bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of specific balneotherapy on the endocrine physio-pathological mechanism in obesity
Authors: Stanciu Liliana-Elena , Uzun Andreea- Bianca , Iliescu Mădălina-Gabriela , Oprea Carmen , Oprea Doinița , Ionescu Elena-Valentina , Mihailov Claudia Ileana
Published: April 2023

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial metabolic pathology, within the path of modification of the endocrine system plays a significant role. Changes in growth hormone (GH) and in-sulin growth factor (IGF) have been associated with obesity in various ways, mainly through changes in GH-binding proteins, insulin and ghrelin levels. The balneal treat-ment with Techirghiol Romanian sapropelic mud has an important impact on the endo-crine system, primarily through the action on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. We investigated the secretory changes of the IGF-1 hormone that appeared after the balne-al treatment. It was a total number of 52 patients, divided into two groups: 1 group who performed the treatment with Techirghiol sapropelic mud at thermoneutrality tempera-tures - warm mud baths, and the second group who followed treatment with the balneal therapeutic factor in a thermal contrast regime - cold mud baths. We studied whether there are correlations between the body mass index (BMI) and the secretion of this hor-mone. We also determined the serum levels of blood glucose at admission and discharge. In the cold mud baths- thermal contrast therapy, can be observed a statistically significant increase in IGF-1 values during the balneal treatment (p = 0.044 < α = 0.05). Comparative-ly, in the warm mud baths, the increase in serum IGF-1 reached values close to statistical significance at the end of the treatment (p = 0.067 > α = 0.05). There were no statistically significant correlations between BMI and IGF-1 hormone secretion at admission and at discharge. The results showed a statistically significant decrease in blood glucose values determined at admission and discharge in the group that performed warm mud baths. The balneal treatment with sapropelic mud of Techirghiol lake, from Romania, through the impact on the endocrine system, on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, can be registered as a treatment with a natural therapeutic factor with an impact on obesity, ther-apy carried out within the parameters of metabolic safety, and the conduct of future re-search in this direction it will help develop new concepts and approaches to obesity.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate chitosan nanoparticles in an extender improve the antioxidant capacity and post-thawed quality of Kacang goat semen
Authors: Mustofa Imam , Susilowati Suherni , Suprayogi Tri Wahyu , Akintunde Adeyinka Oye , Oktanella Yudit , Purwanto Djoko Agus
Published: April 2023

Background and Aim: The Kacang goat (Capra hircus) is an indigenous livestock species in Indonesia that is at risk of extinction due to cross-breeding. Artificial insemination (AI) techniques are expected to increase the population of these goats. This study aimed to determine the addition of epigallocatechin-3-gallate chitosan nanoparticles (EGCG CNPs) to skim milk–egg yolk (SM–EY) extender to obtain the best possible quality of post-thawed Kacang buck semen for AI.

Materials and Methods:  Fresh Kacang buck semen was diluted in SM–EY without or with the addition of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 µg of EGCG CNPs/mL extender. Extended semen was packaged in French mini straws, frooze, and stored in liquid nitrogen at −196℃ for 24 hours. Six replicates from each treatment group were thawed for catalase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, malondialdehyde (MDA), sperm intact plasma membrane (IPM), viability and motility analyses.

Results: Post-thawed semen that was previously frozen without EGCG CNPs in the extender (control group) exhibited the lowest levels of catalase, DPPH, sperm living cells, sperm motility, MPI, and the highest levels of MDA. The addition of EGCG CNPs in the T3 and T4 groups was increased (p < 0.05) post-thawed catalase, DPPH, living cells, and sperm motility and decreased (p < 0.05) MDA levels than those of the T0 group. Meanwhile, sperm MPI was higher (p < 0.05) in the T4 group than the sperm MPI of the T0 group.

Conclusion: This study was the first in using of EGCG CNPs in the SM–EY extender, in which adding 1.5 or 2.0 μg/mL of EGCG CNPs in this extender increased the antioxidant capacity and post-thawed quality of Kacang buck semen.
Nudging Patient Choice: Reducing No-Shows Using Waits Framing Messaging
Authors: Liu Jiayi , KC Diwas
Published: April 2023

Healthcare providers have long grappled with patients not showing up for their scheduled medical appointments; such no-shows lead to wasted resources and longer wait times for other patients. However, new operations research offers a promising solution to this problem. The study finds that using text message reminders that include an additional line of text indicating a potentially long wait for the next available appointment can significantly reduce no-shows by a factor of 28.6%. The intervention, called waits framing, was found to be more effective among patients who were more sensitive to wait times and when the information in the message was novel and credible. The study also uncovered the mechanism underlying the intervention. Specifically, the waits framing messages increased the perceived cost of missing an appointment, leading to a reduction in queue abandonment. This study provides insights into how behavioral science can improve service operations and help tackle challenges in healthcare delivery.
Supporting research on pre-eclampsia
Authors: Shennan Andrew , Garland Dianne , Green Marcus
Published: April 2023

Action on Pre-eclampsia aims to improve the lives of those affected by pre-eclampsia in the UK. Its work includes involvement in research, study days and the provision of online resources
Deep-learning-based multi-user framework for end-to-end fiber-MMW communications
Authors: Li Zhongya , Jia Junlian , Li Guoqiang , Dong Boyu , Shen Wangwei , Huang Changle , Shi Jianyang , Chi Nan , Zhang Junwen
Published: April 2023

Fiber-wireless integration has been widely studied as a key technology to support radio access networks in sixth-generation wireless communication, empowered by artificial intelligence. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a deep-learning-based end-to-end (E2E) multi-user communication framework for a fiber-mmWave (MMW) integrated system, where artificial neural networks (ANN) are trained and optimized as transmitters, ANN-based channel models (ACM), and receivers. By connecting the computation graphs of multiple transmitters and receivers, we jointly optimize the transmission of multiple users in the E2E framework to support multi-user access in one fiber-MMW channel. To ensure that the framework matches the fiber-MMW channel, we employ a two-step transfer learning technique to train the ACM. In a 46.2 Gbit/s 10-km fiber-MMW transmission experiment, compared with the single-carrier QAM, the E2E framework achieves over 3.5 dB receiver sensitivity gain in the single-user case and 1.5 dB gain in the three-user case under the 7% hard-decision forward error correction threshold.
Ultrasensitive tilt angle measurement using a photonic frequency inclinometer
Authors: Huang Zichao , Chen Congzhen , Hong Ling , Chen Yuanyuan , Chen Lixiang
Published: April 2023

Quantum metrology promises a great enhancement in measurement precision that beyond the possibilities of classical physics. We demonstrate a Hong-Ou-Mandel sensor that acts as a photonic frequency inclinometer for ultrasensitive tilt angle measurement within a wide range of tasks, ranging from the determination of mechanical tilt angles, the tracking of rotation/tilt dynamics of light-sensitive biological and chemical materials, or in enhancing the performance of optical gyroscope. The estimation theory shows that both a wider single-photon frequency bandwidth and a larger difference frequency of color-entangled states can increase its achievable resolution and sensitivity. Building on the Fisher information analysis, the photonic frequency inclinometer can adaptively determine the optimum sensing point even in the presence of experimental nonidealities.
Tunable photo-induced second-harmonic generation in a mode-engineered silicon nitride microresonator
Authors: Nitiss Edgars , Zabelich Boris , Hu Jianqi , Stroganov Anton , Brés Camille-Sophie
Published: April 2023

All-optical poling enables reconfigurable and efficient quasi-phase-matching for second-order parametric frequency conversion in silicon nitride integrated photonics. Here, we report broadly tunable milliwatt-level second-harmonic generation in a small free spectral range silicon nitride microresonator, where the pump and its second-harmonic are both always on the fundamental mode. By carefully engineering the light coupling region between the bus and microresonator, we simultaneously achieve critical coupling of the pump as well as efficient extraction of second-harmonic light from the cavity. Thermal tuning of second-harmonic generation is demonstrated with an integrated heater in a frequency grid of 47 GHz over a 10 nm band.
Satellite retrieval of the linear polarization components of the water-leaving radiance in open oceans
Authors: Pan Tianfeng , He Xianqiang , Bai Yan , Li Teng , Gong Fang , Wang Difeng
Published: April 2023

Atmospheric correction (AC) of polarized radiances acquired by polarization satellite sensors, remains a challenge due to the complex radiative transfer processes of the coupled ocean–atmosphere system. In this study, we proposed an innovative polarized AC algorithm built on the near-infrared band (PACNIR) with an emphasis on the retrieval of the linear polarization components of the water-leaving radiance in clear open oceans. This algorithm was based on the black ocean assumption in the near-infrared band and fitted polarized radiance measurements along multiple observation directions with nonlinear optimized processing. Our retrieval algorithm notably inverted the linearly polarized components of the water-leaving radiance and aerosol parameters. Compared with that of the simulated linear polarization components of the water-leaving radiance via the vector radiative transfer model for the studied sea regions, the mean absolute error of the PACNIR-retrieved linearly polarized components (nQw and nUw) exhibited a magnitude of 10−4, while the magnitude of that of the simulated nQw and nUw data was 10−3. Moreover, the PACNIR-retrieved aerosol optical thicknesses at 865 nm exhibited a mean absolute percentage error of approximately 30% relative to in situ values obtained from Aerosol Robotic Network-Ocean Color (AERONET-OC) sites. The PACNIR algorithm could facilitate AC of the polarized data provided by the next generation of multiangle polarization satellite ocean color sensors.
The impact of varying the number and selection of conditions on estimated multimorbidity prevalence: A cross-sectional study using a large, primary care population dataset
Authors: MacRae Clare , McMinn Megan , Mercer Stewart W. , Henderson David , McAllister David A. , Ho Iris , Jefferson Emily , Morales Daniel R. , Lyons Jane , Lyons Ronan A. , Dibben Chris , Guthrie Bruce
Published: April 2023

Background

Multimorbidity prevalence rates vary considerably depending on the conditions considered in the morbidity count, but there is no standardised approach to the number or selection of conditions to include.

Methods and findings

We conducted a cross-sectional study using English primary care data for 1,168,260 participants who were all people alive and permanently registered with 149 included general practices. Outcome measures of the study were prevalence estimates of multimorbidity (defined as ≥2 conditions) when varying the number and selection of conditions considered for 80 conditions. Included conditions featured in ≥1 of the 9 published lists of conditions examined in the study and/or phenotyping algorithms in the Health Data Research UK (HDR-UK) Phenotype Library. First, multimorbidity prevalence was calculated when considering the individually most common 2 conditions, 3 conditions, etc., up to 80 conditions. Second, prevalence was calculated using 9 condition-lists from published studies. Analyses were stratified by dependent variables age, socioeconomic position, and sex. Prevalence when only the 2 commonest conditions were considered was 4.6% (95% CI [4.6, 4.6] p < 0.001), rising to 29.5% (95% CI [29.5, 29.6] p < 0.001) considering the 10 commonest, 35.2% (95% CI [35.1, 35.3] p < 0.001) considering the 20 commonest, and 40.5% (95% CI [40.4, 40.6] p < 0.001) when considering all 80 conditions. The threshold number of conditions at which multimorbidity prevalence was >99% of that measured when considering all 80 conditions was 52 for the whole population but was lower in older people (29 in >80 years) and higher in younger people (71 in 0- to 9-year-olds). Nine published condition-lists were examined; these were either recommended for measuring multimorbidity, used in previous highly cited studies of multimorbidity prevalence, or widely applied measures of “comorbidity.” Multimorbidity prevalence using these lists varied from 11.1% to 36.4%. A limitation of the study is that conditions were not always replicated using the same ascertainment rules as previous studies to improve comparability across condition-lists, but this highlights further variability in prevalence estimates across studies.

Conclusions

In this study, we observed that varying the number and selection of conditions results in very large differences in multimorbidity prevalence, and different numbers of conditions are needed to reach ceiling rates of multimorbidity prevalence in certain groups of people. These findings imply that there is a need for a standardised approach to defining multimorbidity, and to facilitate this, researchers can use existing condition-lists associated with highest multimorbidity prevalence.
Integration of targeted sequencing and pseudo-tetraploid genotyping into clinically assisted decision support for β-thalassemia invasive prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Jia Wenguang , Shi Jiying , Zhu Hengying , Wu Xiaojing , Ling Yayun , Chen Ping
Published: April 2023

Background

The high prevalence of β-thalassemia indicates the severe medical burden in Guangxi province in China. Millions of thousands of prenatal women with healthy or thalassemia-carrying fetuses received an unnecessary prenatal diagnosis. We designed a prospective single-center proof-of-concept study to evaluate the utility of a noninvasive prenatal screening method in the stratification of beta-thalassemia patients before invasive procedures.

Methods

Next-generation and optimized pseudo-tetraploid genotyping-based methods were utilized in preceding invasive diagnosis stratification to predict the mater-fetus genotype combinations in cell-free DNA, which is from maternal peripheral blood. Populational linkage disequilibrium information with additional neighboring loci to infer the possible fetal genotype. The concordance of the pseudo-tetraploid genotyping with the gold standard invasive molecular diagnosis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of this method.

Results

127 β-thalassemia carrier parents were consecutively recruited. The total genotype concordance rate is 95.71%. The Kappa value was 0.8248 for genotype combinations and 0.9118 for individual alleles.

Conclusion

This study offers a new approach to picking out the health or carrier fetus before invasive procedures. It provides valuable novel insight into patient stratification management on β-thalassemia prenatal diagnosis.
Gypsum and carbon amendments influence carbon fractions in two soils in Ohio, USA
Authors: Walia Maninder K. , Dick Warren A.
Published: April 2023

Carbon sequestration as influenced by management practices such as soil amendments is not yet fully understood. Gypsum and crop residues can improve soil properties, but few studies have focused on their combined effect on soil C fractions. The objective of this greenhouse study was to determine how treatments affected different forms of C, i.e., total C, permanganate oxidizable C (POXC), and inorganic C in 5 soil layers (0–2, 2–4, 4–10, 10–25, and 25–40 cm). Treatments were glucose (4.5 Mg ha-1), crop residues (13.4 Mg ha-1), gypsum (26.9 Mg ha-1) and an untreated control. Treatments were applied to two contrasting soil types in Ohio (USA)—Wooster silt loam and Hoytville clay loam. The C measurements were made one year after the treatment applications. Total C and POXC contents were significantly higher in Hoytville soil as compared to Wooster soil (P < 0.05). Across both Wooster and Hoytville soils, the addition of glucose increased total C significantly by 7.2% and 5.9% only in the top 2 cm and 4 cm layers of soil, respectively, compared to the control treatment, and residue additions increased total C from 6.3–9.0% in various soil layers to a depth of 25 cm. Gypsum addition did not affect total C concentrations significantly. Glucose addition resulted in a significant increase in calcium carbonate equivalent concentrations in the top 10 cm of Hoytville soil only, and gypsum addition significantly (P < 0.10) increased inorganic C, as calcium carbonate equivalent, in the lowest layer of the Hoytville soil by 32% compared to the control. The combination of glucose and gypsum increased inorganic C levels in Hoytville soils by creating sufficient amounts of CO2 that then reacted with Ca within the soil profile. This increase in inorganic C represents an additional way C can be sequestered in soil.
High-resolution rural poverty mapping in Pakistan with ensemble deep learning
Authors: Agyemang Felix S. K. , Memon Rashid , Wolf Levi John , Fox Sean
Published: April 2023

High resolution poverty mapping supports evidence-based policy and research, yet about half of all countries lack the survey data needed to generate useful poverty maps. To overcome this challenge, new non-traditional data sources and deep learning techniques are increasingly used to create small-area estimates of poverty in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) trained on satellite imagery are emerging as one of the most popular and effective approaches. However, the spatial resolution of poverty estimates has remained relatively coarse, particularly in rural areas. To address this problem, we use a transfer learning approach to train three CNN models and use them in an ensemble to predict chronic poverty at 1 km2 scale in rural Sindh, Pakistan. The models are trained with spatially noisy georeferenced household survey containing poverty scores for 1.67 million anonymized households in Sindh Province and publicly available inputs, including daytime and nighttime satellite imagery and accessibility data. Results from both hold-out and k-fold validation exercises show that the ensemble provides the most reliable spatial predictions in both arid and non-arid regions, outperforming previous studies in key accuracy metrics. A third validation exercise, which involved ground-truthing of predictions from the ensemble model with original survey data of 7000 households further confirms the relative accuracy of the ensemble model predictions. This inexpensive and scalable approach could be used to improve poverty targeting in Pakistan and other low- and middle-income countries.
Essential role of an ERV-derived Env38 protein in adaptive humoral immunity against an exogenous SVCV infection in a zebrafish model
Authors: Hong Yun , Hu Chong-bin , Bai Jun , Fan Dong-dong , Lin Ai-fu , Xiang Li-xin , Shao Jian-zhong
Published: April 2023

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are the relics of ancient retroviruses occupying a substantial fraction of vertebrate genomes. However, knowledge about the functional association of ERVs with cellular activities remains limited. Recently, we have identified approximately 3,315 ERVs from zebrafish at genome-wide level, among which 421 ERVs were actively expressed in response to the infection of Spring viraemia of carp virus (SVCV). These findings demonstrated the previously unrecognized activity of ERVs in zebrafish immunity, thereby making zebrafish an attractive model organism for deciphering the interplay among ERVs, exogenous invading viruses, and host immunity. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of an envelope protein (Env38) derived from an ERV-E5.1.38-DanRer element in zebrafish adaptive immunity against SVCV in view of its strong responsiveness to SVCV infection. This Env38 is a glycosylated membrane protein mainly distributed on MHC-II+ antigen-presenting cells (APCs). By performing blockade and knockdown/knockout assays, we found that the deficiency of Env38 markedly impaired the activation of SVCV-induced CD4+ T cells and thereby led to the inhibition of IgM+/IgZ+ B cell proliferation, IgM/IgZ Ab production, and zebrafish defense against SVCV challenge. Mechanistically, Env38 activates CD4+ T cells by promoting the formation of pMHC-TCR-CD4 complex via cross-linking MHC-II and CD4 molecules between APCs and CD4+ T cells, wherein the surface subunit (SU) of Env38 associates with the second immunoglobin domain of CD4 (CD4-D2) and the first α1 domain of MHC-IIα (MHC-IIα1). Notably, the expression and functionality of Env38 was strongly induced by zebrafish IFNφ1, indicating that env38 acts as an IFN-stimulating gene (ISG) regulated by IFN signaling. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the involvement of an Env protein in host immune defense against an exogenous invading virus by promoting the initial activation of adaptive humoral immunity. It improved the current understanding of the cooperation between ERVs and host adaptive immunity.
Retículos teóricos y el análisis de conceptos formales, herramientas para el estructuralismo metateórico
Authors: Espinosa Aldama Mariana , Casanueva López Mario
Published: April 2023

Proponemos aprovechar las metodologías computacionales del análisis de conceptos formales para representar y estudiar la estructura conceptual de las teorías axiomatizadas. Este ejercicio se practicó al comparar los atributos de más de 44 modelos teóricos de teorías del espacio-tiempo y la gravitación. Los retículos pueden explorarse en visualizaciones interactivas conocidas como macroscopios que resaltan relaciones de especialización y teorización, ordenamientos jerárquicos, agrupaciones y clases de componentes. En este texto ejemplificamos con la reconstrucción de la mecánica clásica de partículas, las teorías del espacio-tiempo y la gravitación.
Students’ Perceptions of Choice-based Assessment
Authors: Spinney Jamie E. L. , Kerr Suzanne E.
Published: April 2023

The traditional teacher-centered approach to assessment places teachers in total control of what, how, and when students’ learning is assessed. Alternatively, choice-based assessment is a learner-centered approach to assessment that allows students to choose, to some extent, what, how, and/or when their learning is assessed. A case study was designed to expose undergraduate students to a choice-based assessment strategy and subsequently measure the extent to which they agreed, or disagreed, that the strategy influenced their level of engagement and satisfaction with their learning. Students voluntarily shared their perceptions over two survey cycles (n=22 in spring 2017 and n=36 in fall 2017) with an overall response rate of 84 percent. Results clearly demonstrate that most students expressed strong support for this choice-based assessment strategy; it enabled them focus on their strengths and interests, it influenced their level of engagement, it made them feel more responsible for their learning, and it made them feel empowered. However, choice was not motivating for all students; a few students expressed concerns over the potential for procrastination, a lack of experience with choice, and/or too many choices, which were more likely symptoms of the strategy’s design rather than choice-based assessment. Overall, this case study clearly demonstrated that students were highly receptive to having a choice in what, how, and when their learning is assessed, which provides further evidence of the untapped potential for choice-based assessment strategies to foster student engagement, improve student satisfaction, and empower students to actively participate in their learning.
The stability of blood gases and CO-oximetry under slushed ice and room temperature conditions
Authors: Zavorsky Gerald S. , van Wijk Xander M.R.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Human blood gas stability data is limited to small sample sizes and questionable statistical techniques. We sought to determine the stability of blood gases under room temperature and slushed iced conditions in patients using survival analyses.

Methods

Whole blood samples from ∼200 patients were stored in plastic syringes and kept at room temperature (22–24 °C) or in slushed ice (0.1–0.2 °C) before analysis. Arterial and venouspO2(15–150 mmHg),pCO2(16–72 mmHg), pH (6.73–7.52), and the CO-oximetry panel [total hemoglobin (5.4–19.3 g/dL), percentages of oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb%, 20–99%), carboxyhemoglobin (COHb, 0.1–5.4%) and methemoglobin (MetHb, 0.2–4.6%)], were measured over 5-time points. The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia’s (RCPA’s) criteria determined analyte instability. Survival analyses identified storage times at which 5% of the samples for various analytes became unstable.

Results

COHb and MetHb were stable up to 3 h in slushed ice and at room temperature;pCO2, pH was stable at room temperature for about 60 min and 3 h in slushed ice. Slushed ice shortened the storage time beforepO2became unstable (from 40 to 20 min), and the instability increased when baselinepO2was ≥60 mmHg. The storage time forpO2,pCO2, pH, and CO-oximetry, when measured together, were limited by thepO2.

Conclusions

When assessingpO2in plastic syringes, samples kept in slushed ice harm their stability. For simplicity’s sake, the data support storage times for blood gas and CO-oximetry panels of up to 40 min at room temperature if following RCPA guidelines.
Clinical implication by differential analytical performances of serum free light chain quantitation analysis using fully automated analyzers
Authors: Yun Shin Young , Rim John Hoon , Park Hak , Kang Hyein , Lee Sang-Guk , Lim Jong-Baeck
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Free light chain (FLC) is used for the diagnosis and prediction with regard to the progression risk of plasma cell disorders and Freelite reagent using the SPAplus analyzer (The Binding Site) has been one of the widely used option. However, N Latex FLC reagent with the Atellica CH 930 analyzer (Siemens Healthineers) has shown the advantages of automation and high throughput. We aimed to evaluated clinical implication by differential analytical performances of two assays.

Methods

A total of 322 serum samples were collected from 193 patients requested for FLC analysis including 131 multiple myeloma patients. The precision, linearity, dilution recovery of N Latex FLC assay was evaluated. We compared the two assays and analyzed the monomer-dimer pattern for discrepant results.

Results

The precision, linearity, and dilution recovery performance was appropriate for the routine use in clinical laboratories. Despite the good correlation within normal range, proportional bias up-to 170% was observed in samples with high concentrations especially for lambda. The higher value samples with N Latex FLC assay contained more monomer forms than controls. All opposite changes of FLC burden by the N Latex FLC assay proved to present concordant dynamic changes when assessed by serum protein electrophoresis.

Conclusions

Clinical laboratories should be aware of the inter-assay variability of FLC quantitative measurements using different platforms, especially for high concentrations of both kappa and lambda measurements, possibly due to monomer/dimer ratio diversity. Clinical interpretations for multiple myeloma disease status might not be dramatically affected only when the same assay is utilized during follow-up periods.
Elevated levels of renal function tests conferred increased risks of developing various pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes: insights from a population-based cohort study
Authors: Xu Zhengwen , Yang He S. , Liu Lin , Meng Lanlan , Lu Yifan , Han Lican , Tang Guodong , Wang Jing , Chen Lu , Zhang Yue , Zhai Yanhong , Su Shaofei , Cao Zheng
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Physiological changes during pregnancy can affect the results of renal function tests (RFTs). In this population-based cohort study, we aimed to establish trimester-specific reference intervals (RIs) of RFTs in singleton and twin pregnancies and systematically investigate the relationship between RFTs and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

The laboratory results of the first- and third-trimester RFTs, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum uric acid (UA), creatinine (Crea) and cystatin C (Cys C), and the relevant medical records, were retrieved from 29,328 singleton and 840 twin pregnant women who underwent antenatal examinations from November 20, 2017 to January 31, 2021. The trimester-specific RIs of RFTs were estimated with both of the direct observational and the indirect Hoffmann methods. The associations between RTFs and pregnancy complications as well as perinatal outcomes were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Maternal RFTs showed no significant difference between the direct RIs established with healthy pregnant women and the calculated RIs derived from the Hoffmann method. In addition, elevated levels of RFTs were associated with increased risks of developing various pregnancy complications and adverse perinatal outcomes. Notably, elevated third-trimester RFTs posed strong risks of preterm birth (PTB) and fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Conclusions

We established the trimester-specific RIs of RFTs in both singleton and twin pregnancies. Our risk analysis findings underscored the importance of RFTs in identifying women at high risks of developing adverse complications or outcomes during pregnancy.
Effect of Moringa oleifera on serum YKL-40 level: In vivo rat periodontitis model
Authors: Kocabas Rahim , Yarkac Fatma Ucan , Karabulut Ercan , Keles Mert
Published: April 2023

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the bones and soft tissues that support the tooth as a result of inflammatory reactions. YKL-40 is an inflammatory marker associated with inflammation and is also associated with periodontal diseases. Moringa oleifera (MO) is a plant rich in high nutritional values, minerals, vitamins, and other essential phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MO administration on serum YKL-40 levels in an experimental periodontitis model. In the study, a total number of 24 female Wistar albino rats, which were 4–5 months old with a body weight of 275 ± 25 g, were used. Animals were divided into three groups. 1st group: Control (n = 8), 2nd group: periodontitis group (PG) (n = 8), 3rd group: Periodontitis group (PG + MO) with an additional 200 mg/kg/4 weeks MO (n = 8). In the PG and PG + MO were formed experimental periodontitis model. Compared to the PG, the decrease in the interleukin-6 (IL-6) and YKL-40 values in the PG + MO (p < 0.05, p < 0.05) was found to be significant in terms of statistical evaluation. As a result, MO decreased YKL-40 levels in the experimental periodontitis model. Although further research is needed, drugs containing MO can be used in the treatment of periodontal diseases.
Evaluation of performances in DI Diesel engine with different split injection timings
Authors: Balamurugan G. , Gowthaman S.
Published: April 2023

An injection mechanism which is split injection was found to reduce emissions in Diesel engines. In this mechanism, split injection proportion and split injection timing was varied and analyzed to reduce engine emissions. Injection proportion was varied at 25% of the pilot and 75% of the fuel as main injection and timing as 54° ATDC (after top dead center) and 40° ATDC for split injection. Since a homogeneous mixture occurs in this pilot injection, combustion is becoming complete for Diesel Engine. Hence, BTE was increased by 1.5% for timing 40° ATDC and 12° BTDC (before top dead center) and reduced by 1.4% for timing 54° ATDC and 12° BTDC. The reduction in BTE for 54° ATDC is because the increase in timing increases cooling effect of air and combustion rating was reduced. Also, combustion takes place at low temperature itself due to homogeneous mixture. So, NOx emission was also reduced by 8.4% and 18.6% for 40° ATDC and 54° ATDC injection timing respectively. The other emissions like HC and CO were also observed to be reduced upto 35% and 11% respectively due to increase in homogeneous mixture in Diesel Engine.
Comparison of internet usage and internet addiction scores in healthy children and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Büyükyılmaz Gönül , Toksoy Adıgüzel Keziban , Koca Serkan Bilge
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The Internet, an integral part of modern life, can lead to internet addiction, which negatively affects academic performance, family relationships, and emotional development. This study aimed to evaluate the Internet addiction scores (IAS) during COVID-19 in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) compared with healthy controls.

Methods

Children with T1DM and healthy controls aged 8–18, were evaluated with the Parent–Child Internet Addiction Test (PCIAT20). Internet addiction scores of the participants were assessed. The relationship between diabetes duration, mean HbA1c level and IAS were also examined in children with T1DM.

Results

The study included 139 patients with T1DM and 273 controls. The IAS were significantly lower in patients compared with controls (25.28 ± 15.52 vs. 29.69 ± 19.08, p=0.019). There was a weak negative correlation between the duration of diabetes and IAS in children with diabetes (r=−0.21, p=0.021). There was no significant association between IAS and mean HbA1c (r=0.14, p=0.128) or age (r=0.08, p=0.115). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in IAS between children with well-controlled diabetes (n=17) and those with poorly-controlled diabetes (n=122) (IAS: 27.1 ± 17.2; 24.8 ± 15.5, p=0.672, respectively).

Conclusions

Internet addiction scores were lower in patients with T1DM compared with their healthy peers. Unlike previous studies reporting an increase in problematic internet use, the results of the present study did not confirm internet use as a real challenge in front of the diabetes management for the majority of children with T1DM. This result may be attributed to the important role played by families in the management of T1DM.
Triterpenoids of antibacterial extracts from the leaves of Bersama abyssinica
Fresen (Francoaceae)
Authors: Sinkam Gozo Danielle , Tonbou Calixte , Momeni Jean
Published: April 2023

Phytochemical screening of the three extracts (acetone, ethanol and methanol) from Bersama abyssinica
leaves revealed the presence of triterpenes, phenolic compounds and coumarins. The evaluation of the total phenolic content was achieved using the method of Folin–Ciocalteu allowed us to say that the acetone extract has the highest content of 41.73 mg EAG/g EX. Fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of two triterpenoids, namely ursolic acid (compound BE1) and its glucoside (compound BE2). Evaluation of antibacterial activity was carried out on three bacterial strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium perfringens using the method of diffusion in a solid medium. Results indicated that the three strains were sensitive to all extracts. Three strains were sensitive to the BE1 and two strains (E. coli and S. aureus) to the BE2. These results may justify the traditional use of parts of B. abyssinica
in the treatment of some intestinal diseases.
Velocity-Based Method in Free-Weight and Machine-Based Training Modalities: The Degree of Freedom Matters
Authors: Hernández-Belmonte Alejandro , Buendía-Romero Ángel , Pallares Jesús G. , Martínez-Cava Alejandro
Published: April 2023

Hernández-Belmonte, A, Buendía-Romero, Á, Pallares, JG, and Martínez-Cava, A. Velocity-based method in free-weight and machine-based training modalities: the degree of freedom matters. J Strength Cond Res 37(9): e500–e509, 2023—This study aimed to analyze and compare the load-velocity relationships of free-weight and machine-based modalities of 4 resistance exercises. Moreover, we examined the influence of the subject's strength level on these load-velocity relationships. Fifty men completed a loading test in the free-weight and machine-based modalities of the bench press, full squat, shoulder press, and prone bench pull exercises. General and individual relationships between relative intensity (%1RM) and velocity variables were studied through the coefficient of determination (R
2) and standard error of the estimate (SEE). Moreover, the velocity attained to each %1RM was compared between both modalities. Subjects were divided into stronger and weaker to study whether the subject's strength level influences the mean test (mean propulsive velocity [MPVTest]) and 1RM (MPV1RM) velocities. For both modalities, very close relationships (R
2 ≥ 0.95) and reduced estimation errors were found when velocity was analyzed as a dependent (SEE ≤ 0.086 m·s−1) and independent (SEE ≤ 5.7% 1RM) variable concerning the %1RM. Fits were found to be higher (R
2 ≥ 0.995) for individual load-velocity relationships. Concerning the between-modality comparison, the velocity attained at each intensity (from 30 to 100% 1RM) was significantly faster for the free-weight variant. Finally, nonsignificant differences were found when comparing MPVTest (differences ≤ 0.02 m·s−1) and MPV1RM (differences ≤ 0.01 m·s−1) between stronger and weaker subjects. These findings prove the accuracy and stability of the velocity-based method in the free-weight and machine-based variants but highlight the need to use the load-velocity relationship (preferably the individual one) specific to each training modality.
Analysis of Competition Performance Leading to Success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships Between 2013 and 2019
Authors: van den Hoek Daniel , Garrett Joel , Travis S. Kyle , Oxnard Kate , Howells Robert , Owen Patrick , Latella Christopher
Published: April 2023

van den Hoek, D, Garrett, J, Travis, SK, Oxnard, K, Howells, R, Owen, P, and Latella, C. Analysis of competition performance leading to success at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships between 2013 and 2019. J Strength Cond Res 37(10): e555–e562, 2023—Despite being a global sport, there is a paucity of research investigating competition-related factors contributing to World Championship powerlifting success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine competition strategies that underpin gold medalists' (GMs) and silver or bronze medalists' (SBMs) performances. Data collected from open-age International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Championship events 2013–2019 were analyzed (1,312 competitors [males n = 734, females n = 578]). Attempt weight and success for the squat (SQ), bench press (BP), and deadlift (DL); ‘total’ competition scores; category (age, weight class, and sex); and placing were categorized into 3 groups: GMs, SBMs, and nonwinners (fourth place or lower). One-way analysis of variances determined between group differences. Odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of winning and placing (i.e., GMs or SBMs) were also calculated. The odds of winning a competition were increased 5.9 times for men and by 1.5 times for women, when successfully completing 8 or 9 of 9 lift attempts. These findings provide comprehensive insight into intracompetition-related factors that contribute to World Championship powerlifting success to directly inform coach and athlete strategies. This information may also hold relevance for competitive state or national competitions and extend to other similarly structured strength-based sports.
Obtaining soluble-grade cellulose pulp from Agave tequilana Weber var. azul bagasse
Authors: Gallardo-Sánchez Manuel Alberto , Anzaldo Hernández José , Ramírez Casillas Rogelio , Escalante Vázquez José Inés , Escobar Hernández Daniel , Armando Soltero Martínez J. Félix , García Enríquez Salvador , Macías Balleza Emma Rebeca
Published: April 2023

Natural lignocellulosic biomass is a valuable feedstock for soluble-grade cellulose (α-cellulose > 90%) with advantageous features such as abundance, high strength, rigid structure, low weight, and it is biodegradable. The bagasse from Agave tequilana Weber var. azul is the main agroindustrial waste from the tequila industry and poses an environmental threat. However, due to its high cellulose content, Agave tequilana bagasse is an excellent candidate for the extraction and utilization of its components. In this study, alkaline cooking, followed by five stages of bleaching, was employed to obtain soluble-grade cellulose pulp. The obtained soda pulp material had a Kappa number (KN) of 23 ± 3, viscosity (μ) of 11.53 to 10.18 cp, degree of polymerization (DP) of 830 to 750, brightness of 87.5%, and percentage of alpha-cellulose (α) of 81 ± 3 at 94 ± 3%. The obtained material was characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to compare its properties with published information. The waste of A. tequilana Weber var. azul produced pulp with a high percentage of alpha cellulose and a high crystallinity degree. This methodology is novel and simple for the production of soluble-grade cellulose pulp, a raw material for the production of cellulose nanocrystals.
Modelo de gobierno de tecnologías de la información: Diseño para una Facultad de Ingeniería de una universidad pública peruana
Authors: Malca Chuquiruna Raquel Beatriz
Published: April 2023

El objetivo de la investigación fue proponer un modelo de gobierno de tecnologías de información basado en COBIT 2019 para una facultad de ingeniería de una universidad pública peruana alineado al plan estratégico de dicha facultad y universidad. La población estuvo constituida por 89 personas de diversas oficinas de la universidad pública (personal directivo, área de planificación, control interno, área legal, área de operaciones, área de recursos humanos y área de informática) y de la facultad de ingeniería (personal administrativo, personal docente, personal directivo y unidad de informática). El modelo propuesto incluyó indicadores como: cantidad de procesos por nivel de madurez, cantidad de metas de tecnologías de información alineadas a las metas institucionales, porcentaje de avance en la implementación de dominios y procesos COBIT en la universidad y porcentaje de tecnologías de información disponibles para la implementación del COBIT. La implementación de este modelo permitirá a las facultades o escuelas profesionales de ingeniería que se mejore su gestión, contribuyendo en los factores de alineamiento estratégico de tecnologías de información. Se recomienda implementar este modelo en facultades o escuelas profesionales de ingeniería de sistemas de universidades públicas o privadas con estructuras organizacionales similares.
Cómo definir el alcance de una externalización de desarrollo de aplicaciones mediante un modelo de software factory : Una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Azabache Albert
Published: April 2023

La externalización de desarrollo del software es una práctica frecuente, una modalidad muy usada es el modelo de software factory (SWF), por el cual una compañía contrata una o más empresas especializadas, por un periodo considerable, para que se haga cargo de sus necesidades de desarrollo, tanto para crear nuevos sistemas de software como mantener los existentes; el modelo brinda importantes ventajas a la organización contratante pero su implementación requiere de una planificación rigurosa para definir correctamente el alcance de la externalización, un adecuado plan de implementación, entre otros aspectos fundamentales. En este artículo se ha realizado una revisión sistemática de la literatura para identificar y analizar modelos, frameworks, guías u otros aportes que propongan una forma de definir el alcance de externalizaciones que usan el modelo de SWF o similares. Encontramos pocos estudios que abordan esta cuestión y sólo lo hacen tangencialmente considerando su realización, pero sólo recomendando prácticas genéricas para lograrlo. Aquí hay un espació por llenar con trabajos futuros que propongan recomendaciones específicas sobre todo en los aspectos técnicos a considerar.
EU population's perception of the war in Ukraine
Authors: Malysh Lina
Published: April 2023

The article clarifies the EU population's perception of the war in Ukraine and identifies its cross-cultural features. The findings are based on the data of the survey “EU's response to the war in Ukraine”, conducted in April 2022 by Ipsos European Public Affairs at the request of the European Commission. The target population of the study is the citizens of the European Union member countries, aged 15 years and over (N = 26053). In the perception of the Russian-Ukrainian war, informational and activity-related aspects were distinguished. The first one included indicators of informational involvement (frequency of following and discussing news about the war in Ukraine) and trust in various sources of information (national authorities, European authorities, NGOs, journalists, and social media). The second one consisted of indicators of approval of measures announced by the EU (economic sanctions against Russia and Russian oligarchs, financial support to Ukraine, military and humanitarian aid, the ban on broadcasting in the EU of state-owned Russian media, welcoming in EU people feeling the war) and satisfaction with reactions of main actors (national authorities, the EU, NATO, UN, USA, citizens of own country). For cross-cultural comparison of various aspects of Russian-Ukrainian war perception, several macro indicators have been constructed. Common characteristics of the war perception in EU countries were a high frequency of following news and discussing it with friends and relatives, approval of main EU measures aimed at supporting Ukraine; great satisfaction with the reaction of the main actors to the events in Ukraine. People do not equally trust various sources of information and the ranking of sources according to their credibility has cross-cultural differences. The most reliable sources were national and EU authorities and fewer people trust NGOs and journalists. Social media were widely untrusted. At the same time, there are two main patterns of trust in various sources. The first one is a combination of distrust in social media with high trust in other sources. The second one is distrust in most or even all sources of information.
The socio-economic origins of left-wing populism in Ukraine
Authors: Rakhmanov Oleksandr
Published: April 2023

The socio-economic impoverishment of the population due to the prolonged structural crises of the economy has led to the phenomenon of left-wing populism in Ukraine. Economic attitudes related to populist ideas were analyzed based on empirical data. Ukrainians' support for populism was manifested in their attitude to the structure of property in the economy and mechanisms for ensuring material well-being. However, if the support of the dominance of private/state ownership in the economy is conditioned by the factor of macro-regional demarcation, then the attitude towards government/individual responsibility for the welfare of citizens is determined by utilitarian considerations. Instead, Ukrainians' populist demands regarding employment, wages, and industrial competition, although they have a place in public opinion, nevertheless a significant share of citizens understand the impossibility of these slogans under market conditions. This actually explains the predominance of socio-cultural determinants in relation to the ethical aspects of economic life. In addition, the connection of populist orientations with left-wing political and ideological identity indicates the existence of post-Soviet resentment among a significant part of the population of Ukraine. Such dual existence of «old» and «new» institutions still remains a space for the spread of populist orientations, which will manifest itself in the post-war period.