bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Medications Increase the Risk in Elderly Patients for Hospitalizations Due to Syncope? A Case Controlled Study.
Authors: Hermush Vered , Shimoni Zvi , Nir Kobe , Froom Paul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the elderly, syncope, a form of temporary loss of consciousness with no focal neurologic deficits is common. The association with drug therapy however is uncertain. In fact, we are unaware of previous studies demonstrating such a relationship, except to show that potentially inappropriate drug use is common in patients with syncope and falls. METHODS: In the following study, we selected elderly patients (65–85 years old) hospitalized because of a syncopal episode. They will be matched according to hospitalization date to other elderly hospitalized patients with other admission diagnoses. The major predictor variable is admission drug therapy, focusing on benzodiazepines and diuretics, but will consider other drug groups such as other hypertensive drugs, antipsychotics, and antihypertensives. Secondary predictors will include age, gender, presence of dementia, ability to walk freely, hypotensive blood pressure (SBP ≤ 100 mmHg) on admission, and laboratory tests that determine if the patient had a hemoglobin < 10 g/L, a BUN ≥ 30 mg/dL, a serum potassium < 3.5 meq/L or a serum sodium < 135 meq/L. RESULTS: Both on univariate and multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 95% confidence intervals) only psychiatric drugs (1.91, 1.31–2.77) were associated with syncope. Walking freely was a risk factor and polypharmacy and an elevated blood urea nitrogen were negatively associated with syncope. The model was poor with a c-statistic of only 0.645(0.606–0.682). The results were the same if we included only those with vasovagal and orthostatic syncope. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the association between psychiatric drugs and the risk of syncope.
Evaluation of the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in pain and dysfunction for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Chen Tingxi , Su Hao , Gao Qiang , Zhou Fenghua , Yuan Xiangnan , Liu Xueyong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disorder among musculoskeletal conditions. Non-surgical treatment is the conventional therapy for knee OA (KOA). Given the simplicity, feasibility, and effectiveness of physical therapy, it has become a widely used treatment. Ultrasound therapy is recommended for the treatment of pain and dysfunction caused by OA. However, a lack of scientific evidence of high-quality ultrasound treatment of OA still remains. Therefore, we want to analyze whether a combined treatment regimen using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can enhance the efficacy of conventional therapy, thus improving symptoms in patients with KOA.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 34 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis that meet the Altman clinical diagnostic criteria for KOA and are aged ≥ 38 years. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment group and a sham ultrasound treatment control group. The treatment will last for 2 weeks, with five sessions per week. Study endpoints will be evaluated at baseline, on the day of the last intervention, and one month after the intervention. The main outcome measures will be the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities’ scores. Secondary outcome indicators will be the numerical pain rating scale, the Lequesne scale, the time up and go test, and the range of motion (ROM) of the knee. An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed for dropouts and missing data.
Discussion
By analyzing patients with OA that undergo or not ultrasound intervention, we will determine whether LIPUS can serve as an adjuvant treatment to enhance the efficacy of physical therapy. If ultrasound treatment plays a synergistic role with physical therapy in ameliorating symptoms in patients with knee OA, it may serve as a low-cost intervention to retard structural progression and alleviate KOA symptoms.
Trial registration:
The trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry platform (chictr.org.cn) on 03/22/2023, with the registration ID ChiCTR2300069643.
L-alanine derived Schiff base Ligated Vanadium(IV) Complex with Phenanthroline as Co-ligand: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis
Authors: Medhi Tanaya , Sahariah Manashi , Gogoi Anshuman 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

A vanadium(IV) Schiff base complex derived from salicylaldehyde and L-alanine with phenanthroline as co-ligand viz. [VIVO(salala)(phen)].0.5H2O.CH3OH (where salala = Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and L-alanine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) was synthesized and its structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal lattice parameters of the complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction with lattice parameters, a = 18.4361(5) Å, b = 22.4926(6) Å, c = 12.4035(6) Å, β = 126.904(1) °, C2 space group, Z = 2. In the crystal, the V(IV) ions are in distorted octahedral geometry by coordinating to two oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom of Schiff base ligand and two phenanthroline nitrogen atoms. The π∙∙∙π stacking interactions as well as C–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonds were found to play an important role in the self-assembly of the complex molecules. The non-covalent interactions of the complex were further evaluated by Hirshfield Surface Analysis. Spectroscopic characterization of the complex by Infrared and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques is also reported.
Few-shot concealed object detection in sub-THz security images using improved pseudo- annotations
Authors: Cheng Ran , Lucyszyn Stepan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this research, we explore the Few-Shot Object Detection application for identifying concealed objects in sub-terahertz security images, using fine-tuning based frameworks. To adapt these machine learning frameworks for the (sub-)terahertz domain, we propose an innovative pseudo-annotation method to augment the object detector by sourcing high-quality training samples from unlabeled images. This approach employs multiple one-class detectors coupled with a fine-grained classifier, trained on supporting thermal-infrared images, to prevent overfitting. Consequently, our approach enhances the model’s ability to detect challenging objects when few-shot training examples are available.
A new mixed-bacteria Pickle starter based on lactobacillus and yeast
Authors: Chen Yu , He Yiguo , Hu Rong , Zhang Jing , Zhou Jing , Zhao Xingxiu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In order to develop a direct-pitch Pickle fermentation bacterial agent with rapid and stable fermentation, we prepared a hybrid fermentation bacterial agent consisting of lactic acid bacteria and aroma-producing yeast. The optimal centrifugation conditions for BH6 were centrifugation force of 1006 ×g, time of 22 min, and centrifugation temperature of 10°C; for BH59 and Y3, the optimal centrifugation conditions were centrifugation force 4025 ×g, time 3 min, centrifugation temperature 5°C. Applied research on Pickle complex live bacterial preparations. Compared with natural fermentation and commercially available fermentation agents, comparative studies were conducted in terms of nitrite, pH, volatile flavor substances and sensory evaluation, respectively. The pH value of fermentation with homemade bacterial preparation decreased the fastest and reached maturity first, and the nitrite content of fermented Pickle with homemade bacterial preparation was 12.31 mg/kg at the maximum, and only about 3 mg/kg when it stabilized, and the flavor was similar to that of the naturally fermented Pickle, and its flavor was better than that of commercially available lactobacillus-fermented Pickle. This study is important for large-scale industrial fermentation with homemade mycorrhizal agents instead of natural fermentation, to stabilize the quality of Pickle fermentation in order to improve the drawbacks existing in the natural fermentation process.
Comparison of transoral vestibular and chest-breast endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Xin-Ran , Li Xuan , Chen Zhen-Xin , Pang Feng-Shun , Chen Jing-Bao , Song Ya-Min , Lin Zhan-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Bo , Lan Li-Hui , Yang Li-Ming , Qin You 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with the vestibular approach (TOETVA) and endoscopic total thyroidectomy with the thoracoabdominal approach (ETCB) are common procedures for endoscopic thyroidectomy. We investigated the efficacies of these two approaches for treating papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in terms of safety, trauma, and feasibility of central neck dissection (CND).
Methods TOETVA (n = 298) and ETCB (n = 202) patients were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were pathologically diagnosed with PTC and underwent CND. Surgical time and postoperative drainage, drainage time, drainage tube removaltime, hospital stay, leukocyte count, and neutrophil percentage (NEUT%) were determined. Moreover, the parathyroid gland, parathyroid lesions, recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions, total number of central lymph nodes, and metastatic central nodes were analyzed.
Results Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar, except for patient age and thyroid capsule invasion. Despite a significant difference between the two groups in terms of transient recurrent nerve injury (P< 0.05), no significant differences were noted in surgical time, blood loss, postoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative drainage tube removal time, postoperative leukocyte count, postoperative NEUT%, and postoperative hospital stay (P > 0.05). The percentages of patients with parathyroid disorders and permanent recurrent laryngeal neuropathy were comparable (P > 0.05); however, more lymph nodes were recovered via lobectomy with CND in TOETVA than in ETCB groups (P < 0.05). The number of lymph nodes on either side of the central area was not significantly different.
Conclusion TOETVA and ETCB are safe treatments for PTC. TOETVA is superior in terms of lymph node dissection, with less prominent postoperative scarring. TOETVA is safer for CND owing to the lower incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.
In vitro anthelmintic activity of Euphorbia hirta L aqueous extracts on small ruminant’s gastrointestinal parasites evaluation.
Authors: DICKO Amadou , KONATE Almamy , KAM Sami Eric , BELEM Hadidajatou , TINDANO Basile , CISSE Abdoul Aziz Almoustapha , KEITA Gaoussou , Meda Roland Nâg-Tiéro ,   Adama Kaboré1, Traoré Amadou , BAYALA Balé , Tamboura Hamidou Hamadou 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
With the aim of proposing an effective and accessible alternative for small ruminant gastrointestinal parasitosis control, the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Euphorbia hirta on Haemonchus contortus biology was evaluated.
Methods
Aqueous extracts were used to determine phytochemistry and for the biological tests of adult worm mortality as well as egg hatching and L3 larval migration inhibition. Aqueous extract concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL were used for the adult worm mortality test, while concentrations of 0.31, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL were used for the egg hatching and L3 larval migration inhibition tests.
Results
The results show a total polyphenol content of 17.5 mgEAG/100 mg, total flavonoids of 0.24 mgEQ/100 mg and condensed tannins of 0.17 mgEAT/100 mg. Adult worm mortality was concentration dependent, reaching 100% at 50 and 100 mg/mL concentrations, from the sixth hour, with a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 21.09 mg/mL. The 50% inhibitory concentration of egg hatching (IC50) was 1.7 mg/mL, while the IC50 of larval migration recorded was 0.78 mg/mL.
Conclusion
In view of the results obtained, the in vitro anthelminthic activity of the aqueous extract of E hirta was confirmed. However, further biological studies will be needed to validate these results, with a view to their wider use.
Globalizing Paediatric Emergency Training: The EmergenSIMs Pathway Empowers Residents in Non-Paediatric Hospitals
Authors: Ebm Claudia , Pokrajac Nick , Brusa Stefania , Shiffer Dana , Wang Nancy E , Dannenberg Bernard , Furlan Raffaelo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Emergency departments (EDs) across the globe face numerous challenges in delivering optimal paediatric care due to limited equipment access, restricted training time, and a shortage of paediatric specialists. This article examines the execution and assessment of a year-long cross-border pediatric emergency simulation curriculum led by a team of expert faculty. The primary objective was to educate residents working in low-volume hospitals with limited exposure to paediatric emergencies, enhancing their preparedness through guidance from an international faculty.
Methodology: To evaluate the impact of an international curriculum on residents' readiness for paediatric emergencies, we conducted a study in collaboration between Humanitas University, Italy, and Stanford University, USA. This innovative hybrid curriculum of online and onsite simulation learning was collaboratively conceptualized and executed within a tertiary non-pediatric hospital in Italy, with instruction provided by an international team. Evaluative measures for this approach comprised descriptive focus group evaluations and a standardized satisfaction survey.
Results: Out of 104 residents, 55 (52%) participated in the online module, with 30 (54%) of them participating in the intensive onsite simulation. The survey response rate was 53%, yielding positive feedback: international faculty presence scored 4.8/5, course design 4.7/5 for its practicability, and 4.6/5 for engagement. In focus groups, students expressed their appreciation for international educational distinctions. In particular, the prevalent ABCDE assessment approach taught by the international faculty and the introduction of innovative educational approaches, such as the rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP), were deemed highly effective.
Conclusion: The development and implementation of a hybrid, simulation-based curriculum for paediatric case management, led by foreign expert faculty, effectively addressed the existing gaps in postgraduate medical rotations. By equipping residents with essential competencies for managing pediatric cases, this initiative showcased the potential of globally optimizing and sharing finite resources, yielding favorable results for emergency care in tertiary settings.
Ability of GCMs to represent climate during pilgrimages in Ethiopia
Authors: Richards Jenny , Brimblecombe Peter 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Climate influences human actions, including our cultural practices. Pilgrimages provide an important way for people to strengthen their spiritual or religious beliefs and are usually manifested as a journey to a sacred place, with Ethiopia notable for famous religious destinations. The conditions experienced by pilgrims are likely to change in a warming world, potentially making such journeys more arduous. Climate models struggle to reproduce key features of African climate with areas of extreme orography, such as the Highlands of Ethiopia, posing a significant challenge. Our study assesses (i) the sensitivity of climate parameters to the length of time considered within the dry season (Bega) and (ii) the ability of three global climate models, GCMs (HadGEM3-GC31-MM, CMCC-ESM2 and NorESM2-MM) to capture climate by comparing it to the ERA5 reanalysis and CHIRPS datasets. Results show the importance of adjusting the length of time so it is relevant to the process or social practice being studied, which might not map onto the three-month seasons traditionally used in climate research. Three of the six climate parameters assessed (minimum and maximum daily temperature and the number of rain days greater 1 mm) were successfully captured by the GCMs. This means these parameters could be used to assess future impacts of climate change on the climate experienced by pilgrims in Ethiopia.
Searching behaviour and the egg production of the coconut mite, Aceria guerrernis on selected coconut varieties in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijewardene N. T. P , Aratchige N. S. , Kumara A. D. N. T. , Karunaratne W. A. I. P. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Coconut is a major livelihood crop in many tropical countries in the world. Its production is affected by many biotic and abiotic factors and among the biotic factors, pests play a major role in reducing the coconut production. The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis (Keifer) is one of the major pests of coconut in many countries causing severe yield losses including immature fruit drop, deformed fruits, empty fruits, and reduced fruit weight. Chemical and biological methods have been mostly used to control A. guerreronis. In Sri Lanka, some commercial varieties are known to show least damaged compared to other varieties. But the reason for this observation is not known. The varieties used in this study, Ran Thembili (RT), Gon Thembili (GT), Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SLGD), Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf (SLYD) and Sri Lanka Tall (SLT) are used as parent palms in producing hybrid coconut varieties in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand the mechanisms behind the different susceptibility levels of these varieties to A. guerreronis and this information can be used in selecting parental palms in future breeding for A. guerreronis tolerant/resistant coconut varieties. Therefore, the experiments reported in this paper were conducted to understand whether different coconut varieties provide volatile or non-volatile cues for A. guerreronis or whether their egg production is affected by different varieties. The preference of A. guererronis towards the coconut varieties RT, GT, SLGD, SLYD and SLT were tested on a 5-arm runway arena and the egg production was also measured on young fruits of the above varieties. The results revealed that A. guererronis do not prefer any of the varieties tested. Their egg production was higher on RT compared to SLYD and SLT. Although A. guerreronis populations and their damages were shown to be higher on SLGD and SLT in previous study, it was not reflected in the egg production on them in the present study. Therefore, we conclude that volatile or non-volatile cues of different coconut varieties do not provide signals for A. guerreronis to select certain coconut varieties over other varieties and their egg production is affected by the coconut varieties. However, apparently susceptible coconut varieties (SLGD and SLT) are not preferred by A. guerreronis for the selection for colonization or for the egg production. Other physical barriers in different coconut varieties such as the shape of the fruits and perianth tightness appear to affect the varietal susceptibility of coconut varieties to A. guerreronis.
Comparison of Line-of-sight Magnetic Field Observed by ASO-S/FMG, SDO/HMI and HSOS/SMAT
Authors: Xu Haiqing , Su Jiangtao , Liu Suo , Deng Yuanyong , Yang Shangbin , Bai Xianyong , Chen Jie , Wang Xiaofan , Yang Xiao , Song Yongliang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Full-disk MagnetoGraph (FMG) onboard the Advanced Space based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) has obtained a series of Line-of-Sight (LOS) magnetic field since it launched in October 2022. It is important to compare its observational data with other existing solar telescopes. In this paper, we make a detail data comparison of 4 active regions and a pore region simultaneously observed by FMG, SDO/HMI (Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager onboard Solar Dynamic Observatory) and HSOS/SMAT (Solar Magnetism and Activity Telescope at the Huairou Solar Observing Station). The magnetic field structure and spatial distribution are found basically consistent among these three instruments, and the initial correlation coefficient of magnetic field is approximately 0.90. They slightly increase when sunspot umbra region was removed, and they significant increase in penumbra region, up to 0.98. The magnetic field observed by FMG tends to smaller than the HMI in strength in sunspot umbra due to saturation effect, whereas larger outside sunspot. The differences probably come from the affections of noise, the seeing condition (SMAT is affected by the Earth's atmosphere), and observational and calibration methods.
Optimizing Construction Waste Recycling: Strategies, Technologies, and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Abera Yonatan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The increased worldwide building activity has resulted in an increase in trash output, posing serious environmental issues. As a result, the construction sector is increasingly concentrating on improving waste recycling processes in order to reduce its environmental imprint. This research article goes into the complex world of building waste recycling, analyzing tactics, technology, and the environmental consequences. The paper evaluates important recycling technologies such as source separation, on-site processing, and off-site recycling centers using a comprehensive literature analysis. The research investigates the significance of developing technologies in recycling efficiency, such as robotic sorting systems, enhanced material separation techniques, and digital platforms. The environmental ramifications are investigated, including reduced landfill consumption, energy savings, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Real-world case studies shed light on successful garbage recycling initiatives, emphasizing the economic, environmental, and societal advantages. The article finishes by addressing construction waste recycling issues and possibilities, highlighting the necessity of stakeholder engagement, legislative assistance, and innovative technology in supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Haplotype diversity and mechanisms of evolutionary divergence of the Georgian Mountain Breed of Bos taurus, exhibiting conjointly patterns of admixture populations, introgression, as well as possible parallel versus convergent evolution
Authors: Basiladze Givi , Tabatadze Leila , Gabashvili Ekaterine , Osepashvili Mariam , Murskhvaladze Marine , Kotetishvili Mamuka 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
An in-depth understanding of the biodiversity of Bos taurus is highly important to tackling global food security challenges partially via deciphering and preserving local breeds that demonstrate their potential to adapt to the growing global warming worldwide. In this study, we elucidate the population structures and mechanisms of evolutionary divergence of the Georgian Mountain Breed (GMB) of cow and its genetically most closely related conspecifics worldwide. We performed the sequencing and evolutionary analyses of the specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) region involving cytb, two tRNAs-encoding genetic loci, and the D-loop of the GMB populations from the Khevsureti and Adjara regions of Georgia. A large panel of different evolutionary algorithms, implemented in the MEGA11 and DnaSP software packages, were applied in these analyses. A total of 25 haplotypes were determined among 82 individuals of GMB, belonging predominantly to the haplogroups T (T3, T1, T2, T4) or Q (Q1). 10 hitherto unique haplotypes, exhibited by singletons (SNGTs), could be also determined in the GMB populations from the above regions. In the maximum likelihood evolutionary analysis, a specific SNGT appeared to be most closely related to the Bos indicus sub-haplogroup I1a. The haplotype diversity (0.997), nucleotide diversity (0.00636), and the overall mean distance within their populations (0.01) were higher for GMB as compared to these estimates (0.930, 0.00482, and 0.00) calculated for its genetically most closely related conspecifics respectively. It is suggested that the evolution of the GMB populations has been driven via introgression, as well as by parallel and/or possible convergent evolution.