bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between Nuclear Receptor and Alpha‐Adrenergic Agonist Subtypes in Metabolism and Systemic Hemodynamics of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Afzal Sheryar , Sattar Munavvar Abdul , Albokhadaim Ibrahim , Attiq Ali , Kandeel Mahmoud , Manap Aimi Syamima Abdul , Alhojaily Sameer M.
Published: June 2024

Partial and full PPAR‐γ agonists have shown promising effects and antihypertensive and antidiabetic agents through increased plasma adiponectin concentration. This study is aimed at examining the role of PPAR‐γ, alpha‐adrenoceptors, and adiponectin receptors in the modulation of vasopressor responses to angiotensin II (Ang II) and adrenergic agonists, after a subset treatment of partial and full PPAR‐γ agonists, each individually, and also when coupled with adiponectin in SHRs. The antioxidant potential and metabolic indices for these animals were also determined. Group I (WKY) and group II (SHR) were designated as normotensive control and hypertensive control, respectively. Groups III (SHR) and IV (SHR) received irbesartan (30 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) orally for 28 days, and groups V (SHR), VI (SHR), and VII (SHR) were treated with adiponectin (2.5 μg/kg) intraperitoneally alone, in combination with irbesartan, and in combination with pioglitazone, respectively, from days 21 to 28 only. On day 29, sodium pentobarbitone (60 mg/kg) was used to anesthetize all test animals, and systemic hemodynamic and plasma adiponectin concentrations and in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential were measured. As compared to the WKY control, the SHR control group’s noninvasive blood pressure and basal mean arterial pressure were significantly greater, along with increased arterial stiffness, lower plasma nitric oxide, adiponectin concentration, and antioxidant enzyme levels (all P < 0.05). However, they were gradually normalized by single drug treatments in all groups, and to a greater extent in the SHR + Irb + Adp group (P < 0.05). In the acute study, the dose dependant mean arterial pressure responses to intravenously administered adrenergic agonists and angiotensin‐II were significantly larger in SHRs as compared to WKY by 20‐25%. Adiponectin alone and in combination significantly blunted vasopressor responses to these alpha‐adrenergic agonists in the SHR + Pio + Adp group by 63%, whereas attenuated responses to ANG‐II administration to 70% in SHR + Irb + Adp. In conclusion, the combined treatment of adiponectin with PPAR‐agonists reduced the systemic vascular responses to adrenergic agonists and improved arterial stiffness. This an evidence of the interaction of adiponectin receptors, PPAR‐γ, alpha‐adrenoceptors, and ANG‐II in the systemic vasculature of SHRs. A significant level of synergism has also been proved among full PPAR‐γ agonists and adiponectin receptors.
Regional Variation in the Community Nursing and Support Workforce in England: A Longitudinal Analysis 2010–2021
Authors: Parkinson Beth , Cullum Nicky , Sutton Matt , Checkland Katherine , Bower Peter , Bramwell Donna , Meacock Rachel
Published: June 2024

Introduction. Shifting care from hospitals into community‐based settings is a major policy goal internationally. Community health services in England currently face the greatest workforce shortages of all sectors, threatening the feasibility of this policy. Moreover, little is known about the extent of variation in community workforce provision regionally and how this relates to determinants of need. Aim. To analyse regional variation in the community services workforce in England between 2010 and 2021. Methods. We obtained NHS workforce statistics data on the number of nurses and nursing support staff providing community services at each NHS organisation in England, from March 2010 to November 2021. We aggregated the organisation‐level data to both regional and national levels, which enabled us to maintain consistent units of analysis across the decade. To examine longitudinal trends and regional variation in workforce provision, we calculated the number of staff per 100,000 population aged 65+ in each region and each period. We then graphed and summarised the variation and examined the correlations with levels of deprivation and rurality. Results. There was a twofold variation in community services workforce provision between English regions. In November 2021, the number of staff per 100,000 people aged over 64 ranged from 300 in the South West to 697 in the North West. Most regions experienced a reduction in provision between 2010 and 2021, with a 21.2% reduction nationally. East of England experienced the largest reduction of 39.3%, whilst London experienced a 2.1% increase. In November 2021, regions with more deprived populations had higher workforce provision and regions with a larger proportion of residents living in rural areas had lower workforce provision. Conclusions. The size of the community services workforce has fallen relative to population needs, contradictory to the policy priority to enhance care in the community. There was substantial regional variation in the size of the workforce, which has persisted throughout the decade. Workforce provision was higher in more deprived areas but lower in rural areas, potentially impacting equitable access in rural areas.
Review on Desirable Microbial Phytases as a Poultry Feed Additive: Their Sources, Production, Enzymatic Evaluation, Market Size, and Regulation
Authors: Urgessa Olyad Erba , Koyamo Rufael , Dinka Hunduma , Tefese Ketema , Gemeda Mesfin Tafesse
Published: June 2024

Poultry’s digestive tract lacks hydrolytic phytase enzymes, which results in chelation of dietary minerals, vital amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, phytate‐phosphate unavailability, and contamination of the environment due to phosphorus. Therefore, it is necessary to use exogenous microbial phytases as feed additive to chicken feed to catalyze the hydrolysis of dietary phytate. Potential sources of microbial isolates that produce desired phytases for chicken feed supplementation have been isolated from agricultural croplands. It is achievable to isolate phytase‐producing bacteria isolates using both broth and agar phytase screening media. Potential substrates for submerged fermentation (SmF) for bacterial phytase production and solid‐state fermentation (SSF) for fungal phytase production include rice and wheat bran. Following fermentation, saturated ammonium sulphate precipitation is typically used to partially purify microbial culture filtrate. The precipitate is then desalted. Measurements of the pH optimum and stability, temperature optimum and stability, metal ions stability, specificity and affinity to target substrate, proteolysis resistance, storage stability, and in vitro feed dephosphorylation are used to perform an enzymatic evaluation of phytase as an additive for poultry feed. The growth of the feed phytase market is primarily due to the expansion of chicken farms to meet the demand for meat and eggs from humans. The Food and Drug Administration in the USA and the European Food and Safety Authority are primarily in charge of putting rules pertaining to feed phytase use in chicken feed into effect. Conclusively, important components of the production of phytase additives for poultry feed include identifying a reliable source for potential microbe isolation, selecting an economical method of phytase production, thoroughly characterizing the biochemical properties of phytase, and comprehending the size and regulation of the current feed phytase market.
Cocaína como agente da causa mortis
Authors: Chasin Alice A. da Matta , Mídio Antônio Flávio
Published: June 2024

A interpretação dos achados laboratoriais no estabelecimento da causa mortis é a integração dos conhecimentos sobre a toxicocinética, toxicodinâmica e chados necroscópicos que evidenciem ser o toxicante o responsável pelo efeito letal. Nos casos onde a cocaína é encontrada, os dados de necrópsia são, na maioria das vezes, inespecíficos, o que faz com que a determinação da causa básica do óbito constitua um desafio para os toxicologistas e patologistas forenses. A descoberta do cocaetileno, potencialmente tóxico, nos casos onde há a utilização concomitante da cocaína e etanol, adiciona elementos extras de complicação a este quadro. Dados sobre a toxicidade da cocaína e cocaetileno são abordados com a perspectiva de fornecer elementos relevantes na investigação das mortes relacionadas a este fármaco.
O uso do humor vítreo nas análises toxicológicas forenses
Authors: Lima Irene Videira de , Mídio Antônio Flávio
Published: June 2024

The article describes the post-mortem vitreous composition, their use in analysis of differents toxicants according to the order of time and the characteristics and advantages of using vitreous humor concerning forensic toxicologial analysis.
O estupro na perspectiva jurídica
Authors: Fígaro Cláudia Jorge
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo irá abordar como o crime de estupro vem sofrendo transformações no que se refere à sua conceituação jurídica, à conceituação de vítima, o tipo de penalidade aplicada desde a legislação portuguesa anterior ao Código Penal do Império até o Código Penal vigente. Além disso, abordará também a Lei 8.072 de 25/07/1990 que irá considerar o estupro como crime hediondo e as novas propostas do Anteprojeto de Lei para reformulação do atual Código Penal Brasileiro. Este artigo faz parte da dissertação de mestrado em Psicologia Social apresentada pela autora da Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo em 1994, sobre o estudo das Representações Sociais do estupro.
Aspectos penais do ciclo gravídico-puerperal
Authors: Paiva Luiz Airton Saavedra de , Nahum Marco Antônio
Published: June 2024

Os autores apresentam uma revisão sobre aspectos da gravidez e puerpério, e sua relação com a lei penal em nosso país. Abordam os principais aspectos médico-legais relacionaos com a aceleração do parto, com o aborto, com o infanticídio e com o abandono de recém-nascido. Finalmente, comentam acerca da doutrina penal relacionada com esses crimes.
Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Myocardial Tissue Drive Cardiac Dysfunction and Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ichimura Shohei , Misaka Tomofumi , Ogawara Ryo , Tomita Yusuke , Anzai Fumiya , Sato Yu , Miura Shunsuke , Yokokawa Tetsuro , Sato Takamasa , Oikawa Masayoshi , Kobayashi Atsushi , Yoshihisa Akiomi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

The immune systems and chronic inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart failure. However, the significance of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in heart failure remains to be elucidated.

METHODS:

We enrolled consecutive 62 patients with heart failure with idiopathic DCM who underwent endomyocardial biopsy. Biopsy specimens were subjected to fluorescent immunostaining to detect NETs, and clinical and outcome data were collected. Ex vivo and in vivo experiments were conducted.

RESULTS:

The numbers of NETs per myocardial tissue area and the proportion of NETs per neutrophil were significantly higher in patients with DCM compared with non-DCM control subjects without heart failure, and the numbers of NETs were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients with DCM with NETs (n=32) showed lower left ventricular ejection fraction and higher BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) than those without NETs (n=30). In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model, the presence of NETs was independently associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiac events in patients with DCM. To understand specific underlying mechanisms, extracellular flux analysis in ex vivo revealed that NETs-containing conditioned medium from wild-type neutrophils or purified NET components led to impaired mitochondrial oxygen consumption of cardiomyocytes, while these effects were abolished when PAD4 (peptidyl arginine deiminase 4) in neutrophils was genetically ablated. In a murine model of pressure overload, NETs in myocardial tissue were predominantly detected in the acute phase and persisted throughout the ongoing stress. Four weeks after transverse aortic constriction, left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in wild-type mice, whereas PAD4-deficient mice displayed preserved left ventricular ejection fraction without inducing NET formation.

CONCLUSIONS:

NETs in myocardial tissue contribute to cardiac dysfunction and adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure with DCM, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction of cardiomyocytes.
Associations of Plasma Metabolites With Risks of Incident Stroke and Its Subtypes in Chinese Adults
Authors: Niu Rundong , Wang Hao , Peng Rong , Wang Wei , Lin Yuhui , Xiao Yang , Zhou Lue , Xu Xuedan , Mu Xuanwen , Zhang Xiaomin , He Meian , Li Wending , Wu Tangchun , Qiu Gaokun
Published: June 2024

Background

Metabolomics studies have identified various metabolic markers associated with stroke risk, yet much uncertainty persists regarding heterogeneity in these associations between different stroke subtypes. We aimed to examine metabolic profiles associated with incident stroke and its subtypes in Chinese adults.

Methods and Results

We performed a nested case–control study within the Dongfeng‐Tongji cohort, including 1029 and 266 incident cases of ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS), respectively, with a mean follow‐up period of 6.1±2.3 years. Fifty‐five metabolites in fasting plasma were measured by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. We examined the associations of metabolites with the risks of total stroke, IS, and HS, with a focus on the comparison of associations of plasma metabolite with IS and HS, using conditional logistic regression. We found that increased levels of asymmetrical/symmetrical dimethylarginine and glutamate were significantly associated with elevated risk of total stroke (odds ratios and 95%, 1.20 [1.08–1.34] and 1.22 [1.09–1.36], respectively; both Benjamini‐Hochberg‐adjusted
P
<0.05). When examining stroke subtypes, asymmetrical/symmetrical dimethylarginine was nominally associated with both IS and HS (odds ratios [95% CIs]: 1.16 [1.03–1.31] and 1.39 [1.07–1.81], respectively), while glutamate was associated with only IS (odds ratios [95% CI]: 1.26 [1.11–1.43]). The associations of glutamate with IS risk were significantly stronger among participants with hypertension and diabetes than among those without these diseases (both
P
for interaction <0.05).

Conclusions

This study validated the positive associations of asymmetrical/symmetrical dimethylarginine and glutamate with stroke risk, mainly that of IS, in a Chinese population, and revealed a novel unanimous association of with both IS and HS. Our findings provided potential intervention targets for stroke prevention.
Delving into the diversity of genus Ironus Bastian, 1865 with special reference to Ironus dentifurcatus Argo & Heyns, 1972 (Ironidae: Enoplida), collected from coal mines
Authors: Asif Mohammad , Mahboob Mohammad , Rehman P. Fazal , Tahseen Qudsia
Published: June 2024

In the exploration of nematode diversity within the coal mine spoil of Sonebhadra district, an isolate of Ironus dentifurcatus Argo & Heyns, 1972 was collected from the soil surrounding the roots of Prosopis juliflora. This study aims to unravel taxonomic intricacies of I. dentifurcatus through analysis of morphometric data, morphological characteristics utilising both light and scanning electron microscopy, and genetic scrutiny employing the SSU 18s rDNA gene marker. The study adds valuable information to the evolutionary history of I. dentifurcatus by constructing a comprehensive phylogenetic tree. This analysis is further augmented by an exploration of phylogeography and genetic divergence within the genus Ironus Bastian, 1865. The results reveal the genetic variability within the species of Ironus and the possible adaptative radiations in the group.
On the Self-Styled ‘Refutation’ of the ‘Seditious Jesus Hypothesis’
Authors: Bermejo-Rubio Fernando
Published: June 2024

The hypothesis according to which Jesus and his group were somehow involved in anti-Roman resistance has been systematically opposed by some quarters through the centuries. One of the most recent examples is Jesse P. Nickel’s The Things that Make for Peace: Jesus and Eschatological Violence, a book whose author boldly claims to have ‘refuted’ that hypothesis. The present article surveys this volume, concluding that it contains several misunderstandings of the field and method, as well as serious misrepresentations of the hypothesis under discussion, to the extent that everything indicates that it is influenced by theological presuppositions. These conclusions are not limited because Nickel’s book is representative of a much wider trend within the field.
Western Anti-Judaism Goes East
Authors: Minov Sergey
Published: June 2024

The article explores history of the reception of anti-Jewish hagiographical traditions of Western origin among Syriac Christians during the Islamic period by focusing on the textual tradition of the Miracles of the Virgin, a Western collection of Marian legends that was translated into Arabic during the thirteenth century and later on, during the nineteenth century, into Syriac. As an illustration, Syriac text and English translation of two relevant narratives from this work are offered: the Story of a young Frankish Jew and the Story of a Jewish boy.
القرآن والتأويل
Authors: الجمل بسّام
Published: June 2024

الملخــص

‫مدار هذه الورقة على دراسة نقديّة تفهّمية للعلاقة بين القرآن والتأويل، أي العلاقة بين النص الديني المقدس ومنهج مقاربته. من ثم صُغنَا عملنا هذا في ثلاثة محاور، بيّنًّا في أوّلها أهم ملامح التأويلية التقليدية في الفكر الإسلامي (التمييز بين التفسير والتأويل، التأويل من منظور فلسفي، طرائق استخلاص المعنى لدى مفسّري القرآن، الميثاق الرابط بين المفسّر وقارئه من خلال مقدّمات التفسير القرآني)، وتناولنا في ثانيها تأويل القرآن من منظور التأويلية الجديدة من جهتي المنجز والمأمول إنجازه (أهمّ منعطفات تاريخ التأويل في الفكر الفلسفي الغربي، وظيفة التأويل، في العلاقة بين التفسير والفهم، خصائص المعنى من منظور التأويلية)، ثم أفردنا ثالثها بتقديم مقترحات من أجل فتح أفق جديد للتأويل القرآني (نسبيّة المعنى القرآني، التأويل باعتباره فعل قراءة ينشد مقصد النص الديني لا حَرْفيّته، نجاعة التأويل في سياق القراءة المجهرية لآية أو لمقطع قرآني). وبناء على ما تقدّم، صحّ عندنا القول بأنّه لا يوجد تأويل نهائيّ أخير للقرآن، بل يوجد باستمرار تأويل آخر له.‬
One Classroom, Different Perspectives: Promoting Mutual Understanding between “Secular” and “Religious” Students of Islamic Studies in Russia and the United States
Authors: Knysh Alexander
Published: June 2024

The article discusses the results from several co-taught courses in Islamic studies shared as a virtual exchange between the University of Michigan (U-M), USA, and Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU), Russian Federation. These courses were designed and taught to expand the range of perspectives to which students were exposed and allow them to learn how their study subject is conceptualized and studied by their peers in the partner country. The SPbU student cohort included graduates of Islamic religious colleges from different regions of the Russian Federation who shared the classroom with “secular” university students specializing in Islamic studies. The U-M cohort included students of various religious, ethnic, and academic backgrounds. In addition to weekly online meetings, the international teams met virtually outside class to prepare questions for weekly synchronous discussions and to work on a group presentation to be delivered at the end of the semester.
Eye Formation and Energetics in a Dry Model of Hurricane-Like Vortices
Authors: Dormy Emmanuel , Oruba Ludivine , Emanuel Kerry
Published: June 2024

We investigate the mechanism for eye formation in hurricane-like vortices, using a formulation adapted from Oruba, Davidson, and Dormy. Numerical simulations are performed using an axisymmetric model of dry rotating Rayleigh–Bénard convection under the Boussinesq approximation. The fluxes of heat and momentum at the sea surface are described using the bulk aerodynamic formula. A simplified model for radiative cooling is also implemented. We find that the mechanism for eye formation introduced in Oruba et al., relying on vorticity stripping from the boundary layer, is robust in dry hurricane-like vortices. Furthermore, with these boundary conditions, the structure of the flow is closer to the flow of actual tropical cyclones. The applicability of this mechanism to the moist case however remains uncertain and deserves further study. Finally, energy budgets, obtained either by a heat engine approach or by a direct estimation of the work of buoyancy forces, are investigated. They provide estimations of the surface wind speed as a function of the controlling parameters.

Significance Statement

Tropical cyclones (also known as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on their location) are life-threatening and devastating atmospheric vortices. Their impact worsens with sea level rise and increasing coastal population. Here, we explore, using idealized models, the physics behind the formation of an eye (the quiet and typically clear region at the center of these storms). We then investigate the controlling parameters for the amplitude of the strongest winds in the model, using energy constraints, and compare them to what is observed in actual tropical cyclones.
Misleading thyroid function tests in congenital dysfibrinogenemia
Authors: Burns Angela D , Kanonidou Christina , McNeilly Jane
Published: June 2024

The presence of latent fibrin clots is a recognised pre-analytical factor that causes inaccurate immunoassay results. This report details a case of a patient with Graves’ disease and congenital dysfibrinogenemia (CD) that had serum thyroid function test results (TFTs) that were not in keeping with clinical signs or symptoms. Analysis of plasma samples taken from the patient was shown to provide more accurate results than those obtained using serum samples. Further cases of patients with CD, all sharing the same genetic mutation of fibrinogen, and discordant TFTs are described, where TFTs measurement in serum samples proved to be unreliable. Despite evidence of fibrin effecting immunoassays, this is the first report of its kind linking CD to erroneous immunoassay results. The mechanism is postulated to be related to atypical forms of fibrinogen resulting in latent fibrin in serum samples blocking the antigen binding site and leading to incorrect results. Congenital dysfibrinogenemia is asymptomatic in most patients and therefore abnormal, albeit inaccurate, TFTs may be the first finding. Recognition of CD as a cause of discordant results is important when interpreting TFTs to avoid unnecessary investigations and inappropriate clinical interventions to those with the disorder and potentially identify undiagnosed cases.
Developing young children’s computational thinking through programming with a hybrid kit / Desarrollo del pensamiento computacional infantil a través de la programación con un kit híbrido
Authors: Zeng Yue , Yang Weipeng , Bautista Alfredo
Published: June 2024

Fostering young children’s computational thinking (CT) has garnered global interest as it aligns with the cultivation of twenty-first-century skills. Previous studies have focused on physical, virtual and hybrid kits with virtual programming blocks, but rarely explored the use of hybrid kits that combine virtual sprites and physical programming environments. We conducted a quasi-experimental study to investigate the effect of using a hybrid programming kit on young children’s CT. Furthermore, we explored the characteristics of children’s programming engagement and the instructional strategies employed by teachers through video analysis and interviews. The results showed that: (1) children’s CT in the experimental group significantly improved, compared to that of peers in the control group; (2) children’s programming behaviour demonstrated a change from ‘action preceding thought’ to ‘thought preceding action’ and from ‘relying on trial and error’ to ‘active debugging’ with the support of teachers; (3) teachers used multiple strategies to support young children’s programming. These findings further indicate the importance of introducing programming in early childhood education and emphasize the critical role that teachers play in supporting young children’s learning of programming.
A Partition-Enabled Multi-Path Signal Optimization under Arterial Progression for Transit Priority
Authors: Chen Weihan , Zhang Zhe , Cao Qi , Wu Changjian , Cui Tianyang , Chen Yuzhou , Ren Gang
Published: June 2024

Passive transit signal priority (TSP) controls have long been recognized as a viable method for reducing bus delays on urban arterial roads. This paper introduces a partition-enabled multi-path model designed to address the problems of categorizing progression and coordinating signals for multiple bus paths on urban arterials. By incorporating the spatial distribution of bus stations, the proposed approach allows for the subdivision of progressions into multiple sub-progressions, thereby expanding the feasible region. Additionally, this approach considers the potential overlaps or conflicts between different bus paths. The diverse stopping demands of multiple bus paths are also taken into consideration. Furthermore, to get a more feasible solution, we optimize offset and phase sequences at each intersection simultaneously. A binary mixed-integer linear program (BMILP) is used to formulate the proposed models, which can be solved precisely through mathematical solvers or the standard branch-and-bound technique. The numerical examples and simulation experiment results presented in this paper demonstrate that compared with the BUSBAND and INTEBAND, the proposed models can significantly reduce average delays, average stop times, and average travel time for buses while having almost no impact on passenger cars. Furthermore, Model-2, which includes phase sequence optimization, shows higher levels of reliability and effectiveness.
Loneliness of PhD-ing: Migrant bodies of colour and Irish neo-liberal academia
Authors: Das Bhargabi
Published: June 2024

This paper will look at loneliness as both an affective and a political reality, rather than simply a subjective individual feeling. Using auto-ethnography, I will look at my own PhD experience as a migrant woman of colour in a largely white male dominated Irish academia. I situate this loneliness of PhDing by looking at (a) loneliness of a migrant body of colour and (b) how this loneliness is accentuated by neo-liberal academia. Irish university spaces provide an ideal context to understand the politics of loneliness of minorities because besides being white, these spaces are also extremely neo-liberal, with the country's austerity politics changing its higher educational spaces forever. While talking about loneliness of migrant PhD students of colour as structural and institutional violence, I also illustrate moments of ‘speaking up'. Finally, the paper understands how foregrounding and weaving care and community as ethics into the everyday can one aim to contend with such loneliness of migrant woman precarious academics of colour, particularly within Irish higher educational spaces.
Helmet c-PAP Versus NIPPV in Association with Early Respiratory Physiotherapy and Mobilization for Treating SARS-CoV-2 ARDS: A Case–control Prospective Single-center Study
Authors: Corona Alberto , Richini Giuseppe , Capone Alice , Zendra Elena , Gatti Ivan , Santorsola Clemente , Simoncini Sara , Pasqua Mauro , Biasini Monica , Shuman Miryam
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Early noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) is correlated with a success rate of 60-75% in patients experiencing SARS-CoV-2 ARDS. We conducted a prospective case–control study to assess differences in outcomes between Helmet c-PAP (H-c-PAP) and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). Methods: All patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS, treated with H-c-PAP or NIPPV between October 2021 and April 2022 were sampled. We recorded: demographics, comorbidities, clinical, respiratory, sepsis, NIRS parameters, and outcomes. A “NIRS team” followed the patients in respiratory support supplying them with early and timely intensive physiotherapy i-PKT as well. The Cox's proportional hazard model was applied for multivariate analyses. Results: 368 patients were admitted to our hospital medical ward. 85 patients were treated with H-c-PAP and 145 underwent NIPPV. 138 patients needing oxygen supplementation alone were excluded. The two groups were homogeneously distributed and ICU admission rates were lower in the H-c-PAP one (9.4 vs 11% P = .001) while mortality was higher in the NIPPV group (22.7 vs 9.4%, P = .001). The two multivariate models, that had overall mortality as primary outcome, identified age, H-c-PAP daily, i-PKT and ICU admission as independent variables impacting on the outcome. Age was no longer a significant independent predictor after the inclusion of elderly patients (age >80). The third model showed daily i-PKT could prevent ICU admission whereas the length of NIRS was inversely proportional to outcome. Conclusions: A “NIRS multidisciplinary team” made it possible to adopt an early and timely combination of NIRS and i-PKT resulting in the saving of both patient lives and ICU resources.
Electrospray coating of poly ether ether ketone (PEEK) dental implant material with Zein-CaSiO3 composite
Authors: Alwan Sama Abdulrazzaq , Hamad Thekra Ismael
Published: June 2024

Dental implants, coated with materials, are strategically implanted in the bones, serving a vital function in accelerating healing and promoting bone regeneration in the vicinty of implants. Applying a polymer matrix as a coating material emerges as a promising approach for enhancing the properties of these implants. This research investigates the impact of Zein-CaSiO3 coating on PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK) implants using the electrospray technique. The study includes control PEEK disks and experimental groups with different coatings: Zein-CaSiO3, Zein, and CaSiO3. Characterization involved techniques such as atomic force microscopy to evaluate the surface topography of the composite coating, scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed to analyze the morphology of surface, water contact angle, and adhesion test. Group 3 (PEEK coated with CaSiO3) exhibited the lowest water contact angle in comparison to the control group, Also there were present an increasing in adhesion strength to the substrate with the groups 1 (PEEK coated with zein-CaSiO3) and 2 (PEEK coated with zein) compared to Group 3. This study suggests that the electrospraying of (Zein-CaSiO3) coating on PEEK dental implants is a promising option for enhanced implant performance.
Matching analysis of new energy vehicle charging demand and charging infrastructure power supply capacity: A case study of China's capital Beijing
Authors: Liu Bingchun , Wang Yuhang , Wang Shuai
Published: June 2024

The random charging behavior of new energy vehicles (NEVs) will bring new challenges to the matching between electric vehicle charging facilities (EVCF) and NEVs. In order to explore whether the power supply capacity of urban EVCF can meet the charging requirements of NEVs, using the progression of NEVs in Beijing as a basis, initially, the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) approach simulates the power demand trajectory for NEVs in the region. Subsequently, to forecast the ownership trends of NEVs across three distinct scenarios from 2021 to 2030, the study employs Grey correlation analysis combined with the bidirectional long short-term memory model (GRA-BiLSTM), facilitating the determination of NEVs’ charging needs. Second, the charging supply of EVCF for the next 10 years is derived by analyzing different development scenarios with three growth rates of EVCF and three combinations of fast and slow pile ratios. The findings indicate a discrepancy between the rate of increase in ownership of NEVs and the rate of increase in charging infrastructure in Beijing between 2021 and 2030. Even under a scenario of high growth in NEV ownership, the balance between supply and demand for charging capacity is not achieved, resulting in suboptimal utilization of charging infrastructure.
Ethics in undergraduate nursing degrees: An international comparative education study
Authors: Papastavrou Evridiki , Chiappinotto Stefania , Gastmans Chris , Igoumenidis Michael , McCabe Catherine , Suhonen Riitta , Palese Alvisa ,   PROMOCON Consortium
Published: June 2024

Background

Ensuring morally competent nurses depends on many factors, such as environmental, social, political, and cultural. However, several inadequacies in nursing education have been documented, and no common framework has been established for how nursing ethics should be taught in undergraduate education.

Research questions

What are the different approaches across nursing programmes established in teaching ethics? What are the main similarities and differences across programmes facilitating a common understanding in developing a curriculum capable of preparing a morally competent nurse?

Research design

International comparative education study in five steps: (1) formulating the initial question; (2) defining the units of comparison; (3) determining the variables of comparison; (4) describing the findings; (5) interpreting the findings. The comparative variables were identified, extracted, and populated in a piloted grid.

Participants

Six universities were purposefully selected by the Promoting a Morally Competent Nurse project partners for their nursing education curricula as delivered in 2022–2023.

Ethical considerations

No ethical approval was required, given no human participants and public data regarding nursing curricula.

Findings

Variability emerged in the terminologies used in naming the courses, the numbers of credits and hours devoted to teaching ethics, when the courses are delivered (since the initial semesters of nursing education or concentrated in the final years), and their main modes of delivery (a single or separate module or integrated across the curriculum). Contents have some similarities, whereas the teaching methods varied and included (or not) explicit connections with clinical practice. Attendance is mandatory in all courses. The assessment methods used varied from knowledge-based to more competence-based approaches involving multidimensional strategies.

Conclusions

This comparative study explored similarities and differences across nursing programmes in six different European countries. The reviewed ethics curricula lack significant clarity, and they offer important areas to consider for future development. Issues emerged regarding terminologies, learning workloads, when to deliver, how to deliver, the main contents, and the teaching and assessment methods that merit further discussion.
Trans and Gender-Diverse Latinx Individuals in the Southern United States: Experiences With Violence and Service Utilization
Authors: Alvarez-Hernandez Luis R. , Seelman Kristie L. , Joyner Alaina , Hartford Roseangela
Published: June 2024

Using secondary data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, we explored transgender and gender-diverse Latinx individuals in the Southern U.S. experiences with transprejudice and antitrans violence at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels. Findings include high rates of any form of antitrans violence in the past year and intimate partner violence in a lifetime. Most respondents accessed healthcare services in the past year. However, many reported transprejudice and antitrans violence accessing these services. Findings highlight the need for comprehensive changes at all levels to improve the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse Latinx Southerners experiencing gender-based violence.
Applicability of wheat brewer's spent grain in steamed bread-making based on physicochemical and visual profiles assessment of doughs and breads
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Wei Xueyan , Bao Jiao , Xu Kang , Chen Xiaoyan , Guo Mengmeng
Published: June 2024

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), one of the main byproducts of brewing, has been widely used in the food industry due to its high nutritional components of dietary fiber, proteins, polysaccharides, and polyphenols. This study investigated the influence of wheat brewer's spent grain (WBSG) on the physicochemical properties of dough and steamed bread-making performance. The incorporation of WBSG in wheat flour significantly increased water absorption, development time, and degree of softening while decreasing the stability time of blending dough. Excessive WBSG up to 20% restricted the dough formation. WBSG contributed to the remarkable increase of pasting viscosities, pasting temperature, and immobilized water proportion in doughs. For all doughs, storage moduli (G′) were higher than viscous moduli (G″). WBSG addition resulted in higher moduli values and the formation of highly networked gluten structure, finally leading to the lower specific volume, spread ratio, and elasticity of bread. Lightness ( L*) of bread decreased with increasing WBSG while redness ( a*) and total color difference (Δ E) augmented. Low WBSG addition (≤5%) could endow steamed bread with the appearance of a chocolate-like color and pleasant malt flavor, which is acceptable for most consumers. Nevertheless, the improvement of nutritional and functional characteristics of steamed bread incorporated with WBSG should be more focused in the future.
The Variable Definition of “Negative Appendicitis” Remains a Surgical Challenge
Authors: Patel Hetal , Kamel Mohamed , Cooper Eden , Bowen Claire , Jester Ingo
Published: June 2024

Aim:

Acute appendicitis (AA) is treated primarily surgically with histopathology being the gold standard for confirmation of appendicitis and reported rates of negative appendicectomies (NA) ranging between 3.2% and 19% worldwide and 15.9–20.6% in the UK. NA rates are frequently used to identify poor performing centers as part of a Model Health System and form an integral part of appendicitis scoring systems. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of negative appendicectomies within our institution and critically analyze the appropriateness of its use as a quality metric and its impact on clinical practice and research.

Patients and Methods:

Data analysis from a prospective dataset of pediatric appendicitis patients between 2015 and 2021 in a tertiary center in the UK was performed. Detailed analysis of negative appendicectomies was performed and further stratified by two distinct age and gender groups looking at the incidence of NA and the classification of non-histologically normal appendix specimens.

Results:

In our series, 819 patients met inclusion criteria, 736 (89.9%) had acute appendicitis. Our overall institutional negative appendicectomy rate was 10.1% (83 patients) with the breakdown as follows: 65 histologically normal appendix (7.9%), 10 Enterobius vermicularis, 3 eosinophilic appendicitis, 2 neoplasms, 1 isolated faecolith, 1 fibrous obliteration of the lumen, and 1 peri-appendiceal inflammation.

Conclusion:

Our negative appendicectomy rate is below established UK pediatric NA rates. This rate ranges from 7.9% to 10.1% depending on the definition of NA utilized. A single standard pathological definition for histological acute appendicitis is required when being used as a comparative quality metric. Centers engaged in clinical research should be aware of variations in NA definitions both in scoring systems and individual centers to avoid skewing derived results.
Managing a rare case of familial Radius Maumenee syndrome
Authors: Ali Durray Nayab , Madgula Indira
Published: June 2024

Idiopathic elevated episcleral venous pressure (IEEVP), also known as Radius-Maumenee syndrome, is a rare condition which can pose a diagnostic and management challenge for clinicians. Filtration surgery is often required due to medical treatment proving ineffective. We describe to our knowledge the first case of familial Radius-Maumenee syndrome in a father and son duo. Primary management using a glaucoma drainage device is an effective option in addition to being a safer alternative when compared to trabeculectomy. Patients will require rigorous monitoring in the post-operative period to reduce the risk of complications.
Instructional task modality and teacher effects on L2 vocabulary learning: Evidence from adolescent learners
Authors: Shin Hye Won
Published: June 2024

This study investigated which type of instructional modality is most conducive to vocabulary learning. A total of 6 classrooms ( N = 121), all from one 6th grade cohort, were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) vocabulary training anchored in listening, (2) vocabulary training anchored in reading, or (3) vocabulary training anchored in writing. Three parallel versions of the tasks involved 21 target words embedded in contexts, but the students encountered these words explicitly through either listening or reading or writing modality. The study found, first, that there were statistically significant differences in favor of the reading and writing groups in terms of word association ability and vocabulary knowledge. Students in the reading and writing groups showed roughly the same level of vocabulary knowledge. Second, the study found that the results varied depending on the experience level of the teacher, which has implications for understanding how to improve vocabulary learning.
‘Things that can only happen on . . . TikTok’: A case study of a female Ukrainian refugee’s use of a voice-enabling platform
Authors: Gordon Yael , Tirosh Noam
Published: June 2024

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 6 million Ukrainians have been uprooted and made refugees, while many more have been displaced (both in Ukraine and abroad). The war in Ukraine has been termed the world’s first ‘TikTok war’, placing TikTok as a central site which contains various perspectives and information about and from the frontlines of the war. This article focuses on Valeria Shashenok, a Ukrainian photographer who uses TikTok as a platform to convey the story of the Russian invasion from her perspective and to document her daily life during the war and as a refugee. This study examines how Valeria uses TikTok as a voice-enabling platform by analysing 62 clips she published during the first 9 months of the war. Our findings demonstrate that Valeria takes advantage of TikTok’s unique affordances to express her political agency through what we have defined as ‘political playfulness’. In addition, we show how Valeria negotiates her gender identity, navigating between the various components of her identity as a woman and as a refugee, while not letting herself be limited by either of the two. This article offers a novel perspective on how refugees use a new social medium to negotiate their place in their world and counter long-held forms of representation by others.
‘Maybe that makes a difference actually’: Attuning to praxis for anti-racist social justice leadership among nursery school head teachers in the UK
Authors: Tembo Shaddai , Dujczynski Magdalena , Sakr Mona
Published: June 2024

In light of ongoing inequalities within society, the role of social justice leadership in educational spaces remains a central arena amongst research and practice. It is widely recognised that clear recognition and understanding of social justice among educators can offer the capacity for meaningful change against inequalities that continue to saturate both the profession and the experiences of children themselves. Yet, as argued with most clarity by Furman, recognition and understanding alone remain limited strategies in the absence of examples of practice and the development of capacities needed to advance social justice. Furman’s model of social justice leadership offers an avenue to consider the more precise nature of anti-racist practice praxis in the early childhood field. This article will evaluate the effectiveness of the model as applied to anti-racism. It will draw on data from a qualitative study on ethnicity and the early years workforce to consider the extent to which nursery school head teachers may be becoming attuned towards anti-racist social justice leadership praxis, inclusive of reflection and action. Our data reveal that, in more and less structured ways, leaders are already cognisant of the need to engage in anti-racist social justice leadership. The production of this framework offers a stepping stone towards more formalised anti-racist praxis for leaders in the early years profession.
Weekly accumulative external load based on participation in football matches
Authors: Casamichana David , Agirrezabalaga Oier , Agirre Gorka , Nakamura Fabio Yuzo , Barba Eider , Martín-García Andrés , Castellano Julen
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study was to compare the weekly accumulative external load according to their participation in the previous match and the following match in three teams of different categories belonging to a football club. Sixty football players participated, belonging to the under-23 (U23, n: 20), U21 (n: 22) and U19 (n: 18) teams. Players were monitored by global positioning system devices during all training sessions and official matches. For the accumulative weekly load (from Monday to Sunday), the following external load variables were used: total distance covered (TD, m), distance covered at different speed thresholds (>14.0, >18.0, >21.0 and >24.0 km·h−1), the number of moderate-high intensity accelerations (ACC: >2 m·s−2, n) and decelerations (DEC: <−2 m·s−2, n), the player load (PL, arbitrary units, au) and the acceleration load (Aload, au). Players were grouped according to their participation in the previous and next matches: starter and starter (SS, when the player was a starter in both the previous and the following matches), starter and non-starter (SN), non-starter and starter (NS), and non-starter and non-starter (NN). This study revealed that NS and SS groups had a higher absolute and relative accumulative weekly load for the global indicators (Aload, PL and TD) in the three teams than NN and SN (range of ES: 0.1–3.4). This information would allow coaches to refine the required stimulation regarding players’ role in the team based on the player's participation in the previous and next match.
Developmental evaluation of the HIPPY Age 3 program for socially disadvantaged families in Australia
Authors: Graham Amy , Matthews Jan , Wade Catherine
Published: June 2024

Home-based parenting interventions foster positive parent-child relationships and parenting skills that reduce risks to child outcomes associated with social disadvantage. This article extends evidence about the value of one such program — the Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters (HIPPY) — through qualitative examination of a new version targeting parents of three-year-olds. Interviews with 102 parents and 10 Coordinators were analysed thematically to explore demand, acceptability, and impact of HIPPY Age 3. Findings from this nation-wide pilot suggest the program is associated with improvements in parents’ awareness of children’s strengths and interests, increased opportunities for parent-child interaction through play-based learning, and enhanced understanding about parents’ role in creating a stimulating learning environment at home. While the extent to which this translates to parent behaviour change and benefits to children requires further examination, this study endorses investment in HIPPY Age 3 as an acceptable and flexible early childhood parenting intervention.