bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kualitas Hidup Pasien Kanker Payudara Menggunakan Kuesioner QLQ BR-23 di Rumah Sakit Kanker Dharmais Jakarta Barat
Authors: Rusdi Numlil Khaira , Iskandar Iskandar , Maifitrianti Maifitrianti , Nurhasnah Nurhasnah , Sulistyaningsih Endang , Safitri Lia Desviana
Published: December 2024

Masalah utama pasien kanker payudara dalam jangka panjang berkaitan dengan masalah psikososial dan gejala fisik khususnya efek samping dari terapi adjuvant sistemik/ kemoterapi pada kualitas hidup. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai kualitas hidup pasien kanker payudara di instalasi rawat jalan Rumah Sakit Kanker Dharmais Jakarta Barat dan mengevaluasi faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kualitas hidup pasien. Desain penelitian menggunakan studi kohort. Kualitas hidup pasien kanker payudara dinilai menggunakan kuesioner EORTC QLQ-BR23 dengan kategori baik, sedang, dan buruk. Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kualitas hidup dianalisis menggunakan regresi linear. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, kualitas hidup berdasarkan skala fungsional; untuk domain citra tubuh terkategori baik, fungsi seksual terkategori buruk, kenikmatan seksual dan pandangan masa depan terkategori sedang. Kualitas hidup berdasarkan skala gejala; pada domain efek terapi, gejala pada payudara, gejala pada lengan, dan gejala pada rambut termasuk kategori baik. Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kualitas hidup adalah usia 50 tahun keatas, postmenopause, mastektomi, dan stadium lanjut (p<0,05). Pasien kanker payudara di Rumah Sakit Kanker Dharmais Jakarta Barat memiliki kualitas hidup sedang pada skala fungsional dan kualitas hidup baik pada skala gejala.
FORMATION OF FUTURE HIGHER EDUCATION TEACHERS' READINESS FOR PEDAGOGICAL CREATIVITY: ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN SCIENTIFIC EXPERIENCE
Authors: Sydorenko Oleksandr
Published: December 2024

The article reveals the views of foreign and domestic researchers on the concepts of “pedagogical creativity” and “readiness”. It is found that the problem of creativity and readiness for it in higher education is considered from different angles, there is no single point of view among specialists. The main characteristics related to pedagogical creativity are listed: originality and novelty, high level of teacher motivation, student-centeredness, flexibility and adaptability, developed interpersonal relationships. It has been found that readiness for creativity requires serious theoretical preparation and implementation of experience in practice. It has been established that in the conditions of higher education institutions there is a need for high-quality educational personnel capable of showing creativity and non-standard thinking.
DEVELOPMENT OF PRACTICAL SKILLS OF PSYCHOLOGY BACHELORS FOR BUILDING A PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN BUSINESS
Authors: Bleshmudt Pavlo , Fil Olena
Published: December 2024

The article deals with the main methodological approaches and their essence to building a human resource management system in domestic companies as a business process and a condition for achieving the company's business goals through effective human resource management. The theoretical model of building a personnel management system in domestic companies as a competence of modern HR and as a practical skill of bachelors of psychology is formulated. An applied practical tool “HR-audit of the personnel management system” and its checklist for the formation of practical skills of bachelors of psychology as future HR of domestic companies are proposed. The indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of the HR management system in companies (HR analytics/metrics) are presented.
PROFESSIONAL ORIENTATION OF A TEACHER IN THE CONTEXT OF STEAM EDUCATION INTRODUCTION AND THE PREREQUISITES FOR STEAM COMPETENCIES FORMATION
Authors: Movmyga Nataliia , Demidova Yuliia , Polezhaieva Olena
Published: December 2024

The issue of teacher`s professional development in the context of STEAM education introduction is considered. Emphasis is put on the actualization of 4C method which is used to overcome the misunderstanding between the knowledge that students acquire in higher education institutions and the skills that employers expect from students. This method includes such main components as: communication skills, creativity, critical thinking and teamworking. The proposed recommendations for the development of STEAM competencies can contribute to the formation of professional success and development of innovative pedagogical experience of higher education institutions teachers. This research does not solve the problem of teacher`s professional development in the field under consideration and can be continued in analyzing its features depending on the professional area of study.
Advanced- Intrusion Detection Technique (AIDT) for Secure Communication among Devices in Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
Authors: M Ramya , Sudhakaran Pradeep , sivagnanam Yuvaraj , C SanthanaKrishnan
Published: December 2024

Patient care and healthcare operations have been significantly improved by the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in medical applications. Understanding the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) enables healthcare professionals to use remote diagnostics and real-time patient monitoring to provide treatment and save many lives. However, security and privacy have been issues since IoMT devices are vulnerable to hackers. IoMT devices don't have enough memory or processing power to set up security features. One of the primary issues with the current system is the leaking of personal and private information (IoMT). Considering the aforementioned, this study suggests an Advanced Intrusion Detection Technology (AIDT) to guarantee safe data exchange amongst IoMT devices. The model uses a probabilistic neural network (PNN) to classify whether intrusions are present or not, and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for feature extraction.By employing the integrated patient sensing and network traffic datasets, our research achieves a superior accuracy rate of 96.4% in network intrusion detection compared to the competing algorithms. Furthermore, we incorporated a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of different classification algorithms in IoMT network intrusion detection, further supporting the claim that the proposed framework performs marginally better than alternative models.
In situ growth of three-dimensional walnut-like nanostructures of W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for water decomposition
Authors: Gao Yu , Sun Xin , Mersal Gaber , Alhadhrami A , Ibrahim Mohamed , Hou Yulong , Liu Wenhui , Bildan Denise , Algadi Hassan , Liu Terence
Published: December 2024

The design of novel composite nanomaterial structures is important for the construction of advanced electrocatalysts. Nevertheless, obtaining novel electrocatalysts with excellent catalytic activity and stability is still challenging. Herein, new catalysts with a unique nanostructure of W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF composed of W-doped Ni2P ultrafine nanosheets were successfully grown in situ using NiFe LDH nanostructures as the backbone support. The newly produced catalysts showed distinctive three-dimensional spherical nanostructure, beneficial to enhancing electron transport, providing abundant active sites, and promoting gas release. To increase the catalytic effectiveness, a synergy interaction was produced among W-Ni2P with NiFe LDH to yield significantly improved stability and reactivity electrocatalysts. Compared to NiFe LDH/NF and W-Ni2P/NF, the as-obtained spherically-structured W-Ni2P@NiFe LDH/NF catalysts demonstrated high catalytic efficiencies toward OER (222 mV @ 40 mA cm-2), HER (195 mV @ 10 mA cm-2), and total electrolysis (1.7 V @ 10 mA cm-2). Besides, the catalytic activities of W--1@NiFe LDH/NF electrocatalysts compared well to most published non-precious metal catalysts and even valuable precious metal catalysts. In sum, the proposed approach to construct inexpensive, high-activity, and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts looks promising for advanced future hydrogen energy conversion applications.
Development and validation of a neurosurgical phantom for simulating external ventricular drain placement
Authors: Doormaal Jesse A.M. van , Fick Tim , Boskovic Ernest , Hoving Eelco W. , Robe Pierre A.J.T. , Doormaal Tristan P.C.
Published: December 2024

Introduction
This study aimed to develop and validate a cost-effective, customizable patient-specific phantom for simulating external ventricular drain placement, combining image segmentation, 3-D printing and molding techniques.
Methods
Two variations of the phantom were created based on patient MRI data, integrating a realistic skin layer with anatomical landmarks, a 3-D printed skull, an agarose polysaccharide gel brain, and a ventricular cavity. To validate the phantom, 15 neurosurgeons, residents, and physician assistants performed 30 EVD placements. The effectiveness of the phantom as a training tool was assessed through a standardized user experience questionnaire, which evaluated the physical attributes, realism, and overall satisfaction. The mechanical properties of the phantom brain were quantified by measuring catheter insertion forces using a linear force tester to compare them to those experienced in real brain tissue.
Results
The study participants successfully completed EVD placements with a 76.7% optimal placement rate, which aligns with rates observed in clinical practice. Feedback highlighted the anatomical accuracy of the phantom and its value in enhancing surgical skills, though it also identified areas for improvement, particularly in the realism of the skin layer. Mechanical testing demonstrated that the insertion forces required were comparable to those encountered in actual brain tissue.
Conclusions
The developed phantom offers a realistic, low-cost, and adaptable model for EVD simulation. This tool is particularly beneficial for both training and research, with future enhancements planned to improve the realism of the skin and incorporate more anatomical features to increase the fidelity of the simulation.
Development of edible coating incorporating cherry stem powder or leek powder to decrease oil uptake and lipid oxidation in potatoes during air, oven, and deep oil frying methods
Authors: Yazıcıoğlu Nalan , MERT Imran , ÖZMEN Tuğba , ÖZTÜRK Şevval , SARITAŞ Esra , ÖZER Ramazan
Published: December 2024

This study aims to compare the effects of various coating materials, including cherry stem powder (C) or leek powder (L) , aloe vera (A) or glycerol (G) on the quality parameters of potatoes during different frying methods (air frying, conventional oven frying, and deep-oil frying), considering factors such as moisture content, texture, oil uptake, frying loss, color, total phenolic content (TPC), lipid oxidation, and sensory analysis. The moisture content of air fried CG was higher compared to oven frying and deep oil frying. The air frying yields a firmer texture for LG and LA compared to deep oil frying of these samples. Additionally, uncoated potatoes exhibit greater hardness than CG, CA, and LA samples when oven fried. Frying method had no notable impact on surface oil; coated samples absorbed less oil than uncoated ones, notably in air frying. Incorporating cherry stem powder into coatings significantly increased the phenolic content to 228.63±0.106 mg GAE/100 g, surpassing that of samples containing leek powder and the control, which measured at 190.76±1.98 mg GAE/100 g. Coatings with elevated levels of TPC (CA, CG) decreased secondary oxidation in fried potato to 1.275±0.021 mg MDA/kg, which was 18.5% lower than the control. Cherry stem powder-added samples, when air fried, showed promise in reducing oil uptake and lipid oxidation.
Global, regional, and national burden of anxiety disorders during the perimenopause (1990– 2021) and projections to 2035
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hu Ting-Ting , Cheng Yong-Ran , Su Jun , Zhang Zhi-Fen
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Perimenopause is associated with an increased risk of anxiety disorders, largely due to hormonal changes affecting the body's regulatory feedback mechanisms. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the global burden of anxiety disorders among perimenopausal women.
Methods:Data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database were utilized to assessdisability-adjusted life years associated with anxiety disorders linked to perimenopause. We calculated trends using the estimated average percent change, and future projections were made using the Bayesian age–period–cohort model to estimate disability-adjusted life year trends for anxiety disorders from 2022 to 2035.
Results: Between 1990 and 2021, the global age-standardized disability-adjusted life year rate for anxiety disorders among perimenopausal women increased from 625.51 (95% uncertainty interval: 429.1–891.09) to 677.15 (95% uncertainty interval: 469.45–952.72), indicating a rising trend with an estimated average percent change of 0.081 (95% confidence interval: 0.0043–0.143). Regional differences were noted, with anxiety disorder burdens varying across areas with different sociodemographic index levels. Projections suggest that by 2035, the global burden of anxiety disorders in perimenopausal women will rise to 1,180.43 per 100,000, a 40.67% increase compared with 2021 levels.
Conclusion: The burden of anxiety disorders during perimenopause is a growing global concern, with a significant increase anticipated in the coming years, particularly among younger populations. Targeted prevention and intervention strategies are urgently needed to mitigate this rising burden and improve mental health outcomesduring perimenopause.
Catalytic region mimetics in Na+/H+ exchanger regulatory factor 4 suppress Guanylate Cyclase 2C activity to regulate enterotoxin triggered diarrhea
Authors: Ramananda Yashaswini , Liyanage Pramodha , Huang Yunjie , Porollo Alexey , Hannig Gerhard , Naren Anjaparavanda P , Arora Kavisha
Published: December 2024

Guanylate cyclase 2C (GCC), a receptor for bacterial heat-stable enterotoxin ST on the apical intestinal epithelium, generates cGMP and causes excessive intestinal secretion leading to diarrhea upon activation. This study reports that the C-terminal PSD95, Dlg1, ZO-1 (PDZ) domain interacting motif in GCC interacts with scaffolding proteins sodium-hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor (NHERF)1–4. NHERF4 binding inhibits GCC catalytic activity, unlike NHERF1, 2, and 3. The inhibition of GCC activity was mimicked by two synergistically acting NHERF4 peptides (N4-110 [NH2-LERPRFCLL-COOH] and N4-195 [NH2-RHAHDVARAQLG-COOH]), peptides with high sequence homology to the GCC catalytic domain. In native NHERF4, these peptides are in close spatial proximity to each other within the PDZ domain. Based on 3-D guanylate cyclase domain modeling, the binding sites for N4-110 and N4-195 were both mapped to the GCC dimer interface. FRET analysis confirmed that NHERF4 PDZ1 domain binding interferes with GCC oligomerization. Studies in murine and human enteroid models showed that NHERF4 binding and inhibition of GCC activity are enhanced by excessive GCC activation following ST stimulation. This suggests NHERF4 inhibits unregulated GCC activity in diarrhea. Overall, our findings reveal a novel regulatory mechanism of GCC, offering insights for developing new therapies for enterotoxin-triggered diarrheas.
An Exploratory Study on Domain Knowledge Infusion in Deep Learning for Automated Threat Defense
Authors: Khanzadeh Suren , Neto Euclides Carlos Pinto , Iqbal Shahrear , Alalfi Manar , Buffett Scott
Published: December 2024

The wide adoption of interconnected services leads to the creation of supportive solutions and business opportunities. Conversely, this new paradigm is targeted by malicious activities, aiming to compromise systems' confidentiality, integrity, and availability. However, advanced methods lack contextual awareness, which prevents their deployment to real-world systems. Considering that the process of making informed decisions stems from the expertise of analysts based on their experience, the use of cybersecurity domain knowledge has the potential to improve Deep Learning (DL) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) operations in real scenarios. Therefore, the main goal of this research is to study and evaluate the use of Knowledge Infused Learning (KIL) in the context of automated threat defense. We define how cybersecurity domain knowledge can be infused into DL and RL, highlighting the main challenges and benefits. Besides, we present a roadmap to apply domain knowledge for red and blue teaming activities and discuss the implications of KIL in explainability, and actionable reporting. Finally, we list the open challenges to guide the development of next-generation security solutions.
Molecular basis for the activation of outer dynein arms in cilia
Authors: Mali Girish , Issa Karim Housseini B , Ren Muyang , Burnet Bradley , Lu Hao , Melia Charlotte , Heesom Kate , Roy Sudipto
Published: December 2024

Multiciliogenesis requires large-scale biosynthesis of motility-powering axonemal inner and outer dynein arm motors (IDA and ODA) prior to their intraflagellar transport (IFT) into cilia. ODAs are inhibited by the packaging chaperone Shulin during ciliogenesis in T. thermophila. How Shulin is released for ODAs to become active inside cilia remains unclear. Here we uncover a molecular mechanism for ODA activation. We establish interactions between DNAAF9 (human Shulin) and mammalian ODA subunits, IFT proteins and the ciliary small GTPase ARL3 using proteomics and in vitro reconstitutions. Mutagenesis combined with biochemical and structural studies reveal that DNAAF9 and Shulin preferentially binds active Arl3-GTP. GTP-loaded Arl3 can access, bind and displace Shulin from the packaged ODA-Shulin complex. We propose that once the inhibited ODA complex enters growing cilia, Arl3-GTP displaces Shulin (DNAAF9) and sequesters it away from ODAs promoting activation of their motility specifically inside cilia.
An age-independent MASLD-related liver fibrosis index reflecting gut dysbiosis and hepatic stellate cells reprogramming
Authors: Cicero Daniel , Zampieri Serena , Petrella Greta , Nagni Elisa , Micheli Laura , Maiorca Francesca , Ludovica Lombardi , Carbone Marilena , Sabetta Annamaria , Miglionico Marzia , Pecani Marin , Raparelli Valeria , Basili Stefania , Stefanini Lucia
Published: December 2024

Background
The burden of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is of immediate concern, as its prevalence is increasing worldwide. MASLD often progresses to liver fibrosis, posing significant health risks. Age-independent non-invasive tools to evaluate fibrosis are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy across all age groups.
Methods.
84 inflammatory, hematological, and metabolic variables were quantified in the blood of n = 63 individuals with MASLD with different degrees of fibrosis and n = 22 age-matched controls. Linear regression models were employed to identify markers strongly correlated with liver fibrosis but not influenced by age. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the ability of various indexes to discriminate between no/mild and severe liver fibrosis.
Results.
Levels of glutamine and propionate were identified as strongly correlated to fibrosis but not age and combined to form the GP index. The GP index demonstrated superior predictive power for liver fibrosis compared to existing scores, like circulating creatinine. It showed higher discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.872) and better model fit, indicating its robustness and reliability across all age groups.
Conclusions.
The study introduces the GP index, an age-independent tool for diagnosing and monitoring liver fibrosis in MASLD patients. By excluding age-dependent markers, the GP index can potentially reduce false positives and improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly in older populations. The combination of glutamine and propionate in this index reflects a novel approach, capturing both intrinsic hepatic metabolic changes and extrinsic influences from gut microbiota, offering a simple yet effective solution for liver fibrosis staging.
Deep and Continuous Root Development in Ameliorated Soil Improves Nutrients Uptake and Wheat Yield in Water-Limited Conditions
Authors: Azam Gaus , Wickramarachchi Kanch , Scanlan Craig , Chen Yinglong
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims Despite the widespread co-occurrence of subsoil acidity and compaction, the interaction between these factors and their combined effects on root system development under water-limited conditions is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate how the removal of soil strength and acidity in surface and subsurface layers influenced root development in field conditions and examine relationships between root system properties and shoot growth. Methods Images of root growth were obtained in situ by using rhizotron facilities to assess the temporal effects of soil improvement through loosening and lime incorporation on wheat root development in the 2018 season. Following this, we examined the relationship between enhanced root systems, nutrient uptake, and overall crop performance. Results The results indicate that improved soil conditions significantly enhanced total root length (TRL) through the elongation and proliferation of wheat roots in the subsoil. Among the soil parameters assessed, subsoil strength had a more dominant influence on TRL than soil pH or extractable aluminium concentration (EAC). Regression analysis suggests that ameliorated subsoil was the primary driver of significant improvements in nutrient uptake, which subsequently enhanced wheat performance, including head density, biomass, and grain yield. This highlights the critical role of deep root systems in optimising crop productivity. Notably, the loosening and lime treatments improved soil pH and reduced EAC, promoting deeper and continuous root growth, allowing plants to access previously unavailable soil nutrients. Conclusions By integrating root imaging data with soil property measurements, this research provides a deeper understanding of root-soil interactions throughout the cropping season. It offers valuable insights into sustainable soil management practices that optimise root architecture and improve crop productivity in challenging soil conditions.
Biomass-derived N and S co-doped carbon dots as a novel efficient inhibitor for carbon steel in acidic environment
Authors: Cao Shuyun , Cao Yubao , Li Yongwei , Wang Hong
Published: December 2024

Developing efficient green inhibitors from sustainable and cost-effective materials remains a challenge. N and S co-doped carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized from dried lycium as carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur sources, using hydrothermal reaction. The corrosion inhibition performance of these CDs on carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution was investigated using electrochemical measurements and surface characterizations techniques. The lycium-derived CDs, were rich in oxygen-, nitrogen-, and sulfur-containing functional groups, had an average size of ~ 20.3 nm and a pyrrole-like N content of 65.3%. These characteristics contributed to their effective inhibition performance, achieving a maximum inhibition efficiency of 88.4% for carbon steel at a concentration of 100 mg/L. Adsorption isotherm and corrosion morphology analyses indicated that the inhibition mechanism of CDs primarily involves the formation of a protective film through both physical and chemical adsorption. Pyrrole-like N species, via π-complex formation, play a significant role in achieving excellent inhibition by promoting parallel adsorption onto the steel surface. This study demonstrates a green approach for synthesizing efficient biomass-derived CDs, promoting the development of sustainable and effective corrosion protection strategies.
MuSK is a substrate for CaMK2β but this interaction is dispensable for MuSK activation in vivo
Authors: Prömer Jakob J. , Wolske Sara , Castets Perrine , Woerden Geeske M. , Barresi Cinzia , O’Connor Kevin C. , Herbst Ruth
Published: December 2024

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the unique interface between lower motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers and is indispensable for muscle function. Tight control of its localized formation at the center of every muscle fiber, and maintenance throughout lifetime are sustained by muscle-specific kinase (MuSK). MuSK acts as central regulator of acetylcholine receptor clustering at the postsynapse. Localized and temporally controlled signaling of MuSK is primarily achieved by tyrosine autophosphorylation and inhibition thereof. Previous research suggested serine phosphorylation of the activation domain as additional modulator of MuSK activation. Here we identified calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMK2) and in particular CaMK2β as novel catalyst of MuSK activation and confirmed its capability to phosphorylate MuSK in heterologous cells. However, whereas CaMK2β absence in muscle cells reduced AChR clustering, MuSK phosphorylation was unchanged. Accordingly, we ruled out MuSK phosphorylation as the cause of synapse fragmentation in a mouse model for myotonic dystrophy type 1, in which the muscle-specific splice-variant of CaMK2β is missing, or as the cause of ataxia or delayed muscle development in CaMK2β knockout animals. Histological characterization of muscles of CaMK2β knockout mice indicated specific roles of CaMK2β in fast glycolytic versus slow oxidative muscle. Taken together our data shows that MuSK can be phosphorylated by CaMK2b, but loss of CaMK2b is likely compensated for by other CaMK2 paralogs at the NMJ.
Community dynamics during de novo colonization of the nascent peri-implant sulcus
Authors: Kumar Purnima , Dutra Tamires , Robitaille Nicolas , alTabtbaei Khaled , Dabdoub Shareef
Published: December 2024

Dental implants have restored chewing function to over 100,000,000 individuals, yet almost 1,000,000 implants fail each year due to peri-implantitis, a disease triggered by peri-implant microbial dysbiosis. Our ability to prevent and treat peri-implantitis is hampered by a paucity of knowledge of how these biomes are acquired and the factors that engender normobiosis. Therefore, we combined a 3-month interventional study of 15 systemically and periodontally healthy adults with whole genome sequencing, fine-scale enumeration and graph theoretics to interrogate colonization dynamics in the pristine peri-implant sulcus. We discovered that colonization trajectories of implants differ substantially from adjoining teeth in acquisition of new members and development of functional synergies. Source-tracking algorithms revealed that this niche is initially seeded by bacteria trapped within the coverscrew chamber during implant placement. These pioneer species stably colonize the microbiome and exert a sustained influence on the ecosystem by serving as anchors of influential hubs and by providing functions that enable cell replication and biofilm maturation. Unlike the periodontal microbiome, recruitment of new members to the peri-implant community occurs on nepotistic principles. Maturation is accompanied by a progressive increase in anaerobiosis, however, the predominant functionalities are oxygen-dependent over the 12-weeks. The peri-implant community is easily perturbed following crown placement, but demonstrates remarkable resilience; returning to pre-perturbation states within three weeks. This study highlights important differences in the development of the periodontal and peri-implant ecosystems, and signposts the importance of placing implants in periodontally healthy individuals or following the successful resolution of periodontal disease.
Modified vermiculite supported Ru nanoparticles as a robust catalyst for the hydrogenation of levulinic acid to γ-valerolactone
Authors: Danhong Yang , Shihong Chen , Lei Wang , Mingdeng Liu , Lanping Lai , Lina Zhou
Published: December 2024

Organic-pillared vermiculite was applied as the support to fabricate Ru catalyst via adsorption-precipitation method. The catalytic performances of the catalyst were investigated for the selective hydrogenation of levulinic acid (LA) or methyl levulinate (ML) to γ-valerolactone (GVL). The 100% selectivity of GVL and 100% conversion of LA were obtained at 403 K, 4.0 MPa using water as solvent. Moreover, a good recyclability was observed even after 14 reaction cycles as a slight conversion decrease of the LA and no change of the selectivity of GVL. The Characterization of the fresh catalysts and reused catalysts were performed using various techniques including XRD, FT-IR, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS and TEM. The catalytic tests and characterization data confirmed that the sample of Ru/Modified-Vermiculite can be taken as a robust and effective catalyst for the conversion of the LA to GVL.
Beyond Aneurysms, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Unraveling Dural Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Rare Case Report
Authors: osama Muhammad , Abdullah Abdullah , Noman Mohammad , Khan Hafsa , Nawaz Aishah Binte , Ahmed Shahzaib , Shahzad Farhan
Published: December 2024

Background
Dural venous sinus thrombosis (DVST) can be challenging for clinicians, especially when presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-like symptoms. DVST presents with headache, vision loss, paralysis and seizures.
Case presentation:
We report a case of a 22-year-old male with left-sided weakness, severe headache and loss of consciousness. Examination revealed left-sided weakness and optic disc blurring. Lumbar puncture showed numerous RBCs. MRI brain with Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) revealed “left transverse and sigmoid venous sinus thrombosis and minimal subarachnoid hemorrhage.” A diagnosis of SAH secondary to DVST was made. The patient was treated with Apixaban, resulting in resolution of DVST and SAH.
Conclusion
This case highlights the need for early recognition of DVST in SAH patients lacking aneurysmal components or basal cistern involvement and its management with anticoagulation if hemodynamically stable.
Causal Associations Between Liver Function Biomarkers and Prostate Cancer Risk in European and East Asian Populations: A Univariate, Multivariate, and Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Zhu Wenjing , Peng Yu
Published: December 2024

Background
To investigate the causal relationship between liver function biomarkers and prostate cancer (PCa) in European and East Asian populations using various forms of Mendelian Randomization (MR) and statistical analyses.
Methods
Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which is strongly associated with exposure factors, was selected as an instrumental variable from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median (WM), MR-Egger, weighted mode, and simple mode were used to investigate the causal relationship between exposure and outcome, and sensitivity analyses were performed to verify the robustness of the results.
Results
Univariate MR analysis suggested a causal relationship between ALT (OR:0.85, 95% CI(0.75,0.95), P:0.005) and AST (OR:0.90, 95% CI(0.81,1.00), P:0.045) and a reduced risk of PCa in European populations, and a causal relationship between total bilirubin (OR:0.94, 95% CI(0.88,1.00), P:0.049) and direct bilirubin (OR:0.91, 95% CI(0.84,0.99), P:0.022) were causally associated with reduced PCa risk in the East Asian population. The association between total bilirubin (OR:0.74, 95% CI(0.55,0.99), P:0.044) and PCa remained significant after multivariate MR analysis adjusting for confounders. In the reverse MR analysis, a causal relationship between PCa and reduced ALT (OR:0.93, 95% CI(0.88,0.98), P:0.007) was found only in the East Asian population. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy.
Conclusion
There are differences in the causal relationship between liver function biomarkers and PCa in European and East Asian populations. ALT and AST are protective factors for PCa in European populations, and total bilirubin and direct bilirubin in East Asian populations. PCa decreases ALT levels in East Asian populations, which may be one of the characteristic manifestations of PCa paraneoplastic syndrome. Overall, these findings provide ideas for clinical prevention, monitoring and treatment of PCa.
Improving the time-efficiency of initial mental health assessment (triaging) using an online assessment tool followed by a clinical interview via phone: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Fernando Irosh , Gupta Rahul , Simpson Kate , Szwec Stuart , Carey Mariko , Conrad Agatha , Heard Todd , Lampe Lisa
Published: December 2024

Background:
The need for time-efficient and accessible mental health assessment is a priority in the face of high and increasing demand and limited resources in the context of progressive increase over time in the percentage of adults experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress. Although there is broader supportive evidence for using online assessment as a potential solution, there is relatively little evidence from randomised controlled trials.
Objective:
To investigate whether patient online self-reported clinical information can save clinician time in mental health assessment via phone.
Methods:
Patients referred by general practitioners via fax during business hours between February 2020 and June 2022 were randomly allocated to either the intervention (self-reporting of clinical information followed by clinician assessment) or control (assessment as usual). Time to complete assessment (call duration) was the outcome measure.
Results:
Out of 758 referrals assessed for eligibility, 377 (49.34%) entered the study and were randomised. Out of 184 allocated to the intervention arm, assessment was completed in 125, but only 81 were included in the analysis, mostly due to clinician error in completing assessment without using self-reported data, due to inexperience with the novel process. Of 193 referrals allocated to the control arm, only 135 completed assessment and were included in the analysis. Average assessment completion times in the control arm was 25.19 minutes (standard deviation (SD) of 11.5 minutes) and 20.76 minutes (SD 7.49 minutes) in the intervention arm respectively, with a mean difference of 4.43 minutes (17.59% time reduction). When a mixed effects linear model was used to adjust for potential seasonal effect and correlation of outcome within clinicians, a statistically significant reduction of 3.29 minutes (P = 0.016, 95% CI (5.85, 0.73)) was still demonstrated by using online assessment.
Conclusion:
Use of online self-report clinical assessment by patients can save time to complete subsequent clinician assessment. Greater time-saving can be expected with increased clinician familiarity with using online self-reported data.
Trial registration
(registered retrospectively)
Registry: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN).
Registration number: anzctr.org.au ACTRN12624001293550.
Date of registration: 24/10/2024.
Application of Generative Adversarial Networks in Geoelectrical Field Data Interpretation
Authors: Shahnas M. Hosein , Alile O. M. , Pysklywec R. N.
Published: December 2024

The geoelectrical survey method generates subsurface cross-sections images based on physical properties, but requires solution of an inverse problem with potential ambiguities in model interpretation and substructure uncertainties. The integration of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and machine learning computational approaches is adopted in this study to reduce these ambiguities and uncertainties as well as the labour-intensive nature of the standard computational approach. A data set collected from landfill locations in Nigeria is inverted by the conventional geophysical method of interpretation using the RES2DINV software. The inverted data (true resistivity tomography images) along with the source data (apparent resistivity images) are used as training samples to develop predictor models based on the Pix2Pix conditional generative adversarial networks (Pix2Pix-cGAN). Initial results with a small number of training samples reveal about 89% structural similarity between the true resistivity topography obtained by the standard inversion method and those predicted by the Pix2Pix translator. Our novel approach can be applied to the analysis of seismic data from the lithosphere and mantle.
The Role of Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio in Predicting Dialysis Adequacy; ; A Cross-Sectional Study From Turkey
Authors: Biricik Mehmet , Yılmaz Üstün
Published: December 2024

Objective
This study aimed to explore the direct correlation between the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) and the effectiveness of dialysis in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
Methods
This comprehensive cross-sectional study meticulously analyzed data from 145 HD patients from three centers. Blood samples were rigorously collected from each participant to determine MHR.
Results
The gender distribution showed that 74 (51.03%) participants were female and 71 (48.97%) were male, with an average age of 53.23 ± 14.70 years. Notably, 30 (20.68%) patients had Kt/V ≤ 1.3. The study uncovered a significant correlation between MHR and dialysis effectiveness (p < 0.028). Patients exhibiting a higher Kt/V demonstrated a lower MHR.
Conclusion
This study has successfully pioneered the exploration of the correlation between MHR and dialysis adequacy. The findings strongly suggest that MHR could serve as an essential indicator of dialysis adequacy in HD patients.
Injectable Double-Network Hydrogel as Soft Bioelectronics for Epileptic Discharge Monitoring Via Engineered Two-Dimensional-Materials
Authors: Zhang Ru , Rana Md Sohel , Lin Huang , Qian Kun
Published: December 2024

Single-component hydrogels often grapple with the formidable challenge of meeting multifaceted capability requirements essential in practical applications, including conductivity, adhesiveness, injectability, and resistance to stretching and bending. In response, we harness a double-network hydrogel (DNH) strategy, augmenting it with engineered two-dimensional-material transition metal boride (MBene) as an enhancer. This innovative strategy enables the creation of MB-DNH hydrogel, showcasing favourable injectability, conductivity, robust adhesion to brain tissue, and resilience against bending and stretching. Consequently, it empowers us to analyze and monitor epileptic abnormal discharges. Regarding conductivity, MB-DNH (0.24 ± 0.009 mS/cm) outperforms two single-network hydrogels (PEDOT: PSS and polyacrylamide), exhibiting enhancements of 0.84 and 25.6 folds, respectively. Regarding adhesiveness, MB-DNH excels, showing increments of 128.8% and 117.7%, respectively, compared to two single-network hydrogels. For mechanical capability, MB-DNH demonstrates favourable resistance to stretching and bending with relative standard deviation (RSD) values of 1.03% and 1.35%, respectively, following 50 stretching and 30 bending cycles. In practical applications, MB-DNH enables electroencephalogram (EEG) recording and monitoring of abnormal discharges in epileptic mice. We envision that this double-network hydrogel strategy, anchored by MBene, will substantially advance precise and efficient EEG recording, propelling progress in brain-machine interfaces and human-computer interaction.
Development of Indicator System for Early Warning of Clinical Nursing Critical Values in General Wards: A Delphi Study
Authors: Xiong Weixin , Xie Fenglan , Li Qin , Chen Ying , Yang Hongmei , Wu Jieli , Li Jianying , Chen Zhihao , Hu Xiaoqin , Hu Lijing
Published: December 2024

Aim: This study aimed to develop an indicator system for early warning of clinical nursing critical values for implementation in general wards.
Background: By assessing multiple physiologic parameters simultaneously, subtle changes in a patient's clinical status are more easily recognized. However, the literature indicates that existing early warning systems, such as the early warning score, are primarily used in critical care, pre-hospital emergency care, and other fields. There is a lack of consensus on early warning systems for clinical nursing critical values in general wards, and effective and feasible quantitative indicators in nursing risk prevention are lacking.
Methods: The research involved literature retrieval, theoretical analysis, and qualitative research. A preliminary screening of nursing critical value warning indicators was conducted, and a draft was established. A Delphi survey was carried out with the participation of 148 experts from clinical nursing, nursing education, and nursing associations. The present study was guided by the Conducting and Reporting of Delphi studies (CREDES) modified recommendations and the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.
Results: In the two Delphi survey rounds, the recovery rates for the two questionnaires were 96.62% and 99.32%, respectively. The authority coefficients were 0.854 and 0.871, respectively, with coefficients of variation ranging from 0.08 to 0.23. The final early warning system for clinical nursing critical values in general wards comprised 10 first-level indicators and 23 second-level indicators.
Conclusions: The development indicator system for early warning of clinical nursing critical values in general wards is both scientifically grounded and practical. It provides accurate guidance to clinical nurses, particularly junior nurses, enabling timely identification of changes in patient conditions, avoidance of adverse events, and the assurance of clinical nursing safety.
Implications for Nursing Management: The development and establishment of indicator system for early warning of clinical nursing critical values in general wards will help to identification of changes in patient conditions, avoidance of adverse events, and the assurance of clinical nursing safety.
Assessing the diagnostic precision of multispecies automated hematology analyzers for red blood cell counting in sheep: A method comparison study
Authors: Amjad Warda , Sattar Saba , Lashari Mushtaq Hussain , Abbas Sikander , Farooq Umer , Ur-Rehman Zia , Rashid Haroon , Idris Musadiq , Qayyum Sumama , Shahzad Khawar Ali , Almutairi Saeedah Musaed , Nasreen Shagufta
Published: December 2024

Background
The RBCs of sheep are small, non-nucleated and normally round in shape, with marked variations in its shape which makes their counting bit tricky. The present method-comparison analysis aims to ascertain diagnostic precision of two multispecies automated veterinary hematology analyzers (RBC-R and RBC-B) in comparison to three manual hematological counting techniques (using hemocytometer with three different dilutions, RBC-1, RBC-2 and RBC-3) for RBC counting in apparently healthy Sipli breed of sheep (n = 60) from Pakistan.
Results
Results revealed lowest CV (15.4%) for RBC-R. The RBC-R for overall and group-wise data was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher (7.29 ± 0.14×1012/L) than other four methods, though within normal physiological range for sheep. However, the remaining four methods showed non-significant (P ≥ 0.05) difference between each other. But the values were not within the normal physiological range for sheep being far lower (4.0-5.6×1012/L). Moderate direct relationship was revealed only between RBC-R and RBC-B as ascertained through logilinear regression, Bland and Altman test, Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient.
Conclusions
It is concluded that manual methods of RBC counting in sheep using hemocytometers may not be reliable. Furthermore, the multispecies hematology analyzers catered data having higher skewness, kurtosis, CV% and accuracy/precision. We recommend a broader need within veterinary hematology for species-specific calibration and the establishment of custom RIs, particularly in regions where resource-limited settings may rely on imported multispecies hematology analyzers that are calibrated primarily for more widely studied animals.
Global, regional, and national burden of gynecological diseases, 1990-2021: an analysis based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Cheng Xi , Ca Xiting , Ma Jinzhao , Chen Li , Yao Bing
Published: December 2024

Background
Gynecological diseases exert a significant influence on women's health throughout their lives. These conditions can lead to both physical and psychological distress in women and may also adversely affect their daily and family lives.
Methods
Data on the prevalence, incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALY) and mortality due to gynecological diseases were retrieved from the GBD study 2021 for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. The counts and age-standardized rates (per 100 ,000) are presented, along with their corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). Estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) in prevalence, incidence, DALY and mortality rates for total gynecological diseases and its subtypes from 1990 to 2021 were computed using linear regression analysis to examine secular trends.
Results
Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR) of gynecological diseases changed from 38464.52 (95% UI: 35074.96, 41639.33) per 100,000 women in 1990 to 37750.54 (34405.04, 40970.48) per 100,000 women in 2021 (EAPC=-0.09), the age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) changed from 19845.39 (17240.30, 22479.96) per 100,000 women in 1990 to 18836.41 (16468.62, 21225.90) per 100,000 women in 2021 (EAPC=-0.26), the age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) changed from 727.74 (511.70, 1009.23) per 100,000 women in 1990 to 678.64 (474.94, 947.95) per 100,000 women in 2021 (EAPC=-0.31), the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) changed from 0.2 (0.16, 0.29) per 100,000 women in 1990 to 0.21 (0.15, 0.24) per 100,000 women in 2021 (EAPC = 0.2). Low SDI countries had the highest ASRP [40164.16, (36843.68,43308.06) per 100,000], ASIR [23702.50, (20505.89, 26699.26) per 100,000], ASDR [861.52 (612.16,1180.93) per 100,00], and ASMR [0.54 (0.35, 0.71) per 100,000] in 2021. The middle SDI countries had the lowest ASPR [36872.20 (33434.97,40173.15) per 100,000], ASIR [17168.96 (14932.05, 19318.55) per 100,000], and ASDR [624.54 (434.72, 882.25) per 100,000]. High SDI regions had the lowest ASMR [0.06 (0.05, 0.06) per 100,000].
Conclusions
In 2021, the global prevalence rate, incidence rate, and DALY rate of gynecological diseases exhibited a modest decline in comparison to 1990, whereas the mortality rate underwent a slight elevation. Female individuals of varying ages, regions, and SDI levels confronted diverse burdens stemming from gynecological diseases.
Regime-switching model estimates the impact of trade openness on the economic growth of the Arab Maghreb Union
Authors: BOUATTOUR Mariem , KANOUN Salem , HELALI Kamel
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the non-linear effects of trade openness on economic growth in the five Maghreb countries—Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Mauritania—from 1990 to 2021, using the Panel Smooth Transition Autoregression (PSTAR) model. The results confirm the trade-led growth (TLG) hypothesis, but this relationship is only significant when trade openness exceeds a threshold of 98.145%. Causality tests support this finding, highlighting the need for trade infrastructure improvements and trading partners' diversification. Furthermore, promoting a comprehensive politico-economic integration between the union members helps the AMU to overcome its structural limitations and to rationalize the substantial end-proven benefits of trade openness with the rest of the world.
JEL Classification: F14; C24.