bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐influenza A (H1N1) virus effect of gallic acid through inhibition of virulent protein production and association with autophagy
Authors: Chang Cheng‐Chieh , You Huey‐Ling , Su Huey‐Jen , Hung I‐Ling , Kao Chao‐Wei , Huang Sheng‐Teng
Published: November 2023

Influenza remains one of the most serious infectious diseases. Gallic acid is one of the most common and representative phenolic acids found in various plants. This is an interesting subject to explore how gallic acid could inhibit H1N1 influenza virus infection by reducing the production of virulent proteins and interrupting autophagy machinery for influenza virus replication on the host cell. Cellular viability was assessed by XTT assay. The inhibitory effects on the H1N1 influenza virus were assessed by hemagglutination assay, plaque assay, and qRT‐PCR. Western blot analysis was used for detecting protein levels of M1, M2, NP, LC3B, and beclin‐1. Autophagy activity was demonstrated by acridine orange staining assay. The result demonstrated that there was no cytotoxic effect of gallic acid on A549 cells, and gallic acid could restore the cellular viability of H1N1 influenza virus‐infected A549 cells within the experimental concentration treatment. Moreover, gallic acid could effectively restrain viral activity of the H1N1 influenza virus. After the treatment of gallic acid, the production of virulent H1N1 influenza virus proteins, that is, M1, M2, and NP protein were reduced. As for autophagic mechanism, both of the LC3B II conversion and the level ratio of LC3B II to LC3B I were notably decreased. The acridine orange staining assay also revealed decreased accumulation of autophagosomes in H1N1 influenza virus‐infected cells. In conclusion, gallic acid suppresses H1N1 influenza viral infectivity through restoration of autophagy pathway and inhibition of virulent M1, M2, and NP protein production.
Predictive factors of anxiety and depression in COVID‐19 survivors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Sohrabivafa Malihe , Sadeghi Roya , Riahi Forough , Rahimi Foroushani Abbas , Shahbazi Sighaldeh Shirin , Zarei Javad
Published: November 2023

Background

Depression and anxiety are among the most critically recognized psychological complication of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the two predictors among COVID‐19 survivors in Ahvaz, Iran, in 2022.

Methodology

Using a descriptive‐analytical design, 347 COVID‐19 survivors referred to hospitals in Ahvaz were meticulously examined. The database of the COVID‐19 registration system contained primary information about the samples. For data collection, questionnaires, including the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventory and a demographic questionnaire, were utilized.

Results

The results revealed a significant relationship between anxiety score and family size (p = 0.019), education level (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.015), household income status (p = 0.017), disease history (p = 0.017), ethnicity (p < 0.001), disease severity (p < 0.001), and quarantine period (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the average depression score and gender (p = 0.023), number of family households (p = 0.009), level of education (p < 0.001), occupation (p < 0.001), household income (p < 0.001), disease severity (p < 0.001), disease history (p < 0.001), and quarantine period (p < 0.001). Moreover, linear regression analysis indicated only a significant relationship between depression scores and the quarantine period variable (p < 0.001), among others. The simultaneous examination of all variables on depression disorder highlighted a meaningful relationship between depression score and disease history (p = 0.013), occupation (p = 0.002), household income status (p = 0.002), and family size (p = 0.039).

Conclusions

This study revealed a significant relationship between certain demographic variables, such as quarantine period, disease history, employment status, household income status, and the number of family households, and an increase in the average depression and anxiety score.
In situ construction of PtSe2/Ge Schottky junction array with interface passivation for broadband infrared photodetection and imaging
Authors: Li Xue , Wu Shuo‐En , Wu Di , Zhao Tianxiang , Lin Pei , Shi Zhifeng , Tian Yongtao , Li Xinjian , Zeng Longhui , Yu Xuechao
Published: November 2023

Infrared (IR) detection is vital for various military and civilian applications. Recent research has highlighted the potential of two‐dimensional (2D) topological semimetals in IR detection due to their distinctive advantages, including van der Waals (vdW) stacking, gapless electronic structure, and Van Hove singularities in the electronic density of states. However, challenges such as large‐scale patterning, poor photoresponsivity, and high dark current of photodetectors based on 2D topological semimetals significantly impede their wider applications in low‐energy photon sensing. Here, we demonstrate the in situ fabrication of PtSe2/Ge Schottky junction by directly depositing 2D PtSe2 films with a vertical layer structure on a Ge substrate with an ultrathin AlOx layer. Due to high quality junction, the photodetector features a broadband response of up to 4.6 μm, along with a high specific detectivity of ~1012 Jones, and operates with remarkable stability in ambient conditions as well. Moreover, the highly integrated device arrays based on PtSe2/AlOx/Ge Schottky junction showcases excellent Mid‐IR (MIR) imaging capability at room temperature. These findings highlight the promising prospects of 2D topological semimetals for uncooled IR photodetection and imaging applications.

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Measuring ergonomic interventions and prevention programs for reducing musculoskeletal injury risk in the dental workforce: A systematic review
Authors: Danylak Stefan , Walsh Laurence J , Zafar Sobia
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Pain from musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) is experienced by all types of dental clinicians, leading to forced reduction of work capacity and premature retirement. Prolonged static posture is a major contributor to MSD in dentistry. Currently, there is no uniform ergonomic training in dentistry to prevent MSD. This systematic review explored and summarized methods and technologies for baseline and ongoing measurements of ergonomic intervention and prevention programs for reducing postural risk and for prevention of MSDs.

Methods

The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The literature search included PUBMED, Embase, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, and identified relevant observational, experimental, quasi‐experimental, research, and intervention studies. Quality was rated using a validated standardized instrument.

Results

A total of 20 studies were included, of which 4 were rated as being of the high quality. Methods ranged from observers to motion sensors. Ten studies focused used established measuring tools (PAI, RULA, REBA), while nine studies focused on effectiveness of alternative methods of measurement. One study identified ISO standard 11226 for baseline comparisons. Evolving technologies were found to be suitable for baseline measurements of posture, and for feedback for developing sustainable postural behaviors. No studies measured ongoing postural performance improvement.

Conclusions

This systematic review adds to current evidence for the expanded and improved use of early training and testing of postural competence to reduce MSD risk among dental professionals. Further studies using technologies to assess the impacts of ergonomic training and testing among dental professionals are warranted.
Imperfect detection and misidentification affect inferences from data informing water operation decisions
Authors: Kirsch Joseph E. , Peterson James T. , Duarte Adam , Goodman Denise , Goodman Andrew , Hugentobler Sara , Meek Mariah , Perry Russell W. , Phillis Corey , Smith Lori , Stuart Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Objective

Managers can modify river flow regimes using fish monitoring data to minimize impacts from water management infrastructure. For example, operation of the gate-controlled Delta Cross Channel (DCC) in California can negatively affect the endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha. Although guidelines have been developed for DCC operations by using real-time juvenile fish sampling count data, there is uncertainty about how environmental conditions influence fish occupancy and the extent to which those relationships are affected by sampling and identification error.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of environmental conditions, imperfect detection, and misidentification error on salmon occupancy by analyzing data using hierarchical multistate occupancy models. A total of 14,147 trawl tows and beach seine hauls were conducted on 1058 sampling days between October and December from 1996 to 2019. During these surveys, 2803 juvenile winter-run Chinook Salmon were identified, and approximately 29% of the sampling days had at least one winter-run juvenile detected.

Result

The probability of misidentifying an individual juvenile winter-run Chinook Salmon in the field was estimated to be 0.056 based on fish identification examinations and genetic sampling. Occupancy varied considerably and was related to flow characteristics, water clarity, weather, time of year, and whether occupancy was detected during the previous sampling day. However, these relationships and their significance changed considerably when accounting for imperfect detection and the probability of misidentifying individual juvenile salmon. Detection was <0.3 under average sampling conditions during a single sample and was influenced by flow, water clarity, site, and volume sampled.

Conclusion

Our modeling results indicate that DCC gate closure decisions could occur on fewer days when imperfect detection and misidentification error are not accounted for. These findings demonstrate the need to account for identification and detection error while using monitoring data to assess factors influencing fish occupancy and inform future management decisions.
Boson peak in disordered materials under shear deformation
Authors: Focks Tobias , Markert Bernd , Bamer Franz
Published: November 2023

During a shear process the vibrational mode structure of a non‐crystalline model material will change under load. Thus, we expect an effect on the characteristic boson peak, which correlates with numerous features of disordered materials. In this paper, we perform shear deformation on two‐dimensional random network materials and investigate the distribution of their vibrational density of states (VDOS). Furthermore, the spectra of eigenvalues are studied in detail using similar approaches to investigate the eigenvectors and specifically their change due to load and plastic rearrangements.
Identifying the active compounds and mechanism of action of TongFu XieXia Decoction for treating intestinal obstruction using network pharmacology combined with ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Ma Liting , Wu Yongxi , Luo Jing , Li Fangtong , Zhang Meiyu , Cai Yongyu , Dai Yulin , Pi Zifeng , Zheng Fei , Yue Hao
Published: November 2023

Rationale

TongFu XieXia Decoction (TFXXD), a formulation rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and optimized through clinical practice, serves as an advanced version of the classic Da Cheng Qi decoction used for treating intestinal obstruction (IO), demonstrating significant therapeutic efficacy. However, due to the intricate nature of herbal compositions, the principal constituents and potential mechanisms of TFXXD have yet to be clarified. Accordingly, this study seeks to identify the active compounds and molecular targets of TFXXD, as well as to elucidate its anti‐IO mechanisms.

Methods

Qualitative identification of the principal constituents of TFXXD was accomplished using ultra‐high preformance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS) analysis. PharmMapper facilitated the prediction of potential molecular targets, whereas protein–protein interaction analysis was conducted using STRING 11.0. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database. A “compounds‐target‐pathway” network was meticulously constructed within Cytoscape 3.8.2. Finally, molecular docking studies were performed to investigate the interactions between the core target and the crucial compound.

Results

UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS analysis identified 65 components with high precision and sensitivity. Furthermore, 64 potential targets were identified as integral to TFXXD bioactivity in IO treatment. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed 995 distinct biological functions, while the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis identified 143 intricate signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Molecular docking studies substantiated the substantial affinity between the TFXXD bioactive constituents and their corresponding targets in the context of IO. TFXXD exerts its therapeutic efficacy in IO through a multifaceted interplay between multiple compounds, targets, and pathways. The integration of network pharmacology with UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS/MS has emerged as a promising strategy to unravel the intricate web of molecular interactions underlying herbal medicine. However, it is imperative to emphasize the necessity for further in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Enhancing dynamic operation optimization feasibility for constrained economic model predictive control systems
Authors: Qi Xiaowen , Li Shaoyuan
Published: November 2023

Based on the hierarchical control structure, optimization and control problems of large‐scale and multivariate plants are solved sequentially. The economic performance of the plant plays an essential role in the plant‐wide modern industry. The optimal operating conditions will change as the economic criteria changes throughout the operation of the plant as the result of variations in raw material prices, product prices, production demand, market fluctuations, disturbances, and so forth. In reality, soft constraints are frequently used to denote the production requirements of various operating conditions. In order to improve economic performance and guarantee feasibility for the entire plant operation, a novel economic model predictive control (EMPC) strategy is proposed to control the constrained multi‐variable process system with varying economic performance criteria under soft constraints. By incorporating the transient steady‐state and two categories of slack variables for soft constraints, a modified economic performance index is optimized to cope with the changing criteria. In addition, a contractive constraint is added to the closed‐loop system to guarantee stability for non‐dissipative stage costs. This approach ensures recursive feasibility and asymptotic stability. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical examples and the fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) process.
Antimicrobial and Antifouling Effects of Petal‐Like Nanostructure by Evaporation‐Induced Self‐Assembly for Personal Protective Equipment
Authors: Lee Dong Uk , Jeong Sang Bin , Lee Byeong Jin , Park Se Kye , Kim Hyoung‐Mi , Shin Jae Hak , Lee Seung Yeon , Kim Gunwoo , Park Junghun , Kim Gyu Man , Jung Jae Hee , Choi Dong Yun
Published: November 2023

Although the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by healthcare workers (HCWs) effectively blocks hazardous substances and pathogens, it does not fully rule out the possibility of infection, as pathogens surviving on the fabric surface pose a substantial risk of cross‐infection through unintended means. Therefore, PPE materials that exhibit effective biocidal activity while minimizing contamination by viscous body fluids (e.g., blood and saliva) and pathogen‐laden droplets are highly sought. In this study, petal‐like nanostructures (PNSs) are synthesized through the vertical rearrangement of colloidal lamellar bilayers via evaporation‐induced self‐assembly of octadecylamine, silica‐alumina sol, and diverse photosensitizer. The developed method is compatible with various fabrics and imparts visible‐light‐activated antimicrobial and superhydrophobic‐based antifouling activities. PNS‐coated fabrics could provide a high level of protection and effectively block pathogen transmission as exemplified by their ability to roll off viscous body fluids reducing bacterial droplet adhesion and to inactivate various microorganisms. The combination of antifouling and photobiocidal activities results in the complete inactivation of sprayed pathogen‐laden droplets within 30 min. Thus, this study paves the way for effective contagious disease management and the protection of HCWs in general medical environments, inspiring further research on the fabrication of materials that integrate multiple useful functionalities.
Defect‐Rich Functional HfO2‐x for Highly Reversible Zn Metal Anode
Authors: Zhang Kai , Li Caixia , Liu Jingwen , Zhang Shenghao , Wang Minghui , Wang Lei
Published: November 2023

Interface engineering attracted tremendous attention owing to its remarkable ability to impede dendrite growth and side reactions in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries. Artificial interface layers composed of crystalline materials have been extensively employed to stabilize the Zn anode. However, the diffusion kinetics of Zn2+ in highly crystalline materials are hindered by steric effects from the lattice, thereby limiting the high‐rate performance of the cell. Here, defect‐rich HfO2‐x polycrystals derived from metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) (D‐HfO2‐x) are developed to enhance the Zn deposition behavior. The discrepancy of dielectric constants between metallic Zn and HfO2 enables the building of an electrostatic shielding layer for uniform Zn deposition. More importantly, the oxygen vacancies in D‐HfO2‐x provide abundant active sites for Zn2+ adsorption, accelerating the kinetics of Zn2+ migration, which contributes to the preferential exposure of the Zn (002) plane during plating. Consequently, the D‐HfO2‐x‐modified Zn anode delivers ultrastable durability of over 5000 h at 1 mA cm−2 and a low voltage hysteresis of 30 mV. The constructed defective coating provides a guarantee for the stable operation of Zn anodes, and the innovative approach of defective engineering also offers new ideas for the protection of other energy storage devices.
Exceptional Hole‐Selective Properties of Ta2O5 Films via Sn4+ Doping for High Performance Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Liu Wuqi , Fu Wang , Wei Yaju , Yu Guoqiang , Wang Tao , Xu Lingbo , Wu Xiaoping , Lin Ping , Yu Xuegong , Cui Can , Wang Peng
Published: November 2023

Carrier‐selective passivating contacts using transition metal oxides (TMOs) have attracted great attention for crystalline silicon (c‐Si) heterojunction solar cells recently. Among them, tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) exhibits outstanding advantages, such as a wide bandgap, good surface passivation, and a small conduction band offset with c‐Si, which is typically used as an electron‐selective contact layer. Interestingly, it is first demonstrated that solution‐processed Ta2O5 films exhibit a high hole selectivity, which blocks electrons and promotes hole transport simultaneously. Through the ozone pre‐treatment of Ta2O5/p‐Si interface and optimization of the film thickness (≈9 nm), the interfacial recombination is suppressed and the contact resistivity is reduced from 178.0 to 29.3 mΩ cm2. Moreover, the Sn4+ doping increases both the work function and oxygen vacancies of the film, contributing to the improved hole‐selective contact performance. As a result, the photoelectric conversion efficiencies of Ta2O5/p‐Si heterojunction solar cells are significantly improved from 14.84% to 18.47%, with a high thermal stability up to 300 °C. The work has provided a feasible strategy to explore new features of TMOs for carrier‐selective contact applications, that is, bipolar carrier transport properties.
Overhauling technology can boost your students’ experiences
Authors: D’Orio Wayne
Published: November 2023

The pandemic nearly broke the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Proliferative papulo‐nodular glossitis due to Leishmania infantum in a dog
Authors: Villanueva‐Saz Sergio , Pérez Estela , Yzuel Andrés , Gomez Alex , Verde Arribas Maria Teresa
Published: November 2023

Canine leishmaniosis, caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, is an endemic vector‐borne disease in Europe. From a diagnostic point of view, the disease can sometimes be a real challenge for the clinician, due to the variability of clinical presentations in a sick dog. These clinical signs can be classified, based on the frequency of presentation, in typical and atypical signs. In dogs is common to find different clinical presentations of cutaneous disease and systemic involvement, while clinical presentations in mucosa are not so common. A 6‐year‐old, entire, male German shepherd crossbred dog was examined for evident nodular lesions on the tongue. The most important laboratory alteration detected was hyperglobulinemia with an increase in the gamma fraction classified as polyclonal gammopathy. High anti‐Leishmania antibodies were detected by ELISA. Tongue biopsy samples were obtained from the lesions with the presence of a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate characterised by macrophages and neutrophils with no compatible forms of Leishmania parasites. However, the presence of Leishmania amastigotes was confirmed by specific immunohistochemistry. A good clinical response to the anti‐Leishmania based on meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol was observed after meglumine antimoniate administration. This clinical case describes the presentation of proliferative papulo‐nodular glossitis in an L. infantum‐positive dog as the most evident clinical finding reported.
3-Schurs from explicit representation of Yangian $$ \textrm{Y}\left({\hat{\mathfrak{gl}}}_1\right) $$. Levels 1–5
Authors: Morozov A. , Tselousov N.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We suggest an ansatz for representation of affine Yangian $$ Y\left({\hat{\mathfrak{gl}}}_1\right) $$
Y

gl
̂

1

by differential operators in the triangular set of time-variables Pa,i with 1 ⩽ i ⩽ a, which saturates the MacMahon formula for the number of 3d Young diagrams/plane partitions. In this approach the 3-Schur polynomials are defined as the common eigenfunctions of an infinite set of commuting “cut-and-join” generators ψn of the Yangian. We manage to push this tedious program through to the 3-Schur polynomials of level 5, and this provides a rather big sample set, which can be now investigated by other methods.
Irreducible knee dislocation: improved clinical outcomes of open and arthroscopic surgical treatment. A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Giustra Fortunato , Bosco Francesco , Masoni Virginia , Capella Marcello , Cacciola Giorgio , Risitano Salvatore , Sabatini Luigi , Camarda Lawrence , Massè Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Irreducible knee dislocations (IKDs) are a rare rotatory category of knee dislocations (KDs) characterized by medial soft tissue entrapment that requires early surgical treatment. This systematic review underlines the need for prompt surgical reduction of IKDs, either open or arthroscopically. It describes the various surgical options for ligament management following knee reduction, and it investigates their respective functional outcome scores to assist orthopedic surgeons in adequately managing this rare but harmful KD.

Methods

A comprehensive search in four databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE, was performed, and following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Studies with LoE 5 were excluded, and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the ROBINS-I tool system. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for all data extracted.

Results

Four studies were included in the qualitative analysis for a total of 49 patients enrolled. The dimple sign was present in most cases. The surgical reduction, either open or arthroscopically performed, appeared to be the only way to disengage the entrapped medial structures. After the reduction, torn ligaments were addressed in a single acute or a double-staged procedure with improved functional outcome scores and ROM.

Conclusions

This systematic review underlines the importance of promptly reducing IKDs through a surgical procedure, either open or arthroscopically. Moreover, torn ligaments should be handled with either a single acute or a double-staged procedure, leading to improved outcomes.

Level of evidence

IV.
Digital Platform Continuance During the Great Resignation: Evidence from Knowledge Workers in Europe and Africa
Authors: Bawack Ransome Epie , Kamdjoug Jean Robert Kala , Dennehy Denis
Published: November 2023

As countries emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic, management teams faced the challenges of supporting their employees to return to the traditional office work environment, adopting hybrid work modes to ensure business continuity, and creating work conditions conducive to personal well-being. Despite the critical role of digital platforms during the pandemic, there is limited understanding of the role of digital platform continuance to retain employees during the Great Resignation phenomenon. To address this gap, this study focuses on organisational support as there is growing recognition of its importance in digital platform continuance. Using partial least square algorithms, we used the organisational support theory and information systems (IS) continuance literature to derive a research model tested on data collected from 447 knowledge workers across central Europe and Africa. The results show that management-by-objective (MBO) and support from direct managers are essential determinants of knowledge workers’ post-crisis digital platform continuance intentions. The perceived usefulness of digital platforms mediates the effect of direct manager support on digital platform continuance. We discuss how the results could extend organisational level IS continuance research and help organisations develop strategies to retain employees in this post-crisis work-related phenomenon.
Potential rationality in collective decision-making
Authors: Cato Susumu
Published: November 2023

This study investigates Suzumura consistency as a condition for the rationality of social preferences. A preference is said to be Suzumura-consistent when all preference cycles include only indifference relations. This condition is equivalent to transitivity in the presence of completeness, but, in general, it is substantially weaker than transitivity when preference is incomplete. Notably, Suzumura consistency is especially significant for a preference because it is necessary and sufficient for the existence of an ordering (transitive and complete preference) that is compatible with the original preference. This coherency property can be regarded as a requirement for potential rationality. In this study, we examine the implications of shifting from actual rationality to potential rationality in collective decision-making. We introduce the concept of an alternative-dependent coherent collection in order to obtain a representation of a class of Suzumura-consistent collective choice rules that satisfy the axioms imposed in Arrow’s impossibility theorem. This demonstrates that the power structure to determine social choice can be alternative-dependent.
Association of Blood Selenium Levels with Diabetes and Heart Failure in American General Adults: a Cross-sectional Study of NHANES 2011–2020 pre
Authors: Zhang Chongyang , Zeng Qingjia , Liu Xinyao , He Qile , Zhang Jinyao , Zhao Shanshan , Hu Hongpu
Published: November 2023

Selenium is an essential trace element closely related to human health; however, the relationship between blood selenium levels, diabetes, and heart failure remains inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between blood selenium levels and the prevalence of diabetes as well as heart failure in American general adults aged 20 years or older. This study utilized data from four survey cycles from NHANES 2011–2020 pre. Blood selenium levels were considered as both a continuous variable and quartiles, and logistic regression was employed to investigate the associations between blood selenium levels with diabetes and heart failure. Nonlinear relationships were examined by restricted cubic spline regression. The analysis included a total of 16311 participants aged 20 years or older. After adjustment for all potential confounder, we found when the blood selenium levels increased by 10 ug/L, the average risk of diabetes increased by 4.2% (95% CI: 1.5%, 7.0%), and the average risk of heart failure decreased by 5.0% (95% CI: 0.1%, 9.8%). In addition, compared with the lowest reference group, blood selenium levels were significantly positively associated with risk of diabetes in participants in the fourth quartile (OR=1.458, 95% CI: 1.173, 1.812), while significantly negatively associated with the risk of heart failure in participants in the second, third and fourth quartiles (Q2, OR=0.677, 95% CI: 0.471, 0.974) (Q3, OR=0.609, 95% CI: 0.426, 0.870) (Q4, OR=0.653, 95% CI: 0.443, 0.961). There was a nonlinear and reverse L-shaped association between blood selenium and diabetes, while a negative dose-response association between blood selenium and heart failure. Furthermore, the association between blood selenium levels and heart failure was more pronounced in participants with poor glycemic control, rather than diabetic patients. High blood selenium levels may be positively related to diabetes, while low blood selenium levels may be associated to heart failure. Appropriate blood selenium levels may help prevent diabetes and heart failure.
Comparison of clinical characteristics and prognosis between type I and type II endometrial cancer: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wang Yuanpei , Sun Yi , Sun Fangfang , Han Pin , Fan Rujia , Ren Fang
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To explore the differences in clinical characteristics, prognosis, and risk factors between type I and type II endometrial cancer (EC).

Materials and methods

We retrospectively collected EC patients diagnosed with type I or type II EC from 2009 to 2021 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University.

Results

In total, 606 eligible EC patients (396 type I, and 210 type II) were included. Baseline analyses revealed that type II patients were older, had more advanced clinical stage, were more likely to receive chemoradiotherapy, and had higher incidence of myometrial infiltration, cervix involvement, lymph node metastasis and positive ascites cytology. Type II significantly favored poorer overall survival (OS) (HR = 9.10, 95%CI 4.79–17.28, P < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 6.07, 95%CI 2.75–13.37, P < 0.001) compared to type I. For all included EC, univariate and multivariate COX analyses revealed age, myometrial infiltration and pathological type were independent risk factors for OS and PFS. Subgroup analyses identified age, menopause, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis as independent risk factors for type I regarding OS. While age, myometrial infiltration and chemoradiotherapy were identified as risk and protective factors for type II regrading OS. Age and cervix involvement were identified as independent risk factors for type I regarding PFS. Myometrial infiltration was identified as independent risk factor for type II regarding PFS.

Conclusion

Type II patients shared different clinical characteristics and worse prognosis compared to type I, and their independent risk and protective factors also varied.
A dispersion analysis of uniformly high order, interior and boundaries, mimetic finite difference solutions of wave propagation problems
Authors: Rojas Otilio , Mendoza Larry , Otero Beatriz , Villamizar Jorge , Calderón Giovanni , Castillo Jose E. , Miranda Guillermo
Published: November 2023

A preliminary stability and dispersion study for wave propagation problems is developed for mimetic finite difference discretizations. The discretization framework corresponds to the fourth-order staggered-grid Castillo-Grone operators that offer a sextuple of free parameters. The parameter-dependent mimetic stencils allow problem discretization at domain boundaries and at the neighbor grid cells. For arbitrary parameter sets, these boundary and near-boundary mimetic stencils are lateral, and we here draw first steps on the parametric dependency of the stability and dispersion properties of such discretizations. As a reference, our analyses also present results based on Castillo-Grone parameters leading to mimetic operators of minimum bandwidth that have been previously applied in similar physical problems. The most interior parameter-dependent mimetic stencils exhibit a specific Toeplitz-like structure, which reduces to the standard central finite difference formula for staggered differentiation at grid interior. Thus, our results apply to the whole discretization grid. The study done for the 1-D problem could be applied to the discretization of a free surface boundary condition along an orthogonal gridline to this boundary.
Performance evaluation of solar panels under different dust accumulation conditions using thermography: focusing on PV temperature variation
Authors: El-wahhab Gomaa Galal Abd , Abdelwahab Taha Abdelfattah Mohammed , Taha Osman Yasser Kamal Osman , Abuhussein Mohamed Fawzi Abdelshafie , Fodah Ahmed Elsayed Mahmoud , Ali Khaled Abdeen Mousa
Published: November 2023

Degradation performance of photovoltaic modules (SPV) by real conditions has become increasingly problematic. In dusty areas, dust accumulation is one of the main concerns that may cause a significant determination of SPV efficiency. In the current study, the effect of four dust-accumulated densities of 6, 12, 18, and 24 g/m2 have been investigated in outdoor conditions in Cairo, Egypt. The performance evaluation of SPV modules in the form of front and backside temperatures of the SPV module has been evaluated in addition to current, voltage, power, and efficiency of the SPV modules. The results showed that, as compared with a clean SPV module, with increasing dust density from 6 to 24 g/m2 the frontside temperature of SPV modules were lower by 6–8 ℃. While their backside temperatures were found to be higher by 2–6 ℃. In addition, the difference between the backside and frontside temperatures of the SPV module ranged from 5 to 14 ℃ for dust modules as compared with 3 ℃ for the clean SPV module. The output power and efficiency of dusty SPV modules were found to be lower by 6–45% and 13–38%, respectively as compared with clean SPV module. The results clearly showed the importance of properly maintaining and servicing the SPV modules to avoid their degradation by dust accumulated.
From ultra-processed foods towards healthy eating for CKD patients: a proposal of educational infographics
Authors: Padial Marina , Taylor Angeline , Sabatino Alice , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Avesani Carla Maria
Published: November 2023

Ultraprocessed food (UPF) is defined as industrialized, packaged and ready-to-eat food produced on a large scale, using sophisticated industrial machinery. Examples of UPFs include salty and sweet snacks, industrialized biscuits and packaged meals, processed meats and sugary drinks. Ultraprocessed food has a long-shelf life, is highly palatable, microbiologically safe, affordable and most of all, easy to consume. For these reasons, its consumption has been increasing worldwide, and is replacing healthy homemade meals. The main concern of this dietary shift is that UPFs come with the addition of salt, sugar, unhealthy fats, and several additives and taste enhancers that contain, among other substances, relevant quantities of potassium, phosphate and sodium. A large proportion of UPF in the diet may carry risks for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) since it can worsen blood pressure and glycemic control, and lead to constipation, hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia. Acknowledging the importance of UPF in kidney health implies integrating nutritional counseling with information on UPFs, and specific educational material can be helpful for patients, caregivers, and also for health care providers. We developed a set of 3 infographics dedicated to CKD patients, with information on how to identify UPFs, reasons for decreasing consumption, how to compose a healthy CKD plate and tips for reading food labels in supermarkets and grocery shops. We hope that this material can be useful in CKD outpatient clinics and dialysis centers as well as in general practitioners’ offices, caring for early stage CKD.
Layered Structural PBAT Composite Foams for Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Yang Jianming , Wang Hu , Zhang Yali , Zhang Hexin , Gu Junwei
Published: November 2023

The utilization of eco-friendly, lightweight, high-efficiency and high-absorbing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites is imperative in light of the worldwide promotion of sustainable manufacturing. In this work, magnetic poly (butyleneadipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) microspheres were firstly synthesized via phase separation method, then PBAT composite foams with layered structure was constructed through the supercritical carbon dioxide foaming and scraping techniques. The merits of integrating ferroferric oxide-loaded multi-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe3O4@MWCNTs) nanoparticles, a microcellular framework, and a highly conductive silver layer have been judiciously orchestrated within this distinctive layered configuration. Microwaves are consumed throughout the process of “absorption-reflection-reabsorption” as much as possible, which greatly declines the secondary radiation pollution. The biodegradable PBAT composite foams achieved an EMI shielding effectiveness of up to 68 dB and an absorptivity of 77%, and authenticated favorable stabilization after the tape adhesion experiment.
A Matter of Distinction? A Case Study Examining the Development of a Sporting Habitus Amongst Male Sixth-Form Pupils in a Private School in the United Kingdom
Authors: Chapman Georgia , Cock Steven , Swain Spencer
Published: November 2023

This research project explores how upper-middle-class private school pupils are socialised into and through sports. Particularly around major sporting events such as the Olympics, there has often been commentary in the mass media regarding the extent to which former private school pupils tend to be overrepresented in Team GB within many elite-level sports. However, a need remains to research the experiences and underpinning processes that contribute to the sporting participation patterns of private school students. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore private school pupils’ lived experiences and better understand how they are socialised into and through sports. Primary socialisation within the family and secondary socialisation within primary school, private school, and other external agents such as sports clubs were discussed. The research findings show that an individual’s sporting habitus is not static but changes and develops throughout their lifetime depending upon the ‘fields’ they are exposed to. Pierre Bourdieu’s (1984) theoretical ideas relating to [(Habitus) (Capital)] + Field = Practice proved helpful in enabling the research to conceptualise and interpret how parental and family upbringing shaped this relationship and, therefore, provides the theoretical lens used to analyse this phenomenon. Participants demonstrated a robust sporting habitus, regularly engaging in sports and physical activity inside and outside school. The social class background of an individual affects the volumes of economic, social, cultural and physical capital they possess. Members of the upper-middle classes, therefore, seek to invest in developing different forms of capital for their children linked to the sporting ‘tastes’ and ‘distinctions’ of their class (Bourdieu, 1984).
Exploring the mechanism of Gentiana rigescens Franch. in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis based on network pharmacology
Authors: Ming-xing Hu , Yan-Qiu Song , Peng-Fei Gao , Hai-feng Li , Wei-Hong Liu
Published: November 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a severe chronic interstitial lung disease with high mortality, and there is currently a lack of definite and effective treatment methods. Studies have found that gentiopicroside, a secoiridoid glycoside compound derived from plants of the Gentiana genus, can significantly improve pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis lesions in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. However, the mechanism of its anti-fibrotic effect is unclear. Therefore, in this study, we employed network pharmacology's virtual computer technology to investigate the potential mechanism underlying the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of Gentianae Radix et Rhizome (Longdan in Chinese, GRR). Our findings offer valuable theoretical insights and serve as a guiding reference for future experimental investigations. A total of 10 active compounds and 920 drug-target proteins were identified from the TCMSP database. The compound-target-pathway-disease network showed that GRR could potentially treat PF by regulating the MDM2, ERBB2 and VEGFA, signaling pathways through its key targets, including AKT1, TNF, and MAPK1. The protein‒protein interaction network revealed that these targets had strong interactions with each other, indicating a potential synergistic effect of GRR in treating PF. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses further supported the potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms of GRR, including regulating the inflammatory response, ECM-receptor interaction, and TGF-beta signaling pathways. Our study provides a systematic analysis of the potential anti-pulmonary fibrosis mechanisms of GRR based on network pharmacology. These findings could contribute to the development of novel treatments for PF and provide a basis for further experimental studies.
Exploring the sustainable reporting practices of universities in relation to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for sustainable development
Authors: Nikolaou Ioannis I. , Tsalis Thomas A. , Trevlopoulos Nikolaos S. , Mathea Anna , Avlogiaris Georgios , Vatalis Konstantinos I.
Published: November 2023

Universities are aware of the imperative of sustainability and are focusing on promoting the aims and principles of sustainable development, such as greening their curriculum, enhancing the environmental performance of their campus and using sustainable criteria in their investment and purchasing behavior. Also, the scope of sustainable development was broadened by the introduction of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 Agenda which stipulates new directions for sustainability at a global level. Given this background, this paper examines the level of alignment of universities with the 17 SDGs through an analysis of sustainability reports prepared by universities, in order to highlight the issues which are mostly discussed by universities in relation to SDGs. To do so, an empirical analysis was carried out on a sample of 37 sustainability reports using a methodological framework based on scoring techniques to analyze their content. The findings show that the universities have disclosed more information about climate change mitigation and adaptation practices and less about SDGs regarding quality of education and peace, democracy and strong institutions.
The effects of a 2-week gratitude journaling intervention to reduce parental stress and enhance well-being: a pilot study among preschool parents
Authors: Toprak Begüm , Sarı Tuğba
Published: November 2023

Parenting entails a range of actions aimed at supporting children and caring for them, but they can also be very stressful. This study examines the effects of a 2-week gratitude journaling exercise on parental stress and well-being among preschool parents. The sample includes parents from a state preschool who volunteered to participate. An experimental group (n = 20) and a control group (n = 21) were created. Parental stress and well-being were evaluated using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale and the Parental Stress Scale. Data were gathered using pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test evaluations. To compare groups and examine changes over time, statistical techniques such the Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test were used. According to the results, after the intervention, participants in the trial group had a significantly lower level of parental stress and higher level of mental well-being compared to control group. Moreover, between posttest and follow up study evaluations there were no significant differences in the mental well-being or parental stress levels of the experimental group. These findings suggest that gratitude journaling can significantly reduce parental stress and improve mental well-being. The study contributes to the corpus of research in this field by showing the preventive and protective effects of gratitude journaling exercise on parental stress, particularly in aftermath of pandemics like Covid-19.
Evaluation of a reflection-based program for health professional continuing competence
Authors: Meneley Angela R. , Firouzeh Pegah , Ferguson Alanna F. , Baird Marianne , Gross Douglas P.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Health professional regulators have a mandate to ensure ongoing competence of their regulated members (registrants). Programs for monitoring and assessing continuing competence are one means of assuring the public of the quality of professional services. More regulators are adopting programs for continuing competence that require registrants to demonstrate reflective practice and practice improvement. More research on the effectiveness of reflection-based programs for continuing competence is needed. This study describes the evaluation of a reflection-based continuing competence program used by a regulator in Alberta, Canada.

Methods

Submission of a Continuing Competence Learning Plan (CCLP) is a requirement for practice permit renewal each year. CCLP submissions were randomly selected over a two-year period and rated according to a rubric. CCLP submission ratings and quality and quantity of content were compared. CCLP submission ratings were also compared to demographic and practice profile variables to identify significant relationships that could be used for risk-based selection of CCLP submissions in the future.

Results

Most registrants selected for review completed acceptable CCLP submissions that included reflective content. There was a relationship between CCLP submission rating and the gender identity of participants. There was no relationship between CCLP submission rating and participants' age, years since graduation, practice area, role or setting, client age range, or geographic location of primary employer.

Conclusions

The absence of statistically significant relationships between demographic and practice profile variables, other than gender identity, suggests that the other factors identified in the literature as risks to competence and professional conduct, are not necessarily risk factors for how registrants complete their CCLP submissions. Further comparison of CCLP submission ratings to other workplace and personal factors is required to identify those that may be useful for risk-based selection for CCLP submission review.