bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scrutinizing the antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, and anti-inflammatory activities of methanolic extract of pomegranate peel via different approaches
Authors: A. Bacha Waqas , Hamza Amir , Ali Khan Ayaz , Aziz Tariq , Wu Jianbo , Al-Asmari Fahad , Y Sameeh Manal , S Alamri Abdulhakeem , Alhomrani Majid , Alghamdi Ahmad A. , A. Alqasem Abdullah , K. Baothman Bandar , ALSuhaymi Naif , Fathuldeen Suzan M. , Ahmad Waqar 
Published: January 2024

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the potential of Punica granatum L peel in mice as an antidiarrheal and antidiabetic agent. In an antidiarrheal study, different doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) of methanolic pomegranate peel extract (PPE) were administrated to castor oil-induced (1 mL/kg) diarrheal mice. Mice administered loperamide hydrochloride (3 mg/kg) were treated as a baseline group. During the experiment, electrolyte and hematological levels were analyzed, and at the end, histopathology of the intestine was performed. For antidiabetic activity, PPE doses (50, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg) and metformin hydrochloride were administered to alloxan-induced (150 mg/kg) diabetic mice groups, and biochemical and hematological parameters were analyzed. Liver histopathology was done at the end of the experiment. The study found that castor oil caused diarrhea and had a significant (p < 0.05) impact on hematological parameters and electrolyte levels, compared with negative control group. PPE helped to restore altered parameters to normal levels. Histopathology of positive control group revealed abnormal cell structures, with irregularly arranged villi, unclear mucosal architecture of the ileal section, and nuclei cells were damaged and prone to collapsing. Significant dose-dependent recovery was observed in PPE-fed mice groups. After inducing and confirmation of diabetes with alloxan, all groups, except the negative control group, had significantly high glucose levels (p < 0.05). Levels of C-reactive protein and bilirubin were significantly altered, but PPE and metformin hydrochloride showed potential to improve these parameters. In positive control group mice, liver histology showed microvesicular fatty changes throughout the acinus, reactive Kupffer cells, mid-portal inflammation, reduced portal triad, centrilobular visibility, and well-differentiated central vein with well-formed nuclei. Similarly, significant dose-dependent recovery was observed in PPE-administrated mice groups. These results demonstrated that PPE had promising antidiarrheal and antidiabetic potential.
Evaluation of extreme flow characteristics in the Casamance watershed upstream of Kolda using the IHA/RVA method
Authors: Sadio Cheikh Abdoul Aziz Sy , Faye Cheikh 
Published: January 2024

Understanding water availability is essential for the development and management of water resources, as well as for designing interventions for river health. Climate change/variability impacts the hydrology of a river system, which subsequently affects human and ecological health by altering the structure and function of the aquatic ecosystem. This study therefore aims to assess water availability and river health according to current and future climate scenarios in the Casamance watershed upstream of Kolda. Climate change is expected to increase hydrologic alterations from low (currently) to high (in the future), as revealed by the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) tool. Average annual water availability decreased, varying seasonally, and seasonal trends followed annual trends under Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) scenarios. In the basin, negative developments in minimum and maximum annual conditions are generally decreasing over the future period, compared to the reference period (1985-2014), with the exception of the minimum flow rate over 7 and 30 days on SSP 126 and the minimum flow rate over 30 days and the maximum flow rate 1, 3 and 7 days on SSP 585. In this SSP 585 scenario, the Mann Kendall test on the minimum flow rate and the flow rate maximum indicate the most significant downward trend with a risk of error of 0.05, with a Kendall tau varying from -0.45 m3/s/year to - 0.05 m3/s/year. For the minimum flow parameters, Kolda station shows negative Hydrological Alteration (HA) values for the high RVA category, which results in a decrease in low flow.
Research on Bioethanol/Gasoline Ratios and Engine Spark Ignition Control for Energy and Environmental Sustainability of Vehicles
Authors: Rimkus Alfredas , Mejeras Gabrielius , Pukalskas Saugirdas , Nagurnas Saulius 
Published: January 2024

This article presents an experimental study focused on the impact of supplementing pure gasoline (E0) with bioethanol, gradually increasing the biofuel concentration up to 70% (E10, E50, and E70). The research was conducted in two phases: In the first phase (Part I), the engine&#039;s operation involved varying engine speeds (n = 2000 rpm, n = 2500 rpm) and adjusting throttle openings (15%, 20%, 25%) to analyze changes in brake torque, thermal efficiency, and ecological indicators. The second phase (Part II) aimed to complement and clarify the study data. Here, the engine was maintained at a constant speed (n = 2000 rpm) and brake torque (MB = 80 Nm) while altering ignition timing. The findings revealed that increasing the bioethanol concentration up to 70% led to modest enhancements in engine brake torque and thermal efficiency. However, the most significant impact was observed in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and incomplete combustion byproducts. The study also established that achieving higher thermal efficiency requires compensating for the extended ignition delay phase resulting from bioethanol addition by advancing ignition timing. Nevertheless, this approach is constrained by the escalating emissions of carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the balance between bioethanol supplementation, engine performance, and environmental sustainability in spark ignition engines.
Coefficient of Lateral Soil Pressure When Using Reinforced and Unrein-Forced Piles Filled With Sand and Granite Grains for Strengthening Road Layers
Authors: AYYAD SAMI MOHAMMED 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Several studies have been conducted to strengthen weak road layers, regardless of whether they are un-der construction or are undergoing maintenance. Using substrates filled with different materials has proven effective for increasing the strength of these layers. In this study, I evaluated the coefficient of lateral soil pressure under various conditions when using reinforced and unreinforced piles filled with in-expensive material and the extent of their contribution to strengthening road layers. The results con-firmed that there was a difference in the coefficient of lateral soil pressure when the sand-filled piles were reinforced. The sand-filled piles were divided into several parts by arming. The maximum coeffi-cient of lateral soil pressure was 0.38 in the case of sand (1 mm) with reinforcement, whereas it was 0.29 in the same case without reinforcement as shown in Figure 1. The maximum coefficient of lateral soil pressure was 0.27 in the case of granite grain (2 mm) with reinforcement, whereas it was 0.17 in the same case without reinforcement. Moreover, the maximum lateral pressure coefficient was 0.26 in the case of granite grain (3 mm) with reinforcement, and it was 0.30 in the same case without reinforce-ment.
Peningkatan Kemampuan Membaca Pemahaman dengan Strategi DRTA dan Media Cerita Bergambar
Authors: Afdila Nasikhah , Suhartono Suhartono , Wahyudi Wahyudi 
Published: January 2024

<p>Penelitian ini bertujuan meningkatkan kemampuan membaca pemahaman dengan menerapkan strategi pembelajaran <em>DRTA</em> dan media cerita bergambar pada siswa kelas III. Subyek penelitian ini adalah guru dan siswa kelas III SDN 1 Gemeksekti yang berjumlah 23 siswa. Penelitian ini termasuk Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) yaitu suatu jenis penelitian yang dilakukan oleh guru untuk memecahkan masalah pembelajaran di kelas. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui teknik tes dan teknik nontes Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan (1) langkah-langkah penerapan strategi pembelajaran <em>DRTA </em>dan media cerita bergambar yaitu membuat prediksi berdasarkan judul, membuat prediksi berdasarkan gambar, menulis prediksi cerita, membaca bahan bacaan, menilai ketepatan prediksi dan menyesuaikan prediksi, (2) penerapan strategi Directed Reading Thinking Activity <em>(DRTA)</em> dan media cerita bergambar dapat meningkatkan kemampuan membaca pemahaman pada siswa kelas III SDN1 Gemeksekti, (3) terdapat kendala dalam penerapan strategi pembelajaran <em>DRTA </em>dan media cerita bergambar dan terdapat solusi untuk mengatasi kendala tersebut. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah penerapan strategi <em>DRTA </em>dan media cerita bergambar dapat meningkatkan kemampuan membaca pemahaman dalam pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia pada siswa kelas III SDN 1 Gemeksekti tahun ajaran 2021/2022.</p><div id="pip-toast"> </div>
Penerapan Model Kooperatif Tipe Student Teams Achievement Division (STAD) untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar SBdP tentang Karya Seni Rupa Daerah pada Siswa Kelas V SD
Authors: Septiani Qori , Susiani Tri Saptuti , Suhartono Suhartono 
Published: January 2024

<p>Tujuan penelitian ini, yaitu: (1) mendeskripsikan langkah-langkah model kooperatif tipe STAD; (2) meningkatkan hasil belajar SBdP tentang karya seni rupa daerah pada siswa kelas V; (3) mendeskripsikan kendala dan solusi yang ditemui dalam pembelajaran. Penelitian tindakan kelas ini dilaksanakan dalam tiga siklus. Subjek penelitian ini adalah guru dan siswa kelas V SDN 5 Kebumen. Data yang digunakan yakni data kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik tes, observasi, dan wawancara. Analisis data yang digunakan yakni reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian yaitu: (1) langkah model kooperatif tipe STAD, yaitu menyajikan materi, membentuk kelompok, diskusi kelompok, membimbing kelompok, evaluasi, memberikan penghargaan, dan kesimpulan; (2) hasil belajar siswa meningkat, yaitu siklus I = 72,92%, siklus II = 89,58%, dan siklus III = 95,83%; (3) kendala yang ditemui yaitu siswa kurang memperhatikan penjelasan materi dan pengerjaan kuis, kurang aktif dalam diskusi kelompok. Hal ini disimpulkan bahwa model kooperatif tipe STAD dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar SBdP tentang karya seni rupa daerah pada siswa kelas V SDN 5 Kebumen tahun ajaran 2022/2023.</p><div id="pip-toast"> </div>
A rapid scoping review of harm reduction strategies for ecstasy (MDMA) users in recreational settings
Authors: Edwards Deborah , Csontos Judit , Pascoe Michael J , Westwell Andrew , Gillen Elizabeth , Bennett Clare , Hannigan Ben , Carrier Judith , Harden Jane 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) can occur due to ecstasy use, and the number of people dying due to drug-related deaths has increased in the past 10 years. Harm reduction strategies could help prevent ADRs or decrease the incidence of life-threatening health consequences due to ecstasy use. However, no reviews have explored the breadth of evidence available on ecstasy harm reduction strategies. Methods: A rapid scoping review was conducted using adapted JBI methodology to identify the prevalence and nature of harm reduction strategies that ecstasy users employ in recreational settings, with both peer-reviewed research and user-oriented drug information websites explored. Five databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL) were searched for English language records from database inception to August 2022. User-oriented websites were identified via the project’s stakeholder group and Google searches. Results: Twenty reports representing 19 studies (one randomised control trial, nine quantitative descriptive studies and nine qualitative studies) were included. A wide variety of harm reduction strategies were reported, including drug-specific strategies (for example, limiting the amount of ecstasy consumed, buying from trusted sources, drug checking (pill testing)); behavioural strategies (for example, monitoring fluid (water) consumption, taking a rest break to regulate temperature, avoiding alcohol and mixing with other drugs; preloading and post-loading); and peer-related strategies (for example not using alone, looking out for friends). Ecstasy users obtain information on ecstasy’s effects and/or harm reduction practices from a variety of sources including friends, nightclubs, TV news, drug leaflets, music magazines and user-oriented information websites. Fourteen user-oriented websites providing ecstasy-specific harm reduction information were identified, and strategies focused on dosage and frequency of use, interaction with other substances and prevention of health consequences, such as heatstroke, or dehydration among others. However, only two webpages provided citations to the evidence used for the content. Conclusions: While numerous harm reduction strategies exist, employing them can depend on the users’ overall goal/s which might also encompass avoiding comedown or increasing their high. Moreover, users’ previous experience can influence how and when they adhere to harm reduction. More efficient ways of communicating harms and harm reduction strategies might be needed.
Unravelling the Belgian cascade of hypertension care and its determinants: Insights from a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Bos Philippe , Wouters Edwin , Danhieux Katrien , Olmen Josefien Van , Remmen Roy , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Boateng Daniel , Buffel Veerle 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality worldwide. Despite the widespread availability of effective antihypertensives, blood pressure (BP) control rates remain suboptimal, even in high-income countries such as Belgium. In this study, we used a cascade of care approach to identify where most patients are lost along the continuum of hypertension care in Belgium, and to assess the main risk factors for attrition at various stages of hypertension management.
Methods. Using cross-sectional data from the 2018 Belgian Health Interview Survey and the Belgian Health Examination Survey, we estimated hypertension prevalence among the Belgian population aged 40-79 years, and the proportion that was (1) screened, (2) diagnosed, (3) linked to care, (4) in treatment, (5) followed up and (6) well-controlled. Cox regression models were estimated to identify individual risk factors for being unlinked to hypertension care, untreated and not followed up appropriately.
Results. The prevalence of hypertension based on self-reported and measured high BP was 43.3%. While 98% of the hypertensive population had their BP measured in the past 5 years, only 56.7% were diagnosed. Furthermore, 53.4% were linked to care, 49.8% were in treatment and 46.8% received adequate follow-up. Less than a quarter (23.5%) achieved BP control. Among those diagnosed with hypertension, males, those of younger age, without comorbidities, and smokers, were more likely to be unlinked to care. Once in care, younger age, lower BMI, financial hardship, and psychological distress were associated with a higher risk of being untreated. Finally, among those treated for hypertension, females and those of younger age were more likely to receive no adequate follow-up.
Conclusion. Our results show that undiagnosed hypertension is the most significant barrier to BP control in Belgium. Health interventions are thus needed to improve the accurate and timely diagnosis of hypertension. Once diagnosed, the Belgian health system retains patients fairly well along the continuum of hypertension care, yet targeted health interventions to improve hypertension management for high-risk groups remain necessary, especially with regard to improving treatment rates.
Effects of grazer density, season and land cover on bird guilds in a restored conservation area
Authors: Lovász Lilla , Korner-Nievergelt Fränzi , Amrhein Valentin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Context
Grazing by large herbivores is an increasingly used management tool in European nature reserves. A challenge in grassland conservation is to maintain both the openness and the heterogeneity of the habitat, to support their animal communities, including birds. Horses and cattle are often used to create and maintain patchy landscapes, especially in rewilding projects, but the influence of grazers on birds is often debated by conservationists.
Objectives
We studied how the abundance and species richness of birds of four foraging guilds are related to the area use of Highland cattle and Konik horses in an alluvial grassland. We also investigated how season and land cover influences the spatial distribution of individuals and species of different bird guilds on the grazed area.
Methods
We equipped all grazers with GPS-collars to assess the density of their hourly positions. We made weekly transect counts of birds to describe their distribution and carried out land cover surveys to describe the habitat. We used GAMM models in a spatially explicit framework.
Results
Open-area foraging birds were clearly associated with higher grazer densities, and aerial, wetland and woodland birds also seemed to profit from low-intensity year-round grazing. Most bird species and individuals were observed on open landscapes scattered with woody patches and waterbodies, and on areas with moderate grazer density. The number of birds on the grazed area was about twice the number on the ungrazed control area.
Conclusions
A heterogenous landscape maintained by low-intensity grazing seems to fulfil the needs of birds with different feeding ecologies.
Efficacy of Methylene Blue in Refractory Septic Shock: Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Jia Jinxin , Ji Jingjing , Liu Zhifeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Septic shock is now the leading cause of mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Refractory septic shock requires high doses of vasopressors. Some previous studies have revealed that methylene blue could improve hypotension status and help reduce the dosage of catecholamines. This study aims to investigate the clinical effect of methylene blue in septic shock and explore whether it can increase arterial pressure and reduce the usage of vasopressors.
Methods
This study is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial planning to include 100 refractory septic shock patients. The protocol is to administer a bolus of 2 mg/kg methylene blue intravenously followed by a continuous infusion of 0.5 mg/kg/h for 48 hours. The primary outcome is the total dose of vasopressor required in refractory septic shock in the first 48 hours. Secondary outcomes include other hemodynamic parameters, oxygen metabolism indexes, tissue perfusion indexes, major organ function indexes, and certain plasma cytokines and other factors.
Discussion
This protocol aims to evaluates the safety and efficacy of methylene blue as adjuvant therapy for refractory septic shock. The main outcome measure will be vasopressor requirements and hemodynamic parameters. Additionally, bedside ultrasonography, blood gases, and cytokines will be assessed to evaluate perfusion, respiratory, and metabolic effects. The results are intended to provide evidence on the safety and efficacy of methylene blue in refractory septic shock, guiding clinical decision-making.
Trial registration
This clinical trial has been registered at ChiCTR (https://www.chictr.org.cn/). ChiCTR registration number: ChiCTR2300069430.
The effect of tropicamide 0.5% versus tropicamide 1% on intraocular pressure in patients with diabetes mellitus: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sadr Navid Elmi , Mirsharif Seyyedeh Sedigheh , Lavvaf Samaneh , Hariri Ramyar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess and compare the effects of tropicamide 0.5% and tropicamide 1% on intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter (PD) in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Methods
A total of 98 eyes of 98 open-angle diabetic patients were included in this double-masked randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either tropicamide 0.5% (49 eyes) or tropicamide 1% (49 eyes). IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry; PD was measured by Pentacam HR (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany), before and 30 minutes after tropicamide administration.
Results
Post-dilation mean IOP was similar to pre-dilation mean IOP in both groups (P ˃ 0.5). No participants had an IOP increase of 5 mm Hg or more and a post-dilation IOP ˃ 21 mm Hg. Mean PD change and IOP change was 2.99 ± 0.62 mm and 0.12 ± 1.71 mm Hg in the tropicamide 0.5% group, and was 3.11 ± 0.55 mm and 0.25 ± 1.70 mm Hg in the tropicamide 1% group, with no significant difference (P = 0.31, P = 0.72, respectively).
Conclusion
The effect of tropicamide 0.5% and tropicamide 1% drops on IOP and PD was similar. Mydriasis with tropicamide did not result in a clinically significant IOP increase in diabetics.
Measurement of the incoherent decay rate of quantum states in quantum annealing with a D-Wave machine
Authors: Imoto Takashi , Susa Yuki , Kadowaki Tadashi , Miyazaki Ryoji , Matsuzaki Yuichiro 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Quantum annealing has been demonstrated with superconducting qubits. Such a quantum annealer has been used to solve combinational optimization problems. Moreover, it serves as a quantum simulator for investigating the properties of the quantum many-body systems.
However, the coherence properties of actual devices provided by D-Wave Quantum Inc. have not been explored sufficiently. Here, we measure the energy relaxation of the excited state in quantum annealing with the D-Wave device. Specifically, we investigate the incoherent decay rate of the first excited states of a fully connected Ising model with a transverse field. We find that the decay rate of the excited states of the model is orders of magnitude smaller than that of the excited state of a single qubit, and we qualitatively explain this phenomenon by using theoretical methods. Since our numerical simulations show that the first excited state during QA for the model is entangled, our experimental results indicate that the long-lived entangled state can be generated during QA with the D-Wave machine.