bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morpho-Agronomic Characterization of Ethiopian Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Genotypes
Authors: Gebremedin Basazinew Degu , Asfaw Bizuayehu Tesfaye , Mengesha Wendawek Abebe , Abebe Kebebew Assefa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the variability of Ethiopian black cumin genotypes by using morpho-agronomic traits. Sixty-four genotypes were tested at Debre Zeit and Kulumsa Agricultural Research center in 2021 using an 8 × 8 simple lattice design with two replications. Analysis of variance revealed significant (p ≤ 0.001 or p ≤ 0.01) differences among the genotypes for all traits studied except the number of primary branches per plant. The effect of location was significant (p ≤ 0.001 or p ≤ 0.05) for all traits except the number of primary branches per plant. It is expected to improve all phenological traits as well as seed yield and yield-related qualitative traits by 4 to 41% over improved varieties by the selection of the top 5% landraces. Thus, through selection, it would also be possible to shorten the flowering and maturity periods of the genotypes. High broad sense heritability values coupled with high to moderate genetic advance as a percentage of mean values were shown by the number of capsules per plant, seed yield per plot, and plant height which indicates possibilities for improvement of these traits through selection. Plant height and seed yield per plot had moderate to strong positive and significant (p ≤ 0.01) phenotypic and genotypic association (r = 0.53 to 0.99) with seed yield per hectare. Plant height, number of primary branches per plant, and seed yield per plot had a positive direct effect on seed yield per hectare phenotypically and genotypically. This would be a direct selection criterion for further improvement of the genotypes. The principal component analysis of 13 quantitative traits exhibited 81.7% of the total variance captured by the first four principal components (PCs). Days to flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to full blooming, days to maturity, number of seeds per plant, and seed yield per plant were the main contributor traits for the variation in the first and second PCs. The genotypes were grouped into three different clusters (C-I = 39.06%, C-II = 9.38%, and C-III = 51.56%) based on 13 quantitative traits with significant intra- and inter-cluster distances. This clearly showed that there was sufficient diversity among the genotypes which can be exploited for the future black cumin improvement program.
Sex-specific-evaluation of metabolic syndrome prevalence in Algeria: insights from the 2016–2017 non-communicable diseases risk factors survey
Authors: Ngwasiri Calypse , Kinoré Mikaila , Samadoulougou Sekou , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a core driver of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however, to date, gender differences in MetS prevalence and its components have not been assessed in the Algerian adult general population. This study aimed to determine the gender differences in MetS prevalence and its components, in the general population of Algeria. Secondary analysis was performed on data from the 2016–2017 Algerian non-communicable disease risk factor survey. MetS was determined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. A modified Poisson regression model was used to identify the associated factors. Overall, MetS prevalence according to the ATP III and IDF criteria was 34.0% (95%CI 32.4–35.6) and 31.5% (95%CI 30.0–33.1), respectively. MetS prevalence in women and men was 39.1% (95%CI 37.0–41.3) and 29.1% (95%CI 27.2–31.2) according to the ATP III and 38.3% (95%CI 36.2–40.5) and 25.1% (95%CI [23.2–27.0]) to the IDF criteria, respectively. The most frequent triad was the clustering of abdominal obesity with low HDL cholesterol and high blood pressure among women (8.9%; 95%CI [8.0–10.0]) and low HDL cholesterol with high blood pressure and hyperglycaemia among men (5.2%; 95%CI [4.3–6.3]). Increasing age (aPR; 3.47 [2.86–4.22]), cohabitation (1.14 [1.05–1.24]), women residing in urban areas (1.13 [1.01–1.26]), men with higher educational levels (1.39 [1.14–1.70]), and men with insufficient physical activity (1.21 [1.07–1.37]) were associated with higher risk of MetS. In this population-based study, one in three Algerian adults had MetS, with comparable variation between the ATP III and IDF criteria. Key components including abdominal obesity, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood pressure, are very common, especially in women. Reinforcing interventions for weight management targeting married women living in urban areas and improving sufficient physical activity in men with higher socioeconomic status could provide maximal health gains and stem the CVD epidemic in Algeria.
Impact of Marine Debris on Coral Reef Ecosystem and Effectiveness of Removal of Debris on Ecosystem Health – Baseline Data From Palk Bay, Indian Ocean
Authors: Pillai Ranith Rajamohanan , Lakshmanan Senthilnathan , Mayakrishnan Machendiranathan , George Grinson , N Nandini Menon 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The interaction of marine debris with the structurally intricate coral reef communities of the Indian subcontinent has not been investigated in detail. Here, we examined the distribution and density of marine debris in the coral reef areas of Palk Bay and their interactions with coral reefs from five locations along two depth zones (T1 and T2) during 2018 to 2020 period. Derelict Fishing Gears (DFG), with ropes (51 ± 2%) and fishing lines (43 ± 2.5%) were the dominant debris forms recorded. Among the reef-forming corals, Acropora sp. colonies experienced the maximum physical injury and mortality due to DFG entanglement. While there was no evident mortality, plastic materials and anchors caused considerable physical harm and tissue loss in Porites sp. In addition, an impact assessment study was conducted by routinely removing the accumulated debris from the five locations of the test site (T1), whereas the locations of control site (T2) were left undisturbed. The study revealed noticeable variability in the benthic conditions of the test site and control site. In comparison to control sites (T2) where the debris was not removed, test sites (T1) showed a significant increase in live coral cover and coral recruit density in 2020, against that in 2018. As there was no significant variability in the water and sediment quality between the test and control sites, the significant reduction in the live coral cover and coral recruit density at control sites can be attributed to the accumulation and interaction of marine debris with the coral reef ecosystem. This study throws light on the impact of unsustainable fishing activities and other anthropogenic pressures such as tourism and waste disposal on coral reef ecosystems like Palk Bay. The livelihood of fishermen and coastal communities depends on essential fish habitats like coral reefs; hence, it is important to tackle the marine debris issue through regular debris removal mechanisms as well as through strict legal and management measures.
Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial Infection in Adult Patients Following Cardiac Surgery: Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors
Authors: ren jianwei , Duan Shengchen , wu yuanxing , Wen Mingxiu , Zhang Jianye , Liu Yulei , Zhu Guangfa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background The emergence and prevalence of infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) pose great challenges for clinical anti-infective therapy. Cardiac surgery is characterized by high surgical difficulty, strict aseptic operation requirements, and long operation time. Previous research data on postoperative MDR bacterial infection are limited. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to understand the clinical characteristics of adult patients with MDRO infection after cardiac surgery and the risk predictors of infection.
Methods The complete medical records of adult patients with MDR bacterial infection after cardiac surgery from January 2018 to October 2021 were collected to understand the clinical characteristics of MDR bacterial infection in a specific environment and to evaluate the risk predictors of MDR bacterial infection after surgery.
Results From January 2018 to October 2021, a total of 176 adult patients suffered from MDR bacterial infection after cardiac surgery. A total of 306 strains of MDR bacteria were detected in clinical samples, and 97 patients (55.1%) suffered from multiple bacterial infections. The most common bacterial distribution was Acinetobacter baumannii (114/306, 37.3%). The main clinical manifestations were lower respiratory tract infection (51/176, 29.0%), followed by bloodstream infection (12/176, 6.8%), mediastinal infection (2/176, 1.1%), urinary tract infections (2/176, 1.1%) and skin soft tissue infections (1/176, 0.6%). Preinfection exposure to vancomycin (P<0.001), combined antibiotic administration (P<0.001), and glucocorticoid administration (P=0.029) were associated with prolonged hospital stay (P=0.003) and ICU stay (P < 0.001). The presence of preoperativehypoalbuminemia (P=0.003) was a risk factor for MDR bacterial infection after cardiac surgery. Undergoing a second surgery during hospitalization (OR=1.91, 95% CI=1.131-3.425, P=0.015) and preoperative exposure to linezolid (OR=3.70, 95% CI=1.291-10.629, P=0.015) were independent risk factors for developing MDR bacterial infections.
Conclusion The incidence of MDR bacterial infection is high in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, and these organisms are highly resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, it is of great importance to strengthen perioperative management of inpatients in cardiac surgery, achieve early identification of risk factors for postoperative MDR bacterial infection, and ensure containment of the occurrence and spread of drug-resistant bacterial infection.
Women’s neuroplasticity during gestation, childbirth, and postpartum
Authors: Paternina-Die María , Martínez-García Magdalena , de Blas Daniel Martín , Noguero Inés , Servin-Servet Camila , Pretus Clara , Soler Anna , López-Montoya Gonzalo , Desco Manuel , Carmona Susanna 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Pregnancy is a transformative life event that causes profound changes in almost every system of the mother's body. Recent research has recognized that pregnancy is also a unique neuroplastic period in adult life. This longitudinal study tracked the cortical brain adaptations taking place during the unexplored period of the peripartum and examined whether the type of childbirth influences these brain adaptations.
We collected neuroanatomic, obstetric, and neuropsychological data from 110 first-time mothers at two sessions: late pregnancy and early postpartum. We also collected data from a control group of 34 nulliparous women evaluated at a similar time interval. At late pregnancy, first-time mothers showed pronounced cortical volume and thickness reductions, mainly in somatomotor, attentional, and default mode networks. These reductions attenuated at the early postpartum session, especially in somatomotor and attentional networks, suggesting that reductions affecting the default mode network may persist longer. The more postpartum time between sessions, the greater the cortical volume, thickness, and surface area increases.
These neuroanatomic findings were replicated in an independent longitudinal sample of 29 first-time mothers and 24 nulliparous women. Results also suggest that labor entails additional neuroplasticity in the maternal brain, with different cortical changes before and after childbirth in mothers who delivered via scheduled cesarean section. This work provides evidence of a dynamic trajectory of cortical decreases during pregnancy that valley around parturition and attenuate as postpartum progresses. Our findings position childbirth as a key physiological event for comprehending the plasticity of the maternal brain.
Insights on mercury and energy consumption from in-situ measurements of artisanal gold mining in Brazilian Amazon rainforest
Authors: Fritz Benjamin , Peregovich Bernhard , Tenório Lorena da Silva , Alves Adria da Silva , Schmidt Mario 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The Tapajós River basin in Brazil is one of the worlds most affected regions by artisanal gold mining (ASGM). Its environmental problems include the release of mercury, deforestation and energy consumption. However, measures to recover mercury with the help of so-called retorts have now become standard. Although most mines are not open to outsiders, in a comprehensive survey we determined mercury use in 47 sites. Our survey shows that 1.7 kg of mercury are used per kg of gold extracted, whereas with the use of retorts only about 0.19 kg of mercury are lost. Nevertheless, this means an annual release of at least ≈2.5 tonnes of mercury for the region. ASGM also contributes to climate change through energy consumption. ASGM releases about 16,000 kg of CO2 equivalent per kg of gold. ASGM is thus in a similar range as industrial gold mining but performs significantly worse than recycling gold.
Varying sex and identity of faces affects face categorization differently in humans and computational models
Authors: Bülthoff Isabelle , Manno Laura , Zhao Mintao 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Our faces display socially important sex and identity information. How perceptually independent are these facial characteristics? Here, we used a sex categorization task to investigate how changing faces either in terms of their sex or their identity affects sex categorization of those faces, whether these manipulations affect sex categorization similarly when the original faces were personally familiar or unknown, and, whether computational models trained for sex classification respond similarly to human observers. Our results show that varying faces along either sex or identity dimension affects their sex categorization. When the sex was swapped (e.g., female faces became male looking, Experiment 1), sex categorization performance was different from that with the original unchanged faces, and significantly more so for people who were familiar with the original faces than those who were not. When the identity of the faces was manipulated by caricaturing or anti-caricaturing them (these manipulations either augment or diminish idiosyncratic facial information, Experiment 2), sex categorization performance to caricatured, original, and anti-caricatured faces increased in that order, independently of face familiarity. Moreover, our face manipulations showed different effects on computational models trained for sex classification and elicited different patterns of responses in humans and computational models. These results not only support the notion that the sex and identity of faces are processed integratively by human observers but also demonstrate that computational models of face categorization may not capture key characteristics of human face categorization.
Knowledge and awareness of obstructive sleep apnea among patients’ families in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nufaiei Ziyad F. Al , Alluhibi Reem H , Alsabti Mshael B , Onaybisi Haya S , Alahmadi Lama M , Jabal Shatha A , Zhranei Raid M. Al 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Obstructive sleep apnea is considered one of the most undiagnosed disorders among adults. The reason behind this phenomenon is due to uncertainty of its symptoms. Therefore, this phenomenological-oriented study is designed to explore the knowledge and awareness of patients’ families toward obstructive sleep apnea.
Methods : A phenomenological-oriented study was utilized as a qualitative research method. A total of 28 participants who met our inclusion criteria and were selected to participate. They agreed to participate via signed a consent form. A one-on-one semi-structured interview process using the Zoom platform. Transcripts were obtained and analyzed via two independent researchers utilizing an inductive approach.
Results: Seven themes emerged from the interviews: lifestyle habits, accompanying symptoms, debilitating conditions, difficulties with CPAP, suffering & fear, coping techniques, knowledge, and awareness among the society
Conclusion: The level of awareness and knowledge among participants was low. The lifestyle of the participants who were exposed to close relatives with OSA is dramatically changed due to many factors such as the patient’s mood, afraid to leave them alone, and fear of losing their loved ones. In addition, participants are afraid of difficulties that may exist if their patients avoid using CPAP or complications of the device itself. Finally, coping techniques were recommended by all the participants to help their loved ones to overcome this disorder.
Combined large-scale tropical and subtropical forcing on severe soil desiccation in South America
Authors: Geirinhas João Lucas , Russo Ana , Libonati Renata , Miralles Diego , Ramos Alexandre , Gimeno Luis , Trigo Ricardo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Changes in the frequency and magnitude of dry spells have been recorded over the past few decades due to an intensification of the global water cycle. A long-term soil drying trend resulting from a joint contribution of natural decadal variability in precipitation levels and increasing temperatures, predisposed southeast South America (SESA) to experience during the 2019–2021 period outstanding soil desiccation. Flash droughts led to large areas (~100.000 ) in SESA covered by record-breaking soil dryness. April 2020 witnessed the most severe conditions when over 30% of the region experienced negative soil moisture anomalies larger than two standard deviations. Internal variability, particularly El Niño–Southern Oscillation, explained the dynamical forcing of this extreme drought. Large precipitation deficits and enhanced evaporation in SESA resulted from a coupled tropical and subtropical forcing associated to pronounced changes in the normal Walker and Hadley Cells' circulation and to the establishment of a Rossby wave extending from west south Pacific towards South America. These findings highlight the intricate interplay between different processes in the occurrence of climate extremes, stressing the need for an adequate representation of the dynamical processes associated with daily-to-multiyear timescales in climate models.
GFAP-A and Overlapping syndrome of MOG‑IgG‑associated disease and autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy: case reports
Authors: Yang Xu , Liu Shu , Zheng Yong-Ling , Cai Zhi-You 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytic lesion （GFAP-A）is a new central nervous system autoimmune disease first described in humans at the Mayo Clinic in 2016. The diagnosis mainly depends on the IgG antibody of GFAP in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) is a kind of inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which MOG antibodies are found in serology or cerebrospinal fluid. Today, clinicians also have a certain understanding of demyelinating diseases, but the mechanism of these diseases is still not very clear, so clinical cases are still worthy of attention and summary.
Case presentation: We report a case of GFAP-A and a case of Overlapping syndrome of MOG‑IgG‑associated disease and autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy. Our cases show that the severity of GFAP-A is no less severe than that of Overlapping syndrome of MOG‑IgG‑associated disease and autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy, but this is only a case-based guess.
Conclusions: Reading the literature, we found great heterogeneity in patients with these inflammatory demyelinating central nervous system diseases, which also brings difficulties to clinical diagnosis. Therefore, we believe that when clinically suspected demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, APQ4, MOG, GFAP, MBP, and other related antibodies should be detected at the same time to avoid missed diagnosis.
Periostin deficiency attenuates kidney fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via improving pancreatic β-cell dysfunction
Authors: Cho Ara , Jin Wencheng , Lee Jeonghwan , Shin Nayeon , Lee Myoung Seok , Li Lilin , Yang Seung Hee , Park Kyong Soo , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Yun Kyu , Lim Chun Soo , Lee Jung Pyo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with kidney fibrosis. A previous study revealed that periostin (POSTN) contributes to kidney fibrosis. This study examined the role of POSTN in DN. The urinary concentrations of POSTN and TNC increased according to the severity of DN in human samples. Streptozotocin (STZ) was administered after unilateral nephrectomy (UNXSTZ) to induce DN in both wild-type and Postn-null mice. Four experimental groups were generated: wild-type sham (WT sham), wild-type UNXSTZ (WT STZ), Postn-null sham (KO sham), Postn-null UNXSTZ (KO STZ). After 20 weeks, the KO STZ group had lower urine albumin excretion, glomerular sclerosis, and interstitial fibrosis than the WT STZ group. Also, it had lower expression of fibrosis markers, including TNC. The KO STZ group showed better glucose regulation than the WT STZ model. Furthermore, the KO STZ group preserved pancreatic islet integrity and insulin expression significantly. We stimulated INS-1 cells with streptozotocin and evaluated the viability of these cells. The anti-POSTN antibody treatment of INS-1 cells with streptozotocin resulted in higher cell viability than treatment with streptozotocin alone. The absence of POSTN in DN contributes to renal fibrosis alleviation by improving pancreatic β-cell function. Additionally, there is an association between POSTN and TNC.
Economic evaluation of ruxolitinib versus best available therapy for treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease in Singapore
Authors: Ong Matthew , Than Hein , Tripathi Sandeep , Gkitzia Christina , Wang Nick 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD) is a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) that typically develops within 100 days of transplantation. Current treatments for steroid-refractory aGvHD (SR-aGvHD) are poorly tolerated and are often ineffective. In the REACH2 open label randomized controlled trial, ruxolitinib was found to lead to significantly higher overall response rates at 28 days than best available therapy (BAT). A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted to determine the value of ruxolitinib compared with BAT for treatment of patients with SRaGvHD in Singapore.
Methods
A semi-Markov model was developed in Microsoft Excel® to capture all costs and outcomes associated with ruxolitinib compared with BAT for the treatment of patients with SRaGvHD. The model used the Singaporean healthcare system perspective with a time horizon of 15 years and 3% discount rate in the base case analysis. The efficacy and safety inputs in the model were based on the data from the REACH2 trial. The distribution of comparator treatments within the BAT and local costs were informed by inputs provided by local clinicians in Singapore. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), one way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) and scenario analysis were conducted to determine the robustness of the model outcomes.
Results
In the base case analysis, over a 15-year time horizon, ruxolitinib was found to be more effective (0.18 more life years (LYs) gained, 0.15 more quality adjusted LYs (QALYs) gained) while costing less (SGD 31,079) than BAT. PSA found that ruxolitinib was less costly and more effective than BAT in 93.8% of iterations. OWSA found that ruxolitinib was less costly and less effective when the Weibull shape parameter used to extrapolate overall survival in non-responder (SGD 1,211,562/QALY) and overall survivors (SGD 896,543/QALY) were varied. In all scenarios explored ruxolitinib dominated BAT, in alignment with the base case.
Conclusion
Overall, this economic evaluation suggests that ruxolitinib is likely to be cost-effective for the treatment of SR-aGvHD in Singapore when compared against BAT.