bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human prion diseases and the prion protein – what is the current state of knowledge?
Authors: Nafe Reinhold , Arendt Christophe T. , Hattingen Elke 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Prion diseases and the prion protein are only partially understood so far in many aspects. This explains the continued research on this topic, calling for an overview on the current state of knowledge. The main objective of the present review article is to provide a comprehensive up-to-date presentation of all major features of human prion diseases bridging the gap between basic research and clinical aspects. Starting with the prion protein, current insights concerning its physiological functions and the process of pathological conversion will be highlighted. Diagnostic, molecular, and clinical aspects of all human prion diseases will be discussed, including information concerning rare diseases like prion-associated amyloidoses and Huntington disease-like 1, as well as the question about a potential human threat due to the transmission of prions from prion diseases of other species such as chronic wasting disease. Finally, recent attempts to develop future therapeutic strategies will be addressed.
Effects of COVID-19 on Rate of Injury and Position-Specific Injury During the 2020 National Football League Season
Authors: Costello Joseph P. , Wagner Jaxon D. , Dahl Victoria A. , Cohen Jacob L. , Reuter Andrew M. , Kaplan Lee D. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Costello II, JP, Wagner, JD, Dahl, VA, Cohen, JL, Reuter, AM, and Kaplan, LD. Effects of COVID-19 on rate of injury and position-specific injury during the 2020 National Football League season. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 97–104, 2024—Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Football League (NFL) made changes to its operations for the 2020 season. We hypothesize an increase in the rate of injuries during the 2020 season. Publicly available data were reviewed to identify NFL injuries from the 2015–2020 seasons. Player position, description of injury, date of injury, and injury setting were recorded. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. For the 2020 season, compared with the 2015–2019 seasons, there was an increased risk of injury during the regular season overall relative risk (RR) = 1.308 (p < 0.05), week (W)1 RR = 7.33 (p < 0.05), W1–6 RR = 1.964 (p < 0.05), W7–12 RR = 1.8909 (p < 0.05), and during the postseason overall RR = 1.1444 (p < 0.05), calculated using analysis of variance. There was an overall increased risk of abdominal or core injuries RR = 1.248 (p < 0.05), groin or hip injuries RR = 2.534 (p < 0.05), and hamstring injuries RR = 3.644 (p < 0.05). There was an increased risk of hamstring injuries in cornerbacks RR = 3.219 (p < 0.05) and running backs RR = 1.1394 (p < 0.05), hip or groin injuries in guards RR = 1.105 (p < 0.05), Achilles tendon injuries in safeties RR = 1.6976 (p < 0.05), quadriceps injuries in running backs RR = 1.6191 (p < 0.05), and arm injuries in defensive tackles RR = 1.221 (p < 0.05). There was an increase in the overall rate of injuries in the 2020 NFL season, both in the regular season and postseason, compared with the 2015–2019 seasons. The overall rate of abdominal or core, groin or hip, and hamstring injuries increased. Specific player positions saw unique increases in rates of injuries. These findings may be due to numerous operational changes implemented, such as reduced in-person training and the elimination of the preseason, leading to suboptimal, sports-specific conditioning and increased risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Reliability of Measures of Lower-Body Strength and Speed in Academy Male Adolescent Soccer Players
Authors: Ferguson Jack , Gibson Neil V. , Weston Matthew , McCunn Robert 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Ferguson, J, Gibson, NV, Weston, M, and McCunn, R. Reliability of measures of lower body strength and speed in academy male adolescent soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—The Nordbord and ForceFrame represent a practical and time efficient means of assessing eccentric hamstring and isometric adductor strength in the large number of squads and players associated with youth soccer academies, yet measurement reliability in this population is unexamined. Therefore, over a period of 4 days, with no less than 24 hours and no more than 48 hours between trials, 37 players (age: 14.7 ± 0.8 years, stature: 168.7 ± 7.8 cm, mass: 57.7 ± 9.1 kg, and maturity offset: 0.8 ± 0.9 years) were assessed for eccentric hamstring strength (force, torque), isometric adductor strength (long and short lever positions), and 30-m sprint (5, 10, and 20-m splits), using the Nordbord, ForceFrame, and electronic timing gates, respectively, on 3 separate occasions. Relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient) was rated as good for all Nordbord (range: 0.86–0.89) and ForceFrame (0.78–0.85) measures and ranged from moderate (0.53) to excellent (0.93) for the speed measures, improving with increased distance. Absolute reliability (standard error of the measurement [%SEM]) ranged from 7 to 8% (Nordbord), 3 to 11% (ForceFrame), and 1 to 4% (sprints). Our data provide the first Nordbord and ForceFrame reliability estimates in adolescent soccer academy players. To interpret test sensitivity, practitioners are encouraged to interpret our estimates of absolute reliability against meaningful change values derived from personal experience and evidence-based knowledge and not against absolute or standardized thresholds.
Skeletal Muscle Compliance and Echogenicity in Resistance-Trained and Nontrained Women
Authors: Mongold Scott J. , Ricci Austin W. , Hahn Michael E. , Callahan Damien M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Mongold, SJ, Ricci, AW, Hahn, ME, and Callahan, DM. Skeletal muscle compliance and echogenicity in resistance-trained and nontrained women. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—Noninvasive assessment of muscle mechanical properties in clinical and performance settings tends to rely on manual palpation and emphasizes examination of musculotendinous stiffness. However, measurement standards are highly subjective. The purpose of the study was to compare musculotendinous stiffness in adult women with varying resistance training history while exploring the use of multiple tissue compliance measures. We identified relationships between tissue stiffness and morphology, and tested the hypothesis that combining objective measures of morphology and stiffness would better predict indices of contractile performance. Resistance-trained (RT) women (n = 11) and nontrained (NT) women (n = 10) participated in the study. Muscle echogenicity and morphology were measured using B-mode ultrasonography (US). Vastus lateralis (VL) and patellar tendon (PT) stiffness were measured using digital palpation and US across submaximal isometric contractions. Muscle function was evaluated during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) of the knee extensors (KEs). Resistance trained had significantly greater PT stiffness and reduced echogenicity (p < 0.01). Resistance trained also had greater strength per body mass (p < 0.05). Muscle echogenicity was strongly associated with strength and rate of torque development (RTD). Patellar tendon passive stiffness was associated with RTD normalized to MVIC (RTDrel; r = 0.44, p < 0.05). Patellar tendon stiffness was greater in RT young women. No predictive models of muscle function incorporated both stiffness and echogenicity. Because RTDrel is a clinically relevant measure of rehabilitation in athletes and can be predicted by digital palpation, this might represent a practical and objective measure in settings where RTD may not be easy to measure directly.
Cost variation analysis of commonly prescribed drugs in dentistry available in the Indian market
Authors: Kapoor Harsimran Singh , Chakshu  , Walia Navdeep Kaur , Bansal Shikha 
Published: October 2023

: Access to healthcare stands as fundamental to human rights under the UN charter. Pharmaceutical costs are the fastest-growing healthcare expense. There is a significant variation in the cost among different brands of the same drug. Various economic evaluation techniques are used to analyze the cost of medicines.: The present study aims to analyze the cost variation of commonly prescribed drugs manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies under different brand names. : The minimum and maximum cost in rupees (INR) of drugs used in dentistry manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies of the same strength were recorded. The cost of 10 tablets or capsules was calculated. The cost ratio and percent cost variation were determined for each drug. : A significant variation was found in the cost of different brands of the same drugs. A percent cost variation of 1300% was found for Metronidazole 500mg, followed by 520% for Ibuprofen 400mg. Significant percent price variations were also observed for Tramadol 50 mg (477.7%), Levocetirizine 10mg (354.5%), Diclofenac 50 mg (260%), Cefixime 200 mg (224%), and Tetracycline 500 mg (218%).: Since there is a significant cost variation among different brands of the same drug, clinicians need to consider drug costs while prescribing medication to patients.
The Impact of Variations in the Expression of Dicer on Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Hajirostamlou Mahbobeh , Ghorbian Saeid 
Published: October 2023

Background & Objective: Dicer a member of the RNase III endonucleases has a crucial function in the development of miRNAs that affects gene expression in different kinds of cancers. The present research focused on examining the expression level of Dicer and its relation with clinicopathological features in children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) among the population in the northwest region of Iran.
Materials & Methods: In a case-control study, 140 samples (70 patients and 70 healthy controls of similar age and sex rates) from 2019 to 2021 were included in the Dicer mRNA expression levels assessment. Quantitative Real-Time PCR analyses were utilized to determine expression levels of Dicer in samples and the demographic and clinicopathologic features and the relationship of these variables were evaluated.
Results: Average Dicer expression ct values were 2.8267 and up-regulated compared to healthy samples (P=0.000). No significant relationships have been found among gene expression, demographical and clinicopathological parameters. Also, demographical and clinicopathological factors were not correlated with the mRNA expression level of the gene except age (r=0.148, P=0.001).
Conclusion: The current research shows that the expression of Dicer is significantly upregulated in ALL patients, which suggests that it could have a vital function in ALL pathology. It will also theoretically be seen in the potential as a new intervention objective for ALL cases.
Pre-weaning Environmental Enrichment Reduced Hippocampal Level of BDNF and Symptoms Severity in VPA Rat Model of Autism
Authors: Rahimian Shohreh , Amin Yazdi Seyed Amir , Bigdeli Imanollah , Edalatmanesh Mohammad Amin 
Published: October 2023

Background & Objective: Due to the lack of early diagnosis, it is unclear how the environmental stimulations in infancy would affect the underlying structures of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), as well as the onset or severity of symptoms. The study aimed to investigate the effects of receiving pre-weaning environmental enrichment on the severity of ASD symptoms and the hippocampal level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model.
Materials & Methods: Male rats exposed to valproic acid (VPA) or normal saline (Sal) embryonally (E12.5) were randomly assigned to 4 environments: Standard (ST), pre-weaning environmental enrichment (PEE), secondary environmental enrichment (SEE) and PEE+SEE (EE). Behavioral tests were repeated at postnatal day (PND)30 and PND60, in the light phase with a blinded examiner. The BNDF level was determined at PND68.
Results: In VPA rats, receiving PEE, increased social interactions and decreased anxiety, pain sensitivity even in early adulthood. Also, it reduced repetitive behavior but with no significant differences. The BDNF level in VPA-PEE and VPA-SEE was lower than VPA-ST, VPA-EE and saline groups. The biggest improvement in symptom severity was seen in EE.
Conclusion: Reduction of symptoms severity in VPA-PEE and the best performance in VPAEE showed that rich and sensory overflew environment in infancy can change the formation of ASD. Finding might point to hyperactivity or a lack of regulation of BDNF levels in ASD. PEE most likely reduced hyperactivity, and continued environmental enrichment in EE, regulated the level of BDNF in the hippocampus.
Nitrogen Availability in Upland Soil Treated with Swallow Dropping
Authors: Normaulidia Normaulidia , Saidy Akhmad Rizalli , Yusran Fadly Hairannoor 
Published: October 2023

One of the problems in upland soils is poor in nutrient N. One effort to increase the availability of N in the soil is by providing swallow’s droppings which has a high N content. Thus, the purpose of this research was to determine the availability of N on upland soil was by applying swallow manure. This research employed Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with single factors (several levels of swallow’s manure: 0.0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; and 10.0 t ha–1). The availability of N in the soil was observed through the experimental column leaching, where 20 g of Ultisols was mixed with 20 g of quartz sand and swallow’s manure on a leaching column of 1-inch diameter and 20 cm height. Mineralized amounts of NH4+ and NO3– from the soil were determined by the percolation method (leaching) in every five days for 25 days. The results showed that the application of swallow’s manure increased the availability of total-N in the soil in the form of NH4+ and NO3–, and produced the release pattern of NH4+ and NO3– which was still relatively high until the end of the testing period. The results of this study demonstrate that application of swallow’s manure may be used as a slow-release fertilizer.
Penggunaan Modified Triangular Method dalam Memprediksi Emisi Gas Metan di Tempat Pemrosesan Akhir Sampah Telang Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah
Authors: Iman Muhammad Sadiqul , Irawan Chairul , Firdausy Muhammad Abrar 
Published: October 2023

Gas metan (CH4) menjadi salah satu kontributor utama dalam efek GRK. Sumber utama penghasil gas metan salah satunya adalah Tempat Pemrosesan Akhir (TPA) sampah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui emisi gas metan di TPA Telang Kabupaten Hulu Sungai Tengah menggunakan Modified Triangular Method (MTM). MTM sendiri dapat digunakan dalam memprediksi volume emisi metan dengan mengasumsikan bahwa Default Method Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change dan degradasi sampah meliputi 2 tahapan. Dibawah kondisi normal, fase pertama dimulai setelah satu tahun timbunan sampah di TPA dan timbulan gas akan mencapai puncaknya pada tahun ke-3 hingga ke-6 dan setelahnya akan berkurang hingga nol pada tahun ke-16 di fase kedua. Hasil perhitungan emisi CH4 di TPA Telang mencapai puncaknya pada tahun 2021 yaitu sebesar 6,21 x 105 m3/tahun dan total emisi hingga tahun ke-16 atau tahun 2031 mencapai 4,66 x 106 m3/tahun.Kata kunci: emisi, metan, Modified Triangular Method, TPA Telang
Penerapan Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) untuk Efektivitas Mesin dengan Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) sebagai Alat Ukur di PT XYZ
Authors: Constantinus Vincendy , Sitepu Rasional , Joewono Andrew 
Published: October 2023

Persaingan dalam industri semakin hari semakin bertambah, salah satunya dalam industri makanan, persaingan tidak hanya berasal dari dalam negeri saja, namun juga dengan industri asing. Kebutuhan dan keinginan konsumen terhadap makanan praktis ini membuat permintaan akan produk tersebut meningkat, dan hal tersebut membuka peluang bagi industri makanan untuk dapat memperluas dan meningkatkan penjualan. Agar kinerja mesin produksi tetap dalam keadaan yang optimal, perlu dilakukan pemeliharaan yang optimal, seperti pemeliharaan pencegahan dan korektif yang terkontrol, memadukan pemeliharaan mesin dengan bagian terkait dalam lini produksi dan berkaitan dengan peningkatan hasil produksi.Diperlukan langkah-langkah untuk mendukung peningkatan kinerja mesin dengan penerapan Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Tujuan dari Total Productive Maintenance adalah untuk mengurangi bahkan menghilangkan losses dari Operation Equipment yang bertujuan untuk memastikan bahwa Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) maksimal. Hasil perhitungan rata-rata OEE dalam penelitian ini adalah 55.86%. yang di hadapi PT XYZ dalam penerapan efektivitas mesin adalah pemeliharaan mesin agar terjadwal dan tidak membuat jadwal produksi menjadi terhambat karena kerusakan mesin.Kata kunci : Total Productive Maintenance, Efektivitas mesin, Overall Equipment Effectiveness
Prevalence and Intensity of Sarcocystis Infections in Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) in Germany
Authors: Rehbein Steffen , Visser Martin 
Published: October 2023

Chamois are mountain ungulates (Subfamily Caprinae) which inhabit several medium and high altitude mountain ranges from southern Europe to the Near East.
The first findings of Sarcocystis cysts in the musculature of chamois were reported in the 1970s. However, only limited work on the epidemiology of sarcocystosis and identification of the species of Sarcocystis in chamois has been done in the past. The present work was part of a comprehensive study on the parasites of chamois in Germany aiming to provide, for the first time, data on the prevalence and intensity of Sarcocystis infection in native Alpine chamois using histology examination of heart and/or diaphragm tissue samples collected from 216 chamois (40 kids and 176 chamois ranging of one up to 18 years of age).
Sarcocysts were detected in either heart or diaphragm of 167/216 chamois (77.3%) with 131 of 183 heart samples and 127 of 215 diaphragm samples testing sarcocyst positive. Of the 181 chamois with both heart and diaphragm available (34 kids and animals up to 18 years of age), sarcocysts were detected in heart and/or diaphragm of 142 animals translating in an overall 78.5% prevalence of Sarcocystis infection (95%CI 72.5% - 84.4%). Sarcocysts were more frequently recorded in heart vs. diaphragm (72.4% vs. 56.4%; p=0.0021), and diaphragm positivity was associated with heart positivity (p=0.0001). Sarcocyst positivity (heart and/or diaphragm) was significantly (p&lt;0.001) lower in kids than in the older chamois (27.1% vs. 88.6%, respectively) but prevalence did not differ between the sexes, regardless of the chamois’ age (p&gt;0.3). Intensity of infection was generally low (&lt;10 sarcocysts per cm² muscle cut) in both heart positive and diaphragm positive animals (94.7% and 93.7%, respectively) with heart yielding higher sarcocyst counts than diaphragm (p&lt;0.001). Both heart and diaphragm sarcocyst counts were significantly (p&lt;0.001) lower in kids than in the older chamois.
Sarcocystis infection was demonstrated to be prevalent in chamois in Germany but intensity is apparently low. Further studies are desired to identify the species of Sarcocystis parasitizing the chamois using both phenotypic and molecular characteristics.
Extension of Shelf Life and Postharvest Quality of Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv Nagano) with Forced-air Precooling and Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Authors: Yeboah Samuel , Hong Sae-Jin , Park Yeri , Choi Jeong Hee , Eum Hyang Lan 
Published: October 2023

Optimum postharvest storage conditions increase the shelf life and postharvest quality of horticultural crops. The effects of forced-air precooling (FAP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on shelf life, physicochemical quality, and health-promoting properties of bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Nagano) harvested at 90% and 50% coloring stages in May and July respectively, stored at 11℃, 95% relative humidity were assessed. Fruits were treated with FAP + 30 μm polyethylene liner (FOLO), FAP (FOLX), 30 μm polyethylene liner (FXLO), and control (FXLX). The quality attributes, viz. weight loss, firmness, color, SSC, soluble sugars, TPC, TFC, DPPH, and ABTS were evaluated. FOLO maintained sensory quality (weight loss, firmness, and color), physicochemical (soluble solids content and soluble sugars), and health-promoting properties compared to other treatments during storage. The investigated parameters differed significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) among treatments except soluble sugars. The 50% coloring fruits had a huge variation between treatments than 90% coloring. The results revealed more TPC and antioxidant capacity in 50% than in 90% coloring fruits. The study highlights the need to consider the ideal fruit coloring stage at harvest under the effect of FAP and MAP treatments in preserving bell pepper&#039;s postharvest quality and shelf life.
Synthesis of Water Hyacinth/Cassava Starch Composite as An Environmentally Friendly Plastic Solution
Authors: Syamsuri M. Mahfudz Fauzi , Marzuki Hasan , Setiawan Dedi Wahyu Ari , Rusmaniar Rusmaniar , Astika Tri 
Published: October 2023

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> Conventional plastics made from petroleum polymers were the largest contributor to solid waste on earth. Environmentally friendly bioplastic fabricated by compositing starch and natural fibers were proposed to be a solution to this problem. The purpose of this research was to synthesize bioplastic from water hyacinth fiber composite with cassava starch and test its mechanical properties. Bioplastic fabrication was using melt intercalation method using water hyacinth fibers (WHF) with and without alkali treatment mixed with cassava starch (CS) and glycerol as plasticizer. The resulting bioplastic were characterized with FT-IR and tested for mechanical properties. The mechanical test results showed that water hyacinth fiber alkaline treated/cassava starch (WHF-AT/CS) bioplastic has tensile strength, % elongation, and water absorption values of 1.226 MPa, 3.33%, and 10.26%, respectively. While the bioplastic water hyacinth fiber untreated/cassava starch (WHF-UT/CS) has a tensile strength test value, % elongation, and water absorption of 0.306 MPa, 1.67%, and 11.39, respectively. Therefore it can be said that WHF-AT/CS bioplastic has better mechanical properties when compared to WHF-UT/CS bioplastic.</p><p align="left"><strong>Keywords:</strong></p><p align="left">Biocomposite, Bioplastic, Cassava Starch, Water Hyacinth Fiber</p>