bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of coffee on contralateral suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Srivastava Ishaan , Kalaiah Mohan Kumar , Roushan Ritik , Shastri Usha , Kumar Kaushlendra 
Published: September 2023

Background: Coffee is a popular non-alcoholic beverage consumed by humans across the world. It contains caffeine, which is a type of stimulant of the central nervous system. In the auditory system, it has a positive effect on auditory brainstem response and perception of speech in noise. Further, caffeine has an inhibitory effect in the cochlea, but studies have rarely investigated its effect on otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in humans. OAEs are low-intensity sounds produced by the cochlea, which could be recorded in the ear canal. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of coffee on transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and contralateral suppression of TEOAE. Method: A total of 52 young adults participated in the study. A cross-over study design was used for the present investigation. The TEOAE and contralateral suppression of TEOAE were recorded before and after consumption of coffee and milk. The contralateral suppression of TEOAE was measured by presenting white noise to the contralateral ear at 40, 50, and 60 dB sound pressure level (SPL). Results: The mean amplitude of TEOAE before and after consumption of coffee was similar in both ears. Further, the mean contralateral suppression of TEOAE was slightly larger after consumption of coffee in both ears. However, the mean difference was not significant in both the ears. Conclusions: Based on the findings of present study, coffee has no significant effect on the amplitude of TEOAE and contralateral suppression of TEOAE.
Validation of the suicidal ideation scale for Hijra (third gender) people in Bangladesh
Authors: Faruk Md. Omar , Rahaman Md. Ashiquir , Anik Asibul Islam , Alam Mohammad Zayeed Bin 
Published: September 2023

Background: Hijra people, recognized as a third gender in Bangladesh, experience a variety of mental health problems, including suicidal ideation. However, there is no psychometric instrument to measure the suicidal ideation of hijra people. The aim of the study was to validate the suicidal ideation scale (SIS) for hijra people in Bangladesh. Methods: Standard validation processes were followed to develop the initial Bangla version of the scale. After the pretest, the final version of the scale was prepared. A cross-sectional survey with a combination of purposive and snowball sampling was conducted. A total of 314 participants were recruited from Dhaka. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted besides the analysis of reliability and validity. Results: The SIS was found to have a two-factor structure, collectively explaining 46.69% of the total variance during EFA. The measurement model was supported by a number of fit indices while conducting CFA. The higher Cronbach’s alpha (0.80) suggested internal consistency reliability. The scale demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability (0.89). Convergent and divergent validity was tested with the World Health Organisation WHO-5 Well-being Index, and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Conclusions: The results suggested that the SIS is a psychometrically valid instrument to measure the suicidal ideation of hijra people in Bangladesh.
Preliminary assessment of adjuvant activities of Glycine Max (L.) Merr saponin extract in BALB/c mice immunized with hepatitis B virus vaccine
Authors: Ndung'u Faith , Nyanjom Steven , Omari Samuel , Wainaina Eunice , Mugasiali Robinson , Kimotho James 
Published: September 2023

Background: Vaccine adjuvants are used to increase the immunogenicity of weak antigens. Some saponins have adjuvant effects that are exerted via their immune-stimulatory effects and production of cytokines. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) contains saponins that could provide affordable vaccine adjuvants. This study aimed to assess the effect of the saponin extracts of soybean on the immune system in BALB/c mice immunized with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Methods: Saponins were extracted from soybean meal and their presence confirmed by foam generation and Fourier-transform infrared methods. A total of 51 mice were immunized in triplicate with 50 µL of various regimens of concentrations of the extracts and either HBV vaccine or HBsAg. The plasma anti-HBsAg antibody titre was determined using an enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) 14 days post-immunization. Gene expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and haematological profile of the blood samples were determined. Results: When the two immunogens were co-administered with the soybean extract, immune response was slightly higher (0.799 + 0.013 for HBsAg and 0.758 + 0.012 for vaccine) than with the Revac B vaccine used alone. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p-value > 0.467, and 0.416 respectively). Unexpectedly, mice immunized with the vaccine expressed less IL-6 levels than the untreated mice (0.603- and 1.469-fold change in transcription (FCT), respectively). Mice treated with the vaccine expressed higher TNF-α levels than the untreated group (28.84 –and 1.00 FCT respectively) while adding the extract significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α (p < 0.063). Administration of immunogens and extract reduced neutrophil (P-value = 0.027) and platelet (p-value > 0.592) counts. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that soybean extract lacked marked adjuvant activity for HBV vaccine, that HBV vaccine suppressed expression of IL-6 and promoted expression of TNF-α.
The proximate composition, amino acid profile, fatty acid content, and mineral content of scale flour from three fish species as potential feeds for fish fry
Authors: Syandri Hafrijal , Azrita Azrita , Mardiah Ainul , Aryani Netti , Diharmi Andarini 
Published: September 2023

Background: Fish scale waste is highly valued both as a food additive and as a functional food ingredient. This study aimed to analyse the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and mineral content in fish scale flour of Osphronemus (O) goramy, Cyprinus (C) carpio, and Oreochromis (O) niloticus as potential feed for fish fry. Methods: Fish scales were cleaned with 10% w/v NaCl solution at a ratio of 1:10 (w/w) for 24 hours at 4 °C. Agitation was used every eight hours to remove excess protein. Fish scales were evenly arranged in a cooker and cooked at 121 °C for 10 minutes with 15 psi pressure. After cooking, 100 grams of wet fish scales was dried at 50 °C for four hours. Dried fish scales were processed into flour for analysis of proximatel composition, amino acid content, fatty acid content, and mineral content. Results: The examined fish scale flour from three species displayed significant variations in chemical components, amino acids, and minerals (p<0.01). Crude protein content spanned 49.52% to 72.94%, and fat content ranged from 0.11% to 0.23%. Magnesium levels varied between 767.82 mg/kg and 816.50 mg/kg, calcium content ranged from 3.54 to 12.16 mg/kg, iron content was within 40.46 to 44.10 mg/kg, and zinc content ranged from 45.80 to 139.19 mg/kg. Predominantly, glycine emerged as the main free amino acid (FAA), varying from 13.70% to 16.08%, while histidine had the lowest content, at 0.39% to 0.71%. Conversely, fatty acid content was lowest among the species, ranging from 6.73% to 9.48%. Conclusions: Scale flour from three farmed fish types showed potential for fish fry feed due to its chemical composition and amino acid and mineral contents. To enhance the essential fatty acid content, enriching the flour with oils containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and α-linolenic acid (ALA) is essential
Perceived stress, sources of stress and coping strategies among undergraduate medical students of Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Paudel Ujjawal , Parajuli Anima , Shrestha Rashmi , Kumari Shivanee , Adhikari Yadav Saroj , Marahatta Kedar 
Published: September 2023

Background: Medical students are subjected to significant stressors impacting their physical and mental health. While some students employ positive coping mechanism, others resort to maladaptive coping measures. This study aims to assess prevalence, severity, and sources of stress, as well as coping strategies among medical students of a non-Western low-income country from South Asia. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was carried out. Demographic variables were collected and stress level was assessed using PSS 14 (Perceived Stress Scale 14). The sources of stress were assessed using MSSQ (Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire) and coping strategies were evaluated using the Brief-Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced. Results: A remarkable response rate of 95% was achieved. Overall, 55% of students were stressed (male 52%, female 60%), the difference among gender was not significant. Initial basic science years students perceived higher levels of stress than later clinical clerkship students. Academic related stressors emerged as leading cause of stress, whereas other variables caused moderate stress. The major stressors were examinations, inadequate time to study, poor marks, extensive amount of learning content, and the need to performing well in the exam. Regarding coping strategies, the study revealed five predominant coping strategies: active coping, acceptance, planning, self-distraction, and instrumental support. Conversely, the least common coping mechanism was substance use. Conclusions: This study reveals a high prevalence of stress level among the medical students, mainly driven by academic pressure. Stressed students were likely to use maladaptive coping strategies. First year medical students require focused support, and promoting healthier coping measures among all medical students is crucial.. Further studies can be done to evaluate the effects of stress on the academic outcomes of students.
A protocol for a scoping review to identify methods used in clinical practice to assess wound odour
Authors: Gethin Georgina , LeBlanc Kimberly , Ivory John D , McIntosh Caroline , Pastor Damien , Naughten Enda , Hobbs Chloe , McGrath Barry , Cunningham Stephen , Joshi Lokesh , Moloney Suzanne , Probst Sebastian 
Published: September 2023

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to map, from wound assessment tools and other literature, the current methods used to assess wound odour in order to answer the following question: Which methods of assessment, validated or otherwise, are currently used in wound assessment tools to assess wound odour? Introduction: Wound assessment includes not only details of the condition of the wound bed but also evaluation of symptoms associated with the wound including that of odour. Odour is cited by clinicians, patients and carers as one of the most distressing wound symptoms. However, there is no consensus on a preferred method to assess odour thus negatively impacting the internal and external validity of many clinical trials and minimising the ability to perform meta-analysis. Eligibility criteria: Any wound assessment tool or framework that includes assessment of wound odour in any wound aetiology and in any care setting. Any systematic or scoping review that includes assessment of wound odour in any wound aetiology and in any care setting. No limits on date of publication or language will be applied. Methods: We will employ the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines for this scoping review and base its structure on the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley. Results: A narrative format will summarise extracted data and provide an overview of tools used to assess wound odour. A PRISMA diagram will outline the results of the search strategy. The identified tools will be summarised in table format and stratified according to methods used. Conclusion: The result of this scoping review will be a list of methods used to assess odour in wounds and will be used to inform a subsequent Delphi study to gain consensus on the preferred method to assess wound odour.
The genome sequence of the star-devouring scaleworm, Acholoe squamosa (Delle Chiaje, 1825)
Authors: Adkins Patrick , Brennan Mitchell , McTierney Sean , Brittain Rachel , Perry Frances ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual Acholoe squamosa (the star-devouring scaleworm; Annelida; Polychaeta; Phyllodocida; Polynoidae). The genome sequence is 1,481.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.64 kilobases in length.
Pressure ulcer prevention devices in the management of older patients at risk after hospital discharge: an SNDS study
Authors: Lartigau Marion , Barateau Martine , Rosé Mathieu , Petricã Nicoleta , Salles Nathalie 
Published: September 2023

Objective:Our aim was to measure the effectiveness of home healthcare pressure ulcer (PU) prevention devices (PUPDs) for at-risk patients after hospital discharge in France.Method:We conducted a retrospective analysis of PU-associated hospitalisations based on the French medico-administrative database (Système National des Données de Santé, SNDS), which covers the entire French population. All adults >70 years of age, hospitalised from 1 July to 31 December 2015, and equipped with a medical bed at home, were included. Follow-up was for a maximum of 18 months. Propensity score matching allowed the comparison of PUPD equipped and non-equipped groups (No-PUPD), considering sociodemographic characteristics and other factors.Results:The study included 43,078 patients. Of this population, 54% were PUPD patients and 46% No-PUPD. After matching, PUPD patients had significantly fewer PUs than No-PUPD patients (5.5% versus 8.9%, respectively; p<0.001). The adoption of PUPD reduced by 39% the risk of a PU in hospital. Patients equipped within the first 30 days at home after hospitalisation had fewer PUs than those equipped later (4.8% versus 5.9%, respectively). The estimated PUPD use costs represented 1% of total healthcare expenditure per patient during the study period.Conclusion:The study results demonstrated the effectiveness of the adoption of mattress toppers or prevention mattresses in reducing PU occurrence in patients aged >70 years of age. A short delay in PUPD delivery appeared to have a real impact in the medical setting. Future research on a larger population might provide more evidence on the appropriate support and timeframe to choose based on risk assessment.
Treatment of fungal infection on left ventricle assist device driveline exit site: a case report and systematic review
Authors: Brandão Sara Michelly Gonçalves , Biseli Bruno , Ayub-Ferreira Silvia Moreira , Strabelli Tânia Mara Varejão , Bocchi Edimar Alcides 
Published: September 2023

Objective: The use of ventricular assist devices (VAD) is increasing; however, diagnosis and management of device complications, such as the driveline exit site (DES) being the portal of entry for fungal infection, is not well known. Method: A systematic review involving searching PubMed (2005 to July 2020) was conducted. The case of a 43-year-old female patient who had a left VAD (LVAD) (HeartMate 3, Abbott, US) is also reported. Results: The patient was successfully treated with ketoconazole cream and oral fluconazole for likely superficial DES fungal infections. We included 36 studies that met our inclusion criteria; however, only one was included in our review. In the literature, five cases of DES fungal infection were reported, with Candida being the only fungal pathogen. Conclusion: LVAD fungal infections are uncommon but can be responsible for high mortality rates, require a prolonged period of treatment, and can present a huge problem when surgical alternatives are not available. However, Candida species are most common. Fungal infections can only produce clear discharge, and so the classic definition of driveline infection based on purulent secretion can vary. Negative skin culture does not exclude the diagnosis of infection of the DES, and so empirical diagnosis may only be clinically based.
Experiences and perceptions of evidence use among senior health service decision makers in Ireland: a qualitative study
Authors: Calnan Susan , McHugh Sheena 
Published: September 2023

Background:
To support evidence-informed decision making in a health service context, there is a need to better understand the contextual challenges regarding evidence use.

Aims and objectives:
To examine experiences of evidence use and perceived barriers, facilitators and recommended strategies to increase research use among senior decision makers in the national health service in Ireland.

Methods:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with decision makers in Ireland’s national health service (n= 17) from August 2021 to January 2022. Criterion sampling was used (division in the organisation and grade of position), and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Barriers and facilitators were mapped according to multiple-level categories (individual, organisational, research, social, economic, political) identified in the literature.

Findings:
Health service decision makers described a blended and often reactive approach to using evidence; the type and source of evidence used depended on the issue at hand. Barriers and facilitators to research use manifested at multiple levels, including the individual (time); organisational (culture, access to research, resources, skills); research (relevance, quality); and social, economic and political levels (external links with universities, funding, political will). Strategies recommended by participants to enhance evidence-informed decision making included synthesising key messages from the research, strengthening links with universities, and fostering more embedded research.

Discussion and conclusion:
Evidence use in health service contexts is a dynamic process with multiple drivers. This study underlines the need for a multilevel approach to support research use in health services, including strategies targeted at less tangible elements such as the organisational culture regarding research.
Ultrawide tunable terahertz phase shifter based on a double-layer liquid crystal–dielectric grating
Authors: Jiang Songlin , Fan Fei , Ji Yunyun , Zhao Huijun , Cheng Jierong , Wang Xianghui , Chang Shengjiang 
Published: September 2023

The ultrawide tunable terahertz (THz) phase shifter has always been in high demand by THz applications, especially in terms of broadband transmission and phase modulation. In this paper, we design and fabricate a composite device that combines a double-layer liquid crystal (LC) with a double-sided etched grating metasurface. By introducing the natural anisotropy of LC based on the artificial anisotropy of the metasurface, the anisotropy of the device is significantly enhanced, and this anisotropy can be dynamically modulated by an external field. When the LC molecules rotate in the x−y plane, the experimental results show that the phase difference can vary between −83∘ and 277° at 0.52 THz with a large phase-shift modulation depth of 360° (i.e., 2π). The same phase-shift modulation depth can be obtained when the LC molecules rotate in the x−z plane, in which the phase difference can vary between 207° and 567° at 1.14 THz. Our proposed composite device shows an ultrawide phase shift regulation and an ultra-large phase-shift modulation depth in the THz regime, which may provide a new strategy for various THz phase and polarization devices.
Damage, waveguide, and electrical properties in (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O3 single crystal irradiated with carbon ions
Authors: Qiao Mei , Wang Tiejun , Liu Yong , Liu Tao , Wang Zhenxing , Cui Wanling , Wang Xiaoxin , Li Xin , Xu Shicai 
Published: September 2023

The (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O3 crystal was irradiated via 20.0 MeV C ion with fluence of 1.0×1015ions/cm2. The Rutherford backscattering (RBS)/channeling spectra, the hardness and elastic modulus as continuous functions of the depth, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to analyze the irradiation damage, hardness, and structural changes in the near-surface area of samples. Prism coupling and end-face coupling methods were used to study the changes of optical waveguide properties under different annealing conditions. Considering the potential applications of low-loss waveguide structure in photoelectric sensors, electrical properties of (La, Sr)(Al, Ta)O3 samples were studied as an important detection indicator of sensors.
Optical closure in highly absorptive coastal waters: significance of inelastic scattering processes
Authors: Mukherjee Soham , Hedley John D. , Fichot Cédric G. , Laliberté Julien , Bélanger Simon 
Published: September 2023

In hydrological optics, “optical closure” means consistency between the apparent optical properties (AOPs) determined from radiometric measurements and those derived from radiative transfer modelling based on concurrently measured inherent optical properties (IOPs) and boundary conditions (sea and sky states). Good optical closure not only provides confidence in the data quality but also informs on the adequacy of the radiative transfer parameterization. Achieving optical closure in highly absorptive coastal waters is challenging due to the low signal-to-noise ratio of radiometric measurements and uncertainties in the measurements of IOPs, namely the spectral absorption and backscattering coefficients. Here, we present an optical closure assessment using a comprehensive set of in situ IOPs acquired in highly absorptive coastal waters optically dominated by chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The spectral remote sensing reflectance, Rrs(λ), was modeled using the software HydroLight (HL) with measured IOPs and observed boundary conditions. Corresponding in-water in situ Rrs(λ) was derived from radiometric measurements made with a Compact Optical Profiling System (C-OPS; Biospherical). The assessment revealed that the inclusion of inelastic scattering processes in the model, specifically sun-induced CDOM fluorescence (fDOM) and sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SICF) from Chlorophyll-a ([chl]), significantly improved the optical closure and led to good agreement between measured and modeled Rrs (i.e., for 440 ≤ λ ≤ 710 nm with no inelastic processes: R2=0.90, slope=0.64; with inelastic processes: R2=0.96, slope=0.90). The analysis also indicated that fDOM and SICF contributed a substantial fraction of the green-red wavelength Rrs in these waters. Specifically, fDOM contributed ∼18% of the modeled Rrs in the green region and SICF accounted for ∼20% of the modeled Rrs in the red region. Overall, this study points out the importance of accounting for fDOM in remote sensing applications in CDOM-dominated waters.