bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and evaluation of a multi-sensory representation of scientific data
Authors: Varano Stefania , Zanella Anita 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionModern sciences and Astrophysics in particular study objects and phenomena not visible in physical terms, that is they cannot be investigated with the eyes or analogous optical systems. Nevertheless, they make intensive use of visual representations, showing data in a figurative way, using lights, shadows, colors, and shapes familiar to the user and aesthetically pleasant. Besides being inaccessible for Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) users, such figurative visual representation can lead to misunderstandings about the real nature of the represented object, physically invisible, particularly if the representation code is not declared. In this work we argue that multi-sensory representations clearly arbitrary, i.e., that do not aim to imitate reality, are a valid choice for an effective learning and understanding of astronomical science and for an effective meaning-making process for all. The presence of a cognitively challenging code of representation can make the fruition more conscious and attentive, leading to a deeper understanding of the represented reality, also mirroring the search for relevant information proper of basic research. In an equity perspective, multi-sensory representations also create an effective common ground for inclusion among people with diverse abilities, skills, and learning styles, in the framework of Universal Design for Learning.MethodsIn order to investigate our hypothesis we designed two mono-sensory representation (one only haptic and the other only acoustic) and tested them in individual and group workshops with both sighted and BVI users. We then used our results to guide the design of a multi-sensory representation of non-visible astronomical data including visual, acoustic, and haptic stimuli. We tested this representation as well, in order to refine and propose it to the public.ResultsThe result is the exhibit “Sense the Universe,” to be used for outreach and education. “Sense the Universe” was part of a museum exhibition attended both by sighted and BVI users, where we collected feedback about the final outcome of our work.DiscussionOur findings suggest the validity of multi-sensory representations for a truly and effective engagement in scientific learning, both in terms of intelligibility and persistence of scientific contents and of a more equal access to scientific culture.
Optimal storage for solar energy self-sufficiency
Authors: Carlsson Anders E. , Redner S. 
Published: February 2023

We determine the energy storage needed to achieve self sufficiency to a given reliability as a function of excess capacity in a combined solar-energy generation and storage system. Based on 40 years of solar-energy data for the St. Louis region, we formulate a statistical model that we use to generate synthetic insolation data over millions of years. We use these data to monitor the energy depletion in the storage system near the winter solstice. From this information, we develop explicit formulas for the required storage and the nature of cost-optimized system configurations as a function of reliability and the excess generation capacity. Minimizing the cost of the combined generation and storage system gives the optimal mix of these two constituents. For an annual failure rate of less than 3%, it is sufficient to have a solar generation capacity that slightly exceeds the daily electrical load at the winter solstice, together with a few days of storage.
Primary postpartum hemorrhage and associated factors among delivering women in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Zenebe Getachew Assefa , Zenebe Wagaye Alemu , Ewunie Temesgen Muche , Dires Selamawit 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionPrimary postpartum hemorrhage is still the main cause of maternal death worldwide, especially in low-resource nations like Ethiopia where there are insufficient healthcare facilities and a shortage of skilled medical personnel. Data on the prevalence of primary postpartum hemorrhage in the study population are scarce or non-existent.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of primary postpartum hemorrhage and its associated factors among delivering women in Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2021.MethodsA facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1 to March 30, 2021, in public health facilities in the Gedeo Zone. A randomly selected 577 participants were involved in the study. Data were gathered using an interview-administered, pre-tested, structured questionnaire. The gathered information was imported into Epi Info 3.5.1 and analyzed with SPSS 23. Descriptive data was presented using tables and graphs. A logistic regression model was fitted. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was computed to identify the presence and strength of association. To run multivariable logistic regression analyses, variables with P-values of &lt;0.2 were used. The odds ratio, a 95% confidence interval (CI), and a P-value of &lt;0.05 were used to identify variables that were associated with primary postpartum hemorrhage.ResultsThe magnitude of primary postpartum hemorrhage was 4.2% (95% CI: 2.4–6.0). Postpartum hemorrhage was significantly associated with current antepartum hemorrhage (AOR = 11.67; 95%CI: 7.17–16.17), twin delivery (AOR = 6.59, 95%CI: 1.48–11.70), uterine atony (AOR = 8.45, 95%CI: 4.35–12.55), and prolonged labor (AOR = 5.6, 95%CI: 2.9–8.50).ConclusionsThe prevalence of primary postpartum hemorrhages in the Gedeo Zone, Southern Ethiopia was 4.2%. Current ante partum hemorrhage, twin delivery, uterine atony, and prolonged labor were predictors of primary postpartum hemorrhage. The results back up the necessity for care in the early postpartum period so that clinicians may quickly identify any issues, prevent and start treating excessive blood loss early, and, taking into account the aforementioned factors, possibly reduce the frequency of primary postpartum hemorrhage.
The Bigger the Better? Center Volume Dependent Effects on Procedural and Functional Outcome in Established Endovascular Stroke Centers
Authors: Hahn Marianne , Gröschel Sonja , Tanyildizi Yasemin , Brockmann Marc A. , Gröschel Klaus , Uphaus Timo ,   German Stroke Registry-Endovascular Treatment (GSR-ET) Investigators
Published: February 2023

BackgroundMechanical thrombectomy (MT) rates for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion are steadily increasing, but are delivered in heterogenic settings. We aim to investigate effects of procedural load in centers with established MT-structures by comparing high- vs. low-volume centers with regard to procedural characteristics and functional outcomes.MethodsData from 5,379 patients enrolled in the German Stroke Registry Endovascular Treatment (GSR-ET) between June 2015 and December 2019 were compared between three groups: high volume: ≥180 MTs/year, 2,342 patients; medium volume: 135–179 MTs/year, 2,202 patients; low volume: &lt;135 MTs/year, 835 patients. Univariate analysis and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to identify differences between high- and low-volume centers.ResultsWe identified high- vs. low-volume centers to be an independent predictor of shorter intra-hospital (admission to groin puncture: 60 vs. 82 min, β = −26.458; p &lt; 0.001) and procedural times (groin puncture to flow restoration: 36 vs. 46.5 min; β = −12.452; p &lt; 0.001) after adjusting for clinically relevant factors. Moreover, high-volume centers predicted a shorter duration of hospital stay (8 vs. 9 days; β = −2.901; p &lt; 0.001) and favorable medical facility at discharge [transfer to neurorehabilitation facility/home vs. hospital/nursing home/in-house fatality, odds ratio (OR) 1.340, p = 0.002]. Differences for functional outcome at 90-day follow-up were observed only on univariate level in the subgroup of primarily to MT center admitted patients (mRS 0–2 38.5 vs. 32.8%, p = 0.028), but did not persist in multivariate analyses.ConclusionDifferences in efficiency measured by procedural times call for analysis and optimization of in-house procedural workflows at regularly used but comparatively low procedural volume MT centers.
Development and evaluation clinical-radiomics analysis based on T1-weighted imaging for diagnosing neonatal acute bilirubin encephalopathy
Authors: Yu Jinhong , Liu Yangyingqiu , Jiang Yuhan , Gao Bingbing , Wang Jingshi , Guo Yan , Xie Lizhi , Miao Yanwei 
Published: February 2023

PurposeTo investigate the value of clinical-radiomics analysis based on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) for predicting acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) in neonates.MethodsIn this retrospective study, sixty-one neonates with clinically confirmed ABE and 50 healthy control neonates were recruited between October 2014 and March 2019. Two radiologists' visual diagnoses for all subjects were independently based on T1WI. Eleven clinical and 216 radiomics features were obtained and analyzed. Seventy percent of samples were randomly selected as the training group and were used to establish a clinical-radiomics model to predict ABE; the remaining samples were used to validate the performance of the models. The discrimination performance was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsSeventy-eight neonates were selected for training (median age, 9 days; interquartile range, 7–20 days; 49 males) and 33 neonates for validation (median age, 10 days; interquartile range, 6–13 days; 24 males). Two clinical features and ten radiomics features were finally selected to construct the clinical-radiomics model. In the training group, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.90 (sensitivity: 0.814; specificity: 0.914); in the validation group, the AUC was 0.93 (sensitivity: 0.944; specificity: 0.800). The AUCs of two radiologists' and the radiologists' final visual diagnosis results based on T1WI were 0.57, 0.63, and 0.66, respectively. The discriminative performance of the clinical-radiomics model in the training and validation groups was increased compared to the radiologists' visual diagnosis (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsA combined clinical-radiomics model based on T1WI has the potential to predict ABE. The application of the nomogram could potentially provide a visualized and precise clinical support tool.
Care patterns and Traditional Chinese Medicine constitution as factors of depression and anxiety in patients with systemic sclerosis: A cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kong Qi , Chen Li-Ming , Dai Zong-Hao , Tang Yun-Zhe , Zhou Yu-Yang , Tu Wen-Zhen , Zhao Yin-Huan , Zhang Jia-Qian 
Published: February 2023

ObjectiveCare patterns and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution affects the emotion and health of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) while the prevalence of COVID-19 may aggravate such patients’ emotion and health. We investigated the depression and anxiety levels of patients with SSc during the pandemic to identify the correlation between care patterns, TCM constitution, and patients’ emotion.Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study. Patients with SSc and healthy individuals were surveyed using the patient health questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7, and constitution in Chinese medicine questionnaire and a modified care pattern questionnaire. Factors correlated with depression and anxiety were screened using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 273 patients with SSc and 111 healthy individuals were included in the analysis. The proportion of patients with SSc who were depressed was 74.36%, who had anxiety was 51.65%, and who experienced disease progression during the pandemic was 36.99%. The proportion of income reduction in the online group (56.19%) was higher than that in the hospital group (33.33%) (P = 0.001). Qi-deficiency [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.250] and Qi-stagnation (adjusted OR = 3.824) constitutions were significantly associated with depression. Remote work during the outbreak (adjusted OR = 1.920), decrease in income (adjusted OR = 3.556), and disease progression (P = 0.030) were associated with the occurrence of depression.ConclusionChinese patients with SSc have a high prevalence of depression and anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the care patterns of Chinese patients with SSc, and work, income, disease progression, and change of medications were correlates of depression or anxiety in patients with SSc. Qi-stagnation and Qi-deficiency constitutions were associated with depression, and Qi-stagnation constitution was associated with anxiety in patients with SSc.Trial registrationhttp://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=62301, identifier ChiCTR2000038796.
Differentiation of sea buckthorn syrups processed by high pressure, pulsed electric fields, ohmic heating, and thermal pasteurization based on quality evaluation and chemical fingerprinting
Authors: Sevenich Robert , Gratz Maximilian , Hradecka Beverly , Fauster Thomas , Teufl Thomas , Schottroff Felix , Chytilova Lucie Souckova , Hurkova Kamila , Tomaniova Monika , Hajslova Jana , Rauh Cornelia , Jaeger Henry 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionImpact of processing on product characteristics, sustainability, traceability, authenticity, and public health along the food chain becomes more and more important not only to the producer but also to the customer and the trust of a consumer toward a brand. In recent years, the number of juices and smoothies containing so called super foods or fruits, which have been “gently pasteurized,” has increased significantly. However, the term “gentle pasteurization” related to the application of emerging preservation technologies such as pulsed electric fields (PEF), high pressure processing (HPP) or ohmic heating (OH) is not clearly defined.MethodsTherefore, the presented study investigated the influence of PEF, HPP, OH, and thermal treatment on quality characteristics and microbial safety of sea buckthorn syrup. Syrups from two different varieties were investigated under the following conditions HPP (600 MPa 4–8 min), OH (83°C and 90°C), PEF (29.5 kV/cm, 6 μs, 100 Hz), and thermal (88°C, hot filling). Analyses to test the influence on quality parameters like ascorbic acid (AA), flavonoids, carotenoids, tocopherols, antioxidant activity; metabolomical/chemical profiling (fingerprinting) via U-HPLC-HRMS/MS (here especially flavonoids and fatty acids); sensory evaluation, as well as microbial stability including storage, were conducted.Results and discussionIndependent from the treatment, the samples were stable over 8 weeks of storage at 4°C. The influence on the nutrient content [Ascorbic acid (AA), total antioxidant activity (TAA), total phenolic compounds (TPC), tocopherols (Vit E)] was similar for all tested technologies. Employing statistical evaluation Principal Component Analysis (PCA) a clear clustering based on the processing technologies was observed. Flavonoids as well as fatty acids were significantly impacted by the type of used preservation technology. This was obvious during the storage time of PEF and HPP syrups, where enzyme activity was still active. The color as well as taste of the syrups were found to be more fresh-like for the HPP treated samples.
Prehospital emergency medicine for children receiving palliative home care in Germany—a cross-sectional, exploratory study of EMS providers
Authors: Hauch Holger , El Mohaui Naual , Vaillant Vera , Sander Michael , Kriwy Peter , Rohde Marius , Wolff Johannes , Berthold Daniel , Schneck Emmanuel 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundThe prevalence of children with life-limiting conditions is rising, and since the amendment of the social insurance code in Germany, palliative home care teams have treated an increasing number of children. These teams provide 24/7 readiness, yet some parents still call the general emergency medical service (EMS) for various reasons. EMS is exposed to complex medical problems in rare diseases. Questions arose about the experiences of EMS and whether they felt prepared for emergencies involving children treated by a palliative care team.MethodsThis study used a mixed methods approach to focus on the interface between palliative care and EMS. First, open interviews were conducted, and a questionnaire was developed based on the results. The variables included demographic items and individual experiences with patients. Second, a case report of a child with respiratory insufficiency was presented to assess the spontaneous treatment intentions of EMS providers. Finally, the need, relevant topics, and duration of specific training in palliative care for EMS providers were evaluated.ResultsIn total, 1,005 EMS providers responded to the questionnaire. The average age was 34.5 years (±10.94SD), 74.6% were male. The average work experience was 11.8 years (±9.7), 21.4% were medical doctors. Experience with a call of a life-threatening emergency involving a child was reported by 61.5% and severe psychological distress during such a call was reported by 60.4%. The equivalent distress frequency for adult patient calls was 38.3%. (p &lt; 0.001). After review of the case report, the EMS respondents suggested invasive treatment options and rapid transport to the hospital. Most (93.7%) respondents welcomed the consideration of special training in pediatric palliative care. This training should include basic information about palliative care, an analysis of cases involving palliatively treated children, an ethical perspective, practical recommendations, and available (24/7) local contact for further guidance and support.ConclusionEmergencies in pediatric palliatively treated patients were more common than expected. EMS providers perceived the situations as stressful, and there is a need for specific training with practical aspects.
Antidiabetic effects of Andrographis paniculata supplementation on biochemical parameters, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress in canine diabetes
Authors: Suemanotham Namphung , Phochantachinda Sataporn , Chatchaisak Duangthip , Sakcamduang Walasinee , Chansawhang Anchana , Pitchakarn Pornsiri , Chantong Boonrat 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder that causes hyperglycemia in dogs. Persistent hyperglycemia can induce inflammation and oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the effects of A. paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) (A. paniculata) on blood glucose, inflammation, and oxidative stress in canine diabetes. A total of 41 client-owned dogs (23 diabetic and 18 clinically healthy) were included in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Methods: The diabetic dogs were further divided into two treatments protocols: group 1 received A. paniculata extract capsules (50 mg/kg/day; n = 6) or received placebo for 90 days (n = 7); and group 2 received A. paniculata extract capsules (100 mg/kg/day; n = 6) or received a placebo for 180 days (n = 4). Blood and urine samples were collected every month. No significant differences in fasting blood glucose, fructosamine, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde levels were observed between the treatment and placebo groups (p &gt; 0.05).Results and Discussion: The levels of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were stable in the treatment groups. The blood glucose levels and concentrations of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in the client-owned diabetic dogs were not altered by A. paniculata supplementation. Furthermore, treatment with this extract did not have any adverse effects on the animals. Non-etheless, the effects of A. paniculata on canine diabetes must be appropriately evaluated using a proteomic approach and involving a wider variety of protein markers.
Kaixin-San improves Aβ-induced synaptic plasticity inhibition by affecting the expression of regulation proteins associated with postsynaptic AMPAR expression
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Meng-Lu , Huang Shu-Ming , Cui Yu , Li Yan 
Published: February 2023

Objective: To explore the mechanism underlying Kaixin-San (KXS) regulation of postsynaptic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) expression to mitigate toxic effects of the amyloid-β protein (Aβ).Methods: An animal model was established via intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ1–42. The Morris water maze test was conducted to evaluate learning and memory, while electrophysiological recording was conducted to assess the hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Western blotting was used to detect expression levels of the hippocampal postsynaptic AMPAR and its accessory proteins.Results: The time spent to find the platform was significantly prolonged, the number of mice crossing the target site was significantly reduced, and the maintenance of LTP was inhibited in the Aβ group than in the control group. In the Aβ/KXS group, the time taken to find the platform was significantly shortened and the number of mice crossing the target site was significantly increased than in the Aβ group; furthermore, the inhibition of LTP induced by Aβ was reversed. The expression of GluR1, GluR2, ABP, GRIP1, NSF, and pGluR1–Ser845 was upregulated, while that of pGluR2–Ser880 and PKC δ was downregulated in the Aβ/KXS group.Conclusion: The increased expression of ABP, GRIP1, NSF, and pGluR1–Ser845 and the decreased expression of pGluR2–Ser880 and PKC δ under the influence of KXS, followed by the upregulation of postsynaptic GluR1 and GluR2, alleviated the inhibition of LTP induced by Aβ. Ultimately, the memory function of model animals was improved by KXS. Our study provides novel insights into the mechanism underlying KXS mitigation of Aβ-induced synaptic plasticity inhibition and memory impairment by altering the levels of accessory proteins associated with AMPAR expression.
High-speed 2D light-sheet fluorescence microscopy enables quantification of spatially varying calcium dynamics in ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Dvinskikh Liuba , Sparks Hugh , MacLeod Kenneth T. , Dunsby Chris 
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Reduced synchrony of calcium release and t-tubule structure organization in individual cardiomyocytes has been linked to loss of contractile strength and arrhythmia. Compared to confocal scanning techniques widely used for imaging calcium dynamics in cardiac muscle cells, light-sheet fluorescence microscopy enables fast acquisition of a 2D plane in the sample with low phototoxicity.Methods: A custom light-sheet fluorescence microscope was used to achieve dual-channel 2D timelapse imaging of calcium and the sarcolemma, enabling calcium sparks and transients in left and right ventricle cardiomyocytes to be correlated with the cell microstructure. Imaging electrically stimulated dual-labelled cardiomyocytes immobilized with para-nitroblebbistatin, a non-phototoxic, low fluorescence contraction uncoupler, with sub-micron resolution at 395 fps over a 38 μm × 170 µm FOV allowed characterization of calcium spark morphology and 2D mapping of the calcium transient time-to-half-maximum across the cell.Results: Blinded analysis of the data revealed sparks with greater amplitude in left ventricle myocytes. The time for the calcium transient to reach half-maximum amplitude in the central part of the cell was found to be, on average, 2 ms shorter than at the cell ends. Sparks co-localized with t-tubules were found to have significantly longer duration, larger area and spark mass than those further away from t-tubules.Conclusion: The high spatiotemporal resolution of the microscope and automated image-analysis enabled detailed 2D mapping and quantification of calcium dynamics of n = 60 myocytes, with the findings demonstrating multi-level spatial variation of calcium dynamics across the cell, supporting the dependence of synchrony and characteristics of calcium release on the underlying t-tubule structure.