bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of plant-derived melanin in enhancing <i>in vitro</i> growth and nutrient accumulation in potato varieties
Authors: Aghajanyan Armen , Mikaelyan Aram , Martirosyan Hamlet , Melyan Gayane 
Published: October 2024

Background: Melanins are versatile biopolymers found in a wide range of living organisms, contributing to the diverse colors observed in nature. Beyond their pigmentation role, melanins exhibit a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, antitoxic, antitumor, photoprotective, antimicrobial, and radioprotective properties. These attributes make melanins valuable in fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. In this study, we investigated grape marc, a byproduct of wine production, as a novel source of water-soluble melanin extracted using sodium hydroxide. This approach not only repurposes agricultural waste but also explored melanin's role in optimizing in vitro plant cultivation. We evaluated the impact of melanin on the biochemical properties of potato plants, focusing on improvements in growth, rhizogenesis, and the nutritional composition of tubers.
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant-derived melanin on the in vitro growth characteristics and biochemical composition of two potato varieties.
Methods: This study took place in the tissue culture laboratory at the Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology from 2021 to 2024. Apical meristems from the Nevsky and Impala potato varieties were used for in vitro regeneration. The research focused on the in vitro growth and adaptation of these plants under different melanin concentrations. Key growth parameters, chlorophyll content, and biochemical composition were analyzed to assess the impact of melanin on potato development.
Results: The study found that melanin at a concentration of 0.028% significantly enhanced the in vitro growth and rhizogenesis of potato microstems, with optimal results in root number (12.30 per shoot) and shoot length (16.91 cm). Plants also showed earlier and more vigorous root formation, resembling an auxin-like effect. Higher melanin concentrations reduced these benefits. Additionally, plants treated with 0.028% melanin had a high acclimatization success rate (96%) and improved biochemical composition in tubers, with increases in dry matter, sugars, starch, and ascorbic acid, particularly in the Nevsky variety.
Conclusion: Melanin significantly stimulated the in vitro growth and development of potato plants. Increasing melanin levels to an optimal threshold accelerated rhizogenesis and promoted vigorous root and shoot growth, evidenced by increased length and thickness. Acting similarly to auxin, melanin not only encouraged root formation but also enhanced shoot development, leading to improved plant adaptation. Additionally, melanin influenced the biochemical composition of potato tubers, including their nutritional content. These findings highlight the crucial role of melanin concentration in optimizing the growth and biochemical properties of potato varieties.
Keywords: in vitro propagation, potato, melanin, plant adaptation, biochemical compound, micropropagation
Examinations for Vicars in the Diocese of Tarnów Between 1918 and 1939
Authors: Kantor Robert 
Published: October 2024

Since its inception, the Church has paid great attention to the intellectual formation of the clergy. After the reception of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, for the pastoral and intellectual formation of the clergy of the Diocese of Tarnów between 1918 and 1939, theological examinations were of vital importance and they were carried out in accordance with the dispositions of the universal legislator contained in the 1917 Code of Canon Law in Canon 130. In the period under discussion, examinations for vicars were held in August in the auditorium of the Theological Seminary in Tarnów. The examination material included dogmatic theology, moral theology, pastoral theology and canon law. This study is a contribution to the history of canon law, as the development of the institution of examinations for vicars in the Diocese of Tarnów between 1918 and 1939 has not yet been studied.
Effectiveness of Outdoor Learning Activities: Perspectives of Primary School Teachers
Authors: Rashid Sehar , Kiran Ayesha , Javed Erum 
Published: October 2024

Students who participate in a variety of outdoor activities improve their problem-solving skills, acquire useful knowledge, strengthen their resilience in the face of adversity, and form a closer bond with nature. Engaging students in outdoor learning activities offers a means of fostering nature interactions within the school setting. The study aimed to explore teachers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of outdoor learning activities. This study was descriptive in nature and adopted survey method to collect data from the participants. The sample comprised of 270 primary school teachers in the Sialkot district. A questionnaire was developed to assess the effectiveness of outdoor learning at primary level, comprising 21 statements related to cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning of primary school students. Findings of the study revealed that primary school teachers perceive outdoor learning activities effective for the development of cognitive, affective and psychomotor abilities of primary school students. However, there are significant differences in perspectives between male and female teachers regarding the effectiveness of outdoor learning at primary school level. It is recommended that professional training should be conducted to train teachers to incorporate outdoor learning activities effectively into primary education.
Notes on Critical Phenomena and Primordial Cosmology
Authors: Goldfain Ervin 
Published: October 2024

Critical phenomena describe continuous phase transitions characterized by power-law divergences, universality of scaling exponents and ergodicity breaking. Scaling exponents depend on the _dimension of the underlying spacetime_ (\(d\)) and, in many cases, also on the _dimension of variables_ defining criticality \((D)\). Recent studies suggest that both dimensions (\(d\)and \(D\)) run the observation scale and, as a result, determine the rate of divergence near critical points. Building on these observations, the goal of this report is to close the gap between _critical behavior in continuous dimensions_ and the anomalous findings of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
Penyuluhan Hukum Stop Bullying di MA Nurul Izzah Kalamisu
Authors: Nurwahida  , Andi Alauddin  , Salam  , Sani Chaerul 
Published: October 2024

Penyuluhan hukum tentang stop bullying adalah kegiatan yang dilaksanakan untuk menjelaskan urgensi perilaku menyimpang yang terjadi dalam masyarakat khususnya kalangan remaja yang kebanyakan menduduki bangku sekolah. Melihat bahwa perilaku yang menyimpang banyak menimpa kalangan remaja dan acap kali merugikan kalangan tertentu sehingga dirasa penting untuk memberikan edukasi yang lebih mendasar terkait perilaku perundungan di lingkup sekolah. Edukasi yang dilaksanakan tidak serta merta berasal dari adanya perbuatan menyimpang yang terjadi pada suatu tempat, akan tetapi edukasi juga dapat dilaksanakan untuk meminimalisir atau bahkan menghindari hal-hal yang berbau negatif. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah dengan menganalisis berbagai informasi yang ditemukan dari berbagai sumber seperti masyarakat di lingkup sekolah serta di tenaga pendidik. Selanjutnya metode yang digunakan adalah observasi, sosialisasi dan pelaksanaan kegiatan. Dengan terlaksananya kegiatan penyuluhan hukum, dapat memberikan pemahaman kepada siswa agar dapat menghindari terjadinya perilaku bullying.
Clinical and physiological characteristics of tremor in a large cohort of focal and segmental dystonia
Authors: Jabarkheel Zakia , Wagle Shukla Aparna 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTremor is a frequent co-occurring feature in patients with dystonia, especially in focal and segmental dystonia. Clinical studies have shown that tremor is more commonly observed when dystonia spreads to contiguous body regions. However, there is insufficient characterization of tremor physiology in focal and segmental forms of dystonia. We aimed to ascertain the characteristics of tremor presenting in these specific subtypes.MethodsWe enrolled dystonia patients with head and arm tremors presenting to our center. We categorized these participants as focal and segmental dystonia following the Movement Disorders Society guidelines. We recorded the frequency, amplitude, rhythmicity, burst duration, and discharge pattern on accelerometer and electromyography recordings. We compared the physiology of tremors in focal vs. segmental dystonia. We determined whether the physiology was affected by clinical features such as demographics, age at onset, dystonia duration, alcohol responsiveness, family history, and botulinum toxin responsiveness.Results72 patients, mainly focal cervical dystonia and focal cervical + arm or cranial dystonia (segmental) were enrolled. In the analysis of the head tremor recordings (n = 66; frequency range 3–6.5 Hz), we found that focal vs. segmental dystonia comparisons revealed a significantly lower frequency (mean ± standard deviation; 4.0 ± 0.9 Hz vs. 4.7 ± 1.0 Hz; p = 0.02), lower amplitude (0.004 ± 0.008 g2/Hz vs. 0.006 ± 0.008 g2/Hz; p = 0.03) and longer muscle burst durations (111.1 ± 40.4 ms vs. 91.5 ± 24 ms; p = 0.04). In the analysis of arm tremor recordings (n = 31; frequency range 3.5–7 Hz), we found focal vs. segmental dystonia comparison revealed a lower amplitude (0.04 ± 0.07 g2/Hz vs. 0.06 ± 0.06 g2/Hz; p = 0.045). In the stepwise regression analysis, the age at evaluation (β - 0.44; p = 0.006) and age at onset (β - 0.61; p = 0.005) significantly predicted the head tremor frequency whereas the alcohol responsiveness tended to predict the amplitude of the head tremor (β - 0.5; p = 0.04) and the arm tremor (β - 0.6; p = 0.02).ConclusionOur study found that the physiological characteristics of tremor in focal and segmental dystonia are somewhat distinct, suggesting that the spread of dystonia symptoms from one body region to another may have a bearing on the physiology of co-occurring tremor. The frequency of head tremors in younger participants was observed to be higher compared to older participants. The head and arm tremor tended be less severe in patients reporting alcohol responsiveness.
Hearing aid benefit in daily life: a qualitative ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Fourie Chané , Mahomed-Asmail Faheema , Oosthuizen Ilze , Manchaiah Vinaya , Vercammen Charlotte , Swanepoel De Wet 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding hearing aid wearer experiences in real-world settings is important to provide responsive and individualized hearing care. This study aimed to describe real-life benefits of hearing aids (HAs), as reported by hearing aid wearers through Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in various listening environments.MethodQualitative content analysis of 1,209 open-text responses, provided through self-initiated EMAs, was conducted. The de-identified data was collected retrospectively via a smartphone app compatible with these HAs. Only text responses reflecting positive hearing aid experiences were analyzed. The 1,209 open-text responses were categorized into 18 pre-determined sub-categories, further organized into five overarching categories: Conversational, Leisure, Device-related aspects, Lifestyle, and Other factors.ResultsAcross these categories, 48 self-generated meaning units highlighted the multifaceted benefits of HAs. In particular, participants reported significant improvements in conversational settings, specifically during phone conversations and meetings, attributed to improved sound quality and speech understanding when wearing their HAs. During leisure activities, particularly TV watching and music listening, clearer sound and ease of Bluetooth streaming contributed to experienced benefits. Lifestyle improvements were reported in occupational and social settings, as hearing aid wearers stated enhanced communication and sound awareness. Device-related factors contributing to positive wearer experiences included extended battery life and the convenience of rechargeable batteries. The most prominent sub-category, other factors, underscored overall satisfaction, comfort with the device, and improved auditory experiences across various environments.ConclusionThis study reveals the diverse benefits of HAs in improving communication, listening experiences, and quality of life across various settings, as captured through EMA. By emphasizing features like direct streaming and rechargeability, the findings highlight the importance of personalized hearing care and the potential of real-time listener feedback to inform device enhancements and support strategies, advancing more tailored and effective hearing rehabilitation.
Tuning the circularly polarized luminescence in homoleptic and heteroleptic chiral CrIII complexes
Authors: Poncet Maxime , Besnard Céline , Guénée Laure , Jiménez Juan-Ramón , Piguet Claude 
Published: October 2024

A series of highly emissive inert and chiral CrIII complexes displaying positive and negative circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) within the near-infrared (NIR) region at room temperature have been prepared and characterized to decipher the effect of ligand substitution on the photophysical properties, more specifically on the chiroptical properties. The helical homoleptic [Cr(dqp-R)2]3+ (dqp = 2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine; R = Ph, ≡-Ph, DMA, ≡-DMA (DMA = N,N-dimethylaniline)) and heteroleptic [Cr(dqp)(L)]3+ (L = 4-methoxy-2,6-di(quinolin-8-yl)pyridine (dqp-OMe) or L = N2,N6-dimethyl-N2,N6-di(pyridin-2-yl)pyridine-2,6-diamine (ddpd)) molecular rubies were synthesized as racemic mixtures and then resolved and isolated into their respective pure PP and MM enantiomeric forms by chiral stationary phase HPLC. The corresponding enantiomers show two opposite polarized emission bands within the 700–780 nm range corresponding to the characteristic metal-centered Cr(2E’→4A2) and Cr(2T1’→4A2) transitions with large glum ranging from 0.14 to 0.20 for the former transition. In summary, this study reports the rational use of different ligands on CrIII and their effect on the chiroptical properties of the complexes.
Highly conductive V4C3Tx MXene-enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel electrolytes for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Bin Xiaoqing , Sheng Minhao , Que Wenxiu 
Published: October 2024

Hydrogel electrolytes are an integral part of flexible solid-state supercapacitors. To further improve the low ionic conductivity, large interfacial resistance and poor cycling stability for hydrogel electrolytes, the V4C3Tx MXene-enhanced polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel electrolyte was fabricated to enhance its mechanical and electrochemical performance. The high-conductivity V4C3Tx MXene (16,465.3 S m−1) bonding transport network was embedded into the PVA-H2SO4 hydrogel electrolyte (PVA- H2SO4-V4C3Tx MXene). Results indicate that compared to the pure PVA-H2SO4 hydrogel electrolyte (105.3 mS cm−1, 48.4%@2,800 cycles), the optimal PVA-H2SO4-V4C3Tx MXene hydrogel electrolyte demonstrates high ionic conductivity (133.3 mS cm−1) and commendable long-cycle stability for the flexible solid-state supercapacitors (99.4%@5,500 cycles), as well as favorable mechanical flexibility and self-healing capability. Besides, the electrode of the flexible solid-state supercapacitor with the optimal PVA-H2SO4-V4C3Tx MXene hydrogel as the solid-state electrolyte has a capacitance of 370 F g−1 with almost no degradation in capacitance even under bending from 0° to 180°. The corresponding energy density for flexible device is 4.6 Wh kg−1, which is twice for that of PVA-H2SO4 hydrogel as the solid-state electrolyte.
Recurrence rate and predictors in non-ischemic reversible bradyarrhythmias
Authors: Dwivedi Sudhanshu Kumar , Sharma Akhil Kumar , Agrawal Anant , Doomra Kapil , Chaudhary Gaurav Kumar , Chandra Sharad , Bhandari Monika , Vishwakarma Pravesh , Pradhan Akshyaya , Sethi Rishi , Shukla Ayush , Singh Abhishek , Safal Safal 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveNon-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia is a poorly characterized yet common clinical challenge. This study aimed to assess the incidence and predictors of recurrence and the need for permanent cardiac pacing in patients with non-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia.MethodsThis prospective single-center study enrolled 124 consecutive adult patients with non-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia who were followed up for up to 24 months after conservative management during index hospitalization. The primary endpoint was a recurrence of bradyarrhythmia requiring permanent cardiac pacing. The secondary endpoint was a composite of recurrence requiring permanent pacing, readmission, or death. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the predictors of the endpoints.ResultsSinus node and atrioventricular node diseases were seen in 66.1% and 33.9% of patients, respectively. The most common causes of bradyarrhythmia were negative chronotropic drugs (58.1%) and hyperkalemia (55.6%). Permanent pacing was required in 21.8% of patients after a recurrence. Advanced atrioventricular block at presentation (HR: 6.10, 95% CI: 2.45–15.20, p &lt; 0.001) and bifascicular block at discharge (HR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.58–8.33, p = 0.002) during index hospitalization were significant independent predictors of recurrence requiring cardiac pacing.ConclusionNon-ischemic symptomatic reversible bradyarrhythmia is associated with a high risk of recurrence. Permanent cardiac pacing should be considered during index hospitalization in patients with advanced atrioventricular block and/or bifascicular block.
Impacts on study design when implementing digital measures in Parkinson's disease-modifying therapy trials
Authors: Lavine Jennie S. , Scotina Anthony D. , Haney Seth , Bakker Jessie P. , Izmailova Elena S. , Omberg Larsson 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionParkinson's Disease affects over 8.5 million people and there are currently no medications approved to treat underlying disease. Clinical trials for disease modifying therapies (DMT) are hampered by a lack of sufficiently sensitive measures to detect treatment effect. Reliable digital assessments of motor function allow for frequent at-home measurements that may be able to sensitively detect disease progression.MethodsHere, we estimate the test-retest reliability of a suite of at-home motor measures derived from raw triaxial accelerometry data collected from 44 participants (21 with confirmed PD) and use the estimates to simulate digital measures in DMT trials. We consider three schedules of assessments and fit linear mixed models to the simulated data to determine whether a treatment effect can be detected.ResultsWe find at-home measures vary in reliability; many have ICCs as high as or higher than MDS-UPDRS part III total score. Compared with quarterly in-clinic assessments, frequent at-home measures reduce the sample size needed to detect a 30% reduction in disease progression from over 300 per study arm to 150 or less than 100 for bursts and evenly spaced at-home assessments, respectively. The results regarding superiority of at-home assessments for detecting change over time are robust to relaxing assumptions regarding the responsiveness to disease progression and variability in progression rates.DiscussionOverall, at-home measures have a favorable reliability profile for sensitive detection of treatment effects in DMT trials. Future work is needed to better understand the causes of variability in PD progression and identify the most appropriate statistical methods for effect detection.
Improved reproductive outcomes in normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women undergoing ovarian stimulation with intrauterine insemination: a retrospective cohort analysis of real-world data
Authors: Li Sichen , Long Yao , Wang Chunyan , Yang Rui , Lv Junye , Chen Zixin , Liu Jianqiao , Liu Haiying , Cao Mingzhu 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the comparative reproductive outcomes of ovarian stimulation combined with intrauterine insemination using partner’s sperm (OS-IUI) in eumenorrheic and normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women.MethodA retrospective cohort study was conducted, including 3833 couples who underwent 5920 cycles of OS-IUI between June 2013 and March 2019. Participants were stratified into two cohorts based on menstrual regularity: eumenorrheic and normogonadotropic oligomenorrheic. The primary outcome measured was the live birth rate (LBR) per cycle and cumulative LBR per couple. Secondary outcomes encompassed the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) per cycle, miscarriage rate, and multiple pregnancy rate. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance maternal baseline characteristics.ResultsPrior to PSM, significant differences in CPR, LBR and cumulative LBR were observed between eumenorrheic and oligomenorrheic women, favoring the latter (CPR: 11.16% vs. 18.75%; LBR: 9.02% vs. 14.96%; cumulative LBR: 13.60% vs. 24.25%, P &lt; 0.001). These differences persisted post-PSM (CPR: 9.74% vs. 19.29%; LBR: 7.30% vs. 16.29%; cumulative LBR 7.76% vs. 19.90%, P&lt;0.001). Multivariate regression analyses revealed that menstrual status was a significant independent predictor of both CPR (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=1.83 before PSM, 2.24 after PSM) and LBR (adjusted OR=1.90 before PSM, 2.46 after PSM). In the subgroup analysis, female age was identified as the sole predictor of reproductive outcomes in oligomenorrheic women undergoing OS-IUI. Conversely, in eumenorrheic women, factors such as age, duration of infertility, body mass index (BMI), ovarian stimulation agents, and the number of dominant follicles were significant influencers of CPR and LBR.ConclusionNormogonadotropic oligomenorrheic women demonstrated improved reproductive outcomes with OS-IUI, suggesting that tailored treatment strategies based on menstrual regularity could optimize success rates in infertility management.
Predictive value of IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio for thyroid nodules in type 2 diabetic mellitus
Authors: Liu Bingxin , Wang Yanjun 
Published: October 2024

AimsTo explore the predictive value of the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio for the presence of thyroid nodules in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis observational study prospectively enrolled patients with T2DM at the Second Hospital of Jilin University between May 2021 and January 2022. Thyroid nodule (TN) status was determined by ultrasonography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the predictive value of the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio for TNs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM.ResultsA total of 122 patients (mean age ± standard deviation: 52.57 ± 11.71 years; 74 males) were enrolled. 37.7% (n=46) of patients did not have TNs, while 62.3% (n=76) had TNs. The duration of diabetes, age, and HDL-C level were significantly higher in the T2DM group with TNs compared to the group without TNs (all P &lt; 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for the combination of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio in predicting TNs in T2DM patients was 0.619 (P &lt; 0.001). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the duration of diabetes, age, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 levels were independent risk factors for thyroid nodules, while the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio level was an independent protective factor for thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM (all P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe combination of IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio may have a better predictive value for TNs in T2DM patients than using any single marker alone. The duration of diabetes, age, FPG, FINS, TSH, IGF-1, IGFBP-3, and the serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio levels were independently associated with thyroid nodules in patients with T2DM.