bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Injectable kaempferol-loaded fibrin glue regulates metabolic balance and inhibits inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Gao Wenshuo , Bao Jianhang , He Du , Zhang Yujun , Zhang Liangping , Pan Hao , Wang Dong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Kaempferol has a prominent anti-inflammatory effect, and it has been shown to be effective in treating chronic inflammatory diseases, including intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). However, the rapid release and clearance of kaempferol in IVDD treatment has limited its application. Natural fibrinogen is a widely used biomaterial with suitable biocompatibility and cell interaction and has certain anti-inflammatory and pro-repair effects. The combination of kaempferol and fibrin glue can not only promote the anti-inflammatory effect of kaempferol but prolong the release of drugs. We successfully constructed a kaempferol-loaded fibrin hydrogel system (FG@F) that can reduce the inflammatory response associated with IVDD and regulate matrix synthesis and degradation. Animal experimental results show that the FG@F system can maintain the IVDD early microenvironment in a steady state and improve IVDD. An IVDD drug delivery and biotherapy platform based on this functional system might also serve as an alternative therapy for IVDD.
Powder bed fusion of AlSi10Mg using an electron beam: Processability, microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Ortmann Robert , Kretzer Nele , Grimm Tobias , Sehrt Jan T. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Powder bed fusion additive manufacturing processes of metals using an electron beam (PBF-EB/M) and laser beam (PBF-LB/M) are methods for producing complex near-net-shape parts layer upon layer, which are standardized in DIN EN ISO/ASTM 52900. Although the manufacturing processes are extensively used in research and industry, the processing of aluminum alloys with high specific strength, such as AlSi10Mg, is only applied and scientifically covered in laser powder bed fusion, but not yet in electron beam powder bed fusion using a spot-based exposure approach. Based on powder feedstock characterization, this study focuses on the processability, element evaporation, and properties of AlSi10Mg samples processed by electron beam powder bed fusion and compares the obtained properties with those reported for AlSi10Mg processed by PBF-LB/M. Manufactured samples achieve 99.9 % relative density and a Vickers hardness of up to 52 HV1. Tensile properties are showing lower tensile strengths of up to 152 MPa, but superior elongation at break values of up to 27 % compared to PBF-LB/M.
Advanced in immunological monitoring of HIV infection: value of NK cells and pro- inflammatory cytokines in people living with HIV-1 in Benin
Authors: Assogba Pierrot Yaou , Adechina Adefounke Prudencia , Tchiakpe Edmond , Nouatin Odilon Paterne , Kèkè René K. , Bachabi Moussa , Bankole Honoré Sourou , Yessoufou Akadiri 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Immune cells and cytokines have been linked to viremia dynamic and immune status during HIV infection. They may serve as useful biomarkers in the monitoring of people living with HIV-1 (PLHIV-1). The present work was aimed to assess whether cytokines and immune cell profiles may help in the therapeutic follow-up of PLHIV-1.
Methods
Forty PLHIV-1 in treatment success (PLHIV-1s) and fifty PLHIV-1 in treatment failure (PLHIV-1f) followed at the University Hospital of Abomey-Calavi/Sô-Ava in Benin were enrolled. Twenty healthy persons were also recruited as control group. Circulating cytokines and immune cells were quantified respectively by ELISA and flow cytometry.
Results
PLHIV-1 exhibited low proportions of CD4 + T cells, NK, NKT, granulocytes, classical and non-classical monocytes, and high proportions of CD8 + T cells, particularly in the PLHIV-1f group, compared to control subjects. Eosinophils, neutrophils and B cell frequencies did not change between the study groups. Circulating IFN-γ decreased whereas IL-4 significantly increased in PLHIV-1s compared to PLHIV-1f and control subjects even though the HIV infection in PLHIV-1s downregulated the high Th1 phenotype observed in control subjects. However, Th1/Th2 ratio remained biased to a Th1 phenotype in PLHIV-1f, suggesting that high viral load may have maintained a potential pro-inflammatory status in these patients. Data on inflammatory cytokines showed that IL-6 and TNF-α concentrations were significantly higher in PLHIV-1s and PLHIV-1f groups than in control subjects. Significant high levels of IL-5 and IL-7 were observed in PLHIV-1f compared to controls whereas PLHIV-1s presented only a high level of IL-5. No change was observed in IL-13 levels between the study groups.
Conclusion
Our study shows that, in addition to CD4/CD8 T cell ratio, NK and NKT cells along with IL-6, TNF-α, IL-5 and IL-7 cytokines could serve as valuable immunological biomarkers in the therapeutic monitoring of PLHIV-1 although a larger number of patients would be necessary to confirm these results.
New values of the accumulated development rate for detailed the spring wheat phenological stage model calibrated with multilocal and multiyear documentation in subtropical Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Eduardo Augusto Agnellos , Kochinski Edson Giovanni , Fogaça Alisson Marcos , Tsukahara Rodri Yoiti 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The model for simulating wheat phenological development proposed by Wang and Engel (WE) represents a major advance in establishing wheat phenological phases based on air temperature and photoperiod information. However, the WE model was developed for winter wheat and may have flaws in the phenological prediction of spring wheat. In this sense, the study aims to predict in detail the phenological stages of spring wheat, with new values of the accumulated development rate and with no effect of vernalization (f(V) = 1.0) cultivated in the subtropical region from Brazil. Climatic and phenological information of three genotypes were collected at five locations and eleven sowing dates for calibration and validation of the WE model adjusted for spring wheat. The WE model multilocal and multiyear documentation of spring wheat growth were partitioned in El Niño, La Niña, and neutral conditions to calibrate and validate the model in five sites for five growing seasons. The original model was improved from three phenological events to ten phenological stages and the model coefficient was calibrated to predict the Julian date of occurrence of each stage. A validation dataset that contained 344 observations in different weather conditions was compared with the model outputs and it resulted in R2 and Willmott agreement index greater than 0.98, and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4 days. The new values of the accumulated development rate predicted the dates of the developmental stage for spring wheat more precisely and with a low RMSE. The cumulative RMSE of the model along the growth period reached 6 days. The present model is a sharp tool to schedule spring wheat management.
Bioimpedance analysis for identifying new indicators of exercise-induced muscle damage
Authors: YAMAGUCHI SHOTA , Inami Takayuki , Hiroyuki Ishida , Naoya Nagata , Mitsuyoshi Murayama , Akihisa Morito , Satoshi Yamada , Naohiko Kohtake 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
To date, noninvasive and immediate assessment of muscle tissue status after exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) has not been established. This study was designed to assess and determine parameters suitable for measuring EIMD after eccentric exercise, using multi-frequency bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Thirty-five young male participants performed dumbbell exercises with their left arm, and BIA parameters were measured at time points up to 168 h post exercise using a multi-frequency BIA device. At all time points, intra and extracellular water content was greater in the left arm than in the right arm, and the impedance, reactance, resistance, and phase angle were lower in the left arm than in the right arm. Established indices of EIMD, such as maximal isometric voluntary contraction, were measured and used in correlational analyses. Only reactance was highly correlated with biomarkers indicating muscle damage; therefore among BIA parameters, reactance is the most suitable to assess EIMD.
Effect of an 8-week physical exercise program on functional physical fitness and quality of life in elderly people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease residing at high altitude
Authors: Villamil-Parra Wilder , Mancera-Soto Erica , Torrella Joan Ramon , Cristancho-Mejía Edgar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction: People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are exposed to chronic hypoxia due to structural and functional damage to the respiratory system that disrupts O2 diffusion. These aspects decrease physical fitness, fatigue tolerance, and quality of life of people. It is recognized that physical exercise improves the physical condition of people with COPD; however, the effects of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in people with COPD exposed to altitudinal hypoxia are poorly known.
Purpose: To establish the effect of an 8-week physical exercise program on functional physical fitness and quality of life in people with COPD living at >2500m.
Methods: The intervention was a physical exercise home program comprising physical training and health education sessions for COPD and control groups. The physical condition was measured with functional tests. Quality of Life was assessed after the impact of respiratory symptoms, and by evaluating functional impairment attributable to dyspnea.
Results: The patients with COPD increased SpO2 by 8% (P<0.001) and decreased heart rate at rest and systolic blood pressure by 11% and 4%. Physical performance of people with COPD increased by 107% in 6MWT, 60% in Arm Curl Test, 38% in 30secSTS, 39% in Hand Grip Test, 23% in Back Scratch Test, and 45% in Chair Sit and Reach Test. Quality of life increased and dyspnea decreased (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The intervention program improved their physical condition and quality of life to values comparable to age-matched participants without respiratory disease.
Trial registration. NCT04955977 - [Clinical Trials.gov]. Registered on July 9, 2021.
Design and testing of a Mini-RF plasma thruster with permanent magnets
Authors: Sun Yuzhe , Zhang Jikun , Zhang Zun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Compared with traditional electric propulsion, RF plasma thruster have attracted much attention due to their characteristics of no electrodes, long life, and high ionization rate. In recent years, the development of micro-nano satellites has put forward requirements for the miniaturization, modularization, and integration of satellite thrusters, and the miniaturization of RF plasma thrusters has a broad prospect. In this paper, a mini-RF plasma thruster with a discharge chamber inner diameter of 10 mm is designed, and a magnetic field is generated around it by two annular samarium cobalt permanent magnets. The discharge state and plasma parameters of the mini-RF thruster are tested using optical emission spectrometry (OES) and target thrust stand. In the experiment, we changed the flow rate of argon gas, the presence or absence of a magnetic field, the power of the RF source and analyzed the effects of these factors on the mode transition, plasma density, electron temperature, and thrust. According to the experimental results, it is found that the magnetic field (maximum strength 0.14T) helps to increase the plasma density at low power but delay the jump power threshold of the CCP-ICP.
Brucella pituitosa strain BU72, a new hydrocarbonoclastic bacterium through exopolysaccharide-based surfactants production
Authors: MAHJOUBI Mouna , CHERIF Hanene , ALIYU Habibu , CHOUCHANE Habib , CAPPELLO Simone , NAIFER Mohamed , MAPELLI Francesca , SOUISSI Yasmine , BORIN Sara , COWAN Don A. , CHERIF Ameur 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Hydrocarbons and heavy metals pollution is considered among the most prevalent and serious problems in environment due to their toxicity and persistence. Bioremediation, using microorganisms, is considered as one of the most effective ways to reduce this type of pollution. In the present study, we unveil the bioremediation potential of Brucella pituitosa strain BU72. Besides its ability to grow on multiple hydrocarbons as sole carbon source and highly tolerant to several heavy metals, BU72 was able to produce different exopolysaccharide-based surfactants (EBS) when grown with glucose or with crude oil as sole carbon source. These EBS demonstrated particular and specific functional groups as determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis that showed a strong absorption peak at 3250 cm− 1 generated by -OH group for both EBS. The major differences in the FTIR spectra, of EBS produced are the increase of functional groups and the protein content. To better understand the EBS production coupled to the degradation of hydrocarbons and heavy metal resistance, the genome of strain BU72 was sequenced. Annotation of the genome revealed the presence of multiple genes putatively involved in EBS production pathways coupled with resistance to heavy metals genes such as arsenic tolerance and cobalt-zinc-cadmium resistance were identified. The genome sequence analysis showed the potential of BU72 to synthesize secondary metabolites and confirmed the presence of genes involved in plant-growth promoting. Here we provide a physiological and metabolic characterization associated with genomic analyses of BU72 considered as a promising candidate for application in the bioremediation.
Develop and test the reliability and validity of the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance assessment scale for children with congenital cataract
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Xie Wanhua , Xiang Daoman 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose To develop the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance assessment scale for children with congenital cataract, and test its reliability and validity.
Method The interactive model of health behavior is taken as the theoretical framework, and the first draft of the scale was constructed through literature review, qualitative interview and Delphi expert correspondence. From June 2022 to July 2023, convenience sampling was used to select 225 children with congenital cataract who were treated in the ophthalmology clinic and inpatient department of a children's hospital in Guangzhou to conduct a questionnaire survey. The items of the scale were revised and the reliability and validity were tested.
ResultsThe postoperative visual rehabilitation compliance scale for children with congenital cataract included 5 dimensions and 18 items. Exploratory factor analysis extracted a total of 5 common factors, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 68.151%. The item-level content validity index ranged from 0.730 to 1.000. The content validity index of the scale was 0.963. The total Cronbach's α coefficient, split-half reliability and test-retest reliability of the scale were 0.855, 0.778 and 0.859, respectively.
ConclusionsThe postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance scale for children with congenital cataract has good reliability and validity, which can be used to evaluate the postoperative visual function rehabilitation compliance of children with congenital cataract, and can provide reference for the clinical development of standardized nursing programs for children with congenital cataract.
Reconstruction of the posterior root of the medial meniscus in pigs with an autologous patellar tendon: an experimental study
Authors: chen zhian , Li Anxu , Shi Rongmao , Wang Ling , Cao Zijian , Mao Neng , Luo Zhihong , Tan Hongbo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The posterior horn of the medial meniscus (MMPR) bears a greater proportion of load through strong bone attachments than the anterior horn of MM, resulting in a higher injury rate. Removal and repair through the tibial plateau is the most commonly used surgical treatment, but long-term studies have found poor efficacy. The type I collagen fiber bundle of tendon tissue is the same as the part of the meniscus, and tendon reconstruction of the meniscus has not been reported in large animal models.Here, we established an animal model through Twelve pigs were selected and compared autologous patellar tendon reconstruction versus trans-tibial plateau pull-out repair.Autologous patellar tendon reconstruction of the MMPR can generate a fibrocartilage-like regenerative meniscus, and both reconstruction and pull-out repair can preserve the structural integrity of the meniscus, promote healing of the MMPR, delay the degeneration of the meniscus.Compared to tibial plateau pull-outrepair, the autologous patellar tendon reconstruction group has significant advantages in meniscus repair.
Prevalence and serotype distribution of nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae among healthy children under 5 years old in Hainan Province, China
Authors: Wang Jian , Qiu Li , Bai Shuang , Zhao Wei , Zhang Ao , Li Jing , Zhang Jun-Nan , Zhou Shan-Shan , Qiu Ren , Huang Zhu , Liu Jv-Xia , Wang Ting-Bin , Sun Xue , Wu Jiang , Zheng Qun , He Bin , Lv Min 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background The thirteen-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is not included in the national immunization program and administered voluntarily with informed consent in China. In preparation for assessing the impact of pilot introduction in Hainan Province, we conducted a carriage study among children under 5 years old from four regions in Hainan Province.
Methods In 2022, nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs collected from healthy children were tested for pneumococcus using conventional culture. Pneumococcal isolates were serotyped using the Quellung reaction. Risk factors associated with pneumococcal colonization were assessed using univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, daycae attendance and other factors.
Result Pneumococcus was isolated in 710 (30.4%) of the 2333 children enrolled. Of 737 pneumococci, 29 serotypes were identified; 60.9% were PCV13 serotypes; the most common were 6B (20.4%), 19F (13.04%), 6A (11.9%) and 23F (6.1%); and the most common non-vaccine serotypes were 23A (12.9%), 34 (6.08%) and nontypeable (NT) pneumococci (5.6%). Children vaccinated with PCV13 had lower carriage (17.7% vs 32.5%; P=0.0001) and fewer were PCV13-type (41.9% vs 62.7%; P=0.0017) compared to unimmunized children. After adjustment, NP carriage was higher among children attending daycae and those with siblings; living in urban areas, mothers who had completed senior high/technical secondary school and completion of 3-4 doses of PCV13 were associated with a lower carriage rate.
Conclusions We established the baseline of pneumococcal carriage, serotype distribution and PCV13 immunization rates among healthy children under 5 years old in Hainan Province, prior to the introduction of PCV13 into national immunization. The high proportion of PCV13 serotype suggests that PCV13 introduction will likely have substantial impact on pneumococcal carriage in Hainan Province.
Examining the feasibility of assisted index case testing for HIV case-finding: a qualitative analysis of barriers and facilitators to implementation in Malawi
Authors: Meek Caroline J. , Munkhondya Tiwonge E. Mbeya , Mphande Mtisunge , Tembo Tapiwa A. , Chitani Mike , Jean-Baptiste Milenka , Vansia Dhrutika , Kumbuyo Caroline , Simon Katherine R. , Rutstein Sarah E. , Barrington Clare , Kim Maria H. , Go Vivian F. , Rosenberg Nora E. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Assisted index case testing, in which health care workers take an active role in referring at-risk contacts of people living with HIV for HIV testing services, has been widely recognized as an evidence-based intervention with high potential to increase PLHIV status awareness. Promising evidence for the approach has led to several attempts to scale assisted index case testing throughout eastern and southern Africa in recent years. However, despite effective implementation being at the heart of any assisted index case testing strategy, there is limited implementation science research from the perspective of the HCWs who are doing the “assisting”. This study examines the feasibility of assisted index case testing from the perspective of health care workers implementing the approach in Malawi.
Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 26 lay health care workers delivering assisted index case testing in Malawian health facilities. Interviews explored health care workers’ experiences counselling index clients and tracing these clients’ contacts, aiming to inform development of a blended learning implementation package. Transcripts were inductively analyzed using Dedoose coding software to identify and describe key factors influencing feasibility of assisted index case testing. Analysis included multiple rounds of coding and iteration with the data collection team.
Results: Participants reported a variety of barriers to feasibility of assisted index case testing implementation, including privacy concerns, limited time for assisted index case testing amid high workloads, poor quality contact information, logistical obstacles to tracing, and challenges of discussing sexual behavior with clients. Participants also reported several health care worker characteristics that facilitate feasibility: robust understanding of assisted index case testing’s rationale and knowledge of procedures, strong interpersonal skills, positive attitudes towards clients, and sense of purpose in their work.
Conclusions: Findings demonstrate that maximizing assisted index case testing’s potential to increase HIV status awareness requires adequately equipping health care workers with appropriate knowledge, skills, and support to address and overcome the many feasibility challenges that they face in implementation.
Trial Registration Number: NCT05343390
Date of registration: April 25, 2022
A predictive model for the failure of the first placement of ureteral access sheath (12/14Fr): a multi-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Guoqing , Zou Zhonglin , Jiang Bo , Yin Hubin , Li Xinyuan , Li Bo , Yao Yunzhuo , Deng Yuanzhong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Method for predicting failure of the first placement of ureteral access sheath (UAS) are currently lacking.
Methods: All patients were enrolled in two large medical centers from 2015 to 2022. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify independent prognostic factors. Based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression models, a nomogram was developed. The consistency index, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis, and kappa-test was used for validating efficiency of the prognostic nomogram.
Results: 563 eligible patients were enrolled in the study and then randomly divided into a training cohort (n=299) and a validation cohort (n=213). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the cross-sectional area of the lower ureter, history of calculi expulsion from the urethra, and normal ureteral wall thickness of the lower ureter were independent risk factors associated with failure of the first placement of UAS. The C-index was 0.980 and 0.968 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.986 and 0.961 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Moreover, calibration curves and decision curve analysis demonstrated that the nomogram exhibited favorable predictive accuracy in the training cohort. Ultimately, the kappa test confirmed a significant agreement between predicted outcomes and actual outcomes in 51 patients (kappa value = 0.538, P < 0.001).
Conclusion: Our study provided an individualized risk assessment for the initial placement of UAS in patients with renal or ureteral calculi using a prognostic nomogram. Additionally, based on this prediction, urologists can advise patients to choose between ureteral stenting or flexible ureteroscopy prior to surgery.