bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction and characterization of novel lignocellulosic fibers from Centaurea hyalolepis plant as a potential reinforcement for composite materials
Authors: Makri Hocine , Rokbi Mansour , Meddah Mostefa , Belayachi Naima , Khaldoune Abderraouf 
Published: June 2023

The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the use of new lignocellulosic fiber extracted from Centaurea hyalolepis plant as a potential reinforcement for light-weight composite applications. In this study, anatomical structure and morphological surface of Centaurea hyalolepis fiber were conducted. The physical-chemical, thermal, crystalline,mechanical, characteristics of extracted fibers were also examined using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile test. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of the main components of lignocellulosic fiber (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose). XRD revealed the presence of cellulose with a crystallinity index of 57.93%.By densimetry, the density of Centaurea hyalolepis was determined as 1.13 g/cm3. The Centaurea hyalolepis was found to be thermally stable up to 271°C. The kinetic activation energy was determined as 115.943 kJ/mol. Tensile tests revealed that the mean tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Centaurea hyalolepis fiber were about 372,5 MPa and 9.036 GPa respectively. Because of the dispersion in the experimental tensile results, the Weibull statistical analysis with two parameters was carried out. Regard these findings, the Centaurea hyalolepis fibers can be a suitable candidate for low density polymeric composites reinforcement.
Registration of essential medicines in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Green A , Lyus R , Ocan M , Pollock AM , Brhlikova P 
Published: June 2023

Objectives To audit national drug registers (NDRs) in Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda with respect to national Essential Medicine Lists (EMLs) and to conduct an analysis of highly registered products including a sub-analysis of highly registered antimicrobial products. Design Retrospective analysis of registration of essential medicines and medicinal products on NDRs as of February 2018. Setting Not applicable. Participants None. Main outcome measures Registration status of essential medicines by country, essential medicine status of registered products by country and medicines with more than 50 registrations across all three countries. Results A high proportion of essential medicines are not registered: Kenya 28% (175/632), United Republic of Tanzania 50% (400/797) and Uganda 40% (266/663). Of registered products on the NDRs, more than half are not essential: Kenya 71% (4350/6151), United Republic of Tanzania 64% (2278/3590) and Uganda 58% (2268/3896). When the three NDRs were combined, there were 42 medicines with over 50 registered products, accounting for 30% (4153/13637) of products, many of which were non-essential. Conclusions Non-registration of essential medicines is a barrier to availability. Over-registration of medicines, particularly non-essential medicines, diverts regulatory resources towards registering non-priority and, sometimes, clinically sub-optimal medicines. The East African Community Medicines Registration Harmonization Project has the potential to improve access to key medicines if registration of essential medicines is prioritised and registration of non-essential medicines is restricted.
Deucravacitinib: The First FDA-Approved Oral TYK2 Inhibitor for Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis
Authors: Truong Thu Minh , Pathak Gaurav N. , Singal Amit , Taranto Viktoriia , Rao Babar K. 
Published: June 2023

Objective The objective of this study was to review the safety and efficacy of deucravacitinib, a tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Data Sources Literature was reviewed from MEDLINE and Clinicaltrials.gov up to December 2022 using the terms “deucravacitinib” and “BMS-986165.” Study Selection Relevant articles in English relating to the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of deucravacitinib were included. A total of 6 trial results were included. Study Selection and Data Extraction Deucravacitinib showed clinical efficacy across all the phase II and III clinical trials. Excluding the long-term extension study, there were 2248 subjects across all studies, with 63.2% of patients receiving deucravacitinib 6 mg daily. Of these subjects, the average proportion achieving a PASI 75 (a reduction of greater than 75% in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) at week 16 was 65.1%. Patients receiving deucravacitinib 6 mg once daily had a higher rate of achieving both PASI 75 response and a Static Physician’s Global Assessment (sPGA) score of 0 or 1, compared with oral apremilast 30 mg twice daily. The safety profile of deucravacitinib includes mild adverse events (AEs), most commonly nasopharyngitis, with serious AEs reported ranging from 1.35% to 9.5%. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison With Existing Medications While many available therapies for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis rely on an injectable dosage form or extensive monitoring, deucravacitinib can potentially reduce patient medication-related burden. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of oral deucravacitinib for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis. Conclusion Deucravacitinib shows a consistent efficacy and safety profile as the first oral TYK2 inhibitor approved for adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy treatment.
Spinal Counts, Impact, and Partnering Movements in Ballet, Modern, and Hip Hop dance: A YouTube Video Analysis Study
Authors: Henn Erica D. , Lanza Samantha , Ambegaonkar Jatin P. , Smith Tina , Wyon Matthew 
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Dancers have self-reported a link between spinal extension movements and low back pain (LBP). Researchers have not reported the total number or frequency that spinal movements occur in ballet, modern, or hip-hop dance classes or performances. The purpose of this study was to report the number of spinal movements dancers are exposed to in different dance environments. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 65 dance videos on YouTube.com for dance movements within 7 dance environments: ballet class and performance, modern class and performance, and hip-hop breaking, ciphers (large groups), and battles (“1v1s”). Two reviewers recorded counts of spinal (spinal flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), impact (jumps, leaps, and falls), and partnering movements (lifts, catches, and leans). Data analyses were processed in Jamovi (the jamovi project, Sydney, Australia). We reported movement totals, percentages, frequency, ranges, means with standard deviations (SD), and medians with interquartile range (IQR). We calculated significant differences using Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Video length ranged from 3 to 141 minutes (mean ± SD: 38.4 ± 38.3, range: 138). the average spinal extension movements ranged from 2 ± 0.8 to 7 ± 9.6 movements per minute across genres. Modern dance class had the most spinal flexion (89 ± 53.6), rotation (60 ± 40.8), and lateral flexion (74 ± 20.7) movements. Ballet performance had the most spinal extension movements (77 ± 69.8), jumps (74 ± 48), and leaps (19 ± 18.2). Hip-hop breaking had the highest number of falling movements (2 ± 2.3). Partnering movements were only present in ballet performance, modern dance performance, and hip-hop breaking environments. Conclusions: Movements that increase LBP occur often in all 3 dance genres. Dancers can expect frequent exposure to spinal extension movements; therefore, we recommend strengthening back and core musculature for all dancers. We recommend that ballet dancers also strengthen their lower extremity muscles. For modern dancers, we recommend strengthening their obliques. For hip-hop dancers, we recommend increasing muscular power and muscular endurance.
The effect of introducing a nurse-practitioner-led peripherally inserted central venous catheter placement program on the utilization of central venous access device: A retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Sakai Hirotaka , Hirosue Miyuki , Iwata Mitsunaga , Terasawa Teruhiko 
Published: June 2023

Background: Nurse-led peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) placement teams are common in western hospitals, but they are still in their infancy in Japan. Although implementing a dedicated program may improve ongoing vascular-access management, the direct hospital-level effects of launching a nurse-led PICC team on specific outcomes have not been formally investigated. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of introducing a nurse practitioner (NP)-led PICC-placement program on subsequent utilization of centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) and to contrast the quality of PICC placements conducted by physicians and NPs. Materials and methods: Patients who underwent central venous access devices (CVADs) between 2014 and 2020 at a university hospital in Japan were evaluated retrospectively using an interrupted time-series analysis on the trend for monthly CVAD utilization and logistic regression and propensity score-based analyses for PICC-related complications. Results: Among 6007 CVAD placements, 2230 PICCs were inserted into 1658 patients (725 by physicians and 1505 by NPs). The monthly number of CICC utilization fell from 58 in April 2014 to 38 in March 2020, while PICC placements by the NP PICC team increased from 0 to 104. The implementation of the NP PICC program reduced the immediate rate (by 35.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.1–46.9; p < 0.001) and post-intervention trend (by 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–3.5; p < 0.001) of monthly CICC utilization. Overall immediate complication rates were lower in the NP group than the physician group (1.5% vs 5.1%; adjusted odds ratio = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.17–0.59; p < 0.001). The cumulative incidences of central line-associated bloodstream infections were comparable between the NP and physician groups (5.9% vs 7.2%; adjusted hazard ratio = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.53–1.75; p = .90). Conclusions: This NP-led PICC program reduced CICC utilization without affecting the quality of PICC placement or complication rate.
‘It is like talking to very good robots’: Experiences of online support groups for parents with babies during the COVID-19 lockdown in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lucas Siân E , Bellussi Laura 
Published: June 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many face-to-face group activities for new parents moved online. In this article, we share findings from 14 interviews conducted during the first lockdown in the United Kingdom with parents of babies under 12 months about their experiences of participating in online groups. Attendance at groups was treated as a survival mechanism or even a panacea for some parents, providing well-rounded entertainment and support for parents, their children and the parenting relationship. However, reviews of the online groups were mixed, with some deemed more adequate than others for online delivery. Parents expressed concerns about the lack of informal spaces in online contexts to share private conversations and the unnatural group conversations affected by the custom of taking turns to talk. These experiences highlighted what was important to parents: the need for the embodiment of connection. The peculiarity of the online setting saw the emergence of parenting display work; parental awareness of online impression management and self-presentation strategies. While online technologies are ubiquitous, online groups for parents are nascent, and these technologies require careful analysis and evaluation from users and facilitators.
Mississippi School Food Service Directors’ Interest and Experience With Local Food Procurement and Farm to School Activities
Authors: Thomson Jessica L. , Landry Alicia S. , Walls Tameka I. 
Published: June 2023

Background. The purpose of this study was to collect updated school food service purchasing practices from K-12 public school food service directors (SFSD) in Mississippi and to determine their current abilities, experiences, and desires to engage in Farm to School (F2S) activities. Methods. The online survey was created using questionnaire items from existing F2S surveys. The survey opened in October 2021 and closed in January 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Results. Of the 173 SFSD sent email invitations, 122 (71%) completed the survey. The most common fresh fruit and vegetable purchasing practices included Department of Defense Fresh Program (65%) and produce vendor (64%). Forty-three percent of SFSD purchased at least one locally sourced fruit and 40% purchased at least one locally sourced vegetable, while 46% did not purchase any locally sourced foods. The most common challenges for purchasing from farmers included no relationship with farmers (50%) and food safety regulations (39%). Sixty-four percent of SFSD were interested in at least one F2S activity. Conclusions. Most SFSD do not purchase local foods directly from farmers and almost half do not purchase any local foods regardless of source. Lack of connection with local farmers is a significant challenge to F2S. Recently proposed framework by USDA for shoring up the food supply chain and transforming the food system may help reduce or remove ongoing challenges to F2S participation.
Impact of System-F in Delivering Vascular Plugs for Aortic Side Branch Embolization During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Mine Takahiko , Ikeda Shinpei , Mizushima Shohei , Happoh Seigoh , Takashi Yukiko , Fujitsuna Ryutaro , Ueda Tatsuo , Kawase Yasuhiro , Fujii Masahiro , Kumita Shin-ichiro 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to illustrate the utility of our original system to deliver vascular plugs into aortic side branches during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Technique: Our device, which we named “System-F,” consists of a 14 Fr sheath, a 12 Fr long sheath with a side hole, a stiff guidewire as a shaft, and a parallelly-inserted delivery catheter navigated through the side hole into the aneurysm sac. Vertical motion and horizontal rotation of the side hole allow multidimensional movement of the delivery catheter within the aneurysm. This system was applied in 7 cases undergoing EVAR; 4 inferior mesenteric arteries and 14 lumbar arteries were embolized using vascular plugs. Type II endoleak (T2EL) was not observed in the follow-up survey of any case. Conclusion: The applicability of System-F for vascular plug placement in the side branches of abdominal aortic aneurysms has the potential to achieve high delivery capability and be widely applied for the prevention of T2EL. Clinical Impact System-F has potential to change the strategies of pre-EVAR embolization.
Dendrobium Nobile Polysaccharides Attenuates Ferroptosis and Improves Cognitive Function in Vascular Dementia Rats
Authors: Ming Min , Hu Weihua , Xie Gaosheng , Chen Jianping , Huang Ying 
Published: June 2023

Introduction To investigate the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of Dendrobium nobile polysaccharide (DNP) on vascular dementia (VD) rats. Methods VD model rats were prepared by permanent ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries. Cognitive function was tested by morris water maze test, mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructure of hippocampal synapses were tested by transmission electron microscopy, GSH, xCT, GPx4, and PSD-95 expressions were tested by western blot and PCR. Results The number of platform crossing was significantly increased, and the escape latency was significantly shorter in DNP group. The expressions of GSH, xCT and GPx4 in the hippocampus were up-regulated in DNP group. Moreover, the synapses of DNP group were relatively intact and synaptic vesicles increased, the length of synaptic active zone and PSD thickness were significantly increased, and PSD-95 protein expression was significantly up-regulated compared VD group. Conclusion DNP may take a neuroprotective effect by inhibiting ferroptosis in VD.
Trends in mortality from infection among patients with hematologic malignancies: differences according to hematologic malignancy subtype
Authors: Yin Xuejiao , Hu Xuelian , Tong Hongyan , You Liangshun 
Published: June 2023

Background: Infection is the most important cause of non-relapse mortality in hematologic malignancy patients, leading to increased costs and prolonged hospitalization times. However, comprehensive and comparable reports on infection-specific mortality (ISM) trends in hematologic malignancy patients are lacking. Objectives: We aimed to provide updated ISM trends and factors associated with ISM among hematologic malignancy patients. Design: This is a retrospective study. Methods: Patients diagnosed with the five most common hematologic malignancies from 1983 to 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were included. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze mortality trends. Results: ISM decreased beginning in 1983, 1988, and 1994, with yearly decreases of −2.1% for acute leukemia (AL), −1.3% for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), and −14.3% for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). In contrast, ISM in patients with chronic leukemia (CL) and multiple myeloma (MM) increased dramatically beginning in 2000, with yearly increases of 2.8% and 3.3%, respectively. ISM rates were higher in males than in females across all hematologic malignancy subtypes. The mortality trends significantly differed according to race, age, sex, and stage, which could help in further etiological investigations. Moreover, male sex, older age at diagnosis, black race, and unmarried status were poor prognostic factors for ISM across all hematologic malignancy subtypes. Conclusion: A promising downward trend in ISM in recent years occurred in patients with AL, HL, and NHL; however, ISM increased dramatically in patients with CL and MM. Our data suggest that risk assessment and careful infection monitoring are recommended for hematologic malignancy patients, particularly those with CL and MM.
Joint use of population pharmacokinetics and machine learning for optimizing antiepileptic treatment in pediatric population
Authors: Damnjanović Ivana , Tsyplakova Nastia , Stefanović Nikola , Tošić Tatjana , Catić-Đorđević Aleksandra , Karalis Vangelis 
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Unpredictable drug efficacy and safety of combined antiepileptic therapy is a major challenge during pharmacotherapy decisions in everyday clinical practice. The aim of this study was to describe the pharmacokinetics of valproic acid (VA), lamotrigine (LTG), and levetiracetam (LEV) in a pediatric population using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling, while machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied to identify any relationships among the plasma levels of the three medications and patients’ characteristics, as well as to develop a predictive model for epileptic seizures. Methods: The study included 71 pediatric patients of both genders, aged 2–18 years, on combined antiepileptic therapy. Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models were developed separately for VA, LTG, and LEV. Based on the estimated pharmacokinetic parameters and the patients’ characteristics, three ML approaches were applied (principal component analysis, factor analysis of mixed data, and random forest). PopPK models and ML models were developed, allowing for greater insight into the treatment of children on antiepileptic treatment. Results: Results from the PopPK model showed that the kinetics of LEV, LTG, and VA were best described by a one compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination kinetics. Reliance on random forest model is a compelling vision that shows high prediction ability for all cases. The main factor that can affect antiepileptic activity is antiepileptic drug levels, followed by body weight, while gender is irrelevant. According to our study, children’s age is positively associated with LTG levels, negatively with LEV and without the influence of VA. Conclusion: The application of PopPK and ML models may be useful to improve epilepsy management in vulnerable pediatric population during the period of growth and development.
Skin fragility in a cat presenting with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Hardy Lorna , Gil-Morales Claudia , Maunder Christina , Paran Emilie 
Published: June 2023

Case summary A case of skin fragility in an 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism is described. The cat was referred to the Feline Centre at Langford Small Animal Hospital with a 2-month history of multiple skin wounds with no known traumatic aetiology. A low-dose dexamethasone suppression test was performed before referral, which was consistent with hyperadrenocorticism. On presentation, the cat had multiple cutaneous lacerations and patchy areas of alopecia. CT was performed, which revealed a pituitary mass most consistent with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Treatment with oral trilostane (Vetoryl; Dechra) was commenced and clinical improvement was observed; however, further extensive skin lesions as a consequence of her skin fragility resulted in euthanasia. Relevance and novel information Hyperadrenocorticism is an uncommon endocrinopathy of cats; however, it is an important differential for skin thinning and non-healing wounds. Skin fragility remains an important factor in the consideration of appropriate treatment protocols and ongoing quality of life in these patients.
Assessing the user satisfaction on COVID-19 vaccination service in Indonesia
Authors: Wijayanti Siwi Pramatama Mars , Rejeki Dwi Sarwani Sri , Rizqi Yuditha Nindya Kartika , Octaviana Devi , Nurlaela Sri 
Published: June 2023

Background: The implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination is still being carried out in Indonesia to enhance immunity against SARS Cov-2 infection. However, the information about vaccination service satisfaction is still very limited. This study aims to assess how satisfied Covid-19 vaccination service users are in Indonesia. Design and methods: This is an analytic study with a cross-sectional design was conducted through an online survey in the third week of June 2022. People with a minimum age of 17 years, having received at least one COVID-19 vaccination, and residing in Indonesia were allowed to participate in this study. We used the SERVQUAL model as an instrument, measuring five aspects covering tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, and empathy. The analysis carried out included univariate analysis and bivariate test using chi-square statistical test. Results: A total of 509 respondents were included in this study. The findings of this study revealed that there was not much of a difference between the satisfied (50.1%) and dissatisfied categories (49.9%) of vaccination users. Of the five dimensions measured, the highest level of dissatisfaction is in tangibility particularly on facility (48.7%), while the highest level of satisfaction is in reliability (the vaccination service following applicable procedures; 59.7%). We find out that vaccination location ( p = 0.038), provision of refreshment/reward/incentives ( p = 0.001), providing emergency contact post-vaccination ( p = 0.000), and observation time post-vaccination ( p = 0.000) were associated with the satisfaction of users. Conclusion: Many respondents in this study are still dissatisfied with the COVID-19 vaccination services, so it is necessary for taking continuous efforts to raise the quality of vaccination services to increase user satisfaction.