bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis mixed biofilm formation in a catheter disk model system treated with EtOH–EDTA solution
Authors: Lagudas Mary Farah G , Bureros Kenneth Joseph C 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Microbial colonization and the formation of biofilms on catheter surfaces pose a great risk for medical-related infections. We aimed (a) to evaluate polymicrobial biofilm formation of Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis and (b) to investigate the inhibition and effects of ethanol (EtOH) and EtOH–EDTA solutions on biofilms. Catheter disks were made and used as a substrate for biofilm formation. Varying concentrations of EtOH and EtOH–EDTA solutions were compared in deterring biofilm formation. The EtOH–EDTA solutions were further tested to remove mature and preformed biofilms. Compared to their monospecies counterparts, biofilm concentration significantly increases when C. albicans is co-cultured with S. epidermidis. Moreover, all treatments with EtOH–EDTA solution significantly lowered biofilm formation compared to EtOH alone (P ≤ 0.05). Lastly, biofilm was dramatically reduced when treated with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% EtOH–EDTA solutions (P ≤ 0.05). Our findings suggest that biofilms become more resilient to treatment when formed by multiple organisms. Nonetheless, treatment with EtOH–EDTA is effective against these polymicrobial biofilms.
Prophylactic platelet transfusion and risk of bleeding associated with ultrasound‐guided central venous access in patients with severe thrombocytopenia
Authors: Zarama Virginia , Revelo‐Noguera Jorge , Quintero Jaime A. , Manzano Ramiro , Uribe‐Buriticá Francisco L. , Carvajal Daniel F. , Ochoa Laura M. , Valencia‐Orozco Andrea , Sánchez Álvaro I. , Ospina‐Tascón Gustavo A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundReported risk of bleeding complications after central catheter access in patients with thrombocytopenia is highly variable. Current guidelines recommend routine prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusion before central venous catheter placement in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Nevertheless, the strength of such recommendations is weak and supported by observational studies including few patients with very low PLT counts (<20 × 109/L). This study aims to assess the risk of bleeding complications related to using or not using prophylactic PLT transfusion before ultrasound‐guided central venous access in patients with very low PLT counts.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients with very low PLT counts (<20 × 109/L) subjected to ultrasound‐guided central venous catheterization between January 2011 and November 2019 in a university hospital. Bleeding complications were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the risk of major and minor bleeding complications comparing patients who did or did not receive prophylactic PLT transfusion for the procedure. Multiple imputation by chained equations was used to handle missing data. A two‐tailed p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsAmong 221 patients with very low PLT counts, 72 received prophylactic PLT transfusions while 149 did not. Baseline characteristics were similar between transfused and nontransfused patients. No major bleeding events were identified, while minor bleeding events were recognized in 35.7% of patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences in bleeding complications between patients who received prophylactic PLT transfusions and those who did not (odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.55, p = 0.567). Additional complete case and sensitivity analyses yielded results similar to those of the main analysis.ConclusionsIn this single‐center retrospective cohort study of ultrasound‐guided central venous access in patients with very low PLT counts, no major bleeding was identified, and prophylactic PLT transfusions did not significantly decrease minor bleeding events.
What the Solitaire illusion tells us about perception of numerosity
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Guest Martin , Contemori Giulio , Zito Michele 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn four experiments we investigated the Solitaire illusion. In this illusion, most observers see as more numerous a set of dots that forms a single central group, compared to dots on the outside of that group. We confirmed and extended the effect to configurations with much higher numerosity than the original and of various colours. Contrary to prediction, separating the two groups, so that they are presented side by side, reduced but did not abolish or reverse the illusion. In this illusion, therefore, neither total size of the region (area), not average distance of the elements has the expected effect. In Experiments 3 and 4 we eliminated the regularity of the pattern, by sampling 50% (Exp 3) or only a 10% (Exp 4) of the elements. These produces quasi‐random configurations. For these configurations the bias for the inner groups was still present, and it was only eliminated when the groups were shown as separate. However, the effect never reversed (no bias for the outer group, despite its larger area). We conclude that the Solitaire illusion is evidence of a strong bias in favour of centrally located elements, a bias that can overcome other factors.
Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients with pT2 colon cancer in Denmark from 2016 to 2019—A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Hartwig Morten , Rosen Andreas , Vogelsang Rasmus , Fiehn Anne‐Marie , Gögenur Ismail 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThe majority of patients with pT2 colon cancer have no lymph node metastasis (LNM). Knowledge of risk factors for LNM in pT2 colon cancer could identify patients at low risk and thereby potential candidates for local tumour excision. The aim of this work was to identify risk factors for LNM in pT2 colon cancer and describe a subgroup of low‐risk patients.MethodThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients with pT2 colon cancer from a nationwide Danish colorectal cancer database. Age, tumour size, location, histological type, mismatch repair protein status and venous, lymphatic and perineural invasion were included as potential risk factors in multivariate analysis. The primary outcome was LNM.ResultsWe identified 1306 patients with pT2 colon cancer. LNM was present in 244 (19%). Demographic data were comparable in patients with and without LNM, and 864 patients who had complete histological data were included for multivariate analysis. Lymphatic (OR = 3.60, 95% CI 2.14–5.9), venous (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.03–2.74) and perineural (OR = 4.61, 95% CI 1.60–13.5) invasion were independent risk factors for LNM. Patients with deficient mismatch repair protein tumours had a decreased risk of LNM (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.95). Patients with clinical Stage I colon cancer and without risk factors had a 10.5% (47/443) risk of LNM. For patients with tumours with deficient mismatch repair protein status and no risk factors, the risk was 7.9%.ConclusionLymphatic, venous and perineural invasion are significant risk factors for LNM, and we identified a subgroup of patients with a low risk of LNM.
European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome 2022 criteria for clinical diagnosis of functional tic‐like behaviours: International consensus from experts in tic disorders
Authors: Pringsheim Tamara , Ganos Christos , Nilles Christelle , Cavanna Andrea E. , Gilbert Donald L. , Greenberg Erica , Hartmann Andreas , Hedderly Tammy , Heyman Isobel , Liang Holan , Malaty Irene , Malik Osman , Debes Nanette Mol , Vahl Kirsten Muller , Munchau Alexander , Murphy Tara , Nagy Peter , Owen Tamsin , Rizzo Renata , Skov Liselotte , Stern Jeremy , Szejko Natalia , Worbe Yulia , Martino Davide 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and purposeIn 2020, health professionals witnessed a dramatic increase in referrals of young people with rapid onset of severe tic‐like behaviours. We assembled a working group to develop criteria for the clinical diagnosis of functional tic‐like behaviours (FTLBs) to help neurologists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists recognize and diagnose this condition.MethodsWe used a formal consensus development process, using a multiround, web‐based Delphi survey. The survey was based on an in‐person discussion at the European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) meeting in Lausanne in June 2022. Members of an invited group with extensive clinical experience working with patients with Tourette syndrome and FTLBs discussed potential clinical criteria for diagnosis of FTLBs. An initial set of criteria were developed based on common clinical experiences and review of the literature on FTLBs and revised through iterative discussions, resulting in the survey items for voting.ResultsIn total, 24 members of the working group were invited to participate in the Delphi process. We propose that there are three major criteria and two minor criteria to support the clinical diagnosis of FTLBs. A clinically definite diagnosis of FTLBs can be confirmed by the presence of all three major criteria. A clinically probable diagnosis of FTLBs can be confirmed by the presence of two major criteria and one minor criterion.ConclusionsDistinguishing FTLBs from primary tics is important due to the distinct treatment paths required for these two conditions. A limitation of the ESSTS 2022 criteria is that they lack prospective testing of their sensitivity and specificity.
Characterization and analysis of high‐entropy boride ceramics sintered at low temperature
Authors: Zou Qin , Gu Haotian , Li Yanguo , Li Zhang , Liang Pengjie , Luo Yongan 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMulticomponent transition metal boride composite–sintered bodies were prepared by spark plasma sintering, and the composite sintered bodies prepared at different sintering temperatures (1500–1900°C) were characterized. The experimental results showed that several other compounds diffused into the TiBx phase at lower sintering temperatures under the combined effect of temperature and pressure due to the nonstoichiometric ratio of TiB1.5 vacancies. When the temperature reached 1900°C, only the hexagonal phase remained. With the continuous increase of sintering temperature, the Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of the sintered bodies had a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, due to the continuous reduction of the porosity of the cross section of the sintered bodies and the growth of the grain size. The Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of sintered body obtained at 1800°C are the best, which are 24.4 ± 1.8 GPa and 5.9 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2. At 1900°C, the sintered body was a single‐phase hexagonal high‐entropy diboride. Its Vickers hardness and fracture toughness were 21.9 ± 1.5 GPa and 5.4 ± 0.2 MPa m1/2, respectively; it showed a clear downward trend.
Screening rare‐earth aluminates as promising thermal barrier coatings by high‐throughput first‐principles calculations
Authors: Chu Kaili , Zhang Yanning , Zhao Juanli , Liu Yuchen , Li Yiran , Li Wenxian , Liu Bin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThermal barrier coatings (TBCs) play an important role in gas turbines to protect the turbine blades from the high‐temperature airflow damage. In this work, we use first‐principles calculations to investigate a specific class of rare‐earth (RE) aluminates, including cubic‐REAlO3(c‐REAlO3), orthorhombic‐REAlO3(o‐REAlO3),RE3Al5O12, andRE4Al2O9, to predict their structural stability, bonding characteristics, and mechanical and thermal properties. The polyhedron structures formed by the Al–O bonds are stronger and exhibit rigid characteristics, whereas the polyhedra formed by theRE–O bonds are relatively weak and soft. The alternating stacking of AlO4tetrahedra, AlO6octahedra, andRE–O polyhedra, as well as the selection ofREelements, shows intensive influences on the expected mechanical and thermal properties. TheB,G, andEof these four types of aluminates decrease in the order of c‐REAlO3 > o‐REAlO3 > RE3Al5O12 > RE4Al2O9.REAlO3andRE4Al2O9are brittle and quasi‐ductile ceramics, respectively, whereasRE3Al5O12is tailorable. The minimum thermal conductivity is in the range of 1.4–1.5 W m−1 K−1for c‐REAlO3, 1.3–1.4 W m−1 K−1for o‐REAlO3, 1.25–1.35 W m−1 K−1forRE3Al5O12, and 0.8–0.9 W m−1 K−1forRE4Al2O9.RE4Al2O9with low thermal conductivity and damage tolerance is predicted to be the potential candidates for next‐generation TBC materials.
A LcDOF5.6–LcRbohD regulatory module controls the reactive oxygen species‐mediated fruitlet abscission in litchi
Authors: Ma Xingshuai , Xie Xianlin , He Zidi , Wang Fei , Fan Ruixin , Chen Qingxin , Zhang Hang , Huang Zhiqiang , Wu Hong , Zhao Minglei , Li Jianguo 
Published: January 2023

SUMMARYReactive oxygen species (ROS) have been emerging as a key regulator in plant organ abscission. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of ROS homeostasis in the abscission zone (AZ) is not completely established. Here, we report that a DOF (DNA binding with one finger) transcription factor LcDOF5.6 can suppress the litchi fruitlet abscission through repressing the ROS accumulation in fruitlet AZ (FAZ). The expression of LcRbohD, a homolog of the Arabidopsis RBOHs that are critical for ROS production, was significantly increased during the litchi fruitlet abscission, in parallel with an increased accumulation of ROS in FAZ. In contrast, silencing of LcRbohD reduced the ROS accumulation in FAZ and decreased the fruitlet abscission in litchi. Using in vitro and in vivo assays, we revealed that LcDOF5.6 was shown to inhibit the expression of LcRbohD via direct binding to its promoter. Consistently, silencing of LcDOF5.6 increased the expression of LcRbohD, concurrently with higher ROS accumulation in FAZ and increased fruitlet abscission. Furthermore, the expression of key genes (LcIDL1, LcHSL2, LcACO2, LcACS1, and LcEIL3) in INFLORESCENCE DEFICIENT IN ABSCISSION signaling and ethylene pathways were altered in LcRbohD‐silenced and LcDOF5.6‐silenced FAZ cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate an important role of the LcDOF5.6–LcRbohD module during litchi fruitlet abscission. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular regulatory network of organ abscission.
Development of dual‐visible reporter assays to determine the DNA–protein interaction
Authors: Sun Huayu , Wang Sining , Yang Kebin , Zhu Chenglei , Liu Yan , Gao Zhimin 
Published: January 2023

SUMMARYThe application of DNA–protein interaction reporter assays for relational or ratiometric measurements within an experimental system is popular in biological research. However, the existing reporter‐based interaction assays always require special equipment, expensive chemicals, and a complicated operation. Here, we developed a DNA–protein interaction technology integrating two visible reporters, RUBY and UV‐visible GFP (eYGFPuv), which allows the expression of the cassette reporter contained cis‐acting DNA element (DE) fused upstream of TATA box and RUBY, and a constitutive promoter regulating eYGFPuv in the same construct. The interaction of transcription factor (TF) and the DE can be detected by co‐expressed the cassette reporter and TF in tobacco leaves where the cassette reporter alone serves as a control. We also revealed that eight function‐unknown bamboo AP2/ERFs interacted with the DE of ANT‐AP2R1R2 (ABE), DRE (DBE), GCC‐box (EBE), and RAV1 binding element (RBE), respectively, which are consistent with the results by dual‐luciferase reporter assays. Thus, the dual‐visible reporters offer a convenient, visible, and cost‐saving alternative to other existing techniques for DNA–protein interaction in plants.
Rehabilitation in digital environments – biophysiologically motivated gamification
Authors: Wojciechowski Adam , Korjonen-Kuusipuro Kristiina 
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, the process of cognitive or motor rehabilitation is mostly implemented in a traditional form. Paper-pencil cognitive exercises or physical exercises with instruments still dominate over digital environments. However, they require constant supervision by professionals, whose availability is relatively decreasing in an ageing society. Lack of supervision, in turn, results in a loss of motivation to exercise or, at the very least, ineffective, sometimes incorrect, exercise. In addition, traditional rehabilitation mechanisms are often repetitive and tedious. Sometimes a lack of supervision or routine results in a failure to adapt the challenges to the user's current needs.
Digital environments and modern technology have much to offer in this regard. One aspect is gamification mechanisms, which work well in video games and allow players to be engaged for hours in challenges of modulated difficulty. Another aspect is the rapidly developing biosensors and tracking systems that allow the user's activity and biophysiological parameters to be monitored in real time. However, the combination of the benefits of technology and gamification stimulus mechanisms must be done in strict accordance with the user's capabilities in order to make the challenges constructive rather than destructive for the user's body and mental conditions. Ongoing monitoring of effort and mental workload and their synchronization with fatigue in the digital environment, supported by motivational gamification mechanisms, form the foundation of the correct and controlled exercises and rehabilitation.
Cálculo de la velocidad de desgaste abrasivo en engranajes de dientes rectos y helicoidales con perfil evolvente, utilizando una GUI de Matlab
Authors: Mena Chavarrea José Miguel , Antonio Granizo José , Hernández Dávila Eduardo Segundo , Audelo Guevara Mario Efraín 
Published: January 2023

La presente investigación se originó con el objetivo de diseñar un \emph{software} con Matlab que permita calcular la velocidad de desgaste abrasivo de engranajes rectos y helicoidales de perfil evolvente. Donde, las generalidades no estudiadas sobre el diseño de engranajes han generado consecuencias negativas en la funcionalidad y fallas catastróficas que han producido paras improvistas de procesos mecánicos, por lo cual entender las causas de los mismos se vuelve fundamental. El cálculo del desgaste abrasivo de los pares tribológicos en maquinaria pesada dependerá del grado de trituración o tamaño de las partículas abrasivas, la dureza, el material del engrane base, el régimen de lubricación y las condiciones geométricas que determinen la naturaleza del contacto tribológico, así como el tiempo y velocidad de uso de la maquinaria pesada. Inicialmente, se establece el entorno teórico que compone el estudio basado en los principales componentes como engranajes, lubricación, el acero, los tratamientos térmicos y, al final, Matlab.
Seguidamente, se establecieron los modelos matemáticos de Archard y Kraglesky que fueron adaptadas a las circunstancias del problema y en función de esta información formular un software capaz de calcular la velocidad de desgaste abrasivo mediante una herramienta gráfica de usuario de Matlab. Se procede a ejecutar el cálculo manual con las variables determinadas, tomando datos experimentales obtenidos de investigaciones previas y que cumplan con las variables determinadas para la ejecución del proceso matemático, dado que los resultados generados a través del software puedan ser tabulados, graficados en Excel y comprobados con el desarrollo matemático manual. Buscando la comparación, diferenciación y tendencia del comportamiento de la velocidad de desgaste, variando los parámetros involucrados en el proceso utilizando los dos modelos matemáticos planteados.
Glotopolítica de la lengua occitana en diacronía: tres actos y una incógnita
Authors: Boyer Henri 
Published: January 2023

La historia del occitano, de sus usos, sus representaciones y sus estatutos glotopolíticos, no puede reducirse simplemente al relato de un largo proceso de sustitución. Bien es cierto que la normalización no pudo llevarse a cabo, a pesar de una resiliencia incontestable, pero sin embargo la muerte de esta lengua, anunciada desde hace mucho tiempo, sigue sin producirse: daremos una prueba de ello en esta intervención.
Los diferentes Actos de esta muerte anunciada se terminan con una incógnita: ¿qué revela el síntoma del retorno de la lealtad de ciertos occitanos en el siglo XXI? Los resultados de una encuesta sociolingüística reciente nos permitirán dar elementos de respuesta a esta interrogación.
The Prediction of Quality of Life - based on Personality Traits and Spiritual Intelligence in the Elderly
Authors: Farmani Fardin , Gholami Sehchek Shabnam , Sarmadi Maryam , Jahanshahloo Morteza 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Considering the increasing trend of the elderly population in Iran, attention paid to this critical phase, both socially and psychologically, is essential in improving their quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate prediction of quality of life - based on personality traits and spiritual intelligence in the elderly.

Methods: This correlational study carried out on older adults in Tehran who lived in nursing homes in 2020 and 182 of them were selected by convenience sampling. The NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI), The Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory (SISRI-24) and Leiden-Padua Questionnaire (LEIPAD questionnaire) were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation and stepwise regression analysis) were used for data analysis. The correlation matrix and stepwise regression were used to predict the quality of life scores based on personality and spiritual intelligence.

Results: There was a significant relationship between personality traits with spiritual intelligence and quality of life (r: 0.361, p < 0.05). Also, there was a significant relationship between spiritual intelligence and quality of life (p < 0.05). Personality traits of neuroticism, extraversion, and spiritual intelligence could predict a total of 38.5% of the variance in quality of life (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The quality of life has a significant relationship with both spiritual intelligence and personality traits, so, spiritual intelligence and personality components can predict the quality of life in the elderly.
Interaction between Food and Anticoagulants in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Prifti Rudina , Kreka Manika 
Published: January 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common diseases in the world. Anticoagulants and other drugs are prescribed as a treatment for these diseases. However, polypharmacy may increase the risk of drug-drug or food-drug interactions and decrease patient compliance. Food-drug interactions may put the patient at risk for serious adverse effects and reduce the safety and efficacy of treatment. Food‐drug interaction is a common problem that has occurred as a result of the concomitant use of multiple drugs with food. Food-drug interaction is the term used to describe how food affects a medication in the body. Food can alter the effectiveness of the medication, make unwanted side effects better or worse, or even bring on brand-new negative effects. Drugs may alter how the body processes food. Consumption of foods that contain vitamin K makes anticoagulant therapy less effective. On the other hand, patients should be careful when consuming foods like garlic, ginseng, ginger, and ginkgo to avoid the undesirable effect of hemorrhage. Among the medical records examined, no advice or recommendations were provided regarding anticoagulant-food interactions, no details about the time of taking anticoagulant drugs and the exact time of eating meals were given and there were few instances in which medicine dosage was altered due to a food association. A majority of patients who completed an anonymous survey in community pharmacies were not informed about food-drug interactions. Healthcare professionals should advise patients taking anticoagulants to be careful with the food they consume and clinicians should manage the time and dose variability of the medicine so a successful therapy can be achieved.