bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring key physiological attributes of grapevine cultivars under the influence of seasonal environmental variability
Authors: Rafique Rizwan , Ahmad Touqeer , Ahmed Mukhtar , Azam Khan Muhammad 
Published: June 2023

Seasonal climatic variability is a key challenge in many grape-growing regions across the globe, affecting phenology, growth, physiological responses, and yield at harvest. Unfavourable climatic conditions impair the plant's physiological processes, such as chlorophyll accumulation, gas exchange and photosynthesis in grapevine leaves. It is critical to unlock the complex physiological behaviour of grapevine cultivars at key phenological stages and under varying environmental conditions. The present study was designed to evaluate the key physiological processes, such as gas exchange, chlorophyll contents and water use efficiency (WUE), of four table grape cultivars at key growth stages under varying environmental conditions of the Pothwar region, in a factorial experimental set up (Location× Year × Cultivar × Phenological stage). The physiological responses of the table grape cultivars were recorded at the 5-leaf stage, full bloom, berry set, veraison and harvest during two consecutive vintages (2019 and 2020) in two locations (Islamabad and Chakwal). The results show that the mean photosynthetic activity in colder Islamabad was 30.7 % higher than in Chakwal, and the transpiration rate and WUE were 10.4 % and 28.6 % higher. Similarly, 12 % higher photosynthetic activity, with 13 % more WUE, was observed in the colder vintage of 2020 compared to that of 2019. The vine physiological activity also varied among cultivars; for example, cv. Sugraone was found to have 12 % more chlorophyll and 30 % higher photosynthetic activity than cv. Kings Ruby. Similarly, higher photosynthetic activity and transpiration rates were recorded at the berry set stage, while WUE peaked near blooming. The biplot analysis for the first two principal components also showed cv. Sugraone to be a highly responsive and physiologically efficient cultivar. The findings of the present research will help to better assess the effect of seasonal variability on vine physiological performance and to identify genotypes with higher photosynthetic potential and WUE. It could also assist in devising vineyard management strategies to better adapt to varying environmental conditions.
Penicillin G and Sutherlandia Frutescens [syn. Lessertia frutescens] (Fabaceae): A Potent Combo Against Enterococcus Faecalis
Authors: Nsele Nhlanhla Wiseman , Thembane Nokukhanya 
Published: June 2023

(1) Background: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a growing concern in the field of
medicine. This has led to the need for alternative treatments for bacterial infections. (2) Methods:
The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of a water-based extract of S. fru-tescens and penicillin G on the growth of E. faecalis. (3) Results: The study found that the combina-tion of the plant extract and penicillin G had a synergistic effect on the inhibition of bacterial growth, with a significantly larger inhibition zone observed compared to penicillin G alone. The MIC and MBC tests also demonstrated that the combination of the plant extract and penicillin G was more effective against E. faecalis than penicillin G alone, with a dilution of 1 in 4 yielding 100% inhibition of growth. (4) Conclusion: Although the specific mechanism of action was not dis-cussed in the study, the results suggest that the combination of the plant extract and penicillin G may offer a promising alternative treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections. Further research is needed to determine the active compounds in the plant extract and to investigate the synergistic effect of the combination on other strains of bacteria.
Decision-Making and Management of Tarsal Coalition in the Young Adult Patient
Authors: Catanzano Anthony A. , Akoh Craig C. , Easley Mark E. , Mosca Vincent S. 
Published: June 2023

» Tarsal coalitions most commonly affect the calcaneonavicular and talocalcaneal joints in up to 13% of the general population. They alter the mechanics of the subtalar joint, limiting inversion and eversion, and place excessive stress on neighboring joints causing pain, recurrent ankle sprains, and/or progressive pes planus during the adolescent growth spurt.» While many coalitions are identified on radiographs, advanced imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes required. These advanced imaging modalities also serve an essential role for surgical planning to quantify coalition involvement, identify fibrous or cartilaginous coalitions, and aid in determining the degree of deformity within the foot.» Surgical treatment is reserved for feet with persistent activity-related pain not relieved by prolonged attempts at nonoperative management, which include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, shoe orthotics, and periods of non–weight-bearing in a cast. These conservative modalities may be successful in up to 85% of cases.» For adolescent patients, recent surgical options attempt to avoid arthrodesis and focus on coalition resection and interposition grafting with or without deformity correction. The ultimate decision is based on the location of the pain, the size and histology of the coalition, the health of the posterior subtalar facet, the degree of flatfoot deformity, and the presence of degenerative changes in the subtalar and/or adjacent joints.» While many studies focus on subtalar motion and gait kinematics, the critical outcomes remain pain relief and future need for arthrodesis, which may be related not only to resection of the coalition but assessment of deformity, including after the resection has been performed.
Conscious intention-based processes impact the neural activities prior to voluntary action on reinforcement learning schedules
Authors: Chen Xiaosheng , Chen Jingjing , Reed Phil , Zhang Dan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Most studies have been criticized for failing to capture the important features of consciousness in human nature. Conscious intention can be a promising pointcut to grasp consciousness and orient voluntary action. The current study adopted a random ratio (RR), yoked random interval (RI) reinforcement learning schedule instead of the previous highly repeatable and single decision point paradigms, aimed to induce voluntary action with the conscious intention that evolves from the interaction between short-range-intention and long-range-intention. Readiness potential (RP) -like-EEG amplitude and inter-trial-EEG variability decreased significantly prior to voluntary action compared to cued action, for inter-trial-EEG variability, mainly featured during the earlier stage of neural activities. Notably, (RP) -like-EEG amplitudes decreased significantly prior to higher RI-reward rates responses in which participants formed a higher plane of conscious intention. The present study suggests the possible contribution of conscious intention-based processes to the neural activities from the earlier stage prior to voluntary action by a novel experimental paradigm.
Biogas production potential of aquatic weeds as the next-generation feedstock for Bioenergy production: A Review
Authors: Koley Apurba , Mukhopadhyay Purbali , Gupta Nitu , Singh Ananya , Ghosh Anudeb , Show Binoy Kumar , Chaudhury Shibani , Hazra Amit Kumar , Balachandran Srinivasan 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Aquatic weeds have exceptionally high reproduction rates, are rich in cellulose and hemicellulose, and contain a negligible amount of lignin, making them an ideal crop for the next generation of biofuels. Previously reported studies proposed that water hyacinth, water lettuce, common duckweeds, and water spinach can be managed or utilized using different advanced techniques, while anaerobic digestion is one of the feasible and cost-effective techniques to manage these biowastes. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential of utilizing four common aquatic weed species (water hyacinth, water lettuce, common duckweeds, and water spinach) as substrates for anaerobic digestion in order to produce biogas. The high reproduction rates, high cellulose and hemicellulose content, coupled with low lignin content, of these aquatic weeds make them ideal candidates for this purpose. The study evaluated the feasibility of anaerobic digestion as a management method for these aquatic weeds, which are often considered invasive and difficult to control. The study provides an overview of the characteristics and management strategies of these aquatic weeds in relation to biogas production, with possible future developments in the field.
Understanding nutrient loads from catchment and Mar Menor eutrophication
Authors: Pérez-Martín Miguel Ángel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Eutrophication is one of the largest threats to aquatic ecosystems in the world. Mar Menor hypersaline lagoon is an example of a coastal lake under eutrophication risk due excessive nutrients loads, nitrogen and phosphorus, that came from its catchment area including urban and agricultural sources. Regular loads and punctual loads during flooding events produce algae blooms that can reduce significantly water oxygen content and cause massive mortalities, such as have been occurred in last years. A daily algae growth model (Mmag) was developed to better understand the processes and determine key elements that require further analysis in next years, such as phosphorus water-sediment interchange or the deep plants effect in the entire ecosystem and in the algae growth. The analysis strategy developed can be applied in other wetlands around the world. In the Mar Menor both nitrogen and phosphorus have high relevance depending on period of the year and the phosphorus legacy. An integrated set of measures is required to reduce mean chlorophyll to levels under 1 or 0.5 µgChla/l that can make Mar Menor more robust and resilient.
Microbiological Characterization of Biofilm From Different Immobilization Structures Used in Submersed Aerobic Biofilters in Domestic Effluent Treatment at the City of Joinville, Brazil
Authors: Damasceno Daniela Queiroz , Lafratta Fernando Humel , Valentina Luiz Veriano Oliveira Dalla , Armstrong Larice Carolina Tavares , Wegbecher Fábio Xavier 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The objective of this work was to develop a structure for microbiological immobilization, in polymeric material of low environmental impact associated with its production, being used as support material in a biofiltration unit of domestic effluents, capable of promoting the efficient removal of pollutants, to meet with Brazilian legislation and/or regulations for the disposal and/or reuse of effluents. Four different structures were tested, namely: polypropylene casings without filling material (TF1); polypropylene casings, filled with expanded polystyrene grains (TF2); polypropylene casings, filled with polyurethane foam (TF3); polypropylene casings, filled with polyvinyl chloride pellets (TF4). A flow of 0.216 m3.d-1 was applied to the system, and the biofilters operated in sequential batches with a hydraulic retention time of 6 hours. The efficiency potential of the four immobilization structures was verified regarding the parameters biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total ammoniacal nitrogen and total phosphorus. The microbiological analysis of the formed biofilm, performed with the 16S library sequencing method, with amplification of the 16S rRNA V3 and V3-V4 genomic regions, showed a high diversity of microbiological colonization in the four immobilization structures, linking better results and consequently greater Community stability in TF2. It is recommended to use the filter bed made up of unfilled casings, followed by the filter bed made up of casings filled with expanded polystyrene grains.
The influence of cascade dams on multifractality of river flow
Authors: Stosic Tatijana , Stosic Borko , Singh Vijay P. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Using multifractal analysis, we investigated in this study hydrological alterations in São Francisco River basin, Brazil, caused by the construction of a cascade of dams and reservoirs. We applied Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA) to daily streamflow time series recorded during 1929–2016 at locations upstream and downstream of cascade dams and for periods before and after dam construction. We calculated multifractal spectra f(α) and analyzed the complexity parameters: the position of α0 of the spectrum maximum, which represents the overall Hurst exponent H, the width of the spectrum W that represents the degree of multifractality, and asymmetry parameter r that represents the dominance of small (large) fluctuations. It was found that the changes in the values of complexity parameters obtained from multifractal spectrum of streamflow series after dam construction revealed that after the construction of Sobradinho dam, located in the Sub-Middle São Francisco region, streamflow dynamics shifted towards the regime with uncorrelated increments H∼0.5 and stronger multifractality (larger W, with the dominance of small fluctuations r>1. The superimposed influence of all cascade dams induced the streamflow regime (downstream of all dams in the Lower São Francisco region) with uncorrelated increments H∼0.5 , weaker multifractality (smaller W) and the dominance of large fluctuations (r<1). The novelty of this work is the moving window MF-DFA analysis as a tool to investigate temporal evolution of stream flow multifractality. This approach revealed other (otherwise hidden) aspects of hydrological alterations in São Francisco River such as the influence of Itaparica reservoir for which regularized discharge was adopted to be in synchronization with upstream Sobradinho reservoir. These results provide evidence that multifractal analysis can be used to assess the intricacy of hydrological alterations caused by human activities.
VNOTES (Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Surgery) Gynecologic Procedures in Morbidly and Super-morbidly Obese Women: Five Year Experience for Three Surgeons
Authors: Burnett Alexander , Pitman Thomas C. , Baekelandt Jan F. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To analyze our experience with vNOTES gynecologic procedures in women with morbid and super morbid obesity.
Methods
Gynecologic procedures performed by three surgeons on women with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m2 from 2017 to 2023. A subset of women with a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2 were also analyzed.
Results
103 women with a BMI ≥ 40kg/m2 were identified, 19 of whom had a BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2. For the entire population the mean BMI was 45.7 kg/m2 (40–62). 29 women were nulliparous and 23 had at least one prior cesarean delivery. 51 had no prior abdominal surgery. The procedures performed were hysterectomy and removal of adnexae in 77 patients, hysterectomy alone in six, adnexal surgery alone in nine, and hysterectomy with adnexectomy and lymph nodes in five. Two surgeries were converted to laparoscopy and five to laparotomy. Average surgical time was 87 minutes (30–232). Average blood loss was 82 mL (10–400). Mean uterine weight was 206 g (29-2890). 53 procedures were performed as outpatient, 44 had overnight observation, four had a length of stay of two days, one each for four days and five days. The laparoscopies occurred in one patient with an obliterated cul-de-sac and in one patient for lymph node removal. The laparotomies occurred for adnexal adhesions in one, bleeding in two, a cystotomy in one requiring urology consultation, and an obliterated cul-de-sac One patient developed a postoperative vaginal cuff hematoma not requiring intervention.
Conclusion
vNOTES gynecologic procedures are feasible in this high-risk population and may result in shorter recovery times and fewer complications than standard laparoscopy or laparotomy.
Exploring Greenhouse gases emitted by road traffic and its relationship with air quality. Case of Annaba and its surroundings. North East Algeria
Authors: halimi samia , Mizane Nour El Houda 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Global climate is warming, and the effects of climate change are associated with many causes, among them are the Greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and factories. The study of exposure to air pollution related to road traffic in Annaba’s region is based on the results of air analyses which shows that air temperatures arefrail, accompanied by a very high humidity due mainly to the presence of the sea and many bodies of water (Fetzara Lake). This can allow the accumulation of certain pollutants such as carbon monoxide and dust (contents of CO and dust exceed the WHO standards), while some pollutants are present in small to negligible quantities such as NO, NO2, and SO. The air quality of Annaba and its surroundings (El Bouni, SidiAmmar) can be generally described as good. Nevertheless, the existence of strong pollution due to the dust is noted close to the industrial complexesespecially ElHadjar.
Associations between ICS-based maintenance treatment and asthma outcome (asthma control, asthma exacerbation hospitalization and emergency department visit) in real world: data from CARN study
Authors: Wang Wenqiao , Lin jiangtao , Zhou Xin , Wang Changzheng , Huang Mao , Cai Shaoxi , Chen Ping , Lin Qichang , Zhou Jianying , Gu Yuhai , Yuan Yadong , Sun Dejun , Yang Xiaohong , Yang Lan , Huo Jianmin , Chen Zhuochang , Jiang Ping , Zhang Jie , Ye Xianwei , Liu Huiguo , Tang Huaping , Liu Rongyu , Liu Chuntao , Zhang Wei , Hu Chengping , Chen Yiqiang , Liu Xiaoju , Dai Luming , Zhou Wei , Huang Yijiang , Xu Jianying 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
ICS-based maintenance treatment was the basic treatment of asthma. Nevertheless, data of real-world study of ICS-based maintenance treatment on asthma outcome was limited.
Methods
Based on a national survey on asthma control and disease perception (CARN-2015-01 study), we analysed the impact of ICS-based maintenance treatment on asthma outcome: asthma control, annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization and emergency department visit in China.
Results
Altogether 3875 asthmatic outpatients were recruited. 66.7% (2583/3875) asthma patients chose ICS-based maintenance treatment as daily maintenance treatment. After adjusting for confounding factors (age, height, weight, BMI, smoking status, comorbidities, etc), ICS-based maintenance treatment was associated with better asthma control level [OR = 0.542, 95%CI (0.476, 0.617)], higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization [OR = 1.501, 95%CI (1.271, 1.773)] and higher annual incidence of emergency department visits [OR = 1.272, 95%CI (1.074, 1.507)]. In subgroup analysis, in well-controlled asthma patients, there was no statistical difference on annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization and emergency department visits. In partly controlled asthma patients, patients with ICS-based maintenance treatment have significantly higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization (31.9% vs. 22.5%, P < 0.001) and higher annual incidence of emergency department visits (24.1% vs. 19.1%, P = 0.013). In uncontrolled asthma patients, patients with ICS-based maintenance treatment have significantly higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization (44.7% vs. 28.5%, P < 0.001) but showed no statistical difference on annual incidence of emergency department visits (39.0% vs. 32.4%, P = 0.051).
Conclusions
ICS-based maintenance treatment was associated with better asthma control level, higher annual incidence of asthma exacerbation hospitalization and higher annual incidence of emergency department visits. During the process of ICS-based maintenance treatment, improvement of symptom control might be prior to the decrease of exacerbation risk.
Optimizing Operation Theatre Utilization: A Time and Motion Study in a Tertiary Care Centre in Southern India
Authors: A Rudresh S , Hegde Kiran , Killedar Makhdoom , Chandriki Aishwarya , Panchagavi Renuka , Yaji Abhishek , Sharma Himanshu , Krishna Santosh 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Objective:to assess and optimize operation theatre utilization in a tertiary care center in Southern India
Methodology:This cross-sectional time and motion study was conducted in a tertiary care center in southern India from 10th November 2022 to 9th December 2022. Convenient sampling was used for sample selection, including only scheduled OT cases and excluding emergency cases. Data collection involved manual recording of time using a stopwatch while accompanying patients through various service points from the pre-operative area to the postoperative area. The collected data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate the time consumed for patient flow and to describe the distribution of time taken at different stages. Ethical approval was not obtained as the study focused on process flow and did not involve personal patient information. Confidentiality was maintained through the use of unique identification numbers. This methodology allowed for the calculation of patient flow time and the analysis of delay factors, providing valuable insights into the operation theatre process and factors contributing to delay.
Results:
The findings revealed variations in the average time spent in the operating theatre for different specialties, with General Surgery having the longest duration (365.65±181 minutes) and Pediatric surgery having the shortest (278.2±146.81 minutes). The Operative Phase accounted for a substantial proportion of the total time, emphasizing the need to optimize efficiency during this phase. Delays were identified at various stages of the surgical process, including patient entry, induction to incision, incision to closure, closure to wheel-out, and preparation for subsequent cases. Factors contributing to delays included delayed arrival of the anesthesia team, changes in induction medication, complications during surgery, logistical challenges, and staff delays in preparing the operating theatre.
Conclusion:
This provides valuable insights into the duration of different phases and factors contributing to delays in the surgical process. The findings highlight the need for improved coordination, streamlined processes, and effective resource management to minimize delays and enhance overall efficiency. Addressing specific causes of delay, such as delayed arrival of the anesthesia team, changes in induction medication, complications during surgery, logistical challenges, and staff delays in preparing the operating theatre, can help optimize operation theatre utilization and improve patient flow. Implementing targeted interventions and strategies to address these factors can contribute to reduced delays, enhanced resource allocation, and improved surgical care outcomes.