bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of alpine meadow degradation on the soil moisture and hydrological processes in the three river source region on the Qinghai Tibetan plateau
Authors: Yang Yongsheng , Wang Junbang , Xu Xinliang , Zhang Shuping , Li Yuzhe , Fan Yuejun , Zhou Huakun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo explore the effects of mattic epipedon (ME) on soil moisture and hydraulic properties in the alpine meadow of three‐river source region, the soil moisture, water infiltration, evapotranspiration, soil bulk density and soil water holding capacity of original vegetation (OV), light degradation (LD), moderate degradation (MD) and severe degradation (SD) was conducted in this study, respectively. The results showed that: (1) the alpine meadow degradation reduced the soil moisture in the shallow layer (0–10 cm) and had no significant effects on the soil moisture in the deep layer (20–30 cm). (2) The effects of alpine meadow degradation on infiltration was depend on the presence of ME or not, when the ME existed on the land surface (from OV treatment to MD treatment), the alpine meadow degradation had no significant effects on infiltration. Once the ME disappeared on the land surface (from MD treatment to SD treatment), the alpine meadow degradation mainly increased the infiltration. (3) With the aggravation of alpine meadow degradation, the daily evapotranspiration first decreased and then significantly increased when the gravimetric soil water content at 0–5 cm in SD treatment (GWC5) was exceeded 19.5%, the daily evapotranspiration gradually decreased when GWC5 ranged from 9.3% to 19.5%, and had no significant changes on the evapotranspiration when GWC5 was less than 9.3%. Considering the characteristics of precipitation in alpine meadow, it was concluded that the alpine meadow degradation accelerated the evapotranspiration during the plant‐growing season. (4) The effect of alpine meadow degradation on soil bulk density and saturated water capacity was concentrated at 0–10 cm. With the aggravation of alpine meadow degradation, the bulk density at 0–10 cm was first stable and then significantly increased and the saturated water capacity at 0–10 cm was first gradually increased and then significantly decreased. Our results suggested that the ME is vital for water conservation of alpine meadow and the protection of ME should be emphasized to promote the sustainable development of the ecosystem and the water supply of water towers in China.
Virtual reality learning: A randomized controlled trial assessing medical student knowledge of fetal development
Authors: Ryan Grace , Rafferty Anthony , Murphy John , Higgins Mary F. , Mangina Eleni , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether a virtual reality learning environment (VRLE) enhanced student understanding and knowledge compared with a traditional tutorial.MethodA randomized controlled trial involving medical students from University College Dublin, Ireland. Participants were assigned to an intervention (VRLE involving a 15‐min learning experience on the stages of fetal development) or control (PowerPoint tutorial on the same topic) group. Multiple choice questionnaires (MCQs) assessed knowledge at three time points: preintervention, immediately postintervention, and 1 week postintervention. Primary outcomes were differences in MCQ knowledge scores postintervention between groups. Secondary outcomes included attitudes on the learning experience assessed using the Student Satisfaction and Self‐Confidence in Learning Scale (SCLS) and the Virtual Reality Design Scale (VRDS).ResultsNo statistically significant between‐group differences were found in the primary outcome assessing postintervention knowledge scores. Within‐group differences in knowledge scores were significant among the three time points for both the intervention (P < 0.01 [95% confidence interval, 5.33–6.19]) and control (P = 0.02 [95% confidence interval, 5.74–6.49]) groups. Mean levels of satisfaction and self‐confidence in learning were higher in the intervention group compared with the control group: 54.2 (standard deviation, 7.5) and 50.5 (standard deviation, 7.2), respectively (P = 0.21).ConclusionVRLEs are a learning tool that can support knowledge development.
Discontinuation of Denosumab: Gradual Decrease in Doses Preserves Half of the Bone Mineral Density Gain at the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Laroche Michel , Couture Guillaume , Degboé Yannick 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTStopping treatment for osteoporosis with denosumab (Dmab) leads to a major and rapid loss in bone mineral density (BMD) and a risk of vertebral fracture. Subsequent treatment with bisphosphonate (Bp) does not completely prevent this bone loss. We carried out a prospective pilot study to find out whether the gradual dose reduction with denosumab could prevent this bone loss. We proposed a therapeutic protocol consisting in reducing the doses of Dmab to women treated with Dmab for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Six months after the last dose of Dmab 60 mg, the subsequent injection was performed with a reduced dose of 30 mg, and the month‐12 injection was a 15‐mg injection. BMD and serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were measured at the start of treatment with Dmab (T0), at the last dose with 60 mg (T1), and at 6 months (T2) and 12 months (T3) after the last 15 mg Dmab injection. We included 13 patients aged 68.7 ± 3 years, and treated with Dmab for 45.2 ± 5 months. At the lumbar spine, 39% of the initial gain in BMD was preserved 1 year after the last dose (15 mg). Conversely, at the hip, the bone loss at the end of the treatment reduction protocol was equivalent to the initial gain. The mean CTX level was 166 ± 152 pg/mL 6 months after the last dose (T2; 15 mg), and 549 ± 425 pg/mL 12 months after the last dose (T3; 15 mg). One patient presented two vertebral fractures, 8 months after the last dose of Dmab (15 mg). Gradual dose reduction of denosumab (30 mg then 15 mg) does not prevent bone loss in the hip and partially maintains the initial gain at the spine. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Single‐leg disuse decreases skeletal muscle strength, size, and power in uninjured adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Preobrazenski Nicholas , Seigel Joel , Halliday Sandra , Janssen Ian , McGlory Chris 
Published: March 2023

AbstractWe aimed to quantify declines from baseline in lower limb skeletal muscle size and strength of uninjured adults following single‐leg disuse. We searched EMBASE, Medline, CINAHL, and CCRCT up to 30 January 2022. Studies were included in the systematic review if they (1) recruited uninjured participants; (2) were an original experimental study; (3) employed a single‐leg disuse model; and (4) reported muscle strength, size, or power data following a period of single‐leg disuse for at least one group without a countermeasure. Studies were excluded if they (1) did not meet all inclusion criteria; (2) were not in English; (3) reported previously published muscle strength, size, or power data; or (4) could not be sourced from two different libraries, repeated online searches, and the authors. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool to assess risk of bias. We then performed random‐effects meta‐analyses on studies reporting measures of leg extension strength and extensor size. Our search revealed 6548 studies, and 86 were included in our systematic review. Data from 35 and 20 studies were then included in the meta‐analyses for measures of leg extensor strength and size, respectively (40 different studies). No meta‐analysis for muscle power was performed due to insufficient homogenous data. Effect sizes (Hedges' gav) with 95% confidence intervals for leg extensor strength were all durations = −0.80 [−0.92, −0.68] (n = 429 participants; n = 68 aged 40 years or older; n ≥ 78 females); ≤7 days of disuse = −0.57 [−0.75, −0.40] (n = 151); >7 days and ≤14 days = −0.93 [−1.12, −0.74] (n = 206); and >14 days = −0.95 [−1.20, −0.70] (n = 72). Effect sizes for measures of leg extensor size were all durations = −0.41 [−0.51, −0.31] (n = 233; n = 32 aged 40 years or older; n ≥ 42 females); ≤7 days = −0.26 [−0.36, −0.16] (n = 84); >7 days and ≤14 days = −0.49 [−0.67, −0.30] (n = 102); and >14 days = −0.52 [−0.74, −0.30] (n = 47). Decreases in leg extensor strength (cast: −0.94 [−1.30, −0.59] (n = 73); brace: −0.90 [−1.18, −0.63] (n = 106)) and size (cast: −0.61[−0.87, −0.35] (n = 41); brace: (−0.48 [−1.04, 0.07] (n = 41)) following 14 days of disuse did not differ for cast and brace disuse models. Single‐leg disuse in adults resulted in a decline in leg extensor strength and size that reached a nadir beyond 14 days. Bracing and casting led to similar declines in leg extensor strength and size following 14 days of disuse. Studies including females and males and adults over 40 years of age are lacking.
Asylee perspectives on psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress
Authors: Cassidy Galen P. , McQuaid Jennifer , Heatherington Laurie , Su Chi Jiun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAsylees (i.e., asylum seekers) have a higher prevalence of mental health concerns, particularly posttraumatic distress, than the general population due to both their exposure to traumatic experiences and prolonged uncertain status in a new country. Meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials with asylees have found that culturally adapted cognitive behavioral therapy (CA‐CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and narrative exposure therapy (NET) are efficacious in treating trauma‐related symptoms and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, treatment utilization remains low. Thus, it is imperative to determine what PTSD interventions are effective, credible, and acceptable for asylees. We employed structured virtual interviews with 40 U.S. asylees from diverse countries living with one or more symptoms of PTSD. Participants were asked about treatment engagement, perceived barriers to treatment, goals for psychotherapy, and perceptions of the effectiveness and difficulty of engaging in CA‐CBT, EMDR, NET, and (non–exposure‐based) interpersonal therapy (IPT) for PTSD. Participants perceived IPT to be significantly less difficult than all exposure‐based treatments, with medium effect sizes, ds = 0.55–0.71. A qualitative analysis of asylees’ comments provided valuable insights into how they think about these treatments. Ways in which these results can be considered when informing recommendations for improving interventions for asylees are discussed.
Point‐of‐care devices based on fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy for tumor margin detection during breast cancer surgery: Towards breast conservation treatment
Authors: Thapa Pramila , Singh Veena , Gupta Komal , Shrivastava Anurag , Kumar Virendra , Kataria Kamal , Mishra Piyush R. , Mehta Dalip S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveFluorescence‐based methods are highly specific and sensitive and have potential in breast cancer detection. Simultaneous fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy during intraoperative procedures of breast cancer have great advantages in detection of tumor margin as well as in classification of tumor to healthy tissues. Intra‐operative real‐time confirmation of breast cancer tumor margin is the aim of surgeons, and therefore, there is an urgent need for such techniques and devices which fulfill the surgeon's priorities.MethodsIn this article, we propose the development of fluorescence‐based smartphone imaging and spectroscopic point‐of‐care multi‐modal devices for detection of invasive ductal carcinoma in tumor margin during removal of tumor. These multimodal devices are portable, cost‐effective, noninvasive, and user‐friendly. Molecular level sensitivity of fluorescence process shows different behavior in normal, cancerous and marginal tissues. We observed significant spectral changes, such as, red‐shift, full‐width half maximum (FWHM), and increased intensity as we go towards tumor center from normal tissue. High contrast in fluorescence images and spectra are also recorded for cancer tissues compared to healthy tissues. Preliminary results for the initial trial of the devices are reported in this article.ResultsA total 44 spectra from 11 patients of invasive ductal carcinoma (11 spectra for invasive ductal carcinoma and rest are normal and negative margins) are used. Principle component analysis is used for the classification of invasive ductal carcinoma with an accuracy of 93%, specificity of 75% and sensitivity of 92.8%. We obtained an average 6.17 ± 1.66 nm red shift for IDC with respect to normal tissue. The red shift and maximum fluorescence intensity indicates p < 0.01. These results described here are supported by histopathological examination of the same sample.ConclusionIn the present manuscript, simultaneous fluorescence‐based imaging and spectroscopy is accomplished for the classification of IDC tissues and breast cancer margin detection.
Criteria preprocessing in multi‐actor multi‐criteria analysis
Authors: Huang He , Canoy Rocsildes , Brusselaers Nicolas , te Boveldt Geert 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMulti‐actor multi‐criteria analysis is a group decision‐making framework that allows multiple stakeholder groups to be involved in the decision‐making process, facilitating the understanding of the points of consensus and conflict among the stakeholder groups. Carefully selecting suitable criteria is important as they illustrate the possibly divergent priorities of the respective stakeholder group, and overlooking important criteria can lead to erroneous outcomes. Furthermore, the number of criteria needs specific consideration, as a too large number poses problems for human cognition, but a too small number inaccurately represents the stakeholder's interest. In stakeholder groups with many members, such as those representing citizens, defining a criteria set is likely to be even more complicated. Currently, there is no formal guideline to assist facilitators in defining these criteria sets. In this paper, we propose a novel framework for criteria preprocessing with stakeholder involvement that includes a guideline for firstly selecting criteria into a tentative list and secondly selecting the final criteria set. It provides a procedure on how to determine criteria considering the priorities of stakeholder groups with regard to the context. As a final step, we propose a mathematical model for selecting a number of criteria that are both cognitively manageable and representative for the participants' priorities. Based on the principles of the Pareto analysis, as well as the cognitive judgment theory “magic number seven plus or minus two”, a recommendation list of the criteria is generated. It prevents key criteria from being omitted while at the same time limiting the overall number of criteria. This framework is applied to a social decision‐making case for construction logistics, and the results are compared with the conventional approach of criteria definition.
Monitoring live mitochondrial metabolism in real‐time using NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Nagana Gowda G. A. , Pascua Vadim , Lusk John A. , Hong Natalie N. , Guo Lin , Dong Jiyang , Sweet Ian R. , Raftery Daniel 
Published: March 2023

AbstractInvestigation of mitochondrial metabolism is gaining increased interest owing to the growing recognition of the role of mitochondria in health and numerous diseases. Studies of isolated mitochondria promise novel insights into the metabolism devoid of confounding effects from other cellular organelles such as cytoplasm. This study describes the isolation of mitochondria from mouse skeletal myoblast cells (C2C12) and the investigation of live mitochondrial metabolism in real‐time using isotope tracer‐based NMR spectroscopy. [3‐13C1]pyruvate was used as the substrate to monitor the dynamic changes of the downstream metabolites in mitochondria. The results demonstrate an intriguing phenomenon, in which lactate is produced from pyruvate inside the mitochondria and the results were confirmed by treating mitochondria with an inhibitor of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (UK5099). Lactate is associated with health and numerous diseases including cancer and, to date, it is known to occur only in the cytoplasm. The insight that lactate is also produced inside mitochondria opens avenues for exploring new pathways of lactate metabolism. Further, experiments performed using inhibitors of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, FCCP and rotenone, show that [2‐13C1]acetyl coenzyme A, which is produced from [3‐13C1]pyruvate and acts as a primary substrate for the tricarboxylic acid cycle in mitochondria, exhibits a remarkable sensitivity to the inhibitors. These results offer a direct approach to visualize mitochondrial respiration through altered levels of the associated metabolites.
Structure‐preserving exponential wave integrator methods and the long‐time convergence analysis for the Klein‐Gordon‐Dirac equation with the small coupling constant
Authors: Li Jiyong , Jin Xiaoqian 
Published: March 2023

AbstractRecently, the numerical methods for long‐time dynamics of PDEs with weak nonlinearity (or small potentials) have received more and more attention. For the Klein‐Gordon‐Dirac (KGD) equation with the small coupling constant , we propose two time symmetric and structure‐preserving exponential wave integrator Fourier pseudo‐spectral (TSSPEWIFP) methods under periodic boundary conditions. The new methods are proved to preserve the energy in discrete level and in addition the first one preserves the modified discrete mass. Through rigorous error analysis, we establish uniform error bounds of the numerical solutions at up to the time at for where and are the mesh size and time step, respectively, and depends on the regularity conditions. Compared with the results of existing numerical analysis, our analysis has the advantage of showing the long time numerical errors for the KGD equation with the small coupling constant. The tools for error analysis mainly include cut‐off technique and the standard energy method. We also extend the results on error bounds, structure‐preservation and time symmetry to the oscillatory KGD equation with wavelength at in time which is equivalent to the KGD equation with small coupling constant. Numerical experiments confirm that the theoretical results are correct. Our methods are novel because that to the best of our knowledge there has not been any energy‐preserving exponential wave integrator method and any relevant long time analysis for the KGD equation.
Impact of co‐teaching on general educator self‐reported knowledge and use of inclusive practices for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities: A pilot investigation
Authors: McKenna John W. , Newton Xiaoxia , Brigham Frederick 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis pilot study examined the self‐reported knowledge and implementation of recommended practices for supporting students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders (EBDs) in general education classrooms. Participants were general educators who had either limited experience in co‐teaching with a special educator or general educators with more consistent experience co‐teaching with a special educator. General educators with frequent opportunities to co‐teach with a special educator reported significantly higher levels of knowledge of classroom management and differentiation procedures. Additionally, general educators with more frequent opportunities to co‐teach with a special educator reported significantly higher levels of use of classroom management practices. Based on these results, we suggest that in the absence of adequate direct support from special education professionals, students with EBD who are placed in general education settings may be denied adequate and appropriate educational opportunities. However, this hypothesis requires further investigation utilizing methods such as systematic observation.
Structural basis of the inhibition of cystathionine γ‐lyase from Toxoplasma gondii by propargylglycine and cysteine
Authors: Fernández‐Rodríguez Carmen , Conter Carolina , Oyenarte Iker , Favretto Filippo , Quintana Iban , Martinez‐Chantar Maria Luz , Astegno Alessandra , Martínez‐Cruz Luis Alfonso 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCystathionine γ‐lyase (CGL) is a PLP‐dependent enzyme that catalyzes the last step of the reverse transsulfuration route for endogenous cysteine biosynthesis. The canonical CGL‐catalyzed process consists of an α,γ‐elimination reaction that breaks down cystathionine into cysteine, α‐ketobutyrate, and ammonia. In some species, the enzyme can alternatively use cysteine as a substrate, resulting in the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Importantly, inhibition of the enzyme and consequently of its H2S production activity, makes multiresistant bacteria considerably more susceptible to antibiotics. Other organisms, such as Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, encode a CGL enzyme (TgCGL) that almost exclusively catalyzes the canonical process, with only minor reactivity to cysteine. Interestingly, the substitution of N360 by a serine (the equivalent amino acid residue in the human enzyme) at the active site changes the specificity of TgCGL for the catalysis of cystathionine, resulting in an enzyme that can cleave both the CγS and the CβS bond of cystathionine. Based on these findings and to deepen the molecular basis underlying the enzyme‐substrate specificity, we have elucidated the crystal structures of native TgCGL and the variant TgCGL‐N360S from crystals grown in the presence of cystathionine, cysteine, and the inhibitor d,l‐propargylglycine (PPG). Our structures reveal the binding mode of each molecule within the catalytic cavity and help explain the inhibitory behavior of cysteine and PPG. A specific inhibitory mechanism of TgCGL by PPG is proposed.
Curcumin in the treatment of liver cancer: From mechanisms of action to nanoformulations
Authors: Shelash Al‐Hawary Sulieman Ibraheem , Abdalkareem Jasim Saade , M. Kadhim Mustafa , Jaafar Saadoon Sarah , Ahmad Irfan , Romero Parra Rosario Mireya , Hasan Hammoodi Suzan , Abulkassim Roua , M. Hameed Noora , K. Alkhafaje Waleed , Mustafa Yasser Fakri , Javed Ansari Mohammad 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLiver cancer is the sixth most prevalent cancer and ranks third in cancer‐related death, after lung and colorectal cancer. Various natural products have been discovered as alternatives to conventional cancer therapy strategies, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. Curcumin (CUR) with antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities has been associated with therapeutic benefits against various cancers. It can regulate multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‐catenin, JAK/STAT, p53, MAPKs, and NF‐ĸB, which are involved in cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and autophagy. Due to its rapid metabolism, poor oral bioavailability, and low solubility in water, CUR application in clinical practices is restricted. To overcome these limitations, nanotechnology‐based delivery systems have been applied to use CUR nanoformulations with added benefits, such as reducing toxicity, improving cellular uptake, and targeting tumor sites. Besides the anticancer activities of CUR in combating various cancers, especially liver cancer, here we focused on the CUR nanoformulations, such as micelles, liposomes, polymeric, metal, and solid lipid nanoparticles, and others, in the treatment of liver cancer.