bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variety-based physical characterization and pre-gelatinization-induced functional-rheological changes in kidney beans
Authors: Kaur Jasjot , Singh Rashmi , Bansal Radhika , Upadhyay Srishti , Desai Shivani , Kumar Yogesh , Chakraborty Gourav , Satankar Monika , Sharanagat Vijay Singh 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the present study, three varieties of kidney beans (Red Rajma (RR), Rajma Chitra (RC), and Rajma Sharmili (RS)) were physically characterized and the effect of pre-gelatinization by microwave and hot water on functional and pasting properties of flour were studied. A significant difference was observed in the physical properties of all the kidney beans, indicating that they can be easily characterized and identified based on physical properties. Pre-gelatinization treatment led to variation in color, functional and pasting properties of flours. Color parameters L*, b*, chroma, and hue values reduced with the treatment, whereas a* and total color difference ($$\Delta$$
Δ
E) values increased. Water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC) varied in the range of 1.15–1.91% and 1.25–1.75% for microwave and hot water treatment, respectively. The highest value of WAC and OAC was observed for microwave-treated RC and hot water-treated RR, respectively. WAC increases with both treatments, whereas OAC increases only with water bath cooking. Functional group analysis (FTIR) showed no major peaks shifting in water bath treatment, whereas a slight deflation of certain peaks was observed in the case of microwave treatment. Pasting curves showed a significant reduction in peak and final viscosity after pre-gelatinization treatment; however, none of the samples showed any breakdown during cooking.
Graphical Abstract
Incidental finding of Amyand’s hernia in a non-contrast CT of the abdomen: a case report
Authors: Susilo Fenny , Charlee Michaela Alexandra , Simargi Yopi , Ronny Ronny 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Amyand’s hernia is characterized as an inguinal hernia in which the hernia sac contains the appendix. It is highly atypical for the appendix structure to be contained within the hernia sac. Patients with Amyand’s hernia are typically asymptomatic and are frequently identified intraoperatively. Rarely seen in medical literature, this case report details the incidental finding of Amyand’s hernia and the successful preoperative diagnosis.

Case presentation
A 61-year-old male presented to the urology clinic for his urinary tract complaint. An incidental finding of Amyand’s hernia was found in a non-contrast computerized tomography of the abdomen. Following the evaluation of computed tomography scan images showing the condition of the appendix and radiological findings regarding Amyand’s hernia, the surgeon planned the patient’s herniorrhaphy with mesh.

Conclusions
Amyand’s hernia is often overlooked; therefore, radiologic examination can help to confirm this diagnosis.
Long-term benzodiazepine use and risk of labor market marginalization in Finland: A cohort study with 5-year follow-up
Authors: Taipale Heidi , Tanskanen Antti , Kurko Terhi , Taiminen Tero , Särkilä Hanna , Tiihonen Jari , Sund Reijo , Niemelä Solja , Saastamoinen Leena , Hietala Jarmo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDRs) are widely used in the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, but cognitive adverse effects have been reported in long-term use, and these may increase the risk of labor market marginalization (LMM). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the risk of LMM is associated with new long-term BZDR use compared to short-term use.

Methods
This register-based nationwide cohort study from Finland included 37,703 incident BZDR users aged 18–60 years who initiated BZDR use in 2006. During the first year of use, BZDR users were categorized as long-term users (≥180 days) versus short-term users based on PRE2DUP method. The main outcome was LMM, defined as receipt of disability pension, long-term sickness absence (>90 days), or long-term unemployment (>180 days). The risk of outcomes was analyzed with Cox regression models, adjusted with sociodemographic background, somatic and psychiatric morbidity, other types of medication and previous sickness absence.

Results
During 5 years of follow-up, long-term use (34.4%, N = 12,962) was associated with 27% (adjusted Hazard Ratio, aHR 1.27, 95% CI 1.23–1.31) increased risk of LMM compared with short-term use. Long-term use was associated with 42% (aHR 1.42, 95% CI 1.34–1.50) increased risk of disability pension and 26% increased risk of both long-term unemployment and long-term sickness absence.

Conclusions
These results indicate that long-term use of BZDRs is associated with increased risk of dropping out from labor market. This may be partly explained by cognitive adverse effects of prolonged BZDR use, which should be taken into account when prescribing BZDRs.
Expanding Myeloma Training and Care in Western Kenya Through the ECHO Model: The Pilot Phase
Authors: Oduor Mercy Atieno , Lotodo Teresa Cherop , Severance Tyler , Jepngetich Melly Beatrice , Omondi Austin , Ndenga Indagala , Namaemba Diana Flora , Oyollo Yvette , Manyega Kelvin Mogesa , Morgan Jennifer , Oguda John , Loehrer Patrick , Vik Terry 
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE Multiple myeloma (MM) in rural western Kenya is characterized by under and late diagnosis with poor long-term outcomes. Inadequate skilled rural health care teams are partly to blame. The Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model attempts to bridge this skills gap by linking rural primary/secondary health care teams (spokes) to myeloma experts in a tertiary care center (hub) in a longitudinal training program. METHODS A hub team comprising myeloma experts and administrators from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital/Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare was assembled and spoke sites were recruited from rural health care facilities across western Kenya. A curriculum was developed by incorporating input from spokes on their perceived skills gaps in myeloma. Participants joined sessions remotely through virtual meeting technology. ECHO sessions consisted of a spoke-led case presentation with guided discussion followed by an expert-led lecture. An end-of-program survey was used to evaluate participant satisfaction, knowledge, and practice patterns. RESULTS A total of eight sessions were conducted between April and November 2021 with a median of 40 attendees per session drawn from diverse health care disciplines. Twenty-four spoke sites were identified from 15 counties across western Kenya. The majority of attendees reported satisfaction with the ECHO program (25 of 29) and improvement in their myeloma knowledge (24 of 29). There were 74 new myeloma diagnoses made at the hub site in 2021, representing a 35% increase from the previous 3-year average despite the COVID-19 pandemic that suppressed health care access globally. RECOMMENDATIONS The pilot ECHO model was successfully implemented in myeloma training for rural-based health care teams. Key attributes included collaborative curriculum development, interactive case–based bidirectional learning, and multidisciplinary engagement.
Phase II Trial of Cisplatin, Gemcitabine, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma: NRG Oncology/GOG Study 279
Authors: Horowitz Neil S. , Deng Wei , Peterson Ivy , Mannel Robert S. , Thompson Spencer , Lokich Elizabeth , Myers Tashanna , Hanjani Parvis , O'Malley David M. , Chung Ki Young , Miller David S. , Ueland Frederick R. , Dizon Don S. , Miller Austin , Mayadev Jyoti S. , Leath Charles A. , Monk Bradley J. 
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE To assess efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin (C) and gemcitabine (G) with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with locally advanced vulvar cancer not amenable to surgery. METHODS Patients enrolled in a single-arm phase II study. Pretreatment inguinal-femoral nodal assessment was performed. Sixty-four Gy IMRT was prescribed to the vulva, with 50-64 Gy delivered to the groins/low pelvis. Radiation therapy (RT) plans were quality-reviewed pretreatment. C 40 mg/m2 and G 50 mg/m2 were administered once per week throughout IMRT. Complete pathologic response (CPR) was the primary end point. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and adverse events were assessed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 4.0. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients enrolled, of which 52 were evaluable. The median age was 58 years (range, 25-58), and 94% were White. Forty (77%) had stage II or III disease, and all had squamous histology. A median of six chemotherapy cycles (range, 1-8) were received. Eighty-five percent of RT plans were quality-reviewed with 100% compliance to protocol. Seven patients came off trial because of toxicity or patient withdrawal. Of 52 patients available for pathologic assessment, 38 (73% [90% CI, 61 to 83]) achieved CPR. No pelvic exenterations were performed. With a median follow-up of 51 months, the 12-month PFS was 74% (90% CI, 62.2 to 82.7) and the 24-month OS was 70% (90% CI, 57 to 79). The most common grade 3 or 4 adverse events were hematologic toxicity and radiation dermatitis. There was one grade 5 event unlikely related to treatment. CONCLUSION Weekly C and G concurrent with IMRT sufficiently improved CPR in women with locally advanced vulvar squamous cell carcinoma not amenable to surgical resection.
The role of temperature and drying cycles on impurity deposition in drying porous media
Authors: Luckins E. K. , Breward C. J. W. , Griffiths I. M. , Please C. P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We consider a liquid containing impurities saturating a porous material; when the liquid evaporates, the impurities are deposited within the material. Applications include filtration and waterproof textiles. We present a mathematical model incorporating coupling between evaporation, accumulation and transport of the impurities, and the impact of the deposited impurities on the transport of both the suspended impurities and the liquid vapour. By simulating our model numerically, we investigate the role of temperature and repeated drying cycles on the location of the deposited impurities. Higher temperatures increase the evaporation rate so that impurities are transported further into porous material before depositing than for lower temperatures. We quantify two distinct parameter regimes in which the material clogs: i) the dry-clogging (high-temperature) regime, in which impurities are pushed far into the material before clogging, and ii) the wet-clogging (high-impurity) regime, in which liquid becomes trapped by the clogging. Clogging restricts the extent to which drying time can be reduced by increasing the temperature.
Vitamin D Status, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Fu Yanqi , Lu Meng , Zhang Kun , Sun Ying , Tan Xiao , Wang Ningjian , Xu Fei , Jiang Boren , Lu Yingli , Wang Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Vitamin D status has been associated with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but evidence is scarce regarding whether such relation differs by glycemic status.

Objective
To prospectively investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and risk of incident T2D across the glycemic spectrum and the modification effect of genetic variants in the vitamin D receptor (VDR).

Methods
This prospective study included 379 699 participants without T2D at baseline from the UK Biobank. Analyses were performed according to glycemic status and HbA1c levels. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs.

Results
During a median of 14.1 years of follow-up, 6315 participants with normoglycemia and 9085 patients with prediabetes developed T2D. Compared with individuals with 25(OH)D &lt; 25 nmol/L, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) of incident T2D for those with 25(OH)D ≥ 75 nmol/L was 0.62 (0.56, 0.70) among the normoglycemia group and 0.64 (0.58, 0.70) among the prediabetes group. A significant interaction was observed between 25(OH)D and VDR polymorphisms among participants with prediabetes (P interaction = .017), whereby the reduced HR of T2D associated with higher 25(OH)D was more prominent in those carrying the T allele of rs1544410. Triglyceride levels mediated 26% and 34% of the association between serum 25(OH)D and incident T2D among participants with normoglycemia and prediabetes, respectively.

Conclusion
Higher serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with lower T2D risk across the glycemic spectrum below the threshold for diabetes, and the relations in prediabetes were modified by VDR polymorphisms. Improving the lipid profile, mainly triglycerides, accounted for part of the favorable associations.
Why Look at Toy Animals?
Authors: Giddings Seth 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis article addresses the toy as a neglected cultural and technical object. The toy is neither tool nor ritual object, and its animation in children's imaginative play suggests alternative perspectives on the history and lived experience of material and technological artifacts. The concept of protopolitics is advanced to explore the implications for the cultural politics of the ambiguous articulation of power relationships in play. The article takes the long history of the toy animal as a case study, drawing attention to its creaturely, artificial facets that go beyond, or more accurately precede, familiar cultural-political binaries of authentic and inauthentic, depth and surface, knowledge and illusion, truth and lies, belief and fetishism, human and nonhuman, natural and synthetic. These other facets include dynamics of the technics of imagination, and their ambivalent articulation of relationships of control, training, care, violence, and love—a protopolitics evident in imaginative play. And, in postnatural media culture, the toy animal has migrated to digital habitats, offering an alternative animal perspective on questions of artificial intelligence. The child's toy and media environment is playfully zoomorphic, populated with artificial animals, from toys and stories to virtual pets and video-game characters, a new simulacral and postnatural trajectory in the descendance of the artificial animal and its playful and play-like behaviors.
An innovative flat-knit compression garment for lymphoedema patients led to better outcomes: a multicentre study
Authors: Hirsch Tobias , Arns Helene , Schleinitz Jörg , Fiedler Hans-Walter 
Published: April 2024

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance, quality of life (QoL) and patient satisfaction with an innovative flat-knit compression garment for the daytime treatment of lymphoedema patients in daily routine. Method: In a prospective multicentre observational study, patients with leg or arm lymphoedema (stage I-II, International Society of Lymphology (ISL) standards, 2016) received a made-to-measure flat-knit compression class 2 JOBST Confidence (BSN-JOBST GmbH, Germany) thigh-high stocking or arm sleeve. Primary endpoint was the oedema status as determined by the mean sum of the circumferences at the beginning and the end of the wearing period. Secondary endpoints included QoL-related parameters and patient satisfaction with product features assessed through questionnaires. The observation period lasted three weeks. Results: A total of 97 patients (87 females, 10 males), of which 65 had leg lymphoedema and 32 had arm lymphoedema, received the study device. The oedema status was effectively maintained (slight reduction in mean sum of circumferences by –3.1±7.3cm; p=0.0001). For QoL-related parameters, the patients reported fewer limitations in work, leisure and psychological wellbeing after wearing the stocking or arm sleeve (all p-values <0.0001). They also experienced less limitations in function and movement, feeling of tension and heaviness, and fewer difficulties wearing clothes, shoes, jewellery or watches at study end (all p-values <0.0001). In terms of pleasant feeling on the skin, moisture management, softness of material, range of motion, overall wearing comfort and heat build-up under the garment, patients were more satisfied with the tested compression garment than with previously worn compression garments (all p-values <0.001). Conclusion: In this study, the tested innovative compression product increased patient satisfaction with the improved product features while the lymphoedema status was successfully maintained.
Changes in wound symptoms and quality of life of patients with newly diagnosed malignant fungating wounds
Authors: Liu Xin , Xie Jin-Qin , Liao Zhao-Yu , Wei Mei-Juan , Lin Hua 
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study examined changes in wound symptoms and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with newly diagnosed malignant fungating wounds, and explored the factors that impacted the changes in HRQoL. Method: This prospective longitudinal study included patients from three hospitals in China who had been diagnosed with malignant fungating wounds. Questionnaires were used to assess patients' HRQoL and their wound symptoms at the time of diagnosis (T0), as well as at one, three and six (T1, T2 and T3, respectively) months following the treatment period. Factors related to changes in HRQoL were analysed using generalised estimating equation models. Results: A total of 162 patients were included in the study. The patients reported low overall HRQoL. In three health-related dimensions (functional status, social relations and mental health), patients reported lower functional status at the time of wound diagnosis (T0), which then increased slowly with treatment over time. A lower QoL was associated with odour, exudate, bleeding, pruritus, a low performance status and the need for the dressing of wounds. Conclusion: The HRQoL of patients with malignant fungating wounds exhibited significant changes across different periods. It is thus of great importance to formulate pragmatic, patient and family-centred palliative wound care management strategies.
Does productive safety net program enhance livelihoods? Insights from vulnerable households in Wolaita zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Woldemichael Mesfin Getaneh , Alamirew Alemu Bamlaku 
Published: April 2024

Background
The impact of Productive Safety Net Programs (PSNPs) on food security, poverty, and livelihoods has been examined in several studies. While some studies found positive impacts on food security and agricultural productivity, there are still gaps in understanding the long-term effects of these programs on poverty reduction and food security. This study aims to investigate the impact of PSNP on the livelihood of beneficiaries based on indicators including access to basic services, income, expenditure on food, adaptive capacity, and dietary diversity.

Methodology
This article used quasi-experimental design and treatment effects model taking into account access to basic services, income, food expenditure, assets, adaptive capacity, and household dietary diversity as outcome variables of interest. 300 respondents were randomly selected from the population of safety net beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries in the study area. Out of the 300 respondents, 150 were selected as the treatment group, who were beneficiaries of the safety net program. The algorithms used in analysis include regression adjustment, inverse probability weighing and propensity score matching.

Results
The study’s results reveal that the PSNP has no statistically significant impact on access to basic services and income based on all three algorithms, yet it does show a significant and negative effect on food expenditure and assets. The coefficients across all three models consistently demonstrate this negative impact, underscoring its statistical significance at the conventional significance level (p = 0.05). This suggests that the PSNP leads to a reduction in food expenditure. Furthermore, the analysis highlights substantial differences between PSNP members and non-members across all three variables, with non-members having higher mean values for assets. This difference is statistically significant at the 1% level, suggesting that membership in the PSNP has a tangible impact on asset ownership. The study’s mixed findings emphasize the complexities of designing effective social protection programs that can adequately address the multifaceted nature of poverty.
Face mask use in the city of Chennai, India: Results from three serial cross-sectional surveys, 2021
Authors: Sharan Murali , Sakthivel Manikandanesan , Rubeshkumar Polani , Nagarajan Ramya , Venkatasamy Vettrichelvan , Muthappan Sendhilkumar , Raju Mohankumar , Chadwick Joshua , S. Kalyani , Krishna Navaneeth S. , Kaviprawin Mogan , Gollapalli Pavan Kumar , Ramamurthy Srinath , Ganeshkumar Parasuraman , Jagadeesan Murugesan , Kaur Prabhdeep 
Published: April 2024

Introduction
The Government of Tamil Nadu, India, mandated wearing face masks in public places to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We established face mask surveillance and estimated the prevalence of appropriate mask use (covering the nose, mouth, and chin) in the slums and non-slums of Chennai at different time points in 2021.

Methods
We conducted three serial cross-sectional surveys in the outdoors and indoors of Chennai in March, July, and October 2021. We observed the mask wearing among 3200 individuals in the outdoors and 1280 in the indoors. We divided the outdoor and indoor locations into slums and non-slums. In October 2021, we also surveyed 150 individuals from each of the 11 shopping malls in the city. We calculated the proportions and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the appropriate mask use in the outdoor, indoor, and malls by age, gender, region, and setting (slum and non-slum).

Results
We observed 3200 individuals in the outdoor and 1280 individuals in the indoor setting, each from a slum and non-slum, during the three rounds of the study. In outdoor and indoors, males comprised three-fourths and middle-aged individuals were half the study population. Mask compliance changed significantly with time (p-value <0.001). Males consistently demonstrated better compliance in all rounds. The south region had the highest mask compliance in slums indoors and outdoors in rounds 4 and 5. Young adults had the highest mask compliance in both outdoor slums and non-slums in all rounds. Overall mask compliance in shopping malls was 57% (95% CI: 48–65).

Conclusion
The mask compliance in Chennai outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic was less than 50%, with variations across time points by gender, age groups, and geographical locations. We must develop more effective communication strategies for older age groups and crowded indoor settings.