bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Depression and Functional Outcomes in Patients with Post Covid-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Alsaid Hossam Mohammed , Maher Alla Ashraf , Fahmy Ebtesam Mohamed , Darwesh Ashraf A , Abdelhakiem Nadia Mohamed , badawy Mohammad sadik , Ragab Walaa M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on health and wellbeing across the globe, and patients with COVID-19 are likely to suffer from major mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Therefore, cognitive behavioral therapy can help people change unreasonable beliefs concerning COVID-19-related psychological disorders and depression symptoms, thus improving theirquality of life.
Purpose: To investigate the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy on depression and functional outcomes in post-COVID-19 patients.
Subjects and Methods: Thirty-six post-COVID-19 patients of both sexes were selected and randomized into two equal groups. The study group (A) was given cognitive behavioral therapy and a selected physical therapy program including balance and endurance training and graduated active exercises. The control group (B) was given the same physiotherapy programme alone. The treatment was conducted for one hour, with three sessions per week for twelve successive weeks. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score was used to measure depression severity, while functional outcomes were evaluated by the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. The measurements were performed before and after the 12-week intervention.
Results: Within-group comparisons revealed that there was a statistically significant reduction in depression as well as improvement in functional outcomes between the pre- and posttreatment conditions in Group A (P = 0.001* and 0.001*, respectively). The control group (B) showed no statistically significant differences in depression severity, but functional outcomes improved (P = 0.43* and 0.02*, respectively). Between-group comparisons revealed a statistically significant reduction in depression and improvement in functional outcomes in the study group compared to the control group after treatment (P = 0.001* and 0.001*, respectively).
Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral therapy is a beneficial therapeutic program for reducing depressive symptoms and improving functional outcomes in post-COVID syndrome patients.
Influence of the Level of Education on the Change in Cognitive Function in Parkinson´s Disease. A 5-year Follow-up Study.
Authors: García Diego Santos , Fonticoba Teresa de Deus , Bartolomé Carlos Cores , Alvarado Maria Íñiguez , Samaniego Lucía , Maside Antón López , Gallego Lucía , Barreiro Laura Couce , Caramés Javier Rodríguez , Painceiras Maria Feal , González Jose Paz , Jesús Silvia , Cosgaya Marina , Caldentey Juan García , Caballol Nuria , Legarda Ines , Vara Jorge Hernández , Cabo Iria , López-Manzanares Lydia , González-Aramburu Isabel , Rivera Asunción Ávila , Mayordomo Víctor Gómez , Nogueira Victor , García-Soto Julio Dotor , Borrue Carmen , Solano Berta , Sauco Maria Álvarez , Vela Lydia , Escalante Sonia , Cubo Esther , Mendoza Zebenzui , Pareés Isabel , Alonso Pilar Sánchez , Losada Maria Alonso , Ariztegui Nuria López , Gastón Itziar , Kulisevsky Jaime , seijo Manuel , Valero Caridad , Redondo Ruben , Buongiorno Maria , Ordás Carlos , González Manuel Menéndez , McAfee Darrian , Martinez-Martin Pablo , Mir Pablo , COPPADIS Study Group 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background and objective:
Level of Education (LoE) is widely used as an indicator of cognitive reserve and is associated with risk of dementia. The aim of the present study was to know the influence of the LoE on the change in cognitive function (CF) in patients with Parkinson´s disease (PD).
Patients and Methods:
Controls and PD patients from the Spanish cohort COPPADIS with a disease duration from symptoms onset ≤ 5 years, who were recruited from January/2016 to November/2017 (baseline visit; V0) and evaluated at 2 (V2), 4 (V4) and 5 (V5) years of follow-up were included. Regarding LoE, patients were classified as with primary, secondary and university studies. CF was assessed using the Parkinson´s Disease Cognitive Rating Scale (PD-CRS). General linear model (GLM) repeated measure was used to test for changes in the CF.
Results
Three hundred and ninety-nine PD patients (61.9 ± 8.9 years old; 58.4% males) and 207 controls (61 ± 8.3 years old; 49.8% males) were included. From V0 to V5, significant differences were observed in PD patients in global and fronto-subcortical (p < 0.0001 in all visits) between LoE groups but not in posterior-cortical (p > 0.05 in all visits) CF. LoE was associated with the change from V0 to V5 in the PD-CRS total score and fronto-subcortical sub-score (p < 0.0001) in PD patients but not in controls. Having primary studies was associated to PD dementia (PD-CRS < 65) at V5 (OR = 2.47; p = 0.035).
Conclusion
Change in cognitive function in Parkinson´s disease is influenced by the level of education.
Application of fungal biomass of the genus Pleurotus in the bioremediation of Doce River waters after the crime disaster in Mariana/MG: an analysis between the years 2015 and 2018
Authors: Santos M. P. O. , Maas A. S. Van Der , Jardim D. F. , Rodrigues J. L. , Bomfeti C. A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The collapse of Samarco mining company's tailings dam in November 2015 is recorded as the most severe environmental calamity to ever occur in Brazil. The ensuing toxic sludge devastated towns along the Doce River, leaving an enduring legacy of socio-environmental and economic destruction. The Doce River basin continues to bear the scars of this disaster to this day. This study thus proposes to investigate the bioremediation potential of three Pleurotusspp. strains, assessing their physical-chemical parameters of pH and turbidity, as well as the ability of the tested isolates to eliminate toxic metals in solution, based on water samples collected in 2015 and 2018. The studied fungal strains tended to acidify the medium, lowering the pH of the samples. In raw water, these strains effectively removed turbidity, achieving a decline of 86.2-95.0% and 28.1-40.7% in the first and second collections, respectively. High concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, barium, lead, iron, and manganese were detected in the Doce River water samples through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Batch system experiments showed that Pleurotus spp. could efficiently remove toxic metals from the solution in seven days of incubation, with average elimination rates ranging from 94.0-99.1% and 70.3-99.0% for the six evaluated elements in the 2015 and 2018 samples, respectively. Therefore, the findings suggest that the genus Pleurotusholds significant biotechnological promise for the bioremediation of contaminated or deteriorated waters.
The relationship between infertility and intentional delay of childbearing
Authors: sheikhian Marzie , dehcheshmeh faranak safdari - , pur Maryam lotfi , loripoor marzeyeh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: The use of contraceptive methods and intentional delay of childbearing and their relationship with infertility are important questions in the minds of couples and health service providers.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between infertility and intentional delay of childbearing and the duration of contraceptive use in couples.
Materials and methods: This was a case-control study on 290 couples referring to the Al-Zahra infertility center, Shahrekord, Iran and Health Centers Number 1 and 5 of Shahrekord from May to August 2022 using a systematic random sampling method. Data were collected through a checklist and analyzed using SPSS software version 18. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and independent t-test were used with a significance level < 0.05.
Results: The results of the study showed that there was no difference in intentional delay of childbearing (the duration of contraceptive use) between the case and control groups. The most common contraceptive method used by both groups was the whithdrawal method. The use of condoms and OCP was significantly higher in the control group, and the use of IUD was significantly higher in the case group.
Conclusion: The results showed that the duration of contraceptive use was not associated with infertility, but the type of contraceptive was associated with infertility. This finding can also be used in the field of couples counseling. However, due to the contradictions and ambiguities in this area and the limitations of this study, further research in this field is recommended.
Biocontrol potential of native microbial strains in the management of major lepidopteran pests infesting soybean
Authors: Aruna J. , Kambrekar D. N. , Mallapur C. P. , Krishnaraj P. U. , Jahagirdar Shamarao A. , Naveen V 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Soybean is the most important oilseed and pulse crop being grown in Northern Karnataka. Lepidopteran pests are major threats in decreasing the yield of the crop. So, upon consequences of using chemical insecticides, biocontrol approach is the alternate tool for managing these insect pests, which is environmental friendly and ecologically feasible in nature. The present experiment was carried out in soybean under field conditions during Kharif, 2022 and 2023 at Main Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad-Karnataka to assess the Biocontrol potential of native microbial strains against major lepidopteran pests of soybean. Five actinobacterial isolates were evaluated along with one entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium rileyi (2.00 g/l) and spinosad 45 SC (0.2 ml/l) as a standard check. The pooled results revealed that, Streptomyces hyderabadensis (200 ml/l) has emerged as the best isolate in controlling the four lepidopteran pests of soybean during both the years of investigation which recorded lowest mean population of S. litura (2.32 larvae/mrl) Thysanoplusia orichalcea (2.52 larvae/mrl), Spilosoma obliqua (1.17 larvae/mrl) and Cydia ptychora (1.04 larvae/ 5 pods) followed by Streptomyces xiaminensis (200 ml/l). The highest soybean yield reflected with the superior isolate, S. hyderabadensis (200 ml/l) with 18.17 quintals per hectare. The secondary metabolites produced by these actinobacterial strains made them as a potential biocontrol agent in controlling the lepidopteran pests in soybean ecosystem.
Effect of Post-FSW FSP Pass on Tensile Mechanical Characteristics and Hardness of Welded Samples of AA6061 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Kazemi Mahdi , Hamidi Mohsen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid-state joining process in which a rotating tool is inserted into the interface of two independent parts and the joint is established with friction and intensive plastic deformation. Most important factors contributing to the performance of FSW include welding tool geometry, joint geometry, tool rotation speed, tool compressive load bearing capacity, plunge depth, and tool traverse speed. In this research, effect of post-FSW friction stir processing (FSP) on mechanical characteristics and hardness of stir-welded samples of AA6061 aluminum alloy was investigated. To this end, thirteen series of experimental tests were performed to come up with a comprehensive analysis of different situations that may occur following the FSP pass and investigate the effects the FSP parameters on the weld quality. Results showed that the post-FSW FSP pass can significantly improve the ultimate weld strength and percent elongation in all samples. However, the highest strength improvement (10%) was achieved when the traverse direction in the FSP pass was opposite to that of the FSW pass while the rotation was set to be in the same direction as that of the welding pass. Moreover, most of the samples exhibited increased ultimate strength and percent elongation with increasing the tool traverse speed. Finally, performing the post-FSW FSP pass enhanced the weld hardness, especially when the tool traverse motion in the FSP pass was in the opposite direction to that in the welding pass while the tool rotation direction was the same in the FSW and FSP passes.
Efficacy of Anti-tubulin drug ( Paclitaxel ) as a single treatment and its combination with the commercially used drug metronidazole in the treatment of Giardiasis in the experimentally infected mice
Authors: elgendy Ashraf AHMED , Ramadan Ashraf Rizk , Farid Alyaa , Rabee Ibraheem , Amir Azza mohamed El 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Giardia infection is still a medical problem in the world as yet; it is the first cause of intestinal diarrhea and its consequences. The reliance on metronidazole as a basic treatment remains despite its side effects, especially when used for longer periods due to recurring infections, so research is ongoing to find participant for metronidazole in the treatment of giardia and at the same time works to limit its side effects. Cancer patients were shown to be 1.24 fold more susceptible and were at a higher risk of infection, which should alert physicians to the possible consequences. The study represents a step to lighten the burden on cancer patients who more exposed to Giardia infection. The importance of the participation of the Paclitaxel in the therapeutic protocol, developing anti-giardial compound that target the cell division machineries of the parasite, and reduce the genotoxicity effects of metronidazole. the dual treatment (metronidazole with Paclitaxel combination), yield a significant reduction in the percentage of IgA and IgG antibodies indicating an increase in the evanescence of the antigens that stimulate the production of antibodies. It is true that the dual treatment gave less removal of the number of eggs in the stool, as well as the trophozoite than metronidazole alone, but it gave better disappearance of the pathogens which stimulate the production of antibodies and it is also and this is the most important thing that it is safer to use, especially if it is required to prolong the treatment period, this is confirmed by histopathological examination for Liver and small intestine tissue samples collected from all mice within the different groups.
Validation of new, circulating biomarkers for glioma
Authors: Chatanaka Miyo K. , Avery Lisa M. , Diamandis Eleftherios P. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Biomarkers are useful clinical tools but only a handful of them are used routinely for patient care. Despite intense efforts to discover new, clinically useful biomarkers, very few new circulating biomarkers were implemented in clinical practice in the last 40 years. This is mainly due to poor clinical performance. Here, our goal was to validate a group of newly discovered circulating biomarkers for glioma by comparing our data with data from a paper recently published in Science Advances. We analyzed our own sets of clinical samples and a different analytical assay to compare the results of Shen and colleagues. Despite the sophistication of the utilized discovery method, we found that the newly proposed biomarkers for glioma (such as SERPINA6) did not perform as expected. Scientific irreproducibility has been extensively discussed in the literature. A large proportion of newly discovered candidate biomarkers likely represent “false discovery” and contribute to irreproducible results. The best way to assess the value of any new biomarker is by independent and extensive validation. Based on our previous classification, we believe that this work represents another example of a false discovery.
Spatial evolution of soil properties in near-natural constructed wetland after 15 years of operation
Authors: Liu Chenxi , Zhai Xiajie , Cui Lijuan , Li Wei , Zhao Xinsheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Near-nature restoration is a key research focus in the field of ecological restoration. Near-natural constructed wetlands (NCWs) play an important role in water resource purification. During the long-term operation of NCWs without intervention, their purification ability gradually weakens and the soil structure and function change. In the present study, based on the operation of NCWs for 15 years, we measured the physicochemical properties (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents, water contents, and pH) and activities of enzymes (e.g., urease (URE), alkaline phosphatase (PHO), dehydrogenase, and sucrase (SUC)) at a soil depth of 0–20 cm; the levels of these parameters at different flow sections of, and different distances from, the NCW were assessed. The results showed no significant difference between the soil carbon and total nitrogen at different distances from the NCW. Further, the phosphorus and NH4+-N contents increased with the increase in distance from the wetland and were the lowest in the wetland center; further, the NO3--N content was the highest in the wetland center (p < 0.01). The soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus contents were the highest in the surface soil (0–5 cm) and were higher in the surface of the NCW than in the subsurface of the NCW. The activity of most enzymes decreased significantly with the increase in soil depth; the highest enzyme activities were observed on the bank of the NCW (p < 0.01). Redundancy analysis showed that soil carbon and nitrogen had a strong explanatory power for the soil enzyme activity. After long-term operation, the soil properties in the NCW showed spatial changes. The discovery of this rule is conducive to the ecological design of NCWs and will aid the protection and restoration of ecosystems subjected to the combined influence of natural and human activities.
The first prevalence and antifungal susceptibility profile of Candida infections in Palestine, 2022
Authors: Baniodeh Hanaa , Abu-Helu Rasmi , Abulihya Mohand , Awwad Mohammed Y , Dawoud Ayman , Tebbji Faiza , Sellam Adnane 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Candida spp. are the most common cause of opportunistic fungal infections and are associated with a high mortality rate worldwide. In Palestine, the prevalence of Candida spp. infections remains elusive.
Methods
We performed our study at two hospitals in Palestine (Istishari Arab Hospital, and Najah National University Hospital). All patients diagnosed with candidiasis during the year 2022 have participated in the study. The prevalence of Candida spp., their distribution, and the activity of selected antifungals against Candida pathogens were assessed. In combination with phenotypic properties, Candida isolates were identified and tested for antifungal susceptibility using the colorimetric VITEK-2 Compact system.
Results
Our results showed that the prevalence of Candida spp. among infected samples was 11.6%. A total of eleven different Candida spp. were identified. Among these isolates, C. albicans (46.54%) was the most frequent, followed by C. glabrata (16.14%), C. tropicalis (13.83%), C. parapsilosis (4.82%), C. krusei (3.56%), C. dubliniensis (2.09%), C. ciferrii (1.67%), C. lusitaniae (0.83%), C. guilliermondii (0.62%), C. kefyer (0.41%) and C. spherica (0.20%). Among C. albicans, all isolates were 100% susceptible to fluconazole and micafungin. The susceptibility rates to Amphotericin B and flucytosine were 95% and 99%, respectively. The susceptibility rates of non-albicans Candida spp. (NAC) to fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericine B, caspofungin, flucytosine and micafungin were 70%, 99%, 97%, ,72%, 92% and 100%, respectively. The incidence of Candida infections was higher in the intensive care unit and surgery department as compared to other hospital departments.
Conclusions
Four pathogens are responsible for the most invasive infections: C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis. A notable characteristic of this study was the high frequency of NAC species which were often more resistant to antifungal agents. A quick and accurate system like Vitek 2 compact was suggested for the careful species identification of clinical isolates of Candida. We suggest that continued surveillance of species distribution and susceptibility to antifungals will enhance future burden estimates and assist in evaluating preventative measures' effectiveness.
Study of pressure pulsation on reactor coolant pump with staggered guide vane under coast-down condition
Authors: Deng Rui , Ye Daoxing , Chen Junlin , Zhang Junyu , Han Jiaming , Wu Mengke , Liu Binhao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

To explore the impact of staggered guide vane on hydraulic characteristics of reactor coolant pump during coast-down condition, numerical methods were employed to study the reactor coolant pump equipped with staggered guide vane. The results show that the amplitude of impeller pressure pulsation can be reduced by staggered guide vane, the amplitude of pressure pulsation at guide vane inlet can be decreased, and the pressure pulsation amplitude within the volute casing can be improved. The energy of pressure pulsation generated by static and dynamic interference can be redistributed by staggered guide vane, leading to a reduction in the intensity of pressure pulsation. The maximum amplitude of radial force of impeller is located at the rotation frequency of impeller, compared with the original model, the difference of amplitude decreases as the coast-down progresses. At the start of coast-down, the radial force amplitude of impeller was reduced to 403N by the staggered guide vane, and when the coast-down flow rate decreases to 0.25Q 0 , the difference of radial force amplitude is only 22N. The radial force amplitude of impeller was effectively reduced by the staggered guide vane, and its distribution was made more uniform. However, as coast-down progresses, the improvement effect gradually diminishes.
Association Between the Method Information Index Metric and Choice of Contraceptive Method: Secondary Analysis of Data from the Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) Programme
Authors: Felix Humwa , Vernon Mochache , Musa Muga , Nancy Mberesia , Rodah Kipchumba , Hilda Mogaka , Elias Girma , Sandra Mudhune , Joyce Mumah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The quality and comprehensiveness of family planning (FP) counseling has largely remained unaddressed, leaving potential FP users with limited information to make informed contraceptive choice. The method information index (MII) is a metric consisting of a set of questions asked of FP service clients prior to method initiation that serves as a proxy to the quality of FP counseling in determining informed choice. The current study assessed the association between MII scores and choice of a long-acting contraception using data from client exit interview (CEI) surveys conducted during the Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (WISH) programme.
Methods
Between 2019–2022, 16,525 individuals contributed data across three CEI rounds conducted in 11 countries as part of the WISH programme. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between MII scores and choice of long-acting contraception.
Results
Individuals with high MII (aOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.46–2.08) and MIIplus (aOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.41–1.97) scores were nearly twice as likely to choose long-acting contraceptive method especially if they were single and/or multiparous.
Conclusion
Under the WISH programme, the MII metric as a proxy for quality of FP counselling, is an important predictor of choice of long-acting contraception. FP programmes should invest in building the capacity of their service providers to offer individuals with quality, comprehensive counselling to increase chances of clients voluntarily selecting a long-acting FP method.