bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and molecular profiling of induced high yielding M3 mutant lines of two Trigonella species: Insights into improved yield potential
Authors: Naaz Neha , Choudhary Sana , Hasan Nazarul , Sharma Nidhi , Al Aboud Nora M. , Shehata Wael F.
Published: July 2024

Trigonella, commonly known as Fenugreek, is among the most promising medicinal herbs consumed worldwide due its protein rich dietary contributions. This study involved induced mutagenesis on twoTrigonellaspecies (Trigonella foenum-graecumvar. PEB andTrigonella corniculatavar. Pusa kasuri) using caffeine and sodium azide as mutagens, resulting in the identification of nine high-yielding mutant lines in the M3generation. Molecular characterization using SCoT markers revealed a high polymorphism of 28.3% and 46.7% in PEB and Pusa kasuri, respectively, facilitating the investigation of genetic divergence among the control and mutant lines. Similarity correlation analysis indicated a high similarity between mutant A and mutant C (0.97) and between mutant J and mutant O (0.88), while the lowest similarity was observed between mutant B and mutant F (0.74) and between control and mutant L (0.58). Mutant F and Mutant J displayed the highest seed yield and its attributing traits, and seed protein content in PEB and Pusa kasuri, respectively. Physiological parameters, including chlorophyll content (Mutants A and N) and carotenoids (mutant A and J), exhibited improvements. Assessment of stomatal and seed characteristics using scanning electron microscopy may lead to improved physiological processes and distinction at the interspecific level, respectively. Methanolic extracts of the control and the mutant lines of both species were subjected to GC-MS analysis, revealing 24 major phytocompounds known for their pharmacological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.). Statistical methods such as Pearson correlation heatmap and pairwise scatter plot matrix provided insights into the correlations and linear associations among parameters for both PEB and Pusa kasuri. The strong correlation between iron content and seeds per pod in the mutant lines suggests a promising avenue for further research. Continued research and breeding efforts using these mutants can lead to significant advancements in agriculture and medicine, benefiting farmers, consumers, and industries alike.
Professionals’ experiences of what affects health outcomes in the sick leave and rehabilitation process—A qualitative study from primary care level
Authors: Löfgren Märit , Törnbom Karin , Gyllenhammar Daniel , Nordeman Lena , Rembeck Gun , Björkelund Cecilia , Svenningsson Irene , Hange Dominique
Published: July 2024

Objective

To explore frontline employees’ experiences of how to create a purposeful sick leave and rehabilitation process (SRP) with the best interest of patients’ long-term health in focus.

Methods

Qualitative design based on focus group interviews in a primary care context in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. Strategically selected professionals from different SRP organizations discussed sick leave outcomes and the rehabilitation process. Analysis was performed with Systematic text condensation.

Subjects

General practitioners (n = 6), rehabilitation coordinators and/or healthcare professionals from primary healthcare (n = 13), caseworkers from the Social Insurance Agency, the Employment Agency, and Social Services (n = 12).

Results

The outcome of the SRP was described to depend upon the extent to which the process meets patients’ bio-psycho-social needs. Aspects considered crucial were: 1) early bio-psycho-social assessments, including medical specialist consultations when needed, 2) long-term realistic planning of sick leave and rehabilitation alongside medical treatment, 3) access to a wide range of early rehabilitative and supportive interventions, including situation-based, non-medical practical problem solving, and 4) trusting relationships over time for all involved professions and roles to maximize process quality and person-centeredness. A gap between the desired scope of the SRP and existing guidelines was identified.

Conclusion

Interviewees perceived that successful outcomes from the sick leave and rehabilitation process in a primary care context depend on consensus, person-centeredness, and relationship continuity for all involved professions. An extended process scope and relationship continuity for all involved professionals were suggested to improve process outcomes.
Species richness estimation of the Afrotropical Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Meier Noah , Gordon Mikhaila , van Noort Simon , Reynolds Terry , Rindos Michal , Di Giovanni Filippo , Broad Gavin R. , Spasojevic Tamara , Bennett Andrew , Dal Pos Davide , Klopfstein Seraina
Published: July 2024

Species richness is one of the fundamental metrics of biodiversity. Estimating species richness helps spotlight taxonomic groups that are particularly under-studied, such as the highly diverse Darwin wasps. The only available estimate of the number of Darwin wasps in the Afrotropics proposed almost 11,000 species, compared to the 2,322 recorded species. However, it relied exclusively on the ratio of morphospecies to described species in Henry Townes’ personal collection. We provide an updated estimate of the Afrotropical Darwin wasp species, using empirical data from multiple sources, including the increase in species numbers following generic revisions, morphospecies sorting in natural history collections, and diversity patterns of better-studied insects (butterflies) for extrapolation. Our analyses suggest that our knowledge of Darwin wasps is highly incomplete, with only 13–22% of species known in the five most extensively studied countries in the Afrotropics. We estimate 9,206–15,577 species of Darwin wasps within the entire Afrotropics, with the highest concentration expected in the Equatorial Afrotropics and Madagascar. Due to data constraints, our approach tends to underestimate diversity at each step, rendering the upper estimate (15,577 species) more realistic. We highlight reasons contributing to the gap between recorded and estimated species richness, including logistical and financial factors, as well as post-colonial influences.
Cancer-wide in silico analyses using differentially expressed genes demonstrate the functions and clinical relevance of JAG, DLL, and NOTCH
Authors: Kim Jung Yun , Hong Nayoung , Ham Seok Won , Park Sehyeon , Seo Sunyoung , Kim Hyunggee
Published: July 2024

Notch ligands [jagged (JAG) and, delta-like (DLL) families] and receptors [NOTCH family] are key regulators of Notch signaling. NOTCH signaling contributes to vascular development, tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. To elucidate the universal functions of the JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families and their connections with various biological functions, we examined 15 types of cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas clinical database. We selected the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were positively correlated to the JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families in each cancer. We selected positive and negative hallmark signatures across cancer types. These indicated biological features associated with angiogenesis, hypoxia, KRAS signaling, cell cycle, and MYC targets by gene ontology and gene set enrichment analyses using DEGs. Furthermore, we analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data to examine the expression of JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families and enrichment of hallmark signatures. Positive signatures identified using DEGs, such as KRAS signaling and hypoxia, were enriched in clusters with high expression of JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families. We subsequently validated the correlation between the JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families and clinical stages, including treatment response, metastasis, and recurrence. In addition, we performed survival analysis to identify hallmark signatures that critically affect patient survival when combining the expression of JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families. By combining the DEG enrichment and hallmark signature enrichment in survival analysis, we suggested unexplored regulatory functions and synergistic effects causing synthetic lethality. Taken together, our observations demonstrate the functions of JAG, DLL, and NOTCH families in cancer malignancy and provide insights into their molecular regulatory mechanisms.
Serum susceptibility of Escherichia coli and its association with patient clinical outcomes
Authors: Poteete Orianna , Cox Phillip , Ruffin Felicia , Sutton Granger , Brinkac Lauren , Clarke Thomas H. , Fouts Derrick E. , Fowler Vance G. , Thaden Joshua T.
Published: July 2024

The innate immune system eliminates bloodstream pathogens such as Escherichia coli in part through complement protein deposition and subsequent bacterial death (i.e., “serum killing”). Some E. coli strains have developed mechanisms to resist serum killing, though the extent of variation in serum killing among bloodstream infection (BSI) isolates and the clinical impact of this variation is not well understood. To address this issue, we developed a novel assay that uses flow cytometry to perform high throughput serum bactericidal assays (SBAs) with E. coli BSI isolates (n = 183) to define the proportion of surviving bacteria after exposure to serum. We further determined whether E. coli resistance to serum killing is associated with clinical outcomes (e.g., in-hospital attributable mortality, in-hospital total mortality, septic shock) and bacterial genotype in the corresponding patients with E. coli BSI. Our novel flow cytometry-based SBA performed similarly to a traditional SBA, though with significantly decreased hands-on bench work. Among E. coli BSI isolates, the mean proportion that survived exposure to 25% serum was 0.68 (Standard deviation 0.02, range 0.57–0.93). We did not identify associations between E. coli resistance to serum killing and clinical outcomes in our adjusted models. Together, this study describes a novel flow cytometry-based approach to the bacterial SBA that allowed for high-throughput testing of E. coli BSI isolates and identified high variability in resistance to serum killing among a large set of BSI isolates.
The effects of CYP2B6 inactivators on the metabolism of ciprofol
Authors: Lu Ming , Zhang Xiaorui , Li Wenli , Li Xiangchen , Li Shan , Yin Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhiqing
Published: July 2024

Ciprofol is a novel short-acting intravenous anaesthetic developed in China that is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A9 (UGT1A9). Currently, insufficient evidence is available to support drug‒drug interactions between ciprofol and CYP2B6 inactivators. Here, we established a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method to assess the concentration of ciprofol and investigated the effects of psoralen and clopidogrel on the metabolism of ciprofol in liver microsomes and rats. In rat and human liver microsomes, the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of psoralen were 63.31 μmol·L-1and 34.05 μmol·L-1, respectively, showing mild inhibitory effects on ciprofol metabolism, whereas theIC50values of clopidogrel were 6.380 μmol·L-1and 2.565 μmol·L-1, respectively, with moderate inhibitory effects. SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: psoralen (27 mg·kg-1), clopidogrel (7.5 mg·kg-1), and the same volume of 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose. After 7 days, all rats were injected with 2.4 mg·kg-1ciprofol. Compared with the control group, the AUC and MRT values of ciprofol in the psoralen and clopidogrel groups were significantly greater, whereas the CL values were significantly lower. In addition, the durations of loss of righting reflex (LORR) in the psoralen and clopidogrel groups were 16.1% and 23.0% longer than that in the control group, respectively. In conclusion, psoralen and clopidogrel inhibit ciprofol metabolism to different degrees and prolong the duration of LORR in rats.
The origin, deployment, and evolution of a plant-parasitic nematode effectorome
Authors: Molloy Beth , Shin Dio S. , Long Jonathan , Pellegrin Clement , Senatori Beatrice , Vieira Paulo , Thorpe Peter J. , Damm Anika , Ahmad Mariam , Vermeulen Kerry , Derevnina Lida , Wei Siyuan , Sperling Alexis , Reyes Estévez Estefany , Bruty Samuel , de Souza Victor Hugo Moura , Kranse Olaf Prosper , Maier Tom , Baum Thomas , Eves-van den Akker Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Plant-parasitic nematodes constrain global food security. During parasitism, they secrete effectors into the host plant from two types of pharyngeal gland cells. These effectors elicit profound changes in host biology to suppress immunity and establish a unique feeding organ from which the nematode draws nutrition. Despite the importance of effectors in nematode parasitism, there has been no comprehensive identification and characterisation of the effector repertoire of any plant-parasitic nematode. To address this, we advance techniques for gland cell isolation and transcriptional analysis to define a stringent annotation of putative effectors for the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii at three key life-stages. We define 717 effector gene loci: 269 “known” high-confidence homologs of plant-parasitic nematode effectors, and 448 “novel” effectors with high gland cell expression. In doing so we define the most comprehensive “effectorome” of a plant-parasitic nematode to date. Using this effector definition, we provide the first systems-level understanding of the origin, deployment and evolution of a plant-parasitic nematode effectorome. The robust identification of the effector repertoire of a plant-parasitic nematode will underpin our understanding of nematode pathology, and hence, inform strategies for crop protection.
Influência das doenças crônicas na capacidade cardiopulmonar de pacientes pós COVID-19 participantes de um programa de reabilitação cardiopulmonar
Authors: Candido Ana Claudia Rodrigues , Fontana Luiz Carlos Custódio , De Farias Joni Marcio
Published: July 2024

Esta pesquisa tem por objetivo descrever os efeitos das doenças crônicas nãos transmissíveis sobre a função cardiopulmonar de pacientes participantes de um programa de reabilitação cardiopulmonar pós COVID-19. Trata-se de um estudo documental a partir de dados do Centro de Reabilitação Cardiopulmonar do município de Criciúma do período entre novembro de 2020 a janeiro de 2022. Foram conduzidas análises para avaliar a influência das DCNT, como DM, HAS e obesidade, no desempenho cardiopulmonar e de força dos pacientes antes e após a participação no programa de reabilitação. Dentre os pacientes atendidos, a maioria era do sexo feminino (61,3%), a média de idade foi de 54,35 (±12.39) anos. Um total de 41,4% dos participantes tinham HAS e 36,52% eram diagnosticados com DM. Além disso, 26,40% dos pacientes aparentavam obesidade e 82,7% eram sedentários. Apesar de haver uma melhora em todas as variáveis analisadas após a reabilitação, a DM, a hipertensão e a obesidade foram associadas ao pior desempenho cardiopulmonar no início e no fim do estudo. Por fim, os resultados desta pesquisa destacam a complexidade de saúde dos pacientes com doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e reforçam a necessidade de um cuidado multiprofissional e integral aos pacientes pós covid-19.
Efficacy and Safety of Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers vs Proton Pump Inhibitors for Peptic Ulcer Disease or Postprocedural Artificial Ulcers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Wen-xin , Li Rui-jie , Li Xiong-fei
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and postprocedural artificial ulcers are common ulcer disease. For them, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and potassium-competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) are commonly used in clinical practice. PPI requires acid, time, and multiple doses, but P-CAB has fewer limitations. We compared the efficacy, safety, and prevention of PPI and P-CAB in PUD or artificial ulcer.

METHODS:

We searched PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for all studies. All eligible randomized controlled trials up to August 5, 2023, were included. Healing rates, shrinking rates, treatment-emergent adverse events rates, and recurrence rates were measured. Risk of bias, sensitivity analyses, and heterogeneity were also performed.

RESULTS:

Twenty researches that were selected from 926 screening studies and in total 6,551 participants were included. The risk ratio (RR) of healing rate with P-CABs vs PPIs of PUD at 4 weeks was RR 1.01 (95% confidence interval 0.98–1.04). In addition, the healing rate distinction of artificial peptic ulcer was RR 1.04 (0.89–1.22), and the shrinking rate was mean difference 0.10 (−1.30–1.51). The result of treatment-emergent adverse event rate of PUD was RR 1.11 (0.91–1.35), and the delayed bleeding rate of artificial ulcer was RR 0.35 (0.16–0.80). The RR for recurrence rate of drug-related ulcers was 0.45 (0.25–0.81).

DISCUSSION:

P-CAB is noninferior in healing artificial ulcer and PUD, also the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events. But, there may be a statistical advantage in holding back delayed bleeding and preventing drug-induced ulcers. More standardized experiments are needed for further applications and more precise conclusions.
Consideration for a revised Gaussian-pencil-beam-model reported for calculation of the in-water dose caused by clinical electron-beam irradiation
Authors: A Iwasaki , S Terashima , S Kimura , K Sutoh , K Kamimura , Y Hosokawa , M Miyazawa
Published: July 2024

Purposes: We perform further development for our previous Gaussian-pencil-beam-model used for calculating the electron dose in water under clinical electron-beam irradiation. The main purpose is to evaluate accurately the parallel beam depth-doses at deep depths beyond about the extrapolated range (Rp) under an infinite field. Methods: Sets of parallel beam depth-doses under an infinite field were reconstructed for the same beams of E=6, 12, and 18 MeV in light of the electron Monte Carlo (eMC) datasets as reported by Wieslander and Knöös (2006), separating the datasets into the direct electron beam and direct-plus-indirect electron beam groups. Particularly, for each electron beam, we took serious views of the depth-dose (DD) curves near the beam entrance surface and of the OAD (off-axis dose) curves at deep depths beyond about the extrapolated range (Rp) under an infinite field. Results and conclusions: The following results were obtained by comparing the calculated DD and OAD datasets with the eMC datasets: (i) The revised Gaussian pencil beam model is of practical use without using complicated correction factors; and (ii) The DD and OAD datasets are yielded effectively over wide ranges of depths and off-axis distances, respectively.
An Evaluation of microbial leakage in three different implant abutment connections using a quantitative analysis of presence of staphylococci bacteria an in vitro study
Authors: Desai Pranav
Published: July 2024

Dental implants have become a mainstay in providing fixed/semi fixed restorations successfully in the past few decades. One crucial component of dental implant which immensely contributes to the osseointegration and long term success of the restoration is the implant abutment connection (IAC). The IAC houses a microgap that can cause leakage of microorganisms which would then act as a bacterial reservoir.
We performed a laboratory study to evaluate the microbial leakage occurring within the IAC between three different popularly used implants. The samples were divided into three groups based on their IAC – Conelog connection (Biohorizon), Conexa connection (B and B) and Internal Octagon (Osstem). The implant analog – abutment assemblies to be studied were immersed in a peptone broth containing Staphylococci bacteria. After an incubation period of 14 days, these assemblies were disassembled and a swab was taken from the inner surface of the implant analog and abutment. This swab was plated and after 48 hours, colonies of Staphylococci were counted. From the study, it was clear that microbial leakage had taken place in all the groups.
This will help us to guide the decision of which is the most suitable implant to be used to provide a successful long term prosthesis to the patient.
THE The impact of capital adequacy and corporate governance on financial performance of universal banks in Ghana
Authors: Akentarah Richard , Appiah Amankwa Isaac , Awuma William
Published: July 2024

The study seeks to determine the influence of capital adequacy ratio (CAR) and corporate governance attributes on financial performance of listed universal banks in Ghana. The authors sampled five banks from a population of nine banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) using a simple random sampling method. The study employed quantitative design and procedures using secondary quarterly data from annual financial statements published from 2012 to 2022. The data was analysed using the fixed-effects regression model with Stata (ver. 17). The findings indicate that some universal banks have board sizes less than 13, which is at variance with the number required by the Corporate Governance Guidelines (CGGs) of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). Again, CAR, bank size, monetary policy rate, and inflation rate have a statistically significant impact on return on assets, while board size, board of directors (BoD) independence, GDP, and non-performance loan ratio have an insignificant influence on the financial performance of listed universal banks in Ghana. The study recommends that the management of universal banks listed on the GSE should seriously consider the BoG’s CGGs and suggests that the BoD should not have less than 13 members. The study recommends that universal banks adhere to the required CAR from the Central bank religiously. Again, universal banks should open more branches in all district capital to ensure they mobilize liquidity from those with surplus funds to boost the availability of loanable funds for businesses to borrow for their operations. The study also recommends that more research be conducted to determine the optimal number of directors on the board to ensure the optimal performance of universal banks in Ghana.
Poesía de mujeres indígenas en Brasil: existencia y resistencia
Authors: Coelho Barbosa Keila
Published: July 2024

Entre estos poemas hemos seleccionado algunos textos por su carácter ilustrativo de las ideas que exponemos. Estos textos se presentan en su lengua original, junto con su traducción al español para facilitar su lectura y comprensión. Asimismo, nos hemos apoyado en fuentes secundarias que nos han permitido contextualizar, desde el punto de vista histórico, social y cultural, los aspectos identitarios presentes en los poemas analizados. Del mismo modo, las citas textuales de estas fuentes secundarias han sido traducidas al español con el objetivo referido de facilitar su comprensión.
Uczniowie szkół Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Wielkopolsce w świetle źródeł
Authors: Ratajczak Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

Although education in Greater Poland had been already well-organized in the late Middle Ages, curricula are known, sometimes also the names of the teachers, and information about the students is sporadic and recorded only in court records. It was not until the creation of a state school authority, the Commission of National Education, triggered off creation of documentation that allows to capture information about the fate of individual students. The aim of this article is to show the possibilities for studying the student environment of schools of the Commission of National Education in Greater Poland form the point of view of the sourcea. Valuable information on the functioning of public schools is provided by the reports of the inspectors-general; it was the main source of information for the Commission, alongside the reports sent by the schools. Relatively recently developed materials from the collections of the Archdiocesan Archives in Poznań were also used.
Notes and Corrections to Papyri from the Archive of Dioscorus of Aphrodite
Authors: Balamoshev Constantinos
Published: July 2024

In this paper, I revise readings in published papyri from the archive of Dioscorus from Aphrodite. The corrections proposed include all types of changes, as well as new readings of unedited text.
Accurate non-ceruloplasmin bound copper: a new biomarker for the assessment and monitoring of Wilson disease patients using HPLC coupled to ICP-MS/MS
Authors: Harrington Chris F. , Carpenter Geoff , Coverdale James P.C. , Douglas Leisa , Mills Craig , Willis Karl , Schilsky Michael L.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Assessment of Wilson disease is complicated, with neither ceruloplasmin, nor serum or urine copper, being reliable. Two new indices, accurate non-ceruloplasmin copper (ANCC) and relative ANCC were developed and applied to a cohort of 71 patients, as part of a Wilson Disease Registry Study.

Methods

Elemental copper-protein speciation was developed for holo-ceruloplasmin quantitation using strong anion exchange chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The serum proteins were separated using gradient elution and measured at m/z 63 (63Cu+) and 48 (32S16O+) using oxygen reaction mode and Cu-EDTA as calibration standard. The ANCC was calculated by subtraction of the ceruloplasmin bound copper from the total serum copper and the RelANCC was the percentage of total copper present as the ANCC.

Results

The accuracy of the holo-ceruloplasmin measurement was established using two certified reference materials, giving a mean recovery of 94.2 %. Regression analysis between the sum of the copper containing species and total copper concentration in the patient samples was acceptable (slope=0.964, intercept=0, r=0.987) and a difference plot, gave a mean difference for copper of 0.38 μmol/L. Intra-day precision for holo-ceruloplasmin at serum copper concentrations of 0.48 and 3.20 μmol/L were 5.2 and 5.6 % CV and the intermediate precision at concentrations of 0.80 and 5.99 μmol/L were 6.4 and 6.4 % CV, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for holo-ceruloplasmin were 0.08 and 0.27 μmol/L as copper, respectively.

Conclusions

ANCC and Relative ANCC are important new diagnostic and monitoring biomarker indices for Wilson disease (WD).
The role of constructions in understanding predictability measures and their correspondence to word duration
Authors: Bybee Joan , Brown Earl Kjar
Published: July 2024

Studies of word predictability in context show that words in English tend to be shorter if they are predictable from the next word, and to a lesser extent, if they are predictable from the previous word. Some studies distinguish function and content words, but otherwise have not considered grammatical factors, treating all two-word sequences as comparable. Because function words are highly frequent, words occurring with them have low predictability. Highest predictability occurs within bigrams with two content words. Using the Buckeye corpus, we show that content word bigrams from different constructions vary widely in predictability, with adjective–noun and noun–noun sequences (content words within a noun phrase) having the highest scores. It is known that in adjective–noun sequences, the vowel of the adjective is shorter than in other positions. We study noun–noun sequences within the noun phrase and show that the first noun is shorter than in other contexts. It follows that the shorter duration of the first word when it is predictable from the second in many cases is due to the noun phrase construction and not necessarily the regulation of duration corresponding to predictable versus unpredictable information. We conclude that predictability studies must consider the constructions words occur in.
Analysis of tumor detection using polydimethylsiloxane based wearable antenna
Authors: Angappan Karthikeyan T. , Nesasudha Moses , Zerith Moses Abi T. , Imoize Agbotiname Lucky
Published: July 2024

A Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based antenna is designed for skin tumor detection. The antenna functions at 2.45 GHz with a bandwidth of 2.30–2.64 GHz working in the ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) band. The size of the antenna is 40 × 40 × 1 mm3. This antenna detects tumors in the skin by considering the variations in values of the E-field, J-surf, and H-field. Various analyses such as the distance between the patch and stacked layer skin phantom for different tumor sizes and input power to the antenna are changed and antenna performance is observed. A significant amount of changes is attained which denotes the presence of the tumor. The proposed antenna is fabricated and the corresponding results are analyzed in the Anechoic Chamber. The antenna has an efficiency of 99 % with a Specific Absorption Rate of 1.3846 W/kg which is lower than 1.6 W/kg as per the recommendations of FCC standard.
Evaluation of diagnostic potential of maternal serum ischemia modified albumin in cases of pre-eclampsia
Authors: Gupta Akshat , Jha Puja K. , Aggarwal Richa , Ahirwar Ashok K. , Almeida Edelbert A. , Kar Rajarshi
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The underlying causes and mechanisms of pre-eclampsia (PE), its exact etiology remains unclear and poorly understood. Hypoxia, ischemia, and oxidative stress induced by free radicals have been associated with development of PE. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a chemically modified albumin due to oxidative stress. IMA, a serum biomarker of hypoxia, ischemia, and oxidative free radicals is a potential biomarker for PE. The aim of the current proposal was to study serum IMA as a diagnostic biomarker of pre-eclampsia (PE) in pregnant females and to evaluate the correlation between serum IMA and different markers of pre-eclampsia (BP, urinary protein, LFT, KFT, serum total protein & uric acid).

Methods

A total of 60 pregnant women aged between 21 and 35 years were recruited (30 PE cases and 30 normal pregnancy). Serum IMA was measured by spectrophotometric method developed by Bar-Or D. BP and biochemical parameters (urinary protein, LFT, KFT, serum total protein & uric acid) were also assayed and compared between two groups. Correlation analysis was done for analyzing the relationship between serum IMA and biochemical parameters.

Results

The mean serum IMA was significantly higher in normotensive pregnant females (0.93 ABSU) than PE cases (0.71 ABSU). Kidney function and liver function parameters were more deranged in PE cases than in controls. Serum IMA was positively correlated with serum creatinine (r=0.322), serum uric acid (r=0.54) and urinary protein (0.376) whereas negatively correlated with total serum bilirubin (r=−0.515) and serum albumin (r=−0.380).

Conclusions

Elevated serum IMA concentrations in normotensive pregnant controls as compared to PE cases suggest that apart from ongoing ischemia and oxidative stress in placenta IMA values are influenced by many other mechanisms in pregnancy.
Rechtszynismus: Eine Untersuchung individueller und kontextueller Einflussfaktoren
Authors: Bertram Fee-Elisabeth , Häfele Joachim , Küchler Armin , Kurtenbach Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Rechtszynismus bezeichnet die Tendenz einer Person, geltende Gesetze nicht anzuerkennen oder für sich als nicht bindend zu empfinden. Ist der Rechtszynismus in einer Gesellschaft erhöht, stellt dies eine Bedrohung für die Funktionsweise eines Staates und die Demokratie dar. Um das Konzept Rechtszynismus zu verstehen und sein Ausmaß in der Bevölkerung beeinflussen zu können, ist es unerlässlich, individuelle und kontextuelle Faktoren zu identifizieren, die den Rechtszynismus begünstigen bzw. hemmen. Eine standardisierte Bevölkerungsbefragung (n = 1900) in 37 Dortmunder Stadtteilen zeigt u. a. eine hohe Selbstkontrolle als protektiven Faktor, während Diskriminierungserfahrungen sowie eine berichtete hohe Devianztoleranz von Peers als Risikofaktoren identifiziert werden konnten.
Cultural Preservation Through Immersive Technology: The Metaverse as a Pathway to the Past
Authors: Oladokun Bolaji David , Ajani Yusuf Ayodeji , Ukaegbu Bernadette C. N. , Oloniruha Emmanuel Adeniyi
Published: July 2024

This paper explores the potential of metaverse technology for the preservation of cultural heritage while acknowledging the obstacles that come with its implementation. It begins by highlighting the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage amidst the backdrop of globalization and technological advancements. The emergence of immersive technologies which include Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and the Metaverse, is then introduced as a promising solution to address this challenge. The paper emphasises the transformative power of the metaverse in revitalising our interactions with digital content. Nevertheless, it also identifies various challenges associated with employing metaverse technology for cultural preservation. These challenges encompass technical limitations, ethical considerations regarding cultural representation and ownership, as well as concerns about privacy, data security, and digital rights management. Despite these hurdles, the research advocates for the utilization of immersive technology to protect and celebrate cultural heritage. It underscores the necessity for collaboration among stakeholders, such as technology developers, cultural institutions, communities, and policymakers, to tackle these challenges and ensure responsible and ethical preservation practices.
A complicit quest for silence
Authors: Puhr Björn
Published: July 2024

While this is not the first attempt at drawing a parallel between the philosophy of Ludwig Wittgenstein and the writings and musical experimentations of John Cage pertaining to silence, we try to further develop this fortunate example of synchronous investigations into the subject matter by pointing out the analogous transformations in their thought, leading from a silence that can be qualified as “mystical” or “spiritual” to an experience that confronts the listener with the very real contingency of their grammar itself, all the while basing ourselves on previous arguments and contributions. In the context of western classical music, we will show that by circumventing a conventional use of musical silence in which it is treated as an ordinary language-game, the authors discover an extramusical experience of silence that they will first explore by the means of spirituality before making the remarkable turn towards an understanding of silence as that which founds our every experience, be it at the cost of silence itself.
Seasonal Changes in Match Demands and Workload Distribution in Collegiate Soccer Across Two Seasons
Authors: Floersch Sean , Vidden Chad , Askow Andrew T. , Jones Margaret T. , Fields Jennifer B. , Jagim Andrew R.
Published: July 2024

Floersch, S, Vidden, C, Askow, AT, Jones, MT, Fields, JB, and Jagim, AR. Seasonal changes in match demands and workload distribution in collegiate soccer across two seasons. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1440–1446, 2024—The purpose of this study was to examine seasonal changes in match demands in a collegiate women's soccer team. Forty-eight NCAA Division III women soccer athletes (age: 19.5 ± 1.2 years; height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 64.8 ± 7.4 kg; fat-free mass: 50.0 ± 4.5 kg; body fat %: 22.6 ± 6.0) were equipped with wearable global positioning systems with inertial sensors and heart rate (HR) monitors during matches throughout the 2019 (n = 22) and 2021 seasons (n = 26). Players were classified by position: flank player (FP; n = 28), center midfielder (CM; n = 11), and center back fielder (CB; n = 9) and as starters (S, n = 17) or reserves (R, n = 31). Variables included HR, training load, total distance, high-speed distance, distance per minute, and weighted distance. Differences in match and practice session demands were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with season (2 levels; 2019 and 2021) as a fixed factor, with alpha set to p = 0.05. Data across all matches and training sessions were collapsed and presented as mean ± SD for descriptive purposes and then grouped by session type (i.e., match or training) and position. Athletes traveled more distance at high speeds during match play in the 2021 season compared with 2019 (mean difference, 95% confidence intervals [CI]) (200, 95% CI: 104, 304 km; p < 0.05) but had a lower training load in 2021 compared with 2019 (−50, 95% CI: −63, −36; p < 0.05) during match play. For training sessions, mean HR (4, 95% CI: 2, 5 bpm), total distance (0.5, 95% CI: 0.4, 0.7), distance per minute (5.6, 95% CI: 4.5, 6.7 m·min−1), high-speed distance (43, 95% CI: 43, 18, 67 m), high accelerations (8.6, 95% CI: 5.4, 11.8 n), and high accelerations per minute (0.1, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.1 n·min−1) were all higher in 2021 compared with 2019 (p < 0.05). As a team, several differences in measures of external workload were found between seasons in both session types (training and matches). Variations in positional demands of match play appear to fluctuate by year.
Validation of Bioelectrical Impedance Devices for the Determination of Body Fat Percentage in Firefighters
Authors: Jagim Andrew R. , Luedke Joel , Erickson Jacob L. , Fields Jennifer B. , Jones Margaret T.
Published: July 2024

Jagim, AR, Luedke, J, Erickson, JL, Fields, JB, and Jones, MT. Validation of bioelectrical impedance devices for the determination of body fat percentage in firefighters. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e448–e453, 2024—To cross-validate bioelectrical impedance devices for the determination of body fat percentage (BF%) in firefighters. Twenty-eight structural firefighters were evaluated (female, n = 2; male, n = 26 [mean ± SD] age: 38.2 ± 8.3 years; height: 180.2 ± 7.5 cm; body mass: 86.7 ± 20.8 kg; body mass index: 25.8 ± 7.8 kg·m−2) using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MFBIA) hand-to-foot device, and single-frequency BIA foot scale (F2FBIA), and a single-frequency handheld BIA device (HHBIA). Dual X-ray absorptiometry served as the criterion. Validity metrics were examined to establish each method's performance. Body fat % values produced by MFBIA (r = 0.913), F2FBIA (r = 0.695), and HHBIA (r = 0.876) were strongly associated (p < 0.001) with criterion BF% measures. However, MFBIA, F2FBIA, and HHBIA all significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated BF% when compared with the criterion measure. Constant error ranged between 4.0 and 5.5% across all BIA devices. Despite strong associations between the BIA devices included in the current study and the criterion measure, all BIA devices underestimated BF%, which resulted in an overestimation of fat-free mass. In addition, proportional bias was observed in which BF% was overestimated at lower values and underestimated at higher values.
How Do Young Soccer Players Train? A 5-Year Analysis of Weekly Training Load and its Variability Between Age Groups in an Elite Youth Academy
Authors: Connolly Darragh R. , Stolp Sean , Gualtieri Antonio , Ferrari Bravo Duccio , Sassi Roberto , Rampinini Ermanno , Coutts Aaron J.
Published: July 2024

Connolly, DR, Stolp, S, Gualtieri, A, Ferrari Bravo, D, Sassi, R, Rampinini, E, and Coutts, AJ. How do young soccer players train? A 5-year analysis of weekly training load and its variability between age groups in an elite youth academy. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): e423–e429, 2024—The aim of this study was to quantify the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE), duration, and training load accrued across typical training weeks undertaken by youth soccer players. Differences between starters, nonstarters, and variations in training load variables were also investigated. Data were collected from 230 elite youth players in 4 age groups (U15, U16, U17, and U19) during 5 competitive seasons. Mixed models were used to describe variation between age groups and compare starters with nonstarters, with season as a fixed covariate effect. Week-to-week variation in training load was expressed as the percentage coefficient of variation. The main findings may be used to highlight a significant effect of age and playing status on training intensity, duration, and internal training load. Weekly training load increased progressively from the U15 to U17, with significant differences between each age group (p < 0.03). Lower mean weekly perceived intensity (sRPE) was noted in U15 when compared with the older age groups (4.2 vs. 4.6–4.9 arbitrary unit for U16 to U19, p < 0.001). Low weekly training load variation was observed across the different phases of the season in each age group, with the preseason exhibiting the greatest variance (3.6–6.2%). Differences in the training load are likely more attributable to changes in training duration rather than sRPE. Control of session duration seems to play an important role when aiming to control load in the academy environment, and practitioners should closely monitor the differences in duration and load being recorded between starters and nonstarters.
Efficacy of Supersets Versus Traditional Sets in Whole-Body Multiple-Joint Resistance Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Iversen Vegard Moe , Eide Vemund Bakken , Unhjem Bjørnar Jakobsen , Fimland Marius Steiro
Published: July 2024

Iversen, VM, Eide, VB, Unhjem, BJ, and Fimland, MS. Efficacy of supersets versus traditional sets in whole-body multiple-joint resistance training: A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1372–1378, 2024—Time constraints often hinder exercise engagement, necessitating exploration of time-efficient resistance training methods. Superset training, where 2 exercises are performed successively with minimal rest, nearly halves session duration but is metabolically demanding, possibly reducing strength gains. In a randomized controlled trial with blinded test leaders, we examined the efficacy of supersets versus traditional sets in a full-body, multiple-joint resistance training workout on maximal strength in the trained exercises. Subjects took part in a 3-week introductory training phase before baseline testing to ensure they were thoroughly familiarized. Next, they were randomized to a superset- or a traditional-set group, performing 10 weeks of heavy multiple-joint resistance training twice per week. The exercise programs consisted of leg press, bench press, lat pull-down, and seated rows. The traditional training group had a 5.2-kg higher improvement in pull-down than the superset group (p = 0.033), and a close to significant 4.8-kg higher improvement in seated rows (p = 0.073). The improvements in leg press and bench press were quite similar for both groups (p = 0.507–0.527). There were no changes between groups in body composition outcomes (0.151–0.640), but both groups increased muscle mass and reduced fat mass (p < 0.05). In conclusion, superset training of multi-joint exercises hampered maximal strength gains somewhat compared with traditional-set training. However, there were very similar improvements in body composition, and strength gains were observed for all exercises in the superset group. Thus, whole-body, multiple-joint superset resistance training could be a viable time-saving approach.
The Expression of the Force-Length Properties of the Gastrocnemius in Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Leonard Cameron , Challis John H.
Published: July 2024

Leonard, C and Challis, JH. The expression of the force-length properties of the gastrocnemius in ice hockey players. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1635–1639, 2024—Although the force-length properties of muscles have an approximately parabolic shape, in vivo not all the force-length curve is necessarily used, only a portion of the curve is expressed (i.e., ascending, plateau, or descending regions of the force-length curve). The number of sarcomeres in series in a muscle fiber affects the expressed section of the force-length curve; this number can be influenced by the nature of activity the muscle experiences. It was hypothesized that the reduced range of motion ice skaters experience, because of the constraints imposed by the ice skates, that the gastrocnemii of a group of ice skaters will adapt and will more frequently express in vivo the plateau of the force-length curve compared with a nonspecifically trained population. Twelve NCAA Division I female ice hockey players volunteered for the study. Their maximum isometric ankle plantarflexion moments were recorded for 6 ankle angles and 3 knee angles. Exploiting the biarticularity of the gastrocnemius, the expressed sections of the subject's force-length curves were determined. Six subjects operated over the ascending limb, 5 operated over the plateau region, and 1 over the descending limb. This frequency of distribution for ice hockey players was statistically different to the distribution measured for 28 nonspecifically trained subjects from a previous study (p < 0.0001). These results likely reflect morphological differences between the 2 groups for their gastrocnemii, potentially arising from the limited range of gastrocnemius length feasible in ice-skates. These results have implications for the specificity of their off-ice training for ice hockey players.
The Use of Free Weight Squats in Sports: A Narrative Review—Squatting Movements, Adaptation, and Sports Performance: Physiological
Authors: Stone Michael H. , Hornsby Guy , Mizuguchi Satoshi , Sato Kimitake , Gahreman Daniel , Duca Marco , Carroll Kevin , Ramsey Michael W. , Stone Margaret E. , Haff G. Gregory
Published: July 2024

Stone, MH, Hornsby, G, Mizuguchi, S, Sato, K, Gahreman, D, Duca, M, Carroll, K, Ramsey, MW, Stone, ME, and Haff, GG. The use of free weight squats in sports: a narrative review—squatting movements, adaptation, and sports performance: physiological. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1494–1508, 2024—The squat and its variants can provide numerous benefits including positively affecting sports performance and injury prevention, injury severity reduction, and rehabilitation. The positive benefits of squat are likely the result of training-induced neural alterations and mechanical and morphological adaptations in tendons, skeletal muscles, and bones, resulting in increased tissue stiffness and cross-sectional area (CSA). Although direct evidence is lacking, structural adaptations can also be expected to occur in ligaments. These adaptations are thought to beneficially increase force transmission and mechanical resistance (e.g., resistance to mechanical strain) and reduce the likelihood and severity of injuries. Adaptations such as these, also likely play an important role in rehabilitation, particularly for injuries that require restricted use or immobilization of body parts and thus lead to a consequential reduction in the CSA and alterations in the mechanical properties of tendons, skeletal muscles, and ligaments. Both volume and particularly intensity (e.g., levels of loading used) of training seem to be important for the mechanical and morphological adaptations for at least skeletal muscles, tendons, and bones. Therefore, the training intensity and volume used for the squat and its variations should progressively become greater while adhering to the concept of periodization and recognized training principles.