bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reference intervals and percentiles for soluble transferrin receptor and sTfR/log ferritin index in healthy children and adolescents
Authors: Prenzel Freerk , Kaiser Thorsten , Willenberg Anja , vom Hove Maike , Flemming Gunter , Fischer Lars , Kratzsch Jürgen , Kiess Wieland , Vogel Mandy 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a marker of both erythropoiesis and iron status and is considered useful for detecting iron deficiency, especially in inflammatory conditions, but reference intervals covering the entire pediatric age spectrum are lacking.

Methods
We studied 1,064 (48.5 % female) healthy children of the entire pediatric age spectrum to determine reference values and percentiles for sTfR and the ratio of sTfR to log-ferritin (sTfR-F index) using a standard immunoturbidimetric assay.

Results
Soluble TfR levels were highly age-specific, with a peak in infancy and a decline in adulthood, whereas the sTfR-F index was a rather constant parameter. There were positive linear relationships for sTfR with hemoglobin (Hb) (p=0.008) and transferrin (females p<0.001; males p=0.003). A negative association was observed between sTfR and ferritin in females (p<0.0001) and for transferrin saturation and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in both sexes (both p<0.0001). We found a positive relationship between sTfR and body height, body mass index (BMI) and inflammatory markers (CrP p<0.0001; WBC p=0.0172), while sTfR-F index was not affected by inflammation.

Conclusions
Soluble TfR values appear to reflect the activity of infant erythropoiesis and to be modulated by inflammation and iron deficiency even in a healthy cohort.
Graphene oxide/chitosan/manganese/folic acid-brucine functionalized nanocomposites show anticancer activity against liver cancer cells
Authors: Alzahrani Abdullah R. , Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdel Aziz , Alanazi Ibrahim M. , Shahzad Naiyer , Shahid Imran , Nur Azlina Mohd Fahami , Kamisah Yusof , Ismail Nafeeza Mohd , Arulselvan Palanisamy 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Nanomedicine is the application of nanomaterials and nanotechnology to the development of novel pharmaceuticals and drug delivery mechanisms. The present study synthesized a functionalized nanocomposite (NC) containing graphene oxide (GO), chitosan (Ch), manganese (Mn), folic acid (FA), and brucine. The anticancer properties of the synthesized GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs were evaluated against liver cancer cells. GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs were characterized using several characterization techniques. The growth of HepG2 and Hep3B cells was analyzed using the methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. The cell apoptosis was examined through dual staining. The levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured using the corresponding assay kits. Various characterization assays revealed the formation of crystalline GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs with tetragonal and agglomerated morphologies, various stretching and bonding, and an average particle size of 136.20 nm. GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs have effectively inhibited the viabilities of HepG2 and Hep3B cells. The NCs increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and reduced antioxidants and inflammatory mediators, thereby promoting apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells. Our findings indicate that GO/Mn/Ch/FA-Brucine NCs can inhibit viability and promote apoptosis in liver cancer HepG2 cells.
Effect of Thermomechanical Processing on the Transformation Kinetics, Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Continuously Cooled Cementite-free Bainitic Steel
Authors: de Castro P. J. , Silveira A. , Dong J. , Turra C. J. , Rocha A. S. , Fechte-Heinen R. , Epp J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The combination of forming with continuous cooling bainitic steels offers a new path for reaching energy-efficient manufacturing chains. Improved energy efficiency is achievable thanks to the suppression of conventional, energy-intensive heat treatments. In the present paper, different thermomechanical processing strategies, including laboratory and industrial scale forgings, were assessed alongside their impact on the resulting microstructure. Firstly, phase transformation kinetics were assessed in precisely controlled environments via dilatometry coupled to in situ techniques. Secondly, the microstructure, mechanical properties, and forgeability of large-scale forged components were investigated in laboratory and industrial conditions. These investigations were also assisted by finite element method simulation. The comparison between controlled and industrial-scale conditions illustrates pitfalls in the transfer of knowledge to conditions approaching a real manufacturing chain. Nevertheless, alloy and process design is shown to be a key aspect to overcome the discussed challenges, allowing homogeneous bainite microstructures and mechanical properties to be achievable over a flexible range of processing conditions.
Make Love Not War: The Possibility of Gaseous Hormones Against Civilians in Conflict Situations
Authors: Woytas Josephine 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) have made it illegal for States to develop or use certain chemical and biological weapons. However, these treaties are not all-encompassing. Many nations continue to develop and produce chemical and biological weapons. In 2002, as part of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the Pentagon released a proposal from an Air Force lab seeking permission to develop biologically based chemicals that would significantly alter human behavior. The premise of behavior-modifying chemicals in conflict situations raises concern, primarily if this technology is developed, how should it be regulated?
Feasibility of a cinematic-virtual reality training program about opioid use disorder for osteopathic medical students: a single-arm pre–post study
Authors: Rehl Dominique , Mangapora Mason , Love Matthew , Love Carrie , Shaw Kerri , McCarthy John , Beverly Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Context
Opioid use disorder (OUD) has a considerable morbidity and mortality in the United States. Healthcare providers are key points of contact for those with OUD; however, some providers may hold stigma toward OUD. Stigma toward OUD can lead to lower quality of care and more negative health outcomes. Thus, new trainings designed to reduce stigma toward OUD while increasing empathy are critical. We created a web-based cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) training program on OUD for osteopathic medical students.

Objectives
The aim of this pilot study was to assess changes in stigma toward OUD and empathy before and after the online cine-VR training program on OUD.

Methods
We employed a single-arm, pre- and posttest pilot study to assess changes in stigma toward OUD and empathy. Osteopathic medical students from one large medical school in the Midwest with three campuses were invited to participate in the online cine-VR training. Participants completed two surveys before and after the cine-VR training. We performed paired t tests to examine changes in stigma toward OUD and empathy scores before and after the cine-VR OUD training program.

Results
A total of 48 participants completed the training. We observed a decrease in stigma toward OUD posttraining (t=4.402, p<0.001); this change had a Cohen’s d of 0.64, indicating a medium effect. We also observed an increase in participants’ empathy scores posttraining (t=−2.376, p=0.023), with a Cohen’s d of 0.40 signifying a small effect.

Conclusions
Findings from this pilot study suggest that the online cine-VR training may reduce stigma toward OUD while increasing empathy. Future research employing a randomized controlled trial design with a larger, more diverse sample and a proper attention control condition is needed to confirm the effectiveness of the online cine-VR training. If confirmed, this cine-VR training may be an accessible approach to educating osteopathic medical students about OUD.
Giving Voice: Examining the Tactical Repertoires of Nonprofit Advocacy for Disadvantaged Populations
Authors: MacIndoe Heather , Beaton Erynn E. , Manuella Pache de Athayde Maria , Ojelabi Olanike 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Representation is an important role of the nonprofit sector as these organizations can give voice to the priorities of their constituents. This is particularly important for disadvantaged communities that may lack access to traditional democratic processes. What advocacy tactics are most utilized by nonprofit organizations serving disadvantaged populations? Given variation in nonprofit advocacy tactics, which tactics are perceived as most effective? To answer these questions, we look to the framework of tactical repertoires from sociological studies of social movements. Analysis of a survey of New England nonprofits (N = 656, 55 % response rate) indicates that nonprofits serving disadvantaged populations use similar tactics to organizations advocating for other constituencies but employ them at higher rates. These tactics cluster into three tactical repertoires, each a different combination of advocacy tactics. Perceptions of advocacy effectiveness are associated with the size and nature of tactical repertoires, client participation in advocacy, government funding, and perceptions of the policy environment.
UN Peacekeeping Forces and Peace Negotiations in Africa
Authors: NIARE Mohamed , MARIKO Ousmane 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The aim of this article is to identify the factors underlying the success of peace negotiations in Africa, with particular emphasis on the role of UN peacekeepers. We analyze African Peace Processes (APP) data over the period 1989–2019 using the binary logistic model. Our results show that the deployment of UN peacekeepers is associated with the success of mediation efforts, both in intra-state and non-state conflicts. On the other hand, the presence of peacekeepers is detrimental to the success of bilateral negotiations. These results thus highlight that the ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness of UN forces in the peaceful management of conflicts depends on the presence or absence of a mediator. Consequently, political decision-makers should combine the deployment of peacekeeping forces with mediation initiatives to achieve peaceful conflict management. On the other hand, this should not be envisaged within the framework of bilateral negotiations, at the risk of producing opposite effects.
Computer creates a cat: sign formation, glitching, and the AImage
Authors: Betancourt Michael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
AI-generated images of “cats” offer novel opportunities to consider the semic role of expectations in sign formation where they act as a constraints on semiosis through the potential identification of the AImage as “correct,” or as a “glitch.” Because the identification of “errors” depends on a range of technical and cultural expertise, they offer valuable insights into the interpretive process. The automated generation of media by AI separates the artist’s decision-making process from image production, continuing a trajectory that began with the invention of photography in the nineteenth century that brings the sign formation process into consciousness by distinguishing “intentional” and “unintentional” encoding. The identification AI-produced images as-glitched provides a vehicle to consider how the sign formation process informs identifications of creative action as an intentional action: aesthetic appraisals are central to this process where cultural beliefs about creativity become ideological constraints on interpretation. The potential to understand AI “glitches” as expressive features of the image-object, rather than errors, proceeds via the aesthetics and affects of earlier art, such as the “painterly motion” shown in old master paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, or via the heritage of Surrealism. These affective constraints on sign formation reveal the central role of “glitches” in the distinction of creative and uncreative action.
Sol–gel synthesized lithium–cobalt co-doped titanium (IV) oxide nanocomposite as an efficient photocatalyst for environmental remediation
Authors: Adedokun Oluwaseun , Adedokun Omonike Mary , Bello Ismaila Taiwo , Ajani Adegbenro Sunday , Jubu Peverga Rex , Awodele Mojoyinla Kofoworola , Dhlamini Mokhotjwa Simon , Kaliamurthy Ashok Kumar , Bhat Mashooq Ahmad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this study, lithium cobalt co-doped titanium oxide (Li:Co-TiO2) was reported via the sol–gel method in a one-pot synthesis approach and their potential applications were evaluated for the photodegradation of organic dye as photocatalysts. The structural and optical properties of the photocatalysts were respectively elucidated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The morphological and elemental composition of the Li:Co-TiO2 was established by high-resolution field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with EDX, which confirmed a successful preparation of the photocatalysts. The modification of TiO2 with Li:Co changes the optical properties of the pristine TiO2 with a reduction in the bandgap (3.26–2.8 eV) of the resultant photocatalysts. The photocatalytic activity of Li:Co-TiO2 composites was examined for their efficacy through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The photodegradation revealed an improved performance of Li:Co-TiO2 in the degradation of MB compared to pristine TiO2. The total amount of the degraded MB dye within the total time interval of the irradiation was recorded to be 72 % and 87 % for TiO2 and Li:Co co-doped TiO2 respectively. The enhanced results obtained from the photocatalytic activity of Li:Co-TiO2 to degrade MB, suggest that the composite is a potential candidate for environmental remediation and photocatalysis applications.
Incidentally vs non-incidentally diagnosed papillary thyroid carcinoma: are there differences?
Authors: Cosme Inês , Figueiredo Ana , Pinheiro Sara , Leite Valeriano 
Published: July 2024

Graphical abstract

Abstract

Background
Thyroid carcinoma (TC) incidence increased over the past 50 years. The explanation for this is not consensual.

Objective
Compare incidental vs non-incidental TC (ITC vs NITC) regarding demographic, clinical, histological data and 5-year clinical outcomes.

Design
Retrospective analysis of 225 papillary TC (PTC) cases that completed a 5-year follow-up.

Methods
Created 2 groups: ITC (including the incidentalomas) and NITC (cases of palpable or visible nodules or with thyroid compressive complaints).

Results
Included 225 PTC (122 were ITC). There were 95 women in ITC and 78 in NITC. ITC patients were significantly older (53.3 ± 14.8 vs 47.2 ± 17.7, P = 0.006). Groups had no differences in family history of TC. ITC mean tumour size was smaller (19.1 ± 9.2 vs 28.6 ± 16.2, P < 0.01). Tumours > 20 mm comprised 36.1% of ITC and 58.2% of NITC. We found no differences in tumour multifocality, histological thyroiditis, aggressive PTC subtypes, capsule or lymph-vascular invasion and gross extrathyroidal extension. There were no differences regarding the number of patients submitted to RAI or in RAI activity. pTMN staging showed higher prevalence of T3a and T4 cases (P < 0.01), and M1 status (P = 0.025) in NITC. There were no differences in the rates of persistence of disease. Logistic regression showed that the diagnostic modality had no impact on the 5-year clinical outcome.

Conclusion
ITC patients were older and had smaller tumours. NITC showed no worst histological features or 5-year clinical outcome. Approximately, one third of ITC had diameters > 20 mm. As even large tumours can be ITC, overdiagnosis is the most likely cause of increasing incidence of TC.
Addition of GM-CSF during in vitro oocyte maturation improves embryo development and implantation and birth rate in mice
Authors: Saini Anmol , McPherson Nicole O , Nottle Mark B 
Published: July 2024

The present study determined whether adding granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) during in vitro oocyte maturation (IVM) could improve oocyte developmental competence by examining embryo development and implantation and birth rates following embryo transfer in mice. In an initial dose-response experiment, we demonstrated that the addition of 2 and 10 ng/mL GM-CSF during IVM increased cumulus expansion (P < 0.05) but did not affect fertilisation rate compared with the control group. The addition of 10 ng/mL increased blastocyst rate (17.0%; P < 0.05) and tended to increase the number of good quality blastocysts present at 96 h of culture (+19.4%; P = 0.06) and increased blastocyst inner cell mass (+25.2%; P < 0.001), trophectoderm (+29.9%; P < 0.01), and total cell numbers (+28.6%; P < 0.05). GM-CSF also reduced the incidence of DNA damage in blastocysts in the 10 ng/mL group (−16.2%) compared with the control group. These improvements translated into increases in implantation rate (+21.0%; P < 0.05) and birth rate (+17.0%; P < 0.001) following the transfer of vitrified blastocysts. GM-CSF treatment did not alter any fetal and placental parameters. Together these results suggest that the addition of GM-CSF during IVM may improve livestock in vitro embryo production and human IVM.

Lay summary
The ability to collect immature eggs from the ovaries and mature these in the laboratory is an important technology for treating certain types of infertility in women as well as for preserving their fertility, for example prior to cancer treatment. This technique is called in vitro oocyte maturation or IVM and is also used in animal breeding. However, pregnancy and birth rates in humans and animals using this technique are lower than that which can be achieved using natural mating. We have shown that adding GM-CSF, a molecule found in the ovary, during IVM can increase the number and quality of embryos produced in mice. We have also found that when these embryos are transferred to surrogate mothers, implantation and birth rates are increased. These results suggest that the addition of GM-CSF during IVM may improve pregnancy and birth rates in humans as well as animals.
COMMERCIAL HERBAL ADMINISTRATION FOR PREVENTING Vibrio parahaemolyticus INFECTION IN VANNAMEI SHRIMP (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Putra The Best Akbar Esa , Widanarni Widanarni , Dinamella Wahjuningrum , Munti Yuhana 
Published: July 2024

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is one of the pathogens in crustaceans that can cause mass death in vannamei shrimp farming. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of administering the commercial herbal supplement Phycurma Aquatic (PA) through feeding at different doses to prevent V. parahaemolyticus infection in vannamei shrimp. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of five treatments and three replications, which are negative control group, positive control group, and PA at doses of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 mL kg-1 feed. Shrimps were reared for 30 days and fed five times a day. On the 31th day, shrimps were challenged with V. parahaemolyticus at a dose of 105 CFU mL-1, except for the negative control group. The results showed that the administration of 5.0 mL kg-1 of PA in the feed gave the best growth performance (P<0.05) compared to other treatments. The administration of 5.0 mL kg-1 PA in feed also enhanced shrimp health status and significantly increased the total hemocyte count, phagocytic activity, respiratory burst, and phenoloxidase. Furthermore, the administration of PA also increased antioxidant activity, reduced malondialdehyde levels, decreased V. parahaemolyticus population in the intestine, and reduced hepatopancreas tissue damage. Moreover, the survival rate of vannamei shrimp before and after the challenge test in the treatment group with a dose of 5.0 mL kg-1 of PA was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to other treatments.
Dorothy Hartley
Authors: Wondrausch Mary 
Published: July 2024

Dorothy Hartley's book Food in England, the republication of which this year is celebrated on page 51, is perceived by many to be the greatest single contribution which has ever been made to English food history, if by that phrase is meant the history of the food eaten in rural England in the past. Now, more than ten years since her death, it is very good news that the author of this short essay is working on a full biography of Dorothy Hartley, taking in the other aspects of her life's work as well as her pioneering contribution to English food history.
Like Dorothy Hartley, Mary Wondrausch is a woman of many talents and many activities. We are grateful to her for responding to our invitation to tell our readers something about Dorothy Hartley's life, so that our review of her book can be seen in a biographical context.
Phoebe, a Host of Christian Travelers: The Meaning of Προστάτις in Romans 16:2
Authors: Borges Jason 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In Rom 16:2, Paul refers to Phoebe in Cenchreae as “a patron [προστάτις] of many and of myself.” After considering the various proposals regarding the nature of Phoebe’s “patronage” toward Paul, I advance a hypothesis mentioned by Origen and some modern commentators in passing—that Phoebe was a προστάτις in that she provided hospitality services, such as accommodation and advocacy, to Paul and other Christian travelers. To support this interpretation, I bring to bear two types of evidence: epigraphic data regarding προστάτις and Paul’s sociorhetorical purposes in Rom 16:2. Epigraphic evidence establishes that hospitality was a common aspect of being a προστάτης, as the term commonly defined πρόξɛνοι (“public friend-hosts”). In terms of rhetoric, Paul refers to Phoebe as a προστάτις in his commendation of her to the recipients in Rome (Rom 16:1–2), indicating that Phoebe’s past hospitality as a προστάτις makes her deserving of the Romans’ future hospitality.
Effect of Yoga on Anxiety Levels among Medical Students During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Prameswari Yovita Rinda , Amita Angela Shinta Dewi , Gracia Isadora , Lilis Lilis 
Published: July 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic became one of the factors that caused anxiety among medical students. Anxiety needs to be managed before it develops into a disorder. Yoga as a complementary therapy can reduce anxiety. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of yoga on anxiety levels among medical students.Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study conducted in February–September 2022 and participated by medical students at the Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia experienced anxiety. Participants were divided into two groups; an intervention group and a control group. Anxiety levels were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 42 (DASS-42) questionnaire. The intervention provided was the Atma Jaya Yoga Intervention Studies (AJYOGIS) procedure for nine weeks. Yoga practice was performed online via Zoom and offline on campus. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test data distribution, Paired Sample T-Test and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test to observe changes within groups. The changes between groups were analyzed using Unpaired Sample T-Test and Mann-Whitney test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of the 36 medical students participated, the anxiety level of most participants was in the moderate category (41.7%). There was a significant decrease in anxiety scores in the intervention and control group after practicing yoga (p<0.05). However, there was no significant change in the anxiety category in the control group (p=0.231).Conclusion: Yoga can reduce anxiety levels, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further detailed analysis with a larger sample size is needed to strengthen these findings.