bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food for Thought: A Qualitative Assessment of Medical Trainee and Faculty Perceptions of Nutrition Education
Authors: Kunitsky Olivia , Taye Mahdi , Feeley Karla , Johnson Hugh , Glynn Abigail , Stivale Avery , Hamers Matthew , Notarianni Alexis , Mamillapalli Sireesha , Waite Gabi , Lobo Sonia
Published: December 2024

Background: The American Society of Clinical Nutrition recommends 37 to 44 hours of undergraduate medical nutrition education. The Total Health Curriculum at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM) contains 14 hours of objective-based nutritional instruction. This study aimed to examine the perceptions of key stakeholders regarding the role of nutrition in medicine and to identify barriers, opportunities for improvement, and roles/responsibilities for innovative implementation of nutrition education.
Methods: This exploratory, qualitative study employed a constructivist, grounded theory approach and inductive coding process. Purposive sampling recruited medical students, undergraduate medical education (UME) faculty, physicians, and other healthcare professionals at GCSOM and affiliated clinical sites. Semi-structured focus groups and one-on-one interviews were conducted via videoconferencing. Audio recordings were transcribed using NVivo 14. Transcripts were manually reviewed alongside the audio files to ensure accuracy. Data were systematically organized using the qualitative research methodology Rigorous and Accelerated Data Reduction (RADaR). Microsoft Copilot was used to assist with thematic analysis. Outcomes were compared, and consensus was obtained among raters.
Results: Twenty-five individuals were interviewed: 12 UME faculty, five students, and eight healthcare professionals, including two physicians. Participants included 18 females and seven males, aged 23 to 69 years. Ninety-two percent of participants believed that all physicians should receive nutrition education and forty percent felt unsatisfied with their nutritional training. For barriers, the qualitative analysis identified these themes: 1) time constraints, 2) assessment and prioritization, 3) insufficient faculty expertise, and 4) bias and stigma. For improvement opportunities, the qualitative analysis identified these themes: 1) curriculum design, 2) practical application, 3) patient-centered approach, and 4) trainee perceptions. For roles/responsibilities, the qualitative analysis identified these themes: 1) accreditation bodies, 2) stakeholder involvement, 3) public policy and legislation, and 4) multilevel responsibility.
Conclusion: Participants acknowledged a need for more medical nutrition education to prepare physicians who are equipped to manage the nutritional needs of patients. They recognized key challenges hindering the advancement of such education, proposed various forms of improvement, and identified roles for successful implementation. Future research will assess community perspectives and expand sample diversity.
A retrospective study on potential drug‒drug interactions in patients with severe asthma receiving biological therapy: a single-center experience
Authors: Momcilovic Mirna , Turcic Petra , Butković Franka , Grle Sanja Popovic
Published: December 2024

Background
Prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in adult patients with severe asthma on biological therapy and their clinical significance have not been fully addressed, thus the aim of this study was to investigate them.
Methods
In this retrospective observational study, patients who were diagnosed with severe asthma and to whom biological therapy was prescribed between September 2015 and December 2020, were enrolled. The study was conducted at the Department of Allergic and Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Clinic for Lung Diseases Jordanovac, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb. Data on demographic characteristics as well as concomitant medication were collected. The analysis of pDDIs was conducted via Lexicomp® online software. Interactions of significance levels A and B were only recorded, while those of levels C, D and X were further analysed. The collected data was processed via Microsoft Excel 365 software.
Results
60 adult patients, 60% female and 40% male, with median age of 56.2 years, were enrolled. The incidence of pDDIs was 86.67%. Total number of pDDIs detected was 518, out of which 43.24%, 45%, 4.44% and 7.3% of clinical significance B, C, D and X. Interactions of level C, D and X were recorded in, as follows: 83.33%, 25% and 33.33% patients with an average of 4.66, 1.53 and 1.9 interactions per patient. Only 13.33% of the patients had none of the potential clinically significant DDI. Most drug pairs contained at least one antiasthmatic drug. Muscarinic receptor antagonists, oral corticosteroids, β2 agonists and methylxanthines showed potential of entering into clinically significant DDIs, while leukotriene antagonists and biologicals showed no potential for the above.
Conclusion
Prevalence of potential drug-drug interactions in patients with severe asthma on biological therapy is high. The majority of identified interactions have moderate to high level of clinical significance. Their identification, prevention and resolution could contribute to optimizing therapy, maximizing its therapeutic effect and avoiding undesirable adverse events.
Evaluating the Improvement of Expansive Soil Properties by Blending with Red Soils
Authors: Alehgn Habtamu Sewnet
Published: December 2024

One of the most abundant construction materials is soil; nevertheless, certain varieties provide serious engineering difficulties because of their low strength, low permeability, and rapid swell-shrink response to moisture changes. Through a variety of techniques, engineers have worked to increase the expansive soils' bearing capacity and shear strength over time. By mixing expansive soil with red soil, this study seeks to increase it’s the strength of expansive soil and make it more appropriate for construction. For laboratory testing, two types of expansive soil and three types of red soil-red-brownish, red gravel, and red fine soil were taken from Jimma Town. Combining expansive soil with red soil considerably enhanced its engineering properties, fulfilling design specifications for bearing capacity, plasticity, and compaction. Significant improvements were observed when red-brownish and red gravel soils were added at 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%. As a result, the blended soil was deemed adequate for subgrade construction. The maximum dry density (MDD) increased from 1.40 g/cm³ to 1.62 g/cm³ and 1.61 g/cm³, respectively, while the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) increased from 2.75% to 17.79% and 17.62%. However, there were very few changes in CBR, index values, compaction characteristics, and free swell when red fine soil was mixed with expansive soil. The study's overall findings indicate that red-brownish and red gravel soils when combined with expansive soil greatly increase their qualities, but red fine soil just slightly improves them.
Advancing Precision Medicine in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Patient-Derived Organoids
Authors: Shen Suya , Liu Bing , Guan Wenyan , Liu Ziyao , Han Yuqing , Hu Yingzhe , Chen Yiqiang , Liu Siyuan , He Jian , Li Zhiwen , Tang Weifeng , Zhang Pengju , Ren Wei , Qiu Yudong , Zheng Hongping , Li Jingjing
Published: December 2024

Background & Aims:
Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) represent a promising approach for replicatingthe characteristics of original tumors and facilitating drug testing for personalized treatments across diverse cancer types. However, clinical evidence regarding their application to esophageal cancer remains limited.This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of implementing PDOs in clinical practice to benefit patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).
Methods:
Fresh surgical biopsies were obtained from patients with esophageal cancer for the establishment of PDOs. These PDOswere subsequently characterized through histological analysis. A customized drug panel, based on standard-of-care chemotherapy regimens, was applied to the PDOs. The resulting drug sensitivity profiles were then correlated with the clinical responses observed in individual patients undergoing actual treatment.
Results:
A total of 34 PDOs were successfully established with a 61.8% success rate. The classification method based on chemotherapy sensitivity closely corresponded to clinical responses. The paclitaxel plus cisplatin (TP)-sensitive group demonstrated significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the resistant groups, Hazard ratio (HR), 5.12; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.58-44.71; p <0.05), thus illustrating the potential of this approach for identifying personalized treatment strategies.
Conclusion:
Organoid biobanks wereestablished across multiple institutes to facilitate PDOs-based functional precision medicine. The findings demonstrate that this framework offers robust predictive value in clinical settings, enhances precision therapeutics, and advances drug discovery for esophageal cancer.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Strain Echocardiography in Individuals with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Its Association with Serum TIMP-1 Concentration
Authors: DUZEN Irfan Veysel , TULUCE Selcen Yakar , OZTURK Sadettin , SAVCILIOGLU Mert Deniz , GOKSULUK Huseyin , ALTUNBAS Gokhan , KAPLAN Mehmet , VURUSKAN Ertan , TABUR Suzan , SUCU Murat , TAYSI Seyithan
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), which is an autoimmune condition and the primary cause of hypothyroidism, has numerous impacts on the cardiovascular system. Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) enables earlier detection of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction compared to conventional echocardiography. The tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is a key molecule that plays a role in cardiac remodeling in various pathologies. The objective of this study was to determine if any differences existed in TIMP-1 levels and LV strain values between euthyroid HT patients, hypothyroid HT patients, and healthy control subjects.
Materials and Methods:
Forty patients with hypothyroid HT, 40 HT patients who had become euthyroid with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and 40 healthy controls were included in this study. In addition to conventional echocardiography, all subjects also underwent STE. Segmental and global LV longitudinal strain values (LVGLS) were obtained. Blood samples were collected from each participant to measure serum TIMP-1 levels, thyroid function tests and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody (anti-TPO) levels.
Results:
Higher serum TIMP-1 levels were found in euthyroid and hypothyroid HT patients than in control group. Additionally, patients with euthyroid and hypothyroid HT displayed lower segmental and global LV strain values than the control group. A negative correlation was observed between strain values and TIMP-1 and anti-TPO levels. No significant difference was observed in serum TIMP-1 and strain values between euthyroid and hypothyroid HT patients. Patients with hypothyroid HT exhibited impaired diastolic function and reduced ejection fraction when compared to both euthyroid HT and control groups. However, diastolic function and ejection fraction were similar between euthyroid HT patients and the control group.
Conclusion:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes impairment of LV strain, regardless of thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, the condition is associated with elevated TIMP-1 levels. The relationship between LV strain values and anti-TPO levels indicates that the autoimmune component of the disease may be responsible for the impaired LV strain.
“Am I Doing Everything Right Enough?”: A Mixed Methods Evaluation Of The Early Post-Bariatric Surgery Period
Authors: KÖROĞLU Sevgi , BAŞ Nilgün SERT , DURAT Gülgün , AYGİN Dilek , YÜKSEL Adem , KARAMAN Kerem
Published: December 2024

Bariatric surgery is an effective obesity treatment, yet its success is often linked to psychological health. This study explores the impact of personality patterns and emotion regulation on the daily lives of bariatric surgery patients, emphasizing the importance of psychosocial factors post-surgery. Using a concurrent mixed-methods design, 95 participants completed quantitative surveys on personality, emotion dysregulation, and quality of life, while in-depth interviews with 18 participants provided qualitative insights. Integrated findings showed that personality patterns significantly influence biopsychosocial quality of life. Qualitative data indicated improvements in emotional coping and social relationships, though quantitative data did not find a direct link between emotion regulation difficulties and quality of life. Positive personality traits correlated with enhanced social engagement and body image; however, fears of weight regain and dependency on external control persisted. The study highlights the need for integrated mental health support focused on emotional resilience and personalized care to promote long-term well-being and adaptation after bariatric surgery.
Comparative cadaveric study of the Kocher–Langenbeck approach with and without trochanteric osteotomy in extended posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum
Authors: Orapiriyakul Wich , Kritsaneephaiboon Apipop , Dissaneewate Kantapon , Waewwanjitb Mukta , Jitprapaikulsarn Surasak , Chewakidakarn Chulin
Published: December 2024

Introduction:
Standard exposure, such as the Kocher–Langenbeck (KL) approach, has a limited ability to access the cranial and anterior portions of the posterior wall with an extended fracture line into the acetabular dome. Augmentation of the KL approach with trochanteric osteotomy (TO) has enhanced exposure in this area. This study aimed to compare the area of surgical exposure in the KL approach with and without additional TO and identify the most anterior exit point of the posterior wall in each surgical approach. The addition of TO to the KL approach significantly improves surgical exposure of the supero-anterior acetabular regions compared to the KL approach alone.
Materials and Methods
Ten fresh cadaveric hip specimens were used in this study. The KL approach was initially used for each specimen, followed by additional TO. Surgical exposures were marked, and measurements were taken for anterior and cranial exposure distances, surface area of bony exposure, and posterior wall arc angle (PWAA). Data were analysed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.
Results
TO significantly increased the anterior exposure distance (65.83 mm vs. 49.07 mm) and acetabular surface area (43.95 cm2 vs. 33.51 cm2) compared to the KL approach alone. PWAA was also significantly higher in TO (52.55° vs. 27.63°), indicating enhanced anterior exposure. However, the increase in cranial exposure distance was not statistically significant.
Conclusion
The KL approach with TO significantly enhanced surgical exposure for posterior wall acetabular fractures, particularly in the anterior regions. For fractures with a PWAA of 0º–27º, the KL approach alone would be sufficient.
Level of evidence:
IV, cadaveric study
Substance P and Neurokinin-1 receptor are overexpressed in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma than in the pituitary gland
Authors: Alcaide Carlos , Perez Francisco , Esteban Francisco , Muñoz Miguel
Published: December 2024

Background
Human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is a brain tumor that originates at the base of the skull and shows aggressive local behavior, invading critical areas such as the optic pathways and hypothalamus. Since decades, conventional treatment is based in surgery and radiotherapy which derivate in serious patients’ disability. It is well known that Substance P (SP) peptide and Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) are involved in inflammation and cancer progression and its blockage with NK-1R antagonists has been shown to effectively counteract tumor development in preclinical trials. The oncogenic mechanism underlying ACP is based on a secretory phenotype associated with the production of paracrine biomarkers that establish an inflammatory and angiogenic microenvironment for the progression of ACP.
Methods
We studied by immunohistochemistry the localization of SP and NK-1R in human 43 ACP and pituitary gland samples.
Results
SP and the NK-1R were overexpressed in all ACP more than in pituitary glands samples. SP expression is found widespread the ACP and is preferentially localized in the nucleus than in cytoplasm of tumor cells. Likewise, areas of glial reaction and endothelial cells also express SP preferentially in the cell nuclei. NK-1R is expressed mainly in the glial reaction, especially in the nuclei and membranes of its inflammatory cells and less prominently in the cytoplasm. In ACP neovessels, NK-1R is expressed in endothelial cells and fibroblasts that constitute their basement membranes. Tumor cells did not show significant NK-1R expression.
Conclusions
These findings, reported here for the first time, suggest a role for SP and NK-1R in pituitary gland and ACP and opens the door to future clinical trials on treatment with NK-1R antagonist drugs in ACP patients.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and L. paraplantarum encode agr-like loci that interfere with quorum sensing and virulence gene expression in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Wang Weizhe , Kyrkou Ifigeneia , Bojer Martin S. , Kalloubi Dina , Kali Abdul Jabbar , Alena-Rodriguez Miguel , Leisner Jørgen , Fulaz Stephanie , Ingmer Hanne
Published: December 2024

The pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is largely regulated by the agr quorum sensing (QS) system encoded by agrBDCA, which coordinates virulence factor production through secretion and sensing of auto-inducing peptides (AIPs). agr-like systems are present also in coagulase-negative staphylococci, and several of these encode AIPs that inhibit S. aureus QS. In lactic acid bacteria, a similar locus was previously identified in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCSF1 termed lamBDCA. Here, we characterized the lamBDCA locus in L. plantarum LMG 13556 and L. paraplantarum CIRM-BIA 1870, and explored the effects on S. aureus QS. Notably, we found that co-cultivation with L. paraplantarum significantly inhibits S. aureus QS and hemolysin production, while less so for L. plantarum. The inhibition by L. paraplantarum was lost upon disruption of its lamBDCA locus, suggesting that the L. paraplantarum AIP mediates cross-species interference with S. aureus agr activation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that lamBDCA in L. paraplantarum controls the expression of genes belonging to various functional categories, including stress response and metabolism. The latter includes genes encoding riboflavin (B2 vitamin) biosynthesis, which enabled the growth of the L. paraplantarum lamB mutant in the presence of roseoflavin, a toxic riboflavin analogue. Collectively, our results show that L. paraplantarum CIRM-BIA 1870 interferes with S. aureus virulence gene expression through QS suppression, and they implicate QS in the probiotic properties of L. paraplantarum.
Re-intervention utility after endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy using a partially covered stent with anchoring flange
Authors: Shin Il Sang , Moon Jong Ho , Lee Yun Nah , Park Jae Woo , Lee Tae Hoon , Yang Jae Kook , Cho Young Deok , Park Sang-Heum
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim:
A long self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) with a sufficient intragastric portion is typically preferred for endoscopic ultrasound-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS). However, this type of stent can complicate endoscopic re-intervention for recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic re-intervention for RBO through the stent after EUS-HGS using a novel partially covered SEMS with an anchoring flange.
Methods
The partially covered SEMS was designed with a proximal uncovered portion measuring 1.5 cm in length and a resilient fold-back wide distal anchoring flange with a 2.0 cm diameter. Re-interventions were performed through the stent lumen while the stent was in situ. The evaluated outcomes were the technical and clinical success of the endoscopic re-intervention, procedure time, and adverse events.
Results
In total, 35 re-interventions for RBO were performed through the HGS route in 19 patients. Re-intervention was successfully conducted in 97.1% (34/35) of cases via the distal end of the stent in a retroflexed position. The overall technical and clinical success rates were 91.4% (32/35) and 85.7% (30/35), respectively. The re-intervention methods included stent cleaning (18.2%), additional HGS stent placement (33.3%), and antegrade stent placement (48.5%). Mild cholangitis occurred in 5.7% (2/35) of patients and was successfully managed with conservative treatment.
Conclusions
Endoscopic re-interventions can be effectively and safely performed through the lumen of the partially covered SEMS with an anchoring flange. The HPG route with a 2–3 cm intragastric portion renders it technically simple to access the biliary tract for re-intervention procedures.
Proteomics reveals biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of septic kidney injury
Authors: Zhu Weimin , He Xiaxia , Dai Hanzhi , Dong Cuicui , Zhang Jiatian , Chen Nanjin , Zhang Sheng , Xu Yubin , Chen Qi , Xu Yinghe , Jiang Yongpo
Published: December 2024

Background
Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is a severe and life-threatening disease with high incidence and mortality rates among ICU patients. However, currently, there is still a lack of effective biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of kidney injury in septic patients.
Methods
In a multi-center prospective cohort study, 37 sepsis patients (sepsis-AKI, n = 19; sepsis-NoAKI, n = 18) and 31 healthy controls were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were analyzed by protein mass spectrometry, and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to remove outliers. Differentially expressed proteins were identified based on p < 0.05 and |log2 fold change|>1, then functionally enriched using DAVID. An additional validation cohort of 65 sepsis patients ((sepsis-AKI, n = 38; sepsis-NoAKI, n = 27) from three other centers was used to further validate the target proteins. ELISA and ROC curve analysis were performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the target proteins for SA-AKI and the need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) as the performance metric.
Results
Ultimately, 7 proteins were differently expressed between the two groups, with 6 of them being significantly up-regulated and 1 being significantly down-regulated. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the selected differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in immune responses, complement activation, coagulation cascades, and neutrophil degranulation. Further external validation showed that the AUC values of CST3, B2M, IGFBP4, CFD, and CD59 in diagnosing SA-AKI were all above 0.7, and there were significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). For whether or not to receive CRRT treatment, IGFBP4 was found to have good predictive value, with an AUC of 0.84.
Conclusions
This study suggests that CST3, B2M, IGFBP4, CFD, and CD59 may serve as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of SA-AKI, with IGFBP4 specifically aiding in determining whether CRRT treatment is necessary.
Pre- and Postoperation Risk Factors for Hirschsprung-associated Enterocolitis in Vietnamese Children
Authors: Viet Hoang Tran , Minh Tuan Huynh , Truong Nhan Vu , Phuong Anh Huynh Thi , Bich Uyen Nguyen , The Hao Chung , Uy Linh Truong Nguyen
Published: December 2024

Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis (HAEC) can occur before and after surgery, increasing the complication rates, hospital stay, and treatment costs.
Objective: This study aims to determine the incidence of preoperative and postoperative Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis HAEC and the related risk factors.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at two children's hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam of Hirschsprung's disease patients under 16 years of age from December 2022 to June 2024. The postoperative follow-up is 12 months.
Results: We enrolled 84 pediatric patients, with a male-to-female ratio of 5.4/1 and an average age of 7.2 ± 1.07 months. Of these, 25% of the patients had preoperative enterocolitis at admission, and 34.5% had at least one episode of preoperative enterocolitis. Postoperative enterocolitis occurred in 14 patients (16.7%), at an average post-operative 4.03 months. Chi-squared and OR analysis revealed that risk factors for preoperative enterocolitis at admission included a history of enterocolitis (OR=3.53; p=0.024), low weight in hospital (p=0.001), and lack of preoperative treatment (p=0.01). Multiple logistic regression of postoperative enterocolitis was associated with a history of preoperative enterocolitis (OR=9.74; p<0.001), anastomotic stricture (OR=2.33; p=0.002), and the length of the aganglionic segment (p<0.05). No statistically significant association was found between the surgical method and the risk of postoperative enterocolitis.
Conclusion: A history of pre-operative enterocolitis, low weight, and anastomotic stricture are significant risk factors for postoperative enterocolitis in patients with Hirschsprung's disease. Therefore, preoperative medical treatment should be used if the patients have not yet undergone a definitive surgical procedure. This approach is suitable as the patients live far from medical centers in Vietnam.
Effects of acute pro-inflammatory stimulation and 25-hydroxycholesterol on hippocampal plasticity & learning involve NLRP3 inflammasome and cellular stress responses
Authors: Izumi Yukitoshi , O'Dell Kazuko A. , Mennerick Steven , Zorumski Charles
Published: December 2024

Neuroinflammation is an increasingly important target for therapeutics in neuropsychiatry and contributes to cognitive dysfunction, disability and death across a range of illnesses. We previously found that acute effects of pro-inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), a form of synaptic plasticity involved in learning and memory, requires synthesis of the oxysterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC) and exogenous 25HC mimics effects of LPS. However, downstream mechanisms engaged by LPS and 25HC remain uncertain. Here we use rat hippocampal slices and in vivo behavioral studies to provide evidence that acute modulation of synaptic plasticity by both LPS and 25HC requires activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1 and interleukin-1 receptor. Furthermore, both LPS and 25HC engage cellular stress responses including synthesis of 5a-reduced neurosteroids and effects on plasticity are prevented by modulators of these responses. In studies of acute learning using a one-trial inhibitory avoidance task, inhibition of learning by LPS and 25HC are prevented by pre-treatment with an inhibitor of NLRP3. The present studies provide strong support for the role of 25HC as a mediator of pro-inflammatory stimulation on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and for the importance of NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 activation in the deleterious effects of acute inflammation.
Parameter Estimation of a 2D Mathematical Model for Multi-Stage Compound Channels
Authors: Jamali Abdolreza , Aminnejad Babak , Zahiri Abdolreza
Published: December 2024

While a significant body of research has been focused on classic compound channels, few studies have focused on the multi-stage compound channels. Multi-stage compound channels have more than one floodplain on each side of the main channel. In these channels, when the flood occurs and the main channel is filled, the first floodplain is activated, and then when this floodplain overflows, the second floodplain immediately participates. In this study, three parameters of the two-dimensional model of Shiono and Knight (SKM) are estimated for multi-stage compound channels. Through calibration process, it was found that the effect of eddy viscosity and secondary currents in these channels is significant and should be considered. The calibrated SKM showed a good agreement between the observed and calculated lateral velocity and also bed shear stress distributions, total flow discharges as well as the zonal flow rates. Mean and maximum errors in estimating the total flow discharges were 4.1 and 9.7 percents, respectively. These errors for main channel’s flow discharges estimation were obtained as 4.9 and 10.6 percents, respectively. Meanwhile, the vertical divided channel method, widely used in water engineering packages, with an average error of 23% and a maximum error of 32% does not provide reliable results for total flow discharges. Results showed that SKM can estimate the total and the subdivision flow discharges in multi-stage compound channels with reasonable accuracy.
Differential gene expression during pupal development of Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) for improving postmortem interval estimation
Authors: Pereira Ana Julia , Sonzogni Silvina , Centeno Nestor , Guiñazu Natalia
Published: December 2024

The main objective of forensic entomology is to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) by analyzing the size and duration of the immature stages of insects colonizing a cadaver. However, this estimation becomes difficult during the pupal stage due to the absence of significant visible morphological changes. This study explores the differential gene expression of Lucilia sericata (Calliphoridae) pupae as a molecular tool for PMI estimation. Pupae were collected daily under controlled conditions at 23°C, and RNA was extracted for transcriptomic analysis. Six target genes (ecdysone receptor, Hsp90, actin, regucalcin, wingless, and fat body protein 1) were identified and correlated with distinct percentages of pupal development. Our results suggests that the combination of the expression levels of at least three genes, such as ecdysone receptor, regucalcin, and wingless, is sufficient to infer the percentage of pupal development throughout the entire pupal stage. Additionally, graphical tools were developed to facilitate the use of individual and grouped genes as markers for L. sericata age estimation. Since the pupal period comprises approximately half of the Calliphoridae developmental cycle, these findings are particularly valuable when pupae represent the most advanced evidence recovered from a crime scene or autopsy.
The effect of cold water on the transitional speed and agility of basketball players
Authors: Safaa Aldin Taha Al-hajar  , Sherwan Sabr Khalid
Published: December 2024

In recent years the researches focus on recovery strategies to boost the rebuild of physiological processes and improving performance in training and competition, and ice-bath is one of the modern scientific methods to fatigue phenomenon and refresh athletes in addition to active neuromuscular cells. The game of basketball features by rapid and intense movements such as jump, footwork, sprint and intense motion repetition with short recovery time periods. Therefore, players need speed, power and motion endurance such as (sprint, jump, changing direction and footwork) despite the ability of maintaining high level performance during the game. The study aims to identify the effect of ice-bath on speed and agility of basketball players. The research sample consists of Qala sport club players in Erbil province numbered (10) players divided into to equal groups of (5) participants (control group and experimental group). The statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) used for data analysis. The results show no significant differences in speed and agility tests, as speed require long resting periods to be fully recovered. The researchers recommend conducting further researches and studies on ice-bath in different sports to determine the its advantages for muscle recovery after trainings and games.
Analysis of the Digital Communication of Central European Shrines
Authors: Bálint Csaba , Mészáros Minucsér
Published: December 2024

Religious tourism, rooted in pilgrimages, has expanded beyond traditional practices to include diverse spiritual and secular interests. Visitor motivations range widely, from spiritual fulfillment and cultural exploration to relaxation and curiosity. Today's pilgrims often seek comfort and lively environments over asceticism and solitude. This shift prompts a need for more modern strategies in site management. Online marketing leverages digital platforms for interactive global outreach. ICT supports tourism by improving service quality, enhancing visitor experiences, promoting events, and ensuring safety. The study analyzed the websites of Central European shrines across multiple criteria. Findings indicate varied fulfillment levels among these criteria related to information content and services. Some key areas are generally well-covered (mainly the fundamentals), some aspects are less commonly addressed (mostly extensive touristic information and features related to accessibility for the disabled), but the websites themselves show significant discrepancies too. Many shrines have integrated social media into their online presence, but there is variability in the level of engagement and originality of the content posted. Future studies could delve deeper into the qualitative aspects of website usability, user experience, and the impact of social media engagement on pilgrimage tourism.
Assessing the impact of artificial intelligence on project efficiency enhancement
Authors: Kozhakhmetova Assel , Mamyrbayev Almas , Zhidebekkyzy Aknur , Bilan Svitlana
Published: December 2024

The study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on project management (PM) across different industries. It aims to assess how AI adoption in PM affects project efficiency. The study surveyed 159 project supervisors and specific project managers implementing projects from 7 industries in the Republic of Kazakhstan: software, green energy, engineering, construction, science, transport, and tourism. The research used variance and linear regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between AI adoption and project efficiency level measured by the Likert scale from 1 to 5 and test the associated hypotheses. The results show that AI adoption varies among industries, with software, construction, and scientific projects being the most active users. The study also found that the use of AI differed across eight project performance domains, with the stakeholder domain using voice technologies and process automation and the uncertainty domain using fewer tools. Projects with higher AI adoption rates showed higher efficiency scores (for example, in Software projects, the AI adoption rate is 3.2; the efficiency rate is 3.3), while those with lower efficiency levels (for example, in the Tourism industry, the AI adoption rate is 1.9; the efficiency rate is 2.2) showed the worst results. Decision-making systems, process automation, and voice technologies are the three most critical AI technologies PM professionals use to improve project efficiency.
Acknowledgments This research has been funded by the Committee of Science of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP19680313).
Does the concept of value for money increase budget performance?
Authors: Nur Reskiyawati Said Siti , Arifuddin  , Kusumawati Andi , Usman Asri
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to assess the factors affecting budget performance through the concept of value for money. This quantitative study uses a rating scale and a survey. The samples included 426 government officials from 43 regional organizations in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The final sample size was 153 respondents. According to the results, participatory budgeting (β = 0.190; p-value = 0.017 < 0.05), budget goal clarity (β = 0.428; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05), and commitment (β = 0.339; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05) have a direct impact on budget performance. As a moderating variable, organizational culture affected participatory budgeting (β = 0.047; p-value = 0.004 < 0.05), budget goal clarity (β = 0.091; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05), and commitment (β = 0.066; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05). Moreover, motivation, as a moderating variable, affected participatory budgeting (β = 0.041; p-value = 0.019 < 0.05), budget goal clarity (β = 0.078; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05), and commitment (β = 0.070; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05). This study offers significant implications for local government officials in selecting the most effective variables to improve budget performance. For policymakers, the findings suggest supporting skill optimization to carry out government tasks. Finally, it is necessary to reconsider the approach to training the local government staff.
Ukrainian students on the global map of academic migration
Authors: Samoliuk Natalia , Hrynkevych Olha , Mishchuk Halyna , Bilan Yuriy
Published: December 2024

Considering the loss of talented youth in Ukraine caused by migration, there is a growing need to investigate how to attract and retain students. The study aims to identify the peculiarities of Ukrainian student migration against the background of global patterns of academic migration, focusing on factors of countries’ attractiveness for the students. The typology of countries by the level of inbound and outbound academic migration is developed based on variation analysis. The correlation analysis is used to identify the factors that influence countries’ attractiveness to students. The analysis of educational policies of the most attractive countries for Ukrainian students is fulfilled using the contextual analysis of legislative norms on academic mobility. In the global dimension, the variation of both inbound and outbound academic mobility is closely related to a country’s economic level, measured by GNI per capita. However, the correlation analysis did not confirm the higher migration attractiveness of countries with a high level of economic development (correlation with GNI per capita is –0.147). The impact of employment and social and economic resilience of an economy was relatively significant, with the correlation coefficients of 0.426 and 0.371. The analysis of educational policies of host countries showed the active use of language integration tools, the combined use of financial mechanisms, and the involvement of universities in career development. Implementation of the best practices of educational management in Ukraine is critical for restoring demographic and intellectual capital.
AcknowledgmentThis study is funded by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine under the project “Higher education in the conditions of war and post-war recovery: Determinants of development to overcome threats to the restoring of human capital” (State registration number 0124U000351).
EFFECTS OF PILATES EXERCISES AND WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISES TRAINING ON BODY COMPOSITION, FLEXIBILITY, AND BALANCE IN HEALTHY WOMEN: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED PILOT STUDY
Authors: Kalkan Balak Büşra , Yürük Zeliha Özlem
Published: December 2024

Background: This study aims to compare the effects of Pilates and whole-body vibration exercise training on body composition, flexibility, balance, and functional strength of core muscles in healthy women.
Methods: Thirty-six healthy women were divided into three groups: a Pilates group, a whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise group, and a control group. The Pilates group received training using the 'Reformer®,' while the WBV group used the 'Power Plate®.' Both groups trained twice a week for eight weeks, with sessions lasting 45-60 minutes each. The control group did not receive any training. Body composition was assessed using body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, and bioelectrical impedance analysis. Sit-and-Reach Test for flexibility, Functional Reach Test for balance and Sit-ups and Modified Push-ups Test for core muscle strength. Assessments were made before and after training.
Results: In group comparisons, significant differences in BMI and some bioelectrical impedance parameters were observed in the WBV group (p0.05). Flexibility showed significant differences among the three groups (p
Evaluation of Dynamic Balance, Functionality and Anthropometric Characteristics in Alpine and Nordic Skiers
Authors: Tekin Beril , Kürkçüoğlu Ayla , Gül Ateş Eylem
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The dynamic balance ability, functionality level, and anthropometric structure of elite athletes are closely related to their performance during sports activities. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the dynamic balance, functional performance, and anthropometric characteristics of Alpine and Nordic skiers, which are different ski disciplines, and to investigate the relationships between these parameters.
Methods: The study was carried out on licensed Nordic skiers (n=29) and Alpine skiers (n=33). Dynamic balance was evaluated with the Y Balance Test, and functionality was evaluated with the Single Leg Hop for Distance Test. Sitting height and anthropometric measurements of the lower extremities were taken and recorded.
Results: The Y Balance Test result for Nordic skiers were higher (p=0.007). The results of the Single Leg Hop for Distance Test were similar in both groups (p=0.534). Lower limb length (p=0.044), thigh length (p=0.005), and leg length (p=0.005) were longer in Nordic skiers. A positive moderate correlation was found between the Y Balance Test and Single Leg Hop for Distance Test in both groups (Alpine skiing r=0.583; p
INSTRUMENT ASSISTED SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION IN MANAGEMENT OF ATHLETIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL CONDITIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Joshi Shabnam , Chaturvedi Rekha
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a therapeutic intervention that involves the use of specialized tools to manipulate the muscles, tendons, myofascia and skin in a variety of soft tissue problems. Nonetheless, there is a divergence of opinions when it comes to the efficacy of IASTM in the treatment of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of IASTM in management of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions.
Methods: An investigation of the literature was carried out from inception to April 2023 using the databases PubMed, PEDro, and the Cochrane Library.
Results: Eighteen studies were included for qualitative synthesis, and six were selected for further quantitative synthesis. The effectiveness of IASTM in the management of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions was found to be either better or equal in comparison to other control interventions. The meta-analysis results showed that the reduction in pain was statistically significant in the experimental group (IASTM) compared to the control group (MD -1.33, 95% CI [-1.59, -1.06], p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: It can be stated that IASTM is an effective tool in the management of athletic and musculoskeletal conditions. Further studies should concentrate on investigating the efficiency of EASTM on particular participants with various specific athletic and musculoskeletal conditions.
ADÖLESAN KADIN BASKETBOLCULARDA KOR STABİLİTE İLE DENGE VE ALT EKSTREMİTE PATLAYICI GÜCÜ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİSİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Kuyulu Haksal Pınar , Polat Hakan , Ergun Nevin
Published: December 2024

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın primer amacı, adölesan kadın basketbolcularda kor stabilitesinin bir bileşeni olan kor dayanıklılığın, denge ve alt ekstremite patlayıcı gücü arasındaki ilişkiyi incelemektir. Çalışmanın sekonder amacı ise, basketbol oynayan ve oynamayan adölesanlar arasında kor endurans, denge ve patlayıcı güç açısından karşılaştırma yapmaktır.
Yöntem: Bu çalışmanın tasarımı kesitsel tanımlayıcı tiptedir. Çalışmaya 10 ile 15 yaş arasında olan 112 kadın basketbolcu dahil edildi. Katılımcılar basketbol oynayan çalışma grubu (n=56) ve basketbol oynamayan kontrol grubu (n=56) olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. Her iki gruptaki katılımcılar gövde fleksiyonu, gövde ekstansiyonu, yan plank ve yüzükoyun köprü testleri kullanılarak kor stabilitesi, Y denge testi kullanılarak denge ve durarak uzun atlama testi kullanılarak alt ekstremite patlayıcı gücü açısından değerlendirildi. Bütün değerlendirmeler 3 defa yapıldı ve ortalaması alındı.
Sonuçlar: Çalışma grubunun grup içi değerlerinde; durarak uzun atlama testi ile sağ-sol ekstremitede Y denge testinin tüm yönlerinde ve gövde fleksör testi arasında ayrıca denge ve kor stabilite testleri arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmadı (p>0,05). Durarak uzun atlama testi ile gövde ekstansör (p
EVALUATION OF FAMILY IMPACT OF CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY AND FAMILY CAREGIVER'S QUALITY OF LIFE, SLEEP QUALITY AND INDIVIDUAL PHYSICAL EDUCATION SATISFACTION: A MIXED STUDY
Authors: Hüsrevoğlu Sare , Özdemir Görgü Sena , Tarakcı Devrim
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a disease that has significant effects on both the child and the family. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of the family, quality of life, sleep quality and individual physical education (IPE) of family caregivers of children with CP. In addition, it is planned to detail the factors affecting their satisfaction through semi-structured individual interviews.
Methods: Family caregivers of 55 children diagnosed with CP between the ages of 1 and 15 were included in the study. Demographic information with “Demographic Information Survey”, the functional status of the child's with “Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS)” the impact of the child on the family with “Impact on Family Scale (IoFS)”, caregiver's quality of life with “World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale - Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF) ”, caregiver's sleep quality was evaluated with “ Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)” and the satisfaction with IPE was questioned with the “Pediatric Quality of Life Healthcare Parental Satisfaction Scale (PedsQL)”. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured individual interviews.
Results: In our study, GMFCS level was negatively correlated with WHOQOL-BREF (p=0.028) and positively correlated with PSQI (p=0.002). In addition, the IoFS scale correlated negatively (p=0.000) with WHOQoL-BREF and positively (p=0.016) with PSQI.
Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that the physical dependence of the child has a negative impact on the quality of life and sleep quality of caregivers, and that the number of siblings affects parents' satisfaction with the treatment. It is recommended that further information be obtained regarding parents' perceptions of the disease and their individual physical education needs, as a result of semi-structured individual interviews.
Immediate Effect of Manual Therapy on Respiratory Functions and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Stroke Patients
Authors: Atıcı Emine , Gül Kenan , Kardeş Kübra , Tütüneken Yunus Emre , Dürüstkan Elbaşı Nurgül , Çırak Yasemin
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Although the benefits of manual therapy (MT) are known, studies on its effect on stroke patients are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate effects of MT on respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength in stroke patients.
Methods: A total of forty-seven patients, comprising 33 men and 14 women, were enrolled in the study and then randomly assigned to either the MT group (n=31) or the control group (n=16). All participants met with initial pulmonary function and respiratory muscle testing and then rested supine for 10 minutes before the procedure. The respiratory tests were repeated immediately after the procedure. Tests included: maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF).
Results: In intra-group comparisons, a significant improvement was observed in all measured parameters in the MT group (p0.05). In comparisons between groups, a statistically significant difference was found in FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF and MEP values(p