bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Prognosis and Mortality of Sars-Cov-2 Variants in Critically İll Patients
Authors: Bayrakci Sinem 
Published: September 2023

Backround: Since the beginning of the pandemic,the globally circulation of SARS-CoV-2 has caused the virus to constantly mutate,resulting in the emergence of new variants.Some of these variants have been designated as variants of concern(VOC),defined by the WHO as variants associated with increased infectivity,increased disease severity,or change in clinical disease presentation.
Aim and Objective: We aimed to evaluate and compare the prognosis and mortality of the critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Materials and Methods: A total of 335 critically ill patient who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction enrolled in the study.
Results: Hypertension was significantly higher in the patients in delta group(p=0,02).The presence of comorbidity was statistically significantly associated with mortality in all groups(p <0,05). Unvaccinated patients were significantly higher in all groups and being unvaccinated was associated with mortality in all groups(p <0,05).Mortality was statistically significantly associated with all groups(p=0,01).The delta variant poses a higher risk of mortality compared to other variants(p=0,0001).
Conclusion: The study indicates that severe disease requiring intensive care admission were common in the elderly.Hypertension was higher in the patients in delta group and the presence of comorbidity was associated with mortality in all variant types of COVID-19.Severe disease requiring intensive care admission was more common in the unvaccinated population, regardless of variant type, and being unvaccinated was associated with mortality.All variant types were associated with mortality, but the mortality risk was higher in patients infected with delta variant compared to other variants.
Isolation and Identification of Microfungi from Diesel Oil Contaminated Soils and Their Physico-Chemical Analysis
Authors: Ruchika  , Garg Amar P. 
Published: September 2023

Diesel oil contaminated soils were collected and analyzed for various Physico-chemical properties that included moisture content, total carbon, total nitrogen and phosphorus using standard protocol and the data compared from normal uncontaminated soils. Analysis revealed that all 5 samples of diesel oil contaminated soils possessed higher percent of moisture content, greater amounts of total carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in comparison to non-contaminated control soils. The diesel oil contaminated soils are not suitable for cultivation of agricultural crops. Though, several species of fungi were isolated from diesel contaminated soils but only 6 species of Aspergillus utilized diesel oil as sole carbon and nitrogen source as these grew well and sporulated normally on 2% agar that contained 10% of diesel oil only as nutrient. These included Aspergillus luchuensis, Aspergillus violaceofuscus, Aspergillus niveus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus japonicus, Aspergillus ustus. which also grew well in broth containing 0.5% jaggery (for initial growth) supplemented with 10% diesel oil only which suggest that these species could utilize diesel oil as sole carbon and nitrogen source because no other nutrient other than diesel oil was added into the medium. The role of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus is soils has been discussed in this paper.
Effect of Different Seed Treatment and Media on Shoot Growth of Ashwagandha, Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Authors: Ganvit A. M. , Ganvit J. M. , Desai B. S. , Patil S. J. 
Published: September 2023

Indian Ginseng or Ashwagandha, is one of the most important Under the present study the seeds were soaked with treatment (S1) GA3 (250 ppm - 24 h.) recorded maximum germination percentage (66.11 %) and maximum plant height at 15 (3.00), 30 (8.38), 45 (15.98), 60 (25.20), 75 (34.05), 90 (42.98), 105 (52.07) and 120 (59.02) days, respectively. Maximum no. of branches/plant at 15 (0.0), 30 (0.22), 45 (0.71), 60 (1.73), 75 (1.76), 90 (2.80), 105 (3.0) and 120 (3.84) and no. of leaves/plant were also recorded higher in S1 at 15 (3.42), 30 (7.67), 45 (20.42), 60 (33.11), 75 (41.62), 90 (55.98), 105 (67.24) and 120 (75.87) DAS respectively. In the Similar treatment, no. of leaves were also found superior over other treatments with maximum total leaf area (33.57 cm2), shoot fresh weight (55.06 g), shoot dry biomass (38.34 g), plant fresh weight (60.10 g) and plant dry weight (18.77 g) as compared to other treatments applied.
The treatment (M3) media combination of Red soil + Vermicompost + FYM (1:1:1) gave significantly highest results in context to seed germination percentage (71.94 %), total leaf area (32.08 cm2), shoot fresh weight (58.70 g), shoot dry biomass (40.91 g), plant fresh weight (64.05 g) and plant dry weight (19.82 g), respectively. In same treatment, highest plant height at 15 (3.29), 30 (9.78), 45 (18.14), 60 (26.85), 75 (35.54), 90 (44.13), 105 (55.03) and 120 (60.17), no. of branches/plant at 15 (0.0), 30 (0.27), 45 (0.68), 60 (1.89), 75 (1.97), 90 (2.87), 105 (2.90), 120 (3.83) and no. of leaves/plant at 15 (3.72), 30 (8.46), 45 (22.46), 60 (35.23), 75 (43.91), 90 (55.87), 105 (67.47) and 120 (75.92) respectively were recorded.
Interaction effect between pre-sowing treatment and different media was observed significant in seed germination percentage and maximum (80 %) in the treatment S1M3.
Assessment of Factors Influencing Utilization of Reproductive Health Services for Adolescents and Youth in Samburu County, Kenya
Authors: Ali Halima Dahir , Mogere Dominic , Juma Joseph , Kariuki Peterson 
Published: September 2023

Background: Globally, around 16 million teenagers give birth each year, with 95% of them coming from upcoming nations in developing nations like Kenya, youths deal with a variety of sexual and reproductive health issues. Youth in Kenya frequently experience serious health issues like unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections.
Objective: The study aimed to assess factors influencing the use of youth-friendly reproductive health services among youths and adolescents in Samburu County, Kenya.
Methods: The study employed an analytical cross-sectional study design. The Chi-square test for independence and binary logistic regression were employed to establish a relationship between independent and dependent variables.
Results: From this study, the presence of a reproductive health facility (OR=2.4,95%CI=0.220-0.801) and community mobilization campaigns (OR=4.7,95%CI=0.093-0.485) increased the odds of utilizing youth-friendly reproductive health services. The presence of peer pressure (OR=2,95%CI=0.266-0.971), healthcare providers' poor attitude (OR=2.1,95%CI=0.276-0.881), and lack of privacy (OR=2,95%CI=0.290-0.974) reduced the odds of utilizing youth-friendly reproductive health services.
Conclusion: In this study, the utilization of youth-friendly reproductive health services was 40.6%. The presence of a reproductive health facility, having visited a reproductive health facility, the presence of religious influence, and community mobilization campaigns increased the odds of utilizing youth-friendly reproductive health services. The presence of peer pressure, being male and single in the marital status category, healthcare providers' poor attitude, and lack of privacy reduced the odds of utilizing youth-friendly reproductive health services.
Anti-anaemic and Anti-leukopenic Effects of Hydromethanolic Extracts of Tiger Nut and Ginger on Alloxan- induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Iwuji Samuel C. , Uzokwe Kosisochukwu A. , Nwokorie Francis O. , Okafor Wilson C. , Okafor Sixtus A. 
Published: September 2023

Aims: This study investigated the anti-anaemic and anti- leukopenic effects of hydromethanolic (1:4) extracts of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) and Zingiber officinale (Ginger) on the alloxan- induced diabetic albino rats.
Place: The in vivo study took place in the Department of Biochemistry, Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia state.
Methods: Fresh Cyperus esculentus and Zingiber officinale was air dried at room temperature, grounded into fine powder and extracted with hydromethanol in ratio of 20:80 using Soxhlet extraction method. The albino rats (total number of 36) were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 rats each: Group 1 (Normal control); Group 2 (Diabetic); Group 3 (Glibenclamide); Group 4 (500mg/dl Cyperus esculentus); Group 5 (500mg/dl Zingiber officinale) and Group 6 (250mg/dl Cyperus esculentus + 250 mg/dl Zingiber officinale, 50:50) were administered orally. Group 2 to 6 were administered with 160mg/kg alloxan monohydrate intraperitoneally to induce a diabetic state. The haematological parameters determined were PCV, HB, RBC, TWBC, MCV, MCH and MCHC.
Results: The diabetic group treated with the Glibenclamide and 500 mg/kg Zingiber officinale extract had significant recovery (compared with the normal control) from the diabetic- induced depletion of Hb, PCV and RBC than the diabetic group treated with 250 mg/kg Cyperus esculentus + 250 mg/kg Zingiber officinale extracts. 500 mg/kg Cyperus esculentus extract showed the least recovery from diabetic induced anaemia.
Conclusion: Ginger extract showed value in the recovery from anaemia and leucopenia associated with diabetes having significantly improved the values of RBC, PCV, haemoglobin and TWBC in the diabetic rats more than the effects of Tigernut and combined (ginger and tigernut) extracts. Ginger extract treatment might also increase the defense mechanism of the body against infections in diabetes.
External Validation of the Walter Index for Posthospitalization Mortality Prediction in Older Adults
Authors: Avelino-Silva Thiago J. , Lee Sei J. , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Walter Louise C. , Deardorff W. James , Boscardin John , Campora Flavia , Szlejf Claudia , Suemoto Claudia K. , Smith Alexander K. 
Published: January 2025

ImportanceThe Walter Index is a widely used prognostic tool for assessing 12-month mortality risk among hospitalized older adults. Developed in the US in 2001, its accuracy in contemporary non-US contexts is unclear.ObjectiveTo evaluate the external validity of the Walter Index in predicting posthospitalization mortality risk in Brazilian older adult inpatients.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis prognostic study used data from a cohort of adults aged 70 years or older admitted to the geriatric unit of a university hospital in Brazil from January 1, 2009, to February 28, 2020. Participants underwent comprehensive geriatric assessments at admission, were reevaluated at discharge, and were subsequently followed up for 48 months. Data were analyzed from March to July 2024.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe Walter Index, a score based on 6 risk factors (male sex, dependent activities of daily living at discharge, heart failure, cancer, high creatinine level, and low albumin level), was calculated to assess its predictive accuracy for 12-month mortality as well as 6-, 24-, and 48-month mortality. The study investigated whether incorporating delirium, frailty, or C-reactive protein level enhanced accuracy. Performance was assessed using discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility measures.ResultsIn total, 2780 participants (mean [SD] age, 81 [7] years; 1795 [65%] female) were included, with 89 (3%) lost to follow-up. The 12-month posthospitalization mortality rate was 23% (646 participants). Mortality was 7% (47 of 634) in the lowest-risk group (0-1 point), 17% (111 of 668) for 2 to 3 points, 25% (198 of 803) for 4 to 6 points, and 43% (290 of 675) in the highest-risk group (≥7 points). The index demonstrated an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.714 (95% CI, 0.691-0.736) for predicting 12-month posthospitalization mortality (AUCs were 0.75 and 0.80 in the original derivation and validation cohorts, respectively). Comparable results were observed for mortality at 6 months (AUC, 0.726; 95% CI, 0.700-0.752), 24 months (AUC, 0.711; 95% CI, 0.691-0.730), and 48 months (AUC, 0.719; 95% CI, 0.700-0.738). Adding delirium modestly increased the index’s discrimination (AUC, 0.723; 95% CI, 0.702-0.749); additionally including frailty and C-reactive protein level did not improve discrimination further (AUC, 0.723; 95% CI, 0.701-0.744).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this prognostic study of hospitalized older adults in Brazil, the Walter Index showed similar discrimination in predicting postdischarge mortality as it did 2 decades ago in the US. These findings highlight the need for continuous validation and potential modification of established prognostic tools to improve their applicability across settings.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Use of Helicopter Transport After Severe Trauma in the US
Authors: Mpody Christian , Rudolph Maíra I. , Bastien Alexandra , Karaye Ibraheem M. , Straker Tracey , Borngaesser Felix , Eikermann Matthias , Nafiu Olubukola O. 
Published: January 2025

ImportanceIn the US, traumatic injuries are a leading cause of mortality across all age groups. Patients with severe trauma often require time-sensitive, specialized medical care to reduce mortality; air transport is associated with improved survival in many cases. However, it is unknown whether the provision of and access to air transport are influenced by factors extrinsic to medical needs, such as race or ethnicity.ObjectiveTo examine the current trends of racial and ethnic disparities in air transport use for patients who sustain severe trauma.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis population-based cohort study used data from the National Trauma Data Bank from 2016 to 2022. Participants were patients older than 15 years who sustained a severe injury and required an urgent surgical procedure or intensive care unit (ICU) admission at level I or II trauma centers with helicopter service.ExposureSevere injury requiring treatment at a level I or II trauma center.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary mode of transport, categorized as either helicopter ambulance or ground ambulance. A multifaceted approach was used to narrow the observed racial and ethnic disparities in helicopter deployment. The secondary outcome was mortality after helicopter transport vs ground ambulance transport.ResultsData were included for 341 286 patients at 458 level I or II trauma centers with helicopter service. Their mean (SD) age was 47 (20) years; 243 936 patients (71.6%) were male and 96 633 (28.4%) female. Asian individuals were less likely to receive helicopter transport compared with White individuals (6.8% vs 21.8%; aRR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.30-0.48; P &amp;lt; .001), driven by lower use for Asian patients in teaching hospitals (aRR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.21-0.40; P &amp;lt; .001) and level I trauma centers (aRR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.24-0.44; P &amp;lt; .001). In addition, Black patients were less likely to receive helicopter transport (8.7% vs 21.8%; aRR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.36-0.49; P &amp;lt; .001), particularly in teaching hospitals (aRR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.33-0.50; P &amp;lt; .001) and level I trauma centers (aRR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.34-0.49; P &amp;lt; .001). A similar but less pronounced disparity was noted for Hispanic patients. Helicopter transport was associated with a lower mortality risk compared with ground transport (37.7% vs 42.6%; adjusted relative risk [aRR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.85-0.89; P &amp;lt; .001).Conclusion and RelevanceThis study found that racial and ethnic minority patients, particularly Asian and Black patients, and notably those treated at level I teaching hospitals were less likely to receive airlift services compared with White patients. The current expansion of helicopter emergency medical services has yet to translate into equitable care for patients of all races and ethnicities.
Genotype‐function‐phenotype correlations for SCN1A variants identified by clinical genetic testing
Authors: Knox Andrew T. , Thompson Christopher H. , Scott Dillon , Abramova Tatiana V. , Stieve Bethany , Freeman Abigail , George Alfred L. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveInterpretation of clinical genetic testing, which identifies a potential genetic etiology in 25% of children with epilepsy, is limited by variants of uncertain significance. Understanding functional consequences of variants can help distinguish pathogenic from benign alleles. We combined automated patch clamp recording with neurophysiological simulations to discern genotype‐function‐phenotype correlations in a real‐world cohort of children with SCN1A‐associated epilepsy.MethodsClinical data were extracted for children with SCN1A variants identified by clinical genetic testing. Functional properties of non‐truncating NaV1.1 variant channels were determined using automated patch clamp recording. Functional data were incorporated into a parvalbumin‐positive (PV+) interneuron computer model to predict variant effects on neuron firing and were compared with longitudinal clinical data describing epilepsy types, neurocognitive outcomes, and medication response.ResultsTwelve SCN1A variants were identified (nine non‐truncating). Six non‐truncating variants exhibited no measurable sodium current in heterologous cells consistent with complete loss of function (LoF). Two variants caused either partial LoF (L479P) or a mixture of gain and loss of function (I1356M). The remaining non‐truncating variant (T1250M) exhibited normal function. Functional data changed classification of pathogenicity for six variants. Complete LoF variants were universally associated with seizure onset before one year of age and febrile seizures, and were often associated with drug resistant epilepsy and below average cognitive outcomes. Simulations demonstrated abnormal firing in heterozygous model neurons containing dysfunctional variants.InterpretationIn SCN1A‐associated epilepsy, functional analysis and neuron simulation studies resolved variants of uncertain significance and correlated with aspects of phenotype and medication response.
The Role of ROS and Its Sources in Tumorigenesis: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Jiang Qin , Lin Xiang , Zhai Mimi , Gong Yi , Li Yamin , Liu Sushun 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPonicidin has demonstrated effectiveness against HCC by promoting mitochondria apoptosis and generating ROS through the stabilization of the Keap1‐PGAM5 complex. However, ROS can exhibit both tumor‐promoting and tumor‐suppressing activities in cancers, and exhibit different effects depending on its source—mtROS vs non‐mtROS. Additionally, since ROS from different sources possesses distinct functions, mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants, and non‐targeted antioxidants may have entirely different effects on cancer progression. To address this complexity, novel measurement techniques such as MitoSOX, MitoPY1, and siDMA are used to specifically assess mtROS, providing deeper insights into mitochondrial function during treatment. Therefore, distinguishing the sources of ROS and separately detecting and targeting mtROS and non‐mtROS can further clarify the anti‐tumor mechanisms of ponicidin and provide a foundation for subsequent research.
FXa‐Responsive Hydrogels to Craft Corneal Endothelial Lamellae
Authors: Tsurkan Mikhail V. , Bessert Juliane , Selzer Rabea , Tsurkan Sarah D. , Pette Dagmar , Maitz Manfred F. , Welzel Petra B. , Werner Carsten 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCell‐instructive polymer hydrogels are instrumental in tissue engineering for regenerative therapies. Implementing defined and selective responsiveness to external stimuli is a persisting challenge that critically restricts their functionality. Addressing this challenge, this study introduces a versatile, modular hydrogel system composed of four‐arm poly(ethylene glycol)(starPEG)‐peptide and glycosaminoglycan(GAG)‐maleimide conjugates. The gel system features a small peptide sequence that is selectively cleaved by the coagulation factor FXa. In a cell culture environment, where active FXa is absent, the hydrogel remains stable, providing a conducive matrix for the growth of complex tissue structures or organoids. Upon the introduction of FXa, the hydrogel is designed to disintegrate rapidly, enabling the gentle release of the cultivated tissues without impairing their functionality. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated through the ex vivo development, detachment, and transplantation of human corneal endothelial lamellae, achieving sizes relevant for clinical application in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). Furthermore, the practicality of the hydrogel system is validated in vitro using a de‐endothelialized porcine cornea as a surrogate recipient. Since the FXa‐cleavable peptide can be integrated into a variety of multifunctional hydrogels, it can pave the way for next‐generation scaffold‐free tissue engineering and organoid regenerative therapies.
Sensitization of Lanthanides with Metal Chalcogenides Nanocrystals: Night Vision Imaging and Security Encryption
Authors: Jaiswal Shilpi , Das Subhadeep , Borah Partha Pratim , Anand Prashant , Métivier Rémi , Patra Abhijit 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe sensitization of lanthanide ions by semiconductor nanocrystals offers promising potential for developing luminophores with high quantum yields, promising for light harvesting and imaging applications. This study introduces lanthanide‐doped CdS nanocrystals fabricated through a phosphine‐free method. Lanthanide ions such as Yb3+, Tm3+, Ho3+, and Er3+ are successfully doped into the CdS matrix, resulting in tunable NIR emissions ranging from 950 to 1600 nm. These nanocrystals exhibit visible–NIR emission with a total photoluminescence quantum yield of ≈41 ± 3%. Steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopic studies confirm the broadband sensitization of lanthanide ions by the CdS host. Binary ions‐doped CdS nanocrystals (CdS:Yb3+, Er3+/Ho3+/Tm3+) demonstrate both upconversion and downshifting processes within a single system. Furthermore, the NIR emission is enhanced under CdS excitation compared to direct lanthanide sensitization. Time‐resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption studies reveal the efficient energy transfer processes from CdS to the lanthanide dopants. Additionally, the NIR emission in CdS:Ln3+ embedded polymethyl methacrylate nanocomposites remains highly stable even months after fabrication, making them suitable for night vision imaging and security encryption. This study, therefore, advances the development of smart visible‐to‐NIR light sources for optoelectronic applications, including enhanced anti‐counterfeiting measures and night vision imaging.