bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE IMPORTANCE OF AIRWAY MANAGEMENT AND EARLY DEFIBRILLATION IN SURVIVAL FROM OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST
Authors: Trpković S. , Pavlović A. , Videnović N. , Jovanović P. , Bojović P.
Published: November 2024

Among all ALS procedures, effective airway management is vital in the treatment of critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of pre-hospital endotracheal intubation and early defibrillation on outcome of cardiac arrest (CA) patients. We examined 200 patients suffering from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in a prospective cohort study in a two years period. We determined survival from CA to discharge from hospital and the factors associated with survival. We calculated the time intervals until shock decisions were made. Shock decisions were verified according to EKG downloads. 52% of patients were intubated in the field, survival to discharge from hospital was significantly higher among patients who were intubated in the field. Survival rates in patients with VF/VT was 9.7% compared to patients with asystole/PEA (1.6%). 66.7% of patients were given the shock after 4 minutes. Low survival to hospital discharge may be due to low number of CA patients who were intubated in the field and long "interval to shock delivery" (there are no AED). Existing literature shows that the first minutes are a critical time frame for successful resuscitation and this is an argument towards the introduction of AEDs used by bystanders.
COMPARABLE ANALYSIS ACCIDENTALLY POISONED AND PROSECTED ON BELGRADE FORENSIC INSTITUTE IN TWO 5-YEAR-PERIOD (1965-1969), (2000-2004)
Authors: Jakšiċ V. , Matejić S. , Anastasijević T. , Milošević M.
Published: November 2024

The objective was to determine the type of venom poisoning causes accidental, sex, age, occupation, place where the poisoning and seasonal distribution. The work was carried out comparative analysis of accidental poisoning in Belgrade in two five-year period 1965th to 1969. and since 2000. by 2004. year. The structure accidental poisoning in the first mentioned period dominated by gas poisoning (CO) and alcohol, and in the second period, poisoning psychoactive substances. In both the five-year period were more likely to be poisoned males. In the first study period, were often poisoned persons older age groups, while in the second period there was a shift to younger age groups. Between 1965 and 1969 and were significantly more frequent poisoning among farmers compared to the period 2000-2004, when they are significantly more common poisoning in students and the unemployed. The highest percentage of poisoned in both investigated period, was found in our own home with no signs of life. Accidental poisoning occurred more frequently in the winter months in the first study period, while in the second period seasonality is not expressed.
STUDY OF SURGICAL AND POSTOPERATIVE TREATMENT HAED AND NECK MALIGNANT SKIN TUMORS
Authors: Filipović M. , Račić A.J. , Lazović G. , Sipetić-Grujičić S. , Sipetić-Grujičić S.
Published: November 2024

According to the relevant investigations during past decade there is a great increase of malignant skin tumors. By this research we tried to investigate this hypothesis in domestic population and present complicated reconstructive procedure. In this research were included 591 patients with melanomas and carcinomas of head and neck who were surgically treated at our clinic from August 2000. to October 2008. Results of this research showed that 50 patients had melanoma and 541 carcinomas of skin. We have found that men are affected by skin facial carcinomas four times as much as women. The most common location of plano cell carcinoma was the skin of the auricle and lips, while basal cell carcinoma was mostly found on the nose. 62% patients with squamous cell carcinoma who were primary surgically treated survived more than 5 yr. 85% patients with basal cell carcinomas survived more than 5 yr.
PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF UVEITIS IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Authors: Mirković M. , Petković Z. , Jakšiċ V. , Vukša D. , Stamenković D. , Ðokić O.
Published: November 2024

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic rheumatoid inflammation with characteristic synovitis of sacroiliac joints and vertebrae of spinal column and fewer coxofemoral and glenohumeral and periferal joints. The disease is of an unknown etiology and shows strong correlation with histocompatibile antigene HLA-B27 wich is found in 90% AS diseased patients. Acute anterior uveitis is the most frequent extra-articular manifestation, it can precede spondylitis and is found in at least 20% AS diseased patients. Acute anterior uveitis is mostly bilateral, with recidives and in inadequate treatments results in complicate cataract and secondary glaucoma. Out of 41 patients with ankylosing spondylitis 36 (87.8%) is of male , and 5 (12.1%) female sex (ratio 9:1). The youngest patient was 25 and the oldest 69 years of age, average age of the diseased was 38.45. Acute anterior uvetis is found in 11, that is 26.8% diseased patients. The length of uveitis is approximately 28+/- 10 days. In 7 patients (63.64%) AAU is found in both eyes. Out of 11 patients with with AAU, 3 patients (27.27%) had more than first attack,7 (63.64%) had 1-5 recidives, and only 1 patient had more than 5 recidives. The most frequent type of exudation is serofibrose (77.78%), then follows fibropurulent-hypopyon (16.67%) and serose (5.55%). Out of 18 eyes, in 14 (77.78%) back synechies were formed. However, these synechies are in most cases broken by the use adequate therapy.
EPIDEMIC OF CANCER DISEASES OF WOMEN GENITAL SYSTEMS IN ENCLAVE OF CENTRAL KOSOVO
Authors: Milinčić N. , Stanišić N. , Petrović B. , Čanković P.
Published: November 2024

Cancer diseases of female genital system emerge as a result of continues influence of risk factors and heritage base. Commonly accepted risk factors are viruses, sexual intercourses without protection, early sexual relations- where the contact in the period under age 18 is highly risk, smoking (consumption of tobacco) and promiscuities males. Beside mentioned risk factors, we are exploring whether the life conditions and chronically stress are specific risk factors for isolated community. Serbian community in area of central Kosovo counts around 10.000 women in reproductive and menopausal stage. In the period of last 10 years, this specific community was exposed to the aftermaths of Nato aggression in 1999, meaning bombardment with uranium ammunition, poor conditions, refugee exile and return, chronically stress, period without adequate health protection and permanent feeling of life in hostile environment. The results were catastrophic : 5 invasive carcinomas of cervix in female in postmenopausal (56, 71, 50, 76, 54, years of age), 1 squamocellulare carcinoma of vagina (76 years of age) and one squamocellulare carcinoma of vulvae (57 years of age), both in postmenopausal period. In reproductive stage in 3 female H SIL was diagnosed (36, 42, 31 years of age). In three cases, as result of explorative curettage adeno cancer of endometrium was diagnosed (72, 66, 64 years of age).
MUTUAL RELATION CHRONICAL COMPLICATION OF DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 IN THE SCOPE OF TESTED GROUP
Authors: Pajović S.
Published: November 2024

Diabetes mellitus with its own chronical complication is the cause of the large procent morbidity and mortality between population. World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that so far involved 150 millions peoples, so the prevention chronical complication this illnesses priority. By this work, I want to rescript signification connection microangiopathy chronical complication with macroangiopathy chronical complication of diabetes mellitus. Handled 60 patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Patients divide in IV groups forms on concentration HbA1c. Retinopathy most often microangiopathy chronical complication of diabetes, in the meaning of being united with other complication, most expressed are the connection some with microangiopathy complication: angiopathy (R=0.71; p<0.001), then nephropathy (R=0.60; p<0.001) and the end neuropathy (R=0.44; p<0.001). 
LIFE QUALITY OF CHILDREN HAVING ALLERGIC ASTHMA
Authors: Čukalović M. , Odalović D. , Perić M. , Živković J. , Putica J.
Published: November 2024

The importance of the examination of life quality of children having asthma is more and more emphasized in the world. Asthma is a disease which limits the persons having this disease in physical, social and mental activities. Information about life quality can only be obtained by the patients because only they have direct insight into their feelings and thoughts. Our research included 95 children having allergic asthma and 40 children having nonallergic asthma were examined. Questionnaire on life quality of children having asthma in the case of general activities PAQLQ(S), whose creator is prof. Elizabeth Juniper, was used for the examination of life quality. The results were shown by questionnaire scores (total and individual ones). Determination of the activities representing the biggest restraints in the life of examined patients gives the possibility for adequate carrying out of therapy as well as better education of the patients concerning self-control of disease.
SINOVITIS IN THE ARTHROSIS
Authors: Minić S. , Ivković S.
Published: November 2024

Arthrosis (A) are the degenerative-dystrophic disease of the peripheral ankles. Etiology is unknown. The genetic factor and external factors, mostly of a mechanical nature are the crucial ones, however, in the literature more emphasis is put on the infection factor and participation of immunity in the etiology of the patogenesis A. We have treated 42 patients sicked of the gonarthrosis. A majority of them is not , as expected, is in their old age, but between 40-50 old. Out of total number, 12 % has had symptoms of early sinovitis while 17% has had symptoms of reactive synovitis. Early sinovitis is characterized in lymphocytes and plasmocytes, rare neutrophils with no fibrile layers. Reactive (later) sinovitis is characterized by rare neutrophils, crystals of appatite and abundant detritus. It is most probably that an early synovitis has an immunological and later one reactive character.
METABOLISM OF HALOGEN DERIVATIVES OF HYDROCARBONS
Authors: Popović M. , Trivić S. , Zlinska J. , Vojnović V. , Ban M.
Published: November 2024

In this review paper, metabolism of halogen derivatives of hydrocarbons (chloroform, polychlorinated biphenyls, freons) is shown. They are metabolized similar by mixed function oxidases (reductive or oxidative pathways). Their metabolites are toxic.
ROLE OF GENERAL PRACTICE DOCTOR IN THE TREATMENT OF SIGNET RING CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Knežević B. Snežana , Gajović Z. Ivan , Đurović Ljiljana
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Stomach cancer is the second in mortality and the fourth most frequent of all cancers in the world. In the recent decades, the number of patients with Signet ring cell carcinoma type has been growing. Unknown etiology with proven risk factors such as smoked and salted foods, smoking, metabolic syndrome, alcohol abuse and Helicobacter pylori infection. Five-year span survival is 20%-40%.

Case outline: Patient, 70 years old, in good health, came to the GP, because of pain she had been feeling in the lower back area for a couple of months. Sometimes she wakes up because of the pain below the chest. Belch, acid, lost three kilograms. Didn't pay any attention to the problem because earlier, due to severe osteoporosis, she had obtained a compression fracture of two vertebrae. Occult bleeding negative. Laboratory normal. Tenderness on palpation of epigastrium, the tumor mass is not palpable. Addressed immediate to esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Diagnosis: Ulcer ventriculi, region antrum. Histopathological findings: Gastric Adenocarcinoma, diffuse type, Signet ring cell. Computed tomography showed locoregional lymphadenopathy so responsible Consilium decided radical surgery and chemotherapy. Despite being treated, the patient pass away two years after the onset of the illness.

Conclusion: Primary health care workers have a big responsibility, because of nonspecific symptoms, in detection of gastric cancer. Good evaluation of patients who should be referred for esophagogastroduodenoscopy is essential. The doctor should keep in mind in the further course of treatment early postoperative complications, Dumping syndrome, appears ventral anastomosis, subocclusive disorders, gallbladders calculus formation, educate patients about nutrition, vitamins, monitor vitamin B12 and iron because patients are prone to vitamin deficiency and pernicious anemia. Psychological support for patients and their families is also very significant, through a concrete doctor-patient relationship. 
SYNCOPA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS OUR EXPERIENCE
Authors: Šulović Ljiljana , Filipović Danić , Šulović Vladimir , Živković Zorica , Popović Milica
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Syncope is a sudden, short-lived, transient loss of consciousness associated with the inability to maintain postural tone. The aim of this paper is: to determine the frequency of syncope in children and adolescents in our conditions, to analyze the characteristics of syncopal episodes and clinical presentation in order to identify the etiology of seizures, and to provide diagnostic protocols, i.e. guidelines for streamlining clinical trials.

Methodology: The diagnosis of the disease was made clinically on the basis of well-taken anamnestic data and a detailed description of the quality of the attack, physical examination and routine laboratory analyzes: (CBC, glycemia, standard ECG). Additional tests were selectively performed: Holter ECG, ergometry, Tilt table test, Echocardiogram, NMR, EEG.

Results: Out of the total number of examined children in the outpatient Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatric Cardiology, 139 patients (0.6%) reported due to short-term loss of consciousness. The largest number of children was between 15 and 18 years old. Ninety-two ( 66%) of those 139 were girls, and 47 (34%) were boys (p <0.05). Regarding the cause of syncope, it was found in 117 (84%) patients, and in 22 (16%) children the cause of syncope was unknown (p <0.05). Etiologically spreaking, syncope was divided into 3 groups: autonomic (vasovagal, situational, orthostatic, increased vagus tone in athletes) was the most common, in 88 patients (75%), cardiogenic in 5 (4%) and non-cardiogenic in 24 patients.(21%). There was also a recurrence of the attack. In two children, the syncopal attack was repeated 4 times.

CONCLUSION: Syncope most often occurs in teenagers and is mostly benign. To assess syncope, it is necessary to gather a detailed history of the attack, to conduct a detailed physical examination and routine laboratory analyzes: CBC, glycemia and standard ECG. Supplementary diagnostics should be performed exclusively in patients where there is a reasonable suspicion of heart disease or neurological diseases. 
Behind the desk: Examining the decision-making and legitimation practices of immigration officials in return procedures in Belgium
Authors: Deschuyteneer Laure , Breuls Lars
Published: November 2024

Scholars have highlighted the crucial role that immigration officials play as “street-level bureaucrats” in the implementation of restrictive immigration policies. This study describes the working and decision-making practices of immigration officials in return procedures in Belgium, based on observations, expert interviews, and an analysis of case law. We demonstrate that their work primarily involves desk work and writing justifications in their decisions. Their decision-making is characterized by a heavy sense of pragmatism and standardization, primarily focusing on “what holds up in administrative court.” In return procedures, Belgian immigration officials therefore experience little need for legitimation work: from their perspective, legitimation primarily entails meeting administrative burdens of proof. Our analysis indicates that this distanced administrative system disadvantages the affected migrants, especially considering that the appellate body evaluates procedural aspects of the decision-making rather than conducting in-depth case (re-)evaluations.
Human smugglers or smuggled persons? An approach to the situation of youths accused of human smuggling in southern Spain
Authors: Carvalho da Silva Jacqueline
Published: November 2024

The lack of safe entryways into Europe generates alternative maritime routes from Africa to the European continent. In recent years, there has been an increase in these arrivals and in the detention of individuals accused of migrant smuggling on the Central Mediterranean route to Italy and the North-west African (Atlantic) route to the Canary Islands upon their arrival by sea. Both the UNODC and various NGOs have suggested in recent reports that the punitive response to boat captains may have less to do with tackling the crime of human smuggling than it may initially appear. During fieldwork conducted as part of the JEPRAN project, a surprising number of youths accused of human smuggling were identified in a prison in Almería, Spain, having arrived via the Western Mediterranean route. This serendipitous finding allows for reflection within this article on the crime of human smuggling across different routes into Europe based on interviews with youths accused of this crime and imprisoned in the south of Spain.
Facilitator or victim? On punishment for facilitating illegal border crossings during the Polish–Belarusian humanitarian border crisis
Authors: Perkowska Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Punishing perpetrators for facilitating illegal border crossings or illegal stays is one of the priorities of the European Union’s migration policy. The author decided to take a look at the practice of such criminal proceedings before Podlasie courts (a region bordering Belarus). In this case, does it truly involve organising an illegal procedure – especially when it comes to family members or co-workers? The purpose of this article, therefore, is to examine the criminal case files of those convicted of organising illegal border crossings – individuals whose behaviour consisted solely of picking up migrants who were already in Poland. Law enforcement authorities charged such people, mainly foreigners, with aiding and abetting the organisation of illegal border crossing. The author addresses the question of whether such behaviour fulfils the elements of the crime specified in Article 264 (3) of the Criminal Code, and what scope of freedom the actors have when deciding on the charges and convictions.
Alzheimer-mutant γ-secretase complexes stall amyloid β-peptide production
Authors: Arafi Parnian , Devkota Sujan , Maesako Masato , Wolfe Michael S
Published: November 2024

Missense mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin-1 (PSEN1) cause early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) and alter proteolytic production of secreted 38-to-43-residue amyloid β-peptides (Aβ) by the PSEN1-containing γ-secretase complex, ostensibly supporting the amyloid hypothesis of pathogenesis. However, proteolysis of APP substrate by γ-secretase is processive, involving initial endoproteolysis to produce long Aβ peptides of 48 or 49 residues followed by carboxypeptidase trimming in mostly tripeptide increments. We recently reported evidence that FAD mutations in APP and PSEN1 cause deficiencies in early steps in processive proteolysis of APP substrate C99 and that this results from stalled γ-secretase enzyme-substrate and/or enzyme-intermediate complexes. These stalled complexes triggered synaptic degeneration in a
C. elegans
model of FAD independently of Aβ production. Here we conducted full quantitative analysis of all proteolytic events on APP substrate by γ-secretase with six additional PSEN1 FAD mutations and found that all six are deficient in multiple processing steps. However, only one of these (F386S) was deficient in certain trimming steps but not in endoproteolysis. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy in intact cells revealed that all six PSEN1 FAD mutations lead to stalled γ-secretase enzyme-substrate/intermediate complexes. The F386S mutation, however, does so only in Aβ-rich regions of the cells, not in C99-rich regions, consistent with the deficiencies of this mutant enzyme only in trimming of Aβ intermediates. These findings provide further evidence that FAD mutations lead stalled and stabilized γ-secretase enzyme-substrate and/or enzyme-intermediate complexes and are consistent with the stalled process rather than the products of γ-secretase proteolysis as the pathogenic trigger.
Basolateral amygdala oscillations enable fear learning in a biophysical model
Authors: Cattani Anna , Arnold Don B , McCarthy Michelle , Kopell Nancy
Published: November 2024

The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a key site where fear learning takes place through synaptic plasticity. Rodent research shows prominent low theta (~3–6 Hz), high theta (~6–12 Hz), and gamma (>30 Hz) rhythms in the BLA local field potential recordings. However, it is not understood what role these rhythms play in supporting the plasticity. Here, we create a biophysically detailed model of the BLA circuit to show that several classes of interneurons (PV, SOM, and VIP) in the BLA can be critically involved in producing the rhythms; these rhythms promote the formation of a dedicated fear circuit shaped through spike-timing-dependent plasticity. Each class of interneurons is necessary for the plasticity. We find that the low theta rhythm is a biomarker of successful fear conditioning. The model makes use of interneurons commonly found in the cortex and, hence, may apply to a wide variety of associative learning situations.
Thermoelectric tourniquet–assisted thermotherapy and cryotherapy for pain, regional blood flow, and satisfaction with intravenous injections among hospitalized patients in Korea: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Seon-Mi , Hur Myung-Haeng
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Intravenous injections are a common invasive procedure for delivering fluids or medications. Although patients experience pain from needle insertion, this discomfort is often overlooked due to its short duration and perceived insignificance. This study aimed to assess the effect of applying cryotherapy and thermotherapy using a flexible thermoelectric device on relieving the pain caused by intravenous injections.Methods: This randomized controlled trial utilized the modified thermoelectric element (M-TEE) tourniquet, which improves heat and cold transfer through a flexible TEE. Participants were hospitalized adults who had an 18-gauge angiocatheter inserted for surgery. The M-TEE tourniquet was applied 10-12 cm above the injection site, providing thermotherapy (40°C-45°C) or cryotherapy (0°C-10°C) to the respective groups. The control group received no temperature treatment. Pain, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and regional blood flow were measured. Post-injection, satisfaction surveys were conducted with participants and practitioners.Results: There was a significant difference in pain perception among the three groups (F = 3.38, p = .041), with the cryotherapy group reporting less pain than the control group (p = .036). Regional venous blood flow significantly increased during thermotherapy (F = 5.99, p = .004), although regional arterial flow remained unchanged. Participant satisfaction differed across groups (F = 3.26, p = .046), with higher satisfaction in the cryotherapy group than in the control group (p = .040). Nurses’ satisfaction also varied significantly (F = 24.14, p < .001) across the groups.Conclusion: The M-TEE tourniquet effectively reduces intravenous injection pain and increases patient and practitioner satisfaction, particularly with cryotherapy.
The benefits of social insurance system prediction using a hybrid fuzzy time series method
Authors: Khalil Ahmed Abdelreheem , Mandour Mohamed Abdelaziz , Ali Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Decision-making in many industries relies heavily on accurate forecasts, including the insurance sector. The Social Insurance System (SIS) in Egypt, operating under a fully funded paradigm, depends on reliable predictions to ensure effective financial planning. This research introduces a hybrid predictive model that combines fuzzy time series (FTS) Markov chains with the tree partition method (TPM) and difference transformation to forecast total pension benefits within Egypt’s SIS. A key feature of the proposed model is its ability to optimize the partitioning process, resulting in the creation of nine intervals that reduce computational complexity while maintaining forecasting accuracy. These intervals were consistently applied across all fuzzy time series models for comparison. The model’s performance is evaluated using established metrics such as MAPE, Thiels’ U statistic, and RMSE. Additionally, prediction interval coverage probability (PICP) and mean prediction interval length (MPIL) are used to assess the quality of prediction intervals, with a 95% prediction interval serving as the baseline. The proposed model achieved a PICP of approximately 95%, indicating well-calibrated prediction intervals, although the MPIL of 424.5 reflects a wider uncertainty range. Despite this, the model balances coverage accuracy and interval precision effectively. The results demonstrate that the proposed model significantly outperforms traditional models like linear regression, ARIMA, and exponential smoothing and conventional FTS models like Song, Chen, Yu, and Cheng by achieving the lowest MAPE with the value of 11.8% for training and 10.65% for testing. This superior performance highlights the model’s reliability and potential applicability to further forecasting tasks in the field of insurance and beyond.
Application of collaborative filtering algorithm based on time decay function in music teaching recommendation model
Authors: Zhao Yina , Hua Xiang
Published: November 2024

To address the issues of data sparsity, scalability, and cold start in the traditional teaching resource recommendation process, this paper presents an enhanced collaborative filtering (CF) recommendation algorithm incorporating a time decay (TD) function. By aligning with the human memory forgetting curve, the TD function is employed as a weighting factor, enabling the calculation of similarity and user preferences constrained by the TD, thus amplifying the weight of user interest over a short period and achieving the integration of short-term and long-term interests. The results indicate that the RMSE of the proposed combined recommendation algorithm (TD-CF) is only 8.95 when the number of recommendations reaches 100, which is significantly lower than the comparison model, which exhibits higher accuracy across different recommended items, effectively utilizing music teaching resources and user characteristics to deliver more precise recommendations.
Early-diverging plesiosaurs from the Pliensbachian (Lower Jurassic) of northwestern Germany
Authors: Sachs Sven , Hornung Jahn J. , Madzia Daniel
Published: November 2024

The knowledge of Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic, ∼192.9–184.2 Ma) plesiosaurs is notoriously insufficient. Although there have been specimens described from different parts of the world, only three of them have been established as diagnosable taxa. Here, we describe two previously unreported lower Pliensbachian plesiosaur occurrences that originate from two sites located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. One of the new occurrences is represented by three cervical and three indeterminable vertebrae from Werther, the other includes two associated pectoral or anterior dorsal vertebrae from Bielefeld. Although highly incomplete, the Werther individual, which derived from the Uptonia jamesoni Zone, is found to represent the only reliably identified early Pliensbachian pliosaurid known to date. Its material is geographically and stratigraphically proximate to the late Pliensbachian pliosaurid Arminisaurus schuberti, found in a clay-pit located in the Bielefeld district of Jöllenbeck. However, even though the Werther plesiosaur and A. schuberti show a broadly similar morphology of the preserved cervical section, a precise identification of the Werther taxon is currently impossible.
A structural equation model for the patient safety competency of clinical nurses
Authors: Choi Jung-hyun , Kim KyoungEun
Published: November 2024

Background

Nurses are crucial for enhancing patient safety due to their continuous presence at patients’ bedsides and close interactions with families and other healthcare providers. This study aims to examine the relationships among safety education, perception of patient safety culture, safety control, and patient safety competence in clinical nurses, while also exploring the mediating effect of perceptions on patient safety culture and safety control.

Methods

The study involved 165 nurses, including 10 males (6.1%) and 155 females (93.9%). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized model, and data were analyzed using SPSS and AMOS programs.

Results

Significant positive correlations were among the frequency of attending safety education, the perception of patient safety culture, safety control, and patient safety competency. The number of safety education briefings attended did not directly influence patient safety competence; however, safety education for nurses indirectly influenced patient safety competence via the perception of patient safety culture and safety control. These findings suggest that enhancing safety education for nurses can improve patient safety competence by shaping their perceptions of patient safety culture and safety control.
Ferroptosis and its implications in bone-related diseases
Authors: Wang Zihao , Yan Qiupeng , Wang Zhen , Hu Zunguo , Wang Chenchen , Zhang Xue , Gao Xueshuai , Bai Xue , Chen Xiaosu , Zhang Lingyun , Lv Danyue , Liu Huancai , Chen Yanchun
Published: November 2024

Ferroptosis, a recently recognized form of regulated cell death (RCD) characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxide accumulation, has emerged as a noteworthy regulator in various bone-related diseases, including osteoporosis (OP), osteoarthritis (OA), and osteosarcoma (OS). OS primarily afflicts the elderly, rendering them susceptible to fractures due to increased bone fragility. OA represents the most prevalent arthritis in the world, often observed in the aging population. OS predominantly manifests during adolescence, exhibiting an aggressive nature and bearing a significantly unfavorable prognosis. In this review article, we present an overview of the characteristics and mechanism of ferroptosis and its involvement in bone-related diseases, with a particular focus on OP, OA, and OS. Furthermore, we summarize chemical compounds or biological factors that impact bone-related diseases by regulating ferroptosis. Through an in-depth exploration of ferroptosis based on current research findings, this review provides promising insights for potential therapeutic approaches to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of these bone-related pathological conditions.
Effect of Sulphur and Zinc on Growth and Yield of Indian Mustard [Brassica juncea (L.)]
Authors: Kumar Anil , Suman Bhagwan , Gurjar Om Prakash , Jakhar Chandrakanta , Yadav Indra Raj
Published: November 2024

A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Mewar University Gangrar, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) during Rabi season of 2023-24 to effect of Sulphur and Zinc on growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea L.), variety “Bio-902‟ was used in this study. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Maximum growth attributes such as, plant height (146.30 and 143.90 cm), number of branches per plant (8.28 and 8.05) and dry matter accumulation (326.17 and 324.32 g/plant) and yield attributes such as number of siliqua per plant (285.20 and 282.49), number of seed per siliqua (13.20 and 13.10), seed yield (20.40 and 20.18 q/ha), stover yield (69.84 and 69.58 q/ha) and maximum net return (66449.75 and 66557.00 Rs/ha) was recorded with combine application of 60 kg/ha Sulphur and 7.5 kg/ha Zn. Therefore, it was concluded that application of 40 kg Sulphur and 7.5kg zinc ha-1 found suitable to produce good yield of Indian mustard. Maximum values of growth parameters and yield also recorded with application 60 Sulphur kg ha-1 and 7.5 zinc kg ha-1.
Synthesis of Colloidal SU‐8 Polymer Rods Using Sonication
Authors: Fernández‐Rico Carla , Yanagishima Taiki , Curran Arran , Aarts Dirk G. A. L. , Dullens Roel P. A.
Published: March 2019

The bulk synthesis of fluorescent colloidal SU‐8 polymer rods with tunable dimensions is described. The colloidal SU‐8 rods are prepared by shearing an emulsion of SU‐8 polymer droplets and then exposing the resulting non‐Brownian rods to ultrasonic waves, which breaks them into colloidal rods with typical lengths of 3.5–10 µm and diameters of 0.4–1 µm. The rods are stable in both aqueous and apolar solvents, and by varying the composition of apolar solvent mixtures both the difference in refractive index and mass density between particles and solvent can be independently controlled. Consequently, these colloidal SU‐8 rods can be used in both 3D confocal microscopy and optical trapping experiments while carefully tuning the effect of gravity. This is demonstrated by using confocal microscopy to image the liquid crystalline phases and the isotropic–nematic interface formed by the colloidal SU‐8 rods and by optically trapping single rods in water. Finally, the simultaneous confocal imaging and optical manipulation of multiple SU‐8 rods in the isotropic phase is shown.
A simple synthesis of symmetric phthalocyanines and their respective perfluoro and transition‐metal complexes
Authors: Denekamp Ilse M. , Veenstra Florentine L.P. , Jungbacker Peter , Rothenberg Gadi
Published: March 2019

We report a simple synthesis protocol for making phthalocyanines (Pcs) starting from phthalonitriles. This method is general and requires no specialised equipment. The complexes are isolated and characterised using X‐ray diffraction, NMR, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. First, we study and present a one‐step synthesis route to a metal‐free Pc (H2PcH16), as well as to the corresponding MPcH16complexes of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn. Then, we show that this route can also be used to make the fluorinated Pc analogues (MPcF16). Finally, we present a new and useful procedure for inserting a metal ion into a metal‐free H2PcH16ring, by direct metalation, yielding the corresponding MPcH16complex. This last method is especially useful if you want to make different MPcH16complexes.
Different responses of avian feeding guilds to spatial and environmental factors across an elevation gradient in the central Himalaya
Authors: Ding Zhifeng , Liang Jianchao , Hu Yiming , Zhou Zhixin , Sun Hongbin , Liu Lina , Liu Haijun , Hu Huijian , Si Xingfeng
Published: March 2019

Although elevational patterns of species richness have been well documented, how the drivers of richness gradients vary across ecological guilds has rarely been reported. Here, we examined the effects of spatial factors (area and mid‐domain effect; MDE) and environmental factors, including metrics of climate, productivity, and plant species richness on the richness of breeding birds across different ecological guilds defined by diet and foraging strategy. We surveyed 12 elevation bands at intervals of 300 m between 1,800 and 5,400 m a.s.l using line‐transect methods throughout the wet season in the central Himalaya, China. Multiple regression models and hierarchical partitioning were used to assess the relative importance of spatial and environmental factors on overall bird richness and guild richness (i.e., the richness of species within each guild). Our results showed that richness for all birds and most guilds displayed hump‐shaped elevational trends, which peaked at an elevation of 3,300–3,600 m, although richness of ground‐feeding birds peaked at a higher elevation band (4,200–4,500 m). The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)—an index of primary productivity—and habitat heterogeneity were important factors in explaining overall bird richness as well as that of insectivores and omnivores, with geometric constraints (i.e., the MDE) of secondary importance. Granivore richness was not related to primary production but rather to open habitats (granivores were negatively influenced by habitat heterogeneity), where seeds might be abundant. Our findings provide direct evidence that the richness–environment relationship is often guild‐specific. Taken together, our study highlights the importance of considering how the effects of environmental and spatial factors on patterns of species richness may differ across ecological guilds, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of elevational diversity gradients and their implications for biodiversity conservation.
Performance of individual and joint risk stratification by an environmental risk score and a genetic risk score in a colorectal cancer screening setting
Authors: Balavarca Yesilda , Weigl Korbinian , Thomsen Hauke , Brenner Hermann
Published: March 2019

Early detection of colorectal neoplasms can reduce the disease burden of colorectal cancer by timely intervention of individuals at high risk. Our aim was to evaluate a joint environmental‐genetic risk score as a risk stratification tool for early detection of advanced colorectal neoplasm (ACRN). Known environmental risk factors and high‐risk genetic loci were summarized into risk scores for ACRN in 1014 eligible participants of a screening study. The performances of single and joint environmental‐genetic scores were evaluated with estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the absolute risk, relative risk and predictive ability using the area under the curve (AUC). Individuals with higher environmental risk scores showed increasing ACRN risk, with 3.1‐fold for intermediate risk and 4.8‐fold for very high risk, compared to the very low environmental risk group. Similarly, individuals with higher genetic risk scores showed increasing ACRN risk, with 2.2‐fold for intermediate risk and 3.5‐fold for very high risk, compared to the lowest genetic risk group. Moreover, the joint environmental–genetic score improved the ACRN risk stratification and showed higher predictive values (AUC = 0.64; 95%CI = 0.60–0.67) with substantial difference (p = 0.0002) compared to the single environmental score (0.58; 0.55–0.62). The integration of environmental and genetic factors looks promising for improving targeting individuals at high‐risk of colorectal neoplasm. Applications in practical screening programs require optimization with additional genetic and other biomarkers involved in colorectal carcinogenesis.
Evaluation of electromagnetic and nuclear scattering models in GATE/Geant4 for proton therapy
Authors: Resch Andreas F. , Elia Alessio , Fuchs Hermann , Carlino Antonio , Palmans Hugo , Stock Markus , Georg Dietmar , Grevillot Loïc
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The dose core of a proton pencil beam (PB) is enveloped by a low dose area reaching several centimeters off the central axis and containing a considerable amount of the dose. Adequate modeling of the different components of the PB profile is, therefore, required for accurate dose calculation. In this study, we experimentally validated one electromagnetic and two nuclear scattering models in GATE/Geant4 for dose calculation of proton beams in the therapeutic energy window (62–252 MeV) with and without range shifter (RaShi).

Methods

The multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) model was validated by lateral dose core profiles measured for five energies at up to four depths from beam plateau to Bragg peak region. Nuclear halo profiles of single PBs were evaluated for three (62.4, 148.2, and 252.7 MeV) and two (97.4 and 124.7 MeV) energies, without and with RaShi, respectively. The influence of the dose core and nuclear halo on field sizes varying from 2–20 cm was evaluated by means of output factors (OFs), namely frame factors (FFs) and field size factors (FSFs), to quantify the relative increase of dose when increasing the field size.

Results

The relative increase in the dose core width in the simulations deviated negligibly from measurements for depths until 80% of the beam range, but was overestimated by up to 0.2 mm in σ toward the end of range for all energies. The dose halo region of the lateral dose profile agreed well with measurements in the open beam configuration, but was notably overestimated in the deepest measurement plane of the highest energy or when the beam passed through the RaShi. The root‐mean‐square deviations (RMSDs) between the simulated and the measured FSFs were less than 1% at all depths, but were higher in the second half of the beam range as compared to the first half or when traversing the RaShi. The deviations in one of the two tested hadron physics lists originated mostly in elastic scattering. The RMSDs could be reduced by approximately a factor of two by exchanging the default elastic scattering cross sections for protons.

Conclusions

GATE/Geant4 agreed satisfyingly with most measured quantities. MCS was systematically overestimated toward the end of the beam range. Contributions from nuclear scattering were overestimated when the beam traversed the RaShi or at the depths close to the end of the beam range without RaShi. Both, field size effects and calculation uncertainties, increased when the beam traversed the RaShi. Measured field size effects were almost negligible for beams up to medium energy and were highest for the highest energy beam without RaShi, but vice versa when traversing the RaShi.
Influence of Growth Parameters on a‐Plane InGaN/GaN Heterostructures on r‐Sapphire
Authors: Orlova Marina , Abdullaev Oleg , Mezhenny Michail , Chelny Alexander , Savchuk Alexander , Ermoshin Ivan , Rabinovich Oleg , Didenko Sergey , Osipov Yuri , Kourova Natalya , Akhmerov Yuri , Marenkin Sergey
Published: March 2019

The n‐type and p‐type a‐GaN films are successfully grown by MOCVD on the r‐sapphire substrate with smooth mirror surface morphology. The growth rate versus the growth temperature is investigated. Optimum doping parameters by acceptor and donor impurities − 8 × 1017 and 4 × 1018 cm−3 are determined. Low‐temperature amorphous buffer (nucleus) GaN layer and the island growth process with additional doping profile in quantum wells (QW) are investigated. The heterostructures are grown based on direct investigation and simulation results and are investigated by atomic‐force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this work, V‐defects of the structure for non‐polar orientation films are investigated for the first time, thus complementing earlier results for polar and semi‐polar films. The results indicate that the defect density was reduced up to 104 cm−2, with improved surface morphology uniformity. During growth, the influence from V/III flow ratio and doping barriers by indium atoms was detected. Decrease in the V/III ratio up to 1320 at the overgrowth stage of the precipitated low‐temperature nuclei caused growth‐island formation and increased the growth rate in the lateral direction, thus decreasing the dislocation density.
Terahertz Luminescence Induced by Intra‐Exciton Radiative Transitions in Silicon
Authors: Andrianov Alexander V. , Zakhar'in Alexey O.
Published: March 2019

This article reports the results of experimental investigations of a new type of terahertz emission from semiconductors. This emission is due to radiative transitions between energy levels of free excitons. The intra‐exciton radiative transitions arise during the binding of nonequilibrium electrons and holes into exciton states. The experiments were carried out on high‐purity Si crystals at helium temperatures in the conditions of interband photoexcitation. The excitation densities were in the range of 0.1 to 140 W cm−2. Terahertz luminescence spectra demonstrate narrow lines of optical transitions between the energy levels of free excitons. The intra‐exciton optical transitions dominate the emission spectrum under conditions of both low excitation densities and at excitation densities well above the electron–hole liquid formation threshold. The intra‐exciton terahertz emission intensity becomes superlinear as a function of the excitation density at a high level of the photoexcitation and temperatures above 20–25 K. This experimental observation could be explained by stimulated optical transitions between the energy levels of free excitons, which presumably appear under intense interband pumping.
Process Development for Wet‐Chemical Surface Functionalization of Gallium Arsenide Based Nanowires
Authors: Speich Claudia , Dissinger Frank , Liborius Lisa , Hagemann Ulrich , Waldvogel Siegfried R. , Tegude Franz‐Josef , Prost Werner
Published: March 2019

The chemisorption of various functionalizing agents on (100) and (111)B gallium arsenide and (100) indium phosphide substrates is studied to elaborate a wet‐chemical surface coating protocol for gallium arsenide based nanowires. Application of (non‐)fluorinated alkanethiols under different parameters shows great success resulting in a decreased polarity of the surface (confirmed by a significant increase of the water contact angle) and no occurrence of etching effects. The successful functionalization is determined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. After optimization of concentration, additives and solvents, the process parameters are transferred to both, p‐ and n‐doped GaAs‐based nanowire structures. The influence of surface functionalization on the electrical behavior of the nanowires is determined by current–voltage characteristics. Based on the experimental data, a bonding mechanism for the alkanethiol onto the semiconductor material is proposed and a model for describing surface depletion before and after functionalization is developed.
Higgs and Coulomb branches from vertex operator algebras
Authors: Costello Kevin , Creutzig Thomas , Gaiotto Davide
Published: March 2019

Abstract

We formulate a conjectural relation between the category of line defects in topologically twisted 3d

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 supersymmetric quantum field theories and categories of modules for Vertex Operator Algebras of boundary local operators for the theories. We test the conjecture in several examples and provide some partial proofs for standard classes of gauge theories.
ON THE INEVITABILITY OF THE CONSISTENCY OPERATOR
Authors: MONTALBÁN ANTONIO , WALSH JAMES
Published: March 2019

We examine recursive monotonic functions on the Lindenbaum algebra of $EA$. We prove that no such function sends every consistent φ to a sentence with deductive strength strictly between φ and $\left( {\varphi \wedge Con\left( \varphi \right)} \right)$. We generalize this result to iterates of consistency into the effective transfinite. We then prove that for any recursive monotonic function f, if there is an iterate of $Con$ that bounds f everywhere, then f must be somewhere equal to an iterate of $Con$.