bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in pain and dysfunction for knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Chen Tingxi , Su Hao , Gao Qiang , Zhou Fenghua , Yuan Xiangnan , Liu Xueyong
Published: October 2023

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent joint disorder among musculoskeletal conditions. Non-surgical treatment is the conventional therapy for knee OA (KOA). Given the simplicity, feasibility, and effectiveness of physical therapy, it has become a widely used treatment. Ultrasound therapy is recommended for the treatment of pain and dysfunction caused by OA. However, a lack of scientific evidence of high-quality ultrasound treatment of OA still remains. Therefore, we want to analyze whether a combined treatment regimen using low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can enhance the efficacy of conventional therapy, thus improving symptoms in patients with KOA.
Methods
This randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 34 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis that meet the Altman clinical diagnostic criteria for KOA and are aged ≥ 38 years. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two groups: a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound treatment group and a sham ultrasound treatment control group. The treatment will last for 2 weeks, with five sessions per week. Study endpoints will be evaluated at baseline, on the day of the last intervention, and one month after the intervention. The main outcome measures will be the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities’ scores. Secondary outcome indicators will be the numerical pain rating scale, the Lequesne scale, the time up and go test, and the range of motion (ROM) of the knee. An intention-to-treat analysis will be performed for dropouts and missing data.
Discussion
By analyzing patients with OA that undergo or not ultrasound intervention, we will determine whether LIPUS can serve as an adjuvant treatment to enhance the efficacy of physical therapy. If ultrasound treatment plays a synergistic role with physical therapy in ameliorating symptoms in patients with knee OA, it may serve as a low-cost intervention to retard structural progression and alleviate KOA symptoms.
Trial registration:
The trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry platform (chictr.org.cn) on 03/22/2023, with the registration ID ChiCTR2300069643.
L-alanine derived Schiff base Ligated Vanadium(IV) Complex with Phenanthroline as Co-ligand: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Hirshfeld Surface Analysis
Authors: Medhi Tanaya , Sahariah Manashi , Gogoi Anshuman
Published: October 2023

A vanadium(IV) Schiff base complex derived from salicylaldehyde and L-alanine with phenanthroline as co-ligand viz. [VIVO(salala)(phen)].0.5H2O.CH3OH (where salala = Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and L-alanine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) was synthesized and its structure determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal lattice parameters of the complex was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction with lattice parameters, a = 18.4361(5) Å, b = 22.4926(6) Å, c = 12.4035(6) Å, β = 126.904(1) °, C2 space group, Z = 2. In the crystal, the V(IV) ions are in distorted octahedral geometry by coordinating to two oxygen atoms and one nitrogen atom of Schiff base ligand and two phenanthroline nitrogen atoms. The π∙∙∙π stacking interactions as well as C–H∙∙∙O hydrogen bonds were found to play an important role in the self-assembly of the complex molecules. The non-covalent interactions of the complex were further evaluated by Hirshfield Surface Analysis. Spectroscopic characterization of the complex by Infrared and UV-visible spectroscopic techniques is also reported.
Few-shot concealed object detection in sub-THz security images using improved pseudo- annotations
Authors: Cheng Ran , Lucyszyn Stepan
Published: October 2023

In this research, we explore the Few-Shot Object Detection application for identifying concealed objects in sub-terahertz security images, using fine-tuning based frameworks. To adapt these machine learning frameworks for the (sub-)terahertz domain, we propose an innovative pseudo-annotation method to augment the object detector by sourcing high-quality training samples from unlabeled images. This approach employs multiple one-class detectors coupled with a fine-grained classifier, trained on supporting thermal-infrared images, to prevent overfitting. Consequently, our approach enhances the model’s ability to detect challenging objects when few-shot training examples are available.
A new mixed-bacteria Pickle starter based on lactobacillus and yeast
Authors: Chen Yu , He Yiguo , Hu Rong , Zhang Jing , Zhou Jing , Zhao Xingxiu
Published: October 2023

In order to develop a direct-pitch Pickle fermentation bacterial agent with rapid and stable fermentation, we prepared a hybrid fermentation bacterial agent consisting of lactic acid bacteria and aroma-producing yeast. The optimal centrifugation conditions for BH6 were centrifugation force of 1006 ×g, time of 22 min, and centrifugation temperature of 10°C; for BH59 and Y3, the optimal centrifugation conditions were centrifugation force 4025 ×g, time 3 min, centrifugation temperature 5°C. Applied research on Pickle complex live bacterial preparations. Compared with natural fermentation and commercially available fermentation agents, comparative studies were conducted in terms of nitrite, pH, volatile flavor substances and sensory evaluation, respectively. The pH value of fermentation with homemade bacterial preparation decreased the fastest and reached maturity first, and the nitrite content of fermented Pickle with homemade bacterial preparation was 12.31 mg/kg at the maximum, and only about 3 mg/kg when it stabilized, and the flavor was similar to that of the naturally fermented Pickle, and its flavor was better than that of commercially available lactobacillus-fermented Pickle. This study is important for large-scale industrial fermentation with homemade mycorrhizal agents instead of natural fermentation, to stabilize the quality of Pickle fermentation in order to improve the drawbacks existing in the natural fermentation process.
Comparison of transoral vestibular and chest-breast endoscopic thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Xin-Ran , Li Xuan , Chen Zhen-Xin , Pang Feng-Shun , Chen Jing-Bao , Song Ya-Min , Lin Zhan-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Bo , Lan Li-Hui , Yang Li-Ming , Qin You
Published: October 2023

Background Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy with the vestibular approach (TOETVA) and endoscopic total thyroidectomy with the thoracoabdominal approach (ETCB) are common procedures for endoscopic thyroidectomy. We investigated the efficacies of these two approaches for treating papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in terms of safety, trauma, and feasibility of central neck dissection (CND).
Methods TOETVA (n = 298) and ETCB (n = 202) patients were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were pathologically diagnosed with PTC and underwent CND. Surgical time and postoperative drainage, drainage time, drainage tube removaltime, hospital stay, leukocyte count, and neutrophil percentage (NEUT%) were determined. Moreover, the parathyroid gland, parathyroid lesions, recurrent laryngeal nerve lesions, total number of central lymph nodes, and metastatic central nodes were analyzed.
Results Baseline characteristics of both groups were similar, except for patient age and thyroid capsule invasion. Despite a significant difference between the two groups in terms of transient recurrent nerve injury (P< 0.05), no significant differences were noted in surgical time, blood loss, postoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative drainage tube removal time, postoperative leukocyte count, postoperative NEUT%, and postoperative hospital stay (P > 0.05). The percentages of patients with parathyroid disorders and permanent recurrent laryngeal neuropathy were comparable (P > 0.05); however, more lymph nodes were recovered via lobectomy with CND in TOETVA than in ETCB groups (P < 0.05). The number of lymph nodes on either side of the central area was not significantly different.
Conclusion TOETVA and ETCB are safe treatments for PTC. TOETVA is superior in terms of lymph node dissection, with less prominent postoperative scarring. TOETVA is safer for CND owing to the lower incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.
In vitro anthelmintic activity of Euphorbia hirta L aqueous extracts on small ruminant’s gastrointestinal parasites evaluation.
Authors: DICKO Amadou , KONATE Almamy , KAM Sami Eric , BELEM Hadidajatou , TINDANO Basile , CISSE Abdoul Aziz Almoustapha , KEITA Gaoussou , Meda Roland Nâg-Tiéro ,   Adama Kaboré1, Traoré Amadou , BAYALA Balé , Tamboura Hamidou Hamadou
Published: October 2023

Purpose
With the aim of proposing an effective and accessible alternative for small ruminant gastrointestinal parasitosis control, the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Euphorbia hirta on Haemonchus contortus biology was evaluated.
Methods
Aqueous extracts were used to determine phytochemistry and for the biological tests of adult worm mortality as well as egg hatching and L3 larval migration inhibition. Aqueous extract concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL were used for the adult worm mortality test, while concentrations of 0.31, 0.62, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/mL were used for the egg hatching and L3 larval migration inhibition tests.
Results
The results show a total polyphenol content of 17.5 mgEAG/100 mg, total flavonoids of 0.24 mgEQ/100 mg and condensed tannins of 0.17 mgEAT/100 mg. Adult worm mortality was concentration dependent, reaching 100% at 50 and 100 mg/mL concentrations, from the sixth hour, with a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 21.09 mg/mL. The 50% inhibitory concentration of egg hatching (IC50) was 1.7 mg/mL, while the IC50 of larval migration recorded was 0.78 mg/mL.
Conclusion
In view of the results obtained, the in vitro anthelminthic activity of the aqueous extract of E hirta was confirmed. However, further biological studies will be needed to validate these results, with a view to their wider use.
Globalizing Paediatric Emergency Training: The EmergenSIMs Pathway Empowers Residents in Non-Paediatric Hospitals
Authors: Ebm Claudia , Pokrajac Nick , Brusa Stefania , Shiffer Dana , Wang Nancy E , Dannenberg Bernard , Furlan Raffaelo
Published: October 2023

Background: Emergency departments (EDs) across the globe face numerous challenges in delivering optimal paediatric care due to limited equipment access, restricted training time, and a shortage of paediatric specialists. This article examines the execution and assessment of a year-long cross-border pediatric emergency simulation curriculum led by a team of expert faculty. The primary objective was to educate residents working in low-volume hospitals with limited exposure to paediatric emergencies, enhancing their preparedness through guidance from an international faculty.
Methodology: To evaluate the impact of an international curriculum on residents' readiness for paediatric emergencies, we conducted a study in collaboration between Humanitas University, Italy, and Stanford University, USA. This innovative hybrid curriculum of online and onsite simulation learning was collaboratively conceptualized and executed within a tertiary non-pediatric hospital in Italy, with instruction provided by an international team. Evaluative measures for this approach comprised descriptive focus group evaluations and a standardized satisfaction survey.
Results: Out of 104 residents, 55 (52%) participated in the online module, with 30 (54%) of them participating in the intensive onsite simulation. The survey response rate was 53%, yielding positive feedback: international faculty presence scored 4.8/5, course design 4.7/5 for its practicability, and 4.6/5 for engagement. In focus groups, students expressed their appreciation for international educational distinctions. In particular, the prevalent ABCDE assessment approach taught by the international faculty and the introduction of innovative educational approaches, such as the rapid cycle deliberate practice (RCDP), were deemed highly effective.
Conclusion: The development and implementation of a hybrid, simulation-based curriculum for paediatric case management, led by foreign expert faculty, effectively addressed the existing gaps in postgraduate medical rotations. By equipping residents with essential competencies for managing pediatric cases, this initiative showcased the potential of globally optimizing and sharing finite resources, yielding favorable results for emergency care in tertiary settings.
Ability of GCMs to represent climate during pilgrimages in Ethiopia
Authors: Richards Jenny , Brimblecombe Peter
Published: October 2023

Climate influences human actions, including our cultural practices. Pilgrimages provide an important way for people to strengthen their spiritual or religious beliefs and are usually manifested as a journey to a sacred place, with Ethiopia notable for famous religious destinations. The conditions experienced by pilgrims are likely to change in a warming world, potentially making such journeys more arduous. Climate models struggle to reproduce key features of African climate with areas of extreme orography, such as the Highlands of Ethiopia, posing a significant challenge. Our study assesses (i) the sensitivity of climate parameters to the length of time considered within the dry season (Bega) and (ii) the ability of three global climate models, GCMs (HadGEM3-GC31-MM, CMCC-ESM2 and NorESM2-MM) to capture climate by comparing it to the ERA5 reanalysis and CHIRPS datasets. Results show the importance of adjusting the length of time so it is relevant to the process or social practice being studied, which might not map onto the three-month seasons traditionally used in climate research. Three of the six climate parameters assessed (minimum and maximum daily temperature and the number of rain days greater 1 mm) were successfully captured by the GCMs. This means these parameters could be used to assess future impacts of climate change on the climate experienced by pilgrims in Ethiopia.
Searching behaviour and the egg production of the coconut mite, Aceria guerrernis on selected coconut varieties in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijewardene N. T. P , Aratchige N. S. , Kumara A. D. N. T. , Karunaratne W. A. I. P.
Published: October 2023

Coconut is a major livelihood crop in many tropical countries in the world. Its production is affected by many biotic and abiotic factors and among the biotic factors, pests play a major role in reducing the coconut production. The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis (Keifer) is one of the major pests of coconut in many countries causing severe yield losses including immature fruit drop, deformed fruits, empty fruits, and reduced fruit weight. Chemical and biological methods have been mostly used to control A. guerreronis. In Sri Lanka, some commercial varieties are known to show least damaged compared to other varieties. But the reason for this observation is not known. The varieties used in this study, Ran Thembili (RT), Gon Thembili (GT), Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SLGD), Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf (SLYD) and Sri Lanka Tall (SLT) are used as parent palms in producing hybrid coconut varieties in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is worthwhile to understand the mechanisms behind the different susceptibility levels of these varieties to A. guerreronis and this information can be used in selecting parental palms in future breeding for A. guerreronis tolerant/resistant coconut varieties. Therefore, the experiments reported in this paper were conducted to understand whether different coconut varieties provide volatile or non-volatile cues for A. guerreronis or whether their egg production is affected by different varieties. The preference of A. guererronis towards the coconut varieties RT, GT, SLGD, SLYD and SLT were tested on a 5-arm runway arena and the egg production was also measured on young fruits of the above varieties. The results revealed that A. guererronis do not prefer any of the varieties tested. Their egg production was higher on RT compared to SLYD and SLT. Although A. guerreronis populations and their damages were shown to be higher on SLGD and SLT in previous study, it was not reflected in the egg production on them in the present study. Therefore, we conclude that volatile or non-volatile cues of different coconut varieties do not provide signals for A. guerreronis to select certain coconut varieties over other varieties and their egg production is affected by the coconut varieties. However, apparently susceptible coconut varieties (SLGD and SLT) are not preferred by A. guerreronis for the selection for colonization or for the egg production. Other physical barriers in different coconut varieties such as the shape of the fruits and perianth tightness appear to affect the varietal susceptibility of coconut varieties to A. guerreronis.
Comparison of Line-of-sight Magnetic Field Observed by ASO-S/FMG, SDO/HMI and HSOS/SMAT
Authors: Xu Haiqing , Su Jiangtao , Liu Suo , Deng Yuanyong , Yang Shangbin , Bai Xianyong , Chen Jie , Wang Xiaofan , Yang Xiao , Song Yongliang
Published: October 2023

The Full-disk MagnetoGraph (FMG) onboard the Advanced Space based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) has obtained a series of Line-of-Sight (LOS) magnetic field since it launched in October 2022. It is important to compare its observational data with other existing solar telescopes. In this paper, we make a detail data comparison of 4 active regions and a pore region simultaneously observed by FMG, SDO/HMI (Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager onboard Solar Dynamic Observatory) and HSOS/SMAT (Solar Magnetism and Activity Telescope at the Huairou Solar Observing Station). The magnetic field structure and spatial distribution are found basically consistent among these three instruments, and the initial correlation coefficient of magnetic field is approximately 0.90. They slightly increase when sunspot umbra region was removed, and they significant increase in penumbra region, up to 0.98. The magnetic field observed by FMG tends to smaller than the HMI in strength in sunspot umbra due to saturation effect, whereas larger outside sunspot. The differences probably come from the affections of noise, the seeing condition (SMAT is affected by the Earth's atmosphere), and observational and calibration methods.
Optimizing Construction Waste Recycling: Strategies, Technologies, and Environmental Impacts
Authors: Abera Yonatan
Published: October 2023

The increased worldwide building activity has resulted in an increase in trash output, posing serious environmental issues. As a result, the construction sector is increasingly concentrating on improving waste recycling processes in order to reduce its environmental imprint. This research article goes into the complex world of building waste recycling, analyzing tactics, technology, and the environmental consequences. The paper evaluates important recycling technologies such as source separation, on-site processing, and off-site recycling centers using a comprehensive literature analysis. The research investigates the significance of developing technologies in recycling efficiency, such as robotic sorting systems, enhanced material separation techniques, and digital platforms. The environmental ramifications are investigated, including reduced landfill consumption, energy savings, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Real-world case studies shed light on successful garbage recycling initiatives, emphasizing the economic, environmental, and societal advantages. The article finishes by addressing construction waste recycling issues and possibilities, highlighting the necessity of stakeholder engagement, legislative assistance, and innovative technology in supporting sustainable waste management practices.
Haplotype diversity and mechanisms of evolutionary divergence of the Georgian Mountain Breed of Bos taurus, exhibiting conjointly patterns of admixture populations, introgression, as well as possible parallel versus convergent evolution
Authors: Basiladze Givi , Tabatadze Leila , Gabashvili Ekaterine , Osepashvili Mariam , Murskhvaladze Marine , Kotetishvili Mamuka
Published: October 2023

An in-depth understanding of the biodiversity of Bos taurus is highly important to tackling global food security challenges partially via deciphering and preserving local breeds that demonstrate their potential to adapt to the growing global warming worldwide. In this study, we elucidate the population structures and mechanisms of evolutionary divergence of the Georgian Mountain Breed (GMB) of cow and its genetically most closely related conspecifics worldwide. We performed the sequencing and evolutionary analyses of the specific mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) region involving cytb, two tRNAs-encoding genetic loci, and the D-loop of the GMB populations from the Khevsureti and Adjara regions of Georgia. A large panel of different evolutionary algorithms, implemented in the MEGA11 and DnaSP software packages, were applied in these analyses. A total of 25 haplotypes were determined among 82 individuals of GMB, belonging predominantly to the haplogroups T (T3, T1, T2, T4) or Q (Q1). 10 hitherto unique haplotypes, exhibited by singletons (SNGTs), could be also determined in the GMB populations from the above regions. In the maximum likelihood evolutionary analysis, a specific SNGT appeared to be most closely related to the Bos indicus sub-haplogroup I1a. The haplotype diversity (0.997), nucleotide diversity (0.00636), and the overall mean distance within their populations (0.01) were higher for GMB as compared to these estimates (0.930, 0.00482, and 0.00) calculated for its genetically most closely related conspecifics respectively. It is suggested that the evolution of the GMB populations has been driven via introgression, as well as by parallel and/or possible convergent evolution.
A new perspective on trends in psychology
Authors: Zagaria Andrea , Lombardi Luigi
Published: October 2023

The current paper aimed to analyze the trends and prominence of four major schools of thought in scientific Psychology (neuroscience, cognitivism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis) and their intersections, covering the period from 1979 to 2020. We utilized an improved methodology across three distinct sources: mainstream psychology, highly influential journals, and non-English papers. Our findings align with previous research in several aspects: a) psychoanalysis and behaviorism have significantly declined, b) cognitivism remains a prominent trend. However, we deviate from prior studies in the following ways: c) neuroscience may be considered the most influential trend, d) trends exhibit more stability and dispersion than previously assumed, and e) relative stability is observed in psychological studies over the past four decades. We also acknowledge the significance of non-English papers (NEP), which manifest an independent pattern as compared to the other sources and that may reveal what happens in the “periphery” of Psychology. It is noteworthy NEP demonstrated a still lively contribution from psychoanalysis. Overall, our study supports the inference that scientific Psychology is a non-paradigmatic or pre-paradigmatic discipline. It also supports the dominance of applied psychology, confuting the notion of overarching "grand theories." It eventually highlights the insularity and lack of cross-fertilization among psychological subdisciplines, despite the widespread claims to the contrary.
Optimization of A Rapid Spinach Decellularization Technique using Tween-20 with Antibacterial and Wound Healing Properties
Authors: Ksouri Rihab , Aksel Hamide , Saghrouchni Hamza , Saygideger Yasemin
Published: October 2023

Creating acellular constructs with vascularized structure from animal and plant tissue is one of the well-known strategies for scaffold assembly. One of these approaches is decellularization, and the used process for this method varies according to the nature of the tissue and its composition. The most common method is the chemical decellularization of plants. This method employs various high doses of detergents, primarily Triton X-100, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and sodium hypochlorite (SH). In this study, detergents, which are available in most of the laboratories were compared to develop new methods of spinach decellularization. Tween-20, SDS and SH in minimal concentrations were used to decellularize spinach leaves as an acellular plant matrix for tissue engineering. The samples divided in two different temperature conditions, and decellularization was proven by different analyses such as DNA and protein extraction and quantification and hematoxylin and eosin staining. The antibacterial activity was assessed to choose the most potential group. Two groups with the lowest DNA and protein amounts and high vasculature were chosen for the in vitro experiment. MTT and Scratch assay were used to evaluate the biocompatibility and ability of the bioconstructs to promote wound healing on fibroblasts. The results show that the Tween-20 decellularized samples at concentrations of 1% at 21°C and 37°C had the best morphology and clear vascularization with a high biocompatibility. Also, all of the scaffold samples are very good at killing S. aureus bacteria, which means they can help keep wounds from getting infected while they heal. This indicates they could be used as a scaffold for tissue engineering purposes.
Oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of pregnant women in South China: a cross-sectional prenatal survey
Authors: Lin Xiaojie , Jiang Lanlan , Pang Zhenhua , Wang Sumei , Tao Renchuan , Zeng Qixin , Ya Zuke , Peng Yuanyuan , Huang Yuxiao , Su Juanxiu
Published: October 2023

Background
The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy make women more susceptible to oral diseases. The oral health of pregnant women is closely associated with the health of their new-borns. This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pregnant women in South China.
Methods
From June 2016 to June 2017, pregnant women visiting the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University were administered a cross-sectional survey on oral health.
Results
In the survey, more than 90% acknowledged the importance of brushing and gargling, while approximately half were aware of the benefits of fluoride (48.36%) and pit and fissure sealant (50.29%). Older women residing in local towns, who had higher levels of education and income, and who possessed medical insurance covering dental care, demonstrated better oral health knowledge in various areas (all P < 0.05). Only 9.28% underwent regular oral check-ups before pregnancy. The primary reason cited for refusing oral check-ups before pregnancy were the lack of dental issues (51.84%) and insufficient time (30.56%). In addition, a large proportion (87.23%) of pregnant women brushed their teeth at least twice a day, while some also flossed (17.79%) and gargled (43.71%) to maintain their oral hygiene.Most pregnant women obtained oral health information from books and newspapers (50.10%), online media (48.55%), and medical professionals (45.65%).
Conclusions
In conclusion, most pregnant women demonstrated good KAP in regard to general oral health. However, several influencing factors, such as age, residency, education level, household income, and medical insurance might affect the KAP of pregnant women concerning their oral health.
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots@COFBTH-TT composite for high-performance lithium ions battery anode
Authors: Li Yuan , Chen Kaixiang , Yu Hao , Song Yonghai , Du Yan
Published: October 2023

Herein, a novel hollow rod-like composite was obtained by doping nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCDs) into covalent organic frameworks (COFs) (NCDs@COFBTH−TT) by a one-pot hydrothermal method. Such a hollow structure not only facilitates the transport of Li+, but also exposes a large number of active sites. The doped NCDs improves the electrical conductivity of NCDs@COFBTH−TT. When NCDs@COFBTH−TT was applied as the anode materials of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), it showed excellent Li-storage performance. At a current density of 0.2 A g− 1, the NCDs@COFBTH−TT exhibited an initial capacity of 336.8 mAh g− 1 and then stabilized at 210.7 mAh g− 1 after 226 charge/discharge cycles. This work combines zero-dimensional NCDs with two-dimensional COFs to improve the electrical conductivity and π-π stacking interaction of COFs, which is of great significance for the construction of COFs-based LIBs with high storage capacity and ultra-long cycle life.
Functional investigation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease hub genes obtained by WGCNA
Authors: Yang Yunchuan , Ma Xiang , Zhou Chi , Xu Nan , Ding Ding , Ma Zhongzheng , Zhou Lei , Cui Peiyuan , Liu Mulin
Published: October 2023

Objective: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses significant health risks, including the potential progression to more severe liver conditions such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma, but its underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study aimed to identify potential hub genes for NAFLD and evaluate their clinical application in predicting the condition.
Methods: We conducted differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify NAFLD susceptibility modules and hub genes. We performed KEGG and GO analyses to explore the potential roles of these hub genes. We developed a nomogram model and ROC curves to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the hub genes. Additionally, we investigated the correlation between FOS and immune infiltration. Finally, we conducted a Mendelian randomization study based on genome-wide association studies to determine the causal effect of FOS on NAFLD.
Results: WGCNA analysis was conducted to construct gene co-expression networks, identify the most significant module, and identify 115 key genes derived from the overlapping results of WGCNA and differential expression analysis. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that these key genes were associated with fat cell differentiation, ameboidal−type cell migration, response to lipopolysaccharide, TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and AGE−RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Using Cytoscape software, we identified the top ten up-regulated genes with high scores: FOS, JUN, NR4A1, JUNB, EGR1, MYC, IL1B, CCL2, CXCL8, and PTGS2. Furthermore, our nomogram model demonstrated good performance in predicting NAFLD, and the ROC curve confirmed its diagnostic effectiveness. Finally, we focused on FOS and observed a causal association between FOS and immune cell infiltrates in NAFLD. In the inverse variance weighting analysis, we found that FOS was not associated with the risk of NAFLD, with an odds ratio of 0.997 (95% CI = 0.947-1.049, p = 0.898).
Conclusion: We identified hub genes related to NAFLD, which may provide insights into early diagnostic approaches and contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD risk genes.
Percutaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder device in infants <2 kg
Authors: Ece İbrahim , Kavurt Ahmet Vedat , Bağrul Denizhan , Dinçel Gökçe Kaya , Torun Gülşah , Çıplak Gökçe , Koca Serhat , Kurt Abdullah , Gül Ayşe esin Kibar , Çetin İbrahim İlker
Published: October 2023

We present our experience of transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure with AmplatzerTM Piccolo Occluder in infants weighing less than 2 kg.
The data of 19 infants <2 kg who underwent transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) between December 2019 and October 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The transvenous antegrade approach was performed in 15 patients, guided by fluoroscopy, venous angiography, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with the placement of the entire device within an intraductal position. The retrograde approach via the femoral artery was performed in 4 patients.
Transcatheter closure was attempted in 19 babies with a median gestational age of 27 weeks {interquartile range (IQR) 25-28 weeks}, median birth weight 905 g (IQR 770-1180 g) and was successfully performed in 16 (84%). The median procedural age was 28 days (IQR 36-47 days), and the median procedural weight was 1480 g (IQR 1155-1800 g). The median procedure and fluoroscopic time were 35 min (IQR 30-60 min) and 12 min (IQR 7-19 min) respectively. After the unsuccessful procedure, PDA closed spontaneously in three patients in short-term follow-up. Three procedural complications were device embolization, pericardial effusion/cardiac tamponade, and femoral artery thrombosis.
In our hospital, TCPC was performed with a high degree of success and an acceptable complication rate in infants <2 kg. Based on our initial experience, early and short-term follow-up is encouraging. Even with less invasive different techniques, the retrograde transarterial approach must be avoided. Mechanical stimulation can effectively promote the closure of the PDA after a failed procedural closure.
Effect of lactic acid concentration in microenvironment of cervical cancer on PD-L1 on the surface of cervical cancer cell in fractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Li Zilin , Chen Xi , Liang Xiaoliang , Li Fang , Liu Hong
Published: October 2023

Objective To explore the correlation between lactic acid level and PD-L1 expression of cervical cancer cells in the microenvironment, and to analyze the impact of radiotherapy on PD-L1 expression of cervical cancer cells.Methods The study is divided into two parts. Firstly, the radiotherapy-resistant Siha cell line was established by the method of multiple fractionation irradiation, and compared to the survival rate with the ordinary medium and the cells in the medium with different concentration of lactic acid following high dose irradiation. The Siha cells were cultured in ordinary medium and medium containing different concentrations of lactic acid, and the expression of PD-L1 was identified by Western blot after the cells were irradiated with small doses of multiple fractions. Secondly, 50 clinical samples were selected, the lactic acid concentration was identified by lactic acid kit, and the PD-L1 expression were identified by immunohistochemical before and after radiotherapy of 9Gy and 18Gy.Results The expression of PD-L1 in cervical cancer tissues will change with the increase of the irradiation dose. Results indicated that the incidence of increased PD-L1 in patients with low PD-L1 expression during radiotherapy was considerably higher than that in patients with high PD-L1 expression. In cervical cancer tissue samples, we found that patients with high lactate concentration in cervical cancer tissues were more likely to have distant lymph node metastasis, and higher expression of PD-L1.Conclusions Radiation therapy and Lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment can alter the PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, making them more resistant to radiotherapy. For patients with locally advanced, metastasis or recurrent cervical cancer, our research hints that the immune checkpoint inhibitors should be administrated at the early stage of radiotherapy for this combination treatment regimen.
The Effect of Hopelessness and Its Improvisation Through Skill Acquisition Among Gap Year Students
Authors: Shahzad Ruhaba
Published: October 2023

The present study aimed to explore the factors behind the level of hopelessness among students in Pakistan. It was hypothesized that skill acquisition affects the level of hopelessness among students going through an academic gap year. The participants of this study comprised 300 (m = 44, f = 256) aged 15–30 years from Karachi, Pakistan. They were approached through a purposive convenient sampling technique. Adult Hope Scale was assessed on the participants to assess their level of hopelessness where the duration of gap years, type of gap years, number of skills, and type of skills were noticed through the demographic form. The statistical analysis showed a significant interaction effect between skill acquisition and hopelessness of the students going through gap year(s). Therefore, the results of the study put forth skill acquisition as the positive factor that can be used to reduce the level of hopelessness among gap year students.
Springing up like mushrooms: established populations of invasive red swamp crayfish in Slovakia
Authors: Lipták Boris , Prati Sebastian , Oficialdegui Francisco J. , Apfelová Mária , Pekárová Stanislava , Kautman Ján , Janský Vladimír , Kouba Antonín
Published: October 2023

The invasive red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii is recorded for the first time in Slovakia from two natural localities fed by local thermal springs. The first locality is near Turčianske Teplice in Central Slovakia, just downstream of a commercial culturing facility for aquatic ornamentals, while the other is located approximately 150 km southwards, close to Komárno. Both P. clarkii populations are well-established, with numerous individuals of both sexes, size classes, and ovigerous females. Although none out of 32 screened adult crayfish of both populations tested positive for Aphanomyces astaci, the causative agent of the crayfish plague, its presence cannot be entirely excluded. So far, P. clarkii is confined to small stream stretches in both sites, however, its independent expansion into nearby watercourses can be expected, potentially further facilitated through human translocations. Given the supposedly limited territory conquered, it is strongly advised to implement urgent eradication and control measures. As thermal springs and thermally polluted waters are known hotspots of non-native and potentially invasive species; monitoring of these sites is advised.
Study of thoracic diseases and their relationship to genetics
Authors: Albazna Sara , Almasri Nour , Bardan Housam
Published: October 2023

Background
The importance of the research lies in that it sheds light on an important medical issue, which is the relationship between lung diseases and heredity. It is a new renaissance in the world of medicine that takes us to search for the genetic origin of lung diseases so that we can combat them and modify their patterns before they occur in the first place.
Materials and methods
A cohort study was conducted in Damascus Hospital in the Syrian Arab Republic in the city of Damascus from April 2023 to September 2023.
Results
The study included 100 individuals on whom research and statistics were conducted. Four chest diseases were investigated (asthma - chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - bronchiectasis - idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis). The aim was to shed light on the genetic relationship with these diseases and understand their mechanisms in detail in order to reach an era. New treatment and prevention of its occurrence. The percentage of males in our sample was 57%, and with regard to age, the dominant group was 51–70 years, representing 40%, and the average was 56 years. When asked about habits, the percentage of smokers was 68% of the total sample. Then we looked for chest symptoms, and the most common symptom was shortness of breath at a rate of 98%, followed by coughing at 72%, phlegm at 56%, and finally temperature. When examining chest diseases, asthma was dominant in 56% of the total sample Followed by bronchiectasis at a rate of 27%, then idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at 9%, and finally chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at 8%. Then we asked about the severity of the infection, with moderate being the dominant factor at 44%, then mild at 33%, and finally severe at 23%.
Conclusion
Genetics is one of the very important sciences in the world of medicine and treatment and one of the least discovered sciences so far. Therefore, shedding light on it in the field of chest diseases and decoding it will reveal to us many means and methods for prevention and treatment at the same time
Critical Review of Theories of Staff Turnover Intentions and their Implications to Staff Turnover in National Non-governmental Organizations in South Sudan
Authors: Michael Ale Peter
Published: October 2023

An employee remains to be one of the most valuable resources of an organization. Unfortunately, high turnover rate in the national non-governmental organizations in South Sudan continues to be a concern for them and various stakeholders. This is because organizations spend a lot of resources in training and investing in their employees. The purpose of the study was to review the various theories that explain staff turnover with the aim of understanding their distinct views. The methodology involved the review of literature of turnover theories and models. The researcher was able to find six theories that helped to explain the phenomenon of staff turnover, and each provided distinct factors that when not addressed could lead to staff turnover. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs which identified different human needs which if not met could lead to staff turnover. Herzberg’s motivation-hygiene theory revealed two factors that need to be addressed by an organization, namely, “motivation factors” and “hygiene factors”. The Social Exchange Theory explains that turnover intentions come because of non-compliance with the agreed rules by either the management or the staff. LMX Theory emphasized the importance of maintaining good relationships between leaders and members in different groups to promote better performance at work and minimize staff turnover. Keywords: Staff Turnover, Turnover intention theories, The Theory of organizational Equilibrium, Theory of job embeddedness and Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory.
The First Century of Turkish Foreign Policy
Authors: ŞÖHRET Mesut
Published: October 2023

Osmanlı İmparatorluğu'nun Anadolu yarımadasındaki ardılı olarak bundan yüzyıl önce kurulan Türkiye Cumhuriyeti, genel ilkeleri kurucu önder Mustafa Kemal Atatürk tarafından belirlenen Türk dış politikasını takip ederek uluslararası sistemde orta büyüklükte bir devlet olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir. Atatürk döneminde genel olarak statükoculuk ve Batıcılık ilkelerine göre şekillenen rasyonel ve gerçekçi bir yaklaşım benimseyen Türk dış politikası, zaman içinde yaşanan konjoktürel değişimlere göre bazı değişikliklere uğramıştır. Atatürk'ün ölümünden sonra 2000'li yıllara gelinceye kadar genel olarak anti-revizyonist, statüskocu ve gerçekçi bir dış politika çizgisi izleyen Türkiye Cumhuriyeti, Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi’nin 2002'de tek başına iktidara gelmesiyle birlikte yeni bir yaklaşım benimsemeye başlamıştır. Stratejik Derinlik olarak ifade edilen bu yeni yaklaşım, Türk dış politikasını geleneksel çizginin dışına çıkararak pro-aktif ve çok yönlü bir dış politika anlayışı getirmiştir. Bu nedenle idealist ve maceracı olmakla nitelendirilen bu yaklaşım, Türkiye’nin Batı ekseninden çıktığı ve Yeni-Osmanlıcılık hedefleri olduğu gerekçesiyle eleştirilere uğramıştır. Benimsenen yeni dış politika yaklaşımı belirli bir dönem Türkiye’nin komşularıyla sorunlarını çözmesine ve uluslararası politikada etkinliğini arttırırken yaşanan küresel ve bölgesel gelişmeler zaman içinde Türkiye’nin dış politikada yalnızlaşmasına neden olmuştur. Bu çalışmada kuruluşundan itibaren Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin dış politikasında yaşanan değişimler dönemlere ayrılarak incelenmiştir. Bu dönemlerde meydana gelen önemli gelişmeler karşısında Türkiye’nin izlediği politikalar ortaya konularak analiz edilmeye çalışılmıştır.
Rigid-flexible coupling modeling of the dual-rotor system for aero-engine
Authors: Ma Pingping , Dong Yuehui , Zhao Hangqi , Li Yang , Liu Muge
Published: October 2023

The dual-rotor system is the core component of advanced aero-engine. Establishing a reasonable, accurate, and efficient dynamics model is the key to studying the dynamics and vibration of the rotor system for aero-engine. This manuscript takes a representative aircraft engine dual-rotor system as a prototype, considers the rig-id-flexible coupling characteristics of different stiffness elastic supports and rotor structures, and establishes an analytical dynamic model of the dual-rotor system. Based on the established dynamic model, the natural char-acteristics of the dual-rotor system are analyzed. The model was validated using two different research methods: the rigid-flexible coupling multi-body system dynamics simulation platform ADAMS, and finite element analy-sis. The dynamic model of the dual-rotor system established in this paper can meet the requirements of hierar-chical rigid-flexible coupling of system and structure, overall mass distribution, and stiffness distribution. In particular, it can also effectively realize the simulation of multi-facet and multi-phase unbalanced vibration of the rotor system. The research methods of this paper can further enrich the basic theory of dynamics and vibration of the aero-engine rotor system.
Dynamic characteristics analysis for gear transmission system in shearer cutting section under different loads
Authors: Ye Guo , Deng Xing , Ju Jinyong , Sheng Lianchao
Published: October 2023

Gear transmission system is an important component of the shearer cutting part. The quality of its performance affects the reliable and high-efficiency operation of the whole system. Multi-rigid body and rigid-flexible coupling models were established respectively, and the dynamic analysis is carried out in the virtual simulation software Adams for the gear transmission system of the shearer cutting section. The dynamic characteristics of the gear transmission system under different load conditions were studied. The effects of constant load torque and step load torque on the dynamic characteristics of the drive system are explored. The research results show that the simulation results obtained from the rigid-flexible coupling model of the gear transmission system are closer to the actual operating conditions. It provides a visual means of dynamic analysis, which is more intuitive and convenient. The research methods and results can provide a reference for the further exploration of the electromechanical coupling dynamic characteristics of the motor-gear transmission system.
Línguas, culturas e direitos linguísticos no Peru
Authors: Carvalho Souza Biller Teixeira Soraya , Simões Araújo Débora , Drumond Alves Marengo Sandro Marcío , Paiva Mota Fabrício
Published: October 2023

No contexto da realidade plurilíngue do Peru existem, atualmente, cerca de 47 línguas autóctones, que são faladas e escritas por, aproximadamente, 4 milhões de peruanos (Cuadros Sanchez, 2016). A Constituição Política do Peru, de 1993, no Título II, Capítulo I, Art. 48, oficializou o castelhano e, em observância ao princípio da territorialidade, também o quechua, o aimara, e as demais línguas indígenas. Em 2011, foi promulgada, no país, a Lei das Línguas nº 29735, que regula o uso, preservação, desenvolvimento, recuperação, fomento e difusão dos idiomas originários (May, 2005). Neste trabalho de pesquisa bibliográfica, nossos propósitos foram definir como se categorizam as políticas linguísticas, com foco nas políticas declaradas, percebidas e praticadas (Spolsky, 2004, 2009, 2012), e apresentar como tais políticas estão sendo desenvolvidas no Peru, no sentido de garantir os direitos linguísticos das minorias (Pellicer, 1997) nos domínios da educação, dos serviços públicos administrativos e da justiça (Yataco, 2010). Concluímos que os esforços governamentais no processo de difusão, fomento e valorização das línguas originárias, apesar de serem bastante significativos, ainda não permitem que seus falantes usufruam plenamente dos seus direitos linguísticos.