bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single-phase equiatomic Co-Cr-Fe-Ni high-entropy alloy with excellent strain gauge sensitivity
Authors: Bykov Viktor , Kulikova Tatiana , Sterkhov Evgenii , Evdokimov Ilya 
Published: November 2024

Single-phase Co-Cr-Fe-Ni high-entropy alloys boast exceptional mechanical and electrical properties. These alloys are suitable for various functional applications, particularly as strain gauges and high ohmic resistors, due to this fact. The resistance-tension tests of the equiatomic CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy demonstrate higher strain gauge factor (GF) and elastic limit values than commercial strain gauges. In the elongation range of ε = 0–0.2%, the resistivity of the studied alloys follows a strictly linear pattern with respect to the applied load, up to 435 MPa. Heat treatment enhances the GF value of the as-cast alloy from 3.07 to 3.45. The annealing process changes the sample structure, resulting in an increase in the GF.
Protein-Energy Malnutrition and Its Progression in Dialysis Patients in West Delhi Centre: A Prospective Study
Authors: Khattar Deepshikha 
Published: November 2024

Background: There is a high prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition in patients with chronic renal failure who are undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Apart from this the pathogenic mechanisms of malnutrition are complex and involve an interplay of multiple pathophysiologic alterations including decreased appetite, decreased nutrient intake and dialysis related abnormalities.
Methods: The study subjects were patients of CKD 5 (MHD) of age 18 to 60 years enrolled from Anjuman Medical centre in West Delhi. Total 30 subjects (15 males and 15 females) were enrolled from Dialysis centre and their basic demographic profile socio economic status, dietary habits and physical activity details were recorded. Dietary nutrient (calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluid) was calculated by Diet Cal version 10.0 software using a 3-day dietary recall and analysed was done using SPSS software version 21.0. Nutritional status were measured at baseline , 2 months and 3 months. Knowledge, Attitude, practice and Quality of life also recorded at 1 month and at 3 months after nutritional counselling.
Results: The average BMI, weight, and height of males were (24.2 kg/m2, 67.6 kg, and 166 cm) and females were (22.2 kg/m2, 54.8 kg, and 158 cm) respectively. Blood pressure was 129±13 systolic and 79±10 mmHg diastolic. 23.3% had pallor, and 60% of patients were moderate and 33.3% were severely malnutrition. Handgrip was 21.7±6.9 kg. Protein intake changed from 52±15.9 to 73.2±11.4 in males and 47.8±50.4 to 57.0±13.7g in females after three months of the study. And energy improved from 1477±333 to 2253±494 in males and 1201±255 to 2106±346 kcal in females. Similarly, fat and phosphorus intake improved from 49.2±37.9 to 56.5±17.9 (p>0.080) and 728.9±287.7 to 1160.0±290.1 (p>0.000) respectively. While KAP was (8.5±2.0, 75.3±10.6 and 25.8±2.3) respectively and QoL also improved from 27.0±4.0 to 30.9±2.7 after 3 months of the study.
Conclusion: After 3 months of study, QoL and KAP significantly improved. Further, there were significant changes in intake of energy, protein and phosphorus in all dialysis patients. In nutritional status weight, MUAC and handgrip showed significant increase result. Blood pressure, pallor and MIS score also improved.
Soil-associated fungal and prokaryotic diversity influenced by stoniness, depth and vintage in a high-altitude vineyard
Authors: Mezzatesta Daniela , Oyuela Aguilar Mónica , Gobbi Alex , Pistorio Mariano , Hansen Lars Hestbjerg , Buscema Fernando , Piccoli Patricia , Berli Federico 
Published: November 2024

Soil microbes are increasingly recognised as key contributors to wine terroir, playing crucial roles in soil health and nutrient cycling. Fungi and prokaryotes interact with soils, influencing physical and chemical properties and mediating nutrient availability for roots. These microorganisms also impact vine performance and wine quality. Viticulture is expanding to higher elevations due to their cooler temperatures; Mendoza's mountainous regions are of particular interest being, characterised by vineyards with heterogenous soil stoniness. However, the effect of this variability on soil-associated microbial communities remains unclear. This study explores microbial populations (alpha and beta diversity, taxonomical composition, and their relationship with soil physicochemical properties) in soils of contrasting stoniness, at different depths, vintages and sample types. A Malbec vineyard with heterogenous soil stoniness was selected, with two experimental sites 30 m apart containing stony soil (SS; 77 % stoniness) and non-stony soil (NS; 0 % stoniness), respectively, and which were managed identically. Samples were collected from two depths (0.3 m and 0.6 m) during two vintages (2017 and 2018), from bulk and rhizosphere. Amplicon sequencing targeted the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene (prokaryotes) and the ITS1 region (fungi). Results showed that soil type significantly influences fungal populations, with less effect on prokaryotes. Vintage, reflecting annual changes in weather and viticultural practices, was the most significant factor affecting microbial communities. Depth was particularly important for fungi, while the sampling type (bulk or rhizosphere) had no significant impact on the microbiome within the same soil profile. Certain soil components were found to influence microbial communities: pH affected prokaryotes, while calcareous content specifically influenced the Proteobacteria phylum. Additionally, five fungal orders were more abundant in the stony soils, though some remained unidentified. These findings provide a baseline for understanding microorganisms in contrasting soils types of a high-elevation vineyard, and they highlight the role of microbial diversity in supporting unique soil-plant-environment interactions.
Everything You Need to Know Before Trying Pulsed Light Treatment for Your Applications
Authors: Filaire Edith , Georgeault Anais , Riedel Christophe , Poinsot Christian 
Published: November 2024

Pulsed light (PL) is a non-thermal technology which leads to different applications (food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging, medical devices) by inactivating microorganisms, knowing that the properties of PL technology are cumulative treatment, especially for bacteria. PL uses intense flashes of white light (200 nm–1100 nm wavelengths), rich in UV (200 nm–400 nm) and produced by xenon flash lamps. Localized photothermal and photophysical effects, but also the capability of its UV light component to modify the structure of biomolecules (photochemical effect), such as DNA and proteins, are the main mechanisms involved to explain the inactivation of microorganisms by PL. As compared to other sterilization methods, such as heat or chemical disinfectant treatment, PL treatment has several advantages; it is faster, induces low operational cost and leaves no residues. Nevertheless, no exhaustive data on exposure conditions are available, which would make it possible to repeat, interpret and evaluate the data needed for large-scale industrial deployment of PL in pharmaceutical and cosmetic packaging and medical devices. Research should also focus on understanding the inactivation mechanisms of different bacterial strains, states, and morphologies when exposed to PL.
Ancient DNA Reveals the Earliest Evidence of Sheep Flocks During the Late Fourth and Third Millennia BC in Southern Iberia
Authors: Anaya Gabriel , Garrido Juan Manuel , Riquelme José Antonio , Martínez Rafael M. , Membrillo Alberto , Caro José Antonio , Pajuelo Ana , Ruiz Adrián , Martín José Clemente , Molina Antonio 
Published: November 2024

The Spanish Merino is the most significant sheep breed globally due to its economic and cultural importance in human history. It has also had a substantial influence on the development of other Merino and Merino-derived breeds. Historical sources indicate that crossbreeding to produce finer, higher-quality wool was already taking place in the south of the Iberian Peninsula during the Roman era. This evidence suggests that individuals with a racial pattern very similar to that of the modern Merino may have already existed on the peninsula. The presence of skeletal remains of these animals at various human settlements dated to the late fourth and third millennia BC could provide insights into the genomics of these ancestral sheep. This study analyzes ancient DNA extracted from nine skeletal remains from three archaeological sites in southern Iberia, dated to the third millennium BC. The samples were sequenced and aligned with the ovine genome. The genetic distances observed among the samples indicate a closer relationship between several animals from the Marinaleda (Seville) and Grañena Baja (Jaén) sites, suggesting possible shared livestock practices among these communities, while this was not evident at the La Minilla site (La Rambla, Córdoba). The varying ages of sacrifice or death identified in the faunal studies of the sites producing the samples suggest a focus on meat exploitation at La Minilla (La Rambla, Córdoba), while in Grañena Baja (Jaén) and Marinaleda (Sevilla), the emphasis appears to have been on the use of secondary products. The genomic results of the nine Ovis aries individuals support this hypothesis.
Impact of Cement Distribution on the Efficacy of Percutaneous Vertebral Augmentation for Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Jia Ruigang , Li Dong , He Peng , Wang Xin-Qiang , Zhang Yunpeng , Bai Jianling , Tian Jiwei 
Published: November 2024

Background:
No studies have evaluated the impact of the cement distribution as classified on the basis of the fracture bone marrow edema area (FBMEA) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the efficacy of percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) for acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures.

Methods:
The clinical data of patients with acute, painful, single-level thoracolumbar osteoporotic fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The bone cement distribution on the postoperative radiograph was divided into 4 types according to the distribution of the FBMEA on the preoperative MRI. The primary outcomes were the postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Cement leakage, adjacent vertebral fractures (an important concern in complications after vertebroplasty and a subset of new fractures), and recollapse of the treated vertebra were also evaluated.

Results:
A total of 128 patients, 80.5% of whom were female, were included and had follow-up for 24 months. The mean patient age (and standard deviation) was 74.2 ± 8.6 years. The cement distribution was classified as Type I in 18 patients, Type II in 26, Type III in 46, and Type IV in 38. At the primary time point (6 months), there was a significant difference in the ODI score favoring the Type-III and Type-IV groups compared with the Type-I and Type-II groups (adjusted 95% confidence interval [CI]: Type I versus Type II, −2.40 to 4.50; Type I versus Type III, 1.35 to 7.63; Type I versus Type IV, 1.27 to 7.92; Type II versus Type III, 0.67 to 6.21; Type II versus Type IV, 0.63 to 6.46; adjusted p < 0.0083), whereas no significant differences were found between the 4 groups in the VAS pain score. The Type-II and Type-IV groups had a higher incidence of cement leakage, and the Type-III and Type-IV groups had a lower incidence of vertebral recollapse.

Conclusions:
An adequate distribution of bone cement is advantageous for functional improvement, short-term pain relief, and a lower rate of vertebral recollapse. The FBMEA appears to be a feasible reference marker for evaluating the performance of the PVA procedure.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Nonoperative Care Versus Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Authors: Pahuta Markian , Sarraj Mohamed , Busse Jason , Guha Daipayan , Bhandari Mohit 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) occurs when spondylotic changes compress the spinal cord and cause neurologic dysfunction. Because of a lack of comparative data on nonoperative care versus surgery for DCM, it has been difficult to support patients through the shared decision-making process regarding treatment options. Our objective was to synthesize the best available data in a manner that helps clinicians and patients to weigh the differences between nonoperative care and surgery at different ages and disease severity. The 2 patient-centered questions we sought to answer were (1) “am I more likely to experience worsening myelopathy with nonoperative care, or need more surgery if I have my myelopathy treated operatively?” and (2) “how much better will my quality of life be with nonoperative care versus surgery?”

Methods:
We used a health economic technique, microsimulation, to model head-to-head comparisons of nonoperative care versus surgery for DCM. We incorporated the best available data, modeled patients over a lifetime horizon, used direct comparators, and incorporated uncertainty in both natural history and treatment effect.

Results:
Patients with mild DCM at baseline who were ≥75 years of age were less likely to neurologically decline under nonoperative care than to undergo a second surgery if the index surgery was an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (ADR), or posterior cervical decompression and instrumented fusion (PDIF). Using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), our results suggest that surgery for DCM may be superior to nonoperative care. However, for all patients except those with severe DCM who are of middle age or younger (depending on the procedure, ≤50 to ≤60 years of age), the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for the estimated difference in QALYs was <0.

Conclusions:
In most patient groups, neurologic progression with nonoperative management is more likely than the need for additional cervical surgery following operative management, with the exception of patients 75 to 80 years of age and older with mild DCM. Furthermore, on average, surgery for DCM tends to improve quality of life. However, patients with DCM who are older than middle age should be aware that the estimates of the quality-of-life benefit are highly uncertain, with a lower bound of <0.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Gossypol, a natural product has good antimalarial activity of against Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates
Authors: Chirawurah Jersley D. , Ansah Felix , Amenga-Etego Lucas , Awandare Gordon A. , Aniweh Yaw , Blankson Samuel , Adikah Bridget 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Gossypol is known to have good antimalarial activities against chloroquine-resistant and susceptible Plasmodium falciparum parasites. However, there is limited data on its potency in clinical isolates of P. falciparum. Therefore, this study evaluated the potency of gossypol against six laboratory strains and twenty-one clinical isolates of P. falciparum using optimized growth inhibitory assays. Additionally, to study the mechanism of resistance, gossypol-resistant parasites with P. falciparum Dd2 background (Dd2_3.5 µM) were selected and screened against chloroquine, dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and three Malaria box compounds (MMV006087, MMV085203 and MMV008956). On average gossypol was twice more potent against the laboratory strains compared to the clinical isolates (IC50 value of 6.490 µM and 11.670 µM, respectively). We also observed the Dd2_3.5 µM parasites to be more sensitive after three months and then resistant after six months. Furthermore, the Dd2_3.5 µM parasites showed no cross-resistance to chloroquine, DHA and the three Malaria box compounds. The results from this study suggest gossypol might possess an interesting mechanism of resistance and potentially new targets in P. falciparum, which is different from the compounds tested. The data from this study could be important for the discovery of novel antimalarial compounds against drug-resistant malaria parasites.
Introgression of Desirable Alien Chromatin from Wild Avena Species into Cultivated Oat (Avena sativa L.) and Its Identification through Agro-Morphological and Molecular Techniques
Authors: Kumar Sawan , Sood VK , Sanadya Sanjay Kumar , Sharma Gaurav , Rachappanavar Vinaykumar , Kaushal Ritesh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The genetic enhancement of polyploid oats poses a significant challenge for crop production improvement. This study aimed to introgress desirable agronomic and quality traits from wild ‘Avena’ species into cultivated A. sativa L. We utilized three diploid species (A. strigosa L., A. longiglumis L., and A. orientalis L.), one tetraploid species (A. barbata L.), and three hexaploid species (A. sterilis L., A. byzantina L., and A. sativa L.) for interspecific and interploidy crosses. Interspecific crosses were advanced to BC1F1 and BC2F1 generations over three Rabi seasons at CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, India. Phytohormone application, embryo culture, and colchicine treatment facilitated interploidy crosses, while intraploidy crosses were performed without manipulation. We developed 41 embryos from A. strigosa × A. sativa, 18 from A. longiglumis × A. sativa, and 14 from A. orientalis × A. sativa, with 15 plants surviving colchicine treatment (34.88% survival rate). SSR primers confirmed hybridity, and molecular screening of BC1F1 and BC2F1 generations showed donor alleles in 16 of 26 BC2F1 plants. The BC2F1 derivatives exhibited significant improvements over the recurrent parent, including up to 75% higher beta-glucan content, 41% higher protein content, 11.28% reduced maturity days, and 70.96% higher seed yield. These advancements underscore the potential of BC2F1 derivatives in oat breeding programs for trait introgression and crop improvement.
Coping mechanisms of community psychiatric nurses against stigma in Ghana's Greater Accra Region
Authors: Buertey Abigail Ansere , Puplampu Gideon Lawer , Ani-Amponsah Mary , Jibril Mohammad Amin Ibrahim , Attiogbe Alexander 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Community mental health professionals deliver services to people with mental illness. They offer in-home services, delivering personalized care in clients' residences. Yet, there is a stigma around mental illness in these communities. It makes it hard to provide these services. The study aimed to find how community mental health experts cope with stigma.
Methods
We chose twelve participants for this study through a purposeful selection process. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed via thematic analysis.
Results
Community mental health nurses use several coping methods to deal with stigma. They avoid and ignore its sources. They also confront it, hold supportive peer discussions, and publicly educate others.
Conclusion
Experts recommended that the best way to reduce this stigma is through massive education. Thus, we need the media's help. District hospital managers should include community mental health nurses in the logistics sharing. This will enable effective work.
Flexible and lead-free polymer compositesfor X-ray shielding: A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix filled with nanoparticles of tungsten oxides
Authors: Rabiei Negar , Gholamzadeh Leila , KhajehAminian Mohsen , Sharghi Hamed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites have been investigated as one of the light and suitable alternatives to lead clothing for protection against X-rays. The present study aims to fabricate flexible, lead-free, X-ray-shielding composites using a polyvinyl chloride matrix and different nanostructures. Four different nanostructures containing impure tungsten oxide, tungsten oxide (WO3), barium tungstate (BaWO4), and bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) were synthesized through various methods. Subsequently, their morphological characteristics were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Two different weight ratios of these nanostructures (20% wt & 50% wt) were used to produce PVC composites. To investigate attenuation parameters, the prepared composites were subjected to X-ray irradiation at voltages of 40, 80, and 120 kV. The results showed that the PVC composites containing 20% wt Bi2WO6 had the highest linear attenuation coefficient (µ) at all three voltages. The incorporation of nanostructures would increase the attenuation coefficients. The Bi2WO6 composites with a weight ratio of 20% had the lowest half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and 0.5 mm equivalent lead thickness values at each of the three voltages. The PVC composites containing 50% wt Bi2WO6 had attenuation coefficients greater than those reported for PbO at each X-ray voltage. Therefore, this type of PVC composite is a suitable option for lead shields. Among the studied tungsten nanostructures, bismuth tungstate has good attenuation performance for X-ray protection. This material is also light, flexible, and non-toxic and can be suggested as an alternative to lead aprons.
AI-based Medical Imagery Diagnosis for COVID-19 Disease Examination and Remedy
Authors: Aboshosha Ashraf 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has spread to more than 200 countries, affecting millions, costing billions, and claiming nearly 2 million lives since late 2019. This highly contagious disease can easily overwhelm healthcare systems if not managed promptly. The current diagnostic method, Molecular diagnosis, is slow and has low sensitivity. CXR, an initial imaging tool, provides rapid results, but is less sensitive compared to CT scans. This article focuses on using AI for two main objectives: classifying the severity of COVID-19 and determining the appropriate treatment. Highlights key factors in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19, addressing questions such as: 1. For COVID-19 is innate immunity more important or acquired immunity? 2. Is the COVID-19 an immunity disorder or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome(ARDS)? 3. Is the cross mortality due to aging more dangerous than COVID-19? 4. Is COVID-19 a seasonal disease due to the deficiency of vitamin D in winter? 5. Is it better to treat COVID-19 as an epidemic or a pandemic?
Comparative Assessment of Electrical Activity of the Brain and Cardiorespiratory Response During Normobaric and Hypobaric Hypoxia
Authors: Karapetyan Marietta Armenak , Adamyan Nona Yura , Gevorkyan Emma Sergey , Karapetyan Anna Felix 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Providing the body with oxygen is one of the most pressing problems of modern physiology and theoretical medicine, since hypoxia underlies the pathogenesis of most diseases, and an in-depth study of these processes is of great practical importance.
For the normal functioning of the mechanisms for maintaining the body’s energy balance, it is necessary to preserve the parameters that characterize the functional abilities of oxygen transport systems. Disruption of this process leads to disruption of oxygen homeostasis and the occurrence of hypoxia, i.e. to a discrepancy between O2 delivery and the metabolic demand of an organ or cell. The main universal indicator of oxygen homeostasis, reflecting the adequacy of oxygen delivery and consumption, is the oxygen tension in the blood (PaO2).
During hypoxia, PO2 changes either due to a decrease in barometric pressure (hypobaric hypoxia -HH), or due to a decrease in the O2 fraction in the inspired air under normal atmospheric pressure conditions (760 mmHg) (normobaric hypoxia -NН). It has been established that in both hypobaric and normobaric hypoxia, the observed changes in functional indicators are a consequence of a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the environment (PO2).