bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radon activity and their radiological doses in drinking water of Chitradurga district, Karnataka, India
Authors: Rangegowda Rangaswamy D , Shesha Suresh , Erathimmaiah Srinivasa , Jadiyappa Sannappa , Mugalgaon Rajesh S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this investigation, radon activity concentration, inhalation and ingestion doses due to intake of radon in drinking water have been estimated in the Chitradurga district drinking water by using radon Emanometry technique. The average radon concentrations vary from 1.81 ± 0.11 to 300.33 ± 4.56 Bql−1 with a mean value of 56.01 ± 2.44 Bql−1. Most of the radon concentration levels are within the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Union (EU) commission recommended level of 100 Bql−1. About 70% of the drinking water had radon concentration level higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recommended Maximum Contamination Limit (MCL) of 11.1 Bql−1. The annual ingestion dose varies from 0.38 to 63.03 μSvy−1 with an average value of 11.75 μSvy−1. The estimated annual ingestion dose is well within the WHO recommended reference level of 100 μSvy−1.
Assessment of natural radioactivity levels and potential radiological risks of commonly used building materials in Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka, India
Authors: Shesha Suresh , Rangegowda Rangaswamy D , Erathimmaiah Srinivasa , Dongre Sandeep , Jadiyappa Sannappa J 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The main goal of this study is to evaluate the natural radioactivity and potential radiological risks of frequently used building materials in Uttara Kannada district. Using an High purity Germanium Detector (HPGe) detector-based gamma-ray spectrometer, the activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was determined. The activity concentration of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the construction materials vary from 13.78 ± 0.90 to 151.9 ± 1.85, 14.21 ± 0.80 to 207.72 ± 2.9 and 55.26 ± 1.20 to 1298.24 ± 25 Bq kg−1 with an average value of 40.57 ± 1.37,60.13 ± 1.70 and 425.38 ± 4.75 Bq kg−1 having a geometric mean of 33.07, 46.49 and 290.20 Bq kg−1, respectively. The mean annual effective dose equivalent was found to be 0.68 mSv y−1 and is less than the International Commission on Radiological Protection proposed acceptable limit of 1 mSv y−1. The estimated radiological hazard parameters show that these building materials are safe to use in the construction of homes and do not offer a substantial source of radiation hazard.
X-ray/gamma radiation shielding properties of zinc ferrite nanoparticles synthesised via solution combustion method
Authors: Reddy Byra R C , Manjunatha Holaly C S , Vidya Yalekadakalu S , Sridhar K N , Seenappa Lakshmaiah , Manjunatha Shivanna , Sathish Kembthanahalli V , Munirathnam Rajachari , Nagaiah Ningaiah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesised via solution combustion method using urea as a fuel. The synthesised samples were characterised with various techniques. The cubic structure with Fd-3 m space group is confirmed by Powder X-ray Diffraction and Bragg’s reflection. The crystallite size estimated from Scherrer’s method was found to be 40 nm. The agglomerated irregular shape and sized surface morphology was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy image. The direct energy band gap determined from Wood and Tauc’s relation was found to be 5.25 eV. Using a NaI (Tl) detector and multi-channel analyser, the described sample was examined for X-ray and gamma ray shielding characteristics in the energy range of 0.081–1.332 MeV. The measured shielding values are in good agreement with the theory, however below 356 keV, there is a little variation of up to 10%. The current work offers up new possibilities for using this simple, affordable, effective and low temperature approach to create nanomaterials for X-ray and gamma ray shielding.
Fabrication of cadmium chloride PVA polymer composite for γ-ray shielding
Authors: Krishnappa Kruthika , B  Mohan Sankarshan , M  Ankanathappa Sangamesha , Sannathammegowda Krishnaveni 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Reducing the effect of exposure to radiation in places such as radiation labs, nuclear reactors, radiotherapy facilities, industries involving radiation, etc., is essential for the health of radiation workers. In such cases materials having flexibility added with high attenuation coefficient of radiation is required for manufacturing wearables. Even though materials such as lead compounds, building materials, etc., have high attenuation coefficient, they are toxic and rigid, making them unsuitable for this purpose. In this regard, blending compounds with polymers would lead to flexible materials with high shielding capability. In the present work, 25 wt% cadmium chloride in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer composite has been prepared using solution casting method. The obtained polymer composite is characterised by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mass attenuation coefficients (μ/ρ) and half value layer (HVL) of gamma radiations were measured at various energies 511, 661, 1173 and 1332 keV using calibrated gamma ray spectrometer with NaI(Tl) detector and compared to WinXCom-calculated theoretical values. The measured μ/ρ and HVL are 0.089, 0.078, 0.064, 0.061 cm2/g and 0.685, 0.778, 0.985, 1.003 cm, respectively. It is found that the obtained experimental values are in good agreement with theoretical values within the experimental errors. Also, it is observed that the μ/ρ decreases and HVL increases with increase in energy. Even though PVA is not radiation resistant, when it is blended with 25 wt% cadmium chloride it shows good shielding property. Thus, the fabricated cadmium chloride-PVA polymer composite can be used for radiation shielding instead of toxic and expensive materials.
Analysis of radon concentrations in drinking water in coastal regions of Karnataka, South India
Authors: Crasta Rita , Devadiga Sushma , Savant Nikhita Narendra , Naik Vibha Vinayak , Suresh Suresha , Dawalekar Kamalakar Vaijinathrao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe measurements of radon activity in water samples from several parts of Karnataka were studied. Drinking water quality is a routine tool in health and environmental research. Radon exposure puts the entire public at risk for radiological damage through inhalation and ingestion. Radon concentrations were measured using the emanometry technique. Estimated 222Rn activity concentration in water has been found to vary from 2.05 to 28.02 Bq l−1 with an average value of 7.38 Bq l−1. For all samples under study, the total average annual effective doses are much less than the safe limit of 100 μSv y−1.
Tungsten and Titanium dioxide filled VMQ polymer composites—a new lead free & flexible gamma ray-shielding materials
Authors: Kumar Ramanagara Devaraj Kiran , Amrutha Senamasetty Krishnappa , Ambika Madalakote Rajanna , Chaitra Rameshbabu , Nagaiah Ningaiah , Roopa Somanna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Flexible & lead-free gamma-ray-shielding composites were prepared using Vinyl Methyl Silicone (VMQ) matrix with Tungsten (W) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) as fillers. The VMQ composites filled with 30 Phr (parts per hundred rubber) TiO2 and 0–70 Phr W were prepared by two-roll mill method. The dispersion of the filler particles in the composite matrix was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope. Gamma ray shielding properties were studied in the energy range of 80 to 1170 keV using NaI(Tl) scintillation spectrometer. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm) of the prepared composites was found to increase with increasing concentration of W. Mass attenuation coefficients of 30 Phr W composites at gamma-ray energies of 356 and 1170 keV were found to be 0.1444 and 0.0644 cm2 g−1, while those of 50 Phr W composite were 0.1396 and 0.0707 cm2 g−1, respectively. The half value layer values of all the samples were found to decrease with increase in tungsten concentration. To appreciate the shielding ability of the prepared composites, comparison was made with the metal lead. The results show that addition of W into VMQ enhances the attenuation, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break reduces. The Shore A hardness of the W/TiO2/VMQ composites had a maximum value of 71 and the composites also prove to possess good thermal stability. Hence, the present study shows that the VMQ based W-TiO2 rubber composites serve to shield gamma radiations in medical applications and are considered as environmental friendly.
No changes in triple network engagement following (combined) noradrenergic and glucocorticoid stimulation in healthy men
Authors: Lipka Renée , Rosada Catarina , Metz Sophie , Hellmann-Regen Julian , Heekeren Hauke , Wingenfeld Katja 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Successful recovery from stress is integral for adaptive responding to the environment. At a cellular level, this involves (slow genomic) actions of cortisol, which alter or reverse rapid effects of noradrenaline and cortisol associated with acute stress. At the network scale, stress recovery is less well understood but assumed to involve changes within salience-, executive control-, and default mode networks. To date, few studies have investigated this phase and directly tested these assumptions. Here, we present results from a double-blind, placebo-controlled, between-group paradigm (N = 165 healthy males) administering 10 mg oral yohimbine and/or 10 mg oral hydrocortisone two hours prior to resting state scanning. We found no changes in within-network connectivity of the three networks, both after single and combined drug administration. We further report the results of Bayesian parameter inference to provide evidence for the null hypothesis. Our results contrast with previous findings, which may be attributable to systematic differences between paradigms, highlighting the need to isolate paradigm-specific effects from those related to stress.
MIR143HG promotes methylation of transcription factor HOXB7 promoter by recruiting methyltransferase DNMT1 to prevent the progression of colon cancer
Authors: Zhu Mo , Xu Ting , Ji Lindong , Jiang Baofei , Wu Kun 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colon cancer. We aim to investigate the role of MIR143HG, also known as CARMN (Cardiac mesoderm enhancer‐associated noncoding RNA) in colon cancer and explore the related mechanisms. An RNAseq data analysis was performed to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with colon cancer. Next, MIR143HG expression was quantified in colon cancer cells. Moreover, the contributory roles of MIR143HG in the progression of colon cancer with the involvement of DNMT1 and HOXB7 (Homeobox B7) were evaluated after restored MIR143HG or depleted HOXB7. Finally, the effects of MIR143HG were investigated in vivo by measuring tumor formation in nude mice. High‐throughput transcriptome sequencing was employed to validate the specific mechanisms by which MIR143HG and HOXB7 affect tumor growth in vivo. MIR143HG was found to be poorly expressed, while HOXB7 was highly expressed in colon cancer. MIR143HG could promote HOXB7 methylation by recruiting DNMT1 to reduce HOXB7 expression. Upregulation of MIR143HG or downregulation of HOXB7 inhibited cell proliferation, invasion and migration and facilitated apoptosis in colon cancer cells so as to delay the progression of colon cancer. The same trend was identified in vivo. Our study provides evidence that restoration of MIR143HG suppressed the progression of colon cancer via downregulation of HOXB7 through DNMT1‐mediated HOXB7 promoter methylation. Thus, MIR143HG may be a potential candidate for the treatment of colon cancer.
Blood Oxygenation and Heart Rate Changes After Diamorphine Intravenous Injection During Opioid Agonist Treatment for Outpatients With Heroin Dependence
Authors: Thiessen Karina A. , Dilg Christoph , Schütz Christian G. 
Published: December 2023

Objectives
More than 60 million people use opioids each year, and many countries have declared an opioid overdose crisis. Heroin, one of the most commonly used opioids, has depressant effects on autonomic functioning; however, few studies have been able to examine the effects of heroin or its pharmaceutically prepared equivalent, diamorphine, in human clinical populations. The present study examined heart rate and oxygen saturation in the minutes immediately after acute diamorphine administration in outpatients with heroin dependence.

Methods
The sample was a subset of participants (N = 36) in the German Project of Heroin Assisted Treatment of Opiate Dependent Patients Trial in Bonn, Germany. Patients were given 3 daily doses of intravenous diamorphine. Doses were determined on an individual basis by study physicians. Pulse oximetry was recorded at baseline and at 30-second intervals from 0 to 450 seconds after diamorphine administration.

Results
Heart rate was significantly higher than baseline at 30 seconds after diamorphine administration and significantly lower than baseline at 270 seconds onward. Oxygen saturation was significantly lower than baseline at 60 seconds onward.

Conclusions
Results are consistent with other studies in which depressant effects of opioids were observed. Our findings suggest that even therapeutic doses of diamorphine may have rapid and significant—predominantly depressant—effects on oxygenation and heart rate in populations that frequently use opioids. Monitoring of potential adverse opioid effects would be beneficial even in populations presumed to have developed physiological tolerance.
Family Support Services and Reported Parent Coping Among Caregivers of Children with Emotional, Behavioral, or Developmental Disorders
Authors: Graaf Genevieve , Hughes Phillip M. , deJong Neal A. , Thomas Kathleen C. 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT:

Objective:
Caregivers of children with special health care needs (CSHCN) experience substantial strain caring for their child's special needs because of high needs for health and other support services. Caregivers of CSHCN with emotional, behavioral, or developmental problems (EBDPs) report stress and poor mental health at higher rates than caregivers of other CSHCN. Although family support services are associated with caregiver mental health and well-being among families of CSHCN, the association of these factors with caregiver coping has been underexamined.

Method:
Using the Double ABCX Model of Family Adaptation to guide variable selection, this study uses 2016 to 2019 data from the National Survey of Children's Health. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic analyses examined the association between caregivers' receipt of adequate care coordination and emotional support services and their reported coping with the day-to-day strains of parenting. These relationships are compared between caregivers of CSHCN with and without EBDPs.

Results:
Receipt of adequate care coordination was associated with higher rates of caregiver-reported positive coping for all caregivers of CSHCN who have no source of emotional support. Receipt of emotional support services was associated with increased reports of positive coping for caregivers for all CSHCN as well. Caregivers reporting only informal sources of emotional support, however, also reported higher rates of positive coping when compared with caregivers with no source of emotional support.

Conclusion:
Mobilization of resources that can aid caregivers in coordinating care and provide emotional support may play a key role in positive caregiver coping for families of CSHCN.
The Effect of a Temporary Stoma on Long-term Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Verkuijl Sanne J. , Jonker Jara E. , Furnée Edgar J.B. , Kelder Wendy , Hoff Christiaan , Hess Daniel A. , Wit Fennie , Zijlstra Ronald J. , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul M.A. 
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:
Patients with rectal cancer may undergo surgical resection with or without a temporary stoma.

OBJECTIVE:
This study primary aimed to compare long-term functional outcomes between patients with and without a temporary stoma following surgery for rectal cancer. The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of time to stoma reversal on functional outcomes.

DESIGN:
This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS:
This study was conducted at seven Dutch hospitals.

PATIENTS:
Included were patients who had undergone rectal cancer surgery (2009-2015). Excluded were deceased patients, patients with a permanent stoma, or intellectual disability.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
Functional outcomes were measured using the Rome IV criteria for constipation and fecal incontinence and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score.

RESULTS:
Out of 656 patients, 32% received a temporary ileostomy and 20% a temporary colostomy (86% response). Follow-up was at 56.0 (IQR 38.5-79.0) months. Patients who had a temporary ileostomy experienced less constipation, more fecal incontinence, and more major low anterior resection syndrome, than patients without a temporary stoma. Patients who had a temporary colostomy experienced more major low anterior resection syndrome than patients without a temporary stoma. A temporary ileostomy or colostomy was not associated with constipation or fecal incontinence following correction for confounding factors (e.g., anastomotic height, anastomotic leakage, radiotherapy). Time to stoma reversal was not associated with constipation, fecal incontinence, or major low anterior resection syndrome.

LIMITATIONS:
The current study is limited by its cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although patients with a temporary ileostomy or colostomy have worse functional outcomes in the long term, it seems that the reason for creating a temporary stoma, rather than the stoma itself, underlies this phenomenon. Time to reversal of a temporary stoma does not influence functional outcomes
The Impact of Midodrine on Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy in Patients Admitted With Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Scoma Christopher B. , Lee Dae Hyun , Money David , Eichelberger Gerry , Usmani Ahsan , Cohen Adam J. , Fernandez Joel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Midodrine is occasionally used off-label to treat hypotension associated with advanced heart failure (HF); however, its association with changes in prescription of guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) is unknown. We sought to evaluate the effect of midodrine on the GDMT prescription pattern and clinical outcomes of patients with decompensated systolic HF. We retrospectively identified 114 patients admitted to our hospital in 2020 with decompensated systolic HF who were prescribed midodrine on discharge and compared them with 358 patients with decompensated systolic HF who were not prescribed midodrine. At 6 months, the midodrine group had more initiation or up-titration of beta blockers, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors compared with the nonmidodrine group. Survival at 6 months was similar between the 2 groups, but the midodrine group had more frequent rehospitalization for HF. Our findings suggest that midodrine is associated with improved GDMT in patients with decompensated HF but may be associated with worse prognosis.
Childhood trauma and the use of opioids and other prescription analgesics in adolescence and young adulthood: The HUNT Study
Authors: Baumann-Larsen Monica , Storheim Kjersti , Stangeland Helle , Zwart John-Anker , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Skurtveit Svetlana , Dyb Grete , Stensland Synne Øien 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Opioid and nonopioid analgesics are commonly prescribed to young people to alleviate pain. Even short-term prescriptions increase the risk of persistent use and future misuse of potent analgesics, such as opioids. Childhood trauma exposure has been found to be related to pain conditions and to using more prescription analgesics. This large, prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the association of a broad range of childhood trauma exposures with prescription rates for opioid and nonopioid analgesics in adolescence and young adulthood. Self-reported data on childhood trauma exposures from adolescents (aged 13-19 years) who participated in the Young-HUNT3 Study (2006-2008, n = 8199) were linked to data from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD, 2004-2021). We found that exposure to childhood trauma was consistently associated with higher prescription rates for opioids throughout adolescence and young adulthood. The highest incidence rate ratio (IRR) in adolescence was observed for sexual abuse (IRR 1.63, confidence interval [CI] 1.19-2.23). In young adulthood, the highest IRR was observed for physical violence (2.66, CI 2.27-3.12). The same overall pattern was observed for nonopioid analgesics. The more frequent prescriptions of opioid and nonopioid analgesics to participants exposed to childhood trauma suggests a higher symptom load of pain causing them to seek professional help with pain relief. Receiving potent analgesics is not without risk, and the likelihood of misuse may be elevated among trauma-exposed individuals. A trauma-informed approach to pain could be vital for guiding clinicians to the most effective and least harmful treatment for each patient.
Prospective Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Shah Ishani , Anderson Kelsey , Bocchino Rachel , Freedman Steven D. , Carrasquillo Robert , Sheth Sunil G. 
Published: December 2023

Objective
Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and its association with quality of life (QOL) in men with chronic pancreatitis (CP).

Materials and Methods
Male patients with CP were prospectively enrolled in our pancreas center and completed the following 4 validated questionnaires: International Index of Erectile Function 5, Erectile Hardness Score, Pancreatitis Quality of Life Instrument, and Short Form Survey. Patients were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe SD based on review of questionnaires.

Results
Thirty patients were enrolled in the study, of which 18 patients had SD (mild in 9, moderate in 1, and severe in 8 patients). No significant differences were seen demographic or clinical characteristics in patients with and without SD. Patients with SD had more abdominal pain compared with those without SD (94.4% vs 83.3%, P = 0.001). No significant differences were noted in QOL metrics between the 2 groups.

Conclusions
This pilot study shows that SD is present in 60% males with CP. No difference was noted in the QOL of patients with and without SD, albeit limited by our small sample size. Physicians caring for CP patients should routinely inquire for symptoms of SD and offer a urology referral if indicated.