bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Post-Tuberculosis Lung Disease: Should We Be Concerned?
Authors: Dewi Mutiara , Peryoga Stanza Uga , Wahyudi Kurnia , Nugraha Harry Galuh , Nataprawira Heda Melinda 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant issue due to its high incidence and mortality rates but there is a lack of studies addressing the conditions that may arise after treatment, particularly lung impairment in children. Therefore, this study assessed the lung function of adolescents who had undergone TB treatment.
Methods
This comparative, analytical, non-experimental study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using secondary data from a previous study involving fifty-two participants with drug-sensitive TB (DS-TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) treated at Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia, from July to September 2024. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were performed using the Hitachi Sceneria CT-Scanner® and spirometry was conducted with the MIR Spirolab® device utilising a forced expiratory manoeuvre to analyse changes in forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Data analysis was conducted using paired t-tests in IBM SPSS with a significance level of p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.
Results
Of the fifty-two adolescent pulmonary TB survivors contacted, two of them died and 27 participants were excluded because they were not contactable. HRCT scans of the remaining 23 adolescents identified primarily fibrosis, nodules, and ground-glass appearance (20/23, 19/23, and 10/23, respectively). Only 2 participants had normal HRCT findings and both were DS-TB survivors. Comparative spirometry results over the one-year (mean 12.7 months) follow-up showed a significant increase in FEV1 (p = 0.033, 95% confidence interval [0.5–11.4]) and FVC (p = 0.008, 95% confidence interval [2.1–12.8]).
Conclusions
HRCT scans are essential in the follow-up of adolescent TB survivors as they provide insights into lung damage and detect complications. Repeated spirometry is also necessary to assess and monitor lung function in TB survivors.
Analysis of harmonic and interharmonic components using a recursive and adaptive algorithm to the signal under analysis
Authors: Ferreira Liz Rosana Alvarez , Beuter Carlos Henrique , Hoffmann Alessandra Bortoletto Garbelotti , Oleskovicz Mário 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a technique to characterize, extract, and analyze the information of harmonic and interharmonic components in Electrical Power System (EPS) voltage signals. The contributions include an adaptive threshold that enables the optimal number of signal samples. In addition, the treatment of amplitudes with frequencies very close to each other is performed to solve the problem that can arise when the threshold selects a high number of samples due to spectral scattering. The following frequency concerning a target frequency is defined to find the search direction, and a new correction term for the frequency drift is proposed. The methodology was validated with actual measurements and with an extensive set of synthetic signals with and without noise, created according to recommendations of national and international standards. The results indicate a good characterization of the components and the real possibility of signal reconstruction with a high degree of similarity to the original and easy implementation, which can be a valuable tool for extracting harmonic and interharmonic components from voltage signals.
Heavy metal contamination and health risks assessment in soil-rice system irrigated with wastewater in northern Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Shoaib , Ali Waqar , Khan Salman , Arifeen Muhammad Zain Ul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the transfer of heavy metals from different wastewater flooding to the soil and consequently to plants in Northern Pakistan. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) was chosen due to its widespred consumption in the studied area. The concentration of different heavy metals (HMs) including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were assessed in the irrigating water, the soil as well as in different parts of the plant (grain, shoot, and root) from various rice paddies. Health risk associated with these metals were evaluated using daily metal intake (DIM) and health risk index (HRI). Heavy metal concentrations varied across sampling locations, with Cd ranging from 0.1 and 0.49, Pb from 0.8 to 2.2, Cu from 4.2 to 18.2, and Zn from 7.0 to 25.1 mg/kg. DIM was found to be in the order of Zn < Cd < Cu < Pb while HRI was found to be below 1. The HRI was 0.612 and 0.533 for the adults and children, respectively. Cd was found to be in higher concentration than the suggested permissible limit. HMs concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in the soil and crops from paddy fields irrigated with contaminated water compared to the control site. The current study concluded that wastewater use for irrigation led to the accumulation of HMs in a higher concentration in rice grains, which consequently pose potential health risks to the consumers.
Enhancing the agronomic value of dry faecal sludge for agricultural soil amendment by adding natural phosphate rock and other local substrates in Burkina Faso
Authors: Héma Alain Sabiriba , Traoré Mamadou , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Koulibaly Bazoumana , Inselsbacher Erich 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Raw dry faecal sludge in Burkina Faso is commonly used for agricultural soil amendment. Due to its acidity, this application may lead to various forms of soil degradation. The current study aimed to investigate rapid and sustainable agricultural valorization of dry fecal sludge in farming systems through different formulations of dry sludge-based manure. For this purpose, we prepared composite samples of dry faecal sludge from the Dogona station in western Burkina and seven formulations of dry faecal sludge-based manures. Dry faecal sludge amended with natural phosphates, montmorillonite, slaked lime and zinc ore were analyzed for their physicochemical, biochemical, pathogenetic and toxicological properties to evaluate their suitability as agricultural amendment. The results outlined that dry faecal sludge, although having a high organic matter content (25.34 ± 0.09 to 40.97 ± 9.99%), adversely affected soil structural stability because of its low pH (4.58), a low C/N ratio (10.03) and a very high COD/BOD5 ratio of 5.00. However, their content in trace metal elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr and Ni) and pathogens (helminth eggs, coliforms and fecal streptococci) were in a range favorable for being used as manure. The different formulations of manures proved to be better organo-mineral amendments compared to raw sludge due to improved properties. The pH was significantly higher (between 7.24 and 7.72), the C/N ratio increased (ranging from 9.40 to 10.09) and the biodegradability indicator COD/BOD5 was significantly lower as well (r2.39 to 2.71). Our results showed that dry faecal sludge amended with local substrates gives new prospects for using these formulations as fertilizers in sustainable soil fertility management while contributing to waste recycling and environmental protection.
Complement system alteration in iPSC-derived astrocytes from individuals with Down syndrome
Authors: Silva André Luíz Teles e , de Oliveira Pedro Henrique Prado , Yokota-Moreno Bruno Y. , Avila Jonathan P. , Nakaya Helder I. , Fausto Jéssica da Silva , Sertié Andrea L. , Zampieri Bruna L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy 21 (T21), resulting from an extra copy of chromosome 21, occurs in 1 in 700–1,000 live births. Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical contributor to DS neuropathology, although its underlying drivers remain unclear. In this study, we analyzed available single-nucleus RNA sequencing data from postmortem cortical brain samples of individuals with DS and controls aged 36 years or younger, identifying significant alterations in complement system gene sets. We validated these findings using astrocytes differentiated from urine-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from individuals with DS (T21-iPSC), marking the first study to assess gene expression and protein levels of complement components in T21-iPSC-derived astrocytes. Our results revealed distinct phenotypic changes in T21-iPSC-derived astrocytes, including enlarged cell and nuclear sizes, and enhanced glutamate uptake. Elevated levels of C5aR1 and MASP1 transcripts, as well as increased C4 protein secretion in culture supernatants, suggest dysregulation of the complement system in DS. These findings underscore the role of complement pathway in DS neuropathogenesis and point to potential therapeutic targets to improve the quality of life for individuals with DS.
Single Operational Current Amplifier Based Sinusoidal Oscillators
Authors: Alzaher Hussain , ALKHALIFA IBRAHIM 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper presents important missing sinusoidal oscillators. There are numerous sinusoidal oscillators versions based on the three fundamental amplifiers namely the operational amplifier (OpAmp), the operational transconductance amplifier (OTA), and the operational transresistance amplifier (OTRA) but their counterparts based on the fourth type that is the operational current amplifier (OCA) are to be reported. Traditional applications use voltage-mode oscillators, however, several modern applications such as electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) require current-mode oscillators. In the literature, many current-mode oscillators have been proposed; however, they use active building blocks which operate in both voltage and current modes. In this paper, we propose two novel oscillators using the pure current-mode active element namely the OCA. Simulation results obtained from a standard 180nm CMOS process are provided. It is shown that the proposed oscillators consume approximately 120µW while working in the MHz range. Also, experimental results using prototypes implemented using commercially available ICs show the validity of the proposed designs.
Antibacterial Susceptibility Profiles of Isolated Bacterial Uropathogens from Pregnant Women, Yemen
Authors: Mohammed Al 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Urinary tract infection is regarded as the most prevalent health issue among pregnant women, especially in underdeveloped nations. This study sought to ascertain the incidence and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial uropathogens isolated from pregnant women in hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen. Two hundred and eighty-five (285) midstream urine specimens were obtained from pregnant women visiting several hospitals in Sana'a, Yemen, between April and August 2024. Bacteriuria was isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed to assess antimicrobial susceptibility. The current findings indicated that merely 22.81% of urine specimens had positive growth for bacteriuria, whereas 77.19% were negative. The largest prevalence of bacteriuria, measured at 41.38% and 37.04%, was observed in the age group of 33–38 years, when pregnant women possessed a primary school degree. The prevalence of bacteriuria was notably high at 29.29% in women with main and secondary gravidity. Escherichia coli constituted 41.56% of the prevalent isolates in this investigation, followed by Staphylococcus aureus at 24.68%, Klebsiella spp. at 15.58%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.39%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) at 7.79%. The elevated susceptibility of antibiotics was documented: E. coli to ampicillin and cefepime, S. aureus to cefepime, ampicillin, and nitrofurantoin, Klebsiella sp. to cefepime and nitrofurantoin, and P. aeruginosa to cefepime, ampicillin, and vancomycin. In conclusion, antibiotic susceptibility testing is essential prior to prescribing antibiotics for pregnant women to guarantee effective treatment of bacteriuria.
БАЛТИЯ В ЭПОХУ ВЕЛИКОГО ПЕРЕСЕЛЕНИЯ НАРОДОВ
Authors: В.И. КУЛАКОВ 
Published: October 2024

В предлагаемой главе при помощи археологических источников выявлен процесс перемещений воинских формирований в части Балтии к северу от р. Немана. Кроме того, показаны истоки этого процесса, включавшие, кроме всего прочего, формирование в исторической Пруссии первой в Балтии дружины. Показаны этапы развития торгового пути Самбия-Эйямыги/Вирумаа. Важно отметить, что не последнюю роль в упомянутых этнических перемещениях в Балтии сыграли серьёзные изменения климата, произошедшие на берегах Балтийского и Северного морей в середине I тыс. н.э., а также трансгрессия уровня вод Балтики.
In this chapter, with the help of archaeological sources, the process of movements of military formations in the part of the Baltic north of the river is revealed. Neman. In addition, the origins of this process are shown, which included, among other things, the formation in historical Prussia of the first squad in the Baltics. The stages of development of the Sambia-Eyjamıgi/Viru County trade route are shown. It is important to note that serious climate changes that occurred on the shores of the Baltic and North Seas in the middle played an important role in the mentioned ethnic movements in the Baltics. I thousand years. AD, as well as transgression of the Baltic water level.
«ПРОТИВОЯДИЕ НЕГОДНИКАМ, УНИЖАЮЩИМ РОССИЙСКУЮ ИСТОРИЮ»: К ДИСКУССИИ БОЛТИНА И ЛЕКЛЕРКА
Authors: М.С. БОБКОВА 
Published: October 2024

Глава посвящена отражению представлений о народах России в разгоревшейся в XVIIIвеке дискуссии между французскими авторами П.-Ш. Левеком, Н.Г. Леклерком и русским историком И.Н. Болтиным о природе русского характера, экономике России, принципах ее внешней политики. Дискуссия была инициирована российской императрицей Екатериной II и ее книгой по истории России, которую она адресовала своему внуку Александру. Французские врачи, пробыв в России довольно много времени, достигли значительных чинов и составили большие состояния. Вернувшись во Францию, они издали книги, где порочили историю и настоящее варварской России. Уделено внимание теоретической основе критики И.Н. Болтина — климатической теории Ж. Бодена.
The chapter is about the reflection of ideas about Russian folks in the discussion that flared up in the 18th century between the French authors P.-Ch. Levek, N.G. Leclerc and the Russian historian I.N. Boltin about the nature of the Russian character, the Russian economy, the principles of its foreign policy. The discussion was initiated by the Russian Empress Catherine II and her book on the history of Russia, which she addressed to her grandson Alexander. The French doctors, having spent quite a long time in Russia, achieved significant ranks and made large fortunes. Returning to France, they published books in which they discredited the history and present of barbaric Russia. Attention is paid to the theoretical basis of I.N. Boltin's criticism — the climatic theory of J. Bodin.
ЛАНДШАФТНОЕ ВАРВАРСТВО: ВЗАИМОДОПОЛНЯЮЩИЙ КОМПОНЕНТ ИСТОРИИ ВАРВАРОВ
Authors: В.П. БУДАНОВА 
Published: October 2024

В исследовании рассматривается проблема взаимосвязи человека с природно-географической средой обитания, с климатическими условиями его выживания и жизнедеятельности в процессе исторической эволюции. Актуальность и целесообразность изучения роли природного фактора обусловлена потребностью системного анализа деструктивного действия географического детерминизма в процессе исторического становления и преодоления варварства. В качестве концептуальной основы впервые предложена модель ландшафтного варварства. Концепт «ландшафтное варварство» — это оценочная характеристика бесчеловечного, дикого поведения, враждебного, злонамеренного действия, жестокого, злобного поступка, побуждаемого взаимосвязью природы и человека, человека и природы в условиях и состоянии природно-географической среды обитания. На этой основе через эволюцию человека антропогенного периода определяются и раскрываются истоки насильственного поведения сапиенса.
The study examines the problem of human interaction with the naturaland geographical environment, with the climatic conditions of his survival and vitalactivity in the process of historical evolution. The relevance and expediency of studying the role of the natural factor is due to the needfor a systematic analysis of the destructive effectof geographical determinism inthe process of historical formation and overcoming barbarism. For the firsttime, a model of landscape barbarismwas proposed as a conceptual basis. The concept of «landscape barbarism» is an evaluative characteristic of inhuman, savage behavior, hostile, malicious action, cruel, malicious act, promptedby the interconnection of nature and man, man and nature in the conditions and condition of the natural and geographical habitat. On this basis, through the human evolution of the anthropogenic period, the originsof the violent behavior of sapiensare determined and revealed.
Formation of national varietal resources: status and prospects
Authors: Tkachyk S. O. , Zakharchuk O. V. , Kotsiubynska L. M. , Khomenko T. M. , Skubii O. A. , Zaval­niuk O. I. , Dubova I. Yu. , Stefkivska Yu. L. , Lynchak N. B. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To study the current state and structure of national plant variety resources, analyse the dynamics of their formation, identify new challenges and threats to national interests and food security of the state. Methods. The research used general scientific methods including hypothesis, observation, search with elements of extrapolation from the source database, analysis, comparative evaluation and synthesis to draw conclusions. Results. The physical and geographical location of Ukraine in the centre of Europe determines the export­import segment of resources of varieties and hybrids, which depends on international trends and trends in the food market. In recent years, our country has lost its leading position in the market of varietal plant resources. At the beginning of the third quarter of 2024, the share of varieties of Ukrainian applicants in the State Re­gister of Plant Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine was lower than that of foreign varieties, slightly exceeding 44% (corn – 45.3%, sunflower – 32.9%, vegetables – 23.3%, rapeseed – 19.1%, beetroot – 19.2%). Currently, the priority of domestic breeding is maintained for the following groups: cereals – 52.3%, fodder – 64.2%, medicinal – 88.7%. According to experts, in the coming years three quarters of the varieties of plants grown in our country will be of foreign origin. This situation is of great concern not only because of the increased dependence on imports, but also because of the real prospect of the decline of domestic breeding and the emergence of risks in the field of plant variety rights protection. The reasons for this state of national varietal resources and trends in the development of the seed industry of the main strategic varieties were analysed, taking into account the production of seeds of both foreign and domestic breeding, the market share of which was determined during the research. The volumes and the main producers of conditioned seeds in Ukraine were determined. Conclusions. The state of plant variety resources was analysed, trends and main problems arising in the process of their formation were identified. The main directions of development and implementation of the norms of the European national legislation in the field of protection of rights to plant varieties and seed production were determined.
Trihalomethanes (THMs) formation in chlorine-treated and -untreated wastewater and its horizontal and vertical distribution through the irrigation of agricultural fields
Authors: Aguilar-Santos Alma L. , Siebe Christina , Fuentes-García Ruth , Prado-Pano Blanca , Meza-González Jorge , Hernández-Quiroz Manuel , de Leon Claudia Ponce 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

This study examines the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in wastewater intended for crop irrigation and its relationship with dissolved organic carbon (DOC), aromaticity, and residual chlorine. The research takes a dual approach: assessing spatial distribution through field samples from canals now distributing treated, chlorinated wastewater and analysing vertical percolation of wastewater through soil previously irrigated with untreated, non-chlorinated wastewater for over 100 years. Spatial analysis reveals that THMs are present in wastewater before treatment, with concentrations increasing post-treatment. Although DOC levels decrease after treatment, their aromaticity remains unchanged, suggesting the persistence of labile DOC. The presence of THMs in treated wastewater from irrigation canals may result from shorter travel distances or increased chlorine use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vertical soil column experiments indicate a correlation between THM generation, water source, and soil type. Results show that THMs are retained in the soil, where labile DOC is trapped, reducing its concentration while potentially releasing DOC from humic substances. Despite this, THM concentrations do not pose a risk to aquifers, though ongoing monitoring is important should soil and/or treatment methods be altered.
A Study on the Rationality of Baicalein in the Treatment of Osteoporosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Li Qi , Ma Xingyan , Xu Xiaodong , Zhang Chengming , Wang Weiguo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract:
Baicalein (BN) is an active ingredient naturally present in Chinese herbs, such as Scutellaria
baicalein, Coptis chinensis, and Dendrobium officinale. It has a variety of pharmacological
activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Therefore, Baicalein
(BN) is widely used in the field of medicine and is considered a potential natural medicine. Osteoporosis
(OP) is a bone metabolic disease characterized by decreased bone mineral density and
bone structure destruction, which is mainly caused by decreased bone formation and increased
bone resorption. With the continuous development of molecular biology, the signaling pathways
and gene targets of bone metabolism are also expanding. Recent studies have shown that baicalein
may affect the function of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
through MAPK/ERK and MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways, so as to have a therapeutic effect
on OP. However, the specific mechanism of baicalein in the treatment of OP is still unclear. This
article reviews the literature, analyzes and summarizes the mechanism of action of baicalein, and
discusses its potential in the prevention and treatment of OP, so as to provide a basis for the clinical
application of baicalein.