bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis C virus screening in provincial prisons in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Authors: Kronfli Nadine , Leone Frederic , Dussault Camille , Miliani Giovanni , Gallant Elvira , Potter Molly , Cox Joseph 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundLittle is known about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hepatitis C (HCV) screening efforts in carceral settings. We explored the impact of the pandemic on HCV screening in two of Quebec’s largest provincial prisons.MethodsRetrospective data of HCV-related laboratory tests between July 2018 and February 2022 at l’Établissement de détention de Montréal (EDM) and l’Établissement de détention de Rivière-des-Prairies (EDRDP) were obtained. To examine the association between the pandemic and the number of HCV-antibody (HCV-Ab) tests, a three-level time period variable was created: pre-outbreak, outbreak, and post-outbreak. Negative binomial regression (with monthly admissions as an offset) was used to assess the change in HCV-Ab tests across time periods and by prisons. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated.ResultsA total of 1,790 HCV-Ab tests were performed; 56 (3%) were positive. Among these, 44 (79%) HCV RNA tests were performed; 23 (52%) were positive. There was a significant decrease in HCV-Ab screening at EDM during the outbreak (aOR 0.29; 95% CI 0.17–0.48) and post-outbreak (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.35–0.69) periods, compared to the pre-outbreak period. There was no significant change in HCV-Ab screening at EDRDP during the outbreak (aOR 0.98; 95% CI 0.49–2.11) but a significant increase in HCV-Ab screening post-outbreak (aOR 1.66; 95% CI 1.04–2.72).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected HCV screening at EDM but had minimal impact at EDRDP. To eliminate HCV from carceral settings, minimizing screening interruptions during future outbreaks and combined HCV/SARS-CoV-2 screening should be prioritized.
The association between food preferences, eating behavior, and body weight among female university students in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Sabbah Haleama , Ajab Abir , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Al Dhaheri Ayesha , Alblooshi Sharifa , Atari Siham , Polo Stephanny Vicuna , Amro Malak , Qasrawi Radwan 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThis cross-sectional study investigated the associations between lifestyle, eating habits, food preferences, consumption patterns, and obesity among female university students in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).MethodsApproximately 4,728 participants, including both Emirati and Non-Emirati students (International Students). Data collection involved face-to-face interviews and anthropometric measurements, showing an interrelated relationship between food preferences and obesity among female university students.ResultsWhile sociodemographic factors and lifestyle habits contribute to obesity, this study uniquely focuses on the role of food preferences and food consumption patterns in body weight status. The findings reveal a significant correlation between the intake of high-sugar beverages–such as milk, juices, soft drinks, and energy drinks–and an increased risk of overweight and obesity among both Emirati and Non-Emirati populations. Notably, milk consumption was particularly associated with obesity in non-Emirati populations (F = 88.1, p &lt; 0.001) and with overweight status in Non-Emiratis (F = 7.73, p &lt; 0.05). The consumption of juices and soft drinks was linked to obesity. Additionally, a significant preference for fruits and vegetables among overweight and obese students was observed, indicating a trend toward healthier food choices. However, there was also a clear preference for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as processed meats, sweets, and salty snacks. Fast food items like burgers, fried chicken, fries, pizza, shawarma, chips, and noodles were significantly correlated with increased body weight status, especially shawarma, which showed a notably high correlation with both obesity and overweight statuses (F-values of 38.3 and 91.11, respectively).ConclusionThe study indicated that food choices shape weight-related outcomes is important for designing effective strategies to promote healthier dietary patterns.
Predictors of irritability in pediatric autistic populations: a scoping review
Authors: Alatrash Sara , Paul Tithi , Carbone Julia , Penner Melanie , Roshan Fekr Atena , Kushki Azadeh 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAutism is characterized by social communication differences and repetitive behaviors, affecting 1%–2% of children. Irritability is a disabling condition affecting 19%–80% of autistic children. While extensive research has focused on interventions to reduce irritability symptoms, the underlying correlates remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a scoping review of the literature examining factors contributing to irritability in pediatric autistic populations.MethodsA literature search of Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science was conducted in addition to manually retrieved papers from Google Scholar. Studies underwent title and abstract screening by one reviewer and full-text screening by two reviewers; disagreements were resolved through deliberation. The remaining studies underwent data extraction. The review was conducted using the PRISMA-ScR checklist.ResultsThe search yielded 48 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Correlates of irritability were categorized into eight themes: demographics/environmental, autism features, mental health, language, cognition, and function, neurobiological, physical health, physiological, and multidimensional factors. Findings revealed mixed associations with demographic factors, consistent positive associations with sensory differences and mental health symptoms, and varying associations with cognitive abilities and physical health factors. Neurobiological and physiological correlates were less explored.ConclusionThis review revealed a significant gap in understanding sociodemographic, phenotypic, and neurobiological and physiological correlates of irritability in autism. There was also a significant gap in understanding the multi-dimensional irritability correlates. Positive associations between irritability and sensory differences and mental health symptoms suggest potential avenues for investigation of non-medication interventions.
Association between respiratory disease pathogens in calves near feedlot arrival with treatment for bovine respiratory disease and subsequent antimicrobial resistance status
Authors: Abi Younes Jennifer N. , Campbell John R. , Gow Sheryl P. , Woolums Amelia R. , Waldner Cheryl L. 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThis study assessed the risk of first treatment for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) given detection of nasopharyngeal bacteria (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni) and corresponding likelihood of antimicrobial susceptibility (C/S) at two time points during the early feeding period. Relationships between C/S results and later treatment for BRD were evaluated at both the calf-level and pen-level. The association between calf-level and pen-level C/S findings during the early feeding period and subsequent C/S results at BRD treatment were also reported.MethodsAuction-sourced, recently-weaned beef calves (n = 1,599 steers) were placed in adjacent feedlot pens (8 × 100 calves) in two subsequent years. Deep nasopharyngeal (DNP) swabs were collected from all calves at time of arrival processing (1DOF) and before metaphylaxis administration with either tulathromycin or oxytetracycline, 12 days later (13DOF), and at the time of first treatment for BRD. All samples were tested for C/S.ResultsSeveral pen-level and individual calf-level C/S measures of interest were associated with future treatment for BRD and C/S at the time of treatment. The median DOF for first BRD treatment was 24 days following tulathromycin metaphylaxis and 11 days following oxytetracycline. Overall, sampling at 13DOF resulted in the best fit for more models of subsequent treatment for BRD and C/S results at BRD treatment than for sampling at arrival. In individual calves, recovery of M. haemolytica, P. multocida, or H. somni at 13DOF was associated with subsequent treatment for BRD within 45DOF. Pen-level prevalence of Pasteurellacea bacteria with tetracycline or macrolide resistance at arrival and 13DOF were associated with detection of bacteria with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at BRD treatment, as were individual calf results at 13DOF.DiscussionThese findings suggest that the bacteria and AMR outcomes recovered from cattle near two weeks on feed can inform the prediction of future BRD risk and concurrent antimicrobial susceptibility results at time of first BRD treatment. Notably, the associations between pen-level C/S results from previous testing and corresponding findings in calves with BRD from the same pen suggested potential testing strategies to inform antimicrobial use protocols for feedlot cattle.
Zoonosis screening in Spanish immunocompromised children and their pets
Authors: Garcia-Sanchez Paula , Romero-Trancón David , Falces-Romero Iker , Navarro Carrera Paula , Ruiz-Carrascoso Guillermo , Carmena David , Casares Jiménez María , Rivero-Juárez Antonio , Moya Laura , Rodón Jaume , Esperón Fernando , Pérez-Hernando Belén , Sánchez-León Rocío , Hurtado-Gallego Jara , Alcolea Sonia , Sainz Talía , Calvo Cristina , Méndez-Echevarría Ana 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAlthough pets provide several social–emotional benefits for children, the risk of zoonosis must be considered among immunocompromised individuals.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in a tertiary hospital including immunocompromised patients younger than 20 years owning dogs and/or cats. Colonization and/or infection was evaluated by stool studies, bacterial swabs, blood polymerase chain reaction and serological studies in both patients and their pets, to evaluate potential zoonotic transmission occurrence.ResultsWe included 74 patients and their 92 pets (63 dogs, 29 cats). Up to 44.6% of the patients and 31.5% of the pets had at least 1 positive result. Up to 18.4% of pets’ fecal samples were positive (bacteria, parasites or hepatitis E virus). No helminths were observed despite the high frequency of incorrect intestinal deworming practices. Among children, gastrointestinal microorganisms were found in 37.3% (primarily Clostridium difficile). Colonization by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was common among pets (8.0%) but not among children (0.0%). No shared colonization between owners and pets was observed, except in one case (Blastocystis in both patient and pet feces). Among patients, serologies were positive for Strongyloides stercoralis (14.8%), Toxocara canis (3.2%), Bartonella henselae (19.1%) and hepatitis E (5.6%). Serology was positive for Rickettsia spp. (22.6%) and Babesia spp. (6.5%) in dogs and for Leishmania spp. (14.3%) and Toxoplasma spp. (14.3%) in cats.ConclusionExposure to zoonotic agents was detected in both patients and pets; however, shared colonization events were almost nonexistent. In our cohort, dogs and cats do not appear to entail high zoonosis transmission risk for immunocompromised patients.
Potential Drivers for the Spatiotemporal Patterns of the Global Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Attributable to Ambient Ozone, 1990–2019
Authors: Wang Ning , Cheng Jian , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Shuai , Wang Qiutong , Feng Xuefei , Hu Wenbiao , Wang Baohua 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesTo identify the long-term spatiotemporal trend of ozone-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) burden by sex and country and to explore potential drivers.MethodsWe retrieved data of ozone-related COPD death and disability adjusted life year (DALY) from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. We used a linear regression of natural logarithms of age-standardized rates (ASRs) with calendar year to examine the trends in ASRs and a panel regression to identify country-level factors associated with the trends.ResultsGlobal ozone-attributable COPD deaths increased from 117,114 to 208,342 among men and from 90,265 to 156,880 among women between 1990 and 2019. Although ASRs of ozone-related COPD death and DALY declined globally, they increased in low and low-middle Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions, with faster rise in women. Elevated average maximum temperature was associated with higher ozone-attributable COPD burden, while more green space was associated with lower burden.ConclusionMore efforts are needed in low and low-middle SDI regions, particularly for women, to diminish inter-country inequality in ozone-attributable COPD. Global warming may exacerbate the burden. Expanding green space may mitigate the burden.
Botanical Origin and Biological Properties of Honey and Propolis from Cuautitlan, State of Mexico, Mexico
Authors: Alcivar-Saldaña Jose Juan , Rodriguez-Monroy Marco Aurelio , Carrillo-Miranda Liborio , Canales-Martinez Maria Margarita 
Published: July 2024

Beekeeping is an activity that generates various products, mainly honey and propolis, with different biological activities that are studied extensively using various methodologies. The influence of various phenolic compounds, such as phenols and flavonoids, which are synthesized and concentrated differently in each product depending on the melliferous flora and sources of resources, on the manufacture of propolis or honey has been investigated. However, the analysis of these products has been performed separately and is outdated in time, and depending on the area and the flowering periods, different crops may be harvested. The analysis of the honey and propolis produced in Cuautitlan, State of Mexico, in the high plateau beekeeping zone, for a period of four years, both in the dry and rainy seasons, was proposed to determine the botanical origin of the honey and propolis. The primary pollen type in both honey and propolis was from Brassica rapa. Physicochemical tests were conducted, revealing higher concentrations of antimicrobial activity in the dry season than in the rainy season. Honey, propolis, and a vegetation extract showed activity against S. aureus, while only honey had an effect on E. coli in both seasons. For antifungal activity, only propolis collected in the rainy season had this activity. The biological properties of these products are closely related to the flora that varies both annually and between seasons, influencing the concentrations of phenolic compounds, as well as the biological activity of honey and propolis.
The Effect of Broccoli Glucosinolates Hydrolysis Products on Botrytis cinerea: A Potential New Antifungal Agent
Authors: Román Juan , Lagos Ailine , Mahn Andrea , Quintero Julián 
Published: July 2024

The present study investigates the interactions between eight glucosinolate hydrolysis products (GHPs) sourced from broccoli by-products and the detoxifying enzymes of Botrytis cinerea, namely eburicol 14-alpha-demethylase (CYP51) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), through in silico analysis. Additionally, in vitro assays were conducted to explore the impact of these compounds on fungal growth. Our findings reveal that GHPs exhibit greater efficacy in inhibiting conidia germination compared to mycelium growth. Furthermore, the results demonstrate the antifungal activity of glucosinolate hydrolysis products derived from various parts of the broccoli plant, including inflorescences, leaves, and stems, against B. cinerea. Importantly, the results suggest that these hydrolysis products interact with the detoxifying enzymes of the fungus, potentially contributing to their antifungal properties. Extracts rich in GHPs, particularly iberin and indole-GHPs, derived from broccoli by-products emerge as promising candidates for biofungicidal applications, offering a sustainable and novel approach to plant protection by harnessing bioactive compounds from agricultural residues.
An Improved and Simplified Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation Protocol for Solanum nigrum with a Shorter Growth Time
Authors: Li Qianqian , Wang Xiuyuan , Teng Chong , He Xuxia , Fu Xinyue , Peng Wentao , Fan Yinglun , Lyu Shanhua 
Published: July 2024

Solanum nigrum (Solanaceae family) is widely consumed as a fruit or local leafy vegetable after boiling; it also serves as a medicinal plant. Although Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation has been established in S. nigrum, the transformation period is long. Specifically, induction of roots takes approximately five weeks for tetraploid and hexaploid S. nigrum, and 7 weeks for diploid Solanum americanum. In this study, we developed an improved rooting-induced method that requires only about 1 week and avoids the use of tissue culture. After generating the transgenic shoots, they were directly transplanted into the soil to facilitate root formation. Remarkably, 100% of the transgenic shoots developed roots within 6 days. Our improved method is time-saving (saving more than 1 month) and simpler to operate. The improved rooting-induced step can be applied to induce roots in various plants using tissue culture, exemplified by the carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Furthermore, we applied the improved method to generate S. americanum plants expressing AcMYB110 from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis spp.). This method will contribute to speeding up gene functional analysis and trait improvement in S. nigrum and might have potential in fast plant molecular breeding processes in crops and rapid rooting induction in tissue culture.
Impression of Metaverse on Gen Z Customers in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Cynthia Jenny Princy B. , Kiruthiga V. 
Published: July 2024

The metaverse is having a revolutionary effect on Gen Z customers in the hotel industry. With Gen Z’s passion for technology, hotels may make use of the metaverse to allow guests to explore and book based on virtual experiences. Their preferences are catered to through virtual tours, customized interactions, and social areas. In keeping with Gen Z’s need for distinctive, adaptable experiences, the metaverse also provides venues for virtual conferences and events. Virtual co-working spaces take advantage of the growing trend of remote work, while digital concierge services improve client care. Metaverse gives hotels the ability to design captivating, technologically advanced spaces that satisfy Gen Z’s demand for unique, creative, and socially engaged vacation experiences. This study aims to focus on the Impression of the metaverse on Gen Z customers in the Hotel Industry. The study was done using qualitative research on Gen Z customers. The study unveils that Gen Z customers are likely to use the metaverse, they value it for immersive experiences and better personalization in hotels. Future studies should examine how Metaverse will affect them in the long term and how their expectations change as Metaverse tech improves.
A SET OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL BY-PRODUCTS FOR ORGANIC FERTILIZERS AND BIOGAS
Authors: Киров Ю.А. , Милюткин В.А. , Киров В.Ю. , Петушков А.В. 
Published: July 2024

В статье приведена постановка проблемы утилизации побочных продуктов животноводства, в частности, навозных стоков, поступающих с крупных животноводческих комплексов, на твердые и жидкие органические удобрения. Наиболее эффективным является метод разделения навозных стоков на твердую и жидкую фракции и использование каждой в отдельности в качестве ценного органического удобрения, но поскольку отделенная твердая фракция обладает еще и хорошими свойствами к метаногенезу, важным при её переработке является выработка биогаза и использование его для нужд хозяйства. Общую систему утилизации навозных стоков свинокомплексов как побочных продуктов животноводства можно представить как их фазовое превращение от исходного сырья и до конечного продукта, содержащую последовательность подсистем. Проведенный анализ способов и инженерно-технического обеспечения утилизации навозных стоков свинокомплексов позволил определить научные предпосылки для повышения эффективности процесса обработки и утилизации навозных стоков, пути совершенствования инженерно-технических средств и тем самым разработать рациональную технологию приготовления органических удобрений с выработкой биогаза на свинокомплексе. Приведены обоснования и разработки усовершенствованных технических средств для реализации способа утилизации навозных стоков на органические удобрения.
The article presents the problem of utilization of by-products of animal husbandry, in particular, manure effluents coming from large livestock complexes, for solid and liquid organic fertilizers. The most effective method is the separation of manure effluents into solid and liquid fractions and the use of each separately as valuable organic fertilizers, but since the separated solid fraction also has good properties for methanogenesis, it is important for its processing to produce biogas and use it for the needs of the economy. The general system of utilization of pig farm manure effluents as by-products of animal husbandry can be represented as their phase transformation, from the initial raw material to the final product, containing a sequence of subsystems. The analysis of methods and engineering support for the utilization of manure effluents of pig farms allowed us to determine the scientific prerequisites for improving the efficiency of the process of processing and utilization of manure effluents, ways to improve engineering and technical means and, thereby, to develop a rational technology for the preparation of organic fertilizers with biogas production at the pig complex. The substantiation and development of improved technical means for the implementation of the method of utilization of manure effluents for organic fertilizers are given.
APPLICATION OF PAPER CHROMATOGRAPHY AND FT-IR SPECTROMETRY FOR ANALYSIS OF MOTOR OILS
Authors: Редькин Н.А. , Рыжкова Г.Г. 
Published: July 2024

В работе рассмотрена возможность использования тонкослойной бумажной хроматографии в качестве экспресс-анализа нефтепродуктов. Проведен выбор состава подвижной фазы для разделения компонентов моторных масел. Показано, что применение ИК-Фурье спектрометрии после частичного фракционирования компонентов моторных масел позволяет повысить надежность идентификации материалов близкой природы.
The paper examines the possibility of using thin-layer paper chromatography as a rapid analysis of petroleum products. The composition of the mobile phase was selected for the separation of motor oil components. It has been shown that the use of infrared spectrometry after partial fractionation of motor oil components makes it possible to increase the reliability of identification of materials of a similar nature.
NITRIC ACID METHOD FOR PROCESSING HIGH-SILICON ALUMINA-CONTAINING RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Вайтнер В.В. , Габдуллин А.Н. 
Published: July 2024

В статье рассмотрен азотнокислотный способ переработки вскрышной породы угледобычи – аргиллита Волчанского месторождения. В составе сырья содержится 52,6% кремнезема и 23,3 % глинозема, что позволяет считать глинозем высококремнистым сырьем. Предварительно прокаленный аргиллит выщелачивали азотной кислотой, с последующим обезжелезиванием нитратных растворов. Полученную кристаллическую массу подвергали термическому гидролизу, в ходе которого происходит регенерация азотной кислоты. После отмывания от нитратов щелочных и щелочно-земельных металлов получен глинозем, который может быть использован для производства керамики и огнеупоров.
The article discusses the nitric acid method of processing overburden rock from coal mining – mudstone of the Volchanskoe deposit. The raw material contains 52.6% silica and 23.3% alumina, which allows us to consider alumina as a high-silica raw material. Pre-calcined mudstone was leached with nitric acid, followed by deferrization of nitrate solutions. The resulting crystalline mass was subjected to thermal hydrolysis, during which nitric acid was regenerated. After washing from alkali and alkaline earth metals nitrates, alumina is obtained, which can be used for the production of ceramics and refractories.