bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of adding Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises to standard care in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis on posture assessed using surface topography: A secondary analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Authors: Mohamed Nada , Acharya Vivechana , Schreiber Sanja , Parent Eric C. , Westover Lindsey 
Published: April 2024

Background
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional structural asymmetry of the spine and trunk affecting 2–4% of adolescents. Standard treatment is observation, bracing, and surgery for small, moderate, and large curves, respectively. Schroth exercises aim to correct posture and reduce curve progression.

Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effect of Schroth exercises added to the standard care compared to standard care alone on torso asymmetry in AIS.

Methods
In a randomized controlled trial (NCT01610908), 124 participants with AIS (age: 10–18, Cobb: 10°-45°, Risser: ≤3) were randomly assigned to the control (Standard care only) or Schroth (Standard care + Schroth treatment) group. Schroth treatment consisted of 1-hour weekly supervised sessions and 30–45 minutes of daily home exercises for six months. The control group received Schroth exercises in the last six months of the 1-year monitoring period. Markerless 3D surface topography assessed torso asymmetry measured by maximum deviation (MaxDev) and root mean square (RMS). Intention to treat linear mixed effects model analysis was compared to the per protocol analysis.

Results
In the intention to treat analysis, the Schroth group (n = 63) had significantly larger decreased RMS (-1.2 mm, 95%CI [-1.5,-0.9]mm, p = 0.012) and MaxDev (-1.9mm, 95%CI [-2.4,-1.5]mm, p = 0.025) measurements compared to controls (n = 57) after six months of intervention. In the per protocol analysis (Schroth n = 39, control n = 36), the Schroth group also had a significantly larger decrease compared to the control in both the RMS (-1.0mm, 95%CI [-1.9, -0.2]mm, p = 0.013) and MaxDev measurements (-2.0mm, 95%CI [-3.3,-0.5]mm, p = 0.037). For the control group, both the intention to treat and per protocol analysis showed no difference in RMS and MaxDev in the last six months of Schroth intervention (p>0.5).

Conclusion
Schroth Exercise treatment added to standard care (observation or bracing) reduced asymmetry measurements in AIS. As expected, a greater effect was observed for participants who followed the prescribed exercise treatment per protocol.
Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu capsule improves myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury via the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 axis
Authors: Zhao Xiaoping , Yang Fang , Wu Hao , Fan Zhongcai , Wei Gang , Zou Yuan , Xue Jinyi , Liu Mengnan , Chen Gong 
Published: April 2024

Introduction
Zhilong Huoxue Tongyu Capsule (ZL) is a Chinese medicine used for the treatment of cardio-cerebral diseases. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its regulation of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) remain unclear.

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of ZL on MI/RI in mice.

Materials and methods
C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham group, I/R group, ZL group, and ZLY group. The MI/RI mouse model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 minutes, followed by reperfusion for 120 minutes to restore blood perfusion. Cardiac function was evaluated using cardiac ultrasound. Histopathological changes and myocardial infarction area were assessed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The changes in oxidative stress- and ferroptosis-related markers were detected. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and ELISA were conducted to further explore the mechanism of ZL in improving MI/RI.

Results
Our findings demonstrated that ZL exerted a protective effect against MI/RI by inhibiting ferroptosis, evidenced by the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as GSH and GPX4, coupled with the downregulation of ACSL4, a pro-ferroptosis factor. Furthermore, ZL positively impacted the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 pathway by promoting ATPase activities and enhancing the relative protein expression of its components. Notably, the administration of a PI3K/AKT inhibitor reversed the antioxidant and anti-ferroptosis effects of ZL to some extent, suggesting a potential role for this pathway in mediating ZL’s protective effects.

Conclusions
ZL protects against MI/RI-induced ferroptosis by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to increased Nrf2 expression and activation of the HO-1/GPX4 pathway. These findings shed light on the potential therapeutic mechanisms of ZL in the context of cardiovascular diseases.
Multicenter, Prospective Trial of Nonendoscopic Biomarker-Driven Detection of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Moinova Helen R. , Verma Suman , Dumot John , Faulx Ashley , Iyer Prasad G. , Canto Marcia Irene , Wang Jean S. , Shaheen Nicholas J. , Thota Prashanthi N. , Aklog Lishan , Willis Joseph E. , Markowitz Sanford D. , Chak Amitabh 
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Preliminary data suggest that an encapsulated balloon (EsoCheck), coupled with a 2 methylated DNA biomarker panel (EsoGuard), detects Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) with high accuracy. The initial assay requires sample freezing upon collection. The purpose of this study was to assess a next-generation EsoCheck sampling device and EsoGuard assay in a much-enlarged multicenter study clinically enhanced by using a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988-compliant assay and samples maintained at room temperature.

METHODS:
Cases with nondysplastic BE (NDBE), dysplastic BE (indefinite for dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia), EAC, junctional adenocarcinoma, plus endoscopy controls without esophageal intestinal metaplasia, were prospectively enrolled. Medical assistants at 6 institutions delivered the encapsulated balloon per orally with inflation in the stomach. The inflated balloon sampled the distal 5 cm of the esophagus and then was deflated and retracted into the capsule, preventing sample contamination. EsoGuard bisulfite sequencing assayed levels of methylated vimentin and methylated cyclin A1.

RESULTS:
A total of 243 evaluable patients—88 cases (median age 68 years, 78% men, 92% White) and 155 controls (median age 57 years, 41% men, 88% White)—underwent adequate EsoCheck sampling. The mean procedural time was approximately 3 minutes. Cases included 31 with NDBE, 16 with indefinite for dysplasia/low-grade dysplasia, 23 with high-grade dysplasia, and 18 with EAC/junctional adenocarcinoma. Thirty-seven NDBE and dysplastic BE cases (53%) were short-segment BE (<3 cm). Overall sensitivity was 85% (95% confidence interval 0.78–0.93) and specificity was 85% (95% confidence interval 0.79–0.90). Sensitivity for NDBE was 84%. EsoCheck/EsoGuard detected 100% of cancers (n = 18).

DISCUSSION:
EsoCheck/EsoGuard demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in detecting BE and BE-related neoplasia.
Dronedarone for the Treatment of Atrial Arrhythmias in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Agha Mahdi S. , Ermis Peter R. , Franklin Wayne J. , Parekh Dhaval R. , Opina Angeline D. , Kim Jeffrey J. , Miyake Christina Y. , Valdes Santiago O. , Lam Wilson W. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background:
Atrial tachyarrhythmias are common and difficult to treat in adults with congenital heart disease. Dronedarone has proven effective in patients without congenital heart disease, but data are limited about its use in adults with congenital heart disease of moderate to great complexity.

Methods:
A single-center, retrospective chart review of 21 adults with congenital heart disease of moderate to great complexity who were treated with dronedarone for atrial tachyarrhythmias was performed.

Results:
The median (IQR) age at dronedarone initiation was 35 (27.5-39) years. Eleven patients (52%) were male. Ten patients (48%) had New York Heart Association class I disease, 10 (48%) had class II disease, and 1 (5%) had class III disease. Ejection fraction at initiation was greater than 55% in 11 patients (52%), 35% to 55% in 9 patients (43%), and less than 35% in 1 patient (5%). Prior treatments included β-blockers (71%), sotalol (38%), amiodarone (24%), digoxin (24%), and catheter ablation (38%). Rhythm control was complete in 5 patients (24%), partial in 6 (29%), and inadequate in 10 (48%). Two patients (10%) experienced adverse events, including nausea in 1 (5%) and cardiac arrest in 1 (5%), which occurred 48 months after initiation of treatment. There were no deaths during the follow-up period. The median (IQR) follow-up time for patients with complete or partial rhythm control was 20 (1-54) months.

Conclusion:
Dronedarone can be effective for adult patients with congenital heart disease and atrial arrhythmias for whom more established therapies have failed, and with close monitoring it can be safely tolerated.
Facing objects of haecceity: advantages of Peirce’s categories
Authors: West Donna E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This inquiry demonstrates Scotus’ and Peirce’s shift from representing haecceities as momentary objects in Secondness (depending heavily upon sensation), to the recognition that haecceities force their way into the awareness as mental objects. As such, both conclude that mental objects to be haecceities. Nonetheless, it is Peirce who more clearly determines that haecceities materialize as apparitions (cognitions) – incorporating physically absent places, objects, and moments. Peirce’s continuum, and his commitment to realism are responsible for considering apparitions to be haecceities. Both Peirce and Scotus contend that although haecceities are individual, they, nevertheless should be folded into the continuum. In line with the Scholastic record, Peirce defines haecceity as “thisness,” which encompasses the riveting effect of Objects (including places) – proximate to observers (inward and outward) space and/or time. Haecceities allow for intrusion of present objects and places upon interpreters’ consciousness – noticing properties of objects with some degree of awareness. This beckoning effect of objects in single, intense experiences accounts for selection of certain objects over others in the attentional stream. As such, context illuminates the core meaning within the sign (synchronic, diachronic) – demonstrating the need for Peirce’s continuum. But, Peirce’s continuum does not stop at present objects (mental, physical); it proposes the need for “concretion,” rather than Scotus’ adherence to “contraction.” In other words, the “all cannot be in the one” (as Scotus claims) if possible objects are not incorporated into the continuum. In short, Peirce’s “concretion” supplies a fuller account of object meaning, given that it integrates future objects and future meanings (would-bes).
Contested Memories in the Border Town of Trieste: A Comparative Analysis of the Risiera di San Sabba and The Foiba di Basovizza
Authors: Meghnagi Micol , Posocco Lorenzo , Angeletti Valerio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This article analyses the Risiera di San Sabba, the museum of the only Nazi concentration camp in Italy with a crematorium, and the Foiba di Basovizza, the prominent memorial commemorating the mass killing of Italians carried out by Yugoslav Partisans, examining how they exhibit Italian complicity with Nazi Germany and shed light on the politics of memory in Italy’s post-war history. Through a theoretical framework grounded on theories of nationalism, the argument that will be put forward is that the mentioned museums represent fascism as an alien object and Italians as victims/freedom fighters, neglecting Italy’s direct involvement in the Holocaust. Concluding remarks will suggest that the historical lack of critical analysis enabled the juxtaposition of the memory of the Holocaust with the Foibe, paving the ground for the proliferation of post-fascist historical accounts and their institutionalisation as manifest in Italy’s current political landscape.
Relationship between methylation pattern of the SYN2 gene and schizophrenia
Authors: Fettahoğlu İbrahim , Kartalcı Şükrü , Gözükara Bağ Harika G. , Acar Ceren 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disease, and its etiology is not exactly understood. DNA methylation is an important phenomenon that affects the rise of abnormal phenotypes in many cases. Investigation of the association between DNA methylation and schizophrenia is crucial for elucidating the basis of schizophrenia. Previous association studies confirm that the SYN2 gene is a strong candidate gene for schizophrenia. In the current study, the relationship between the methylation status of the SYN2 gene and schizophrenia was investigated. The aim is to obtain crucial results for illuminating the effects of the SYN2 methylation changes in the etiology of schizophrenia.

Methods
In light of this scientific information, we investigated the methylation status of three different CpG regions in the promoter of the SYN2 gene and compared them in healthy controls and schizophrenia patients. Thirty-three healthy controls and 36 schizophrenia patients were included in this study. Sequencing was performed using the pyrosequencing method to reveal the methylation pattern.

Results
As a result of the statistical analysis, it was confirmed that there is a significant relationship between the methylation pattern of the SYN2 gene and schizophrenia. Schizophrenia patients showed more methylation in position 2 and position 3. Additionally, the average methylation ratio is increased in schizophrenia patients.

Conclusions
We find an association between the DNA methylation pattern of the SYN2 gene and schizophrenia. These results can help to the understanding of the etiology of schizophrenia. Except for these, DNA methylation changes in the SYN2 gene in people who live in urban and rural areas can be one of the reasons for the different incidences of schizophrenia in these regions.
We Accept: Bit-by-bit Constitution
Authors: Sheffi Nofar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In “We Accept: The Constitution of Airbnb”, published in 2020, I drew on Gunther Teubner’s systems theoretical approach, including to digitalisation and societal constitutionalism, to rethink Airbnb as an auto-constitutionalising domain. This dynamic process, the paper proceeded to suggest, instantiates a structural change, what can be described, in systems theoretical terms, as a “co-evolution” of multiple social systems through structural couplings. It renders observable an “emergence” of a general model of functioning – terms of use and engagement – epitomised by a reconceptualisation of the “social contract” as a network of “standard form contracts” or “contracts of adhesion”, and of an increasingly dominant mode of subjectivation: the standard formation or auto-constitution of subjects as adherents. In this new contribution, I continue this processing of social systems theory and Teubner’s work, this time through a deconstruction and reconstruction of Internet communication. Through this recursive illustration of social systems theory and Teubner’s work, the paper develops a social systems theoretical account of “process”, “constitution”, and “structural change”.
Development of Testing Procedures to Study the Impact of Erosion Voids on Buried Pipes
Authors: Kearns Oliver , Moore Ian D. , Hoult Neil A. , Monteith Tyler 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The recently commissioned Deep Burial Simulator facility at Queen’s University allows for a water table to be raised and lowered within a test pit. The 3 m wide, 5 m long, and 4.6 m deep pit uses standpipes to supply water to the system and to control the elevation of the water table. In the current work, procedures are developed to create erosion voids adjacent to two different buried pipe specimens that initially have intact soil support conditions—tests to investigate how the volumes and shapes of those erosion voids develop. The first specimen was a two-segment reinforced concrete pipe sample with a nominal inner diameter of 825 mm and the second was a 900 mm diameter circular corrugated steel pipe. The erosion voids were created from water and soil infiltration into each of the structures through simulated defects: a leaking joint between the two pipe segments in the reinforced concrete pipe test and areas of complete wall loss along the haunch positions in the corrugated steel pipe test. The erosion voids were created from multiple infiltration events and the final geometry of all voids was captured by injecting polyurethane expanding foam into the void space before the structure was exhumed. An erosion void with an approximate total volume of 0.02 m3 was created beside the reinforced concrete pipe specimen and multiple larger erosion voids with volumes around 0.2 m3 were created beside the corrugated steel pipe specimen.
Effect of Choice of Successor on Post Succession Business Survival: Evidence from Small and Medium-Scale Family Enterprises in Osun state, Nigeria
Authors: Akpor-Robaro Masoje O.M. 
Published: April 2024

The study examined the effect of the choice of successor on post succession business survival of small and medium-scale family enterprises. The study employed survey research design with the use of primary data obtained from small and medium-scale family enterprises in Osun State, Nigeria, through the instrument of questionnaire. A sample of 150 small and medium-scale enterprises drawn from five LGAs using both purposive and random sampling approach was adopted. The study adopted inferential analytic methods of factor analysis and general linear regression. The t-test statistic, at 0.05 level of significance showed t-value of 11.026, at p =0.000. The study therefore concluded that there is significant relationship between entrepreneurial succession decision (choice of successor) and business survival of small and medium-scale family enterprises, and recommended that succession decision should aim at individuals who possess the characteristics that enable business survival.
A study on economic cooperation in the EU and East Asia: can Franco-German cooperation be a model for Japan and Korea?
Authors: Park Sang Chul 
Published: April 2024

The economic integration has been the most important agenda since the Second World War particularly in Europe because many European nations were heavily destroyed and ruined. After the severe destruction, European political leaders started to rethink how to restore Europe economically and politically in order to establish a long-term peace in Europe. The two major countries, France and Germany, initiated this based on reconciliation processes and signed on the Elysee Treaty that is legally binding and known as the de jour approach. Unfortunately, East Asian countries, Japan and South Korea took a different path, without reconciliation processes, based on the de facto approach only for economic cooperation. As a result, it is not solid yet, but contains fragile risks for the two countries to cooperate in a sustainable way. This paper investigates how and why Franco-German tandem has played core roles in the EU integration. Furthermore, it argues what are successful factors for Franco-German cooperation. Last, but not least, it analyzes whether the Franco-German model can be adapted for the Japan-Korea economic cooperation or not.
Received: 31 January 2024Accepted: 05 March 2024
Zastosowanie metod statystycznych do określenia związków pomiędzy minerałami a pierwiastkami jako wprowadzenie do analizy chemostratygraficznej
Authors:   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Przelaskowska Anna , Zagórska Urszula ,   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy
Published: April 2024

Chemostratygrafia to technika korelacji oparta na danych geochemii nieorganicznej. Polega na dobraniu odpowiednich wskaźników korelacyjnych (pierwiastków / stosunków pierwiastków) pozwalających na wyodrębnienie charakterystycznych poziomów chemostratygraficznych w profilu otworu. Dla prawidłowego doboru wskaźników chemostratygraficznych niezbędne jest ustalenie związków między minerałami a pierwiastkami, ponieważ wiele pierwiastków może wchodzić w skład różnych minerałów. Celem pracy było zastosowanie analizy statystycznej do scharakteryzowania związków między minerałami a pierwiastkami dla próbek piaskowców czerwonego spągowca. W pracy wykorzystano takie metody jak: analiza korelacyjna oparta na interpretacji macierzy korelacji (CC) i wykresach korelacyjnych oraz analiza głównych składowych (PCA). PCA służy do redukcji liczby zmiennych opisujących zjawiska oraz do odkrycia prawidłowości między zmiennymi. Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły na wyróżnienie kilku grup pierwiastków wzajemnie ze sobą powiązanych, kumulujących się w podobnych minerałach. Wyodrębniono szereg grup związanych z różnymi minerałami, między innymi z minerałami ciężkimi, minerałami ilastymi i dodatkami z płuczki. Pierwiastki ziem rzadkich (REE) rozdzieliły się na dwie grupy: lekkie ziemie rzadkie (LREE) i ciężkie ziemie rzadkie (HREE), co świadczy o tym, że mogą być związane z nieco innymi asocjacjami minerałów ciężkich. Analiza korelacyjna potwierdziła wnioski uzyskane na podstawie analizy PCA, jak również pozwoliła na uszczegółowienie niektórych zależności. Podsumowując, w ramach pracy scharakteryzowano związki pomiędzy pierwiastkami a minerałami w profilu otworu Pł 3. Zaprezentowano właściwy sposób analizy danych geochemicznych, który jest podstawą budowania podziału chemostratygraficznego.
Badania migracji gazu ziemnego w kontekście oddziaływania na środowisko
Authors:   Instytut Nafty i Gazu – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Kluk Dorota 
Published: April 2024

"Zaostrzenie w ostatnich latach wymogów ochrony środowiska powoduje potrzebę działań zmierzających do minimalizacji niekorzystnego wpływu zjawisk towarzyszących pozyskiwaniu węglowodorów. Jednym z takich zjawisk są ekshalacje gazu ziemnego, które mogą zachodzić zarówno naturalnie, jak i być skutkiem antropopresji wynikającej z eksploatacji węglowodorów. W artykule zaprezentowano badania składu gleby oraz powietrza glebowego z obszarów prowadzenia działalności wydobycia węglowodorów. Na obszarach tych wytypowano lokalizacje, w których zamontowano sondy do poboru powietrza glebowego celem prowadzenia badań monitoringowych jego składu. Podczas montażu sond pobrano próbki gleby z różnych interwałów głębokościowych. Glebę analizowano pod kątem zawartości substancji określonych w obowiązujących przepisach prawnych (Dz.U. z 2016 r. poz. 1395). Ponadto, dla pełnego obrazu wpływu na środowisko gruntowo-wodne, w okolicach złóż węglowodorów przeprowadzono badania toksykologiczne. Do testów toksykologicznych gleb wytypowano organizmy żyjące w środowisku gruntowo-wodnym i wodach słodkich, a kryterium wyboru było ich zróżnicowanie wobec zależności troficznych poszczególnych poziomów – producentów, konsumentów i reducentów. Wybrane do badań toksykologicznych bioindykatory wykorzystane są w komercyjnie dostępnych mikrobiotestach typu ToxKit: Ostracodtoxkit F (konsumenci), Phytotoxkit (producenci) oraz Solid Phase Microtox®SPT (reducenci). Dla właściwej interpretacji uzyskanych wyników równolegle z prowadzonymi badaniami na obszarze potencjalnie zagrożonym wyciekiem gazu wykonywano tożsame badania okolicznego terenu (bez wpływu wydobycia) w celu ustalenia lokalnego tła geochemicznego. Wieloaspektowy monitoring, tj. badanie składu powietrza glebowego, parametrów fizycznych i chemicznych gleby oraz jej oddziaływania na organizmy żywe (bioindykatory) w okolicach potencjalnych źródeł migrującego gazu w odniesieniu do wyników lokalnego tła, umożliwia rejestrację mikrowycieków gazu. Uzyskane rezultaty badań w połączeniu z rozpoznaniem skali ekshalacji gazu ziemnego przyczynią się do podejmowania skutecznych działań na rzecz ograniczenia tego zjawiska do dopuszczalnych standardów stężeń emitowanych zanieczyszczeń.