bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical properties of (Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19)x/(Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 composite impacted in seawater
Authors: Matar M. , Najem Ahmad , Habanjar K. , Anas M. , Awad R. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the present work, the effect of adding Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19 hard nanoparticles and the immersion in seawater for different durations (0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h) on the mechanical characteristics of the Bi, Pb-2223 superconductor phase were studied. A conventional solid-state reaction method was used to produce the (Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19)
x
/(Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 composites (0.00 ≤ x < 0.40 wt%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the primary phase formation of the tetragonal (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) studies were also carried out to demonstrate the microstructural analyses of the samples during seawater immersion. Compared to the pure (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 phase, SEM and EDX verified the improvement of the adsorption of seawater elements upon adding the nanoparticles. This resulted in faster grain size reduction in the (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 phase than in the pure sample before immersion. Vickers microhardness (
$$\:Hv$$
) Measurements were performed for 30 s at room temperature, with applied stresses ranging from 0.49 to 9.80 N after immersion in the seawater for different durations (0, 2, 6, 12, and 24 h). For the sample with x = 0.04 wt%,
$$\:Hv$$
values enhanced with percentages of 67.72% and 98.44%, before and after immersion in seawater for 24 h, respectively. This suggests that the mechanical properties of the (Bi1.6, Pb0.4)-2223 phase were enhanced by a small addition of these nanoparticles and the salts of seawater adsorbed on the sample’s surface. The modified proportional sample resistance (MPSR) model offered the most accurate theoretical analysis in the plateau limit region, before and after seawater immersions, with a less than 5% variance. Furthermore, the incorporation of Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2Fe12O19 into the superconductor had a positive impact on several mechanical characteristics, including fracture toughness (K), yield strength (Y), and elastic modulus (E). All these mechanical parameter values followed the same trend, increasing with the increase in immersion time. However, they are at their height with the presence of 0.04 wt% of these nanoparticles. The toughness increased by 27.31% of the pure sample at this point. After that, when the immersion time rose from 0 to 24 h, this number increased by 42.59%.
Longitudinal qualitative assessment of meaningful symptoms and relevance of WATCH-PD digital measures for people with early Parkinson’s
Authors: Mammen Jennifer R. , Lerner Aaron , Al-Rubayie Raunak , Kostrzebski Melissa , Stephenson Diane , Xiao Yuge , Redmond Chris , Tyo Mirinda , Reddy Varun G. , Auinger Peggy , Dorsey E. Ray , Adams Jamie L. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Longitudinal qualitative data on what matters to people with Parkinson’s disease are lacking and needed to guide patient-centered clinical care and development of outcome measures.

Objective
To evaluate change over time in symptoms, impacts, and relevance of digital measures to monitor disease progression in early Parkinson’s.

Methods
In-depth, online symptom mapping interviews were conducted with 33 people with early Parkinson’s at baseline and 1 year later to evaluate (A) symptoms, (B) impacts, and (C) relevance of digital measures to monitor personally relevant symptoms. Maps and transcripts were coded for frequencies, Likert scale rankings (0 = not present to 4 = most bothersome), and thematic findings. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to evaluate change over time.

Results
Other than walking and balance, most motor symptoms did not change significantly from baseline to 1 year later. Multiple significant changes were observed in non-motor areas (cognition, speech, sleep, mood, fatigue, pain; p < 0.05) and functional impacts (mobility, effort to do usual activities, personal comfort; p < 0.05). Thematic analysis revealed ability to cope with and compensate for actual or anticipated symptoms reduced disruptions to well-being and changed how bothersome symptoms were. All digital measures targeted symptoms that were personally important to most participants (> 80%).

Conclusion
Non-motor and walking/balance symptoms changed sooner than other motor symptoms during the course of 1 year. Evaluation of coping and compensatory mechanisms may be essential to understanding symptom bothersomeness at a given point in time. Smartphone and smartwatch digital measures were relevant to personally meaningful symptoms of early PD.
Benefits of a 12-week psychotherapy course for people with Parkinson’s disease: a service improvement project
Authors: Roussakis Andreas-Antonios , Hawkins Rima , Mackley Cara , Piccini Paola 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The psychological symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) worsen the quality of life of patients and their partners. However, these non-motor symptoms (mainly anxiety and depression) remain undiagnosed and undertreated in PD. Here, we report the benefits of a 12-week intervention using talking therapy (psychotherapy and counselling). This work was conducted in a group of individuals (people living with PD, and partners) with mild-to-moderate anxiety and depression. We discuss our results in context and conclude that short-term talking therapy should be integrated into PD therapeutics.
Impulse control and correlation to dopamine agonist serum concentrations in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Staubo Sara C. , Fuskevåg Ole Martin , Toft Mathias , Lie Ingeborg H. , Alvik Kirsti M. J. , Jostad Pål , Tingvoll Stein H. , Lilleng Hallvard , Rosqvist Kristina , Størset Elisabet , Odin Per , Dietrichs Espen , Dietrichs Erik Sveberg 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Impaired impulse control is often seen in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients using dopamine agonists.

Methods
We performed a therapeutic drug monitoring study of 100 PD patients using ropinirole or pramipexole extended release. Three blood samples were collected on the same day. Serum concentrations were measured, and 24 h area under the curve (AUC) calculated. The validated Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease-Rating Scale (QUIP-RS) was used for assessing impulse control.

Results
Total ropinirole drug exposure showed weak, but significant correlation to the QUIP-RS score. No correlation between pramipexole serum concentrations and QUIP-RS was found. In ropinirole patients, both agonist dose and total dopaminergic treatment were correlated with QUIP-RS. Duration of ropinirole treatment correlated with impaired impulse control, and duration of dopaminergic treatment of any type correlated with QUIP-RS scores in both ropinirole and pramipexole patients.

Conclusions
Our main finding is that impaired impulse control is correlated to both total drug exposure (AUC) and dopamine agonist dose for ropinirole, but not for pramipexole. These observations indicate that different strategies may be useful for treating PD patients with impaired impulse control: ropinirole dose reduction could be beneficial, whereas pramipexole treatment may have to be stopped.
BDNF levels in serum and CSF are associated with clinicoradiological characteristics of aggressive disease in MS patients
Authors: Maiworm Michelle , Koerbel Kimberly , Anschütz Victoria , Jakob Jasmin , Schaller-Paule Martin A. , Schäfer Jan Hendrik , Friedauer Lucie , Wenger Katharina J. , Hoelter Maya C. , Steffen Falk , Bittner Stefan , Foerch Christian , Yalachkov Yavor 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
BDNF has increasingly gained attention as a key molecule controlling remyelination with a prominent role in neuroplasticity and neuroprotection. Still, it remains unclear how BDNF relates to clinicoradiological characteristics particularly at the early stage of the disease where precise prognosis for the further MS course is crucial.

Methods
BDNF, NfL and GFAP concentrations in serum and CSF were assessed in 106 treatment na﻿ïve patients with MS (pwMS) as well as 73 patients with other inflammatory/non-inflammatory neurological or somatoform disorders using a single molecule array HD-1 analyser. PwMS were evaluated for highly active profiles by applying the aggressive disease course criteria proposed by ECTRIMS. Serum/CSF values were logarithmically transformed and compared across groups using one-way ANOVA, while correlations were calculated using Pearson’s correlations. ROC analysis and AUC comparisons for diagnostic performance of the three biomarkers were computed in an explorative analysis.

Results
Serum BDNF (sBDNF) concentrations were higher in treatment naïve pwMS with disease onset after the age of 40 years (p = 0.029), in pwMS with ≥2 gadolinium-enhancing lesions (p = 0.009) and with motor, cerebellar, cognitive or sphincter symptoms at onset (p = 0.036). BDNF correlated positively with NfL (r = 0.198, p = 0.014) and GFAP (r = 0.253, p = 0.002) in serum, but not in CSF. Neurological patients with an acute inflammatory relapse showed significantly higher sBDNF levels (p = 0.03) compared to somatoform controls, while patients without acute relapse did not differ from somatoform controls (p = 0.4). Better diagnostic performance was found for sBDNF than sNfL and sGFAP in differentiating between patients with vs. without 2 or more gadolinium-enhancing lesions (p < 0.05) and for sBDNF as compared to sNfL for separating patients with disease onset after vs. before age of 40 years.

Conclusion
In pwMS, BDNF serum levels differ depending on disease-related characteristics, suggesting that not only inflammatory activity but also remyelination capacities may vary with disease severity. BDNF is increased when other biomarkers of neuroaxonal damage and neurodegeneration, such as NfL and GFAP, are elevated, possibly as a compensatory mechanism, and reflect possibly further pathophysiological aspects in MS beyond NfL and GFAP, probably including an apoptotic role for BDNF in neuroinflammation.
Long-term cultivation of retinal pigment epithelium cells on nanofiber scaffolds
Authors: Zimmermann Julian A. , Irlenbusch Lucy , Hansen Uwe , Himmler Marcus , Zeng Chun , Eter Nicole , Fuchsluger Thomas , Heiduschka Peter 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other retinal degenerative diseases. The introduction of healthy RPE cell cultures into the subretinal space offers a potential treatment strategy. The aim of this study was the long-term culture and characterisation of RPE cells on nanofiber scaffolds.

Methods
Nanofiber scaffolds consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and collagen were prepared by electrospinning. Porcine RPE cell cultures were maintained on PCL scaffolds, PCL-collagen scaffolds, and controls at the bottom of 24-well plates. Cell culture analysis was performed by immunohistochemistry, while the release of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and PDGF-β was measured by ELISA and multiplex assays. Ultrastructural features were examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Results
The observation period averaged 42.7 weeks for controls, 38.7 weeks for PCL scaffold cultures, and 36.1 weeks for PCL-collagen scaffold cultures, with cell number and morphology remaining stable. TNF-α levels in the supernatants were minimal, IL-6 levels were consistently low, and IL-8 levels decreased from initially high to lower levels over time.

Conclusion
RPE cells were stably cultured on nanofiber scaffolds for extended periods of time. The long-term physiological properties of RPE cells, including phagocytic ability and visual cycle enzyme activity, need to be further investigated before clinical application. In addition, controlling the expression of inflammatory mediators is a major challenge. Despite these hurdles, overcoming them is critical given the increasing prevalence of retinal degenerative diseases.
Diagnostic value of CT scans in pediatric patients with acute non-traumatic altered mental status: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alsabri Mohammed , Ayyad Mohammed , Aziz Mayar M. , Zaazouee Mohamed Sayed , Elshanbary Alaa Ahmed , Shafique Muhammad Ashir , Sarieddine Lamar , Qattea Ibrahim , Waseem Muhammad , Gamboa Luis L. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Computed tomography (CT) scans are widely used for evaluating children with acute atraumatic altered mental status (AMS) despite concerns about radiation exposure and limited diagnostic yield. This study aims to assess the efficacy of CT scans in this population and provide evidence-based recommendations.

Methods
A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies involving pediatric patients with acute atraumatic AMS undergoing head CT scans. Two independent reviewers conducted the literature search, extracted data, and assessed study quality.

Results
From 4,739 identified studies, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The overall positive diagnostic yield of head CT scans was 35.9% (95% CI: 6.1%–65.7%). Subgroup analyses revealed that the diagnostic yield varied by clinical setting, age group, and presenting symptoms.

Conclusion: Head CT scans are frequently performed in pediatric patients with AMS, but their diagnostic usefulness is limited. Evidence-based guidelines and risk stratification methods are necessary to improve imaging utilization and minimize radiation exposure risks.

What is Known• Computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to evaluate pediatric patients with acute atraumatic altered mental status (AMS).• There are concerns about radiation exposure from CT scans, especially in children due to their increased sensitivity and longer life expectancy.• Previous studies suggest a low diagnostic yield of CT scans in certain pediatric conditions, indicating potential overuse.

What is New• This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically assess the diagnostic value of CT scans in pediatric patients with acute atraumatic AMS.• Findings reveal a relatively low positive diagnostic yield, indicating that CT scans may be overutilized in this population.• Subgroup analyses highlight variability in outcomes based on clinical setting, patient age, and presenting symptoms.• The study underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines and risk stratification tools to optimize imaging decisions and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure in children.
Shape-Dependent Behavior of Intact Rock Under Creep Loading
Authors: Aghajanzadeh Mohammadreza , Li Danqi , Heidarpour Amin , Bahaaddini Mojtaba , Masoumi Hossein 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Many underground mining operations require the design of pillars that their long-term structural integrity under creep loading is essential for sustainable operation of mines and safety of personnel. Characterizing the mechanical behavior of rocks at different shapes over the long-term can assist in efficient design of underground pillars. Over the past 4 decades, a large number of studies have examined the shape effect and long-term behavior of rocks separately, while consideration of these two together is essential. Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is needed to assess the influence of shape on the mechanical behavior of intact rocks under long term or creep loading. Thus, in this work, an extensive laboratory experiments were conducted on a shaly sandstone, known as “Gosford” sandstone, with various length-to-diameter or “slenderness” ratios under both quasi-static and creep compressive loadings. The uniaxial compressive tests were performed on a number of cylindrical samples with constant diameter of 54 mm and varying slenderness ratios of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4. Also, a set of single and multi-step creep experiments were carried out on the samples with different slenderness ratios. Eighteen cylindrical samples were subjected to single-step creep loading at the slenderness ratios of 1, 2, and 4 and their corresponding instantaneous strains, apparent secondary creep strain rates, axial creep strains at the failure and times to failure were analyzed. The results showed that a decrease in the slenderness ratio led to an increase in the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of tested samples under quasi-static loading. Also, under single-step creep loading, the samples with the slenderness ratios of 2 and 4 exhibited classical creep behavior including distinct primary, secondary, and tertiary phases, whereas samples with the 1:1 ratio demonstrated localized failure. The multi-step creep tests endorsed these findings in which, the samples with smaller slenderness ratios resulted in larger cumulative strains and higher apparent secondary creep strain rate at the various creep stress ratios (the ratio of applied stress over the mean UCS). Finally, it was concluded that the resulting failure patterns from the tested samples are highly shape dependent under both quasi-static and creep loading conditions.
The effects of turbulence modeling on dynamic stall
Authors: Baldan Giacomo , Manara Francesco , Frassoldati Gregorio , Guardone Alberto 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
A numerical investigation of the flow evolution over a pitching NACA 0012 airfoil incurring in deep dynamic stall phenomena is presented. The experimental data at Reynolds number Re = 135, 000 and reduced frequency k = 0.1, provided by Lee and Gerontakos, are compared to numerical simulations using different turbulence models. After a preliminary space and time convergence study, two- and three-dimensional URANS with different turbulence models are explored, highlighting the advantages and the drawbacks. Then, the turbulence-resolving capabilities of hybrid RANS/LES strategies are exploited to recover and better represent the dynamic stall vortex. In detail, scale-adaptive simulations (SASs) and stress-blended eddy simulations (SBESs) are adopted. Furthermore, the LES-resolved portion allows a spectral analysis of the force and moment coefficients to investigate the contribution of frequency lower than the pitching one. Finally, a comparison of the proposed approaches with other numerical simulations is given.
Chronic kidney disease is a major risk factor for mortality in triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy patients
Authors: Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Okamura Satomi , Nishimura Yuki , Yamada Tomomi , Miyauchi Hideyuki , Nakano Yusuke , Amano Tetsuya , Kawaguchi Yuko , Fujimoto Shinichiro , Hirano Ken-ichi ,   the Japan TGCV study group
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Triglyceride deposit cardiomyovasculopathy (TGCV) is a rare cardiovascular disorder caused by defective intracellular lipolysis of triglyceride, resulting in heart failure and diffuse narrowing atherosclerosis. Recently, the registry of TGCV patients in Japan revealed that the 3-year overall survival rate was 80.1% and the 5-year overall survival rate was 71.8%. In this study, the effect on mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetes malleus (DM), hypertension (HT), and dyslipidemia (DL) was analyzed using this retrospective registry of TGCV patients. The 3-year survival rate was 71.3% in the CKD group and 91.7% in the non-CKD group, and the 5-year survival rate was 61.8% in CKD group and 84.4% in the non-CKD group. The Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that CKD is a risk factor for mortality in TGCV patients (p = 0.006). Although TGCV patients with CKD were older than those without CKD, Cox proportional hazard model analyses including age indicated that CKD has a significant association of the prognosis of TGCV patients (hazard ratio 2.33 [1.12–4.86], p = 0.024). DM, HT, and DL did not increase mortality in TGCV patients, although these risk factors were established in the general population. TGCV might cause cardiac disorders and kidney disease at the same time, because podocyte foot process disorder in the glomeruli might be caused by TGCV itself, while CKD should be a risk factor for mortality in TGCV patients as is true in the general population. In conclusion, CKD is a major risk factor for mortality in TGCV patients and thus should be paid attention to in these patients.
Systematic evaluation of adhesives for implant fixation in multimodal functional brain MRI
Authors: Szinyei Anna Zsófia , Maus Bastian , Schmid Jonas Q. , Klimek Matthias , Segelcke Daniel , Pogatzki-Zahn Esther M. , Pradier Bruno , Faber Cornelius 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
Invasive multimodal fMRI in rodents is often compromised by susceptibility artifacts from adhesives used to secure cranial implants. We hypothesized that adhesive type, shape, and field strength significantly affect susceptibility artifacts, and systematically evaluated various adhesives.

Materials and methods
Thirty-one adhesives were applied in constrained/unconstrained geometries and imaged with T2*-weighted EPI at 7.0 and 9.4 T to assess artifact depths. Spherical and flat patch shapes, both unconstrained geometries, were compared for artifact depth in vitro and in vivo. Adhesion strength was assessed on post-mortem mouse crania. Finally, an integrative scoring system rated adhesive properties, including artifact depth, handling, and adhesion strength.

Results
Susceptibility artifacts were two times larger at 9.4 than at 7.0 T (p < 0.001), strongest at the patch edges, and deeper with spherical than flat patches (p < 0.05). Artifact size depended more on shape and volume after curing than adhesive type. Our integrative scoring system showed resins, bonding agents, and acrylics offered the best overall properties, while silicones and cements were less favorable.

Discussion
Adhesive selection requires balancing handling, curing time, strength, and artifact depth. To minimize artifacts, adhesives should be applied in a spread-out, flat and thin layer. Our integrative scoring system supports classification of future classes of adhesives.
Palaeoenvironmental implications and genesis of lacustrine Lower Triassic giant ooids
Authors: Mono Phyllis , Hoffmann René , Jöns Niels , Klügel Andreas , Stevens Kevin , Brachert Thomas C. , Immenhauser Adrian 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The sedimentary environment and mechanisms of formation of giant ooids (> 2 mm) are not well understood. Here, we use petrographical, mineralogical and geochemical data of giant ooids from the Lower Triassic Buntsandstein Formation of central Germany to develop a coherent formation model. Structural preservation of calcite crystallites in ooid cortices in combination with comparatively low strontium concentrations (< 545 μg/g) and the absence of dolomite in the cortex suggest a primary low-Mg calcite composition. Shale-normalised rare earth elements plus yttrium (REE + Y) patterns lack a pronounced heavy REE over light REE enrichment and show a positive cerium anomaly (Ce/Ce*SN = 1.9–3.9). Together with a missing yttrium anomaly and low Y/Ho ratios (< 40), these data are largely consistent with ooid formation in a lacustrine environment. Positive cerium and lanthanum anomalies further point to formation and deposition in an alkaline to hypersaline playa-lake environment. Based on our findings, a five-stage formation model is proposed. We suggest nucleus formation by microbial spheres, followed by calcite crystal nucleation on biofilm templates at the sediment–water interface, and crystal/cortex growth inside the sediment pile. The spherical ooid form is achieved by wave-induced physical rolling motion after exhumation. Ooid growth ceases when the ooid reaches a critical size (here 4 mm), depending on local hydrodynamic properties. Inhomogeneous crystal growth and the inclusion of exogenous particles lead to structural and geochemical anomalies in the ooid cortex. Results presented here have far-reaching implications for the application of REE and other trace elements as environmental proxies in ancient carbonates.