bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: From wild to plate
Authors: Srivarathan Sukirtha , Olarte Mantilla Sandra Milena , Phan Anh Dao Thi , Wright Olivia R. L. , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Netzel Michael E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIncreased salt (sodium chloride (NaCl)) consumption contributes to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing the intake of NaCl could result in significant public health benefits. Australian grown halophytes are consumed traditionally by indigenous communities as food and medicine. The importance of halophytes has been recently “rediscovered” due to their salty taste and crunchy texture. This study aimed to assess the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes (AIEH) as salt substitutes. A benchtop test was carried out to establish a sensory lexicon of four important AIEH (samphire, seapurslane, seablite, and saltbush) and to select the most promising halophyte based on sensory attributes and nutritional composition. Samphire and saltbush, the most common and commercially important halophytes, were used as comparisons. Semolina was used to prepare the halophyte‐based test food for the benchtop sensory study. Results of the formal sensory study showed that the growing location of samphire and saltbush can significantly affect their sensory attributes. Samphire had the most favorable sensory attributes and nutritional quality, with dry herb and bran aroma and flavor, whereas the saltbush test food preparations had herbaceous, minty dry wood, and green fruit aroma and flavor. The “optimal” concentration of added freeze‐dried samphire/saltbush powder was determined based on the saltiness perception of the NaCl‐semolina formulation (0.3% table salt equivalent to 1% samphire freeze‐dried powder and 1.4%–2.0% saltbush freeze‐dried powder, respectively). This study provided novel and crucial information on the potential use of AIEH as natural salt substitutes.Practical ApplicationThere is an increasing demand for natural salt substitutes. Halophytes are salt tolerant plants that sustain in arid or semiarid areas and have the potential to be used as natural salt substitutes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the sensory profiles of four important Australian indigenous edible halophytes (samphire, seapurslane, seablite, and saltbush). This study also demonstrated how different growing locations can affect the sensory attributes of halophytes and subsequently their potential food applications. Our findings provide critical information and data to further study halophytes in the context of novel food applications.
Smart contracts, the legal profession and COVID‐19: Highlighting the need to embrace technology
Authors: Osborne Sarah 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt has been claimed that technology would replace the legal profession with artificial intelligence and codification of documents replacing the twenty‐first century lawyer. With this premise in mind, this paper discusses smart legal contract formation in the context of Australian contract law, the perceived replacement of lawyers through blockchain technology and how the COVID‐19 pandemic has set the trajectory for smart legal contract convention. We consider whether the legal profession can ever truly be replaced by technological advances and whether COVID‐19 has pivoted the way the legal profession performs business transactions towards modernisation. Although prior literature has considered how the legal profession may benefit from increased technology use, the expected timeframe for occurrence was dependant on a strong reluctance by the profession to change the status quo. Analysis of the impact of COVID‐19 on the legal profession including the execution of legal documents, provides insight into areas for improvement going forward and whether a regulatory overhaul is required. This research shows that, although there are a number of advantages to the implementation of smart legal contracts using blockchain technology, there still remains numerous implementation and regulatory concerns that need resolution if smart legal contracts are to be widely used.
Change in the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio may predict early recurrence in operated bladder cancer
Authors: Çolak Rumeysa , Erdem Gökmen Umut , Kapar Caner , Gültürk İlkay , Aksu Faruk , Erdal Gülçin Şahingöz , Yılmaz Mesut , Tural Deniz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecurrence develops in 50% of operated bladder cancer patients. It is important to detect recurrence in advance, and there is no prognostic reliable biomarker for bladder cancer.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to show that changes in hematological parameters before radiological imaging can predict recurrence.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder identified using our institutional database (2010–2022). Disease‐free survival (DFS) was evaluated as relapse or death due to any cause. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used for DFS according to the follow‐up period. DFS was calculated in two groups neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 3 and NLR ≥ 3. Log‐rank test was used for comparison between groups and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsIn the study, 91 patients were examined. The median age was 61.0 (34–79). 57.1% of the patients were T (1–2) and 42.9% were T (3–4). The lymph node (LN) was negative in 78% and positive in 22%. Median follow‐up time and DFS were 53.4 months and 54%, respectively. The median NLR was 2.8 (0.8–8.7). For DFS, there was a significant difference according to age, T stage, and LN status (p: 0.048, 0.019, and 0.040). There was no significant difference in the NLR in terms of DFS at the time of diagnosis (p: 0.654). In follow‐ups; While there was no difference in the NLR for DFS 12 months before recurrence (p: 0.231), there was a significant difference 6 months before the relapse and at the time of recurrence (p: 0.023 and 0.031).ConclusionThe change in the NLR before radiological recurrence in bladder cancer is significant in predicting recurrence. Prospective and multi‐center research is needed to confirm our findings.
Post‐radiation middle ear effusion in NPC patients: Analysis of patient, tumour, and radiation factors
Authors: Vainer Igor , Tzelnick Sharon , Kurman Noga , Popovtzer Aron , Soudry Ethan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether patient, tumour and radiation therapy factors are associated with development of middle ear effusion (MEE) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.Deign, Settings, and ParticipantsA retrospective review of NPC patients treated between January 2000 and June 2018 at Rabin Medical Center.Patient factors, tumour factors, radiation doses, and radiation fields were collected and outlined if needed (middle ear, eustachian tube [ET], tensor veli palatini [TVP], and levator palatini [LVP] muscles), then analysed and compared between patients with MEE and those without and between sides in patients with unilateral MEE.Main Outcome Measures and ResultsSeventy‐three patients were enrolled. Most were males (71.2%) with advanced‐stage diseases (78%). At the time of diagnosis 14 patients (19.2%) presented with MEE. Following radiation, 18 patients, with no evidence of MEE at presentation, developed MEE. Tumour stage, histology, and laterality were not associated with development of MEE. Comparison of mean radiation field dosages including—gross target volume, clinical target volume, and patient target volume showed no association with post‐radiation MEE. In addition, no difference was found in the radiation doses to the middle ear, ET or the LVP nor the TVP between ears with and without MEE.ConclusionsPost‐irradiation MEE remains a common adverse effect in NPC patients. Surprisingly, tumour stage, tumour laterality, and histology were not associated with MEE. Similar findings were observed for total radiation doses and specific doses to the middle ear, ET, and ET muscles.
Mortalität, prognostische Parameter und Behandlungsstrategien bei Mycosis fungoides
Authors: Porkert Stefanie , Griss Johannes , Hudelist‐Venz Mercedes , Steiner Irene , Valencak Julia , Weninger Wolfgang , Brunner Patrick M. , Jonak Constanze 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und ZieleMycosis fungoides (MF), das häufigste primär kutane T‐ Zell‐Lymphom, ist durch einen variablen klinischen Verlauf charakterisiert. Dieser ist entweder indolent oder infaust bei Progression mit extrakutaner Beteiligung. Das Fehlen von Prognosemodellen bei überwiegend palliativen Therapiemodalitäten erschweren das Patientenmanagement. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Überlebensraten, Treffsicherheit von verfügbaren Prognosemodellen und den Therapieerfolg bei MF‐Patienten zu evaluieren.Patienten und MethodikHundertvierzig MF‐Patienten wurden retrospektiv untersucht. Prognose, Krankheitsprogression beziehungsweise Überlebensraten wurden anhand univariater Cox‐ Regressionsmodellen und Kaplan‐Meier‐ Schätzungen analysiert.ErgebnisseHauttumoren waren im Vergleich zu Erythrodermie mit einem kürzeren progressionsfreien Überleben und Gesamtüberleben sowie einem 3,48‐fach erhöhtem Risiko für Krankheitsprogression verbunden. Der Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index identifizierte Risikopatienten lediglich im frühen Krankheitsstadium. Zudem waren die Expression von Ki‐67 > 20%, CD30 > 10%, CD20+ und CD7– unabhängig vom Krankheitsstadium mit einem signifikant schlechteren Outcome verbunden. Eine langfristige Krankheitskontrolle wurde lediglich mit Interferon‐α als Monotherapie oder durch Kombination von Phototherapie mit Interferon‐α oder Retinoiden/Bexaroten erreicht.SchlussfolgerungenUnsere Daten unterstützen die Vorhersagekraft von etablierten Prognoseparametern und ‐modellen bei MF. Zusätzlich wurden neue Parameter, die mit einer schlechten Prognose assoziiert sind, identifiziert. Prospektive Studien, die Prognoseindikatoren in Bezug auf Krankheitsstadium und Therapie synergistisch evaluieren sind erforderlich, um die Patientenbetreuung zu verbessern.
Preparation and properties of in situ TiC/corundum–mullite electrically conductive ceramic
Authors: Jing Wenpeng , Ding Donghai , Xiao Guoqing , Jin Endong , Chong Xiaochuan , Ding Yudong , Gao Kaiqiang , Shi Xiaoqi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn situ TiC/corundum–mullite electrically conductive ceramics were prepared by carbon‐bed sintering method using bauxite, clay and Ti3SiC2 powders as raw materials. The phase composition, microstructure, shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and resistivity of samples were investigated. The X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the TiC is completely generated by desilicidation reaction of the Ti3SiC2 at 1 300°C. When the sintering temperature is 1 300°C and Ti3SiC2 powder addition is 22 wt.%, the properties of the sample are optimum, with a longitudinal shrinkage of 2.04%, a radial shrinkage of 2.56%, an apparent porosity of 19.01%, a bulk density of 2.53 g/cm3, a compressive strength of 181 MPa, and a resistivity of 267 Ω·cm. The electrically conductive phase TiC is connected into a complete electrically conductive network. The shrinkages of samples decrease with increasing sintering temperature, which indicates that the samples expand due to secondary mullitization. The continuous electrically conductive network of TiC is destroyed. As the Ti3SiC2 powder addition increases from 14 to 20 wt.%, the resistivity of the samples decreases significantly, but the further increase in the Ti3SiC2 powder addition has no significant effect on the resistivity.
Effect of concentration of Er3+ on up‐conversion luminescence in NaYF4 containing oxy‐fluoride glass‐ceramics
Authors: He Zhengxu , Gao Yuan , Ren Jing , Chen Jiayuan , Qiu Jianbei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe color of micro‐structured glass can be tuned by adjusting the cross‐relaxation between Er3+ ions through the mechanism of up‐conversion, although the range of color change is very limited. Here, we report the simple and reproducible synthesis of transparent oxy‐fluoride glass‐ceramics co‐doped with Yb3+/Er3+ by melting and secondary heat treatment. By adjusting the doping content of Er3+ ions from 0.2 to 10 mol%, followed by the secondary heat treatment, the intensity of up‐conversion luminescence under 980 nm laser excitation was increased by more than 100 times, and the glass‐ceramics showed an Er3+ doping content‐depended color change of the up‐conversion luminescence from green light to red light. The elemental analysis with TEM–EDS mapping and the measurement of the lifetime of up‐conversion luminescence suggest that changes in the cross‐relaxation between Er3+ ions is the principal mechanism behind the color change of up‐conversion luminescence. As a result, the red emission due to the electronic transition of 4F9/2 is much greater than that of the green emission (4S3/2). Therefore, we present a simple and reproducible strategy to achieve an efficient up‐conversion luminescence from glass‐ceramics with a broad range of color tunability and high color purity.
Diagnostic accuracy of non‐invasive tests to screen for at‐risk MASH—An individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Mózes Ferenc E. , Lee Jenny A. , Vali Yasaman , Selvaraj Emmanuel A. , Jayaswal Arjun N. A. , Boursier Jérôme , de Lédinghen Victor , Lupșor‐Platon Monica , Yilmaz Yusuf , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Karlas Thomas , Wiegand Johannes , Shalimar  , Tsochatzis Emmanouil , Liguori Antonio , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Lee Dae Ho , Holleboom Adriaan G. , van Dijk Anne‐Marieke , Mak Anne Linde , Hagström Hannes , Akbari Camilla , Hirooka Masashi , Lee Dong Hyeon , Kim Won , Okanoue Takeshi , Shima Toshihide , Nakajima Atsushi , Yoneda Masato , Thuluvath Paul J. , Li Feng , Berzigotti Annalisa , Mendoza Yuly P. , Noureddin Mazen , Truong Emily , Fournier‐Poizat Céline , Geier Andreas , Tuthill Theresa , Yunis Carla , Anstee Quentin M. , Harrison Stephen A. , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Pavlides Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsThere is a need to reduce the screen failure rate (SFR) in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) clinical trials (MASH+F2‐3; MASH+F4) and identify people with high‐risk MASH (MASH+F2‐4) in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate non‐invasive tests (NITs) screening approaches for these target conditions.MethodsThis was an individual participant data meta‐analysis for the performance of NITs against liver biopsy for MASH+F2‐4, MASH+F2‐3 and MASH+F4. Index tests were the FibroScan‐AST (FAST) score, liver stiffness measured using vibration‐controlled transient elastography (LSM‐VCTE), the fibrosis‐4 score (FIB‐4) and the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) and thresholds including those that achieved 34% SFR were reported.ResultsWe included 2281 unique cases. The prevalence of MASH+F2‐4, MASH+F2‐3 and MASH+F4 was 31%, 24% and 7%, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for MASH+F2‐4 were .78, .75, .68 and .57 for FAST, LSM‐VCTE, FIB‐4 and NFS. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for MASH+F2‐3 were .73, .67, .60, .58 for FAST, LSM‐VCTE, FIB‐4 and NFS. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for MASH+F4 were .79, .84, .81, .76 for FAST, LSM‐VCTE, FIB‐4 and NFS. The sequential combination of FIB‐4 and LSM‐VCTE for the detection of MASH+F2‐3 with threshold of .7 and 3.48, and 5.9 and 20 kPa achieved SFR of 67% and sensitivity of 60%, detecting 15 true positive cases from a theoretical group of 100 participants at the prevalence of 24%.ConclusionsSequential combinations of NITs do not compromise diagnostic performance and may reduce resource utilisation through the need of fewer LSM‐VCTE examinations.
Nation‐states in a Prisoner's Dilemma with climate change: Applying Edith Stein's theory of the state
Authors: Kekki Minna‐Kerttu M 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTo get a better picture of the relation between nationalism and global environmental problems within the state‐dominated situation, I present the inherent logic of international environmental politics as a version of the famous Prisoner's Dilemma. I argue that the same contingent bonds that relate the members of nations to their respective nation‐states are part of the contemporary difficulty of actually working together for the common good on the international level by creating exclusive feelings of solidarity—the ‘Prisoners’ of the Dilemma. To reveal the experiential background of nation‐states in this situation, I rephrase and apply Edith Stein's theory of the state as a collective entity. Stein was an inter‐war political philosopher who is now mainly read within religious studies and philosophy of mind. As my argument implies, her work also has relevance for further affect nationalism studies.
Bridging the gap: Innovating undergraduate public health nursing education through a service‐learning health fair project
Authors: Brennan Kandyce , Woodley Lisa , Winstead Cara 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAmidst a critical shortage of registered nurses, nursing schools are aiming to expand enrollment while working with ongoing resource constraints. Service‐learning clinical activities can enhance nursing education by improving clinical quality, addressing faculty and clinical site shortages, and meeting increasing enrollment demands. This paper describes a health fair experience that served as a service‐learning clinical experience within an undergraduate public health nursing course. The experience bridged theoretical knowledge with real‐world application, fostering competency‐based learning and addressing community health needs, resulting in a positive impact on students, faculty, and the community.
Biceps femoris long head muscle and aponeurosis geometry in males with and without a history of hamstring strain injury
Authors: Lazarczuk Stephanie L. , Collings Tyler J. , Hams Andrea H. , Timmins Ryan G. , Opar David A. , Edwards Suzi , Shield Anthony J. , Barrett Rod S. , Bourne Matthew N. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesHamstring strain injuries (HSIs) commonly affect the proximal biceps femoris long head (BFlh) musculotendinous junction. Biomechanical modeling suggests narrow proximal BFlh aponeuroses and large muscle‐to‐aponeurosis width ratios increase localized tissue strains and presumably risk of HSI. This study aimed to determine if BFlh muscle and proximal aponeurosis geometry differed between limbs with and without a history of HSI.MethodsTwenty‐six recreationally active males with (n = 13) and without (n = 13) a history of unilateral HSI in the last 24 months underwent magnetic resonance imaging of both thighs. BFlh muscle and proximal aponeurosis cross‐sectional areas, length, volume, and interface area between muscle and aponeurosis were extracted. Previously injured limbs were compared to uninjured contralateral and control limbs for discrete variables and ratios, and along the relative length of tissues using statistical parametric mapping.ResultsPreviously injured limbs displayed significantly smaller muscle‐to‐aponeurosis volume ratios (p = 0.029, Wilcoxon effect size (ES) = 0.43) and larger proximal BFlh aponeurosis volumes (p = 0.019, ES = 0.46) than control limbs with no history of HSI. No significant differences were found between previously injured and uninjured contralateral limbs for any outcome measure (p = 0.216–1.000, ES = 0.01–0.36).ConclusionsAponeurosis geometry differed between limbs with and without a history of HSI. The significantly larger BFlh proximal aponeuroses and smaller muscle‐to‐aponeurosis volume ratios in previously injured limbs could alter the strain experienced in muscle adjacent to the musculotendinous junction during active lengthening. Future research is required to determine if geometric differences influence the risk of re‐injury and whether they can be altered via targeted training.
Yield‐related quantitative trait loci identification and lint percentage hereditary dissection under salt stress in upland cotton
Authors: Guo Anhui , Li Huijing , Huang Yi , Ma Xiaoqing , Li Bin , Du Xiaoqi , Cui Yanan , Zhao Nan , Hua Jinping 
Published: April 2024

SUMMARYSalinity is frequently mentioned as a major constraint in worldwide agricultural production. Lint percentage (LP) is a crucial yield‐component in cotton lint production. While the genetic factors affect cotton yield in saline soils are still unclear. Here, we employed a recombinant inbred line population in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and investigated the effects of salt stress on five yield and yield component traits, including seed cotton yield per plant, lint yield per plant, boll number per plant, boll weight, and LP. Between three datasets of salt stress (E1), normal growth (E2), and the difference values dataset of salt stress and normal conditions (D‐value), 87, 82, and 55 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detectable, respectively. In total, five QTL (qLY‐Chr6‐2, qBNP‐Chr4‐1, qBNP‐Chr12‐1, qBNP‐Chr15‐5, qLP‐Chr19‐2) detected in both in E1 and D‐value were salt related QTL, and three stable QTL (qLP‐Chr5‐3, qLP‐Chr13‐1, qBW‐Chr5‐5) were detected both in E1 and E2 across 3 years. Silencing of nine genes within a stable QTL (qLP‐Chr5‐3) highly expressed in fiber developmental stages increased LP and decreased fiber length (FL), indicating that multiple minor‐effect genes clustered on Chromosome 5 regulate LP and FL. Additionally, the difference in LP caused by Gh_A05G3226 is mainly in transcription level rather than in the sequence difference. Moreover, silencing of salt related gene (GhDAAT) within qBNP‐Chr4‐1 decreased salt tolerance in cotton. Our findings shed light on the regulatory mechanisms underlining cotton salt tolerance and fiber initiation.
SEROLOGICAL SURVEY OF LYME BORRELIOSIS IN THE SOUTH REGION OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kuligin A. , Lushova A. , Kan S. , Bissenbay A. , Perfilyeva Yu. , Abdolla N. , Dmitrovskiy A. , Skiba Yu. , Ospanbekova N. , Davlyatshin T. , Abuova G. , Bayakhmetova M. , Adil A. , Ostapchuk Ye. 
Published: April 2024

Lyme borreliosis (LB) is an infectious disease caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex. Transmission occurs through the bites of hard ticks within the genus Ixodes. Cases of fever of unknown origin are recorded in southern Kazakhstan, however, the prevalence of LB in this area remains unstudied. Almaty oblast is recognized as an endemic area for LB. Ixodid tick vectors also inhabit Jambyl oblast, where antibodies to LB agent were previously detected among residents, while it is classified as non-endemic. Turkistan oblast is also considered non-endemic for LB. The purpose of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. among apparently healthy residents of Almaty city (Almaty oblast), Taraz city (Jambyl oblast), and Shymkent city (Turkistan oblast). A total of 465 human serum samples were collected from March 2022 to September 2023. Using the ELISA method, we detected the presence of IgG antibodies to the LB agent in 5.4% of the entire study group (24/465, 95% CI: 3.3-7.6%), and specifically in 9.3% of residents of Almaty city (11/118, 95% CI: 4.7-16.1%, p=0.03), 4.5% – Taraz city (11/242, 95% CI: 2.3-8.0%) and 1.9% – Shymkent city (2/105, 95% CI: 0.2-6.7%). The results of the study confirm the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi s.l. among the population of Almaty city and Jambyl oblast, and also reveal seropositive samples in residents of Turkistan oblast, suggesting possible infection during travel to endemic regions. It is important to continue LB surveillance in endemic and emerging regions, as well as to raise awareness of the infection among healthcare workers and the general public in non-endemic areas.