bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphogypsum as Fertilizer: Impacts on Soil Fertility, Barely Yield Components, and Heavy Metals Contents
Authors: OUTBAKAT M BARKA , Bouray Moussa , Choukr‑Allah Redouane , Gharous Mohamed El , Omari Kamal El , Mejahed Khalil El 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Fertilization is a critical input factor in crop production and food security achievement. However, there is room for improvement in the application of fertilizers in certain regions. Thus, using low-cost fertilizers, such as phosphogypsum (PG), could enhance farmers' access to these essential inputs. A two-years field experiment was conducted using two Moroccan PG products applied at four rates (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 t/ha). The aim was to assess the impact of PG source and rate on barley crop, including yield component, nutrients uptake, and heavy metals content. The study's findings revealed that as the rate of PG application increased, there were significant enhancements in the number of spikes, tillers, grains, total biomass, grain yield, and thousand grains weight. In fact, when compared to the control, the application of 1.5, 3, and 4.5 t/ha of PG led to a remarkable increase in grain yield by 21%, 34%, and 39%, respectively. Furthermore, the uptake of nutrients by the shoots and grains was significantly influenced by the PG application rates, with higher rates resulting in greater nutrient uptake. Notably, the application of PG had no impact on the heavy metal content in shoots, grains, or soil.
A Pilot Study of Implementing Patient Reported Outcome Measures in the Australasian Pelvic Floor Procedure Registry
Authors: Ruseckaite Rasa , Jayasinghe Randi , Merenda Michelle , Mudunna Chethana , O’Connell Helen E. , Gallagher Elizabeth , King Jennifer , Keck James , Yin Jessica , Ahern Susannah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The Australasian Pelvic Floor Procedure Registry (APFPR) records information about procedures for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. This study aimed to test the feasibility of capturing Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) in women with pelvic floor disorders (PFDs) identified via the APFPR. We administered the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) in women with PFDs prior to surgery (baseline) and six months post-surgery through a combination of email, postal mail, SMS and telephone. Results were reported descriptively, as number and proportion for PROMs response rates and data completeness, and as a mean and standard deviation (SD) for the APFQ scores. The APFQ was administered to 140 patients at baseline and to 112 post-surgery. The baseline PROMs response rates were high (75%), but decreased to 56% at follow up. The overall APFQ completeness was ~98%. The APFQ dysfunction scores revealed a significant improvement at six months (mean (SD) score at baseline=14.5 (5.7), six months=11.4 (6.5), p≤0.001). Significant improvement in the bladder and prolapse domains (p≤0.001) were particularly observed. The results showed an overall improvement in quality of life scores at follow up, suggesting that the APFQ was a suitable instrument for the APFPR.
Impact of cerebellar tumors and surgery on cognitive function in adult patients
Authors: Yajima Hirohisa , Otani Ryohei , Kawamura Shinji , Shimizu Sakura , Yamada Ryoji , Tsukada Masanobu , Yorimitsu Miyuki , Shinoura Nobusada 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The cognitive dysfunction associated with cerebellar tumors in adults is not well understood. We herein evaluated the effect of cerebellar tumors and surgery on cognitive function in adult patients before and after resection.
Methods
Eighteen patients who underwent resection of a cerebellar tumor at the study center between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Their clinical characteristics, surgical complications, and neuropsychological test scores were thoroughly reviewed.
Results
Of the 18 patients, nine were male, and the median age at surgery was 73 years. A high tumor volume (> 10 cm3) was associated with significantly low preoperative cognitive function scores on the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) (P = 0.024), the copying task on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (P = 0.020), and the verbal sequential commands on the Standard Language Test of Aphasia (SLTA) (P = 0.030). The preoperative scores for the verbal sequential commands on the SLTA improved postoperatively in patients with a high tumor volume (P = 0.04). A negative correlation was found between tumor volume and the preoperative score on the FAB (r = -0.50) and the verbal sequential commands on the SLTA (r = -0.58). The difference between the postoperative and preoperative scores for the verbal sequential commands on SLTA positively correlated with tumor volume (r = 0.57).
Conclusion
The present study found that the executive function, visuospatial cognitive function, and part of the language function were able to be influenced by cerebellar tumors in adult patients.
Assessment Of Burnout and Quality of Life Among Nursing Professionals in The Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Bonsu George Wireko Brobby , Vetsi Oscar , Kuadzi Francis Atsu , Kwantwi-Barima Francis , Boakye Kingsley , Boateng Daniel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Burnout among nursing professionals is problematic for the nursing workforce, considering its effect on their Quality of Life (QoL) and the global shortage of nurses. There is a dearth of literature on the effect of burnout on the QoL of the practice of nursing in Ghana. Hence, this study sought to estimate the prevalence of burnout and its effect on the QoL of nursing professionals in two district hospitals in Ghana.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among three hundred and forty-three nursing professionals in two district hospitals in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. Data on participants' socio-demographic characteristics, work-related factors, burnout, and QoL were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) questionnaire were used to assess burnout levels and QOL among study participants, respectively. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the burnout and the relationship between the dimensions of burnout and participants’ QoL.
Result
Out of the 343 participants, the prevalence of burnout was 2.9%. The mean age of study participants was 29.6 (± 5.4) years. About 20.7%, 83.6%, and 61.5% of the participants presented with high emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, respectively. The study revealed that night shift (β: 6.06, 95%CI: 1.52, 11.60, p = 0.032) was associated with emotional exhaustion, while full day shift (β: -7.69, 95%CI: -13.48, -1.89, p = 0.010) and rank of nursing/midwifery officer (β:3.57, 95%CI: 1.71, 6.43, p = 0.015) were associated with depersonalization. The personal accomplishment dimension was predicted by casual employment (β: 5.72, 95%CI: 1.13, 11.31, p = 0.045). The mean score of the overall QoL score of study participants was 78.1 (± 8.6). A significant association was observed between moderate burnout for emotional exhaustion (β: − 4.59, 95%CI: -4.59, -0.46, p = 0.017), high burnout for personal accomplishment (β: -6.28, 95%CI: -8.65, -3.91, p < 0.001), and QoL of nursing professionals.
Conclusion
The total prevalence of burnout among nurse practitioners was low which is influenced by a multiplicity of factors: participants’ rank, type of shift, and type of employment. Burnout has a negative effect on the QoL of nursing professionals. Interventions to reduce the incidence of burnout can target reducing the number of night shifts and instituting incentives for casual/contract nurses.
Analyzing Collimator Rotation Angle Influence on Half-beam VMAT Outcomes for Prostate Cancer: A Comparative Approach Using Statistical and Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Kim Myeongsoo , Kim Byungyong , Choi Euncheol , Shin Yun Sung , Park Seung Gyu , Oh Young Kee , Byun Sang Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the impact of Collimator Rotation Angle (CRA) settings in Half beam Volume Modulated Arc Therapy (HVMAT) for prostate cancer treatment, focusing on dose distribution and treatment efficacy.
Materials and Methods
Treatment plans (Total 240) for 20 prostate cancer patients were developed using HVMAT. Different CRA settings (n = 12) were employed, specifically comparing 2-arcs and 4-arcs techniques. Data were analyzed using statistical methods and machine learning models, assessing the Mean Relative Error (MRE) across varying CRA settings.
Results
The analysis revealed no significant impact of CRA settings on the conformity and homogeneity of radiation distribution to the target volume. All treatment plans met the average V95% target for the prescribed dose in the Planning Target Volume (PTV). Machine learning analysis showed consistent predictive accuracy across different CRA settings, with the MRE variance within 2%. Statistical tests further supported these findings, showing no significant differences in treatment plan outcomes based on CRA variations.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that CRA settings in HVMAT can be selected with considerable flexibility without compromising the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment. The results emphasize the importance of employing multi-faceted analysis, including both traditional statistical methods and advanced machine learning techniques, in optimizing HVMAT treatment plans. Although limited by a small sample size and a specific focus on prostate cancer, the findings provide valuable insights into the clinical application of HVMAT and its potential in treatment plan optimization.
Factors influencing utilization of postnatal care services among postpartum mothers of Vijayanagara district,Karnataka, India
Authors: H Sunitha N , Muktamath Vinutha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
India has made tremendous progress in reducing MMR by 92 per cent since 2020, but still efforts are required to achieve the new SDG target. Vijayanagara district of Karnataka is a district of Kalyan Karnataka with poor maternal and infant health practices according to National family health survey V report. Hence the present study was conducted with the objective to assess the utilization of post-natal services (PNC) and study the factors influencing utilization of postnatal care services. A community based cross sectional study was conducted in the year 2021-23 in Vijayanagar district on a sample of 810 mothers within 3 months of delivery. Pre-tested questionnaire was used to elicit the information on utilization of postnatal care services and demographic information. SES scale by Agarwala et al. 2005 was used. Data was analyzed using SPSS package Version 26. Results revealed that the overall prevalence of utilization of postnatal care services was 32.46 per cent out of 810 mothers. Mothers between 29 to 32 years had utilized postnatal care services, mothers from middle SES (46.50 %) group, who had ANC attendance, who had knowledge on PNC services (36.30 %) were utilized all the recommended PNC services. Socioeconomic status, age of mother, number of ANC visits and knowledge on postnatal care services were found to be significant factors affecting postnatal care services utilization. The study revealed low level of utilization of postnatal care services among mother (32.46 %). This emphasizes the need to educate pregnant and lactating mothers regarding the importance of PNC services.
Quadrature method and extrapolation algorithm for solving the boundary integral equations of the acoustic wave scattering problems
Authors: Guo Hong , Huang Jin , Li Hu , Li Zhaoxing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper studies the time domain acoustic wave scattering problems of a bounded obstacle or a smooth open arc in the unbounded domain, where the obstacle has the smooth and closed boundary. Due to the potential theories, the first kind retarded single-layer potential boundary integral equations of the above problems can be obtained and they are solved by two steps, we get the temporal discretization by the convolution quadrature method firstly, and then the first kind boundary integral equations in space are solved by the quadrature method. Meanwhile, the scattered field can be computed in terms of the trapezoidal rule. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution are proved, the convergence of the approximate solution is also analysed and the error bound is got. The asymptotic expansion of the error in space shows that the convergence rate is O(h3). Moreover, the extrapolation algorithm is used to improve the accuracy of the numerical solution. The posteriori error estimate is also obtained, which is helpful for designing the self-adaptive algorithm. Some numerical experiments are implemented to show the effectiveness of our method.
Exploration of the effect and mechanism of Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill on coronary microvascular dysfunction
Authors: LI Xiaojun , Xuan Yue , LI Shuai , LI Yan , Chen Lan , Chen Yijun , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Coronary microvascular dysfunction(CMVD) refers to a clinical syndrome of myocardial ischemia caused by abnormal microvascular structure or function of coronary arteries with a diameter less than 500µm.It is closely related to adverse cardiovascular events,and its treatment remains a clinical challenge. Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill(SXDP) shows the effect of improving coronary microvascular perfusion, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear.In this study,we aims to observe the effects of SXDP on enhancing coronary blood flow in coronary artery disease(CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment and coronary microvascular embolism(CME) mice model while investigating potential mechanisms linked to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.Firstly, we selected 62 patients with angina pectoris who were negative for cardiac troponin and randomly divided them into control group and SXDP group, with 31 cases in each group. The control group was given aspirin, statin, ACEI, and β-receptor blocker, the SXDP group added the SXDP on the basis of the above drugs. Both groups took the medicine for three consecutive days, coronary angiography(CAG) and(or) PCI were performed on the the fourth day,two hours before surgery, the control group received 300mg of aspirin and 300mg of clopidogrel, while the SXDP group received 10 pills of SXDP in addition to the aforementioned medication, Subsequently implemented CAG to observe the corrected TIMI frame count(CTFC) value of coronary blood flow, as well as the TC, LDL-C, Lp-PLA2,FIB and hs-CRP in serum. Secondly,we utilized electrocardiogram recordings, laser speckle imaging, and histological examination to assess the enhancement of coronary blood flow in CME mice model induced by autologous blood clot particles following SXDP treatment. Additionally, an in vitro model of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was established using human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs) to investigate the impact of SXDP on lncRNA H19 and P66shc DNA methylation. In clinical trials, we observed that SXDP can increase coronary CTFC values and reduce the serum levels of TC, LDL-C, Lp-PLA2, FIB and hs- CRP to varying degrees.And in the CME mice model, SXDP was found to enhance myocardial blood supply, decrease thrombosis and myocardial micro- infarctions, and improve coronary microvascular endothelial function. In vitro experiments, we observed SXDP enhances p66shc DNA methylation through the inhibition of lncRNAH19 expression, leading to a reduction in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in coronary microvessels. Our findings suggested that SXDP can effectively improve coronary microvascular blood flow in patients with CAD and CME model mice,Simultaneously, lncRNAH19 is a key molecule in SXDP's regulation of P66shc,we should focus on lncRNAH19 as potential values for evaluating CMVD.
Clinical study of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated with neurogenic pulmonary edema
Authors: Yao Lin , Wang Qiuyun , Liu Yongsheng , Xiong Yun , Zhou Zihao , Yu Tao , Feng Ming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To study the clinical performance, imaging findings, pathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) complicated with neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE).
Methods
36 aSAH patients complicated with NPE were retrospectively studied. These patients were divided into the good prognosis group (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] ≥ 4) and poor prognosis group (GOS ≤ 3). All patients underwent preoperative computed tomography (CT) and Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA), 26 patients had anterior circulation aneurysms, and 10 patients had posterior circulation aneurysms. All patients were monitored for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) for 3 consecutive days after admission.
Results
All patients underwent aneurysm embolization or aneurysm clipping after admission. There were statistically significant differences in the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, HCO3−, Base Excess (BE), BNP, hs-cTnI and CT difference between the groups with good and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). The ROC curve results indicate that the cardiac biomarkers and related chest CT examination indicators can predict patients prognosis well.
Conclusion
The key to recognising aSAH is typical pulmonary edema with bilateral lung infiltrates and no evidence of left atrial hypertension; the main principles of treatment are to rapidly reduce the patient's intracranial pressure and support the respiratory system. The cardiac biomarkers can predict the prognosis of aSAH patients complicated with NPE.
Cooperative control of NNMPL-SMC and integral EPH methods for a class of overdamping uncertainnonlinear system
Authors: Zhu Aiyun , Yu Haisheng , Meng Xiangxiang , Yang Qing , Xu Tao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A cooperative control strategy is designed to achieve fast dynamicand accurate steady-state performances for a class of overdamping uncertainnonlinear systems. The strategy combines the advantages of sliding mode control (SMC) based on neural network minimum parameter learning (NNMPL) and integral error port-controlled Hamiltonian (EPH) methods. Firstly, theNNMPL-SMC uses radial basis function neural network (NN) to estimatethe unknown function of the system, and the minimum parameter learningmethod is used instead of NN weights to design SMC adaptive law, simplifiedthe adaptive algorithm and accelerated the convergence speed of the NN. Atthe same time, the observer of NNMPL-SMC subsystem is developed to estimate the uncertain parameters and external disturbances of the subsystem.Secondly, an integral EPH controller with disturbance attenuation is designed,and the observer is developed to estimate the uncertain parameters and external disturbances of the EPH subsystem. Finally, the cooperative control of NNMPL-SMC and integral EPH methods is achieved for overdamping uncertain nonlinear systems. Simulation and experiments verify the superiority and feasibility of the cooperative control strategy.
Spatial distribution characteristics and source analysis of groundwater nitrate pollution in an agricultural area at the southern foot of Qinling Mountain in China
Authors: Gong Wenqiang , Zhao Hao , Sun Jianwei , Li Xinbing , Zhao Chao , Yue Haiyang , Han Chaohui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In order to study the source of nitrate pollution in shallow groundwater in the agricultural area, surface water, groundwater and soil samples were collected, and the conventional chemical indicators and nitrogen and oxygen isotopes were analyzed. The method of combining nitrate δ15N and δ18O was used to identify the source of nitrate pollution. The results show that the concentration of NO3−(N) in the groundwater is between 3.18mg/L and 10.32mg/L, and the water quality of BC203, TCQ3020 and TCQ3029 wells belongs to Class III(5mg/L). From the perspective of spatial distribution, the pollution degree of water quality in the upper reaches is stronger than that in the lower reaches, that in the tributaries is stronger than that in the main stream, and it gradually decreases along the flow direction; vertically, the soil nitrate content decreases with the increase of depth, and suddenly increases at -1 meter, indicating that the groundwater nitrate pollution depth in this area has risen to -1 meter. The δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate ranged from 7.2‰ to 14.6‰ and from-8.31‰ to-7.39‰, respectively. Combined with the field survey, it was determined that the main sources of nitrate were animal manure and domestic sewage(MS), soil nitrogen(SN).
Assessment of attitudes towards antihypertensive medication among Hungarian patients with hypertension using the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire: a validation and cross- sectional study
Authors: Varga Mihály , Bíró Klára , Dombrádi Viktor , Kovács Nóra , Nagy Attila , Bányai Gábor , Boruzs Klára 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Assessing the beliefs of hypertensive patients about medications is crucial for appropriate and preventive drug treatments. The key to effective hypertension care is the patient's proper cooperation, which is why it is important to examine their beliefs regarding antihypertension medication use. The aims of the study were to validate the Hungarian translation of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) and to identify possible factors that might influence the attitude of patients with hypertension towards medications.
Methods: Data was collected in Hungary using the BMQ. 1,067 adult patients with chronic hypertension and taking their prescribed medications took part in the research. Statistical analysis was done to validate the questionnaire and to identify which sociodemographic factors influence the different aspects of attitudes toward medicine.
Results: The translation showed good reliability and validity. Furthermore, respondents who worked in the healthcare were more likely to feel the need to take antihypertensive drugs than those who did not (p<0.001). Also, participants who reported a good or very good (p<0.001) and fair (p=0.021) financial status were more concerned about antihypertensive treatment than those who reported a poor or very poor financial situation. Of those respondents, who answered living in towns of less than 1,000 people were more likely to think that antihypertensive treatment was harmful than those living in towns of more than 100,000 people (p=0.007).
Conclusions: For the identified groups, more attention is needed to ensure that the medication is taken correctly. This requires the promotion of good doctor-patient communication.