bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the perceived social support scale for older adults
Authors: Kong Linghui , Zhang Huijun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

BackgroundWith the deepening of the global aging process, more and more scholars have begun to attach importance to the research on the perceived social support among the elderly. The intention of this study was to introduce and verify the applicability of tools to measure the perceptive social support level of older adults.MethodsAfter acquiring authorization from the authors of the original scale, the perceived social support (PSS) scale for the elderly was adjusted and revised through expert consultation and pre-survey based on the Brislin translation model (translation and back-translation). A total of 627 elderly people from multiple communities in two provinces of China from October 2022 to February 2023 were chose as research targets by convenience sampling method. The translated scale was tested employing item analysis, content validity, structural validity, internal consistency reliability, and retest reliability.ResultsThe final Chinese version scale contained 32 items. The content validity index (I-CVI) at the item level of PSS scale was 0.857ཞ1.000, and the content validity index (S-CVI) at the scale level was 0.964. A total of 5 common factors were extracted from exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 55.558%. As a result of the CFA, χ2/df of the modified model was 1.241, NFI = 0.903, GFI = 0.903, IFI = 0.980, TLI = 0.977, CFI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.027 and SRMR = 0.037. The Cronbach’s α coefficient, split-half reliability and test-retest reliability of the PSS scale were 0.934, 0.715, and 0.887, respectively.ConclusionsThe Chinese version of the PSS scale for the elderly had good reliability and validity, and was suitable for measuring the level of perceived social support for the elderly in China. Based on the measurement outcomes of the scale, medical staff can raise the level of social support of the elderly and further improve their life satisfaction.
External cycling of NOx promotes the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere
Authors: Ye Chunxiang , Zhou Xianliang , Zhang Yingjie , Wang Youfeng , Wang Jianshu , Zhang Chong , Woodward-Massey Robert , Canterll Christopher , Mauldin Roy , Campos Teresa , Hornbrook Rebecca , Ortega John , Apel Eric , Haggerty Julie , Hall Samuel , Ullmann Kirk , Weinheimer Andrew , Stutz Jochen , Karl Thomas , Smith James , Guenther Alex , Song Shaojie 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
External cycling routes regenerating NOx from its oxidative reservoir, NOz, might reshape the temporal–spatial distribution of NOx and consequently OH, the most important atmospheric oxidant. However, the kinetics and mechanisms of the external cycling are still in dispute. Here, we present two critical pieces of evidence from aircraft observations in various atmospheric chemical regimes to verify the external cycling, i.e., unexpectedly high HONO/NO2 and NO2/NOy (≡ NOx + NOz) ratios and atypical HONO and NO2 diurnal profiles, both of which cannot be captured by GEOS-Chem modeling. Additionally, two features of the external cycling were portrayed, i.e., HONO as an intermediate for NOx production in the external cycling and promotion of the atmospheric photochemistry by external cycling in the low-NOx troposphere. Chemical model omitting the external cycling yields OH underestimation by 41% in low-NOx atmospheres. Our data provide a global view of the external cycling and its perturbations on the atmospheric oxidative capacity, which challenges the traditional view involving the continuous oxidative decay of NOx that leads to an extremely low abundance of NOx and thus suppressed OH in the troposphere.
A novel near-infrared fluorescence probe THK-565 enables in vivo detection of amyloid and tau deposits in Alzheimer’s disease mouse models
Authors: Naganuma Fumito , Murata Daiki , Inoue Marie , Maehori Yuri , Harada Ryuichi , Furumoto Shozo , Kudo Yukitsuka , Nakamura Tadaho , Okamura Nobuyuki 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose Non-invasive imaging of amyloid and tau aggregates in the brain is critical for the early diagnosis, disease monitoring, and evaluation of the effectiveness of novel therapies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with specific probes is a promising technique for in vivo detection of these protein deposits without radiation exposure. Comprehensive screening of fluorescent compounds identified a novel compound THK-565 for in vivo imaging of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau deposits in the mouse brain. This study assessed whether THK-565 can detect amyloid-β and tau deposits in vivo in AD mouse models.Procedures: The fluorescent properties of THK-565 were evaluated in the presence and absence of Aβ fibrils. APP knock-in (APP-KI) and rTg4510 mice were used as animal models of AD. In vivo NIRF images were acquired after intravenous administration of THK-565 in mice. The binding selectivity of THK-565 to amyloid and tau was evaluated using brain slices from these mouse models.Results The fluorescence intensity of the THK-565 solution was substantially increased by mixing with Aβ fibrils. The maximum emission wavelength of the complex of THK-565 and Aβ fibrils was 704 nm, which was within the range of optical window. In the brain sections from APP-KI and rTg4510 mice, THK-565 selectively bound to amyloid and tau deposits. After intravenous administration of THK-565, the fluorescence signal in the head was significantly higher in APP-KI and rTg4510 mice than in wild-type mice. Ex vivo analysis confirmed that the THK-565 signal corresponded to Aβ and tau immunostaining in the brain sections from these mice.Conclusions A novel NIRF probe, THK-565, enabled in vivo detection of Aβ and tau deposits in the brains of AD mouse models, suggesting that NIRF imaging with THK-565 could non-invasively assess disease-specific pathology in AD.
A Novel technique for designing and optimizing gaps between graphene nanoribbons in GNRFETS using Extended Huckel Theory
Authors: Ghadiyani Amir , Alidash Hossein Karimiyan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
By transitioning from the silicon era to emerging graphene devices, it is evident that digital electronics will need Graphene Nanoribbon Field Effect Transistors (GNRFETs) with more than one ribbon. Tuning the gap between the graphene nanoribbons in these transistors is crucial for achieving optimum and accurate structural features. This paper investigates the effect of optimizing the gap between the graphene ribbons (𝑊𝑠𝑝) of a GNRFET on the device's performance. The non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) technique is employed to simulate quantum transport, whereas the Extended Huckel Theory (EHT) is used for computing. Two transistors are analyzed, each comprising two identical graphene ribbons with chirality (6,0) and (7,0). Additionally investigated is the impact of varying the 𝑊𝑠𝑝 parameter on the characteristic curve, Ion/Ioff ratio and subthreshold slope, density of states, transmission spectrum, Fermi levels, and Hartree potential. Using two graphene ribbons doubles the probability of electron transition compared to a single ribbon device, according to the results. Increasing 𝑊𝑠𝑝 increases the device's on-current while decreasing its off-current. Increasing the value of 𝑊𝑠𝑝 by 1nm results in a 300% improvement in the Ion/Ioff ratio; hence, choosing values larger than 1.5 nm for 𝑊𝑠𝑝 will significantly improve the Ion/Ioff ratio. In addition, the subthreshold slope for 𝑊𝑠𝑝 values higher than 1.5 nm are quite close to the fundamental limit of 60𝑚𝑣/𝑑𝑒𝑐.
miR-383-5p Regulates Rabbit Preadipocyte Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Wang Meigui , Shao Jiahao , Liu Zheliang , Tang Tao , Chen Guanhe , Xia Siqi , Zhao Kaisen , Kang Zhe , Sun Wenqiang , Jia Xianbo , Wang Jie , Lai Songjia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs with the capability of modulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level either by inhibiting messenger RNA (mRNA) translation or by promoting mRNA degradation. A large number of studies have shown that miR-383-5p plays a key role in the development of cancer cells, but the mechanism of miR-383-5p regulating adipogenesis is still poorly understood. In our study, we found that the expression of miR-383-5p in perirenal adipose tissue of rabbits aged 35 and 70 days was higher, which was significantly different from other tissues (p < 0.05). In addition, cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8), flow cytometry and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EDU) experiments were used to identify the effect of miR-383-5p on the proliferation of rabbit preadipocytes. The results showed that miR-383-5p promoted the proliferation of rabbit preadipocytes. Western Blotting (WB), qRT-PCR and Oil Red O staining experiments were used to identify the effect of miR-383-5p on the differentiation of rabbit preadipocytes. After overexpression of miR-383-5p, the expression of fat differentiation markers PPARγ, FABP4, and CEBP/α were significantly higher than that of the control group, while the inhibitory group showed the opposite trend. The results of oil red o staining showed that the number of lipid droplets in the overexpression group was significantly higher than that in the control group, while the number of lipid droplets in the inhibition group was opposite. WB experiment also showed the same trend. These results showed that miR-383-5p promoted the differentiation of rabbit preadipocytes. Moreover, 1642 (721 up-regulated and 921 down-regulated) known differentially expressed (DE) genes were screened from miR-383-5p mimic groups and miR-383-5p negative control (NC) groups by transcriptome sequencing technology. Gene Ontology Resource (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enriched the pathways related to lipid metabolism. Protein catabolism, organic nitrogen compound biosynthesis, and lipid biosynthesis were significantly enriched. Finally, using bioinformatics websites to predict the discovery of RAD51AP1 as a potential target for miR-383-5p, their target relationship was demonstrated after its dual luciferase reporting experiment. Overall, our data indicate that miR-383-5p plays a positive regulatory effect on the proliferation and differentiation of rabbit preadipocytes.
Novel 1,3-diaryltriazene-substituted sulfaguanidine derivatives as selective carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: Synthesis, characterization, inhibition effects, and molecular docking studies
Authors: Akocak Suleyman , Lolak Nebih , Duran Hatice Esra , Işık Mesut , Türkeş Cüneyt , Durgun Mustafa , Beydemir Şükrü 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Sulfonamide compounds known as human carbonic anhydrase (hCA) inhibitors are used in the treatment of many diseases such as epilepsy, antibacterial glaucoma, various diseases. 1,3-diaryl-substituted triazenes and sulfaguanidine are used for therapeutic purposes in many drug structures. Based on these two groups, the synthesis of new compounds is important. In the present study, the novel 1,3-diaryltriazene-substituted sulfaguanidine derivatives (SG1-13) were synthesized and fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytic methods. Inhibitory effect of the these compounds on the hCA I and hCA II was screened as in vitro. All the series of synthesized compounds have been identified as potential hCA isoenzymes inhibitory with KI values in the range of 6.44 ± 0.74–86.85 ± 7.01 nM for hCA I and with KI values in the range of 8.16 ± 0.40-77.29 ± 9.56 nM for hCA II. Moreover, the new series of compounds showed a more effective inhibition effect than the acetazolamide used as a reference. The possible binding positions of the compounds with a binding affinity to the hCA I and hCA II was demonstrated by in silico studies. In conclusion, compounds with varying degrees of affinity for hCA isoenzymes have been designed and as selective hCA inhibitors, the compounds may be potential alternative agents that can be used to treat or prevent diseases associated with glaucoma and hCA inhibition.
Defining the soft-docking of Avalonia and Baltica and the Caledonian Orogeny in the İstanbul-Zonguldak Tectonic Unit (NW Turkey): Geochronological and geochemically data from the Silurian gabbro apophyses and dykes in the İstanbul Terrane
Authors: Şen Fatih 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Monitoring of Nematofauna and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in a Caatinga Area and in the Adjacent Culture
Authors: Lima Cleilton Santos , Campos Maryluce Albuquerque Silva 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The caatinga biome has high biodiversity. Anthropogenic actions have generated degradation, and evaluations that can prove this situation are important to preservation and sustainable use. Soil quality can be assessed by the activity or diversity of organisms. Among the organisms that can be evaluated are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), important for the maintenance of the ecosystem, and soil nematodes, which participate in the food web. In this way, the evaluation of these organisms in the soil can present an overview of the conditions of this environment. Thus, this work aims to evaluate AMF activity (mycorrhizal colonization and spore density) and AMF diversity and trophic groups of nematodes in the Caatinga area (interior and edge) and adjacent cultivation area. For this, 10 samples of soil and roots were collected in each area (interior Caatinga, edge Caatinga, cultivation). The spore density, percentage of mycorrhizal colonization, abundance of omnivores, carnivores and phytonematodes stood out in the first dry period of collection. The abundance of bacteriovores stood out in the two dry periods. Regarding the areas, the cultivation showed a higher amount of phytonematodes, as well as AMF spores and mycorrhizal colonization, the latter being in the last three collections. The abundance of fungivores also stood out in the cultivation area, in the first two collection periods. It is concluded that the studied Caatinga presents regular edaphic conditions. In addition, it was observed that there was no highlighted edge effect, with many of the parameters of the edge Caatinga similar to the interior Caatinga.
Modified Multiscale Renyi Distribution Entropy for Short-Term Heart Rate Variability Analysis
Authors: Shi Manhong , Shi Yinuo , Lin Yuxin , Qi Xue 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background: Multiscale sample entropy (MSE) is a prevalent complexity metric to characterize a time series and has been extensively applied to the physiological signal analysis. However, the application of MSE will not be satisfactory due to its inaccurate or mathematics constraints for a short-term time series as the scale factor increases. To overcome the shortcoming, a modified multiscale Renyi distribution entropy (MMRDis) was proposed in our present work
Methods: The MMRDis method uses a moving-averaging procedure to acquire a family of time series, each of which quantify the dynamic behaviors of the short-term time series over the multiple temporal scales. Then, MMRDis is constructed for the original and the coarse-grained time series.
Results: We showed the MMRDis method on simulated Gaussian white and 1/f noise time series, indicating that MMRDis had a superior computational stability and can avoid the occurrence of undefined measurement for the short-term time series. Besides, the short-term heart rate variability (HRV) signals extracted from healthy elderly, healthy young people and subjects with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation were used to evaluate the performance of MMRDis. The results showed that the complexity measurement values of MMRDis decreased with aging and disease and had the better distinction capability for the short-term HRV physiology/pathological signals than those of several recently proposed complexity metrics,
Conclusions: MMRDis was a promising measurement for screening cardiovascular condition within a short time.
Research on the mechanism of synergistic treatment of VOCs-O 3 by low temperature plasma catalysis technology
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zou Zhuorui , Lei Zhang , Jia Yang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this research, xylene was utilized as a simulated gas, γ-Al2O3 pellets were selected as catalyst carriers, and FeOx, MnOx, CeOx, and CuOx were used as active components to analyze the synergistic treatment of VOCs-O3 by low-temperature plasma combined with supported catalysts. Different metal oxides and other factors influence the synergistic treatment of VOCs-O3. The results showed that the catalytic effect of Fe-Mn/γ-Al2O3 prepared by the equivalent volumes of consecutive impregnation method was better than that of Fe-Mn/γ-Al2O3 prepared by co-impregnation method. When combined with low temperature plasma technology, high-energy electron collision reaction and oxidation reaction between free radicals occurs, which played a synergistic role in the degradation of VOCs-O3. The total removal rate of xylene was 94.88%, and the depletion rate of ozone was 84.1%.
A case of near-fatal bleeding due to ruptured peripheral varicose veins as a consequence of previous orthopedic surgery
Authors: Takamatsu Jumpei , Nakamjima Hajime , Nakata Masatoshi , Fukuhara Aya , Kang Jinkoo , Yasue Yuichi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Peripheral varicose veins are common condition. A rupture of an imperceptible varicose vein can cause a fatal hemorrhage. Patients should be informed that surgery can aggravate varicose veins and cause them to rupture in the lower extremities, which are prone to varicose vein formation.
Case presentation:
An 86-year-old male patient underwent open repair and fixation of a left ankle joint fracture 10 years prior to presentation. He had no specific symptoms; however, he suddenly began bleeding profusely from his left lower extremity during work and was rushed to the emergency room. He was in shock during transport; therefore, he was administered fluids and pressure hemostasis before arriving at the hospital. A 5 mm ulcer was observed in the left ankle joint, which was urgently removed after high-level ligation, including the varicose vein, and his circulation stabilized. The postoperative course was uneventful, the ulcer closed, and the patient was discharged on the second day. The histopathological examination revealed a suture in the outflow tract from the varicose vein that may have been caused by surgery to the previous left ankle joint fracture, and an organizing thrombus may have formed as a result.
Conclusions
We experienced a case of shock due to a varicose vein rupture with an unidentifiable bleeding point on site. This case highlights the necessity to inform patients with vein ligation about the possibility of varicose vein formation in the periphery and brings awareness to emergency staff who handle bleeding cases that a ruptured peripheral varicose vein could be the cause.
Prevalence and risk factors of urinary incontinence among women in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: TORGBENU Eric , AIMAKHU Christopher O. , MORHE Emmanuel K. S. , AMEYAW Edward K. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background Patients of urinary incontinence (UI), defined as an involuntary leakage of urine, mostly suffer in silence. African women with the condition usually feel embarrassed and may not readily seek help. In spite of this, there appears to be no recent systematic review that quantifies the prevalence and risk factors of UI. This study, therefore, synthesizes all studies that report the prevalence of UI and risk factors across African countries.Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted and reported in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Comprehensive search of Google Scholar, Hinari, African Journals Online (AJOL) and PubMed databases was conducted on July 24, 2020. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Studies was used to assess the risk of bias. Summary measure was the prevalent percentage of women with UI, with 95% confidence intervals.Results Prevalence of urinary incontinence ranged from 0.61% (CI 0.9, 1.03) in Sierra Leone to 39% (CI 33.59–44.41) in Tanzania. The prevalence reported among women with gynaecological issues were between 20.2% (95% CI 16–24) and 39% (95% CI 34–44). Ten of the 14 studies reported on the risk factors of UI. The risk factors include multiparity, advanced gestational periods, mode of delivery, pregnancy related constipation, having an underlying respiratory condition during pregnancy, and having a high body mass index (BMI) or being overweight.Conclusion The study has revealed the discrepancy reported by various UI prevalence studies in Africa. Risk factors of UI including mode of delivery and age of women at latest delivery should be explored in further research. Enhancing treatment opportunities for UI among women will help to improve the lives of women living with UI.
Integrating Genomics into the Genetic Management of the Endangered Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog
Authors: Steiner Cynthia C. , Jacobs Leah , Choi Emma , Ivy Jamie , Wilder Aryn , Calatayud Natalie E. , Shier Debra M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Conservation breeding programs have long been an important management tool for species recovery. Recently, breeding programs have begun to integrate next generation sequencing data into pedigree-based management strategies designed to maximize retention of genetic diversity and minimize inbreeding. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance established an ex situ breeding program for the endangered southern mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa), including two separately populations from the San Jacinto and San Bernardino mountain ranges. In this study, we conducted molecular population genetic assessments using double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing data to provide improved breeding recommendations for the managed R. muscosa populations. We found that genetic diversity of ex situ populations was relatively low (HO = 0.166–0.245) and population differentiation moderate (FST = 0.29). Patterns of genetic structure of captive frogs supported the evolutionary divergence of individuals by mountain ranges in the wild, with limited gene flow. Relatedness estimates identified close relatives among the founders, and molecularly-derived kinship values were used to determine and rank suitable breeders to minimize population mean kinship. Management recommendations highlight the need for importing additional founders from the wild to enhance genetic diversity in the breeding program, as effective source for genetic restoration.
Quark Confinement from different Dressed Gluon Propagators
Authors: Bedolla Marco A. , Raya Khépani , Raya Alfredo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The gap equation in quantum chromodynamics is solved by incorporating different gluon dressing functions, some of them derived from a quark-diquark potential that exhibits a conformal symmetry. By using the bare vertex and working in the Landau gauge, the quark mass function is found to have an infrared enhancement that smoothly transitions to an asymptotically free behavior at high momentum, which is consistent with the predictions of Schwinger-Dyson equations. Additionally, these quark propagators violate reflexion positivity, indicating that the gluon dressing provides clear evidence of quark confinement.