bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of background dose rate on non-human biota in a Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystem
Authors: Guillén Javier , Real Almudena , Salas Alejandro , Pérez Danyl , Muñoz-Muñoz Juan Gabriel , Escribano Alicia , Sterling Agustina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe assessment of radiological impact to the environment is usually carried out by the dose rate estimation to hypothetical entities named Reference Animals and Plants (RAPs). There are many codes to carry out this assessment, which requires the definition of a scenario and using site-specific transfer parameters when possible. Transfer parameters present a geographical bias, as they are mostly derived from temperate and arctic climate datasets, but there is a scarcity of data for Mediterranean climates. In this study, a terrestrial Mediterranean scenario was defined using the distribution of activity concentrations of anthropogenic (90Sr, 137Cs) and naturally occurring radionuclides (40 K, 210Pb, 210Po, 226,228Ra, 235,238U, 232Th) in Cáceres province (Spain). Site-specific transfer factors, CRwo-media, defined as the ratio between the concentration in the whole organism and the medium (soil in this case) were considered. Dose rate assessments for terrestrial RAPs were carried out using Tier 3 in ERICA Tool, ranging 0.23–3.73 µGy/h which is below the screening level of 10 µGy/h. Therefore, no harmful effects are expected to occur. Internal dose rate predominates over external one because the main contributors are naturally occurring radionuclides (in most cases 40 K, 226,228Ra, 210Pb, 210Po), which are mostly α-emitting radionuclides. These results can be used for the evaluation of other radiological and nuclear installations in Mediterranean climates, as they set the background dose rate.
A reduced graphene oxide-coated conductive surgical silk suture targeting microresistance sensing changes for wound healing
Authors: Ding YuQi , Wang XuChen , Liu JingGe , Shen HongQiang , Wang Zhong , Xie MaoBin , Chen Ying , Barcenas Adileidys Ruiz , Zhao ZeYu , Li Gang 
Published: October 2024

AbstractConventional sutures used in surgical procedures often lack the capability to effectively monitor physical and chemical activities or the microbial environment of surgical wounds due to their inadequate mechanical properties, insufficient electrical accuracy and unstability. Here, we present a straightforward layer-by-layer coating technique that utilizes 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (CA), graphene oxide (GO), and ascorbic acid (AA) to develop conductive silk-based surgical sutures (CA-rGSFS). The CA-rGSFS feature a continuous reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film on their surface, forming robust hydrogen bonds with silk fibroin. The reduction process of rGO is confirmed through Raman analysis, demonstrating an enhanced D peak to G peak ratio. Notably, the CA-rGSFS exhibit exceptional mechanical properties and efficient electron transmission, with a knot-pull tensile strength of 2089.72 ± 1.20 cN and an electrical conductivity of 130.30 ± 11.34 S/m, respectively, meeting the requirements specified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for 2-0 sutures. These novel CA-rGSFS demonstrate the ability to accurately track resistance changes in various fluid environments with rapid response, including saline, intestinal, and gastric fluids. The suture also retains remarkable stretchablility and stability even after enduring 3000 tensile cycles, highlighting their potential for precise surgical site monitoring during the wound healing process.
Semi-automatic robotic puncture system based on deformable soft tissue point cloud registration
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Kui , Yao Yuhang , Wu Bo , Li Qiang , Zhang Zheming , Fan Peihua , Wang Wei , Lin Manxia , Fujie Masakatsu G. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Traditional surgical puncture robot systems based on computed tomography (CT) and infrared camera guidance have natural disadvantages for puncture of deformable soft tissues such as the liver. Liver movement and deformation caused by breathing are difficult to accurately assess and compensate by current technical solutions. We propose a semi-automatic robotic puncture system based on real-time ultrasound images to solve this problem.

Method
Real-time ultrasound images and their spatial position information can be obtained by robot in this system. By recognizing target tissue in these ultrasound images and using reconstruction algorithm, 3D real-time ultrasound tissue point cloud can be constructed. Point cloud of the target tissue in the CT image can be obtained by using developed software. Through the point cloud registration method based on feature points, two point clouds above are registered. The puncture target will be automatically positioned, then robot quickly carries the puncture guide mechanism to the puncture site and guides the puncture. It takes about just tens of seconds from the start of image acquisition to completion of needle insertion. Patient can be controlled by a ventilator to temporarily stop breathing, and patient’s breathing state does not need to be the same as taking CT scan.

Results
The average operation time of 24 phantom experiments is 64.5 s, and the average error between the needle tip and the target point after puncture is 0.8 mm. Two animal puncture surgeries were performed, and the results indicated that the puncture errors of these two experiments are 1.76 mm and 1.81 mm, respectively.

Conclusion
Robot system can effectively carry out and implement liver tissue puncture surgery, and the success rate of phantom experiments and experiments is 100%. It also shows that the puncture robot system has high puncture accuracy, short operation time, and great clinical value.
Climatic and edaphic controls of root-tip production and mortality in five temperate tree species
Authors: Ma Yaoyuan , Yang Ni , Wang Siyuan , Huo Changfu , Yu Lizhong , Gu Jiacun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRoot tips are the main components of absorptive fine roots, but their seasonal dynamics and relationship to environmental factors remain unclear due to the difficulties in methodology. In this study, we explored the temporal patterns of root-tip production and mortality in monoculture plantations of five temperate tree species at a common site in northeastern China, and identified the general environmental controls on such processes. We made monthly in-situ assessments of root tip length (RTL) production and mortality in two hardwood and three coniferous species with a minirhizotron (MR) method during the growing seasons of 2008 and 2009. Air temperature, rainfall, soil temperature and water content at 10 cm depth were determined concurrently. RTL production in all species exhibited consistent peaks in summer (June–August) in two growing seasons. RTL mortality showed substantial interannual and interspecific variability, with peaks in autumn and winter in 2008, but various patterns in 2009. RTL production positively correlated with monthly soil and air temperature across all species, and with monthly rainfall in three coniferous species. However, there was no significant correlation between RTL production and soil water content. By contrast, RTL mortality was weakly related to environmental factors, showing positive correlations with soil temperature in Korean spruce, and with rainfall in Korean pine and Korean spruce. Our findings suggest that the seasonal patterns of RTL production are convergent across the five temperate tree species due to the overlapped distribution of heat and rainfall, which can conduce roots to maximizing the acquisition of nutrient resources in the soil.
Addressing Stigma-Related Health Disparities for Autistic Individuals Through Cultural Competemility: Insights from Research and Lived Experience
Authors: Hotez Emily , Phan Jenny M. , Truong Dieu M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Autistic individuals experience disproportionate stigma across the life course in interpersonal, healthcare, and educational contexts. These experiences contribute to negative health and healthcare outcomes for this population. This paper seeks to describe autistic individuals’ experiences of stigma and marginalization; discuss frameworks such as Campinha-Bacote's innovative concept of cultural competemility and its relevance to autistic populations; offer recommendations to healthcare providers based on this framework; and apply theory to practice in a case study.

Recent Findings
Autistic individuals increasingly understand autism as an important aspect of their identity. There are, however, few culturally informed healthcare efforts that reflect this understanding. As a result, efforts to address stigma-related health disparities for this population have limited effectiveness.

Summary
In this manuscript, we highlight opportunities within clinical encounters, medical training, healthcare offices and systems, and research to provide higher quality culturally informed care to autistic populations and address stigma-related health disparities.
Do Community Views of Local Police Agencies Change During “Crises of Legitimacy”? Results of a Multi-wave Random Sample Community Survey in a Large Suburban Jurisdiction
Authors: Lum Cynthia , Koper Christopher S. , Khatchatourian Hailey 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGeorge Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis Police Department officer on May 25, 2020, was arguably one of the most impactful events in modern policing in the United States. However, several controversial and highly publicized use-of-force events preceded it during the 2010s, leading to this entire period being labeled a “crisis of legitimacy” or “reckoning” for the police. Nationally, perceptions of the police declined during this period, especially after Floyd’s death, prompting a great deal of debate, protest, and discussion about police reform (including arguments about defunding the police). However, a great deal of variation exists in these perceptions at the local level. This study presents a rare insight into this issue, pooling two random-sample household mail surveys that researchers collected in 2015 and 2021 in a large urban-suburban county. It seeks to determine whether changes in specific measures of perceived police legitimacy and effectiveness found in national-level polls were also found in this jurisdiction, and more specifically, across different racial groups. Although this racially and ethnically diverse county is also a progressive Democratic stronghold, the results suggest that local views about police—even when disaggregated by race—may not align with national perspectives or events as expected, which, in turn, may impact support for police reforms at the local and national levels.
Zakat, Non-state Welfare Provision and Redistribution in Times of Crisis: Evidence from the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gallien Max , Javed Umair , van den Boogaard Vanessa 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAround the world, the Covid-19 pandemic drew attention to state social protection and its limitations. Less attention has been paid to what is likely the world’s largest system of predominantly non-state welfare provision: zakat, an annual Islamic obligatory payment of a percentage of productive wealth to the poor and other eligible recipients. We explore how states and citizens engage with zakat during crises through a case study of the Covid-19 pandemic in Pakistan, Egypt, and Morocco, drawing on novel and nationally representative survey data of 5484 respondents across the three countries. While we may expect that citizens may be less motivated to pay zakat in times of personal economic hardship, we find that a large majority of the general population and of zakat contributors perceives zakat as particularly important in the Covid context. We show that while zakat may play an important role in non-state social welfare provision supplementing state social protection and redistribution in times of crisis, state attempts to harness it are often ineffective. However, while we find that higher income individuals are more likely to pay zakat, even only among those that are eligible, there are potentially negative equity impacts given the flat rate at which it is levied and the fact that people tend to give through personal networks.
Saltwater intrusion simulations in coastal karstic aquifers related to climate change scenarios
Authors: Canul-Macario Cesar , Pacheco-Castro Roger , Hernández-Espriú Antonio , González-Herrera Roger , Salles Paulo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCoastal zones are crucial ecosystems supporting significant biodiversity and pertinent socio-economic activities. However, anthropogenic development contributes to socio-environmental complexities, particularly public water supply threats caused by climate change. This research presents a case study on the north-western coast of Yucatan, Mexico, which models potential saltwater intrusion in groundwater for multiple projections of sea level rise and recharge change due to climate change and its implications for the public water supply of the regional population and ecosystem. For this purpose, a previously calibrated and validated numerical model is employed, adapting its boundary conditions, keeping its calibrated hydrogeologic parameters, and considering the 2040 and 2100 climate change projections. Simulation results show that under these projections, significant saltwater intrusion may occur, reducing freshwater thickness due to increased salinity in groundwater and a loss of freshwater sources resulting from brackish-saline wedge intrusion. These scenarios are of particular concern as freshwater in this coastal region is the main source for public water supply and for freshwater input in coastal ecosystems. Moreover, this study underscores the susceptibility of karstic aquifers to salinization, especially in the face of rising sea levels, given their unique hydrogeological characteristics and substantial responsiveness to marine forcings. In spite of the uncertainties in global climate change predictions, this study enhances our understanding of the dynamics of these unique aquifers, and presents future saltwater intrusion projections that offer valuable technical insights to design and implement pertinent and resilient coastal aquifer management strategies.
DNA methylation dysregulation patterns in the 1p36 region instability
Authors: Swierkowska-Janc Joanna , Kabza Michal , Rydzanicz Malgorzata , Giefing Maciej , Ploski Rafal , Shaffer Lisa G. , Gajecka Marzena 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn the monosomy 1p36 deletion syndrome, the role of DNA methylation in the genomic stability of the 1p36 region remains elusive. We hypothesize that changes in the methylation pattern at the 1p36 breakpoint hotspot region influenced the chromosomal breakage leading to terminal deletions. From the monosomy 1p36 material collection, four cases with 4.0 to 5.5 Mb terminal deletions and their parents were investigated. DNA samples were assessed by targeted bisulfite sequencing (NimbleGen SeqCap Epi) to examine DNA methylation status in the 1p36 hotspot region at single-base resolution as compared to the chromosomal hotspot regions, 9p22, 18q21.1, and 22q11.2. Additionally, in in silico assessment, the mean GC content of various classes of repeats in the genome and especially in the breakpoint regions was evaluated. A complex landscape of DNA methylation in the 1p36 breakpoint hotspot region was found. Changes in DNA methylation level in the vicinity of the breakpoint in the child’s DNA when compared to parents’ and control DNA were observed, with a shift from 15.1 to 70.8% spanning the breakpoint region. In the main classes of evaluated repeats, higher mean GC contents in the 1p36 breakpoint region (47.06%), 22q11.2 (48.47%), and 18q21.1 (44.21%) were found, compared to the rest of the genome (40.78%). The 9p22 region showed a lower GC content (39.42%) compared to the rest of the genome. Both dysregulation of DNA methylation and high GC content were found to be specific for the 1p36 breakpoint hotspot region suggesting that methylation abnormalities could contribute to aberrations at 1p36.
Parental Insightfulness, Parental Sensitivity, Parent and Child Mental Health, and Attachment in Autistic Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lee Jia Ying Sarah , Whittingham Koa , Mitchell Amy E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to examine whether parental insightfulness is associated with parental sensitivity, parent and child mental health, and attachment in autistic children. Eligible articles used a quantitative research design and included participants who were parents or caregivers of a child diagnosed with autism and who completed a measure of parental insightfulness. Eight papers (six studies) met inclusion criteria. Parental insightfulness was associated with higher parental sensitivity and attachment security. No studies investigated associations between parental insightfulness and parent mental health. Although research is limited, parental insightfulness appears to be associated with parental sensitivity and child attachment in families of autistic children. More research is required to confirm whether these relationships exist cross-culturally, and with different caregivers.
The connection between anemia and limitations in daily activities among older males: the critical role of dynapenia
Authors: Karismaz Abdulkadir , Soysal Pinar , Eren Rafet , Serin Istemi , Aslan Ceyda , Rahmati Masoud , Yon Dong Keon , Smith Lee 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Aim
The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between anemia and basic and instrumental activities of daily living in older male patients.

Methods
A total of 223 older males attending one geriatric outpatient clinic were included in this cross-sectional study. Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin level below 13 g/dL. Patients’ demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and comprehensive geriatric assessment parameters were also recorded. Handgrip strength of < 27 kg for males was accepted as dynapenia. Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional capacity.

Results
The mean age (standard deviation) of the participants was 80.17 (7.69) years. The prevalence of patients with anemia was 43.9%. There was differences between anemic and non-anemic groups in terms of presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic kidney disease (CKD), malnutrition, dynapenia, geriatric depression, BADL and IADL scores (all p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for all confounding variables except for dynapenia, patients with anemia were associated with reduced BADL and IADL (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for all confounding variables including dynapenia, deterioration in total BADL and IADL scores did not remain significant in the anemic group compared to the non-anemic group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion
Close to one in two older outpatient men had anemia. Anemic men had a higher incidence of DM, CHF, CKD, malnutrition, geriatric depression and dynapenia. Anemia was associated with dependence in both BADL and IADL in older men. However, comorbidities, nutritional status, depressive mood and, specifically muscle strength, were important contributors to this association.
Disability trends among elderly Ukrainians in war conditions: a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Kyrychenko Alla , Khanyukova Inna , Moroz Olena , Sirenko Oksana , Kuryata Olexandr 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Aim
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in elderly are a significant problem in Ukraine. It is expected that the ongoing war will augment this problem. The study aimed to analyze the trends of disability due to NCDs s in newly-diagnosed elderly patients between 2013 and 2023.

Methods
This retrospective study included data obtained from the official document “Report on the Causes of Disability and Indications for Medical, Professional, and Social Rehabilitation” commissioned by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The data on disability due to NCDs s were obtained from for 2013–2023.

Results
During the 2013–2021 the average number of disabled elderly patients due to NCDs per 10,000 elderly persons was significantly lower in compare with working-age. During the first year of full-scaled war the average number of disabled elderly patients due to NCDS s per 10,000 elderly persons dramatically increased by 2-fold, and in 2023 – by 2.8-fold against 2013 value (p < 0.05), while in working-age the disability rate increased significantly only in 2023 by 1.4-fold compared to the pre-war level. In 2013–2021 the main causes of disability among those related to NCDs in elderly were cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancer. In 2022 compared to the pre-war level, the indicators of disability of the elderly due to CVD increased by 1.5 times, due to cerebrovascular diseases - by 2.2 times, due to cancer - by 1.7 times, due to musculoskeletal diseases - by 2 times (p < 0.05). The most significant increase in the number of elderly people with disabilities during the full-scale war occurred due to coronary artery disease - by 55.1%, and osteoarthritis - by 83.4% from baseline in 2013. It estemated the differences in indicators of disability of elderly between regions of Ukraine, significantly higher indicators of disability of the elderly due to cardiovascular diseases, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases were noted in the frontline regions.

Conclusions
Data on primary disability among elderly Ukrainians indicates a significant increase in NCDs-related disability during the war in compare with working population, especially in frontline regions and regions with a high concentration of displaced persons. In this structure of NCDs-related increasing disability, CVD, oncology and musculoskeletal diseases system prevailed.
Dynapenic abdominal obesity and activities of daily living disability among older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Smith Lee , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Soysal Pinar , Kostev Karel , Jacob Louis , Veronese Nicola , Tully Mark A. , Butler Laurie , Barnett Yvonne , Pizzol Damiano , Shin Jae Il , Koyanagi Ai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) may be associated with an increased risk of disability. However, to date, this has not been investigated in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), while the mediators are largely unknown.

Aims
Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between DAO and activities of daily living (ADL) disability, and to identify potential mediators among older adults from six LMICs.

Methods
Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health were analyzed. Data on 20,198 adults aged ≥ 60 years were analyzed [mean (SD) age 69.3 (13.1) years; 54.1% females]. Dynapenia was defined as handgrip strength of < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women. Abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference of > 88 cm for women and > 102 cm for men. DAO was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Disability was defined as severe or extreme difficulty in conducting at least one of six types of ADL. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis were conducted.

Results
Compared to no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity, DAO was significantly associated with 2.08 (95%CI = 1.37–3.17) times higher odds for ADL disability Mediation analysis showed that diabetes (mediated percentage 4.7%), hypertension (7.2%), and angina (7.7%) were significant mediators in the association between DAO and ADL disability.

Conclusions
DAO was associated with increased odds for ADL disability among older adults from LMICs. Future longitudinal studies are warranted to assess temporal associations, and whether addressing or preventing DAO can impact on future occurrence of disability.