphone application (app) compared to the C-Mill VR + instrumented treadmill (Motek, Nederlands), among patients with gait asymmetry undergoing rehabilitation for lower limb disability or chronic pain.
Methods
Seventy patients participated in the study. The data of 35 patients were used to improve the app's algorithms, which were then validated on the remaining 35. Participants were asked to walk on a treadmill for up to 15 minutes at their own comfortable pace. Spatiotemporal gait parameters were extracted from the treadmill and from two smartphones placed on each leg. Reliability was evaluated using Pearson correlation, Cohen's d, and intra-cluster correlation coefficient (ICC), comparing the readings of the app from the two phones. Validity was assessed using the same measures, comparing readings from each phone to the data obtained from the treadmill. Bland-Altman plots were used to demonstrate the level of agreement between the app and the treadmill for each leg separately.
Results
Twenty-eight patients completed the validation study (seven were excluded); the median age was 45.5 years, 61% males. Walking sessions lasted on average 8.4 minutes. The ICC for consistency between the phones showed high correlation (r = 0.89 to 1) and good to excellent reliability (ICC range, 0.77 to 1) for all the gait parameters examined. The correlations between the phones and the treadmill were mostly above 0.8. The ICC for consistency demonstrated excellent validity for cadence and gait speed (range, 0.92 to 1), and moderate-to-excellent validity for all the other parameters (range, 0.58–0.93). Only step length of the impaired leg parameter showed poor-to-good validity (range, 0.37–0.84). Some subtle differences, though statistically significant, were found between the readings of the treadmill and the smartphone placed on the healthy leg. Cohen's d effect size was small (d < 0.5) for all the parameters.
Conclusions
The OneStep smartphone application demonstrated good reliability and validity for spatiotemporal gait assessment in people with gait asymmetry undergoing rehabilitation. These findings highlight the potential for smartphone-based gait analysis in a rehabilitation setting.
Trial registration:
NIH identifier: NCT05009303, date of registration: August 17, 2021.
The potential use of plasma GFAP as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of motor subtype in early Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Che Ning-Ning , Shang Huifang 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objectives Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a heterogeneous movement disorder with different motor subtypes including tremor dominant (TD), indeterminate and postural instability and gait disturbance (PIGD) motor subtypes. Plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was elevated in PD patients and may be regarded as a biomarker for motor and cognitive progression. Here we explore if there was an association between plasma GFAP and different motor subtypes and whether baseline plasma GFAP level can predict motor subtype conversion.Methods Patients with PD classified as TD, PIGD or indeterminate subtypes underwent detailed neurological evaluation at baseline and 2 years follow-up. Plasma GFAP in PD patients and controls were measured using an ultrasensitive single molecule array.Results The study enrolled 184 PD patients and 95 control subjects. Plasma GFAP levels were significantly higher in the PIGD group compared to the TD group at 2 years follow-up. Finally, 45% of TD patients at baseline had a subtype shift and 85% of PIGD patients at baseline remained as PIGD subtypes at 2 years follow-up. Baseline plasma GFAP levels were significantly higher in TD patients converted to PIGD than non-converters in baseline TD group. Higher baseline plasma GFAP levels were significantly associated with the TD motor subtype conversion (OR = 1.283, P = 0.033) and lower baseline plasma GFAP levels in PIGD patients were likely to shift to TD and indeterminate subtype (OR = 0.551, P = 0.021) after adjusting for confounders.Conclusions Plasma GFAP may serve as a clinical utility biomarker in differentiating motor subtype and predicting baseline motor subtype conversion in PD patients.