bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous measurement of pulse wave velocity during general anaesthesia using carotid and femoral Doppler
Authors: Harlé Théophile , Joachim Jona , Boutouyrie Pierre , Mateo Joaquim , Perdereau Jade , Mebazaa Alexandre , Cartailler Jérome , Vallée Fabrice
Published: December 2024

Objective
Pulse wave velocity (PWV), a measure of arterial stiffness, varies with mean arterial pressure (MAP). As general anesthesia (GA) causes significant variations in MAP, we proposed to study the feasibility of measuring PWV under GA and to investigate its relationship with MAP.
Methods
From December 2022 to February 2023, continuous carotid and femoral Doppler monitoring was performed on patients scheduled for surgery with GA, to collect PWV data at awakening (PWVAW) and during GA (PWVGA). The study investigated PWV's response to MAP fluctuations using the α-angle, a dynamic stiffness parameter. We evaluated PWV and α-angle efficacy in discriminating between low (CVR-) and high (CVR+) cardiovascular risk patients.
Results
Among 43 patients, 41 (95%) had successful PWV measurements. PWVAW was significantly higher than PWVGA (8.1 vs 7.4 m.s-1, p < 0.0001). This difference vanished after matching MAP levels. A strong correlation was found between PWVAW and PWVGA (r = 0.88, and r = 0.97 at the same MAP levels). PWVGA, α-angle and their product (α x PWVGA) were significantly higher in CVR + patients (8.1 vs 6.9 m.s-1, p < 0.01; 2.6 vs 1.3 degrees, p < 0.001; 21.8 vs 8.1 degrees.m.s-1, p < 0.001, respectively), with AUC values indicating good predictive capabilities for cardiovascular risk (PWVGA: AUC [95%CI] = 0.80 [0.65–0.95]; α-angle: 0.83 [0.69–0.96]; product: 0.86 [0.74–0.97]).
Conclusion
Measuring PWV using carotid and femoral Doppler under GA is viable and can discriminate between varying levels of cardiovascular risk. The α-angle offers a promising approach to refining the assessment of arterial stiffness.
Efficacy of Radioiodine in Non-Distant Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Cancer with TERT-p Mutation at Initial Diagnosis
Authors: Deng Xian-Zhao , Liu Meng-yue , Shen Chen-Tian , Song Hong-Jun , Wang JIAN , Fan You-Ben , Luo Quan-yong , Tang Juan , Wei Xiao-er , Qiu Zhong-Ling
Published: December 2024

Background
In patients with non-distant metastatic PTC and TERT-p mutation being a rare entity at initial diagnosis, it is unclear whether 131I treatment is effective and can reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics, effectiveness of radioiodine (131I), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with non-distant metastatic papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and TERT-p mutation at initial diagnosis.
Patients and Methods
A retrospective observational review of clinical data collected between January 2016 and December 2023. One hundred and thirteen patients with non-distant metastatic PTC and TERT-p mutation at initial diagnosis were included.Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using the dynamic risk stratification. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and a Cox proportional hazards model.
Results:
One hundred and thirteen patients were were included.Sixty-two patients (54.9%) received postoperative 131I and 51 (45.1%) did not. There was a significant association between the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification and whether or not there was an acceptable response at the end of follow-up (p=0.001). There were significant associations of structural disease and TERT-p mutation with extra-thyroidal extension (p=0.003) and ATA risk stratification (p<0.001). Multivariate analyses indicated that age ≥55 years at initial diagnosis, N1b stage, and high-risk stratification were independent prognostic factors for RFS (p=0.014, p=0.003, and p=0.045, respectively).
Conclusions:
131I treatment may have no effect on RFS in patients with non-distant metastatic PTC and TERT-p mutation at initial diagnosis.
Outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia older than 70 years within the last 30 years, a single center experience
Authors: Schulz Felicitas , Roggenbuck Claudia , Kündgen Andrea , Kasprzak Annika , Nachtkamp Kathrin , Jaeger Paul , Dietrich Sascha , Kobbe Guido , Germing Ulrich , Neumann Frank
Published: December 2024

As median age of patients with acute myeloid leukemia is 72 years, older patients continue to be a vulnerable cohort representing significant challenges in clinical practice. Patient-specific comorbidities as well as leukemia-specific unfavorable molecular- and cytogenetics confer even poorer outcomes. Treatment of AML therefore needs to be less toxic to prevent harm while lowering or eradicating leukemic burden to prolong survival. In this retrospective analysis we included all 372 older AML patients from the Düsseldorf registry who were diagnosed and treated in our department of hematology over a period of 25 years. Most patients were treated with HMA (36.6%) followed by 35.5% of patients who received either low dose chemotherapy or BSC. 10% of patients were treated with induction chemotherapy while 8.3% of patients received a combination of HMA with venetoclax. 4% of patients underwent aHSCT. At the time of last follow up, 33 patients (8.9%) were still alive. Of those patients who were treated with induction chemotherapy or HMA + venetoclax, 18.9% and 25.8% were still alive, whereas 60% of the patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation were still alive (p.<0.001). Median overall survival of the entire patient population was 6 months. Longest survival was observed in patients who underwent aHSCT with an unreached median overall survival followed by patients who were treated with induction chemotherapy (19 months) or HMA plus venetoclax (18 months). The implementation of HMA + venetoclax and increasing numbers of aHSCT improved prognosis and survival even in older AML patients.
Food Insecurity and Associated Factors Among HIV Patients in Health Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Sindew Mahmud , Shuta Girma
Published: December 2024

Background: Food insecurity, defined as a lack of access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to meet dietary needs and maintain a healthy and active life. This leads to both increased risk of HIV transmission and more rapid HIV disease progression this result in higher morbidity and mortality, and they will develop resistance to antiretroviral therapy and that, in turn, will hinder the Ethiopian government from achieving the SDG targets set for the year 2030.
Objective: To assess the magnitude of food insecurity and associated factors among HIV patients in health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024
Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 HIV patients selected by systematic random sampling from health centers in Addis Ababa hospitals. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was checked for completeness, clean and enter into Epi-Data version 3.1.and export into SPSS version 25 for analysis. The descriptive statistics result was presented with table and graph. Binary logistic regression was used for selected variables. A variable with p-value (p<0.25) entered in multi variable logistic regression analysis. Then the regression result was presented using AOR with 95% CI and p value less than 0.05 considered as having significance association with food insecurity in the final model.
RESULT: A total of 323 participants were participated with the response rate of 92.2 %. The level of food insecurity was 43.9%95%CI(39.3, 48.8).The finding of the study showed that sex(being female)(AOR: 0.059, 95% CI (0.015, 0.235), religion(Muslim and protestant)(AOR: 11.8, 95% CI (3.31, 42.1), occupation(being employed)(AOR:0.069 95%CI (0.016, 0 .299), source of food(from support)(AOR: 0.228 95% CI (0.060,0.865). and ART duration (AOR:4.5695%CI (1.92, 10.83) were factors significantly associated with food security.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: The finding of the study showed that sex, religion, occupation, source of food and ART duration were factors significantly associated with food insecurity. All concerned body are recommended to integrate ART programs with food security intervention accordingly.
Effects of High-Dose Dexamethasone on Postoperative Opioid Consumption and Perioperative Glycemia in Fast-Track Primary Hip Arthroplasty: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Quillama Rosario Josefina Fabian , Cuñat Tomás , Saavaedra Yocelyn , Ripoll Elizabet , Martin Nuria , Fernández-Valencia Jenaro , Tió Montserrat
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose - Standard recommendations for fast-track hip arthroplasty suggest using 8–10 mg of dexamethasone to reduce opioid consumption, with potential benefits of higher doses but scarce data on glycemic control and complications. This study compares the effects of higher doses versus the standard doses on postoperative opioid consumption, and secondarily, numerical pain scale, glycaemic control, hospital length of stay and postoperative complications.Methods - Retrospective cohort study of patients scheduled for FAST-TRACK primary hip arthroplasty between 2016–2021. Propensity score-matched analyses compared the standard dose group (4–8 mg) versus the high-dose group (16–24 mg).Results - 168 patients were included (56 with 4–8 mg, 112 with 16–24 mg). After one-to-one propensity score matching, 52 patients were included in the standard group and 52 in the high-dose group. After matching, the median [IQR] opioid consumption in the low-dose group was 10 [0–12] and in the high-dose group was 0 [0–10], with a 95% CI of -1 to 0 (p = 0.016). In the matched group, there was a median difference of 8 mg/dL (95% CI, -2 to 7, P < 0.05) in the immediate postoperative glycaemia, of 17 mg/dl (95% CI, -2 to 14, P < 0.05) in glycaemia at 24 hours and of -1 day (95% CI, -1 to 0, P < 0.05) in hospital stay. No differences in the numerical pain scale and postoperative complications were found.Conclusion - High-dose dexamethasone slightly increased perioperative glycemia while reducing opioid consumption and significantly shortening hospital length of stay.
Application of Geospatial and Frequency Ratio Techniques in Landslide Susceptibility Mapping: Case Study of Daramalo District, Ethiopia
Authors: Oyda Yonas , Regasa Hailu
Published: December 2024

Daramalo district, located in the Gamo Zone of South Ethiopia, is one of the areas most affected by landslides. This study aims to assess the landslide susceptibility of the area and to develop a comprehensive landslide susceptibility map. To achieve this, a bivariate statistical frequency ratio model was employed. A detailed inventory of landslides was compiled through fieldwork and the interpretation of Google Earth imagery, identifying a total of 32 landslides. These were categorized into training landslides (70%) for model development and validation landslides (30%) for model evaluation. Eight causative factors slope, aspect, elevation, curvature profile, drainage density, lithology, lineament density, and land use/land cover (LULC) were integrated with the training landslide data to determine the frequency ratio values for each class of these factors. Relative frequency values were assigned to the appropriate factor classes, which were then summed using a raster calculator algorithm to produce the landslide susceptibility map. The final susceptibility map indicates that 44% (110 km²) of the study area is classified as low susceptibility, 36.8% (92 km²) as moderate susceptibility, and 19.2% (48 km²) as high susceptibility. This suggests that approximately 20% of the area is at significant hazard of landslides, while about 80% has relatively low to moderate susceptibility to this natural hazard. The performance of the frequency ratio model was validated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, achieving a notable success prediction rate of 89.03%. Overall, the model demonstrated strong accuracy. The resulting map is anticipated to be a valuable resource for land use planning, site selection, and the formulation of effective landslide prevention and mitigation strategies.
Numerical simulation and sensitivity analysis of butterfly check valve
Authors: Tang Fulong , wang Wei , Luo Yiming
Published: December 2024

Butterfly check valve is an important part of safe operation of nuclear reactor pipeline. Under natural circulation conditions, the effect of butterfly valve opening on coolant flow resistance directly determines the release rate of waste heat in the core. In order to investigate the influence of butterfly check valve on coolant flow characteristics in the case of a nuclear reactor power failure and evaluate the accident process, this study develops a new numerical physical model of butterfly check valve based on the MELCOR program, and compares it with the actual operation data of a small marine nuclear reactor to verify the accuracy of the model. On this basis, in order to improve the calculation efficiency and accuracy, the equivalent valve opening share model and the equivalent resistance coefficient model of butterfly check valve are developed, and the model is compared with the actual physical model. The results show that the response of the two equivalent models is basically consistent with the actual physical model. The numerical physical model of butterfly check valve established can further improve the accuracy of natural circulation flow calculation in small reactors, and provide theoretical basis and technical support for actual accident process analysis.
Recyclable Prussian Blue/Luffa Fiber for Efficient Selective Removal of Cesium and its Phytotoxicity Assessment
Authors: Zhao Yan , Zhao Wenqing , Li Junqi , Li Haiyan , Wu Henan
Published: December 2024

The emergency and safe treatment of radioactive substances leakage wastewater has attracted extensive attention. Prussian blue was used as an adsorbent for the purification of radioactive wastewater. However, easy agglomeration due to its small size often limits the application. With a large specific surface area, the lignocellulosic material– luffa fiber could form networks loading Prussian blue particles and enhance adsorption capacity. In this paper, the recyclable Prussian blue/luffa was prepared by an in situ synthesis approach. Means such as XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and XPS were applied to characterize its morphology and physicochemical properties. It exhibited excellent selective removal efficiency of Cs+ and rapid separation from wastewater. The equilibrium and adsorption kinetics followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order model with a maximum adsorption capacity of 102.01mg/g. Both pH and temperature had effects on the adsorption performance. The removal efficiency of Cs+ by Prussian blue/luffa still retained 71.2% after the 3-cycle test, and the possible mechanism was ion caging and ion exchange. In addition, the presence of co-existing ions only reduced the removal rate by less than 10.0%. Importantly, the phytotoxicity assessment was investigated and the results indicated that the composite had no obvious biotoxicity. It is expected to be a potential material for disposing of radioactive wastewater.
Impact and copying mechanisms towards retakes: A case study of five health training institutions in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: KIBUUKA RONALD , Katuramu Richard , Owusu-Sekyere Samuel , Atuhairwe Irene , Agaba Brian , Nakattudde Prossy , Amponsah Abigail , Chizoma Ndikom , Oluwakemi Ogah , Kiyimba Kennedy , Obakiro Samuel Baker , Kaminga Atipasta , Epuitai Joshua , Kawala Enid Kagoya , Chimbe Etta , Baluwa Masumbuko , Munthali Getrude , Phiri Getrude. Tamala , Kibuuke Dan , Mpasa Ferastas
Published: December 2024

Background:
Academic examination retakes are significant challenges in health professions education. With rigorous clinical assessments and high-stakes examinations, many students struggle to meet academic requirements, resulting in retakes. The voices and experiences of such students have often been absent within the broader discussion of health professions education. This study aimed to assess the impact and copying mechanisms of medical and nursing students with retakes across five Sub-Saharan African universities.
Methods
This was a mixed-methods explanatory sequential study, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The study involved 764 medical and nursing clinical students from five universities across Sub Saharan Africa: Busitema University (Uganda), Mzuzu University (Malawi), University of Ibadan (Nigeria), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), and the University of Zambia. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were explored through thematic analysis based on in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected students who had experienced retakes.
Results
Overall, the proportion of students who had ever had a retake in clinical assessments was 12.6%. Thematic analysis revealed emotional and psychological challenges, such as shock, anxiety, fear and suicidal thoughts particularly due to insufficient institutional support and lack of feedback. Many students also reported a perceived sense of unfairness in their assessments.
Conclusions
The study highlights the multifaceted nature of retakes in health professions education in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations for improvement include providing detailed feedback, transparency in assessments, and enhancing both academic and psychological support systems for students, particularly those at higher risk, such as older students and males. Further research is needed to investigate long-term academic and career outcomes and effective remediation strategies for students experiencing retakes.
Risk Factors and Incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Gao Qiumin , Qiu Ying , Li Yiping , Tao Wenyu , Wang Feiying , Yang Huijun , Feng Yunhua , Yang Ying
Published: December 2024

Objective
To investigate the incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
Methods
The clinical data of DFU patients hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2023 were analyzed, including demographic characteristics, comorbidities, complications, laboratory tests (such as blood routine test, biochemistry, coagulation, glycosylated hemoglobin). Patients were divided into groups according to the presence or absence of DVT. And t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or chi-squared test were used to screen the relevant factors for the occurrence of DVT in patients with DFU, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for the occurrence of DVT in patients with DFU.
Results
471 patients with DFU were finally included in this study, and the incidence of DVT was 8.91% (42/471). When the collected data were analyzed for differences, there was a statistical difference between the DFU combined with DVT group and the group without DVT in terms of age, smoking history, diabetic foot site, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower limbs, absolute value of lymphocytes, erythrocytes, blood potassium, total protein and fasting blood glucose (P < 0.05). One-way logistic regression analyses were performed with whether DFU was combined with DVT as the dependent variable and the above statistically different risk factors as independent variables. Factors that were significant in the univariate analysis (age, smoking history, diabetic foot site, diabetic retinopathy, atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower limbs, erythrocytes, total protein, fasting blood glucose, and potassium) were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years, anterior tibial diabetic foot site, diabetic retinopathy and elevated blood potassium were independent risk factors for DVT complicating DFU (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The incidence of DVT was significantly higher in patients with DFU, And age, anterior tibial diabetic foot site, combined diabetic retinopathy, and elevated blood potassium were independent risk factors for DVT complicated by DFU (p < 0.05).
Do Hooded crows (Corvus cornix) understand how a loose string works?
Authors: Smirnova Anna A. , Cheplakova Maria A. , Kubenko Ksenia N.
Published: December 2024

In a loose-string task an out-of-reach tray baited with food can only be retrieved by simultaneously pulling on both ends of a string threaded through the loops on the tray. This task is used to assess an animal's ability to cooperate, with each animal only having access to one end of the string. Some studies use the loose-string task in a pre-training phase, during which animals are individually taught to pull both ends of the string. Usually, no additional tests are conducted to determine whether the animals have understood how the loose string works. It is conceivable that a lack of knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task could make it more challenging to grasp how the partner can assist with it. Here, we tested whether Hooded crows could acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the loose-string task. Prior to the critical test (Experiment 3), the birds were presented with two different tasks (Experiment 1 and 2) to allow them to acquire some knowledge of the causal basis of the task. The results may indicate that, as a consequence of the experience gained, some crows may have begun to understand how the loose string works.
The Diagnostic Potential of Elastosonography in Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: TAMMO ÖMER , ÇELİK ENES , YILDIZ SÜLEYMAN , SÖYLEMEZ ESRA , UYSAL EMRE , GÖKHANER Yurdagül TOLU
Published: December 2024

Background : Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy where the embryo implants in the scar from a previous cesarean section. CSP is a high-risk condition that can cause serious complications, such as uterine rupture and life-threatening bleeding.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic accuracy, reliability, and efficacy of elastosonography in the diagnosis of cesarean scar pregnancy. To this end, the present study will compare the elastosonography findings in patients with cesarean scar pregnancy with those obtained through definitive diagnostic methods and investigate the diagnostic potential of elastosonography.
MATERIAL AND METHOD:
This prospective cohort study was conducted at Mardin Training and Research Hospital between October 2023 and January 2024. Patients with a cesarean scar pregnancy between six and twelve weeks of gestation were evaluated. The stiffness and elasticity of the scar tissue were assessed using elastosonography, and the diagnostic accuracy of this method was evaluated by comparing the results with those obtained through definitive diagnostic procedures.
RESULTS:
In this study, the demographic and clinical characteristics of 61 patients with cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 32 years, the mean gestational age was 8.4 weeks, the mean BMI was 27.2, the mean parity was 1.9, and the mean number of previous cesarean sections was 1.3. While the elasticity of the scar tissue decreased with increasing gestational week, no significant correlation was found between age, BMI, parity, and number of previous cesarean sections and elastosonography findings. The gestational sac strain ratio, myometrial shear wave velocity, and scar stiffness, as measured by elastosonography, were found to be significant in the diagnosis of CSP. Conversely, the beta-hCG and fetal heart rate parameters did not contribute significantly to the diagnosis.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that elastosonography has the potential to serve as a diagnostic tool for the identification of pregnancies in cases of cesarean section scar. The findings indicate that elastosonographic parameters, including the gestational sac tension ratio, myometrium shear wave velocity, and scar stiffness, may prove useful in diagnosing pregnancy in a cesarean scar. Further research is required to ascertain the full clinical utility of this technique. However, this study provides valuable information on the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of elastosonography in the evaluation of pregnancy in a cesarean scar.
Application of extended immunotherapy in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma treated with first-line combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitor and tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Authors: Wang Qian , Zhang Xingming , zhu Qiyu , Zeng Hong , Dai Jindong , Chen Junru , Zhao Jinge , Sun Guangxi , Liu Zhenhua , Zeng Hao , Shen Pengfei
Published: December 2024

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended immunotherapy in first-line immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) - tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) combination treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Patients and Methods:
We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with advanced RCC who received first-line ICIs-TKIs combination treatment at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between October 2018 and July 2024. Patients who are assessed as having a disease control status after 2 years of continuous treatment will continue to receive immune checkpoint inhibitors until the inhibitors are discontinued due to disease progression or death.
Result
A total of 86 patients were screened and 14 patients diagnosed with clear cell RCC (ccRCC) were enrolled. After 65 months of follow-up, three-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate was 71.4% and 4-year PFS rate was 59.5%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 58.3%. During extended treatment, one patient (7.1%) experienced a transition from stable disease (SD) to partial response (PR) and two patients (14.3%) experienced a transition from PR to complete response (CR). The best tumor shrinkage rates presenting after 24 months had longer PFS and OS compared to those presenting within 24 months (median PFS: not reached vs. 36 months; Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.10, 95%CI 0.01–0.80, P = 0.03). For safety, extended immunotherapy did not increase treatment-related toxicities compared to safety profile before 24 months.
Conclusion
Our analysis of real-world data indicates that patients with extended immunotherapy after 24 months had sustained survival benefits and manageable toxicity. Large-scale, prospective studies are still needed to further verify the conclusion.
Geometric Lymph Node Staging of Lower Extremity Lymphedema using Lymphoscintigraphy
Authors: Mitsui Kohei , Narushima Mitsunaga , Shiraishi Makoto , Danno Kanako , Ishiura Ryohei , Banda Chihena H.
Published: December 2024

Lower extremity lymphedema is a common complication following gynecologic cancer treatment. This study examined the relationship between lymphedema severity and lymphatic flow in pelvic lymph nodes, believed to be among the first areas affected post-surgery. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 317 patients with lymphedema, classified into three stages using Geometric Lymph Node Staging (GLNS) based on lymphoscintigraphy results. The correlation between GLNS and International Society of Lymphology (ISL) clinical staging was analyzed, along with reliability testing for GLNS. Subgroup analyses were also performed for different cancer types, including cervical, uterine, ovarian, and vulvovaginal cancers. Among the 36 women evaluated with unilateral lymphedema, a strong correlation was found between ISL staging and GLNS (r = 0.853; P < 0.001), as well as within all subgroups. GLNS demonstrated high inter- and intra-observer reliability. The study concluded that the location of residual lymph nodes correlates with lymphedema severity, suggesting that GLNS via lymphoscintigraphy could be a valuable tool for the early diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema.
The Effect of Proprioceptive Training on Technical Soccer Skills in Youth Professional Soccer
Authors: Eraslan Meriç , Gürkan Alper Cenk , Aydın Serhat , Türkmen Mustafa , Çelik Seyfullah , Söyler Mehmet , Altuğ Tolga
Published: December 2024

Objectives
The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of proprioceptive training and exercises on the physical-fitness and soccer-specific technical skills of young professional soccer players.
Methods
Twenty-eight male professional soccer players from the Türkiye Football Federation's 3rd League voluntarily participated, with an average age of 20.46 ± 1.60 years, average height of 182.89 ± 5.01 cm, and average body weight of 73.34 ± 3.10 kg. The participants' body compositions were assessed using the Inbody270 (California, USA) bioelectrical impedance analyzer, and their agility and maximal VO2 cardiorespiratory fitness were measured using the ChronoJump smartspeed mat (INEFC Barcelona-UB). Soccer-specific technical skill assessments were also conducted. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22 statistical software. Paired sample t-tests were employed for pairwise comparisons. Effect size and percentage changes were provided to highlight the practical significance of the differences between pre-test and post-test results. Cohen's d test was used to determine the effect size, while repeated measures two-way ANOVA was applied to assess the interaction effects (group x time). Eta squared (η2) values were reported to express the magnitude of effect size. A 95% confidence level and a significance level of p = 0.05 were adopted for interpretation.
Results
The proprioceptive training was found to have statistically significant and favorable effects on the percentage of body fat (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.006) and soccer-specific technical skills, including free juggling (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.302), alternating foot juggling (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.271), right foot juggling (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.250), and shooting performance (p < 0.05; η2 = 0.513).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 12-week proprioceptive training, when added to soccer practice, plays a significant role in improving soccer-specific technical skills. It also contributes to the reduction of body fat percentage.
Healthy Lifestyle including Sleep Patterns, Genetic Risk, and Risk of Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity
Authors: Liu Siqi , Huang Ninghao , Li Yueying , Huang Tao
Published: December 2024

Background: Emerging evidence suggests a link between sleep patterns, healthy lifestyles, and the risk of cardiometabolic outcomes. However, few studies have explored the association between lifestyles that incorporate healthy sleep patterns and genetic factors with the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM).
Objective/Aim: To prospectively investigate the associations between a healthy lifestyle including sleep patterns, genetic risk, and the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and cardiometabolic diseases.
Methods: A total of 382,448 UK Biobank participants were included in this study. A modified healthy lifestyle score (mHLS) was defined by healthy sleep patterns, diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Weighted genetic risk score (GRS) for cardiometabolic outcomes was calculated. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the associations between a healthy lifestyle and cardiometabolic outcomes.
Results: During a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 13,388 participants developed CMM, and 54,381 participants developed at least one of those cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) that contribute to CMM. After adjusting for major confounders, the modified healthy lifestyle score was significantly associated with lower risks of CMM and CMDs, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.90) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.79-0.88) for the highest versus lowest mHLS groups, respectively. The association between mHLS and CMDs was stronger in women and individuals aged 65 and above (p = 0.006 and p = 0.04, respectively). Additionally, there was an additive interaction between mHLS and GRS on CMDs, with a relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) of 0.057 (95% CI: 0.007, 0.106).
Conclusion: Our results show that adherence to a healthy lifestyle, including healthy sleep patterns, is associated with lower risks of CMM and CMDs. Women and individuals over 65 may benefit more. A healthy lifestyle can also modify the genetic predisposition to CMDs.
Prognostic Value of Chemotherapy Response Score in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: A Single-Center Analysis
Authors: Sozen Hamdullah , Minareci Yagmur , Toyran Atahan , Yalçın İbrahim , Önder Semen , Bayram Aysel , Bağbudar Sidar , Tıkız Müge Ateş , Saip Pınar Mualla , Topuz Samet , Salihoğlu Yavuz
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Chemotherapy response score (CRS) is a histopathological tool to assess tumor response in patients with high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS). This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of omental and adnexal CRS for predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).
Methods
Data from 79 patients with advanced HGSC treated with NACT followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) between 2010 and 2017 were analyzed. CRS was applied to both omental and adnexal samples, and its association with OS and DFS was evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and multivariate methods, with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results
Omental CRS 1–2 was identified as an independent predictor of decreased OS (HR 2.69; 95% CI 1.26–5.76, p = 0.010), whereas adnexal CRS 1–2 did not significantly impact DFS or OS in multivariate analysis. Patients with omental CRS 3 had superior outcomes, with a 5-year OS rate of 72.0% compared to 30.8% in the CRS 1–2 group. The median DFS for the CRS 1–2 group was 19 months, while it was 35 months for the CRS 3 group (p = 0.005).
Conclusion
Omental CRS is a strong independent predictor of OS in advanced HGSC, while adnexal CRS demonstrated limited prognostic value. CRS should be considered in clinical practice for guiding treatment decisions, and further research is warranted to refine its use with molecular and radiologic markers.
The burden of migraine and tension-type headache in Asia from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Zhao Yingzhu , Zhou Hong , Yi Yujie , Pang Qian , Wang Jie
Published: December 2024

Background
In recent years, headache diseases have spread throughout the world, causing great suffering and even severe disability to patients, and increasing the burden on health care systems. However, studies of specific regions are rare. The purpose of our study is to comprehensively analyze the current situation and trends of headache diseases in Asia between 1990 and 2021, to provide details of headache diseases in Asia, and to provide scientific data to support health development strategies.
Methods
Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database were used to calculate the incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of headache disorders in Asia from 1990 to 2021. Differences between years, ages, sexes and countries were also assessed, and we evaluated the correlation between epidemiological and sociodemographic indices (SDIs).
Result
In 2021, there were approximately 11,584,32824 cases of migraine in Asia. Meanwhile, there are now 2011612877 cases associated with tension-type headache (TTH) in Asia. Specifically, the age-standardized DALYs (ASDR) [607 cases per 100,000 people (95% UI: 70-1363)] for migraine were highest in East Asia, and the ASDR [422 cases per 100,000 people (95% UI: 86-938)] was lowest in high-income countries of the Asia-Pacific region. ASDR [67 cases per 100,000 people (95% UI: 18-236)] was highest for TTH in Central Asia and lowest for ASDR [43 cases per 100,000 people (95% UI: 13-141)] in East Asia. In addition, women are the key population for migraine and TTH prevalence. In Asia, there were negative and positive correlations between migraine and TTH and SDI, respectively.
Conclusions
Headache disorders pose a serious threat to the quality of life and safety of patients in Asia, increasing the burden on society, and this impact will continue to grow. Our findings suggest that active public awareness, improved guidelines, and better disease management are necessary to expand the public and healthcare system's attention to headache disorders, and thereby gain a greater advantage in combating the burden of headache disorders in the future.
Methodology Development for Management of Recyclable Polymers by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and PLS-DA
Authors: Grasel Fábio dos Santos , Weiler Fábio Henrique , Ferrão Marco Flôres
Published: December 2024

In this study, samples of recyclable polymers representing the seven standard classes were analyzed using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) combined with a classification technique. The classification models were developed using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and its performance was assessed based on sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, efficiency, and the Matthews’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC). The PLS-DA models demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and efficiency, with values ranging from 97.3–100%, except for the "Other" class, which showed values between 63.2% and 97.7%. The Matthews’s Correlation Coefficient values ranged from 0.92 to 1.00, except for the "Other" class, which had a value of 0.61, indicating strong overall performance of the classification models. This work demonstrates that PLS-DA combined with FTIR spectroscopy is a highly effective analytical tool in the identify of polymers for the reprocessing of recyclable materials.
Diclofenac Permeation Through Chitosan Membrane
Authors: Solís-Martínez Celeste , Galicia-Aguilar José Alberto , Almanza Eva Águila , López-Badillo Maribel , Lugo Ventura Rodríguez
Published: December 2024

We have carried out the formation of chitosan membranes as flat films by solvent evaporation method to determine the aqueous diclofenac permeation. Membranes were crosslinked with citric acid at different weight fractions and characterized using techniques such as FTIR, SEM, TGA and DSC. The FTIR and the thermal techniques showed that samples with citric acid were modified by the crosslink reaction. In this context, the swelling factor \(\:\left({S}_{f}\right)\) in water varies inversely to citric acid weight fraction, \(\:{S}_{f}\) is between 1.41 and 1.17, which can be considered as a low ratio. Membranes were used in the liquid phase permeation of NaCl, used as a probe molecule where permeability decreases as the inlet pressure increases. Finally, the membranes were used in the diclofenac permeation, where increasing the crosslinking degree the permeability decreases, demonstrating that membranes can separate diclofenac from water. SEM images demonstrate that diclofenac was retained in the upper side of the membrane and thermogravimetric analysis shows that diclofenac interacts with the membrane by slightly shifting the degradation temperature of the sample. Permeability is an inverse function of the crosslinking degree of the membrane.
Study on the Improvement of Pumping Station Inlet Flow Regime and Evaluation of Transverse Flow Velocity Elimination
Authors: Lv Fu-Sheng , Li Ping-Ping , Guo Xi-Long , Wang Lei , Pan Luo-Ping , Xu Lei
Published: December 2024

Optimizing the flow regime in the forebay of a pump station is crucial for enhancing the overall engineering quality, minimizing the performance degradation of the pump units, and reducing the risks of cavitation and vibration. This study involved both numerical simulations and experimental investigations of the flow regime within the forebay of a large low-head pumping station, under conditions with and without partition walls. Using the Navier-Stokes equations and the equations for and of the RNG turbulence model, we conducted numerical simulations of the forebay. To validate these simulations, we added partition walls to the forebay and performed experiments on a physical model. The hydraulic characteristics under different operating conditions were tested to elucidate the mechanism by which partition walls optimize the flow regime. The analysis of the inlet flow regime revealed variations in hydraulic elements in the forebay with different partition wall lengths. Based on our findings, we proposed effective measures for improving the inlet flow regime, applicable to forebay design. These results are essential for developing more rational and sustainable operations of similar pump station forebay designs and optimizations.
Synergistic Flame-Retardant Effects of SiO₂ Sol and Intumescent Flame Retardant in Wood Flour-Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Xu Chunfan , Lu Wangxing , Li Yan , Zhou Ru , Hao Min , Jiang Juncheng
Published: December 2024

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are widely used green materials composed of a polymer matrix with wood as a filler. However, due to the flammable nature of the substrates used in WPC, there is a fire hazard associated with their use. To address this, this study developed WPCs by adding SiO2 sol and an intumescent flame retardant (IFR), which included ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine (MEL), and double pentaerythritol (DPER). This approach aimed to investigate their combined effects on thermal stability and flame retardancy. FTIR and laser particle size analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of SiO2 sol and its adhesion to wood flour (WF). The WPC adding both SiO2 sol and IFR exhibited excellent flame-retardant performance, with a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 39.0%, a UL-94 V-0 rating, and a char residue of 28.1%. Cone calorimeter tests showed that the char layer expanded to approximately 4 cm, significantly reducing the total heat release (THR) and heat release rate (HRR). The formation of a silicon-containing char layer from SiO2 sol, coupled with an intumescent char layer from the cellulose-IFR reaction, created a composite multi-layered structure that effectively insulated against heat. These findings suggest that the developed WPCs exhibit enhanced flame retardancy, offering potential for application in fire-safe building materials.
Segmentation of Ink and Parchment in Dead Sea Scroll Fragments
Authors: Kurar-Barakat Berat , Dershowitz Nachum
Published: December 2024

The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls over 60 years ago is widely regarded as one of the greatest archaeological breakthroughs in modern history. Recent study of the scrolls presents ongoing computational challenges, including determining the provenance of fragments, clustering fragments based on their degree of similarity, and pairing fragments that originate from the same manuscript---all tasks that require focusing on individual letter and fragment shapes. This paper presents a computational method for segmenting ink and parchment regions in multispectral images of Dead Sea Scroll fragments. Using the newly developed Qumran Segmentation Dataset (QSD) consisting of 20 fragments, we apply multispectral thresholding to isolate ink and parchment regions based on their unique spectral signatures. To refine segmentation accuracy, we introduce an energy minimization technique that leverages ink contours, which are more distinguishable from the background and less noisy than inner ink regions. Experimental results demonstrate that this Multispectral Thresholding and Energy Minimization (MTEM) method achieves significant improvements over traditional binarization approaches like Otsu and Sauvola in parchment segmentation and is successful at delineating ink borders, in distinction from holes and background regions.
Using Evidence Accumulation Method for SolvingTask of Collective Perception
Authors: Sajko Gal , Babič Jan
Published: December 2024

This study advances collective perception in swarm robotics by introducing the Automated Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model, addressing limitations in the original Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model. While Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model integrates social and personal information for decision-making, its reliance on manually predetermined social factor parameter restricts adaptability to diverse task complexities. The novel Automated Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model eliminates this dependency by introducing an adaptive personal factor parameter, which automatically adjust the weighting of personal and social information based on the gathered information about the environment. This automated approach improves robustness and reduces the dissemination of erroneus information in early phases of the task. Comparative simulations against baseline methods (Voter model and Majority rule) demonstrate Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model's and Automated Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model's superior performance in both accuracy and consensus speed, particularly at the tasks with higher complexities. Additionally, Automated Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model maintains comparable efficiency to Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model while automating critical parameter selection, making it more suitable for real-world applications where prior knowledge about the environment and complexity of the task is unavailable. Future research will focus mostly on extending Automated Swarm Opinion Diffusion Model to best-of-n decision-making problem, where n is greater than 2, enhancing its applicability in various real-world swarm robotics scenarios.
Profiling the Plight of Adolescent Girls and Young Women: Risks and Pathways for Intervention in Rural Uganda
Authors: Bindeeba Dedrix Stephenson , Nakawesi Jane Senyondo , Mugisa Andrew , Senyimba Catherine , Mulebeke Ronald , Karamagi Yvonne
Published: December 2024

Background
Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in rural Uganda face a range of socio-economic, educational, and behavioral challenges that heighten their vulnerability to adverse health and social outcomes. Understanding their baseline risk profiles is essential for designing effective, targeted interventions.
Methods
This study utilized a retrospective, cross-sectional design to analyze secondary data from 124,258 AGYW across four districts in Uganda. K-means cluster analysis was employed to categorize participants into High-Risk and Low-Risk groups based on socio-economic, educational, and behavioral indicators. Bivariate analysis was used to validate the distinctiveness of these clusters, and logistic regression identified predictors of high-risk behaviors, including transactional sex, school dropout, and experiences of violence.
Results
The analysis revealed that 24.7% of AGYW were classified into the High-Risk group, with the majority (92%) being aged 20–25 years, compared to 9–14 years in the Low-Risk group. High-risk AGYW were significantly more likely to engage in transactional sex, drop out of school, and experience violence. Education emerged as a protective factor, with school enrollment increasing the likelihood of Low-Risk classification by 108 times (AOR = 108.154, p < 0.001). Economic desperation, particularly transactional sex, was a strong predictor of being classified as High-Risk (AOR = 1599.966, p < 0.001). Additionally, experiences of violence and substance use further compounded the vulnerabilities of this group.
Conclusion
Adolescent girls and young women in rural Uganda, particularly those aged 20–25, face significant vulnerabilities due to poverty, violence, and limited access to education. Integrated interventions focusing on education, economic empowerment, and violence prevention are critical for reducing these risks, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable change for AGYW. Addressing these challenges through targeted strategies will improve their well-being and contribute to long-term development outcomes.