bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the mechanical and thermal characteristics of polypropylene composites with recycled polyester waste as sustainable reinforcement for enhanced protection in safety helmets head band
Authors: Periasamy Diwahar , Manoharan Bharathi , Arockiasamy Felix Sahayaraj , Karuppiah Prakalathan , Periyasamy Bhuvana K. , Ranganathan Nalini , Natarajan Varagunapandiyan , Dhandapani Aravind 
Published: January 2025

The mechanical and thermal characteristics of Recycled Polyester Waste (RPW) reinforced in a polypropylene (PP) matrix were investigated to evaluate their feasibility for producing safety helmet components. Five samples with varying PP and RPW ratio weight fractions were prepared (Sample A:90/10, Sample B:80/20, Sample C:70/30, Sample D:60/40, and Sample E:50/50) and compounded by twin-screw extruder and developed using an injection molding machine. The density, hardness, tensile, and flexural properties of all samples, such as stress, strain, modulus, impact resistance, and Vicat softening temperature, were measured and compared. The findings indicated an increase in density as the RPW content increased, ranging from 0.92 g/cm³ for sample A to 1.23 g/cm³ for sample E. The hardness also increased from 69 Shore D in Sample A 87 Shore D in sample D. The tensile stress and modulus increased from 25.5 MPa to 543 MPa, respectively, for sample A to 27.6 MPa and 827 MPa, respectively, for sample D. The flexural strength and flexural modulus increased from 31.2 MPa to 775 MPa, respectively, for sample A to 34.3 MPa and 1250 MPa, respectively, for sample D. The impact resistance increased as the RPW content increased, ranging from 555 J/m for Sample A 656 J/m for sample D. The Vicat softening temperature increased from 73°C for Sample A to 91°C for Sample E. These findings indicate that RPW has the potential to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of PP, rendering it a sustainable and plausible reinforcement option for head band components of safety helmets.
Rhus Verniciflua Stokes Inhibits PD-1 Expression and Induces Anticancer Effects by Enhancing T Cell Function
Authors: Kim Seoyoung , Lee Young-Kwan , Lee Wang-Jun , Jong Moon Hyoun , Lee Sanghun 
Published: January 2025

Background: Over the last decade, the anticancer effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) have been reported in various preclinical or clinical studies. However, the effects of RVS on immuno-oncology, especially on the functional properties of T cells and their phenotypes, remain unclear. Here, we planned to investigate the impact of RVS on immuno-oncology, specifically focusing on its effects on T cells. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from breast cancer patients were isolated to obtain cytokine-induced killer cell populations with >85% CD3+ T cells. The anticancer activity of these T cells was evaluated by introducing red fluorescent protein (RFP) into HLA-A02:01 type-matched breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) and analyzing the results using flow cytometry. The effect of RVS extracts on T cell phenotype was assessed using markers such as CTLA-4 and PD-1, as well as mRNA expression levels of key genes (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2). Results RVS treatment significantly enhanced the anticancer activity of T cells against breast cancer cells. Specifically, T cells treated with 100 µg/mL of RVS showed a 20.6% increase in cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells and a 36.2% increase against MDA-MB231 cells compared to the control. Additionally, RVS treatment led to a significant reduction in PD-1 expression on T cells. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that RVS treatment enhances T cell function against breast cancer cells by reducing PD-1 expression. These results suggest that components of RVS may serve as potential candidates for restoring exhausted T cells in cancer therapy.
Developing an Indocyanine Green Angiography Protocol for Predicting Flap Necrosis During Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Dayaratna Nirmal , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Seah Jue Li , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Pulitano Carlo , Kumar Warrier Sanjay 
Published: January 2025

Background Although there is evidence that indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) can predict mastectomy skin flap necrosis during breast reconstruction, consensus on optimal protocol is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate various technical factors which can influence ICG fluorescence intensity and thus interpretation of angiograms. Method Single institution retrospective study (2015-2021) of immediate implant-based breast reconstructions postmastectomy using a standardized technique of ICGA, controlling for modifiable factors of ambient lighting, camera distance and ICG dose. “Time to perfusion” assessment was defined as elapsed time from ICG administration to perfusion assessment. Intraoperative “absolute” and “relative” IGCA perfusion values of mastectomy flaps, taken at different time points (30, 60 and 90 seconds), were correlated with postoperative flap outcomes. Results There were 260 breast reconstructions with a 3.1% necrosis rate. ICGA perfusion values, when measured at 60 and 90 seconds, were significantly lower for cases that developed necrosis compared to cases that did not, and were both good predictors of necrosis (area under ROC curves, 0.84 and 0.85, respectively). Fluorescence intensity increased as “time to perfusion” assessment increased for flaps that did not develop necrosis (correlation coefficient, 0.9, P < 0.001). Perfusion value cut-off thresholds for predicting necrosis were higher for a longer “time to perfusion” assessment. Conclusions A standardized ICGA protocol is recommended as ICG fluorescence intensity increased with “time to perfusion” assessment, and ≤30 seconds did not allow for accurate perfusion analysis. Using a perfusion recording of 60 or 90 seconds, and the corresponding perfusion value cut-off, may optimize reliability of perfusion assessments.
Activating waitlists: Identifying barriers and facilitators to pain self-management while waiting
Authors: Tidmarsh Lydia V , Harrison Richard , Wilkinson Harriet , Harrington Megan , Finlay Katherine A 
Published: January 2025

Objectives Waitlists for pain management services are often extensive, risking psychological and physical decline and patient non-engagement in treatment once accessed. Currently, for outpatient pain management, no standardised waiting list interventions exist, resulting in passive waiting. To arrest prospective wait-related decline(s), this study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to pain self-management while waiting, forming the foundation for a waitlist intervention development. Design An inductive qualitative approach was utilised to explore the barriers and drivers of pain self-management while waiting for chronic pain management. Method Semi-structured interviews, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework and COM-B model, were conducted with people waiting for pain management services ( N = 38). Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed via reflexive thematic analysis. Results The analysis demonstrated four thematised barriers and one facilitator: (1) Shunted Around the System (barrier); (2) The Information Gap (barrier); (3) Resisting Adaptation ( barrier); (4) Losing Hope ( barrier); and (5) Help Yourself or Lose Yourself (facilitator). Conclusion This study demonstrates the severe emotional and motivational impact of waiting, increasing treatment disengagement. The waitlist represents a prime opportunity for prehabilitation to protect wellbeing and optimise self-management engagement. Infrastructural and interpersonal barriers of poor communication and healthcare professional pain invalidation must be addressed to improve emotional wellbeing and motivation to engage with planned treatment. Enhancing self-efficacy, pain acceptance, self-compassion, and internal HLOC are fundamental to increasing pain self-management. These can all be met within a prehabilitation framework. This study is foundational for the development of psychological prehabilitation in outpatient chronic pain management.
Cross-Cultural Validity and Reliability of the Thai Version of the Simple Shoulder Test
Authors: Thamrongskulsiri Napatpong , Wiwatboworn Arnan , Itthipanichpong Thun , Tanpowpong Thanathep , Kuptniratsaikul Somsak , Limskul Danaithep 
Published: January 2025

Background: The Simple Shoulder Test (SST) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure for shoulder function. However, there is currently no version of the SST for the Thai population. Purpose: To cross-culturally adapt and evaluate the reliability and validity of a Thai version of the SST (Thai SST) for patients with shoulder pathologies, using the Thai version of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score as a comparison tool. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The Thai SST was developed using a standard translation and cross-cultural adaptation process. A total of 75 Thai patients, comprising 73 with rotator cuff tears, 3 with combined rotator cuff tear and secondary stiff shoulder, 2 with combined rotator cuff tear and biceps tendinitis, 1 with isolated adhesive capsulitis, and 1 with isolated long head biceps tendinopathy, completed the Thai SST and the Thai ASES score. The internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity of the Thai SST were assessed. Results: The 75 participants consisted of 19 men and 56 women with a mean age of 63.16 ± 7.66 years. The Thai SST demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the Thai ASES ( r = 0.714). The test-retest reliability for the Thai SST was good (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.895). The Cronbach alpha of the Thai SST was 0.85, indicating good and acceptable internal consistency. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the Thai SST had acceptable reliability and validity, making it a suitable patient-reported outcome measure for assessing shoulder function in Thai patients with shoulder problems. The Thai SST can be used to assess the effectiveness of interventions for these shoulder pathologies in Thai patients.
The Impact of Chronic Temporomandibular Disorders on Fatigue and Daily Life: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
Authors: Safour W. , Hovey R. 
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Chronic temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) affect a notable portion of the population, with a prevalence of 5% to 12%. These conditions often lead individuals to adopt a soft-food diet to manage pain, but such dietary adjustments can inadvertently cause nutritional deficiencies. This issue may be compounded by medications used to manage TMD symptoms, which can contribute to fatigue and reduced daily functioning. In addition, TMD encompasses not only pain but also functional disorders, such as joint locking, which can further affect the individual’s quality of life. Aim: This study aimed to delve into the lived experiences of individuals with chronic TMDs, focusing specifically on how their condition affected their daily activities including dietary habits and interactions within social settings. Materials and Methods: This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) with semi-structured interviews with participants referred from specialists in Montreal, Canada, who were diagnosed with TMDs for at least 6 mo. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed to uncover the nuanced challenges faced by individuals living with TMDs. Results: Six participants were interviewed. The thematic analysis identified 4 main themes: (1) limited functioning and energy levels highlighting fatigue and frustration by TMDs; (2) communication challenges due to pain, affecting professional roles and social interactions; (3) impact on social and professional life necessitating adjustments and accommodations; and (4) seeking medical assistance such as medications and physiotherapy, reflecting proactive approaches to managing TMDs’ symptoms. Discussion: The findings demonstrated the wide effects and complex needs of individuals enduring chronic TMD. These effects attributed to TMD medications causing fatigue and impairing daily activity levels suggest a need for comprehensive care approaches that address both physical and psychological dimensions. Conclusion: The multifaceted effects of chronic TMDs on individuals’ lives highlighted the necessity for integrated health care approaches that address diverse aspects of well-being. By incorporating patient perspectives and experiences into clinical practice, health care providers can enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life for TMDs’ patients. Knowledge Transfer Statement: This study highlighted the daily challenges faced by individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions to improve their quality of life. These insights can inform health care providers in developing holistic approaches to address the multifaceted needs of TMD patients, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.
Antibacterial thermoplastic starch/sepiolite bio-nanocomposite films: Effects of plasticizer type and starch source
Authors: Çokkuvvetli Ayşe Tuğçe , Deniz Sennur 
Published: January 2025

The use of starch-based films as an alternative food packaging has gained prominence as part of efforts to ensure sustainability and manage post-user waste, aligning with European regulations and broader global sustainability goals. In this study, Thermoplastic starch (TPS) bio-nanocomposite hybrid films were developed by incorporating high purity sepiolite (HPS) and Turkish oregano extract (OE) as reinforcement and antimicrobial additives, respectively. The interactive effects of four experimental variables (temperature, time, plasticizer type, and ratio) on the mechanical characteristics of corn and potato starch-based films were evaluated using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design was utilized to investigate the effects of the experimental variables on tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), and E-modulus (EM) of the starch-based films. The potato-based TPS films using sorbitol rather than glycerol exhibited better mechanical properties than corn starch-based TPS films under the optimized experimental parameters of 70°C gelatinization temperature, 60 minutes gelatinization time, and 40% sorbitol plasticizer. The addition of 3% HPS slightly enhanced the mechanical (TS: 26.0 MPa, EB:11.3%, and EM:1817 MPa) and oxygen permeability characteristics (OTR: 25 cc/m2.day) of the potato-based bio-nanocomposite films. The hybrid films prepared with the addition of OE provided >99.7% antibacterial resistance to E. coli and S. aureus bacteria (in accordance with ASTM D3985). These findings suggest that starch-based hybrid films offer a promising approach to address both environmental and food safety concerns, raising the prospect of using such films as innovative active packaging materials in the future.
NEK8 promotes the progression of gastric cancer by reprogramming asparagine metabolism
Authors: Wang Mingliang , Yu Kexun , Meng Futao , Wang Huizhen , Li Yongxiang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractSeveral members of the NIMA-related kinase (NEK) family have been implicated in tumor progression; however, the role and underlying mechanisms of NEK8 in gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. This study revealed a significant upregulation of NEK8 in GC, identifying it as an independent prognostic marker in patients with GC. Consistent with these findings, NEK8 silencing substantially impeded GC aggressiveness both in vitro and in vivo, while its overexpression produced the opposite effect. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis and metabolic profiling indicated that the impact of NEK8 on GC is primarily associated with reprogramming asparagine metabolism and modulating the mTORC1 pathway. Specifically, NEK8 knockdown suppressed asparagine synthesis by downregulating asparagine synthetase (ASNS) expression in GC cells. A strong correlation was observed between NEK8 levels and ASNS expression in human GC cells and tissue samples. Mechanistically, NEK8 directly interacts with ASNS, phosphorylating it at the S349 site, which inhibits its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. Moreover, substituting the ASNS-S349 site with alanine abrogated the pro-tumorigenic effects of ASNS-WT overexpression. Additionally, asparagine was identified as an activator of the mTORC1 pathway, with reintroducing asparagine after NEK8 silencing restoring mTORC1 activity. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that NEK8-mediated asparagine synthesis and activation of the mTORC1 pathway play a critical role in promoting GC progression.
Studies on the electrical and optical conductivity of barium-nickel ferrite nanoparticles doped with Zn
Authors: Khoreem Sadiq H. , AL-Hammadi A. H. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe study highlights the significant effects of Zn ions concentration on the optical properties of BaNi2-xZnxFe16O27 ferrites, emphasizing the tunability of the band gap through Zn doping and explores their potential to enhance their optical properties. The barium-nickel ferrite powder, with the composition BaNi2−xZnxFe16O27, was synthesized using the ceramic method. The effects of Zn doping were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and UV‒visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. XRD confirmed a pure single-phase W-type hexagonal structure, with an increase in both grain size and lattice constant proportional to the Zn content. The optical properties were assessed through UV‒visible spectroscopy, revealing an increaseing of the band gap with increasing Zn concentration, confirming material’s semiconducting behavior.All optical constants, exhibited consistent variation with increasing Zn substitution.. Additionally, both electrical and optical conductivities increased with rising photon energy, while the conductivity peak decreased with higher Zn content. The electric susceptibility was found to decrease as Zn concentration increased. The results indicate that Zn doping leads to significant changes in lattice parameters, crystallite size, and bandgap energy, suggesting potential applications in optoelectronics, photonics devices, and energy storage."
Clinical diagnostic performance of droplet digital PCR for pathogen detection in patients with Escherichia coli bloodstream infection: a prospective observational study
Authors: Kitagawa Hiroki , Kojima Masato , Tadera Kayoko , Kogasaki Shuta , Omori Keitaro , Nomura Toshihito , Shigemoto Norifumi , Hiyama Eiso , Ohge Hiroki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is a highly sensitive tool for detecting bacterial DNA in bacterial bloodstream infections (BSI). This study aimed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of ddPCR and the association between bacterial DNA load in whole blood and the time-to-positivity (TTP) of blood culture (BC) in patients with Escherichia coli BSI.

Methods
This prospective study enrolled patients with E. coli BSI confirmed via BC at the Hiroshima University Hospital from June 2023 to August 2024. The E. coli DNA load in whole blood, which was simultaneously obtained from two BC sets, was measured using ddPCR with E. coli specific primer and probe. Whole blood samples from 50 patients with BC positive for pathogens other than E. coli (n = 25) and BC negative (n = 25) were also evaluated using ddPCR.

Results
A total of 131 patient samples were analyzed in this study. Of the 81 patients with E. coli BSI, ddPCR detected E. coli DNA in 67 (82.7%). The results of ddPCR for E. coli had a sensitivity of 82.7% (95% CI: 73.1–89.4%), specificity 100% (95% CI: 93.0–100%). Patients with positive ddPCR results had significantly shorter TTP than those with negative results (median, 8.8 h vs. 10.7 h, p < 0.001). The positivity rate for both BC sets was significantly higher in patients with positive ddPCR results than in those with negative results (89.6% vs. 35.1%, p < 0.001). Among ddPCR-positive patients, septic shock was significantly associated with intestinal perforation, higher E. coli DNA load, higher 28-d mortality, shorter TTP, and higher positivity rate for four bottles of BC than those without septic shock. The E. coli DNA load in whole blood negatively correlated with TTP (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.38).

Conclusion
The E. coli DNA load in whole blood is inversely correlated with TTP. Notably, a higher E. coli DNA load is associated with septic shock.
Sedated and unsedated gastroscopy has no influence on the outcomes of patients with gastric cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Yin Chengke , Sun Yiwu , Liang Jie , Sui Xin , He Zhaoyi , Song Ailing , Xu Wenjia , Zhang Lei , Sun Yufei , Zhao Jingshun , Han Fei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Different anesthetic drugs and techniques may affect survival outcomes for gastric cancer (GC) after surgery. In this study, we investigated the association between sedated and unsedated gastroscopy on survival outcomes in patients with GC after surgery.

Methods
This was a retrospective study of patients who were diagnosed with GC by gastroscopy and underwent gastrectomy from January 2013 to December 2017. They were grouped based on the examination modality: propofol-based sedated gastroscopy or unsedated gastroscopy. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline variables. Survival outcomes and distant metastases were compared between these two groups.

Results
Finally, 673 patients were enrolled, 160 in the sedated gastroscopy group and 513 in the unsedated gastroscopy group. After PSM, there were 160 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in overall survival outcomes in the sedated gastroscopy group compared to the unsedated gastroscopy group before PSM (HR = 0.761, 95% CI: 0.531–1.091, P = 0.139) or after PSM (HR = 0.874, 95% CI: 0.564–1.355, P = 0.547). There was no significant difference in the incidence of distant metastases between the two groups before PSM (16.9% vs. 20.7%, P = 0.294) or after PSM (16.9% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.126). To confirm that our patients behaved similarly to other studies, we performed a multivariate analysis and the results showed that sex, pathological TNM stage, Borrmann type, adjuvant treatment, and surgical resection range were all independent factors affecting survival outcomes in our patients.

Conclusion
Our results showed no significant difference in the effects of sedated gastroscopy vs. unsedated gastroscopy on survival outcomes or distant metastases of patients after gastrectomy for GC.