bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of steam explosion on the morphological, textural, and compositional characteristics of betel nut
Authors: Yang Bowen , Xu Yaping , Kang Xiaoning , Kang Zonghua , Chen Weijun , Chen Wenxue , Zhong Qiuping , Zhang Ming , Pei Jianfei , Chen Haiming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTo reduce the adverse physical effects on the oral mucosa caused by excessive hardness of betel nut fibers, steam explosion was used to soften betel nuts. The effect of three operating parameters (pressure holding time, explosion pressure, and initial moisture content) on the morphology, texture, and chemical composition of the betel nuts was investigated. The fiber hardness and Shore hardness decreased by 56.17%–89.28% and 7.03%–34.29%, respectively, and the transverse tensile strength and fiber tensile strength also decreased by up to 60.72% and 24.62%, respectively. Moreover, the coefficient of static friction and moisture content increased. After steam explosion, the betel nut increased in transverse diameter, became darker and more yellow–red in color, and showed a damaged microstructure. The contents of free phenol and alkaloids decreased after steam explosion treatment, with free phenols and total alkaloids decreasing from 34.32 mg(GAE)/g and 7.84 mg/g to 21.58 mg(GAE)/g and 6.50 mg/g, respectively, after the A‐50 s treatment condition. The steam explosion increased the quantity of phenols, alkaloids, and soluble solids released from the betel nut under the same simulated release conditions of the texture analyzer. The research also showed that increased pressure holding time and explosion pressure enhanced the explosion efficiency, while the initial moisture content was reduced the explosion efficiency. Therefore, steam explosion is an effective pretreatment approach to soften betel nut and facilitate healthy development of the betel nut industry.
Excellent hepatitis C virus cure rates despite increasing complexity of people who use drugs: Integrated‐Test‐stage Treat study final outcomes
Authors: O'Sullivan Margaret , Jones Anna‐Marie , Mourad Adele , Haddadin Yazan , Verma Sumita 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAchieving hepatitic C virus (HCV) elimination requires linking people who use drugs (PWUD) into care. We report final direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs)‐based outcomes from the Integrated‐Test‐stage ‐Treat (ITTREAT) study. Project ITTREAT (2013–2021), based at an addiction centre, was a ‘one‐stop’ service with innovative linkage to care strategies. Primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR12) (intention to treat ITT) including whether individuals were recruited in first (period 1) versus last four (period 2 included the COVID‐19 pandemic) years of the study. Number recruited were n = 765, mean age 40.9 ± 10.1 years, 78% males, history of current/past injecting drug use (IDU) and alcohol use being 77% and 90%, respectively. Prevalence of a positive HCV PCR was 84% with 19% having cirrhosis. Comparing those recruited in period 2 versus period 1, there was increasing prevalence of IDU, 90% versus 72% (p < .001); homelessness, 67% versus 50% (p < .001); psychiatric diagnosis, 84% versus 50% (p < .001); overdose history 71% versus 31% (p < .001), receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) 75% versus 52% (p < .001) and comorbidity 44% versus 25% (p < .001). Of those treated with DAAs (n = 272), ITT SVR rates were 86% (95% CI: 81%–90%), being similar in period 2 versus period 1. Predictors of non‐SVR were receiving OAT (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12–0.87, p = .025) and ≥80% adherence (OR 0.01, 95% CI: 0.003–0.041, p < .001). Reinfection rates period 2 versus period 1 (per 100 person‐years) were 1.84 versus 1.70, respectively. In the treated cohort, mortality was 15%, being mostly drug‐related. Despite increasing complexity of PWUD, high SVR12 rates are achievable with use of OAT and good adherence.
Overexpression of the TaEXPA19 gene improves low‐temperature tolerance in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum)
Authors: Li Fei , Hu Baozhong , Peng Lina , Feng Xu , Miao Yu , Dong Jiamin , Wang Mingjing , Wang Xu , Li Fenglan , Xu Yongqing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLow temperature is one of the main abiotic stresses that affects plant growth, causing serious damage or even death to plants. The differential expression of the TaEXPA19 gene in the above and underground parts of winter wheat and the implications for cold resistance remain unclear. In this study, the TaEXPA19 gene was cloned and analysed for expression in winter wheat, and transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana was constructed to investigate the effect of the TaEXPA19 gene in response to low‐temperature stress on plant growth. The TaEXPA19‐A and TaEXPA19‐D genes have different response patterns in the above and underground parts of transgenic A. thaliana. When plants were subjected to low‐temperature stress, the leaves were quickly upregulated and the roots were downregulated, and then upregulated to respond to low‐temperature stress to promote the growth of leaf length and leaf width petiole length. The results indicated that TaEXPA19 genes could improve low‐temperature tolerance in plants. The results of this study laid a foundation for the study of the cold resistance of winter wheat.
The management of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa differs between dermatologic and non‐dermatologic providers: A retrospective review
Authors: Atherton Kelly M. , Shope Chelsea N. , Andrews Laura A. , Robinson‐Pirotte India S. , Wine Lee Lara , Cotton Colleen H. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesThere is a paucity of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) literature. The objective of this study was to characterize differences in management of pediatric HS patients by dermatology versus non‐dermatology clinicians.MethodsWe examined a retrospective cohort of 195 pediatric patients with HS seen at our institution (3/1/19–3/1/20). Two‐sample t‐tests and two‐proportion z‐tests were performed.ResultsA total of 76.1% of subjects were seen by dermatology at least once, and of these, 79.1% were referred. HS diagnosis was most often made by dermatology (36.6%), followed by pediatrics (21.6%). Patients managed by dermatology were significantly more likely to have used standard of care therapies (p < .001). Of dermatology‐managed patients, 19.7% were currently prescribed a biologic, as compared with zero patients not managed by dermatology. Those managed by dermatology were less likely to undergo surgical excision (13.3% vs. 25.5%, p = .04).ConclusionsOur results support increased likelihood of treatment escalation with medical management by dermatologists. Relatively high utilization of referral to dermatology exists, but with only moderate patient adherence. There is a need for improved access to dermatologic care and prospective studies to determine whether differences in specialty management translate to improved patient outcomes.
Effectiveness of systemic treatments on pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis: A systematic review in pediatric patients
Authors: Kouwenhoven Tessa A. , van Muijen Marloes E. , van de Kerkhof Peter C. M. , de Jong Elke M. G. J. , Kamsteeg Marijke , Seyger Marieke M. B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesItch is one of the hallmarks of atopic dermatitis (AD), which has a significant impact on the quality of life of pediatric patients with AD and their caregivers. We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the antipruritic effects of systemic AD treatments in pediatric patients with AD.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched, including studies providing original data on the effects of systemic treatment on pruritus in pediatric patients (<18 years) with AD. Placebo‐controlled trials reporting a Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 4 (PP‐NRS4) response were included in a meta‐analysis.ResultsA total of 30 studies were included, with most evidence available for dupilumab. Overall, marked improvements of pruritus (50% or greater reduction in pruritus outcome measurements) were found for treatment with cyclosporin A (2–16 years), dupilumab (6 months–17 years), abrocitinib, and upadacitinib (both 12 and 17 years). Nemolizumab (12–17 years) may be promising in reducing pruritus in pediatric patients; however, data are limited. Only five randomized controlled trials could be included in our meta‐analysis, in which dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib showed a significantly higher probability of achieving a PP‐NRS4 response compared with placebo. Our study was limited by a lack of homogeneity of included studies.ConclusionsCyclosporin A, dupilumab, abrocitinib, and upadacitinib are all effective in decreasing pruritus and, therefore, in improving the quality of life in children with AD. As more systemic treatments for AD become available, it will be imperative to incorporate patient‐oriented treatment goals such as reduction of pruritus into therapeutic decision‐making.
Trends in sedation‐analgesia practices in pediatric liver transplant patients admitted postoperatively to the pediatric intensive care unit: An analysis of data from the pediatric health information system (PHIS) database
Authors: Goldstein Matthew , Jergel Andrew , Karpen Saul , He Zhulin , Austin Thomas M. , Hall Matt , Deep Akash , Gilbertson Laura , Kamat Pradip 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundChildren admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), after liver transplantation, frequently require analgesia and sedation in the immediate postoperative period. Our objective was to assess trends and variations in sedation and analgesia used in this cohort.MethodsMulticenter retrospective cohort study using the Pediatric Health Information System from 2012 to 2022.ResultsDuring the study period, 3963 patients with liver transplantation were admitted to the PICU from 32 US children's hospitals with a median age of 2 years [IQR: 0.00, 10.00]. 54 percent of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV). Compared with patients without MV, those with MV were more likely to receive morphine (57% vs 49%, p < .001), fentanyl (57% vs 44%), midazolam (45% vs 31%), lorazepam (39% vs. 24%), dexmedetomidine (38% vs 30%), and ketamine (25% vs 12%), all p < .001. Vasopressor usage was also higher in MV patients (22% vs. 35%, p < .001). During the study period, there was an increasing trend in the utilization of dexmedetomidine and ketamine, but the use of benzodiazepine decreased (p < .001).ConclusionAbout 50% of patients who undergo liver transplant are placed on MV in the PICU postoperatively and receive a greater amount of benzodiazepines in comparison with those without MV. The overall utilization of dexmedetomidine and ketamine was more frequent, whereas the administration of benzodiazepines was less during the study period. Pediatric intensivists have a distinctive opportunity to collaborate with the liver transplant team to develop comprehensive guidelines for sedation and analgesia, aimed at enhancing the quality of care provided to these patients.
Electronic relaxation mechanism of 9‐methyl‐2,6‐diaminopurine and 2,6‐diaminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribose in solution
Authors: Ortiz‐Rodríguez Luis A. , Caldero‐Rodríguez Naishka E. , Seth Sourav Kanti , Díaz‐González Karitza , Crespo‐Hernández Carlos E. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractProlonged ultraviolet exposure results in the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) in RNA. Consequently, prebiotic photolesion repair mechanisms should have played an important role in the maintenance of the structural integrity of primitive nucleic acids. 2,6‐Diaminopurine is a prebiotic nucleobase that repairs CPDs with high efficiency when incorporated into polymers. We investigate the electronic deactivation pathways of 2,6‐diaminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribose and 9‐methyl‐2,6‐diaminopurine in acetonitrile and aqueous solution to shed light on the photophysical and excited state properties of the 2,6‐diaminopurine chromophore. Evidence is presented that both are photostable compounds exhibiting similar deactivation mechanisms upon the population of the S1(ππ* La) state at 290 nm. The mechanism involves deactivation through the C2‐ and C6‐reaction coordinates and >99% of the excited state population decays through nonradiative pathways involving two conical intersections with the ground state. The radiative and nonradiative lifetimes are longer in aqueous solution compared to acetonitrile. While τ1 is similar in both derivatives, τ2 is ca. 1.5‐fold longer in 2,6‐diaminopurine‐2′‐deoxyribose due to a more efficient trapping in the S1(ππ* La) minimum. Therefore, 2,6‐diaminopurine could have accumulated in significant quantities during prebiotic times to be incorporated into non‐canonical RNA and play a significant role in its photoprotection.
Impact of a free medication intervention on seizure recurrence and anxious and depressive symptoms in people living with epilepsy in the Republic of Guinea
Authors: Rice Dylan R. , Guelngar Carlos Othon , Traoré Mohamed , Condé Mohamed Laminé , Diallo Djenabou , Lee Nathanael J. , Ham Andrew Siyoon , Cissé Fodé Abass , Mateen Farrah J. ,   for the Guinea Epilepsy Project
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveOf ~5 million people living with epilepsy (PLWE) in Sub‐Saharan Africa, roughly one‐third experience depression and over one third experience anxiety. In Guinea, these issues may be compounded by fewer available resources, such as appropriate anti‐seizure medications (ASMs). We aim to quantify seizure frequency, anxiety and depression in PLWE in Guinea, before and after a free ASM intervention and neurologist's consultation.MethodsGuinean participants >12 years old with ≥2 unprovoked seizure were prospectively recruited. As part of a broader interview, participants reported prior 30‐day seizure frequency and screened for depression (PHQ‐9) (range 0–27 points) and anxiety (GAD‐7) (range 0–21 points) with re‐evaluation at 90 days.ResultsOf 148 participants enrolled (mean age = 27.3 years, range 12–72; 45% female), 62% were currently taking ASMs. For the 30 days pre‐enrolment, average seizure frequency was 3.2 (95%CI 2.3, 4.2); 28% of participants were seizure‐free. ASM regimens were modified for 95% of participants, mostly initiating levetiracetam (n = 115, 80% of modifications). 90‐day study retention was 76% (n = 113) among whom 87% reported full adherence to the ASM. After 90 days, the average seizure frequency over the prior 30 days was 1.5 (95%CI 0.5, 2.6), significantly lower than at baseline (p = 0.002). 66% were seizure‐free.At baseline, average PHQ‐9 score was 21.2 (95%CI [20.2, 22.2]), indicating severe depressive symptoms. Average GAD‐7 score was 16.5 [15.6, 17.4], indicating severe anxious symptoms. At 90‐days, average PHQ‐9 score was 17.5[16.4, 18.5] and significantly lower than baseline (p < 0.001). Average GAD‐7 score was 14.4 [13.6, 15.3] and significantly lower than baseline (p = 0.002). Seizure frequency was not correlated with PHQ‐9 nor GAD‐7 scores at baseline but was at 90 days for both PHQ‐9 (r = 0.24, p = 0.01) and GAD‐7 (r = 0.22, p = 0.02) scores. The prevalence of suicidal ideation dropped from 67% to 47% of participants (p = 0.004).DiscussionASM management has dual importance for PLWE in resource‐limited settings, improving both seizure control and mental health.
Herschel-Bulkley Model of Blood Flow through an Asymmetric Stenosed Artery on Unsteady Reactive Solute Dispersion
Authors: Zainul Abidin Siti Nurul Aifa Mohd , Jaafar Nurul Aini , Ismail Zuhaila 
Published: November 2023

This study examined the effects of chemical reaction, stenosis shape parameter and non-Newtonian behaviour on solute dispersion in blood flow via an asymmetric stenosed artery using the generalised dispersion model (GDM). The Herschel–Bulkley (H-B) fluid model, which consists of a yield stress and power-law index, is used to represent the non-Newtonian characteristics of blood in a narrow artery at a low shear rate. The impact of stenosis shape parameter, chemical reaction, power-law index and plug flow radius on the dispersion coefficient and effective axial diffusion of solute is shown. The findings showed that the aforementioned parameters significantly impact the overall process of the chemically reactive solute in a bulk flow. The dispersion coefficient and effective axial diffusion decreases with an increase in the chemical reaction rate, stenosis shape parameter and power-law index. As time passes, the dispersion process slows and becomes almost constant implying a steady state of diffusion. In short, this study provides further insights into the physiological processes involved in the dispersion of drugs and nutrients in the circulatory system.
OVERVIEW OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING EDUCATION REQUIRED FOR THE UNDERSTANDING OF VITRUVIUS’S TEN BOOKS ON ARCHITECTURE
Authors: Fapohunda Christopher 
Published: November 2023

The contents of many books, prima facie, can be known by their title. But within the context of the present day grammatical construction and images formed in the mind through some words, Vitruvius’s “Ten Books on Architecture”, written in 1st century, does not fall into this category. Apparently, the over 2000 year’s gap in knowledge and usage of precepts as well as educational attainment that formed the basis for the writing constituted unfamiliar background and terrain for the 21st century researchers and academia. Consequently many civil engineering developmental resources for research activities contained in the book, especially on concrete and structural materials, remain hidden from many researchers. The purpose of this work is to identify the depths of instructional and educational attainment, both in learning and practice that formed the background for writing and thus, for the understanding of the book, especially for engineers in the developing Nations. To accomplish this work, the Roman society of the time and her educational systems were studied from materials available from the public domain. Analysis of the materials obtained showed that a wide-range and multi-faceted education through learning and practice, were required to operate in the construction industry at the time; and that all construction work, including military and machine construction were termed Architecture and under the control of the Head of the Government. It is also concluded that this learning, now parceled into different disciplines, is available in the public domain for the understanding and application of precepts in the Ten Books on Architecture for a robust structural and civil engineering practice
A lower bound in the problem of realization of cycles
Authors: Rozhdestvenskii Vasilii 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe consider the classical Steenrod problem on realization of integral homology classes by continuous images of smooth oriented manifolds. Let be the smallest positive integer such that any integral ‐dimensional homology class becomes realizable in the sense of Steenrod after multiplication by . The best known upper bound for was obtained independently by Brumfiel and Buchstaber in 1969. All known lower bounds for were very far from this upper bound. The main result of this paper is a new lower bound for that is asymptotically equivalent to the Brumfiel–Buchstaber upper bound (in the logarithmic scale). For , we prove that our lower bound is exact. Also, we obtain analogous results for the case of realization of integral homology classes by continuous images of smooth stably complex manifolds.
Simultaneous control of forward and backward locomotion by spinal sensorimotor circuits
Authors: Audet Johannie , Lecomte Charly G. , Harnie Jonathan , Yassine Sirine , Al Arab Rasha , Soucy Félix , Morency Caroline , Mari Stephen , Jéhannin Pierre , Merlet Angèle N. , Frigon Alain 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMammals walk in different directions, such as forward and backward. In human infants/adults and decerebrate cats, one leg can walk forward and the other backward simultaneously on a split‐belt treadmill, termed hybrid or bidirectional locomotion. The purpose of the present study was to determine if spinal sensorimotor circuits generate hybrid locomotion and if so, how the limbs remain coordinated. We tested hybrid locomotion in 11 intact cats and in five following complete spinal thoracic transection (spinal cats) at three treadmill speeds with the hindlimbs moving forward, backward or bidirectionally. All intact cats generated hybrid locomotion with the forelimbs on a stationary platform. Four of five spinal cats generated hybrid locomotion, also with the forelimbs on a stationary platform, but required perineal stimulation. During hybrid locomotion, intact and spinal cats positioned their forward and backward moving hindlimbs caudal and rostral to the hip, respectively. The hindlimbs maintained consistent left–right out‐of‐phase alternation in the different stepping directions. Our results suggest that spinal locomotor networks generate hybrid locomotion by following certain rules at phase transitions. We also found that stance duration determined cycle duration in the different locomotor directions/conditions, consistent with a common rhythm‐generating mechanism for different locomotor directions. Our findings provide additional insight on how left–right spinal networks and sensory feedback from the limbs interact to coordinate the hindlimbs and provide stability during locomotion in different directions.
imageKey points
Terrestrial mammals can walk forward and backward, which is controlled in part by spinal sensorimotor circuits.
Humans and cats also perform bidirectional or hybrid locomotion on a split‐belt treadmill with one leg going forward and the other going backward.
We show that cats with a spinal transection can perform hybrid locomotion and maintain left–right out‐of‐phase coordination, indicating that spinal sensorimotor circuits can perform simultaneous forward and backward locomotion.
We also show that the regulation of cycle duration and phase duration is conserved across stepping direction, consistent with a common rhythm‐generating mechanism for different stepping directions.
The results help us better understand how spinal networks controlling the left and right legs enable locomotion in different directions.
An Optimal Numerical Strategy for Intake in Crosswind Conditions
Authors: Chennuru Venkata Y. T. , Zhao Fanzhou , Vahdati Mehdi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Crosswind can reduce the operability of an aeroengine significantly at static or near static operating conditions. Computational fluid dynamics predictions of the flow at crosswind conditions will play an important part in future designs, however, accurate numerical predictions of the flow within the intake remain challenging even for simulations of cases with intake only. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of numerical setup and to determine an optimal computational model for crosswind investigations that can be used by other researchers. By considering the flow to be inherently unsteady, the influence of inlet and exit boundary conditions, and grid sensitivity is studied by using unsteady Reynolds-average Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations. Numerical predictions of the time-averaged intake pressure recovery (IPR) and the motion of the vortex on the ground are compared against the existing experimental data. The results show that for an intake under crosswind, the ground vortex that forms under the intake and the in-duct separation, when present, exhibit unsteady behavior that become stronger as the crosswind velocity is increased. The steady-state simulation is only representative at lower crosswinds. The intake flow separation and ground vortex predictions are influenced by the inlet boundary layer profiles. Moreover, acoustic reflection was observed at the intake exit boundary which propagates upstream, creating artificial unsteady frequencies in IPR. The reflection is generated from the use of uniform boundary conditions at the intake exit and is not dissipated in the grid due to the long wavelength; this can be mitigated by using a choked nozzle at the intake exit. Acoustic reflection was also observed at the far-field exit boundary. These reflections are caused from interaction of trailing vortex and far-field boundary.