bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legacy lessons from the COVID-19 era to improve trial participation and retention: Views from trial participants, PPIE contributors and trial staff across the NIHR portfolio
Authors: Leggett Heather , Vinall-Collier Karen , Csikar Julia , Barber Sophy , Carr Rachel , Bhatti Amrit , Pavitt Sue 
Published: February 2024

Background
The Covid-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the delivery of healthcare research. Covid-19 research was prioritised and many non-essential trials were paused. This study explores the engagement experiences of trial participants’, PPIE contributors’ and trial staff during the Covid-19 pandemic and towards recovery and restoring a diverse and balanced UK clinical trials portfolio.

Methods
Interviews and focus groups were undertaken with PPIE contributors, trial participants and trial staff members from NIHR research trials across the UK (November 2020-June 2021) across portfolio specialities: Cancer, Oral and Dental Health, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cardiovascular Disease, Neurological Disorders, Primary Care, and Conditions associated with susceptibility to Covid-19 (Diabetes, Stroke, Respiratory Disorders). Topic guides were developed for each participant group and interviews were conducted over Zoom. The transcripts were analysed using codebook thematic analysis in NVivo (V.12).

Results
106 participants comprising, 45 PPIE contributors, 27 trial participants and 34 trial staff members were recruited. Three themes to engagement with trials during Covid-19 were developed. 1) Ensuring continued contact. Continued and tailored communication, having a trial point of contact and regular updates all enhanced trial engagement and retention. Patients’ unfamiliarity with materials being sent electronically reduced engagement and trust. 2) A balanced move to remote consultations. Remote follow-up and monitoring were convenient and allowed for wider recruitment across the UK. Participants were more likely to discuss personal subjects in their own homes. Remote visits lacked a personal touch, some concerns over missed diagnoses or being unable to appreciate the situation, technical abilities or equipment failures were seen as barriers, especially for disadvantaged or older people. 3) The importance of feeling fully informed. Factors that supported attendance were knowledge about trial conduct adherence to Covid-19 regulations, social distancing, clear signage at the site and opportunities to ask questions. Barriers included not knowing what to expect and not feeling safe with rules and regulations.

Conclusions
Our findings highlight a number of ways to future proof trial delivery against future pandemics or disruptions such as offering online options to participate in research, ensuring consistent communication between participants and the research team, making sure participants feel fully informed and the continued reassurance of safety in the clinical setting.
Understanding patient and family utilisation of community-based palliative care services out-of-hours: Additional analysis of systematic review evidence using narrative synthesis
Authors: Goodrich Joanna , Watson Caleb , Gaczkowska Inez , Harding Richard , Evans Catherine , Firth Alice , Murtagh Fliss E.M. 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundCommunity-based out-of-hours services are an integral component of end-of-life care. However, there is little understanding of how patients and families utilise these services. This additional analysis of a systematic review aims to understand and identify patterns of out-of-hours service use and produce recommendations for future service design.MethodData on service use was extracted and secondary analysis undertaken, from a systematic review of models of community out-of-hours services. Narrative synthesis was completed, addressing four specific aspects of service use: 1.Times when patients/families/healthcare professionals need to contact out-of-hours services; 2. Who contacts out-of-hours services; 3. Whether a telephone call, centre visit or home visit is provided; 4. Who responds to out-of-hours calls.ResultsCommunity-based out-of-hours palliative care services were most often accessed between 5pm and midnight, especially on weekdays (with reports of 69% of all calls being made out-of-hours). Family members and carers were the most frequent callers to of the services (making between 60% and 80% of all calls). The type of contact (telephone, centre visit or home visit) varied based on what was offered and on patient need. Over half of services were led by a single discipline (nurse).ConclusionsOut-of-hours services are highly used up to midnight, and particularly by patients’ family and carers. Recommendations to commissioners and service providers are to:• Increase provision of out-of-hours services between 5pm and midnight to reflect the increased use at these times.• Ensure that family and carers are provided with clear contact details for out-of-hours support.• Ensure patient records can be easily accessed by health professionals responding to calls, making the triage process easier.• Listen to patients, family and carers in the design of out-of-hours services, including telephone services.• Collect data systematically on out-of-hours-service use and on outcomes for patients who use the service.
The contribution of raised blood pressure to all-cause and cardiovascular deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in Australia: Analysis of global burden of disease study from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Xu Xiaoyue , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Schlaich Markus , Jennings Garry , Schutte Aletta E. 
Published: February 2024

Aims
In a high-income country, Australia, it is unclear how raised systolic blood pressure (SBP) ranks among other risk factors regarding the overall and cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden, and whether the situation has changed over time.

Methods
We analysed the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data, with focus on Australia. We assessed ten leading risk factors for all-cause and CVD deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and compared findings with the Australian Burden of Diseases Study.

Results
From 1990 to 2019, raised SBP remained the leading risk factor for attributable all-cause deaths (followed by dietary risks and tobacco use), accounting for 29,056/75,235 (95% Uncertainty Interval (UI) [24,863 to 32,915]) deaths in 1990; 21,845/76,893 [17,678 to 26,044] in 2010; and 25,498/90,393 [20,152 to 30,851] in 2019. Contributions of raised SBP to cardiovascular deaths for both sexes were 54.0% [45.8 to 61.5] in 1990, 44.0% [36.7 to 51.3] in 2010 and 43.7% [36.2 to 51.6] in 2019, respectively. The contribution of raised SBP to cardiovascular deaths declined between 1990 and 2010 but exhibited an increase in males from 2010 onwards, with figures of 52.6% [44.7 to 60.0] in 1990, 43.1% [36.0 to 50.5] in 2010 and 43.5% [35.7 to 51.4] in 2019. The contribution of raised SBP to stroke deaths and DALYs in males aged 25–49 years were higher than other age groups, in excess of 60% and increasing steeply between 2010 and 2019.

Conclusion
Raised SBP continues to be the leading risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular deaths in Australia. We urge cross-disciplinary stakeholder engagement to implement effective strategies to detect, treat and control raised blood pressure as a central priority to mitigate the CVD burden.
The impact of iron supplementation on the preterm neonatal gut microbiome: A pilot study
Authors: VanOrmer Matthew , Thompson Maranda , Thoene Melissa , Riethoven Jean-Jack , Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Hanson Corrine , Anderson-Berry Ann 
Published: February 2024

Objective
The gastrointestinal microbiome in preterm infants exhibits significant influence on optimal outcomes–with dysbiosis shown to substantially increase the risk of the life-threatening necrotizing enterocolitis. Iron is a vital nutrient especially during the perinatal window of rapid hemoglobin production, tissue growth, and foundational neurodevelopment. However, excess colonic iron exhibits potent oxidation capacity and alters the gut microbiome–potentially facilitating the proliferation of pathological bacterial strains. Breastfed preterm infants routinely receive iron supplementation starting 14 days after delivery and are highly vulnerable to morbidities associated with gastrointestinal dysbiosis. Therefore, we set out to determine if routine iron supplementation alters the preterm gut microbiome.

Methods
After IRB approval, we collected stool specimens from 14 infants born <34 weeks gestation in the first, second, and fourth week of life to assess gut microbiome composition via 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results
We observed no significant differences in either phyla or key genera relative abundance between pre- and post-iron timepoints. We observed notable shifts in infant microbiome composition based on season of delivery.

Conclusion
Though no obvious indication of iron-induced dysbiosis was observed in this unique study in the setting of prematurity, further investigation in a larger sample is warranted to fully understand iron’s impact on the gastrointestinal milieu.
Current research and evidence gaps on placental development in iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Lai Shaoyang , Yu Weiwei , Liu Ying , Yang Yuxin , Zhang Xueqin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Studying the effects of maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is complex owing to its diverse causes, each independently impacting the placenta and fetus. Simple treatment with iron supplements does not always resolve the anemia. Therefore, delving into how IDA alters placental development at a molecular level is crucial to further optimize treatment. This review addresses the effects of IDA on placental structures and functions, including changes in oxygen levels, blood vessels, and the immune system. Profound understanding of physiological characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of placental development is key to explain the mechanisms of abnormal placental development in pregnancy-associated disorders. In turn, future strategies for the prevention and treatment of pregnancy complications involving the placenta can be devised. These studies are significant for improving human reproductive health, enhancing sociodemographic qualities, and even lifelong wellbeing, a focal point in future placental research.
Biochemical evidence for conformational variants in the anti-viral and pro-metastatic protein IFITM1
Authors: Nekulová Marta , Wyszkowska Marta , Friedlová Nela , Uhrík Lukáš , Zavadil Kokáš Filip , Hrabal Václav , Hernychová Lenka , Vojtěšek Bořivoj , Hupp Ted R. , Szymański Michał R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Interferon induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) play a dual role in the restriction of RNA viruses and in cancer progression, yet the mechanism of their action remains unknown. Currently, there is no data about the basic biochemical features or biophysical properties of the IFITM1 protein. In this work, we report on description and biochemical characterization of three conformational variants/oligomeric species of recombinant IFITM1 protein derived from an Escherichia coli expression system. The protein was extracted from the membrane fraction, affinity purified, and separated by size exclusion chromatography where two distinct oligomeric species were observed in addition to the expected monomer. These species remained stable upon re-chromatography and were designated as “dimer” and “oligomer” according to their estimated molecular weight. The dimer was found to be less stable compared to the oligomer using circular dichroism thermal denaturation and incubation with a reducing agent. A two-site ELISA and HDX mass spectrometry suggested the existence of structural motif within the N-terminal part of IFITM1 which might be significant in oligomer formation. Together, these data show the unusual propensity of recombinant IFITM1 to naturally assemble into very stable oligomeric species whose study might shed light on IFITM1 anti-viral and pro-oncogenic functions in cells.
The crystal structure of bis[(4-methoxyphenyl)(picolinoyl)amido-κ2
N:N′]copper(II), C26H22CuN4O4
Authors: Alteneiji Aisha Salim , Hasan Kamrul , Shehadi Ihsan , Khanfar Monther A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
C26H22CuN4O4, triclinic, P1− (no. 2), a = 9.142(3) Å, b = 10.794(3) Å, c = 12.718(4) Å, α = 69.308(11)°, β = 81.326(10)°, γ = 76.862(10)°, V = 1139.9(6) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt
(F) = 0.0666, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1966, T = 100(2) K.
A comprehensive review of oral chitosan drug delivery systems: Applications for oral insulin delivery
Authors: Alfatama Mulham , Choukaife Hazem , Alkhatib Hamzeh , Al Rahal Okba , Zin Nur Zahirah Mohamad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Pharmaceutical scientists have long struggled to develop reliable and efficient systems of administering insulin orally due to multiple barriers, including stomach acidity, enzymatic degradation, and mucus barriers. However, various strategies were developed to avoid insulin degradation in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and promote membrane permeability and biological activity. Among these strategies, chitosan polymer-based carriers are widely researched due to their ability to protect insulin in the alimentary canal and deliver it effectively through the intestinal mucosa, improving its bioavailability. To improve chitosan properties, chemical and physical modifications have been developed, and recently, nanoparticles, microparticles, and beads of chitosan exhibited potential systems for oral insulin delivery (OID). This review facilitates an outline of the types of diabetes mellitus, insulin biosynthesis, and gastrointestinal barriers against oral insulin. Moreover, the limitations of subcutaneous insulin delivery and alternative routes of administration are also discussed. As an ideal and most convenient oral administration route, the challenges of safe insulin delivery through the GIT and strategies to elevate its bioavailability are highlighted. In addition, this review focuses on recent advancements in chitosan based carriers for OID and their potential future applications.
Biochar technology to increase cassava crop productivity: A study of sustainable agriculture on degraded land
Authors: Yuniwati Eny Dyah , Hartati Fadjar Kurnia , Sutanto Adi , Sahabuddin  , Kustini  , Siswati Nana Dyah , Iskandar Taufik 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study is to improve soil fertility in cassava, corn, and peanut plants by using biochar technology on degraded land. This research is experimental. This trial used five treatments, No organic amendments, farm yard manure (FYM) 20 Mg ha−1 once, FYM 20 Mg ha−1 yearly, FYM biochar technology 15 Mg ha−1 once, and cassava stem (CS) biochar technology 15 Mg ha−1 once. The design used in this study was a randomized group design (RAK) with three repeats. Before the experiment, the characteristics of treatment material, namely, the manure, biochar, and CS waste biochar were studied. It was observed that cassava, corn, and peanut crops increased nutrient C, water availability, N, P, K, and cation exchange capacity (CEC). From the observations, the treatment of using biochar technology on intercropping cassava and corn can increase C by 25.7 g kg−1, K by 177 cmol, CEC by 17.63 cmol , and water availability by16.87%. Meanwhile, the application treatment of biochar FYM technology on cassava and peanut intercropping can increase C by 24.4 g kg−1, N by 1.3 g kg−1, P by 12.2 g kg−1, K by 1.74 cmol, CEC by 17.93 cmol, and water availability by 17.41%. The use of biochar technology (15 Mg ha)−1 in intercropping cassava with maize or groundnut within 2 years can improve soil fertility and maintain yields. Intercropping cassava with corn or peanuts within 2 years can increase soil fertility and maintain crop yields. Thus, biochar technology has greater potential for the improvement of degraded land in the relatively short term (2 years) and supports sustainable agriculture.
Atom-bond-connectivity (ABC) indices of graphene sheets, zigzag single walled carbon nanotubes and single walled carbon nanotori
Authors: Ghosh Soukat , Maji Uday , Mondal Swapnadeep , Mandal Bholanath 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Atom-bond-connectivity (ABC) indices are obtained in analytical forms for graphene sheets, zigzag single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and single walled carbon nanotori in terms of number of rings (r) that measures the length and the number of hexagons in between two rings (h) that dictates the width of the concerned systems. The procedures followed for ABC index have been used to obtain the expressions of augmented Zagreb and Randić indices for such systems. Logarithm of ABC indices of zigzag SWCNTs are found to correlate linearly well with the bond dissociation energies per C–C bond and the Young’s moduli of said SWCNTs with fixed number of rings (r) but varying number of hexagons (h) in between two successive rings. The plot of logarithm of ABC index versus Young’s modulus of such SWCNTs in varying both r and h simultaneously is not a straight line but fits well with the sigmoidal (Boltzmann) curve. Wiener index, one of the important distance based index, has recently been found to have similar correlations with the concerned properties of such systems. Similar plots would appear for the said properties of the zigzag SWCNTs with other degree-based indices like augmented Zagreb and Randić indices, as have been indicated from their respective expressions obtained.
Evaluation of the Statistical Significance of a Regression and Selection of the Best Regression Using the Coefficient of Determination R2
Authors: Chanvillard G , Jones JP , Aitcin P-C 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Statistical methods currently used to analyze experimental data and to select the best-fit regression model are analyzed based on the Fisher F-test. Unfortunately, the judgment of the significance of a regression is often performed by use of the coefficient of determination, available on most calculators. It will be shown that this coefficient of determination can be misused. Two simple equations which take advantage of this coefficient of determination are presented which allow one to analyze the data in an objective manner. The first equation allows one to evaluate the level of confidence of a regression model, and the second equation allows one to evaluate the contribution of a subset of the coefficient to the regression model.
International Development of Standards for Cements
Authors: Jackson PJ , Lawton JM 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Many cements manufactured and marketed in different countries have generally similar properties, but national standards tend to characterize them using different tests and with different numerical values. A review has been made of the nature and the magnitude of these differences in order to establish those most favored in the world as a whole and also in a number of geographical regions. Greater harmonization of standards for many cements should be possible. Because of its growing acceptance in many countries, a move to the International Standards Organization (ISO) 679 test method for strength could provide a very useful starting point.
An Experimental Investigation of the Force/Penetration Relationships of Rod Impact
Authors: Steiger F 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In order to obtain quantitative measurements of force, penetration, and energy delivered by rod impact, 25.4-mm-diameter steel rods of lengths of 3.66 m (12 ft), 12.19 m (40 ft), and 23.74 m (77.9 ft) were supported horizontally and struck at one end with a reproducible hammer blow. Force, penetration, and energy values were determined from the measured penetration into a standard material (Oasis floral foam). The data obtained indicate that rod length is a significant factor with respect to penetration and energy delivered.
Commercial Applications of Zirconium Explosion Clad
Authors: Banker JG 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Applications of process equipment manufactured from zirconium clad are reviewed. Six specific applications are summarized. These include two extensively used chemical process heat exchanger applications, three pressure vessel applications, and a kiln application. Clad fabrication processes are discussed. Clad specifications and common inspections and tests are reviewed and production test data are summarized. The compiled data indicate that zirconium-clad equipment provides reliable performance in environments in which zirconium is commonly used.
Defining overlooked structures reveals new associations between cortex and cognition in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Maboudian Samira A. , Willbrand Ethan H. , Jagust William J. , Weiner Kevin S. 
Published: February 2024

Recent work suggests that indentations of the cerebral cortex, or sulci, may be uniquely vulnerable to atrophy in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) and that posteromedial cortex (PMC) is particularly vulnerable to atrophy and pathology accumulation. However, these studies did not consider small, shallow, and variable tertiary sulci that are located in association cortices and are often associated with human-specific aspects of cognition. Here, we manually defined 4,362 PMC sulci in 432 hemispheres in 216 human participants (50.5% female) and found that these smaller putative tertiary sulci showed more age- and AD-related thinning than larger, more consistent sulci, with the strongest effects for two newly uncovered sulci. A model-based approach relating sulcal morphology to cognition identified that a subset of these sulci was most associated with memory and executive function scores in older adults. These findings lend support to the retrogenesis hypothesis linking brain development and aging, and provide new neuroanatomical targets for future studies of aging and AD.Significance StatementLarge-scale changes in cortical structure in aging suggest sulci are particularly vulnerable to atrophy. However, tertiary sulci, the smallest and most individually variable cortical folds associated with cognitive development, have not been studied in aging. Here, we investigate tertiary sulci for the first time in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We find that these smaller and shallower sulci show more age- and AD-related thinning than larger sulci in posteromedial cortex (PMC), and that the atrophy of a subset of PMC sulci is most associated with cognition in older adults. These findings support classical theories linking developmental and aging trajectories at a novel anatomical resolution and provide insight into relationships between individual differences in structural brain changes and cognitive decline.
Xylella fastidiosa en Costa Rica: Impacto económico, relevancia agrícola y una visión general de la investigación nacional
Authors: Fernández Vargas Rachelle , Navarro Flores Luis 
Published: February 2024

Xylella fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium considered a quarantine pest in crops of agricultural importance. It is associated with various diseases in crops such as: coffee, citrus, grapes, olive and ornamental species. This bacterium has negative repercussions on the export market of Costa Rica, due to phytosanitary restrictions imposed especially on the phoenix palm (Phoenix spp.). In addition, its high dispersion capacity, the existence of genetic variants and its interaction with other microorganisms make X. fastidiosa a bacterium of interest to agriculture. Currently, different research efforts are being conducted to expand the understanding about X. fastidiosa and involve the general population in the subject. This article describes the economic and social impact of X. fastidiosa on national agricultural production. Information was collected through a bibliographic review and was complemented by contributions from professionals from the Center for Cell and Molecular Biology Research (CIBCM) who currently lead research on the subject.