bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of an antimicrobial Bacillus subtilis strain O-741 against Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Chen Yi-An , Chiu Wen-Chin , Wang Tzu-Yun , Wong Hin-chung , Tang Chung-Tao
Published: April 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a marine bacterium that can infect and cause the death of aquatic organisms. V. parahaemolyticus can also cause human foodborne infection via contaminated seafood, with clinical syndromes which include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and so on. Since controlling V. parahaemolyticus is important for aquaculture and human health, various strategies have been explored. This study investigates the application of antagonistic microorganisms to inhibit the growth of V. parahaemolyticus. We screened aquaculture environment samples and identified a Bacillus subtilis strain O-741 with potent antimicrobial activities. This strain showed a broad spectrum of antagonistic activities against V. parahaemolyticus and other Vibrio species. Application of the O-741 bacterium significantly increased the survival of Artemia nauplii which were infected with V. parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of O-741 bacterium exhibited inhibitory ability against V. parahaemolyticus, and its activity was stable to heat, acidity, UV, enzymes, and organic solvents. Next, the O-741 CFS was extracted by ethyl acetate, and analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and the functional faction was identified as an amicoumacin A compound. The organic extracts of CFS containing amicoumacin A had bactericidal effects on V. parahaemolyticus, and the treated V. parahaemolyticus cells showed disruption of the cell membrane and formation of cell cavities. These findings indicate that B. subtilis strain O-741 can inhibit the V. parahaemolyticus in vitro and in vivo, and has potential for use as a biocontrol agent for preventing V. parahaemolyticus infection.
Trait variation in patchy landscapes: Morphology of spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) varies more within ponds than between ponds
Authors: Green Elizabeth T. , Dell Anthony I. , Crawford John A. , Biro Elizabeth G. , Daversa David R.
Published: April 2024

The influence of intraspecific trait variation on species interactions makes trait-based approaches critical to understanding eco-evolutionary processes. Because species occupy habitats that are patchily distributed in space, species interactions are influenced not just by the degree of intraspecific trait variation but also the relative proportion of trait variation that occurs within- versus between-patches. Advancement in trait-based ecology hinges on understanding how trait variation is distributed within and between habitat patches across the landscape. We sampled larval spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) across six spatially discrete ponds to quantify within- and between-pond variation in mass, length, and various metrics associated with their relationship (scaling, body condition, shape). Across all traits, within-pond variation contributed more to total observed morphological variation than between-pond variation. Between-pond variation was not negligible, however, and explained 20–41% of total observed variation in measured traits. Between-pond variation was more pronounced in salamander tail morphology compared to head or body morphology, suggesting that pond-level factors more strongly influence tails than other body parts. We also observed differences in mass-length relationships across ponds, both in terms of scaling slopes and intercepts, though differences in the intercepts were much stronger. Preliminary evidence hinted that newly constructed ponds were a driver of the observed differences in mass-length relationships and morphometrics. General pond-level difference in salamander trait covariation suggest that allometric scaling of morphological traits is context dependent in patchy landscapes. Effects of pond age offer the hypothesis that habitat restoration through pond construction is a driver of variation in trait scaling, which managers may leverage to bolster trait diversity.
Higher number of steps is related to lower endogenous progesterone but not estradiol levels in women
Authors: Słojewska Kinga , Galbarczyk Andrzej , Klimek Magdalena , Tubek-Krokosz Anna , Krzych-Miłkowska Karolina , Szklarczyk Joanna , Mijas Magdalena , Ścibor Monika , Jasienska Grazyna
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Sex steroid hormones are important not only for reproduction but also for many aspects of women’s health, including the risk of breast cancer. Physical activity has been shown to influence sex hormone levels in women. This study aimed to investigate a relationship between the average daily number of steps and the sex hormone (estradiol and progesterone) levels in premenopausal women.

Materials and methods

Data were collected from 85 healthy, urban women of reproductive age who performed at least 180 minutes/week of moderate physical activity for two complete menstrual cycles. Physical activity was measured using wrist bands. Estradiol and progesterone concentrations were measured in daily-collected saliva samples in the second menstrual cycle.

Results

There was a significant negative association between the average number of steps taken daily and salivary progesterone levels after adjusting for potential confounding factors (age, BMI). Women who took more than 10,000 steps a day had significantly lower progesterone levels compared to women who took less than 10,000 steps. The association between physical activity and estradiol levels was statistically insignificant.

Discussion

Our results indicate that taking at least 10,000 steps a day reduces progesterone levels, but this intensity of physical activity may not be high enough to affect estradiol levels. Daily step tracking is a valuable element of health promotion, but currently recommended levels of physical activity may not be high enough for healthy premenopausal women to significantly reduce both sex hormone levels and thus their risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.
The adoption of renewable energy towards environmental sustainability: Evidence from Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM)
Authors: Gyimah Justice , Batasuma Sabastian , Yao Xilong , Wauk Gladys
Published: April 2024

The effect of carbon emissions on the environment has made some of the Sustainable Development Goals difficult to achieve. Despite the efforts of international bodies, there is still a need to address the problem since the transition is not complete. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of globalization, economic growth, financial inclusion, renewable energy, and government institutions on carbon emissions from the period of 1998 to 2021. To be able to assess both the direct and indirect effects of the variables, the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling is employed, where renewable energy serves as the mediator, and the Two-Stage Least Squares is employed as the robustness check. The findings of the study reveal that globalization promotes the use of renewable energy, but financial inclusion has a negative effect on renewable energy use. Renewable energy has a direct positive and significant effect on carbon emissions. Financial inclusion has an indirect negative and significant effect on carbon emissions. The results imply that more enlightenment on financial inclusion will help a smooth transition, and globalization should be embraced when all environmental regulations are enforced.
Knowledge in identifying venomous snakes and first aid methods of snakebites among nursing students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jayathilaka Isuru , Weeratunga Eranthi
Published: April 2024

Background

Snakebites are a dangerous and significant medical emergency that occurs worldwide. The World Health Organization has recommended that teaching and training in the prevention and management of snakebites be included in the curriculum of nursing schools and other educational activities. Identification of venomous snakes and first aid would be more critical in the prevention of occupational danger worldwide. This study aims to assess the knowledge in identifying venomous snakes, snakebites, and first aid methods of snakebites among nursing students in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed among 425 nursing students who were studying in different educational settings: undergraduates at the University of Ruhuna, and nursing students in the three schools of nursing in Galle, Matara, and Hambantota. Data were gathered by incorporating a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire after obtaining institutional permission. The total score of whole knowledge ranged from 0 to 34 for the identification of venomous snakes. Data collection was performed after obtaining ethical clearance from the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka.

Results

Most of the students (82.6%) were in the 24–26 age category and the majority were females. Most of the sample (64.7%) had low knowledge of identifying venomous snakes. A higher percentage of students (57.4%) had a sufficient level of knowledge about first aid methods associated with snakebites and 169 participants (39.8%) had a high level of knowledge regarding first aid methods. Further, a significant impact on students’ knowledge and knowledge of first aid methods was reported.

Conclusion and recommendation

The overall knowledge of identifying venomous snakes among the nursing students was inadequate. However, the knowledge about the first aid methods was at a moderate level. Strategies are needed to improve knowledge in identifying venomous snakes and first aid methods of snakebites amongst nursing students in both educational settings.
Identification of PPARG as key gene to link coronary atherosclerosis disease and rheumatoid arthritis via microarray data analysis
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Chen Yupeng , Fu Xiaodan , Chen Linying , Wang Junlan , Zheng Qingqiang , Zhang Sheng , Zhu Xia
Published: April 2024

Background

Inflammation is the common pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis disease (CAD) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although it is established that RA increases the risk of CAD, the underlining mechanism remained indefinite. This study seeks to explore the molecular mechanisms of RA linked CAD and identify potential target gene for early prediction of CAD in RA patients.

Materials and methods

The study utilized five raw datasets: GSE55235, GSE55457, GSE12021 for RA patients, and GSE42148 and GSE20680 for CAD patients. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to investigate common signaling pathways associated with RA and CAD. Then, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed on RA and CAD training datasets to identify gene modules related to single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) scores. Overlapping module genes and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were considered as co-susceptible genes for both diseases. Three hub genes were screened using a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis via Cytoscape plug-ins. The signaling pathways, immune infiltration, and transcription factors associated with these hub genes were analyzed to explore the underlying mechanism connecting both diseases. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were conducted to validate the expression of the key candidate gene, PPARG, in macrophages of synovial tissue and arterial walls from RA and CAD patients.

Results

The study found that Fc-gamma receptor-mediated endocytosis is a common signaling pathway for both RA and CAD. A total of 25 genes were screened by WGCNA and DEGs, which are involved in inflammation-related ligand-receptor interactions, cytoskeleton, and endocytosis signaling pathways. The principal component analysis(PCA) and support vector machine (SVM) and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) analysis demonstrate that 25 DEGs can effectively distinguish RA and CAD groups from normal groups. Three hub genes TUBB2A, FKBP5, and PPARG were further identified by the Cytoscape software. Both FKBP5 and PPARG were downregulated in synovial tissue of RA and upregulated in the peripheral blood of CAD patients and differential mRNAexpreesion between normal and disease groups in both diseases were validated by qRT-PCR.Association of PPARG with monocyte was demonstrated across both training and validation datasets in CAD. PPARG expression is observed in control synovial epithelial cells and foamy macrophages of arterial walls, but was decreased in synovial epithelium of RA patients. Its expression in foamy macrophages of atherosclerotic vascular walls exhibits a positive correlation (r = 0.6276, p = 0.0002) with CD68.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that PPARG may serve as a potentially predictive marker for CAD in RA patients, which provides new insights into the molecular mechanism underling RA linked CAD.
Size-resolved aerosol at a Coastal Great Lakes Site: Impacts of new particle formation and lake spray
Authors: Christiansen Megan B. , Stanier Charles O. , Hughes Dagen D. , Stone Elizabeth A. , Pierce R. Bradley , Oleson Jacob J. , Elzey Sherrie
Published: April 2024

The quantification of aerosol size distributions is crucial for understanding the climate and health impacts of aerosols, validating models, and identifying aerosol sources. This work provides one of the first continuous measurements of aerosol size distribution from 1.02 to 8671 nm near the shore of Lake Michigan. The data were collected during the Lake Michigan Ozone Study (LMOS 2017), a comprehensive air quality measurement campaign in May and June 2017. The time-resolved (2-min) size distribution are reported herein alongside meteorology, remotely sensed data, gravimetric filters, and gas-phase variables. Mean concentrations of key aerosol parameters include PM2.5 (6.4 μg m-3), number from 1 to 3 nm (1.80x104 cm-3) and number greater than 3 nm (8x103 cm-3). During the field campaign, approximately half of days showed daytime ultrafine burst events, characterized by particle growth from sub 10 nm to 25–100 nm. A specific investigation of ultrafine lake spray aerosol was conducted due to enhanced ultrafine particles in onshore flows coupled with sustained wave breaking conditions during the campaign. Upon closer examination, the relationships between the size distribution, wind direction, wind speed, and wave height did not qualitatively support ultrafine particle production from lake spray aerosol; statistical analysis of particle number and wind speed also failed to show a relationship. The alternative hypothesis of enhanced ultrafine particles in onshore flow originating mainly from new particle formation activity is supported by multiple lines of evidence.
Evaluation of microbial occurrence in reusable robotic instruments for minimally invasive surgery: A pilot study
Authors: Pelzer Roy J. , van der Zwet Wil C. , Eggen Mike M. E. G. , Beard Ashley , Savelkoul Paul H. M. , Dirks Jeanne A. M. C.
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, minimally invasive surgery has become the favoured surgical technique, with increasing utilisation of robotic surgery to enhance patient outcomes. However, the design complexity of surgical robotic instruments can pose challenges in maintaining adequate cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation—particularly of the device’s interior. In our hospital, robotic instruments are reused for a maximum of ten successive patients, following the manufacturer’s guidelines. To the best of our knowledge, neither the manufacturer nor ISO standards have specified any methods to determine the sterility of robotic instruments after cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation procedures. In a small pilot study, we used a locally developed protocol to evaluate the sterility of 20 da Vinci SI robotic instruments, with the aim of determining whether the recommended cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation process is adequate to achieve safe usage in subsequent patients. None of the 20 instruments showed viable micro-organisms, therefore the robotic instruments were considered sterile, and suitable for re-use. We recommend our protocol to other hospitals, to be used as an essential control element in the assessment of their unique reprocessing technique for robotic instruments.
Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on ventricular-arterial coupling and left ventricular function in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yoon Ho-Min , Joo Seung-Jae , Boo Ki Young , Lee Jae-Geun , Choi Joon-Hyouk , Kim Song-Yi , Lee So Young
Published: April 2024

To maintain efficient myocardial function, optimal coordination between ventricular contraction and the arterial system is required. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to improve left ventricular (LV) function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CR on ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) and its components, as well as their associations with changes in LV function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and preserved or mildly reduced ejection fraction (EF). Effective arterial elastance (EA) and index (EAI) were calculated from the stroke volume and brachial systolic blood pressure. Effective LV end-systolic elastance (ELV) and index (ELVI) were obtained using the single-beat method. The characteristic impedance (Zc) of the aortic root was calculated after Fourier transformation of both aortic pressure and flow waveforms. Pulse wave separation analysis was performed to obtain the reflection magnitude (RM). An exercise-based, outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program was administered for up to 6 months. Twenty-nine patients were studied. However, eight patients declined to participate in the CR program and were subsequently classified as the non-CR group. At baseline, E’ velocity showed significant associations with EAI (beta -0.393; P = 0.027) and VAC (beta -0.375; P = 0.037). There were also significant associations of LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) with EAI (beta 0.467; P = 0.011). Follow-up studies after a minimum of 6 months demonstrated a significant increase in E’ velocity (P = 0.035), improved EF (P = 0.010), and LV GLS (P = 0.001), and a decreased EAI (P = 0.025) only in the CR group. Changes in E’ velocity were significantly associated with changes in EAI (beta -0.424; P = 0.033). Increased aortic afterload and VA mismatch were associated with a negative impact on both LV diastolic and systolic function. The outpatient CR program effectively decreased aortic afterload and improved LV diastolic and systolic dysfunction in patients with AMI and preserved or mildly reduced EF.
Changes in the labor share of enterprises under the green and low-carbon transition: Empirical evidence from China’s carbon emission trading pilot
Authors: Luo Xin , Li Jianti , Feng Dawei
Published: April 2024

Green and low carbon reflect the high-quality development, while income distribution is an indicator of the balance of development. Is there a lack of fairness in the process of green and low carbon transition of enterprises? Using data from A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2016, this paper constructs a DID identification framework for controlling the endogeneity problem using the 2013 carbon trading policy pilot as a quasi-natural experiment to empirically test the impact of corporate low-carbon transformation on corporate labor income share in the context of carbon trading policy. The findings indicate that carbon trading policy decreases the labor income share of firms. In addition, we demonstrate that the low-carbon transition promotes labor productivity, suggesting that the Porter’s hypothesis is confirmed in China, but the increase in labor wages is not in tandem with productivity growth, resulting in reduced labor income share. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the impact of carbon trading policy on labor income share is mainly pronounced in larger firms, high technology firms and persistent incumbent firms. Collectively, these results are expected to accurately improve our understanding on the impact of low-carbon transformation of enterprises on income distribution and provide reference for the government to formulate industrial policies and distribution mechanisms under low-carbon economy.
Enhanced Arabic disaster data classification using domain adaptation
Authors: Moussa Abdullah M. , Abdou Sherif , Elsayed Khaled M. , Rashwan Mohsen , Asif Amna , Khatoon Shaheen , Alshamari Majed A.
Published: April 2024

Natural disasters, like pandemics and earthquakes, are some of the main causes of distress and casualties. Governmental crisis management processes are crucial when dealing with these types of problems. Social media platforms are among the main sources of information regarding current events and public opinion. So, they have been used extensively to aid disaster detection and prevention efforts. Therefore, there is always a need for better automatic systems that can detect and classify disaster data of social media. In this work, we propose enhanced Arabic disaster data classification models. The suggested models utilize domain adaptation to provide state-of-the-art accuracy. We used a standard dataset of Arabic disaster data collected from Twitter for testing the proposed models. Experimental results show that the provided models significantly outperform the previous state-of-the-art results.
Analysis of catch rates of LED lamps using on the falling-net fishing vessels in South China Sea
Authors: Wang Chunxi , Chen Qingxiang , Xiong Zhengye , Chen Zhiyu , Ye Rongchun
Published: April 2024

Falling nets are a type of fishing gear that appeared and developed rapidly in the northern of South China Sea in the early 1990s. We have developed Light-emitting diode (LED) fishing lamps to replace metal halide (MH) lamps that reduce fuel consumption without reducing the catches. We conducted marine light-fishing experiments in the northern South China Sea during September 20 to 26, 2019 and August 29 to 31, 2021. The results in the first fishing experiment show that there is no significant change in catch of the falling-net fishing vessel when the white LED lamps (with a total power of 36 kW) were used instead of MH lamps (with a total power of 120 kW). Coleoidea catches of the falling-net fishing vessel increased significantly when white LED lamps (with a total power of 36 kW) and cyan LED lamps (with a total power of 6.0 kW) were used. The results in the second fishing experiment show that the total weight of catches of the cyan LED fishing lamps is more than that of the white LED fishing lamps, and the cyan LED light can attract Penaeus merguiensis, Thryssa dussumieri and Sardinella zunasi more effectively than the white LED light.
Delivery of a post-natal neonatal jaundice education intervention improves knowledge among mothers at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda
Authors: Alinaitwe Businge , Francis Nkunzimaana , Ngabirano Tom Denis , Kato Charles , Nakamya Petranilla , Uwimbabazi Rachel , Kaplan Adam , McCoy Molly , Ayebare Elizabeth , Winter Jameel
Published: April 2024

Background

Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. As many infants are discharged by 24 hours of age, mothers are key in detecting severe forms of jaundice. Mothers with limited knowledge of NNJ have a hard time identifying these infants who could go on to have the worst outcomes. This study aimed to determine the effect of a jaundice education package delivered to mothers prior to hospital discharge on maternal knowledge after discharge.

Methods

This was a before and after interventional study involving an education package delivered through a video message and informational voucher. At 10–14 days after discharge, participants were followed up via telephone to assess their post-intervention knowledge. A paired t-test was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on knowledge improvement. Linear regression was used to determine predictors of baseline knowledge and of change in knowledge score.

Results

Of the 250 mothers recruited, 188 were fit for analysis. The mean knowledge score was 10.02 before and 14.61 after the intervention, a significant difference (p<0.001). Factors determining higher baseline knowledge included attendance of 4 or more antenatal visits (p < 0.001), having heard about NNJ previously (p < 0.001), having experienced an antepartum illness (p = 0.019) and higher maternal age (p = 0.015). Participants with poor baseline knowledge (β = 7.523) and moderate baseline knowledge (β = 3.114) had much more to gain from the intervention relative to those with high baseline knowledge (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Maternal knowledge of jaundice can be increased using a simple educational intervention, especially in settings where the burden of detection often falls on the mother. Further study is needed to determine the impact of this intervention on care seeking and infant outcomes.
A scoping review on self-regulation and reward processing measured with gambling tasks: Evidence from the general youth population
Authors: Bentivegna Francesca , Papachristou Efstathios , Flouri Eirini
Published: April 2024

Aberrant reward processing and poor self-regulation have a crucial role in the development of several adverse outcomes in youth, including mental health disorders and risky behaviours. This scoping review aims to map and summarise the evidence for links between aspects and measures of reward processing and self-regulation among children and adolescents in the general population. Specifically, it examined the direct associations between self-regulation (emotional or cognitive regulation) and reward processing. Studies were included if participants were <18 years and representative of the general population. Quantitative measures were used for self-regulation, and gambling tasks were used for reward processing. Of the eighteen studies included only two were longitudinal. Overall, the direction of the significant relationships identified depended on the gambling task used and the self-regulation aspect explored. Emotional regulation was measured with self-report questionnaires only, and was the aspect with the most significant associations. Conversely, cognitive regulation was mainly assessed with cognitive assessments, and most associations with reward processing were non-significant, particularly when the cognitive regulation aspects included planning and organisational skills. Nonetheless, there was some evidence of associations with attention, cognitive control, and overall executive functioning. More longitudinal research is needed to draw accurate conclusions on the direction of the association between self-regulation and reward processing.
Telling the story of the opioid crisis: A narrative analysis of the TV series Dopesick
Authors: Piqué-Buisan Joel , Baños Josep-E , Cambra-Badii Irene
Published: April 2024

Dopesick (2021) is the first TV series whose plot deals exclusively with the opioid crisis in the United States. The current study uses narrative analysis and framing theory to explore this series, discussing its portrayal of the people and themes involved in the opioid crisis. Our analysis found that although Dopesick attempts to portray multiple dimensions of the opioid crisis, its narrative oversimplifies the story in attributing the cause of the problem almost exclusively to Purdue Pharma and its director Richard Sackler, while downplaying other factors that contributed to the opioid crisis. Thus, the narrative in this TV series tends to offer simple explanations to a complex problem for which simple solutions are likely to be inadequate.
Cyclophilin D knockout significantly prevents HCC development in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of diabetes-linked NASH
Authors: Stauffer Winston T. , Bobardt Michael , Ure Daren R. , Foster Robert T. , Gallay Philippe
Published: April 2024

A family of Peptidyl-prolyl isomerases (PPIases), called Cyclophilins, localize to numerous intracellular and extracellular locations where they contribute to a variety of essential functions. We previously reported that non-immunosuppressive pan-cyclophilin inhibitor drugs like reconfilstat (CRV431) or NV556 decreased multiple aspects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in mice under two different non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) mouse models. Both CRV431 and NV556 inhibit several cyclophilin isoforms, among which cyclophilin D (CypD) has not been previously investigated in this context. It is unknown whether it is necessary to simultaneously inhibit multiple cyclophilin family members to achieve therapeutic benefits or if loss-of-function of one is sufficient. Furthermore, narrowing down the isoform most responsible for a particular aspect of NAFLD/NASH, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), would allow for more precise future therapies. Features of human diabetes-linked NAFLD/NASH can be reliably replicated in mice by administering a single high dose of streptozotocin to disrupt pancreatic beta cells, in conjunction with a high sugar, high fat, high cholesterol western diet over the course of 30 weeks. Here we show that while both wild-type (WT) and Ppif-/- CypD KO mice develop multipe severe NASH disease features under this model, the formation of HCC nodules was significantly blunted only in the CypD KO mice. Furthermore, of differentially expressed transcripts in a qPCR panel of select HCC-related genes, nearly all were downregulated in the CypD KO background. Cyclophilin inhibition is a promising and novel avenue of treatment for diet-induced NAFLD/NASH. This study highlights the impact of CypD loss-of-function on the development of HCC, one of the most severe disease outcomes.
Comparison of lumbar muscle morphology in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain with and without clinical lumbar segmental instability
Authors: Mahmoudi Alami Faranak , Taghipour Mohammad , Talebi Ghadamali , Sa’adat Payam , Seyedhoseinpoor Tahere , Rad Hamid Vahidi , Khafri Sorayya
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Evaluation of spinal muscle morphology may be critical because of its impact on segmental stability and control of the lumbar spine in the subset of patients with clinical lumbar segmental instability (LSI). The purpose of this study was to compare lumbar muscle morphology in CNLBP patients with clinical LSI, CNLBP patients without clinical LSI.

Methods

This case-control study included 30 patients with CNLBP (15 with clinical LSI and 15 without clinical LSI) and 15 subjects without LBP. Axial magnetic resonance images from the L2 to S1 lumbar levels were used to evaluate the morphology of the lumbar muscles.

Results

A significant increase in the muscle-to-fat infiltration index and a significant decrease in the relative muscle cross-sectional area (rmCSA) of the multifidus muscle at the L3-L4 to L5-S1 levels were observed in both CNLBP groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). The mean erector spinae mean rmCSA was significantly greater in the clinical LSI group compared to the control group (SMD = 0.853, 95% CI = 0.105 to -1.6, P = 0.044) and also compared to the CNLBP without clinical LSI (SMD = 0.894, 95% CI = -1.645 to -0.144, P = 0.030) at the L4-L5 level.

Conclusions

The atrophic changes of the multifidus muscle, in CNLBP patients with or without clinical LSI was observed. However, hypertrophic changes of the erector spinae muscle at the L4-L5 lumbar level were observed only in the clinical LSI group. Psaos major did not show significant atrophic or hypertrophic changes.
Identificación, policía y documentos de identidad y viaje
Authors: Álvarez Saavedra Félix J.
Published: April 2024

El propósito de esta tesis doctoral es demostrar cómo la implantación de los documentos de identidad y viaje en España no fue posible sin la existencia de la Policía y cómo esta institución facilitó al Gobierno, lo que ahora llamamos “Poder Ejecutivo”, un potente instrumento de control a partir de esos documentos.
Continuing Medical Education Questions: April 2024
Authors: Dhindsa Banreet
Published: April 2024

Article Title: The Spigelman Staging System and the Risk of Duodenal and Papillary Cancer in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Using Improved YOLOv5 and SegFormer to Extract Tailings Ponds from Multi-Source Data
Authors: Sun Zhenhui , Xu Ying , Wang Dongchuan , Meng Qingyan , Sun Yunxiao
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a framework that combines the improved "You Only Look Once" version 5 (YOLOv5) and SegFormer to extract tailings ponds from multi-source data. Points of interest (POIs) are crawled to capture potential tailings pond regions. Jeffries–Matusita distance is used
to evaluate the optimal band combination. The improved YOLOv5 replaces the backbone with the PoolFormer to form a PoolFormer backbone. The neck introduces the CARAFE operator to form a CARAFE feature pyramid network neck (CRF-FPN). The head is substituted with an efficiency decoupled head.
POIs and classification data optimize improved YOLOv5 results. After that, the SegFormer is used to delineate the boundaries of tailings ponds. Experimental results demonstrate that the mean average precision of the improved YOLOv5s has increased by 2.78% compared to the YOLOv5s, achieving
91.18%. The SegFormer achieves an intersection over union of 88.76% and an accuracy of 94.28%.
Formulation and Synthesis of Vanillin from Clove Oil as a Chemosensor for Urea Detection in Urine
Authors: Bhagaskara Adyatma , Fadzila Mefi Nur , Sumlang Gavriel Hagai Paulus , Pramesti Sabrina Gita , Azis Nur , Jumina Jumina
Published: April 2024

Urea levels in urine play an important parameter in diagnosing bodily conditions through liver and kidney examinations. The typical reagent for detecting urea content in urine is para-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde (pDMAB). However, it has a drawback related to the instability of color in the resulting Schiff base compound (pDMAB-urea). In this study, the synthesized vanillin compound derived from clove oil serves as the foundational material for a urea chemosensor based on the colorimetric concept. The synthesized vanillin was characterized using FTIR, GC-MS, and 1H-NMR. The formulation of the vanillin compound as a sensor was conducted by assessing the suitable solvent, determining the optimal mass of vanillin, and evaluating the acid-base conditions of the sensor formulation system both qualitatively and quantitatively. Subsequently, the most effective formulation was selected for detecting urea in urine samples. The synthesis of vanillin yielded a purity level of 95%. The optimal formulation was obtained at an optimum mass of vanilla of 0.75 g in 50 mL of 96% ethanol and 10 mL of 10% NaOH. The color change in the sample was from colorless to greenish yellow (436 nm). The vanillin obtained was applied to urine samples with the best results at a sample dilution level of 10,000×.
Perceptions on disabilities and illnesses in late Joseon Korea
Authors: Yoo Hyun Jae
Published: April 2024

This paper seeks to delineate and explain changing public perceptions towards those who suffered from deafness, blindness, or intellectual disability in Joseon Korea. In the fifteenth century, the Great Code of State Administration (경국대전, 經國大典 Gyeongguk Daejeon) prohibited discrimination against the disabled. The deaf and blind in particular even enjoyed favorable attention. The state provided such economic benefits as exemption from taxes as a way to compensate them for their impaired abilities, thereby fostering a rather favorable social climate towards persons with disabilities. Some blind persons were even believed to have such special talent as fortune telling. In the eighteenth century, however, negative perceptions towards the disabled began to gain strength. Increasing frequency of documented references to disability as an object of mockery suggests that the state and the society alike viewed the disabled as ‘useless people’ (폐인). Mainly utilizing court histories, literary anthologies, army rosters (군적), and military division (군영) records, this paper argues that overall change in the Joseon economy fueled discrimination against the disabled. In particular, changes in the military defense system and its associated military tax (군포) significantly contributed to the negative portrayal, as the new practice tended to divide the population into households collectively responsible for tax levies. By the nineteenth century, the state’s harsher treatment of the disabled set the stage for outright discrimination against disabled in modern Korea, exacerbated by the introduction of the Western notion of eugenics.
Perspectives on the Horak debate (湖洛論爭): reviews and suggestions
Authors: Na Jonghyun
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes the perceptions shared in previous studies by dividing them into two categories and examines how to grasp the Horak debate and the academia of the late Joseon Dynasty. First, the appropriateness of describing the late Joseon academia in terms of the doctrinized Neo-Confucianism and anti-Neo-Confucianism is examined. The consciousness and research methods of the Horon, which are considered to be typical of the doctrinized Neo-Confucianism, was analyzed. Next, whether the political positions of Horon and Rakron before and after the Horak debate can be categorized as conservative or open-minded is examined. The actual political positions of the main debaters of the Horak debate was carefully reviewed. With this discussion, this paper argued that the existing understanding of the Horak debate is largely based on an overly schematic framework, and that it is necessary to move beyond this framework and examine the context of the period in a more nuanced way.
Wielkopolskie Słowniki Regionalne okolic Gniezna w kontekście potrzeb badawczych tej części regionu
Authors: Kobus Justyna
Published: April 2024

The article presents the state of dialectological documentation for the area of today’s Gniezno County. The author statistically summarized Adam Tomaszewski’s pre-war materials, providing the number of index cards, and listed the research points and hours of recordings for the Atlas of the language and folk culture of Wielkopolska. Then the author cited statistics for contemporary materials, interpreted as field explorations after 2000, deposited in the audio library of the Dialectology Laboratory of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. Explorations related to the development of dictionaries as part of the Wielkopolska Regional Dictionary series have been distinguished, which extend the source database many times in relation to its existing content. This situation proves the need to conduct field research, e.g. using the educational project method.
Gwarowe nazwy wyrobów ze świniobicia w języku mieszkańców kilku wsi rejonu mościskiego
Authors: Kostecka-Sadowa Anna
Published: April 2024

The subject of the article is the dialectal names of products prepared after pig slaughter presented against the background of the language spoken by Poles in the south-eastern borderlands. My analyses revolve around the dynamics of change to food names. The aim of the article is to present a selected group of lexemes attributed to one of the subfields of dialectal culinary vocabulary, to draw attention to the meaning of names, their origin and motivation (partly also to the formal shape), as well as to discuss the nomination mechanisms. The research is based on own field materials collected in this area.
Cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity is intact in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Sprick Justin D. , Sabino‐Carvalho Jeann , Mekonnen Elsa , McGranahan Melissa , Zanuzzi Matias , DaCosta Dana , Park Jeanie
Published: April 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by an elevated risk for cerebrovascular disease including stroke. One mechanism that may contribute to this heightened risk is an impairment in cerebrovascular carbon dioxide reactivity (CVR). We compared CVR between CKD patients stages III–IV and controls (CON) without CKD but matched for hypertension and diabetes status. CVR was measured via 5% CO2 inhalation followed by voluntary hyperventilation in 14 CKD and 11 CON participants while mean arterial pressure, end‐tidal carbon dioxide, and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) were measured continuously. CVR was quantified as the linear relationship between etCO2 and MCAv. We observed no difference in CVR between groups. Hypercapnic CVR: CKD = 1.2 ± 0.9 cm/s/mm Hg, CON = 1.3 ± 0.8 cm/s/mm Hg, hypocapnic CVR: CKD = 1.3 ± 0.9 cm/s/mm Hg, CON = 1.5 ± 0.7 cm/s/mm Hg, integrated CVR: CKD = 1.5 ± 1.1 cm/s/mm Hg, CON = 1.7 ± 0.8 cm/s/mm Hg, p ≥ 0.48. Unexpectedly, CVR was inversely related to estimated glomerular filtration rate in CKD (R2 = 0.37, p = 0.02). We report that CVR remains intact in CKD and is inversely related to eGFR. These findings suggest that other mechanisms beyond CVR contribute to the elevated stroke risk observed in CKD.
Experimental analysis and optimization of machining parameters for Nitinol alloy: A Taguchi and multi-attribute decision-making approach
Authors: Sureja Dev , Kumari Soni , Bhavani Basireddy , Abhishek Kumar , Chaudhari Rakesh , Singh Mahendra , Revathi Venkatachalam , Panchal Soumyashree M.
Published: April 2024

The automotive and aerospace sectors have a strong demand for Nitinol alloy machined parts; therefore, optimizing machining parameters is essential to achieving better process performance results in terms of cost and product quality. In general, the process variables that influence machining include feed (f), depth of cut (t), and spindle speed (S). Material removal rate (MRR), tool wear (TW), and surface roughness (Ra) are pertinent output performance indicators. Analysis of variance has been performed to assess the effect of process variables on the aforesaid output performance. It has been found that feed has a significant effect on MRR and surface roughness with a contribution of 50.65 and 33.62%, respectively, whereas spindle speed has a major contribution on TW with a contribution of 51.9%. This study assesses how well the Nitinol 56 machining process works overall. In this work, the Taguchi method has been used to determine the effect of aforesaid process variables on the output performance indices. To satisfy previously stated conflicting performance indices, a variety of multi-attribute decision-making approaches were used, such as utility, TOPSIS, and grey, to determine the optimal process variables. The optimal process variable combination has been achieved as f = 0.133 mm·rev−1, d = 0.06, and S = 835 RPM. This combination has been achieved using all methods.
Spanish lower and upper bounded change of state verbs: focusing on transitive experiencer object verbs
Authors: Fritz-Huechante Paola , Verhoeven Elisabeth
Published: April 2024

Transitive causative change of state (TCoS) verbs elicit scalar readings, distinguishing them between: upper-bounded verbs (e.g., dry), denoting a culminating change of state, and lower-bounded verbs (e.g., wrinkle), denoting a change from a zero to a non-zero value (or from one value to another) regarding the property described by the semantic core of the verb. In their eventive reading, transitive experiencer object (TEO) verbs (e.g., calm down, delight) also denote causative eventualities able to yield scalar inferences. This study investigates whether TEO verbs are also associated with a minimum or maximum standard degree, proposing a similar subdivision of TEO verbs into lower-bounded items (delight) and upper-bounded items (calm down). In a forced-choice selection experiment we tested the impact of the standard degree (bound) of the semantic core of Spanish TEO verbs on the availability of lower-bounded or upper-bounded readings comparing them to TCoS verbs. Results revealed that the factor bound was significant to the extent that both lower-bounded TEO and TCoS predicates yielded the response compatible with a lower-bounded reading significantly more often than predicates that possess a maximum degree, supporting the distinction between lower and upper bounded items. Further, a significant effect of verb type was also observed, differentiating a change of state on the mental (TEO) versus the physical (TCoS) levels.
Peering Through the Fog of Uncertainty: Out-of-Sample Forecasts of Post-Pandemic Tourism
Authors: Cevik Serhan
Published: April 2024

This paper uses an augmented gravity model framework to investigate the historical impact of infectious diseases on international tourism and develops an out-of-sample prediction model. Using bilateral tourism flows among 38,184 pairs of countries during the period 1995–2017, I compare the forecasting performance of alternative specifications and estimation methods. These computations confirm the statistical and economic significance of infectious-disease episodes in forecasting international tourism flows. Including infectious diseases in the model brings a significant improvement in forecast accuracy relative to the standard gravity model. The magnitude of these effects, however, is likely to be much greater in the case of COVID-19, which is a highly contagious virus that has spread fast throughout populations across the world.
Imperialism and Contemporary Transnational Capitalism
Authors: Harris Gerald
Published: April 2024

Imperialism was closely studied by Marxists in the early twentieth century. Lenin’s work had the greatest impact, but while some elements remain, important changes have occurred. The specific national character of finance capital has transformed to integrated global capital, as has production. These changes were structured by reengineering the state and rewriting the rules for trade and cross-border capital flows, while at the same time deconstructing the Keynesian social contract. The economic and political changes were led by the emergence of a transnational capitalist class. The resulting social upheavals caused by greater inequality have been accelerated by the crisis of COVID-19, which created new contradictions between and within China and the United States. Technological changes have only added to the problems of global capitalism. Massive speculation was made possible by the speed and reach of the new information and communication technologies, resulting in repeated economic crises. A planetary Green New Deal may offer the best hope to rebuild the economy around productive capital and lay the basis for greater social justice.