bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of crown shapes, irrigation and fertilizer methods on the biochemical composition of apple fruit
Authors: Vorobyеv V. F. , Konovalov S. N. , Dzhura N. Yu. , Bobkova V. V.
Published: April 2024

The research was performed in 2021-2022 in an orchard planted in 2015 and located on the laboratory plot of Federal Horticultural Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery (Moscow region). Objects of study included Spartan and Common Antonovka apple varieties, on a semi-dwarf clone rootstock 54-118. The research was aimed at studying the impact of crown shapes, irrigation and fertilizer methods on the biochemical composition of apple fruit. The impact of the studied factors on the biochemical composition of apple fruit when grown on sod-podzolic soil was established to depend on the biological characteristics of the variety and to manifest itself in diﬀerent ways. The Spartan variety, when the spindle-shaped crown was formed, revealed the decrease in the vitamin C content by 7.1-11.2 % compared to the other two forms of crowns. Drip irrigation increased this rate by 9.5 % compared to the control, and the fertilizer methods had no significant diﬀerences. The spindle-shaped crown of the Common Antonovka variety, on the contrary, increased the content of ascorbic acid, as did the combination of drip irrigation with N120K150 in the form of solid fertilizers. The studied factors and their interaction had no signiﬁcant impact on the total amount of sugars and the content of soluble dry substances in the fruits of the Spartan apple variety. The titratable acidity largely depended on the biological characteristics of the variety. The Common Antonovka variety had much higher titratable acidity than the Spartan variety. The highest indicators were speciﬁc for the combinations of drip irrigation with N 120K150 in the form of solid fertilizers with a spindle-shaped crown (0.7%) and drip irrigation with N120K150 fertigation with a semi-ﬂat crown and cutting of the central extension shoot in the Common Antonovka variety (1.63%). The sugar-acid ratio was inﬂuenced by both the crown shape and drip irrigation in combination with fertilizer methods. The highest values of the sugar-acid ratio in the Spartan variety were revealed during the formation of a column-type crown (20.1), and in the Common Antonovka variety – with a spindle-shaped crown (7.7). The content of nitrates in apple fruit in all variants of the experiment was signiﬁcantly lower than the MAC.
Multicenter comparison of Chiari malformation type I presentation in children versus adults
Authors: Mortazavi Armin , Almeida Neil D. , Hofmann Katherine , Davidson Laurence , Rotter Juliana , Phan Tiffany N. , Tsering Deki , Maxwell Christina , Karunakaran Jehshua , Veznedaroglu Erol , Caputy Anthony J. , Heiss John D. , Sandhu Faheem A. , Myseros John S. , Oluigbo Chima , Magge Suresh N. , Shields Donald C. , Rosner Michael K. , Chatain Grégoire P. , Keating Robert F.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

Treatment for Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) often includes surgical intervention in both pediatric and adult patients. The authors sought to investigate fundamental differences between these populations by analyzing data from pediatric and adult patients who required CM-I decompression.

METHODS

To better understand the presentation and surgical outcomes of both groups of patients, retrospective data from 170 adults and 153 pediatric patients (2000–2019) at six institutions were analyzed.

RESULTS

The adult CM-I patient population requiring surgical intervention had a greater proportion of female patients than the pediatric population (p < 0.0001). Radiographic findings at initial clinical presentation showed a significantly greater incidence of syringomyelia (p < 0.0001) and scoliosis (p < 0.0001) in pediatric patients compared with adult patients with CM-I. However, presenting signs and symptoms such as headaches (p < 0.0001), ocular findings (p = 0.0147), and bulbar symptoms (p = 0.0057) were more common in the adult group. After suboccipital decompression procedures, 94.4% of pediatric patients reported symptomatic relief compared with 75% of adults with CM-I (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Here, the authors present the first retrospective evaluation comparing adult and pediatric patients who underwent CM-I decompression. Their analysis reveals that pediatric and adult patients significantly differ in terms of demographics, radiographic findings, presentation of symptoms, surgical indications, and outcomes. These findings may indicate different clinical conditions or a distinct progression of the natural history of this complex disease process within each population, which will require prospective studies to better elucidate.
Measurement of the intersiphon distance for normal skull base development and estimation of the surgical window for the endoscopic transtuberculum approach in children
Authors: Kim Joo Whan , Phi Ji Hoon , Kim Seung-Ki , Kim Yong Hwy
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

Due to the underdeveloped skull base in children, it is crucial to predict whether a sufficient surgical window for an endoscopic endonasal approach can be achieved. This study aimed to analyze the presumed surgical window through measurement of the intersiphon distance (ISD) and the planum-sella height (PSH) on the basis of age and its correlation with the actual surgical window for the endoscopic transtuberculum approach.

METHODS

Twenty patients of each age from 3 to 18 years were included as the normal skull base population. ISD and PSH were measured and compared among consecutive ages. Additionally, 42 children with craniopharyngiomas or Rathke’s cleft cysts who underwent treatment via the endoscopic transtuberculum approach were included. ISD and PSH were measured on preoperative images and then correlated with the dimensions of the surgical window on postoperative CT scans. The intraoperative endoscopic view was classified as narrow, intermediate, or wide based on operative photographs or videos, and relevant clinical factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

In the normal skull base population, both ISD and the estimated area of the surgical window increased with age, particularly at 8 and 11 years old. On the other hand, PSH did not show an incremental pattern with age. Among the 42 children who underwent surgery, 24 had craniopharyngioma and 18 had Rathke’s cleft cysts. ISD showed the strongest correlation with the actual area of the surgical window [r(40) = 0.69, p < 0.001] rather than with age or PSH. The visual grade of the intraoperative endoscopic view was narrow in 17 patients, intermediate in 21, and wide in 4. Preoperative ISD was 14.58 ± 1.29 mm in the narrow group, 16.13 ± 2.30 mm in the intermediate group, and 18.09 ± 3.43 mm in the wide group (p < 0.01). There were no differences in terms of extent of resection (p = 0.41); however, 2 patients in the narrow group had postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal skull base development exhibited age-related growth. However, in children with suprasellar lesions, the measurement of the ISD showed a better correlation than age for predicting the surgical window for the endoscopic transtuberculum approach. Children with a small ISD should be approached with caution due to the limited surgical window.
Postconception age at surgery as a predictor of ventriculoperitoneal shunt failure
Authors: Black Hannah G. , Woolard E. Alice , Stuebe Caren M. , Torres Andrea , Caddell Andrew , Quinsey Carolyn
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

The gold standard of pediatric hydrocephalus management is the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. However, VP shunts have high failure rates, and both young age and prematurity have been identified as potential risk factors for shunt failure, although neither variable describes total development at the time of surgery. This study aimed to further characterize age and shunt failure through the use of postconception age at surgery (PCAS) as well as investigate the 40-week PCAS threshold initially described in 1999.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on all first-time shunt placements at the authors’ institution from 2010 to 2021. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) pediatric hydrocephalus dataset was used as a parallel analysis to ensure representativeness of the national pediatric hydrocephalus population.

RESULTS

In the institutional cohort, infants with a PCAS < 40 weeks exhibited 2.4 times greater odds of shunt failure than those with a PCAS ≥ 40 weeks. In the NSQIP dataset, infants with a PCAS < 40 weeks had 1.45 times greater odds of shunt failure compared with those with a PCAS ≥ 40 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

The 40-week PCAS threshold appears to be a significant predictor of shunt failure in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus. This finding underscores the importance of considering the developmental stage at the time of surgery, rather than just prematurity status, when assessing shunt failure risk.
Are insufficient corrections a major factor in distal junctional kyphosis? A simulated analysis of cervical deformity correction using in-construct measurements
Authors: Ani Fares , Sissman Ethan , Woo Dainn , Soroceanu Alex , Mundis Gregory , Eastlack Robert K. , Smith Justin S. , Hamilton D. Kojo , Kim Han Jo , Daniels Alan H. , Klineberg Eric O. , Neuman Brian , Sciubba Daniel M. , Gupta Munish C. , Kebaish Khaled M. , Passias Peter G. , Hart Robert A. , Bess Shay , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Schwab Frank J. , Lafage Virginie , Ames Christopher P. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

The present study utilized recently developed in-construct measurements in simulations of cervical deformity surgery in order to assess undercorrection and predict distal junctional kyphosis (DJK).

METHODS

A retrospective review of a database of operative cervical deformity patients was analyzed for severe DJK and mild DJK. C2–lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) sagittal angle (SA) was measured postoperatively, and the correction was simulated in the preoperative radiograph in order to match the C2-LIV by using the planning software. Linear regression analysis that used C2 pelvic angle (CPA) and pelvic tilt (PT) determined the simulated PT that matched the virtual CPA. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the C2–T1 SA, C2–T4 SA, and C2–T10 SA that corresponded to DJK of 20° and cervical sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) of 40 mm.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine cervical deformity patients were included. Severe and mild DJK occurred in 11 (16%) and 22 (32%) patients, respectively; 3 (4%) required DJK revision. Simulated corrections demonstrated that severe and mild DJK patients had worse alignment compared to non-DJK patients in terms of cSVA (42.5 mm vs 33.0 mm vs 23.4 mm, p < 0.001) and C2-LIV SVA (68.9 mm vs 57.3 mm vs 36.8 mm, p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed the relationships between in-construct measures (C2–T1 SA, C2–T4 SA, and C2–T10 SA), cSVA, and change in DJK (all R > 0.57, p < 0.001). A cSVA of 40 mm corresponded to C2–T4 SA of 10.4° and C2–T10 SA of 28.0°. A DJK angle change of 10° corresponded to C2–T4 SA of 5.8° and C2–T10 SA of 20.1°.

CONCLUSIONS

Simulated cervical deformity corrections demonstrated that severe DJK patients have insufficient corrections compared to patients without DJK. In-construct measures assess sagittal alignment within the fusion separate from DJK and subjacent compensation. They can be useful as intraoperative tools to gauge the adequacy of cervical deformity correction.
Deep learning–based quantification of total bleeding volume and its association with complications, disability, and death in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Hu Ping , Wu Yanze , Yan Tengfeng , Shu Lei , Liu Feng , Xiao Bing , Ye Minhua , Wu Miaojing , Lv Shigang , Zhu Xingen
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

The relationships between immediate bleeding severity, postoperative complications, and long-term functional outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remain uncertain. Here, the authors apply their recently developed automated deep learning technique to quantify total bleeding volume (TBV) in patients with aSAH and investigate associations between quantitative TBV and secondary complications, adverse long-term functional outcomes, and death.

METHODS

Electronic health record data were extracted for adult patients admitted to a single institution within 72 hours of aSAH onset between 2018 and 2021. An automatic deep learning model was used to fully segment and quantify TBV on admission noncontrast head CT images. Patients were subgrouped by TBV quartile, and multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, and subgroup analysis were used to explore the relationships between TBV and each clinical outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 819 patients were included in the study. Sixty-six (8.1%) patients developed hydrocephalus, while 43 (5.3%) experienced rebleeding, 141 (17.2%) had delayed cerebral ischemia, 88 (10.7%) died in the 12 months after discharge, and 208 (25.7%) had a modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3 12 months after discharge. On multivariable analysis, patients in the highest TBV quartile (> 37.94 ml) had an increased risk of hydrocephalus (adjusted OR [aOR] 4.38, 95% CI 1.61–11.87; p = 0.004), rebleeding (aOR 3.26, 95% CI 1.03–10.33; p = 0.045), death (aOR 6.92, 95% CI 1.89–25.37; p = 0.004), and 12-month disability (aOR 3.30, 95% CI 1.62–6.72; p = 0.001) compared with the lowest TBV quantile (< 8.34 ml). The risks of hydrocephalus (nonlinear, p = 0.025), rebleeding, death, and disability (linear, p > 0.05) were positively associated with TBV by restricted cubic splines. In subgroup analysis, TBV had a stronger effect on 12-month outcome in female than male patients (p for interaction = 0.0499) and on rebleeding prevalence in patients with endovascular coiling than those with surgical clipping (p for interaction = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated TBV is associated with a greater risk of hydrocephalus, rebleeding, death, and poor prognosis.
Adaptive, behavioral, and emotional outcomes following postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome in survivors treated for medulloblastoma
Authors: Raghubar Kimberly P. , Heitzer Andrew M. , Malbari Fatema , Gill Jason , Sillitoe Roy V. , Merrill Livia , Escalante Johanna , Okcu M. Fatih , Aldave Guillermo , Meoded Avner , Kralik Stephen , Davis Kimberly , Ma Marina , Warren Emily A. H. , McCurdy Mark D. , Weiner Howard L. , Whitehead William , Scheurer Michael E. , Rodriguez Lisa , Daigle Amy , Chintagumpala Murali , Kahalley Lisa S.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

Patients who experience postoperative pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) during treatment for medulloblastoma have long-term deficits in neurocognitive functioning; however, the consequences on functional or adaptive outcomes are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning between survivors with and those without a history of CMS.

METHODS

The authors examined outcomes in 45 survivors (15 with CMS and 30 without CMS). Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations, which included parent-report measures of adaptive, behavioral, and emotional functioning, were completed at a median of 2.90 years following craniospinal irradiation.

RESULTS

Adaptive functioning was significantly worse in the CMS group for practical and general adaptive skills compared with the group without CMS. Rates of impairment in practical, conceptual, and general adaptive skills in the CMS group exceeded expected rates in the general population. Despite having lower overall intellectual functioning, working memory, and processing speed, IQ and related cognitive processes were uncorrelated with adaptive outcomes in the CMS group. No significant group differences or increased rates of impairment were observed for behavioral and emotional outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors with CMS, compared with those without CMS, are rated as having significant deficits in overall or general adaptive functioning, with specific weakness in practical skills several years posttreatment. Findings from this study demonstrate the high risk for ongoing functional deficits despite acute recovery from symptoms of CMS, highlighting the need for intervention to mitigate such risk.
Shunt timing in low-weight infants in the treatment of hydrocephalus
Authors: Chiarelli Peter A. , Chapman Nicholas , Flyer Benjamin E. , Chu Jason K. , Krieger Mark D.
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

The optimal timing of ventricular shunt placement in low-weight and preterm infants remains an unresolved topic in modern pediatric neurosurgery. Shunt placement for hydrocephalus is performed over a wide range of infant weights, and the standard weight threshold for shunt placement can vary substantially across institutions. The aim of this study was to investigate shunt outcome in infants of low body weight.

METHODS

An IRB-approved retrospective analysis of 76 infants (29 females, 47 males) who received primary shunt placement between 2003 and 2018 was performed. Uniform criteria were used over the entire dataset to determine the safety for ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement: 1) weight near or above 1500 g, 2) feeding tolerance, and 3) lack of necrotizing enterocolitis or active systemic infection. Infants were classified into a low-weight (LW) (< 2000 g) or standard weight (SW) (2000–3000 g) group based on their body weight at the time of initial shunt placement. Shunt survival was compared between the groups. The threshold weight separating the LW and SW groups and outcomes was additionally varied and systematically reanalyzed.

RESULTS

Shunts were placed in 24 LW infants and 52 SW infants over the inclusion period. Etiologies for hydrocephalus were similar across groups: predominantly intraventricular hemorrhage (54%) (p = 0.13) and open neural tube defect (29%) (p = 0.61). Both LW and SW groups had 58% 1-year shunt survival rates. Overall, 46% of shunts failed in the LW group compared with 54% in the SW group over a median follow-up of 47 months (range 0–170 months). A log-rank test comparing shunt survival rates did not show significance (p = 0.43). Groups were repartitioned using a range of threshold weights (1600–2400 g) to divide LW from SW infants. The lack of association between VP shunt placement in LW infants and time frame of revision was consistently observed over the full range of varied threshold weights.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in overall time to shunt revision between infants weighing < 2000 g and infants weighing 2000–3000 g. No correlation between weight and shunt survival was detected. Combined with other clinical features pertinent to the management of hydrocephalus in the neonatal population, this investigation provides insight toward clinical decision-making regarding infants of low birth weight and suggests that further multi-institutional study on this topic is warranted.
Development and validation of an artificial intelligence model to accurately predict spinopelvic parameters
Authors: Harake Edward S. , Linzey Joseph R. , Jiang Cheng , Joshi Rushikesh S. , Zaki Mark M. , Jones Jaes C. , Khalsa Siri Sahib S. , Lee John H. , Wilseck Zachary , Joseph Jacob R. , Hollon Todd C. , Park Paul
Published: April 2024

OBJECTIVE

Achieving appropriate spinopelvic alignment has been shown to be associated with improved clinical symptoms. However, measurement of spinopelvic radiographic parameters is time-intensive and interobserver reliability is a concern. Automated measurement tools have the promise of rapid and consistent measurements, but existing tools are still limited to some degree by manual user-entry requirements. This study presents a novel artificial intelligence (AI) tool called SpinePose that automatically predicts spinopelvic parameters with high accuracy without the need for manual entry.

METHODS

SpinePose was trained and validated on 761 sagittal whole-spine radiographs to predict the sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS), lumbar lordosis (LL), T1 pelvic angle (T1PA), and L1 pelvic angle (L1PA). A separate test set of 40 radiographs was labeled by four reviewers, including fellowship-trained spine surgeons and a fellowship-trained radiologist with neuroradiology subspecialty certification. Median errors relative to the most senior reviewer were calculated to determine model accuracy on test images. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess interrater reliability.

RESULTS

SpinePose exhibited the following median (interquartile range) parameter errors: SVA 2.2 mm (2.3 mm) (p = 0.93), PT 1.3° (1.2°) (p = 0.48), SS 1.7° (2.2°) (p = 0.64), PI 2.2° (2.1°) (p = 0.24), LL 2.6° (4.0°) (p = 0.89), T1PA 1.1° (0.9°) (p = 0.42), and L1PA 1.4° (1.6°) (p = 0.49). Model predictions also exhibited excellent reliability at all parameters (ICC 0.91–1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

SpinePose accurately predicted spinopelvic parameters with excellent reliability comparable to that of fellowship-trained spine surgeons and neuroradiologists. Utilization of predictive AI tools in spinal imaging can substantially aid in patient selection and surgical planning.
New in the normative regulation of peer-reviewed scientific publications of the Higher Attestation Commission of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation on the example of journals on theology
Authors: Макаров Денис Владимирович
Published: April 2024

Цель исследования — анализ основных изменений, регулирующих деятельность рецензируемых научных изданий, в которых должны быть опубликованы основные научные результаты диссертаций на соискание ученой степени кандидата наук, на соискание ученой степени доктора наук. Актуальность работы определяется, с одной стороны, необходимостью решения проблем перерегистрации научных журналов по новым шифрам научных специальностей и последующего их распределения по категориям. С другой стороны, актуальность связана с практическим приложением результатов работы для выбора аспирантами и соискателями, а также преподавателями высших духовных учебных заведений тех или иных журналов для публикации в зависимости от стоящих перед ними научных целей.

The purpose of the study is to analyze the main changes that regulate the activities of peer-reviewed scientific publications, in which the main scientific results of dissertations for the degree of candidate of science, for the degree of doctor of science should be published. The relevance of the work is determined, on the one hand, by the need to solve the problems of re-registration of scientific journals according to new codes of scientific specialties and their subsequent distribution into categories. On the other hand, the relevance is associated with the practical application of the results of the work for the choice of graduate students and applicants, as well as teachers of higher theological educational institutions of certain journals for publication, depending on their scientific goals.
Labor relations in theological educational institutions
Authors: Семенова Наталия Сергеевна
Published: April 2024

Духовные учебные заведения, именуемые в светском законодательстве духовными образовательными организациями, имеют особый правовой статус, являясь религиозными и образовательными организациями одновременно. При этом, статус религиозной организации первичен. Поскольку правовое регулирование деятельности религиозных организаций, как и сферы образовательных отношений, имеет свою специфику, то в статье сначала рассматриваются общие особенности трудовых отношений в религиозных организациях, а затем применительно к духовным образовательных организациям с учетом особенностей трудовых отношений в сфере высшего образования. Отдельный раздел посвящен заключению трудовых договоров как в религиозных организациях вообще, так и в духовных образовательных организациях, в частности, на примере духовных учебных заведений Русской Православной Церкви. В статье также рассматриваются общие требования к духовным образовательным организациям, как работодателям, и к членам профессорско-преподавательского состава, как работникам, в том числе в свете необходимости прохождения государственной аккредитации.

The status of a religious organization is primary. Since the legal regulation of the activities of religious organizations, as well as the sphere of educational relations, has its own specifics, the article first discusses the general features of labor relations in religious organizations, and then in relation to theological educational organizations, taking into account the specifics of labor relations in the field of higher education. A separate section is devoted to the conclusion of labor contracts both in religious organizations in general and in theological educational organizations, in particular, on the example of theological educational institutions of the Russian Orthodox Church. The article also discusses the general requirements for theological educational organizations, as employers, and for members of the teaching staff, as employees, including in the light of the need to undergo state accreditation.
Formation and development of higher spiritual education after the collapse of the USSR: on the example of the Moscow region
Authors: Бондарь С.
Published: April 2024

The article examines the formation of higher spiritual education in the period of 90s. The process of revival of spiritual education was accompanied by important and crucial events, which influenced the formation of the specifics of each spiritual school, allowing to close the little-covered gaps in the research activities of the Russian Orthodox Church. Higher spiritual education is being reformed in the Moscow region in accordance with the all-Russian educational reforms. The Church is moving towards academic rapprochement with secular institutions of higher education. In the Moscow Metropolitan Diocese, educational institutions for the education of the laity are being opened on the basis of parishes. They existed thanks to the initiative of various Orthodox Brotherhoods. On the whole, a unified system of spiritual education in the territory of the Russian Federation is being created, in which the spiritual schools of the Moscow region play a significant role.
Пещерное святилище Шульган-Таш (Каповая)
Authors:   Ордена Знак Почета Институт истории, языка и литературы – обособленное структурное подразделение Федерального государственного бюджетного научного учреждения Уфимского федерального исследовательского центра Российской академии наук, Котов Вячеслав Георгиевич
Published: April 2024

Коллективная монография посвящена публикации результатов комплексных исследований уникального пещерного святилища Шульган-Таш (Каповая) с настенными изображениями эпохи верхнего палеолита. В книге приводятся результаты естественно-научных исследований пещеры и ее окрестностей, история изучения наскальных рисунков, материалы археологических раскопок и сборов, а также анализ фольклорных и этнографических источников, связанных с пещерой Шульган-Таш (Каповая) и озером Шульган. Работа будет интересна как специалистам, так и широкому кругу читателей.
Protective and Comfort Performance of Fire Protective Clothing
Authors:   Department of Textile Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh, Islam Md. Azharul , Rathour Rochak ,   Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India, Ibn Amin Md. Jawad ,   Department of Fabric Engineering, Bangladesh University of Textiles, Tejgaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Das Apurba ,   Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India, Alagirusamy Ramasamy ,   Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
Published: April 2024

The study examined the fire protection performance of several woven products. Given that the comfort and fire protection properties of fire protective clothing (FPC) are opposite, it is important to consider the specific needs of firefighters when selecting the most suitable structure from various plain-woven derivatives, such as plain, basket, and ripstop. The yarn used was Nomex IIIA, which is a type of meta-aramid fibre. To achieve different thread densities, the pick density was adjusted while keeping the end density constant. The physical characteristics, thermal protective performance, thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, water vapour transmission rate and air permeability of all samples were assessed according to the appropriate standards. The goal was to identify the weave structure with the highest performance and the most optimal thread density. The basket weave structure was proposed as a fire protective clothing (FPC) having comfort qualities at a moderate level. Furthermore, increased density provided enhanced fire resistance, however, comfort must be sacrificed. Thus, to achieve a balance between fire protection and comfort, it was recommended to choose a thread density that is of an average level and the suggestion made by this research is to use the fabric as a basket weave design with an ends per inch of approximately 42, it is recommended to retain the pick density within the range of 46 with 44 tex Nomex IIIA yarn. The results of this study may be replicated in other designs using Nomex IIIA and comparable types of cloth and weave specifications.
ВПЛИВ ПОРУШЕННЯ РОТАТОРНОЇ МАНЖЕТИ ПЛЕЧА НА ПОСТАВУ ЛЮДИНИ
Authors: ВАВДІЮК Ганна , СТРУБІЦЬКА Наталія , АНДРІЙЧУК Ольга , РУДЕНКО Анна
Published: April 2024

Дослідження у сфері медицини виявило, що порушення ротаторної манжети плеча є поширеною проблемою, що часто виникає внаслідок травми, перенапруження або дегенеративних змін. Результати показали, що цей стан може значно впливати на поставу людини та спосіб її рухів. Дослідження також виявило зв'язок між порушенням ротаторної манжети та поставою людини, зокрема, учасники з аномальною поставою мали більшу ймовірність мати розриви м'язів ротаторної манжети. Враховуючи ці результати, важливо розуміти взаємозв'язок між станом плечового суглоба та поставою для ефективного діагнозу та лікування захворювань цієї області.

У цій статті систематично проаналізовано вплив порушення ротаторної манжети плеча на різні аспекти фізіології та функціонування людини під час ходьби. Виявлено, що порушення ротаторної манжети може значно обмежувати рухову активність в плечовому суглобі, що в свою чергу впливає на спосіб, як людина виконує рухи рук та верхньої частини тулуба під час ходьби. Крім того, відчуття болю або дискомфорту у плечі може призводити до змін у механіці руху та ходьби, оскільки людина намагається уникнути дискомфорту, що може призводити до нерівномірного навантаження на м'язи та суглоби під час ходьби.

Додатково, порушення ротаторної манжети може також впливати на поставу людини під час ходьби, змушуючи її випереджати тіло вперед або змінювати свою позу, щоб зменшити навантаження на травмовану область плеча. Ці зміни в поставі можуть впливати на загальну механіку ходьби, а також можуть призводити до втрати стабільності плеча та змін у балансі тіла. Такий вплив порушень ротаторної манжети підкреслює важливість розуміння цього аспекту для ефективного діагнозу та лікування захворювань плечового суглоба та підтримки оптимальної функціональності людини під час ходьби.

У дослідженні описано вплив різних положень тулуба на кінематику м'язів лопатки під час зовнішньої ротації плеча. Результати показали, що зміни в положенні тулуба значно впливають на кут нахилу лопатки та зовнішню ротацію плеча. У положенні згинання-розгинання тулуба спостерігалося зменшення зовнішньої ротації плеча, але збільшення активності м'язів лопатки. Ці результати підкреслюють важливість правильного положення тулуба для оптимального функціонування м'язів лопатки та механіки руху плеча. У додаток до цього, інше дослідження показало важливий вплив положення тіла під час сидіння на провокацію болю та рівень болю під час клінічних тестів на плече у пацієнтів з плечевими проблемами.
Histological and Memory Alterations in an Innovative Alzheimer’s Disease Animal Model by Vanadium Pentoxide Inhalation
Authors: Dorado-Martínez Claudia , Montiel-Flores Enrique , Ordoñez-Librado Jose Luis , Gutierrez-Valdez Ana Luisa , Garcia-Caballero Cesar Alfonso , Sanchez-Betancourt Javier , Reynoso-Erazo Leonardo , Tron-Alvarez Rocio , Rodríguez-Lara Vianey , Avila-Costa Maria Rosa
Published: April 2024

Background: Previous work from our group has shown that chronic exposure to Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) causes cytoskeletal alterations suggesting that V2O5 can interact with cytoskeletal proteins through polymerization and tyrosine phosphatases inhibition, causing Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-like hippocampal cell death. Objective: This work aims to characterize an innovative AD experimental model through chronic V2O5 inhalation, analyzing the spatial memory alterations and the presence of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), amyloid-β (Aβ) senile plaques, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and dendritic spine loss in AD-related brain structures. Methods: 20 male Wistar rats were divided into control (deionized water) and experimental (0.02 M V2O5 1 h, 3/week for 6 months) groups (n = 10). The T-maze test was used to assess spatial memory once a month. After 6 months, histological alterations of the frontal and entorhinal cortices, CA1, subiculum, and amygdala were analyzed by performing Congo red, Bielschowsky, and Golgi impregnation. Results: Cognitive results in the T-maze showed memory impairment from the third month of V2O5 inhalation. We also noted NFTs, Aβ plaque accumulation in the vascular endothelium and pyramidal neurons, dendritic spine, and neuronal loss in all the analyzed structures, CA1 being the most affected. Conclusions: This model characterizes neurodegenerative changes specific to AD. Our model is compatible with Braak AD stage IV, which represents a moment where it is feasible to propose therapies that have a positive impact on stopping neuronal damage.
Association of Basal Forebrain Volume with Amyloid, Tau, and Cognition in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yoo Han Soo , Kim Han-Kyeol , Lee Jae-Hoon , Chun Joong-Hyun , Lee Hye Sun , Grothe Michel J. , Teipel Stefan , Cavedo Enrica , Vergallo Andrea , Hampel Harald , Ryu Young Hoon , Cho Hanna , Lyoo Chul Hyoung
Published: April 2024

Background: Degeneration of cholinergic basal forebrain (BF) neurons characterizes Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, what role the BF plays in the dynamics of AD pathophysiology has not been investigated precisely. Objective: To investigate the baseline and longitudinal roles of BF along with core neuropathologies in AD. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 113 subjects (38 amyloid [Aβ]-negative cognitively unimpaired, 6 Aβ-positive cognitively unimpaired, 39 with prodromal AD, and 30 with AD dementia) who performed brain MRI for BF volume and cortical thickness, 18F-florbetaben PET for Aβ, 18F-flortaucipir PET for tau, and detailed cognitive testing longitudinally. We investigated the baseline and longitudinal association of BF volume with Aβ and tau standardized uptake value ratio and cognition. Results: Cross-sectionally, lower BF volume was not independently associated with higher cortical Aβ, but it was associated with tau burden. Tau burden in the orbitofrontal, insular, lateral temporal, inferior temporo-occipital, and anterior cingulate cortices were associated with progressive BF atrophy. Lower BF volume was associated with faster Aβ accumulation, mainly in the prefrontal, anterior temporal, cingulate, and medial occipital cortices. BF volume was associated with progressive decline in language and memory functions regardless of baseline Aβ and tau burden. Conclusions: Tau deposition affected progressive BF atrophy, which in turn accelerated amyloid deposition, leading to a vicious cycle. Also, lower baseline BF volume independently predicted deterioration in cognitive function.
Assessing Quality of Life, Economic Burden, and Independence Across the Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum Using Patient-Caregiver Dyad Surveys
Authors: Tahami Monfared Amir Abbas , Khachatryan Artak , Hummel Noemi , Kopiec Agnieszka , Martinez Marta , Zhang Raymond , Zhang Quanwu
Published: April 2024

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have negative quality of life (QoL) and economic impacts on patients and their caregivers and may increase along the disease continuum from MCI to mild, moderate, and severe AD. Objective: To assess how patient and caregiver QoL, indirect and intangible costs are associated with MCI and AD severity. Methods: An on-line survey of physician-identified patient-caregiver dyads living in the United States was conducted from June–October 2022 and included questions to both patients and their caregivers. Dementia Quality of Life Proxy, the Care-related Quality of Life, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment, and Dependence scale were incorporated into the survey. Regression analyses investigated the association between disease severity and QoL and cost outcomes with adjustment for baseline characteristics. Results: One-hundred patient-caregiver dyads were assessed with the survey (MCI, n = 27; mild AD, n = 27; moderate AD, n = 25; severe AD, n = 21). Decreased QoL was found with worsening severity in patients (p < 0.01) and in unpaid (informal) caregivers (n = 79; p = 0.02). Dependence increased with disease severity (p < 0.01). Advanced disease severity was associated with higher costs to employers (p = 0.04), but not with indirect costs to caregivers. Patient and unpaid caregiver intangible costs increased with disease severity (p < 0.01). A significant trend of higher summed costs (indirect costs to caregivers, costs to employers, intangible costs to patients and caregivers) in more severe AD was observed (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Patient QoL and functional independence and unpaid caregiver QoL decrease as AD severity increases. Intangible costs to patients and summed costs increase with disease severity and are highest in severe AD.
Pounding the Pavement: Is the Path to Brain Health Steeper for People Experiencing Greater Socioeconomic Deprivation?
Authors: Chong Terence W.H. , Macpherson Helen
Published: April 2024

Dementia is a global public health priority. Physical activity has myriad health benefits, including for reducing dementia risk. To increase physical activity, detailed understanding of influencing factors is needed. Socioeconomic deprivation affects many aspects of health and wellbeing. Qualitative research with older people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation is needed to explore barriers and enablers to engaging in physical activity, with the view to co-designing interventions for implementation trials. A whole of society approach is pivotal to improving effectiveness of physical activity interventions for older adults with cognitive impairment, and target support for people experiencing socioeconomic deprivation, to improve their health outcomes.
Spirulina platensis: A comprehensive review of its nutritional value, antioxidant activity and functional food potential
Authors: Sahil Siramdas , Bodh Suman , Verma Praveen
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Spirulina platensis is a well-known photosynthetic prokaryotic alga that has gained recognition in various industries, including food, health, aquaculture and pharmaceuticals. The United Nations acknowledged spirulina as a nutritious food source because of its rich pigments and high protein content.

OBJECTIVE:

This paper aims to provide an overview of how Spirulina is utilized as both a dietary supplement as well as functional food ingredient in the food industry.

METHOD:

Spirulina powder can be added to various foods such as bread, cakes and cookies to increase the nutritional value. It is particularly valuable as a dietary supplement in efforts to combat malnutrition in impoverished regions.

RESULT:

Spirulina platensis is also a source of essential components used in the therapeutic microalgae supplement market. These components include alpha-carotene, astaxanthin, polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as DHA and EPA) and polysaccharides like beta-glucan.

CONCLUSION:

It is evident that the consumption of spirulina algae can offer both financial benefits and health advantages. Even though there is a large amount of research on the nutritional, environmental and social benefits of spirulina, some natural areas still produce insufficient amounts of the algae. As a result, more and more scientists and researchers throughout the world are pushing for the growth of spirulina farming.
Irregular adaptive refinement network for semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing images
Authors: Deng Lulu , Zhang Changlun , He Qiang , Wang Hengyou , Huo Lianzhi , Mu Haibing
Published: April 2024

The semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing images has broad application prospects in land cover classification, road extraction, urban planning and other fields. To alleviate the influence of the large data volume and complex background of high-resolution remote sensing images, the usual approach is to downsample them or cut them into small pieces for separate processing. Even if combining the two methods can improve the segmentation efficiency, it ignores the differences between the middle and the edge regions. Therefore, we consider the characteristics of large and irregular region in high-resolution remote sensing images, and then propose an irregular adaptive refinement network to locate the irregular edge region, which will be refined adaptively. Specifically, on the basis of effectively preserving the global and local information, the prediction confidence is calculated to locate pixel points that are poorly segmented, so as to form irregular regions requiring further refinement, avoiding to ‘over-refine’ intermediate region with good segmentation. At the same time, considering the difference in the refinement degree of different pixels, we propose to adaptively integrate the local segmentation results to refine the coarse segmentation results. In addition, in order to bridge the gap between the two extreme ends of the scale space, we introduce a multi-scale framework. Finally, we conducted experiments on the Deepglobe dataset showing that the proposed method performed 0.37% to 0.87% better than the previous state-of-the-art methods in terms of mean Intersection over Union (mIoU).
Intelligent design and realization of sustainable development-oriented garden
Authors: Lu Mingzhen
Published: April 2024

The idea of sustainable development has become more important in resolving environmental issues and fostering a healthy coexistence of human endeavors with the natural world. Internet of Things (IoT) technology is expanding across many industries, and it is also advancing in agriculture and the agricultural environment. The planning and design for intelligent gardens using a unique Sunflower Optimized-Enhanced Support Vector Machine (SFO-ESVM) is thoroughly analyzed and researched in this study. The development and plan of intelligent gardens are investigated using agricultural IoT technologies and agricultural landscapes. First, we used the SFO method to select the best garden plan inspired by the mathematical patterns observed in sunflower seed groupings. Next, we use an ESVM model to assess how well each plant species fits into the planned garden. The SFO-ESVM considers several variables, such as soil qualities, climatic information, plant traits, and ecological requirements, to choose the best plants. Additionally, we create an intelligent control system that combines sensors, actuators, and IoT technologies to track and regulate the environmental parameters of the garden. The SFO-ESVM-based conceptual planning and design framework for smart gardens is proposed and systematically extended to give scientific direction for the agricultural IoT of smart gardens. The proposed method was then tested in a real-world garden environment. The outcomes show that the SFO-ESVM framework-based intelligent design and execution of the sustainable development-oriented garden combines ecological principles with innovative optimization methods.
A new piracy-resistant DNN watermarking method based on secret key and block-wise image transformations
Authors: He Shun , Li Chaorong , Wang Xingjie , Zeng Anping
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a watermarking method that can be used for the copyright protection of DNN models, utilizing learnable block-wise image transformation techniques and a secret key to embed a watermark. A black-box watermarking approach is used, which does not require a specific predefined training or trigger set, allowing for the remote verification of model ownership. As a result, this method can achieve copyright protection using authentication methods for DNN models. Results of experiments on established datasets [1, 2] indicate that the original watermark is not easily overwritten by pirated watermarks. Moreover, its performance in pruning attack experiments is similar to that observed in the studies cited above. However, our approach demonstrates stronger robustness against fine-tuning attacks, while also achieving higher image classification accuracy.
Pressure ulcers acquired during inpatient rehabilitation after spinal cord injury, characterization and predictors: A 15-years’ experience
Authors: García-Rudolph Alejandro , Wright Mark Andrew , Devilleneuve Emilien Amar , Castillo Eulalia , Opisso Eloy , Hernandez-Pena Elena
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Most studies focus on the risk factors associated with the development of pressure ulcers (PUs) during acute phase or community care for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to i) compare clinical and demographic characteristics of inpatients after SCI with PUs acquired during rehabilitation vs inpatients without PUs and ii) evaluate an existing PU risk assessment tool iii) identify first PU predictors. METHODS: Individuals (n = 1,135) admitted between 2008 and 2022 to a rehabilitation institution within 60 days after SCI were included. Admission Functional Independence Measure (FIM), American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS) and mEntal state, Mobility, Incontinence, Nutrition, Activity (EMINA) were assessed. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were fitted. RESULTS: Overall incidence of PUs was 8.9%. Of these, 40.6% occurred in the first 30 days, 47.5% were sacral, 66.3% were Stage II. Patients with PUs were older, mostly with traumatic injuries (67.3%), AIS A (54.5%), lower FIM motor (mFIM) score and mechanical ventilation. We identified specific mFIM items to increase EMINA specificity. Adjusted Cox model yielded sex (male), age at injury, AIS grade, mFIM and diabetes as PUs predictors (C-Index = 0.749). CONCLUSION: Inpatients can benefit from combined assessments (EMINA + mFIM) and clinical features scarcely addressed in previous studies to prevent PUs.