bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration of CO2 capture and microalgae cultivation: demonstration assessment of outdoor Scenedesmus acutus cultivation using gaseous ammonia as a nitrogen source
Authors: Vorisek Fritz E. , Ji Yaying , Thompson Jesse , Liu Kunlei , Crocker Mark 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundTowards the goal of integrating CO2 capture using aqueous ammonia with its utilization for algae cultivation, Scenedesmus acutus (UTEX B72) was grown in 1100 L open raceway ponds using CO2 and NH3 supplied from gas cylinders. CO2/NH3 mole ratios of 7 and 10 were employed, the gas mixture acting as a surrogate for the output from a CO2 scrubbing system using aqueous ammonia.ResultsCompared to Scenedesmus acutus grown in open ponds using gaseous CO2 and NaNO3 as the N‐source, the ponds supplied with gaseous CO2 and NH3 displayed higher productivity at both CO2/NH3 ratios, with the higher ratio providing the best growth. Depending on the culturing conditions and CO2/NH3 ratio, CO2 utilization ranged up to 15.8% and NH3 utilization to 23.0%. These rather low values reflect the fact the high CO2/NH3 feed rate used, resulting in a substantial release of NH3 from the ORPs (~45%).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate the suitability of gaseous NH3 as a N‐source for microalgae cultivation, while highlighting the need for a control strategy that closely balances the CO2/NH3 supply with the algae growth rate. The produced algae biomass possessed a high protein and low ash content, rendering it particularly suitable for use as a bioplastic feedstock. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Ultrasound Characteristics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the Spanish Population
Authors: García‐Bermejo Paula , Segura‐León Jesús , Medina‐i‐Mirapeix Francesc , Valera‐Garrido Fermín 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine the cross‐sectional area (CSA) (cm2) of the median nerve and its relationship with patient age and sex, together with the frequency of other qualitative ultrasound patterns in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the Spanish population.MethodologyAn observational, cross‐sectional, prospective, descriptive study was conducted among 79 patients diagnosed with CTS. The CSA of the median nerve was measured at the carpal tunnel inlet (CTI) and outlet (CTO) by ultrasound examination. In addition, qualitative variables such as hyperechoic enhancement, thickening, and loss of ultrasound pattern of the median nerve were measured. The images were analyzed using Image J software.ResultsThe sample comprised 73.4% women and 26.6% men. In 68.4% of the cases, the dominant hand was involved. Professional cleaners and domestic staff were the most affected (22.8%). The CSA of the median nerve in patients with CTS was 0.16 cm2 (95% CI 0.15–0.18) at the CTI and 0.17 cm2 (95% CI 0.16–0.18) at CTO. At the CTI and CTO, the CSA showed significant differences in men under 50 years. As for the qualitative variables at the CTI and CTO, the most notable finding was the alteration in the ultrasound pattern, which was present in 87.3% and 91.1% of subjects, respectively.ConclusionThe median nerve CSA has a homogeneous value at the CTI and CTO in the Spanish population with CTS. These values show differences in terms of patient age and sex. The alteration in the ultrasound pattern of the nerve and the presence of hyperechoic reinforcement are the most frequent qualitative findings.
Immobilization of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles on Cotton Fiber Under Gamma Radiation and Its Catalytic Activity
Authors: Eisa Wael H. , Zeid A. M. Abou , Ghazy O. A. , Waly S. A. , Saleh H. H. , Ali Z. I. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTNickel ions were reduced on the surface of cotton fibers under the effect of gamma radiation. The NiO nanoparticles grew as semispherical aggregates along the cotton fibers with average crystallite size of 32 nm as calculated from the x‐ray diffraction results. The FTIR data showed the presence of a new IR peak at 613 cm−1 (assigned to the NiO stretching vibration) confirming the successful loading of NiO nanoparticles into cotton matrix. The NiO nanoparticles were adhered to the surface of cotton fibers through the complexation with hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. The NiO@cotton nanocomposite showed high performance in the catalytic degradation of both 4‐nitrophenol and bromophenol blue. The rate constant of the catalytic degradation of 4‐nitrophenol was 8.24 × 10−3 s−1 at pH = 10. The resultant heterogeneous catalyst is green, cheap, separable/recyclable, and has considerable catalytic activity.
Comparing perioperative outcomes after transmetatarsal amputation in patients with or without peripheral vascular disease
Authors: Plantz Mark A. , Bergman Rachel , Gerlach Erik , Mutawakkil Muhammad , Patel Milap , Kadakia Anish R. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundTransmetatarsal amputation (TMA) is a commonly performed procedure for gangrene in the setting of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the incidence of and risk factors for reoperation and perioperative complications after TMA in patients undergoing surgery for primarily infectious/diabetic wounds versus peripheral vascular disease.MethodsPatients undergoing TMA between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020 were identified using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The indication for surgery was reported using the International Classification of Disease 9/10 codes. Patients were categorized into two groups: patients undergoing surgery for primarily infectious/diabetic wounds versus peripheral vascular disease. The incidence of 30‐day mortality, readmission, reoperation, nonhome discharge, and various medical and surgical complications was reported. Outcome measures were compared between the diabetic and peripheral vascular disease groups. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for each outcome measure of interest.Results3392 patients were included in the final cohort. There was a 30‐day mortality rate of 2.9%, reoperation rate of 13.8%, readmission rate of 16.8%, surgical complication rate of 22.2%, and medical complication rate of 15.8%. Patients undergoing surgery for a vascular indication had a higher rate of mortality, reoperation, hospital readmission, nonhome discharge, and various medical complications (p < 0.05). Patients undergoing surgery for infectious/diabetic wounds had a higher rate of deep surgical site infection and systemic sepsis (p < 0.05). A vascular surgical indication was independently associated with reoperation and overall medical complications (p < 0.05). Various factors, including age, body mass index, medical comorbidities, and the presence of preoperative sepsis were associated with poor outcomes.ConclusionSignificant rates of mortality, reoperation, and hospital readmission were reported after TMA. The presence of peripheral vascular disease was independently associated with reoperation and medical complications. Patients undergoing TMA, particularly for peripheral vascular disease, should be counseled about perioperative risks and indicated for surgery carefully.
Usefulness of Retinol‐Binding Protein in Predicting Mortality in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease
Authors: Utakata Yuki , Miwa Takao , Hanai Tatsunori , Aiba Masashi , Unome Shinji , Imai Kenji , Shirakami Yohei , Takai Koji , Shimizu Masahito 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackground and AimRapid turnover proteins (RTPs), including retinol‐binding protein (RBP), prealbumin, and transferrin, are useful in evaluating dynamic nutritional status. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum RTP levels and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).MethodsWe evaluated 341 patients with CLD admitted between October 2011 and December 2021. Those with RBP levels below 2.7 mg/dL for males and 1.9 mg/dL for females were included in the low RBP group. Factors associated with mortality and low RBP were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard regression and logistic regression models.ResultsThe median age of the included patients was 67 years, and 48% were male. The median model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score was 8 points, and the median RBP, prealbumin, and transferrin levels were 1.5 mg/dL, 11 mg/dL, and 227 mg/dL, respectively. During a median observational period, 23% of the patients died. Multivariate analysis showed that the RBP level (hazard ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46–0.81) was independently associated with mortality, while prealbumin and transferrin were not. Additional analysis revealed that male sex (odds ratio, 8.62; 95% CI, 2.56–29.00) and albumin level (odds ratio, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.04–0.26) were significantly associated with the low RBP levels in patients with CLD.ConclusionsThe serum RBP level is a dynamic biomarker associated with mortality in patients with CLD, independent of liver functional reserve, and it may be a useful indicator for nutritional intervention in these patients.
Early initiation of fast‐track care for persons living with HIV initiating dolutegravir‐based regimens during a period of severe civil unrest in Port‐au‐Prince, Haiti: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Marc Jean Bernard , Pierre Samuel , Ducatel Othnia , Homeus Fabienne , Zion Abigail , Rivera Vanessa R. , Dorvil Nancy , Severe Patrice , Guiteau Colette , Rouzier Vanessa , Katz Ingrid T. , Duchatelier Carl Frederic , Forestal Guyrlaine Pierre Louis , Jean Josette , Bernadin Guirlaine , Dumont Emelyne Droit , Riche Rose Cardelle B. , Pape Jean William , Koenig Serena P. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIntroductionDifferentiated service delivery (DSD) models have been widely implemented for patients in stable HIV care. However, DSD has rarely been offered to newly diagnosed patients. We assessed the effectiveness of early fast‐track care during a period of severe civil unrest in Port‐au‐Prince, Haiti.MethodsWe conducted a pilot randomized trial among adults presenting with early HIV disease to determine whether early fast‐track care (8−12 weeks after same‐day HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy [ART] initiation) was associated with superior outcomes compared with standard (deferred eligibility for fast‐track care). All participants received tenofovir/lamivudine/dolutegravir (TLD), and HIV‐1 RNA <200 copies/ml was required prior to initiating fast‐track care. The primary outcome was 48‐week HIV‐1 RNA <200 copies/ml, with intention‐to‐treat analysis.ResultsFrom December 2020 to August 2022, 245 participants were randomized to standard (n = 116) and early fast‐track (n = 129) groups. All initiated TLD on the day of HIV diagnosis. In the early fast‐track group, one (0.8%) died, 12 (9.3%) were internally displaced/emigrated, five (3.9%) were lost‐to‐follow‐up (LTFU), two (1.6%) had a gap in care/later return, one (0.8%) was transferred and 108 (83.7%) were retained; 88 (68.2%) received 48‐week viral load testing and 80 (90.9% of tested; 62.0% of randomized) had HIV‐1 RNA <200 copies/ml. In the standard group, two (1.7%) died, six (5.2%) were internally displaced/emigrated, three (2.6%) were LTFU, one (0.9%) had a gap in care/later return, one (0.9%) was transferred and 103 (88.8%) were retained; 78 (67.2%) received 48‐week viral load testing and 66 (84.6% of tested; 56.9% of randomized) had HIV‐1 RNA <200 copies/ml. By design, the sample size of this pilot study was too small to provide definitive evidence of treatment effect, but the primary outcome was numerically higher in the early fast‐track group (62.0% vs. 56.9%; RD: 0.051: 95% CI: −0.072, 0.174).ConclusionsEarly fast‐track care was associated with high levels of viral suppression among adults initiating same‐day TLD, despite severe civil unrest in Haiti. Completion of 48‐week viral load testing was suboptimal, due to the need for participants to leave Port‐au‐Prince during peak periods of gang‐related violence, and the lack of availability of viral load testing for those receiving non‐facility‐based ART.
Metabolites Released by Poaceae Roots Under Iron‐Deficient Conditions
Authors: Saavedra Teresa , Pestana Maribela , Silva José Paulo Da , Correia Pedro José 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundStrategy‐II, as a response mechanism, is limited to grasses under Fe deficiency and is based on the secretion of phytosiderophores (PS) into the rhizosphere, in conjunction with the induction of a high‐affinity system for Fe(III)‐PS uptake. This strategy has a significant ecological impact and is essential for sustainable agriculture.AimsIn this work, we studied the physiological and metabolic responses of Poa pratensis L., Lolium perenne L., and Festuca rubra L. when grown in nutrient solution under Fe deficiency.MethodsAfter chlorosis appeared, we analyzed leaf pigment concentrations, biomass, and ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity of root tips. We also screened the metabolites released by root exudates using liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS).ResultsPlants grown with low or no Fe availability had significantly lower fresh weight (FW) and leaf chlorophyll (Chl) but higher FCR activity as compared to control plants. The root exudates contain carboxylic acids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and peptides, among others. An increase in carboxylic acid content was correlated with Fe chlorosis in all species studied. However, the specific compounds that were upregulated varied depending on the species. Root exudates contained several upregulated metabolites that were identified as small peptides and/or peptide derivates based on their spectral data and formulas that are compatible with small peptides and/or peptide derivatives.ConclusionsThese results, together with the metal binding/chelation properties of many peptides, highlight the release of these compounds and/or their derivatives as a response of grasses to increase the Fe bioavailability.
Technology‐Enabled Sustainability: Behavior‐Based Carbon Footprint Levy in Hotels
Authors: Glyptou Kyriaki 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe paper explores the predisposition of domestic and international urban tourists of Athens, Greece, to pay an app‐calculated green levy based on the carbon footprint (CF) of their hotel stay. The study employs fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to explore the complex configurations between the effects of the sustainable hotel profile, disposable income for tourism, digital literacy, knowledge around CF, and environmental behavior during hotel stay on guests' willingness to pay for the technology‐calculated green levy appropriated to their individual behavior. fsQCA produced three sufficient pathways, namely, pragmatistic, environmental conscious, and opportunistic, as plausible customer profiles. Findings are compared against other dominant correlational modes of analysis to highlight the underlying complexity of tourist behavior and hence the need for the application for non‐parametric methods of analysis. The theoretical contribution of the paper lies in the integration of the concepts of digital literacy, environmental awareness, and behavior‐based levies. Technology‐enabled and self‐controlled tools can support transparent and appropriated green levies and promote ownership of carbon offsetting in the hospitality industry.
Imaging pharmacological and edible behavior of Sinomenii Caulis volatile organic compounds: chain model insight
Authors: Yao Yecen , Guo Ming , Wu Yanan , Chen Mengdie , Ni Kaijie , María De Los Angeles Mibuy Mba Mikue 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs a traditional Chinese medicine, Sinomenii Caulis (SC) has not only attracted much attention for its medicinal value, but also its volatile organic compounds have shown potential application in the agriculture and food fields. This study combined chain modeling (fingerprinting, machine learning, network pharmacology, metabolic analysis, spectroscopic experiments, and physical simulations) with the aim of interdisciplinarity exploring the potential applications of SC, at the interface of agriculture and food, especially in the area of food additives and active ingredient pharmacology.RESULTSPalmitic acid (PA), linoleic acid (LA), and isomenthone (IM), which are closely related to depression, were shown to have good biocompatibility and stability, allowing them to cross the blood–brain barrier and exert their therapeutic effects on depression. Through metabolic analysis, these ingredients can be effectively metabolized in the human body, thus ensuring their safety in food. Through spectral analysis and physical simulation, it was verified that PA/LA/IM can interact with transporter proteins for in vivo transport.CONCLUSIONThe volatile organic compounds of SC can be used for the treatment of depression and as food additives, which can be fully transported in vivo to perform their roles, which is beneficial for the development of medicines and flavored foods. This study provides a feasible guide for the development of food products with pharmacological activities. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
A novel method for online sex sorting of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) using computer vision combined with deep learning
Authors: Guo Feng , Qin Wei , Fu Xinglan , Tao Dan , Zhao Chunjiang , Li Guanglin 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBACKGROUNDSilkworm pupae (SP), the pupal stage of an edible insect, have strong potential in the food, medicine, and cosmetic industries. Sex sorting is essential to enhance nutritional content and genetic traits in SP crossbreeding but it remains labor intensive and time consuming. An intelligent method is needed urgently to improve efficiency and productivity.RESULTSTo address the problem, an automatic SP sex‐separation system was developed based on computer vision and deep learning. Specifically, based on gonad features, a novel real‐time SP sex identification model with cascaded spatial channel attention (CSCA) and G‐GhostNet (GPU‐Ghost Network) was developed, which can capture regions of interest and achieve feature diversity efficiently. A new loss function was proposed to reduce model complexity and avoid overfitting in the training. In comparison with benchmark methods on the test set, the new model achieved superior performance with an accuracy of 96.48%. The experimental sorting accuracy for SP reached 95.59%, validating the effectiveness of the novel gender‐separation strategy.CONCLUSIONThis research presents a practical method for online SP gender separation, potentially aiding the production of high‐quality SP. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chronic wasting disease prions on deer feeders and wildlife visitation to deer feeding areas
Authors: Huang Miranda H. J. , Demarais Steve , Schwabenlander Marc D. , Strickland Bronson K. , VerCauteren Kurt C. , McKinley William T. , Rowden Gage , Valencia Tibbitts Corina C. , Gresch Sarah C. , Lichtenberg Stuart S. , Wolf Tiffany M. , Larsen Peter A. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractEliminating supplemental feeding is a common regulatory action within chronic wasting disease (CWD) management zones. These regulations target the potential for increased animal‐animal contact and environmental contamination with CWD prions. Prions, the causative agent of CWD, have been detected on feeder surfaces in CWD‐positive, captive deer facilities but not among free‐ranging populations, and information on the relative risk of transmission at anthropogenic and natural food sources is limited. In this study, we established and maintained 13 gravity feeders from September 2022 to March 2023 in a CWD zone in northern Mississippi, USA (apparent prevalence ~30%). We set up feeders up in 3 ways: no exclusion (deer feeders, n = 7), exclusion of deer using fencing with holes cut at the ground‐level to permit smaller wildlife to enter (raccoon feeders, n = 3), and environmental control feeders, which were fully fenced and not filled with feed (control feeders, n = 3). We swabbed feeder spouts at setup and at 4 intervals approximately 6 weeks apart to test for prion contamination via real‐time quaking‐induced conversion (RT‐QuIC). We detected prions 12 weeks after setup on all deer and raccoon feeders. We compared relative transmission risk using camera traps at these feeders, 6 agronomic plantings for wildlife forage (i.e., food plots), and 7 oak mast trees. Weekly visitation rate by white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; hereafter: deer) differed (P = 0.02) among deer feeders (median = 24.5 deer/week, range = 15.6–65.7), food plots (median = 12.7, range = 3.8–24.7), and mast trees (median = 2.0, range = 0.4–5.1). Contact rates between individual deer also differed between site types (P < 0.01): deer feeders (median = 2.1 deer‐to‐deer contacts/week, range = 0–10.1), food plots (median = 0.1, range = 0–4.0), and mast trees (median = 0, range = 0–0.3). Raccoons also visited feeders at greater rates than food plots and mast trees (P < 0.04). Finally, we swabbed 19 feeders in 2 areas where CWD was newly detected, finding prion contamination on swabs from 4 feeders. We show that deer feeders in free‐ranging populations with high CWD prevalence become contaminated with CWD prions quickly, becoming a potential site of exposure of deer to CWD prions. Our results also demonstrate the ability to find evidence of prion contamination on deer feeders, even in areas where CWD is newly detected.
Access to Cochlear Implantation: Trends in Surgeon Volume and Training
Authors: Espahbodi Mana , Trautwein Patricia , Bestourous Daniel E. , Zwolan Teresa A. , Nassiri Ashley M. , Carlson Matthew L. , Erbele Isaac D. , Patel Neil S. , Gurgel Richard K. 
Published: February 2025

ObjectivesEvaluate the training background of surgeons performing high volumes of cochlear implants (CIs) and estimate the ratio of providers trained in otology/neurotology (O&N) to the number of traditional CI candidates and audiologists.MethodsA retrospective review of US surgeon registration data from a single CI manufacturer was performed to determine CI volume based on surgeon training. The prevalence of traditional candidates for CIs was estimated from US census population data and compared with the number of O&N providers. The ratio of audiologists to O&N providers was estimated from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics and American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association databases.ResultsFrom 2021 to 2023, a mean of 88% of providers performing ≥25 CIs per year and 90% performing ≥40 per year had training in O&N. All surgeons registering ≥100 implants per year were O&N providers. The mean percentage of O&N providers performing ≥25 CIs per year and ≥ 40 per year was higher than the percentage of General and Pediatric Otolaryngology providers performing the same volume: mean difference = 76%, p < 0.001 and mean difference = 79%, p < 0.001, respectively. The mean estimated prevalence of traditional CI candidates per O&N provider is 3,354 with an estimated mean of 32 audiologists (3.5 trained in CIs) per O&N provider.Conclusion88% of high‐volume CI surgeons have fellowship training in O&N. To meet the current state of CI underutilization and anticipated growing population of CI candidates, we propose increasing the surgical capacity of O&N providers and the number of surgeons proficient in CIs.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 2025