bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between the effects of epidural and intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia on postoperative disability‐free survival in patients undergoing thoracic and abdominal surgery: A post hoc analysis
Authors: Hirai S. , Ida M. , Naito Y. , Kawaguchi M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) and intravenous patient‐controlled analgesia (IV‐PCA) are widely used to mitigate immediate postoperative pain; however, their effects on long‐term disability‐free survival are poorly documented. This study aimed to compare the effects of postoperative TEA and IV‐PCA on disability‐free survival in patients who underwent thoracic or abdominal surgery.MethodsThis post hoc analysis of a prospective observational study included 845 inpatients aged ≥55 years that underwent elective thoracic and abdominal surgery between 1 April 2016 and 28 December 2018 in a tertiary care hospital. Inverse probability of treatment weighted (IPTW) using stabilized inverse propensity scores was adopted to minimize bias. The primary outcome in this study was disability‐free survival, defined as survival with a 12‐item World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 score of <16%, assessed at 3 months and 1 year after surgery.ResultsThe final analysis included 601 patients who received TEA and 244 who received IV‐PCA. After IPTW, the weighted incidence of disability‐free survival at 3 months and 1 year was 60.5% and 61.4% in the TEA group and 78.3% and 66.2% in the IV‐PCA group, respectively. The adjusted OR for disability‐free survival at 3 months and 1 year was 0.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.50–1.39) and 1.21 (95% CI: 0.72–2.05), respectively, for the TEA group.ConclusionNo significant differences were observed in the disability‐free survival at 3 months and 1 year after elective thoracic and abdominal surgery in patients aged ≥55 years who received TEA or IV‐PCA.Significance statementThis study is the first in our setting to document the long‐term effects of patient‐controlled analgesia. In a post hoc analysis of our prospective cohort study, we show that although differences in chronic postsurgical pain exist at 3 months post‐surgery, disability‐free survival rates at 1 year do not differ irrespective of the choice of patient‐controlled analgesia. The findings of this study highlight the need for shared decision‐making between clinicians and patients.
Research on the initial tensile stiffness of T‐stub based on correlation
Authors: Xu Xinxing , Chen Shizhe , Yuan Hui 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSemi‐rigid steel and composite joints are widely used in steel structures for their effectiveness and low constructional costs and mechanical property research on the semi‐rigid connections could not be ignored. There are still limitations to the performance analysis of mechanical components in connections based on component method, such as T‐stub. This study mainly focuses on the modification of the stiffness formula of T‐stub. Ten groups of different sizes of T‐stub were designed for monotonic loading tests and accurate finite element models were established for comparable study with the experimental results. Parametric analysis was performed on the finite element models, and the influence of each parameter on the tensile stiffness of T‐stub was analyzed. Finally, based on the correlation between tensile stiffness and the parameters, using the probabilistic design system (PDS) module, a T‐stub initial tensile stiffness theoretical formula which has a wide range of application and easier to use is proposed.
Development of high‐resolution monthly precipitation datasets for geomorphological applications in the Tianshan Mountains from 2000 to 2050
Authors: Fan Mengtian , Xu Jianhua , Chen Yaning , Zhang Wenjie , Wang Yuanwei , Dai Wen 
Published: March 2024

AbstractPrecipitation has a fundamental influence on landscape evolution and erosion rates. Accurate predictions of precipitation changes are crucial for landscape evolution modelling and erosion modelling. The Tianshan Mountains are known as the ‘Water Tower in Central Asia’, where precipitation is the main water supply for the surrounding lakes and rivers and also supports the population and economic development in the plain areas. This study developed a global climate model (GCM) and digital elevation model (DEM)‐based downscaling method and simulated high‐resolution monthly precipitation in Tianshan from 2000 to 2050, with a resolution of 90 m. The datasets developed from 30 surface observation stations had a high degree of precision and simulated the precipitation processes well in the historical period. The simulation results indicated that precipitation will increase at a rate of 11 mm/decade under the SSP245 scenario and 5 mm/decade under the RCP4.5 scenario from 2022 to 2050. Spatially, precipitation was projected to increase in the central and eastern regions and decrease in the western region. In the Kaidu, Urumqi and Manas river basins in the central Tianshan Mountains, precipitation was projected to increase at a rate of 20 mm/decade. The datasets developed here have important theoretical and practical implications for water resource management, and sustainable development in Central Asia.
Valorization of biomass for food protein via deep eutectic solvent extraction: Understanding the extraction mechanism and impact on protein structure and properties
Authors: Hanafi Mohamad Ariff , Anwar Farooq , Saari Nazamid 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe conventional techniques for protein extraction from biomass are not fully aligned with sustainability goals, so it is important to look for some alternate solutions. By simultaneously extracting both soluble and insoluble proteins, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer a viable method for valorizing protein‐rich biomass from a variety of sources. Notably, the molecular crowding effects of DESs may have helped unfolded proteins acquire compact and stable conformations, facilitating solubilization and effective extraction. However, there is still a lack of information regarding how DESs interact with proteins and affect the structure and properties of the recovered proteins. To enable their widespread usage as a sustainable method for extracting dietary proteins, the safety of DES‐extracted proteins must also be addressed. In this paper, we review the state of the science in DES‐mediated protein extraction, focusing on the extraction mechanism and the interactions between DESs and proteins. Additionally, important aspects of DES‐mediated protein extraction that could affect the structure, technofunctional, nutritional characteristics, and safety of extracted protein are explored. DES‐based protein extraction could be helpful to valorize different biomasses for the production of food proteins due to the specific features.
Toward Ecologically Relevant Genetics of Interactions Between Host Plants and Plant Growth‐Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Duflos Rémi , Vailleau Fabienne , Roux Fabrice 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe social movement to reduce reliance on pesticides and synthesized fertilizers and the growing global demand for sustainable food supplies require the development of eco‐friendly and sustainable agricultural practices. In line, plant growth‐promoting bacteria (PGPB) can participate in creating innovative agroecological systems. While the effectiveness of PGPB is highly influenced by abiotic conditions and microbe–microbe interactions, beneficial plant–PGPB interactions can also highly depend on both host and PGPB genotype. Here, the state of the art on the extent of natural genetic variation of plant–PGPB interactions and the underlying genetic architecture, in particular in Arabidopsis thaliana is reviewed. Extensive natural plant genetic variation in response to PGPB is associated with a polygenic architecture and genetic pathways rarely mentioned as being involved in the response to PGPB. To date, natural genetic variation within PGPB is little explored, which may in turn allow the identification of new genetic pathways underlying benefits to plants. Accordingly, several avenues to better understand the genomic and molecular landscape of plant–PGPB interactions are introduced. Finally, the need for establishing thorough functional studies of candidate genes underlying Quantitative Trait Loci and estimating the extent of genotype‐by‐genotype‐by‐environment interactions within the context of realistic (agro‐)ecological conditions is advocated.
Developments, bottlenecks, and opportunities in seed markets for improved forages in East Africa: The case of Kenya
Authors: Florez Jesús F. , Karimi Peggy , Paredes John J. J. , Ángel Natalia T. , Burkart Stefan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCattle farming plays a pivotal role in Africa's agricultural and livestock sector, poised for growth due to population expansion and rising per capita consumption of animal‐sourced food. Forages are a primary source of feed for dairy cattle, significantly impacting production costs. While local forage varieties are preferred by dairy farmers, there has been an increase in the adoption of improved forages in recent years. However, the overall adoption rate is still low, for example, due to underdeveloped forage seed markets.MethodsThis study describes the dynamics, challenges, and potential of these markets in Kenya and selected East African countries, focusing on (i) market evolution over the past decade, (ii) forthcoming market prospects, and (iii) bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Data were gathered in 2022 through qualitative interviews with stakeholders representing six segments of the forage seed sector across six countries.ResultsWe found a sustained growth of the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited producer knowledge.ConclusionsThe findings unveil positive dynamics in the region's forage seed market, fueled by the engagement and determination of stakeholders who recognize the manifold benefits that it holds for both the dairy industry and economic growth. The realization of this market's potential requires addressing prevailing challenges, including elevated seed costs, intricate variety registration processes, and a pervasive lack of awareness among farmers.
What medical conditions lead to a request for euthanasia? A rapid scoping review
Authors: Rahimian Zahra , Rahimian Leila , Lopez‐Castroman Jorge , Ostovarfar Jeyran , Fallahi Mohammad J. , Nayeri Mohammad A. , Vardanjani Hossein M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsEuthanasia is a controversial issue related to the right to die. Although euthanasia is mostly requested by terminally sick individuals, even in societies where it is legal, it is unclear what medical conditions lead to euthanasia requests. In this scoping review, we aimed to compile medical conditions for which euthanasia has been requested or performed around the world.MethodsThe review was preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) checklist. Retrieved search results were screened and unrelated documents were excluded. Data on reasons for conducting or requesting euthanasia along with the study type, setting, and publication year were extracted from documents. Human development index and euthanasia legality were also extracted. Major medical fields were used to categorize reported reasons. Group discussions were conducted if needed for this categorization. An electronic search was undertaken in MEDLINE through PubMed for published documents covering the years January 2000 to September 2022.ResultsOut of 3323 records, a total of 197 papers were included. The most common medical conditions in euthanasia requests are cancer in a terminal phase (45.4%), Alzheimer's disease and dementia (19.8%), constant unbearable physical or mental suffering (19.8%), treatment‐resistant mood disorders (12.2%), and advanced cardiovascular disorders (12.2%).ConclusionReasons for euthanasia are mostly linked to chronic or terminal physical conditions. Psychiatric disorders also lead to a substantial proportion of euthanasia requests. This review can help to identify the features shared by conditions that lead to performing or requesting euthanasia
The prevalence and causes of self‐medication among medical university students in Iran during COVID‐19 outbreak and its implications for public health and health systems: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kokabisaghi Fatemeh , Emadi Mina Sadat Mousavi , Tajik Amirmohammad , Sharifi Farshad , Houshmand Elaheh , Varmaghani Mehdi 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSelf‐medication is a worldwide phenomenon that brings advantages and disadvantages to public health and health systems. This study investigated the extent and causes of self‐medication among medical university students and its implications for public health in Iran in 2020.MethodsThe present study was designed as a descriptive‐analytical cross‐sectional study that examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice of self‐medication. The population of the study was the students of health sciences programs who all entered the study. The data collection tool included a questionnaire designed online and available to students. The content validity ratio of the questionnaire was 0.84, and the alpha Cronbach coefficient was calculated at 0.8936.ResultsThe prevalence of self‐medication among medical university students was 19%. The most common reason for self‐medication was the safety of medicines (66.67%). The most usual form of medication used was the tablet (35.67%), the most common drug taken was acetaminophen (69.01%), and the most common disease to self‐medicate for was headache (67.36%). Estimating the odds ratio of self‐medication with demographic variables showed no relationship. However, after adjusting the variables, age and type of degree showed an association with self‐medication, as the older participants and postgraduate students had positive attitudes toward self‐medication.ConclusionSelf‐medication may be helpful, but it often needs proper guidance and logic and can carry various risks. Considering that medical sciences students will be influential in society in the future, it is necessary to pay more attention to correcting their drug use culture and providing access to health services for everyone. Appropriate prescription of medicines, controlling drug sales in pharmacies, highlighting the role of pharmacists in safe self‐medication, and controlling the prevalence of self‐medication is necessary.
Evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial properties of dehydrocostus lactone isolated from Echinops kebericho root
Authors: Endalew Sisay Awoke , Taddese Minbale Gashu , Muhammed Meseret 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and AimEchinops kebericho, an endemic plant to Ethiopia, traditionally used to treat infectious as well as noninfectious diseases. The primary objective of this study was isolating dehydrocostus lactone (DHCL) from E. kebericho and evaluating antibacterial activities on selected human pathogenic bacteria.MethodsExtraction method used in this study was maceration. Based on the bioassay information methanol extract of the root of E. kebericho was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel by increasing solvent gradients to isolate DHCL. Optimized amount isolation of DHCL was done by dissolving methanol crude extract by hexane followed by recrystallization at room temperature in the dark place. Different concentrations of the extract were subjected by disc diffusion method against tested bacterial species and antioxidant activity test.ResultsThe phytochemical analysis of E. kebericho revealed a high presence of terpenoids, which are diverse natural compounds known for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This suggests that terpenoids contribute significantly to the pharmacological effects of E. kebericho. In antibacterial testing, Escherichia coli was the most sensitive bacterium among all extracts and concentrations. The methanol extract displayed higher antioxidant activity compared to ethyl acetate and hexane extracts, indicating a higher concentration of antioxidant compounds. Notably, the isolated compound DHCL showed promising activity against tested pathogens and significant antioxidant activity. The higher activity of DHCL compared to the crude extracts suggests its responsibility for the observed effects, indicating that the isolation and purification process may have concentrated its beneficial properties. These findings highlight the potential of E. kebericho and DHCL as sources of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications.ConclusionAll tested extracts and pure compound showed higher inhibition than positive controls in both bioassay. DHCL the principal bioactive component in the root extract of the plant and it displayed potent antibacterial and antioxidant activity.
Does a co‐opted director affect a firm's financial distress risk?
Authors: Sarang Aitzaz Ahsan Alias , Rind Asad Ali , Manita Riadh , Saeed Asif 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis study examines the relationship between co‐opted directors (CODIR), measured as the fraction of directors appointed after the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) assumes office to board size, and firms' financial distress risk (FFDR). Understanding the relationship between CODIR and FFDR is imperative due to the significant impact of high risk‐taking on financial crises and the heightened expectations placed on board members for risk oversight. Despite growing research on corporate governance and FFDR, little attention has been paid to the role of CODIRs, presenting a significant gap in the literature. Using a US sample from 1996 to 2019, covering 13,486 firm‐year observations, we document that CODIR reduces FFDR, supporting the hypothesis that co‐opted directors have a lower financial distress risk‐taking propensity than their non‐co‐opted counterparts. We also find that a critical mass of at least three CODIRs and independent CODIRs reduces FFDR. Our results also document that CEO power in the form of CEO duality and CEO tenure, external monitoring in the form of the number of analysts following the firm, competition, and takeover susceptibility do not drive our main conclusions for co‐option and FFDR. Finally, the results show that CODIR reduces FFDR through liquidity channels. The findings remain robust to various definitions of co‐option and distress risk, and are consistent in both difference‐in‐differences analysis and propensity score matching.
Large nesting expression in deer mice remains stable under conditions of visual deprivation despite heightened limbic involvement: Perspectives on compulsive‐like behavior
Authors: Marx Harry , Krahe Thomas E. , Wolmarans De Wet 
Published: March 2024

AbstractVisual stimuli and limbic activation varyingly influence obsessive‐compulsive symptom expression and so impact treatment outcomes. Some symptom phenotypes, for example, covert repugnant thoughts, are likely less sensitive to sensory stimuli compared to symptoms with an extrinsic focus, that is, symptoms related to contamination, safety, and “just‐right‐perceptions.” Toward an improved understanding of the neurocognitive underpinnings of obsessive‐compulsive psychobiology, work in naturalistic animal model systems is useful. Here, we explored the impact of visual feedback and limbic processes on 24 normal (NNB) and large (LNB) nesting deer mice, respectively (as far as possible, equally distributed between sexes). Briefly, after behavioral classification into either the NNB or LNB cohorts, mice of each cohort were separated into two groups each and assessed for nesting expression under either standard light conditions or conditions of complete visual deprivation (VD). Nesting outcomes were assessed in terms of size and neatness. After nesting assessment completion, mice were euthanized, and samples of frontal‐cortical and hippocampal tissues were collected to determine serotonin and noradrenaline concentrations. Our results show that LNB, as opposed to NNB, represents an inflexible and excessive behavioral phenotype that is not dependent on visually guided action‐outcome processing, and that it associates with increased frontal‐cortical and hippocampal noradrenaline concentrations, irrespective of lighting condition. Collectively, the current results are informing of the neurocognitive underpinnings of nesting behavior. It also provides a valuable foundation for continued investigations into the noradrenergic mechanisms that may influence the development and promulgation of excessive, rigid, and inflexible behaviors.
Anterior cruciate ligament zoobiquity: Can man's best friend tell us we are being too cautious with the implementation of osteotomy to correct posterior tibial slope
Authors: Dan Michael J. , Wills Daniel J. , Crowley James D. , Cance Nicolas , Romandini Iacapo , Walsh William R. , Dejour David H. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAnterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) is used to treat clinical instability post ACL rupture, however, there is a high rate of incomplete return to sport and rerupture. There is increasing interest in posterior tibial slope as an intrinsic risk factor for ACLR failure and persistent instability. Zoobiquity describes the collaboration between the human and veterinary professions in order to advance the scientific understanding of both fields. Given the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs is synonymous with the anterior cruciate ligament in humans, functioning to control internal rotation and anterior translation, but osteotomies, rather than ligament reconstruction, are the mainstay of treatment for CCL rupture, this editorial sort to gain insights into this form of treatment from the veterinary world.Level of Evidence: Level V, evidence.
Introgression and Stability of Common Bean Weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus [Say]) Resistance in Diverse Market Classes From the Andean Gene Pool of Common Bean
Authors: Chinji Modreen , Hamabwe Swivia , Kuwabo Kuwabo , Mugovu Isabel , Thole Rebeca , Mazala Maria , Osorno Juan M. , McClean Phillip , Jochua Celestina , Urrea Carlos , Mukuma Chikoti , Chisale Virginia , Kamfwa Kelvin 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThe common bean weevil (Acanthoscellides obtectus [Say]) is a major post‐harvest pest of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in tropical regions. Developing and using weevil‐resistant varieties is the most environmentally and cost‐effective means of mitigating the losses caused by the common bean weevil. The arcelin–phytohemagglutinin–alpha‐amylase (APA) locus, originally from tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), provides effective resistance against the common bean weevil. The APA locus is currently deployed in very limited market classes, and knowledge of the stability of its resistance across different market classes of common bean is limited. The objectives of this study were to (i) introgress the APA locus into selected market classes of Andean gene pool of common bean and (ii) determine the stability of APA‐based resistance to A. obtectus (AO) in multiple market classes of common bean. A total of 571 F5:7 breeding lines derived from crossing the weevil‐resistant breeding line AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A (AO‐3A) possessing the APA locus with seven Andean genotypes belonging to five market classes were evaluated for resistance to AO. Of the 571 breeding lines screened, 16 were resistant, representing a low weevil resistance recovery rate of 2.8%. These lines are across diverse market classes, including those preferred in African countries. Of the 16 newly developed resistant breeding lines, six were more resistant to AO (scores ranging from 1–1.3) than AO‐3A (score of 2), and these can be used for further genetic enhancement of common bean resistance to AO.