bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central nervous system biomarkers GFAp and NfL associate with post-acute cognitive impairment and fatigue following critical COVID-19
Authors: Bark Lovisa , Larsson Ing-Marie , Wallin Ewa , Simrén Joel , Zetterberg Henrik , Lipcsey Miklos , Frithiof Robert , Rostami Elham , Hultström Michael 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
A high proportion of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience post-acute COVID-19, including neuropsychiatric symptoms. Objective signs of central nervous system (CNS) damage can be investigated using CNS biomarkers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and total tau (t-tau). We have examined whether CNS biomarkers can predict fatigue and cognitive impairment 3–6 months after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Methods
Fifty-seven COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU were included with analysis of CNS biomarkers in blood at the ICU and at follow up. Cognitive dysfunction and fatigue were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Multidimensional Fatigue inventory (MFI-20).
Results
Elevated GFAp is associated to the development of mild cognitive dysfunction at follow-up (p = 0.01), especially in women (p = 0.005). Patients experiencing different dimensions of fatigue at follow-up had significantly lower GFAp, specifically in general fatigue (p = 0.009), physical fatigue (p = 0.004), mental fatigue (p = 0.001), and reduced motivation (p = 0.001). Women showed a more pronounced decrease in GFAp compared to men, except for mental fatigue where men showed a more pronounced GFAp decrease compared to women. NfL was lower in patients experiencing reduced motivation (p = 0.004).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that GFAp and NfL are associated with neuropsychiatric outcome after critical COVID-19.
Trial registration:
The study was registered à priori (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04316884 registered on 2020-03-13 and NCT04474249 registered on 2020-06-29).
Non-Linear Dispersion of Gamma Dose-Rates and Natural Radionuclides in the Coastal Environments of Unumherin Community in Niger Delta
Authors: Maxwell Omeje , Aimua Godfrey Usaka , Adewoyin Olusegun Oladotun , Sunday Joel Emmanuel , Orosun Muyiwa Michael , Mojisola Usikalu Rachael , Conrad Omonhinmin Asotie , Ifeanyi Andrew Oha , Ekwueme Benjamin Nnamdi , Chukwuma Michael Nwankwo , Anne Omeje Uchechukwu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The gamma dose rates and the activity concentrations of Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Thorium-232 in the study area were carried out using calibrated hand-held gamma detector, (RS-125 Gamma-Spectrometer) and NaI (Tl) gamma spectroscopy. The in-situ measurements result of dose rate indicates the hotspot at location 4 with a value of 100 nGyh-1, almost twice higher than the recommended limits. The results from NaI (Tl) gamma detector revealed the highest activity concentrations of Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Thorium-232 to be 288.09, 96.49, 136.12 Bqkg-1 for sediments and 257.31, 66.93, 96.57 Bqkg for water, respectively. The highest mean activity concentration of Potassium-40 and Uranium-238 was observed in Catfish with values of 151.87 and 38.00 Bqkg-1, whereas the highest value for the activity of Thorium-232 was observed in Tilo Fish with a value of 89.02 Bqkg-1. In comparison, all the observed values are higher than the population-weighted average of 420.00, 32.00, and 45.00 Bqkg-1 for Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Thorium-232 by UNSCEAR. Geologically, this may be attributed to the marine incursion of regional tectonic subsidence during transgression. Statistically, the correlation results confirmed that the enhanced outdoor dose rates at the coastlines environment were caused mainly by Uranium-238, followed by Thorium-232 and then Potassium-40 in magnitude. The mean hazard indices for the samples were observed to be within the world average values recommended by ICRP. The accumulation of radionuclides by fishes may be via ingestion and adsorption to surfaces, which culminate in speciation and mobility of radionuclides, alongside the feeding habits of fishes and other aquatic animals.
Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease (MSMD): Clinical, immunological and genetic features of 22 Patients from 15 Moroccan kindreds
Authors: Errami Abderrahmane , Baghdadi Jamila El , Ailal Fatima , Benhsaien Ibtihal , Bakkouri Jalila El , Jeddane Leila , Rada Noureddine , Benajiba Noufissa , Mokhantar Khaoula , Ouazahrou Kaoutar , Zaidi Sanae , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stephanie , Bustamante Jacinta , Bousfiha Ahmed Aziz 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose
The first molecular evidence of a monogenic predisposition to mycobacteria came from the study of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD). We aimed to study this Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases in Moroccan kindreds through clinical, immunological and genetic analysis.
Methods
Patients presented with clinical features of MSMD, were recruited into this study. We used whole blood samples from patients and age-matched healthy controls. To measure IL-12 and IFN-γ production, samples were activated by BCG plus recombinant human IFN-γ or recombinant human IL-12. Immunological assessments and genetic analysis were also done for patients and their relatives.
Results
Our study involved 22 cases from 15 unrelated Moroccan kindreds. The average age at diagnosis is 4 years. Fourteen patients (64%) were born to consanguineous parents. All patients were vaccinated with BCG vaccine, twelve of them (55%) developed loco-regional or disseminated BCG infections. The other symptomatic patients had severe tuberculosis and/or recurrent salmonellosis. Genetic mutations were identified on the following genes: IL12RB1 in 8 patients, STAT1 in 7 patients, SPPL2A, IFNGR1 and TYK2 in two patients and TBX21 in one patient, with different modes of inheritance. All identified mutations/variants altered production or response to IFN-γ or both.
Conclusion
Severe forms of tuberculosis and complications of BCG vaccination may imply a genetic predisposition present in the Moroccan population. In front of these infections, systematic genetic studies became necessary. BCG vaccination is contraindicated in MSMD patients and should be delayed in newborns siblings until the exclusion of a genetic predisposition to mycobacteria.
Conformable fractional heat equation with fractional translation symmetry in both time and space
Authors: Chung W.S. S. , Gungor A. , Kriz J. , LUTFUOGLU Bekir , Hassanabadi H. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we investigated the fractional heat equation with fractional translation in both time and position with different fractional orders. As examples, we considered a rod and an α -disk with an initial constant temperature and discussed their cooling processes in the examined formalism.
Ultra-low dose CT reconstructed with the artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction algorithm ( AIIR) in 18F-FDG Total-body PET/CT examination: a preliminary study
Authors: Hu Yan , Zheng Zhe , Yu Haojun , Wang Jingyi , Yang Xinlan , Shi Hongcheng 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of ultra-low dose CT (ULDCT) reconstructed with the artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction (AIIR) algorithm in total-body PET/CT imaging.Methods: The study included both the phantom and clinical part. An anthropomorphic phantom underwent CT imaging with ULDCT (10mAs) and standard-dose CT (SDCT) (120mAs) respectively. ULDCT was reconstructed with AIIR and hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR) (expressed as ULDCT-AIIRphantom and ULDCT-HIRphantom) respectively, and SDCT was reconstructed with HIR (SDCT-HIRphantom) as control. In the clinical part, 52 patients with malignant tumours underwent the total-body PET/CT scann. ULDCT with AIIR (ULDCT-AIIR) and HIR (ULDCT-HIR) respectively was reconstructed for PET attenuation correction, followed by the SDCT reconstructed with HIR (SDCT-HIR) for anatomical location. PET/CT images quality were qualitatively assessed by two readers. The CTmean as well as the CT standard deviation (CTsd), SUVmax, SUVmean, and the SUV standard deviation (SUVsd) were recorded. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated and compared.Results: The image quality of ULDCT-HIRphantom was inferior to the SDCT-HIRphantom, but no significant difference was found between the ULDCT-AIIRphantom and SDCT-HIRphantom. The subjective score of ULDCT-AIIR in the neck, throax and lower limb was equivalent to that of SDCT-HIR. Besides the brain and lower limb, the CTmean of the lesion and other regiongs in ULDCT-AIIR didn’t fluctuate too much, while the CTsd of ULDCT-AIIR was lower than that of SDCT-HIR. Except for the brain, the CNR of ULDCT-AIIR was the same as the SDCT-HIR, but the SNR was higher. The SUVmax, SUVmean and SUVsd of PET-AIIR had a slightly change in the whole body. For the lesions, the SUVmax, SUVsd and TBR showed no significant difference between PET-AIIR and PET-HIR. Conclusion: The SDCT-HIR was not replaced by the ULDCT-AIIR, but the AIIR algorithm decreased the image noise and increased the SNR, which can be implemented under special circumstance in PET/CT examination.
Reasons Clinical Education Directors Intend to Leave their Jobs
Authors: Klein Alicia , Schrode Katrina , Kibe Lucy , Kayingo Gerald 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objectives
The goals of this study were to characterize clinical coordinators compared to other Physician Assistant (PA) faculty, and investigate factors associated with intent to leave their position, institution, and academia in the U.S.
Methods
This was a secondary analysis of data obtained from the 2019 PAEA Faculty and Directors Survey. We examined bivariate associations with faculty role and conducted multiple logistic regression to identify predictors of intent to leave among clinical directors.
Results
Clinical directors indicated an intention to leave their position more often than other faculty. Factors influencing intent to leave were a lack of satisfaction with professional development and moderate to high levels of burnout. Clinical directors with severe burnout had 27x the odds of intending to leave academia.
Conclusions
Our results suggest why clinical directors intend to leave and underscore the need for professional development opportunities and faculty mentoring. Faculty-centered work arrangements are needed to reduce burnout among clinical directors.
MAPKAPK2, a dynamic network biomarker of α-synuclein before its aggregation, was significantly highly expressed in both the brain and peripheral blood of PD patients
Authors: Ling Fei , Zhong Zhenggang , Li Jiabao , Zhong Jiayuan , Huang Yinlin , Hu Jiaqi , Zhang Piao , Zhang Baowen , Luo Wei , Liu Rui , Zhang Yuhu 
Published: August 2022

AbstractOne of the important pathological features of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the substantia nigra. Preventing the aggregation of α-Syn has become a potential strategy for treating PD. However, the molecular mechanism of α-Syn aggregation is unclear. In this study, using the dynamic network biomarker (DNB) method, we first identified the critical time point when α-Syn undergoes pathological aggregation based on a SH-SY5Y cell model and found thatDNB genes encode transcription factors that regulated target genes that were differentially expressed. Interestingly, we found thatthese DNB genes and their neighbouring genes were significantly enriched in the cellular senescence pathway and thus proposed that the DNB genesHSF1andMAPKAPK2regulate the expression of the neighbouring geneSERPINE1. Notably, in GEO data obtained from substantia nigra, prefrontal cortex and peripheral blood samples, the expression level ofMAPKAPK2was significantly higher in PD patients than in healthy people, suggesting thatMAPKAPK2is an early diagnostic biomarker of diseases related to pathological aggregation of α-Syn, such as PD. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathological aggregation of α-Syn.
High-performance photoelectrochemical hydrogen production using asymmetric quantum dots
Authors: Wang Kanghong , Wang Chao , Tao Yi , Tang Zikun , Benetti Daniele , Vidal Francois , Liu Yu , Rümmeli Mark , Zhao Haiguang , Rosei Federico , Sun Xuhui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Solar-driven photoelectrochemical (PEC) reactions using colloidal quantum dots (QDs) as photoabsorbers have shown great potential for the production of clean fuels. However, the low H2 evolution rate, consistent with low values of photocurrent density, and their limited operational stability are still the main obstacles. To address these challenges, we report the heterostructure engineering of asymmetric rod/egg shaped CdSe/CdxZn1−xSe QDs with broad absorption and efficient charge extraction. By engineering the shell composition from pure ZnSe shells into CdxZn1−xSe gradient shells, the electron transfer rate increased from 4.0 × 107 s− 1 to 32.7 × 107 s− 1. Moreover, the rod/egg shaped architecture enables more efficient spatial carrier separation, yielding a saturated current density of 35 mA/cm2 under AM 1.5 G one sun illumination. This value is the highest ever observed for QDs-based devices and comparable to the best-known Si-based devices, perovskite-based devices and metal oxide-based devices. Furthermore, PEC devices based on heterostructured QDs maintained 96% of the initial current density after two hours and 82% after 10 hours under continuous illumination, respectively. Our results represent a breakthrough in hydrogen production using heterostructured asymmetric QDs.
Sexual health complaints associated with post-treatment gynecological cancer: qualitative research
Authors: Pizetta Luciane Machado , Reis Augusto Cunha , Méxas Mirian Picinini , Paula Carmen Lucia , Ferreira Edria Aparecida 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Objective: Investigate the most important sexual health complaints of women after gynecological cancer treatment associated with the healthcare provided.Methodology: This is qualitative descriptive research, using semi-structured interviews with a group of 25 Brazilian women recruited by an ambulatory gynecology department in a public oncology hospital located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Interviews were conducted on the major sexual complaints post-treatment and the challenges they face in meeting their needstheir needs associated with the disease. The data were analyzed using the content analytical method. To get the real experiences of the study, the researchers followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines and organized the treatment method into categories and subcategories of themes. Results: Women survivors after gynecological cancer treatment experienced the most common complaints: the pain and changes in the body that prevented them from performing simple tasks, the undesirable effects of sexual dysfunction, psychological and emotional changes, and difficulties in their relationship with their partner. In addition, there was the sharing of relationships that were common among women and the specific specificities of the experience in the treatment performed. Conclusion: Many cancer survivors have sexual health problems and post-treatment concerns, thus, thus, access to effective interventions and the provision of survivorship care may improve your their health.
The characteristics of elevated blood pressure in abdominal obesity correspond to primary hypertension: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Taurio Jyrki , Hautaniemi Elina , Koskela Jenni K. , Eräranta Arttu , Hämäläinen Mari , Tikkakoski Antti , Kettunen Jarkko A. , Kähönen Mika , Niemelä Onni , Moilanen Eeva , Mustonen Jukka , Pörsti Ilkka 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Obesity-related hypertension and the associated metabolic abnormalities are considered as a distinct hypertensive phenotype. Here we examined how abdominal fat content, as judged by waist:height ratio, influenced blood pressure and hemodynamic profile in normotensive subjects and never-treated hypertensive patients.Methods: The 541 participants (20-72 years) underwent physical examination and laboratory analyses and were divided into age‑ and sex-adjusted quartiles of waist:height ratio. Supine hemodynamics were recorded using whole-body impedance cardiography, combined with analyses of radial tonometric pulse wave form and heart rate variability.Results: Mean waist:height ratios in the quartiles were 0.46, 0.51, 0.55 and 0.62. Radial and aortic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, pulse wave velocity, markers of glucose and lipid metabolism, leptin levels and C‑reactive protein were higher in quartile 4 when compared with quartiles 1 and 2 (p<0.05 for all). Cardiac index was lower in quartile 4 versus quartile 1, while no differences were seen in heart rate variability, augmentation index, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone concentration between the quartiles. Linear regression analyses showed independent associations of abdominal obesity with higher aortic systolic and diastolic blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and pulse wave velocity (p<0.05 for waist:height ratio in all regression models). Conclusions: Higher waist:height ratio was associated with elevated blood pressure, systemic vascular resistance, and arterial stiffness, but not with alterations in cardiac sympathovagal modulation or activation of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Although obesity-related elevation of blood pressure has distinct phenotypic features, these results suggest that its main characteristics correspond those of primary hypertension.Trial registration: ClinicalTrails.gov NCT01742702 (date of registration 5th December 2012)
Effects of Informal Learner Handover in Clinical Dental Education
Authors: Shahid Mehvish , Khan Rehan Ahmad , Arooj Mahwish 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose:Learner Handover (LH) protocols to enable guided sharing of student performance amongst faculty can be especially useful in the transition from lab-to-clinic work in undergraduate dental training due to the build-up of skills required and a small, more manageable sized student body. However, there is an ongoing debate as to its benefits, disadvantages, and outright usefulness. Moreover, the extent of existing ‘Informal Learner Handover’ (ILH) in the form of faculty discussions is not actively researched. Exploring the nature of ILH may provide additional context to stakeholders. Furthermore, it can also provide insight into the nature of Learner Handover bias so that they can be minimized when designing a Formal Learner Handover (FLH) Protocol.Methods:A grounded theory study design was selected to review and identify relevant patterns in a series of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions from January to March 2022. Voluntary participation of 16 active clinical dental faculty of a variety of designations and seniority were included in the study. No opinion was discarded.Results:Four themes were identified after the thematic analysis, with twelve subthemes. These were: 1) effect on Behavior (Direct Interaction, Disability Aid, and Mindset), 2) effect on Student Expectation (Knowledge base, Pre-formed Opinions, and Student Competence), 3) effect on teaching approach (Refresher, Progress of clinical rotations, Student capability management, and modifications), and 4) effect on feedback practices (Group problems identified, and communication).Conclusions:ILH has a minor impact on faculty interactions with their students in clinical dental training. Other factors that contribute to the student’s ‘academic reputation’ provide more of an impact in faculty perceptions and interactions with their students.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria
Authors: Lichtmannsperger Katharina , Harl Josef , Roehl Sarah Rosa , Schoiswohl Julia , Eibl Cassandra , Wittek Thomas , Hinney Barbara , Wiedermann Sandra , Joachim Anja 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, BEB1 (n = 2), BEB2 (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3) and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. Two of the E. bieneusi positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves >3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤3 weeks (6/118) , respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.
Ecological risk and health risk analysis of soil potentially toxic elements from oil production plants in central China
Authors: Gan Lu , Wang Jiangping , Xie Mengyun , Yang Bokai 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this study, the enrichment factor (EF) and pollution load index (PLI) were used to evaluate the pollution of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in the soil near the oil production plants in central China, and the potential ecological risk (PER) and human health risk (HHR) assessment model were used to evaluate the PER and HHR caused by the soil PTEs in the study area. The mean EFs of all PTEs were greater than 1, PTEs have accumulated to varying degrees. The average value of PLI was 2.62, indicating that the soil PTEs were seriously polluted. The average \({E}_{r}^{i}\) values of PTEs were Cr > Pb > Cd > Ni > As > Cu > Zn > Mn, of which Cr, Pb, Cd and Ni were at medium and above PER levels. Both adults and children in the study area suffered from varying degrees of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The total hazard index (THI) values of children (7.31) and adults (1.03) were all > 1, and the total carcinogenic risk index (TCRI) of children (9.44E-04) and adults (5.75E-04) were also > 10 − 4. The results will provide scientific basis for environmental protection and population health protection in this area.
Plasmonic Metamaterial Absorber Based on MIM Structure for THz Detection
Authors: Bigbaghlou Reza Ghahramani , Salahandish Mohammad , Pourziad Ali 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this paper, the absorber is designed and analyzed based on MIM structure and the main idea of ​​this design is to create a different geometric structure on the upper metal layer to create absorption resonance at different frequencies and bring these resonances closer to each other to have an absorption spectrum. The absorber of the studied materials is composed of metal-dielectric-metal layers, in which gold is used in the upper and lower metal layers and alumina is used for the dielectric material between them. The thickness of the bottom, dielectric and top layers is 180 nm, 28 nm and 30 nm, respectively, and the unit cell dimensions of this adsorbent are 490 nm. The general purpose of studying this structure was to generalize it to the terahertz frequency range and to create an absorption of nearly 100% in the frequently used frequency range below 100 Terahertz.