bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Relationship between Air Pollution and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Cases Among Children Under Five: A Case Study of Nakuru County, Kenya (2020-2022)
Authors: Kipterer John Kapoi , Sowe Alieu , Boitt Mark K , Mundia Charles N 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Air pollution seriously threatens respiratory health, particularly for children under five. The majority of air pollution-related fatalities occur in low- and middle-income countries, with Africa bearing a significant burden. The rapid urbanization, vehicle emissions, and inadequate waste management in Kenya have led to a surge in respiratory illnesses, such as Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI) in Nakuru County. To address this pressing issue, this study explored the use of remote sensing data to analyze pollutant levels (CO, NO2, SO2, and PM2.5-AOD) and URTI cases from 2020 to 2022. This research aimed to uncover the correlation between air pollution levels and respiratory health outcomes, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
Health facility data from KHIS and WHO were mapped using ArcGIS, with a 10 km buffer for spatial analysis. Google Earth Engine extracted and processed pollutant data (CO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5). Statistical analysis was conducted using Pearson, Spearman, and Mann-Kendall tests in R to analyze the correlation between pollutants and URTI cases, providing insights into temporal trends and spatial distributions of contaminants relative to health outcomes.
The spatial analysis showed low and moderately distributed CO concentrations, consistent levels of PM2.5-AOD, and a peak in URTI cases from May 2021 to February 2022, with no clear evident seasonal correlation with NO2 levels. SO2 levels remained low, and CO variations showed no seasonal association with URTI. AOD was lower in early 2020, 2021, and January 2022 without affecting the URTI patterns.
The correlation analysis revealed weak positive relationships between URTI and pollutant levels, with Pearson coefficients of 0.042 and 0.002, respectively, and even weaker relationships for PM2.5-AOD. This suggests that other unmeasured factors might influence URTI incidences or that the analysis needed to capture the impact of pollutants fully. However, these findings are crucial as they highlight the need for further exploration of indoor air pollution, socioeconomic status, nutrition, and genetic predisposition to gain a comprehensive understanding of this issue. They have the potential to significantly impact future research and policy decisions in this area.
Risks and Complications of Monozygotic Triplet Pregnancy Following Single Blastocyst Transfer: Insights from a Case Report and Future Directions.
Authors: Upadhyay Divyesh , Halaby Rajia Al , Anandt Sudha , Albuz Firas , Almekosh Rawan , Peramo Braulio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
This case report explores the rare occurrence of monozygotic triplet pregnancies resulting from a single blastocyst transfer in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). The novelty lies in documenting this unusual outcome, which provides valuable insights into the potential for zygotic splitting and its implications for reproductive practices.
Case Presentation
The patient, a woman with diminished ovarian reserve, underwent in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) and Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A). The testing identified one euploid and one aneuploid embryo. With informed consent, a single euploid frozen-thawed embryo was transferred. The pregnancy resulted in the development of monozygotic triplets, as confirmed by the presence of three yolk sacs and fetal poles. Unfortunately, the pregnancy ended in a spontaneous miscarriage at the 10th week of gestation.
Conclusion
The development of monozygotic triplets from a single embryo transfer underscores the unpredictable nature of ART and the potential for rare outcomes such as zygotic splitting. This case highlights the need for heightened awareness, early detection, and proactive management of such pregnancies to address associated risks. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind zygotic splitting in ART procedures and to improve clinical outcomes.
The Experience of Parents of Autistic Children with Pathological Demand Avoidance: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Curtis Sam , Izett Elizabeth 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Emergent research literature has identified emotional and behavioural challenges for autistic children with pathological demand avoidance (PDA). However, understanding of their parents’ experience is limited. This study aimed to explore the experience of parents of autistic children with PDA. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were completed with ten parents of autistic children with PDA, aged between 5 and 11 years. To explore what meaning participants gave to their lived experience, an interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted on interview data. Results: Four main themes were developed from the IPA data analysis; the benefit of a shared understanding about PDA to the parents and their PDA children, the power of PDA and the impact on families, the emotional experience of parents, and the various ways in which they coped. Conclusion: The need for further recognition and understanding about PDA is emphasised through recommendations for future research. As is the need for flexible, informed, and appropriate support for PDA children and their families.
Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction with Single-Port Laparoscopically Harvested Omental Flap: Insights from a Ten-Year Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Yoon Kyung-Hwak , Ahn Sang-Hoon , Shin Hee-Chul , Koh Hyoung Won , Park Joseph Kyu-Hyung , Myung Yujin , Jeong Jae Hoon , Heo Chan Yeong , Kim Eun-Kyu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the 10-year functional and oncological outcomes of single-port laparoscopically harvested omental flap (SLOF) for immediate breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. The technical feasibility and oncologic safety of breast reconstruction using a laparoscopically harvested omental flap remain controversial.
Methods
We examined 236 patients with breast cancer (including 2 patients with malignant phyllodes tumors) who underwent nipple-sparing mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery followed by immediate SLOF reconstruction between February 2015 and March 2024 at our institution. Short- and long-term outcomes were assessed. Cosmetic outcomes were evaluated using a three-panel assessment and the Seoul Breast Esthetic Scoring Tool and compared with those of a matched cohort of patients who underwent transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap breast reconstruction.
Results
The rate of clinically significant complications of Clavien-Dindo grade IIIa or greater was 3.8% (9/236). Two patients with flap failure required flap removal and conversion to other reconstruction procedures. The cosmetic satisfaction rates were 82.5% and 76.4% in the SLOF and TRAM groups, respectively (P = 0.467). Over a median 59-month follow-up, the local, regional, and systemic recurrence rates were 3%, 2.1%, and 3%, respectively. All patients underwent annual screening for gastric cancer via esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and there were no cases of delayed flap removal due to gastrectomy.
Conclusions
Oncoplastic breast reconstruction using SLOF is safe and feasible. The natural contour and texture of the reconstructed breast and the nearly invisible scar at the abdominal single-port incision provide excellent cosmetic outcomes that are superior to those of other reconstruction methods.
The mixed effects of recent cover crop adoption on U.S. cropland productivity
Authors: Lobell David , Tommaso Stephania di , Zhou Qu , Ma Yuchi , Specht James , Guan Kaiyu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Farmers in the United States have rapidly expanded the use of cover crops (CC), with national CC area nearly doubling since 2012. Despite many benefits that motivate public subsidies, questions remain about potential downsides. Using satellite observations from over 100,000 fields, half of which recently adopted CC, we demonstrate that CC led to: (i) declines in average yields for corn and soybean, by ~3% and ~2%, respectively; (ii) delays in sowing of corn (4 days) and soybean (3 days); (iii) reduced damages in the wet spring of 2019, with CC fields only half as likely to experience prevented planting as non-CC fields. CC appears to reduce important aspects of farmer risk in wet conditions but increase them in dry conditions. Timely planting of the cash crop deserves emphasis moving forward, as we show eliminating sowing delays would reduce yield penalties by roughly 50% for corn and 90% for soybean.
A Case of Cutaneous Cryptococcosis and Literature Review
Authors: Wu Shurui , Zhao Pei , Lin Biwen , Zhang Xiaoning , Ye Kun , Li Chengxin , Song Cuihao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background When a patient presents with painful skin ulcers accompanied by purulent discharge and there is a possibility of immune deficiency, the potential for opportunistic pathogen infection should be considered.
Case Presentation This report presents a case of a skin cryptococcal infection in a 68-year-old female patient who had been on long-term oral ruxolitinib due to myelofibrosis. The skin lesions were characterized by red plaques on the inner side of the right upper arm, accompanied by painful ulcers that had persisted for 9 months. Following an incision and drainage procedure locally, there was continuous purulent exudate that did not heal. Pathological examination indicated diffuse lymphocytic infiltration in the dermis, with a small number of neutrophils, and PAS staining was positive. Cultures of the purulent discharge revealed Cryptococcus neoformans in full view, with positive India ink staining. Serum cryptococcal antigen testing was positive, and after antifungal treatment and daily wound irrigation, the lesions healed.
Conclusions This article briefly introduces the diagnosis and treatment process of the patient in this case and further analyzes the possible causes. Our literature review reveals that skin cryptococcosis lesions are typically non-specific, and clinical manifestations alone are insufficient for a definitive diagnosis. It is essential to maintain clinical vigilance and combine tissue pathology and microbiological examinations.
Examining the Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of Eyes-Open and Eyes-Closed Backward Treadmill Training on Balance, Mobility, and Fear of Falling in Sub-Acute Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pathan Nawaj Mehtab , Saxena Rahul , Kumar Chandan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Gait impairment among stroke survivors is a prevalent and significant issue that necessitates appropriate rehabilitation interventions to address multiple factors such as muscle strength, balance, and coordination. One recommended approach for improving gait function is physical therapy, which helps to improve strength, balance, and coordination by reducing muscle weakness, spasticity, and tone. Other interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing gait function and mobility among stroke survivors include task-specific, high-velocity gait training. The effects of backward treadmill training were comparable to or superior to those of forward treadmill training in improving balance, gait speed, and stride length. Backward treadmill training can be considered as a potential rehabilitation intervention for stroke survivors with gait impairments.
Methods: This study will be a two-arm, double-blinded, 4-week pilot, randomised clinical trial involving 4-week interventions & 2 weeks follow-up. Forty subacute stroke survivors will be recruited from a tertiary care hospital in India. The study participants will be randomly assigned to either the eyes-open backward treadmill training group EOBT(n=20) or the eyes-closed backward treadmill ECBT training group (n=20). The participants in both groups will receive 4-week interventions and standard care. Standard care consists of self-management exercises printed in a booklet. The primary outcomes will include a series of feasibility assessments of the study protocols about the study’s methodological procedures, including subject recruitment and follow-up processes, completion of study protocols, and feasibility acceptability and safety of the intervention such as balance, gait, and fear of fall, which will be evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and Fall Efficacy Scale.
Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee of Sharda University (Ref No-SU/SMS&R/76-A/2022/73). The research results will be presented at conferences and disseminated through scientific journals subject to peer review.
Trial Registration Number: -CTRI/2023/08/056653.
Dual Natural Enzyme-Tuned Biomineralized Nanoflowers for Boosting Cascade Catalytic Antibacterial Therapy and Relieving Inflammation
Authors: Zhang Hanyu , Hao Meng , Dong Xiao , Liang Gemeng , Zou Jinshuo , Li Yongxin , Xie Peitao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The development of the non-antibiotic agents that clinically safe remains a huge challenge in combating bacterial infections. Herein, we report the construction of dual natural enzymes bromelain (Bro) and glucose oxidase (Gox)-based peroxidase-like nanoflowers through copper phosphate biomineralization for synergistic antibacterial/anti-inflammatory therapy. The hybrid nanoflowers firstly exert the Gox activity for catalyzing the oxidation of glucose to produce H2O2, which is subsequently converted into highly reactive ·OH through their peroxidase-like activity. This cascade enzymatic activity endows nanoflowers with excellent antibacterial efficiencies, inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) by 99% without the addition of exogenous H2O2, thus greatly reducing toxic side effects. Meanwhile, the nanoflowers downregulate the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the inflammatory response through the release of Bro, significantly accelerate the healing of bacteria-infected wounds. Besides, the nanoflowers utilize the biomolecules and endogenous metal species as building blocks, together with a green and simple synthesis method, guaranteeing their biosafety in practical applications. Overall, the unparalleled biocompatibility and robust antibacterial/anti-inflammatory ability make the nanoflowers a highly promising candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections in future clinical applications.
Unraveling the competition between charge and energy transfer in 0D/2D nanographene-graphene heterojunctions
Authors: Wlazło Mateusz , Langer Michal , Semchuk Oleksandr Y. , Osella Silvio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The charge and energy transfer processes in photoexcited 0D/2D donor/graphene heterojunctions occur through multiple different pathways. A donor deexcitation event occurring in the most prevalent Förster energy transfer mechanism (strongly favored over Dexter transfer in van der Waals heterojunctions) forbids the charge transfer from occurring, thus creating a competition between the two processes. By applying a robust computational approach, we describe the two processes from first principles, and quantify their rates using Förster and Marcus theories. We consider nanojunctions where the donor are nanographenes with varying size and symmetry, and discern important trends, e.g. the symmetry-induced quenching, or the enhancement due to increased size. We find that heterojunctions where nanographenes do not have a center of symmetry show decreased photoinduced hole and energy transfer rates, which can then be recovered by increasing the delocalization length, whereas for centrosymmetric nanographenes both hole and energy transfer processes are enhanced. However, the hole transfer rate dominates over the energy transfer process, providing a new computation-driven design principle for obtaining a high-charge transfer junction with minimized contribution of the competing energy transfer.
Estimating the nutritional value of an aerobic digester waste by vertical agriculture system (hydroponics)
Authors: Ghai Manan Kaur , khatri Annu , Seth Kunal , Thakur Indu Shekhar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Soilless cultivation (Hydroponics) has emerged as a potential technique which is expeditiously acquiring the interest of a wide range of researchers and scientists all around the globe. Loss of arable land, soil degradation, water shortages, biodiversity loss, and climate change are all having negative consequences for a key agricultural industry. The two most essential criteria impacting crop production in hydroponics are the growth media (substrates). The study is helpful in determining the appropriate growing media and nutrient solution concentration for commercial cultivation of commercial plants like Lactuca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Brassica rapa and Coriandrum sativum are grown hydroponically. The response of plant to different growing media (nutrient media) was examined and analysed in detail in this study. The macronutrient and micronutrient analysis were done and evaluated. However, our findings must be interpreted in light of a few limitations in the research design and implementation. In future it might be possible due to de-contamination of the toxic compounds from the aerobic digester waste water, the quality and quantity of the plant might improve. Utilisation of nano-nutrients can be done which can provide high stability in the nutrient solution. Development of photo tubes can be done to enhance photosynthesis and also to work out the cost.
Exploring the effect of pore shape on mechanical properties of porous rock-like materials under uniaxial compression via DEM
Authors: Fang Chuanfeng , Yu Weijian , Wang Ping , Zhang Zizheng , An Baifu , Wu Genshui , Liu Shunkai , Zhao Tieyong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The pore shape is a crucial factor affecting the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of porous rock-like materials. This paper quantitatively analyzes the effects of the angularity and aspect ratio of pores on the mechanical properties of porous rock-like materials under uniaxial compression via the Discrete Element Method (DEM). Numerical models containing pores of various shapes were constructed as Voronoi polygon aggregates to more realistically reflect material fracture. The results indicate that as either angularity or aspect ratio increases, the uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus decrease in distinct patterns, while Poisson's ratio remains constant. Additionally, an increase in angularity or aspect ratio not only causes cracks to initiate at the sharp corner and make the crack deviate from the axial loading direction, but also results in an increase in the total length of cracks and the number of fragments. Finally, the evolution of the microstructure, including contact forces and the spatial distribution of stress, was evaluated to investigate the impact of pore shape on microscopic characteristics.
The application of hyperin on tobacco leaf to affect leaf microbial communities and reduce TSNAs in Burley tobacco
Authors: Feng Ji , Yang Chunlei , Yang Ruiwei , Liu Juan , Rao Xiongfei , Qiao Baoming , Qin Guangjiong , Yang Mei , Yang Jinpeng 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

To study the effect of hyperin on the bacterial community diversity and richness on the leaves surface of Burley tobacco, a variety of Burley tobacco ‘Eyan 1’ was used as the research material. On harvesting day, two weeks and four weeks after air-curing, all leaves of the treatment group were sprayed with the hypericin, while all leaves of the control group were sprayed with pure water. The results showed that the application of hyperin could potentially affect the bacterial community diversity and richness on the Burley tobacco leaves. By analyzing the microbial population structure analysis, microbial correlation, and related metabolic pathways, we found that the hyperin can promote the growth of the three genera (Agrobacterium, Stenotrophomonas, and Bacillus) to reduce the TSNAs content of the middle and upper Burley tobacco leaves. The results of this study can provide evidence to study the effect of hyperin on the microbial community and enhance the understanding of the regulation mechanisms of hyperin in Burley tobacco.
Analyzing the Effect of Major Financial Indicators on the Stock Prices of Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Dahal Pramod 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This research investigates how the price-to-earnings ratio (PE ratio) and other financial indicators influence the market prices of Nepalese commercial banks. It highlights the importance of the market PE ratio in shaping investment decisions among Nepalese investors. The study utilizes multiple regression models to analyze data from five commercial banks listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange, covering 35 yearly observations from the fiscal years 2015/16 to 2021/22. The analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between the market prices of these banks and their PE ratios and book values. Other indicators, such as the dividend rate, earnings yield, and market-to-book value ratio, also show positive relationships, though their significance diminishes in certain cases. However, the study's generalizability may be limited due to the small sample size and the focus on a few financial measures specific to commercial banks. Despite this, the research offers valuable insights, particularly emphasizing the PE ratio as a key factor that Nepalese investors consider in their investment decisions. The findings are expected to be useful for investors, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
JEL Classification: G11, G12, G21, G41
Microwave pre-stimulation methodology for plant growth promotion
Authors: Suzuki Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Yasuhiko , Kadomatsu Kanae , Yamakawa Kazuha , Sameshima Miori , Ando Atsumi , Horikoshi Satoshi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Although positive effects of microwave irradiation on plants have been reported, their underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of low microwave irradiation on Arabidopsis thaliana. Interestingly, we found low output (23 wattages) with oscillating condition (not continuous irradiation) promoted plant growth. The microwave irradiation neither raised the plants’ temperature nor induced heat responsive gene expression. Futhermore, overall transcriptome profile in microwave irradiation treated plants were significanly different from heat treated plants, suggesting that growth promotion might be attributed to non-thermal effects of microwave. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis indicated that microwave irradiation altered circadian clock as well as hormonal response especially in auxin and gibberellin, which promoted plant growth by inducing amino acid biosynthesis and stress tolerance, and reducing cell wall thickness. This finding potentially contribute to develop new approach to increase food production through accelerating crop yield in environmentally friendly way.