bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the duration of a low-temperature pretreatment and hormone concentrations on anther cultures and the regeneration of awnless triticale
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhao Fangyuan , Tian Xinhui , Du Wenhua
Published: July 2024

Compared to traditional breeding methods, anther culture method is an effective method for quickly obtaining homozygotes within one generation. The method of cultivating double haploid plants with the anthers of awnless triticale was studied and optimized. Results Young awnless triticale spikes were pretreated at 4°C for 5, 10, 15, 20, or 25 days, and the anthers were cultured on four CHB media with varying hormone concentrations. The callus induction rate (CIR) was highest (28.54%) for A3B3 (anthers pretreated for 15 days and CHB medium containing 1.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 1.5 mg/L KT). The green plantlet differentiation frequency (DFG) was highest (30.20%) for A5B1 (25-days pretreatment and CHB medium containing 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L KT). The green plantlet production (PPG) was highest (7.98%) for A2B1 (10-days + 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D + 0.5 mg/L KT). The success rate of chromosome doubling for the regenerated green plantlets was 52.8%. Appropriately decreasing the chromosome doubling time may increase the survival rate of the regenerated plants. Ten of the nineteen doubled haploid plants had tip and side awns shorter than 5 mm, implying they may be used for cultivating awnless triticale. Conclusion The anther culture technology of triticale was optimized in this paper, which made it possible to rapidly breed homozygous varieties of awnless triticale, and also accelerated the breeding program of new varieties of awnless triticale.
Pattern of Endoscopic Diagnoses in Patients with Dyspepsia in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria: A Three-Year Hospital based Retrospective Study
Authors: Ajayi Nnennaya Anthony , Obasi Emmanuel , Picardo Neri Gustavo
Published: July 2024

Background
Dyspepsia refers to a heterogeneous group of symptoms (pain or discomfort) originating from the upper abdomen and may include epigastric pain, postprandial fullness, early satiation, anorexia, belching, nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal bloating, and heartburn and regurgitation. It is very common, and may be associated with serious morbidity and occasionally mortality. It may also adversely affect the socioeconomic status of the sufferer. This study examined patients with dyspepsia and determined their common endoscopic diagnoses, risk factors and comorbidities.
Methods
This was a hospital-based Retrospective study carried out at the gastroenterology and hepatology unit of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria. Case notes and endoscopic records of patients who had endoscopy for dyspepsia between October 2018 and October 2020 were reviewed and information relating to demographics, dyspeptic symptoms, risk factors, comorbidities and endoscopic diagnoses were extracted.
Results
A total of 278 patients were studied with age range between 17 to 98 years. The mean age (SD) of the patients was 48.4 (15.6) years. There were more females than males 148 (53.2%) vs 130 (46.8%). The commonest symptom and associated risk factor in the subjects were epigastric pain 207(74.5%) and Helicobacter pylori infection 113 (40.6%) respectively. Other identified risk factors were use of NSAIDs 50 (18%), Alcohol 37 (13.3%) and herbal remedies 28 (10.1%). The commonest endoscopic diagnosis was gastritis 94 (33.8%) followed by normal findings 42 (15.1%) and GERD 37 (13.3%).
Conclusions
The commonest endoscopic finding in dyspepsia from this study was gastritis followed by normal findings. Thus, non-ulcer dyspepsias are the commonest cause of dyspepsia in the environment studied.
ST-TNet:An Spatio-temporal Joint Transformer Network for CSI Feedback in FDD-MIMO Systems
Authors: wang Linyu , cao Yize , xiang jian hong , Jiang Hanyu , zhong Yu
Published: July 2024

In recent years, deep learning methods have been shown to have strong potential and superiority in reducing channel state information (CSI) feedback overhead and further improving feedback accuracy to maximize the performance benefits of massive MIMO in frequency division duplex (FDD) mode. As the CSI matrices are transformed into sequences for input to the Transformer model, the rearrangement leads to the loss of the original physical location relationships. Based on this problem, this paper proposes a transformer decoder based on spatio-temporal joint (ST-T). We employ a spatial attention mechanism to compensate for this information loss and focus on key spatial features more accurately, further exploiting the potential of single- and two-layer transformers in reconstructing CSI matrices. The results are validated by simulations based on DCRNet and CLNet encoders, which show that higher performance can be achieved with lower computational load compared to other lightweight models.
Immunoexpression of Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and Soluble FMS-like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1) in the Placental Bed of Preeclamptic women of African ancestry living with HIV infection
Authors: Mlambo Zinhle P , Sebitloane Motshedisi , Naicker Thajasvarie
Published: July 2024

Background: Preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication, is associated with defective placentation and adverse maternal risk. Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) are pivotal in placental development and are dysregulated in preeclampsia. Women with HIV/AIDS and receiving ART may face an increased susceptibility to preeclampsia development due to immunological and angiogenic imbalance. This study utilizes morphometric image analysis to investigate the immuno-expression of PlGF and sFlt-1 in HIV-associated preeclampsia, providing insight into its underlying aetiology.
Methods: Normotensive (N; n = 60) and preeclamptic (PE; n = 120) women were stratified by HIV status (HIV- and HIV+), and gestational age i.e. early onset of PE (EOPE; <34 weeks) and late onset of PE (LOPE; ≥34 weeks). Placental bed tissues were stained using conventional immunohistochemistry with mouse anti-human sFlt-1 and PlGF antibodies. Morphometric image analysis was performed using Zeiss Axio-Vision software. Results were analyzed using a Graph Pad Prism software.
Results: sFlt-1 immunoreactivity showed no significant difference between preeclamptic and normotensive women (p=0.8661) but was slightly increased within the preeclamptic myometrium (20.83 ±3.134) compared to normotensive (20.67 ±3.188), irrespective of HIV status. Significant differences in sFlt-1 were noted when stratified by gestational age (p<0.0001), with higher levels in EOPE (22.27 ±2.707) compared to normotensive (20.67 ±3.188; p=0.0140) and LOPE (19.39 ±2.880; p=0.0054). PlGF immunostaining showed no significant difference overall (p=0.7387) but was decreased in PE (20.58 ±3.624) compared to normotensive (20.82 ±3.165) pregnancies. PlGF was significant increase in EOPE (21.79 ±3.54) compared to LOPE (19.37 ±3.312; p=0.0013) groups. HIV status did not significantly affect sFlt-1 or PlGF levels. Nonetheless, sFlt-1 was higher in HIV-negative (21.17 ±2.982) compared to HIV-positive (20.60 ±2.671; p=0.1411) women, and PlGF was slightly higher in HIV-positive women (20.93 ±3.827) compared to HIV-negative (20.40 ±3.072; p=0.3042).
Conclusion: These findings highlight the intricate interplay of angiogenic factors in the pathophysiology of PE, suggesting potential implications for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Despite, sFlt-1 being up-regulated by gestational age, ARTs may be implicated in the dysregulation of these angiogenic factors due to a heightened immune milieu.
Dependencia al juego y apuestas en línea en estudiantes de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana seccional Bucaramanga
Authors: Mancera Pérez Karol Natalia , Gale Jacome Lina Melisa , Correa Duarte Edel Mery
Published: July 2024

El juego patológico constituye un grave problema que afecta a toda la población, principalmente a los más jóvenes, considerando la población universitaria la menos investigada. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo general caracterizar la dependencia al juego y las apuestas en línea en estudiantes de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana seccional Bucaramanga, así como identificar las variables sociodemográficas y presencia de dependencia al juego en la población estudiada. La metodología utilizada en el estudio fue de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo no experimental, con un diseño de corte transversal y descriptivo y con un tipo de muestreo no probabilístico. Se obtuvo la participación de 366 estudiantes mayores de edad de pregrado y posgrado. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Cuestionario Breve del Juego Patológico (CBJP), la versión colombiana del Cuestionario del Juego Patológico de South Oaks (SOGS) y un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos. El análisis de los datos se hizo a través del software SPSS versión 27. Entre los resultados, se destaca que, de los 366 participantes, 110 apuestan en línea, y de estos, aproximadamente, el 30 % tienen posibles problemas de adicción al juego, según el CBJP; con el SOGS se muestra que el 31,8 % son probables jugadores patológicos. Hay mayor prevalencia del juego y apuestas en línea en hombres, y se destaca que la mayoría de las mujeres tienen ausencia de problemas con el juego; por el contrario, en hombres hay una prevalencia en algún problema con el juego.
Natural Dyeing of Cotton, Wool and Viscose Fabrics with Sodium Copper Chlorophyllin
Authors: Gülşen Bakıcı Gamze , Ala Deniz Mutlu
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the optimal dyeing concentrations of cotton, wool, and viscose fabrics with sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC). Using SSC above the optimal concentration increases the amount of SCC in the wastewater, which is a disadvantage. Pre-finished 100% cotton, wool and viscose 1 x 1 rib knitted fabrics were dyed with varying SCC concentrations. Optimal dyeing concentrations were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, showing dye absorption decreasing as SCC concentration increases. Equilibrium was reached at approximately 7 ml/L for cotton and viscose, and 3 ml/L for wool. Color measurement values and K/S values of the dyed samples were obtained according to the CIELab color system. The K/S values of dyed cotton, viscose, and wool fabrics rose as the concentration of SCC increased, reaching a peak at 9 ml/L for viscose and 12 ml/L for cotton and wool. Rubbing and perspiration fastness were rated good to excellent.
Criteria for mapping and estimation root systems using ground penetrating radar by the example of the European spruce
Authors: Ryazantsev Pavel А. ,   Department of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kabonen Aleksey V. ,   Petrozavodsk State University
Published: July 2024

This study discusses about approaches to using ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques to characterize tree roots and to monitor their conditions in urban environments. For this purpose, our research was to map and determine the reliability of the root system of trees evaluating in their natural occurrence using the GPR method. As an object of research, a separate European spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) was selected, under which a testing area measuring 4×4 m was laid. To increase the detail, the field survey was performed with a GPR with a high-frequency antenna unit of 1,700 MHz. The influence of the observation networks on the GPR data on root architectonics was analyzed depending on their spatial orientation. Thus, surveying along a rectangular and diagonal network with a step of 25 cm showed different number diffraction hyperbolas. They were markers of separate roots. A pattern of distribution of diffraction hyperbolas in depth was discovered, corresponding to the growth characteristics of the tree under study. To verify the data, a complete excavation of spruce roots was conducted with a detailed manual description. In particular, it has been established that large roots have characteristic GPR patterns that can be traced on a series of parallel profiles. The reflected signal for the roots was analyzed and the relationship between their diameter and the length of the wave train was shown with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.87. Based on a survey of European spruce, GPR data made it possible to restore the root architecture in situ and determine criteria for searching for the largest coarse roots. Although there are problems associated with parameterization of roots, the results got show the possibility of obtaining new information about the structure and functioning of tree root systems.
Vital Statistics Analysis in the Crimea during the 1932–1933 Famine
Authors: Nazarenko N. N. ,   South Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, Bashkin A. V. ,   South Ural State Medical University,   Project “Historical Materials”
Published: July 2024

The problem of vital statistics estimation during the 1932–1933 famine in Crimean ASSR has considered in the paper. It has been ascertained, that high underestimates of rural population accounting and underrating birth rate, mortality and vital rate population data of rural population have occurred in 1933 year for the Crimea, the underestimates of urban population has not detected. The high underestimates of non-local resident population demographics and unknown persons mortality has not detected. The non-local residents and unknown persons were recorded on local level and these data are present in population vital statistics report of Crimea. But in most consolidated statistics reports of Central Department of National Economic Accounting of USSR has been specified unadjusted birth rate and mortality rural population underestimates, it has not been ascertained presence in vital statistics data about unknown persons too — thus it has been detected underrating of birth rate, mortality and natural growth of Crimean population in consolidated statistics reports. The ascertained high percentage mortality of migrants in urban areas has shown the overstatement opinion about executive migration restrictive practices during the 1932–1933 famine. The urban mortality has exceeded rural mortality in the Crimea considerably, that disclaiming opinion about centralized policy of sociocide peasantry by famine. The demographic tragedy has occurred in the seaside Crimean towns and Simferopol city. It has been demonstrated absence of or ethnocide (genocide) in the Crimea during the 1932–1933 famine. The high Crimean urban population loss has compensated by natural population increase in the rural area, but natural growth of population has been imperceptible. By the most pessimistic estimation the demographic losses of Crimean population in 1933–1934 from birth rate loss are about 8 thousand and 6.5 thousand — from mortality exceeding, in urban area mainly.
Prediction of geogenic source of groundwater fluoride contamination in Indian states: A comparative study of different supervised machine learning algorithms
Authors: Singh Garima , Mehta Shikha
Published: July 2024

India has been dealing with fluoride contamination of groundwater for the past few decades. Long-term exposure of fluoride can cause skeletal and dental fluorosis. Therefore, an in-depth exploration of fluoride concentrations in different parts of India is desirable. This work employs machine learning algorithms to analyze the fluoride concentrations in five major affected Indian states (Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal). A correlation matrix was used to identify appropriate predictor variables for fluoride prediction. The various algorithms used for predictions included K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), support vector classifier (SVC), Gaussian NB, MLP classifier, decision tree classifier, gradient boosting classifier, voting classifier soft and voting classifier hard. The performance of these models is assessed over accuracy, precision, recall and error rate and receiver operating curve. As the dataset was skewed, the performance of models was evaluated before and after resampling. Analysis of results indicates that the RF model is the best model for predicting fluoride contamination in groundwater in Indian states.
Adherence of Polystyrene Microspheres on Cave Sediment: Implications for Organic Contaminants and Microplastics in Karst Systems
Authors: Riddell Jill L. , Vesper Dorothy J. , Mcdonald Louis M.
Published: July 2024

Interactions of karst aquifer sediments with organic contaminants or microplastics (MPs) have received relatively little attention even though the susceptibility of karst aquifers to contamination and their ability to store and transport sediment are well documented. Studies using polystyrene microspheres as surrogate tracers for bacteria transport in karst systems have generally observed low recovery of microspheres and attributed this to microsphere adsorption onto aquifer sediments. In addition to being used as surrogate tracers for bacteria, microspheres have the potential to be used as surrogate material for organic contaminants and MPs. Using cave sediments as a proxy for karst aquifer sediments, the adherence of two types of microspheres (carboxylated and non-functionalized) was measured in three different types of solutions: deionized water (DI), a calcium carbonate solution, and a karst spring water. Both types of microspheres adhered to the sediments; the most influential factor in adherence was solution type not microsphere type. Average adherence ranged from 51 to 94 percent with average adsorption coefficients (KD) ranging 11.8–442. Average estimated organic carbon–water partition coefficients (KOC) and retardation factors (RF) ranged from 1.64 × 103 to 6.13 × 104 and from 6.20 × 101 to 2.29 × 103, respectively. KD, KOC, and RF were an order of magnitude higher in the karst water than in DI or CaCO3 solution. The results illustrate the importance of sediment interactions with potential organic or MP contaminants in karst systems.
The September 18, 2018, Debris Slide in Warrensville, NC: A Landslide Response Case Study
Authors: Wooten Richard M. , Cattanach Bart L. , Bozdog G. Nicholas , Isard Sierra J.
Published: July 2024

A debris slide and subsequent fire on September 18, 2018, destroyed a bank building and damaged property in Warrensville, North Carolina. The slide pushed a propane tank and an electrical generator against the bank. In that collision, an electrical arc caused the propane to explode, which produced a fireball. Employees in the bank narrowly escaped with minor injuries, and slide debris buried part of an unoccupied drive-through lane. North Carolina Geological Survey geologists responded to a request from the Ashe County Emergency Manager and investigated the slide area to assess slope stability for public safety. Aided by uncrewed aerial system imagery, we documented slope and debris slide features and geologic materials and constructed a geologic cross section through the 1,400 m2 debris slide. We concluded that record above-normal precipitation followed by rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Florence during September 15–18, 2018, induced the slide, and that geologic conditions and hillside modifications over prior decades had predisposed the slope to failure. Colluvial deposits derived from sheared amphibolite bedrock, and curved trees within and adjacent to the 2018 slide indicated pre-existing marginally stable hillslope conditions. The 2018 slide included the area of a 2000 slide that involved a cut slope constructed during earlier site development. Stability analyses showed that the described conditions led to an unstable slope at the time of the 2018 slide. A septic leach field involved in the 2018 slide was damaged; however, it is uncertain if it was a causal factor in the slide.
Documenting the Collision of a Landslide in Permafrost with a Highway Embankment
Authors: Darrow Margaret M. , Daanen Ronald P. , Gould Meaghan C.
Published: July 2024

Frozen debris lobes (FDLs) are slow-moving landslides in permafrost. FDL-A, the largest monitored FDL in the Brooks Range of Alaska, has steadily progressed downslope toward the Dalton Highway, which is the only road to the oil and gas fields of the North Slope. To avoid this encroaching landslide, the Dalton Highway was realigned farther downslope in 2018. The abandoned portion of the highway was left in place, providing a unique opportunity for a full-scale field experiment to monitor the impact of a landslide on an engineered structure. In 2020, we conducted a subsurface investigation, drilling and sampling the subsurface soils and installing geotechnical instrumentation within the abandoned highway embankment. Here, we present the integration of multiple datasets to provide a detailed description of the landslide–embankment collision. FDL-A is shearing within weathered bedrock ∼7.6 m below the embankment surface. It horizontally displaced a portion of the embankment ∼0.3 m as of November 1, 2023. Using the infinite slope approach and strength properties determined from laboratory testing, we estimate that FDL-A is impacting the highway embankment and underlying soils with at least 77.8 kN/m width shear force. As this force occurs approximately 4 m below the bottom of the embankment, we postulate that the presence of the abandoned Dalton Highway embankment does little to stop FDL-A’s downslope progression.
Precipitation Patterns, Mountaintop Removal Mining, and the July 2022 North Fork Kentucky River Flood
Authors: Haneberg William C.
Published: July 2024

Heavy rain over eastern Kentucky during late July 2022 caused catastrophic flooding along the North Fork Kentucky River. A disproportionate number of the 45 deaths attributed to the flood occurred along or near Troublesome Creek, a tributary that has had 25 percent of its watershed affected by mountaintop removal coal mining over the last 40 years. Flood recurrence intervals at gages along the North Fork ranged from 94 years at Jackson to 2 years upstream at Hazard to 850–1,000 years farthest upstream at Whitesburg. The recurrence interval variability is consistent with the spatial distribution of rainfall during the event, which varied by a factor of 3 over the watershed upstream from Jackson. A topographically driven cumulative flux model based upon a cumulative precipitation map, a lidar digital elevation model, and absorption coefficients calibrated to streamflow and precipitation data show that Troublesome Creek contributed 35 percent of the cumulative discharge of the North Fork at the confluence from 28 percent of the upstream watershed area. Comparison of the calibrated model to a hypothetical model that assumes no mining-related reduction in absorption suggests the maximum increase in cumulative stream discharge during the flood potentially attributable to mountaintop removal mining is 22 percent along the North Fork at Whitesburg, 28 percent along the North Fork at Jackson, 41 percent along Troublesome Creek at its confluence with the North Fork, greater than 50 percent upstream along reaches adjacent to mined areas, and 50 to 150 percent in small tributaries emanating from mined areas.
Poczucie samo-skuteczności w Internecie a postawy studentów „Pokolenia Lockdown” wobec edukacji zdalnej (studium porównawcze polskiej i litewskiej uczelni)
Authors: Ryndzionek Monika
Published: July 2024

Pandemia COVID-19 wywarła i nadal wywiera wpływ na niemal wszystkie sfery naszego życia, w tym w szczególności na pracę zawodową i edukację. Dotyczy to także studentów w wyższej edukacji. Z dnia na dzień po ogłoszeniu „lockdownu” zostali oni postawieni w sytuacji konieczności przejścia na edukację zdalną. Nie wszyscy poradzili sobie z tym z sukcesem. Pojawiły się różnice wynikające między innymi z poziomu umiejętności poruszania się w świecie online w czasie przed pandemią oraz z ogólnego nastawienia do pracy w systemie zdalnym. W związku z tym, w ramach stażu na Uniwersytecie Mykolo Romero w Wilnie (Litwa), zrealizowano projekt badawczy, który miał na celu sprawdzić i porównać poziomy poczucia samo-skuteczności w Internecie studentów polskich i litewskich, a także postawy przyjmowane przez nich wobec edukacji zdalnej po doświadczeniach z okresu pandemii. Ponadto celem była też weryfikacja, czy poczucie samo-skuteczności studentów koreluje z przyjmowanymi przez nich postawami wobec edukacji zdalnej. Zastosowano sondaż diagnostyczny online przy użyciu czterech kwestionariuszy przetłumaczonych na języki narodowe studentów z języka angielskiego. Wyniki pokazują, że studenci litewscy lepiej radzą sobie z edukacją zdalną, mają niższy poziom lęku i co za tym idzie, bardziej pozytywne nastawienie do edukacji zdalnej niż studenci polscy.
Personality and Post-traumatic Growth in Fathers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Prokopiak Anna , Pasternak Jacek , Gosztyła Tomasz
Published: July 2024

Summary Aim. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of post-traumatic growth (PTG) in fathers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to compare the results with those of mothers of children with ASD. Method. Fifty-two fathers of children with ASD participated in the study. The following psychometric tools were applied: NEO-FFI by Costa, and McCrae; PSS-10 by Cohen, Kamarck and Mermelstein; Brief-COPE by Carver; Positive Orientation Scale in Polish adaptation by Laguna, Oleś and Filipiuk; GQ-6 by Kossakowska and Kwiatek; PTGI Inventory in Polish adaptation by Ogińska-Bulik and Juczyński. Time since a child’s ASD diagnosis was controlled. Results. Compared to mothers, fathers of children with ASD demonstrated similar levels of PTG, higher levels of neuroticism and openness, and lower levels of extraversion, along with more mature strategies for coping with stress. The largest number of correlations for fathers was noted in the scale openness to experience. Conclusions. Some fathers of children with ASD took active measures that led to PTG. It is suggested that, following the child's ASD diagnosis, adaptation programmes for fathers be designed: workshops in stress management skills, skill acquisition, trauma therapy or self-therapy.
Transforming Cancer Care: The Impact of AI-driven Strategies
Authors: Mukherjee Debanjan , Roy Debajyoti , Thakur Shubham
Published: July 2024

AI is a critical component in healthcare, especially in the application of precision
medicine where patients’ characteristics, including genetic makeup, determine the treatment
options that should be implemented. AI sorts big data, predicting people’s reactions to specific
treatments, the right combinations of drugs, and possible side effects, therefore increasing the
efficiency of the treatment process and decreasing negative outcomes. This article briefly presents
the ethical issues and concerns that might arise due to the integration of AI in society,
such as the privacy of data, the issues of bias in the algorithms, and the issues of interpretability
of the AI systems. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that AI can bring qualitative changes in
cancer care based on its potential to enhance patient prognosis and reduce health care costs, as
well as become a defining feature of the standard of care.
Prediction of Different Risk Factors in Relation to Hyperlipidemia Using Framingham Risk Score and Cholesterol Risk Score in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Ahmad Zargar Abrar , Kumar Ranjeet , Sharma Amit
Published: July 2024

Background:

A condition that affects the circulatory system of the human body is referred
to as a cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for
a significant number of fatalities globally. Annually, CVDs result in the demise of 17.9 million
people, which accounts for 31% of all fatalities on a global scale.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to assess the demographic profile of diabetic and nondiabetic
patients suffering from cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study is to predict risk
factors in relation to hyperlipidaemia using two different scales, the Framingham Risk Scale
(FRS) and the Cholesterol Risk Calculator (CRC), and to determine the frequency of hypercholesterolemia
in relation to CVD.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and
Hospital, Punjab, India.

Results:

The mean age of patients was found to be M= (51.23), SD= (9.348) years, and among
331 patients (52.6%) were female patients. The mean of Framingham Risk Score was found to
be (29.07%). The Framingham Risk Score was found significant with gender and calorie intake
below the recommended dietary allowances of the patient (p=0.001). The Framingham Risk
Score was found significant with physical activity and employment status of the patients (p=
0.001). In linear regression, the Framingham Risk Score was found significant with the lipid profile
of the patients (p=0.001) i.e., the higher the value of cholesterol level, the higher the
Framingham Risk Score. The chi-square test showed a significant relation between Cholesterol
Risk Score and employment status, physical activity, calorie intake, gender, and occupation of
the patients (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.004) respectively.

Conclusion:

The present study demonstrated that patients with high Framingham risk score and
cholesterol risk score are at increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The present
study concludes that the FRS is higher in patients below RDA, patients doing low physical activity,
and sedentary workers. In order to provide proper assistance and counselling, healthcare professionals
must continuously analyze each patient's risk factor for CVD and barriers to healthy
and preventive behaviors. There is a lack of comprehensive studies comparing the effectiveness
of the Framingham Risk Score and Cholesterol Risk Score in predicting hyperlipidemia and associated
cardiovascular risks within the context of a tertiary care hospital setting.
The Roles of mTOR Signaling in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: From Pathogenesis to Therapy
Authors: Gong Ting , Cao Gui , Sun Danyang , Ge Tongtong , Li Ping
Published: July 2024

:

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy caused by cancer of the mucosal epithelial cells of the nasopharynx. Most patients
with NPC present with distant metastases and treatment resistance, both of which challenge current anti-tumour drugs. The mammalian target of
the rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway is one of the most highly activated signalling pathways in NPC and plays an important role in various
cellular activities. Dysfunction of mTOR and related signalling pathways induces tumour metabolism and growth. In this review, we summarize
current evidence to evaluate the potential mechanisms by which mTOR is implicated in NPC. It was found that activating mTOR and its upstream
and downstream signalling can promote tumor growth and survival of NPC. It is possible that EMT and autophagy regulated by cellular mTOR
signalling activities may be implicated in the metastases and radioresistance of NPC.
Beyond borders: Building capacity and enhancing institutional resources for U.S.-Mexico virtual exchange initiatives
Authors: Martins Caroline E. , Martins Samuel J. , Risner Mary E.
Published: July 2024

As the popularity of virtual exchange (VE) has increased worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many higher education institutions are seeking the most efficient ways of building capacity for this practice. Using the context of VE implementations between the United States and Mexico as a case study, this research aimed to identify strategies for VE capacity-building that can be useful to institutions in a variety of contexts. The study included only instructors with experience implementing VE, the majority of whom had implemented VE multiple times, and used mixed methods data gathered via a questionnaire and focus groups. The findings identified specific examples of the types of resources that higher education institutions in the U.S. and Mexico may consider investing in, such as increased support for teaching with technology and different types of incentives for instructors’ continued VE engagement. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for strategies that universities worldwide can use to enhance the support they offer their VE instructors, including resource sharing with partner institutions and VE organizations.
Comparison of the Response to an Electronic Versus a Traditional Informed Consent Procedure in Terms of Clinical Patient Characteristics: Observational Study
Authors: Zondag Anna G M , Hollestelle Marieke J , van der Graaf Rieke , Nathoe Hendrik M , van Solinge Wouter W , Bots Michiel L , Vernooij Robin W M , Haitjema Saskia ,   UCC-CVRM study group
Published: July 2024

Background

Electronic informed consent (eIC) is increasingly used in clinical research due to several benefits including increased enrollment and improved efficiency. Within a learning health care system, a pilot was conducted with an eIC for linking data from electronic health records with national registries, general practitioners, and other hospitals.

Objective

We evaluated the eIC pilot by comparing the response to the eIC with the former traditional paper-based informed consent (IC). We assessed whether the use of eIC resulted in a different study population by comparing the clinical patient characteristics between the response categories of the eIC and former face-to-face IC procedure.

Methods

All patients with increased cardiovascular risk visiting the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, were eligible for the learning health care system. From November 2021 to August 2022, an eIC was piloted at the cardiology outpatient clinic. Prior to the pilot, a traditional face-to-face paper-based IC approach was used. Responses (ie, consent, no consent, or nonresponse) were assessed and compared between the eIC and face-to-face IC cohorts. Clinical characteristics of consenting and nonresponding patients were compared between and within the eIC and the face-to-face cohorts using multivariable regression analyses.

Results

A total of 2254 patients were included in the face-to-face IC cohort and 885 patients in the eIC cohort. Full consent was more often obtained in the eIC than in the face-to-face cohort (415/885, 46.9% vs 876/2254, 38.9%, respectively). Apart from lower mean hemoglobin in the full consent group of the eIC cohort (8.5 vs 8.8; P=.0021), the characteristics of the full consenting patients did not differ between the eIC and face-to-face IC cohorts. In the eIC cohort, only age differed between the full consent and the nonresponse group (median 60 vs 56; P=.0002, respectively), whereas in the face-to-face IC cohort, the full consent group seemed healthier (ie, higher hemoglobin, lower glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c], lower C-reactive protein levels) than the nonresponse group.

Conclusions

More patients provided full consent using an eIC. In addition, the study population remained broadly similar. The face-to-face IC approach seemed to result in a healthier study population (ie, full consenting patients) than the patients without IC, while in the eIC cohort, the characteristics between consent groups were comparable. Thus, an eIC may lead to a better representation of the target population, increasing the generalizability of results.
A Video-Based Communication Intervention for Fecal Ostomy Surgery (CI-oSurg): Protocol for Open Pilot Testing to Improve Intervention Acceptability and Feasibility
Authors: Cauley Christy Elaine , Rubio Atziri , Brindle Mary , Cooper Zara , Vranceanu Ana-Maria , Ritchie Christine S
Published: July 2024

Background

Approximately 100,000 patients undergo fecal ostomy operations annually across the United States. This patient population experiences high surgical complication rates and poor biopsychosocial outcomes. Surgical teams are not trained to address the psychosocial needs that often arise during recovery after fecal ostomy surgery.

Objective

This study aims to refine and establish the acceptability and usability of the Communication Intervention for fecal ostomy Surgery (CI-oSurg), a web-based communication intervention aimed at reducing distress among patients recovering from ostomy surgery.

Methods

We describe the proposed study design, methodology, and training protocol. We will conduct an open pilot (n=24 patients and n=8 clinicians) of video-based training to first identify the level and types of distress patients are experiencing. Next, patients will view web videos that address frequent challenges faced by ostomy patients, considering practical management and emotional and adaptation concerns. Qualitative one-to-one semistructured interviews will be conducted with participants to explore the acceptability and feasibility of the program and refine the intervention and study procedures.

Results

This study has been approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board. Study funding has been obtained, and recruitment is planned for the fall of 2024.

Conclusions

Through this study, we will refine CI-oSurg, a web-based communication intervention focused on reducing distress after ostomy surgery, to improve intervention acceptability and usability. These improvements will allow us to establish the usability and acceptability of the intervention before efficacy testing to determine the ability of this intervention to reduce distress after fecal ostomy surgery.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06320002; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06320002

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/60575
Alpha Female dalam Membentuk Pola Asuh Anak di Kota Bandung
Authors: Khoirunnisa Syifa , Ruyadi Yadi , Utami Nindita Fajria
Published: July 2024

The role of parents as leaders in the dynamics of families in Kota Bandung is increasingly complex, given the significant influence they have on the upbringing patterns of children. Critical questions arise regarding the impact of a working mother on the development of a child, sparking debates on whether the loss of this role has a significant effect or not. This research aims to determine the influence of Alpha Female on parenting patterns in the city of Bandung. The method used is a quantitative approach, with a population of 100 children aged 17-25 years in the areas of North Bandung, East Bandung, West Bandung and South Bandung. This research focuses on the relationship between Alpha Female and parenting patterns in Bandung City. The results of data analysis show that there is a significant positive correlation between the Alpha Female variable and parenting patterns, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.198. The coefficient of determination of 19% implies that most of the variation in parenting patterns can be explained by the role of the Alpha Female, while the remaining 81% is influenced by other factors not discussed in this study. Simple linear regression analysis confirms that Alpha Female has a significant influence on parenting patterns, with a t-test significance value of 0.048. Rejection of H0 and acceptance of Ha is supported by tcount (2.004) which exceeds the ttable value at the significance level of 0.05. These results provide a strong indication that the role of Alpha Female has a significant impact in shaping child rearing patterns in the city of Bandung. Thus, this research offers an important contribution in understanding the dynamics of the relationship between Alpha Females and parenting patterns.
A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE MULTIFACETED INTERACTIONS BETWEEN HOST IMMUNITY AND VIRAL PATHOGENESIS IN COVID-19
Authors: SINGH MAIREMBAM STELIN , YELLABOINA SAILU , ANSARI MAIRAJ AHMED
Published: July 2024

The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented unparalleled challenges, marked by a wide array of clinical presentations spanning from asymptomatic carriage to severe respiratory compromise and multi-organ dysfunction. It is crucial to comprehend the intricate interplay between host immunity and viral pathogenesis to elucidate disease mechanisms and guide therapeutic strategies. This review delves into the multifaceted interactions between host immunity and viral pathogenesis in COVID-19, with a particular focus on the impact of host factors such as age, sex, comorbidities, and genetic predisposition on disease severity. Utilizing state-of-the-art methodologies, including multiomics approaches, has yielded an expansive molecular portrayal of COVID-19, furnishing innovative perspectives on host immune reactions, viral pathogenicity, and disease advancement. Establishing standardized methodologies for data analysis and interpretation while concurrently addressing ethical considerations and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration are crucial steps in advancing our comprehension of COVID-19 pathogenesis. Despite obstacles like complexities in data integration, this review highlights the imperative of persistent endeavors in deciphering the complex interactions between hosts and pathogens to alleviate the global health ramifications of COVID-19.
STATISTICAL DESIGN OF EXPERIMENT-BASED FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF FLOATING MATRIX TABLET OF ANTI-EMETIC DRUG
Authors: DIAS GREATO , BOBDE SUWARNA SURESH , DESAI PRASAD
Published: July 2024

Objective: To employ Design of Experiment (DOE) for designing a floating matrix tablet of Domperidone Maleate (DM) using novel direct compression grade polymer METHOCEL K4M DC2 that offers advantages of extended or sustained release, providing for cost-effective manufacturing.
Methods: To prepare floating matrix tablets containing DM, the direct compression method was employed. The tablets were optimised using a 22 Central Composite Design (CCD). Concentration of the sustained release polymer METHOCEL DC2 K4M grade (X1= A) and Concentration of the floating agent potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) (X2= B) were the independent variables selected whereas floating lag time (Y1), drug release at 1 h (Y2), 4 h (Y3), 6 h (Y4) and 8 h (Y5) were the 5 dependent variables employed in the study design. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was utilised to analyse drug-excipient compatibility, revealing no discernible interaction, and various mathematical models were employed to study the drug release mechanism.
Results: The prepared tablets were evaluated for weight, thickness, hardness, friability, and assay and the results were found to be satisfactory. The optimised formulation predicted by the software was found to have a desirability value of 0.982, containing 60 mg of METHOCEL DC2 K4M and 20 mg of KHCO3, was prepared and evaluated. Predicted and experimental results were found to be comparable for all the responses. All formulations were shown to fit well into Zero-order release kinetics, but the optimised formulation (F4), with R2= 0.9893 and n= 2.2797, exhibited the best fitting in both the Zero-order and Korsmeyers-Peppas model.
Conclusion: The study conducted revealed that floating tablets of DM could be developed using KHCO3 as a gas-generating agent with sustained drug release till 14 h using polymer METHOCEL DC2 K4M.
QUALITY BY DESIGN ENABLES FORMULATION DEVELOPMENT OF ZOLMITRIPTAN LOADED ETHOSOMAL INTRA-NASAL GEL FOR BRAIN TARGETING: IN VITRO AND EX VIVO EVALUATION
Authors: NERELLA NAGADIVYA , VASUDHA BAKSHI
Published: July 2024

Objective: Although zolmitriptan's 50% oral bioavailability and recurrence of migraine-associated disorders make it one of the most essential drugs for managing the illness, adverse effects linked to dosage are still a concern. A unique intra-nasal brain targeting strategy may significantly extend the drug's residence duration at the absorption site and resolve the current problems.
Methods: To effectively adjust the drug's residence via the intra-nasal route, the current study focuses on the development of zolmitriptan-loaded ethosomal gel with the help of soya lecithin, ethanol, poloxamer 407, and HPMC K100M utilizing the thin film hydration technique. The optimized formulation (F12) was completely characterized in terms of polydispersity index, vesicle size (nm), and entrapment efficiency (%). In vitro drug release at 24 h, stability study, and ex-vivo skin permeation pharmacodynamic studies were all evaluated.
Results: The ethosomal formulations were optimized using 32 Central Composite Design (CCD) about the observed responses, which comprised vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and percent drug release after 24 h, all included in this study. The optimal size range and zeta potential for the F12 formulation were determined to be 110.23 nm and -35.69, respectively. The generated drug-loaded ethosomal gel was spherical with a consistent size distribution and particle size. Morphological studies showed that Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was utilized to better study spherical multilamellar vesicles. The optimized ethosomal gel of zolmitriptan was determined to meet the stability criterion, as the Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) did not vary significantly during the study period.
Conclusion: For all formulations, the F12 batch showed vesicle size (110.23 nm), entrapment efficiency (82.02%), and drug release percentage of 89.26% at 24 h.
Edge Effects: Derry/Londonderry
Authors: Scott Iain , Bingham Mark
Published: July 2024

Degree Show Catalogue documenting an ESALA MArch (Modular Pathway) studio ‘Edge Effects: Derry/Londonderry’. Studio Leaders: Iain Scott and Mark Bingham. 2022-2023.
Singularity of cycle-spliced signed graphs
Authors: Khan Suliman , Ciampella Adriana
Published: July 2024

We consider the adjacency spectrum of cycle-spliced signed graphs (CSSG), i.e., signed graphs whose blocks are (independent) signed cycles. For a signed graph Σ, the nullity η(Σ) is the multiplicity of the 0-eigenvalue. The adjancency spectrum of cycle-spliced (signed) graphs is studied in the literature for the relation between the nullity η and the cyclomatic number c, in particular, it is known that 0≤η(Σ) ≤ c(Σ)+1. In this paper, nonsingular cycle-spliced bipartite signed graphs are characterized. For cycle-spliced signed graphs Σ having only odd cycles, we show that η(Σ) is 0 or 1. Finally, we compute the nullity of CSSGs consisting of at most three cycles.
Teorías subjetivas docentes sobre características personales asociadas al uso del tiempo no lectivo
Authors: Cortés Anita , Castro-Carrasco Pablo J. , Oyanadel Cristián , González Ingrid , Cuadra David
Published: July 2024

Esta investigación tiene como objetivo describir e interpretar las teorías subjetivas de docentes sobre características idiosincráticas de los profesores asociadas al uso del tiempo no lectivo. El estudio se enmarca en una investigación mayor sobre teorías subjetivas de docentes acerca del tiempo escolar. El diseño es un estudio de casos bajo un paradigma interpretativo, mixto, realizado en Chile con 12 profesores a los que se les aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada y un instrumento de perspectiva temporal. El análisis de los datos consistió en codificación abierta y secundariamente la contrastación de los resultados cualitativos con los hallazgos derivados de aplicar la escala de perspectiva temporal. Los resultados destacan desafíos comunes como el llevar trabajo a casa, lo que afecta la salud mental. Aunque algunos docentes se describen como estructurados y eficientes, otros luchan por equilibrar responsabilidades familiares y laborales. La experiencia influye en su manejo del tiempo, mostrando variedad en la percepción del tiempo personal frente al laboral, y revelando una tendencia hacia una visión más orientada al futuro, pero con una actitud presente fatalista en algunos casos.