bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood-brain barrier opening in a large animal model using individualized closed-loop microbubble cavitation-based feedback control of focused ultrasound sonication
Authors: Chien Chih-Yen , Xu Lu , Pacia Christopher Pham , Yue Yimei , Chen Hong 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) in combination with microbubbles has been established as a promising technique for noninvasive and localized blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening. Real-time passive cavitation detection (PCD)-based feedback control of the FUS sonication is critical to ensure effective BBB opening without causing hemorrhage. This study evaluated the performance of an individualized closed-loop feedback controller for controlling FUS sonication in a porcine model. Calibration of the baseline cavitation level was performed for each targeted brain location by a FUS sonication in the presence of intravenously injected microbubbles at a low acoustic pressure without inducing BBB opening. The target cavitation level (TCL) was defined for each target based on the baseline cavitation level. FUS treatment was then performed under real-time PCD-based feedback controller to maintain the cavitation level at the TCL. After FUS treatment, contrast-enhanced MRI was performed to evaluate the BBB permeability. Safety evaluation was performed by in vivo MRI imaging followed by ex vivo histological staining. Safe and effective BBB opening was achieved with the BBB opening volume increased as the TCL increased. This study validated that effective and safe FUS-induced BBB opening in a large animal model can be achieved with individualized closed-loop feedback control of the FUS sonication.
A cross-sectional study to determine self-directed learning readiness amongst post-graduate trainees at Shifa International Hospital
Authors: Yasmin Saeeda , Ghafoor Hashaam Bin , Rabbani Ahmed Ehsan , Ayub Nasir , Subhani Fazal-e-Rabi , Danish Fazal-i-Akbar , Koul Salman Shafi 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Self-directed learning is a way of learning in which learner is the main regulator of learning and manages learning on its own according to the requirements. This concept implies that whatever a postgraduate trainee (PGT) will learn during his or her training is dependent on his self-ability to learn. Objective: To determine the self-directed learning readiness (SDLR) among postgraduate trainees of multiple specialties and to examine factors affecting it.Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in which self-directed learning readiness of PGTs working at Shifa International Hospital Islamabad was investigated using a 58-item validated SDLR questionnaire.Results: Mean SDLR score of females (213.36) was more than males (206.13). Maximum mean score of SDLR was found at age of 37(n=1) (252.00) and at 33years (n=10) (236.40), respectively. Highest mean SDLR score was found among PGTs of Gynecology and Obstetrics (n=28), (230.11). Meantotal SDLR score initially increased from 204.65 to 218.50 from 1st to 2nd year but then remained static and start dropping at regular pace and became lowest at 5th year (200.36). Mean total SDLR score was highest among PGTs of poor socioeconomic background 237.33. Departments in which research activities were ongoing their postgraduate trainees showed an average SDLR score of 215.41.Conclusion: Study concluded that self-directed learning readiness of PGTs of Gynecology was highest with average SDLR in General Medicine and General Surgery PGTs. The SDLR was found more among PGTs with poor socioeconomic status and in departments with high ongoing research activities. However, SDLR has not shown any significant difference regarding gender and age.
The cognitive screening intention of populations with high-risk for dementia in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tang Li , Zhao Yu , Li Wei-hua , Bu Fan , Zeng Qing-wei , Zhan Na-ni , Wang Zi-lin , Deng Xiao-hui , Lyu Qi-yuan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Detecting cognitive impairment in its earliest stages can prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Despite many policies that support cognitive screening, the screening rate is only 10.6% in China. Limited evidence is available on the cognitive screening intention of populations at high risk for dementia and the predictors of cognitive screening. This study aimed to assess the cognitive screening intention of people at high risk for dementia and to identify potential predictors of their cognitive screening intention. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involving 205 subjects at high risk for dementia was conducted between November 2021 and April 2022 in two large communities in Guangzhou, China. Data were collected using a self-designed questionnaire based on the planned behavior theory, including demographic characteristics and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) structures. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify predictors of cognitive screening intention. Results: The mean total score of cognitive screening intention was 8.54 ± 3.60, and 54% of the total number of subjects showed a intention to under cognitive screening. Religion, residence, family history of dementia, and health status were influencing factors of cognitive screening intention. Subject norms (r = 0.468, P < 0.01), perceived behavioral control (r = 0.695, P < 0.01), and attitude (r = 0.647, P < 0.01) were positively correlated with the intention. Fit indices indicated that the final structural model was well reflected, and that the research model was satisfactory. It was found that all hypotheses were supported. Based on the findings of the structural equation model, attitudes (path coefficient = 0.24, P < 0.01), subjective norms (path coefficient = 0.25, P < 0.01), and perceived behavioral control (path coefficient = 0.43, P < 0.01) had significantly positive effects on behavioral intentions.Conclusions: Half of the population at high-risk for dementia in the present study had the intention to undergo cognitive screening. The screening behavioral attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control have a direct positive effect on screening behavior intentions. The perception of behavioral control was the strongest predictor of intent to undergo cognitive screening. Further studies are needed to establish the interventions to facilitate cognitive screening intention, and their perceived behavioral control deserves more attention.
Multi-millijoule terahertz emission from laser-wakefield-accelerated electrons
Authors: Kim Ki-Yong , Pak Teayu , Rezaei-Pandari Mohammad , Kim Sang Beom , Lee Geonwoo , Wi Dae Hee , Hojbota Calin , Mohammad Mirzaie , Kim Hyeongmun , Sung Jae Hee , Lee Seong Ku , Kang Chul 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
High-power terahertz radiation was observed to be emitted from a gas jet irradiated by 100-terawatt-class laser pulses in laser-wakefield acceleration of electrons. The emitted terahertz radiation was characterized in terms of its spectrum, polarization, and energy dependence on the accompanying electron bunch energy and charge under various gas target conditions. With a nitrogen target, more than 4 millijoule of energy was produced at < 10 terahertz with a laser-to-terahertz conversion efficiency of ~ 0.15%. Such strong terahertz radiation is hypothesized to be produced from plasma electrons accelerated by the ponderomotive force of the laser and plasma wakefields on the time scale of the laser pulse duration. This model is examined with analytic calculations and particle-in-cell simulations to better understand the generation mechanism of high-energy terahertz radiation in laser-wakefield acceleration.
Increasing food prices may cause up to a million deaths in 2023, even if Ukraine food exports are restored
Authors: Alexander Peter , Arneth Almut , Henry Roslyn , Maire Juliette , Rabin Sam , Rounsevell Mark 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Global food prices are rising rapidly in response to a dramatic increase in global energy prices and the Ukraine-Russia war, causing severe impacts on the world’s poorest people. The FAO Food Price Index increased by 23% from May 2021 to May 2022 and the Cereals Price Index increased by 30%. Sanctions or blockades that restrict exports from Russia or Ukraine – two of the world’s most important food-exporting countries – are exacerbated by energy price rises which further increase food prices through higher costs for agricultural inputs, such as fertiliser. We consider the role of increasing agricultural input costs and the curtailment of exports from Russia and Ukraine to quantify the potential outcomes on human health and the environment. We show that the combination of agricultural inputs costs and food export restrictions could increase food costs by 60-100% in 2023 from 2021 levels, leading to the deaths of 400 thousand to 1 million additional people in 2023 and undernourishment of 60-110 million people. Furthermore, a reduction in land use intensification, arising from higher input costs, leads to agricultural land expansion, especially in the tropics, with potential consequences for deforestation and carbon and biodiversity loss. We find that the impact of agricultural input costs on food prices is larger than the effect of the curtailment of exports from Russia and Ukraine. Restoring food trade from Ukraine and Russia alone would be insufficient to substantially reduce the magnitude of the current food insecurity problem. We contend that the immediacy of the food export problems associated with the Ukraine-Russia war has diverted attention away from the principal causes of current global food insecurity, which may hinder the quest to find solutions.
Impact of attributes of people with mental disorders on barriers to access to care: a web-based survey
Authors: Tamura Masaki , Oshima Fumiyo , Hongo Minako , Oshita Emiko , Shimizu Eiji 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Despite the availability of evidence-based treatments and support measures for mental disorders, very few people with mental disorders seek treatment and use mental health services. Previous studies have shown that barriers to access to care, such as the treatment stigma experienced by patients, practical issues such as financial deprivation, and problems related to patients’ attitudes toward receiving care, cause delay in using medical services. However, there is insufficient knowledge regarding patient attributes which increases the likelihood of people with mental disorders to experience substantial barriers to access to care.This study aimed to investigate how patients’ attributes such as gender, age, history of hospitalisation for treatment of mental disorder, and psychiatric diagnosis affect barriers to access to care for people with mental disorders. Methods: This study is a secondary analysis of a web-based survey conducted by Hongo et al. on standardising the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation scale version3-Japanese version (BACEv3-J). Hongo et al. selected 268 adults diagnosed with mental disorders who had received mental health services within the past 12 months. Participants responded online using the BACEv3-J. Then, we quantitatively examined the effects of their attributes on the total BACEv3-J score and subscale (treatment stigma and non-stigma) scores. Results: Compared with men, women experienced more substantial barriers to access to care, particularly non-stigma-related barriers. Age and treatment stigma had a significant negative correlation, whereas age and non-stigma-related barriers had no significant correlation. History of hospitalisation for treatment of mental disorders and the difference in psychiatric diagnosis did not affect barriers to access to care. Conclusion: This study showed that patients’ attributes such as gender and age affect barriers to access to care. Further, to encourage people with mental disorders to receive care, their characteristics need to be considered during these interventions.
Silver MMZ catalysed greener synthesis of 1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one derivatives using phenylenediamine and β-ketoesters
Authors: Thangapriya Cheirmakani , Ilaamirthamani Simsonrubarathinam , Kumarraja⃰ Mayilvasagam 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A novel and recyclable silver catalyst with hybrid porous structure was synthesized and employed as a catalyst for the synthesis of benzodiazepinone derivatives. The reported reaction was very clean and obtained products were highly selective with excellent yields. The as prepared catalyst was structurally characterized by electron microscopic methods. The other advantages of the reported catalyst are smoother pathway, functional tolerance and its recyclability are also highlighted with a suitable mechanism.
May microbial ecological baseline exist in continental groundwater?
Authors: Zhong sining , Zhou Shungui , Liu Shufeng , Wang Jiawen , Dang Chenyuan , Chen Qian , Hu Jinyun , Yang Shanqing , Deng Chunfang , Li Wenpeng , Liu Juan , Borthwick Alistair G.L. , Ni Jinren 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Ecological baseline as a fundamental reference with less human interference is of great significance for understanding ecological evolution and global biogeochemical cycles, but the existence of microbial ecological baseline on subsurface groundwater is still an open question so far.
Results
Based on the high-throughput sequencing information derived from a national monitoring of 733 newly constructed wells, we find that the groundwater microbial communities exhibit significant lateral diversity gradient, and gradually approach the topsoil microbial latitudinal diversity gradient with decreasing burial depth of phreatic water. Moreover, Patescibacteria act as keystone taxa that harmonize microbes in shallower aquifers and accelerate decline in bacterial diversity with increasing well-depth, though Proteobacteria are most abundant in the groundwater bacterial community of 74 phyla. Decreasing habitat niche breadths with increasing well-depth suggests a general change in relationship among key microbes from closer cooperation in shallow to stronger competition in deep groundwater. Unlike surface-water microbes, microbial communities in pristine groundwater are predominantly shaped by deterministic processes, potentially associated with nutrient sequestration under dark and anoxic environments in aquifers.
Conclusions
By unveiling the biogeography and ecological driver of microbes in pristine groundwater throughout China, we firstly confirm the existence of groundwater microbial ecological baseline (GMEB) in shallower aquifers, and highlights the importance of GMEB in evaluation of anthropogenic impacts on the unknown subterranean ecosystems.
Intradermal and intramuscular vaccination with a modified live vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome 1 (PRRS1) induce similar levels of neutralising antibodies or interferon-gamma secreting cells in the presence of maternally derived antibodies
Authors: Aguirre Laia , Li Yanli , Baratelli Massimiliano , Martín-Valls Gerard , Cortey Martí , Miranda Joel , Martín Marga , Mateu Enric 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare the immune response generated by the intramuscular and the intradermal vaccination route against the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Piglets from a seronegative and a seropositive farm were selected (n = 28 piglets per farm), and each group was divided into two groups and vaccinated at weaning with modified live vaccine Unistrain® PRRS (Laboratorios Hipra Amer, Spain) by the intramuscular or the intradermic route. For the following 6 weeks, animals were weekly bled to assess the humoral response by PRRSV-specific antibody ELISA and viral neutralisation test. At 0-, 3-, 4- and 6 weeks post-vaccination, peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMC) from eight animals per group were recovered to analyse cellular response by IFN-γ ELISPOT and lymphoproliferation. Serum IL-12 was also quantified by ELISA. Results showed no significant differences between treatments for any of the parameters studied. However, pigs from the seronegative origin had higher dispersion in S/P ratios by ELISA (Levene’s test for homogeneity of variances, p < 0.05). At 3 weeks after vaccination, 6/27 (22.22%) animals from negative origin had not seroconverted. Also, it was 10 times more probable for them to have high levels of IL-12 a week after vaccination than for animals of seropositive origin. These results indicate that the intradermal route induces an immune response equivalent to the classical intramuscular route even in presence of maternal immunity, which in this study has proven to facilitate seroconversion after vaccination.
Theoretical Models for Gas Separation Prediction of Mixed Matrix Membranes: Effects of the Shape Factor of Nanofillers and Interface Voids
Authors: Chehrazi Ehsan 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In this work, a new model is developed by modifying the existing Maxwell-Wagner-Sillars (MWS) model to predict the gas separation properties of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The new modified MWS model, for the first time, provides the simultaneous exploration of the role of nanofillers/matrix interface voids and the exact geometrical shape of nanofillers in predicting the gas separation properties of MMMs. To unveil the crucial role of nanofillers/matrix interface voids by the new model, a mixed matrix membrane is considered as a three-component system composed of the polymer matrix as the continuous component, nanofillers as the dispersed component and the interface voids between the two components. Moreover, the new model elucidates the role of the exact ellipsoidal shape of nanofillers within the membrane on the gas separation of MMMs by considering the shape factor of nanofillers. The new developed modified MWS model is accurately able to predict the gas permeation of MMMs with a lower average absolute relative error (%AARE) of around 8% compared with the around 30% for conventional models such as the Maxwell model, Bruggeman model, Lewis-Nielsen model and Pal model and even compared with the modified Maxwell model (~ 24%).
Risk factors of posttraumatic empyema in diaphragmatic injuries
Authors: García Alberto Federico , Rodríguez Fernando , Sánchez Álvaro , Caicedo-Holguín Isabella , Gallego Carlos , Naranjo María Paula , Caicedo Yaset , Burbano Daniela , Currea-Perdomo Diana Felisa , Ordoñez Carlos A , Puyana Juan Carlos 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Penetrating diaphragmatic injuries are associated with a high incidence of posttraumatic empyema. We analyzed the contribution of trauma severity, specific organ injury, contamination severity, and surgical management to the risk of Posttraumatic empyema in patients who underwent surgical repair of diaphragmatic injuries at a level 1 trauma center.Methods: This is a retrospective review of the patients who survived more than 48 hours. Univariate OR calculations were performed to identify potential risk factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted ORs and identify independent risk factors.Results: We included 192 patients treated from 2011 to 2020. There were 169 (88.0) male. The mean interquartile range, (IQR) of age was 27 (22 - 35) years. Gunshot injuries occurred in 155 subjects (80.7%). Mean (IQR) NISS and ATI were 29 (18 - 44) and 17 (10 - 27), respectively. Thoracic AIS was >3 in 38 patients (19.8%). Hollow viscus was injured in 105 cases (54.7%). Stomach in 65 (33.9%), colon in 52 (27.1%), small bowel in 42 (21.9%), and duodenum in 10 (5.2%). Visible contamination was found in 76 patients (39.6%).Potential thoracic contamination was managed with a chest tube in 128 cases (66.7%), with transdiaphragmatic pleural lavage in 42 (21.9%), and with Video Assisted Thoracoscopy Surgery or thoracotomy in 22 (11.5%). Empyema occurred in 11 patients (5.7%). Multiple Logistic Regression identified thoracic AIS >3 (OR 6.4, 95% CI 1.77 – 23. 43), and visible contamination (OR 5.13, 95% IC 1.26 – 20.90) as independent risk factors. The individual organ injured, or the method used to manage the thoracic contamination did not affect the risk of posttraumatic empyema.Conclusion: The severity of the thoracic injury and the presence of visible abdominal contamination were identified as independent risk factors of empyema after penetrating diaphragmatic trauma.
Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii bivalent MAG1 and SAG1 DNA vaccine against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice
Authors: Cao Lili , Liu Juan , Cao Songgao , Zhao Panpan , Ding He , Yuan Shuxian , Sun Xingzhong , Dong Hang , Guo Yanbing , Wang Nan , Gong Pengtao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Toxoplasma gondii is capable of infecting a wide range of warm-blooded animals, causing a worldwide epidemic of zoonotic toxoplasmosis. SAG1 protein is expressed at the proliferative tachyzoite stage, whereas MAG1 is expressed at the bradyzoite and tachyzoite stages. These two proteins display protective roles in previous studies, however, there synergetic protective efficacy as a DNA vaccine against toxoplasmosis has not been clarified.Methods: In this study, we amplified TgMAG1 and TgSAG1 genes and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+). The pcDNA3.1(+)-TgMAG1 (pMAG1), pcDNA3.1(+)-TgSAG1 (pSAG1), pcDNA3.1(+)-TgMAG1-TgSAG1 (pMAG1-SAG1) plasmids were transfected into HEK-293 cells and each protein was verified in vitro through western blot. Then, mice were intramuscularly immunized with pMAG1, pSGA1 or pMAG1-SGA1, and anti-T. gondii IgG levels were measured in the serum. Cytokines levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in mice splenocytes culturing supernatants were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Immunized mice were challenged with T. gondii tachyzoites with lethal doses followed by determination of mortality, whereas mice infected with low dose tachyzoites followed by monitoring the parameters of survival rate and parasites burden analysis of brains and livers.Results: The pMAG1, pSGA1 or pMAG1-SGA1 exhibited well reactogenicity with expected band sizes of 17.843 kDa, 15.572 kDa, 33.415 kDa, respectively. The immunized mice triggered significantly high levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies in comparison with that in the negative control groups, moreover pMAG1-SGA1 immune achieved the highest levels. The DNA vaccines also led to obvious IFN-γ release from splenocytes culturing supernatants, whereas had no role in the IL-4 and IL-10. The protective efficacy results showed that DNA vaccines immunization prolonged the acute infection mice survival time to 14 d, 16 d, 32 d. Consistently, the liver and brain parasites in each immunization group were significantly reduced comparing with PBS control group.Conclusions: This study revealed that bivalent TgMAG1 and TgSAG1 DNA vaccine displayed excellent protective immunity against toxoplasmosis in mice. These data provide new sight into the development of Toxoplasma gondii vaccines.