bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technologies or institutions? The robustness and durability of institutional adaptations to climate change in African agriculture
Authors: Abidoye Babatunde , Akram Agha Ali , Kannan Sudha , Omotoso Kehinde 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We provide evidence that institutional adaptations to climate change are more robust and durable than technological adaptations in African agriculture. Climate change has direct implications on agriculture globally but especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where a large number of small-scale farmers are dependent on it as their main livelihood. In this study, we analyze the impact of climate on farmers across Sub-Saharan Africa leveraging a unique dataset from a large and coordinated multi-country survey we conducted across Uganda, Zambia, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, and São Tomé and Príncipe. We find that an increase in spring and autumn temperatures, and an increase in winter and summer precipitation positively affect farmer net revenues. In contrast, an increase in summer and winter temperatures, and in spring and autumn precipitation negatively affect net revenue. We extend our analysis to account for farmer adaptations and evaluate the effects of future climate scenarios i.e., RCP 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5, over the short, medium, and long term i.e., 2021–2040, 2041–2060 and 2080–2100. We find that farmers can consistently offset the adverse impacts of climate change from a range of future climate scenarios across short-, medium, and long-term horizons through institutional adaptions, namely belonging to input buyer organizations, and output seller organizations. In contrast, technological and practice related adaptations—namely, use of irrigation, intercropping and mechanization—have relatively lower or no substantive benefits compared to institutional adaptations. We suggest more research to enhance our understanding of the types of institutional adaptations that will be most beneficial.
JEL codes: Q12, Q15, Q54
Application of seasonal climate forecasts in predicting winter chill for specialty crops.
Authors: Jha Prakash , Pathak Tapan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Many fruits and nuts crops in California require winter chill accumulation to break dormancy, and insufficient chill may result into delayed flowering and uneven budbreak which can impact quality and quantity of fruits. Early information on winter chill forecast can help growers prepare for a low chill year with management alternatives to alleviate some risks. This study assessed potential of state-of-the-art seasonal prediction systems to predict winter season (NDJF) chill anomaly and chill sufficiency for important specialty crops of California at different lead times. We found that it is possible to predict winter season Chill Portions category (above-normal, below-normal, normal) starting from October with 50–80% correct forecasts in the Central Valley and southern California. The anomaly correlation coefficients between model-predicted and reference winter season CP in the UKMO and ECMWF ranged from 0.5 to 0.8 in the Central Valley and above 0.7 in most of the southern California. All models were able to predict crop-specific winter season chill sufficiency from October with more than 90% accuracy for all the crops, except for the plums which was correctly predicted more than 60% of time. Results from this study might help growers to minimize risks associated with low chill.
Identification of Circulating tRNA-Derived Small RNAs As Potential Biomarkers for Sepsis-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Wang Huijuan , Zhang Jing , Wang Lu , Zhang Yunlong , Lei Jiaxi , Liu Shiping , Pan Mingliang , Zhu Xue , Hu Ming , Zhan Liying 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) can significantly exacerbate disease severity and elevate patient mortality. However, the precise molecular mechanisms driving this phenomenon remain unclear. Recently, circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as carriers of tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs), a novel class of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Nonetheless, the functional roles of these tsRNAs in sepsis-induced ARDS remain poorly defined. In this study, we collected peripheral blood samples from both healthy subjects and sepsis-induced ARDS patients to profile EV-encased tsRNAs, including tRNA-related fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRNAs). Analysis revealed a total of 456 tRFs/tiRNAs in circulating EVs, with only one upregulated tsRNA and 22 downregulated tsRNAs in plasma EVs isolated from sepsis-induced ARDS patients (S-EVs) compared to healthy donor controls (H-EVs). In addition, higher levels of tiRNA-1:34-Glu-CTC-1-M2 and lower levels of tRF-52:71-chrM.Pro-TGG, tRF-1:28-chrM.Ser-TGA, tRF-60:76-Lys-TTT-3-M2, tRF-58:75-Cys-GCA-11-M7, tRF-1:15-Val-TAC-1-M3, and tRF-59:76-Tyr-GTA-1-M2 in S-EVs were validated by RT‒qPCR and further scrutinized through bioinformatics analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses demonstrated that the differentially expressed tsRNAs were primarily associated with Wnt, Hippo, circadian rhythm, FoxO, and ferroptosis signaling pathways. Notably, cellular activities implicated in these signaling pathways encompassed inflammation, oxidative stress, glucose metabolism, autophagy, and immune regulation. In summary, this study identifies a specific set of plasma EV-derived tsRNAs that potentially modulate signaling pathways relevant to sepsis-induced ARDS. Thus, tsRNAs may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced ARDS and hold significant potential as diagnostic biomarkers.
Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Outcomes of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 by Vaccination status: A Multicenter Historical Cohort Study
Authors: Alshanqeeti Shatha , Szpunar Susan , Anne Premchand , Saravolatz Louis , Bhargava Ashish 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction
COVID-19 disease resulted in over six million deaths worldwide. Although vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated efficacy, breakthrough infections became increasingly common. There is still a lack of data regarding the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 among vaccinated compared to unvaccinated individuals.
Methods
This was a historical cohort study of adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in five Ascension hospitals in southeast Michigan. Electronic medical records were reviewed. Vaccine information was collected from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, analysis of variance, the chi-squared test, the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multivariable logistic regression.
Results
Of 341 patients, the mean age was 57.9 ± 18.3 years, 54.8% (187/341) were female and 48.7% (166/341) were black/African American. Most patients were unvaccinated, 65.7%, with 8.5% and 25.8% receiving one dose or at least two doses, respectively. Unvaccinated patients were younger than fully vaccinated (p = 0.001) and were more likely to be black/African American (p = 0.002). Fully vaccinated patients were 5.3 times less likely to have severe/critical disease (WHO classification) than unvaccinated patients (OR = 0.19, p < 0.001), after controlling for age, BMI, race, home steroid use and serum albumin levels on admission. The case fatality rate in fully vaccinated patients was 3.4% compared to 17.9% in unvaccinated patients (p = 0.003). Unvaccinated patients also had higher rates of complications.
Conclusions
More in-hospital complications, severe disease, and death were observed in unvaccinated and partially vaccinated than in fully vaccinated patients. Factors associated with severe COVID-19 disease included advanced age, obesity, low serum albumin and home steroid use.
A Proposed process for Trichlorfon and β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion complexation by DFT investigation
Authors: Chekkal Faiza , Naili Noura , Benaissa Amina , Zerizer Mohamed Amine , Zouchoune Bachir , Redjem Nawel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The current investigation uses the Density Functional Theory (DFT) with the M06-2X functional and 6-31G (d, p) basis set to examine the interaction between trichlorfon (TCF) and the cavity of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The primary objective of our study is to gain an insight into the molecular characteristics of this interaction by analyzing quantum parameters such as the HOMO-LUMO gap, the HOMO and the LUMO. Two potential encapsulation modes, designated as A and B models, were identified for TCF. The thermodynamic assessments including complexation energies and alterations in enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy indicate a stable and advantageous encapsulation procedure. The Independent Gradient Model (IGMH) provides insights into the non-covalent interactions in developing the TCF@β-CD complex. The observed stability can be mainly attributed to a significant intermolecular hydrogen bond emphasized by the NBO and EDA and weak van der Waals forces. The results of our study indicate that β-CD as macrocycle has the potential to be a suitable trap for trichlorfon.
Research on CVD rotary dresser precision grinding technology based on error grading and real-time grinding wheel profile
Authors: Zhu Zhenwei , tie Ying , Zhao Huadong , Zhang Rui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Dressing wheels with CVD rotary dressers are widely used in the grinding process. To meet the accuracy requirements of dressing grinding wheels, the profile accuracy of CVD rotary dressers must be processed to the micron level. However, CVD diamond is a hard and brittle material, making it difficult to machine to a high degree of shape and dimensional accuracy. A graded grinding method is proposed in this paper to achieve precision machining of the CVD rotary dresser. The normal residual error is calculated by measuring the difference between the actual grinding profile and the target profile along the normal direction first, and then graded compensation processing is carried out based on the magnitude of the normal residual error. In the grinding process, it is proposed that the grinding path be planned according to the real-time profile of the grinding wheel. Experiments on a CVD rotary dresser for the NILES ZP 12 gear grinder showed that the profile accuracy (Peak to Valley, PV) of the CVD rotary dresser was improved from 14.79$\upmu$m to 1.57$\upmu$m after grinding. The fluctuation of the arc radii of CVD diamonds in different phases along the circumferential direction was reduced from 0.0117mm to 0.0019mm.
Thyrolinguofacial trunk arising from common carotid artery diagnosed by computed tomography angiography
Authors: Asami Shiho , ウチノ アキラ , Natsuyama Yuki , Usami Yoko , Arai Noriko , Suda Satoshi , Baba Yasutaka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose Various variations in the head and neck vasculature have been reported. The purpose of this report is to describe an extremely rare case of thyrolinguofacial trunk (TLFT) arising from the common carotid artery (CCA).Methods A 66-year-old woman with vertigo, dizziness, and heaviness in the head underwent computed tomography (CT) angiography of the neck and head region for evaluation of cerebrovascular diseases.Results The TLFT originated from the anterior wall of the right CCA and was divided into the superior thyroid artery and linguofacial trunk (LFT). The LFT was divided into lingual and facial arteries. Additionally, we observed fusiform dilatation of the intracranial right vertebral artery, which might have caused these symptoms.Conclusion TFLT is an extremely rare variant that usually arises from the external carotid artery (ECA). Only one case of TFLT arising from CCA has been previously reported in the relevant English-language literature. The presence of a common trunk of the ECA branches increases the risk of complications such as bleeding and ischemia during treatment of the head and neck region, including chemoradiotherapy for oral bleeding and tongue cancer. Therefore, this is an area of significant interest across various medical specialties, including surgery, otolaryngology, and radiology. Understanding the diverse variations in the neck vasculature is expected to lead to a reduction in complications associated with various procedures.
Personality explains the relationship between psychedelic use and depression; a comparison study with non psychedelic users
Authors: Sjöström David K , Claesdotter-Knutsson Emma , Kajonius Petri J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Interest in psychedelics is increasing due to potential for improved mental health and quality of life. However, adverse effects on mental health are still a concern. Personality traits have been suggested to both influence the psychedelic experience and mental health, and even be changed by psychedelic use. The present study describes for the first time a national sample of Swedish psychedelic users (n = 400) compared to a sex and age-matched sample of non-users (n = 400) regarding mental health variables (depression, insomnia, problematic alcohol and drug use, and dissociation) and personality (Big Five). Data was collected in an online survey including individuals from 16 years of age who had at least one psychedelic experience. The main results reported psychedelic users as less depressed (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; PHQ-9) (d = -0.29) and having more use of drugs (Drug Use Disorders Identification Test; DUDIT) (d = 1.27). In the Big Five personality traits, openness differed notably (d = 1.72), and the between-group effects in PHQ-9 were explained by lower neuroticism. In summary, psychedelic users report less depression and higher drug use, and this is partly due to personality traits. These results could have implications on how we view psychedelic users and the use of psychedelic drugs.
Isavuconazole induces neurodevelopment defects and motor behaviour impairment in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Cao Zigang , Zhang Li , Li Xue , Yuan Qiang , Sun Sujie , Liu Fasheng , Liao Xinjun , Lu Huiqiang , Chen Jianjun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Isavuconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal drug used for the treatment of serious infections caused by invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in adults. With the continuous use of this drug, its safety and environmental impact have received increasing attention. However, information on the adverse effects of the drug is very limited. Fish is a particularly important model for assessing environmental risks. In this study, the aquatic vertebrate zebrafish was used as a model to study the toxic effects and mechanisms of isavuconazole. We exposed zebrafish embryos to 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/L of isavuconazole 6 hours after fertilization. The results showed that at 72 hpf, isavuconazole exposure reduced heart rate, body length, and survival of zebrafish embryos compared to controls. Secondly, when isavuconazole reached a certain dose level, it caused morphological changes in the Tg(elavl3:eGFP) transgenic fish line, with the head shrunk, the body bent, and the fluorescence intensity becoming weaker, etc. At the same time, exposure of zebrafish embryos to isavuconazole down-regulated acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and adenosine triphosphate (ATPase) activities but up-regulated oxidative stress, thereby disrupting neural development and gene expression of neurotransmitter pathways. In addition, astaxanthin partially rescued the neurodevelopmental defects of zebrafish embryos by down-regulating oxidative stress. Thus, our study suggests that isavuconazole exposure may induce neurodevelopment defects and behavioural disturbances in larval zebrafish.
Elucidating the interplay between prostate cancer, education, and fat intake through causal inference and mediation analysis
Authors: Yang Feixiang , Mei Yunyun , Li Hao , Wang Kun , Li Jiawei , Ge Qintao , Tian Xuefeng , Zhang Meng , Zhou Jun , Liang Chaozhao , Meng Jialin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
To disentangle the casual relationship between education and prostatic diseases and identify the potential pathways for these causal effects.
Methods
We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to estimate the causal effects of education on prostatic diseases. To distinguish causality from genetic correlation and linkage disequilibrium, linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) and colocalization analyses were implemented. We further investigated whether diet composition and obesity mediated the effect of education on prostate diseases.
Results
Our findings identified a significant adverse effect of higher education on prostate cancer risk that ORs were 1.20 (P = 9.0 × 10− 5) and the combined effects of two independent data were statistically significant (P = 4.5 × 10− 2). We also found suggestive evidence for a protective effect of higher education on prostatitis although the combined effects were not significant (P = 0.57). Additional genetic correlation and colocalization analyses reinforced these causal evidences. Further mediation analysis indicated that fat intake in diet composition and hip circumference in obesity partially mediated the effect of education on prostate cancer, with mediated proportions of 16.6% and 14.0%, respectively.
Conclusion
Higher educational attainment posed detrimental effect on prostate cancer, partly mediated by relative fat intake and hip circumference.
Avoiding abdominal drain placement after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: Is there any impact on perioperative outcomes?
Authors: Ditonno Francesco , Bertolo Riccardo , Veccia Alessandro , Costantino Sonia , Montanaro Francesca , Artoni Francesco , Baielli Alberto , Boldini Michele , Brusa Davide , De Marco Vincenzo , Migliorini Filippo , Porcaro Antonio Benito , Rizzetto Riccardo , Cerruto Maria Angela , Autorino Riccardo , Antonelli Alessandro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of abdominal drain placement (versus omission) on perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), focusing on complications, time to canalization, deambulation, and pain management.
Methods: A prospectively-maintained institutional database was queried to get data of patients who underwent RAPN for renal masses between January 2018 and May 2023 at our Institution. Baseline, surgical, and postoperative data were collected. Retrieved patients were stratified based upon placement of abdominal drain (Y/N). Descriptive analyses comparing the two groups were conducted as appropriate. After adjusting for potential confounders, a logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate significant predictors of any grade and “major” complications.
Results: 342 patients were included: 192 patients in the “drain group” versus 150 patients in the “no-drain” group. Renal masses were larger (p<0.001) and at higher complexity (RENAL score, p=0.01), in the drain group. Procedures in the drain group had statistically significantly longer operative time, ischemia time, and higher blood loss (all p-values<0.001). The urinary collecting system was more likely involved compared to the no-drain group (p=0.01). At multivariate analysis, abdominal drainage was not a significant predictor of any grade (OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.33-1.87) and major postoperative complications (OR 3.62, 95%CI 0.53-9.68). Patients in the drain group experienced a statistically significantly higher hemoglobin drop (p<0.01). Moreover, they exhibited statistically significant higher paracetamol consumption (p<0.001) and need for additional opioids (p=0.02).
Conclusions: Our results suggest the safety of omitting drain placement and remark the need for personalized decision-making, which considers patient and procedural factors.
Synthesis, theoretical analysis, and biological properties of a novel tridentate Schiff base palladium (II) complex
Authors: Jahangiry Samira , Lashanizadegan Maryam , Pourhosseini Pouneh Sadat , Zahedi-Tabrizi Mansoureh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Schiff base complexes play a crucial role in bioinorganic chemistry. A novel curcumin/phenylalanine tridentate Schiff base ligand and its palladium (II) complex were synthesized in order that they were stable in aqueous buffer. The structure of the complex was investigated using a variety of methods, including DFT, NBO analysis, FMOs, and MESP. The interaction of the complex with plasmid (pUC19) and CT-DNA was studied. The anticancer, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities of the complex were examined. The statistical analysis of MTT assay was compared using the 1-way ANOVA and Tukey test. Results showed that the complexes were stable in aqueous buffer, pH 8. The extrinsic fluorescence emission of the plasmid and CT-DNA was quenched while interacting with the complex. The complex had an IC50 of 72.47 μM against MCF-7 cells. The ANOVA and Tukey analysis of MTT data demonstrated a statistically significant difference between groups (P<0.0001). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the complex for E. coli and S. aureus were 300 and 200 μg/mL, with 96.3 % and 95.2 % biofilm growth inhibition at 250 μg/mL, respectively. The sample concentrations contributing to 50% radical inhibition in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test for curcumin, ligand, and palladium (II) complex were 33.62, 21.27, and 51.26 μM, respectively. The results suggest that the complex interaction with DNA is one of the potential mechanisms in the elimination of cancer cells and bacteria in the planktonic and biofilm. On the other hand, while stability in aqueous buffer at pH 8 increases, modified curcumin antioxidant effect decreases.
Attack, defense, and transitions in soccer: analyzing the physical demands of match-play
Authors: Gonçalves Luiz Guilherme , Silva Ana Filipa , Augusto Diego , Pasquarelli Bruno , Pastor Alejandro , Plato Felipe Okato , Bedo Bruno L. S. , Vasconcellos Fabrício , Aquino Rodrigo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine the effects of ball-in/out-play, ball possession, and different moments of soccer match play on running performance in professional Brazilian soccer players.
Methods
Twenty-four professional soccer players were monitored using GPS units during 14 matches from the Brazilian National 4th Division League. Distance- and accelerometry-based measures were calculated by dividing absolute values by the total duration of the matches. SBG Sports® generated a timeline of the match's duration to define ball-in-play, ball-out-play, ball possession, no-ball possession, offensive/defensive organizations, and offensive/defensive transitions.
Results
Ball-in-play presented higher running outputs than ball-out-play, and no-ball possession reported greater all match running performance (i.e., high-intensity) variables than ball possession (p < 0.001–0.033; ES = large–very large). Greater running outputs was observed during the offensive/defensive transition compared to offensive/defensive organization (p < 0.001–0.039; ES = medium–very large). Additionally, physical demands were higher in defensive organization/transition vs. offensive organization/transition (p < 0.001–0.041; ES = medium –very large). In contrast, wide midfielders and strikers showed higher distances, high-speed running distance, and accelerations during the offensive transition than the defensive transition (p < 0.001–0.04; ES = very large).
Conclusion
In conclusion, different phases and moments of the match of the match-play impact running performance in soccer. Coaches and practitioners should embrace a contextualized understanding of match physical demands, employing a holistic approach, to effectively prescribe training tasks aligned with real match requirements.