bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The functional prognosis of older adults in a postacute care center: the impact of dementia
Authors: Bermudez Ester , Salvat Isabel , Viñuelas Eva , Palma Jose , Ciutat Marta , Grau Imma , Vilella Elisabet , Sepúlveda Esteban 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The functional recovery of older adults in postacute care units is influenced by demographic and clinical factors, including the presence of dementia. However, studies on this topic are scarce and do not often focus on this population. Objective: The objective was to determine the influence of different factors on the functional prognosis, mortality and need for support at discharge of patients admitted to a postacute care centre, controlling for the presence of dementia. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study. We analysed the correlations between demographic and clinical factors and functional improvement (according to the Barthel Index, Tinetti test and Functional Ambulation Category scale), the need for support at discharge and mortality. We performed bivariate analysis followed by binary logistic regression or linear regression depending on the type of variable. Results: A total of 206 patients were included. The presence of dementia and delirium were related to most outcome variables, so the sample was stratified according to the presence of dementia. After multivariate analysis, functional outcome of people with dementia was influenced by their previous autonomy and degree of improvement in hospital, the presence of delirium and anaemia on admission, as well as having a hearing deficit. The risk of death was associated with malnutrition, inflammation, antipsychotic treatment and having more functional losses prior to admission. People without dementia had better baseline functioning, influenced by few clear factors, where those with higher education and not married had better prognosis in autonomy and risk of falls and only malnutrition was a risk factor for mortality. Conclusions: Dementia status is a determining factor for functional improvement, autonomy and mortality after admission to a postacute care unit. Differentiated risk algorithms for patients with and without dementia, would allow better targeting of functional rehabilitation.
New 5-methylisatin-thiosemicarbazones: preparation, spectroscopic elucidation and antioxidant properties
Authors: Bakır Temel Kan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

New isatin-thiosemicarbazone (1–6) were obtained from various 5-methylisatin and various isocyanates with good yields and efficient methods. The structures of the synthesized compounds were clarified by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. In the study using butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) as a reference antioxidant, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antiradical quenching capacities of the synthesized compounds were determined. The free radical scavenging effects of the synthesized compounds were compared with the IC50 values obtained from the concentration equations and were found in the order BHT > 6 > 5 > 3 > 2 > 1 > 4. Structural and electronic properties of the compounds were examined by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and their relationship with the antioxidant properties of the compounds was discussed. DFT calculations played an important role in determining how the electronic properties of the synthesized compounds, especially in the presence of different substituents and in the ortho and meta positions, and accordingly the antioxidant properties of the compounds, changed. Experimental and theoretical results confirmed that methoxy-containing structures in the synthesized compounds exhibit higher antioxidant effects compared to halogen-containing structures, regardless of their position.
Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI Composite: A Novel Sensing Material for the Electrochemical Detection of Orange II and Rhodamine B Food Dyes
Authors: Akhtar Mehwish , Almalki Abdulraheem , Abdullah Tahreem , Fallatah Ahmed , Alhadhrami A , Shakir Imran , Warsi Muhammad 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The sensitive and selective monitoring of food dyes is essential due to their potential carcinogenic effects on human as well as on living organisms. Herein, Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI nanocomposite was prepared and successfully applied as a recognition layer for the sensitive and fast analysis of Orange II (OR II) and Rhodamine B (RB) via DPV. The prepared nanocomposites were described by XRD, SEM and FTIR analysis. The XRD results verified the crystalline nature of the composite. Successful fabrication of electrode surface was confirmed from CV, EIS and CC. Due to the outstanding electrochemical characteristics, high surface area, and good electrocatalytic activity of Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI, the peak currents of dyes on modified GC electrode are considerably higher than among all studied electrodes. The detection conditions such as supporting electrolyte, amount of modifier, pH of the medium, accumulation potential and time were studied and optimized. Under optimized conditions, the designed sensor exhibited two linear ranges from 0.005–0.1 and 0.1–1 µM with detection limits of 0.56 nM and 0.42 nM for OR II and RB, which was attributed to the high surface area, strong accumulation ability and multiple active sites of Fe3O4@MXene/rGO/PANI. Futhermore, the stability of the designed sensor was analyzed for the detection of OR II and RB. The practical applicability of this sensor was also scrutinized for the analysis of OR II and RB in real samples and suitable results were obtained. Hence, this simple and effective methodology for detection of dyes has good potential for monitoring of environmental pollutants.
Genetic and Clinical Determinants of MACE and Haemorrhage in Antiplatelet Therapy: Insights from Pharmacogenomic Analysis
Authors: ZHAO Jun , Wang Yubo , YUAN Shuangli , Li Muyun , Feng Wenling , Li Jing , Berdi Aliye , Kou Yulian , Chen Wenwen , Yuan Yuan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Variability in responses to clopidogrel and aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease has driven interest in pharmacogenomics. This study investigates the role of genetic variants in CYP2C19, ABCB1, and PON1 in predicting adverse cardiovascular events and guiding personalised antiplatelet therapy.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of the risk levels from CYP2C19 (*2, *3, *17), ABCB1 C3435T, and PON1 Q192R polymorphisms. The primary outcome was the incidence of haemorrhage and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Kaplan Merir curves and Cox regression with IPTW adjustments were used for analysis.
Results: Group A (treatment consistent with multigene testing) showed significantly lower MACE incidence than Group B. Multigene testing more accurately predicted clopidogrel effectiveness than single-gene testing and reduced adverse events without increasing haemorrhagic risk.
Conclusion: Multigene-guided antiplatelet therapy is more effective in reducing adverse cardiovascular events. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings, incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors for a comprehensive personalised medicine approach.
How Humans Engineered Possibilities of Landscape: Baskets and Basketry Materials in İnönü Cave
Authors: Ekmen F. Gülden , Ekmen Hamza , Crivellaro Alan , Yaman Barbaros 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Wood and bark are among the most significant raw materials prehistoric and early historical human communities used to produce tools and goods that shaped their daily life. Since special conditions are required to preserve objects made with these materials until today, we have limited information about how often or how this basic raw material was used. Here, we report evidence of how wood and bark were used in basket crafting and compare them with modern-day uses. On the northwestern coast of Türkiye, Zonguldak-Karadeniz Ereğli İnönü Cave has special conditions for the preservation of wood and other organic materials. In the Late Bronze Age Level III of the cave (1436 − 1123 Cal BC), baskets and evidence of basketry were found among water-filled puddles. These records are valuable for understanding how the environment surrounding archaeological sites was used by its settlers. Analyzes carried out to understand which types of trees in the environment are preferred for basket production highlighted European yew (Taxus baccata L.) and field maple (cf Acer campestre L.) species. Production techniques and species analyses of basket remains show the knowledge and level of specialization in basket production of the Late Bronze Age settlers of İnönü Cave.
ARFID InitiativE Sweden (ARIES): Study protocol
Authors: Hog Liv , Fundin Bengt T. , Palm Erik Everett , Billger Annelie , Bulik Cynthia M. , Abbaspour Afrouz , Dinkler Lisa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The ARFID InitiativE Sweden (ARIES) investigates the genetic and environmental factors contributing to avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in children and adolescents aged 6 to 14 years.
Methods
The study will involve 1,500 Swedish children and adolescents with ARFID and a control group of 500 Swedish children and adolescents without ARFID. Parents/guardians and their children will complete online questionnaires assessing ARFID and other eating disorder (ED) pathology, co-occurring conditions, quality of life, and parental stress and ED pathology. All participants will provide a saliva sample for comprehensive genetic analyses. Additionally, a subset of participants will provide a stool sample to investigate the gut microbiome in ARFID.
Discussion
ARIES will investigate the genetic and environmental factors of ARFID while establishing a national biobank and research registry. It will provide valuable data for immediate research and longitudinal follow-up to track ARFID course and outcomes. ARIES data will clarify genetic relationships between ARFID and other EDs and psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and somatic conditions. Additionally, microbial analysis will shed light on the gut microbiome in ARFID, guiding future nutrition interventions. The biobank will also facilitate future genomic and other -omic research, laying a strong foundation for future studies.
Needs Assessment of Workplace Mental Health: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kabir Umme Saika , Czechowski Claudia Jozefina , Fraser Lynda , Poulter Heather , Kristman Vicki L 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Mental health conditions are a leading cause of workplace disability. The recent COVID-19 pandemic impacted organizations and the working population globally and resulted in widespread organizational changes. In this context, the primary objectives of this study were 1) to gain deeper insights into employers’ perceptions of the alterations in workplace mental health (WMH) and stigma during the pandemic, and 2) to better understand the current needs of local workplaces regarding WMH.
Methods
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted through online surveys of employer representatives in the City of Thunder Bay and District located in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. The online pre-pandemic survey was available between April 2018 and July 2018. A different set of employer respondents completed the post-pandemic survey between November 2022 and March 2023. The results of these two cross-sectional surveys were compared to understand employer perspectives on WMH and stigma at the community level, and changes in need for interventions.
Results
There were 78 and 71 participants in pre-and post-pandemic surveys respectively. Most were female, employed in upper and middle management, and were working for more than 10 years in their current workplace. Overall, post-pandemic survey respondents mentioned poorer mental health compared to the pre-pandemic sample. WMH was a higher priority in organizations who participated after the pandemic than before, with 25% of workplaces ranking it as the top priority post-pandemic. Most of the participants (61%) in the pre-pandemic sample were interested in strategies for promoting and preventing mental health concerns, whereas 62% of the post-pandemic respondents exhibited an interest in knowing about strategies for managing chronic stress and burnout. In the post-pandemic group, online resources became a more popular means of acquiring knowledge on WMH. However, both the pre-and post-pandemic samples exhibited a lack of knowledge on the legal aspects of WMH.
Conclusions
The study provides insight into the WMH needs of employers pre- and post-pandemic. As we move forward, it is imperative that organizations continue to prioritize WMH, provide ongoing efforts to destigmatize mental health issues, foster a culture of open communication, and invest in employee support systems.
Foliar application of carbon based nano-biochar colloidal solution elevates tomato productivity by counteracting the effect of salt stress: Insights into morphological physiological and biochemical indices
Authors: Shahzadi Javeria , . Zaib-un-Nisa , ali Naila , Iftikhar Muhammad , Shah Anis Ali , Ashraf M. Yasin , Chao Chen , Shaffique Shifa , Gatasheh Mansour K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Nano-biochar considers a versatile and valuable sorbent to enhance plant productivity by improving soil environment and emerged as a novel solution for environmental remediation and sustainable agriculture in modern era. In this study, roles of foliar applied nanobiochar colloidal solution (NBS) on salt stressed tomato plants were investigated. For this purpose, NBS was applied (0%, 1% 3% and 5%) on two groups of plants (control 0 mM and salt stress 60 mM). Tween-20 was used as a surfactant to prolong NBS effective stay on plant leaf surface. The results showed that 3% NBS application effectively improved the plant height, plant biomass, fruit count and fruit weight under non-stressed and stressed plants. In addition, 3% NBS application further increased the plant pigments such as chlorophyll by 72% and 53%, carotenoids by 64% and 40%, leaf relative water content by 4.1 fold and 1.07 fold under both conditions, respectively. NBS application stabilized the plasma membrane via reducing electrolyte leakage by 30% as well as reduced the lipid peroxidation rates by 46% and 29% under non-stressed and stressed plants, respectively. 3% NBS application also significantly enhanced the plants primary and secondary metabolites, as well as activities of antioxidant enzymes compared to control plants. Overall, NBS foliar application significantly improved all growth and yield indices, pigments, primary and secondary metabolites, leaf water content, antioxidant enzyme activities as well as reduced electrolyte leakage and lipid peroxidation rates in tomato to combat stress conditions.
Unravelling the role silica nanoparticles to ameliorate chromium heavy metal stress in Mexican marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Raza Hafiz Zulqurnain , Shah Anis Ali , Noreen Zahra , Usman Sheeraz , Javad Sumera , Kaleem Muhammad , Gatasheh Mansour K. , Shafique Shiffa 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The influence of environmental contamination on different ecosystems has become a major problem worldwide. Pollution of heavy metals in soil has become a serious global concern. The purpose of the present experimental work was to assess the effect of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) on the growth, biochemical parameters, and physiological responses of Tagetes erecta L. plants under chromium (Cr) stress. In the current investigation, we implemented the CRD experiment, and three sets of replicates were employed, each comprising nine unique treatments; control, Cr-I (50 mg kg− 1), Cr-II (100 mg kg− 1), SiNPs-I (100 mg L− 1), SiNPs-II (200 mg L− 1), Cr-I + SiNPs-I, Cr-I + SiNPs-II, Cr-II + SiNPs-I, Cr-II + SiNPs-II). When plants were exposed to Cr, the oxidative damage was noticeable. Cr contamination markedly decreased the growth characters of the plants including shoot and root length, fresh and dry weights as well as photosynthetic pigment but increased the level of proline, hydrogen-peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA) and relative membrane permeability in plants. Significantly, the impacts of Cr on plants were avoided by SiNPs application. SiNPs applied externally lessened the concentrations of H2O2, MDA, and relative membrane permeability. Conversely, SiNPs enhanced the content of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and improved the growth of plant. They also elevated the antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, SiNPs promote the defensive mechanisms of plants against the stress of toxic metals by boosting the absorption of particular elements such as Ca2+ and K+. Based on our research, treating plants with SiNPs can potentially help them to overcome abiotic stresses. Our findings suggest that SiNPs have the potential to effectively regulate stress indicators and antioxidants, which can significantly lower the adverse impact of abiotic stresses in plants.
Efficacy of 8-Week Daclatasvir-Sofosbuvir Regimen in Chronic Hepatitis C: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farrag Ahmed N. , Kamel Ahmed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: The high rates of the sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment (SVR12) in real world settings provoked the adoption of shortened courses of the costly direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) regimens. This study provides, to our knowledge, the first systematic review and meta-analysis for the efficacy of the shortened 8-week course of sofosbuvir (SOF) plus daclatasvir (DCV), the most accessible DAAs in the low-middle income countries (LMICs).
Methods: We performed a proportion meta-analysis to determine a reliable rate of SVR12 by pooling all studies that evaluated the results of the 8-week regimen of DCV+SOF. In addition, we applied two imputation paradigms a conservative approach, and a pragmatic approach to avoid overestimating the efficacy of the 8-week regimen in studies that followed a Response-Guided Treatment (RGT) approach.
Results: The pooled SVR12 rate ranged from 91% to 97% in the included scenarios. The pragmatic scenario showed that the pooled SVR12 was 97% (95% CI 91%; 100%) with lower variability as assessed by the prediction interval. The conservative approach revealed an SVR12 of 93% (95% CI 84%; 95%).
Conclusion: The 8-week course of 60 mg DCV with SOF provided a comparable SVR12 to the standard 12-week regimen in treatment-naïve, non-HIV co-infected patients with a minimum estimated efficacy of 90%.
Navigating the biogeography of wide-spread short-forests in global drylands
Authors: Dong Xiaoxue , Liu Xinyu , He Xiao , Ma Li , Wang G. Geoff , Yu Kailiang , Chen Ning , Zhao Changming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Canopy height is pivotal in sustaining carbon cycling and upholding ecological functions, especially in dryland forests where massive short-forests exist primarily due to insufficient water supply. Here, we divided global dryland forests into the tall-forests (36%) and short-forests (64%) and mapped their distributions separately for plantations and natural forests. Short-forests are ubiquitously distributed in global drylands, constituting 54% planted forests and 65% natural forests, with broader distribution thresholds across environmental gradients compared to tall-forests. Notably, the key ecological determinants of canopy height for both planted and natural short-forests are similar, involving topography (elevation), soil (soil moisture content), climate (mean temperature of warmest quarter and aridity index), and anthropogenic (population density) factors, but divergent between planted and natural tall-forests. The canopy height of planted tall-forests is predominantly influenced by precipitation, while natural tall-forests additionally depend on temperature, disturbance, and soil. Under all climate change scenarios, we projected that some dryland forests (more than 70%) cannot sustain current forest canopy heights, with a more pronounced decline in harsher climates, and some dryland tall forests may even degrade into short-forests or non-forests. With many dryland regions being marked as potential areas for forestation, our study offers critical insights for preserving dryland forests' carbon sequestration potential and guiding decision-making in dryland forestation initiatives.
2D exciton lensing: collimation, focusing and trapping
Authors: Poumirol Jean-Marie , Lamsaadi Hassan , Cuche Aurelien , Agez Gonzague , Paradisanos Ioannis , Beret Dorian , Lombez Laurent , RENUCCI Pierre , Lagarde Delphine , Marie Xavier , Gan Ziyang , George Antony , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Turchanin Andrey , Combe Nicolas , Urbaszek Bernhard , Paillard Vincent 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Controlling the motion of neutral excitons in optically active media is a mandatory development to enable the conception of advanced circuits and devices for applications in excitronics, quantum photonics, and optoelectronics. Recently, a proof of unidirectional exciton transport from high- to low-band-gap material has been evidenced using a high-quality lateral heterostructure separating transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers (TMD-MLs). In this paper, by combining room-temperature micro-photoluminescence far-field imaging with a statistical description of exciton transport, we unveil the underlying excitonic local distribution and fluxes taking place near lateral heterojunctions. We study the complex 2D excitonic transport properties found near a linear interface separating WSe$_2$ from MoSe$_2$ TMD-MLs and reveal two distinct diffusion regimes profoundly affecting the effective diffusion length. Then, we show that combining two and three of these interfaces, allows advanced in-plane control of the excitonic distribution and flux over large distances. We demonstrate exciton focalization and trapping, allowing an increase in the local exciton density up to three orders of magnitude. Finally, we achieve flux collimation with the formation of parallel current lines extending a few micrometers away from the source. We believe that the deterministic shaping and positioning of the exciton distribution and flux here will be a key towards the conception of realistic excitronic devices.
A Pre-COVID Case of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Leading to Dilated Cardiomyopathy, Stroke, Coma, and Death of a Young Woman
Authors: Barua Mousumi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in adults involves severe complications, which include cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and neural systems, in response to viral infections or vaccines. Clinicians may miss the diagnosis of MIS during the early manifestations of the disease as it can mimic other disorders with similar symptoms. In this report, we describe a MIS-like clinical picture before COVID-19 in a 32-year-old woman, who visited a hospital in southern India as an outpatient with the presenting complaints of swellings in her fingers as well as severe pain in her lower limbs, following a brief spell of viral fever. She was initially diagnosed with reactive sacroiliitis and soon after with myositis. After about two months, she was admitted to the hospital as an in-patient with a chief complaint of shortness of breath. She developed dilated cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, and stroke. Brain imaging revealed an increased left middle cerebral artery infarct, increased midline shift, and right basal ganglia bleed. Soon after, she underwent a decompressive craniectomy and was assisted by mechanical ventilation. She became unresponsive and comatose. The patient was discharged from the hospital at the family’s request and was provided home care for over 2 months, during which she continued to be in a deep coma, developed bedsores over the body and gangrene of her lower limbs and eventually died. This case highlights the necessity of intense monitoring and assessments that should lead to early and accurate diagnosis, coupled with concurrent and prophylactic treatments to avoid fatal complications due to disease cascades following an MIS-like clinical syndrome.