bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization for heat stress tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using physiological and biochemical traits
Authors: Bhagat Mohmad Amin , Kaur Navjyot , Goyal Prinka , Kaur Simarjit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Heat stress is major constraint in barley production. In the present study, one hundred genotypes of barley along with checks for comparative study were evaluated for their heat stress tolerance in laboratory under different temperature regimes viz., 25°C (control), 30°C and 35°C at seedling stage in completely randomized block design (CRD) in three replications. The genotypes were assessed for germination indices viz. percent germination, speed of germination and seedling traits viz root length, shoot length, seedling vigour index I and II. Significant differences for all traits were observed among genotypes and treatments. Tolerant genotypes exhibited higher germination percentage, root length, shoot length, seedling vigour I and II at 35°C and thus can be used as potential donors for developing heat tolerant barely varieties in future breeding programs. Based on hierarchical cluster analysis, BL 1515, BL 1729, BL 1780, BL 1784, BL 1786, BL 1792, BL 1794, BL 1797 and IBYT-E24 were categorized as heat tolerant genotypes, and BL 1723, IBON-23 and IBYT-E15 were recognized as heat sensitive. These selected genotypes were further evaluated for membrane stability index, proline content, total chlorophyll and total phenols. Heat tolerant genotypes exhibited higher membrane stability index, total phenols, proline and total chlorophyll content at 35°C as compared to sensitive genotypes. These traits could be used for selection of heat tolerant genotypes in future breeding programmes.
Assessing the quality of life of university students during COVID-19 lockdown: A structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Islam Tanjirul , Rahman Md. Ashfikur , Anni Tayeeba Tabussum , Juie Israt Jahan , Al-Mahde Abdul Elah , Hassan Sakib Al , Islam Md Amirul , Tohan Mortuja Mahmud 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In the face of the upsurge of the COVID-19 pandemic global students including those of Bangladesh are forced to go into distance learning mode due to the lockdown or social isolation that is being imposed. The present study was intended to evaluate the impact of distance education on the quality of life (QOL) among Bangladeshi university students that are exerted due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Methods
We used the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-Bref questionnaire which was distributed among students from four universities in Bangladesh using electronic platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Email. The scores of the WHOQOL-Bref were converted into a linear scale from 0 to 100 and recorded (0–70) as low/moderate quality of life whereas (≥ 70) were coded as high quality of life.
Results
The study obtained an excellent internal consistency of WHOQOL-Bref (α = 0.878). The mean QOL (0-100) among the participants was 78.29 ± 11.59 with a median of (73.35, IQR: 42.53–88.30). All domains showed a strong to moderate correlation with the overall quality of life score. The domain most affected by isolation was the psychological domain, and the social relationship domain showed the weakest correlation with the overall quality of life scores. In the regression analysis, factors such as increased Internet use, watching more TV, participating in classes with zooms, and residing with a family of more than three members were found to be associated with having a good quality of life.
Conclusions
The study pointed out that, while there are no alternatives to keep the educational system functioning thus distance learning during this overwhelming COVID-19 situation, more interactive platforms such as Zoom, the promotion of more internet and television use can be of value to retain the good quality of life among the students in this overwhelming condition.
Investigation of Cr (VI) adsorption from aqueous media by using synthetic chitosan-allophane nanocomposite adsorbent: characteristics, kinetic and isotherm
Authors: Pazoki Hosein , Anbia Mansoor 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study investigates Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solution by synthetic chitosan-allophane nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was synthesized in the solvothermal method. The adsorbent was characterized utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image and Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method. This work investigated of influence of solid/liquid ratio, pH, contact time, initial concertation on the adsorption process, adsorption kinetics, and isotherms. The maximum adsorption capacity of synthetic nanocomposite for Cr (VI) is 112.17 (mg/g) on optimum conditions. The kinetics study shows that the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation better describes adsorbents' adsorption behavior. The isotherms study suggests that the adsorption process of synthetic chitosan-allophane nanocomposite follow the Langmuir model. Moreover, the stability and reproducibility of synthetic nano composite were investigated.
Understanding Neonatal Unit Admission Patterns to Facilitate Optimal Resource Utilization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Kwabena Onwona-Agyeman , Abdul-Mumin Alhassan , Srini Ganga Lakshmi , Atitsogbui Edwin , Bismark Abrokwah Jampim , Asantewaa Kyei-Manu Gabriella , Kanamu Mohammed Hafiz , Kpiniong Mary Joan , Narayanan Indira 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Inborn babies in Ghana facilities who need any monitoring or therapy above Essential Newborn Care (ENC) are often separated out of dyadic care in postnatal wards to Neonatal Units (NUs) due to personnel workload, gaps in training or both.
Objectives: Describe 1) care of inborn newborns in NUs at 2 hospitals in Ghana and 2) their outcomes, including breastfeeding. The purpose was to identify stable babies who could potentially be managed by midwives in postnatal wards with appropriate additional training and staffing.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study from January to December 2022 on inborn newborns in NUs at Greater Accra Regional Hospital (GARH), Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH), and the Special Baby Ward at TTH. Data included monitoring (glucose), interventions (phototherapy, intravenous antibiotics, thermal and fluid support, oxygen, tube feeds, transfusions) and outcomes (breastfeeding, length of stay, mortality). Descriptive statistics was primarily used for the analysis, with z-test and t-test testing the difference between two proportions and means respectively from independent hospitals.
Results: Of 2978 inborn newborns admitted to NUs, 11.5% received no NU Interventions (6.2% at GARH vs 22.1% at TTH, p<0.001). In TTH NU, 3.3% received no listed interventions at all. Exclusive breastfeeding at discharge was significantly higher from the TTH NU (96.3% vs GARH NU 57.3%, p<0.001), where babies were started on iv fluids instead of formula during the period of separation.
Conclusions: Nearly a quarter of all babies admitted to the two neonatal units did not receive any intensive interventions, and this included 2% of infants <2500g. A model of dyadic Intermediate Care between Essential Newborn Care and Special/Intensive care could result in lower census in NUs that would promote greater focus on preterm, low-birthweight and sick newborns with higher acuity, and also promote breastfeeding and reduce separation.
An Island of Receptor-Like Genes at the Rrs13 Locus on Barley Chromosome 6HS Co-locate with Three Novel Sources of Scald Resistance
Authors: Eckstein Peter E. , Griffith Lindsay J. , Zhang Xiang M. , Turkington T. Kelly , Colin Mark G. , Holden Samuel , Walkowiak Sean , Brar Gurcharn S. , Beattie Aaron 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Three Hordeum spontaneum-derived resistances (referred to as 145L2, 41T1 and 40Y5) have demonstrated long-term effectiveness against barley scald, caused by Rhynchosporium commune, in western Canada. Genetic mapping of these resistances in three populations, and the use of five barley genome assemblies, revealed they co-located to a narrowly defined 0.58-1.2 Mbp region of chromosome 6HS containing the Rrs13 scald resistance gene. Differential disease reactions among the three resistances and a Rrs13 carrier to a panel of 24 scald isolates indicated that the four resistances were unique from one another. A marker created to target the 6HS scald locus was screened across a panel of barley germplasm that included H. vulgare, H. spontaneum and H. bulbosum lines. The marker showed specificity to H. vulgare lines known to carry the 6HS scald resistances and to two H. spontaneum lines that trace their origins to Jordan. Within the 0.58-1.2 Mbp region were 2-7 tandemly repeated Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Proteins (LRR-RLP) and one Lectin Receptor-Like Kinase (Lec-RLK) genes with abundant sequence variation between them. The well-defined role that RLP and RLK genes play in plant defense responses make them logical candidate resistance genes, with one possible hypothesis being that each unique scald resistance may be encoded by a different RLP that interacts with a common RLK. It is suggested the three scald resistances be temporarily named Rrs13145L2, Rrs1341T1 and Rrs1340Y5to recognize their co-location to the Rrs13 locus until it is determined if these resistances represent unique genes or alleles of the same gene.
Exploring the efficacy of in-vitro low-temperature plasma treatment on single and multispecies dental cariogenic biofilms
Authors: Figueira Leandro Wagner , Panariello Beatriz H. D. , Koga-Ito Cristiane Y. , Duarte Simone 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to determine how treatment with low-temperature plasma (LTP) at different exposure times affects cariogenic biofilms of single and multiple species formed by C. albicans, L. casei, and S. mutans on hydroxyapatite discs. Biofilms were treated with LTP-argon at a 10 mm distance for 30 s, 60 s, and 120 s. Chlorhexidine solution (0.12%) and NaCl (0.89%) were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Argon flow was also used as gas flow control. Colony-forming units (CFU) recovery and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to analyze biofilm viability. LTP reduced multispecies biofilms viability (log10 CFU/mL) in all the treated samples (p < 0.0001). For single-species biofilms, a significant reduction in all exposure times was observed for L. casei (p < 0.0001). For C. albicans biofilms, there was a significant decrease in LTP treatment when applied for 60 and 120 s when compared to positive and negative controls (p < 0.0001). LTP is a potential mechanism in the treatment of dental caries, by being an effective anti-biofilm therapy of both single and multispecies cariogenic biofilms.
The effects of work readiness, organizational justice and professional identity on the work performance of new nurses: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhe Jiang , Su Yue , Meng Ran , Lu Guangli , Liu Shejuan , Chen Chaoran 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:With the evolution of disease patterns and the continuous pursuit of persons for high-quality nursing services, new nurses are the reserve talents of the nursing team and shoulder a major mission. However, due to their low work performance and high turnover rate, this is not conducive to the stable development of nursing teams, and it is urgent to solve this problem. This study aimed to explore the relationship between work readiness and work performance as well as the mediating roles of organizational justice and professional identity in this relationship.
Method: A cross-sectional design was employed. From January to February 2023, 607 new nurses were surveyed at five hospitals in Henan Province, China. Work performance, work readiness, organizational justice and professional identity were assessed by the Work Performance Scale, the Work Readiness Scale for Graduate Nurses, the Organizational Justice Scale and the Professional Identity Rating Scale for Nurses, respectively. AMOS 26.0 was used for model drawing and mediation path testing, and SPSS 25.0 was used for data analysis. This study complies with the STROBE Statement of Observational Studies.
Results:Work readiness had a positive predictive effect on work performance of new nurses (r = 0.580, p ＜ 0.01); Organizational justice and professional identity play a chain mediatingrole in work readiness and work performance (β= 0.066).
Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of improving the work performance of new nurses. Organizational justice and professional identity can be used as mediating factors between new nurses’ work readiness and work performance. To improve new nurses’ work readiness, enhance organizational justice and improve professional identity and improve the work performance is conducive to stabilizing the nurse team, improving medical environment, stimulating new nurses to develop innovative ideas and contributing to the long-term development of the hospital.
Cost-effective approach for fabrication of high-quality expanded vermiculite for Alizarin red S removal from aqueous media
Authors: Thi Hoai Phuong Nguyen , Cao Phuong Anh , Han Duy Linh , La Duc D. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Vermiculite is widely used for various purposes, such as a hydroponic substrate, soil conditioning, oil cleaning, and trace metal pollution. In this work, natural vermiculite was facilely expanded using H2O2 with the assistance of microwave. Expanded vermiculite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption isotherm (BET), and energy dissipation. X-rays (EDX). The resultant expanded vermiculite has flake-like structure with the surface area of 73.9 m2/g. Alizarin red S adsorption on expanded vermiculite was studied under variable conditions including pH, initial concentration, adsorbent content, and evolution time. The maximal adsorption capacity of Alizarin red S by expanded vermiculite reached 182.5 mg/g. Among the three adsorption isotherm models, the adsorption of Alizarin red S onto expanded vermiculite obeys both the Freundlich and Temkin models. For adsorption kinetics, the second-order adsorption kinetic model is more suitable than the first-order adsorption kinetic model with R2 = 0.8964.
On equal footing? The impact of informal interpreters on lifeworld integration and patient-centeredness in emergency consultations
Authors: Cox Antoon , Larocque Marianne Couillard , Dauby Nicolas , Leanza Yvan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction – Patient companions (PCs) can have an ambiguous impact on the quality of communication during multilingual medical consultations and therefore on health outcomes. Studies of multilingual medical consultations have focused mainly on PCs’ role as interpreters, with less regard to other roles they may take up. This paper uses mixed methods to investigate PC role dynamics in multilingual PC-mediated consultations and how they affect the management of a patient’s Lifeworld, a crucial element for history taking and rapport building.
Methods – Nine recordings of multilingual PC-mediated consultations from a [city1] emergency department (ED), complemented with ethnographic notes and clinician interviews, were subjected to linguistic-ethnographic analysis and a codification of communication patterns and PC roles to explore the link between PC roles and Lifeworld management. PC roles were grouped into four stances (Linguistic agent, Lifeworld agent, System agent, and Principal). The communication patterns were grouped into three categories (“strictly medicine”, “Lifeworld included”, and “Lifeworld interrupted”).
Results – In ED consultations, patients’ Lifeworld frequently remains inadequately addressed, primarily due to physician interruptions. Significant associations are observed between roles taken up by PCs and the way patients’ Lifeworld is managed. Successful integration of Lifeworld aspects is best supported by PCs taking up the role of System agent, possibly because it allows them to link the Lifeworld directly to medical issues. Linguistic-ethnographic analysis reveals how language barriers, PC role changes and Lifeworld management strategies are taking shape organically (often implicitly) determined by a wide range of situational factors, such as the complexity of the topic, the available (non)verbal linguistic repertoire, the level of meta-communication, explicit role negotiation and timing.
Conclusion - Since poor Lifeworld management negatively impacts care, clinicians should be trained to detect and manage role dynamics and relevant situational factors in PC-mediated multilingual consultations to protect patients’ right to high-quality communication and healthcare.
Assessment of molecular and morphological dynamics during long-time in vitro cultivation of cryopreserved human ovarian tissue: risk of genetic alterations
Authors: Wang Wanxue , Todorov Plamen , Isachenko Evgenia , Rahimi Gohar , Merzenich Markus , Mallmann-Gottschalk Nina , Zhou Yang , Yao Jilong , Li Xuemei , Isachenko Volodimir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cryopreservation of human ovarian tissue is a technology for protection of reproductive potential in patients undergoing aggressive anticancer treatments. This technology includes the following stages: saturation by permeable cryoprotectants, freezing, thawing, removal of cryoprotectants, and tissues in vitro or in situ culture. The aim of our investigations was the evaluation of genetic risks and molecular alterations in human ovarian tissue during in vitro culture. Ovarian tissue was frozen in 6% ethylene glycol and 6% dimethyl sulfoxide with speed of cooling 0.3°C/min and thawed at 100°C. After removal of cryoprotectants tissue fragments were in vitro cultured with the soluble extract of basement membrane protein (Matrigel) 3-D culture system for 7 days. Morphological and functional assessments were conducted using microscopic observation and RNA-Seq. Comparative analysis of tissue morphology before and after culture was performed with bioinformatics for gene expression and variant analysis, including functional annotation and study of protein-protein interaction. DNA and RNA analyses after cultivation indicated a rise in gene fusion and alternative splicing events, potentially affecting gene expression and cellular functions. It was concluded that long-time in vitro culture of human ovarian tissue results in substantial changes in its morphology and genetic alteration.
Synergistic effect of Sisal Fiber reinforcement and Boric acid cross-linking on the properties of PVA
Authors: Techane Wasihun , Belay Mezigebu , WoldeTinsay Mengsitu , Mekonen Menelik Walle 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plastics play a crucial role in modern human life. While plastics have versatile applications, they are mainly serving for packing purpose. Many of plastics made mare used for packaging application of petrochemicals derivatives. Even though, they fulfill most of the criteria’s as good packing materials, they are not biodegradable. This causes serious environmental pollution. As a result, biodegradable plastics have emerged as an alternative to conventional plastics. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is one of the biodegradable polymers that have potential applications for various purposes because of its availability, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. However, low tensile strength and high water absorption hinder its application. To overcome this drawback, locally extracted natural biodegradable sisal fiber was used as reinforcement. The sisal fiber was extracted from sisal plant found in Ethiopian highland. After the extraction of the fiber, 20% NaOH was used for treatment in order to enhance interfacial strength between the sisal fiber and the matrix. The Composites were made by mixing 0/100, 10/90, and 20/80 weight percent using the solution casting technique. In addition to this, a cross-linker (boric acid) was used ascrosslink with PVA chains. The water intake and degradation of the samples were studied. The result shows water intake of PVA was reduced from 170% for pure PVA to 32% for the synergy of 20% reinforcement and 5.68% w/w of cross-linker concentration. The degradation obtained in 63 days was 73% for 20% reinforcement and 5.68% w/w of cross-linker concentration. The synergetic effect between boric acid cross-linking, natural sisal fiber and PVA may responsible for reduction of water absorption and improved degradation rate.
Low-Dose Aspirin for the Prevention of Preeclampsia in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome：A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Luo Shouling , Pei Jiangnan , Yu Yi , Wang Chengjie , Liu Haiyan , Gu Weirong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: We set out to investigate whether low-dose aspirin (LDA) is helpful in avoiding preeclampsia (PE) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), given that data indicate that these people are more likely to develop PE.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnancies with PCOS that delivered between January 1, 2018, and February 10, 2024 in our hospital. Clinical characteristics and obstetrical information were examined in the medical record. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to analyze the association between LDA and PE.
Results: The study population consisted of 1522 PCOS pregnancies, 395 were at high risk of PE, including 98 took LDA for preventing PE and 297 who did not take LDA. After the PSM, there was no significant difference between the LDA group and no-LDA group in the risk of PE; Likewise, adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ between the two groups. None of the subgroup interaction tests were significant for the preventive impact of LDA on PE.
Conclusions: There was not enough evidence according to this cohort analysis to suggest that LDA can prevent PE in PCOS patients at high risk of PE.
Preferred Communication Techniques by Student Providers and Patients During Caries Management in a Teaching Practice: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Zhang Franklin , Xie Juanna , Chutinan Supattriya , Riedy Christine A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Clear and concise communication between a provider and their patient is the cornerstone of establishing a trusting relationship and is a crucial component of effective medical and oral healthcare delivery. The aim of this quality improvement study was to examine patient-provider communication during caries risk assessment sessions within a dental teaching practice.Methods: Questionnaires were administered to student-providers (3rd and 4th years) and patients (age 18+) in the Harvard Dental Center Teaching Practice from July through December 2022.Results: They were completed by 34 student-providers (50% response rate) and 110 patients. Of those students who conducted the risk assessment session, most employed simple language (100%) and discussing limited concepts at a time (65.6%). Patients preferred simple language (54.8%), motivational interviewing (47.1%), and visual aids such as models and x-rays (40.4%) to comprehend concepts. A subset of student-providers (39.3%) acknowledged hurdles in motivating and effectively communicating with patients to alter their oral hygiene habits. Over half of the patients (55%) reported difficulty filling out forms individually. Less than a quarter of them responded correctly to all knowledge items pertaining to caries.Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of “soft skills” training that facilitates productive provider-patient communication within dental education, particularly in the context of a caries management approach.