bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do Vermicompost Applications Improve Growth Performance, Pharmaceutically Important Alkaloids, Phenolic Content, Free Radical Scavenging Potency and Defense Enzyme Activities in Summer Snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.)?
Authors: Cimen Ayca , Baba Yavuz , Yildirim Arzu Birinci , Turker Arzu Ucar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLeucojum aestivum L. contains galanthamine and lycorine, which are two pharmaceutically valuable alkaloids. Vermicompost (VC), an organic waste product created by earthworms enhances soil quality and can improve the medicinal quality of the plant that is crucial to the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of four different VC concentrations (5 %, 10 %, 25 %, and 50 %) on L. aestivum growth parameters, alkaloid levels (galanthamine and lycorine), total phenol‐flavonoid content, free radical scavenging potential, and defense enzyme activities (SOD and CAT) compared to control (no VC). The width, length, and fresh weight of the leaves were improved by 10 % VC treatment. The highest total phenolic content was found in the bulbs and leaves treated with 50 % VC. HPLC‐DAD analysis of alkaloids showed that 10 % and 50 % VC treatments contained the most galanthamine in the bulb and leaf extracts, respectively. The application of 25 % VC was the most efficient in terms of lycorine content in both extracts. CAT activity was elevated at 10 %, 25 %, and 50 % VC. Based on the growth performance and galanthamine content of the bulbs and leaves, it can be concluded that a 10 % VC application was the most effective in the cultivation of L. aestivum.
A multifaceted architectural framework of the mouse claustrum complex
Authors: Grimstvedt Joachim S. , Shelton Andrew M. , Hoerder‐Suabedissen Anna , Oliver David K. , Berndtsson Christin H. , Blankvoort Stefan , Nair Rajeevkumar R. , Packer Adam M. , Witter Menno P. , Kentros Clifford G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAccurate anatomical characterizations are necessary to investigate neural circuitry on a fine scale, but for the rodent claustrum complex (CLCX), this has yet to be fully accomplished. The CLCX is generally considered to comprise two major subdivisions, the claustrum (CL) and the dorsal endopiriform nucleus (DEn), but regional boundaries to these areas are debated. To address this, we conducted a multifaceted analysis of fiber‐ and cytoarchitecture, genetic marker expression, and connectivity using mice of both sexes, to create a comprehensive guide for identifying and delineating borders to CLCX, including an online reference atlas. Our data indicated four distinct subregions within CLCX, subdividing both CL and DEn into two. Additionally, we conducted brain‐wide tracing of inputs to CLCX using a transgenic mouse line. Immunohistochemical staining against myelin basic protein (MBP), parvalbumin (PV), and calbindin (CB) revealed intricate fiber‐architectural patterns enabling precise delineations of CLCX and its subregions. Myelinated fibers were abundant dorsally in CL but absent ventrally, whereas PV expressing fibers occupied the entire CL. CB staining revealed a central gap within CL, also visible anterior to the striatum. TheNr2f2, Npsr1, andCplx3genes expressed specifically within different subregions of the CLCX, andRprmhelped delineate the CL‐insular border. Furthermore, cells in CL projecting to the retrosplenial cortex were located within the myelin sparse area. By combining own experimental data with digitally available datasets of gene expression and input connectivity, we could demonstrate that the proposed delineation scheme allows anchoring of datasets from different origins to a common reference framework.
Examining the influence of institutional investors on the readability of environmental disclosure inCSRreports of Chinese listed firms
Authors: Lin Philip T. , Li Peixia , Akbar Ahsan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEnvironmental disclosure conveys non‐financial information primarily through narrative descriptions. The readability of such narratives affects the effectiveness of environmental communication and shapes information content. Prior research on the influence of institutional ownership on corporate disclosure strategy remains inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of institutional investors. In this study, we analyze a comprehensive sample of A‐share Chinese companies that issued corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports to examine the impact of institutional investors on the overall readability of environmental disclosure. Our findings indicate that long‐term institutional investors have a positive influence on the readability of environmental disclosure, while short‐term institutional investors do not show significant correlation with readability. Furthermore, corporate governance acts as a mediating factor in the relationship between long‐term institutional investors and readability. We also find that long‐term institutional investors can enhance firm value by improving the readability of environmental disclosures.
Cytomorphological features of syringocystadenoma papilliferum mimicking pilomatricoma at a rare location and in an unusual age group: A cytological diagnostic challenge
Authors: Malik Shaivy , Singh Priyanka , Singh Mukul , Ranga Sunil 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSyringocystadenoma papilliferum (SCAP) is a rare, benign skin adnexal tumor of apocrine or eccrine differentiation usually occurring in the head and neck region of children. It is a difficult entity to diagnose clinically and even cytological diagnosis remains challenging due to overlapping and masquerading cyto‐morphological features with other benign cutaneous adnexal tumors. Here we present, one such intriguing case of SCAP with its cytological features mimicking those of pilomatricoma. Moreover, the lesion was located at the right lower abdomen, which in itself is a rare site and its presentation was in an adult male which is an unusual age group. However, fine needle aspiration cytology still remains a very useful investigation for cutaneous tumors as it helps in differentiating benign lesions from malignant and metastatic neoplasms and therefore aids in correct treatment and follow‐up of patients.
IWGDF/IDSA guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes‐related foot infections (IWGDF/IDSA 2023)
Authors: Senneville Éric , Albalawi Zaina , van Asten Suzanne A. , Abbas Zulfiqarali G. , Allison Geneve , Aragón‐Sánchez Javier , Embil John M. , Lavery Lawrence A. , Alhasan Majdi , Oz Orhan , Uçkay Ilker , Urbančič‐Rovan Vilma , Xu Zhang‐Rong , Peters Edgar J. G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence‐based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes‐related foot diseases since 1999. The present guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis and management of foot infections in persons with diabetes mellitus.The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used for the development of this guideline. This was structured around identifying clinically relevant questions in the P(A)ICO format, determining patient‐important outcomes, systematically reviewing the evidence, assessing the certainty of the evidence, and finally moving from evidence to the recommendation. This guideline was developed for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes‐related foot care to inform clinical care around patient‐important outcomes. Two systematic reviews from 2019 were updated to inform this guideline, and a total of 149 studies (62 new) meeting inclusion criteria were identified from the updated search and incorporated in this guideline. Updated recommendations are derived from these systematic reviews, and best practice statements made where evidence was not available. Evidence was weighed in light of benefits and harms to arrive at a recommendation. The certainty of the evidence for some recommendations was modified in this update with a more refined application of the GRADE framework centred around patient important outcomes. This is highlighted in the rationale section of this update. A note is also made where the newly identified evidence did not alter the strength or certainty of evidence for previous recommendations.The recommendations presented here continue to cover various aspects of diagnosing soft tissue and bone infections, including the classification scheme for diagnosing infection and its severity. Guidance on how to collect microbiological samples, and how to process them to identify causative pathogens, is also outlined. Finally, we present the approach to treating foot infections in persons with diabetes, including selecting appropriate empiric and definitive antimicrobial therapy for soft tissue and bone infections; when and how to approach surgical treatment; and which adjunctive treatments may or may not affect the infectious outcomes of diabetes‐related foot problems.We believe that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals provide better care for persons with diabetes and foot infections, prevent the number of foot and limb amputations, and reduce the patient and healthcare burden of diabetes‐related foot disease.
Pore structure and fractal characteristics of transitional shales with different lithofacies from the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin
Authors: Wang Tao , Deng Ze , Hu Haiyan , Tian Fenghua , Ding Rong , Zhang Tao , Ma Zhanrong , Hou Songyi , Li Xiaogang , Dai Ruirui , Hong Xing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo better characterize the heterogeneity of transitional shale pore structure and understand its impact on shale gas enrichment, fine characterization of the pore structure of different shale lithofacies was performed by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, high‐pressure mercury injection, low‐temperature N2 adsorption, and low‐pressure CO2 adsorption. Fractal theory was used to obtain the fractal dimension of the shale pores at different scales and reveal the relationships among the pore structural characteristics, mineral composition, total organic carbon content, and fractal dimension of the shale and their geological significance. The results showed that organic pores, intergranular pores, intragranular pores, and microcracks were generally developed in the transitional shale samples from the study area; elliptic or irregular organic pores were mainly developed in the argillaceous shale lithofacies and siliceous shale lithofacies, and wedge‐shaped or irregular intragranular pores were mainly developed in the calcareous shale lithofacies. The pore size distribution showed a multipeak pattern, and mesopores were the main contributors to the total pore volume (PV), while micropores and macropores contributed little to the total PV. The PV and specific surface area of the siliceous shale were lower than those of the argillaceous shale but higher than those of the calcareous shale, indicating that the change in lithofacies had a significant effect on the shale pores. The common influence of clay minerals, quartz content, and total organic carbon content results in strong heterogeneity and complex pore structure characteristics of shale reservoirs. The pores in the transitional shale from the study area had obvious multiscale fractal characteristics, and the fractal dimension characteristics of different lithofacies and pores at different scales were different, which reflected that the pore structure of the shale had strong heterogeneity. The heterogeneity of the shale pores mainly originated from the macropores and mesopores, while the heterogeneity of micropores was relatively low. The heterogeneity of the pore development and structure at different scales was controlled by the mineral composition matter and organic matter abundance to varying degrees.
Integrating CLDs and machine learning through hybridization for human‐centric wireless networks
Authors: Kumari Binita , Yadav Ajay Kumar , Cengiz Korhan , Salah Bashir 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWireless sensor networks, more commonly abbreviated as WSNs, have been regarded as helpful tool for managing human‐centric applications. Nevertheless, the design of wireless systems that are accurate, efficient, and robust remains difficult due to the variables and dynamics of the wireless environment as well as the requirements of the users. Cross‐layer designs along with the machine‐learning techniques need to be integrated into a novel hybridization framework for human‐centric wireless networks in order to simplify the process and make it more manageable. The purpose of the proposed framework is to enhance wireless sensor networks (WSNs) in terms of their energy efficiency, robustness, real‐time performance, and scalability. In particular, machine learning are employed for the purpose of extracting features from sensor data, and the framework combines cross‐layer optimization and RL in order to facilitate effective and adaptable communication and networking. In comparison to previous work in this field, the accuracy, energy consumption, robustness, real‐time performance, and scalability of the proposed framework are all significantly improved. The hybridization framework that has been proposed provides a promising approach to addressing the challenges, and it can be of use to a variety of applications.
Comparative genomic characterization of indigenous fat‐tailed Akkaraman sheep with local and transboundary sheep breeds
Authors: Kizilaslan Mehmet , Arzik Yunus , Behrem Sedat , White Stephen N. , Cinar Mehmet Ulas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe domestic sheep with over 1200 breeds descended from those early domesticated animals that are bred for a variety of resources such as meat, milk and wool. Akkaraman, a fat‐tailed indigenous sheep breed of Türkiye, is widespread throughout Central Anatolia, with the largest indigenous sheep population. Assessing the genetic diversity and genomic structure of animal breeds is among the key contributors to deciphering adaptation to environmental extremes and constructing efficient genetic improvement strategies. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize the genome of Akkaraman breed against various world‐renowned transboundary sheep and indigenous sheep with fat and thin tails. Genetic similarities and differences between those breeds have been displayed by estimating and comparing various genetic diversity indices, linkage disequilibrium (LD) estimates and fixation index (FST), runs of homozygosity (ROH) as well as PCA and neighbour‐joining tree analysis. Akkaraman sheep were observed to form a cluster alongside Moghani, Karakas, Tibetan and Cyprus Fat Tail sheep, which are primarily the sole representatives of fat‐tailed sheep in the study. This clustering was evident in both the PCA and neighbour‐joining tree analysis. The Akkaraman sheep was also observed to have the lowest genomic inbreeding and one of the lowest numbers of ROHs, which might also indicate that the breed has not been exposed to historical intensive selection pressure, inbred mating or a massive population bottleneck that might leave strong marks of genomic homozygosity. The results improve our understanding of the genetic diversity in Akkaraman sheep in comparison with certain mainstream sheep breeds as well as those indigenous breeds from around the world. Additionally, findings will also provide valuable insights to perform further GWAS effectively by considering population structure, diversity and LD patterns observed among the breeds while providing practical knowledge that will contribute to designing efficient and successful genome‐based selection programmes for worldwide sheep production systems.
Kinase fusion positive intra‐osseous spindle cell tumors: A series of eight cases with review of the literature
Authors: Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Xu Bin , Torrence Dianne , Dickson Brendan C. , Antonescu Cristina R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMesenchymal spindle cell tumors with kinase fusions, often presenting in superficial or deep soft tissue locations, may rarely occur in bone. Herein, we describe the clinicopathologic and molecular data of eight bone tumors characterized by various kinase fusions from our files and incorporate the findings with the previously reported seven cases, mainly as single case reports. In the current series all but one of the patients were young children or teenagers, with an age range from newborn to 59 years (mean 19 years). Most tumors (n = 5) presented in the head and neck area (skull base, mastoid, maxilla, and mandible), and remaining three in the tibia, pelvic bone, and chest wall. The fusions included NTRK1 (n = 3), RET (n = 2), NTRK3 (n = 2), and BRAF (n = 1). In the combined series (n = 15), most tumors (73%) occurred in children and young adults (<30 years) and showed a predilection for jaw and skull bones (40%), followed by long and small tubular bones (33%). The fusions spanned a large spectrum of kinase genes, including in descending order NTRK3 (n = 6), NTRK1 (n = 4), RET (n = 2), BRAF (n = 2), and RAF1 (n = 1). All fusions confirmed by targeted RNA sequencing were in‐frame and retained the kinase domain within the fusion oncoprotein. Similar to the soft tissue counterparts, most NTRK3‐positive bone tumors in this series showed high‐grade morphology (5/6), whereas the majority of NTRK1 tumors were low‐grade (3/4). Notably, all four tumors presenting in the elderly were high‐grade spindle cell sarcomas, with adult fibrosarcoma (FS)‐like, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)‐like and MPNST phenotypes. Overall, 10 tumors had high‐grade morphology, ranging from infantile and adult‐types FS, MPNST‐like, and MPNST, whereas five showed benign/low‐grade histology (MPNST‐like and myxoma‐like). Immunohistochemically (IHC), S100 and CD34 positivity was noted in 57% and 50%, respectively, while co‐expression of S100 and CD34 in 43% of cases. One‐third of tumors (4 high grade and the myxoma‐like) were negative for both S100 and CD34. IHC for Pan‐TRK was positive in all eight NTRK‐fusion positive tumors tested and negative in two tumors with other kinase fusions. Clinical follow‐up was too limited to allow general conclusions.
The Influence of a Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Service on Vancomycin‐Associated Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Yang Jennifer J. , Brett Jonathan , Sordo Anna , Reuter Stephanie E. , Stocker Sophie L. , Day Richard O. , Roberts Darren M. , Carland Jane E. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractVancomycin's widespread use as the mainstay antibiotic against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections is complicated by its narrow therapeutic index. Therapeutic drug monitoring using area under the concentration–time curve (AUC)–guided dosing is recommended to optimize therapy and prevent vancomycin‐associated nephrotoxicity (VAN). In 2018, a consultative therapeutic drug monitoring Advisory Service (the Service) was piloted at an Australian hospital to enable AUC‐guided vancomycin dosing. This study sought to compare the incidence of VAN pre‐ and post‐Service implementation. A 4‐year retrospective observational study of intravenous vancomycin therapy (greater than 48 hours) in adults (aged 18 years or older), spanning 3 years before and 1‐year after implementation of the Service was undertaken. Nephrotoxicity was defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentrations of 26.5 μmol/L or greater or 50% or more from baseline, on 2 or more consecutive days. Univariate analysis was performed to compare patients before and after implementation, and with and without VAN. Independent factors associated with VAN were identified using a multivariate model. In total, 971 courses of vancomycin therapy, administered to 781 patients, were included: 764 courses (603 patients) before implementation and 207 courses (163 patients) after implementation. The incidence of VAN decreased by 5% after Service implementation (15% before implementation vs 10% after implementation; P = .075). Independent factors associated with VAN were sepsis, heart failure, solid‐organ transplant, concomitant piperacillin–tazobactam, and average vancomycin AUC during therapy. In conclusion, there was a nonsignificant trend toward a reduced incidence of VAN after the Service. Larger prospective studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the Service.
Financial development in Africa: Do expenditure and population matter? Evidence through pooled mean group and generalized method of moments estimators
Authors: Kapaya Saganga Mussa 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis article assesses the impact of government expenditure and population structure on financial development among selected African economies for a panel of 37 selected African economies from years 1980 to 2018. The pooled mean group regression estimator was used, which suitably isolates short run from long run impacts while allowing for heterogeneities and homogeneities for each run respectively. Additionally, generalized method of moments technique was applied for robustness check and allows for dynamism in the estimations. Findings show that financial development is sensitive to both productive and non‐productive government expenditures in the long run. They affirm positive impacts convergences on financial development. Financial development responds only to non‐productive expenditures in the short run. Young and elderly populations do not benefit financial development but mature population does due to its active role in the private sector. Further, it helps support the negative impact of inflation and provides positive impacts of economy openness and individual's economic output. Also, results support short‐run adjustment towards long‐run equilibrium. These results are significant both statistically and economically. Unlike former studies, this work comprehensively disaggregated government expenditure into productive and unproductive types. It isolated population structure age‐wise. In order to stimulate financial development, governments in Africa need to favour policies that stabilize government expenditures, having both short‐run and long‐run foci, encourage public–private partnership and mutually beneficial linkages, devise population policies based on respective age‐structures, and promote economy openness, and growth per capita, and control inflation.
Effect of coating material on microencapsulated phenolic compounds extracted from agroindustrial ciriguela peel residue
Authors: Silva Júnior Marcony Edson da , Silva Nathalia Barbosa da , Araújo Maria Vitória Rolim Lemos , Converti Attilio , dos Santos Lima Marcos , Maciel Maria Inês Sucupira 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDExtract of ciriguela residue was microencapsulated by spray‐drying and freeze‐drying using maltodextrin (M), gum arabic (GA) and their mixture (50% M; 50% GA on dry basis) as encapsulating agents. Total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant activity, physicochemical properties, profile of phenolic compounds by HPLC with diode‐array detection and storage stability were evaluated.RESULTSTPC content of powders ranged from 306.9 to 451.2 mg gallic acid equivalent g−1 dry powder. The spray‐dried powder prepared using GA as encapsulating agent had higher TPC content and antioxidant activity, whereas the freeze‐dried powder had lower moisture and water activity. Spray‐dried microcapsules had spherical shape, whereas freeze‐dried products had irregular structures. The profile of phenolic compounds identified in samples was similar, with rutin (342.59 and 72.92 μg g−1) and quercetin (181.02 and 43.24 μg g−1) being the major compounds in liquid and freeze‐dried extracts, respectively, whereas myricetin (97.41 μg g−1) was predominant in spray‐dried ones. Storage stability tests carried out for 45 days at 7 or 25 °C revealed no statistically significant difference in TPC.CONCLUSIONCiriguela residue can be considered a source of TPC and used as ingredient with good antioxidant activity in the food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.