bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACUTE AND SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY OF UTHULI LWEZICHWE™, A TRADITIONAL MEDICINE USED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN KWAZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: MANGOYI Japhet , NGCOBO Mlungisi , GQALENI Nceba , ANIEKAN Peter , OWIRA Peter , CELE Protus , GOMO Exnevia 
Published: December 2022

Background: The number of people using traditional medicines in the management of chronic diseases is increasing. The safety profile of some of the formulations, however, has not been scientifically demonstrated. This study assessed the acute and sub-acute toxicity of Uthuli Lwezichwe™ (UL), a traditional medicine used by a traditional healer in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Materials and Methods: In the acute toxicity assay, one female Sprague dawley rat was administered 1000mg/kg body weight (BW) of Uthuli lwezichwe™ and observed for 14 days. In the sub-acute assay, 24 Sprague dawley rats were randomized into four groups. With one group as the control, the other groups were administered varying daily doses (100 mg, 300 mg, 1000 mg/kg BW) of UL for 28 days. Phytochemical analysis of UL was done using Liquid Chromatography – Quadrupole Time of Flight - Mass Spectrometer (LC-QTOF-MS).
Results: There were no significant differences in liver function biomarkers and kidney function biomarkers between the control and all the treatment groups. Histological examination of the kidney however, showed enlarged bowman’s space and distal convoluted tubule diameter and area in the 1000mg/kg UL treated group compared to the control group. Similarly, histological examinations of the liver showed increased sinusoidal space and decreased central vein area in the 1000mg/kg UL treated group. A number of phytoconstituents were identified in UL.
Conclusion: The maximum safe dose was determined to be between 300 – 1000 mg/kg BW. We recommend a chronic toxicity study to assess the long-term effects.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Tingkat Produksi Petani Garam Di Kabupaten Pamekasan
Authors: Rahmawati Laili Nur , Nugroho Prasetyo 
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this research is to find out how much influence capital, labor, land area, length of business, and weather have on the production level of salt farmers in Pamekasan Regency. Data collection techniques obtained in this study were obtained and primary data in the form of Questionnaires distributed directly to salt farmers in Pamekasan Regency. The sample used was 50 respondents. The technique used in sampling is the Slovin formula with random sampling without showing the existing strata. The results of this study indicate 1) it is concluded that working capital has a positive and significant effect on the level of production, with a t value of 2.675 and sig 0.001 0.05, 2) labor has no significant effect on the level of production with a value of 1 count of 0.526 and 0.602 3) capital work has a positive and significant effect on the level of production with a t- count value of 5.904 and a significant amount of 0.000 0.05 3) length of work has a positive and significant effect on farmers' production levels with a t-count value of 2.605 and a significant amount of 0.012 0.05 4) weather has a positive and significant effect to the level of production with a t value of 2,343 and a significant level of 0.21 0.05
Design and performance analysis of photonic quantum teleportation circuit
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , sharma ritu , sharma shishir kumar 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This paper presents the analytical investigation of the Fidelity and Concurrence of Photonic Quantum teleportation Circuit (PQTC) designed using quantum dot within the optical micro-cavity, considering vacuum noise and sideband leakage. It is found that the performance of the Photonic Quantum teleportation Circuit is significantly dependent on the interaction between the spin of quantum dot and photon within the optical cavity. The maximum concurrence obtained is 0.8158 at \(g/k=5\) and \({k}_{s}/k=0.1\) without noisy environment and 0.375 at \(g/k=0.3\) and \({k}_{s}/k=0.1\) with a noisy environment. The computed maximum fidelity of 0.99 is observed at \(g/k=4\) and \({k}_{s}/k=0.1\) with noisy conditions, and 0.4603 is observed at \(g/k=0.3\) and \({k}_{s}/k=0.1\) without noisy conditions. The work reported in this paper can be used to implement different quantum cryptography-based protocols.
Pre-hospital medical interventions delivered to COVID-19 patients by Emergency Medical Service: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Javanmardi Karim , Gilani Neda , Ghafourifard Mansour , Dadashzadeh Abbas , Dehghannejad Javad , Feyzollahzade Hosein 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Many people in the community become infected with the coronavirus and seek help from the pre-hospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS) system. This study aimed to identify the pre-hospital medical intervention delivered to the COVID-19 patients by EMS personnel.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 335 EMS personnel were selected by random sampling method from the 49 pre-hospital emergency stations of east and west Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Data were collected using a questionnaire assessing the demographic characteristics and pre-hospital medical intervention delivered to COVID-19 patients. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.
Results
The results showed that 68.9% of the missions for COVID-19 patients were emergency situation, and for these patients invasive interventions; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (60.9%), intubation (53.1%) and suction (38.8%) were performed. Administration of oxygen, intravenous (IV) line, patients transport to emergency department, serum therapy and recommendation for home care were the most common pre-hospital medical interventions. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the pre-hospital medical intervention with personnel’s educational degree, field of study, and history of the COVID-19 disease (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
The results showed that EMS personnel, in addition to close contact with COVID-19 patients, perform various advanced interventions for them. Therefore, planning to train these personnel, developing standards, following protocols and adequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE) and diagnostic and therapeutic equipment can be useful in improving the quality of patient care, handling of the patients and personnel safety in recent and future pandemics.
The contribution of Middle East irrigation to the growth of the Karakoram glacier
Authors: Chao Nengfang , Wang Zhengtao , Lo Min-Hui , Wei Jiangfeng , Hwang Cheinway , Wu Tzu-Ying 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Globally, ice sheets and mountain glaciers are on the decline [1-5]. However, satellite and ground data have shown an anomalous glacier gain over the Karakoram (KK) glacier in the northwestern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau[3, 6-12]. Presently, scientific consensus has not yet been established on the causal mechanisms responsible for this glacier gain. Here, we hypothesize that this KK mass gain is possibly attributed to irrigation in the Middle East (ME) through atmospheric teleconnection (KK-ME hypothesis). First, using observations from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), we show mass and precipitation loss in the ME but both gain in the KK. Then, we test the KK-ME hypothesis using simulated differences in precipitation resulting from the irrigation and non-irrigation cases in the Community Atmosphere Model and Community Land Model. The result suggests that ME irrigation increases the amount of evaporated moisture. The excess water vapour is transferred to the KK by the strengthened westerly water vapour transport, increasing the simulated precipitation by approximately 30% around the KK region.
Four decades increase in gross photosynthesis of boreal forests balanced out by increase in ecosystem respiration
Authors: Pulliainen Jouni , Aurela Mika , Vesala Timo , Sonnentag Oliver , Lindroth Anders , Aalto Tuula , Markkanen Tiina , Lemmetyinen Juha , Thum Tea , Derksen Christopher , Launiainen Samuli , Takala Matias , Cohen Juval , Salminen Miia , Lindqvist Hannakaisa , Böttcher Kristin , Rautiainen Kimmo , Luojus Kari , Pumpanen Jukka , Heimann Martin , Helbig Manuel , Peichl Matthias , Noe Steffen , Krasnova Alisa , Mammarella Ivan , Lohila Annalea , Kontu Anna , Nevala Elma , Kolari Pasi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Changes in the net carbon sink of boreal forests constitute a major source of uncertainty in the future global carbon budget and hence climate change projections1. The annual net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) controlling the terrestrial carbon stock is the result of the small difference between respiratory CO2 release and the photosynthetic CO2 uptake by vegetation2. The boreal forest, and the boreal biome in general, is regarded as a persistent and even an increasing net carbon sink3,4. However, decreases in photosynthetic CO2 uptake and/or concurrent increases in respiratory CO2 release under a changing climate may turn boreal forests from a net sink to a net source of CO21. Here, we assessed the dynamics of boreal forest net CO2 sink-source strength and its components from 1981 to 2018. Our remote sensing approach - trained by net CO2 flux observations at eddy covariance sites across the circumpolar boreal forests - employs satellite-derived retrievals of snow melt timing, landscape freeze-thaw status, and yearly maximum estimates of the normalized difference vegetation index as a proxy for peak vegetation productivity. Our results for the period 1981-2018 suggest that the mean annual evergreen boreal forest CO2 sink was 0.4 Pg C y-1 (0.3 Pg C y-1 for Eurasia and 0.2 Pg C y-1 for North America). In contrast to earlier investigations3,4 our results do not indicate an increasing trend in the circumpolar evergreen boreal forest CO2 sink, as the increase in CO2 uptake is compensated by increasing respiratory releases with both components of CO2 sink-source strength showing considerable interannual variabilities.
Effect of Dialytic Phosphate Removal on Mortality in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients: A Matched Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Shuixiu , Diao Zongli , Liu Wenhu , Guo Wang 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background: The difference in serum phosphate concentration pre- and post-dialysis values (ΔP) reflects phosphate removal during a hemodialysis session, which may be related to clinical outcomes in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. However, few studies have evaluated the associations between phosphate removal and mortality in MHD patients. In this study, we investigated the association between phosphate removal and clinical outcomes in MHD patients.
Methods: This was a retrospective, matched case–control study. Data were collected from the Beijing Hemodialysis Quality Control and Improvement Center. Patients were divided into four groups according to ΔP quartile. Age, sex, and diabetes were matched between the groups. The primary outcome was all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was cardiocerebrovascular death.
Results: The study cohort comprised 4063 patients who were divided into four groups according to the ΔP quartile: group ΔP1 (ΔP < 0.77 mmol/L), group ΔP2 (ΔP 0.77 – 0.95 mmol/L), group ΔP3 (ΔP 0.95 – 1.15 mmol/L), and group ΔP4 (ΔP ≥ 1.15 mmol/L). We enrolled 2512 patients (628 in each study group) by case–control matching. The all-cause death rates were as follows: group ΔP1: 21.2% (133/628), group ΔP2: 19.4% (122/628), group ΔP3: 19.6% (123/628), and ΔP4: (15.3% (96/628). No significant differences in all-cause and cardiocerebrovascular death rates according to the Kaplan–Meier survival curves were found between the groups (log-rank test, P > 0.05). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed no significant differences in all-cause and cardiocerebrovascular death rates between the four groups (P = 0.242; adjusted hazard ratio, 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.13 – 1.69 versus P = 0.670, adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.12–3.87, respectively).
Conclusions: Dialytic serum phosphate removal was not significantly associated with all-cause death and cardiocerebrovascular death in MHD patients.
Thermal effects on the quality parameters of extra virgin olive oil using Fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Ansar Areeba , Ahmad Naveed , Albqmi Mha , Saleem Muhammad , Ali Hina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Extra virgin olive oil is one of the superlative due to its health benefits. In this work, the Fluorescence spectra of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from different olive growing regions of Pakistan and Al-Jouf region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) were obtained. The emission bands depict relative intensity variations in all non-heated and heated EVOO samples. Prominent emission bands at 385, 400, 435 and 470 nm represent oxidized products of fatty acids, bands at 520 and 673 nm are assigned to beta carotene and chlorophyll isomers respectively.
All EVOO samples collected from Al-Jouf region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and from Pakistan (Loralai Baluchistan, Barani Agricultural Research Institute Chakwal and Morgha Biodiversity Park Rawalpindi) regions showed thermal stability. Other EVOO samples from Chaman Baluchistan and a wild EVOO (Baluchistan) which were bought directly from farmers showed denatured spectra even without heating. Chemical characteristics of all EVOO samples changed significantly at 200 ℃. Relatively, EVOO samples from Al-Jouf showed more thermal stability which might be due to environmental effect, genetic background and processing or storage conditions. These results demonstrated Fluorescence spectroscopy as a quick, cost-effective and reliable approach to assess the quality and thermal stability of EVOO. These characteristics of Fluorescence spectroscopy may lead to the development of handheld device for onsite monitoring of EVOO.
Direct photoconversion of CO2 to carbon nanotubes for oxygen recycling in extraterrestrial exploration
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Jiajia , Feng Jianyong , Hu Yingfei , Huang Huiting , Zhang Ningsi , Zhao Minyue , Liu Changhao , Zhu Zhi , Yan Shicheng , Yu Tao , Zhang Ce , Yao Wei , Li Zhaosheng , Zou Zhigang 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The Sabatier reaction coupled with water electrolysis constitutes the state-of-the-art oxygen recovery technology in International Space Station missions, but the oxygen recovery efficiency of this system is only 49% (theoretical maximum 50%). Technologies that could realize oxygen recovery of >75% are urgently needed for long duration manned missions. Herein, we found a mild photochemical process that can convert CO2 into carbon nanotubes (CNTs) over a Co-based catalyst, thus permitting 100% theoretical oxygen recovery. This photochemical technology has enabled a high turnover number (the molar ratio of C to Co) of 160 for CNT formation, the tip-growth mode of which principally allows sustained and long-term oxygen recovery from CO2. The established photochemical strategy for CO2 hydrogenation into CNTs closes the oxygen recycling loop, which would promote mankind to travel to the Sea of Stars.
Investigation of TSH levels during the 3- 5th days of birth in term and pre-term infants
Authors: Kalantar Mohammad Hossein , Jahromi Kooroush , Zahedkolaei Aazam Taghavi Zahedkolaei Taghavi , Zolfaghari Pouneh , Sohrabi Mohammad Bagher 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is one of the most common causes of hormonal disorders and can be detected through timely screening in new-borns. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating TSH levels 3- 5th days after birth in term and pre-term infants.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all live new born babies in Shahroud City 3- 5th days after birth in 2021. From these infants, four - five drops of blood were collected from the heel of the foot and dripped on a special filter paper and TSH levels were measured.
Results: In this study, 2498 infants were examined and their TSH levels were recorded four times during CH screening. 1291 (51.7%) people were boys and the rest were girls. Of these, 2353 (94.2%) were full-term babies and the rest were pre-term babies. In the first screening, the TSH level was >20 mu/lit in 142 (5.7%) babies and between 10 and 20 mu/lit in 74 (3%) babies. In the second round of screening, TSH levels were measured in 548 babies, and only 6 babies (1.1%) had TSH levels greater than 10 mu/lit. In the third screening, TSH levels were measured in 94 babies, and in 18 babies (19.1%), TSH levels between 4 and 10 mu/lit were reported. Finally, in the fourth screening, TSH levels were measured in 69 babies, but only in 18 babies (26.1%); it was between 4 and 10 mu/lit.
Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the prevalence of CH in 3 to 5 day old infants in Shahroud City was approximately 16%, and no significant difference was seen between term and pre-term babies. However, it is necessary that in babies whose values have abnormal TSH, screening must be performed in the next appointments.
Overeating in the Ts65Dn trisomic mouse model is associated with dopaminergic neurotransmission deficit in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Fructuoso Marta , Fernandez-Blanco Alvaro , Gallego Ana , de Lagrán Maria Martínez , De Toma Ilario , Langohr Klaus , Martin-Garcia Elena , Maldonado Rafael , Dairou Julien , Janel Nathalie , Dierssen Mara 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence of obesity than the general population. This has traditionally been attributed to endocrine issues and deficient exercise. However, the development of obesity is coupled with deficits in neural reward responses, and previous works showed dopaminergic disturbances in DS. We here tested the hypothesis that “hedonic” overeating may play a central role in the development of obesity as a consequence of sub-functional dopaminergic neurotransmission in a mouse model that bears in triplicate many most of the genes in trisomy 21, Ts65Dn. Meal pattern analysis in this trisomic mouse model (Ts65Dn), revealed an increased preference for energy-dense food. Trisomic mice also scored significantly higher in compulsivity and inflexibility tests as measured by limited access to energy-dense food and food adulteration with quinine hydrochloride. We detected reduced dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex of Ts65Dn mice, and insensitivity to the dopamine D2receptor agonist (quinpirole) anorectic effect for palatable foods that may facilitate overeating in an attempt to restore optimal dopamine levels. Interestingly, impulsive and compulsive behaviors were significantly reduced when prelimbic-to-nucleus accumbens projections were activated in Ts65Dn mice using a chemogenetic approach. Our work unravels a new mechanism underlying vulnerability to the development of overeating in DS, which could pave the way towards novel and efficient interventions for obesity.
Hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya (Hylocereus guatemalensis) supplied in the diet for blue Betta splendens and its effects on fish pigmentation
Authors: Gauer Patricia do Carmo , Godoy Antonio Cesar , Oxford Jarred Hugh , Siqueira Mayara S. , Gimênes-Junior Heriberto , Abe Higo A. , Santos Silvia Prestes do , Scardua Marcos Paiva , Neu Dacley H. , Honorato Claucia A. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The experiment was conducted to evaluate the composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (Hylocereus guatemalensis) and its effects on the diet of male blue Betta splendens concerning the content of digestive enzymes, liver metabolism, and activity antioxidant. The fish were supplemented with hydroalcoholic extract of pitaya bark (HEPB) at the concentrations of 0.24, 0.45, and 0.90 mg kg −1 of feed for 21 days. The inclusion of 0.24 and 0.45 mg kg −1 HEPB promoted the best results of zootechnical performance. The digestive activity showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity only when 0.45 mg kg −1 HEPB. The inclusion of 0.45 and 0.90 mg kg −1 HEPB promoted a decrease in hepatic ALT activity. An increase in CAT activity was observed in the skin of fish fed diets with added HEPB. Conclusion addition of HEPB is benefic for performance and have hepatoprotective.
Supervised exercise barriers and readmission in patients with heart failure in a low-resource setting Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation in patients with heart failure
Authors: Carvalho Ana Carla , Groehs Raphaela Vilar , Pereira Carolina , Soares Vivian L , Mota Tarsila Perez , Grace Sherry L , de Matos Luciana Diniz Nagem Janot 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background: This study assessed cardiac rehabilitation (CR) barriers in heart failure (HF) patients for the first time, use of formal exercise supervision, and readmissions.
Methods: This was a prospective study of HF in-patients at a private hospital. The CR Barriers Scale (CRBS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered. Participants were called 30 and 90-days to ascertain formal exercise supervision and readmissions.
Results: Of 95 participants, 85 (89.5%) were retained at the 30-day call, and 86 (90.5%) at 90; 2 died. The mean total CRBS score was 2.3±.6.5, with highest item scores for lack of energy, already exercising, lack of awareness, distance and exercise pain/fatigue. Only 1 participant enrolled in CR, but close to half had engaged an exercise professional (n=48, 56.5% and n=45, 52.3%) at both follow-ups. 25.8% of patients were readmitted at 30 days and 25.5% at 90 days. Participants who had professional exercise supervision within 30 days had significantly fewer readmissions (n​​=7, 14.6%) compared with patients who did not (n=13, 35.1%; p=0.03).
Conclusions: CR barriers are high in HF patients. Despite some accessing professional exercise training, most were insufficiently active. Systematic CR referral and coverage advocacy could mitigate this poor self-management, and ultimately the high readmissions.
An Exploration of Second-year Stuqdent Nurse's Perceptions of Stress Towards Substandard Academic Performance at University, Windhoek, Khomas Region, Namibia
Authors: Sheelongo Fransina , Kadhila Joseph Galukeni 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background: Stress has always been a contributor to student nurses' substandard academic performance due to difficulty dealing with academic tasks. Stress influenced the psychological well-being of undergraduate nursing students.
Methods: This study used the qualitative research method; Qualitative research is research that provides in-depth insights and understanding of real-world problems. The steps proposed by George was used for data analysis. Purposive sampling method was used to select participants from a population of 94 second-year degree nursing students. A total number of 15 second-year degree student nurses registered for the academic year 2022 at the Unam main campus were interviewed. An interview guide, an audio recorder, and field notes were used as the data collection intrument during face-to-face interviews.
Results: The study found that second-year degree nursing students at UNAM main campus perceived stress with negative feelings due to its detrimental effects and they further expressed how it affected their academic performance negatively due to demotivation to study when they are stressed. The study also found that students experienced stress from various stressors such as challenges with log books completion and submission, struggle with financial matters, overwhelmed with theory workload, and conflict with the registered nurses at the clinical settings.
Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no specific policy or guidelines to cope with the stress-related factors at the campus under study. The finding of this study shall therefore assist the University of Namibia under study and all stakeholders to work on the identified contributing factors.