bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alleviating biotic stress of Powdery Mildew in mango cv. Keitt by Sulfur nanoparticles and assessing their effect on productivity and disease severity
Authors: El-Nasr Mohamed K. Abou , Nasser Mohamed A. , Ebrahim Mohamed , Samaan Mina S. F. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The control of powdery mildew disease is one of the main objectives in Mango production. Mango production with superior quality is becoming increasingly challenging due to climate change, which may negatively affect all stages of their development. Recently, Nanotechnology is a promising and rapidly evolving field that could be a very useful tool to raise the efficiency of fungicides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) and reducing the incidence of powdery mildew, improving growth performance and productivity in mango cv. Keitt (Mangifera indica L.). Four concentrations of SNPs (0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm) were compared to sulfur microform (bulk) at a concentration of 500 ppm. At a private farm on Cairo Alex Desert Road K78, Egypt, foliar spray treatments were administered to an eight-year-old mango cv. Keitt grafted on Sukari rootstock. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized block design, with each tree receiving a five-liter spray of the solution. The results suggested that the use of 100 ppm concentration of SNPs led to reducing powdery mildew disease incidence in mango and achieved the highest significant productivity. Furthermore, the TSS and vitamin C increased significantly in association with decreasing titratable acidity in fruits. In aggregate, our data demonstrated that 100 ppm and 300 ppm of sulfur nanoparticles was more efficient than 500 ppm of sulfur bulk in improving POD and PPO enzyme activity.
Visualization of the Persistent Avascular Retina in Ultra-widefield Fundus Imaging Using a Digital Green Filter
Authors: Ünal Ayşe Cengiz , Akıdan Melih , Erol Muhammet kazım 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine which filter facilitated the easier detection of the persistent avascular retina (PAR) in ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus imaging in children undergoing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods A total of 20 eyes of 10 children aged between 6 to 9 who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for ROP were included. Fundus images were obtained using Optos confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO; Optos PLC, Dunfermline, Scotland). The images were divided and recorded into three groups as original images (composite filter), red filter, and green filter. These images were prepared as a slideshow for 10 ophthalmology specialists and they were surveyed to determine in which filter the peripheral avascular area was more easily detected. The results were evaluated. Results The rate of detecting the PAR in green-filtered images by the participants included in the study was found to be statistically higher compared to other filters (composite 0,63 ± 0,09 (0,5 − 0,8), red 0,12 ± 0,05 (0,05 − 0,2), and green 0,94 ± 0,06 (0,85 − 1), p < 0.0001). All respondents reported that the boundaries of the peripheral avascular area were more clearly defined in the green-filtered UWF fundus images. Conclusion Each filters used in UWF fundus imaging helps to visualize different layers of the retina. Our study results showed that the green filter, by overshadowing the choroidal vessels, made the retinal vessel terminations more prominent. Based on these findings, we believe that UWF fundus images with the green filter selected are more useful for detecting and monitoring the PAR.
Preoperative severe pain, decreased function, and high anxiety levels increase preoperative anxiety in elderly patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Jeon Young Dae , Park Ki-Bong , Kim Sang-Gon , Park Jae-Hwan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background:
Patients experience clinically significant anxiety from the time they are recommended to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a preoperative intervention regarding anxiety levels in elderly patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to evaluate whether patient characteristics affect the effectiveness of the intervention according to anxiety level.
Methods:
This retrospective observational study recruited 89 elderly patients who underwent TKA under general anesthesia for knee OA. The preoperative multidisciplinary intervention comprised rehabilitation education and an interview with an orthopedic surgeon regarding surgical preparation status. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was administered before and after the preoperative intervention.
Results:
The mean STAI score significantly improved after the intervention. The proportion of patients with clinically meaningful state anxiety (CMSA) also significantly decreased after the intervention. There were no significant differences in demographic and social factors between the two groups. However, the patients whose CMSA status did not improve experienced severe pain, poor functional scores, and high anxiety scores.
Conclusions:
For elderly patients undergoing TKA, the implementation of a patient-specific preoperative multidisciplinary intervention, which consists of preoperative rehabilitation education and a surgeon interview, helps reduce preoperative anxiety. However, these preoperative multidisciplinary interventions may not be effective in patients who present with severe pain, poor functional status, or high anxiety levels before surgery. Thus, higher levels of preoperative multidisciplinary intervention for anxiety may be necessary.
Efficacy of SLNB in Early Endometrial Adenocarcinoma in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Hu Lingjuan , Chen Xiaofeng , Hu Xudong , Luo Jingyuan , Lin Huanmei , Zhu Xiujun , Sun Yanmei , Xiao Jing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Endometrial cancer significantly impacts women’s reproductive health and quality of life, with lymph node metastasis serving as a crucial prognostic factor. Given the low metastasis rate, not all early-stage patients require lymph node dissection. The NCCN upgraded Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB) technology to Class 2A evidence. However, the applicability of SLNB for Chinese patients remains uncertain. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of SLNB in a Chinese population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, involving 164 patients with early endometrial adenocarcinoma who underwent laparoscopic total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy from August 2019 to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical approach: SLNB (N = 33) or systematic lymph node dissection (SLND, N = 33). The primary outcomes assessed were postoperative disease progression-free survival and complication incidence at one month. Secondary outcomes included surgery duration, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and total costs.
Result
Throughout the follow-up period, there were no recurrences case reported in either group. The complication rates were 6% for SLNB and 21% for SLND. In comparison to SLND, SLNB significantly reduced surgery duration (156.4 minutes vs. 267.18 minutes; p < 0.001), blood loss (33.90 ml vs. 98.18 ml; p < 0.01), length of hospital stay (13.48 days vs. 16.76 days; p < 0.01), and total costs (RMB47,203.88 vs. RMB57,969.58; p < 0.01).
Conclusion
SLNB is a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to SLND, offering comparable safety and efficacy for the management of early-stage endometrial cancer in Chinese patients.
Canna Edulis ker. Starch-Based Biodegradable Plastic Materials: Mechanical and Morphological Properties
Authors: Gabriel Azmi Alvian , Rahmawati Alifia Yuanika , Taradipa Yunita Sasmi , Enomae Toshiharu , Fauzan Muhammad Nur , Thangunpai Kotchaporn , Indramawarni Sazkia , Halim Abdul , Ihsanpuro Surya Iryana 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Bioplastics were produced by mixing starch with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) during the manufacturing process. The physical characteristics of the bioplastics were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Tensile strength, elongation, and Young's modulus tests were utilized to assess the mechanical characteristics of bioplastics. The bioplastic with the highest tensile strength was BP3 (7.03 ± 0.341 N/mm²), whereas BP0 had a tensile strength of 1.57 ± 0.111 N/m². The addition of CMC increased the viscosity of the solution and, consequently, the strength of the bioplastic. The range of bioplastic hydrophobicity was approximately 128.32% to 323.74%. FTIR, XPS, and XRD indicated that the physical mixing utilized during synthesis did not result in the addition of functional groups other than the native functional groups of the substances since no chemical reaction occurred. The thermal behavior investigation revealed that increasing the amount of CMC added to TPS can increase the presence of O-H functional groups in bioplastics, contributing to an increase in the glass transition temperature. Furthermore, both bioplastics broke down at approximately 250°C.
Does precocious puberty and its treatment cause the emotional and behavioural problems in children?
Authors: Köprülü Özge , Akgül Gözde Yazkan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Central precocious puberty (CPP) occurs as a result of early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In recent years, especially after the COVID pandemic, presentations with signs of precocious puberty and cases requiring treatment have increased all over the world. Recent studies have showed that CPP patients are more likely to have social and psychiatric problems than their peers of the same age and gender. The aim of our study is to examine the psychiatric symptoms and quality of life of the children newly diagnosed with CPP and cases under treatment more than one year and to compare these symptoms with age and gender-matched healthy children. The research was planned as a cross-sectional study and included 47 female and 3 male patients (n = 50) who were followed up for CPP. The control group (CG) consisted of healthy children matched with the case group in terms of age and gender (n = 25). The case group was divided into two groups; patients who were newly diagnosed and did not receive treatment yet and patients who had been receiving treatment for at least one year. Sociodemographic form, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Child Version (RCADS-CV), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), TURGAY DSM-IV-Based Child and Adolescent Behavior Disorders Screening and Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S) were applied to the children and their families. 50 cases diagnosed with CPP with a mean age of 8.95±1.07 years (25 at diagnosis, 25 on follow-up) and 25 healthy children with a mean age of 8.79±1.02 years were enrolled the study. 94% of CPP group (PG) (n = 47) and 84% of control group (CG) (n = 21) were girls. When the child and parent forms have evaluated; there was no significant difference between three groups in terms of quality of life (child and parent forms), anxiety and depression scores, strengths and difficulties scores. Similar results were obtained between three groups in terms of inattention and hyperactivity scores, oppositional defiance and conduct disorder scores according to the scale.
Conclusion: In the present study, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life were compared between the three groups and no significant difference was detected. While it is a favorable finding that there is no difference in terms of these symptoms in children with early adolescence, it is crucial to consider children with a chronic disease in a multidisciplinary approach and to assess the cases for the potential negative impacts on their quality of life.
Atypical Gut Microbiota Composition in a Mouse Model of Developmental Stuttering
Authors: Nanda Sayan , Lamot Bryan , Guarino Nicole , Usler Evan , Chugani Diane , Dutta Aditya , Chow Ho Ming 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Developmental stuttering is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by disfluent speech. It has been associated with mutations in genes involved in lysosomal enzyme trafficking. Mice with mutations in one such gene, Gnptab, exhibit atypical vocalizations analogous to stuttering in humans. This mouse model has enabled the study of various molecular mechanisms related to the disorder. Simultaneously, an increasing number of reports have suggested the role of gut microbiota in altered brain function and development in neurological disorders. In this study, we compared gut microbiota profiles from Gnptab mutant mice to wildtype control mice. Microbiome analysis demonstrated a distinct microbiota profile in Gnptab mutant mice. The most significant alteration was an increased relative abundance of Akkermansia, a genus of mucin degrading bacteria, which has previously been associated with multiple neurological disorders. Moreover, the altered microbiota profile of these mice was predicted to result in differences in abundance of several metabolic pathways, including short chain fatty acid and lipopolysaccharide synthesis. These pathways may play a role in the onset, progression and persistence of developmental stuttering. This is the first study to show a potential link between developmental stuttering and changes in the gut microbiota, laying the groundwork for a new research direction.
Upshot of Temperature on Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Synthesized Via CVD Aided Spray Pyrolysis and Its Application towards Lead Ion Removal from Waste Water
Authors: Angulakshmi V. S. , Mageswari S , Kalaiselvan S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Rosmarinus officinalis was used in CVD Aided Spray Pyrolysis is to produce multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with a Fe-Co-Mo catalyst supported on silica using argon inert environment. The temperature at which MWNTs were formed varied from 550 to 750°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction analysis, and Raman spectrum measurements were employed to characterize the as-grown MWNTs. HRTEM and Raman spectroscopy learning validated the progress of MWNTs 20–30 nm in diameter. The viability of using as-grown MWNTs as an adsorbent for removing Pb (II) ions from drinking water was studied. The Langmuir and Freundlich equations were exploited to interpret adsorption isotherm data. Kinetic data was analyzed by means of Elovich, pseudo-first-order, and pseudo-second-order equations.
Effects of flipped learning methodology utilising digital literacy on the critical thinking abilities and self-directed learning of South Korean nursing students: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Lee Minjae , Kang Insoon 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have transformed nursing education by incorporating online and digital technologies into instructional methods. Digital literacy is essential in information communication technology–based courses to train nursing students to adapt to new digital environments in their profession. Flipped learning effectively utilises digital literacy to help students engage in self-directed learning and develop critical thinking skills. This study aimed to investigate the impact of flipped learning utilising digital literacy on the critical thinking skills and self-directed learning of nursing students in South Korea.
Methods
A quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group pre-test–post-test design was employed to examine effects of flipped learning using digital literacy on the critical thinking skills and learner autonomy of nursing students. Participants were third-year nursing students at P University, Korea. Flipped learning was administered to 36 students in the experimental group for 13 weeks, while traditional lecture-based instruction was provided to 35 students in the control group from September to December, 2023. Data were analysed using SPSS Statistics 27.0. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare the effects between the experimental and control groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyse the relationships between digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and learner autonomy.
Results
The post-test scores for critical thinking skills differed between the experimental and control groups, though not statistically significantly (t=-0.86, p = .391). However, the scores for learner autonomy showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the experimental group (t = 2.79, p = .042).
Conclusion
This study indicates that flipped learning using digital literacy effectively enhances learner autonomy. However, critical thinking skills require long-term follow-ups to ensure significant changes occur. This finding suggests that both the short- and long-term effects should be considered when evaluating educational outcomes.
Study of heat transfer characteristics of new-fin for sleeve-tube thermal energy storage units
Authors: Wu Xuehong , Hao Kaile , Zhao Min , Chen Yige , Liu Yong , Lv Cai , Cao Shuang , Yu Yinsheng , Tang Songzhen 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To address the issue of low melting efficiency between adjacent fins and at the bottom of the phase change material (PCM) in a horizontal shell-and-tube phase change thermal energy storage (TES) system, a novel stepped claw shaped fin structure was introduced. The effects of the structural parameters, position, and angle of the new fin on the heat storage and release efficiency of the phase-change heat accumulator were studied numerically. The results showed that the use of stepped claw fins could enhance heat transfer and increase the melting rate of PCM, although it might inhibit the heat release process. Reasonable adjustment of the fin length, position, and angle could improve the uniformity of the temperature distribution in thermal storage. In this study, the device with stepped claw fins achieved a heat storage efficiency of 1108.3 J/s. Considering both heat storage and release processes, the heat storage and release efficiency of the stepped claw-finned device is 3.06 times higher than that of the non-finned device. The new stepped claw fins could effectively improve the thermal performance of the device and represent a type of fin with excellent performance.
Green synthesis of silver/silver oxide nanostructures using the Malva sylvestris extract prior to simultaneous distillation extraction: synthesis, phytochemical and biological analysis
Authors: Bekhradian Ali , Karami Bahador , Rajabi Hamid Reza 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Nanotechnology and nanoscience are due to their numerous uses in medicine, engineering, and water pollution sensors and their expanding research fields. In this study, the essential oil, methanolic extract, and biosynthesized silver/silver oxide nanostructures (Ag/AgO NSs) using the aqueous extract of the plant were prepared. The phytochemical compounds of the extract and essential oil were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), respectively. The GC/MS technique identified 34 compounds in the essential oil of the plant with the major constituents including oleic acid (18.5%), palmitic acid (11.08%), phytone (6.64%), p-Vinylguaiacol (6.4%), and phytol (4.23%). After the phytochemical identification, the total flavonoid and polyphenol content of the extract was determined, too. Prodelphinidin B3 compound in the M. sylvestris extract was analyzed and detected by high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), at a retention time of around 10 minutes. In addition, M. sylvestris extract was used for green synthesis of Ag/AgO NSs. The as-prepared NPs were characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analyses. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption at λmax 320 nm in the UV-vis spectra confirm the formation of Ag/AgO NSs. The crystalline structure of Ag/AgO NSs was confirmed by XRD analysis. The small size, with three different Williamson-Hall, Sherrer and SEM/EDS methods, size of nanoparticles were obtained 64.16, 44.33 and 50 nm respectively. Besides, that spherical shape of Ag NPs with good size distribution was observed in the SEM/EDS analysis. The small size, around 50 nm, and spherical shape of Ag/AgO NSs with good size distribution was observed in the SEM/EDS analysis. Besides, the antibacterial activity of the extract was evaluated against three pathogenic bacteria, by disk diffusion method. Significant antibacterial activity was observed for the prepared extracts of M. sylvestris against the bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the results were compared with the known antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalexin, erythromycin, and fluconazole.
“I have learned that nothing is given for free”: A qualitative evaluation of a social norms edutainment intervention broadcast on local radio to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Kigoma, Tanzania
Authors: Howard-Merrill Lottie , Pichon Marjorie , Witt Alice , Sono Revocatus , Gimunta Veronicah , Hofer Enrica , Kiluvia Fatina , Alfred Mengi , Yohanna Emmanuel , Buller Ana Maria 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Promising evidence supports the effectiveness of edutainment interventions in shifting norms to prevent violence against women and girls and other harmful practices, yet further research into mechanisms and pathways of impact is needed to inform intervention development, delivery and scale-up. This qualitative pilot study examined the feasibility and indications of change in attitudes, beliefs, norms and behaviours following the broadcast of a radio drama aired to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Tanzania.
Methods
Over seven weeks, six episodes were broadcast on local radio weekly, between November and December 2021 in Kigoma, targeting adolescent girls (aged 13–15 years) and their caregivers. Reflection sessions were conducted twice a week with 100 girls across ten schools, supplemented by after-school Girls’ Club listening sessions for a subgroup of 30 girls. We conducted seven before and after focus group discussions, five with girls (n = 50), one with men caregivers (n = 9) and one with women caregivers (n = 9), and analysed them using thematic and framework analysis approaches.
Results
Overall, we found that while girls exhibited significant engagement with the drama, caregiver participation, particularly among men, was low. We detected positive changes in four thematic areas after listening to the drama: (1) participant’s increasingly challenged perceptions about what kinds of girls and men take part in age-disparate transactional sex, what can be exchanged, and men’s motivations for engaging; (2) there was a shift from attributing blame for age-disparate transactional sex relationships from girls to men; (3) girl’s reported increased agency and confidence to avoid age-disparate transactional sex relationships; and (4) we found a heightened sense of responsibility and recognition for the role of parents, peers and community members in preventing age-disparate transactional sex. We did not find any differences in impact based on listening sessions’ attendance vs home listening, and no clear changes were detected in men.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the need for further implementation research to explore ways to effectively engage men, and underscore the potential of engaging, evidence-based edutainment interventions in fostering spontaneous critical reflection about complex behaviours such as age-disparate transactional sex, and diffusion of key messages among target populations without the use of organised diffusion activities.