bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol of the LATFIA trial (Laser Assisted Treatment of Fistula in Ano): a multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing fistula‐tract laser closure (FiLaC™) with rectal advancement flap for high trans‐sphincteric fistulas
Authors: Gaillard Marie , Van den Broeck Sylvie , Op de Beeck Bart , Wouters Kristien , Stijns Jasper , Van de Putte Dirk , Gys Ben , Houben Bert , Van Dessel Els , Bislenghi Gabriele , Komen Niels 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimAnal fistula is one of the most common anal diseases, affecting between 1 and 3 per 10 000 people per year. Symptoms have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, aiming to cure the fistula and preserve anal sphincter function. Rectal advancement flap (RAF) is currently the gold standard treatment but has recurrence rates varying between 20% and 50% and might lead to disturbance of continence. The aim of the trial described in this work is to discover if the minimally invasive fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) technique could achieve higher healing rates and a better functional outcome than RAF.MethodWe will perform a randomized prospective multicentre noninferiority study of the treatment of high trans‐sphincteric perianal fistulas, comparing FiLaC™ with RAF in terms of fistula healing, recurrence rate, functional outcome and quality of life. Primary and secondary fistula healing will be evaluated at 26 and 52 weeks’ follow‐up. Quality of life will be evaluated using the SF‐36 questionnaire, the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale questionnaire and the Vaizey score at 3, 6, 12 and 26 weeks postoperatively.ConclusionHigh trans‐sphincteric fistulas have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Classical treatment with RAF is a time‐consuming invasive procedure. The LATFIA trial aims to compare FiLaC™ with the gold standard treatment with RAF. In case of noninferiority, FiLaC™ treatment could be standardized as a first line treatment for high trans‐sphincteric fistulas. Better conservation of the patient's anal sphincter function could possibly be obtained. Likewise, we will report on the postoperative quality of life when applying these two techniques.
A hybrid data fusion approach with twin CNN architecture for enhancing image source identification in IoT environment
Authors: Singh Surjeet , Sehgal Vivek Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWith the proliferation of digital devices in internet of things (IoT) environment featuring advanced visual capabilities, the task of Image Source Identification (ISI) has become increasingly vital for legal purposes, ensuring the verification of image authenticity and integrity, as well as identifying the device responsible for capturing the original scene. Over the past few decades, researchers have employed both traditional and machine‐learning methods to classify image sources. In the current landscape, data‐driven approaches leveraging deep learning models have emerged as powerful tools for achieving higher accuracy and precision in source prediction. The primary focus of this research is to address the complexities arising from diverse image sources and variable quality in IoT‐generated multimedia data. To achieve this, a Hybrid Data Fusion Approach is introduced, leveraging multiple sources of information to bolster the accuracy and robustness of ISI. This fusion methodology integrates diverse data streams from IoT devices, including metadata, sensor information, and contextual data, amalgamating them into a comprehensive data set for analysis. This study introduces an innovative approach to ISI through the implementation of a Twin Convolutional Neural Network Architecture (TCA) aimed at enhancing the efficacy of source classification. In TCA, the first CNN architecture, referred to as DnCNN, is employed to eliminate noise from the original data set, generating 256 × 256 patches for both training and testing. Subsequently, the second CNN architecture is employed to classify images based on features extracted from various convolutional layers using a 3 × 3 filter, thereby enhancing prediction efficiency. The proposed model demonstrates exceptional accuracy in effectively classifying image sources, showcasing its potential as a robust solution in the realm of ISI.
Habitat protection and removal of encroaching shrubs support the recovery of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Losapio Gianalberto , De Moraes Consuelo M. , Dirzo Rodolfo , Tscheulin Thomas , Zouros Nikos , Mescher Mark C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractLivestock overgrazing causes environmental degradation, species invasion, biodiversity loss, and productivity decline, with profound consequences for ecological sustainability and human livelihoods. Habitat protection can mitigate such impacts, but we know little about how the long‐term recovery of plant communities from livestock overgrazing depends on the presence of encroaching shrubs. Here, we explored how shrub encroachment mediates the effects of habitat protection (i.e., livestock exclusion and creation of UNESCO protected areas) on biodiversity recovery and ecosystem functioning (i.e., biomass productivity). We leveraged a long‐term (15–25 years) experiment of livestock exclusion and complemented it with the removal of an encroaching shrub species in pasture areas and protected areas. We reveal that habitat protection has positive effects on patterns of recovery. Yet, the effects of habitat protection are mediated by shrub encroachment. Encroaching shrubs have net positive effects on plant diversity in pasture areas but inhibit biodiversity recovery in protected areas. The combination of habitat protection and the removal of encroaching shrubs best enhances the recovery of plant diversity and biomass productivity. A potential underlying mechanism is the shift in plant interactions from facilitation for recruitment and associated resistance to competition for water. Understanding species interactions is key to guiding conservation and restoration actions which can turn degraded ecosystems back into functional, species‐rich communities.
Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders: Back to the future
Authors: Willemze Rein 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn the 1980s, immunohistochemistry and clonality analyses became instrumental in the recognition and definition of new types of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) and cutaneous B‐cell lymphoma (CBCL) and the development of new classifications. By accepting loss of pan‐T‐cell antigens and clonal T‐cell receptor gene rearrangements as important criteria to differentiate between benign and malignant T‐cell proliferations, and monotypic immunoglobulin light‐chain expression and clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements as crucial criteria to distinguish between benign and malignant B‐cell proliferations, many cases, until then diagnosed as cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia or pseudolymphoma, were reclassified as primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell lymphoma (PCSM‐TCL) or primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma (PCMZL), respectively. However, in recent years there is growing awareness that neither these immunohistochemical criteria nor demonstration of T‐cell or B‐cell clonality is specific for malignant lymphomas. In addition, many studies have reported that these low‐grade malignant CTCL and CBCL have an indolent clinical behavior and an excellent prognosis with disease‐specific survival rates of or close to 100%. As a result, recent classifications have downgraded several low‐grade malignant cutaneous lymphomas to lymphoproliferative disorder (LPD). Both the 5th edition of the WHO classification (2022) and the 2022 International Consensus Classification (ICC) of mature lymphoid neoplasms reclassified PCSM‐TCL as primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell LPD and primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T‐cell lymphoma as primary cutaneous acral CD8+ T cell LPD. While the 2022 ICC introduced the term “primary cutaneous marginal zone LPD,” in the 5th edition of the WHO classification PCMZL is maintained. In this review we describe the background and rationale of the continually changing terminology of these conditions and discuss the clinical consequences of downgrading malignant lymphomas to LPDs.
Prospective English language teachers' understandings of global English language teaching
Authors: Aslan Reyhan , Altınkaya Zekiye Özer 
Published: March 2024

AbstractDespite various calls for a thorough re‐conceptualization of current English language teaching (ELT) practices, incorporating courses for critical perspectives on linguistic and cultural diversity is still a major challenge in most teacher education programmes in many English as a foreign language (EFL) countries. Therefore, we explored the evolving perspectives of English as a global language among Turkish pre‐service English teachers (PELTs) in response to a global Englishes‐focused curriculum. Using self‐report data, the study reveals participants' complex and diverse views on language varieties in English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) communication, driven by various reasons. After a GE‐oriented course, most participants shifted to plurilithic orientations as they softened their beliefs in native‐speaker English superiority and developed a more sophisticated understanding of English. Seven participants with monolithic orientation appeared to reduce the complex and dynamic nature of language to racialized stereotypes associated with native speaker norms. Based on the findings, how language orientations and ideologies may inform teacher preparation in language teaching was discussed. Several recommendations for further research and preparation of PELTs were made.
A retrospective comparison of postoperative outcomes in ovariectomised jennies (Equus asinus) treated with phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine
Authors: Xue Cynthia , Segabinazzi Lorenzo , Hall Alexis , Dzikiti Tarisai Brighton , French Hilari , Gilbert Robert 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundClinically, flunixin meglumine (FM) and phenylbutazone (PBZ) are preferentially selected for the treatment of visceral and musculoskeletal pain, respectively, in horses. In donkeys, there is no information to support or refute this conventional conjecture.ObjectivesTo compare postoperative outcomes in a group of jennies treated with intravenous FM or oral PBZ.AnimalsFourteen jennies unilaterally ovariectomised by standing left flank laparotomy.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsData from medical records of ovariectomised jennies (case details, weight, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug [NSAID] protocol, surgery duration, operative sequence, anaesthesia protocol, physical examination findings and outcomes) were collected. From collated data, postoperative adverse events were defined as fever, tachycardia, tachypnea, inappetence, altered mentation, abnormal oral mucous membranes, bruxism, colic, incisional complications (i.e., drainage, oedema, peri‐incisional emphysema and pain) and non‐survival, then further divided into occurrence during the early (≤24 h) or late (>24 h) postoperative period for data analysis using R software. Chi‐squared test was used to compare individual adverse events between groups (PBZ vs. FM) and moments (early vs. late). Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsPBZ treatment (8/14) was associated with (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) more total (2.93, 1.97–4.36), early (3.01, 1.87–4.84) and late (2.69, 1.28–5.63) adverse events than FM treatment (6/14). Tachycardia (37.83, 2.21–646.66), tachypnoea (0.29, 0.13–0.66), altered mentation (2.78, 1.01–7.67), altered mucous membranes (18.38, 1.04–325.23), incisional oedema (44.33, 2.60–754.5) and incisional pain (47.78, 2.81–811.61) were significantly different between groups. Early adverse events significantly different between groups included tachycardia (50.2, 2.9–877.0), altered mentation (3.33, 1.08–10.29) and incisional pain (21.0, 1.2–374.5), with late adverse events being tachypnea (0.07, 0.01–0.62), incisional oedema (32.92, 1.85–584.28) and incisional pain (28.92, 1.62–515.68). Colic (2/8) and non‐survival (1/8) were rare events that only occurred in the PBZ cohort and could not be further evaluated for differences.Main limitationsSmall sample size; retrospective study; treatment bias; varied administration routes.ConclusionsOral PBZ may be inappropriate to use following abdominal surgery in donkeys.Clinical relevanceMore prospective and case‐controlled studies are needed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of these two NSAIDs in donkeys.
Availability and stock‐outs of paediatric antiretroviral treatment formulations at health facilities in Kenya and Uganda
Authors: Jacobs Tom G. , Okemo Dorothy , Ssebagereka Anthony , Mwehonge Kenneth , Njuguna Emily M. , Burger David M. , Colbers Angela , Suleman Fatima , Mantel‐Teeuwisse Aukje K. , Ooms Gaby I. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe large number of deaths among children with HIV is driven by poor antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage among this cohort. The aim of the study was to assess the availability and stock‐outs of paediatric and adult ART formulations in Kenya and Uganda across various regions and types of health facilities.MethodsA survey on availability and stock‐outs of paediatric ART at health facilities was adapted from the standardized Health Action International–WHO Medicine Availability Monitoring Tool. All preferred and limited‐use formulations, and three phased‐out formulations according to the 2021 WHO optimal formulary list were included in the survey, as well as a selection of adult ART formulations suitable for older children, adolescents, and adults. Availability data were collected in June–July 2022 and stock‐out data were obtained over the previous year from randomly selected public and private‐not‐for‐profit (PNFP) facilities registered to dispense paediatric ART across six districts per country. All data were analysed descriptively.ResultsIn total, 144 health facilities were included (72 per country); 110 were public and 34 PNFP facilities. Overall availabilities of preferred paediatric ART formulations were 52.2% and 63.5% in Kenya and Uganda, respectively, with dolutegravir (DTG) 10 mg dispersible tablets being available in 70.2% and 77.4% of facilities, respectively, and abacavir/lamivudine dispersible tablets in 89.8% and 98.2% of facilities. Of note, availability of both formulations was low (37.5% and 62.5%, respectively) in Kenyan PNFP facilities. Overall availabilities of paediatric limited‐use products were 1.1% in Kenya and 1.9% in Uganda. At least one stock‐out of a preferred paediatric ART formulation was reported in 40.0% of Kenyan and 74.7% of Ugandan facilities. Nevirapine solution stock‐outs were reported in 43.1% of Ugandan facilities, while alternative formulations for postnatal HIV prophylaxis were not available.ConclusionsRecommended DTG‐based first‐line ART for children across all ages was reasonably available at health facilities in Kenya and Uganda, with the exception of Kenyan PNFP facilities. Availability of paediatric ART formulations on the limited‐use list was extremely low across both countries. Stock‐outs were reported regularly, with the high number of reported stock‐outs of neonatal ART formulations in Uganda being most concerning.
Preparation and properties of ZrP2O7 matrix composites with high silica fibers reinforcement
Authors: Zhu Zhipin , Li Yuanbing , Li Shujing , Wei Changdong , Zhang Rong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractZrP2O7 ceramics exhibit poor mechanical properties after firing, as a major drawback. In this study, ZrP2O7 matrix composites reinforced with high silica fibers were prepared through pressureless sintering by varying the content and length‐to‐diameter ratio of the high silica fibers added to ZrP2O7 powder. After heat treatment at 1200‒1300°C, the room temperature flexural strength of the ZrP2O7 matrix composites with different amounts high silica fibers having different aspect ratios was 14.9‒45.2 MPa, the bulk density was 1.90‒3.03 g·cm−3, the apparent porosity was 2.37%‒39.39%, and the room temperature thermal conductivity was .47‒.95 W/(m·K). With an increase in the heat‐treatment temperature, driven by sintering and fiber crystallization, strength of the interfacial layer between the fibers and the matrix inside the ZrP2O7 matrix composites decreased and then increased. The transfer and blocking effects of the interface enabled effective transfer of the stress of the matrix to the fiber‐reinforced phase and prevented crack extension. The problem of inherent crystallization affecting high silica fibers at high temperatures was relieved by the ZrP2O7 ceramic matrix composites.
Preparation of Astragalus membranaceus–cranberry biscuits and the evaluation of physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity
Authors: Wei Fangyuan , Wang Hongyue , Li Xin , Cao Jiaqing , Zhang Xiangrong 
Published: March 2024

SummaryAstragalus membranaceus, as a medicinal and edible product, contains a variety of active ingredients. The cranberry powder is rich in polyphenol, dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral. In this study, biscuits were prepared by enrichment with Astragalus membranaceus and cranberry powder. The basic nutrients, physicochemical indexes, odour characteristics, antioxidant properties and shelf life prediction of the Astragalus membranaceus–cranberry biscuits (AMCB) were evaluated and compared with commercial biscuits. Overall, the biscuits with the addition of Astragalus membranaceus and cranberry had low water content and high protein content of 8.3 g/100 g. The antioxidant properties of AMCB were analysed by DPPH radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, and the results demonstrated that AMCB possessed higher antioxidant activity than cranberry biscuits (CRB) and control biscuits (CB). The water content and peroxide value index were used to predict the shelf life by accelerated test. According to the Arrhenius method, the shelf life of AMCB was about 112 days. The results showed that the addition of 23% Astragalus membranaceus and cranberry powder led to improved nutritional value, antioxidant properties and sensory characteristics of the biscuits.
Effects of dough sheets resting on textural properties of long‐life noodles via moisture migration and gluten network development
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Qi Yajing , Hassane Hamadou Alkassoumi , Tufail Tabussam , Guo Qin , Zhang Jiyao , Xu Bin 
Published: March 2024

SummaryNoodles are a popular staple food for many Asian populations. This study aimed to explore the effects of different resting temperatures (15, 25, 35, 45 °C) and humidity (65%, 75%, 85%, 95%) on the quality of long‐life noodles (LL noodles) by considering the moisture migration and microstructure of gluten network in dough sheets. According to results, at resting conditions (25 °C and 95% relative humidity), the dough sheet exhibited a shorter transverse relaxation time of tightly bound water (T21) and higher relative content (A21), which facilitated a tight combination between other components and water molecules. Additionally, a dense and uniform distribution of gluten network was achieved at 25 °C and 95%, due to a reduction in average length and width of gluten network lines, as well as to increased branching rate. Therefore, LL noodles were endowed with a lower cooking loss rate and higher water absorption rate, and the texture properties including chewiness, hardness, smoothness and elasticity were at optimal level. The present work demonstrated the possibility of using a resting at 25 °C and 95% humidity to enhance the uniformity of gluten network and texture of dough sheets and significantly improved the texture properties of LL noodles.
ACE‐inhibitory properties and antioxidative activities of hydrolysate powder obtained from Thai's mature silkworm (Bombyx mori)
Authors: Anuduang Artorn , Lim Seng Joe , Jomduang Somchai , Boonyapranai Kongsak , Phongthai Suphat , Wan Mustapha Wan Aida 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThis study aimed to optimise the production of silkworm hydrolysate powder (SHP) from Thai's mature silkworm with potent ACE inhibition properties using commercial protease enzymes. Thai's mature silkworm (TMS) powder was hydrolysed with Alcalase® 2.4 L, Neutrase® 0.8 L and Flavourzyme® 500MG at varying enzyme concentrations and temperatures. The most effective method for ACE inhibition was found with Alcalase® 2.4 L at 5% concentration (w/w) of protein content in TMS powder, at 60 °C for 1 h. This condition also resulted in the highest SHP production and protein content, outperforming other enzyme treatments. Moreover, it exhibited significant total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging. This finding establishes a foundation for scaling up the production of Thai's mature SHP to a commercial level. The resulting product can be utilised as a functional ingredient, functional food or therapeutic food for managing high blood pressure.
Exploring the influence of sweet potato powder on the physicochemical characteristics, oxidative potential and sensory perception of mayonnaise
Authors: Umer Zujaja , Adris Aneeka , Zahra Syeda Urooj , Tariq Muhammad Rizwan , Ali Shinawar Waseem , Safdar Waseem , Nayik Gulzar Ahmad , Ramniwas Seema , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Alahmadi Tahani Awad 
Published: March 2024

SummaryReduced fat mayonnaise was prepared by substituting oil with sweet potato powder at concentrations of 2%, 4% and 6%. The changes in physicochemical, oxidative, rheological, microbial and organoleptic properties of functional reduced fat mayonnaise were investigated. The results revealed that sweet potato powder significantly improved the antioxidant activity (2.63–31.6%), rheological attributes, nutritional content and shelf life stability of mayonnaise during the storage time of 21 days. Rheological evaluation illustrated the stabilisation of samples with the addition of sweet potato powder, with a significant reduction in oil droplet size (6.78–2.16 μm) and an increase in firmness (0.941–1.84 N) and adhesiveness (41.21–76.78 × 10−3 Nm). Emulsion stability (93.3–99.2%) was significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced by supplementation with sweet potato powder. The presence of carotenoids in sweet potato improved colour and increased the L* (73.4%) and b* (31.4%) values. Preliminary sensory evaluation demonstrated that taste, texture, mouthfeel and overall acceptability were perceived better in the samples supplemented with sweet potato powder. Our findings suggest that sweet potato powder can be a nutrient enhancer and a considerable alternative to synthetic antioxidants and stabilisers for oil‐in‐water food emulsions.