bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) during Self-Reflection: A Scoping Review
Authors: Md Said Fatini , A. Samah Narina , Jaffri Hadijah , Sha'ameri Ahmad Zuri , Al-Naimi Taha Mahmoud 
Published: February 2024

The integration of two fields, which are neuroscience and psychology has allowed a deeper understanding of the mental processes in the human mind, through the observation of biological and chemical processes in the brain and nervous system. Even though the gap between neuroscience and the human behavioral sciences is still large, the advancement of technology has helped narrow the gap, especially over the past two decades. This scoping review is aimed to explore the currently published research on self-reflection using the fMRI and the EEG. The present study describes the scope of existing research, and summarizes findings and recommendations for future work. The scoping review methodology guided by the standards of the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used. Comprehensive searches on the use of the fMRI and the EEG during self-reflection studies were conducted using several electronic databases including Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Emerald Insights, and PubMed. The results obtained showed that all studies did not justify the sample size. The findings also revealed that various terms were used to describe the cognitive aspect of a self-reflection process. The brain functional connectivity data were taken through several experimental stages, which shows the flexibility of the experimental process. The activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one of the most commonly found regions in most studies, together with other areas associated with the self-reflection process. Based on the results obtained, this scoping review is believed to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing research on self-reflection using neuroimaging techniques.
Role of Microtubule Network in the Passive Anisotropic Viscoelasticity of Healthy Right Ventricle
Authors: LeBar Kristen , Liu Wenqiang , Chicco Adam J. , Wang Zhijie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Cardiomyocytes are viscoelastic and key determinants of right ventricle (RV) mechanics. Intracellularly, microtubules are found to impact the viscoelasticity of isolated cardiomyocytes or trabeculae; whether they contribute to the tissue-level viscoelasticity is unknown. Our goal was to reveal the role of the microtubule network in the passive anisotropic viscoelasticity of the healthy RV. Equibiaxial stress relaxation tests were conducted in healthy RV free wall (RVFW) under early (6%) and end (15%) diastolic strain levels, and at sub- and physiological stretch rates. The viscoelasticity was assessed at baseline and after the removal of microtubule network. Furthermore, a quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) model was applied to delineate the contribution of microtubules to the relaxation behavior of RVFW. After removing the microtubule network, RVFW elasticity and viscosity were reduced at the early diastolic strain level and in both directions. The reduction in elasticity was stronger in the longitudinal direction, whereas the degree of changes in viscosity were equivalent between directions. There was insignificant change in RVFW viscoelasticity at late diastolic strain level. Finally, the modeling showed that the tissue's relaxation strength was reduced by the removal of the microtubule network, but the change was present only at a later time scale. These new findings suggest a critical role of cytoskeleton filaments in RVFW passive mechanics in physiological conditions.
Effect of Finite Thermal Conductivity Bounding Walls on Darcy–Bénard Convection
Authors: Alam Parvez , Madanan Umesh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Natural convection in fluid-saturated, horizontal porous-media is quintessential to many applications like geothermal reservoirs and solar thermal storage systems. Researchers have dedicated substantial effort over the years in pursuit of altering natural convection within a horizontal porous-media (Darcy–Bénard) system. Although significant research efforts have been directed toward understanding the effects of bounding walls in horizontal (Rayleigh–Bénard) convection systems, similar investigations for Darcy–Bénard convection systems are still lacking. Therefore, this study examines the effect of thermal properties of horizontal bounding plates on porous-media Nusselt number at high Rayleigh–Darcy numbers (105−107). Numerical simulations are performed by employing Darcy–Forchheimer model within a three-dimensional cylindrical computational domain to emulate Darcy–Bénard systems for two aspect ratios (1 and 2) and six different plate materials having nondimensional plate thicknesses of 0.02, 0.08, and 0.16. Polypropylene and compressed CO2 gas are chosen as solid and fluid phases for the porous media, respectively, that encompass a range of Darcy numbers (10−6−10−3). Findings reveal that when the ratio of thermal resistances of porous layer and plates falls below 4.61, the corrected Nusselt number deviates by more than 10% from the corresponding ideal Nusselt number with infinitely conducting bounding plates. The study also proposes a correction factor to estimate this deviation, which shows a good agreement with numerical results.
Characterization of gill bacterial microbiota in wild Arctic char (
Salvelinus alpinus
) across lakes, rivers, and bays in the Canadian Arctic ecosystems
Authors: Amill Flora , Gauthier Jeff , Rautio Milla , Derome Nicolas 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Teleost gill mucus has a highly diverse microbiota, which plays an essential role in the host’s fitness and is greatly influenced by the environment. Arctic char (
Salvelinus alpinus
), a salmonid well adapted to northern conditions, faces multiple stressors in the Arctic, including water chemistry modifications, that could negatively impact the gill microbiota dynamics related to the host’s health. In the context of increasing environmental disturbances, we aimed to characterize the taxonomic distribution of transcriptionally active taxa within the bacterial gill microbiota of Arctic char in the Canadian Arctic in order to identify active bacterial composition that correlates with environmental factors. For this purpose, a total of 140 adult anadromous individuals were collected from rivers, lakes, and bays belonging to five Inuit communities located in four distinct hydrologic basins in the Canadian Arctic (Nunavut and Nunavik) during spring (May) and autumn (August). Various environmental factors were collected, including latitudes, water and air temperatures, oxygen concentration, pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration. The taxonomic distribution of transcriptionally active taxa within the gill microbiota was quantified by 16S rRNA gene transcripts sequencing. The results showed differential bacterial activity between the different geographical locations, explained by latitude, salinity, and, to a lesser extent, air temperature. Network analysis allowed the detection of a potential dysbiosis signature (i.e., bacterial imbalance) in fish gill microbiota from Duquet Lake in the Hudson Strait and the system Five Mile Inlet connected to the Hudson Bay, both showing the lowest alpha diversity and connectivity between taxa.

IMPORTANCE

This paper aims to decipher the complex relationship between Arctic char (
Salvelinus alpinus
) and its symbiotic microbial consortium in gills. This salmonid is widespread in the Canadian Arctic and is the main protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids source for Inuit people. The influence of environmental parameters on gill microbiota in wild populations remains poorly understood. However, assessing the Arctic char’s active gill bacterial community is essential to look for potential pathogens or dysbiosis that could threaten wild populations. Here, we concluded that Arctic char gill microbiota was mainly influenced by latitude and air temperature, the latter being correlated with water temperature. In addition, a dysbiosis signature detected in gill microbiota was potentially associated with poor fish health status recorded in these disturbed environments. With those results, we hypothesized that rapid climate change and increasing anthropic activities in the Arctic might profoundly disturb Arctic char gill microbiota, affecting their survival.
Cancer inequalities experienced by people with disability: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yang Yi , Afshar Nina , Bergin Rebecca , Kavanagh Anne , Disney George 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionCancer is a leading cause of death and has a significant impact on individuals, families and society. Emerging evidence shows that people with disability face challenges in accessing services which could assist in early cancer diagnosis and optimal treatment, like cancer screening. Consequently, cancer patients with disabilities may present with later-stage disease, have reduced treatment options and experience lower survival rates compared with people without disability.This systematic review aims to summarise and evaluate the existing evidence on (a) inequalities in cancer survival and mortality between people with and without disability, (b) the inequalities in cancer screening and (c) stage at diagnosis that may contribute to the survival/mortality gap.Methods and analysisA literature search will be performed on MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and Scopus up to May 2023. The review will include quantitative studies that reported inequalities in cancer survival and mortality, screening and stage at diagnosis between adults with and without disability. A summary of the characteristics and findings of the included studies will be provided. We will assess the quality of each study using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies—of Exposure tool. Depending on the heterogeneity of studies, we will assess whether meta-analysis is appropriate.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not applicable for this study since no original data will be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42023427288.
Sexual orientation and gender identity measures and viral suppression for people living with HIV: a protocol for a population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Xueying , Olatosi Bankole , Weissman Sharon , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Jiajia 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionThe measure of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in electronic health records (EHR) has been critical for addressing health disparities and inequalities, especially for HIV care. Given that gender and sexual minorities (eg, transgender, men who have sex with men and intersex) are key groups in people living with HIV (PLWH), SOGI data can facilitate a more accurate understanding about the HIV outcomes (eg, viral suppression) among this key group and then lead to tailored therapeutic services. The two-step SOGI collection method as an emerging gender measurement can be used to measure SOGI status in medical settings. Using the statewide cohort of PLWH in South Carolina (SC), this project aims to: (1) integrate statewide PLWH cohort data with their birth certificate data to evaluate SOGI measurements from multiple EHR sources; and (2) examine differences in viral suppression based on SOGI measurements.Methods and analysisOur EHR database includes several HIV data sources with patients’ gender information, such as SC Department of Health and Environmental Control Centre (DHEC), Health Sciences South Carolina (HSSC) and Prisma as well as birth certificate data to retrieve the sex at birth. The SC Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (e-HARS) from DHEC will provide longitudinal viral load information to define a variety of viral suppression status. Datasources like the SC office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs (RFA) will extract longitudinal EHR clinical data of all PLWH in SC from multiple health systems; obtain data from other state agencies and link the patient-level data with county-level data from multiple publicly available data sources.Ethics and disseminationThe study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of South Carolina (Pro00129906) as a Non-Human Subject study. The study’s findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences and through social media.
Online platform for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training in a rural area: a community clinical trial protocol
Authors: Taverna-Llauradó Elena , Martínez-Torres Sara , Granado-Font Ester , Pallejà-Millán Meritxell , del Pozo Albert , Roca-Biosca Alba , Martín-Luján Francisco , Rey-Reñones Cristina 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionSudden death resulting from cardiorespiratory arrest carries a high mortality rate and frequently occurs out of hospital. Immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by witnesses, combined with automated external defibrillator (AED) use, has proven to double survival rates. Recognising the challenges of timely emergency services in rural areas, the implementation of basic CPR training programmes can improve survival outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of online CPR-AED training among residents in a rural area of Tarragona, Spain.MethodsQuasi-experimental design, comprising two phases. Phase 1 involves assessing the effectiveness of online CPR-AED training in terms of knowledge acquisition. Phase 2 focuses on evaluating participant proficiency in CPR-AED simulation manoeuvres at 1 and 6 months post training. The main variables include the score difference between pre-training and post-training test (phase 1) and the outcomes of the simulated test (pass/fail; phase 2). Continuous variables will be compared using Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on normality. Pearson’s χ2test will be applied for categorical variables. A multivariate analysis will be conducted to identify independent factors influencing the main variable.Ethics and disseminationThis study adheres to the tenets outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and of Good Clinical Practice. It operated within the Smartwatch project, approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Primary Care Research Institute IDIAP Jordi Gol i Gurina Foundation, code 23/081-P. Data confidentiality aligns with Spanish and European Commission laws for the protection of personal data. The study’s findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNCT05747495.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among general population of Armenia in 2021 and factors associated with it: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Demirchyan Anahit , Dudareva Sandra , Sahakyan Serine , Aslanyan Lusine , Muradyan Diana , Musheghyan Lusine , Mozalevskis Antons , Sargsyants Narina , Ghukasyan Gayane , Petrosyan Varduhi 
Published: February 2024

ObjectivesThis study sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection ever in life and chronic HBV infection in Armenia.DesignA population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence study combined with a phone survey of tested individuals.SettingAll administrative units of Armenia including 10 provinces and capital city Yerevan.ParticipantsThe study frame was the general adult population of Armenia aged ≥18 years.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe participants were tested for anti-HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc) and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) using third-generation enzyme immunoassays. In case of HBsAg positivity, HBV DNA and hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA PCR tests were performed. Risk factors of HBV infection ever in life (anti-HBc positivity) and chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positivity) were identified through fitting logistic regression models.ResultsThe seroprevalence study included 3838 individuals 18 years and older. Of them, 90.7% (3476 individuals) responded to the phone survey. The prevalence of anti-HBc positivity was 14.1% (95% CI 13.1% to 15.2%) and HBsAg positivity 0.8% (95% CI 0.5% to 1.1%). The viral load was over 10 000 IU/mL for 7.9% of HBsAg-positive individuals. None of the participants was positive for HDV. Risk factors for HBsAg positivity included less than secondary education (aOR=6.44; 95% CI 2.2 to 19.1), current smoking (aOR=2.56; 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6), and chronic liver disease (aOR=8.44; 95% CI 3.0 to 23.7). In addition to these, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity included age (aOR=1.04; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.05), imprisonment ever in life (aOR=2.53; 95% CI 1.41 to 4.56), and poor knowledge on infectious diseases (aOR=1.32; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.67), while living in Yerevan (vs provinces) was protective (aOR=0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93).ConclusionThis study provided robust estimates of HBV markers among general population of Armenia. Its findings delineated the need to revise HBV testing and treatment strategies considering higher risk population groups, and improve population knowledge on HBV prevention.
Association between tuberculosis and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of women in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Meehan Sue-Ann , Hesseling Anneke C , von Delft Arne , Marx Florian M , Hughes Jennifer A , Bock Peter , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Dunbar Rory , Phelanyane Florence , Smith Mariette , Osman Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality among women of childbearing age and a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Pregnant women with TB are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine risk factors for an adverse pregnancy outcome among pregnant women diagnosed with TB.MethodsUsing TB programmatic data, this retrospective cohort analysis included all women who were routinely diagnosed with TB in the public sector between October 2018 and March 2020 in two health subdistricts of Cape Town, and who were documented to be pregnant during their TB episode. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as either a live birth of an infant weighing <2500 g and/or with a gestation period <37 weeks or as stillbirth, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, maternal or early neonatal death. Demographics, TB and pregnancy characteristics were described by HIV status. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome.ResultsOf 248 pregnant women, half (52%) were living with HIV; all were on antiretroviral therapy at the time of their TB diagnosis. Pregnancy outcomes were documented in 215 (87%) women, of whom 74 (34%) had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Being older (35–44 years vs 25–34 years (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.99; 95% CI: 1.37 to 11.57), living with HIV (aOR: 2.72; 95% CI: 0.99 to 4.63), having an unfavourable TB outcome (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.08) and having presented to antenatal services ≤1 month prior to delivery (aOR: 10.57; 95% CI: 4.01 to 27.89) were associated with higher odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome.ConclusionsPregnancy outcomes among women with TB were poor, irrespective of HIV status. Pregnant women with TB are a complex population who need additional support prior to, during and after TB treatment to improve TB treatment and pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy status should be considered for inclusion in TB registries.
A Novel and Large-Scale Rapid Green Synthesis of Few-Layer and Multi-Layer Graphene
Authors: Ravikiran Nowduru , Padya Balaji , Jain Pawan Kumar , Srikanth Vadali Venkata Satya Siva 
Published: February 2024

Mono-layer graphene has shown path-breaking potential in almost all areas that are useful to humankind. However, research in the last decade indicated that few-layer graphene (FLG) (3-10 layers) and multi-layer graphene (MLG) (>10 layers) could also be utilized for a wide range of applications. The synthesis of mono-layer graphene at a large scale is quite complex. Producing FLG and MLG at a kilogram scale is equally challenging. A vast amount of literature on different routes to prepare FLG and MLG is available. However, most of the preparation routes involve the use of hazardous chemicals, copious amounts of water, and thermal treatments and are time taking. Also, these processes need bigger machinery to convert the lab-scale methods into continuous large-scale production. On the contrary, in this work we report a novel process of producing FLG and MLG along with trace quantities of graphene (< 3 layers) developed using a kitchen mixer and a modified mixing jar (3 litres). The highlights of this process include the use of no hazardous chemicals/solvents, no washing or thermal treatment needed, much less time (30 minutes), and large quantity (250-500 grams) per batch. Our study successfully converted natural graphite flakes (NGF) into FLG and MLG by carrying out rapid liquid phase shear mixing using a green solvent. The shear mixing and the green solvent convert the NGF into FLG and MLG. The quantity of FLG and MLG getting produced is time-dependent. It has been optimized by thoroughly characterizing FLG and MLG using techniques like particle size analyser, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electron microscopy. The conversion of NGF to FLG and MLG is also affirmed by studying changes in properties using tools like thermogravimetry, BET, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The developed process is rapid, efficient, economical, scalable, continuous, and, most importantly, chemical free.
The graphenaceous powder produced unlike graphite can be easily coated on different substrates using appropriate binders and thus makes it useable for energy storage applications. Also the fine particle size of graphite makes is an ideal material to be used as lubricant, both in solid and liquid mediums. The developed material can be explored for its applications in several other areas which require FLG/MLG.
New Protective Layer for Long Time Stable Sodium Metal Anodes
Authors: Thomas Alexander , Pohle Björn , Hantusch Martin , Mikhailova Daria 
Published: February 2024

Facing the challenges of degradation processes in sodium metal batteries, a lot of new anode materials were prepared and tested. Especially Hard Carbon is a promising candidate for sodium ion batteries.[1] However, the competitive battery performance as gravimetric and volumetric energy density cannot be achieved without metallic sodium as an anode.[2]
Another way to stabilize a sodium metal battery is the formation of an artificial solid-electrolyte interface (SEI). In the recent years, a lot of efforts were devoted for development of organic and inorganic protective layers. Most of the processes to form an artificial SEI are not easy for application, or result in a weak long-term stability of a sodium metal battery.[3]
Here, we can introduce a new artificial SEI, which can easily be formed on top of metallic sodium and is also stable upon a long-term cycling. The capacity retention in a full cell setup (Swagelok cell, layered sodium cobalt titanium oxide as a cathode material, 1 M NaClO4 in EC/PC as an electrolyte) is of nearly 85 % after 500 cycles with a 1C current density. A reference full cell with non-protected sodium only reaches 20 % after the same cycling conditions.
A possible explanation for the observed improvement in the cell performance was done based on comprehensive electrochemical, chemical and structural studies.

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung is carried out as part of the HeNa project (03XP0390C).

Additional information

Patent pending.

References

[1] D. A. Stevens, J. R. Dahn, J. Electrochem. Soc., 2000, 147(4), 127
[2] H. Wang, E. Matios, J. Luo and W. Li, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2020, 49, 3783 —3805
[3] N. Tapia-Ruiz et al., J. Phys. Energy, 2021, 3, 031503

Figure 1