bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oral Vitamin C Supplementation and its Impact on Endothelial Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Alyousif Zakaria A , Black Craig P , Wambold Suzanne , Khuder Sadik A. , Scheuermann Barry W 
Published: June 2024

Background – Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition associated with endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Passive Leg Movement (PLM) has emerged as a simple method to assess endothelial function. The role of oral vitamin C in improving endothelial function in OSA patients, however, has been underexplored.

Materials and Methods
This study recruited 26 male subjects, 13 with OSA and 13 healthy controls, aged 18-55 years. PLM was utilized to assess endothelial function by measuring femoral artery blood flow (FBF) and velocity (FBV) using Doppler ultrasound, pre- and post-administration of 1000mg of oral vitamin C. The intervention aimed to compare endothelial function responses between OSA patients and healthy controls, and to evaluate the impact of oral vitamin C on these responses.
Results
Baseline comparisons revealed a significant difference in FBF between OSA patients (76.6 ml/min) and healthy controls (162.1 ml/min, p < 0.05), indicating endothelial dysfunction in OSA. Post-vitamin C intervention, the peak FBF responses in OSA patients showed no significant difference (Pre-vitamin C: 76.6 ml/min, Post-vitamin C: 79.9 ml/min, p > 0.05), suggesting that oral vitamin C did not significantly improve endothelial function in OSA patients.
Conclusion
PLM effectively distinguished between healthy subjects and those with OSA through differences in FBF, confirming its utility as a diagnostic tool for endothelial dysfunction. However, oral vitamin C supplementation did not significantly enhance endothelial function in OSA patients, indicating the need for further research into alternative or adjunctive therapies.
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Adult Mental Health
Authors: Al Barak Saja 
Published: June 2024

Background Lockdowns and restrictions were introduced worldwide by governments in 2020 and 2021 in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. Lockdowns restricted the movement of people, whereby they could only leave their homes for essential reasons. There is yet to be a systematic review that integrates existing quantitative literature on the impact of lockdowns on mental health globally. Aim The purpose of the current study was to assess and synthesise current quantitative research on the global impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and isolation restrictions on adult mental wellbeing. The target group was adults aged 18 years and over internationally. Method Findings from 16 quantitative cross-sectional surveys and questionnaire studies from peer-reviewed journals were synthesised in this systematic literature review. Results Themes that emerged from the findings included increased depression, anxiety symptoms, and stress, and reduced social interaction and sleep quality. Conclusion The impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on mental health was evident through the shared experiences of insomnia, loneliness, physiological changes, and reduced sleep quality. An increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was common in younger adults and more so in women than men.
Penanaman Materi Akhlaq Karimah dalam Pembelajaran PAI di Masa PTM-T pada Siswa SDN 2 Tlogopucang dan SDN Margolelo Kandangan Temanggung
Authors: Utomo Yudha Anggiya 
Published: June 2024

Penelitian ini membahas tentang penanaman materi akhlaq karimah dalam pembelajaran PAI di masa PTM-T pada Siswa SDN 2 Tlogopucang dan SDN Margolelo Kandangan Temanggung Jawa Tengah bertujuan untuk menganalisis (1) Strategi yang digunakan oleh guru dalam menanamkan akhlaq karimah pada peserta didik. (2) Muatan materi materi akhlaq karimah dalam pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam di SDN 2 Tlogopucang dan SDN Margolelo. (3) Implikasi dari penanaman akhlaq karimah di SDN 2 Tlogopucang dan SDN Margolelo. Metode yang digunakan untuk menyusun penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif studi multikasus, teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Data-data yang telah terkumpul diverifikasi dengan teknik triangulasi untuk memastikan objektifitasnya. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa (1) Strategi yang digunakan oleh guru dalam penanaman akhlaq karimah antara lain: keteladanan, pembiasaan, dan pemberian nasihat. (2) Muatan materi akhlaq karimah dalam pembelajaran pendidikan agama Islam di SDN adalah berbaik sangka, simpati, kerja sama, dan tolong menolong, bersikap toleran, hidup rukun, serta hormat dan patuh kepada orang tua, guru, dan anggota keluarga. (3) Implikasi dari penanaman akhlaq karimah yaitu sopan santun, toleransi, hormat dan patuh, simpati, serta rajin beribadah dan rajin belajar.
Los machos cabríos sexualmente activos estimulan la secreción de LH y testosterona de otros machos en reposo sexual
Authors: Delgadillo José Alberto , Espinoza-Flores Leoeci Areli , López-Magaña Dolores , Hernández Horacio 
Published: June 2024

Las machos cabríos presentan estacionalidad sexual. En los machos cabríos de la Comarca Lagunera de Coahuila, un tratamiento luminoso permite estimular su actividad sexual durante el periodo de reposo, por lo que se les denomina "machos cabríos sexualmente activos" (SA). El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si los machos cabríos SA estimulan la secreción de la hormona luteinizante (LH) y testosterona de otros machos durante el reposo sexual estacional. Un grupo machos (n = 4) se sometió a las variaciones naturales del fotoperiodo, y se denominó machos sexualmente inactivos (SI). Otro grupo de machos (n = 4) se sometió a 2.5 meses de días largos artificiales (16 h de luz por día) a partir del 1 de noviembre, y se denominó machos sexualmente activos (SA). El 4 de abril, un grupo de machos en reposo sexual (n = 6) se puso en contacto con un macho SI, mientras que otro grupo (n = 6) se puso en contacto con un macho SA. La introducción del macho SA incrementó significativamente las concentraciones de LH (3.1 ± 0.6 ng/mL), las cuales fueron superiores a las detectadas en el grupo de machos en el que se introdujo el macho SI (0.2 ± 0.06 ng/mL). Asimismo, las concentraciones de testosterona fueron superiores en los machos en contacto con el macho SA que en aquellos en contacto con el macho SI. Estos resultados muestran que los machos cabríos SA estimulan la secreción de LH y de la testosterona en otros machos en reposo sexual. Además, indican que en los machos, como en las hembras caprinas, el fotoperiodo y las interacciones socio-sexuales permiten estimular su actividad sexual durante el periodo de reposo estacional.
Research on the path of Chinese fashion culture from the perspective of symbolic consumption
Authors: Wang Jiayi 
Published: June 2024

Fashion is developed in the prevailing environment of consumerism, with the continuous improvement of material living standards, fashion consumption is becoming more and more popular. Although fashion can temporarily relieve people’s anxiety caused by various reasons such as work, fashion can also cause problems such as waste of resources and excessive comparison. Baudrillard’s theory of symbolic consumption can help us better analyze fashion problems and the causes behind them, and provide guidance for our rational consumption. By analyzing the characteristics and main content of Baudrillard’s fashion theory, this paper aims to explore a fashion culture construction path suitable for China’s current national conditions.
Agronegocios y nuevas lógicas de representación empresarial en el Cono Sur. Un estudio exploratorio sobre ABAG (Brasil) y AAPRESID (Argentina)
Authors: Liaudat Maria Dolores , De Menezes Fernandes Afonso Henrique 
Published: June 2024

A lo largo de la década del noventa, la consolidación del modelo de los agronegocios produjo cambios significativos en la estructura social agraria de Brasil y Argentina que impactaron en el plano institucional, modificando las formas en que las clases se organizan y defienden sus intereses. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo reflexionar, a la luz de las transformaciones sociales del capitalismo contemporáneo, sobre el modo en que representan sus intereses los sectores dominantes del campo brasilero y argentino y las estrategias que despliegan en la búsqueda de construcción de hegemonía del agronegocio en sus respectivos países. Para ello, en diálogo con el pensamiento gramsciano, fue realizado un análisis comparativo entre el caso de la Asociación Brasilera de Agronegocios (ABAG) y de la Asociación Argentina de Productores en Siembra Directa (AAPRESID). A través de una revisión bibliográfica y un análisis de las principales publicaciones institucionales relacionadas con las dos asociaciones, fue posible identificar que la fundación de las mismas responde a una reconfiguración de la cúpula agropecuaria de cada país, en el marco de su proceso de inserción en las cadenas globales de producción agropecuaria. De esta forma, encontramos no solo similitudes discursivas entre la ABAG y la AAPRESID, sino también estrategias comunes de organización y movilización política, que configura una nueva lógica de representación empresarial entre las clases dominantes agrarias en Brasil y Argentina.
MIKRO SUVOʼTLАRINI YETISHTIRISH JАRАYONIDА OZUQА BАZАSI VА SPIRULINANI YETISHTIRISHDА TURLI OZUQА MUHITLАRINING TАHLILI VА UNING BIOKIMYOVIY TАRKIBI
Authors: Durdona BAXRANOVA  
Published: June 2024

Mazkur maqolada mikrosuvo’tlarining optimal o’sish sharoitlari, ozuqa muhitlari tarkibi bayon qilingan. Mikrosuvoʼtlari oʼz nomi bilan atalganidek bir va koʼp hujayrali mikroskopik holatga ega boʼlib, ular turli fiziologik va morfologik xususiyatga ega bo’ladi. Shuning uchun aynan Spirulina suv o’tining “Zaruka” ozuqa muhitida o’stirilishining tajriba natijalari va yog’dorlik tarkibining aniqlanishi ko’rsalitgan.
Preparation of porous polycaprolactone tubular matrix by salt leaching process
Authors: Gupta Bhuvanesh , Patra Shamayita , Ray Alok R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSalt leaching technique has been employed to produce polycaprolactone (PCL) based porous tubular matrix. Salt was dispersed into PCL solution in chloroform and the subsequent leaching of salt was accomplished in water. The effect of salt and polymer concentration on the mechanical properties, porosity and surface characteristics was studied. It was observed that salt concentration has significant influence over crystalline nature of the scaffold. The porous structures became more interconnected as the salt concentration increased. This process yields a tubular porous matrix with maximum porosity of 61%, strength of 1.84 (±0.04) MPa and tensile strain of 120 (±7.94). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
In situ polymerized nanocomposites of poly(butylene succinate)/Tio2 nanofibers: molecular weight, morphology, and thermal properties
Authors: Zhou Weidong , Xu Tao , Wang Xiaowei , Zhi Erjuan , Liu Jun , Zhang Wei , Ji Junhui 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this study, the nanocomposites of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and TiO2 nanofibers were first synthesized via in situ polymerization. Molecular weight, morphology, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were characterized. As the weight percentage of TiO2 nanofibers increased from 0 to 2%, the molecular weight of PBS in the nanocomposites decreased gradually compared with that of pure PBS. In morphology, the nanocomposites were constituted by free PBS and PBS‐grafted TiO2 nanofibers (PBS‐g‐TiO2), which were proved by the Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the SEM demonstrated the strong interfacial interaction and homogeneous distribution between TiO2 nanofibers and PBS matrix. The thermal properties determined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis included the increasing of cold crystallization temperatures, the melting temperatures, and the thermal stability. Besides, the crystallinity and the rate of crystallization of the nanocomposites were enhanced, which were also observed by the X‐ray diffraction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Moderately high refractive index, low optical dispersion polymers with pendant diamondoids
Authors: Robello Douglas R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSoluble, colorless polymers containing pendant diamondoid moieties (adamantane and diamantane) were synthesized and characterized. The materials exhibited an unusual combination of moderately high refractive index with low optical dispersion. These properties may make the polymers valuable as specialty optical plastics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
JAK‐2 as a novel mediator of the profibrotic effects of transforming growth factor β in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Dees Clara , Tomcik Michal , Palumbo‐Zerr Katrin , Distler Alfiya , Beyer Christian , Lang Veronika , Horn Angelika , Zerr Pawel , Zwerina Jochen , Gelse Kolja , Distler Oliver , Schett Georg , Distler Jörg H. W. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether JAK‐2 contributes to the pathologic activation of fibroblasts in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and to evaluate the antifibrotic potential of JAK‐2 inhibition for the treatment of SSc.MethodsActivation of JAK‐2 in human skin and in experimental fibrosis was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. JAK‐2 signaling was inhibited by the selective JAK‐2 inhibitor TG101209 or by small interfering RNA. Bleomycin‐induced dermal fibrosis in mice and TSK‐1 mice were used to evaluate the antifibrotic potential of specific JAK‐2 inhibition in vivo.ResultsIncreased activation of JAK‐2 was detected in the skin of patients with SSc, particularly in fibroblasts. The activation of JAK‐2 was dependent on transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and persisted in cultured SSc fibroblasts. Inhibition of JAK‐2 reduced basal collagen synthesis selectively in SSc fibroblasts but not in resting healthy dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, inhibition of JAK‐2 prevented the stimulatory effects of TGFβ on fibroblasts. Treatment with TG101209 not only prevented bleomycin‐induced fibrosis but also effectively reduced skin fibrosis in TSK‐1 mice.ConclusionWe demonstrated that JAK‐2 is activated in a TGFβ‐dependent manner in SSc. Considering the potent antifibrotic effects of JAK‐2 inhibition, our study might have direct translational implications, because inhibitors of JAK‐2 are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for myeloproliferative disorders and would also be available for evaluation in patients with SSc.
Cannulating LIMA graft using right transradial approach: Two simple and innovative techniques
Authors: Patel Tejas , Shah Sanjay , Patel Tejan 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAngiography and intervention of a LIMA (left internal mammary artery) graft cannot be performed easily while working through right transradial approach (TRA), because of complexity in anatomical relations of right and left subclavian arteries with arch of aorta. We demonstrate two simple and innovative techniques for the same using right TRA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Small‐Sized and Contacting Pt–WC Nanostructures on Graphene as Highly Efficient Anode Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Ruihong , Xie Ying , Shi Keying , Wang Jianqiang , Tian Chungui , Shen Peikang , Fu Honggang 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe synergistic effect between Pt and WC is beneficial for methanol electro‐oxidation, and makes Pt–WC catalyst a promising anode candidate for the direct methanol fuel cell. This paper reports on the design and synthesis of small‐sized and contacting Pt–WC nanostructures on graphene that bring the synergistic effect into full play. Firstly, DFT calculations show the existence of a strong covalent interaction between WC and graphene, which suggests great potential for anchoring WC on graphene with formation of small‐sized, well‐dispersed WC particles. The calculations also reveal that, when Pt attaches to the pre‐existing WC/graphene hybrid, Pt particles preferentially grow on WC rather than graphene. Our experiments confirmed that highly disperse WC nanoparticles (ca. 5 nm) can indeed be anchored on graphene. Also, Pt particles 2–3 nm in size are well dispersed on WC/graphene hybrid and preferentially grow on WC grains, forming contacting Pt–WC nanostructures. These results are consistent with the theoretical findings. X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy further confirms the intimate contact between Pt and WC, and demonstrates that the presence of WC can facilitate the crystallinity of Pt particles. This new Pt–WC/graphene catalyst exhibits a high catalytic efficiency toward methanol oxidation, with a mass activity 1.98 and 4.52 times those of commercial PtRu/C and Pt/C catalysts, respectively.
Nanoscale carriers for targeted delivery of drugs and therapeutic biomolecules
Authors: Kiparissides Costas , Kammona Olga 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis review highlights the recent developments in the area of nanocarrier‐based targeted delivery systems for both conventional drugs and therapeutic agents of increased complexity. A challenging objective of targeted drug delivery is the development of novel nanocarriers for the delivery of protein/peptide drugs via the oral, pulmonary and nasal administration routes. The nanocarriers need to be biocompatible, biodegradable, non‐toxic and stable in biological media, to protect their payload and deliver it to desired sites within the body, preferentially in a temporally regulated manner, and on the other hand to be manufactured in a simple scalable manner, with relatively low cost. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Flow regime transition identification in three phase co‐current bubble columns
Authors: Kumar S. , Srinivasulu N. , Munshi P. , Khanna A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBubble columns have wide applications in absorption, bio‐reactions, catalytic slurry reactions, coal liquefaction; and are simple to operate, have less operating costs; provide good heat and mass transfer. Experiments have been performed for identifying transition regime in a 15 cm diameter bubble column with liquid phase as water and air as the gas phase. Glass beads of mean diameter 35 µm have been used as solid phase. The superficial gas velocity is in the range 0 ≤ Ug ≤ 16.3 cm/s and superficial liquid velocity in the range of 0 ≤ Ul ≤ 12.26 cm/s. Solid loading up to 9% (w/v) has been used. Pressure signals have been measured using differential pressure transducers (DPTs) at four different axial locations. Classical analysis (Wallis approach and Zuber–Findlay approach), Statistical analysis and Fractal analysis have been used for regime transition identification. Statistical analysis and Fractal analysis have shown almost the same transition points for all the liquid and gas velocities. Effect of solid concentration, liquid velocity and gas velocity over transition regime has also been studied. As the solid concentration is increased it has insignificant effect over transition regime for lower values (<1%), while transition values decrease for higher solid concentration (>1%). © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
A prospective evaluation of the utility of 2‐deoxy‐2‐[18F]fluoro‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography in staging locally advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Smyth Elizabeth , Schöder Heiko , Strong Vivian E. , Capanu Marinela , Kelsen David P. , Coit Daniel G. , Shah Manish A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:The aim of this study was to examine prospectively the utility of adding preoperative [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET)/computed tomography (CT) to routine CT, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), and laparoscopic staging of localized gastric cancer.METHODS:Patients with locally advanced gastric/gastroesophageal cancer were screened for 2 institutional review board–approved Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocols. Locally advanced disease was defined as T3 or T4, or lymph node–positive, based on EUS and high‐resolution CT scan. All patients underwent both standard FDG‐PET/CT and laparoscopy with cytological examination of washings. The sensitivity and specificity of FDG‐PET/CT for the identification of metastatic disease not seen on CT was determined. An economic model using Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement charges was developed to assess the cost‐effectiveness of these interventions.RESULTS:A total of 113 patients were enrolled from 2003 to 2010. All patients were assessed as having locally advanced disease by CT/EUS. FDG uptake in the primary tumor was associated with male sex, proximal tumors, and nondiffuse Lauren's subtype. 31 (27%) patients had occult metastatic disease detected by PET/CT (n = 11, 10%) and/or laparoscopy (n = 21, 19%), with a single overlap. Economic modeling suggests that the addition of FDG‐PET/CT to the standard staging evaluation of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer resulted in an estimated cost savings of ∼US $13,000 per patient.CONCLUSIONS:FDG‐PET/CT identifies occult metastatic lesions in approximately 10% of patients with locally advanced gastric cancer. Because of reduced morbidity from fewer futile surgeries and lower patient care costs, PET/CT should be considered as a component of the standard staging algorithm for localized gastric cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Efficient routing for wireless mesh networks using a backup path
Authors: Esmailpour Amir , Nasser Nidal , Dallal Jehad Al 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYWireless mesh networks (WMNs) have a proven record in providing viable solutions for some of the fundamental issues in wireless networks such as capacity and range limitations. WMN infrastructure includes clusters of mobile ad‐hoc networks connected through a fixed backbone of mesh routers. The mesh network can be constrained severely because of various reasons, which could result in performance degradation such as a drop in throughput or long delays. Solutions to this problem often focus on multipath or multichannel extensions to the existing ad‐hoc routing protocols. In this paper, we propose a novel solution by introducing an alternative path to the mesh backbone that traverses the mobile ad‐hoc networks part of the WMN. The new routing solution allows the mobile nodes (MNs) to establish direct communication among peers without going through the backbone. The proposed alternative ad‐hoc path is used only when the mesh backbone is severely constrained. We also propose, for the first time in WMNs, using MNs with two interfaces, one used in the mesh backbone communication and the other engaged in the ad‐hoc network. A scheme is presented for making the MN aware of link quality measures by providing throughput values to the ad‐hoc on‐demand distance vector protocol. We use piggybacking on route reply messages in ad‐hoc on‐demand distance vector to avoid incurring additional costs. We implemented our solution in an OPNET simulator and evaluated its performance under a variety of conditions. Simulation results show that the alternative ad‐hoc path provides higher throughput and lower delays. Delay analysis show that the throughput improvement does not impose additional costs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.