bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and Identification of Key Fungi in the Improvement of Composting Through the Takakura Technique
Authors: COBOS ANGELICA GEOVANNA ZEA , PEREZ PABLO CABALLERO 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study explores the role of filamentous fungi in enhancing composting efficiency using the Takakura technique. By preparing a mixture to generate fungal seeds, we investigated the decomposition of organic matter. Laboratory microbiological analysis identified key fungi, including Penicillium sp., Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium sp., and Aspergillus versicolor. The resulting compost was evaluated for physical properties and nutritional quality, with a focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels. Our findings indicate that these fungi significantly improve the decomposition process, resulting in compost that exhibits similar or superior quality compared to vermicompost. Statistical analysis demonstrated that Takakura treatments produced significantly higher compost yields (p < 0.05) than controls, while maintaining optimal physicochemical conditions for microbial activity. Enhanced nutrient levels further confirm the effectiveness of the Takakura method in producing high-quality compost. This comprehensive approach underscores the potential of filamentous fungi in sustainable organic waste management and agriculture, offering a viable strategy to optimize composting practices, improve soil health, and promote environmental sustainability.
Long-term Care following BMT: Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on shared care
Authors: McErlean Gemma , Ashley Christine , Pradhan Anisha , Yenson Vanessa , Kerridge Ian , Halcomb Elizabeth 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose This study explores the perspectives of blood and marrow transplant (BMT) specialist nurses and physicians, and General Practitioners (GPs) regarding the long-term management and follow-up care of BMT survivors.Methods A descriptive qualitative study using semi-structured online interviews with thirteen purposefully selected BMT Physicians (n = 4), Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) (n = 6) and GPs (n = 3), experienced in providing long-term care to survivors of BMT. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.Results Both specialist and community-based practitioners identified deficiencies in models of care delivery and in the organisation of long-term care for BMT survivors, particularly in relation to communication, transition and personalisation of care. Two themes were identified that explored 1) Efficiency and quality of current care provision for BMT survivors and 2) Characteristics of optimal care. All participants recognised the need for flexible, patient-centred models of shared care that bring together hospital and community-based healthcare professionals in providing optimal care to BMT survivors.Conclusion The growing population of survivors of BMT requires an urgent re-evaluation of healthcare models to address their complex long-term care needs. This will require a well-trained primary care-based workforce supported by collaborative relationships with specialist centres and easy access to essential information. Current approaches to post-BMT care that limit provision of care to specialist BMT services are unsustainable, inefficient, and do not support the transition of patients from tertiary to community healthcare services.Implications for Cancer Survivors: Our research suggests that models of shared care incorporating hospital- and community-based healthcare professionals provide the best approach to support BMT survivors’ experiences and improve their quality of survival.
Kinetics of reformation of the S0 state capable of progressing to the S1 state after the O2 release by Photosystem II
Authors: Boussac Alain , Sellés Julien , sugiura miwa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The active site for water oxidation in Photosystem II (PSII ) consists of a Mn4CaO5 cluster close to a redox-active tyrosine residue (TyrZ). The enzyme cycles through five sequential oxidation states, from S0 to S4, in the water splitting process. O2 evolution occurs in the final S3TyrZ● to S0TyrZ transition. Chloride is also involved in this mechanism. By using PSII from Thermosynechococcus vestitus in which both Ca and Cl have been substituted for Sr and Br, in order to slow down the S3TyrZ● to S0TyrZ + O2 transition, with a t1/2 ~ 5 ms at room temperature, it is shown that the kinetics of the recovery of a functional S0 has a t1/2 also close to 5 ms. It is suggested that, similarly, the reformation of a functional S0 state follows the S3TyrZ● to S0TyrZ + O2 transition in CaCl-PSII and that the insertion of a new substrate molecule of water (O5) and protons does not require further delay.
The Analysis of Multidimensional Poverty Reduction Effects of Binary Financial Participation: Evidence from Rural Household in China
Authors: Wang Qianling , Chen Zhigang , Gui Li 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study systematically investigates the impact of formal and informal financial participation on the multidimensional poverty status of rural households in China, emphasizing its targeted effectiveness within the household context. Such insights are crucial for enhancing the endogenous poverty alleviation capabilities of rural households and promoting balanced regional economic development, offering valuable implications for addressing similar global issues. Using continuous panel data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) spanning 2014 to 2020, the Alkire-Foster (A-F) method was applied to measure rural households' multidimensional poverty status. Furthermore, panel Logit estimation and dynamic Probit models were employed to evaluate the poverty reduction effects of dual financial participation at the household level, alongside an analysis of mechanisms and heterogeneity effects. The findings are as follows: (1) Binary financial participation significantly alleviates the multidimensional poverty of rural households in China, a result that remains robust when accounting for poverty state dependence and endogeneity concerns; (2) The impacts of formal and informal financial participation on various dimensions of household poverty differ, with formal finance having a pronounced effect on assets, risk resilience, and education, while informal finance more effectively improves the quality-of-life dimension; (3) Substantial differences exist in the multidimensional poverty reduction effects of formal and informal financial participation across diverse household groups.
The immediate effects of kinesiology taping on muscle activity, functional balance, and tibial translation in anterior cruciate ligament injury: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Ravanbod Roya , Moosavi Negin , Vaziri Arash Sharafat , Tahmasebi Mohammad Naghi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the immediate effects of kinesiology taping (KT) on anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACLI).
Methods In this randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 30 men with partial ACLI were randomly assigned to either KT (n=15) or placebo KT (PKT) (n=15) groups. Muscle facilitation for vastus medialis (VM) and mechanical correction of the knee was performed by KT. Pain, muscle force, and electromyography (EMG) activity of the VM, rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL) and biceps femoris (BF) that recorded during sit-to-stand (STS) and semi-squat (SS) tests. The tibial translation (TT) was also measured during maximum knee flexion (T1) and full standing (T2) in both STS and SS tests with a motion analysis system.
Results: Pain decreased significantly in the KT group (P=.04). The force of the VM, RF, and VL increased, while the EMG activity of only the VM improved in the KT group (P < .03). The weight transfer time in STS decreased (P = .006), and the maximum force during the counter movement increased in SS (P = .02) in the KT group. A statistically significant between-group difference was found in favor of the KT group in the STS test (P=.01, ηp2=0.23). In the T2 and SS test, the reduced TT in the KT group was almost significant (P=0.07).
Conclusions: Kinesiology taping can immediately improve pain, muscle activity, and function in ACLI and could be considered a beneficial treatment for controlling TT which is compromised in ACLI.
Characterizing selection signatures in coding and noncoding regions of 14,886 cancer genomes
Authors: Yang Jian , Zheng Mengyue , Sun Xiwei , Hou Junren , Guo Minmin , Liu Xinran , Yang Wen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Clonal selection drives cancer development, but quantifying selection on noncoding somatic mutations remains largely unexplored. Here, we introduce dNdS-Fun, an extension of the dN/dS framework to quantify selection of both coding and noncoding somatic mutations, thereby enhancing the discovery of driver genes. Applying dNdS-Fun to whole-genome sequencing data from 14,886 cancer patients across 31 cancer types, we identified 196 genes under positive selection across multiple cancer types or datasets. Of these, 83 were previously unrecognized as drivers, and 56 were identified solely through noncoding mutations. Additionally, we observed widespread negative selection throughout the genome, particularly enriched in essential or cancer-dependent genes. Twenty genes exhibited an overall signature of negative selection but showed positive selection in noncoding elements, indicating both their conserved functions and adaptive regulatory roles in tumorigenesis. Our study reveals pervasive selection signatures of non-coding mutations, providing important insights for future research on their roles in cancer progression.
Prevalence of virological failure and associated factors among adult patients on highly active anti retro viral treatment in public health facilities at Tulu Bolo Town Southwest Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2024
Authors: Lamesa Ashenafi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The goal of antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection is to achieve and maintain virologic suppression. Review of charts of adult HIV-positive patients at public health facilities in Tulu Bolo Town reveals that approximately 6.07% of patients did not respond to first-line antiretroviral medication. The identified gap indicates that the study area's virologic failure prevalence and contributing factors are not well-documented. Thus, this study's objectives are to evaluate prevalence and fill up the knowledge gap about the causes of virologic failure.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of virological failure and associated factors among patients taking highly active anti-Retroviral therapy in Tulu Bolo Town Health facilities, Oromia, Ethiopia,2024.
Methods: Health facility based cross sectional study was conducted at Tulu Bolo town in public health facilities from September 30, 2024 to October 30, 2024. Total sample sizes of 274 records of clients were selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was cleaned and entered in to EPI info version 7.2.0.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for further analysis. The association was identified using binary logistic regression model. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% conﬁdence intervals (CI) was computed to identify the presence and strength of association. Finally, statistically significant variables were declared at p-value < 0.05 along with 95% CI.
Results: A total of 274 charts of HIV positive clients were included in the study. The magnitude of virologic failure was 12.8% (95%CI 9%, 17%). Baseline CD4 count < 200 (AOR 6.1, 95%CI 2.06, 18.43), Clients infected with TB (AOR 4.8 95%CI (1.78, 12.96), treatment interruption (AOR 3.05, 95% CI 1.06, 8.77) and adherence (AOR 3.67, 95%CI 1.39, 9.66) were statistically significant association.
Conclusions and Recommendation: The overall prevalence of virologic failure of this study was high as compared to standard. Baseline CD4 Count, TB infection, treatment interruption and Adherence were significant factors. Health facility ART provider and HIV/AIDS program manager should give special attention for Clients with history of TB co infection and CD4 count < 200 needs care and support and providing TB preventive therapy.
Paclobutrazol induces adventitious rooting in chestnut by modulating auxin transport and signaling
Authors: Castro-Camba Ricardo , Sánchez Conchi , Rico Saleta , Vidal Nieves , Covelo Purificación , Cernadas María José , Aldrey Anxela , Vielba Jesús M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Vegetative propagation of chestnut relies on the formation of adventitious roots. However, the recalcitrant nature of this species hinders the development of new roots, establishing a bottleneck for industrial and research purposes. Auxin is involved in all aspects of the adventitious rooting process. Exogenous auxin application is mandatory to induce rooting in chestnut, although other phytohormones are known to be involved in the signaling events leading to root induction and growth. Gibberellins, which are essential for several developmental processes in plants, inhibit the formation of adventitious roots. In the present study we used physiological and molecular analyses to investigate the role of gibberellins and paclobutrazol (gibberellins-synthesis inhibitor) on the adventitious root formation in chestnut. When paclobutrazol was applied to chestnut microshoots in the absence of exogenous auxin, it led to the formation of adventitious roots, although in a lower frequency than with auxin treatment. Interestingly, the inductive effect of auxins was blocked when gibberellins were applied concomitantly with auxin. Our results indicate that gibberellins have a negative effect on adventitious rooting in chestnut, particularly through their control on the activity of the CsPIN1 gene. This study helps explain the role of gibberellins in the rooting process, the signaling mechanisms involved and the role played by auxin transporters.
New generation of monofocal intraocular lens for cataract surgery in comorbid conditions
Authors: Tereshchenko A. V. , Trifanenkova I. G. , Prokofiev Yu. E. , Ivanov A. M. , Okuneva M. V. 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: to evaluate the functional results of using the Monofocal+ intraocular lens for cataract surgery in comorbid conditions of the eye.Material and methods. The study included 31 patients (45 eyes) with cataracts. Patients underwent cataract phacoemulsification with implantation of ICB00 Eyhance IOL. The operation was performed on the TECNIS platform (Johnson & Johnson), based on Em, according to the Kane and Barrett Universal II formulas. Patients were divided into 3 study groups (15 eyes each) according to concomitant ocular pathology: primary open-angle glaucoma IIa, age-related macular degeneration, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, dry form of intermediate stage. Each study group, using a retrospective analysis of data from patients operated on over the past 2 years, was divided into two control subgroups: in one of them, patients underwent implantation of a monofocal IOL (SA60AT AcrySof, Alcon), and in the other — an EDOF IOL (DFT015 AcrySof IQ Vivity, Alcon).Results. Uncorrected visual acuity of 66 cm in patients with the Eyhance IOL was significantly higher than with the SA60AT IOL for all considered comorbid conditions (p < 0.05). Uncorrected visual acuity at near distance (33 cm) had a clear advantage in patients with the Vivity IOL compared to others (p < 0.05). The Eyhance IOL had uncorrected visual acuity of 0.23, and the SA60AT IOL had a value of 0.2. Uncorrected visual acuity at 33 cm in patients with Eyhance IOL with concomitant glaucoma was significantly higher than in patients with SA60AT IOL (p < 0.05), however, no different from those with age-related macular degeneration and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (p>0.05). All patients with the IOL Monofocal+ expressed their satisfaction with the vision they received, which was reflected in the results of the VF test-14 QOL questionnaire.Conclusion. New generation monofocal IOLs showed good functional results in patients with cataracts and the considered comorbid pathology of the eye: primary open-angle glaucoma II a, intermediate stage of the dry form of age-related macular degeneration, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy. There is a relatively high visual acuity at distance and at intermediate distances, and good patient satisfaction with the resulting vision. To clarify the indications and contraindications for the IOL Monofocal+ use in patients with various concomitant ophthalmopathologies more long-term clinical observations and analysis of implantations are required.
Choriodal melanoma: is enucleation still relevant?
Authors: Brovkina A. F. , Mirzaev K. B. , Kabardikova L. A. , Tsybikova N. D. 
Published: December 2024

For many centuries, enucleation was the only method of treating Choriodal melanoma CM, and, despite the development of many organ-preserving methods, it has not lost it’s relevance today. In recent years, microRNAs, which began to receive attention from the beginning of the 2000s, now play the role of biological markers in many diseases both in diagnosis and in assessing the effectiveness of treatment. There are only a few studies on the significance of circulating microRNAs as a marker of the effectiveness of surgical treatment of cancers of certain locations (breast, lungs). As for uveal melanoma, there is practically no such information in the literature.The purpose of the work is to determine the effectiveness of enucleation as a surgical method for treating large choroids, based on the nature of the expression of microRNA-223, microRNA-27b, microRNA-155 in the blood plasma of patients in M0N0 stage.Material and methods. 83 patients with CM aged 61.5 ± 10.9 years (22–83 years) were examined. The thickness of the MC varied from 2.23 to 22.00 mm (on average 9.32 ± 3.97 mm). The control group consisted of 28 volunteers aged 45–78 years (average 62.90 ± 1.42 years). The expression pattern of microRNA-223, microRNA-27, microRNA-155 in the blood plasma of patients was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction before and over a period of 3 to 54 months after surgery.Results. In all patients the expression pattern showed overexpression of all microRNAs compared to the control group at different periods of the study, starting from 3 months. During observation, 6 patients were diagnosed with liver metastases. A comparison of the study results in this group before and after enucleation with a group of patients without metastases showed an increase in the expression of a panel of microRNAs during the development of metastases.Conclusion. Enucleation remains the operation of choice in patients with large choroidal melanomas at the M0N0 stage. Control of the nature of the expression of microRNA-223, microRNA-27b and microRNA-155 in the blood plasma of patients makes it possible to personalize the indications for enucleation.
Enhancing the efficiency of solar-powered water distillation units by utilization of waste heat
Authors: Reddy S. P. , Abd-Elhady M. S. , Mansour N. , Dahlhaus D. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Thermal water desalination is based on the evaporation and condensation of water, and such a process consumes a lot of energy, which lowers the economy of the process for commercial water desalination. The objective of this research is to improve the desalination energy efficiency of a novel domestic water desalination unit, which is based on thermal desalination, and this is done via utilization of the waste heat in the generated steam and reducing the operating costs. The distillation process begins with solar-powered evaporation of the salty water in the evaporator, followed by condensation of the generated water vapor coming from the evaporator over the cross-flow heat exchangers located in the condenser, which preheats the incoming saline water from the saltwater tank before it enters the evaporator. To assess the system's performance, comprehensive measurements are taken, including the electrical energy output from the photovoltaic (PV) panels and the volume of the output distilled water. Notably, the energy efficiency of the distillation is defined as the ratio of the heat energy gained by the distilled water, i.e. collected at the end of the day, to the electrical energy input to the electric heater, and it is found to be, on average, 82%.
Water quality challenges in rural Ethiopia: insights from the North Mecha district on physiochemical and microbial contamination
Authors: Eshetu Yesuf Assefa , Assefa Eshetu , Fentie Mesenbet , Aklog Dagnachew , Wondim Tilik Tena 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

This investigation's overarching goal is to ensure that drinking water quality remains a key public health issue in rural Ethiopia. The study aimed to evaluate the physiochemical and microbial quality of drinking water sources and household storages in rural Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24 kebeles of the district during the wet season. Escherichia coli presence was analyzed in water samples collected from selected community water points and household storages using membrane filtration, while physiochemical parameters were analyzed following standard water examination protocols. Findings revealed that turbidity (35.7%), pH (78.6%), iron (20%), and free residual chlorine (89.3%) levels in the water samples did not conform with the standard. E. coli contamination detected in 42.9% (n = 56) and 47.9% (n = 96) of samples collected at sources and household storage, respectively. This study revealed that significant water quality contamination was observed at both sources and household storages; hence, public health is at high risk. Additionally, the study emphasizes that improved water sources do not always guarantee safety and highlights the need for comprehensive protective measures. Therefore, proper source protection and treatment and appropriate treatment at the household level should be implemented to provide safe drinking water.
Characterizing Pharmacokinetic Variability of Topiroxostat in Chinese Population: Insights from a Phase I Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhong Tianqi , Huang Kaizong , Han LuYao , Pang Wenbo , Xia Yan , Qu Shengjun , Yu Guo , Chen Yangsheng , Fan Hongwei 
Published: December 2024

Objective:
This Phase I clinical trial aimed to address the knowledge gap regarding topiroxostat's
use outside Japan by characterizing its pharmacokinetic profile, safety, and efficacy in healthy Chinese subjects.

Methods:
The trial followed a randomized, open-label, three-dose group design, enrolling 12 healthy participants
and administering topiroxostat at three different dose levels. The study utilized NONMEM software for
pharmacokinetic analysis, evaluating the impact of demographic and biochemical covariates on drug disposition.

Results:
Pharmacokinetic analysis shows the peak drug concentration (Cmax) under a single oral administration
of 20, 40, and 80 mg of Topiroxostat, which was found in healthy subjects to be 215.46 ± 94.04 ng/mL,
473.74 ± 319.83 ng/mL and 1009.63 ± 585.98 ng/mL, respectively. The time to peak drug concentration
(Tmax) was longer in females (0.79–0.98 h) than in males (0.53–0.93 h). Activated partial thromboplastin
time (APTT) and triglycerides (TG) were included as covariates for the typical value of the absorption rate
constant (TVKA) in our pharmacokinetic model. The dose (DOSE) was considered a covariate for the typical
value of bioavailability (TVF1), and sex (SEX) was considered a covariate for the typical value of clearance
(TVCL). The typical population values for topiroxostat included Q/F at 4.91 L/h, KA at 0.657 h-¹, Vc/F at
32.5 L, Vp/F at 30 L, and CL/F at 124 L/h.

Conclusion:
The trial successfully established the pharmacokinetic parameters of topiroxostat in a Chinese
population, confirming its safety and efficacy. The results support the need for individualized dosing strategies
and optimize therapeutic outcomes.