bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fungal infection mimicking soft tissue lesion: Role of on‐site evaluation, special stain, and cellblock
Authors: Tummidi Santosh , Anthony Micheal Leonard , Kumar Jarang Rajesh , Shankaralinagappa Arundhathi , Pannerselvam Naresh Kumar , Reddy Prudhvinath A , Balakrishna Pavithra 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundFine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is a basic diagnostic method used for the investigation of superficial and deep lesions. The implementation of rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) in cytological analysis can help in reducing the inadequacy rate and obtaining proper samples for further tests/analysis.Case PresentationWe report a case of 44‐year‐old male, who presented to our outpatient department with complaints of swelling in his right arm for the last 34 years. FNA with ROSE using 1% aq. toluidine blue helped identify the pathology (fungal lesion) in the patient with further confirmation by cellblock, periodic acid Schiff & Gomori methenamine silver stains.ConclusionThe role of FNA was significant in the above case, special stains prove their efficacy when sufficient sample is available. The differential diagnosis of fungal etiology should be considered in subcutaneous soft tissue lesions. There has been a major leap in diagnostic cytopathology with the advent of molecular testing. However, FNA still holds its charm.
The estimation of additive genetic variance of body size in a wild passerine is sensitive to the method used to estimate relatedness among the individuals
Authors: Jablonszky Mónika , Canal David , Hegyi Gergely , Herényi Márton , Laczi Miklós , Markó Gábor , Nagy Gergely , Rosivall Balázs , Szöllősi Eszter , Török János , Garamszegi László Zsolt 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAssessing additive genetic variance is a crucial step in predicting the evolutionary response of a target trait. However, the estimated genetic variance may be sensitive to the methodology used, e.g., the way relatedness is assessed among the individuals, especially in wild populations where social pedigrees can be inaccurate. To investigate this possibility, we investigated the additive genetic variance in tarsus length, a major proxy of skeletal body size in birds. The model species was the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis), a socially monogamous but genetically polygamous migratory passerine. We used two relatedness matrices to estimate the genetic variance: (1) based solely on social links and (2) a genetic similarity matrix based on a large array of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Depending on the relatedness matrix considered, we found moderate to high additive genetic variance and heritability estimates for tarsus length. In particular, the heritability estimates were higher when obtained with the genetic similarity matrix instead of the social pedigree. Our results confirm the potential for this crucial trait to respond to selection and highlight methodological concerns when calculating additive genetic variance and heritability in phenotypic traits. We conclude that using a social pedigree instead of a genetic similarity matrix to estimate relatedness among individuals in a genetically polygamous wild population may significantly deflate the estimates of additive genetic variation.
Drones as a tool to study and monitor endangered Grey Crowned Cranes (Balearica regulorum): Behavioural responses and recommended guidelines
Authors: Demmer Carmen R. , Demmer Stuart , McIntyre Trevor 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCrane populations are declining worldwide, with anthropogenically exacerbated habitat loss emerging as the primary causal threat. The endangered Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) is the least studied of the three crane species that reside in southern Africa. This data paucity hinders essential conservation planning and is primarily due to ineffective monitoring methods and this species' use of inaccessible habitats. In this study, we compared the behavioural responses of different Grey Crowned Crane social groupings to traditional on‐foot monitoring methods and the pioneering use of drones. Grey Crowned Cranes demonstrated a lower tolerance for on‐foot monitoring approaches, allowing closer monitoring proximity with drones (22.72 (95% confidence intervals ‐ 13.75, 37.52) m) than on‐foot methods (97.59 (86.13, 110.59) m) before displaying evasive behaviours. The behavioural response of flocks was minimal at flight heights above 50 m, whilst larger flocks were more likely to display evasive behaviours in response to monitoring by either method. Families displayed the least evasive behaviours to lower flights, whereas nesting birds were sensitive to the angles of drone approaches. Altogether, our findings confirm the usefulness of drones for monitoring wetland‐nesting species and provide valuable species‐specific guidelines for monitoring Grey Crowned Cranes. However, we caution future studies on wetland breeding birds to develop species‐specific protocols before implementing drone methodologies.
Effects of contextual interference and differential learning on performance and mental representations in a golf putting task
Authors: Mousavi S. Hourieh , Saberi Kakhki Alireza , Fazeli Davoud , Vogel Ludwig , Horst Fabian , Schöllhorn Wolfgang I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIt is widely accepted that mental representations can have an important influence on motor performance. Although differences in mental representations of motor tasks have been reported between novices and experts, little is known about their development as a function of motor learning approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of contextual interference (CI) and differential learning (DL) on the performance and mental representations in a golf putting task. A total of 40 participants were randomly assigned into four groups: blocked contextual interference (BCI), random contextual interference (RCI), DL, and control. First, the participant's initial mental representation level was tested by means of the structural dimensional analysis of mental representation. Then, the participant's initial performance level was tested by 12 golf‐putting trials from 2.44 m. During the acquisition phase, participants practiced golf putting according to their grouping for three consecutive days with 10 blocks of 12 trials per day. No intervention was applied for the control group. The retention‐tests were performed 72 h after the last acquisition day. In addition, a transfer test to a novel distance outside the acquired range (4 m) was performed immediately after the retention‐test. The results of the putting performance in the retention test showed that RCI and DL performed better compared to BCI and the control group (all p < 0.05). In the transfer test, BCI and RCI outperformed the control group (all p < 0.05), but both were further outperformed by the DL group (all p < 0.05). Moreover, the DL group showed a more structured mental representation than the other groups during the retention test. These results indicated that DL used a different underlying mechanism that resulted in different levels of performance during transfer and a more structured mental representation compared with CI.
Alhagi honey polysaccharide ameliorates ulcerative colitis by modulating gut microbiota–tryptophan metabolism via AhR activation
Authors: Yu Hang , Fan Jingmin , Xue Rui , Guan Jiawei , Tian Fangyuan , Xu Yu , He Linyun , Liu Ji , Du Zhenzhu , Chen Daqun , Yu Wei , Chen Wen , Han Bo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAlhagi honey (AH) is produced in arid and hot areas of Central Asia, and its polysaccharides (AP) are widely known for their activity in the treatment of intestinal diseases such as diarrhea. However, the therapeutic potential and mechanism of AP in ulcerative colitis (UC) remain unclear. Here, AH polysaccharide‐2 (AP2), a polysaccharide with the highest content in AP, was isolated and evaluated for its effects on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced UC in mice. AP2 was found to alleviate UC symptoms and regulate gut microbiota dysbiosis by decreasing Helicobacter levels and increasing Lactobacillus levels. Analysis of PICRUSt2 predicted that AP2 may regulate carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, and metabolomic analysis confirmed that AP2 promotes the metabolism of tryptophan to produce kynurenic acid (kyna). Moreover, kyna acted as an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand, which activated AhR to increase the expression of the tight junction proteins claudin‐1 and occludin. Interestingly, AP2 showed similar effects in protecting the intestinal barrier and alleviating colitis as the AhR agonist 6‐formylindolo[3,2‐b]carbazole, and the AhR antagonist CH223191 partially blocked the therapeutic effect of AP2 in UC mice, indicating that the anti‐UC effect of AP2 was AhR dependent. These findings demonstrate that AP2 alleviates UC by regulating the gut microbiota and promoting tryptophan metabolism to generate kyna‐activated AhR. The insights gained from this study could help in the future development of AP2 as a drug candidate or functional food for the treatment of UC.
Aloe vera jelly dessert supplemented with Lactobacillus curvatus encapsulated in Plantago major mucilage and sodium alginate: Characterization of physicochemical, sensory properties and survivability against low pH, salt, heat, and cold storage
Authors: Sekhavatizadeh Seyed Saeed , Derakhshan Maryam , Ganje Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Saeid 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe goal of this research was to assess the free Lactobacillus curvatus (FLC) and microencapsulated L. curvatus (MLC) survivability using sodium alginate and Plantago major mucilage (PMM), as a second layer to produce probiotic aloe vera jelly dessert (AVJD). To determine bead characteristics, the aspect ratio of the bead, survival in 72°C, and cold storage were assessed as well as for AVJD, survivability of probiotics in simulated gastrointestinal condition (SGIC), and storage time. The results showed that all the beads are spherical (aspect ratio = 1.12), and under heat stress conditions, MLC showed a higher survival rate (50.15%) compared to FLC (not detected after 5 min). The number of survived probiotics in the MLC sample (8.65 log CFU/mL) was higher than FLC (7.52 log CFU/g) on the 28th day. In AVJD, the MLC survived at a minimum scientific adequate number of probiotics (6.88 log CFU/mL) on the 28th day. In SGIC, the final survival rates of FLC and MLC samples were 14.24% and 71.04%, respectively. These results suggest that using alginate and PMM is a promising method to protect L. curvatus (LC) from harsh environmental conditions and in AVJD.
Effect of photobiomodulation on alleviating primary dysmenorrhea caused by PGF2α
Authors: Fu Qiqi , Yang Jiali , Jiang Hui , Lin Shangfei , Qin Haokuan , Zhao Jie , Wang Yanqing , Liu Muqing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhotobiomodulation (PBM) has attracted widespread attention in suppressing various pain and inflammation. Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) primarily occurs in adolescents and adult females, and the limited effectiveness and side effects of conventional treatments have highlighted the urgent need to develop and identify new adjunct therapeutic strategies. In this work, the results of pain and PGs demonstrated that 850 nm, 630 nm, and 460 nm all exhibited pain inhibition, decreased PGF2α and upregulated PGE2, while 630 nm PBM has better effectiveness. Then to explore the underlying biological mechanisms of red light PBM on PD, we irradiated prostaglandin‐F2α induced HUSM cells and found that low‐level irradiance can restore intracellular calcium ion, ROS, ATP, and MMP levels to normal levels. And, red light enhanced cell viability and promoted cell proliferation for normal HUSM cells. Therefore, this study proposes that red light PBM may be a promising approach for the future clinical treatment of PD.
In vivo behavior in rabbit radius bone defect of scaffolds based on nanocarbonate hydroxyapatite
Authors: García‐Lamas Lorena , Peña Juan , Roman Jesús , Cabañas Victoria , Bravo‐Giménez Beatriz , Jiménez‐Díaz Verónica , Sánchez‐Salcedo Sandra , Jiménez‐Holguín Javier , Abella Monica , Desco Manuel , Lozano Daniel , Cecilia‐López David , Salinas Antonio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBone defects treatment may require the use of biomaterials that behave as a support and promote bone regeneration. Limitations associated with the use of autografts and allografts make it necessary to design new synthetic bone substitutes. Some of the most promising biomaterials currently under investigation are based on nanocarbonate hydroxyapatite (nCHA). In this study, we studied the bone‐inducing capacity of nCHA‐based scaffolds alone (SAG) and enriched with osteostatin (SAGO) or with bone marrow aspirate(SAGB) after implantation for 12 weeks in a 15‐mm long critical defect performed in the radius of New Zealand rabbits. Bone formation obtained was compared with a group with the unfilled defect (CE), as control group, and other with the defect filed with iliac crest autograft (GS), as gold standard. X‐ray follow‐up was performed at 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks and μCT and histological studies at 12 weeks. The radiological results showed a greater increment in bone formation in the GS group (75%–100%), followed by the SAG and SAGB groups (50%–75%). μCT results showed an increase of bone volume/tissue volume values in GS group followed by SAG and SAGB groups (0.53, 0.40, and 0.31 respectively) compared with CE group (0.26). Histological results showed limited resorption of the nCHA scaffolds and partial osseointegration in the SAG and SAGB groups. However, in the SAGO group, the presence of connective tissue encapsulating the scaffold was detected. In SAG, SAGB, and increase of bone formation were observed compared with CE group, but less than the GS group. Thus, the investigated materials represent a significant advance in the design of synthetic materials for bone grafting, but further studies are needed to bring their in vivo behavior closer to autograft, the gold standard.
Effect of pore size distribution of biomass activated carbon adsorbents on the adsorption capacity
Authors: Wang Qiren , Li Tingyu , Tian Haodong , Zou Die , Zeng Jia , Chen Shuang , Xie Hongmei , Zhou Guilin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn order to investigate the correlation between the pore size distribution of biomass activated carbon adsorbents (BACAs) and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) adsorption/desorption performance. Four BACAs with same specific surface area but different pore size distribution were prepared under different experimental conditions and processes.RESULTSThe impact of the pore size distribution of BACAs on the adsorption/desorption performance of benzene, toluene and xylene was investigated. The results indicated that the adsorption ability of the prepared BACAs for benzene, toluene and xylene was mostly affected by the pore sizes distributed in the 2.60 ~ 3.25, 2.68 ~ 3.35and 4.20 ~ 4.90 nm ranges, respectively, when the studied BACAs had similar specific surface area (SBET ≈ 1080 m2 g−1). However, the desorption amount of adsorbed benzene molecules mainly relied on the pore structures of BACAs having pore sizes in the 3.95 ~ 4.60 nm range.CONCLUSIONThe pore structures of BACAs distributed in different pore size ranges have various effects on the phenyl VOCs adsorption capacity. Benzene adsorption on the BACAs was mainly affected by the microporous structures. The pore structure with larger pore size was more favorable for the desorption of the adsorbed toluene and xylene molecules compared to the adsorbed benzene molecules. Benzene, toluene and xylene had low residual rates in the studied activated carbon adsorbents attesting to their superior regenerative properties. This work could provide an important reference for the design, preparation, and selection of activated carbon adsorbents for the adsorption capacity of benzene, toluene and xylene. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
What engineering employers want: An analysis of technical and professional skills in engineering job advertisements
Authors: Fleming Gabriella Coloyan , Klopfer Michelle , Katz Andrew , Knight David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundEngineering curricula are built around faculty and accreditors' perceptions of what knowledge, skills, and abilities graduates will need in engineering careers. However, the people making these decisions may not be fully aware of what industry employers require for engineering graduates.Purpose/HypothesisThe purpose of this study is to determine how industry employer‐sought professional and technical skills vary among engineering disciplines and levels of education.Design/MethodUsing a large sample (n = 26,103) of mined job advertisements, we use the O*NET skills database to determine the frequencies of different professional and technical skills for biomedical, civil, chemical, electrical, environmental, and mechanical engineers with bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees.ResultsThe most frequently sought professional skill is problem‐solving; the most frequently sought technical skills across disciplines are Microsoft Office software and computer‐aided design software. Although not the most frequently requested skills, job advertisements including the Python and MATLAB programming languages paid significantly higher salaries than those without.ConclusionsThe findings of this study have important implications for engineering program leaders and curriculum designers choosing which skills to teach students so that they are best prepared to get and excel in engineering jobs. The results also show which skills students can prioritize investing their time in so that they receive the largest financial return on their investment.
Fatigue properties of riveted joints under different hole perpendicularity errors and squeeze forces
Authors: Li Ming , Tian Wei , Liao WenHe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractRiveting is the most important method of joining sheet metal and is widely used in the assembly of aircraft components. The perpendicularity error of the holes is unavoidable during automatic drilling and riveting, which has a significant impact on the quality of the assembly. In this paper, the effects of hole perpendicularity error and squeeze force on the interference fit size, interface contact state, microstructure morphology, fatigue life, and fracture form of riveted joints were investigated experimentally. The results show that the interference fit size increases with a greater tilt angle. When the tilt angle is 0°, the rivet shank is in close contact with the inner and outer sheets, and there is no obvious gap at the interface between the rivet and the sheets. As the tilt angle increases to 2° and 4°, a gap appears at the interface of regions 1, 2, and 3, while the rivet shank at region 4 is in close contact with the outer sheet. The fatigue life decreases when the tilt angle increases from 0° to 4°. For the same tilt angle, the fatigue life of riveted joints with a 0° tilt direction is higher than that of riveted joints with a 180° tilt direction. Increasing the squeeze force can to some extent reduce the adverse effect of the tilt angle on the fatigue life. The hole perpendicularity error does not affect the failure form, while the squeeze force has a significant effect on the failure form of the specimens.Research Highlights
The fatigue life of riveted joints decreases as the tilt angle increases.
The size of the interfacial gap increases with increasing tilt angle.
Higher fatigue life at 0° tilt direction than at 180° tilt direction.
Increasing the squeeze force can somewhat reduce the negative effect of tilt angle on fatigue life.
Ageing well with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Yeganeh Sara , Sparkes Arron 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is now considered a manageable chronic condition. With the tolerable and highly active antiretroviral therapies that are available today, people diagnosed with HIV can experience longevity and good health‐related quality of life. As a result, the number of older people living with HIV, including in aged care, is increasing. There are, however, challenges and barriers to successful ageing for people living with HIV. These include persistent chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction, earlier occurrence of complex comorbidities, and additional exacerbators such as polypharmacy. To mitigate these factors, clinicians should implement evidenced‐based interventions and adopt a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to management so that people living with HIV have the best chance of ageing well.
Effectiveness of pharmaceutical care for improving medication‐related quality of life and adherence to treatment among people living with schizophrenia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Sriboonruang Tatta , Phonphairin Wasanan , Phattanarudee Siripan , Chusiri Sirichai 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundPeople living with schizophrenia frequently exhibit poor medication adherence because of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) or lack of disease awareness. This prospective randomised controlled trial investigated the benefits of pharmaceutical care delivered by hospital pharmacists for improving pharmacotherapy‐related quality of life and medication adherence among this patient group.AimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pharmaceutical care interventions in enhancing medication adherence and improving the quality of life of people living with schizophrenia.MethodData were collected during inpatient and subsequent outpatient treatment from 6 January–8 June 2021. Participants were divided into two groups via block randomisation: a control group receiving standard treatment; and an intervention group receiving pharmaceutical care combined with standard treatment. The pharmaceutical care comprised medication review, monitoring of drug‐related problems (including ADRs), adjustment of the dose of antipsychotic medicines in collaboration with psychiatrists, and counselling of participants and caregivers about disease management before discharge. Pharmacotherapy‐related quality of life was assessed using the short version of the Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measure of Pharmaceutical Therapy for Quality of Life (PROMPT‐QoL), whereas medication adherence was evaluated using the Medication Taking Behaviour in Thai Patients (MTB‐Thai). The primary outcomes were the average change in the PROMPT‐QoL score from inpatient to outpatient care and the average outpatient MTB‐Thai score. Ethical approval was granted by the Srithanya Hospital Office of the Ethics Commission for Human Research (Reference no: STY.COA008/2564) and the study conforms to the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all patient and caregiver participants via a project information sheet and the completion of a written consent form.ResultsAt the end of the study, compared with the control group, the intervention group exhibited a significantly lower ADR prevalence (57.90% vs 79.70%, p < 0.05) and a greater change in the mean PROMPT‐QoL scores pertaining to ‘obtaining information of medicines and diseases’, ‘impact of medicine side effects’, ‘ease of use of medicines’, and ‘therapeutic relationship’. In addition, the intervention group achieved a significantly higher mean of medicine adherence score than the control group (22.81 ± 1.61 vs 16.85 ± 3.00, p < 0.001).ConclusionPharmaceutical care may improve the outcomes of people living with schizophrenia by improving their quality of life, decreasing ADRs, and enhancing medication adherence.