bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of organic photochromic molecules in mesoporous silica materials: Synthesis and applications
Authors: Alenazi Maha H. , Mubarak Ahmed T. , Abboud Mohamed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The ability to control the function and structure of some promising nanosystems using an external stimulus is attractive research to develop programmable and reconfigurable intelligent nanomaterials. The focal point of this review is the silicon-based nanoporous materials, and particularly the mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) class (pore size: 2–50 nm), due to their important intrinsic properties, such as high surface area, highly ordered nanostructure, narrow pore size distribution, various dimensions (one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional), and easily functionable. One of the most essential organic components that can be incorporated in MSMs is organic photochromic molecules (OPMs), such as azobenzene, stilbene, dithienylethenes, and spiropyrans. OPMs can be incorporated into MSMs, to form photochromic mesoporous organosilica materials (PMOMs), in two different ways: physical (non-covalent immobilization) or chemical (covalent immobilization) binding. PMOMs are considered smart nanomaterials because they have the ability to undergo reversible changes in the solid state when exposed to an external electromagnetic radiation. PMOMs have been the subject of many research studies during the last decade due to their potential applications, especially as chemosensors. This review discusses the main families of OPMs, their incorporation into MSMs using different methods, and the applications of some PMOMs as chemosensors.
Expanding the focus of the One Health concept: links between the Earth-system processes of the planetary boundaries framework and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Alkorta Itziar , Garbisu Carlos 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The scientific community warns that our impact on planet Earth is so acute that we are crossing several of the planetary boundaries that demarcate the safe operating space for humankind. Besides, there is mounting evidence of serious effects on people’s health derived from the ongoing environmental degradation. Regarding human health, the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria is one of the most critical public health issues worldwide. Relevantly, antibiotic resistance has been claimed to be the quintessential One Health issue. The One Health concept links human, animal, and environmental health, but it is frequently only focused on the risk of zoonotic pathogens to public health or, to a lesser extent, the impact of contaminants on human health, i.e., adverse effects on human health coming from the other two One Health “compartments”. It is recurrently claimed that antibiotic resistance must be approached from a One Health perspective, but such statement often only refers to the connection between the use of antibiotics in veterinary practice and the antibiotic resistance crisis, or the impact of contaminants (antibiotics, heavy metals, disinfectants, etc.) on antibiotic resistance. Nonetheless, the nine Earth-system processes considered in the planetary boundaries framework can be directly or indirectly linked to antibiotic resistance. Here, some of the main links between those processes and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance are described. The ultimate goal is to expand the focus of the One Health concept by pointing out the links between critical Earth-system processes and the One Health quintessential issue, i.e., antibiotic resistance.
Bathing in the Southern Brown-throated Weaver
Authors: Oschadleus H Dieter 
Published: May 2024

The first record of bathing in the Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus was made n 18 September 2021 in Katima Mulilo (17°29'42.07"S, 24°19'26.36"E) , Namibia.
An Innovative n-Shifted Sigmoid Channel and Spatial Attention Module for Efficient 3D Scene Object Detection
Authors: Du Shengzhi , Burume Desire Mulindwa , Liu Qingxue 
Published: May 2024

Recently, attention mechanisms have developed into an important tool for performance improvement of deep neural networks. In computer vision, attention mechanisms are generally divided into two main branches: spatial and channel attention. Both attention categories have their own advantages. The fusion of both attentions achieves higher performance, on the cost of the computational load. This paper introduces an innovative and lighter n-shifted sigmoid channel and spatial attention (CSA) module to reduce the computational cost and to improve the 3D scene relevant features selection. To validate the proposed attention module, 3D scene object detection in the deep Hough voting point sets is considered as the testing application. The proposed attention module with its piecewise n-shifted sigmoid activation function improves the network’s learning and generalization capacity which effectively predict bounding box parameters directly from 3D scenes and detect objects more accurately. This advantage is achieved by selectively attending to more relevant features of the input data. When used in the deep Hough voting point sets, the proposed attention module outperforms state-of-the-art 3D detection methods on the sizable SUNRGBD dataset. Experiments conducted showed an increase of 12.02 mean accuracy precision (mAP) when compared to the celebrated VoteNet (without attention). It also got 9.92 mAP higher compared to the MLVCNet, and 10.32 mAP higher than the Point Transformer. The proposed model not only decreases the sigmoid vanishing gradient problem but also brings out valuable features by fusing channel-wise and spatial information while improving accuracy results in 3D object detection.
Safety of Traditional Growing Rods in Patients with Early-Onset Congenital Scoliosis Associated with Type-I Split Cord Malformation
Authors: Sun Heng , Huang Yizhen , Dong Yulei , Jiao Yang , Zhao Junduo , Shen Jianxiong 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Literature regarding the application of traditional growing rod (TGR) instrumentation in patients with early-onset congenital scoliosis with type-I split cord malformation is scarce. The purpose of the present study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of TGR surgery and repeated lengthening procedures in patients with congenital scoliosis with type-I split cord malformation not treated with prophylactic osseous spur excision.

Methods:
Thirteen patients with early-onset congenital scoliosis associated with type-I split cord malformation and a stable neurologic status between March 2009 and July 2020 were recruited. All patients underwent primary TGR surgery and subsequent repeated lengthening procedures without osseous spur excision by the same surgical team. Clinical information and radiographic data from the preoperative, postoperative, and latest follow-up periods were collected.

Results:
The mean preoperative Cobb angle of the major coronal curve was 74.62° ± 25.59°, the mean early postoperative angle was 40.23° ± 17.89°, and the mean latest follow-up angle was 40.62° ± 16.60°. The scoliotic deformity correction percentage was 46.81% ± 12.26% after the initial operation and 45.08% ± 15.53% at the latest follow-up. Compared with the preoperative values, significant improvements were observed in the coronal and sagittal balance early postoperatively and at the latest follow-up (p < 0.05 for all). The average annual amounts of spinal height gained were 15.73 ± 5.95 mm at T1-S1, 8.94 ± 3.94 mm at T1-T12, and 12.02 ± 6.70 mm between the instrumented segments. The total height gained at T1-S1 and T1-T12 was 72.18 ± 28.74 mm and 37.62 ± 12.53 mm, respectively. No intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring events were observed, and no case of neurological deficit was observed postoperatively or during follow-up.

Conclusions:
Patients without neurologic deficit and having a stable neurologic exam who have early-onset congenital scoliosis associated with type-I split cord malformation can safely and effectively undergo TGR surgery, followed by repeated lengthening procedures, without prophylactic osseous spur excision.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Methods to Reduce Cost of Treatment in Childhood Bone and Joint Infection
Authors: Hunter Sarah , Crawford Haemish , Ao Braden Te , Grant Cameron 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Childhood bone and joint infection (BJI) is a potentially severe disease with consequences for growth and development. Critically unwell children may require prolonged hospitalization and multiple surgeries. Acknowledging rising healthcare costs and the financial impact of illness on caregivers, increased efforts are required to optimize treatment. This systematic review aims to characterize existing costs of hospital care and summarize strategies, which reduce treatment expense.

Methods:
A systematic review of the literature was performed from January 1, 1980, to January 31, 2024. Data were extracted on hospitalization costs for pediatric BJI by decade and global region. Results have been converted to cost per day in US dollars with purchase parity for 2023. Studies reporting innovations in clinical care to reduce length of stay (LOS) and simplify treatment were identified. Studies trialing shorter antibiotic treatment were only included if they specifically reported changes in LOS.

Results:
Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria; of these, a daily hospitalization cost could be derived from 7 publications. Overall hospitalization cost and inpatient charges rose steeply from the 1990s to the 2020s. By contrast, average LOS seems to have decreased. Cost per day was higher in the United States than in Europe and higher for cases with confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Sixteen studies report innovations to optimize care. For studies where reduced LOS was achieved, early magnetic resonance imaging with immediate transfer to theater when necessary and discharge on oral antibiotics were consistent features.

Conclusion:
Rising costs of hospital care and economic consequences for families can be mitigated by simplifying treatment for childhood BJI. Hospitals that adopt protocols for early advanced imaging and oral antibiotic switch may provide satisfactory clinical outcomes at lower cost.

Level of Evidence:

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Strategies for managing corn crop residue in the context of greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Komorowska Monika , Niemiec Marcin , Sikora Jakub , Suder Marcin , Gródek-Szostak Zofia , Atilgan Atilgan , Ovcharuk Oleg , Lach Łukasz , Kusa Rafał , Duda Joanna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Food production is one of the most important sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both in primary production and in processing and the logistics chain. The most problematic and risky is the optimization of environmental effects in the stage of primary production. This is due to the significant influence of factors related to climate and soil that are difficult to predict. The scientific literature offers much information on the impact of crop residue management, but the context for assessing the impact of crop residue management in corn production on the carbon footprint is still unclear. The effectiveness of using organic additives like biochar, compost, corn or straw, to maintain soil productivity is well acknowledged. Information about the effects of particular crop residue management strategies on soil carbon sequestration, soil quality, and crop yield in corn cultivation is currently scarce. The research aimed to assess the potential for optimizing corn production through modifications in crop residue management, with a focus on the efficiency indicator being the level of greenhouse gas emissions per functional unit of the product. A three-year growing experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of different corn crop residue management strategies. The modifications of the corn cultivation technology in terms of the crop residue management strategy had a significant impact on the yield of plants and the amount of GHG emissions. The conversion of corn straw to biochar and its introduction into the soil reduced the GHG emissions from corn cultivation per functional unit, despite the energy expenditure related to straw transport and biochar production. From a three-year time perspective, a beneficial effect of biochar addition on the size of the commercial yield of plants was observed. In variants with biochar and a reduced level of nitrogen fertilization, no reduction in yields was observed. This confirmed the hypothesis that biochar could be a useful material for the production of slow-acting fertilizers.
The Influence of Word Length and Presentation Directions on Information Encoding and Brain Cell Activity in the Memory Systems of Gifted Students through ERP Technology
Authors: Saleh Shoeb , AlAli Rommel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The present study examined the influence of word length on neuronal activity in the right and left temporal lobes during the processing of written words displayed at different rotation angles. A sample of 24 Arabic-speaking adults gifted students aged 20 to 30 years (SD = 5.4) participated in a 3 × 4 factorial design, with word length (3 letters, 6 letters, 9 letters) and word presentation direction (0, 90, 180, 270) as variables. ERP technology employing a 32-channel EEG device was used, focusing on four channels in the temporal lobes. EEG waveforms were analyzed using a visual analysis program, and participants' performance and reaction time were measured with E-Prime Professional 0.2. Results revealed a significant difference in response time based on word length, indicating longer responses as the number of letters increased. Word length influenced brain cell activity during the word recognition stage, particularly in the 80 to 120-millisecond range (M1 component, P100). Furthermore, word presentation direction also impacted this activity. Word length affected the structural encoding stage, evident in the negative neurological component S1 (N170), while word presentation direction demonstrated a similar effect. The systematic classification processes involved in the encoding of stimuli between sensory memory and short-term memory were influenced by word length. Specifically, decreased neural activity was observed in the S400 component (N400) as word length decreased. Additionally, word presentation direction significantly influenced this component, with an interaction between word length and presentation direction that intensified with increased word length. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying word processing.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Candida parapsilosis complex isolates from a Lebanese Hospital
Authors: Hady Reine El , Fattouh Nour , Finianos Marc , Bitar Ibrahim , Husni Rola , khalaf Roy 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida parapsilosis is a major causative agent of candidiasis leading to death in immunocompromised individuals. Azoles are the first line of defense in treatment by inhibiting ERG11, involved in the synthesis of ergosterol, the main sterol fungal sterol. Resistance to azoles is on the increase worldwide including in Lebanon. The purpose of this study is to characterize nine hospital isolates labeled as C. parapsilosis: four resistant and five sensitive to fluconazole. Phenotypic characterization was achieved through a battery of tests that target pathogenicity attributes such as virulence, biofilm formation, stress resistance, and ergosterol content. Genotypic analysis was done through whole genome sequencing to mutations in key virulence and resistance genes. Phylogenetic comparison was performed to determine strain relatedness and clonality. Genomic data and phylogenetic analysis revealed that three of the nine C. parapsilosis isolates were misidentified; two as C. orthopsilosis and C. metapsilosis belonging to the C. parapsilosis complex, while the third was C. albicans. Moreover, several known and novel mutations in key drug resistance and virulence genes were identified such as ERG11, ERG3, ERG6, CDR1, and FAS2. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a high degree of relatedness and clonality within our C. parapsilosis isolates. Our results showed that resistant isolates had no increased ergosterol content, no statistically significant difference in virulence, but exhibited an increase in biofilm content compared to the sensitive isolates. In conclusion, our study, the first of its kind in Lebanon, suggests several mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance in C. parapsilosis hospital isolates.
Randomized crossover trial of a demand oxygen delivery system in nocturnal hypoxemia
Authors: Yatani Atsuhiko , Nagano Tatsuya , Murakami Sae , Otoshi Takehiro , Hazama Daisuke , Katsurada Naoko , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Tachihara Motoko , Nishimura Yoshihiro , Kobayashi Kazuyuki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The newly developed portable oxygen concentrator with an auto-demand oxygen delivery system (auto-DODS) automatically switches between 3 sensitivities according to the negative pressure gradient of inhalation and supplies oxygen only during inhalation. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness and safety of auto-demand devices compared with a continuous flow oxygen concentrator, during sleep, in a randomized crossover noninferiority trial. We alternatively used an auto-DODS or a continuous-flow oxygen concentrator, all night on separate days for HOT (Home Oxygen Therapy) patients with nocturnal hypoxemic symptoms. The primary endpoints were the mean value of oxygen saturation (SpO2) over the total sleep time. The secondary endpoints included the efficacy endpoints and the safety endpoints. Regarding the primary endpoint, the difference in SpO2 between the auto-DODS and continuous flow was 0.835%. Since the upper limit of this difference did not exceed 2.8, which was set as the noninferiority margin, it was shown that the auto-DODS did not reduce SpO2 by at least 2.8% on average compared to continuous flow. No equipment failure or exacerbation of disease was observed, confirming the safety of the auto-DODS during the night.
Molecular questioning of potential efficacy of epsilon targeted antiviral treatment option for Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus
Authors: KOÇ B. Taylan , Adiguzel Ece , Oguzoglu T. Cigdem 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We aimed to elucidate the molecular and secondary structure of DCH to predict the development of antiviral drugs. We performed a series of polymerase chain reactions to obtain complete sequences of DCH. The complete sequences were processed using computational tools. The phylogenetic analysis showed that our sequences belong to one clade, but four are not part of this monophyletic clade. A recombination detection program identified four cases as potential recombination events. The secondary structure of the cis-acting RNA region (ε) was evaluated and revealed motifs similar to those found in HBV. This similarity highlights the potential for new-generation therapeutics in this region.
Empowering Health and Wellness in Rural Kenya: An Examination of Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Practices, and Treatment Management among Adults with Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Onyango Joseph , Kiarie Ruth 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of global mortality, particularly prevalent in low to middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus often coexist, contributing to long-term complications and mortality. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications, are vital in preventing these complications. This study aimed to assess nutrition knowledge and dietary practices among patients with diabetes and hypertension at Kitale County Referral Hospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study focused on patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension at Kitale County Referral Hospital. Data were collected from 283 respondents out of a target population of 973 using structured questionnaires. The Social Cognitive Theory guided the study, emphasizing the interaction of individual, behavioral, and environmental factors influencing self-care activities. Most participants demonstrated an understanding of dietary management for their conditions. Cultural influences posed challenges, yet participants reported familial and social support. Willingness to change dietary habits was evident, but barriers such as food availability and cost were noted. Despite adequate nutrition education, adherence to balanced diets remained problematic. The study highlights the importance of sustained patient education and counselling, incorporating experiential learning such as hospital kitchen use to promote locally available foods. Strategies to address food insecurity, particularly among the elderly, are recommended to enhance dietary adherence and overall health outcomes. Efforts to improve dietary practices among patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension should prioritise culturally sensitive education, accessibility to recommended foods, and addressing socioeconomic barriers. These recommendations could significantly enhance self-care behaviours and health outcomes in similar healthcare settings.
A Comprehensive Study of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among USMLE Aspirants: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Khan Qaisar Ali , F.Belay Naod , Semakieh Bader , Farrukh Ameer Mustafa , Aisha Marium , Khan Fahd Zafar , Wiyarta Elvan , Khan Hamza Ali , Verma Ravina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) represents a critical step for medical licensure in the United States, requiring extensive preparation that can lead to significant mental health challenges among aspirants. This study aims to explore the prevalence and contributing factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among USMLE aspirants.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey investigates the prevalence and contributing factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among USMLE aspirants. We deployed a detailed online and paper-based questionnaire targeting a diverse pool of 321 medical students and graduates globally. The survey incorporated validated scales such as the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to evaluate mental health statuses. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, focusing on demographic correlations and mental health outcomes.
Results
A total of 321 participant’s data were collected, out of whom 51.1% (n = 164) were male and 48.9% (n = 157) were female. 91.3% (n = 293) were International Medical Graduates (IMG), while 8.7% (n = 28) were American Medical Graduates (AMG), educational status results show undergraduates 38.6% (n = 124) and graduates 61.4% (n = 197). Participants were interviewed through a validated questionnaire, and 75.1% (n = 241) had depression, 71.96 (n = 231) had anxiety, (n = 16) had low stress, (n = 231) had moderate, and (n = 66) had severe perceived stress.
Conclusion
Our study reveals a high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among USMLE aspirants, with significant variations across demographic subgroups and chosen medical specialties.