bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of suboptimal blood pressure, glycaemic control and associated factors among patients with diabetes and hypertension in primary health care facilities in Ghana: A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hinneh Thomas , Mensah Bernard , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi , Bayuo Jonathan , Donkoh Emmanuel Timmy , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne
Published: December 2024

Background
Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and are common indications for adult in-patient admissions in Ghana. Primary health facility data on blood pressure (BP) and glycemic control are needed to model the impact of strategies to reduce the high burden of NCDs in Africa.
Methods
This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at four primary healthcare facilities in Ghana, from January 2023 to July 2023. Glycemic control was defined as fasting blood glucose <7.0 mm/L, and BP control as <140/90 mmHg, per Ministry of Health treatment guideline. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between patient or facility-level factors and optimal BP and glycemic control.
Results
Among the 1,503 adults in the study, 1,194 (79%) were women, mean age of 63 years (±13.1). Participants were mostly females (1194; 79.1%), and had at least primary level education (324; 21.5%). Most participants (866; 57.6%) had hypertension, both hypertension and diabetes mellitus (506; 33.6%), and (131; 9%) had diabetes mellitus. Median systolic blood pressure was 141.7 mmHg (IQR: 130.0-153.6), and median diastolic blood pressure was 80.7 mmHg (IQR: 75.0 to 88.0), both higher in patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Suboptimal BP and glycaemic control were found in 58% (95% CI: 55.6%–60.7%) and 72% (95% CI: 68.4%–75.6%) of participants, respectively. Complications affected 14.5% of patients, with peripheral neuropathy in 9%, higher in patients with only diabetes (17.6%), and 4% for retinopathy. In multivariate analysis, lower education (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.07–2.04, p = 0.02) and having comorbidities (AOR = 5.56, 95% CI: 4.28–7.21, p < 0.001) were associated with suboptimal BP control. For suboptimal glycemic control, associated factors included the presence of complications (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.02–2.89, p = 0.004), primary education (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.06–3.25, p = 0.01), and age over 60 (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.01–2.08, p = 0.04)
Conclusions
Populations with hypertension and diabetes mellitus require a more patient-centered approach to intensive treatment strategies to achieve optimal BP and glycaemic levels targets.
Overcoming Refractory Ischaemic Priapism: The Emergence of Penoscrotal Decompression
Authors: Mubarak Mohamed , Isa Qasim , Hayes John , Pearce Ian , Modgil Vaibhav
Published: December 2024

Penoscrotal decompression (PSD) has emerged as a promising surgical intervention for refractory ischemic priapism, involving proximal corporotomies and the drainage of ischemic blood. Initial outcomes have shown high success rates in achieving detumescence, low recurrence rates, and relatively good preservation of erectile function. This meta-analysis aims to comprehensively evaluate PSD's effectiveness across three key metrics: detumescence, prevention of recurrence, and erectile function preservation. A systematic review and meta-analysis, following PRISMA guidelines, identified 11 publications that met the inclusion criteria. They encompassed five case reports, four abstracts, and two observational cohort studies, with data on 97 patients who presented with refractory ischemic priapism. Notably, around half (44.3%) of the patients had conventional distal shunts prior to PSD. Overall following PSD, detumescence was achieved in 92% (CI 95%, 0.84 to 0.95). Post-PSD recurrence of priapism occurred in 12% (95% CI, 0.06 to 0.21). Erectile function was preserved in 51% of the patients who had follow-up (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.61). These findings inform us that PSD proves to be a viable and effective surgical option for refractory ischaemic priapism with a key feature being better sexual function preservation outcomes. Given the paucity of data, further larger scale prospective studies of robust designs are still necessary to better establish PSD’s role within the treatment algorithm for refractory ischaemic priapism.
Genotyping HPV 16 and 18 in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: Uncovering HIV as a Key Risk Factor in a Ugandan Cohort
Authors: Biira Annah Margret , Kintu Christopher , Nkamba Eriab , Kamulegeya Adrian , Louis Muwazi , Odida Michael
Published: December 2024

Background
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with oral (OSCC) and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) involving several risk factors in different parts of the world. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with high-risk HPV 16 and HPV 18 among patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who attended Mulago Hospital, Uganda from 2010–2015.
Methods
This was a retrospective study in which 174 tissue blocks confirmed with oral and oral pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were retrieved from the archives. The corresponding medical charts of the patients were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Sections of the tissue blocks were reconfirmed for OSCC& OPSCC by staining with H&E. The samples were genotyped for HPV 16, 18 using Multiplex PCR techniques. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results
All 174 samples were confirmed positive for OSCC & OPSCC. HPV DNA was positive in 128 individuals, 46 tested negative. HPV 16 occurred in 55 (32%) subjects and HPV 18 occurred in 37 (21%). Double infection was present in 36 individuals (21%). HIV was the only risk factor significantly associated with HPV 16 associated OSCC& OPSCC (p = 0.018). The overall HPV prevalence was 74%.
Conclusions
Overall, HPV 16 and 18 are key etiological factors in oral and oral pharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis in the Ugandan population, with a high prevalence. The results suggest that HIV positive individuals are at a higher risk of acquiring HPV 16 associated OPSCC. Alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking are not factors associated with HPV associated OPSCC in this study population.
Prognostic Value of Digital Pathological Features in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Jianhao , Yao Liqian , Dong Yajing , Gu Jingfeng , Min Jiarui , Xu Zijie , Su Jihao , Ning Renjie , Deng Zhiyong , Xu Song
Published: December 2024

Background: The traditional TNM staging system for colorectal cancer (CRC) is limited by the biological characteristics of tumors and their high heterogeneity. This study proposes a pathological signature of colorectal cancer (PScrc) based on digital pathology technology, aimed at assessing its prognostic value in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) through the analysis of various pathological features in hematoxylin and eosin (HE)-stained slides.
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted, including 149 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer from January 2000 to December 2012, randomly divided into a training set and a validation set. High-resolution images of all HE stained slides were obtained through digital scanning, and pathological features were extracted using CellProfiler software. The PScrc was constructed using a LASSO-Cox regression model to evaluate its association with OS and DFS, and independent prognostic factors were identified through Cox regression analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS and R software.
Results: A total of 149 colorectal cancer patients were included, with 75 in the training cohort and 74 in the validation cohort. LASSO-Cox regression analysis identified eight key pathological features for the construction of PScrc. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients in the high PScrc group had significantly worse survival outcomes compared to those in the low PScrc group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses confirmed PScrc and other clinicopathological features as independent prognostic factors. The C-index, AUROC, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the clinical value of the nomogram that was generated based on these criteria so as to predict OS and DFS. Additionally, the predictive capability of PScrc for response to adjuvant chemotherapy was analyzed, leading to the optimization of the PScrc_chemo score, which indicated that patients with low PScrc_chemo had poorer survival outcomes following adjuvant chemotherapy.
Conclusion: PScrc adds predictive value to the TNM staging system for colorectal cancer by acting as a prognostic predictor for CRC patients.
The role of chemotherapy in patients with H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline gliomas: a SEER-based propensity scored matching study
Authors: Zhang Jin , Wang Shanshan , Wang Sichen , Jiang Haowen , Zhao Yuanli , Sun Jianjun , Shen Hui
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Diffuse Midline Gliomas (DMGs) represent a category of rare brain tumors with an exceedingly poor prognosis. Anatomical constraints make complete surgical resection challenging. Conventional radiotherapy is widely regarded as a means to enhance patient survival. Currently, while chemotherapy is frequently employed in clinical practice for DMGs, its full therapeutic efficacy remains incompletely understood.
Methods
We conducted a SEER-based propensity scored matching (PSM) study on patients with H3K27M-mutant DMGs to evaluate the role of chemotherapy in the treatment benefit of DMGs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression model were used to evaluate the relevant factors affecting cancer specific survival (CSS). Stratification and interaction analyses were conducted to delineate the impact of demographic and clinicopathological variables.
Results
Patients underwent both radiotherapy and chemotherapy concurrently achieved notably longer survival times compared to those who received only radiotherapy. The CSS among patients who received chemotherapy regimens was significantly prolonged in both the PSM and non PSM cohort. Univariable Cox regression suggested that age, primary site and chemotherapy were potential prognostic factors for CSS. Multivariate Cox regression indicated patients who received radiotherapy or chemotherapy exhibited a reduced risk of mortality. Multitude demographic factors, including gender, race, marital status, household income and rural urban, as well as clinicopathological variables could affect the chemotherapy benefits of DMGs patients.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy as an adjuvant therapy could significantly improve the prognosis of DMGs patients under comprehensive treatment conditions. The nature of multiple factors affecting chemotherapy benefits emphasizes the necessity of tailored treatment strategies.
Development and validation of an US-based clinical prediction model to estimate the probability of metastasis in lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve in papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Zheng Yiman , He Jiamei , Wang Xinyue , Cao Kunpeng , Deng Hongyan , Ma Wenting , Xu Chaoli , Ye Xinhua
Published: December 2024

Background
The dissection of lymph nodes posterior to the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (LN-prRLN) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial due to the postoperative complications. Estimating the clinical probability of metastasis in LN-prRLN can facilitate the selective dissection.
Objective
To develop a clinical prediction model based on clinical and sonographic features for estimating the probability of metastasis of LN-prRLN in PTCs. This model was then validated.
Methods
A total of 601 patients with surgical-proved PTCs in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data, preoperative sonographic features based on ACT TI-RADS categories, and pathological data were used to develop an US-based clinical prediction model. Performance of the model was calculated, compared and then validated by using a test set of 144 patients.
Results
LN-prRLN metastasis was confirmed in 133 (22.1%) patients. The US-based clinical prediction model identified age < 45 years (odds ratio [OR]:1.752), horizontal diameter > 5mm (OR:1.061), dorsal side (OR:2.185), US-suspicious RLLNM (OR:2.488), pathological size > 5mm (OR:3.697), mulifocality in the right robe (OR:2.584), other CLN metastasis (OR:2.185) and LN-arRLN metastasis ≥ 1 (OR:3.915) were independent risk factors for LN-prRLN metastasis. The AUCs of the clinical prediction model was 0.835 (95% CI: 0.803–0.864). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 76.69%, 78.42%, 50.20%, and 92.22%, respectively. The clinical prediction model applied to the test dataset demonstrated an AUC of 0.804 (95% CI:0.722–0.886), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 78.79%, 72.07%, 43.88% and 92.46%.
Conclusions
The clinical prediction model based on clinical and sonographic characteristics can effectively assess LN-prRLN metastasis preoperatively and do help in selective LN-prRLN dissection of PTC.
Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq unravels the molecular feature of tumor-associated neutrophils of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Haiyang , Li Zhikai , Liu Yukun , Yang Yuchuan , Huangfu Linkuan , Kong Jinglin , Sun Xiaocong , Gao Shibo , Yang Daoke , Zheng Yingjuan
Published: December 2024

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a lethal malignancy with a high recurrence and distant metastasis rate, posing significant challenges to patient prognosis. Recent studies suggest that tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can modulate immune cell infiltration and influence tumor initiation and progression. However, the potential clinical significance of TANs in HNSCC remains insufficiently explored.
Methods: TANs-specific marker genes were identified via single-cell sequencing data from HNSC. Based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a prognostic risk model was constructed using TANs cell marker genes, and the model was validated with data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The associations between the TANs signature and clinical characteristics, functional pathways, immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint expression, and responses to immunotherapy and chemotherapy, were then investigated. CCK-8, Transwell and wound healing assays were conducted to assess the functional role of TANs marker molecules.
Results: TANs characteristic genes were identified from single-cell sequencing data from HNSCC patients. On the basis of these characteristic genes, a tumor-associated neutrophils-associated signature (NRS) was developed and validated across internal and external cross-platform cohorts through comprehensive procedures. The NRS demonstrated robust and reliable performance in predicting overall survival. Additionally, patients with a low NRS showed enhanced immune cell infiltration, active lipid metabolism, and increased sensitivity to immunotherapy. In contrast, patients with a high NRS exhibited poor prognostic outcomes, advanced clinical stages, and significant associations with HNSCC metastasis and progression. Furthermore, we identified a TANs-associated biomarker, OLR1, and validated that OLR1 promotes HNSCC proliferation, invasion, and migration through CCK-8, Transwell invasion, and wound healing assays.
Conclusion: This study has developed a promising TANs-based tool that may aid in personalized treatment and prognostic management for patients with HNSCC.
Usability and feasibility assessment of the Huntington Support App (HD-eHelp study): a mixed-methods study
Authors: Lonkhuizen Pearl J. C. van , Slutter Leanne , Meijer Eline , Duijn Erik van , de Bot Susanne T. , Vegt Niko J. H. , Chavannes Niels H. , Heemskerk Anne-Wil
Published: December 2024

Background: eHealth holds great promise for managing rare and complex neurodegenerative diseases, such as Huntington’s disease (HD). To address this potential, the Huntington Support App (HSA) was developed to provide reliable information on HD, news updates, and contact possibilities tailored primarily to the needs of HD gene expansion carriers (HDGECs) and their partners. Building on prior research outlining the HSA’s co-creation process with HDGECs, partners and health care providers (HCPs), the present study offers an in-depth mixed-methods evaluation of the HSA in practice in the Netherlands.
Methods:This research comprises a multi-study report assessing the usability of the HSA through a think-aloud method (Study 1) and subsequent feasibility testing in a real-world setting (Study 2). In the first study, 4 HDGECs, 4 partners, and 4 HCPs, who themselves were not involved in the HSA co-design, provided real-time feedback on usability while using the HSA. In the feasibility study the HSA was publicly launched and made available to the larger HD community for feedback (including HDGECs, partners, HCPs and family/friends, n=13). In both studies, the System Usability Scale (SUS) was administered, and quantitative data were triangulated with qualitative findings.
Results: Overall, participants were positive about the app’s usability in both studies. App ratings in the first study were notably higher than those in the second study, with participants’ SUS scores in the first study far exceeding the benchmark usually seen in usability testing for healthcare apps. Furthermore, in both studies there were variations in ratings among participant groups, with HDGECs, partners and family/friends viewing the app more favorably than HCPs, who generally expressed a more neutral opinion. Qualitative responses further complemented these findings and highlighted suggestions for the app’s improvement, particularly in terms of content and navigation.
Conclusions:The HSA was well-received by members of the HD community, indicating alignment with their needs. Future efforts should address identified areas for improvement of the app. Our findings underscore the importance and feasibility of a participatory, human-centered design approach for complex and rare diseases like HD and highlight its relevance for future co-design initiatives of eHealth services for other rare neurodegenerative diseases.
Optimisation of integrated control of ticks and tsetse flies in mixed game and livestock interfaces in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
Authors: Ocaido Michael , Sente Celsus , Nagasha Judith , Kizza Daniel , Edyangu William , Kanyike Fred , Namirimu Solome
Published: December 2024

Background
Mixed Game and Livestock Interfaces (MGLIs) in and around conservation areas like Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP) have typanosomosis, tsetse flies, Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases (TTBDs) as major constraints to livestock productivity. There were no cheaper community-based methods for controlling both ticks and tsetse flies. It was against this background that this study was done.
Methods
A weekly restricted spraying of cattle using vectocid ® for 6 months was done in MGLIs in QENP for controlling both ticks and tsetse flies Before technology introduction, a baseline survey was done to establish livestock productivity, tsetse and tick infestation burdens, prevalence to tick borne diseases (TBDs) and trypanososmosis, moribidity and mortality rates due to TBDs and trypanososmosis; and economic cost due to TTBDs, tstetse flies and trypanosomosis. Later the above parameters were monitored to quantify the impact.
Results
After intervention, infestations by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (14.8 ± 0.8 / cattle), Ambylloma variegatum (0.8 / cattle) and Rhipicephalus evertsi (0.2/ cattle) decreased by 43.2%, 50% and 100% respectively. However, Rhipicephalus micropilus and Rhipicephalus decoloratus infestations grew by 1000% and 400% respectively. The tsetse fly catches per trap after 72 hours decreased from 14.2 to 0. The trypanosomosis prevalence in cattle decreased from 7.3% to none. The farmer reported prevalence of tryapanosomosis reduced from 31.6–1.1%; East Coast Fever (ECF) reduced from 12.3–4.3%; heartwater and anaplasmosis reduced from 4.5% and 0.7% respectively to 0. The mortality rate of cattle due to tryapnosomosis was reduced from 7.2% to 0; ECF reduced from 3.2% to 0.6; anaplasmosis and heartwater reduced from 0.1% and 1.1% respectively to 0. Annual mortality loss per herd due to trypanosomosis and TBDs reduced by 88.3% from USD 1,571.3 to USD 184.1 after intervention. Before intervention tryapnosomosis, ECF, anaplasmosis and heartwater constituted 70,6%, 17.7%, 11.1% and 0.6% of this loss respectively. However, after intervention there was mortality loss of only USD 35.9 due to ECF. The annual economic cost of ticks, tsetse flies, TBDs and trypnosomosis decreased from USD 1,916.8 to USD 302, with return of investment of 23.
Conclusions
The introduced technology was effective for control of R. appendiculatus, R. evertsi, A. variegatum and tsetse flies; but not for R. decoloratus and R. micropilus.
Efficacy of a Combination Product containing Sarolaner, Moxidectin and Pyrantel (Simparica Trio ®) against induced infestations of Haemaphysalis longicornis on dogs
Authors: Kryda Kristina , Naito Masaya , Fuji Takeshi , Hodge Andrew , Maeder Steven
Published: December 2024

Background
The efficacy of Simparica Trio® (Zoetis), an oral combination product for dogs containing sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel pamoate, was evaluated against Haemaphysalis longicornis, the most common tick species affecting dogs in the East Asia / Pacific region and an exotic species now reported from multiple states within the USA.
Methods
Two groups of 8 dogs each were ranked based on pretreatment tick counts and randomly allocated to treatment on Day 0 with either placebo or Simparica Trio at the minimum label dose of 1.2 mg/kg sarolaner, 24 µg/kg moxidectin, and 5 mg/kg pyrantel (as pamoate salt). Dogs were infested with 50 viable adult H. longicornis on Days − 2, 5, 12, 19, 26, and 33. Tick counts were conducted for all dogs 48 hours after treatment and subsequent re-infestations.
Results
A single oral administration of Simparica Trio was 98.9% effective in treating existing H. longicornis infestation when considering live, attached (feeding) ticks. Efficacy remained > 98% in preventing re-infestation for at least 35 days, and the geometric mean live, attached tick counts for Simparica Trio-treated dogs were significantly lower than for placebo-treated dogs (P < 0.0001) at all time points assessed in the study. Geometric mean total live (attached and free) tick counts for dogs treated with Simparica Trio were also significantly lower (P < 0.0001) than those for placebo-treated dogs at each time point. No adverse events were reported for any dogs throughout the duration of the study.
Conclusions
One dose of Simparica Trio at minimum label dose was highly efficacious in treating and controlling adult H. longicornis in dogs for more than one month.
Generation of a novel mouse model of nemaline myopathy due to recurrent NEB exon 55 deletion
Authors: Coulson Zachary , Kolb Justin , Sabha Nesrin , Karimi Esmat , Hourani Zaynab , Ottenheijm Coen , Granzier Henk , Dowling James J.
Published: December 2024

Biallelic pathogenic variants in the nebulin (NEB) gene lead to the congenital muscle disease nemaline myopathy. In-frame deletion of exon 55 (ΔExon55) is the most common disease-causing variant in NEB. Previously, a mouse model of NebΔExon55 was developed; however, it presented an uncharacteristically severe phenotype with a near complete reduction in Neb transcript expression that is not observed in NEB exon 55 patients. We identified by RNA sequencing that the cause of this unexpectedly severe presentation in mice is the generation of a pseudoexon containing two premature termination codons (and promoting nonsense mediated decay) at the Neb exon 55 deletion site. To prove that this is the cause of the loss of Neb transcript, and to generate a more faithful model of the human disease, we used CRISPR gene editing to remove the pseudoexon sequence and replace it with human intron 54 sequence containing a validated cas9 gRNA protospacer. The resulting “hmz” mice have a significant reduction in pseudoexon formation (93.6% reduction), and a re-introduction of stable Neb transcript expression. This new model has the characteristic features of nemaline myopathy at the physiological, histological, and molecular levels. Importantly, unlike the existing exon 55 deletion mice (which die by age 7 days), it survives beyond the first months and exhibits obvious signs of neuromuscular dysfunction. It thus provides a new, robust model for studying pathomechanisms and developing therapies for NEB related nemaline myopathy.
Influencing Factors and Predictive Modeling of the Urban Heat Island in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Huang Yiming , Du Ping , Li Hui , Zhang Jinqu
Published: December 2024

Constructing a predictive model for urban heat islands (UHIs) is essential for accurately assessing urban thermal environments and guiding sustainable development strategies. Previous studies typically modeled urban heat island based on the entire city, ignoring the differences of influencing factors between local areas. Therefore, this article explores the impact of influencing factors on local heat island based on Local Climate Zones (LCZ) zoning. We first prepared 21 features, and then created an urban heat island prediction model using machine learning technology it in each LCZ region. The prediction results were compared to those from Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting Trees (GBT), and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). Experimental results indicate that the XGBoost model offers higher accuracy in predicting UHI, with accuracy exceeding 80%. The SHAP (SHapley Additive ExPlanations) analysis found significant elements impacting UHI formation in each zone, including impervious surface density (ISD), building density (BD), green space density (GSD), and the richness of vegetation. This study not only improves the accuracy of UHI predictions, but also provides the groundwork for future research into the dynamic planning of urban heat islands.
Overcoming data scarcity in life-threatening arrhythmia detection: A deep learning framework for life-saving interventions
Authors: Monachino Giuliana , Zanchi Beatrice , Wand Michael , Conte Giulio , Tzovara Athina , Faraci Francesca
Published: December 2024

Life-threatening arrhythmias (LTAs) are a leading cause of death worldwide. Enhancing LTA detection in wearable monitoring systems is of great significance. We present a powerful deep-learning (DL) algorithm for detecting LTAs from single-lead ECGs, intended for application in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). To address the challenge of limited labeled LTA data, a transfer learning approach is proposed. A DL model is pre-trained on a massive dataset (72'952 recordings) for rhythm classification and then fine-tuned on the target dataset with LTA events (102 recordings). The resulting model achieves a sensitivity of 92.68% and a specificity of 99.48%, with a granularity of 1.28 seconds, in detecting LTAs. Additionally, a confidence estimation procedure is introduced, to enable emergency service pre-alerts in case of low-confidence detections. Our study explores the impact of transfer learning in overcoming data scarcity issues, advancing LTA detection in wearable monitoring systems, and supporting rapid, life-saving interventions in OHCA emergencies.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PORNOGRAPHY USE AND DEVELOPMENT OF
SEXIST BEHAVIORS IN YOUNG UNIVERSITY NURSING STUDENTS.
Authors: Ortega-Donaire Lucía , García Inmaculada Sánchez , Bailén-Expósito Jéssica , Ramírez-de-Dios Irene , Montoro-Ramírez Eva Mª , Sanz-Martos Sebastián
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the relationship between pornography consumption and sexist attitudes in 179 university nursing students at the University of Jaen. Problematic consumption and attitudes toward pornography were measured, as well as the existence of prejudices toward women (ambivalent sexism). This study followed the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) and TIDieR (Template for the Description and Replication of Interventions) guidelines. Descriptive statistics were carried out on all the data. A bivariate analysis was conducted with the scores of the three scales as dependent variables and the sociodemographic variables as independent variables, in addition to a multivariate analysis using a multiple linear regression model. Male participants had a significantly higher score in pornography consumption and ambivalent sexism, as well as participants with religious beliefs (p˂0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were found for the problematic consumption scale depending on the educational level of the parents (p=0.027; p=0.013). The final regression model showed a moderate correlation value (R=394) and a significant improvement in explanatory capacity (F= 16.169; p˂0.001). The study reveals that young people begin to consume pornography at increasingly younger ages. Furthermore, a connection was found between high pornography consumption and sexist attitudes, especially in religious men. Children of parents with a lower educational level tend to have problematic pornography consumption. These findings underscore the importance of implementing sexuality education programs in universities to promote healthy attitudes toward sexuality and challenge gender stereotypes present in pornography.
Genetic diversity of the Grain Gene Bank provided Pisum sativum (L.) accessions, including Chinese Core collection, in rainfall conditions in western Algeria using phenotypic markers
Authors: Dahlia Fatima , Drici Khaled , Laidi Habiba , Salah Omar , Kedjaout Hanane , Benchohra Atika
Published: December 2024

To achieve food security in the face of fast population expansion and climate change, it is vital to expand agriculture in developing countries and increase productivity while preserving natural resources. Using genetic resources, plant breeders can create new and enhanced cultivars that possess advantageous traits (adaption, production, and resistance). The current study aims to characterize 95 Pisum sativum accessions grown in rainfall conditions in western Algeria to use them in breeding programs or upgrade existing plant material. The pea accessions provided by the USDA Grains Gene Bank were installed in rainfall conditions. Morphological, phenological, and agronomic assessments were carried out. The statistical analysis revealed significant variation between the accessions for all studied parameters. Five clusters were identified through the classification process. Factor analyses of mixed data of 19 traits identified nine principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1 accounting 73.979% of the total variation. The initial two dimensions explain 32.277% of the variance, with the first dimension contributing 18.426% and the second dimension contributing 13.85%. The traits were associate in three negatively correlating groups. The classification of accessions for the assessed parameters revealed that the accessions P. sativum-Eth (1), PI 193843, Ma Rou Wan, Tai Ba Cou, and Bai Wan (3) were the best-performing accessions. The accessions L 1918, L 1944, and L 1405 were the tardiest, however the accessions Liu Tang Ke Wan, JI 159, and PIS 511 were earlier. Numerous accessions demonstrated desirable features, allowing them to be chosen and used in plant improvement and/or varietal creation programs.
Photocatalytic Ozonation of Deltamethrin: A 3D Response Surface Methodology Approach
Authors: Asghar Waqar ,   Javaid Akhtar1
Published: December 2024

Excessive use of pesticide is known to be hazardous to the environment, soil fertility and may impart toxicity in living beings. Nowadays different Advanced Oxidation Processes have been used to treat pesticide pollution. Among all these AOPs Photocatalytic ozonation is most effective and inexpensive. In this study deltamethrin was degraded from synthetic wastewater using photocatalytic ozonation. TiO2/WO3 catalyst has been used and prepared from sol-gel method. For ozone gas constant flow ozonator has been used. To measure the combined effects of catalyst dosage, pH, and pesticide concentration on deltamethrin degradation, 3D response surface approach is utilized. Results of photocatalytic ozonation analysis show that 26% degradation of deltamethrin after 60 minutes of reaction time. By eliminating issues like catalyst recycling and making it simple to apply on an industrial scale, photocatalytic ozonation provides an effective and environmentally friendly method of treating pesticide.
Optimization of reactive black 5 dye removal onto kaolin filter cake activated carbon using response surface methodology
Authors: Alemayehu Amdework Belay , Alemayehu Esayas
Published: December 2024

This work investigates the removal of reactive black 5 (RB5) dye from textile wastewater, which poses significant environmental hazards, using kaolin filter cake (KFC), a new, affordable, and environmentally friendly adsorbent. The effectiveness of KFC's decolorization was assessed by adsorption tests that looked at batch process variables, such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and beginning dye concentration. FTIR, SEM, XRD, and BET techniques described the adsorbent's morphological and physicochemical characteristics. The adsorption data closely fit the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating a maximum adsorption capacity of 60.24 mg g-1. Kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order model. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the removal of RB5. Remarkably, KFC demonstrated excellent regeneration potential, retaining 60.52% of its adsorption capacity after five cycles. These findings suggest that KFC is a highly promising adsorbent with significant potential for sustainable, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient applications in textile wastewater treatment.
Comprehensive assessment of variables affecting Spontaneous Platelet Aggregation in healthy subjects
Authors: Ghali Claudia , Fioretti Antonella , Scavone Mariangela , Bossi Elena , Clerici Bianca , Birocchi Simone , Popov Evgeny , Centola Marco , Podda Gianmarco , Cattaneo Marco
Published: December 2024

Background
Platelets in citrate-plasma from some subjects aggregate in light transmission aggregometer (LTA) without stimulation by exogenous agonists ("spontaneous platelet aggregation", SPA). Although SPA was shown to associate with cardiovascular risk, its clinical use is hampered by concerns about potential artifacts stemming from the use of citrate anticoagulant or platelet activation during incorrect blood samples collection/processing.
Objectives
We evaluated SPA in healthy subjects, collecting blood samples in different anticoagulants, using both LTA and the more sensitive Optical Density Fluctuations Aggregometer (ODFA), which can detect aggregates of 2–3 platelets, and following international recommendations to minimize untoward in vitro platelet activation.
Methods
We measured SPA in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in citrate, hirudin or citrate + hirudin from 104 healthy subjects. Citrate-PRP was tested also in presence of aspirin, to inhibit potential thromboxane-A2 synthesis by aggregating platelets in low Ca2+ medium.
Results
SPA was detected in citrate-PRP by LTA and ODFA, in hirudin-PRP by ODFA but not by LTA. The extent of SPA and aggregate size detected by ODFA in hirudin-PRP were smaller than in citrate-PRP. SPA in citrate + hirudin-PRP was equivalent to that in citrate-PRP. Aspirin inhibited secondary waves of aggregation observed in some citrate-PRP, without affecting primary waves. Age, sex and platelet count affected SPA in citrate-PRP but not in hirudin-PRP.
Conclusions
SPA is not a mere artifact due to in vitro platelet activation consequent to inappropriate sample processing, formation of trace-amounts of thrombin in citrate or other effects of citrate, which only amplifies it, making it detectable also by the low-sensitivity LTA.
DisEmbed : Embeddings for Disease
Authors: Faroz Salman
Published: December 2024

The medical domain is vast and diverse, with many existing embedding models focused on general healthcare applications. However, these models often struggle to capture a deep understanding of diseases due to their broad generalization across the entire medical field. To address this gap, I present DisEmbed, a disease-focused embedding model. DisEmbed is trained on a synthetic dataset specifically curated to include disease descriptions, symptoms, and disease-related Q&A pairs, making it uniquely suited for disease-related tasks. For evaluation, I benchmarked DisEmbed against existing medical models using disease-specific datasets and the triplet evaluation method. My results demonstrate that DisEmbed outperforms other models, particularly in identifying disease-related contexts and distinguishing between similar diseases. This makes DisEmbed highly valuable for disease-specific use cases, including retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) tasks, where its performance is particularly robust.
КОРРЕКЦИЯ ТЕМПОРАЛЬНОГО РЕЖИМА И ПРОБЛЕМЫТЕОРИИ ИСТОРИИ. СТАТЬЯ 1
Authors: Ионов И.Н.
Published: December 2024

В статье рассматриваются проблема коррекции темпорального режима, критика проекта Модерна и становление представлений о позднем Новом времени. Продемонстрирована роль в этом процессе изучения фактора насилия и, в частности, феномена Холокоста. Показано, какие формы исторического сознания, восприятия времени, исторической памяти и мемориальной культуры рождались на этой основе у А. Ассман, З. Баумана, Н. Элиаса и его последователей. Подвергнут анализу и отчасти отклонен проект познавательной стратегии, предложенный Алейдой Ассман российским историкам. Показаны преимущества подхода школы Н. Элиаса к проблеме исторического знания в условиях позднего Нового времени.

The article explores the correction of the temporal regime, the criticism of the project of Modernity and the formation of ideas about the late Modernity. The author looks into the role of the studies focused on the factor of violence in general and the phenomenon of the Holocaust in particular, and shows forms of historical consciousness, perception of time, historical memory and memorial culture born in the condition of Late Modernity in works Aleida Assmann, Zygmunt Bauman, Norbert Elias and his followers. The draft cognitive strategy proposed by A. Assmann to Russian historians was analyzed and partly rejected. The advantages of the approach of N. Elias school to the problem of historical knowledge in the conditions of the late Modernity are demonstrated.
ИСТОРИЧЕСКОЕ ЗНАНИЕ И ИСТОРИЧЕСКАЯ ПАМЯТЬВ СТРУКТУРЕ ИСТОРИЧЕСКОЙ КУЛЬТУРЫ
Authors: Румянцева М.Ф.
Published: December 2024

Предлагается динамическая модель исторической культуры; ее системообразующими составляющими выступают (1) смена типов рациональности / моделей науки: классическая – неклассическая – постнеклассическая; (2) смена «словарей»: словарь описания и объяснения – словарь интерпретации – словарь репрезентации. (3) модификация нарратива: становление метанарратива – его кризис – ренарративизация, (4) модификации исторической памяти: естественная коммеморация – «места памяти» – искусственная коммеморация. В фокусе исследования – взаимодействие научного исторического знания, исторического нарратива как основной формы презентации исторического знания и исторической памяти от постмодерна к постпостмодерну.

A dynamic model of historical culture is proposed, its system-forming components are (1) a change in the types of rationality / models of science: classical – nonclassical – post-nonclassical; (2) a change in “dictionaries”: a dictionary of description and explanation – a dictionary of interpretation – a dictionary of representation; (3) modification of the narrative: the formation meta-narrative – its crisis – re-narrativization, (4) modification of historical memory: a natural commemoration – “places of memory” – an artificial commemoration. The research focuses on the interaction of scientific historical knowledge, historical narrative as the main form of presentation of historical knowledge and historical memory from postmodern to post-postmodern.
СЕМЕЙНЫЕ И БРАЧНЫЕ УЗЫВ ЛЕГЕНДЕ ОБ ОСНОВАНИИ РИМА
Authors: Сидорович О.В.
Published: December 2024

В статье анализируются сведения греческих и римских авторов о семье, в которой родился Ромул, и той, которую создал после похищения сабинянок. Греческая историческая традиция, представленная в сочинении Дионисия Галикарнасского, всегда уделяла внимание чистоте родословной основателя города, поэтому подчеркивала тесные связи деда Нумитора с его внуком Ромулом, брак Ромула с Герсилией и рождение у них детей. Римская историческая традиция, окончательно оформленная в сочинении Ливия, избегала подробно говорить об этом, так как для нее Ромул сам творил свою судьбу и это качество оставил в наследство римскому народу. В этом сказалось различие культурно-исторических традиций греков и римлян.

The paper deals with Greek and Roman historical tradition on Romulus’s family, the former, where Romulus was born, and the latter, which he created as a result of the rape of the Sabine women. The Greek authors, represented in Dionysius of Halicarnassus, reported about the family tree of the city founder, emphasized close relations between Numitor and Romulus, and wrote about the marriage of Romulus and Hersilia and the birth of their children. The Roman authors, as they are known from Livy, made casual remarks of such episodes of Romulus’s life, as they interpreted Romulus as the arbiter of his own destiny, and this was the way he set a personal example for the Romans. Such approach to the Romulus’s legend reveals different cultural and historical grounds of Greek and Roman historiography.
Clinical and electrocardiographic evidence of death following use of a poll shot with a penetrating captive bolt as a single-step method for euthanasia of cattle
Authors: Dewell Reneé D. , Michael Alyona , Moran Lori E. , Hayman Kristen , Rowe Eric W. , Dewell Grant A.
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to validate the effectiveness of a penetrating captive bolt when positioned behind the poll as a single-step method for humane euthanasia of cattle. Seven­teen bovine animals of various ages (neonate to mature) that were eligible for euthanasia were enrolled in the study. Cattle were euthanized using a penetrating captive bolt gun with an extended bolt positioned flush against the parietal bone on midline just behind the poll and aimed toward the base of the tongue. Clinical and ECG parameters were monitored and recorded following application of the poll shot method. One animal required a second shot due to improper angle of the captive bolt device. All properly placed and aimed shots suc­cessfully induced immediate loss of consciousness without re­turn to sensibility which was followed by clinical death. Once unconscious, none of the cattle required a secondary step to assure clinical death. Following death, the head was removed, transected sagittally on midline, and brain trauma was as­sessed and scored. A properly placed and aimed poll shot was determined to be an effective single-step method of euthana­sia of cattle when using a penetrating captive bolt.
Eco-Cognitive Translation Paradigm in Russian and Chinese Studies Registered in Electronic Scientific Libraries: Scientometric Analysis and Development Prospects
Authors: Kushnina Lyudmila , Fomenko Ekaterina
Published: December 2024

The authors appealed to the principles of eco-translatology, translation ecology, and eco-cognitive translation to analyze the current eco-cognitive translation paradigm across Russian, Chinese, and English studies. The review covered research articles published in Russian, Chinese, and English and registered in the databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Russian Scientific Electronic Library (eLibrary), and Scopus. The data underwent a digital scientometric analysis using VOSviewer 1.6.20. Chinese publications currently outnumber Russian and English-language articles. However, the review revealed some research prospects in the eco-cognitive translation paradigm in China, Russia, and internationally. The digital software proved to be an important tool of scientific review that contributes to a deeper understanding of the current state and trends in translation ecology and eco-translatology.
Altamira en femenino. evidencias y carencias de las narrativas en torno a las mujeres del Paleolítico
Authors: Díaz-González Lucía M. , Fatás Monforte Pilar , Martínez Llano Asunción
Published: December 2024

Desde los años 80, al menos, el empuje que han potenciado las arqueologías feministas y de género en el conocimiento sobre nuestro pasado nos tiene inmersa en un proceso de cuestionamiento del imaginario colectivo sobre las sociedades del Paleolítico. Poner el foco en las mujeres de pasado y repensar comportamientos y relaciones sociales es una deuda histórica en la que todavía debemos seguir avanzando. Y los museos, en especial aquellos cuya temática incluye este periodo de la Prehistoria, trabajan en la ardua tarea de reformular sus narrativas y museografías, y adecuarlas a estas realidades pasadas. El Museo de Altamira lleva más de una década reflexionando, investigando y divulgando este conocimiento sobre las mujeres del Paleolítico, además de trasladarlo progresivamente a su exposición permanente, teniendo en cuenta las dificultades de las renovaciones museográficas.
Experiencias del servicio de museos en metodologías incluyentes: perspectiva crítica feminista
Authors: Martín Larumbe Celia
Published: December 2024

El artículo resume la ponencia del mismo título con la que el Servicio de Museos de la Dirección General de Cultura-Institución Príncipe de Viana participó en el Tercer Encuentro arqueológico “Mujeres y Arqueología: ayer, hoy y mañana”, de la Universidad del País Vasco UPV/ EHU. La participación tenía como objetivo compartir el trabajo desarrollado por este Servicio del Gobierno de Navarra desde una metodología crítica feminista. El actual marco jurídico y normativo permite trabajar desarrollando sus funciones en el ámbito de los museos y centros de exhibición patrimonial para la igualdad entre mujeres y hombres. Estas instituciones y equipamientos son esenciales para un cambio en las narrativas sobre el pasado, desde una revisión crítica del imaginario colectivo, que pasa por incorporar avances científicos como los de la Arqueología feminista. Esta línea de acción se planifica y desarrolla mediante programas y proyectos, acciones de investigación, formación y publicaciones, así como a través de líneas de subvención sectoriales para actividades y mediación cultural que incorporen esta perspectiva y práctica.
ABSTRACT: The article summarizes the presentation of the same title given by the Servicio de Museos of the Dirección General de Cultura-Institución Príncipe de Viana at the Third Archaeological Meeting, “Women and Archaeology: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” organized by the Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU. The participation aimed to share the work developed by this Servicio, that belongs to the Gobierno de Navarra, through a critical feminist methodology. The current legal and regulatory framework allows to work for the development of its functions in museums and heritage exhibition centers to promote gender equality. These institutions and facilities are essential for changing narratives about the past through a critical review of the social imaginary, incorporating scientific advances such as those from feminist archaeology. This line of action is planned and developed through programs and projects, research activities, training, and publications, as well as sector-specific grant lines for activities and cultural mediation that integrate this perspective and practice.