bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and potential risk factors of bisphenol a in serum and urine among Chinese from 2004 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Li Yanting , Wang Tao , Zhang Xinglin , Zhang Jianzhong , Ji Xiaoya , Lu Lin 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is an oil-derived, large-market volume chemical with endocrine disrupting properties and reproductive toxicity. Moreover, BPA is frequently used in food contact materials, has been extensively researched recently, and widespread exposure in the general population has been reported worldwide. However, national information on BPA levels in general Chinese people is lacking.MethodsThis study collected and analyzed 145 (104 in urine and 41 in serum) research articles published between 2004 and 2021 to reflect the BPA internal exposure levels in Chinese populations. The Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to analyze and estimate the data in order to rectify the deviation caused by a skewed distribution.ResultsData on BPA concentrations in urine and serum were collected from 2006 to 2019 and 2004 to 2019, respectively. Urinary BPA concentrations did not vary significantly until 2017, with the highest concentration occurring from 2018 to 2019 (2.90 ng/mL). The serum BPA concentration decreased to the nadir of 1.07 ng/mL in 2011 and gradually increased to 2.54 ng/mL. Nationally, 18 provinces were studied, with Guangdong (3.50 ng/mL), Zhejiang (2.57 ng/mL), and Fujian (2.15 ng/mL) having the highest urine BPA levels. Serum BPA was investigated in 15 provinces; Jiangsu (9.14 ng/mL) and Shandong (5.80 ng/mL) were relatively high. The results also indicated that males’ urine and serum BPA levels were higher than females, while the BPA levels in children were also higher than in adults (p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, the volume of garbage disposal (r = 0.39, p &lt; 0.05), household sewage (r = 0.34, p &lt; 0.05), and waste incineration content (r = 0.35, p &lt; 0.05) exhibited a strong positive connection with urine BPA levels in Chinese individuals.ConclusionDespite using a data consolidation approach, our study found that the Chinese population was exposed to significant amounts of BPA, and males having a higher level than females. Besides, the levels of BPA exposure are influenced by the volume of garbage disposal, household sewage, and waste incineration content.
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on epidemiological changes of severe pediatric respiratory syncytial virus infections in Malaysia
Authors: Chan Chee Mun , Wahab Asrul Abdul , Ali Adli 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and mortality among children with respiratory tract infections. The non-pharmaceutical preventive measures against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (COVID-19) may have reduced the transmission of RSV, altering its tropical epidemiological seasonality. Thus, this study represents the first attempt to evaluate changes in RSV epidemiology in the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.MethodsConducted at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this retrospective study analyzed collated data of children aged &lt;12 years who were admitted for severe respiratory infections from 2017 to 2022. Time series models were used to predict the differences between actual and forecasted RSV cases, while logistic regression assessed the statistical association between RSV and COVID-19.ResultsAmong the 4,084 children analyzed, we reported a significant inverse relationship between RSV and COVID-19 infections during the pandemic (2020–2021) (p &lt; 0.05). In 2020, the RSV positivity rate sharply declined to 8.3 and 5.9%, respectively, in the two prominent seasons. Time series analysis showed a tremendous decrease in cases compared to the expected values, with reductions of 98.3% in the first season and 95.7% in the second season. However, following the lifting of the restriction order in 2022, RSV infections rose sharply with a positivity rate of 36.3%, higher than pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of increasing RSV cases post-COVID-19 pandemic, due to immunity debt. Hence, the healthcare system must be prepared to address future RSV outbreaks with the appropriate implementation of prophylaxis and public health measures.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus sacral nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence
Authors: O’Connor Alexander , Reynolds Elizabeth , Molyneux Clare , Vasant Dipesh H. , Sharma Abhiram , Faulkner Gemma , McLaughlin John , Kiff Edward , Telford Karen 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionFaecal incontinence (FI) is a common condition with a significant impact on quality of life (QoL). Neuromodulation treatments delivered by members of the multidisciplinary team including sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) are options for FI refractory to conservative management. The aim of this study was to assess whether a successful treatment with one neuromodulation modality corresponds with success in the other.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively managed neuromodulation database identified 15 patients who had undergone both PTNS and SNS. The definition of success of each treatment was a &gt;50% improvement in any of The St. Mark's Incontinence Score, Manchester Health Questionnaire, or weekly faecal urgency or FI episodes.ResultsComplete data from 12 patients was available for assessment and PTNS was delivered as the first treatment in nine patients. Overall, seven patients (58%) had successful PTNS treatment, with 10 (83%) having a successful SNS trials. Of the seven patients who had successful PTNS treatment, six patients (85.4%) went on to have success with SNS. Of the five patients who failed PTNS, four (80%) went on to have SNS success. Five (71%) of those who had positive PTNS outcomes had permanent SNS implantation as their final treatment decision.ConclusionThis study suggests that there is no clear relationship between successful PTNS treatment and an SNS trial period which may be explained by differing mechanisms of action or the potential placebo effect of PTNS. Further work is required to investigate any association in larger studies to inform clinical practice.
Culture-Independent Quantification of Legionella pneumophila in Evaporative Cooling Systems Using Immunomagnetic Separation Coupled with Flow Cytometry
Authors: Streich Philipp , Redwitz Johannes , Walser-Reichenbach Sandra , Herr Caroline E. W. , Elsner Martin , Seidel Michael 
Published: January 2024

Legionella pneumophila are pathogenic bacteria that repeatedly occur in high concentrations in the process water of evaporative cooling systems (ECS). When released into the environment, the resulting bioaerosols can cause outbreaks with fatal consequences. The official, internationally accepted detection method for Legionella spp. in water samples is based on cultivation. However, cultivation is time-consuming and may underestimate the total count of viable L. pneumophila in ECS. Therefore, culture-independent methods are receiving attention for rapid monitoring. Cartridge-based immunomagnetic separation (IMS) coupled with flow cytometry (FCM) is an innovative, antibody-based method for the culture-independent quantification of L. pneumophila, using a panel of antibodies against serogroup (Sg) 1–15. We characterized the IMS-FCM method as a quantitative rapid test by general analytical procedures. Viable cryopreserved L. pneumophila standards were used in calibration experiments for the method. We achieved detection limits for Sg 1, Sg 4, and Sg 6 of 100, 105 and 88 viable cells per 100 mL, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated the practical applicability of IMS-FCM with real ECS samples and compared the performance against cultivation. Cultivation showed here no positive results, but IMS-FCM evidenced L. pneumophila in a range of 0–80,000 viable cells per 100 mL. This work demonstrates that IMS-FCM is a suitable, culture-independent, quantitative method for rapidly monitoring L. pneumophila.
On Bicomplex (p,q)-Fibonacci Quaternions
Authors: Çelemoğlu Çağla 
Published: January 2024

Here, we describe the bicomplex p,q-Fibonacci numbers and the bicomplex p,q-Fibonacci quaternions based on these numbers to show that bicomplex numbers are not defined the same as bicomplex quaternions. Then, we give some of their equations, including the Binet formula, generating function, Catalan, Cassini, and d’Ocagne’s identities, and summation formulas for both. We also create a matrix for bicomplex p,q-Fibonacci quaternions, and we obtain the determinant of a special matrix that gives the terms of that quaternion. With this study, we get a general form of the second-order bicomplex number sequences and the second-order bicomplex quaternions. In addition, we show that these two concepts, defined as the same in many studies, are different.
Implementation of the CHIldren with acute COugh (CHICO) intervention to improve antibiotics management: a qualitative study in primary care
Authors: Clement Clare , Ingram Jenny , Cabral Christie , Blair Peter S , Hay Alastair D , Seume Penny , Horwood Jeremy 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundChildhood respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common and can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. The CHIldren with COugh (CHICO) intervention incorporates a clinician-focused algorithm (STARWAVe) to predict future hospitalisation risk, elicitation of carer concerns, and a carer-focused personalised leaflet recording treatment decisions and safety-netting information.AimTo examine the implementation of the CHICO intervention by primary care clinicians.Design and settingA qualitative study with primary care clinicians in England taking part in the CHICO randomised controlled trial.MethodInterviews explored the CHICO intervention’s acceptability and use. Clinicians from a range of practices with high and low antibiotic dispensing rates were recruited. Normalisation process theory underpinned data collection and thematic analysis.ResultsMost clinicians liked the intervention because it was quick and easy to use, it helped elicit carer concerns, and reassured clinicians and carers of the appropriateness of treatment decisions. However, clinicians used it as a supportive aid for treatment decisions rather than as a tool for behaviour change. The accompanying advice leaflet helped explain treatment decisions and support self-care. The intervention did not always align with clinicians’ usual processes, which could affect use. Increased familiarisation with the algorithm led to reduced intervention use, which was further reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of changes to practice and remote consultations.ConclusionClinicians found the CHICO intervention useful to support decision making around antibiotic prescribing and it helped discussions with carers about concerns and treatment decisions. The intervention may need to be adapted to align more with clinicians’ consultation flow and remote consultations.
Trends in full-time working in general practice: a repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Hutchinson Joseph , Gibson Jon , Kontopantelis Evangelos , Checkland Kath , Spooner Sharon , Parisi Rosa , Sutton Matt 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundThere is little evidence and no agreement on what constitutes full-time working for GPs. This is essential for workforce planning, resource allocation, and accurately describing GP activity.AimTo clarify the definition of full-time working for GPs, how this has changed over time, and whether these changes are explained by GP demographics.Design and settingData were obtained from repeated cross-sectional national surveys for GPs, which were conducted between 2010 and 2021.MethodA comparison was undertaken of three measures of working time commitments (hours and sessions per week and hours per session) plus a measure of workload intensity across survey years. Multiple regression was used to adjust the changes over time for age, sex, ethnicity, contract type, area deprivation, and rurality. Unadjusted hours and sessions per week were compared with definitions of full-time working.ResultsAverage hours and sessions per week reduced from 40.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.5 to 42.5) to 38.0 (95% CI = 36.3 to 39.6) and 7.3 (95% CI = 7.2 to 7.3) to 6.2 (95% CI = 6.2 to 6.3) between 2010 and 2021, respectively. In 2021, 54.6% of GPs worked at least 37.5 hours per week and 9.5% worked at least nine sessions. Hours per session increased from 5.7 (95% CI = 5.7 to 5.7) to 6.2 (95% CI = 6.2 to 6.3) between 2010 and 2021. Partners worked more hours, sessions, and hours per session. Adjustments expanded the increase in hours per session from 0.54 to 0.61.ConclusionAt the current average duration of sessions, six sessions per week aligns with the NHS definition of full-time hours. However, hours per week is a more consistent way to define full-time work for GPs.
Potential drug target from breast milk Lactobacillus against vaginal pathogens
Authors: Sandhiya T. 
Published: January 2024

The term “Probiotics” refers to the micro-organisms that confers health benefits to hosts when administered in adequate amounts. In this work, Lactobacillus was isolated from breast milk of a 26 yr old women and was treated against vaginal pathogens by varying in different concentration (50µl, 40µl and 30µl). Identification of Lactobacillus was carried out by motility, gram staining and biochemical test. The antibacterial effects of the Lactobacillus against vaginal pathogens were carried out by disc Agar diffusion method and Antibiotic sensitivity test was also analyzed for the pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of the sample revealed that the Lactobacillus isolated from breast milk showed significant effectively against vaginal pathogens especially higher for Klebsiella pneumonia. GC-MS was carried out to identify bioactive compounds, followed by the identification of novel bioactive compounds in the corresponding fraction. The main aim is to assess the probiotic nature of Lactobacillus in preventing cervical pathogens by studying the effectiveness of antimicrobial activity against vaginal pathogens by identifying the effective compounds by GC-MS and they may widened up the panorama in research and may act as a promising natural human source based drug in medical field without taking any chemical drugs which cause side effects.
To the Issue of Biological Preparations Using in Patients with Vulgar Pemphigus
Authors: Рахматов А.Б. , Рахматуллаева С.Н. , Абдуллаходжаев К.А. 
Published: January 2024

При лечении пациентов с вульгарной пузырчаткой использован генно-инженерный биологический препарат ритуксимаб, который позволил повысить терапевтическую эффективность наряду с уменьшением побочных явлений системной кортикостероидной терапии.
In the treatment of patients with vulgar pemphigus, a genetically engineered biological drug, rituximab, was used, which allowed to increase therapeutic effectiveness while reducing the side effects of systemic corticosteroid therapy.
Bulk fin-type field-effect transistor-based capacitorless dynamic random-access memory with strong resistance to geometrical variations
Authors: Kim Min Seok , Lee Sang Ho , Park Jin , Kang Ga Eon , Heo Jun Hyeok , Jeon So Ra , Bae Seung Ji , Hong Jeong Woo , Jang Jaewon , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Lee Sin-Hyung , Kang In Man 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, a bulk fin-type FET (FinFET)-based capacitorless one-transistor dynamic random-access memory (1T-DRAM) was proposed. The fabrication process of the proposed 1T-DRAM was similar to that of a typical junctionless bulk FinFETs, except that the p-type doped body fin region operated as a charge storage region. The effects of the geometrical variations, such as the fin angle (θ
fin) variation and line edge roughness (LER), which are inevitable in fabrication, on the transfer characteristics and memory performance of the proposed 1T-DRAM were studied. θ
fin was varied from 90° to 80°, and 200 samples with the LER were analyzed. Results revealed that the transfer characteristics and memory performance were affected by geometrical variations. However, the proposed 1T-DRAM exhibited an excellent retention time in all cases because the charge storage region was separated from the region of operation.
Socially Engaged Older Adult Education on Refugees and Migrants: Documentaries on Role Model Refugees as an Innovative Strategy Leading towards an Inclusive Society
Authors: Ličen Nives , Findeisen Dušana , Kutin Meta , Rosulnik Klara Kožar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The research focuses on older adults’ attitude to migration and the way their attitude is formed through making films, which is interpreted through the transformative learning theory. The research method consisted of a case study of the international project RefugeesIN. Data collection was conducted by means of interviews and participant observation in the period 2017–2019. The research findings revealed that project participants developed an innovative strategy for older adult education through filmmaking, which led to transformative learning. The following was highlighted by project participants as important elements of transformative learning: empathy and identification, holistic learning, critical thinking and critical distance .
The Italian National Community in Slovenia during the Covid-19 Epidemic
Authors: Sorgo Lara , Lukanovič Sonja Novak 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The article presents the views and opinions of the members of the Italian national community regarding the organisation of their institutions and schools and regarding state borders with Italy and Croatia during the Covid-19 epidemic in Slovenia. The main purpose of the study, which took the form of a telephone interview, was to explore the situation of the Italian national community during this period. Given the uncertainty awaiting it in the future, the Italian national community will need to find new ways to get closer to its members.
The Hungarian National Community in Slovenia and the Covid-19 Epidemic
Authors: Kovács Attila , Göncz László 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Based on interviews and newspaper and internet sources, the study explores the impact of Covid-19 and the related measures on the life of the Hungarian national community in Slovenia during the first wave of the epidemic, i.e. from 12 March to 31 May 2020. Members of the Hungarian national community and their respective institutions, as well as all residents of the border area, were directly affected mainly by border closure, since following the democratic processes after the 1990s, and especially after accession to the European Union, life in the border zone had changed in both qualitative and quantitative terms. In the last decade, residents of the border area on both sides of the border have been integrated in the economic, transport, educational, cultural and sports life of the neighbouring country, their homeland.
Impact and Consequences of Covid-19 on the Functioning of Minority Institutions of the Slovene National Community in Austria
Authors: Grafenauer Danijel , Jesih Boris 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Crucial for the development and survival of minorities and persons belonging to them is that their situation and position are taken into account in the countries’ measures and policies and are not aggravated thereby. This is particularly relevant in times of crisis, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Social interaction within the minority and the active contact of a national community with its kin-state - currently limited as a result of the measures to contain the coronavirus - are of the utmost importance for all minority national communities. Thanks to its organisational capacity, the Slovene national community in Austria was able to properly respond and adjust to the restrictions imposed, but the cancellation of traditional events and closure of bilingual schools raise questions among the community as to how its identity will survive if it cannot be expressed. There is concern that these consequences, especially since the epidemic continues unabated in the second wave, are likely to have a long-term impact on ethnic vitality.
Memory Wars and Minority Rights: From Ethnic Conflict towards a Peace Region Alps-Adria?
Authors: Pirker Jürgen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Described as “the age of extremes” by historian Eric Hobsbawm, the 20th century was defined by heavily-contested borders and identities in Central Europe: politically, culturally, socially, and intellectually. With the end of World War I, communities found themselves in new nation- states, and the politics of assimilation and relations between minorities and their kinstates created tensions that continue to reverberate today. Using the Slovene minority in Austria as a case study, the article provides insight into two international projects that involve civil society actors in the field of memory politics and young people and their attitudes towards history and minorities. In drawing lessons from these initiatives dealing with troubled pasts to counteract current forms of exclusive identity politics, the article proposes that effective minority protection depends on a conductive social environment that allows for the reflection of opposing narratives stemming from ethnic conflict and acknowledges diversity as enrichment.
Minority Literature and Collective Trauma: The Case of Slovene Triestine Literature
Authors: Toroš Ana 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe study focuses on the relationship between minority literature and collective trauma. Drawing on the theory of trauma, psychoanalysis, memory studies, and literary representations of memory, we argue that the trauma resulting from the suppression of Slovene identity in Trieste during fascism is transmitted into literary discourse through two channels. Firstly, through the normative model of remembering the trauma in question – namely through literary works that can be described as fictions of memory. Secondly, we paid attention to the manifestations of trauma that (unconsciously) enter the narrative structure, regardless of the time and events, which are not necessarily tied to the period of fascism and to concrete events and places of memory. In this context, we illuminated the literary characters from the perspective of literary imagology (the I and the Other).
Istrian-Venetian Dialect among the Members of the Italian National Minority in Slovene Istria
Authors: Todorović Suzana 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
During the dialectological research carried out in recent years in some Istrian-Venetian localities (towns), we have learned from conversations with dialect speakers that the Istrian-Venetian dialect is most probably the language of communication of most members of the Italian national community in the coastal part of Slovene Istria. In order to get a more accurate and detailed insight into the use of the Istrian-Venetian dialect spoken by Italians in formal and informal speech situations, we conducted a quantitative survey with 232 randomly selected respondents and a qualitative survey with 50 interviews. The respondents answered various multiple-choice questions about the languages they use in their daily lives. Research has shown that the Istrian-Venetian dialect is the predominant idiom among members of the Italian national community in Slovene Istria, except when communicating with non-Italian interlocutors and in official institutions where, despite the right to use their language, i.e., Italian, the predominant language is Slovene.