bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold Knife Conization Vs. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure in Premalignant Cervical Lesions in a Cohort of Females in Romania
Authors:   “Prof. Dr. Ioan Pușcaș” City Hospital of Șimleu Silvaniei, Sălaj County, Romania, Cămărășan Ovidiu , Cămărășan Andreea ,   Department of Morphological Disciplines, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Univeristy of Oradea, Bihor County, Romania, Mihaela Mureșan ,   Department of Morphological Disciplines, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Univeristy of Oradea, Bihor County, Romania, Orosz Arnold ,   Bihor County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania, Caleb Pop Alex ,   Bihor County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania, Vese Sara Alexandra ,   Bihor County Emergency Clinical Hospital, Romania, Vigdorovits Alon ,   Department of Morphological Disciplines, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, Univeristy of Oradea, Bihor County, Romania, Maghiar Adrian ,   Department of Surgical Disciplines, Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty, University of Oradea, Bihor County, Romania
Published: October 2024

Cold knife conization and loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP) are two methods of minimally invasive treatment used in Romania for high-grade cervical dysplasia. The purpose of this study is to identify correlations between the results of the Papanicolaou (PAP) smear and biopsy and to evaluate the positivity of resection margins in both types of conizations: cold knife conization versus LEEP. The 96 cases enrolled in this study were gathered from ‘Prof. Dr. Ioan Pușcaș’ City Hospital of Șimleu Silvaniei, Romania, in a time interval from 01.01.2022 to 01.01.2024. The results of our study showed that out of 20 women who underwent PAP smear for ASC-US, 4 were actually found to have high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (H-SIL) according to biopsy results. The estimated risk in females who underwent LEEP procedure with positive margins in the histopathological examination, in the studied population, is almost 0.5 times higher compared to those who underwent cold knife conization. Histopathological examination of cervical specimens is the gold standard method in detecting high-risk cervical lesions. Our study shows that positive deep endocervical margins are more likely to occur in loop electrosurgical excision procedures compared with cold knife conization.
A Two-Step Longstaff Schwartz Monte Carlo Approach to Game Option Pricing
Authors: Wang Ce
Published: October 2024

We proposed a two-step Longstaff Schwartz Monte Carlo (LSMC) method with two regression models fitted at each time step to price game options. Although the original LSMC can be used to price game options with an enlarged range of path in regression and a modified cashflow updating rule, we identified a drawback of such approach, which motivated us to propose our approach. We implemented numerical examples with benchmarks using binomial tree and numerical PDE, and it showed that our method produces more reliable results comparing to the original LSMC.
Zborník abstraktov z X. medzinárodného geografického kolokvia
Authors:   Univerzita Pavla Jozefa Šafárika v Košiciach, Kulla Marián , Novotný Ladislav , Dávidová Petra , Uhrín Anton
Published: October 2024

Zborník abstraktov, ktorý máte pred sebou, obsahuje príspevky prezentované na X. Medzinárodnom geografickom kolokviu v Danišovciach. Ústav geografie na Prírodovedeckej fakulte UPJŠ v Košiciach toto podujatie organizuje už od svojho vzniku ako platformu na výmenu vedeckých poznatkov, primárne medzi geografmi zo Slovenska a Česka. Aktuálny jubilejný ročník spoluorganizovali Prírodovedecká fakulta UPJŠ v Košiciach, Slovenská geografická spoločnosť pri SAV v Bratislave v zastúpení jej Košickej pobočky a spoločnosť UMBRA Solutions Košice.
Austen’s Wordsworth
Authors: Johnston Freya
Published: October 2024

There is only one direct reference to William Wordsworth in all Jane Austen’s writing. This essay asks why it might be there and what it might mean, weighing up the evidence – stylistic, thematic, journalistic, biographical, naval, and historical – for and against Austen’s possible knowledge of Lyrical Ballads and its author. Their shared ground is discovered in habits of allusion and quotation; in the treatment of memory, forgetting, suffering, damage, and loss; in a commitment to noticing and praising the habitually overlooked; and in transformations of the natural world into a possession of the mind and heart. Mansfield Park, it is argued, proves the most Wordsworthian of Austen’s books.
RETROSPECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE PRACTICE OF IMPLEMENTING THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RUSSIA WITH PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING ITS LEGAL RATIONALITY
Authors:   Management Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Moscow, Russia, KIREEV M.P. , ZHIRNOV YU.N. , SCHERBAK O.I.
Published: October 2024

The article considers the problem of improving the special legal regime of the state of emergency. As a solution to this problem it is proposed to change a number of articles of the Federal Constitutional Law of the Russian Federation No. 3 of May 31, 2021.
TRANSFORMATION OF THE LAND USE SYSTEM IN RUSSIA IN THE LATE XIX - EARLY XX CENTURIES
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, PETYUKOVA O.N. , DEREGLAZOV A.A.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the research: The article examines the main stages of the transformation of the Russian land use system in the late XIX - early XX centuries. The article analyzes the legal acts that make up the legislative framework for the Stolypin land reform, the activities of public authorities, as well as other institutions that ensure the transformation of the land management system. The purpose of the study is to identify patterns and trends in the development of the land use system in Russia in the late XIX - early XX centuries, as well as the impact of the Stolypin land reform on the modernization of agriculture and overcoming the negative consequences of the peasant reform of 1861. Results. The land use system in Russia at the end of the 19th century was complex and diverse, reflecting the transition period from feudal structures to more modern agrarian relations. After the abolition of serfdom in 1861, there were significant changes in the distribution and use of land. Stolypin land reform had a huge impact on the transformation of the land use system in Russia. It laid the theoretical and normative foundation for the development of land management, gave impetus to the modernization of agriculture and the economy of the country as a whole.
Legal Regulation in the Field of Cybersecurity of Intelligent Transport (Foreign Experience)
Authors:   The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia , Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Yakovleva A.V.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: At present, intelligent transport is a critical part of the modernization of the transport industry around the world. An intelligent transport system combines information technology, electronic technology, data transfer technology and system engineering technology to realize intellectual features, coordinate the elements of traffic system and create an integrated management system for transport, therefore making it a subject of critical information infrastructure. In this regard, data security and its protection from cyber attacks becomes a prerequisite for ensuring reliable and efficient operation of transport systems. In fact, with the development of new energy vehicles and intelligent connected vehicles, in addition to protecting user privacy data, the security of the entire complex of smart transportation data becomes extremely important for the automotive industry, since the security concerns of their networks and data are already closely related to public safety. In this regard, many countries recognize the need for security regulations governing intelligent transport systems. The People's Republic of China is no exception in this sense. Within the country, the security system for the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is based on regulations at various levels, which are constantly being improved as intelligent transport system develops.
LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE ARCTIC ZONE OF RUSSIA WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXTRACTIVE SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY
Authors:   Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGP RAS), Moscow, Russia, BATTAKHOV P.P. , OVCHINNIKOVA YU.S.
Published: October 2024

The article considers the main aspects of legal environmental protection in mining in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. The existing environmental problems are highlighted, the issues of implementing effective legal mechanisms for environmental protection and business regulation are considered, as well as key theoretical concepts in this area, such as "legal environmental protection", "environmental risk", "environmental insurance". The necessity of adopting a special law in the field of legal environmental protection of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is indicated.
ON CIVIL LAW ASPECTS OF RECOVERY OF LOSSES FOR NON-PAYMENT OF TAXES BY AN ORGANIZATION FROM ITS CONTROLLING PERSON
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, PANFILOV G.P. ,   VERSUS.legal law firm
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the study is to the identification the essence of the "civilistic" approach to the compensation of pecuniary damage for non-payment of taxes through the fault of persons controlling the organization, as well as related legal consequences of the latter. Based on the analysis of legal doctrine, law enforcement practice on this issue, as well as the positions of the Constitutional Court of Russia, the conclusion is made about the subsidiary nature of the state's claims to the persons controlling the organization, through whose fault the budget was deprived of tax revenues. As a result of the research the substantive legal features of their consideration are determined. The aforementioned features includes: the possibility of compensation for damage at the expense of the controlling entity only if it has an independent property mass in relation to the main debtor; inadmissibility of deprivation of the subsidiary debtor of the right of recourse against the main debtor; the need for an economic link between the offence committed by the subsidiary debtor and the non-performance of the debtor's tax obligations; the need for the existence of an economic link between the offence committed by the subsidiary debtor and the non-performance of the debtor's tax obligations.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF INTERDISCIPLINARY ANALYSIS OF CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS THROUGH THE IDEAS AND PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMIC SCIENCE
Authors:   North Caucasus Institute for Advanced Studies (branch) of the Krasnodar University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Nalchik, Russia, BEROVA JU.M. , AKKAEVA H.A.
Published: October 2024

Criminal procedural law and criminal proceedings are quite often studied in modern legal science in the context of the development of illegal practices of an economic nature. However, at present, the patterns of transformation of economic activity determine not only the specificity of objects and the objective side of illegal acts, but also allow, through economic analysis of law, to expand scientific approaches to the substantive characteristics of the criminal process and legal proceedings. Such an interdisciplinary approach is extremely rarely used in modern scientific research, which determines the relevance of the analysis undertaken. The purpose of the presented research is to identify the peculiarities of the influence of the economy on criminal procedural law and criminal proceedings. The author comes to the conclusion that economic relations currently serve as the basis not only for the functioning of the state, but also the activities of individuals and legal entities are quite often focused on certain patterns of this area. It is noted that modern man is largely reoriented to the principles of economic interaction, and therefore other processes can be perceived through the prism of economic approaches. In this context, the possibility of considering criminal proceedings at the intersection of economics and law is substantiated. Attention is focused on modern views regarding the economic model of the criminal process and legal proceedings, corresponding to modern criminal practice and the perception of the corresponding illegal functioning on the part of the individual, society and the state.
How To Apply Resfecfull Midwifery Care In Improving The Quality Of Midwifery Services?
Authors: Petralina Bintang , Handayani Lutfi , Larasati Eggy Widya
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Midwives play a strategic role in shaping future generations and ensuring women's reproductive and sexual health. Every woman and newborn has the right to quality care and a positive birthing experience, which is best achieved through Respectful Midwifery Care (RMC). Method: This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, aims to explore the relationship between RMC and the improvement of midwifery service quality. Keywords such as “respectful midwifery care,” “women's empowerment,” “antenatal care,” “childbirth,” “family support,” and “pregnancy” were utilized. Out of 86 identified articles, 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The review included studies from various regions, examining characteristics like publication details, research design, and location. The findings consistently show a strong correlation between RMC practices—focused on women's empowerment, family support, and positive birthing experiences—and enhanced quality of midwifery services. Conclusion: The implementation of RMC, with an emphasis on empowerment and family involvement, significantly improves midwifery service quality. This review of 30 eligible studies from diverse global settings underscores the widespread effectiveness of RMC across different contexts.
Impact of Sacral Lumbal Massage on Pain and Head Decline During First Stage of Labor
Authors: Aritonang Tetty Rina , Intarti Wiwit Desi , Sirait Lenny Irmawaty , Rosliana Rosliana , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Labor pain varies in intensity, with many women experiencing high levels during delivery. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of sacral massage on pain intensity and fetal head descent during the first stage of labor. Method: A quantitative study was conducted with a sample of laboring mothers divided into intervention and control groups. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, with criteria including mothers aged 20-35 years, active first-stage labor, good maternal and fetal health, cephalic presentation, and uncomplicated labor. The intervention involved lumbar-sacral massage for 20 minutes, repeated once, with intervals of 5-10 minutes. The control group received relaxation through breathing exercises. The study took place from January to March 2024. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon and t-tests with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The intervention group significantly reduced labor pain (pre: 6.90, post: 3.70, p=0.000). There was no significant difference in fetal head descent duration between groups (p = 0.05). Conclusion: Lumbar sacral massage is an effective non-pharmacological method for reducing labor pain and is recommended for pain management in midwifery practice.
Clinical and physiological characteristics of tremor in a large cohort of focal and segmental dystonia
Authors: Jabarkheel Zakia , Wagle Shukla Aparna
Published: October 2024

Objective

Tremor is a frequent co-occurring feature in patients with dystonia, especially in focal and segmental dystonia. Clinical studies have shown that tremor is more commonly observed when dystonia spreads to contiguous body regions. However, there is insufficient characterization of tremor physiology in focal and segmental forms of dystonia. We aimed to ascertain the characteristics of tremor presenting in these specific subtypes.

Methods

We enrolled dystonia patients with head and arm tremors presenting to our center. We categorized these participants as focal and segmental dystonia following the Movement Disorders Society guidelines. We recorded the frequency, amplitude, rhythmicity, burst duration, and discharge pattern on accelerometer and electromyography recordings. We compared the physiology of tremors in focal vs. segmental dystonia. We determined whether the physiology was affected by clinical features such as demographics, age at onset, dystonia duration, alcohol responsiveness, family history, and botulinum toxin responsiveness.

Results

72 patients, mainly focal cervical dystonia and focal cervical + arm or cranial dystonia (segmental) were enrolled. In the analysis of the head tremor recordings (n = 66; frequency range 3–6.5 Hz), we found that focal vs. segmental dystonia comparisons revealed a significantly lower frequency (mean ± standard deviation; 4.0 ± 0.9 Hz vs. 4.7 ± 1.0 Hz; p = 0.02), lower amplitude (0.004 ± 0.008 g2/Hz vs. 0.006 ± 0.008 g2/Hz; p = 0.03) and longer muscle burst durations (111.1 ± 40.4 ms vs. 91.5 ± 24 ms; p = 0.04). In the analysis of arm tremor recordings (n = 31; frequency range 3.5–7 Hz), we found focal vs. segmental dystonia comparison revealed a lower amplitude (0.04 ± 0.07 g2/Hz vs. 0.06 ± 0.06 g2/Hz; p = 0.045). In the stepwise regression analysis, the age at evaluation (β - 0.44; p = 0.006) and age at onset (β - 0.61; p = 0.005) significantly predicted the head tremor frequency whereas the alcohol responsiveness tended to predict the amplitude of the head tremor (β - 0.5; p = 0.04) and the arm tremor (β - 0.6; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our study found that the physiological characteristics of tremor in focal and segmental dystonia are somewhat distinct, suggesting that the spread of dystonia symptoms from one body region to another may have a bearing on the physiology of co-occurring tremor. The frequency of head tremors in younger participants was observed to be higher compared to older participants. The head and arm tremor tended be less severe in patients reporting alcohol responsiveness.
Fractional-order analysis of temperature- and rainfall-dependent mathematical model for malaria transmission dynamics
Authors: Gizaw Ademe Kebede , Deressa Chernet Tuge
Published: October 2024

Malaria remains a substantial public health challenge and economic burden globally. Currently, malaria has been declared as endemic in 85 countries. In this study, we developed and analyzed a fractional-order mathematical model for malaria transmission dynamics that incorporates variability of temperature and rainfall using Caputo-type AB operators. The existence and uniqueness of the model's solutions were established using the Banach fixed-point theorem. The model system's equilibria (both disease-free and endemic) were identified, and lemmas and theorems were developed to prove their stability. Furthermore, we used different temperature ranges and rainfall data, validating them against existing literature. Numerical simulations using the Toufik-Atangana schemes with various fractional-order alpha values revealed that as the value of alpha approaches 1, the behavior of the fractional-order model converges to that of the classical model. The numerical results are promising and are expected to be valuable for future research related to fractional-order models.
Hearing aid benefit in daily life: a qualitative ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Fourie Chané , Mahomed-Asmail Faheema , Oosthuizen Ilze , Manchaiah Vinaya , Vercammen Charlotte , Swanepoel De Wet
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Understanding hearing aid wearer experiences in real-world settings is important to provide responsive and individualized hearing care. This study aimed to describe real-life benefits of hearing aids (HAs), as reported by hearing aid wearers through Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in various listening environments.

Method

Qualitative content analysis of 1,209 open-text responses, provided through self-initiated EMAs, was conducted. The de-identified data was collected retrospectively via a smartphone app compatible with these HAs. Only text responses reflecting positive hearing aid experiences were analyzed. The 1,209 open-text responses were categorized into 18 pre-determined sub-categories, further organized into five overarching categories: Conversational, Leisure, Device-related aspects, Lifestyle, and Other factors.

Results

Across these categories, 48 self-generated meaning units highlighted the multifaceted benefits of HAs. In particular, participants reported significant improvements in conversational settings, specifically during phone conversations and meetings, attributed to improved sound quality and speech understanding when wearing their HAs. During leisure activities, particularly TV watching and music listening, clearer sound and ease of Bluetooth streaming contributed to experienced benefits. Lifestyle improvements were reported in occupational and social settings, as hearing aid wearers stated enhanced communication and sound awareness. Device-related factors contributing to positive wearer experiences included extended battery life and the convenience of rechargeable batteries. The most prominent sub-category, other factors, underscored overall satisfaction, comfort with the device, and improved auditory experiences across various environments.

Conclusion

This study reveals the diverse benefits of HAs in improving communication, listening experiences, and quality of life across various settings, as captured through EMA. By emphasizing features like direct streaming and rechargeability, the findings highlight the importance of personalized hearing care and the potential of real-time listener feedback to inform device enhancements and support strategies, advancing more tailored and effective hearing rehabilitation.
Histodynamics of calcium phosphate coating on the osseointegration of medical-grade polycaprolactone β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds
Authors: Medeiros Savi Flavia
Published: October 2024

Bone formation on implant surfaces occurs via distance and contact osteogenesis, with osseointegration influenced by the implant’s surface topography and coating. However, the traditional mechanisms of osseointegration around metal implant surfaces may not fully encompass the ultimate outcomes of using medical-grade polycaprolactone β-tricalcium phosphate calcium phosphate coated (mPCL-TCP-CaP) scaffolds for the reconstruction of large bone defects. Using histology, immunohistochemical (IHC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses our studies on large bone defects using mPCL-TCP-CaP scaffolds show osteogenic cells forming a fibrous connective matrix around these scaffolds. Despite extensive research, the in vivo mechanisms of osseointegration of CaP-coated mPCL-TCP-CaP scaffolds remain unclear. This study investigates the structural details and spatial organization of the mPCL-TCP-CaP scaffold’s interface, providing insights into the histodynamic processes involved in their osseointegration with CaP coatings.
Multiple roles of mitochondrial autophagy receptor FUNDC1 in mitochondrial events and kidney disease
Authors: Li Kaiqing , Xia Xue , Tong Ying
Published: October 2024

This article reviews the latest research progress on the role of mitochondrial autophagy receptor FUN14 domain containing 1 (FUNDC1) in mitochondrial events and kidney disease. FUNDC1 is a protein located in the outer membrane of mitochondria, which maintains the function and quality of mitochondria by regulating mitochondrial autophagy, that is, the selective degradation process of mitochondria. The structural characteristics of FUNDC1 enable it to respond to intracellular signal changes and regulate the activity of mitochondrial autophagy through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. During phosphorylation, unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) promotes the activation of mitophagy by phosphorylating Ser17 of FUNDC1. In contrast, Src and CK2 kinases inhibit the interaction between FUNDC1 and LC3 by phosphorylating Tyr18 and Ser13, thereby inhibiting mitophagy. During dephosphorylation, PGAM5 phosphatase enhances the interaction between FUNDC1 and LC3 by dephosphorylating Ser13, thereby activating mitophagy. BCL2L1 inhibits the activity of PGAM5 by interacting with PGAM5, thereby preventing the dephosphorylation of FUNDC1 and inhibiting mitophagy. FUNDC1 plays an important role in mitochondrial events, participating in mitochondrial fission, maintaining the homeostasis of iron and proteins in mitochondrial matrix, and mediating crosstalk between mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes, which have important effects on cell energy metabolism and programmed death. In the aspect of kidney disease, the abnormal function of FUNDC1 is closely related to the occurrence and development of many diseases. In acute kidney injury (AKI), cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), diabetic nephropathy (DN), chronic kidney disease (CKD) ,renal fibrosis (RF) and renal anemia, FUNDC1-mediated imbalance of mitophagy may be one of the key factors in disease progression. Therefore, in-depth study of the regulatory mechanism and function of FUNDC1 is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of renal disease and developing new treatment strategies.
Advances in different adult stem cell-derived exosomal non-coding RNAs for the treatment of neurological disorders: a narrative review
Authors: Ke Lebin , Cao Yingying , Lu Zhiwei , Hallajzadeh Jamal
Published: October 2024

Neurological disorders are being increasingly recognized as major causes of death and disability around the world. Neurological disorders refer to a broad range of medical conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord. These disorders can have various causes, including genetic factors, infections, trauma, autoimmune reactions, or neurodegenerative processes. Each disorder has its own unique symptoms, progression, and treatment options. Optimal communication between interneurons and neuron-glia cells within the homeostatic microenvironment is of paramount importance. Within this microenvironment, exosomes play a significant role in promoting intercellular communication by transferring a diverse cargo of contents, including proteins, lipids, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Partially, nervous system homeostasis is preserved by various stem cell-derived exosomal ncRNAs, which include circular RNAs (circRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). The diversity of these exosomal ncRNAs suggests their potential to influence multiple pathways and cellular processes within the nervous system. Stem cell-derived exosomes and their ncRNA contents have been investigated for potential therapeutic uses in neurological disorders, owing to their demonstrated capabilities in neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and modulation of disease-related pathways. The ability of stem cell-derived exosomes to cross the blood-brain barrier makes them a promising delivery vehicle for therapeutic ncRNAs. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of different stem cell-derived exosomal ncRNAs and their therapeutic potential and clinical applications.
Radiation-induced skin reactions: oxidative damage mechanism and antioxidant protection
Authors: Liu Chuchu , Wei Jinlong , Wang Xuanzhong , Zhao Qin , Lv Jincai , Tan Zining , Xin Ying , Jiang Xin
Published: October 2024

According to official statistics, cancer remains the main reason of death and over 50% of patients with cancer receive radiotherapy. However, adverse consequences after radiation exposure like radiation-induced skin reactions (RISR) have negative or even fatal impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). In this review we summarize the mechanisms and managements of RISRs, a process that involve a variety of extracellular and intracellular signals, among which oxidative stress (OS) are now commonly believed to be the initial part of the occurrence of all types of RISRs. As for the management of RISRs, traditional treatments have been widely used but without satisfying outcomes while some promising therapeutic strategies related to OS still need further researches. In the context we discuss how OS leads to the happening of RISRs of different types, hoping it can shed some light on the exploration of new countermeasures.
Tuning the circularly polarized luminescence in homoleptic and heteroleptic chiral CrIII complexes
Authors: Poncet Maxime , Besnard Céline , Guénée Laure , Jiménez Juan-Ramón , Piguet Claude
Published: October 2024

A series of highly emissive inert and chiral CrIII complexes displaying positive and negative circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) within the near-infrared (NIR) region at room temperature have been prepared and characterized to decipher the effect of ligand substitution on the photophysical properties, more specifically on the chiroptical properties. The helical homoleptic [Cr(dqp-R)2]3+ (dqp = 2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine; R = Ph, ≡-Ph, DMA, ≡-DMA (DMA = N,N-dimethylaniline)) and heteroleptic [Cr(dqp)(L)]3+ (L = 4-methoxy-2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine (dqp-OMe) or L = N2,N6-dimethyl-N2,N6-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-diamine (ddpd)) molecular rubies were synthesized as racemic mixtures and then resolved and isolated into their respective pure PP and MM enantiomeric forms by chiral stationary phase HPLC. The corresponding enantiomers show two opposite polarized emission bands within the 700–780 nm range corresponding to the characteristic metal-centered Cr(2E’→4A2) and Cr(2T1’→4A2) transitions with large glum ranging from 0.14 to 0.20 for the former transition. In summary, this study reports the rational use of different ligands on CrIII and their effect on the chiroptical properties of the complexes.
Highly conductive V4C3Tx MXene-enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel electrolytes for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Bin Xiaoqing , Sheng Minhao , Que Wenxiu
Published: October 2024

Hydrogel electrolytes are an integral part of flexible solid-state supercapacitors. To further improve the low ionic conductivity, large interfacial resistance and poor cycling stability for hydrogel electrolytes, the V4C3Tx MXene-enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel electrolyte was fabricated to enhance its mechanical and electrochemical performance. The high-conductivity V4C3Tx MXene (16,465.3 S m−1) bonding transport network was embedded into the PVA-H2SO4 hydrogel electrolyte (PVA- H2SO4-V4C3Tx MXene). Results indicate that compared to the pure PVA-H2SO4 hydrogel electrolyte (105.3 mS cm−1, 48.4%@2,800 cycles), the optimal PVA-H2SO4-V4C3Tx MXene hydrogel electrolyte demonstrates high ionic conductivity (133.3 mS cm−1) and commendable long-cycle stability for the flexible solid-state supercapacitors (99.4%@5,500 cycles), as well as favorable mechanical flexibility and self-healing capability. Besides, the electrode of the flexible solid-state supercapacitor with the optimal PVA-H2SO4-V4C3Tx MXene hydrogel as the solid-state electrolyte has a capacitance of 370 F g−1 with almost no degradation in capacitance even under bending from 0° to 180°. The corresponding energy density for flexible device is 4.6 Wh kg−1, which is twice for that of PVA-H2SO4 hydrogel as the solid-state electrolyte.
Science on tap: pouring knowledge into the local community
Authors: Barrett Margaux , Santoro Jennifer , Jeffords Chris
Published: October 2024

Recently, science communication efforts have focused increasingly on sharing research findings with a broader audience. Since its creation in 2010, Science on Tap (SoT) has realized this goal by recruiting scientific professionals from diverse disciplines to share their latest research findings with the general public in a laid-back pub or brewery setting to bridge the gap between perceived “ivory tower” knowledge and public perception. In the past decade, local SoT chapters have been created across the world, including our own program started in 2022 in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, to act as these science boundary spanners. To gauge interest and increase the relevancy of our program, we conducted a descriptive survey of our SoT attendees and received 50 responses. Results indicate that attendees have learned a fair amount of new knowledge from these talks and are primarily drawn in by the topic and speaker. Participants are especially engaged in locally relevant topics such as environmental issues and report the highest enjoyment from learning new information in a relaxed brewery atmosphere. In sum, topics and location have helped our program to be an effective science communication boundary spanner in this community.
Assessment of the impact of a “user generated” video in the communication of marine environmental threats
Authors: Jorge Miguel , Pinto Bruno , Boaventura Diana
Published: October 2024

“User generated” content is a new popular type of content that shows potential in communicating information to younger age groups in new, creative ways. This study aimed to assess the impact of a “user generated” video in communicating about marine environmental threats, specifically to one hundred and fifty-one young adults enrolled in two different schools: a private higher education school, and a public university, both in the Lisbon metropolitan area (Portugal). The video’s impacts in the cognitive and emotional fields were assessed by comparing them to the impacts of an outreach text similar in content and duration of exposure. A pre-test/post-test methodology was used to evaluate short-term impacts, and a follow-up test was applied to gauge medium-term impacts. Additionally, short focus group sessions further explored topics such as media consumption preferences and trends. The results suggest that “user generated” video has a similar impact to an outreach text in the cognitive field, and a bigger impact in the emotional field when it comes to promoting positive emotions and feelings. Therefore, when used to its full potential, this type of media can be a suitable way to communicate about science and environmental topics, particularly marine environmental threats, and a valuable tool to raise public awareness.
Recurrence rate and predictors in non-ischemic reversible bradyarrhythmias
Authors: Dwivedi Sudhanshu Kumar , Sharma Akhil Kumar , Agrawal Anant , Doomra Kapil , Chaudhary Gaurav Kumar , Chandra Sharad , Bhandari Monika , Vishwakarma Pravesh , Pradhan Akshyaya , Sethi Rishi , Shukla Ayush , Singh Abhishek , Safal Safal
Published: October 2024

Objective

Non-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia is a poorly characterized yet common clinical challenge. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of recurrence and the need for permanent cardiac pacing in patients with non-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia.

Methods

This prospective single-center study enrolled 124 consecutive adult patients with non-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia who were followed up for up to 24 months after conservative management during index hospitalization. The primary endpoint was a recurrence of bradyarrhythmia requiring permanent cardiac pacing. The secondary endpoint was a composite of recurrence requiring permanent pacing, readmission, or death. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of the endpoints.

Results

Sinus node and atrioventricular node diseases were seen in 66.1% and 33.9% of patients, respectively. The most common causes of bradyarrhythmia were negative chronotropic drugs (58.1%) and hyperkalemia (55.6%). Permanent pacing was required in 21.8% of patients after a recurrence. Advanced atrioventricular block at presentation (HR: 6.10, 95% CI: 2.45–15.20, p < 0.001) and bifascicular block at discharge (HR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.58–8.33, p = 0.002) during index hospitalization were significant independent predictors of recurrence requiring cardiac pacing.

Conclusion

Non-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia is associated with a high risk of recurrence. Permanent cardiac pacing should be considered during index hospitalization in patients with advanced atrioventricular block and/or bifascicular block.
Impacts on study design when implementing digital measures in Parkinson's disease-modifying therapy trials
Authors: Lavine Jennie S. , Scotina Anthony D. , Haney Seth , Bakker Jessie P. , Izmailova Elena S. , Omberg Larsson
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Parkinson's Disease affects over 8.5 million people and there are currently no medications approved to treat underlying disease. Clinical trials for disease modifying therapies (DMT) are hampered by a lack of sufficiently sensitive measures to detect treatment effect. Reliable digital assessments of motor function allow for frequent at-home measurements that may be able to sensitively detect disease progression.

Methods

Here, we estimate the test-retest reliability of a suite of at-home motor measures derived from raw triaxial accelerometry data collected from 44 participants (21 with confirmed PD) and use the estimates to simulate digital measures in DMT trials. We consider three schedules of assessments and fit linear mixed models to the simulated data to determine whether a treatment effect can be detected.

Results

We find at-home measures vary in reliability; many have ICCs as high as or higher than MDS-UPDRS part III total score. Compared with quarterly in-clinic assessments, frequent at-home measures reduce the sample size needed to detect a 30% reduction in disease progression from over 300 per study arm to 150 or less than 100 for bursts and evenly spaced at-home assessments, respectively. The results regarding superiority of at-home assessments for detecting change over time are robust to relaxing assumptions regarding the responsiveness to disease progression and variability in progression rates.

Discussion

Overall, at-home measures have a favorable reliability profile for sensitive detection of treatment effects in DMT trials. Future work is needed to better understand the causes of variability in PD progression and identify the most appropriate statistical methods for effect detection.
Service quality, loyalty building and institutional image at a university in Lima, Peru using structural equations
Authors: Melean Romero Rosana Alejandra , Carhuancho Mendoza Irma Milagros , Guerrero Bejarano María Auxiliadora , Ponce Yactayo Dora Lourdes , Saravia Ramos Giuliana del Pilar , Nolazco Labajos Fernando Alexis , Muñoz Ccuro Felipa Elvira , Bravo Chávez Oscar Jhonny
Published: October 2024

The objective of the research was to explain the satisfaction of students at a private university in Lima, Peru, by applying structural equations. The study aimed to explain the perceived quality of service and how it contributes to student loyalty and institutional image. A purposefully designed quantitative survey was administered to a convenience sample of third-semester university students, considering the semesters 2022-I, 2022-II, and 2023-I. A total of 655 responses were included in the analysis. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses and identify findings. The results demonstrate a statistical relationship between the variables. The quality of service perceived by the university students almost entirely (99%) explained their satisfaction with the university services provided. Satisfaction, in turn, influences the institutional image by 91% and loyalty by 47%. The image perceived by the students accounts for 39% of their loyalty to the university they attend. Given that the development of student competencies is a primary objective of higher education, this is important because the participants are preparing for qualified employment. For this reason, the use of quality surveys in education is of interest to academics, communities, and governments alike. Although the quality results of this study are admirable, based on them, the dimensions of quality can continue to be reinforced over time. Studying service provision, student satisfaction, and loyalty can help educators and institutions improve learning.
Improved reproductive outcomes in normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women undergoing ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination: a retrospective cohort analysis of real-world data
Authors: Li Sichen , Long Yao , Wang Chunyan , Yang Rui , Lv Junye , Chen Zixin , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying , Cao Mingzhu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the comparative reproductive outcomes of ovarian stimulation combined with intrauterine insemination using partner’s sperm (OS-IUI) in eumenorrheic and normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 3833 couples who underwent 5920 cycles of OS-IUI between June 2013 and March 2019. Participants were stratified into two cohorts based on menstrual regularity: eumenorrheic and normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic. The primary outcome measured was the live birth rate (LBR) per cycle and cumulative LBR per couple. Secondary outcomes encompassed the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per cycle, miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance maternal baseline characteristics.

Results

Prior to PSM, significant differences in CPR, LBR and cumulative LBR were observed between eumenorrheic and oligomenorrheic women, favoring the latter (CPR: 11.16% vs. 18.75%; LBR: 9.02% vs. 14.96%; cumulative LBR: 13.60% vs. 24.25%, P < 0.001). These differences persisted post-PSM (CPR: 9.74% vs. 19.29%; LBR: 7.30% vs. 16.29%; cumulative LBR 7.76% vs. 19.90%, P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that menstrual status was a significant independent predictor of both CPR (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.83 before PSM, 2.24 after PSM) and LBR (adjusted OR=1.90 before PSM, 2.46 after PSM). In the subgroup analysis, female age was identified as the sole predictor of reproductive outcomes in oligomenorrheic women undergoing OS-IUI. Conversely, in eumenorrheic women, factors such as age, duration of infertility, body mass index (BMI), ovarian stimulation agents, and the number of dominant follicles were significant influencers of CPR and LBR.

Conclusion

Normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women demonstrated improved reproductive outcomes with OS-IUI, suggesting that tailored treatment strategies based on menstrual regularity could optimize success rates in infertility management.
Predictive value of IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio for thyroid nodules in type 2 diabetic mellitus
Authors: Liu Bingxin , Wang Yanjun
Published: October 2024

Aims

To explore the predictive value of the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio for the presence of thyroid nodules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This observational study prospectively enrolled patients with T2DM at the Second Hospital of Jilin University between May 2021 and January 2022. Thyroid nodule (TN) status was determined by ultrasonography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio for TNs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM.

Results

A total of 122 patients (mean age ± standard deviation: 52.57 ± 11.71 years; 74 males) were enrolled. 37.7% (n=46) of patients did not have TNs, while 62.3% (n=76) had TNs. The duration of diabetes, age, and HDL-C level were significantly higher in the T2DM group with TNs compared to the group without TNs (all P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the combination of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio in predicting TNs in T2DM patients was 0.619 (P < 0.001). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the duration of diabetes, age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were independent risk factors for thyroid nodules, while the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio level was an independent protective factor for thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The combination of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio may have a better predictive value for TNs in T2DM patients than using any single marker alone. The duration of diabetes, age, FPG, FINS, TSH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio levels were independently associated with thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM.
Metabolomic analysis reveals potential role of immunometabolism dysregulation in recurrent pregnancy loss
Authors: Ye Xiaofeng , Ma Chong , Guo Wenqi , Guo Yan , Li Dong-dong , Zhou Sihang , Hu Qingyu , Hong Yanjun , Xie Zhiyong , Wang Liping
Published: October 2024

Background

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) affects women's reproductive health seriously, with immune dysfunction playing a key role in its cause, yet the exact mechanisms remain elusive. We aim to investigate potential mechanisms and identify biomarkers linked to RPL.

Methods

Immune cytokine testing and metabolomic profiling were conducted on the serum of 34 RPL patients and 30 healthy individuals. The metabolic pathways of the differential metabolites were analyzed, and specific metabolites were validated through targeted profiling. Potential biomarkers were identified, and the relationships between immune cytokines and differential metabolites were explored.

Results

In the RPL group, serum interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels were significantly higher, while interleukin-2 and interferon-γ were significantly lower. A total of 296 differential metabolites were detected by untargeted metabolomic profiling between the RPL and control groups, with most linked to amino acid metabolism. Targeted metabolomic profiling of amino acid metabolism revealed upregulation of indole-3-acetic acid, tyrosine, glycine, isoleucine, tryptophan, lysine, aspartic acid, arginine, leucine, threonine, glutamic acid, cystine, and phenylpyruvic acid (PPA) in the RPL group. Moreover, PPA and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan showed great potential in predicting RPL in a diagnostic model. Cystine and tyrosine were associated with immune cytokines in correlation analysis.

Conclusion

The study highlights the role of amino acid metabolism in RPL pathogenesis, suggesting that PPA and 5-HTP may be potential predictive indicators, while cystine and tyrosine may potentially regulate immune responses related to RPL. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying these findings could potentially result in the creation of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for RPL.
Exploring small-scale direct air capture in a building ventilation system: a case study in Linköping, Sweden
Authors: Milić Vlatko , Larsson Ståhl Andreas , Granli Axel , Moshfegh Bahram
Published: October 2024

Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies have emerged as a promising solution to address climate change and meet global climate goals. However, despite the importance of DAC in designing carbon-negative buildings, there is a lack of research focusing on the energy and cost aspects in building ventilation systems. The objective of this research is to investigate the CO2 capture potential and economic viability of integrating small-scale DAC into a building ventilation system integrated within a gym space. A gym space located in the city of Linköping, Sweden, is used as the research object. Furthermore, the study investigates the CO2 capture potential across a portfolio of gym spaces corresponding to an area of 24,760 m2. The results show that the CO2 capture potential varies between 54 kg/day and 83 kg/day for the investigated gym space. Moreover, the total CO2 capture potential is between 588 ton CO2/year and 750 ton CO2/year for the portfolio of gym spaces. The results also demonstrate that regenerating the sorbent during non-operating hours is more energy-efficient and economically advantageous compared to performing four complete regeneration cycles during operating hours. Based on a sorbent capture potential of 0.2 mmol/g and 2.0 mmol/g, and a CO2 price of 1,000 SEK, the break-even price for energy is 0.25–0.53 SEK/kWh. Lastly, the research shows that, among the investigated cases, the only economically viable solution corresponds to sorbent capture potential 2.0 mmol/g and utilizing low-grade heat for the generation process, resulting in a total cost of 663 SEK/ton CO2.