bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced-efficiency nitrogenous fertilizers coupled with organic amendments: A sustainable approach to mitigating nitrogen emissions and leaching in rice-wheat cropping systems
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Hussain Tajammal , Zia Munir Hussain , Javed Wasim 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Excessive use of nitrogenous (N) fertilizers for intensified cropping has negative environmental impacts, including the emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and ammonia (NH3), as well as nitrate (NO3-) leaching, however, enhanced efficiency nitrogenous fertilizers (EENFs) could be an innovative and most effective option for minimizing N losses.This study evaluated the effects of various commercially available EENFs on N losses in a rice-wheat cropping system under both saturated and aerated conditions in various incubation and lysimeter experiments. The incubation study revealed that EENFs significantly reduced NH3 volatilization and N2O emissions with coated urea products like neem-coated urea, nutraful urea, biomaterials-coated urea, and zabardast urea, compared to standard uncoated urea at both 65% and 100% water-holding capacity. In lysimeter experiments, neem-coated urea and nutraful urea achieved the highest reductions in NH3 and N2O emissions, and NO3- leaching in both rice and wheat crops. Moreover, neem-coated urea increased partial N factor productivity and partial N balance in rice (10.04%, 20.12%) and wheat (7.92%, 21.61%), respectively. The integrated use of neem-coated urea and biochar was found to be the best, as it reduced the emissions of NH3 (26.16% and 28.57%) and N2O (24.28% and 28.04%), as well as the leaching of NO3- (23.53% and 14.55%) under rice and wheat crops, respectively. As countries are committed to halving N waste by 2030 under the UN Colombo Declaration, neem-coated urea coupled with biochar is the best option for minimizing N losses and enhancing N use efficiency.
The Buffering Role of Resilience on Burnout, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among Healthcare Workers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Baminiwatta Anuradha , Fernando Roshan , Gadambanathan Thanabalasingam , Jiyatha Fathima , Maryam Kadheeja Haniya , Premaratne Imalsha , Kuruppuarachchi Lalith , Wickremasinghe Rajitha , Hapangama Aruni 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the relationship between burnout, depression, anxiety, stress, and resilience among healthcare workers (HCWs), and to investigate the moderating role of resilience against the mental health correlates of burnout. For this purpose, using a cross-sectional design, 318 HCWs from various categories (nurses, midwives, doctors, etc.) recruited from hospital and community settings in two Districts of Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic were surveyed using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Brief Resilience Scale. CBI assessed three domains: personal burnout (PB), work-related burnout (WRB) and client-related burnout (CRB). The prevalence of PB, WRB and CRB were 26.4%, 12.9%, and 7.9%, respectively. The prevalence of low, normal, and high resilience was 25.6%, 66.2%, and 8.6%, respectively. All three burnout domains correlated positively with depression, anxiety, and stress. Resilience correlated inversely with all CBI and DASS-21 scores. In moderator analysis, higher levels of resilience dampened the effects of CRB on depression and anxiety, and WRB on anxiety, but resilience moderated the psychological consequences of PB in the opposite direction. Our findings indicate notable rates of burnout among Sri Lankan HCWs, and suggest a possible buffering role of resilience against the psychological consequences of burnout.
“Not me, I’m in control!” A systematic meta-synthesis of othering amongst heavier drinkers
Authors: Morris J. , Oh E. , Verstraet L. , Bam V. , Manchanda R. , Jenkins C. L. , Mills T. , Albery I. P. , Oldham M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Othering is a discursive practice of constructing or drawing on an extreme or stereotyped problem ‘other’. Othering amongst drinking groups has been proposed as an important barrier to the resolution of alcohol problems via impeding problem recognition and increasing stigma. The aim of this review was to examine how heavier drinkers characterise a ‘problematic other’ in order to justify, normalize or protect their own ‘non-problematic’ drinking identity. A systematic search was conducted of qualitative studies where evidence of othering was identified amongst people drinking above recommended drinking guidelines. Thematic analysis was used to identify codes which were summarized into themes. A cross-cutting theme of categorizations reflected how a non-problematic drinking self versus the problematic other was constructed via labelling and identifying distinct groups or markers. Themes of control, health and functioning, drinking practices and drinking patterns were also identified in othering practices used to protect, normalize or justify participants’ own drinking. Participants used a range of discursive strategies to justify their own drinking, in contrast to the problematic other. In protecting one’s own positive drinking identity via the problematized other, othering appears a key strategy in maintaining low problem recognition amongst heavier drinking groups, in turn perpetrating harmful stigma processes.
Performance study of new aqueous binder carboxymethyl cellulose ammonia (CMC-NH4) binder for graphite anode
Authors: Wang PeiLan , Luo Na , Yang XinMiao , Zheng Weijie , Zhou ShanBing , Hu XueBu , Cai YongWei , Sun YuLing , Luan DongCun , Qiu Lei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Carboxymethyl cellulose ammonium (CMC-NH4) is cellulose by etherification reaction and dehydration of glucose on the base unit (anhydrous glucose units, AGU) hydroxy was replaced by the carboxymethyl groups partially or completely, thus forming a kind of carboxymethyl cellulose ether derivatives. In this paper, the effect of CMC-NH4 as a binder on graphite anode was investigated. Compared with CMC-Na binder, CMC-NH4 as binder showed more excellent bonding properties as well as electrochemical properties. At 0.5C, the capacity retention of Gr-CMC-NH4 after 500 cycles was improved by 15.3% compared to CMC-Na, and its capacity retention remained 81.5% after cycling. Further, the influence mechanism of different binders on the cycling performance of graphite electrodes was investigated by testing the first charge/discharge curves, cyclic voltammetry curves, electrochemical impedance before and after cycling, and analyzing the electrode SEM before and after cycling. It was found that CMC-NH4 was able to inhibit the decomposition of the electrolyte, thus enhancing the multiplicity performance. The stabilization of the excellent long cycling performance is attributed to the fact that CMC-NH4 can always provide excellent binder performance during the long cycling process to ensure the structural integrity of the electrode. Through the slurry stability test, the suspension and dispersion properties of the two binders were compared at 4, 8, 16, and 48 hours, respectively, and similar suspension and dispersion abilities were found, indicating that CMC-NH4 can be used as a graphite anode binder.In summary, this study shows that compared with CMC-Na binder, CMC-NH4 as a binder in graphite negative electrode exhibits superior bonding and electrochemical properties, and has potential application prospects.
Genetic diversity and population restructuring of Astronium fraxinifolium Schott. (Anacardiaceae) in a heavily impacted Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) anthropic area
Authors: Alcantara Marcelo Augusto Mendes , Cornacini Maiara Ribeiro , Manoel Ricardo Oliveira , Silvestre Marcela Aparecida Moraes , Rossini Bruno César , Cambuim José , Alves Patrícia Ferreira , Corrêa Aparecida Juliana Martins , Zaruma Darlin Gonzalez , Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira , Marino Celso Luis 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Brazil is a characteristic country for having an energy matrix essentially linked to its river courses and the forest fragmentation resulting from these impacts causes a decrease in the number of individuals in a population, favoring the loss of genetic variation. Therefore, preserving the diversity of native plant populations in these impacted ecosystems is extremely important, such as Astronium fraxinifolium Schott (Anacardiaceae), a dioecious and an endangered species typical of the Cerrado. In this context, from a natural population of A. fraxinifolium, located in a highly degraded area of Cerrado, the present work aimed to: i) estimate the genetic variation from the measurement of silvicultural characters; ii) determine the sex ratio; iii) investigate genetic diversity and structure using eight microsatellite loci. All growth characters were significant, with average height and diameter at breast height of 10.99 m and 21.30 cm, respectively, with females being more developed than males. The coefficient of genetic variability was above 25% in all traits. The sex ratio of the population is close to balance from 1:1 to 5% of significance. The population has a total of 101 alleles from 384 individuals analyzed with 8 microsatellite loci, resulting in an average of 12.5 allelic richness, 0.706 observed heterozygosity, 0.793 expected heterozygosity and 0.111 fixation index. The results of this work show the presence of genetic variation and diversity in the quantitative and molecular analyses, with use for mother trees to collect seeds for use in conservation programs, recovery of degraded areas and breeding.
New method for Phytophthora cactorum culturing using plant host as material to prepare agar medium
Authors: Zhang Shengping , Cheng Ying , Zhao Jiaqiang , Liang Kuijing , Pu Yupeng , Xu Guoliang , Yang Zhaohui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Phytophthora cactorum, which is the pathogen of apple Phytophthora rot, has a reported plant host range of more than two hundred species. Usually, Phytophthora cactorum is cultured on V8 juice agar medium in the laboratory. While V8 juice could not be got easily in most cities of China. In theory, hosts as materials can be used for screening agar mediums of plant pathogen. However, little work has been done on plant hosts as materials to screen agar mediums of Phytophthora cactorum. In this study, we used chamber assays to determine the host plant species of Phytophthora cactorum following artificial inoculation. Subsequently, some of these healthy host tissues were individually selected as materials to screen agar mediums of Phytophthora cactorum. The results indicated that host juice, such as Pepper fruit, Tomato leaves, Oakleaf goosefoot leaves, could be used to prepare agar mediums for Phytophthora cactorum culturing. In the laboratory, these host tissues could be selected to produce agar mediums respectively for Phytophthora cactorum culturing in place of V8 juice agar medium.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of multiple primary malignant neoplasms in patients with rectal cancer : a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Siyu , Dai Gangyi , Wang Erli , Wu Yaoxuan , Tang Bing , Zhou Lihua , Guan Lijuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) and rectal cancer, as well as to identify the risk factors that impact the prognosis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on eligible rectal cancer patients utilizing the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Comprehensive clinical data were incorporated, including patients' age, sex, race, marital status, clinical stage, surgery, chemoradiotherapy, tumor size, tumor differentiation, number of regional lymph nodes examined, survival time, and tumor status. Subsequently, univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify risk factors affecting the prognosis of MPMNs and rectal cancer patients. Colorectal cancer(22.16%), urological cancer (21.29%), and lung and bronchial cancer(13.13%) were the top three locations of MPMNs linked to rectal cancer. COX multivariate regression analysis showed that tumor Nx stage (HR:9.607, 95%CI: 3.004-30.726, p<0.001), receipt of systemic therapy before surgery (HR:1.578, 95%CI: 1.086-2.295, p=0.017) and number of regional lymph nodes <12 (HR:1.493, 95% CI: 1.184-1.883, P<0.001) were risk factors for poor prognosis of rectal cancer-related MPMNs, whereas a larger city population (HR:0.783, 95%CI:0.625-0.981, P=0.034) was a protective factor for good prognosis. Therefore, rectal cancer patients should be monitored for multiple primary cancers, especially colorectal, lung, and urological cancers. Prognostic markers for rectal cancer with MPMNs were "larger city population," "number of regional lymph nodes <12," "preoperative receipt of systemic therapy," and "tumor Nx stage."
Novel insight into lipid profile and ischemic stroke: contribution of non-HDL cholesterol to late onset in oldest old
Authors: Jiao Shusheng , Li Miaomiao , Zhi Jianxia , Ren Qiuxia , Zhu Yanxia , Zhou Yi , Wang Qinghua , Cheng Xiaofang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the contribution of lipid profile to late onset of ischemic stroke in oldest-old age stage. The patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke were consecutively enrolled from 2022 to 2024. According to their first-onset age, they were divided into three groups (youngest old group, 60–79 years; middle old group, 70–79 years; and oldest old group, ≥ 80 years). Characteristics of basic and lipid data in three groups were described, and corresponding correlation and regression tests were performed. The oldest old group showed lower levels in total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and VLDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and less frequency in abnormalities of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and VLDL-C. There were up to eleven types of combined dyslipidaemia showing less prevalence in oldest old. Eight lipid parameters were correlated with first-onset age, and non-HDL-C was finally identified as the most powerful contributor among lipid profile to late onset in all participants, with LDL-C in female and triglycerides in male. Our findings indicated that non-HDL-C should be a co-primary goal as LDL-C in dyslipidaemia management at population level, and triglycerides deserved more attention in male elderly patients.
A Preliminary Follow-Up Study on Irreversible Electroporation Therapy for Elderly Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Xia Zhi-Yu , Yang Jun , Xiao Fan , Xu Jin-Zhou , Zhong Xing-Yu , Wang Shao-Gang , Xia Qi-Dong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Prostate cancer is a prevalent condition among elderly males, with radical prostatectomy being the standard treatment. However, this procedure can inevitably impact urinary and sexual functions. Irreversible electroporation represents an innovative therapeutic approach that employs high-voltage electrical pulses to selectively eradicate tumor cells, potentially preserving vital normal tissue.
Materials and methods
This follow-up study included 11 elderly prostate cancer patients who underwent IRE therapy from November 2021 to December 2023. The cohort was aged 66–77 years with a median preoperative PSA of 9.46 ng/mL. Based on the D'Amico risk classification criteria, patients were divided into low (n = 4), intermediate (n = 6), and high-risk (n = 1) groups. Follow-up exams were conducted every 3 to 6 months to assess PSA levels, imaging, and urinary/sexual function.
Results
Postoperatively, there was a significant decline in PSA levels across all patients, with a mean nadir of 0.78 ng/mL. The cumulative clinically significant prostate cancer recurrence rate was 27.3% at 30 months. Complications included urinary issues in 3 patients (27.3%), urethral pain in 2 patients (18.2%), and sexual dysfunction in 1 patient (9.1%).
Conclusion
This study suggests that IRE therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for elderly prostate cancer patients, with promising results in preserving urinary and sexual functions. However, the recurrence rate is higher than historical controls, indicating the need for further research to optimize treatment outcomes.
Aneurysmal Bone Cysts (Abc): Retrospective Analysis of 258 Cases
Authors: Karaca Mustafa Onur , Bozkurt Orhun Eray , Savran Merve Dursun , Özyıldıran Mustafa , Başarır Kerem , Yıldız Hüseyin Yusuf 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Puspose: Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are bone tumours characterised by blood-filled cystic lesions. Management strategies for ABCs vary widely and lack consensus. This study aims to evaluate outcomes in 258 patients and investigate the factors affecting the recurrence rates.
Methods: This study is a single-centre retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with ABC between January 1990 and December 2020. Patients who were histologically diagnosed with ABC, had available pathology, radiology, and surgery records, and were followed up for at least 24 months were included. Secondary ABCs were excluded. Presenting symptoms and location, computerised tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), treatment modalities, and recurrence were investigated.
Results: The mean age of the 258 ABC patients was 17.25 ± 12.37 years, 67.44% being under 18 years, and 12.40% under 5 years. 49.45% were female. The average follow-up duration was 47.80 ± 41.92 months. Pain was the most common presenting symptom, reported by 79.97% of patients. 5.04% were asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally, whereas 11.63% were diagnosed following a pathological fracture. The median disease-free survival was 10 months, with the average time to first recurrence being 24.22 ± 22.14 months. Recurrence was more common in patients under 5 years of age (34.38% vs 19.03%, p=0.046) and in those with pathologic fractures (40.00% vs 18.42%, p=0.006). Conversely, recurrence was less common when burr and/or cautery was added to curettage (31.97% vs. 11.03%, p<0.001). Time to recurrence was significantly shorter in cases with soft tissue oedema (median 5 vs 12 months, p=0.010) or fluid-fluid levels (median 6 vs 12 months, p=0.038).
Conclusions: The study found that pathological fractures and age under 5 years are associated with a higher risk of recurrence in aneurysmal bone cysts. In contrast, adding electrocautery or burring to curettage significantly reduces recurrence rates.
Level of evidence: Level 3, therapeutic
Mentored multimodal prehabilitation for aortic aneurysm surgery: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bidd Heena , Wong Danny , Colville Gary , Banugo Pele , Baldwin Melissa , Waring Heather , Zucco Liana , Radcliffe Gillian , Zayed Hany , Boghdadly Kariem El 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
There is increasing evidence that prehabilitation before surgery may improve patient outcomes and should be established in perioperative care pathways. We aimed to explore the logistics of running a randomised controlled study in prehabilitation of patients having aortic aneurysm repair. Our primary objective was to assess the feasibility of recruitment, retention, and adherence to study interventions. Secondary objectives were patient outcomes such as function, quality of life and postoperative complications.
Design
: A feasibility, assessor-blinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial.
Methods
Following ethical approval, adults scheduled for elective open or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were randomised to one of three groups: 1) control, current standard practice with no prehabilitation workshop; 2) non-mentored prehabilitation, a prehabilitation workshop with no further patient contact; and 3) mentored prehabilitation, a prehabilitation workshop with addition of regular mentoring for up to eight weeks after the workshop. Primary feasibility outcomes included: screening and recruitment; retention to eight-week follow-up; and maintenance of blinding. Secondary patient outcomes included complications; mortality; length of stay; quality of life; and functional outcomes.
Results
In total, 60 patients were screened, 45 were enrolled and randomised, and 43 were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. Feasibility of screening and recruitment was achieved, with 45/60 (75%) patients screened being recruited. Participant retention was achieved, with 40/43 (93.0%) of participants attending their eight-week follow-up and 23/43 (53.5%) wearing trackers for > 80% of the time. Maintenance of blinding was achieved in all patients. There were no significant differences in secondary patient outcomes.
Conclusions
A full randomised controlled trial is feasible. However, further modifications on study design and interventions are required to deliver a clinically meaningful randomised controlled trial.
Trial Registration:
clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04169217)
Intestinal Damage Marker as a Potential Predictor of Early Mortality after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Taghiyev Zulfugar T. , Leweling Carina , Beier Lili-Marie , Sadowski Kevin M. , Gunkel Sophia , Arneth Borros M , Skevaki Chrysanthi , Kalder Johannes , Keschenau Paula R. , Boening Andreas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives: Known associations between enterocyte injury and early mortality in adult patients following cardiac surgery highlight the critical role of timely detection and intervention. Elevated postoperative levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) have been identified as a promising indicator for early identification of intestinal damage, potentially enhancing the risk prediction and treatment of critically ill patients after surgery. This study investigates the correlation between postoperative I-FABP levels and early mortality in patients at higher risk for early mortality undergoing cardiac surgery.
Methods: 500 consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation were enrolled. Blood samples were collected at five time points perioperatively. The target population included 101 patients at high risk for systemic inflammation identified by lactic acidosis >4 mmol/L and IL-6 >600 pg/mL; these were categorized as survivors and non-survivors.
Results: The mean age of patients in the target group was 66.5±12.3 y. Notably, 42% of patients developed septic shock within 12 hours of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and the in-hospital mortality rate was 17%. Elevated serum I-FABP levels were significantly associated with non-survivors (MD 6945 pg/ml, 95%CI [2990.3 to 10899.8]; p=0.001), where the optimal threshold value for the I-FABP with >2527.3 pg/ml measured 12 h post-ICU admission predicted mortality with an AUC of 0.698 (95%CI [0.493-0.830], p=0.019). Univariate and multivariable logistic regression identified re-thoracotomy as a significant predictor of mortality, whereas lower age and body mass index indicated a survival advantage.
Conclusion: Serum I-FABP level at 12 h after ICU admission was able to identify patients with a high risk of mortality, with >2527.3 pg/ml as the optimal cut-off value. Even if lactate and IL-6 levels are high, they cannot discriminate between patients with/without early death risk.