bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ecological role of the European rabbit in the Magellanic/Fuegian ecosystem of southernmost Chile
Authors: Mann-Vollrath Francisca , Correa-Cuadros Jennifer Paola , Ávila-Thieme María Isidora , Duclos Melanie , Jaksic Fabian M. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The European rabbit has invaded numerous ecosystems around the world, but rarely steppes. We studied the food web in the Magallanes region of southernmost Chile, where the rabbit is now a key player, interacting with species at different trophic levels. Because the rabbit is currently well embedded in the Magellanic/Fuegian ecosystem, especially in the steppe, any changes in its local abundance can spread out through trophic interactions and generate unwanted impacts in the regional food web. We used a multi-species trophic network approach and built the food web of the Magellanic/Fuegian steppe based on the rabbit interspecific relationships through a bibliographic review. We evaluated its topological properties and performed a species extinction analysis to assess the relative importance of the rabbit. The network has 222 nodes (64% native, 12% exotic, and 23% mixed), 576 links, and a connectance of 0.011. The rabbit was the most connected node of the network, had the second largest dietary breadth, and was the sixth with the highest number of predatory species. Our results suggest that rabbit control could trigger several ecological impacts on other regional species, such as releasing herbivory pressure on plants of various genera. In addition, by reducing or removing a staple prey resource for predators, they may decrease their abundance or change their diet to alternative prey, generating unexpected effects. The multi-species network approach could be a complementary tool to apply a more holistic management of the rabbit, which would allow the identification of non-target species that should be monitored when control is being applied, and thereby generate early warnings against unwanted impacts.
Sn-based Perovskite Solar Cells: A simulation study on defect states
Authors: Oppong-Antwi Louis , Huang Shihua 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Perovskite photovoltaics are gaining prominence as highly efficient solar cell alternatives, surpassing 22% efficiency. However, the use of environmentally harmful lead poses a challenge. Tin (Sn) has emerged as a promising replacement for lead. This study employed SCAPS-1D software to simulate lead-free perovskite solar cells and investigate the impact of interface defect density. Various cell parameters, such as the doping concentration of the perovskite absorption layer and defect density of the perovskite absorber layer, were examined. Lowering the defect density in the perovskite absorption layer significantly improved overall cell performance. Two interface layers, TiO2/perovskite and perovskite/hole transport material (HTM), were introduced to assess their effect on cell performance. The TiO2/perovskite interface had a greater impact due to higher carrier density and increased recombination rates. Through parameter optimization, a maximum efficiency of 24.63% was achieved.
Systematic detection of co-infection and intra-host recombination in more than 2 million global SARS-CoV-2 samples
Authors: Pipek Orsolya , Medgyes-Horváth Anna , Stéger József , Papp Krisztián , Visontai Dávid , Koopmans Marion , Nieuwenhuijse David , Munnink Bas Oude , Group VEO Technical Working , Csabai István 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Systematic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 co-infections between different lineages and assessing the risk of intra-host recombinant emergence are crucial for forecasting viral evolution. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of more than 2 million SARS-CoV-2 raw read datasets submitted to the European COVID-19 Data Portal to identify co-infections and intra-host recombination. Co-infection was observed in 0.35% of the investigated cases. Two independent procedures were implemented to detect intra-host recombination. We show that sensitivity is predominantly determined by the density of lineage-defining mutations along the genome, thus we used an expanded list of mutually exclusive defining mutations of specific variant combinations to increase statistical power. We call attention to multiple challenges rendering recombinant detection difficult and provide guidelines for the reduction of false positives arising from chimeric sequences produced during PCR amplification. Additionally, we identify three recombination hotspots of Delta – Omicron BA.1 intra-host recombinants.
Theoretical Prediction of Grüneisen parameter for nano Lead Sulfide at different compressions
Authors: Pandey Anjani K. , Srivast Shivam , Singh Prachi , Tripathi Shipra , Dixit Chandra K. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the current study, we have theoretically predicted the value of bulk modulus, first pressure derivative of bulk modulus and Grüneisen parameter at different compression. In this work we have used three different EOSs viz. Brennan-Stacey EOS, Vinet-Rydberg EOS, and Hama-Suito EOS. The theoretically calculated values for pressure and bulk modulus are in agreement with the available facts validates our work. The agreement of present work with the available facts also leads to the conclusion that these EOSs which are generally used to calculate pressure for bulk materials can also be used to perform calculations in case of nano PbS. Further, the graph between Grüneisen parameter and volume compression ratio is straight line this is also in agreement with the available fact that the ratio γ/Ω (where Ω = V/V0) the Grüneisen parameter to volume compression ratio is constant for solids which also leads to validation of our work.
Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction in hypertensive children and adolescents
Authors: Doğan Kenan , Başar Eviç Zeynep , Aytaç Mehmet Baha , Şahin Nihal , Bayrak Yunus Emre , Bek Kenan , Güngör Hüseyin Salih , Sönmez Hafize Emine , Babaoğlu Kadir 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Atherosclerotic changes can be attributed to early endothelial damage in individuals with hypertension. We aimed to explore the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and hypertension in children, considering CIMT, FMD, and functional capillaroscopy parameters. We also analyzed the differences between dipper and non-dipper patients.
Methods In this cross-sectional study, 20 patients diagnosed with essential hypertension with no target organ damage, such as retinopathy and left ventricular hypertrophy, were enrolled. The patient group comprised newly diagnosed hypertensive individuals not receiving antihypertensive treatment. All evaluations were done before starting antihypertensive therapy. Hypertensive patients were divided into two groups (dipper and non-dipper patients). As a control group, 20 age and sex-matched healthy volunteers were included. Three manual CIMT measurements were taken in each carotid artery and averaged. Basal brachial artery FMD and functional capillaroscopy density were assessed, and post-provocation measurements were obtained after inflating the sphygmomanometer cuff 40-50 mmHg above basal blood systolic pressure.
ResultsAmong the patients, 11 were boys, and 9 were girls, with a median age of 16.0 (11.2-17.7) years. Significant differences were observed between the hypertensive patients and controls in terms of CIMT (p = 0.04), brachial artery FMD (p = 0.02), and capillary density (p <0.001). Hypertensive patients exhibited increased CIMT, reduced brachial artery FMD, and lower capillary density. However, no significant differences were found between the dipper and non-dipper hypertensive groups.
Conclusions Understanding the vascular consequences associated with essential hypertension emphasizes the importance of early detection and management of hypertension to mitigate its adverse effects on vascular structure and function. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving these vascular changes and explore potential therapeutic interventions to restore normal vascular physiology in hypertensive individuals.
The influence of ferroptosis on the in vitro OGD/R model in rat microglia
Authors: Ye Tao , Zhang Ning , Zhang Anbang , Sun Xiuqi , Pang Bo , Wu Xuemei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury causes high mortality and incidence of disability in patients. We aimed to explore the influence of ferroptosis on an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in primary rat microglia. Primary microglia were extracted from rats and cultured in vitro. The cells were subjected to a hypoxic environment for 6 h in a glucose-free medium, and then re-oxygenated for 24 h in DMEM/F12. Rat microglia were pretreated with the ferroptosis activator erastin and the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin 1 for 24 h, followed by detection of cell cycle progression and apoptosis by flow cytometry. Intracellular total iron levels were measured. In addition, the relative levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein levels of 15-lox2, GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4, and TFR1 were examined by western blotting. Compared with rat microglia subjected to OGD/R, pretreatment with erastin did not influence cell apoptosis but significantly enhanced total iron levels, MDA, and ROS levels, whereas it reduced SOD levels. Moreover, it upregulated ACSL4, TFR1, and 15-lox2 and downregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11. Pretreatment with ferrostatin 1 significantly inhibited cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase. It significantly reduced total iron levels, MDA, and ROS levels and enhanced SOD levels, which also downregulated ACSL4, TFR1, and 15-lox2, and upregulated GPX4 and SLC7A11. Our study showed that inhibition of ferroptosis is favorable against potential OGD/R-induced damage in rat microglia.
Timing of relapse after gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer: A prediction study on early versus late recurrence
Authors: Liu Chenming , Tao Feng , Ye Minfeng , Zhang Yu , Xu Chuchu , Lu Jialiang , Jing Yuanming , Li Honghai , Park Sungsoo , An Liang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
There are few studies on the predictive factors and recurrence patterns of early and late postoperative recurrence of advanced gastric cancer (GC). Our study aims to explore the difference of clinicopathological features and recurrence patterns between early and late recurrence in patients with advanced GC after curative intent surgery, and further compare and analyze independent predictors influencing the prognosis respectively.
Materials and Method
Clinical data of patients with GC who received radical gastrectomy in Shaoxing People's Hospital between June 2016 and December 2019 was retrospectively collected. Survival analyses were conducted using the Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank tests. Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors of influencing post-recurrence survival (PRS).
Results
There was significantly statistical difference in median PRS between the early and late recurrence (4 months vs. 11 months, P = 0.038). Low body mass index (BMI) (HR = 0.86, P = 0.001), elevated monocytes (HR = 4.54, P = 0.003) and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (HR = 1.03, P = 0.037) at the time of recurrence were independent predictors of PRS after early recurrence. Low BMI (HR = 0.88, HR = 0.036) and hemoglobin (HR = 0.97, P = 0.008) at the time of recurrence were independent predictors of PRS after late recurrence. There were significant difference in prognosis between the three different BMI ranges for all recurrent patients (4 months vs. 9 months vs. 15 months, P = 0.02), especially for those with early recurrence (4 months vs. 7 months vs. 15 months, P = 0.015).
Conclusion
In view of the different predictive factors of early and late recurrence of GC, individualized treatment strategies can be considered to improve the survival rate in the future.
The Weddell-Scotia Confluence during summer: An ecosystem where ammonium is worth gold
Authors: Paparazzo Flavio Emiliano 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The Uptake of nitrogen sources in the Weddell-Scotia Confluence shows different nutritional conditions than other oceanic and neritic sectors. In this ecosystem, ammonium plays a leading role, either as a product of biological activities or as a trigger for them. During the summer of 2012, aboard the R/V Puerto Deseado, the area was visited and a series of stations were sampled. The objective of this work was to study the use of nitrogen sources and complement with associated parameters to link them to biological production. Experiments were carried out on board to estimate the uptake of nitrogen sources, and temperature and salinity were measured in situ. In addition, nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), phosphate (PO4 − 3), silicic acid (Si(OH)4) and chlorophyll-a (Chlo-a) concentration was measured in the CESIMAR laboratory. The spatial interpretation was complemented with satellite images of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll-a. The main results were: high allochthonous macronutrients (NO3−: 13.36–25.53 µM; PO4 − 3: 1.51–1.90 µM; Si(OH)4: 34.5–62.8 µM) and low Chlo-a (0.44–0.76 mg.m− 3) concentration; nitrate uptake apparently limited by factors unrelated to its availability; a strong preference for ammonium uptake as a nitrogen source (negatively correlated; r = -0.99); low primary productivity estimated as total nitrogen uptake (TNU: 8.9-14.23 nM.d− 1); and its consequent low export rate of carbon. Due to the importance of this ecosystem for relevant biological species such as krill, and the important role it plays in the formation of deep waters, it is essential to keep a monitoring over time that allow estimating its evolution.
Integrative medicine utilization among infertility patients
Authors: Sehgal Shruti , Dyer Ashley , Warren Christopher , Galic Isabel , Jain Tarun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Previous research suggests that some women are using integrative and complementary holistic approaches to optimize their own health and treat infertility. We aimed to determine patterns of integrative medicine use among those seeking fertility optimization by 1) Characterizing patterns of integrative medicine use to increase fertility; 2) Identifying demographic predictors associated with such integrative medicine use; and 3) Exploring cultural and religious influences on use of integrative medicine.
Methods
Cross-sectional self-reported survey data were collected from 1460 patients presenting to an academic fertility center in Chicago, Illinois. Variables were described with univariate frequencies and proportions, unadjusted bivariate comparisons were made between patient-level factors and reported integrative modality use, and multivariable logistic regression evaluated the strength of covariate-adjusted predictors of reported integrative medicine utilization.
Results
80.4% of respondents reported using at least one integrative medicine modality to treat infertility (Acupuncture: 38.5%, Yoga: 27.6%, Massage: 25.8%, Meditation: 16.7%, and Herbal supplements: 18.5%). Diet therapy was the most frequently utilized modality (74.0%) followed by body therapy (45.2%), traditional alternative medicine (42.0%), mind therapy (32.1%), and senses therapy (23.0%). Any integrative medicine modality use was 4.03 times more likely among Hindu respondents compared to participants that identified as not religious (95% CI 1.2-13.7, p<0.026). Significant differences in specific modality use were observed by race, religious affiliation, age, income, and insurance coverage.
Conclusion
Most infertility patients in our study reported using at least one integrative medicine modality to help them conceive. Utilization was associated with age of participant, religious affiliation, annual income, and insurance coverage. Further research is needed to assess the impact of integrative medicine utilization on patient quality of life and outcomes.
Quantitative evaluation of diffusion-weighted MRI for differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules larger than 4 cm
Authors: Zheng Tingting , Xie Xiaoli , Ni Zhaoxian , Tang Lang , Wu Pu-Yeh , Song Bin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to diagnose the benign or malignant of large thyroid nodules by quantitative analysis of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI).
Methods
82 thyroid nodules were investigated retrospectively and divided them into benign (n = 62) and malignant groups (n = 20). DWI data were acquired, and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to identify independent predictors, and develop a prediction model. We performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to determine the optimal threshold of risk factors, and constructed combined threshold models. Diagnostic performance metrics, including area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the ratio of unnecessary fine-needle aspiration biopsy (UFNAB) of all models were calculated and compared with the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) result.
Results
Two independent predictors of malignant nodules were identified by multivariate analysis: DWI signal intensity ratio (DWISIR, P = 0.007) and minimum ADC (ADCmin, P < 0.001). At a cutoff value of 0.198, the multivariate prediction model had an AUC of 0.946. The combined threshold model of DWISIR and ADCmin had the highest specificity up to 100% and the lowest UFNAB rate of 0%.
Conclusion
Quantitative DWI demonstrated favorable malignant thyroid nodule diagnostic efficacy. Combined thresholds of DWISIR and ADCmin greatly reduced the UFNAB.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outpatient appointments of rheumatic patients in a low- and medium-risk area of China
Authors: Xie Tianhua , Wang Dong , Yang Qingrui , Sun Hongsheng , Zhang Yijing , Li Ming 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
We aimed to determine the impact of different strategies of outpatient appointments of rheumatic patients in a low- and medium-risk area of China against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Three hospitals in Shandong Province were investigated to compare the number of outpatient appointments of rheumatic patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results
The number of outpatient appointments of rheumatic patients in 2020 decreased significantly under strict restrictive COVID-19 prevention measures compared to prior to the pandemic. The impact on Western medicine hospitals was greater than that on a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospital. After COVID-19, first-level public health emergency responses were degraded, and the number of outpatient appointments increased rapidly, exceeding the numbers in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
In the early stage of the pandemic, severe restrictive policies were effective measures in limiting the spread of COVID-19, but outpatient appointments in the three hospitals were significantly affected. The impacts on these three hospitals were different, with the designated Western medicine hospital for COVID-19 treatment suffering the greatest impact.
Reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire Among Saudi Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Abdulmajeed Alzakri 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: The Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire is a standard tool to assess the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in patients suffer from lumbar spinal stenosis but, because of cultural differences limited use among Arabic patients. The aim is to perform a cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Arabic version of Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire and test it on Saudi patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Methods: This a cross sectional study run between January 2021 and December 2022 recruited 120 patients. The cross-cultural adaptation process was performed using the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) Outcomes Committee method. All patients had completed the Arabic version of Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire and SF-12 preoperatively and 6-months postoperatively. The validity and internal consistency were tested using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbach alpha, Pearson correlation coefficient, and confidence interval (CI).
Results: We analyzed the result of 120 female patients. The average age is 64 ± 6.4 years (range from 55-75 years). The overall Cronbach alpha (CA) of all domains of Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire is 0.90. However, the Cronbach alpha for the symptom-severity scale (Q1-7) and, functional disability scale (Q8-12) is 0.92 and 0.88 respectively. The ICC were 0.92, 0.93 and 0.84 for all items, symptom-severity scale and functional disability scale respectively. High Pearson correlation coefficients found between the SF-12 score and Swiss spinal stenosis total score.
Conclusion: The Arabic version of the Swiss spinal stenosis questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument and can be applied to evaluate the surgical outcome of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
Enhancing Thiazine Dye Removal using Pyrolyzed Mytella falcata Shells: Characterization, Kinetics, Isotherm, and Regeneration through Photolysis and Peroxidation
Authors: Lima Renata Silva , Tonholo Josealdo , Rangabhashiyam Selvasembian , Fernandes Daniel Pinto , Zanta Carmem Lucia , Meili Lucas 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The potential of pyrolyzed Mytella falcata shells as an adsorbent for removing thiazine dye from aqueous solutions was investigated. The study found that the adsorbent produced at 600°C of pyrolysis temperature, with an adsorbent mass of 0.5 g, particle diameter 0.297 − 0.149 mm, and pH 12.0, demonstrated the highest dye removal efficiency of 82.41%. The material's porosity was observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which is favorable for adsorption, while FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the presence of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the crystalline phases. The pseudo-second order model was found to be the best fit for the data, suggesting that the adsorption mechanism involves two steps: external diffusion and diffusion via the solid pores. The Redlich-Peterson isotherm model better represented the equilibrium data, and the methylene blue adsorption was found to be spontaneous, favorable, and endothermic. The hydrogen peroxide with UV oxidation was found to be the most efficient method of regeneration, with a regeneration percentage of 63% achieved using 600 mmol.L− 1 of oxidizing agents. The results suggest that pyrolyzed Mytella falcata shells could serve as an economically viable alternative adsorbent, reducing the amount of waste produced in the local environment while removing pollutants from water. The material's adsorption capacity remained almost constant in the first adsorption-oxidation cycles, indicating its potential for repeated use.