bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone metastases do not affect the measurement uncertainties of a global digital volume correlation algorithm
Authors: Cavazzoni Giulia , Cristofolini Luca , Dall’Ara Enrico , Palanca Marco 
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Measurement uncertainties of Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) are influenced by several factors, like input images quality, correlation algorithm, bone type, etc. However, it is still unknown if highly heterogeneous trabecular microstructures, typical of lytic and blastic metastases, affect the precision of DVC measurements.Methods: Fifteen metastatic and nine healthy vertebral bodies were scanned twice in zero-strain conditions with a micro-computed tomography (isotropic voxel size = 39 μm). The bone microstructural parameters (Bone Volume Fraction, Structure Thickness, Structure Separation, Structure Number) were calculated. Displacements and strains were evaluated through a global DVC approach (BoneDVC). The relationship between the standard deviation of the error (SDER) and the microstructural parameters was investigated in the entire vertebrae. To evaluate to what extent the measurement uncertainty is influenced by the microstructure, similar relationships were assessed within sub-regions of interest.Results: Higher variability in the SDER was found for metastatic vertebrae compared to the healthy ones (range 91-1030 με versus 222–599 με). A weak correlation was found between the SDER and the Structure Separation in metastatic vertebrae and in the sub-regions of interest, highlighting that the heterogenous trabecular microstructure only weakly affects the measurement uncertainties of BoneDVC. No correlation was found for the other microstructural parameters. The spatial distribution of the strain measurement uncertainties seemed to be associated with regions with reduced greyscale gradient variation in the microCT images.Discussion: Measurement uncertainties cannot be taken for granted but need to be assessed in each single application of the DVC to consider the minimum unavoidable measurement uncertainty when interpreting the results.
Application study of curcumin fluorescent complex coated with pharmaceutical excipients for cell imaging
Authors: Shao Chen , Zhang Xiaoli , Shao Shihe , Jin Feng 
Published: March 2023

Taking curcumin as the starting point, β-cyclodextrin was introduced on both sides, and lipid-soluble curcumin was coated by acrylic resin using oil-in-water strategy. Four different types of curcumin fluorescent complexes EPO-Curcumin (EPO-Cur), L100-55-Curcumin (L100-55-Cur), EPO -Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (EPO-Cur-β-cd) and L100-55-Curcumin-β-cyclodextrin (L100-55-Cur-β-cd) were prepared to solve their own solubility and biocompatibility issues. The prepared curcumin fluorescent complexes were characterized and tested by spectroscopy. The characteristic peaks of 3446 cm−1 (hydroxyl group), 1735cm−1(carbonyl group) and 1455 cm−1 (aromatic group) were determined in the infrared spectrum. In the fluorescence emission spectrum, it was found that the emission intensity of different curcumin fluorescent complexes in polar solvents reached hundreds of times. Through the transmission electron microscopy shows that acrylic resin tightly coats curcumin into rods or clusters. In order to observe their compatibility with tumor cells more directly, live cell fluorescence imaging was carried out, and it was found that all four kinds of curcumin fluorescence complexes had good biocompatibility. In particular, the effect of EPO-Cur-β-cd and L100-55-Cur-β-cd is better than that of EPO-Cur and L100-55-Cur.
Preservice teachers’ science learning and self-efficacy to teach with robotics-based activities: Investigating a scaffolded and a self-guided approach
Authors: Jaipal-Jamani Kamini 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionRobotics is viewed as a viable pedagogical strategy for STEM learning because it is characterized by many practices common to the STEM disciplines such as engineering design. With many national curricular calling for STEM integration in K-12 formal educational settings, there is a need for empirical evidence about the effectiveness of different pedagogical approaches to teach with robotics-based activities to promote curriculum learning outcomes and teaching practice. This exploratory study investigated the effectiveness of a scaffolded robotics intervention and a self-guided robotics intervention on pre-service teacher knowledge (PST) of science concepts related to gears and on PST self-efficacy to teach with the robotics-based activities.MethodsA quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention study was implemented with two non-equivalent groups of elementary preservice teachers (PSTs) in a Bachelor of Education program. PSTs in the self-guided group (n = 11) worked with robotics kits in the library at their own pace. PSTs in the scaffolded intervention group (n = 16) were guided through the activity by the author with instructional scaffolds. IBM SPSS Statistics 27 was used to analyze the data.ResultsThe relationship between intervention type and gains in science knowledge was not statistically significant for the self-guided group but was statistically significant for the scaffolded group suggesting that scaffolding supported PST’s learning of the science concepts. With respect to PST self-efficacy to teach with the robotics-based activity, both intervention types revealed statistically significant gains from pre to post tests, however effect sizes indicated that the scaffolded intervention resulted in greater gains in PST self-efficacy to teach with the robotics-based activities.DiscussionThe results provide exploratory evidence that the scaffolded robotics approach, modelled for and experienced by the pre-service teachers in this study, was effective for their learning of science curricular concepts related to gears and for developing their self-efficacy for teaching the robotics-based activities. It should be noted that findings may not be generalizable due to the small sample sizes, especially of the self-guided group. Nevertheless, the findings do provide insights for teacher educators incorporating robotics-based activities into curricular courses such as science methods as it provides specific examples of scaffolds that were effective for science learning and for developing PST self-efficacy. The study also contributes to the literature on instructional strategies that promote robotics adoption in K-12 schools to support development of STEM knowledge and skills.
Cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies constitute a correlate of protection against herpes simplex virus type 1 reactivations: A retrospective study
Authors: Alt Mira , Wolf Susanne , van de Sand Lukas , Dittrich Robin , Tertel Tobias , Brochhagen Leonie , Dirks Miriam , Aufderhorst Ulrich Wilhelm , Thümmler Laura , Otte Mona , Rainer Kordula , Dittmer Ulf , Giebel Bernd , Trilling Mirko , Silke Heilingloh Christiane , Lotfi Ramin , Roggendorf Michael , Witzke Oliver , Krawczyk Adalbert 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundHerpes simplex viruses (HSV) cause ubiquitous human infections. For vaccine development, knowledge concerning correlates of protection is essential. Therefore, we investigated (I) if humans are in principle capable producing cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies against HSV and (II) whether this capacity is associated with a reduced HSV-1 reactivation risk.MethodsWe established a high-throughput HSV-1-ΔgE-GFP reporter virus-based assay and evaluated 2,496 human plasma samples for HSV-1 glycoprotein E (gE) independent cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies. Subsequently, we conducted a retrospective survey among the blood donors to analyze the correlation between the presence of cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies in plasma and the frequency of HSV reactivations.ResultsIn total, 128 of the 2,496 blood donors (5.1%) exhibited high levels of HSV-1 gE independent cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies in the plasma. None of the 147 HSV-1 seronegative plasmas exhibited partial or complete cell-to-cell spread inhibition, demonstrating the specificity of our assay. Individuals with cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies showed a significantly lower frequency of HSV reactivations compared to subjects without sufficient levels of such antibodies.ConclusionThis study contains two important findings: (I) upon natural HSV infection, some humans produce cell-to-cell spread inhibiting antibodies and (II) such antibodies correlate with protection against recurrent HSV-1. Moreover, these elite neutralizers may provide promising material for immunoglobulin therapy and information for the design of a protective vaccine against HSV-1.
Dichlorodifluoromethane-carbon dioxide: A dielectric mixture as a sustainable alternative to SF6 in high voltage applications
Authors: Khan Sajjad Ali , Habib Salman , Khan Muhammad Yasir Ali , Chauhdary Sohaib Tahir , Ali Abdar , Kamel Salah , Elnaggar Mohamed F. 
Published: March 2023

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is the frequently consumed gas in High Voltage (HV) applications due to its high dielectric permittivity and arc-quenching property. However, due to its long Atmospheric Lifetime (AL), high Global Warming Potential (GWP), and other environmental concerns there is a need for a new sustainable gas as an alternative to SF6. Therefore, in this research, we present dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) in conjunction with carbon dioxide (CO2) as an alternative. Compared to SF6, R-12 has 3,100 years shorter atmospheric lifetime and 15,400 less GWP. Moreover, CO2 is mixed with R-12 as a gas carrier to achieve a low boiling point as that of SF6. High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), High Voltage Alternating Current (HVAC), and self-recoverability tests were conducted under varying concentrations of gas ratios at different pressures and a standard constant temperature. Comparison analysis showed that R-12 dielectric strength is close to that of SF6, and its mixture with CO2 possessed increased dielectric strength compared to a nitrogen and air mixture beyond 206.84 kPa. For HVAC and HVDC, a mixture of 50% R-12% and 50% CO2 establishes an unimpeachable ratio for HV applications. The mixture has self-recoverability properties and possesses positive synergism, which leads to the conclusion that the mixture of R-12 with CO2 enhances the dielectric strength compared to pure gases, as well as reduces costs.
Characteristics of eye-related emergency visits and triage differences by nurses and ophthalmologists: Perspective from a single eye center in southern China
Authors: Chen Juan , Chen Chen-Mei , Zheng Yongxin , Zhong Liuxueying 
Published: March 2023

PurposeTo describe characteristics of eye-related emergency department (ED) visits and investigate differences in priorities assigned to patients by triage nurses and ophthalmologists.MethodsA prospective survey was conducted at the ED of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from January 1, 2021, to May 31, 2021. Clinical data from patients with acute ophthalmic conditions lasting less than 7 days were collected via a standard questionnaire and the urgency levels assigned by nurses and physicians were also recorded. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify characteristics associated with truly emergency conditions and up- or down-triage.ResultsA total of 1907 patients were enrolled, with 582 (30.5%) classified as “non-emergency.” Red eye (69.7%), eye pain (53.0%), ocular trauma (44.1%), tearing (43.6%), and blurred vision (43.1%) were the most common complaints. Truly emergency tended to be male (OR 2.019, p &lt; 0.001) and with unilateral eye involvement (OR 2.992, p &lt; 0.001). Nurses prioritized conjunctival, scleral, closed ocular trauma and eyelid diseases over doctors while giving less priority to open ocular trauma, cornea, uveitis, and vitreoretinal diseases (p &lt; 0.05). Overemphasis on mild blurred vision (OR 3.718, p = 0.001) and insufficient understanding of conjunctival diseases without red eye (OR 0.254, p = 0.001) were associated with conjunctival disease “up-triage.” Insufficient awareness of moderate and severe blurred vision was associated with “down-triage” for ocular trauma (OR 3.475, p = 0.001 and OR 2.422, p = 0.020, respectively).ConclusionOphthalmic EDs are typically flooded with patients suffering from acute ocular problems, with a considerable portion for non-emergency conditions. The identification of characteristics associated with truly emergency cases and nurses’ triage preferences is valuable in providing target guidance for future ED practice and facilitating the proper allocation of emergency resources.
Optimising the ECMO treatment regimen increases the survival rate for adult patients with acute fulminant myocarditis: A single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hou Liusheng , Liang Hongkai , Zeng Shiyong , Li Jianwei , Chen Zhou , Liao Xiaozu , Liu Shaozhong , Li Mingxing , Li Binfei , Yuan Yong 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundApplying Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to patients with acute fulminant myocarditis (AFM) reduces their mortality. The survival rate is 55.6-71.9% for adult AFM patients, which is lower than that for paediatric patients (63-81%). In our centre, the survival rate of ECMO for adult patients with AFM was 66.7% from January 2003 to 2012. In January 2013, the therapeutic regimen was optimised, and then the survival rate increased to 89.1% by January 2022. This article analyses the reasons for the improved survival rate following the optimisation of treatment protocols.MethodsThe data for adult patients with AFM who underwent ECMO for a poor response conventional treatment from January 2003 to January 2022 were reviewed. According to different treatment regimens, the AFM patients were divided into an old and a new regimen group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed on the data before and after ECMO.ResultsFifty-five patients were enrolled in the age (31.2 ± 11.3), including 24 males. Forty-nine patients were weaned successfully from ECMO [duration: (4.1 ± 1.8) d], all of whom were discharged from the hospital, with a survival rate of 89.1%. Compared with the old regimen group, the new regimen group had a shorter duration of shock to ECMO, a lower proportion of patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), a lower Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS), and lower levels of lactic acid, and high-sensitivity troponin T before ECMO (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the old regimen group, after ECMO, the new regimen group had lower ECMO flow, lower proportion of left ventricular dilation and lower limb ischemia injury, the duration of ECMO was shorter, and significantly improved the survival rate, the difference was statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The duration of shock to ECMO and VIS before ECMO were independent risk factors for the survival rate (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionEarly ECMO initiation in adult AFM patients with a poor response to conventional therapy and low-flow ECMO to meet metabolic needs can reduce serious complications affecting the prognosis, may be associated with better outcomes.
Associations of macular microvascular parameters with cerebral small vessel disease in rural older adults: A population-based OCT angiography study
Authors: Xu Zhe , Dong Yi , Wang Yongxiang , Song Lin , Niu Sijie , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Mingqing , Wang Jiafeng , Cong Lin , Han Xiaojuan , Hou Tingting , Tang Shi , Zhang Qinghua , Du Yifeng , Qiu Chengxuan 
Published: March 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the associations of macular microvascular parameters with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) in rural-dwelling older adults in China.MethodsThis population-based cross-sectional study included 195 participants (age ≥ 60 years; 57.4% women) in the optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) sub-study within the Multimodal Interventions to delay Dementia and disability in rural China (MIND-China). Macular microvascular parameters were measured using the OCTA. We automatically estimated volumes of gray matter, white matter, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and manually assessed numbers of enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) and lacunes on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Data were analyzed with the general linear models.ResultsAdjusting for multiple confounders, lower vessel skeleton density (VSD) and higher vessel diameter index (VDI) were significantly associated with larger WMH volume (P &lt; 0.05). Lower VSD and foveal density-300 (FD-300) of left eye were significantly associated with lower brain parenchymal volume (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, lower areas of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and FD-300 of left eye were significantly associated with more EPVS (P &lt; 0.05). The associations of abnormal macular microvascular parameters with WMH volume were evident mainly among females. Macular microvascular parameters were not associated with lacunes.ConclusionMacular microvascular signs are associated with WMH, brain parenchymal volume, and EPVS in older adults. The OCTA-assessed macular microvascular parameters can be valuable markers for microvascular lesions in the brain.
Associations between resting state brain activity and A1 adenosine receptor availability in the healthy brain: Effects of acute sleep deprivation
Authors: Li Changhong , Kroll Tina , Matusch Andreas , Aeschbach Daniel , Bauer Andreas , Elmenhorst Eva-Maria , Elmenhorst David 
Published: March 2023

IntroductionPrevious resting-state fMRI (Rs-fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown that sleep deprivation (SD) affects both spontaneous brain activity and A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) availability. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that the neuromodulatory adenosinergic system acts as regulator of the individual neuronal activity remains unexplored.MethodsTherefore, fourteen young men underwent Rs-fMRI, A1AR PET scans, and neuropsychological tests after 52 h of SD and after 14 h of recovery sleep.ResultsOur findings suggested higher oscillations or regional homogeneity in multiple temporal and visual cortices, whereas decreased oscillations in cerebellum after sleep loss. At the same time, we found that connectivity strengths increased in sensorimotor areas and decreased in subcortical areas and cerebellum.DiscussionMoreover, negative correlations between A1AR availability and rs-fMRI metrics of BOLD activity in the left superior/middle temporal gyrus and left postcentral gyrus of the human brain provide new insights into the molecular basis of neuronal responses induced by high homeostatic sleep pressure.
Household food insecurity and hunger status in Debre Berhan town, Central Ethiopia: Community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Demie Takele Gezahegn , Gessese Getachew Tilahun 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundFood security occurs when all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that fits their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life at all times. There is limited evidence on this topic and not well studied in Ethiopia.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate food insecurity and hunger status among households (HHs) in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken from 1 January 2017 to 30 January 2017. A simple random sampling technique was used to enroll 395 HHs for the study. An interviewer-administered, structured, and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data through a face-to-face interview. The household food security and hunger status were assessed by using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Household Hunger Scale, respectively. Data were entered and cleaned using Epiata 3.1 and exported to SPSS software version 20 for statistical analysis. Logistic regression was fitted, and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a value of p of less than 0.05 were used to identify factors associated with food insecurity.ResultsA total of 377 HHs participated in the study with a response rate of 95.4%. The proportion of households with food insecurity was 32.4%, among which mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity accounted for 10.3, 18.8, and 3.2%, respectively. The mean score of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale was 1.88 ± 3.5. Hunger occurred among 3.2% of households. The mean score of the Household Hunger Scale was 2.17 ± 1.03. Husband or male cohabitant’s occupation (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI: 1.31–5.48) and wife or female cohabitant’s literacy (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.01– 9.55) were the only factors associated with HH food insecurity.ConclusionHH food insecurity and hunger in Debre Berhan town were unacceptably high, which can hamper achieving national targets for food security, nutrition, and health. Intensified efforts are further needed to accelerate the decline in food insecurity and hunger prevalence. Therefore, interventions need to target self-employed merchants in small businesses and women who are uneducated.
The postbiotic of hawthorn-probiotic ameliorating constipation caused by loperamide in elderly mice by regulating intestinal microecology
Authors: Wei Yu , Huang Na , Ye Xinyu , Liu Meng , Wei Meilian , Huang Yali 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundConstipation is common gastrointestinal disorder with high prevalence and recurrence, making people suffering. However, the treatment for constipation remains ineffectual. We aimed to the study the effects and mechanisms of postbiotic of hawthorn-probiotic on loperamide modeled old KM mice.MethodsConstipated mice were grouped and treated with 10% lactulose (Y), hawthorn group (S), probiotic group (F) and postbiotic of hawthorn-probiotic (FS). Fecal changes were observed. AQP3 and Enac-γ were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, intestinal barrier by H&amp;E and immunofluorescence staining, cell proliferation and apoptosis by CCK8 and flow cytometry. Gut microbiota was further determined by 16 s rRNA sequence of feces.ResultsPostbiotic of hawthorn-probiotic improved intestinal movement and pathomorphology, elevated AQP3, Enac-γ and mucin-2 expression, accompanied by decreased serum TNF-α and cell apoptosis, but increased proliferation. Furthermore, it modified the gut microbiota of constipated mice, featured by upregulation of Lactobacillaceae.ConclusionPostbiotic of hawthorn-probiotic relieved constipation by combined effects of regulating intestinal water and sodium metabolism, maintain intestinal barrier and gut microflora.Graphical Abstract