bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood proteins self-assembly, staphylococcal enterotoxins-interaction, antibacterial synergistic activities of biogenic carbon/FeSO4/Cu/CuO nanocomposites modified with three antibiotics
Authors: Alavi Mehran , Karimi Nasser 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Nanocomposites based on copper, iron, and carbon materials are novel nanomaterials with both antibacterial and biocompatibility properties considerable to fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Methods
In this study, phytogenic carbon/FeSO4/Cu/CuO nanocomposites modified by three antibiotics including tetracycline, amoxicillin, and penicillin were employed to hinder antibiotic resistant bacteria of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Interaction of albumin and hemoglobin as major blood proteins with these nanocomposites were evaluated by SEM, FTIR, and AFM techniques. As in silico study, molecular docking properties of staphylococcal enterotoxin toxin A and B with (Z)-α-Bisabolene epoxide, (E)-Nerolidol, α-Cyperone, daphnauranol C, nootkatin, and nootkatone as major secondary metabolites of Daphne mucronata were obtained by AutoDock Vina program.

Results
Physicochemical characterization of nanocomposites showed (Zeta potential (− 5.09 mV), Z-average (460.2 d.nm), polydispersity index (0.293), and size range of 44.58 ± 6.78 nm). Results of both in vitro and in silico surveys disclosed significant antibacterial activity of antibiotic functionalized carbon/FeSO4/Cu/CuO nanocomposites compared to antibiotics alone towards Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Conclusion
Synergistic activity of bio-fabricated carbon/FeSO4/Cu/CuO nanocomposites with antibiotics may be affected by main parameters of concentration and ratio of antibacterial agents, physicochemical properties of nanocomposites, bacterial type (Gram-negative or Gram-positive), antibacterial mechanisms, and chemical structure of antibiotics.
Wisconsin diversity panel phenotypes: spoken descriptions of plants and supporting data
Authors: Yanarella Colleen F. , Fattel Leila , Kristmundsdóttir Ásrún Ý. , Lopez Miriam D. , Edwards Jode W. , Campbell Darwin A. , Abel Craig A. , Lawrence-Dill Carolyn J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Phenotyping plants in a field environment can involve a variety of methods including the use of automated instruments and labor-intensive manual measurement and scoring. Researchers also collect language-based phenotypic descriptions and use controlled vocabularies and structures such as ontologies to enable computation on descriptive phenotype data, including methods to determine phenotypic similarities. In this study, spoken descriptions of plants were collected and observers were instructed to use their own vocabulary to describe plant features that were present and visible. Further, these plants were measured and scored manually as part of a larger study to investigate whether spoken plant descriptions can be used to recover known biological phenomena.

Data description
Data comprise phenotypic observations of 686 accessions of the maize Wisconsin Diversity panel, and 25 positive control accessions that carry visible, dramatic phenotypes. The data include the list of accessions planted, field layout, data collection procedures, student participants’ (whose personal data are protected for ethical reasons) and volunteers’ observation transcripts, volunteers’ audio data files, terrestrial and aerial images of the plants, Amazon Web Services method selection experimental data, and manually collected phenotypes (e.g., plant height, ear and tassel features, etc.; measurements and scores). Data were collected during the summer of 2021 at Iowa State University’s Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy Research Farms.
Cortico-basal ganglia white matter microstructure is linked to restricted repetitive behavior in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wilkes Bradley J. , Archer Derek B. , Farmer Anna L. , Bass Carly , Korah Hannah , Vaillancourt David E. , Lewis Mark H. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundRestricted repetitive behavior (RRB) is one of two behavioral domains required for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Neuroimaging is widely used to study brain alterations associated with ASD and the domain of social and communication deficits, but there has been less work regarding brain alterations linked to RRB.MethodsWe utilized neuroimaging data from the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive to assess basal ganglia and cerebellum structure in a cohort of children and adolescents with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) controls. We evaluated regional gray matter volumes from T1-weighted anatomical scans and assessed diffusion-weighted scans to quantify white matter microstructure with free-water imaging. We also investigated the interaction of biological sex and ASD diagnosis on these measures, and their correlation with clinical scales of RRB.ResultsIndividuals with ASD had significantly lower free-water corrected fractional anisotropy (FAT) and higher free-water (FW) in cortico-basal ganglia white matter tracts. These microstructural differences did not interact with biological sex. Moreover, both FATand FW in basal ganglia white matter tracts significantly correlated with measures of RRB. In contrast, we found no significant difference in basal ganglia or cerebellar gray matter volumes.LimitationsThe basal ganglia and cerebellar regions in this study were selected due to their hypothesized relevance to RRB. Differences between ASD and TD individuals that may occur outside the basal ganglia and cerebellum, and their potential relationship to RRB, were not evaluated.ConclusionsThese new findings demonstrate that cortico-basal ganglia white matter microstructure is altered in ASD and linked to RRB. FW in cortico-basal ganglia and intra-basal ganglia white matter was more sensitive to group differences in ASD, whereas cortico-basal ganglia FATwas more closely linked to RRB. In contrast, basal ganglia and cerebellar volumes did not differ in ASD. There was no interaction between ASD diagnosis and sex-related differences in brain structure. Future diffusion imaging investigations in ASD may benefit from free-water estimation and correction in order to better understand how white matter is affected in ASD, and how such measures are linked to RRB.
Effect of fuel injection pressure on the performances of a CI engine using water-emulsified diesel (WED) as a fuel
Authors: Mondal Pijush Kanti , Mandal Bijan Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The choice of energy sources is essential for sustainable development to combat different environmental issues caused by the consumption of fossil fuels. Though diesel engines are considered more efficient and reliable than other internal combustion engines, they emit different harmful pollutants which are detrimental to human health and the environment. Researchers are trying to find suitable alternative fuels for diesel engines with lower pollutant emissions and without much compromise in the efficiency of the engine. In this regard, water-emulsified diesel (WED) may be considered to be one of the most suitable alternative fuels. It is expected that the entire world will use electric vehicles in the long term. However, the complete replacement of IC engines in the near future is not feasible. In fact, different European countries have targeted to ban the use of diesel engine cars before the middle of the twenty-first century. Prior to that date, hybrid vehicles will be more popular and diesel engines will continue to play an important role. Hence, research involving improvements in diesel-operated IC engines is still relevant.

Methods
An experimental investigation was carried out using WED containing 10% water by volume as a fuel in a diesel engine at four different fuel injection pressures. The WED was prepared using an ultrasonicator.

Results
With the increase of injection pressure, peak net heat release rate and in-cylinder pressure are found to have increased. Brake thermal efficiency is also found to have improved at higher injection pressure. The maximum efficiency was recorded when a WED at 210 bar of injection pressure is used, and it is about 3.3% higher than the maximum efficiency achieved when using normal diesel at the same pressure of fuel injection. At a higher load, neat brake-specific fuel consumption is found to be less compared to neat diesel, when only the amount of diesel contained in the emulsion as a fuel is considered. Maximum reduction in both NOx and smoke emission by using WED is recorded at 210 bar, and the average reductions are determined to be 32.6% and 51.9%, respectively.

Conclusions
WED can be used as an alternative fuel for existing diesel engines without any retrofitting and with significant reduction in the emissions of pollutants compared to normal diesel fuel. It can also be concluded that at higher injection pressure, the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition engines are improved when using emulsified diesel.
Barriers, facilitators, perceptions and impact of interventions in implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals of low-middle and middle countries: a scoping review
Authors: Harun Md. Golam Dostogir , Sumon Shariful Amin , Hasan Istiaque , Akther Fairoze Masuda , Islam Md. Saiful , Anwar Md. Mahabub Ul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are pivotal components of the World Health Organization's Global Action Plan to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). ASPs advocate rational antibiotic usage to enhance patient-centered outcomes. However, existing evidence on ASPs and their determinants is largely limited to well-equipped hospitals in high-income nations.

Objective
This scoping review aimed to examine the current state of hospital-based ASPs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), shedding light on barriers, facilitators, prescribers’ perceptions and practices, and the impact of ASP interventions.

Design
Scoping review on ASP.

Methods
Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted electronic database searches on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, covering ASP articles published between January 2015 and October 2023. Our review focused on four key domains: barriers to ASP implementation, facilitators for establishing ASP, ASP perceptions and practices of prescribers, and the impact of ASP interventions. Three reviewers separately retrieved relevant data from the included citations using EndNote 21.0.

Results
Among the 7016 articles searched, 84 met the inclusion criteria, representing 34 LMICs. Notably, 58% (49/84) of these studies were published after 2020. Barriers to ASP implementation, including human-resources shortage, lack of microbiology laboratory support, absence of leadership, and limited governmental support, were reported by 26% (22/84) of the studies. Facilitators for hospital ASP implementation identified in five publications included the availability of antibiotic guidelines, ASP protocol, dedicated multidisciplinary ASP committee, and prompt laboratory support. The majority of the research (63%, 53/84) explored the impacts of ASP intervention on clinical, microbiological, and economic aspects. Key outcomes included increased antibiotic prescription appropriateness, reduced antimicrobial consumption, shorter hospital stays, decreased mortality rate, and reduced antibiotic therapy cost.

Conclusions
The published data underscores the imperative need for widespread antimicrobial stewardship in LMIC hospital settings. Substantial ASP success can be achieved through increasing human resources, context-specific interventions, the development of accessible antibiotic usage guidelines, and heightened awareness via training and education.
Evaluating density-weighted connectivity of black bears (Ursus americanus) in Glacier National Park with spatial capture–recapture models
Authors: Carroll Sarah L. , Schmidt Greta M. , Waller John S. , Graves Tabitha A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Improved understanding of wildlife population connectivity among protected area networks can support effective planning for the persistence of wildlife populations in the face of land use and climate change. Common approaches to estimating connectivity often rely on small samples of individuals without considering the spatial structure of populations, leading to limited understanding of how individual movement links to demography and population connectivity. Recently developed spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models provide a framework to formally connect inference about individual movement, connectivity, and population density, but few studies have applied this approach to empirical data to support connectivity planning.

Methods
We used mark-recapture data collected from 924 genetic detections of 598 American black bears (Ursus americanus) in 2004 with SCR ecological distance models to simultaneously estimate density, landscape resistance to movement, and population connectivity in Glacier National Park northwest Montana, USA. We estimated density and movement parameters separately for males and females and used model estimates to calculate predicted density-weighted connectivity surfaces.

Results
Model results indicated that landscape structure influences black bear density and space use in Glacier. The mean density estimate was 16.08 bears/100 km2 (95% CI 12.52–20.6) for females and 9.27 bears/100 km2 (95% CI 7.70–11.14) for males. Density increased with forest cover for both sexes. For male black bears, density decreased at higher grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) densities. Drainages, valley bottoms, and riparian vegetation decreased estimates of landscape resistance to movement for male and female bears. For males, forest cover also decreased estimated resistance to movement, but a transportation corridor bisecting the study area strongly increased resistance to movement presenting a barrier to connectivity.

Conclusions
Density-weighed connectivity surfaces highlighted areas important for population connectivity that were distinct from areas with high potential connectivity. For black bears in Glacier and surrounding landscapes, consideration of both vegetation and valley topography could inform the placement of underpasses along the transportation corridor in areas characterized by both high population density and potential connectivity. Our study demonstrates that the SCR ecological distance model can provide biologically realistic, spatially explicit predictions to support movement connectivity planning across large landscapes.
Perceptions of the importance of sports nutrition knowledge and barriers in implementing them: a qualitative study among track and field stakeholders in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayawardena Ranil , Weerasinghe Kalani , Madhujith Terrence , Hills Andrew P. , Kalupahana Nishan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Integrating the core aspects of sports nutrition knowledge [SNK] into the multidisciplinary team is critical to improving an athlete’s performance and well-being. Conducting in-depth interviews with members of the sports-related team is a comprehensive method of gathering information on various aspects of SNK. This qualitative study aimed to examine the opinions and beliefs of stakeholders in athletics regarding the importance of SNK.

Methods
Fifteen professional track and field athletes and stakeholders were recruited into the study. Separate in-depth interviews were conducted to collect information within four key themes. Practical difficulties in getting an appropriate meal were included in an additional theme. Thematic analysis was performed using NVIVO v10.0.

Results
All participants were mindful of the importance of proper food habits for overall athletic outcomes and reported different opinions on meal timing and composition. The opinions on supplements were heterogeneous and both positive and negative claims were reported. Beliefs regarding hydration demonstrated that the cohort was well aware of the significance of adequate hydration plus the signs and consequences of dehydration with many reporting experiences of the negative consequences of dehydration. All respondents reported that both alcohol and smoking may have an adverse impact on performance and health.

Conclusions
All respondents emphasized the importance of proper food habits for sports performance and well-being, but also identified barriers to optimizing nutrition.
Enhancing quality of life and medication adherence for people living with HIV: the impact of an information system
Authors: Panayi Maria , Charalambous Georgios K. , Jelastopulu Eleni 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The widespread availability of antiretroviral therapy has led to improvements in life expectancy and thus an increase in the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) worldwide. However, a similar increase in the number of newly-diagnosed patients in Cyprus suggests the need for solutions designed to improve monitoring, planning, and patient communication. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the use of an information system to manage PLWHA might contribute to improved quality of life and critical adherence to prescribed drug regimens and ongoing medical care.

Methods
A randomized controlled trial study was conducted in Cyprus based on information that we collected using the highly valid and reliable Greek translation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life (QOL) HIV-BREF questionnaire to assess sociodemographic variables and patient compliance. We distributed 200 questionnaires before implementing a Health Medical Care (HMC) information system at our clinic. Six months after implementing this system, 68 of the completed questionnaires were selected, including two groups of 34 participants who had been assigned at random to the intervention or the control group. Participants included PLWHA aged ≥ 18 years who had been receiving antiretroviral therapy for more than 12 months between July 15, 2020, and July 15, 2022.

Results
The changes in baseline to six-month scores reported for the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group in all six subscales assessed with the WHOQOL-HIV-BREF questionnaire, as well as in the assessment of compliance. Furthermore, compliance with treatment was associated with higher scores in the questionnaire subscales, including physical health, psychological health, degree of autonomy, social relationships, life circumstances, and spirituality/religious/personal beliefs. We also identified specific demographic factors and behaviors that were associated with better compliance with scheduled medical care and the prescribed drug regimen. Specifically, men exhibited better compliance than women and younger PLWHA exhibited better compliance than the elderly as did individuals who reported a higher level of educational attainment. Additionally, individuals who did not use addictive substances, consumed less alcohol, and were managed using the monitoring information system all exhibited better compliance compared to those in the control group.

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that management of PLWHA via the use of an information system can contribute to improved QOL and drug compliance.
Spectrum of imaging findings in osteoarticular tuberculosis
Authors: Jangid Ravina , Solanki R. S. , Chaudhary Vikas , Sud Alok , Kaur Ravinder 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health problem. It is endemic in most of the developing countries. Osteoarticular tuberculosis is an uncommon infection, and its diagnosis is often missed due to non-specific clinical and imaging findings.

Main body of abstract
The diagnosis of osteoarticular TB is often delayed due to non-specific clinical presentation and often mimics with other infectious/inflammatory disorders. However, as the disease is curable, prompt diagnosis and early initiation of treatment remain critical to prevent the development of deformity and bone destruction. MRI is sensitive in early detection of articular and marrow abnormalities, detecting complications and assessing response to treatment.
In this review, we describe the spectrum of various MR imaging findings of osteoarticular TB, which helps in early diagnosis and differentiating these from other pathologies with similar imaging appearances. These are described through case-based illustrations of different anatomical locations of osteoarticular TB.

Short conclusion
MR imaging is the emerging modality of choice for early diagnosis of osteoarticular tuberculosis and helps to differentiate it from other infective/inflammatory diseases.
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus conventional c-arm-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective randomized comparative study
Authors: Elmarakbi Akram A. , Gaber Mohamed Ahmed M. , Massoud Amr M. , Abdelbary Ahmed , Ibrahim Rabie M. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundUltrasound guidance for renal access in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a safe, effective, and low-cost procedure. The current study compared the safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided PCNL (US-PCNL) for renal stone therapy versus fluoroscopy-guided PCNL (FL-PCNL) in prone position.ResultsSuccessful puncture was attained in all cases in both groups. Unlike fluoroscopy, US guidance reduced the time needed for achieving renal puncture that was (22.45 ± 6.95 s) compared to fluoroscopy that was (68.28 ± 56.76 s) (Pvalue < 0.001). The mean duration of access that was reported in our study was (3.92 ± 0.72 min) in the US-PCNL group and (4.03 ± 0.77 min) in the FL-PCNL group (Pvalue 0.460). There was no significant difference in the total operative time between both groups in our study as the mean operative time in the US-PCNL group was (61.47 ± 6.07 min) and (65.86 ± 20.86 min) in the FL-PCNL group with a (Pvalue of 0.349). Stone-free rate was nearly similar in both groups (Pvalue 0.336). Three cases in our study in the FL-PCNL group had bleeding that required blood transfusion post-operative; mean Hb change was 0.23 g/dL and 0.55 g/dL in US-PCNL and FL-PCNL groups, respectively, which is clinically irrelevant despite statistical significance (Pvalue 0.007). Mean fluoroscopy time was (6.38 ± 3.84) minutes in FL-PCNL group.ConclusionUltrasound guidance is a reliable tool in the hands of experienced urologists in performing PCNL with less or even zero radiation.
Optimum stimulus for eliciting masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential: a comparative exploration with three different acoustic stimuli
Authors: Nagarajan Aishwarya , Thirusangu Vinayagar Pazhani , Mohanlal Gunasekaran , Sinha Sujeet Kumar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
To compare the EMG rectified amplitude, absolute latencies, interpeak interval, and Interaural asymmetry parameters of masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (mVEMP) elicited using clicks, 500 Hz tone bursts, and 500 Hz NB CE-chirps.

Method
Twenty-five young healthy adults in the age range of 18–27 years participated for the study. mVEMP was recorded using three different acoustic stimuli i.e., clicks, 500 Hz tone bursts, and 500 Hz NB CE-chirps. mVEMP was recorded at an intensity of 125 dB peSPL with 5.1/s repetition rate. The potentials were recorded ipsilaterally using zygomatic electrode montage and were filtered between 0.1 and 3000 Hz. EMG rectification of the responses was made prior to analysis.

Results
The latencies of P1 and N1 were significantly earlier for chirps then followed by click and tone bursts. The EMG rectified amplitude was significantly larger for the potentials obtained using chirps followed by tone bursts and then the clicks. Masseter VEMP obtained using chirps had significantly larger interpeak interval than tone bursts and clicks. The mean amplitude asymmetry ratio was greater in the potentials obtained using chirps than the other two stimuli.

Conclusion
The present study reveals that 500 Hz NB CE-chirps tend to produce mVEMP with larger response amplitude and earlier latencies and thus are considered better and constructive stimuli compared to clicks and tone bursts.