bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the microbial community in various saline alkaline- soils driven by soil factors of the Hetao Plain, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Gao Ju-lin , Yu Xiao-fang , Borjigin Qing-geer , Qu Jiawei , Zhang Bi-zhou , Zhang Sai-nan , Li Qiang , Guo Jiang-an , Li Dong-bo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Soil microbial communities play a crucial role in maintaining diverse ecosystem functions within the saline–alkali soil ecosystems. The current understanding of harnessing soil microbial communities to enhance the salinized soil environment is limited. Therefore, in this study, we collected various saline–alkaline soils from across the Inner Mongolia Hetao irrigation area. The soil chemical properties were analyzed, and the microbial diversity of bacteria and fungi was measured using Illumina MiSeq. The dynamic relationship between the soil microbial community and soil factors was analyzed using the ABT model, the co-occurrence network, and the structural equation model. The results indicated that electrical conductivity (EC) was the biggest driving force of various saline–alkaline soils, affecting the community structure of bacteria (22.80%) and fungi (21.30%). The soil samples were categorized into three treatment levels based on their EC values: the low-salinity group (L, EC: 0–1 ms/cm, n = 10), the medium-salinity group (M, EC: 1–2 ms/cm, n = 8), and the high-salinity group (H, EC > 2 ms/cm, n = 6). Significant differences were observed in the microbial diversity and community structure for the different saline-alkali soils (p < 0.01). The network diagram illustrated a positive correlation between salinity and the number of network points, network edges, and modularity coefficient, but a negative relationship with the number of modules. The results demonstrated a negative correlation between microbial abundance and salinity–alkalinity, while revealing an enhanced interrelationship among species. Saline-alkali ions were identified as the primary and direct driving factors responsible for bacterial (12.36%) and fungal (22.92%) community dynamics in various saline–alkaline soils. The alterations in bacterial (12.36%) and fungal (22.92%) communities in various saline-alkali soils were primarily driven by saline-alkali ions, which served as the principal direct factors. The negative correlation between EC and SOM exhibited the highest magnitude, whereas the positive correlation between soil organic carbon and EC demonstrated the greatest strength. Therefore, it was further substantiated that EC played a pivotal role in shaping the distinct microbial communities in saline-alkali soils.
Sexually dimorphic renal expression of Klotho is directed by a kidney-specific distal enhancer responsive to HNF1b
Authors: Jankowski Jakub , Lee Hye Kyung , Liu Chengyu , Wilflingseder Julia , Hennighausen Lothar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Transcription enhancers are genomic sequences regulating common and tissue-specific genes and their disruption can contribute to human disease development and progression. Klotho, a sexually dimorphic gene specifically expressed in kidney, is well-linked to kidney dysfunction and its deletion from the mouse genome leads to premature aging and death. However, the sexually dimorphic regulation of Klotho is not understood. Here, we characterize two candidate Klotho enhancers using H3K27ac epigenetic marks and transcription factor binding and investigate their functions, individually and combined, through CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. We discovered that only the distal (E1), but not the proximal (E2) candidate region constitutes a functional enhancer, with the double deletion not causing Klotho expression to further decrease. E1 activity is dependent on HNF1b transcription factor binding site within the enhancer. Further, E1 controls the sexual dimorphism of Klotho as evidenced by qPCR and RNA-seq. Despite the sharp reduction of Klotho mRNA, unlike germline Klotho knockouts, mutant mice presented normal phenotype, including weight, lifespan, and serum biochemistry. Lastly, only males lacking E1 display more prominent acute, but not chronic kidney injury responses, indicating a remarkable range of potential adaptation to isolated Klotho loss, especially in female E1 knockouts, retaining renoprotection despite over 80% Klotho reduction.
Trends in Musculoskeletal Injuries Due to Firearms in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Saif Nabeel , Wentlent Zachariah , Shahriar Rajin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Firearm injuries (FIs) are a substantial cause of mortality and morbidity in children. As physicians may have a role in preventing these injuries, understanding the epidemiology and identifiable risk factors associated with these injuries is important. The primary objective of this study is to assess for longitudinal trends in demographics and circumstance of injury (e.g., assault, accident, self-inflicted) in pediatric and adolescent FIs across different geographical regions in the United States. Secondary objectives included assessing the severity of outcomes and quality-of-care measures based on the nature of injury, including anatomical location and the presence of concomitant nerve injury.
Methods
Data was utilized from admissions between 1997–2019 available in Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID), a nationwide database of pediatric and adolescent inpatient care admissions. All patients aged 20-years-old (y.o.) or younger with a firearm-associated injury were included in our study. Multi-level generalized linear models were employed to evaluate differences in categorical characteristics (e.g., race, circumstance of injury, geographical region) across time points.
Results
The majority of FIs in our study were 16–20 y.o., with over half due to assaults. Between 2000–2019, the probability of an FI due to an accident nearly quadrupled in Black and Hispanic patients. Between 2000–2019, the number of FI admissions in the Northeast decreased from .75 to .64, while the Midwest increased from .16 to 1.02 per, 100,000 people.
Conclusions
Our data indicates significant heterogeneity in the pattern of musculoskeletal injuries resulting from FIs. Recognizing this may allow physicians to improve counseling for patients and advocate for the best policies within the areas they serve. Future research should assess the efficacy of provider specific programs geared towards preventing these injuries.
Predictors and health outcomes of tobacco smoking among the population of Gaza: A large-scale study
Authors: Ismail Ali , Hamdar Layal , Dirawi Hiba , Kanso Mohamad , Salem Islam , Tamim Hani , Mahfoud Ziyad 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Tobacco smoking, a significant public health concern globally, is associated with a rise in noncommunicable diseases and preventable deaths, with pronounced impacts in conflict zones like Gaza. A study in Gaza focused on individuals over 40 years of age, aiming to identify predictors of tobacco use and its links to diseases like coronary artery disease, chronic lung disease, and stroke. The research, based on the Gaza NCD study data with 4576 participants and a 96.6% response rate, found an overall tobacco smoking prevalence of 19.4%, with higher rates among men. Adjusting for various factors, the study revealed significant associations between cigarette smoking in men and adverse health outcomes, such as coronary artery disease and chronic lung disease. However, after adjusting for independent variables, shisha smoking in men showed no association with these health outcomes. In conflict-affected regions like Gaza, this large-scale study sheds light on predictors of cigarette and shisha smoking and their impact on health outcomes, offering valuable insights for researchers, public health officials, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The findings aid in predicting smoking prevalence, addressing current health challenges, and mitigating potential health and financial burdens associated with tobacco use in conflict zones.
Student and Resident Perspectives on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Events in Medical School
Authors: Nkie Veronica , Roehrs Danielle Isabella , Richardson Chante , Garg Rahul , Mafuvadze Benford 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Extensive research has demonstrated the necessity of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training in Medicine, particularly in increasing cultural awareness among physicians. However, there is limited data on the perceived impact of DEI events from the perspectives of trainees. This study sought to examine the impact of DEI training in medical school from the perspectives of medical students and first-year residents.
Methods
A 17-question cross sectional survey was constructed, and data analysis including descriptive statistics and relevant data associations were conducted using the Qualtrics XM software.
Results
A majority of respondents agreed that their institutions support the promotion of DEI events on campus (81.3%), DEI training was part of their curricula (60.9%), and improved their cultural awareness (46.4%). Also, respondents indicated these events provided understanding of the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce (53.7%), and 46.4% stated they could provide excellent care to diverse patients as a result.
Among residents, 20% agreed to the use of DEI knowledge in patient care during residency. However, while 27.3% acknowledged their DEI experiences were highlighted during residency interviews, only 11.1% stated that residency programs were interested in their DEI experiences gained in medical school.
Conclusion
Medical trainees recognize the impact of DEI events in understanding the inequities in patient care. Most medical students feel DEI events is beneficial to their training. However our study shows that the impact of DEI events may be further enhanced if trainees’ views and perspectives on DEI events are considered and incorporated into program curricula.
Influence of dislocation cells in the hydrogen diffusivity, trapping and embrittlement of wrought and additively manufactured Inconel 718
Authors: Maldonado Claudia Santos , Zafra Alfredo , Pañeda Emilio Martínez , Sandmann Paul , Morana Roberto , Pham Minh-Son 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hydrogen embrittlement (HE) raises a major concern for the mechanical integrity of high-strength alloys, such as Ni-based superalloys exposed to hydrogen-rich environments. The diffusion and trapping of hydrogen atoms are critical factors governing HE. In this study, the role of microstructure, particularly dislocation cells, a characteristic microstructure of alloys made by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), on hydrogen diffusion, trapping and embrittlement of additive manufactured (AM) and wrought Inconel 718 was investigated. For the first time, trapping behaviour in hydrogen-saturated AM Inconel 718 was analysed by thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) coupled with numerical simulations. A high density of hydrogen traps in the cell walls attributed to dense dislocations and Laves was responsible for the local accumulation of hydrogen, causing significant loss in the cohesive strength and triggering cracking along the dislocation cell walls. This influential role of dislocation cells alters the fracture behaviour from intergranular (seen in the wrought condition) to intragranular for the AM condition. In addition, the cellular network of dislocations acts as a short circuit accelerating hydrogen diffusion, enabling faster and deeper penetration of hydrogen in the AM condition. The results obtained in this study indicate that the higher HE susceptibility of AM Inconel 718 alloys is intrinsically associated with the interaction of hydrogen with dislocation walls.
Student’s Perception of the Learning Environment in Ethiopian Medical Schools: Evidence from Jimma University Medical Centre
Authors: Wonde Shewatatek Gedamu , Tadesse Tefera , Ferede Bekalu 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study investigated medical students’ perception of the quality of the learning environment at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC), Jimma, Ethiopia. For this, a cross-sectional survey design was conducted at the clinical attachment wards in JUMC. The authors used the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) inventory tool, self-administered to 323 different clinical years of undergraduate medical students enrolled at the clinical attachment wards during the study period. The questionnaire consisted of five domains: student perception of learning (SPL), student perception of teacher (SPT), student academic self-perception (SAP), student perception of the atmosphere (SPA), and student social self-perception (SSSP). Mean, standard deviation, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were computed using the SPSS, IBM 20 software to analyse the data. The overall DREEM mean score was 111.35 ± 13.67 from the maximum score of 200. In this study, female students reported a significantly higher overall mean score than male students. In addition, Clinical year I students had a more positive perception of the learning environment than their senior batches. The overall mean score demonstrates that students had a more positive perception of their learning environment. However, some areas need to be revised across all five domains of the learning environment to make improvements.
Evaluation of otolith shape as an approach to stock discrimination of Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the lagoon environments of Benin
Authors: Adjibayo Houeto Madel Floriane , Nicolas Andrialovanirina , Marwa Mejri , Malek Tazarki , Marius Sounouvou , Meriem Ben Ghorbel , Pierre Dossou-Yovo , Chalh Abdellah , Quignard Jean-Pierre , Monia Trabelsi , Kélig Mahé 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study explores the ecological diversity of otoliths in Mugil cephalus by analysing data from 190 individuals collected at different sites, including the Porto Novo lagoon, the Cotonou lagoon and Lake Nokoué. The results revealed significant differences in otolith morphology, showing significant associations with the biological characteristics of the fish at each site. Analysis of the asymmetry between the right and left sides reveals distinctions between these two aspects. There is a significant structuring of stock units according to otolith shape, with marked differences between the different geographical sampling areas. The asymmetry percentages illustrate marked differences between the study sites, suggesting variations in the impact of environmental factors on otolith morphology. The higher asymmetry percentages observed in the Porto-Novo lagoon and the Cotonou lagoon indicate a different morphological response compared to Lake Nokoué, which could be attributable to distinct environmental conditions and specific selective pressures.
Effects of brief remote high ventilation breathwork with retention on mental health and wellbeing: A randomised placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Fincham Guy W. , Epel Elissa , Colasanti Alessandro , Strauss Clara , Cavanagh Kate 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

High ventilation breathwork with retention (HVBR) might be beneficial for mental/physical health and has been growing in popularity over the past decade. However, little research has investigated the potential therapeutic effects of brief, remotely delivered HVBR and the tolerability profile of this technique. This study (NCT06064474) was the largest blinded randomised-controlled trial on HVBR to date in which 200 young, healthy adults balanced for gender were randomly allocated in blocks of 2 by remote software to 3 weeks of 20 min daily HVBR (fast breathing with long breath holds) or a placebo HVBR comparator (15 breaths/min with short breath holds). The trial was concealed as a ‘fast breathwork’ study wherein both intervention and comparator were masked, and only ~ 40% guessed their group assignment with no difference in accuracy between groups. Both groups reported analogous credibility and expectancy of benefit, subjective adherence, positive sentiment, along with short- and long-term tolerability. At post-intervention (primary timepoint) for stress level (primary outcome), we found no significant group x time interaction, F(1,180) = 1.98, p = 0.16, ηp2 = 0.01, d = 0.21), nor main effect of group, (F = 0.35, p = 0.55, ηp2 < 0.01) but we did find a significant main effect of time, (F = 13.0, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.07). There was a significant improvement in stress pre-post-intervention in both groups, however there was no significant difference in such improvement across groups. In addition to stress at follow-up, we found no significant group x time interactions for secondary trait outcomes of anxiety, depression, mental wellbeing, and sleep-related impairment. This was also the case for state positive and negative affect after the first session of breathwork and at post-intervention. Brief remote HVBR therefore may not be more efficacious at improving mental health than a well-designed active comparator in otherwise healthy, young adults. Funders: The Ryoichi Sasakawa Young Leaders Fellowship Fund, and PsyDAO.
Adsorption of mercury(II) to volcanic rock: Characteristics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, regeneration and wastewater treatment applications
Authors: Khedr Abdalla M. , Elwakiel Nadia , Halawia Sameh E. , Mansour Ramadan Abdelghany 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Andesite was employed to effectively extract mercury(II) in aqueous solution. After evaluating its characteristics, andesite was characterized applying modern techniques such as FTIR, BET and TGA methods. The study employed SEM and TEM measurements to analyze the variation in the surface shape and crystallinity of the metal due to adsorption. Adsorbent quantity (0.05-1) mg, contact time (5-60) minutes, pH (2–10), temperature (25–60)°C, and dose [2.738, 4.413, 12.550, 15.520, 39.95] ppb, all affect the amount of removal that increases with the increase in contact time, pH, dose and temperature, but drops as the metal ion concentration rises . The ideal values for contact time, pH, metal ion concentration, dose, and temperature were found to be, respectively, 30 minutes, 8, 15.520 ppb, 0.4 mg, and 40°C. The calculation of thermodynamic parameters, including ΔH, ΔG, and ΔS, was imperative in establishing that the mechanism of heavy metal adsorption on andesite was endothermic, exhibiting a physical nature that escalated with temperature rise. The Freundlich adsorption equation's linear form is matched by the adsorption of mercury(II) on andesite, constant n was 1.85, 1.06, 1.1, and 1.1, whereas the Langmuir constant qm was found to be 1.85, 2.41, 3.54, and 2.28 mg/g at 25°C to 60°C. Furthermore, adsorption follows a pseudo-second-order, rate constant was 3.08, 3.24, 3.24 and 13 under the identical temperature conditions, as opposed to a first-order, rate constant was 4, 3, 2.6, and 2. Hg2+, NH4+, Cl-, Br-, NO3-, SO42-, Na+, K+, H2S, and CH3SH were all extracted from wastewater by this application.
Numerical Study and Statistical Approach of the Impact of Nanofluids on Mixed Convection in a Ventilated Cavity
Authors: Brahimi MERYEM , Benderradji RAZIK , Raouache ELHADJ , Chetbani YAZID , Chamkha ALI J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In contemporary power engineering and microelectronics, the efficiency of cooling systems is of crucial importance. To meet this requirement, specialized approaches and the use of nanofluids are employed to improve the heat dissipation of heat-generating components. This study presents a methodology based on a numerical investigation and statistical analysis using the Response Surface Method (RSM) to estimate the average Nusselt number associated with mixed convection in a ventilated cavity. A quadratic mathematical model was developed by RSM, the precision of which was assessed via a factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a coefficient of determination R2 close to 1. The study considered pure water and mixtures of nanoparticles (Cu, Ag, and TiO2) as heat transfer fluids, exploring various values of the Richardson number (0.1 to 100) and volume fractions (0–8%). The outcomes demonstrate a direct relationship between the volume fraction of nanoparticles and the augmentation of heat transfer, wherein silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles exhibit superior efficacy in enhancing heat exchange. The RSM evaluation highlights that a Richardson number of around 61, associated with copper (Cu) and/or silver (Ag) nanoparticles with a volume fraction of around 8%, leads to a higher average Nusselt number, reaching up to 47. Additionally, multi-objective optimization identifies optimal levels of volume fractions (8%) and Richardson numbers (61) with copper (Cu) nanoparticles, with a desirability high reaching 0.9999 (99.99%).
The Changing Pattern of Anticholinergic Prescribing in a Low- to Middle-income Country: Comparison of Two Datasets
Authors: Xu Xiang Jiang , Myint Phyo Kyaw , Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Ramasamy Kalavathy , Lim Siong Meng , Majeed Abu Bakar Abdul , Wong Yuet Yen , Mat Sumaiyah , Saedon Nor Izzati , Mahadzir Hazlina , Hasmukharay Kejal , Tan Maw Pin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: While the effects of anticholinergic drug use have been increasingly highlighted, the trends and patterns of anticholinergic drug use are, however, less well understood.
Aim: To determine the changes in frequency and pattern of anticholinergic drug use within a low- to middle-income country.
Method: Comparisons were made between two datasets obtained in 2013-15 and 2020-22 from population-based surveys conducted among Malaysian residents aged 55 years and older. Anticholinergic exposure was determined using the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) tool. The frequency of prescriptions were reported by the Anatomical Therapeutic Classification (ATC) groups.
Results: Medication data were available in 1616 and 2733 participants from 2013-15 and 2020-22 respectively, of whom 293 (18.1%) and 280 (10.2%) participants were on at least one medication with ACB score ≥ 1. Within ATC classes, cardiovascular medications were the most commonly prescribed in both surveys but had reduced over time. The use of nervous system medications had increased, in the increase seen in antipsychotic prescribing. The prescription of medications within the alimentary and respiratory classes had reduced. Multivariate analyses found that those interviewed in 2020-22 had significantly less likely than those in 2013-15 to have total ACB score=1-2 (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.473[0.385-0.581]) and ACB ≥ 3 (0.251[0.137-0.4600]) compared to ACB=0 after adjustment for potential confounders.
Conclusion: A reduction in anticholinergic exposure was observed over time. However, more types of medications with anticholinergic effects were prescribed with an increase in the prescription of nervous system medications. The increase in antipsychotic use, in particular, is of concern and deserves further evaluation.