bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Humankind’s Existential Crisis Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Wangchuk Pema 
Published: August 2021

An existential crisis (EC) is a situation in which an individual provokes a storm of dread about the meaning, purpose, or value of life, and is unpleasantly disturbed by a series of thoughts in their lives. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the EC on humankind has further increased across the world. Although scholars have studied the effects of EC on humans, there are limited studies of the pandemic that induces EC in humans. The most neglected area in past research has been the lack of integration between different disciplines to find better solutions for EC disease. This study aims to identify the main factors that influence people’s psychological stigma due to crisis and examine how the previous studies’ contributions, evaluations, and insights on EC are interrelated and biased. This is an independent article based on a literature review. It took more than two months to review entire articles. As the guiding framework of the study, death and meaninglessness, loneliness and social isolation, freedom, and authenticity are emphasized succinctly to deliberate on EC. The study shows the limitations in views and findings with the previous studies including the usage of the jargon related to CE. The experience of death, loneliness, and isolation amid the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t always alluring to many humankind as indicated in the study. Strong integration of psychology and Buddhism may offer the right solutions to overcome the EC during the pandemic. However, a large number of studies, seminars and conferences may need to be initiated by the respective academics and policy makers in order to advocate an integrated approach to the solutions for EC.
Concomitancy of Entomophilous and Soil Transmitted Nematodes in Selected Insects
Authors: Ozeum C. U. , Nzeako S. O. , Abajue M. C. , Maduike E. M. 
Published: August 2021

Aim: To determine the occurrence of entomophilous and soil transmitted nematodes of three insect species; Zonocerus variegatus, Gryllotalpa orientalis and Mantis religiosa in Obio Akpor, Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.
Methodology: The insect samples were collected with entomological sweep net as described by Colwell [1] and pitfall traps as described by Davies [2]. Insect samples were dissected using Stubbins’ method [3] while nematodes in the insects were isolated and identified according to Cheesborough, (2005).
Results: Two hundred and forty-eight (248) insect specimens comprising; Z. variegatus 193 (77.8%), G. orientalis 42(16.9%) and Mantis religiosa 13(5.2%) were collected from designated ecological settings based on availability and trapping efficiency. Out of the 248 insects sampled; 145 (58.5%) were infected with three genera of nematodes comprising; Ascaris lumbricoides; 17 (7.5%), Mermis Spp., 148 (65.5%) and Trilabiatus lignicolus 61(27.0%). Mermis Spp., an entomophilous nematode occurred in Z. variegatus and Mantis religiosa due to host specific factors. Nematode occurrence in the host did not indicate sex relationship (P>0.05) however, hosts age influenced parasite occurrence as older insects harbored more parasites (P<0.05). Trilabiatus lignicolus; a free-living soil nematode and A. lumbricoides; a soil transmitted helminthes found in the guts of Z. variegatus and G orientalis was attributed to the feeding habits of the insects.
Conclusion: The study indicated that Z. variegatus and G. orientalis as veritable vectors of soil transmitted nematodes while Z. variegatus and Mantis religiose are suitable host of the entomophilous nematode Mermis Spp.
Effect of Different Food Coloring Additives on the Color Stability of Microabraded, at-Home Bleached and Resin Infiltrated Tooth
Authors: Sherin B. Nilopher , Began Thendral , Sherwood I. Anand , Amaechi Bennett T. , Sivakumar A. Andamuthu , Farooq Omar 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Color stability of at-home bleaching and resin infiltration is one of the main goals of these procedures. The primary aim of present study was to evaluate color stability of at-home bleaching and resin infiltration to four common colorants present in Indian foods (turmeric, beetroot, coffee and artificial food colorants).
Materials and Methods: 128 human maxillary central incisors were used in this study. Teeth were randomly divided into groups as (i) subjected and (ii) not-subjected to microabrasion. Further, the teeth in each group (abraded/non-abraded) were randomly distributed to four subgroups (16 teeth/subgroup). Subgroups were control, bleached, combined treatment with at-home bleaching followed by resin infiltration and infiltrated. After treatment procedures the teeth were immersed in the four different food colorants. Objective photographic color change evaluation from pre-/ post staining was done using the CIEDE2000 formula.
Statistical Analyses: Data were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric tests (α =0.05).
Results: Turmeric solution caused significantly (P < 0.05) highest post-staining values b*and ΔE values in Combine-Rx group and Infiltration groups.
Conclusions: Subsequent discoloration of esthetically treated teeth does not necessarily depend on the type of treatment but on the coloring additives present in the diet, of which turmeric has the highest discoloration potential.
Clinical Significance: Turmeric is one of the essential ingredients in Indian foods therefore, both patients and operator must be aware that resin infiltrated teeth can discolored from regular diets that contains turmeric as coloring additives.
Heavy Metal Concentration of Surface Water, Sediment and Fishes Impacted by Crude Oil Pollution in Bodo/Bonny River, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna David N. , Origbe Matthew E. 
Published: August 2021

Heavy metals can be released into the aquatic environment through storm-water run-off and wastewater discharges and reprocessing from various industrial and anthropogenic activities. They have the potential to be toxic to biota above certain threshold concentrations while sediments in the marine ecosystems act as long-term sinks for many anthropogenic contaminants such as these organic pollutants. This study was therefore aimed at determining the heavy metal contents in the surface water, sediments and fishes from the Bodo/Bonny river. Sampling was done according to standard protocols. Surface water, sediment and fish samples were collected from 5 stations (BBW1, BBW2, BBW3, BBW4 and LFPW5) with LFPW5 serving as control. Sediment was collected from 0-15 and 15-30 cm. The fish gills, liver, kidney etc. were excised from the rib for heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Zn, Cr, Cd etc) analysis using sterile scalpel. The results of heavy metal in surface water samples show that Zinc had a range of 173.1±10.21 to 179.3±11.01 mg/kg in all sampling locations above the permissible limit of DPR limit of 5 mg/kg for Brackish/ Saline water. The sediment samples were loamy. The concentrations of trace metals in sediments revealed that Pb had the highest concentration of 48.61mg/kg at 0-15cm depth while Chromium had highest concentration of 41.54mg/kg at 15-30cm depth. Chromium, Cadmium and Copper increased with increase in depth at 15-30cm while Lead, Zinc and Iron took the reverse trend at 0-15cm depth. Heavy metal content of fish samples from the river water show that the mean concentration values in the fresh fish was in the increasing order of Copper < Cadmium < Nickel < Lead <Iron< Zinc. The data generated from this study showed that there were actually heavy metals accumulations in fish tissues that were above the WHO permissible limits. The increased heavy metals concentration from all sites suggest that fishes that inhabit polluted areas risk bioaccumulation, which go on to affect the overall health of the human population that depend on such rivers for fishing, drinking or irrigation.
Assessment of Lycopene Derived Fresh and Processed Tomato Products on Human Diet in Eliminating Health Diseases
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Roy Monish , Roy Bidhan 
Published: August 2021

Tomato which is scientifically known as Lycopersicon esculentum and basically belonging to the Solanaceae family is categorized as one of the most essential horticultural crops. The red colour in tomatoes and other fruits is primarily due to the presence of a carotenoid pigment particularly lycopene which acts as a phytochemical. Higher concentrations of lycopene pigment are particularly found in fruits like tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, red bell pepper, sea buckhorn, wolfberry, and rosehip. Lycopene plays a fundamental role in the process of biosynthesis of several carotenoid pigments specifically available in two forms; Hydrocarbon carotenoids and Xanthophylls thereby responsible for imparting red, yellow, and orange color in addition to photosynthesis and photo-protection in terms of plants, algae and other photosynthetic organisms. It acts as a potential antioxidant among the entire carotenoid pigments because of its characteristics involving strong color and anti-toxicity properties. Vitamins enriched beta carotene provitamin A, and Ascorbic acid in the form of edible compounds have been abundantly found in tomatoes. Daily intake of lycopene through consumption of tomato and processed tomato products helps in reducing the risk of chronic diseases particularly cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Epidemiological studies have indicated the importance of lycopene in eliminating the risk of human diseases thereby preventing it from deterioration of health. Based on the chemical structure of lycopene, it exists in a thermodynamically stable form thereby exhibiting trans-configuration. In this manuscript, major emphasis highlighted in involving an intake of carotenoid enriched fruits and vegetables for further controlling and reducing the risk of occurrence of human diseases has been reviewed. In addition, significance of manufacturing of value added products and its consumption in the form of tomato oil, non-alcoholic flavored drink etc. has also been reviewed. Authentic information in terms of the addition of lycopene in a daily balanced diet either fresh or processed tomato products along with its functions involving the singlet oxygen quenching ability, as well as benefits of consuming lycopene derived fruits has been reviewed in this manuscript.
Is It Necessary to Perform Pre Operative Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Elective Symptomatic Cholelithasis?
Authors: Shaikh Ubedullah , Memon Zahid Ali , Phulpoto Masroor Mubeen , Mangi Munawar Hussain , Dal Nawaz Ali , Abbasi Mujeeb Rehman 
Published: August 2021

Objective: Is it necessary to perform pre operative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in elective symptomatic cholelithasis?
Study Design: Prospective observational study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at surgical departments of Services Hospital, Ruth PFAHU, Civil Hospital Karachi, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Lyari Karachi and Liaquat University Of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro from July 2018 to December 2019.
Methodology: Study consisted of 382 patients. All patients were subjected to Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 24 to 48 hours before cholecystectomy followed by biopsy were obtained for histopathology if required. Those patients not willing for surgery, General anesthesia problem, pregnant ladies due to risk of foetal loss, carcinoma of gall bladder, stone in CBD and obstructive jaundice were excluded.
Results: Out of the 382 patients, 66(17.27%) males and 316(82.72%) females with mean age of study population was 46.10 ± 6.31 years (22 to 65 years). Patients were present typical pain in 146(38.21%) cases and atypical pain in 236(61.78%) cases. Pre operative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings revealed Esophagitis in 22(5.75%) cases, GERD in 26(6.80%) cases, gastritis in 88(23.03%), gastric ulcer 49(12.82%), duodenal ulcer in 39(10.20%), polps 21(5.49%) and carcinoma of stomach 9(2.35%). Out of 236(61.78%) cases with atypical pain had persistence of symptoms in 141 (59.74%) cases upto four months.
Conclusion: We conclude that upper gastrointestinal endoscopy preoperatively for gallstone disease should be performed. So that preoperatively atypical symptoms are evaluate and taken care of, and patients is fully informed and also treated for associated conditions.
Evaluation of Anti-Ulcer Activity of Garcinia cambogia in Experimentally Induced Ulcer in Rats
Authors: Sharook G. P. , Khandige Prasanna Shama , Raj K. C. Bharath 
Published: August 2021

Peptic ulcer is the most common gastrointestinal disorder that world faces at present. Garcinia cambogia is one of the folk plants used by the people to treat various ailments to attain health benefits. Every part of the plant has various activities which can eradicate maximum health issues. The present study is aimed to investigate the gastro-protective and anti-ulcerogenic activity of ethanolic extract of Garcinia cambogia. The ethanolic extract was tested orally in doses of 200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg which was obtained from the acute oral toxicity studies on gastric ulcerations experimentally induced by pylorus ligation and ethanol in rats. Comparison of the drug effect is done with the effect of standard drugs, omeprazole (30 mg/kg) and sucralfate (100 mg/kg). The parameters like gastric pH, gastric acid volume, total acidity, free acidity and ulcer index are assessed.The ethanolic extract showed an activity in a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg with a reduction in the gastric volume, total acidity, free acidity, ulcer index and raise in the gastric pH when compared to that of ulcer control group. A gastro-protective and anti-ulcerogenic activity is shown by the extract of Garcinia cambogia both in ethanol induced ulcer model and pylorus ligated ulcer model.At the concluding point, extract of Garcinia cambogia was found to possess a very good gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic property. The results of the study revealed the further uses of the leaves of this plant in the treatment of ulcers in the stomach.
Pharmacist-Led Management Model and Medication Adherence Among Patients With Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Wang Lingjiao , Zhao Yuanyuan , Han Liping , Zhang Huan , Chen Hejun , Liu Aixia , Yu Jing , Fu Ran , Duan Liguang , An Feiyue , Guo Zhimin , Lun Yang , Chen Chaoli , Cheng Fangfang , Song Chaohui , Gao Haixia , Zhou Chunhua 
Published: December 2024

ImportancePoor medication adherence is associated with high morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), which is particularly concerning in China.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of a pharmacist-led management model incorporating a social media platform vs usual care on medication adherence in patients with CHF.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prospective, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted from March 2021 to May 2023, with a follow-up duration of 52 weeks. The trial was conducted in the cardiology wards of 5 hospitals in China. Participants were 18 years or older, had a CHF diagnosis, and were receiving stable medication. They were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (pharmacist-led management) or the control group (usual care) in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated random number table with concealed allocation via opaque envelopes. Intention-to-treat data analysis was performed from June 2023 to July 2024.InterventionThe intervention group received a multimodal pharmaceutical intervention, including WeChat application–based communication and education, and a standardized follow-up visit from a pharmacist every month. The control group received the standardized follow-up visit from nurses every month.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was the proportion of days covered (PDC) by heart failure medication at 52 weeks.ResultsAmong the 445 participants analyzed, 223 were assigned to the intervention group and 222 to the control group. These patients had a mean (SD) age of 63.2 (13.3) years and included 263 males (59.1%). A total of 333 patients (74.8%) had a New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure, indicating severe limitations in physical activity. At 52 weeks, the intervention group had a significantly higher PDC for heart failure medication (8.1%; 95% CI, 5.5%-10.7%; P &amp;lt; .001) and a greater proportion of patients with PDC of 80% or greater (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.21-0.54; P &amp;lt; .001) compared with the control group.Conclusions and RelevanceThis randomized clinical trial found a modest improvement in medication adherence among patients with CHF who received the pharmacist-led management intervention vs usual care.Trial RegistrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000040232
Body contour adaptation for weight‐loss and bolus for head and neck radiotherapy on Ethos version 2.0 and HyperSight: Synthetic CT versus direct calculation
Authors: Yashayaeva Abby , MacDonald R. Lee , Cherpak Amanda 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeIn radiotherapy, body contour inaccuracies may compromise the delineation of adjacent structures and affect calculated dose. Here, we evaluate the un‐editable body contours auto‐generated by Ethos versions 1.0 (v1) and 2.0 (v2) treatment planning softwares for two simulated cases: weight‐loss and bolus application, particularly important for head and neck radiotherapy patients.MethodsA 3D‐printed target structure was secured to the neck of an anthropomorphic phantom and sequentially covered with silicone boluses of uniform thickness, providing cases for bolus application (0.5 and 1 cm) and weight‐loss (2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0 cm). HyperSight CBCT images of the phantom were acquired to simulate the online adaptation process. Baseline body contours were manually produced and compared to those auto‐generated in Ethos v1 (synthetic CTs) and Ethos v2 (synthetic CTs and direct calculation on HyperSight CBCTs). Additionally, the target volume D95% dose metric for weight‐loss adapted plans generated by the Ethos v2 were analyzed as a function of surface layer thickness.ResultsThe Ethos v1 body contour did not adapt adequately for the weight‐loss image set [mean absolute volume deviation from baseline (MAD) = 205 cm3]. The weight‐loss synthetic CT and HyperSight CBCT volumes in Ethos v2 were comparable to manually generated contours (MAD = 34 and 46 cm3, respectively); however, the bolus Hypersight CBCT body contour intersected the outer edge of the phantom (MAD = 157 cm3). The D95% deviation from the planned dose decreased by up to 10% when using the Ethos v2 adapted plan for the weight‐loss scenario.ConclusionContours in Ethos v1 rely on reference contours and deformable registration algorithms, whereas Ethos v2 does not. Hence, Ethos v2 is preferred for cases involving weight change. A tight‐fitted air gap‐free bolus is critical for achieving accurate body contours for Ethos v2 Hypersight CBCTs.
Machine learning based radiomics model to predict radiotherapy induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer
Authors: Talebi Amin , Bitarafan‐Rajabi Ahmad , Alizadeh‐asl Azin , Seilani Parisa , Khajetash Benyamin , Hajianfar Ghasem , Tavakoli Meysam 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPurposeCardiotoxicity is one of the major concerns in breast cancer treatment, significantly affecting patient outcomes. To improve the likelihood of favorable outcomes for breast cancer survivors, it is essential to carefully balance the potential advantages of treatment methods with the risks of harm to healthy tissues, including the heart. There is currently a lack of comprehensive, data‐driven evidence on effective risk stratification strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate the prediction of cardiotoxicity using machine learning methods combined with radiomics, clinical, and dosimetric features.Materials and methodsA cohort of 83 left‐sided breast cancer patients without a history of cardiac disease was examined. Two‐ and three‐dimensional echocardiography were performed before and after 6 months of treatment to evaluate cardiotoxicity. Cardiac dose‐volume histograms, demographic data, echocardiographic parameters, and ultrasound imaging radiomics features were collected for all patients. Toxicity modeling was developed with three feature selection methods and five classifiers in four separate groups (Dosimetric, Dosimetric + Demographic, Dosimetric + Demographic + Clinical, and Dosimetric + Demographic + Clinical + Imaging). The prediction performance of the models was validated using five‐fold cross‐validation and evaluated by AUCs.Results58% of patients showed cardiotoxicity 6 months after treatment. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction and Global longitudinal strain decreased significantly compared to pre‐treatment (p‐value < 0.001). After feature selection and prediction modeling, the Dosimetric, Dosimetric + Demographic, Dosimetric + Demographic + Clinical, Dosimetric + Demographic + Clinical + Imaging models showed prediction performance (AUC) up to 73%, 75%, 85%, and 97%, respectively.ConclusionIncorporating clinical and imaging features along with dose descriptors are beneficial for predicting cardiotoxicity after radiotherapy.
Ink Casting and 3D‐Extrusion Printing of Yb14MnSb11 for High‐Temperature Thermoelectric Material
Authors: Chen Ming , Pröschel Alex , Star Kurt E. , Bux Sabah K. , Snyder G. Jeffrey , Dunand David C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractComplex shapes are created from Yb14MnSb11, a high‐temperature thermoelectric Zintl phase, via a two‐step process: i) layer‐by‐layer 3D‐extrusion of ink containing partially‐reacted powders which are ball‐milled from a blend of Yb, MnSb, and Sb powders; ii) heat treatment to synthesize the ternary compound Yb14MnSb11 and densify the extruded powders. A high phase purity for Yb14MnSb11 (83–94%) is achieved in both cast and 3D‐extruded ink specimens via a solid‐state reaction between Yb, MnSb, and Yb4Sb3 during reactive sintering. Pressure‐free sintering at temperatures of 1200–1400 °C densifies the powders to 82% relative density but can also induce the decomposition of the Yb14MnSb11 phase due to Yb sublimation. A process window with optimized sintering temperature and time is identified, achieving both low porosity and high phase purity and reaching a maximum zT = 0.61 at 1000 °C, about half of the maximum zT value for bulk Yb14MnSb11 made via conventional processes (pressure sintering of precursor powders). The present approach – direct ink writing of ball‐milled powders, combined with reactive sintering – is a scalable and affordable method to fabricate thermoelectric legs with intricate 3D shapes, for enhanced performances in high‐temperature thermoelectric applications.