bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parabacteroides distasonis regulates the infectivity and pathogenicity of SVCV at different water temperatures
Authors: Zhang Yujun , Gao Yan , Li Chen , Zhang Yong-An , Lu Yuanan , Ye Jing , Liu Xueqin
Published: July 2024

Background

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infects a wide range of fish species and causes high mortality rates in aquaculture. This viral infection is characterized by seasonal outbreaks that are temperature-dependent. However, the specific mechanism behind temperature-dependent SVCV infectivity and pathogenicity remains unclear. Given the high sensitivity of the composition of intestinal microbiota to temperature changes, it would be interesting to investigate if the intestinal microbiota of fish could play a role in modulating the infectivity of SVCV at different temperatures.

Results

Our study found that significantly higher infectivity and pathogenicity of SVCV infection in zebrafish occurred at relatively lower temperature. Comparative analysis of the intestinal microbiota in zebrafish exposed to high- and low-temperature conditions revealed that temperature influenced the abundance and diversity of the intestinal microbiota in zebrafish. A significantly higher abundance of Parabacteroides distasonis and its metabolite secondary bile acid (deoxycholic acid, DCA) was detected in the intestine of zebrafish exposed to high temperature. Both colonization of Parabacteroides distasonis and feeding of DCA to zebrafish at low temperature significantly reduced the mortality caused by SVCV. An in vitro assay demonstrated that DCA could inhibit the assembly and release of SVCV. Notably, DCA also showed an inhibitory effect on the infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, another Rhabdoviridae member known to be more infectious at low temperature.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that temperature can be an important factor to influence the composition of intestinal microbiota in zebrafish, consequently impacting the infectivity and pathogenicity of SVCV. The findings highlight the enrichment of Parabacteroides distasonis and its derivative, DCA, in the intestines of zebrafish raised at high temperature, and they possess an important role in preventing the infection of SVCV and other Rhabdoviridae members in host fish.
A feasibility randomized controlled trial of culturally adapted Getting Better Bite-by-Bite (Ca-GBBB) intervention for individuals with eating disorders in Pakistan
Authors: Khaliq Ayesha , Muazzam Amina , Rafique Rafia , Kiran Tayyeba , Ahmed Ameera , Suleheria Irfan , Chaudhry Nasim , Husain Nusrat
Published: July 2024

Background

Eating disorders (EDs) are serious mental health conditions that affect a person physically and psychologically. In the past, EDs were only recognized as a cultural phenomenon/societal by-product of the West. However, research evidence marks its presence in non-western countries also, including South Asia. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a manualized psychological intervention called Getting Better Bite by Bite (GBBB) in individuals who screened positive on measures of EDs in Pakistan.

Methods

The proposed study is a feasibility randomized controlled trial (fRCT). The study will be conducted at five sites across Pakistan: Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan to recruit a total of 80 participants. Eligible participants will be randomized to either (1) the intervention group; in which they will receive one-to-one sessions of GBBB along with routine care or (2) the routine care group; in which they will only have access to the routine care. We have received ethics approval by the National Bioethics Committee. The study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05724394). The study team has received permission from recruitment centers: hospitals (i.e. the psychiatry department of public and private hospitals based in these cities), fitness centers (i.e., gyms), educational institutes (i.e., colleges and universities), and community settings (i.e. community health clinics). Self-referrals from General Practitioners and community settings will be accepted. The intervention manual has been translated into Urdu and a multidisciplinary team including service users has culturally adapted the content of intervention for local context.

Discussion

This study will provide evidence on feasibility and acceptability of a culturally adapted intervention for individuals who screen positive on measures of EDs. The findings of this study will inform a fully powered Randomized Controlled Trial of the proposed intervention.

Trial Registration. The study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05724394). Protocol version (1.0. 1st June 2022).
The relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout in college athlete: the mediating roles of competence and autonomy
Authors: Yang Linjie , Zhang Zhiwen , Zhang Jinrui , Veloo Arsaythamby
Published: July 2024

Background

In the cognitive-affective model of athlete burnout, anxiety is a key physiological response to stress that influences the development of burnout in athletes. Despite its importance, there has been little research on the relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout, particularly regarding the mediating mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout, with a focus on the mediating role of general need satisfaction from self-determination theory.

Methods

The current study employed a cross-sectional design involving 618 college athletes (354 females, mean age 20.57 years), comprising 303 participants in individual sports and 315 in team sports. These participants completed the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ), and the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale in General (BPNSS-G) online. Subsequently, correlation, regression, and mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS and JASP to examine the relationships between the variables.

Results

Regression results indicated that somatic anxiety (beta = 0.116, t = 2.21, p = 0.028) and concentration disruption (beta = 0.259, t = 5.35, p < 0.001) in competitive anxiety were positively correlated with athlete burnout. Worry in competitive anxiety was negatively correlated with competence (beta =-0.149, t=-2.70, p = 0.007) and autonomy (beta =-0.179, t=-3.25, p = 0.001) in needs satisfaction. Additionally, the regression results found that competence (beta =-0.178, t=-3.39, p = 0.001) and Autonomy (beta =-0.208, t=-4.17, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with athlete burnout. Mediation analyses revealed significant direct effects in the relationship between somatic anxiety (Effect = 0.116, p = 0.026) along with concentration disruption (Effect = 0.259, p < 0.001) and athlete burnout. In the indirect effect, worry (Effect = 0.071, p = 0.002) as well as concentration disruption (Effect = 0.082, p < 0.001) had significant effects in relation to athlete burnout, respectively.

Conclusions

Overall, the current study found that somatic anxiety and concentration disruption in competitive anxiety are related to athlete burnout. Moreover, competence and autonomy in need satisfaction mediated the relationship between competitive anxiety (worry and concentration disruption) and athlete burnout. The findings of this study not only shed further light on the relationship between competitive anxiety and athlete burnout but also provide theoretical insights into the mediating mechanisms of this relationship.
Harnessing natural killer cells for refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma: biological roles, clinical trials, and future prospective
Authors: Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi Mehdi , Yazdanparast Somayeh , Kheyrandish Setare , Safdari Seyed Mehrab , Amiri Samani Fateme , Sohani Mahsa , Jaafarian Akram Sadat , Damirchiloo Fateme , Izadpanah Amirhossein , Parkhideh Sahar , Mikanik Fatemeh , Roshandel Elham , Hajifathali Abbas , Gharehbaghian Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are heterogeneous and are among the most common hematological malignancies worldwide. Despite the advances in the treatment of patients with NHLs, relapse or resistance to treatment is anticipated in several patients. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Recently, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy alone or in combination with monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptors, or bispecific killer engagers have been applied in many investigations for NHL treatment. The functional defects of NK cells and the ability of cancerous cells to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity within the tumor microenvironment of NHLs, as well as the beneficial results from previous studies in the context of NK cell-based immunotherapy in NHLs, direct our attention to this therapeutic strategy. This review aims to summarize clinical studies focusing on the applications of NK cells in the immunotherapy of patients with NHL.
Improving students’ problem-solving abilities through answering questions in metaverse games: taking GOXR software as an example
Authors: Weng Ting-Sheng , Lin Ting-Hsuan
Published: July 2024

In computer-based dialogue learning, students’ willingness to communicate and ability to interact is one of the important factors. Few studies have examined the testing of mobile metaverse teaching material systems built for interactive communication and learning courses. This study developed and designed course content for a virtual classroom, which is suitable for mobile learning on Android or iOS systems and can provide metaverse space for students to discuss homework using their mobile phones, as well as a system for online self-learning and testing. Students can participate in classes without time or space restrictions. In addition, questions related to life math knowledge and leveling up are included, such as the basic reproduction number of COVID-19, influenza, and enterovirus. There were 100 valid responses from two schools, which recognized the convenience and benefit of the virtual digital technology of the mobile self-learning system in the metaverse space as an auxiliary tool for learning, as it provides a more flexible and diversified educational learning mode. This system can be used for course teaching, after-class review, and testing to facilitate self-testing of learning results.
Methane-cycling microbial communities from Amazon floodplains and upland forests respond differently to simulated climate change scenarios
Authors: Gontijo Júlia B. , Paula Fabiana S. , Bieluczyk Wanderlei , França Aline G. , Navroski Deisi , Mandro Jéssica A. , Venturini Andressa M. , Asselta Fernanda O. , Mendes Lucas W. , Moura José M. S. , Moreira Marcelo Z. , Nüsslein Klaus , Bohannan Brendan J. M. , Bodelier Paul L. E. , Rodrigues Jorge L. Mazza , Tsai Siu M.
Published: July 2024

Seasonal floodplains in the Amazon basin are important sources of methane (CH4), while upland forests are known for their sink capacity. Climate change effects, including shifts in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures, may alter the functionality of soil microbial communities, leading to uncertain changes in CH4 cycling dynamics. To investigate the microbial feedback under climate change scenarios, we performed a microcosm experiment using soils from two floodplains (i.e., Amazonas and Tapajós rivers) and one upland forest. We employed a two-factorial experimental design comprising flooding (with non-flooded control) and temperature (at 27 °C and 30 °C, representing a 3 °C increase) as variables. We assessed prokaryotic community dynamics over 30 days using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR. These data were integrated with chemical properties, CH4 fluxes, and isotopic values and signatures. In the floodplains, temperature changes did not significantly affect the overall microbial composition and CH4 fluxes. CH4 emissions and uptake in response to flooding and non-flooding conditions, respectively, were observed in the floodplain soils. By contrast, in the upland forest, the higher temperature caused a sink-to-source shift under flooding conditions and reduced CH4 sink capability under dry conditions. The upland soil microbial communities also changed in response to increased temperature, with a higher percentage of specialist microbes observed. Floodplains showed higher total and relative abundances of methanogenic and methanotrophic microbes compared to forest soils. Isotopic data from some flooded samples from the Amazonas river floodplain indicated CH4 oxidation metabolism. This floodplain also showed a high relative abundance of aerobic and anaerobic CH4 oxidizing Bacteria and Archaea. Taken together, our data indicate that CH4 cycle dynamics and microbial communities in Amazonian floodplain and upland forest soils may respond differently to climate change effects. We also highlight the potential role of CH4 oxidation pathways in mitigating CH4 emissions in Amazonian floodplains.
Shunt-related brain tumor, a case report presenting a rare complication and review of literature
Authors: Zohney Michael , Aziz Mohamed M , Izz-alarab Shebl , Algredly Ahmed A , Abdelwahab Abdelaleem
Published: July 2024

Background

Congenital hydrocephalus is a well-known neurosurgical condition in the pediatric age group. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement is a standard procedure with a high incidence of complications in the first year postoperatively. We present a very rare complication, with only a few reported cases in the accessible literature, in which a tumor arises in relation to a shunt catheter.

Study design

A case report.

Case presentation

We describe a case of a VPS placement in an eleven-month-old boy who, at the age of thirteen, presented with a two-month period of convulsions caused by a cortical mass related to the shunt catheter. Surgical excision of the mass revealed atypical meningioma (WHO Grade 2).

Conclusions

The tumor may have been initiated by direct irritation of the shunt catheter or just an unfortunate simultaneous event for this child. Further analysis is needed to determine which factors could have led to such a complication and to predict its occurrence in future patients. In this case, the pathologic features, duration, and unusual radiologic findings are interesting and unique.
Exploring the use of clay pots as sustainable storage containers to improve water quality
Authors: Ibrahim Alaa K. , Said Ghada , Badr Mai M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Currently, tap water consumption is not highly preferred in Egypt and around the world. People prefer to consume bottled water because they believe that it is much safer and tastes better than tap water. Unfortunately, this preference can create an economic burden for many people, especially in developing countries. Clay pots can be used to provide cool, alkaline drinking water because of their porous micro-texture, which traps pollutants. This study aimed to investigate the use of clay pots to store tap water and its impact on the requirements for drinking water quality. This is done with the intent to decrease the need for bottled water as a means of offering a more sustainable and economical option.

Methods

In this study, the efficiency of clay pots as sustainable storage containers for drinking water was tested by measuring physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS, EC, turbidity, DO, ammonia, chloride, total hardness, Ca hardness, Mg hardness, chlorine, Zn, and CaCO3) and biological parameters (TPC and Legionella).

Results

After 7 days of storage, the quality of the water stored in clay pots met the standards set by the Egyptian law with a significant difference (p < 0.05) before and after the storage of water It was found that the dissolved oxygen increased from 6.17 ppm to 7.52 ppm after 7 days. As for total hardness, it declined from 195 to 178 ppm. There was also a significant drop in terms of TDS from 338 to 275 ppm. Furthermore, clay pots effectively filtered out both total viable bacteria and Legionella.

Conclusion

This study proved the efficiency of using these containers with respect to some indicator values for tap water and tank water analysis. Clay pots are an excellent, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative for storing water.
Understanding the multilevel factors influencing the implementation of digital health interventions for supportive care in Adolescents and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivorship: determinants of adopting mindfulness-based mobile applications
Authors: Kwok Gary , Senger Angela , Sharma Archana , Mandato Ivelisse , Devine Katie A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Adolescents and Young Adult (AYA) cancer survivors are at risk for psychological distress due to their unique developmental and medical needs. Healthcare providers can leverage the convenience and appeal of technology to provide supportive care for this vulnerable population. Using evidence-based mindfulness-based mobile interventions as a case example, the goal of this study was to identify key patient-, provider-, and organization-level barriers and facilitators to supportive care and implementing digital health interventions in AYA survivorship care.

Methods

Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders including AYA survivors (n = 10; between 18–29 years old) and clinical providers and administrators (n = 10). Interviews were transcribed and deductively mapped using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) complementary frameworks.

Results

Results indicated that factors like cost and patients’ needs and resources were prevalent among both survivors and providers. There were key differences between providers and AYA survivors. Providers’ adoption and promotion of digital health interventions were influenced most strongly by contextual factors, including available resources (Inner Setting), culture (Outer Setting), and networks and communications (Outer Setting). On the other hand, survivors emphasized individual and intervention-related factors; they reported that social influence and knowledge influenced their adoption and use of digital health interventions, including meditation apps.

Conclusions

These results identified barriers and facilitators to the adoption of supportive care digital health interventions from multiple stakeholders. Results can be used to guide the development of implementation strategies to improve the uptake of digital health interventions in survivorship care, ultimately improving the psychosocial well-being of AYA cancer survivors.
Challenges in understanding inequities in help-seeking for possible cancer symptoms
Authors: Whitaker Katriina L. , Perchyk Tetyana , Kerrison Robert S. , Lemanska Agnieszka
Published: July 2024

Tackling inequities in cancer outcomes is a global health priority. One avenue for improving early diagnosis of cancer is to ensure people know when and how to seek help for cancer symptoms and that this knowledge (and behaviour) is equitably distributed across the population. In this perspective piece we highlight the challenges in understanding sociodemographic differences in help-seeking behaviour (for example, how help-seeking is defined / conceptualised and subsequently assessed), as well as challenges with using existing datasets that are now more readily accessible than ever. Addressing these will strengthen methodological approaches to understand inequities in help-seeking and ways to tackle them.
The Cerebral Aqueduct Compliance: A Simple Morphometric Model
Authors: Longatti Pierluigi , Gioffrè Giorgio , Fiorindi Alessandro , Siddi Francesca , Boaro Alessandro , Basaldella Luca , Sala Francesco , Feletti Alberto
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

This work aimed to identify different configurations of the adytum of the cerebral aqueduct suggesting its safe neuroendoscopic navigation. This concept is intimately connected to the physiological aqueductal dilatability or compliance, which is relatively ignored in the literature. A better knowledge of the extent of physiological aqueductal dilatability might better define the ideal diameter and safer features of dedicated flexible endoscopes.

METHODS:

The study includes 45 patients operated on using a flexible scope with a 3.9-mm diameter, where the structural elements of the adytum of the cerebral aqueduct are clearly visible. Patients were grouped according to the pathology (colloid cyst/normal anatomy, intraventricular hemorrhage, tetraventricular obstructive hydrocephalus, normal pressure hydrocephalus, and distal membranous aqueductal stenosis). A simple geometrical scheme was applied to the endoscopic anatomy of the aqueductal adytum in relation to the posterior commissure to measure its pathologic deformations. Eventual damages to the aqueduct walls caused by the endoscope were also reported.

RESULTS:

Proceeding from normal anatomy to hydrocephalic condition, the ratio between the commissure and the aqueductal access area progressively decreases, while the vertex angle increases. Interestingly, the entity of the ependymal damages due to the passage of the endoscope correlates with such measures.

CONCLUSION:

The cerebral aqueduct, excluding atrophic processes, is provided with a certain degree of dilatability, which we estimate to be around a diameter of 4 mm. This represents the maximum size for a flexible neuroendoscope for a safe aqueductal neuronavigation. The schematic model of the aqueductal adytum as a triangle defines 3 different aqueductal patterns and can be helpful when an intraoperative decision on whether to navigate the aqueduct must be taken.
Το ψηφιακό θέατρο ως μια ζωντανή ψηφιακή μορφή τέχνης
Authors: Μαστροθανάσης Κωνσταντίνος , Κλαδάκη Μαρία
Published: July 2024

Στην εποχή των τεχνολογικών εξελίξεων το ψηφιακό θέατρο πρωτοπορεί στην καλλιτεχνική έκφραση, διευρύνοντας τα όρια των παραδοσιακών θεατρικών εμπειριών. Ως μια αναδυόμενη μορφή τέχνης το ψηφιακό θέατρο συνδυάζει τη διαχρονική ουσία της ζωντανής θεατρικής παράστασης με τις μετασχηματιστικές δυνατότητες των ψηφιακών μέσων. Στο παρόν άρθρο διερευνώνται τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του ψηφιακού θεάτρου και επιχειρείται η εννοιολογική οριοθέτησή του, αναδεικνύοντας την ικανότητά του να συνδυάζει το άμεσο και το υπερβατικό, περικλείοντας το κοινό σε μια πολυδιάστατη θεατρική εμπειρία που διαφοροποιεί τα όρια των παραδοσιακών θεατρικών συμβάσεων.
Editorial
Authors: ΣΙΑΚΑΣ Σπύρος , Σοφός Αλιβίζος (Λοΐζος) , Τριβέλλα Λαμπρινή
Published: July 2024

Το παρόν τεύχος φιλοξενεί άρθρα που καλύπτουν θέματα τόσο σε θεωρητικό όσο και σε πρακτικό επίπεδο δημιουργίας βίντεο, animation και διαδραστικών μέσων στο πλαίσιο της εκπαίδευσης και του πολιτισμού.  Η επιλογή των άρθρων ενισχύει το εύρος πρακτικής εφαρμογής κυρίως στην εκπαίδευση, αναδεικνύοντας και τις θεωρητικές βάσεις των διαδραστικών μέσων σε πολιτισμικό επίπεδο. Αξίζει να σημειωθεί ότι σε αυτό το τεύχος  φιλοξενείται ένα άρθρο μέσα από το οποίο προσεγγίζεται η εκπαιδευτική χρήση του video modeling σε παιδιά με διαταραχή αυτιστικού φάσματος.
Macro- and micro-plastic ingestion and their impacts on marine biota
Authors: Δίγκα Νικολέττα
Published: July 2024

Η διατριβή αυτή αποτελεί την πρώτη συνολική έρευνα σε σχέση με τα επίπεδα κατάποσης πλαστικού από θαλάσσιες χελώνες, αχινούς και μύδια, καθώς και τις επιπτώσεις της κατάποσης στα ελληνικά ύδατα. Τα ευρήματα αυτής της έρευνας δείχνουν ότι τα επίπεδα κατάποσης πλαστικών μεταξύ των τριών μελετημένων ειδών είναι συγκρίσιμα με αυτά που αναφέρονται στην παγκόσμια βιβλιογραφία και δείχνουν να επηρεάζονται από την εκάστοτε περιοχή και τις ιδιαίτερες συνθήκες που τη χαρακτηρίζουν. Στην παρούσα εργασία υπογραμμίζεται η σημασία της κατάταξης των πλαστικών σε κατηγορίες ορισμένων βασικών χαρακτηριστικών, όπως το χρώμα, το σχήμα, το μέγεθος, και ιδίως ο τύπος πολυμερούς, καθώς προσφέρουν ενδείξεις για πιθανές πηγές προέλευσης και συσχέτισης μεταξύ των πλαστικών που βρίσκονται στους οργανισμούς με αυτά που υπάρχουν στο θαλάσσιο περιβάλλον. Παρόλο που οι ενδείξεις των βιοδεικτών που χρησιμοποιήθηκαν δείχνουν διαφοροποιήσεις στις περιοχές με τα περισσότερα πλαστικά στους οργανισμούς, οι διαφορές στις τιμές των βιοδεικτών δε μπορούν να συσχετιστούν άμεσα με την κατάποση πλαστικού ούτε στη περίπτωση των αχινών ούτε σε αυτή των μυδιών. Περαιτέρω έρευνα σε οργανισμούς που εκτίθενται σε υψηλά επίπεδα ρύπανσης από πλαστικά και με τη χρήση επιπλέον βιοδεικτών, είναι απαραίτητη για να αποκτηθεί μια πιο σαφής κατανόηση των επιπτώσεων της κατάποσης πλαστικού στους οργανισμούς. Τα αποτελέσματα της διατριβής συμβάλλουν στη βαθύτερη κατανόηση της ρύπανσης από πλαστικά και των επιπτώσεων της στο θαλάσσιο περιβάλλον, στη θέσπιση ανώτερων ορίων για την κατάποση πλαστικών από τους θαλάσσιους οργανισμούς και κατ’ επέκταση στον μετριασμό των επιπτώσεών τους.
Nanomagnetic materials
Authors: Παπαδόπουλος Κύριλλος
Published: July 2024

Η παρούσα διατριβή πραγματεύεται μεθόδους ελέγχου των πολυσιδηροϊκών ιδιοτήτων του BiFeO3 (BFO), στοχεύοντας στην άμβλυνση των περιορισμών που απασχολούν το συμπαγές BFO και περιορίζουν την τεχνολογική αξιοποίηση του υλικού. Επιλέγοντας τη μέθοδο της υδατικής συγκαταβύθισης για τη σύνθεση των νανοσωματιδίων, η οποία είναι μία μέθοδος που χαρακτηρίζεται από υψηλής ποιότητας τελικό προϊόν και είναι εύκολη στο χειρισμό, το μέσο μέγεθος των σωματιδίων BFO μπορεί να ελεγχθεί επιτυχώς, ελέγχοντας επιμελώς την περιεκτικότητα του βισμουθίου (Bi) στη χημική σύσταση, κάτι το οποίο έχει άμεσο αντίκτυπο στις ιδιότητες του υπό μελέτη υλικού. Η καθοδηγούμενη από τη σύσταση μείωση του μέσου μεγέθους των νανοσωματιδίων, σε μεγέθη μικρότερα του μήκους κύματος της κυκλοειδούς δομής των σπιν, επιφέρει μία αξιοσημείωτη ενίσχυση των μαγνητικών ιδιοτήτων του υλικού σε θερμοκρασία δωματίου, αναφορικά με τη μαγνήτιση και το συνεκτικό πεδίο του υλικού, το οποίο αποδίδεται σε φαινόμενα μεγέθους, καθώς και στην αύξηση των δομικών παραμορφώσεων στον κρύσταλλο του BFO. Η σπειροειδής δομή σπιν, η οποία καταργεί την καθαρή μαγνήτιση του συμπαγούς BFO, μπορεί επίσης να κατασταλεί κατόπιν υποκατάστασης ιόντων σπάνιας γαίας (Sm3+) στις θέσεις του Bi ή κατόπιν υποκατάστασης ιόντων μεταβατικών μετάλλων (Co2+) στις θέσεις του σιδήρου (Fe) στον περοβσκίτη BFO. Η μερική υποκατάσταση ιόντων δοτών στις μητρικές πλεγματικές θέσεις του υλικού είναι δυνατόν να παραμορφώσει την κρυσταλλική δομή του BFO εξαιτίας της εσωτερικής χημικής πίεσης, καταλήγοντας στην ενίσχυση των πολυσιδηροϊκών χαρακτηριστικών του υλικού. Αποδεικνύεται ότι τα σιδηροηλεκτρικά και μαγνητικά χαρακτηριστικά των κατόπιν υποκατάστασης με κατιόντα Sm3+ και Co2+ νανοσωματιδίων (Sm-BFO και Co-BFO, αντίστοιχα) είναι σημαντικώς ενισχυμένα σε θερμοκρασία δωματίου, εν συγκρίσει με τα BFO νανοσωματίδια χωρίς πρόσμειξη. Το παραπάνω οφείλεται στη συνδυαστική επίδραση της κατιονικής υποκατάστασης και των φαινομένων μεγέθους των αντίστοιχων δειγμάτων. Επιπροσθέτως, τα νανοσωματίδια Sm-BFO και Co-BFO της παρούσας διατριβής επιδεικνύουν ισχυρότερη απορρόφηση του ορατού φωτός, εξαιτίας της επιβαλλόμενης από την υποκατάσταση μείωσης του οπτικού ενεργειακού χάσματος, εν συγκρίσει με τα ανόθευτα νανοσωματίδια BFO. Τελικώς, εξετάζονται οι μαγνητικώς επαγόμενες αποδόσεις θέρμανσης των υδατικών διασπορών νανοσωματιδίων BFO, Sm-BFO και Co-BFO σε συγκέντρωση 4 mg/mL, καθώς και οι αντίστοιχες αποδόσεις θέρμανσης κατόπιν ενσωμάτωσής τους σε υδρογέλες αλγινικού νατρίου. Η παρούσα μελέτη φανερώνει ότι οι υπό μελέτη πολυσιδηροϊκές υδρογέλες με ενσωματωμένα νανοσωματίδια BFO, Sm-BFO και Co-BFO είναι εφικτό να παράγουν θερμότητα υπό την επίδραση εξωτερικά εφαρμοζόμενων AC μαγνητικών πεδίων, σημειώνοντας αύξηση της θερμοκρασίας που κυμαίνεται από 12 °C έως 15 °C για τις υδρογέλες με νανοσωματίδια BFO και Co-BFO, αντίστοιχα, υποδεικνύοντας την ενδεχόμενη χρήση τους σε εφαρμογές μαγνητικής υπερθερμίας για μία αποτελεσματική θεραπεία με τοπικά χαρακτηριστικά.
Uptake of core outcome sets by clinical trialists in China: a protocol
Authors: Qiu Ruijin , Fan Xiaodan , Wang Wenhui , Clarke Mike , Chen Zhuo , Liu Shuling , Williamson Paula , Shang Hongcai
Published: July 2024

Background The concept of core outcome sets (COS) has been introduced in China for about 10 years. In recent years, some Chinese researchers also committed to developing COS, though the majority of COS are ongoing. However, there were more than 500 published COS for research in the COMET database by 2020. The extent of availability of COS for the top 25 diseases with the highest burden in China is unknown. In addition, the uptake of COS in clinical trials for these diseases is unknown, along with the knowledge, perceptions, and views of the clinical trialist community in China on the use of COS in relation to choosing outcomes for their research. Methods The main burden of disease in China will be identified. Then we will search the COMET database to identify if there are ongoing or completed relevant COS research A COS published since 2012 would be preferred to one published before 2012 for the analysis of COS uptake if one meets the eligibility criteria. We will extract scopes of published eligible COS, including condition, population, interventions, and core outcomes. Then we will search the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry using disease names for each disease that has a published COS. We will assess the overlap in scope between clinical trials and COS. Then we will conduct an online survey and semi-structured interviews to identify the knowledge and perceptions of COS among primary investigators of included clinical trials. Discussion This research will fill in gaps between COS and the burden of disease in China. Understanding clinical trialists’knowledge and perceptions of COS may help dissemination and application of COS in the future. Trial registration This research is registered in Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness: https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/2563.
A study of association between early menarche and anxiety in undergraduate students
Authors: Bakshi Poorva , Shetty Sharanya B. , Sharma Abira , K G Vasudha , Pai Keshava , K Radhika , D'Souza Priyanka Renita , N S Reshma
Published: July 2024

Background Anxiety has been reported to be one of the most common epidemics in recent years. The present study focused on understanding the association between early menarche and the prevalence of anxiety and anxiety symptoms among adult undergraduate students. Methods This was an observational, case-control study. The sample included 146 young female adults aged more than or equal to 18 years pursuing the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS). Using an online questionnaire, participants were asked to recall and enter the age at which they attained menarche. We used the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7- Item Questionnaire (GAD-7) to measure the severity of their present anxiety symptoms. Results The results showed a significant increase in anxiety symptoms in participants who had early menarche compared to those who did not have early menarche. The mean score on the GAD-7 Questionnaire for the cases was 9.93 and the control group was 6.89. The GAD-7 scores among the cases group were significantly higher in the GAD-7 scores than in the control group. Conclusions This study concluded that early menarche is associated with higher anxiety levels in young adults.
Floristic Diversity of Natural Forest Patches Across Agroclimatic Zones in Northwestern Ethiopian
Authors: Kassaye Melkamu , Derebe Yonas , Tamer Mulugeta , Nigatu Amsalu , Gedamu Bahiru , Emiru Estegenet , Chanie Meseret , Yigzaw Mebratu
Published: July 2024

Background Natural forest resources in northwestern Ethiopia are currently under threat, requiring immediate conservation measures and a management strategy. Thus, an understanding of the present floristic diversity status is required. There is lack of such type of studies specific to fragmented forest patches and across environmental factors. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the existing state of these resources to apply sustainable forest management practices. Methods To achieve this, transects with 200 square plots measuring 400 m2 were set up at nine forest patches with 200m spacing between plots and transects. Vegetation and environmental data were collected and analyzed using R version 4.1. Results Significant variations (p 0.008) were found in vegetation features along the slope, forest patches, and agroclimatic zone. When compared to other forest patches, highland, and mid-altitude forest patches had the highest species diversity (2.48) and stocking (2578 trees/ha). The gentle slope has the most species diversity (2.83). The species similarity between highland and mid-altitude forest habitats was found significant (69%). The vegetation cover in the mid-altitude forest patches was also high (abundance: 5-12%). In all the forest patches examined, tree life forms exceeded shrubs, climbers, and herbs. Conclusions According to the study’s findings, the state of forest resources varies considerably across different environmental variations. Despite the impression of entire forest patches from the outside, the interiors are open, with only huge and mature trees covering the canopy. This state has been triggered by deforestation, degradation, and inappropriate human and grazing operations.
Absent in Melanoma 2 Gene Associated Periodontitis and Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Daily Zina Ali , Al-Ghurabi Batool Hassan
Published: July 2024

Aims To study the association between AIM2 gene polymorphisms and the tendency for periodontal infection and coronary heart disease, and to determine whether males or females are more susceptible to these diseases. Additionally, we examined its association with the features of periodontal disease. Methods 140 patients were enrolled in this study, and those who took part were divided into four groups as follows: healthy (c), periodontal disease (P), coronary heart disease with intact periodontium (AS-C), and coronary heart disease with periodontal disease (AS-P). Information on entrants, including age, sex, body mass index, and indicators of periodontal disease severity, was documented. Blood samples were collected, and AIM2 gene polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction test, gel phase, and sequences. Results Genetic analysis of AIM2 G/T (rs2793845) revealed a high frequency of the (T) allele and (GT and TT) genotypes that were detected in the periodontal disease and coronary heart disease groups in males. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium of alleles and genotypes did not differ significantly between the study groups. Gene polymorphisms were also significantly correlated with indicators of periodontal disease severity. Conclusion High frequenting of (T) alleles and (GT, TT) genotypes in AIM2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were associated with an increased tendency to develop periodontal disease and coronary heart disease. It can be supposed that it has a causative function in the pathophysiology of both disorders, and the validity of SNP as a potential genomic factor for the risk of both disorders in Iraqi males.
Lentil aspiration pneumonitis
Authors: Haque Tasmea , Basera Pragati , Singh Tushi , Arif Dauod
Published: July 2024

This patient has a complex medical history that includes intellectual disability, blindness, deafness, seizure disorder, tracheomalacia, and recurrent aspiration. He had a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in place for tube feeding. He again presented with acute respiratory distress, hypoxemia, fever, and leukocytosis. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed bilateral infiltrates and nodular densities. A previous chest CT done 6 years prior to admission revealed multiple micronodules scattered throughout both lung fields. The patient had had a previous lung biopsy 20 years prior to admission which revealed lentil starch material in bronchioles and multifocal foreign body giant cell reactions. The patient was treated with an empiric antibiotic regimen and improved. This case demonstrates the radiographic and histologic changes associated with lentil pneumonia which is an unusual type of aspiration pneumonia.
Keywords: Lentil pneumonia, granulomas, aspiration, nodules
Uncharted Territory Navigating a Rare Candida Albicans Liver Abscess Case
Authors: Mirembe Letisha , Gutal Abhijit
Published: July 2024

This case report describes a rare instance of Candida albicans liver abscess in a 46-year-old immunocompetent male with extensive medical history. The report underscores the diagnostic challenges in such atypical presentations and emphasizes the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach for effective management, highlighting the unusual nature of the case in the context of the patient's immune competence.
Stress from Digital Work: Toward a Unified View of Digital Hindrance Stressors
Authors: Gimpel Henner , Lanzl Julia , Regal Christian , Urbach Nils , Becker Julia , Tegtmeier Patricia
Published: July 2024

Digital technologies, although enhancing productivity and communication, also contribute to technostress at work. This study addresses the fragmentation in existing models of hindrance technostressors by proposing a unified hierarchical model of digital hindrance stressors tailored to contemporary digital work environments. The research synthesizes various existing models and uses a mixed-methods approach, including a qualitative prestudy and extensive surveys with more than 5,800 participants to identify and validate 12 first-order and 5 second-order digital hindrance stressors. The new model offers both detailed and streamlined measurement tools, enhancing its applicability in diverse organizational contexts. For practitioners and policymakers, this study provides a comprehensive framework to assess and mitigate the adverse impacts of digital stressors. The unified model allows organizations to understand specific stressors their employees face and implement targeted interventions to improve well-being and productivity. By using this model, occupational health professionals can better address the psychological and physical health implications of technostress. Moreover, the findings offer actionable insights for designing digital work environments that minimize stress and foster a healthier, more productive workforce. This research bridges the gap between theoretical technostress models and practical applications, guiding effective strategies for managing digital workplace stress.
Surgical Tips: Managing the Orthopedic Traction Table on Gritti-Stokes Amputated Patients
Authors: Arnaud Pierre-Baptiste ,   Department of Orthopaedics, HFR Fribourg, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland,, Andrieux Cyril , Soares Sérgio ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Hôpital du Valais, Sion, Switzerland.,   Department of Orthopaedics, HFR Fribourg, Villars-sur-Glâne, Switzerland,
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Closed anatomical reduction of per-trochanteric fractures requires 3-axis control of the orthopedic traction table (OTT) which is challenging in patients having suffered a previous ipsilateral Gritti-Stokes amputation. Case Report: A 52-year-old man, known by Gritti-Stokes amputated (GSA) 10 years before, was admitted to our trauma center after a fall from his height. We describe a simple method for positioning a previously ipsilateral GSA patient in an OTT to reduce displaced a femoral per-trochanteric fracture site and to maintain it during surgery. The proposed method attaches non-adhesive bands to the stump, reinforced by the wire guide package to increase rigidity and allow 3-axis control of the OTT. Conclusion: This method can be performed in a standard trauma operating room, it only uses materials that were planned to be used during surgery, and consequently, it does not increase operative costs. Keywords: Gritti-Stokes amputation, per-trochanteric femoral fracture, patient positioning, orthopedic trauma, orthopedic traction table.
Large Fourier coefficients of half-integer weight modular forms
Authors: Gun S. , Kohnen W. , Soundararajan K.
Published: July 2024

abstract: This article is concerned with the Fourier coefficients of cusp forms (not necessarily eigenforms) of half-integer weight lying in the plus space. We give a soft proof that there are infinitely many fundamental discriminants $D$ such that the Fourier coefficients evaluated at $|D|$ are non-zero. By adapting the resonance method, we also demonstrate that such Fourier coefficients must take quite large values.
Nationality and Citizenship in Ireland, North and South
Authors: Dickson Brice , Hickey Tom
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: This article examines how British and/or Irish nationality is currently acquired and lost, first under the law in Northern Ireland and then under the law in Ireland. It looks at some of the rights that Irish citizens currently have in the UK and that UK citizens currently have in Ireland, paying particular attention to the impact of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement of 1998 on those rights. It then considers what rights British nationals in Northern Ireland who do not wish to be Irish nationals should acquire if Northern Ireland were to become part of a united Ireland. It posits that in such a new constitutional dispensation it would be inappropriate to continue to deny to these 'British-only' citizens the rights to vote in presidential elections and in constitutional referenda and the rights to stand for election to the presidency and to either of the houses of the legislature.
Performance characterization of an Al2O3/HfO2 parabolic multilayer based on a laboratory X-ray source
Authors: Yuan Tianyu , Li Yanli , Sun Tianxi , Sun Xuepeng , Niu Geng , Hu Jinyue , Hua Lu , Shao Shangkun , Zhong Yuchuan
Published: July 2024

Parabolic multilayers (PMs) are widely used in synchrotron radiation, X-ray free electron lasers, laboratory X-ray sources, and so on, and therefore, how to expediently and effectively determine their performance is important for the designers, manufacturers, and users of them. This paper designed a method based on a laboratory X-ray source and polycapillary parallel X-ray lens to characterize the performances of one Al2O3/HfO2 PM. The results showed that a monochromatic X-ray beam with a width of 97.76 µm and a divergence of 0.667 mrad at Cu-K
α
(8.04 keV) was obtained with the PMs used in the paper based on a laboratory X-ray source with a focus size of 50–100 µm at various working powers, and its X-ray reflectivity for Cu-K
α
and Cu-K
β
was 43.71% and 38.62%, respectively.
Broadband and low-loss power splitter with polarization manipulation using subwavelength gratings
Authors: Lu Mengjia , Guo Zhenzhao , Deng Chunyu , Hu Xuefang , Chen Mengmeng
Published: July 2024

A broadband and low-loss power splitter with polarization manipulation using subwavelength gratings (SWGs) is proposed and analyzed, where SWGs are embedded in input taper/output inverse tapered waveguides in the bottom layer to form an SWG-based structure, and a silicon nitride layer is placed above the bottom layer to form a low-index guiding structure. In the bottom layer, the TE mode is cut off as the input strip waveguide is tapered down. In this way, the injected TE mode is evenly coupled to two adjacent output ports with high efficiency by the assistance of SWGs. By contrast, the input TM mode is well supported by the above silicon nitride layer and directly transmitted to the Through port, which is almost not influenced by the bottom structures. Consequently, both power splitting and polarization handling are achieved in the designed device simultaneously. Simulation results show that an extinction ratio (ER) of 32.63 dB (18.56 dB) and insertion loss (IL) of 0.16 dB (0.16 dB) for the TE (TM) mode are obtained at 1.55 µm. The bandwidth is up to 191 nm (1450–1641 nm) for the TE mode and 200 nm (1450–1650 nm) for the TM mode with an ER exceeding 15 dB and IL below 0.3 dB. Furthermore, fabrication tolerances and power distribution with polarization manipulation through the device are also presented.
Periodic spiking pulse formation in broadband nonlinear optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Zhao Qingbo , Tian Huan , Xu Ziwei , Zhang Lingjie , Zhang Zhiyao , Li Heping , Zhang Shangjian , Liu Yong
Published: July 2024

An approach to generating periodic spiking pulses in a broadband opto-electronic oscillator (OEO) without external injection is proposed and demonstrated. Through biasing the electro-optic Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) in the OEO cavity at its nonlinear working point, spiking pulses are excited by the self-generated chaos under the combined action of the loop filter response time and the nonlinear excitation effect. An interaction force is introduced between pulses. As a result, the pulse number in a single roundtrip duration and the temporal distribution of the generated spiking pulses can be tuned by adjusting the loop gain and the direct-current (DC) bias voltage of the MZM. Both numerical simulation and experiment are carried out to demonstrate the spiking pulse generation mechanism, where ultra-short spiking pulse trains with even and uneven temporal distribution are generated.
Large measurement range curvature sensor based on all-fiber Mach-Zehnder interferometer using triple-ring-core few-mode fiber
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wu Chuangwei , Zhang Siyu , Xu Ou , Qin Yuwen
Published: July 2024

This study experimentally demonstrates a large measurement range curvature sensor based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) in a triple-ring-core fiber (TRCF). The sensor is fabricated by fusion splicing a segment of TRCF between two pieces of single-mode fiber (SMF), forming the SMF-TRCF-SMF sandwich structure. Since the TRCF can support the propagation of a few guided modes, the fundamental mode interferes with high-order modes in the sensing part to produce a periodic interference spectrum. Bending causes the effective refractive index of the mode to change, which shifts the interference spectrum. The bending measurement is achieved by monitoring the wavelength variation of interference dips. The proposed sensors can realize curvature measurements up to 100 m-1, with a bending sensitivity of -225.9 pm/m-1. It is believed that the proposed MZI sensor may have potential applications in robot hand gesture recognition and control.
Multi-dimensional error figuring model for ion beams in X-ray mirrors
Authors: Hu Jie , Hu Hao , Peng Xiaoqiang , Wang Yusheng , Xue Shuai , Liu Yong , Du Chunyang
Published: July 2024

X-ray mirrors are core optical elements in synchrotron light sources, which are typically figured by ion beams. However, traditional ion beam figuring (IBF) methods cannot effectively correct both the height and 2D slope errors. Thus, what we believe to be a novel multi-dimensional error figuring model (MEFM) is proposed to integrate the height and 2D slope errors into a linear system of equations for simultaneous multi-dimensional error convergence. The weight values are determined based on specific manufacturing errors. The simulation results show that MEFM can achieve lower 2D slope and height errors than a single height or 2D slope errors in the figuring method. The power spectral density (PSD) curves before and after simulated figuring demonstrate that the low- and mid-frequency errors are corrected simultaneously. Figuring experiments on a 270 mm × 15 mm X-ray reflector showed that the height and 2D slope errors effectively converged. The results of the PSD curves indicate that MEFM is more effective than the traditional height figuring model in correcting mid-frequency errors, which further proves the validity of the solution model. This study provides an algorithmic reference for the IBF of ultra-high precision X-ray reflectors, thereby promoting the development of physics, medicine, materials, and other fields.