bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Insights into Ascorbic Acid-Enhanced Germination of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Cadmium Stress
Authors: Ghiyasi Mahdi , Rezaee Danesh Younes , Amirnia Reza , Sharifi Leila , Najafi Solmaz , Mulet José M. , Porcel Rosa 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe objective of the present work is to study the impact of seed priming with varying concentrations of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the germination process of black cumin (Nigella sativa) under cadmium (Cd) stress. As expected, Cd had a great effect on germination rates and seedling growth. However, the application of ascorbic acid during seed priming effectively alleviated Cd stress and significantly increased seed vigor. Primed seeds exhibited markedly elevated final germination percentage, germination index, mean germination time, seedling length, seedling vigor index, and reduced abnormal seedling percentage. Additionally, vitamin priming reduced membrane lipid peroxidation, in treated seeds. Moreover, seed priming elicited a considerable increase in peroxidase and catalase activity, thus mitigating stress effects and augmenting seed vitality. Our experimental data allowed us to establish 100–150 mg/L as the optimal concentration range for ascorbic acid in seed priming of black cumin. These insights were further corroborated through modeling techniques based on supervised machine learning. Notably, XGBoost emerged as a proficient tool for predicting final germination percentage, mean germination time, seedling vigor index, abnormal seedling percentage, and peroxidase activity, while SVR demonstrated aptitude in forecasting catalase activity and germination index. The Gaussian method exhibited superior performance in predicting malondialdehyde content. These comprehensive findings substantiate the premise that vitamin priming with ascorbic acid serves as a promising strategy to ameliorate germination outcomes under Cd-induced stress conditions.
Responding to the challenges of Global Children Surgery: a unique program in Burkina Faso
Authors: Inglin Sophie , Bara Anata , Traoré Yacouba , Ganame Saïd N. , Coulibaly Abou , Ki Bertille , Barro Seydou , Barro Karim , Bandre Emile , Kouanda Seni , Wildhaber Barbara E. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The challenges are immense when it comes to enhancing the development of pediatric surgery in low- and middle-income countries in line with current recommendations for holistic and sustainable approaches. The Pediatric surgery development plan in Burkina Faso was started in 2020. This paper reports on our unique experience, focusing on the main actions and indicators monitored.

Methods
The program was developed based on the core principles of the Global Initiative for Children's Surgery, employing a comprehensive health system-strengthening strategy. Our approach aimed to address the pediatric surgical ecosystem through partnerships, research, and interventions at all levels of the healthcare system.

Results
Significant actions were implemented across various domains, including infrastructure, quality of care, workforce, community awareness, research, and advocacy. These efforts have led to a substantial strengthening of the pediatric surgical ecosystem in the country, achieving major milestones and outcomes in each of these areas.

Conclusion
This program has not only helped to create a major impulse for the expansion of pediatric surgery in Burkina Faso, but also enriched the community of interest with a robust implementation program to confirm the main challenge to succeed: integrating this most essential discipline into the wider framework of global health.
Is there a rationale for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the patients with Post COVID syndrome?
Authors: Pawlik MT , Rinneberg G , Koch A , Meyringer H , Loew TH , Kjellberg A 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in 762 million infections worldwide from 2020 to date, of which approximately ten percent are suffering from the effects after infection in 2019 (COVID-19) [1, 40]. In Germany, it is now assumed that at least one million people suffer from post-COVID condition with long-term consequences. These have been previously reported in diseases like Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Symptoms show a changing variability and recent surveys in the COVID context indicate that 10–30 % of outpatients, 50 to 70% of hospitalised patients suffer from sequelae. Recent data suggest that only 13% of all ill people were completely free of symptoms after recovery [3, 9]. Current hypotheses consider chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, latent viral persistence, autoimmunity, changes of the human microbiome or multilocular sequelae in various organ system after infection. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is applied since 1957 for heart surgery, scuba dive accidents, CO intoxication, air embolisms and infections with anaerobic pathogens. Under hyperbaric pressure, oxygen is physically dissolved in the blood in higher concentrations and reaches levels four times higher than under normobaric oxygen application. Moreover, the alternation of hyperoxia and normoxia induces a variety of processes at the cellular level, which improves oxygen supply in areas of locoregional hypoxia. Numerous target gene effects on new vessel formation, anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous effects have been demonstrated [74]. The provision of intermittently high, local oxygen concentrations increases repair and regeneration processes and normalises the predominance of hyperinflammation. At present time only one prospective, randomized and placebo-controlled study exists with positive effects on global cognitive function, attention and executive function, psychiatric symptoms and pain interference. In conclusion, up to this date HBO is the only scientifically proven treatment in a prospective randomized controlled trial to be effective for cognitive improvement, regeneration of brain network and improvement of cardiac function. HBOT may have not only theoretical but also potential impact on targets of current pathophysiology of Post COVID condition, which warrants further scientific studies in patients.
Application of DSP2 for biological sex estimation in a Spanish sample: analysis based on sex and side
Authors: San-Millán Marta , Warrier Varsha , Carrera Anna , Reina Francisco 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Applying existing sexing methodologies to different populations, and reporting these findings is important to enhance their applicability and accuracy in real cases across the world. DSP was published in 2005 (Murail et al., 2005) and updated as a DSP2 in 2017 (Brůžek et al., 2017) based on a database of 10 pelvic measurements from 2040 individuals worldwide. These tools have been applied subsequently to various populations, however, its applicability to a dry Spanish population is lacking. 303 hipbones belonging to 157 individuals from the School of Legal Medicine from the University Complutense of Madrid (Spain), of which 140 individuals were documented, were analyzed to investigate the reliability, applicability and accuracy of the DSP2 sex estimation methodology, examining side and sex-based potential differences for the first time. In most of the DSP variables, intra-rater reliability showed excellent results and % applicability was higher than 85.0%. Overall % accuracy was higher than 94.0% regardless of the number or discriminant power of the utilized DSP variables. However, % sexing decreased when less variables or less discriminant ones were used for estimations, reaching 45.51% (left) and 43.31% (right). Regarding sexual dimorphism, females’ results of % applicability, % sexing and % accuracy were higher compared to males. In addition, left os coxae achieved better outcomes (aforementioned percentages) in most of the cases in the sex-pooled sample. Decreasing the mandatory posterior probability by 10% yielded an increase in the % sexing but reduced % accuracy, and thus, does not seem to enhance the approach’s performance. The present study validates the applicability and reliability of DSP for sexing a Spanish population. Future investigations will attempt to assess its applicability within virtual anthropology.
On the localization of reward effects in overlapping dual tasks
Authors: Langsdorf Leif E. , Darnstaedt Daniel , Schubert Torsten 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn dual-task (DT) situations, performance deteriorates compared with single-task situations. Such performance decrements are frequently explained with the serial scheduling of the response selection stages constituting a bottleneck. Proof of this assumption stems from the observation that response times for the second task (task 2; RT 2) increase with decreasing stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA).In this study, we investigated how the reward prospect for task 1 performance affects task 1 and task 2 processing. For that purpose, we relied on the psychological refractory period paradigm (PRP) as a chronometric tool, to determine the locus of the reward effect in the processing chain of both tasks.We obtained improved task 1 and task 2 performance; as indicated by reduced RTs in the reward compared to the no reward condition of task 1 and task 2. Furthermore, the reward effect propagated at short SOA from task 1 onto task 2, suggesting that the locus of the reward effect can be pinpointed before or at the bottleneck of task 1. Importantly, the mean reward effect on task 1 was increased compared to task 2, thus indicating that parts of the reward effect were not propagated onto task 2, therefore affecting task 1 motor processes.In Experiment 2, we tested for the locus of the effect propagation to task 2. Therefore, we implemented a difficulty manipulation of the response selection of task 2. The results indicate that the reward effect is propagated from task 1 onto the response selection stage of task 2.
How a co-actor’s (Un-) reliability modulates goal selection in a novel joint goal-setting paradigm
Authors: Götz Felix J. , Dreisbach Gesine 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSociomotor theory – an extension of ideomotor theory – suggests that actions can also be represented in terms of the effects they elicit from others. But what if those others violate one’s action effect anticipations? Here, we introduce a novel joint goal-setting paradigm to investigate effects of co-actors’ occasional and overall unreliability on an individual’s goal selection. In a first step, the participant moved a target halfway from the bottom center to the top left or right corner of the computer screen. In the second step, the co-actor moved the target to its final left or right position. In a learning block, the co-actor always continued the participant’s target movements. In the test block(s), the co-actor produced congruent action effects in 50% (unreliable) vs. 80% (reliable co-actor) of the trials. Experiment 1 consisted of one (between-participants), Experiment 2 and 3 of two (within-participants) test blocks; in Experiment 3, the co-actor changed between blocks. Results of Experiments 1 and 3 reveal that participants repeated their corner choice more often after incongruent trials, but only when the co-actor was generally reliable. Implications in terms of sociomotor action control and joint action are discussed.
Enhancing reservoir inflow forecasting precision through Bayesian Neural Network modeling and atmospheric teleconnection pattern analysis
Authors: Vasheghani Farahani Ehsan , Massah Bavani Ali Reza , Roozbahani Abbas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Via the framework of this research, a Bayesian Neural Network (BNN) machine learning model integrated with atmospheric teleconnection patterns was employed to predict the monthly inflow to three major dams (Zayanderood, Amirkabir, and Karun 3) in Iran. The impact of eight teleconnection indices throughout 1 to 12 months, as well as local station variables such as precipitation and inflow, was assessed. Optimal input variables and time delays were determined utilizing the Mutual Information index, identifying specific teleconnection patterns as significant influencers on dam inflow. The performance of the BNN model was compared to an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model using both deterministic and probabilistic metrics. For deterministic evaluation, the Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) for the BNN model in the best prediction scenarios was 10.93%, 9.07%, and 7.55% for Zayanderood, Amirkabir, and Karun 3 dams, respectively. The corresponding values for the ANN model were 12.27%, 10.72%, and 7.71%. Additionally, probabilistic evaluation using CRPS demonstrated that BNN outperformed ANN in the test phase, with CRPS values of 8.98 m3/s compared to 14.69 m3/s (Zayanderood), 1.77 m3/s compared to 3.17 m3/s (Amirkabir), and 36.16 m3/s compared to 51.22 m3/s (Karun 3), highlighting BNN’s superior predictive skill. Despite these results, both models exhibited limitations in accurately predicting inflow peaks. This study highlights the potential of teleconnection patterns as predictive variables for dam inflow and underscores the importance of further exploration across different regions. Using BNN for dam inflow prediction is a significant contribution to the field of hydrological forecasting and offers a generalizable approach for incorporating large-scale climate patterns into water resources management.
Revolutionizing cardiovascular health: integrating deep learning techniques for predictive analysis of personal key indicators in heart disease
Authors: Talaat Fatma M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a global burden, highlighting the need for innovative approaches for early detection and intervention. This study investigates the potential of deep learning, specifically convolutional neural networks (CNNs), to improve the prediction of heart disease risk using key personal health markers. Our approach revolutionizes traditional healthcare predictive modeling by integrating CNNs, which excel at uncovering subtle patterns and hidden interactions among various health indicators such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle factors. To achieve this, we leverage advanced neural network architectures. The model utilizes embedding layers to transform categorical data into numerical representations, convolutional layers to extract spatial features, and dense layers to model complex interactions and predict CVD risk. Regularization techniques like dropout and batch normalization, along with hyperparameter optimization, enhance model generalizability and performance. Rigorous validation against conventional methods demonstrates the model’s superiority, with a significantly higher R2 value of 0.994. This achievement underscores the model’s potential as a valuable tool for clinicians in CVD prevention and management. The study also emphasizes the need for interpretability in deep learning models and addresses ethical considerations to ensure responsible implementation in clinical practice.
Liver transplantation for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine liver metastasis: optimal patient selection and perioperative management in the era of multimodal treatments
Authors: Kasai Yosuke , Ito Takashi , Masui Toshihiko , Nagai Kazuyuki , Anazawa Takayuki , Uchida Yoichiro , Ishii Takamichi , Umeshita Koji , Eguchi Susumu , Soejima Yuji , Ohdan Hideki , Hatano Etsuro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractGastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NET) often metastasize to the liver. Although curative liver resection provides a favorable prognosis for patients with neuroendocrine liver metastasis (NELM), with a 5-year survival rate of 70–80%, recurrence is almost inevitable, mainly in the remnant liver. In Western countries, liver transplantation (LT) has been performed in patients with NELM, with the objective of complete removal of macro- and micro-NELMs. However, prognosis had been unsatisfactory, with 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of approximately 50 and 30%, respectively. In 2007, the Milan criteria were proposed as indications for LT for NELM. The criteria included: (1) confirmed histology of NET-G1 or G2; (2) a primary tumor drained by the portal system and all extrahepatic diseases removed with curative resection before LT; (3) liver involvement ≤50%; (4) good response or stable disease for at least 6 months before LT; (5) age ≤ 55 years. A subsequent report demonstrated outstanding LT outcomes for NELM within the Milan criteria, with 5-year overall survival and recurrence rates of 97 and 13%, respectively. In Japan, living donor LT (LDLT) for NELM has been performed sporadically in only 16 patients by 2021 in Japan; however, no consensus has been reached on the indications or perioperative management of LDLT. This article presents the outcomes of these 16 patients who underwent LDLT in Japan and reviews the literature to clarify optimal indications and perioperative management of LDLT for NELM in the era of novel multimodal treatments.
The beach: tourism tax competition along the Italian coasts
Authors: Cavallero Chiara , Zagler Martin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates how tourism taxes are used by municipalities to attract tourists. We analyze how municipalities compete among each other, explicitly accounting for the spatial dimension. This paper provides a novel contribution to the literature on tax competition by explicitly modeling and testing the spatial dimension. First, we present a spatial model of tax competition, which is an adoption of the Hotelling model of imperfect competition in the linear city. We find that tax rates are strategic complements, as a change in taxes of one town will lead to a similar change of tax rates in neighboring towns. Second, we test the model with data from tourism taxes along the Italian coastline. We find that towns on the Tyrrhenian coast loose tourists to municipalities in the (south)east, if those reduce their tourism tax rate, and compete by lowering their own tax rates with respect to towns in the (north)west. We do not find similar behavior along the Adriatic coast.
Visibility of alveolar bone thicknesses on CBCT images–a study on minimum bone requirements using various reconstruction techniques, viewing modes, and resolutions
Authors: Lennholm Camilla , Andreasen Hanna , Westerlund Anna , Lund Henrik 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate at which thickness marginal bone becomes visible to the observer on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and how reconstruction technique and viewing mode affect assessment.

Materials and methods
Fourteen anterior teeth from six human mandibles were examined with two CBCT resolution protocols: standard- and high-resolution. Distance from the cementoenamel junction to the visible marginal bone level (MBL) was measured in three groups of reconstructed CBCT images: multiplanar reformation (MPR) with grey scale, MPR with inverted grey scale, and 3D rendering. These measurements were used to identify the bone level where marginal bone width should be measured on histological photographs of sliced teeth. Gold standards comprised measurements of bone thickness at the superior MBL on histological photographs.

Results
MPR grey scale images exposed at high-resolution settings yielded highest validity: bone widths of 0.173 mm (buccal) and 0.356 mm (lingual) were necessary for visibility on a CBCT image. 3D-rendered lingual surfaces exposed with high-resolution settings had lowest validity. Intra-observer agreement for all CBCT and histological measurements was high.

Conclusion
The best CBCT resolution protocol, reconstruction technique, and viewing mode for analyzing buccal and lingual surfaces of the alveolar bone margin are images exposed with a high-resolution protocol, reconstructed using MPR, and viewed in grey scale. Bone thickness required to be visualized was twice lingually compared to buccally.

Clinical relevance
The visualization of bone thickness in CBCT requires a greater thickness on the lingual side compared to the buccal side. 3D-rendered reconstructions should be avoided when evaluating thin bony structures.
Sympathetic nerve activity and response to physiological stress in Takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Ekenbäck Christina , Persson Jonas , Tornvall Per , Forsberg Lena , Spaak Jonas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The prevailing hypothesis posits that Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is caused by massive sympathetic activation, yet supporting evidence remains inconsistent. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether sympathetic activity and reactivity are enhanced in the recovery phase of TTS, and to evaluate the effect of selective β1-receptor blockade on sympathetic reactivity.

Methods
We conducted a case–control study that included 18 female patients with TTS and 13 age- and sex-matched controls. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity was measured through microneurography of the peroneal nerve at rest and during the cold pressor test. In the TTS group, recordings were repeated after randomisation to intravenous metoprolol or placebo. In 10 TTS patients, cardiac sympathetic activity was assessed using iodine 123-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy. Blood samples were collected during hospitalisation.

Results
Microneurography was performed a median of 27.5 days after patient admission. There were no significant differences in burst incidence, burst frequency, burst height or burst area between the TTS patients and the controls at rest, during stress or after administration of intravenous metoprolol. Iodine 123-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy was performed a median of 12.5 days after admission, revealing decreased early 1.54 ± 0.13 and late 1.40 ± 0.13 heart-to-mediastinum ratios, and an increased washout rate of 41.8 ± 12.1%. Catecholamine metabolites were comparable between the study groups.

Conclusion
General sympathetic hyperactivity or hyperreactivity unlikely contributes to TTS, as catecholamine levels and muscle sympathetic nerve activity at rest and during stress were similar between the TTS patients and the controls. As scintigraphy showed increased cardiac sympathetic activity, a pathological cardiac adrenergic response and vulnerability to sympathetic activation may be crucial for the development of the syndrome.
Enhancing tuberculosis surveillance in quarry workers: identifying vulnerable subgroups
Authors: Sousa Sofia , Carvalho Carlos , Alves Catarina Magalhães , Santos Sofia , Gonçalves Guilherme , Duarte Raquel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Stone quarry workers and others exposed to silica are especially vulnerable to tuberculosis (TB). Silicosis is a known risk factor for TB disease, but other common comorbidities and habits such as diabetes and alcohol and tobacco consumption may increase risk. We aimed to estimate the risk of TB infection among stone quarry workers and to identify associated factors.

Methods
An annual TB infection screening strategy using interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) was implemented in 2018 for quarry workers in two high-incidence municipalities in Portugal. Workers with a first negative IGRA test were followed up and stratified by age group, preconditions including silicosis, diabetes and hypertension, and alcohol and tobacco abuse. Incidence rates and adjusted risks for TB infection were quantified using Cox regression hazard rates.

Result
From 2018 to 2022, 997 stone quarry workers were screened for TB. Of those, 347 were negative in their first and performed at least one additional IGRA test, being included in the analysis. The overall rate of infection was 3.2 per 100 person-year. Silicosis, diabetes, and age above 45 years were independent risk factors for TB infection [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.9 (95% CI: 1.4–5.9), 2.9 (1.1–7.7), and 2.73 (1.1–6.6) respectively].

Conclusions
Silicosis and diabetes seem to be independent risk factors for TB infection and should be targeted to reduce the burden of TB further. We suggest periodic screening of TB infection in people with silicosis, but more broadly in all those exposed to silica, especially if they also have other comorbidities such as diabetes.