bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro antibacterial efficacy of autologous conditioned plasma and amniotic membrane eye drops
Authors: Yates Kelsey M. , Stilwell Natalie K. , Fontenot Robin L. , Betbeze Caroline M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of equine and canine autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) and amniotic membrane extract eye drops (AMEED) against aerobic bacteria common to the corneal surface.ProceduresCanine (n = 4) and equine (n = 4) anticoagulated whole blood samples were sterilely collected, pooled for each species, and processed using the Arthrex ACP® Double‐Syringe System. Platelet counts were performed on ACP and pooled blood. AMEED were obtained from a commercial source. An electronic medical records search (2013–2022) identified aerobic bacteria cultured from canine and equine corneal ulcers at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU‐CVM). Ten commonly isolated bacteria for each species were collected from cultures submitted to the MSU‐CVM Microbiology Diagnostic Service and frozen at −80°C. The Kirby‐Bauer disk diffusion method was used to determine the sensitivities of these isolates to ACP and AMEED. Bacterial isolates were plated onto Mueller‐Hinton +5% sheep blood agar and blank sterile discs saturated with 20 μL of ACP or AMEED were tested in duplicate. Imipenem discs served as positive controls and blank discs as negative controls. Zones of inhibition were measured at 18 h.ResultsACP platelet counts were 1.06 and 1.65 times higher than blood for equine and canine samples, respectively. Growth of a multi‐drug resistant Enterococcus faecalis was partially inhibited by canine and equine ACP. AMEED did not inhibit growth of any examined bacteria.ConclusionsCanine and equine ACP partially inhibited E. faecalis growth in vitro. Further studies using varying concentrations of ACP against bacterial isolates from corneal ulcers are warranted.
A review of technologies for the removal of sulfate from drinking water
Authors: Quintana‐Baquedano Ariel Antonio , Sanchez‐Salas Jose Luis , Flores‐Cervantes Deborah Xanat 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBecause of the current water crisis worldwide, it is of great importance to find alternative sources of drinking water, such as sulfur water. This review analyses laboratory, pilot and industrial‐scale technologies available for sulfate removal from water produced for human consumption, from naturally occurring sulfur water and that resulting from human activities. Most of them exceed 90% removal efficiencies. However, the concentrations treated in each study were different; some technologies evaluate concentrations below recommended limits (250 mg L−1), while others evaluate much higher concentrations but require previous treatments. The technologies with higher energy requirements such as reverse osmosis and ion exchange have better removal efficiencies but require larger initial investments and have higher operational costs. Biological treatments, on the other hand, with lower energy and material requirements, are less expensive but require long retention times and depend on the season of the year and/or environmental conditions. Lastly, adsorption removal technologies fall in the middle, especially for energy requirements and operational costs and retention times. This review shows that although there are a variety of sulfate removal technologies suitable for use, there is still room for a novel methodology that removes sulfates from a wider range of concentrations more economically, more effectively and in less time than what is currently available.
Development and Application of a Predictive Model for Estimating Refinery Shutdown Duration and Resilience Impacts Due to Hurricane Hazards
Authors: Capshaw Kendall M. , Padgett Jamie E. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
U.S. Gulf Coast refineries account for over half of the total refining capacity of the nation. However, less than a third of products refined in this region are used to supply local markets. Due to the highly centralized nature of the U.S. petroleum distribution network, disruptions affecting Gulf Coast refineries can have widespread impacts. The objective of this study is to develop a sufficient predictive model for the likelihood and expected duration of refinery shutdowns under hurricane hazards. Such models are currently lacking in the literature yet essential for risk modeling of the cascading consequences of refinery shutdown ranging from resilience analyses of petroleum networks to potential health effects on surrounding communities tied to startup and shutdown activities. A database of empirical refinery downtime and storm hazards data is developed, and statistical analyses are conducted to explore the relationship between refinery and storm characteristics and shutdown duration. The proposed method with the highest predictive accuracy is found to be a model comprised of a logistic regression binary classification component related to refinery shutdown potential and a Poisson distribution generalized linear model component related to downtime duration determination. To illustrate the utility of the newly developed model, a case study is conducted exploring the impact of two storms affecting the Houston Ship Channel and surrounding region. Both the regional refining resilience as well as the distribution network resilience are quantified, including uncertainty propagation. Such analyses reveal local community to nationwide impacts of refining disruptions and can support resilience enhancement decisions.
Electrical Response Estimation of Vibratory Energy Harvesters via Hilbert Transform Based Stochastic Averaging
Authors: dos Santos Ketson R. M. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Converting mechanical vibrations into electrical power with vibratory energy harvesters can ensure the portability, efficiency, and sustainability of electronic devices and batteries. Vibratory energy harvesters are typically modeled as nonlinear oscillators subject to random excitation, and their design requires a complete characterization of their probabilistic responses. However, simulation techniques such as Monte Carlo are computationally prohibitive when the accurate estimation of the response probability distribution is needed. Alternatively, approximate methods such as stochastic averaging can estimate the probabilistic response of such systems at a reduced computational cost. In this paper, the Hilbert transform based stochastic averaging is used to model the output voltage amplitude as a Markovian stochastic process with dynamics governed by a stochastic differential equation with nonlinear drift and diffusion terms. Moreover, the voltage amplitude dependent damping and stiffness terms are determined via an appropriate equivalent linearization, and the stationary probability distribution of the output voltage amplitude is obtained analytically by solving the corresponding Fokker–Plank equation. Two examples are used to demonstrate the accuracy of the obtained analytical probability distributions via comparisons with Monte Carlo simulation data.
Essential public health functions are not enough: fostering linkages between functions through National Public Health Institutes improves public health impact
Authors: Zuber Alexandra , Pearson Jonathan , Sebeh Yesser , Jarvis Dennis , Bratton Shelly 
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of essential public health functions (EPHFs) and the coordination between them. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines EPHFs as ‘the public health activities that all communities should undertake’. According to multiple functional frameworks published in literature, the functions typically include workforce development, surveillance, public health research, laboratory services, health promotion, outbreak response and emergency management. National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) are often the lead government agency responsible for execution of these functions.This paper describes how NPHIs or other health authorities can improve public health impact by enhancing the coordination of public health functions and public health actors through functional and organisational linkages. We define public health linkages as practical, replicable activities that facilitate collaboration between public health functions or organisations to improve public health. In this paper, we propose a novel typology to categorise important public health linkages and describe enablers of linkages identified through our research.Based on our research, investments in health systems should move beyond vertical approaches to developing public health capacity and place greater emphasis on strengthening the interactions between public health functions and institutions. Development of linkages and their enablers require a purposeful, proactive focus that establishes and strengthens linkages over time and cannot be developed during an outbreak or other public health emergency.
Muscle spindles as pain receptors
Authors: Partanen Juhani V , Lajunen Hanna-Reetta , Liljander Sara K 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundMuscle membranes have a sensation of pain, but within the muscle tissue, the origin of pain is unclear. We present a hypothesis that the pain receptors of the muscle tissue are situated principally in the muscle spindles. A recent report reintroduced that ‘end plate spikes’ in needle electromyography (EMG) are fusimotor unit potentials of the intrafusal muscle fibres, and thus represent a marker of muscle spindles.MethodsWe studied four relaxed muscles with 50 EMG needle insertions in each and mapped the appearance of pain and spontaneous EMG activity.ResultsOnly 4.0% of the needle insertions in muscle tissue elicited pain. However, needle insertions in local active points showing ‘end plate spikes’ and, thus, fusimotor unit potentials of the muscle spindles elicited pain in 86% of the insertions, whereas needle insertions in points without ‘end plate spikes’ elicited pain in only 1.0% of the insertions (p<0.001).ConclusionsMuscle spindles have pain receptors. The extrafusal muscle tissue is practically pain-free for the needle insertions. This demonstrates a scarcity of extrafusal pain receptors. How this observation is put into perspective with the muscle pain syndromes was discussed.
Women’s views on obstetric fistula risk factors and prevention in north-central Nigeria: an interpretive descriptive study
Authors: Bulndi Lydia Babatunde , Ireson Deborah , Adama Esther , Bayes Sara 
Published: June 2023

ObjectiveObstetric fistula, also known as vesicovaginal fistula or rectovaginal fistula, is an abnormal opening between the vagina and rectum caused by prolonged obstructed labour that causes substantial long-term harm to women. It is most prevalent in low resource settings and although preventative measures have been proposed, they have not, to date, taken women’s own views into account. The objective of this study was to explore the views of North Nigerian women on obstetric fistula risk factors and prevention.DesignThis study was conducted using Interpretive Description methodology, which is a qualitative approach underpinned by Symbolic Interactionism. A semistructured questionnaire was used to explore the views of 15 women living with obstetric fistula about risk factors and prevention of the condition. Data were collected in one-to-one in-depth interviews conducted between December 2020 and May 2021. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and a thematic approach to data analysis was employed.Sampling and settingThe setting for this study was a fistula repair centre in north-central Nigeria. The sample was formed of a purposively selected 15 women who had experienced obstetric fistula at a repair Centre in north-central Nigeria.ResultsFour core themes emerged from women’s views on obstetric fistula risk factors and prevention: (1) Women’s autonomy, (2) Economic empowerment, (3) Infrastructure/transportation and (4) Provision of skilled healthcare services.ConclusionThe findings from this study highlight previously unknown women’s views on obstetric fistula risk factors and prevention in north-central Nigeria. Analysis of insights from women’s voices directly affected by obstetric fistula demonstrated that in their views and experiences, giving women autonomy (decision-making power) to choose where to birth safely, economic empowerment, enhancement of transportation/infrastructure and provision of skilled healthcare services may mitigate obstetric fistula in Nigeria.
Histopathology reporting of temporal artery biopsy specimens for giant cell arteritis: results of a modified Delphi study
Authors: Taze Dilek , Chakrabarty Arundhati , Venkateswaran Ranjana , Hartley Collette , Harden Charlotte , Morgan Ann Wendy , Mackie Sarah Louise , Griffin Kathryn Jane 
Published: June 2023

The temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is regarded as the gold-standard test in the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). There is a lack of agreement among experienced pathologists regarding the diagnostic features and classification of inflammation observed in TAB sections in the diagnosis of GCA.AimsThe aim of this research study was to establish consensus on the key parameters which should be included in a standardised reporting proforma for TAB specimens. We specifically investigated factors pertaining to clinical information, specimen handling and microscopic pathological features.MethodsA modified Delphi process, comprising three survey rounds and three virtual consensus group meetings, was undertaken by 13 UK-based pathology or ophthalmology consultants, with a 100% response rate across the three rounds. Initial statements were formulated after a literature review and participants were asked to rate their agreement using a nine-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined a priori as an agreement of ≥70% and individual feedback was provided after each round, together with data on the distribution of group responses.ResultsOverall, 67 statements reached consensus and 17 statements did not. The participants agreed on the core microscopic features to be included in a pathology report and felt that a proforma would facilitate consistent reporting practices.ConclusionsOur work revealed uncertainty surrounding the correlation between clinical parameters (eg, laboratory markers of inflammation and steroid therapy duration) and microscopic findings, and we propose areas for future research.
Predictors of starting and stopping chemsex in men who have sex with men in England: findings from the AURAH2 prospective study
Authors: Hammond Robbie , Cambiano Valentina , Lampe Fiona C. , Asboe David , Clarke Amanda , Gilson Richard , Hart Graham J , Miltz Ada Rose , Nwokolo Nneka , Johnson Anne M , Phillips Andrew N , Speakman Andrew , Whitlock Gary , Rodger Alison , Sewell Janey 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundChemsex (the use of psychoactive drugs in sexual contexts) has been associated with HIV acquisition and other STIs, so there is benefit in identifying those most likely to start chemsex to offer risk reduction interventions such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To date, there have been no data from a longitudinal study analysing factors most associated with starting and stopping chemsex.MethodsThe prospective cohort study, Attitudes to and Understanding Risk of Acquisition of HIV over Time (AURAH2), collected 4 monthly and annual online questionnaire data from men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2015 to 2018. We investigate the association of sociodemographic factors, sexual behaviours and drug use with starting and stopping chemsex among 622 men who completed at least one follow-up questionnaire. Poisson models with generalised estimating equations were used to produce risk ratios (RRs) accounting for multiple starting or stopping episodes from the same individual. Multivariable analysis was adjusted for age group, ethnicity, sexual identity and university education.FindingsIn the multivariable analysis, the under 40 age group was significantly more likely to start chemsex by the next assessment (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.86). Other factors which showed significant association with starting chemsex were unemployment (RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 4.35), smoking (RR 2.49, 95% CI 1.63 to 3.79), recent condomless sex (CLS), recent STI and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) use in the past year (RR 2.10, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.30). Age over 40 (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.99), CLS, and use of PEP (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.86) and PrEP (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.78) were associated with lower likelihood of stopping chemsex by the next assessment.InterpretationKnowledge of these results allows us to identify men most likely to start chemsex, thus providing an opportunity for sexual health services to intervene with a package of risk mitigation measures, especially PrEP use.
Establishing a core outcome set for blunt cerebrovascular injury: an EAST modified Delphi method consensus study
Authors: Ziesmann Markus , Byerly Saskya , Yeh Daniel Dante , Boltz Melissa , Gelbard Rondi , Haut Elliott R , Smith Jason W , Stein Deborah M , Zarzaur Ben L , Bensard Denis D , Biffl Walter L , Boyd April , Brommeland Tor , Cothren Burlew Clay , Fabian Timothy , Lauerman Margaret , Leichtle Stefan , Moore Ernest E , Timmons Shelly , Vogt Kelly , Nahmias Jeffry 
Published: June 2023

ObjectivesOur understanding of blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI) has changed significantly in recent decades, resulting in a heterogeneous description of diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in the literature which is not suitable for data pooling. Therefore, we endeavored to develop a core outcome set (COS) to help guide future BCVI research and overcome the challenge of heterogeneous outcomes reporting.MethodsAfter a review of landmark BCVI publications, content experts were invited to participate in a modified Delphi study. For round 1, participants submitted a list of proposed core outcomes. In subsequent rounds, panelists used a 9-point Likert scale to score the proposed outcomes for importance. Core outcomes consensus was defined as >70% of scores receiving 7 to 9 and <15% of scores receiving 1 to 3. Feedback and aggregate data were shared between rounds, and four rounds of deliberation were performed to re-evaluate the variables not achieving predefined consensus criteria.ResultsFrom an initial panel of 15 experts, 12 (80%) completed all rounds. A total of 22 items were considered, with 9 items achieving consensus for inclusion as core outcomes: incidence of postadmission symptom onset, overall stroke incidence, stroke incidence stratified by type and by treatment category, stroke incidence prior to treatment initiation, time to stroke, overall mortality, bleeding complications, and injury progression on radiographic follow-up. The panel further identified four non-outcome items of high importance for reporting: time to BCVI diagnosis, use of standardized screening tool, duration of treatment, and type of therapy used.ConclusionThrough a well-accepted iterative survey consensus process, content experts have defined a COS to guide future research on BCVI. This COS will be a valuable tool for researchers seeking to perform new BCVI research and will allow future projects to generate data suitable for pooled statistical analysis with enhanced statistical power.Level of evidenceLevel IV.
The cosmological ultra-low frequency radio background: a solution to the Hubble tension and the 21-cm excess trough
Authors: Chan Man Ho 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRecent observations of the Cosmic Microwave Background and the Hubble Space Telescope obtain two different values of the Hubble constant with a discrepancy of at least $$4.4 \sigma $$

4.4
σ

, which is now known as the Hubble tension. On the other hand, observations of 21-cm signal from the EDGES experiment reveal an unexpected excess absorption trough. These results give a big challenge to the standard cosmological model – the $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM model. In this article, we propose that the existence of a cosmological ultra-low frequency radio background (ULFRB) can simultaneously reconcile both discrepancies. The best-fit amounts of the energy density of this additional radio component based on the two problems give an excellent agreement with each other. The extra radio component could be arisen from the simulated decay of axions in the early universe.
Signal Post Hill and Agua de la Zorra: two geological sites studied by Charles Darwin on the
Beagle
voyage and their contributions to geoheritage
Authors: Chancellor Gordon R. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Charles Darwin's research during the second voyage of HMS
Beagle
is examined within the context of Charles Lyell's ideas on crustal movement. Darwin's pre-voyage training is summarized and the impact on his own subsequent theorizing of his commitment early in the voyage to a Lyellian theoretical framework is analysed. Two sites studied by Darwin which he interpreted as strong support for Lyell's theory of vertical crustal mobility are examined: the first is Signal Post Hill in the Cape Verdes, visited in 1832; the second is Agua de la Zorra in Argentina, visited in 1835. Darwin's work at both sites was key to his first theory of globally-balanced elevation and subsidence as an explanation for the structure and distribution of coral reefs. The case is made that both sites are of international geoheritage importance and that their protection should be assured with enhanced access and interpretation.
Application of Modified Cassava Starch as a Fat Substitute in Cracker Production
Authors: Otero-Guzmán Niza , Cadena-Chamorro Edith , Ciro-Velásquez Héctor José , Mejía-Villota Alejandro , Rodriguez-Sandoval Eduardo 
Published: June 2023

Crackers are a popular food with an appreciable share of the consumer market. Fat is essential for the sensory properties of this product; however, a high fat content is associated with health disorders. For this reason, developing low-fat products with the same desirable attributes as the corresponding full-fat ones is a high priority for the food industry. The objective of the study was to evaluate the inclusion of modified cassava starch as a fat substitute in crackers by measuring their physical and sensory properties and behavior during storage. Fat reduction in crackers led to higher fracturability values for all treatment but the pregelatinized (PREGEL) one (

11.73
±
0.39

N). The expansion ratio decreased with fat reduction, and the treatments with the highest expansion ratio and specific volume were the control (CTRL) (

10.51
±
0.21

and

1.97
±
0.09

mL/g), the one with amyloglucosidase (AMG) (

10.24
±
0.10

and

2.20
±
0.023

mL/g), and the pregelatinized (PREGEL) one (

10.40
±
0.16

and

1.99
±
0.15

mL/g). The samples with modified starch showed an average total fat reduction of 49.51% compared with the control treatment. The results of sensory analysis by the acceptability test showed a greater inclination towards the CTRL and AMG treatments, in both color (

6.73
±
1.81

and

6.45
±
2.08

, respectively) and texture (

6.95
±
1.72

and

6.67
±
1.69

, respectively) parameters. During storage, the fracture strength decreased from

13.66
±
0.32

N to

11.39
±
0.57

N for AMG and from

12.5
±
0.42

N to

10.77
±
0.61

N for CTRL treatment, while the moisture content increased for both AMG (from

4.09
±
0.85
%

to

4.72
±
0.13
%

) and CTRL (from

3.87
±
0.14
%

to

4.31
±
0.43
%

) treatments between 0 and 30 days of storage. According to these results, it can be concluded that physically and enzymatically modified cassava starches can work as fat replacers in crackers.