bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination on the thickness of superficially weathered layer of historical stones from Guanzhong area in China
Authors: Wang Xuemei , Luo Hongjie , Yu Haidong , Xiong Can , Dai Hui , Rong Bo , Huang Xiao
Published: March 2024

Superficial weathering in the form of granular disaggregation, powdering and flaking on stone surface is one of the most serious damages to stone heritages, since the surface carries most of the artistic, historical information. The determination of the thickness of the superficially weathered layer of historical stones is critical to their conservation. However, the methodology for quantitative analyses of such thickness remains very limited. In this study, we carefully study the vapor absorption and pore structure evolution of historical sandstones from Guanzhong area with respect to their weathering. We find out that the thickness of superficial weathered layer of Guanzhong sandstones can be derived by following the changes in vapor absorption or pore structure. Such data achieved from various methods developed in this work are consistent with each other and in good agreement with the results obtained by using current techniques such as drilling resistance measurement, the Ruxton method and ultrasonic testing. Among all methods used, pore size distribution analysis requires less sample preparation and measures the thickness of superficial weathered layer of Guanzhong sandstones around 7 mm.
Variations in the quantity and chemical composition of soil dissolved organic matter along a chronosequence of wolfberry plantations in an arid area of Northwest China
Authors: Wu Rongjie , Xue Bin , Ndzana George Martial , Wang Yan , Fu Longwei , Liu Bingqing , Gao Ruili , Ma Kun , Du Lingtong , An Hui , Kamran Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Background

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most active component of soil organic matter (SOM), playing a major role in regulating soil fertility and carbon cycling. However, the effects of different wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) planting ages on the chemical diversity of DOM and its interaction with soil physicochemical properties have not been comprehensively studied. In this context, we collected soil samples (0–10 cm) from wolfberry orchards at different planting ages (1, 4, 6, 10, and 13 years) and from a corn field (0 years) in the arid region of Northwest Ningxia in China to assess the changes in soil DOM quantity and quality using ultraviolet–visible absorbance, fluorescence spectroscopy, and parallel factor analysis.

Results

We found that the ages of the wolfberry plantation changed the contents of soil nutrients and SOM. In addition, significantly higher DOM concentrations were observed at wolfberry planting ages of 10 and 13 years than those in the control group (0 years) by 176.6 and 190.2%, respectively. The specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA254) and 254 nm to 365 nm ultraviolet absorbance ratio (E2/E3) values were decreased and increased, respectively, after wolfberry planting, indicating low aromatic and molecular weight compounds of soil DOM. The biogenic index (BIX) and fluorescence index (FI) of soil DOM ranged from 0.6 to 0.7 and 1.42 to 1.93, respectively, suggesting a combination of allochthonous and autochthonous sources. The short- and long-term wolfberry cultivations of 1 and 4 years decreased and increased the humification degrees of soil DOM, respectively. The contribution rate of the protein-like (C1) fluorescence intensity decreased, while that of the fulvic acid-like component (C3) increased with increasing wolfberry planting age, suggesting a change in the structure of soil DOM from protein-like to fulvic acids. In this study, total nitrogen (TN) and exchangeable Ca2+were the main factors affecting the quantity and quality of soil DOM in the wolfberry orchards with different planting ages.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that long-term wolfberry plantation enhances the accumulation of soil DOM and more complex compounds, thereby promoting soil organic carbon sequestration under different planting ages and land-use types in terrestrial ecosystems.

Graphical Abstract
Cultivating writing skills: the role of ChatGPT as a learning assistant—a case study
Authors: Punar Özçelik Nermin , Yangın Ekşi Gonca
Published: March 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has garnered considerable interest in the field of language education in recent times; however, limited research has focused on the role of AI in the specific context of register knowledge learning during English language writing. This study aims to address this research gap by examining the impact of ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, on the acquisition of register knowledge across various writing tasks. The research design employed a one-case shot pre-experimental design, with 11 voluntary participants selected through convenience sampling. Preliminary results indicate that students found ChatGPT beneficial for acquiring formal register knowledge but perceived it as unnecessary for informal writing. Additionally, the effectiveness of ChatGPT in teaching neutral register was questioned by the participants. This research contributes to the existing literature by shedding new light on the effects of AI-generated chatbots in register learning during the writing process, offering insights into their potential as learning assistants. Further investigation is warranted to explore the broader implications and applications of AI in language learning contexts.
Deloading Practices in Strength and Physique Sports: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Rogerson David , Nolan David , Korakakis Patroklos Androulakis , Immonen Velu , Wolf Milo , Bell Lee
Published: March 2024

Background

This study explored the deloading practices of competitive strength and physique athletes. A 55-item anonymised web-based survey was distributed to a convenience-based, cross-sectional sample of competitive strength and physique athletes (n = 246; males = 181 [73.6%], females = 65 [26.4%]; age = 29.5 ± 8.6 years) who had 8.2 ± 6.2 years of resistance training and 3.8 ± 3.1 years of competition experience.

Results

All athletes deloaded within training with energy and fatigue management being the main reasons to do so. The typical duration of a deload was 6.4 ± 1.7 days, integrated into the training programme every 5.6 ± 2.3 weeks. Deloading was undertaken using a proactive, pre-planned strategy (or in combination with an autoregulated approach) and undertaken when performance stalled or during periods of increased muscle soreness or joint aches. Athletes reported that training volume would decrease (through a reduction in both repetitions per set and sets per week), but training frequency would remain unchanged during deloads. Additionally, athletes reported that training intensity (load lifted) would decrease, and effort would be reduced (facilitated through an increase in repetitions in reserve). Athletes would generally maintain the same exercise selection during deloading. For athletes that supplemented deloading with additional recovery modalities (n = 118; 48%), the most reported strategies were massage, static stretching and foam rolling.

Conclusion

Results from this research might assist strength and physique athletes and coaches to plan their deloading. Future research should empirically investigate the findings from this study to further evaluate the potential utility of deloading in strength and physique sports.
Smoking status, cadmium, and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Lang Susanne M. , Schiffl Helmut
Published: March 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of the general population in Western countries. Currently, CKD cannot be cured and there are only few strategies to prevent the onset of CKD, to reverse early stages of CKD, and to prevent the progression of established CKD to end-stage kidney disease. Cigarette smoking is a preventable cause of CKD.

Methods

This narrative review analyses the cause–effect relationship between cigarette smoking and CKD and discusses the association of inhaled cadmium and smoking-induced kidney damage.

Results

Cigarette smoking places individuals at risk for incident CKD. It accelerates the progression (decline in glomerular filtration rate, aggravation of proteinuria) of CKD to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and is associated with shortened kidney transplant graft survival. These harmful effects on kidney function/structure are dependent on the dose and duration of cigarette smoking. Smoking abstinence decreases the higher risk for proteinuria and CKD progression. Inhaled cadmium may be the biologic link between cigarette smoking and kidney dysfunction. Recent studies indicate that accumulation of cadmium in the blood mediates progression of CKD and places smokers at higher risk for all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation is an effective intervention to reduce the risk of onset and progression of CKD as well as to reduce smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality.
A descriptive study of stroke types, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes in a tertiary hospital in Myanmar
Authors: Tun Thant Zin , Han Su Myat , Moji Kazuhiko , Matsui Mitsuaki
Published: March 2024

Background

Stroke is a leading cause of death in the world, and the burden of stroke is higher in low- and middle-income countries. Understanding the risk factors, complications, and outcomes of stroke are useful for healthcare planning and resource allocation. Little information on stroke is available for many low- and middle-income Asian countries; including Myanmar, which is the focus of this study.

Methods

A review was conducted of medical records for stroke admissions during 2017 in a tertiary hospital in Myanmar. The final diagnoses, risk factors, clinical features, complications, and outcomes were systematically collected from computer- and paper-based medical records.

Results

Of 908 cases analysed, haemorrhagic stroke was the most common type (49%), followed by ischaemic stroke (43%). Unimproved cases were 32%. Identified risk factors of unimproved cases were ‘haemorrhagic stroke’ [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.73], ‘having fever during hospitalization’ [aOR: 2.49], ‘Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at the admission between 9 and 14’ [aOR: 4.33], and GCS less than 9 [aOR: 42.86].

Conclusion

This study is based on hospital medical records to assess stroke types, risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes in a tertiary hospital, in Nay Pyi Daw, Myanmar. The findings indicated that early case admission, improved hospital care management, and increased awareness of the modifiable risk factors within populations are crucial for preventing stroke incidents.
Development and content validity testing of a colonoscopy-specific patient-reported experience measure: the Patient Experience Colonoscopy Scale (PECS)
Authors: Rosvall Annica , Axelsson Malin , Toth Ervin , Kumlien Christine , Gershater Magdalena Annersten
Published: March 2024

Background

In endoscopic care, favourable patient experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy are essential for the patient’s willingness to repeat the procedure. To ensure that significant experiences are measured, patients should be involved in creating the measurement instruments. Thus, the aim of the present study was to develop a colonoscopy-specific PREM by (1) operationalising patient experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy procedure and (2) evaluating its content validity.

Methods

The colonoscopy-specific PREM was developed in two stages: (1) operationalisation with item generation and (2) content validity testing. A previously developed conceptual model, based on a systematic literature review that illustrates patients’ (n = 245) experiences of undergoing a colonoscopy, formed the theoretical basis. To assess the degree to which the PREM reflected patients’ experiences before, during and after a colonoscopy procedure, content validity was tested—through face validity with healthcare professionals (n = 4) and cognitive interviews with patients (n = 14) having experienced a colonoscopy. Content validity index (CVI) was calculated to investigate the relevance of the items.

Results

The Patient Experience Colonoscopy Scale (PECS) is a colonoscopy-specific PREM consisting of five different constructs: health motivation, discomfort, information, a caring relationship and understanding. Each construct was defined and generated into a pool of items (n = 77). After face-validity assessment with healthcare professionals, a draft 52-item version of the PECS was ready for content validity testing by the patients. During cognitive interviews the patients contributed valuable insights that led to rewording and removal of items. Results from the CVI suggest that the PECS and its content are relevant (I-CVI range 0.5–1, S-CVI/Ave = 0.86). The final PECS consists of 30 items representing a colonoscopy-specific PREM.

Conclusion

The PECS is a new 30-item PREM instrument designed for adult elective colonoscopy patients after they have undergone the procedure. Each item in the PECS derives from a conceptual model based on a systematic literature review. Patients and healthcare professionals were involved in developing the PECS, which measures colonoscopy-specific patient experiences before, during and after the procedure. The content validity testing positively contributed to the development of the PECS. Psychometric properties need to be evaluated further.
The PlexiQoL, a patient-reported outcome measure on quality of life in neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibroma: translation, cultural adaptation and validation into the Dutch language for the Netherlands
Authors: Dhaenens Britt A. E. , van Dijk Sarah A. , Taal Walter , Noordhoek D. Christine , Coffey Anna , McKenna Stephen P. , Oostenbrink Rianne
Published: March 2024

Background

Half of the patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) develop one or more tumours called plexiform neurofibromas, which can have a significant impact on Quality of Life (QoL). The PlexiQoL questionnaire is a disease-specific QoL measure for adults with NF1-associated plexiform neurofibromas. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL for the Netherlands.

Methods

The PlexiQoL was translated using the dual-panel methodology, followed by cognitive debriefing interviews to assess face and content validity. The psychometric properties were evaluated by administering the questionnaire on two separate occasions to a sample of adults with NF1 and plexiform neurofibromas. Feasibility was evaluated by the presence of floor/ceiling effects. Reliability was assessed by evaluating Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and test-retest reliability, using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to check for known group validity. The Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) questionnaire was used as comparator questionnaire to evaluate convergent validity.

Results

The translation and cognitive debriefing interviews resulted in a Dutch version of the PlexiQoL that reflected the original concept and underlying semantic meanings of the UK English version. Forty participants completed the validation survey. The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.825) and test-retest reliability (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.928). The questionnaire detected differences in PlexiQoL scores between participants based on self-reported general health and disease severity. Convergent validity was confirmed for relevant NHP subsections.

Conclusions

The Dutch PlexiQoL demonstrated excellent psychometric properties and can be reliably used to measure plexiform neurofibroma-related QoL in adults with NF1 in the Netherlands.
A review of the current status of the water quality in the Nile water basin
Authors: Kipsang Nathan K. , Kibet Joshua K. , Adongo John O.
Published: March 2024

Background

Water contamination has become one of the most challenging problems to clean water supply and infrastructure in the twenty-first century. Accordingly, access to clean water is limited by negative impacts of climate change and pollutants of varying health risks. Overtime, global population has experienced an exponential growth, which has put pressure on the limited water resources. At least 3 billion people globally rely on water whose quality is largely unknown.

Main body of the abstract

The Nile water basin, found in East and Central Africa, covers 11 countries including DRC, Tanzania, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Sudan, and Rwanda. The Nile River flows through it before draining its water into the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt. Nile River water was pivotal for the ancient civilization in the Sudan and Egypt through provision of fertile soil and water for irrigation, drinking, fishing, animal husbandry, and channel of transport and in modern times, on top of the historical utilization, for generation of hydroelectric power leading to conflict and cooperation over the shared water resources. Literature on water quality in the Nile water basin is summarized, using the traditional review method to point out gaps, compare the water quality with other areas and suggest recommendations based on the findings of this study. The Nile water basin has been contaminated by numerous pollutants such as toxic heavy metals and organic contaminants, therefore pushing the resident water quality above the World health organization (WHO) acceptable guidelines for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, and aquatic life support. Cases of contamination outside the recommended limits of cadmium in little Akaki River in Ethiopia, aldrin and dieldrin in the Tanzanian side of L. Victoria and other areas clearly show contamination above the WHO limits in the Nile water basin.

Short conclusion

The effect of fish cages, micro-plastics, heavy metals, organic contaminants and suspended sediment load primarily from human activities like agriculture, industries and municipal wastes is continuously contaminating the Nile basin water toward poor quality water status. Consequently, interventions like transboundary laws and regulations to mitigate the risks must be enforced.
Barley chitinase genes expression revamp resistance against whitefly (Bemisia Tabaci) in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Bashir Samina , Yaqoob Amina , Bashir Rohina , Bukhari Shanila , Shahid Naila , Azam Saira , Bakhsh Allah , Husnain Tayyab , Shahid Ahmad Ali , Rao Abdul Qayyum
Published: March 2024

Background

Chitinase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes chitin, a major component of the exoskeleton of insects, including plant pests like whiteflies. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of chemically synthesized barley ch1 and chi2 genes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Fifty-five putative transgenic cotton plants were obtained, out of which fifteen plants successfully survived and were shifted to the field. Using gene-specific primers, amplification of 447 bp and 401 bp fragments confirmed the presence of the ch1 and chi2 genes in five transgenic cotton plants of the T0 generation. These five plants were further evaluated for their mRNA expression levels. The T0 transgenic cotton plants with the highest mRNA expression level and better yield performance in field, were selected to raise their subsequent progenies.

Results

The T1 cotton plants showed the highest mRNA expression levels of 3.5-fold in P10 (2) for the ch1 gene and 3.7-fold in P2 (1) for the chi2 gene. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed a single copy number of ch1 and chi2 (hemizygous) on chromosome no. 6. Furthermore, the efficacy of transgenes on whitefly was evaluated through an insect bioassay, where after 96 h of infestation, mortality rates of whitefly were calculated to be 78%–80% in transgenic cotton plants. The number of eggs on transgenic cotton plants were calculated to be 0.1%–0.12 per plant compared with the non-transgenic plants where egg number was calculated to be 0.90–1.00 per plant.

Conclusion

Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the chemically synthesized barley chitinase genes (ch1 and chi2) have the potential to be effective against insects with chitin exoskeletons, including whiteflies. The transgenic cotton plants expressing these genes showed increased resistance to whiteflies, resulting in reduced egg numbers and higher mortality rates.
An assessment of adaptation and fidelity in the implementation of an audit and feedback-based intervention to improve transition to adult type 1 diabetes care in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Ahmad Syed Zain , Ivers Noah , Zenlea Ian , Parsons Janet A. , Shah Baiju R. , Mukerji Geetha , Punthakee Zubin , Shulman Rayzel
Published: March 2024

Background

The fit between an intervention and its local context may affect its implementation and effectiveness. Researchers have stated that both fidelity (the degree to which an intervention is delivered, enacted, and received as intended) and adaptation to the local context are necessary for high-quality implementation. This study describes the implementation of an audit and feedback (AF)-based intervention to improve transition to type 1 diabetes adult care, at five sites, in terms of adaptation and fidelity.

Methods

An audit and feedback (AF)-based intervention for healthcare teams to improve transition to adult care for patients with type 1 diabetes was studied at five pediatric sites. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) was used to document the adaptations made during the study. Fidelity was determined on three different levels: delivery, enactment, and receipt.

Results

Fidelity of delivery, receipt, and enactment were preserved during the implementation of the intervention. Of the five sites, three changed their chosen quality improvement initiative, however, within the parameters of the study protocol; therefore, fidelity was preserved while still enabling participants to adapt accordingly.

Conclusions

We describe implementing a multi-center AF-based intervention across five sites in Ontario to improve the transition from pediatric to adult diabetes care for youth with type 1 diabetes. This intervention adopted a balanced approach considering both adaptation and fidelity to foster a community of practice to facilitate implementing quality improvement initiatives for improving transition to adult diabetes care. This approach may be adapted for improving transition care for youth with other chronic conditions and to other complex AF-based interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03781973. Registered 13 December 2018. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: June 1, 2019.
Facilitators and barriers for implementation of health programmes with Māori communities
Authors: Oetzel John , Ngawati Renei , Penetito-Hemara Darrio , Puke Tori Te , Henry Akarere , Povaru-Bourne Sulita , Sika-Paotonu Dianne
Published: March 2024

Background

Addressing health inequities that Māori (Indigenous peoples) communities face in New Zealand is a key aim of researchers and practitioners. However, there is limited understanding of the implementation processes and outcomes of health programmes for addressing these inequities. The aim of this study was twofold: (a) to identify correlates of implementation outcomes and (b) to identify facilitators and barriers to implementation effectiveness.

Methods

The study involved a concurrent mixed method approach. Through an online survey, 79 participants with experience in implementing a health programme with a Māori community identified outcomes and processes of the programme. Additionally, nine Māori community providers shared their perceptions and experience of facilitators and barriers to implementation effectiveness through an in-depth interview. The quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to address the aims of the study.

Results

For the first aim, we identified two key outcomes: overall health impacts and sustainability. Three of the variables had significant and positive bivariate correlations with health impacts: cultural alignment, community engagement, and individual skills. The only significant correlate of sustainability was evidence-based. For the second aim, participants described four facilitators (leadership, whanaungatanga [relationships], sharing information, digestible information) and four barriers (system constraints, lack of funding, cultural constraints, lack of engagement) to effective implementation.

Conclusion

Overall, leadership, aligning culture, and building on whanaungatanga, while getting financial resources and systems support, are the core elements to supporting implementation efforts in Māori communities.
Financial Conflicts of Interest: Payment at the Expense of Patients?
Authors: Sanford Nina Niu , Gyawali Bishal
Published: March 2024

This provocative editorial proposes four steps that can be immediately implemented to reduce the impact of financial conflicts of interest in oncology without stifling collaboration.
The homeobox – 40 years of discovery
Authors: Eve Alex , Hobert Oliver
Published: March 2024

Summary: Development reflects on the 40 years since the homeobox was discovered and announces a subject collection marking the occasion.
Robotic Versus Open Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Placement for Unresectable Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ten Haaft Britte H. E. A. , Franssen Stijn , van Dorst Roderick W. J. J. , Rousian Merve , Pilz da Cunha Gabriela , de Wilde Roeland F. , Erdmann Joris I. , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Hagendoorn Jeroen , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan
Published: March 2024

Background

Hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). HAIP chemotherapy requires a catheter inserted in the gastroduodenal artery and a subcutaneous pump. The catheter can be placed using an open or robotic approach.

Objective

This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes of robotic versus open HAIP placement in patients with unresectable iCCA.

Methods

We analyzed patients with unresectable iCCA included in the PUMP-II trial from January 2020 to September 2022 undergoing robotic or open HAIP placement at Amsterdam UMC, Erasmus MC, and UMC Utrecht. The primary outcome was time to functional recovery (TTFR).

Results

In total, 22 robotic and 28 open HAIP placements were performed. The median TTFR was 2 days after robotic placement versus 5 days after open HAIP placement (p < 0.001). One patient (4.5%) in the robotic group underwent a conversion to open because of a large bulky tumor leaning on the hilum immobilizing the liver. Postoperative complications were similar—36% (8/22) after robotic placement versus 39% (11/28) after open placement (p = 1.000). The median length of hospital stay was shorter in the robotic group—3 versus 5 days (p < 0.001). All 22 robotic patients initiated HAIP chemotherapy post-surgery, i.e. 93% (26/28) in the open group (p = 0.497). The median time to start HAIP chemotherapy was 14 versus 18 days (p = 0.153).

Conclusion

Robotic HAIP placement in patients with unresectable iCCA is a safe and effective procedure and is associated with a significantly shorter TTFR and hospital stay than open HAIP placement.
Clinical efficacy of cyclosporin and natamycin for fungal keratitis
Authors: Yang Chengwen , Cai Jingjing , Wei Qiuhong , Lian Huifang , An Lin
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To investigate the clinical efficacy of cyclosporin (CYSP) and natamycin (NAT) as a combination therapy in patients with fungal keratitis.

Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 64 patients (64 eyes) with fungal keratitis treated by Baoding No.1 Central Hospital between December 2018 and May 2022 according to their treatment methods were divided into a monotherapy (MT) group receiving NAT eye drops solely and a combination therapy (CT) group given CYSP eye drops in addition to the exact treatment provided for the MT group. The clinical responses, visual acuity changes, severity of eye symptoms, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results: At two and four weeks post-treatment, the CT group had an overall response rate (ORR) significantly higher than that of the MT group (P< 0.05, respectively); both groups showed improved visual acuity and eye symptoms compared with the pre-treatment condition, and these improvements were more pronounced in the CT group (P < 0.05, respectively). Compared with the MT group, the CT group experienced a significantly shorter duration of eye symptoms (P < 0.05). The adverse reaction rate(ARR) was 9.38% in the CT group and 6.25% in the MT group, and the difference was not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Using CYSP and NAT as a combination therapy for fungal keratitis can substantially heighten the therapeutic effects, promote visual acuity recovery, and induce rapid remission of eye symptoms without increasing the risk of adverse reactions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7777

How to cite this: Yang C, Cai J, Wei Q, Lian H, An L. Clinical efficacy of cyclosporin and natamycin for fungal keratitis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.7777

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Comparison of effectiveness between transthoracic echocardiography and X-ray guided closure of patent foramen ovale: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Song Haijing , Yao Yanzhi
Published: March 2024

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and X-ray guided closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Methods: In this retrospective study, clinical data from 90 patients who underwent PFO occlusion surgery in the First People’s Hospital of Yongkang from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 43 patients underwent X-ray guided PFO occlusion surgery (X-ray group) while 47 patients underwent TTE guided PFO occlusion surgery (TTE group). Perioperative, cardiac function related indicators were measured before and after treatment, along with right-to-left shunting status, and incidence of complications in both groups.

Results: There was no significant difference in the duration of surgery or hospitalization between the TTE group and the X-ray group (p>0.05). After treatment, the cardiac function indicators of both groups increased compared to before treatment (p<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). After treatment, right-to-left shunting in the two groups improved compared to before treatment (p<0.05), with no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusions: TTE guided PFO occlusion is as effective as X-ray guided PFO occlusion in the treatment of PFO. TTE surgery is clinically beneficial for reducing radiation damage with a good safety profile.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8994

How to cite this: Song H, Yao Y. Comparison of effectiveness between transthoracic echocardiography and X-ray guided closure of patent foramen ovale: A retrospective analysis. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8994

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Mango quality prediction based on near-infrared spectroscopy using multi-predictor local polynomial regression modeling
Authors: Ulya Millatul , Chamidah Nur , Saifudin Toha
Published: March 2024

Background pH and total soluble solids (TSS) are important quality parameters of mangoes; they represent the acidity and sweetness of the fruit, respectively. This study predicts the pH and TSS of intact mangoes based on near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy using multi-predictor local polynomial regression (MLPR) modeling. Herein, the prediction performance of kernel partial least square regression (KPLSR), support vector machine regression (SVMR), and MLPR is compared. Methods For this purpose, 186 intact mango samples at three different maturity stages are used. Prediction models are built using MLPR, KPLSR, and SVMR based on untreated and treated spectra. The best regression model for predicting pH is MLPR based on Gaussian filter smoothing spectra. Moreover, the TSS value is more accurately predicted using MLPR based on Savitzky–Golay smoothing. Results The findings reveal that MLPR is highly accurate in estimating the pH and TSS of mangoes, with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) values less than 10 %. In addition, the MLPR model has the best predictive performance with the lowest Mean Squared error (MSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) values and the highest R2 value. Conclusions The use of NIR spectroscopy in combination with multi-predictor local polynomial regression could provide a quick and non-destructive technique for predicting mango quality. Thus, the results of this study help support sustainable production as a sustainable development goal.
Alrecon: computed tomography reconstruction web application based on Solara
Authors: Iori Gianluca , Foudeh Ibrahim , Alzu’bi Mustafa , Al Mohammad Malik , Matalgah Salman
Published: March 2024

Synchrotron X-ray computed tomography is a non-destructive 3D imaging technique that offers the possibility to study the internal microstructure of samples with high spatial and temporal resolution. Given its unmatched image quality and acquisition speed, and the possibility to preserve the specimens, there is an increasing demand for this technique, from scientific users from innumerable disciplines. Computed tomography reconstruction is the computational process by which experimental radiographs are converted to a meaningful 3-dimensional image after the scan. The procedure involves pre-processing steps for image background and artifact correction on raw data, a reconstruction step approximating the inverse Radon-transform, and writing of the reconstructed volume image to disk. Several open-source Python packages exist to help scientists in the process of tomography reconstruction, by offering efficient implementations of reconstruction algorithms exploiting central or graphics processing unit (CPU and GPU, respectively), and by automating significant portions of the data processing pipeline. A further increase in productivity is attained by scheduling and parallelizing demanding reconstructions on high performance computing (HPC) clusters. Nevertheless, visual inspection and interactive selection of optimal reconstruction parameters remain crucial steps that are often performed in close interaction with the end-user of the data. As a result, the reconstruction task involves more than one software. Graphical user interfaces are provided to the user for fast inspection and optimization of reconstructions, while HPC resources are often accessed through scripts and command line interface. We propose Alrecon, a pure Python web application for tomographic reconstruction built using Solara. Alrecon offers users an intuitive and reactive environment for exploring data and customizing reconstruction pipelines. By leveraging upon popular 3D image visualization tools, and by providing a user-friendly interface for reconstruction scheduling on HPC resources, Alrecon guarantees productivity and efficient use of resources for any type of beamline user.
Local and long-distance migration among young people in rural Malawi: importance of age, sex and family
Authors: McLean Estelle , Dube Albert , Kalobekamo Fredrick , Slaymaker Emma , Crampin Amelia C , Sear Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Background In sub-Saharan Africa, migration of young people is common and occurs for a variety of reasons. Research focus is often on international or long-distance internal migration; however, shorter moves also affect people’s lives and can reveal important information about cultures and societies. In rural sub-Saharan Africa, migration may be influenced by cultural norms and family considerations: these may be changing due to demographic shifts, urbanisation, and increased media access. Methods We used longitudinal data from a Health and Demographic Surveillance Site in rural northern Malawi to present a detailed investigation of migration in young people between 2004–2017. Our focus is on the cultural effects of gender and family, and separate migrations into short and long distance, and independent and accompanied, as these different move types are likely to represent very different events in a young person’s life. We use descriptive analyses multi-level multinomial logistic regression modelling. Results & conclusions We found two key periods of mobility 1) in very young childhood and 2) in adolescence/young adulthood. In this traditionally patrilocal area, we found that young women move longer distances to live with their spouse, and also were more likely to return home after a marriage ends, rather than remain living independently. Young people living close to relatives tend to have lower chances of moving, and despite the local patrilineal customs, we found evidence of the importance of the maternal family. Female and male children may be treated differently from as young as age 4, with girls more likely to migrate long distances independently, and more likely to accompany their mothers in other moves.
YouTube Video Technology in Chemistry Classroom: Its Impact on Pre-Service Teachers’ Attitude and Academic Performance
Authors: Adjei Yeboah , Duku Prince , Donkor Job , Boachie Solomon
Published: March 2024

The study investigated the impact of YouTube video assisted instructions (YVAI) on pre-service teachers’(PSTs) attitudes and academic performance in chemistry classroom. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. One hundred and twenty (120) Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) pursuing primary education programme constituted the participants of the study. Sixty (60) PSTs each were non-randomly assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and Control Group (CG). Data on PSTs’ attitude and performance were collected with PSTAS and GCPT respectively. The SPSS software version 20 was used to analyse the data to generate descriptive and inferential statistics. A non-parametric analysis was used in the inferential statistics. The attitude means rank (MR=78.62) of EG (U = 713.000, Z=-6.924, p <.001) was statistically higher than CG (MR=42.38) (U = 713.000, Z=-6.924, p <.001) after treatment. The EG after treatment recorded a mean rank (80.86) statistically higher than CG (40.14), U = 578.500, Z = -6.441, p <.001 after treatment. YVAI was proven as an effective instructional strategy that enhances learners’ altitudinal changes and performance. The study recommended the use of YouTube technological-driven instructions to support classroom instructions.
The Impact of the Peer Support Programme on Interpersonal Relationship, Self-Esteem, General Health Questionnaire and Adaptation Scale for School Environments on Six Spheres among Japanese High School Pupils
Authors: Kondo Mitsuyo , Kato Hideo
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to explore how the peer support programme gave influences on technical high school pupils in Japan. The study invited a total 76 pupils (37 in an intervention group and 39 in a control group) to be involved into the peer support programme and assessments. The participants were annually assessed three times by adopting four scales, which examined their interpersonal relationship level, self-esteem, mental health, and school environmental adaptation states. The results showed that pupils in the intervention group (the peer supporters) tended to improve their own skills and abilities in terms of all the scales after joining the programme. Also, in terms of Adaptation Scale for School Environments on Six Spheres (ASSESS), which was a newly developed scale, there were no significant positive influences in both areas of “fulfillments in study” and “peer support activities against bullying”. As a conclusion, even in the technical high school where the majority of pupils were male, the peer support programme gave positive influences on the intervention group (the peer supporters) in terms of interpersonal relationship level, self-esteem, mental health, and school environmental adaptation states.
Challenges of Upward Track Mobility into German Upper Secondary Education for Students' Academic Self-Concept
Authors: Kohlmeier Markus
Published: March 2024

In this study I examine the academic self-concept (ASC) of students who changed from vocational to academic tracking at the transition to upper secondary education in Germany. I ask (1) how their ASC differs to the ASC of their established peers in academic tracking, and (2) how their ASC is affected by the change in the learning environment. Using a subsample of the German National Educational Panel Study (NEPS; N = 4109), findings show that newcomers to academic tracking have a stronger ASC than their peers. However, social differences between the social milieu of origin and the one prevailing at school significantly reduce the ASC. These differences are interpreted as being social-habitual and tested via socioeconomic status, cultural capital, and parental solidarity expectations at the school level. Results differ according to immigrant origin; immigrant newcomers to academic tracking have higher ASC than their established peers, and context effects are more influential. I complement previous research by using a quantitative approach to test the theoretical mechanisms of a qualitative research perspective on upward mobility.
The Efficacy of WALANT Technique in the Management of Distal End Radius Fracture – A Case Series
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India., Sarode Rohan N , Chaudhary Sumedh D ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India., Sakharkar Nilesh S ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India., Adewar Aniket N ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India., Jain Prateek ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India., Giri Vishal ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: To improve hemostasis and visibility, a tourniquet was used throughout the majority of hand and wrist procedures, despite the fact that patient experience unnecessary and excruciating pain from the tourniquet. The more current method known as wide-awake local anesthesia without tourniquet (WALANT) enables intraoperative function evaluation while the patient is completely conscious. Materials and Methods: Individuals with displaced distal radius fractures that required surgery and isolated, non-concomitant injuries requiring spinal or general anesthesia were considered for WALANT technique. In our study, five patients underwent dorsal plate fixation and 20 patients underwent volar plate fixation. Patients receiving dorsal plate fixation required definite dorsal buttress to prevent radiocarpal dislocation. Conclusion: The WALANT technique is a simple, reliable, and effective anesthetic method for internal fixation and open reduction of distal radius fractures. Since a tourniquet is not necessary, the patient is protected from the discomfort and risks associated with one. Keywords: WALANT technique, distal end radius fracture, tourniquet, volar plating, dorsal plating.
Multifunctional 2-bit coded reconfigurable metasurface based on graphene-vanadium dioxide
Authors: Xiao Binggang , Wei Zhonghua , Ge Panpeng , Wang XinYi , Xiao Lihua , Qin Jianyuan , Zhang Dongping , Mi Hongmei , Yu Jiabin
Published: March 2024

In this paper, a graphene-vanadium dioxide-based reconfigurable metasurface unit structure is proposed. Using the change at a graphene Fermi energy level on the surface of the unit structure to satisfy the 2-bit coding condition, four reflection units with a phase difference of 90∘ can be discovered. The modulating impact of the multi-beam reflection wave with 1-bit coding is then confirmed. Then we study the control of a single-beam reflected wave by metasurfaces combined with a convolution theorem in a 2-bit coding mode. Finally, when vanadium dioxide is in an insulating condition, the structure can also be transformed into a terahertz absorber. It is possible to switch between a reflection beam controller and a terahertz multifrequency absorber simply by changing the temperature of the vanadium dioxide layer without retooling a new metasurface. Moreover, compared with the 1-bit coded metasurface, it increases the ability of single-beam regulation, which makes the device more powerful for beam regulation.
Virtually measuring layered material appearance
Authors: Xu Kewei , Cavalier Arthur , Bringier Benjamin , Ribardière Mickaël , Meneveaux Daniel
Published: March 2024

This paper describes the design and the implementation of a virtual gonioradiometer dedicated to the analysis of layered materials BSDF. For a given material sample, interfaces between layers are represented by geometric meshes, associated with elementary reflectances. Light scattering is performed using path tracing. Our system is composed of five hemispherical sensors, whose cells have uniform solid angles, and a close-to-uniform geometry. The upper hemisphere captures the reflected radiance distribution, while the other four collect the light energy lost by the sample sides. Sensor resolutions can be set to gather very fine details of the BSDF. With the proposed system, any type of virtual surface reflection and transmission can be simulated, with several controllable surface layers, and with any type of reflection configuration, including direct reflections, two bounces of reflection, or all contributions. A series of results is provided with several types of layered materials, as well as discussion and analysis concerning the assumptions made with analytical layered BSDF models. We also propose an in-depth study of the side effects that inevitably appear when measuring such (real) material configurations. Finally, our system will be freely available to the community (open source dissemination).
Tunable O-band high-tolerance silicon mode multiplexer based on phase-mismatched asymmetric directional couplers
Authors: Nakamura Kodai , Fujisawa Takeshi , Sato Takanori , Saitoh Kunimasa
Published: March 2024

Small silicon-on-insulator (SOI)-based tunable O-band TE0-TE1 and TE0-TE2 mode multiplexers (MUXs) based on phase-mismatched asymmetric directional couplers (ADCs) are theoretically and experimentally demonstrated. We designed ADCs with an intentionally phase-mismatched coupling region to suppress wavelength dependence and improve fabrication error tolerance. The fabricated O-band TE0-TE2 mode MUX can maintain more than −0.71dB transmission by heating. Moreover, we proposed three-section tapered ADCs (3STADCs) divided into three regions. We theoretically show that the TE0-TE1 and TE0-TE2 mode MUXs based on the 3STADC have more than −0.28dB and −0.36dB transmission within ±10nm waveguide width fabrication error, respectively.