bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Deterministic Model of the Gamma Radiation at the Soil Surface–Including Soil Moisture Correction for Better Radiation Data Exploitation in Soil Mapping
Authors: Herrmann Ludger , Zimmermann Georg 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundDuring the last decades, gamma spectrometry data have increasingly been used in soil science, for example, for mapping. However, the full data potential could not be exploited due to certain constraints, among which the insufficient representation of attenuating materials (in particular, water) in correction algorithms is the most important one. Due to this problem, most often only the potassium/thorium intensity ratio is used in soil science.AimHowever, the ultimate goal must be to derive from field gamma spectrometry the real content of the chemical elements that can be sensed (i.e., normally , , , and ). The first enabling step is to deterministically model the gamma radiation at the soil surface in order to subsequently allow for water content correction by reverse modelling.MethodsWe present here a realisation of a mathematical model that is based on the ‘King‐equation’, but additionally introduces the soil science concept of horizons, that is, a finite number of strata of various vertical thicknesses, with homogeneous properties within each horizon. This approach allows the use of radial symmetry as concept for the three‐dimensional integration of the gamma signal. Input data for the model are horizon vertical thickness, total content of radiating and attenuating materials, and bulk density. Additionally, used parameters concern the decay chains of the radioactive elements.ResultsModel tests with real soil produced count rates in the expected order of magnitude. Due to the instrumental setup of the field spectrometer, it was necessary to replace full spectrum analysis by the concept of regions of relevance (ROR) in order to be able to compare the counts predicted by our model and the counts registered by the spectrometer. The ROR concept is based on the computation of the relevant elements' decay steps and includes Compton scattering.ConclusionUsing this approach, a deviation between modelled and measured gamma radiation is reasonable for and . The reasons for still larger deviations with respect to the ‐signal are discussed.
Eosinophilic esophagitis associated with infliximab therapy in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Wu Meng‐Che , Glickman Jonathan N. , Winter Harland S. 
Published: February 2025

What's Known

The association between tumor necrosis factor antagonist and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, including eosinophilic esophagitis is reported.
There is a potential association between the initiation of IFX therapy for some IBD patients and the subsequent development of EoE.What's New

This case series of IBD patients who developed eosinophilic esophagitis post‐infliximab (IFX) therapy, highlights their demographic characteristics, clinical features, and comorbidities.
IFX might trigger a Th2 cytokine shift, leading to eosinophilic infiltration. Long‐term safety data are needed to identify outcomes in patients who develop eosinophilic esophagitis after treatment with TNF‐alpha antagonists.
Feeding hope: A quality improvement initiative to improve identification of food insecurity
Authors: Misner Nicole , Panagos‐Billiris Patoula , Yavelow Michelle , Chaphalkar Chaitanya , Tsalatsanis Athanasios , Khalaf Racha T. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractObjectivesFood insecurity (FI), limited or uncertain access to adequate food, impacts every state, county, and community in the United States. The goals of this quality improvement (QI) initiative were to first achieve greater than 90% compliance with FI screening for patients seen at pediatric GI clinics within 1 year and second increase the proportion of families identified as FI connected with resources to 50% at follow‐up visits.MethodsUsing plan‐do‐study‐act cycles, interventions were implemented to (1) educate, (2) create a screening process, (3) optimize communication with EMR utilization, and (4) connect families to resources. Descriptive statistics on all variables collected were performed. Differences between the FI and food secure groups were assessed using the Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables and the Chi‐squared test for categorical variables. QIMacros® Quality Improvement/SPC Software for Excel was used to create process control charts to show improvement.ResultsDuring the timeframe from August 29, 2022, to February 29, 2024, 2946 visits were completed in the GI clinic, and 58% (1731 patients) were screened for FI. Of the patients that were screened for FI, 13% screened positive. Compliance with FI screening improved to 90%, and connection to resources improved to 75%. Race, ethnicity, preferred language, and insurance were all significantly associated with FI, p < 0.001ConclusionsThis QI initiative demonstrates standardized FI screening improves FI identification and connection to resources.
First Dimension Trap‐and‐Elute Combined with Second Dimension Reversed‐Phase Liquid Chromatography Separation Using a Two‐Dimensional‐Liquid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry System for Sensitive Quantification of Human Insulin and Six Insulin Analogs in Plasma: Improved Chromatographic Resolution and Stability Testing
Authors: Sistik Pavel , Urinovska Romana , Handlosova Klara , Handlos Petr , Andelova Katerina , Jurica Jan , Stejskal David 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMultidimensional chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), including simple sample preparation with protein precipitation, anion conversion with ammonium hydroxide, and solid‐phase extraction using mixed‐mode anion exchange in a 96‐well plate format, has been validated for rapid simultaneous analysis of human insulin and its six analogs (lispro, glulisine, glargine, degludec, detemir, and aspart) in human plasma. This method is critical for clinical diagnostics, forensic investigations, and anti‐doping efforts due to the widespread use of these substances. In the present study, improved chromatographic resolution was achieved using a first‐dimension trap‐and‐elute configuration with an XBridge C18 (2.1 × 20 mm, 3.5 µm) trap column combined with second dimension separation on a Cortecs Ultra‐High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) C18+ (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.6 µm) analytical column implemented within a two‐dimensional‐LC‐MS/MS system. The total chromatographic run time was 11 min. This setup increases both the resolution and sensitivity of the method. A mobile phase consisting of 0.8% formic acid (FA) in water and 0.7% FA in acetonitrile was used for gradient elution. Bovine insulin was used as the internal standard. MS detection was performed in positive electrospray ionization mode, and the ion suppression due to matrix effects was evaluated. Validation criteria included linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, lower limit of quantitation, matrix effect, and stability tests with and without protease inhibitor cocktail under different conditions (short‐term stability, long‐term stability, and freeze‐thaw stability). The concentration range for all insulins was 50–15 000 pg/mL, with limits of quantification below the therapeutic reference range for all analytes. Intra‐run precision ranged from 1.1% to 5.7%, inter‐run precision from 0.7% to 5.9%, and overall recovery from 96.9% to 114.3%. The validated method has been implemented successfully by the Department of Forensic Medicine at our hospital for the investigation of unexplained deaths.
Evaluating the effectiveness of retrofitting water control structures with manatee protection systems to reduce mortality
Authors: Brightwell Kristin K. , Bassett Brandon L. , Mezich Ron , Schueller Paul , Valade James A. , Frohlich R. Kipp 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMinimizing human‐related manatee mortality is a priority management action for Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) conservation and recovery. Manatees encounter navigational locks and water control structures along travel corridors, and fatal encounters can occur from crushing, impingement, or entrapment that subsequently result in drowning. Extensive mitigation efforts have been made to protect manatees. This study evaluates the effectiveness of manatee protection systems at navigational locks and water control structures using negative binomial regression models and Friedman's tests with pairwise comparisons from 1974–2020 mortality data. Mitigation effort was stratified into 4 groups ranging from no mitigation to fully mitigated. Regression models for 223 structure‐related manatee deaths showed the expected number of annual mortalities was ≤0.26 for all mitigation groups at each structure type. Friedman's tests indicated a difference in mortalities among mitigation efforts for navigational locks (χ22 = 10.75, P = 0.004) and water control structures (χ22 = 16.63, P ≤ 0.001). Mortalities at fully mitigated water control structures were lower than at partially mitigated structures in pairwise testing for both analyses; navigational lock mitigation efforts only differed in Wilcoxon rank sums tests. Combined results show that when current manatee protection systems are functional and protocols are followed, mortality is reduced. While these systems are a conservation achievement, continued re‐evaluation of mitigation efforts and investigation into new technologies are needed to ensure the continued reduction or elimination of structure‐related manatee mortalities.
Weather, habitat area, connectivity, and number of patches influence breeding ecology of ring‐necked pheasants
Authors: Harsh Sprih , Lonsinger Robert C. , Kauth Hilary R. , Gregory Andrew J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractUnderstanding habitat selection is critical in habitat prioritization for species of conservation and management concern. Information on habitat selection is particularly important for grassland bird species whose populations have suffered steep declines over the last few decades. We assessed ring‐necked pheasants' (Phasianus colchicus) habitat selection in a dynamic agricultural landscape. The population dynamics of pheasants are partially related to nest survival, which may be influenced by the quality of nesting habitat. Consequently, knowledge of vegetation composition and structural characteristics associated with the selection and survival of nests would help inform management decisions to improve nest success. We monitored nests from 103 radio‐collared pheasants inhabiting an agricultural landscape in South Dakota, USA, from 2017–2019 to determine the effect of landscape composition and configuration on nest‐site selection and nest survival. We explored nesting behavior at 2 orders of selection: resource selection within the home range (third order) and selection of specific resource items from a resource patch (fourth order). Proportion of row crop and connectivity of row crop was negatively associated with nest‐site selection at the third order. At the fourth order, pheasants tended to select for taller vegetation and greater percent grass cover than at paired random sites. Pheasants also selected areas with more grasslands. A 1% increase in grass cover and proportion of grassland increased the odds of nest‐site selection by 1% and 2%, respectively. Connectivity of row crop patches was negatively associated with daily nest survival. We also evaluated factors affecting pheasant brood‐site selection. A 1‐unit increase in grass cover and Hemiptera biomass increased the odds of brood‐site selection by 4%. The probability of brood‐site selection also increased with fewer row crop patches. Weather played a crucial role in driving nest survival. The consideration of local weather trends and regional variation in habitat can inform habitat management for pheasants. Pheasant populations may benefit from research that identifies thermal landscapes and land management techniques that promote cooler microclimates for nesting and brood‐rearing activities.
Magnetic resonance imaging provides additional utility in the preoperative cartilage assessment of patients undergoing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Tay Mei Lin , Bolam Scott M. , Campbell Tyler , Hill Laura , Lin Lydia , Wong Hayley , Dow David , Munro Jacob T. , Young Simon W. , Monk A. Paul 
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurposeFor unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), patient selection using correct indications can optimise postsurgical outcomes. The current gold standard for assessing eligibility is with radiographs; however, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may allow for more accurate assessments of cartilage damage. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of MRI for preoperative assessment of medial UKA patients by (1) comparing osteoarthritis severity of the medial, lateral and patellofemoral (PF) compartments when assessed using MRI compared with standard radiographs, and (2) investigating associations of these two assessments with postoperative clinical outcomes.MethodsThis study had ethical approval. A retrospective review was performed for 88 primary medial UKA between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2021. The main outcome measures were preoperative cartilage loss and patient‐reported clinical outcomes. Preoperative cartilage loss was recorded using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) classification using MRI, and Kellgren–Lawrence (K–L) scores from radiographs. Patient‐reported clinical outcomes were measured using preop, early (6‐week) and late (1‐ or 2‐year) Oxford Knee Score (OKS) change scores.ResultsThe use of MRI has improved accuracy over radiographs. In the medial compartment, 37 (44%) patients had less severe radiographic K–L scores (1–3); however, all patients had the most severe MRI ICRS scores (4). For patients with mild K–L scores (0 and 1), 20 (43%) and 7 (78%) patients had more severe ICRS scores (3 and 4) within their lateral and PF compartments, respectively. No associations were found between ICRS or K–L scores and OKS for any compartments.ConclusionsAssessment of medial cartilage thickness loss using MRI provides additional utility over standard radiographs in preoperative assessments of medial UKA patients. However, evidence of disease in the PF compartment assessed using MRI should not be considered a contraindication for UKA.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study.
Quality Indicators to Subsidize Soil Conservation Under Pasture in Brazil
Authors: da Costa Adriana Monteiro , Fernandes Luís Filipe Sanches , Pacheco Fernando António Leal , Valera Carlos Alberto 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe management of cultivated areas has been the subject of scientific and political debate because of its adverse effects on soil health and associated ecosystem services. A route to bring degraded cultivated areas back to sustainable production systems includes implementing adequate management practices and, in parallel, monitor their results. Monitoring must be based on the periodical evaluation of soil quality indicators. The selection of indicators is, however, a challenge, because suited indicators must be simultaneously rigorous and practical to assess in the field. Thus, the aim and novelty of this study was to summarize soil quality indicators dispersed in the scientific literature, and propose an assortment of those capable of being used in soil conservation policies and management plans considering the aforementioned requisites. To our best knowledge, this kind of exhaustive summary with focus on policy and management is lacking. To accomplish the proposed goal, a systematic literature review was carried out using the Scopus database. The selection of articles followed the guidelines of PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses). The results revealed that, indicators such as organic carbon, soil structure assessments, and erosion monitoring are practical for public policy due to their cost‐effectiveness and ease of field application. Besides, they are suited for evaluation through technologies like remote sensing and portable sensors. Additional results from the review exposed that the current understanding of soil quality across the various Brazilian biomes is limited by geographic and methodological biases in the existing studies, and that it is essential to invest in infrastructure, methodological standardization and stakeholder training to fill in those gaps. Finally, the present review emphasized the need to conduct future studies based on interdisciplinary collaboration, as measure to reach a common language a view over how to assess and use indicators as proxies of soil quality and health, and ultimately to promote sustainable land use and soil conservation in Brazil.
A Quantitative Comparison of Conventional and Conservation Tillage of Diverse Agro‐Ecologies
Authors: Nath C. P. , Das T. K. , Sen Suman , Duary B. , Ghosh Sourav , Ghosh P. K. , Sharma A. R. , Datta Debarati , Nalia Arpita , Kumar Narendra , Singh Raghavendra , Bhattacharyya Ranjan , Singh Ravi Gopal , Hazra K. K. , Pathak Himanshu 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTA detailed insight on global yield change of crops, soil quality parameters, and water‐nutrient‐energy nexus and biotic factors under conservation tillage (CT) in comparison to conventional tillage (CONT) is limited. We summarized the impacts of CT on yields, profitability, soil quality, and ecosystem sustainability in comparison to CONT. Globally, average yields of crops increased by 3.7% (p < 0.05) with adoption of CT (> 3 years) compared to CONT. The CT has led to a significant improvement in crop productivity in North America (+6.2%) and Australia/Oceania (+21.4%) over CONT. Similarly, positive changes in yields with CT, although nonsignificant, were noted in Asia, South America, Europe, and Africa. The CT significantly increased the yields (+4.0%) of cereal crops. Among the crops, yield increase under CT was the highest for sorghum (110.1%) and lowest for soybean (1.3%). Adoption of CT for > 10 years (11–20 years) could increase yields of crops up to 6%–18%. Notably, CT resulted in improved soil aggregation with greater proportion of macroaggregates (+40%), soil organic carbon (+19.1%), and microbial biomass carbon (+44%) across diverse ecologies over CONT. Despite higher emissions of nitrous oxide, the net global warming potential was consistently lower in CT‐based systems than CONT. The CT could result in 25% increase in mean grain yield of crops with 22% higher net returns and 27% energy saving across regions than CONT. The CA can reduce soil bulk density (by 6.2%), increase aggregate stability (by 30%), and enhance infiltration rate (by 53%) as compared with CONT over a large agro‐ecologies.
A Century of Otorhinolaryngology at Yonsei University College of Medicine and Engagement With US Missionaries
Authors: Moon In Seok , Rha Min‐Seok , Yeo In‐Sok , Kim Chang‐Hoon 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo provide a historical overview of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Yonsei University College of Medicine and highlight its contributions to the development of otorhinolaryngology in Korea.Data SourcesHistorical records of the Dongeun Medical Museum, Yonsei University College of Medicine, and related publications.Review MethodsHistorical review.ResultsGwanghyewon, the first modern hospital established by American missionaries in Korea, later became the Severance Hospital (named after American philanthropist Louis Severance) and Yonsei University College of Medicine. The Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Yonsei University and Severance Hospital was established in 1908. Currently, the department has 24 professors and 6 clinical fellows specializing in otology, rhinology, and laryngology‐head and neck surgery.ConclusionIn the past 116 years, Yonsei Otorhinolaryngology has been devoted to the great clinical and academic development of otorhinolaryngology in Korea. The next century of Yonsei Otorhinolaryngology will build on the progress made in its legacy.Level of EvidenceN/A.
A Novel Hybrid Solution for Hearing Impairments
Authors: Alshehri Hassan , Yousef Medhat , Ibrahim Anas , Abdelsamad Yassin , Alzhrani Farid 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveConventional hearing aids (HAs) and bone conduction devices have limitations in providing clear and audible sound in some cases and situations. The clinicians' primary purpose is to enhance audibility and intelligibility in hearing, offering a solution for users dissatisfied with current hearing technologies. This study proposes a novel hybrid system and investigates its performance compared to HAs.MethodsThis pilot study compares the performance of a novel hybrid system with traditional HAs. Ten HA users underwent a prospective intra‐subject study at a tertiary hearing center. Audiological tests measured unaided and aided thresholds across specific frequencies in two conditions (HAs and Hybrid system). Furthermore, subjective outcomes were assessed via a questionnaire on the perceptual consequences.ResultsThe patient's mean age was 36 years. The mean PTA4 values were 63.75, 40.74‐, and 37.88‐dB HL in the unaided, HA‐aided, and Hybrid‐aided groups, respectively. The speech reception thresholds varied significantly between the unaided and (i) aided using HA (p = 0.0009) and (ii) aided using the Hybrid solution (p = 0.0001). There is no significant variation between HA and Hybrid solutions (p < 0.4195). The mean SDS at 65 dB using the HA and Hybrid solution was 87% and 90%, respectively.ConclusionThe proposed Hybrid system, combining conventional air‐conduction HAs with bone‐conduction devices, offers promising improvements in sound quality and user satisfaction. Further studies are essential to fully understand the Hybrid system's capabilities and evaluate its ability to avoid the dissatisfaction that could result from HA in some instances.Level of EvidenceProspective cohort study (Level 3).
A Novel Effect of Allium tuncelianum Extract: Topical Application Improves Wound Healing in a Nasal Septal Perforation Rat Model
Authors: Çakan Doğan , Çakan Zeliha Kübra , Yılmaz Gülderen , Yeung David , Ekşi Bona Gülnur 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of Allium tuncelianum (AT) extract on wound healing in a nasal septum perforation (NSP) model.MethodsTwenty‐two healthy male Sprague–Dawley rats were included in this study and separated into two groups. A standardized NSP was created in each subject. A 0.09% saline (control group) and the 25% AT solution (study group) were delivered intranasally daily for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, the subjects were sacrificed and the septa were excised for histopathological investigation. The macroscopic closure rate of NSP, intranasal pH, counts of acute inflammatory cells, eosinophil, fibroblast, and giant cell, epithelial regeneration and degeneration, vascularization, granulation formation, collagen density, cartilage regeneration, and degeneration were examined. The obtained data were analyzed statistically.ResultsThe macroscopic closure rate (p = 0.006), the fibroblast number (p = 0.003), vascularization (p = 0.003), collagen density (p = 0.044), and granulation tissue amount (p = 0.022) were found to be significantly higher in AT group. However, the acute inflammatory cells count was significantly lower in AT group (p = 0.031) (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe topically delivered AT extract may improve wound healing in an experimental NSP model. Consequently, the local application of AT might be promising to prevent the formation of NSP.