bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Witnesses, the Mediators, and the Treatment Plan Promoters: A Phenomenological Study of Residential Facility Staff Members’ Role as Companions on Wilderness Journeys
Authors: Malka Menny , Haas Anat
Published: March 2024

Background: Wilderness therapy (WT) has become a popular method of intervention with youth residing in residential facilities (RFs), and an important part of their treatment plan. Thus, the dual positioning and role of RF staff members - who both accompany participants on the WT journey and, at the same time, participate in their on-site, daily therapeutic processes - becomes pivotal in therapy programs for this population. Purpose: To examine the meaning of RF staff members’ role in supporting youth from RFs during the WT process. Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative-phenomenological approach, anchored in semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 12 therapeutic-educational workers (6 social workers and 6 youth workers) employed in RFs in Israel. Findings/Conclusions: Three roles emerged from the interviews: the witness, the mediator, and the promoter of the treatment plan. Implications: An ecological-systemic approach is recommended. This approach will provide an opportunity for the RF team members to engage in possible interventions during the journey. It will also allow them to expand the change process which takes place on the WT journey, to the daily treatment plan of the youth within the RF, and among the social and educational systems in which they are involved.
The Effects of Body-Worn Cameras on Police Efficiency: A Study of Local Police Agencies in the United States
Authors: Alda Erik , Dammert Lucia
Published: March 2024

Research on body-worn cameras (BWCs) has burgeoned in recent years. However, much of this research has not examined the effects of this technology on police performance. In this study, we created a novel dataset on police organizational inputs and outputs and assessed the effects that BWCs have on police efficiency. Using a multiple-stage approach, in the first stage, we estimated the efficiency of local police agencies using a robust order- m efficiency model. In the second stage, we assessed the effects of BWCs using a range of matching estimators and an instrumental variable (IV) model. The first-stage results show that police agencies could improve their efficiency by 2% (from a mean efficiency score of 0.98 to 1). The second-stage matching and IV estimates suggest BWC effects on efficiency range between four and six percentage points in our preferred model. The introduction of this significant technological advance has brought many benefits to police agencies. Our findings show that BWCs can help improve police efficiency, yielding significant cost savings to law enforcement.
A parametric study on the effect of ring damper on wheel damping
Authors: Zhong Shuoqiao , Wu Kun , Sheng Xiaozhen
Published: March 2024

Ring dampers have been widely applied to control vibration of, and noise from, train wheels due to the simple structure, negligible impact on operational safety and potential in vibration and noise reduction. Yet, parameters affecting the vibro-acoustic performance of a ring-damped wheel are not adequately studied. In this paper, the apparent modal damping ratios of a ring-damped wheel are studied numerically using a finite element model allowing for frictional nonlinearity. Studied parameters include the impact force used to excite the wheel, the preload in the ring, the friction coefficient of the interface between the ring and the wheel, and the number of rings installed. Several findings can be drawn from the study. Installation of one or two rings to the wheel does not change the resonance frequencies (they are also termed the modal frequencies of the ring-damped wheel) but reduces the resonance responses by generating extra damping to the modes. The ring is more effective for radial excitation than for axial excitation. At most modal frequencies, damping with double rings is higher than with a single ring. Although there are few modal frequencies at which the modal damping ratios are reduced by installing the second ring, the average damping ratio with two rings is much higher, by a factor of 2.37 for axial excitation and 1.73 for radial excitation, than that with a single ring. The apparent damping of the ring-damped wheel increases with the level of the impact force, especially for radial excitation. There is an optimal combination of the preload in the ring and the frictional coefficient with which damping induced by the ring is the highest. Besides, the average damping ratios of the modes above 2000 Hz are proposed to be an indicator of the effectiveness of the performance of a ring-damped wheel in noise reduction.
Ixabepilone related angiographically silent macular edema
Authors: Köksaldı Seher , Kayabaşı Mustafa , Emre Sinan , Saatci Ali Osman
Published: March 2024

Introduction

We present a single-eyed case with a previous diagnosis of breast cancer who had intraretinal cystoid changes associated with the systemic administration of ixabepilone in her only seeing eye. To our best knowledge, this is the first reported case describing this phenomenon related to the ixabepilone administration.

Case Description

A 54-year-old woman with a history of breast cancer was examined due to visual deterioration in her only good left eye. The patient had undergone cataract surgery and lens implantation in her right eye following a childhood accident, but subsequently had developed a refractory glaucoma and lost her right vision. Six cycles of 40 mg/m2 systemic ixabepilone (3-hly intravenous infusion once every 3 weeks) had been administered within the past six months. Her visual decline started two weeks following the last treatment session. She was offered intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection elsewhere. Fluorescein angiogram showed no dye leakage whereas spectral-domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated parafoveal intraretinal cystoid changes. En-face optical coherence tomography revealed petaloid type roundish hyporeflective areas at the level of superficial and deep vascular plexus. Ixabepilone-associated cystoid maculopathy was suspected as she received only ixabepilone for the chemotherapy in the last six months. We thus recommended her not to continue ixabepilone therapy. Ten weeks after the ixabepilone cessation, intraretinal cystoid changes had resolved completely.

Conclusion

Angiographically silent intraretinal cystoid changes may develop in association with the use of ixabepilone. Referral to an ophthalmologist should be considered for the patients experiencing visual complaints as ixabepilone cessation may lead to visual improvement and avoid unnecessary treatment.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis among nurses
Authors: Huang Sifeng , Liu Dongmei
Published: March 2024

Background:

The effective management of vascular access (VA) is pivotal in hemodialysis (HD) care, with nurses assuming a key role in this crucial process. Nonetheless, there is a noticeable gap in our understanding of the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of nurses concerning arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) for HD. This study aimed to investigate the KAP of nurses in this domain.

Methods:

This multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in 42 hospitals from April 11, 2023, to June 11, 2023. Participating nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire providing demographic and KAP information. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to assess the interrelationship between KAP.

Results:

A total of 450 valid questionnaires were included in the analysis. The knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 12.70 ± 1.42 (84.6%, possible score: 0–15), 44.37 ± 2.76 (88.7%, possible score: 10–50), and 56.73 ± 6.61 (87.3%, possible score: 13–65), indicating that adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice. Knowledge had a direct influence on both attitude (β = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.24–0.59, p < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.20–0.96, p = 0.003), and it also indirectly influenced practice through attitude (β = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.24–0.65, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The findings revealed that HD nurses exhibited adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice concerning AVF for HD. Notably, their level of knowledge directly influenced both their attitudes and practices, while also exerting an indirect influence on the latter.
The Current Pathogenicity and Potential Risk Evaluation of Marburg Virus to Cause Mysterious “Disease X”—An Update on Recent Evidences
Authors: Mitu Rahima Akter , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: March 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) defined Disease X as an upcoming disease with the potential to cause a pandemic. Pathogen X is responsible for Disease X. Marburg virus disease (MVD) is one of the diseases from the priority disease list published by WHO. Marburg virus is a filamentous, negative-sense RNA virus that belongs to the same filovirus family as the lethal Ebola virus. Since the first discovery of this virus in 1967, 17 outbreaks occurred sporadically till 2023. Rousettus aegyptiacus acts as the natural reservoir of the virus. With an average incubation period of 5 to 10 days, its first target is the mononuclear phagocytic system cells. It is highly contagious and can be easily transmitted from animal to human and human to human via direct contact with blood or body fluid, feces, and semen of the infected host. Although Marburg disease has a high case fatality rate of close to 90%, unfortunately, there is no approved vaccines or treatments are available. The most recent outbreak of Marburg virus in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in 2023 caused an alert for global health. However, based on the last global pandemic of COVID-19 and the sudden re-emerging of monkeypox around the world, we can assume that the Marburg virus has the potential to cause a global pandemic. Our modern world depends on globalization, which helps the virus transmission among countries. The Marburg virus can easily be transmitted to humans by fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family. This virus causes severe hemorrhagic disease, and there are no specific vaccines and treatments available to combat it. Therefore, community engagement and early supportive care for patients are keys to successfully controlling MVD.
Enhancing language learning with Blackboard: A study of Chinese postgraduate students in the UK
Authors: Yin Taojie
Published: March 2024

This study addresses a gap in research by investigating the role of the Blackboard platform in information communication technology based (ICT-based) language education, particularly among Chinese master’s students in the UK. Aiming to enhance the proficiency of Blackboard utilization, the research involved 54 postgraduate students, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to gather data. The findings reveal a positive impact on English language learning, emphasizing improvements in listening (β = 0.180), reading (β = 0.151) and interaction (β = 0.130). This research contributes to the understanding of the efficacy of Blackboard in foreign language education, offering insights for both educators and learners.
Students’ display of willingness to participate in an extensive reading book club
Authors: Ro Eunseok
Published: March 2024

This study examines interactions in an extensive reading (ER) book club intended to provide opportunities for students to practice English as their second language (L2). Utilizing multimodal conversation analysis, the study shows how students display willingness to participate (WTP) when they are free to initiate or avoid communication. The analysis of seven and a half hours of videorecordings of meetings held over six weeks at a Korean university demonstrates that several practices, particularly responding to questions and expanding on storytelling, reflect WTP. The study particularly highlights the importance of non-verbal cues in signaling and managing the WTP. The study suggests that student initiative can lead to more interactive and engaging learning environments, which may be especially significant in L2 settings where promoting student talk is a primary objective. The findings have implications for educators regarding the dynamics of student participation and agency, and contribute to our understanding of the nuanced relationships between learner initiative and WTP in fluency-oriented language learning contexts.
Violence, Abuse and Neglect in Older Women in Rural and Remote Areas: A Scoping Review and Prevalence Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ricoy-Cano Adrián Jesús , Zambrano-Rodríguez Carlos Vladimir , de la Fuente-Robles Yolanda María , Vásquez-Peña Gabriela Estefanía
Published: March 2024

This systematic review addressed the issue of the abuse and neglect of older women (age 60 and over) in rural and remote areas, examining these phenomena’s prevalence, risk and protective factors, consequences, and associated perceptions. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework, peer-reviewed articles published until September 2023 were identified in six electronic databases. Out of the manuscripts initially identified ( n = 219), 28 articles met the selection criteria. The study’s quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The included studies provided a comprehensive overview of this phenomenon, encompassing data from 6,579 older rural women. Prevalence rates of abuse and neglect exhibited wide variability, with an average of 27.3%. Among the risk factors, financial dependence and incapacity stood out, while higher income and education levels were protective factors, among others. Emotional/psychological abuse emerged as the most common form, with significant impacts on older women’s physical and mental health. Cultural norms and gender expectations also influenced perceptions of abuse and victims’ coping mechanisms. In a context in which access to specialized resources and services is hampered by significant limitations, community awareness and education prove vital to address this issue, which positions social work as key to addressing these challenges. The prevalence of abuse against older rural women is significant. Emotional abuse stands out as a major issue, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions accounting for cultural and gender factors.
The Women Who Built the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum Collection
Authors: Morris Jennifer
Published: March 2024

This essay explores the work of women who shaped the collection of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum: Historian and Director of Research Louise Daniel Hutchinson (1928–2014), Curator Portia James (1953–2015), and Historian Gail S. Lowe (1950–2015) whose exhibitions and projects built a rich community-based collection. Hutchinson’s work during the formative years of 1974 to 1986 elevated local voices in the research process and brought educator, Anna J. Cooper (1858–1964) out of obscurity. Portia James’ including community voices and perspectives in the exhibition process, resulting in her most celebrated exhibitions: Black Mosaic: Community, Race, and Ethnicity Among Black Immigrants in Washington, D.C. (1994). Her project amassed a large amount of oral history interviews, photographic documentation, and research files. Gail S. Lowe’s projects expanded the museum collection to include national and international voices on issues that resonated with the local community. Her exhibition exploring contemporary African American religious traditions, generated primary research materials on diverse faiths and spiritual traditions espoused by African Americans in Washington, D.C., and selected cities across the country. The collective work of all these women generated a wealth of resources and invaluable information that continues to be consulted by scholars and the public.
The Belmont Report doesn’t need reform, our moral imagination does
Authors: Serpico Kimberley
Published: March 2024

In 1974, the United States Congress asked a question prompting a national conversation about ethics: which ethical principles should govern research involving human participants? To embark on an answer, Congress passed the National Research Act, and charged this task to the newly established National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research. The Commission’s mandate was modest however, the results were anything but. The outcome was The Belmont Report: a trio of principles - respect for persons, beneficence, and justice - serving as an ethical compass for scientists, researchers, and institutional review boards (IRBs). Almost 50 years later, the utility, legacy, and ingenuity of The Belmont Report continues to be both admired and challenged. Critics argue that Belmont is not fit for the 21st century, while supporters praise Belmont for its enduring wisdom. The goal of this paper is to equip IRB practitioners with the tools necessary to maximally interpret The Belmont Report and meaningfully engage in ethical analysis that reconsiders outmoded legacy thinking and fixed decision-making. Through historical and contextual reflection, this paper describes how IRB practitioners can contemporize review of ethical human research using their moral imagination – a skill found at the intersection of creativity, deliberation, and empathy.
Acceleration and age in soccer
Authors: Guan Tianyu , Swartz Tim B
Published: March 2024

This paper considers how player acceleration changes in soccer relative to age. A plot of average maximum acceleration versus age is produced. The construction of the plot is based on methods from functional data analysis and the availability of tracking data from the 2019 season of the Chinese Super League. For an individual player, we calculate his maximum acceleration for each single match of the 2019 season. Since the players’ maximum accelerations are observed only on a single season instead of their entire careers, we treat them as incomplete functional data, called functional snippets. The average maximum acceleration, i.e., the mean function of the functional snippets rather than full curves is estimated by a local linear smoothing method. The most important observation is that the shape of the acceleration curve closely resembles curves of soccer performance versus age. This observation has implications for predicting future performance since acceleration is more easily and more accurately measured than performance.
Photodynamic therapy of cervical cancer: a scoping review on the efficacy of various molecules
Authors: Shanazarov Nasrulla Abdullaevich , Zare Afshin , Mussin Nadiar Maratovich , Albayev Rustam Kuanyshbekovich , Kaliyev Asset Askerovich , Iztleuov Yerbolat Maratovich , Smailova Sandugash Bakhytbekovna , Tamadon Amin
Published: March 2024

Background:

Cervical cancer poses a considerable worldwide health issue, where infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a vital role as a risk factor. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment for HPV-related cervical lesions, which uses photosensitizers and light to selectively destroy abnormal cells.

Objectives:

Our objective is to present a comprehensive overview of the different types of molecules employed in PDT to reduce the occurrence and fatality rates associated with cervical cancer.

Design:

Scoping review and bibliometric analysis.

Methods:

The article explores clinical trials investigating the efficacy of PDT in treating low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, as well as preclinical approaches utilizing various molecules for PDT in cervical cancer. Furthermore, the article sheds light on potential molecules for PDT enhancement, examining their properties through computer modeling simulations, molecular docking, and assessing their advantages and disadvantages.

Results:

Our findings demonstrate that PDT holds promise as a therapeutic approach for treating cervical lesions associated with HPV and cervical cancer. Additionally, we observe that the utilization of diverse dye classes enhances the anticancer effects of PDT.

Conclusion:

Among the various molecules employed in PDT, functionalized fullerene exhibits a notable inclination toward overexpressed receptors in cervical cancer cells, making it a potential candidate for intensified use in PDT. However, further research is needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness and safety.
Revealing Footprints of Ancient Sources in Recent Eurasian and American Folk Music Cultures Using PCA of the Culture-Dependent Moment Vectors of Shared Melody Types
Authors: Juhász Zoltán
Published: March 2024

One of the possible objective and universal descriptions of most folk songs can be based on structural musical characteristics such as contour, tone set, tonality, rhythm, meter, and form. Experimental studies in the recent decade supported the universal importance of contour and tonality as the two most important characteristics determining human music cognition and memory. It follows from this statement that a mathematically adequate description of folk songs should be based on both contour and tonality information. We describe a method searching for characteristic groups of universal melody types (MTs) propagating jointly and regularly in several subsets of 59 folk music cultures in Eurasia and America, represented by a database of 59,000 folk songs. The MTs are represented by pairs of contour and degree distribution vectors. We describe the propagation of the MTs by 59-dimensional vectors containing their “moments” in the 59 cultures studied. We show that principal component analysis (PCA) of these moment vectors reveals assumable ancestor cultures, and we show a method modeling the 59 musical cultures as linear combinations of the musical contents of seven assumable ancestral cultures. The results provide a method and a hypothesis for tracking the footprints of assumable ancient musical “primary languages” in folk music traditions in Eurasia and America. The assumable musical ancestral cultures presented here show good correspondence with the distribution of certain human genetic characteristics and archaeogenetic results.
The Influence of Asset Status on Income Equality Considering Digital Inclusive Finance and Equity Concentration: Evidence From China
Authors: Sun Jiaqi , Li Ping , Fang Jian
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of asset status and external factors related to asset status on income distribution disparities among senior executives, employees, and shareholders. Incorporating micro-level data and theoretical analysis, the data of Chinese a-share listed companies from 2012 to 2021 are selected for panel regression analysis. Existing research has often focused on the main differences in income between employees and executives. This study reveals that the distribution of total corporate income among employees, executives, and shareholders can better reflect the fluctuating trend of income variance among different groups. It was found that asset efficiency, asset market value, and asset property rights, among other asset status factors, significantly influence the degree of inequality in income distribution. Empirical research results indicated that corporate executives can benefit similarly to shareholders from improvements in asset efficiency and other asset status factors. Following an increase in corporate cash holdings, executives tend to benefit more relative to employees. Additionally, digital inclusive finance and equity concentration both have moderating effects, mitigating the impact of asset status on inequality in income distribution.
Multiplying Disadvantages in U.S. High Schools: An Intersectional Analysis of the Interactions Among Punishment and Achievement Trajectories
Authors: Jabbari Jason , Johnson Odis
Published: March 2024

We examined recent process models of accumulated disadvantage with an intersectional lens in order to provide a more complete picture of how disadvantages across punishment and math trajectories can accumulate over time and disparately affect marginalized race-gender groups. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) with a nationally representative longitudinal study of high school students (HSLS-09), we found that punishment trajectories were influenced by math and vice versa, as well as that these relationships differed across math performance and various aspects of math attitudes, including efficacy, utility, and identity. Furthermore, we found that gender, race, and race-gender groups experienced significantly different relationships. When considering the intersection of punishment and math disadvantages, these differences appear to not only accumulate disadvantages within punishment and math trajectories but also across them for marginalized race-gender groups. This was especially true for Black males. We conclude with a discussion of implications for policy and practice.
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey as a Tool to Teach Data Analysis to Public Health Students
Authors: Briggs Virginia G.
Published: March 2024

Graduates of Master of Public Health programs may lack appropriate skills in data analysis, and would benefit from practice with research data. Datasets that contain health information relevant to student interests, and that are appropriate sizes for class use can be difficult to locate. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey is a study that collects both survey and health examination information from a national sample every 2 years. I present a sample of this dataset, with examples of how to use it for human health related questions. Instructions for how to access and create additional, customized datasets are also provided. Instructors may consider investigating this rich data source and providing students with subsets of these data for class assignments, projects and master’s theses.
Understanding the Impact of Different Modes of Information Provision on Preferences for a Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wright Stuart J. , Vass Caroline M. , Ulph Fiona , Payne Katherine
Published: March 2024

Introduction. This study aimed to understand the impact of alternative modes of information provision on the stated preferences of a sample of the public for attributes of newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) in the United Kingdom. Methods. An online discrete choice experiment survey was designed using 4 attributes to describe NBS (effect of treatment on the condition, time to receive results, whether the bloodspot is stored, false-positive rate). Survey respondents were randomized to 1 of 2 survey versions presenting the background training materials using text from a leaflet (leaflet version) or an animation (animation version). Heteroskedastic conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of mode of information provision on error variance. Results. The survey was completed by 1,000 respondents (leaflet = 525; animation = 475). Preferences for the attributes in the DCE were the same in both groups, but the group receiving the animation version had 9% less error variance in their responses. Respondents completing the animation version gave higher ratings compared with the leaflet version in terms of ease of perceived understanding. Subgroup analysis suggested that the animation was particularly effective at reducing error variance for women (20%), people with previous children (16.5%), and people between the ages of 35 and 45 y (11.8%). Limitations. This study used simple DCE with 4 attributes, and the results may vary for more complex choice questions. Conclusion. This study provides evidence that that supplementing the information package offered to parents choosing to take part in NBS with an animation may aid them their decision making. Further research would be needed to test the animation in the health system. Implications. Researchers designing DCE should carefully consider the design of their training materials to improve the quality of data collected.

Highlights

Prior to completing a discrete choice experiment about newborn bloodspot screening, respondents were shown information using either a leaflet-based or animated format. Respondents receiving information using an animation version reported that the information was slightly easier to understand and exhibited 9% less error variance in expressing their preferences for a newborn screening program. Using the animation version to present information appeared to have a larger impact in reducing the error variance of responses for specific respondents including women, individuals with children, individuals between the ages of 35 and 45 y, and individuals educated to degree level.
A United States-based patient-reported adult polyglucosan body disease registry: initial results
Authors: Sparks Jacy , Michelassi Francesco , Thompson John L. P. , Buchsbaum Richard , Pires Natacha , DeRosa Janet T. , Engelstad Kristin , DiMauro Salvatore , Akman Hasan Orhan , Hirano Michio
Published: March 2024

Background:

Adult Polyglucosan Body Disease (APBD) is an ultra-rare, genetic neurodegenerative disorder caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the glycogen branching enzyme gene. Knowledge of the demographic and clinical characteristics of APBD patients and the natural history of the disease is lacking. We report here initial results from a patient-reported registry of APBD patients.

Objectives:

(1) Maximize the quality of the APBD Registry survey data; (2) provide an initial report on APBD disease progression and natural history using these data; and (3) specify next steps in the process for testing potential new therapies.

Design:

Data are from members of the APBD Research Foundation (New York), surveyed from 2014 by the Columbia APBD Patient/Family (CAP) Registry. Inclusion criteria are: disease onset at age 18+ and progressive clinical triad of peripheral neuropathy, spasticity, and neurogenic bladder.

Methods:

Genetic testing results were used when available. Respondents found to not have APBD in clinical records were excluded. All changes and exclusions were recorded in a database edit log. Results are reported in frequency tables, bar graphs, time plots, and heat maps.

Results:

The 96 respondents meeting inclusion criteria were predominantly (96.8%) White, highly educated (89.3% at least some college education), and mostly (85.1%) of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. 57.1% had at least one parent born in the United States, with at least one grandparent from Europe (excluding Russia; 75.4%), the United States (42.1%), or Russia (33.3%). 37.2% reported a family history of APBD, and 33.3% had an affected sibling. Median APBD onset age was 51 [Interquartile range (IQR) 11], and median age of diagnosis 57 (IQR 10.5). The 75 reported prior misdiagnoses were mainly peripheral neuropathy (43, 60.6%) and spinal stenosis (11, 15.1%).

Conclusion:

Although from a demographically constricted survey, the results provide basic clinical information for future studies to develop treatments for APBD.
Power demands of structures from the Mw 7.8 earthquake of 6 February 2023 in Türkiye
Authors: Lin Jui-Liang , Lin Che-Min , Huang Jyun-Yan
Published: March 2024

Near-fault pulse-like (PL) ground motions generally transmit huge amounts of energy into structures during a relatively short period compared with non-pulse-like (NPL) ground motions. Consequently, power demand has emerged as a direct and distinctive measure for evaluating the risk that PL ground motions pose on structures. This study examines the power demands of structures subjected to ground motions recorded at 10 seismic stations in six city (or town) centers during the Mw 7.8 earthquake that hit Türkiye on 6 February 2023. The six cities (or towns), Golbasi, Kahramanmaras, Nurdagi, Osmaniye, Iskenderun, and Antakya, were the locations where an international team conducted field reconnaissance 2 weeks after the earthquake. This study first evaluates the power histories and other seismic responses of single-degree-of-freedom structures exposed to both PL and NPL ground motions. Subsequently, the power spectra of 20 horizontal ground motions recorded at the 10 stations are constructed and examined. Through these investigations, we hope to gain a better understanding of and raise awareness regarding the threats that PL ground motions pose to structures in the six cities (or towns) during the earthquake.
The European Union’s deregulation of plants obtained from new genomic techniques: a critique and an alternative option
Authors: Winter Gerd
Published: March 2024

The EU is about to relax its oversight of genetically modified organisms, focusing on plants and products that are obtained through certain new genomic techniques. The aim is to promote new genomic techniques as an innovative technology and employing it as a means to transform agriculture to sustainability. The present contribution describes and evaluates the planned reform. It discusses whether standards of legal certainty and legitimacy are met, how environmental side-effects are taken into account, how sustainability goals are integrated, what socio-economic effects are to be expected, and whether higher rank law is respected. As several shortcomings are found an alternative approach is submitted that combines a certain easing of administrative oversight with better integration of sustainability goals. Auspices for organic and conventional GMO-free agriculture are also sketched out.
Traceability tagging of volatile organic compound sources and their contributions to ozone formation in Suzhou using vehicle-based portable single-photon ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Shuaibu Nazifi Sani , Qin Chenghua , Chu Fengjian , Ismail Balarabe B. , Ibrahim Ammar Muhammad , Indabawa Musbahu Garba , Abdalmohammed S. A. A. , Zhao Gaosheng , Wang Xiaozhi
Published: March 2024

Background

In recent decades, there has been an increasing global preoccupation with atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Given the significant impact of VOCs as pollutants and essential precursors of ozone (O3) in urban and industrial areas, it is imperative to identify and quantify the sources of their emissions to facilitate the development and implementation of effective environmental control strategies.

Methods

A mobile laboratory vehicle equipped with a single-photon ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometer (SPI–TOFMS) and a navigation system was employed to establish the traceability of VOCs that contribute to the formation of ozone in Suzhou Industrial Park. The method exhibited a favorable detection limit of 0.090 ppbv, accompanied by a mass resolution of 1500 for the instrument and a correlation coefficient ≥ 0.990. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was utilized to determine the source appointment of the VOCs.

Results

The study tentatively traced and identified the VOCs emissions source and their contribution to ozone formation in Suzhou. Using the PMF model, the sources of VOCs were profiled: three primary sources of VOCs were identified, namely, vehicular emissions, an industrial solvent, and biofuel combustion. Alkanes groups were found to be the most abundant VOCs species, accounting for 60% of the total VOCs, followed by aromatics and alkenes. Maximum incremental reactivity (MIR) quantifies the impact of photochemical reaction mechanism on the potential ozone formation.

Conclusions

The findings of this study complement existing knowledge on the pollution status of atmospheric VOCs and highlight the correlation with ozone formation potential in Suzhou. The aforementioned sources were identified as the primary factors responsible for the pollution in Suzhou. The successful implementation of SPI–TOFMS has demonstrated a promising methodology that is well-suited for the real-time and online monitoring of VOCs in the atmosphere. In addition, a library for identifying VOC fingerprints from the same plant was established. This library serves as a comprehensive resource for establishing on-site VOC traceability, estimating source apportionment, and evaluating their impact on ozone formation.
Genome-wide identification of GA2ox genes family and analysis of PbrGA2ox1-mediated enhanced chlorophyll accumulation by promoting chloroplast development in pear
Authors: Guo Guoling , Liu Lun , Shen Taijing , Wang Haozhe , Zhang Shuqin , Sun Yu , Xiong Guoyu , Tang Xiaomei , Zhu Liwu , Jia Bing
Published: March 2024

Background

Chlorophyll (Chl) is an agronomic trait associated with photosynthesis and yield. Gibberellin 2-oxidases (GA2oxs) have previously been shown to be involved in Chl accumulation. However, whether and how the PbrGA2ox proteins (PbrGA2oxs) mediate Chl accumulation in pear (Pyrus spp.) is scarce.

Results

Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of the pear GA2ox gene family in Chl accumulation and the related underlying mechanisms. We isolated 13 PbrGA2ox genes (PbrGA2oxs) from the pear database and identified PbrGA2ox1 as a potential regulator of Chl accumulation. We found that transiently overexpressing PbrGA2ox1 in chlorotic pear leaves led to Chl accumulation, and PbrGA2ox1 silencing in normal pear leaves led to Chl degradation, as evident by the regreening and chlorosis phenomenon, respectively. Meanwhile, PbrGA2ox1-overexpressing (OE) tobacco plants discernably exhibited Chl built-up, as evidenced by significantly higher Pn and Fv/Fm. In addition, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), physiological and biochemical investigations revealed an increase in abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and salicylic acid (SA) concentrations and signaling pathways; a marked elevation in reducing and soluble sugar contents; and a marginal decline in the starch and sucrose levels in OE plants. Interestingly, PbrGA2ox1 overexpression did not prominently affect Chl synthesis. However, it indeed facilitated chloroplast development by increasing chloroplast number per cell and compacting the thylakoid granum stacks. These findings might jointly contribute to Chl accumulation in OE plants.

Conclusion

Overall, our results suggested that GA2oxs accelerate Chl accumulation by stimulating chloroplast development and proved the potential of PbrGA2ox1 as a candidate gene for genetically breeding biofortified pear plants with a higher yield.
Safe and promising outcomes of in-hospital preoperative rehabilitation for coronary artery bypass grafting after an acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Nakamura Ken , Arai Shusuke , Kobayashi Kimihiro , Nakai Shingo , Sho Ri , Ishizawa Ai , Watanabe Daisuke , Hirooka Shuto , Ohba Eiichi , Mizumoto Masahiro , Kuroda Yoshinori , Kim Cholsu , Uchino Hideaki , Shimanuki Takao , Uchida Tetsuro
Published: March 2024

Objective

In patients with stable hemodynamic status after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after preoperative investigations can provide outcomes comparable to those of emergency surgery. However, no established guidelines exist regarding the preparation period before surgery. We report the results of the use of an inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program followed by CABG after an ACS to improve post-operative outcomes and prognosis after discharge.

Methods

From 2005 to 2017, 471 patients underwent either isolated or combined CABG at our institution, and of those, the 393 who received isolated CABG were included in the analysis. Twenty-seven patients (6.9%) were admitted with ACS and underwent preoperative rehabilitation before undergoing CABG, with a subsequent review of surgical morbidity and mortality rates. Propensity score matching yielded a cohort of 26 patients who underwent preoperative rehabilitation (group A) and 26 controls (group B). Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups.

Results

The completion rate of the rehabilitation program was 96.3%. All programs were conducted with inpatients, with an average length of stay of 23 ± 12 days. All patients completed in-bed exercises, and 85% completed out-of-bed exercises. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 0% in both groups A and B, and the rate of postoperative major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events at 12 months did not differ significantly between groups (7.7% vs 3.9%, respectively; p = 1.0). The duration of mechanical ventilation (1.3 ± 0.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.3 days, respectively; p = 0.633), length of intensive care unit stay (4.4 ± 2.1 vs 4.8 ± 2.3 days, respectively; p = 0.584) and length of hospital stay (25 ± 13 vs 22 ± 9 days, respectively; p = 0.378) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

No complications of preoperative rehabilitation were observed, suggesting that it is an acceptable option for patients who experience ACS and undergo CABG. These results are promising in offering more robust designs of future trials.
Age and healthy lifestyle behavior’s disparities and similarities on knowledge of myocardial infarction symptoms and risk factors among public and outpatients in a resource-limited setting, cross-sectional study in greater Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Ookeditse Ookeditse , Ookeditse Kebadiretse K. , Motswakadikgwa Thusego R. , Masilo Gosiame , Bogatsu Yaone , Lekobe Baleufi C. , Mosepele Mosepele , Schirmer Henrik , Johnsen Stein H.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

In this cross-sectional study from Botswana, we investigated knowledge of myocardial infarction (MI) symptoms and risk factors among the general public and outpatients with MI risk factors based on age and lifestyle behaviors, in addition to assessing associations with sociodemographic and MI risk factors.

Method

Open-ended questionnaires about 8 MI symptoms and 10 risk factors, were administered by research assistants to a representative selection of outpatients (n = 525) and the public (n = 2248). Weight and height were measured in all participants and BMI was calculated. Knowledge scores were compared between the two groups. We examined whether sociodemographic and MI risk factors had impact on the scores. Analyses were further adjusted for lifestyle behavior (smoking status, dietary status and physical activities).

Results

The valid response rate was 97.9% comprising 97.8% for the public (n = 2199) and 98.1% for outpatients (n = 515). Public respondents (35.2 ± 12.3 years) were younger than outpatients (38.5 ± 12.6 years). The public comprised 56.9% females while outpatients 54.6%.

In general, outpatients had higher knowledge of MI symptoms than the public, with mean scores ± SD of 3.49 ± 2.84 vs 2.80 ± 2.54. Outpatients also had higher knowledge score of MI risk factors than the public, with mean scores, 5.33 ± 3.22 vs 3.82 ± 3.07. For MI symptoms, outpatients were more aware than the public for chest pains among all ages, for arm pain/ numbness, neck/ jaw pain radiating to/ from chest, and feeling sick or looking pallor on the skin among those aged 35–49 years.

Among both the public and outpatients, lower knowledge of both MI symptoms and risk factors was associated with primary education, not residing/working together, history of hypertension, no history of heart disease/stroke, and obesity. There were similarities and disparities on MI knowledge among respondents with various numbers of healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Conclusion

Results call for urgent educational campaigns on awareness and knowledge of MI and using strategies based on age and lifestyle behavior.
Meta-analysis and systematic review of the relationship between sex and the risk or incidence of poststroke aphasia and its types
Authors: Li Ting-ting , Zhang Ping-ping , Zhang Ming-chen , Zhang Hui , Wang Hong-ying , Yuan Ying , Wu Shan-lin , Wang Xiao-wen , Sun Zhong-guang
Published: March 2024

Objective

To analyse and discuss the association of gender differences with the risk and incidence of poststroke aphasia (PSA) and its types, and to provide evidence-based guidance for the prevention and treatment of poststroke aphasia in clinical practice.

Data sources

Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from January 1, 2002, to December 1, 2023.

Study selection

Including the total number of strokes, aphasia, the number of different sexes or the number of PSA corresponding to different sex.

Data extraction

Studies with missing data, aphasia caused by nonstroke and noncompliance with the requirements of literature types were excluded.

Data synthesis

36 papers were included, from 19 countries. The analysis of 168,259 patients with stroke and 31,058 patients with PSA showed that the risk of PSA was 1.23 times higher in female than in male (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.19–1.29, P < 0.001), with a prevalence of PSA of 31% in men and 36% in women, and an overall prevalence of 34% (P < 0.001). Analysis of the risk of the different types of aphasia in 1,048 patients with PSA showed a high risk in females for global, broca and Wenicke aphasia, and a high risk in males for anomic, conductive and transcortical aphasia, which was not statistically significant by meta-analysis. The incidence of global aphasia (males vs. females, 29% vs. 32%) and broca aphasia (17% vs 19%) were higher in females, and anomic aphasia (19% vs 14%) was higher in males, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

There are gender differences in the incidence and types of PSA. The risk of PSA in female is higher than that in male.
An elevated level of interleukin-17A in a Senegalese malaria cohort is associated with rs8193038 IL-17A genetic variant
Authors: Thiam Fatou , Diop Gora , Coulonges Cedric , Derbois Celine , Thiam Alassane , Diouara Abou Abdallah Malick , Mbaye Mame Ndew , Diop Mamadou , Nguer Cheikh Momar , Dieye Yakhya , Mbengue Babacar , Zagury Jean-Francois , Deleuze Jean-Francois , Dieye Alioune
Published: March 2024

Malaria infection is a multifactorial disease partly modulated by host immuno-genetic factors. Recent evidence has demonstrated the importance of Interleukin-17 family proinflammatory cytokines and their genetic variants in host immunity. However, limited knowledge exists about their role in parasitic infections such as malaria. We aimed to investigate IL-17A serum levels in patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria and gene polymorphism’s influence on the IL-17A serum levels. In this research, 125 severe (SM) and uncomplicated (UM) malaria patients and 48 free malaria controls were enrolled. IL-17A serum levels were measured with ELISA. PCR and DNA sequencing were used to assess host genetic polymorphisms in IL-17A. We performed a multivariate regression to estimate the impact of human IL-17A variants on IL-17A serum levels and malaria outcomes. Elevated serum IL-17A levels accompanied by increased parasitemia were found in SM patients compared to UM and controls (P < 0.0001). Also, the IL-17A levels were lower in SM patients who were deceased than in those who survived. In addition, the minor allele frequencies (MAF) of two IL-17A polymorphisms (rs3819024 and rs3748067) were more prevalent in SM patients than UM patients, indicating an essential role in SM. Interestingly, the heterozygous rs8193038 AG genotype was significantly associated with higher levels of IL-17A than the homozygous wild type (AA). According to our results, it can be concluded that the IL-17A gene rs8193038 polymorphism significantly affects IL-17A gene expression. Our results fill a gap in the implication of IL-17A gene polymorphisms on the cytokine level in a malaria cohort. IL-17A gene polymorphisms also may influence cytokine production in response to Plasmodium infections and may contribute to the hyperinflammatory responses during severe malaria outcomes.