bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of serum lactoferrin and calprotectin in the inflammatory response in patients with bone fractures
Authors: Amshawee A. M. , Hussain M. A. , Khafel M. A.L. , Alhusseini N. B. , Al-Fahham A. A. 
Published: February 2025

Introduction Elevated concentrations of serum calprotectin and lactoferrin were observed to make prediction about microvascular changes in patients with bone fractures.The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic value of serum calprotectin and lactoferrin in the development of inflammatory response in patients with bone fractures.Material and Methods Seventy patients were included in the study between October 2021 and January 2022; of these, 40 had bone fractures and 30 were healthy participants (control group). Calprotectin and lactoferrin were measured by immunosorbent assay.Results 12 patients (30 %) had open bone fractures while 28 (70 %) had closed bone fractures. The study revealed that levels of serum calprotectin significantly increased in patients with bone fractures as compared to healthy subjects, while lactoferrin exhibited a borderline but not significant increase (P = 0.06). Patients with open bone fractures had higher levels of serum calprotectin compared to those with closed fractures (P = 0.05). The correlation matrix exhibited that there was a strong positive correlation between calprotectin and lactoferrin in patients with bone fractures.Discussion Calprotectin is classified as a potent pro-inflammatory marker that has been noted to be elevated in chronic inflammation such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atherosclerotic lesions, different types of arthritis, and immunological rejection. The present study may only confirm an increase in calprotectin in patients with bone fractures. Recently published studies indicate the potential new role of calprotectin in bone healing and fracture risk.Conclusion High serum calprotectin and lactoferrin indicate a strong inflammatory status in bone fracture patients, especially in those with open fractures.
Scaphoid nonunion and SNAC treatment
Authors: Shchudlo N. A. , Kuttygul Sh. K. 
Published: February 2025

Introduction Scaphoid nonunion can result in progressive scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) and have an impact on the quality of life in younger patients. The social significance of the pathological condition induces original research and literature analysis.The objective was to identify methods for preventing scaphoid nonunion and improving treatment outcomes for SNAC patients based on the literature on etiology, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including Scientific Electronic Library (www.elibrary.ru) and the National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.org) and using the keywords: scaphoid nonunion, scaphoid, bone grafting, scaphoid nonunion, vascularized bone graft. The search yielded 355 results. Literature searches included both Russian and English studies published between 1984 and 2024. Inclusion criteria included original articles, systematic reviews, meta-analyses relevant to the search topic. Non-inclusion criteria included a case report, case/control, and articles available only on a fee-paying basis. There were 67 articles identified.Results and discussion The topography of the scaphoid is associated with a high incidence of avascular necrosis, delayed healing and fracture nonunion. Clinical testing and imaging are essential for diagnosis of scaphoid fractures in the acute period of injury, and fracture instability would be important for surgical indications. There is a classification of scaphoid nonunions that is practical for the choice of a surgical treatment (osteosynthesis with compression screws, debridement and bone grafts or “salvage” operations). Scaphoid nonunions treated with the Ilizarov method employing no open approaches or grafts was reported in a few publications. Treatment of SNAC patients is traditionally based on the stage of the disease: 1 — scaphoid reconstruction, resection of the styloid process of the radius; 2–3 — 4-corner arthrodesis or the proximal row carpectomy. Meta-analyses highlight the need for the research into the effectiveness of various treatments. Arthroscopic techniques are common in wrist surgery improving diagnostic capabilities and minimally invasive interventions.Conclusion Timely healing of a scaphoid fracture is essential for preventing carpal instability and SNAC. The choice of SNAC treatment is associated with the stage of the disease and functional needs of the patient.
Vancomycin in anterior cruciate ligament graft preparation; does it really reduce infection rate?
Authors: Osman Sari M. , Lawati Ali Abdullah Mohammed Al 
Published: February 2025

Background: The aim of our study is to evaluate how the incidence of septic arthritis or postoperative infection is affected by the use of vancomycin in preparation of grafts during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study conducted between two groups, first group operated in the period from August 2017 to August 2018, second group operated in the period from December 2022 to December 2023. It focuses on the incidence of post-operative infection rate in ACL reconstruction surgeries. All patients who had ACL reconstruction were included, all surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at the same hospital with the same set up and consumables. Infection was defined as a return to the operating room for irrigation and debridement within 90 days after surgery.
Results: Total of 130 patients were included in the study, first group (vancomycin group) or second group (non-vancomycin group) no patients suffered from postoperative deep infection, neither on the immediate post operative follow up, nor at the end of their final follow up. Comparing the two groups, more revision anterior cruciate reconstructions included in the second group, yet no single case of infection took place in any of the two groups.
Conclusions: In conclusion we found no difference between adding vancomycin to the graft or not adding it, as both groups showed no infection.
Legal Aspects of the Evolution of Relations and the Main Motives for Rapprochement between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China
Authors: Uzdenov Sh. Sh. , Ermakov D. N. , Zababurin A. V. 
Published: February 2025

Aim. The authors interpret Russian-Chinese relations in terms of the crisis of the unipolar world and the result of the failure of the old concept of Russia’s foreign policy, which can be conventionally called “Atlanticism”.Methodology. The article is intended to contribute to the study of the recent history of Russian-Chinese relations, from the point of view of methodology; in this regard, the authors pay much attention to the chronology of the development of relations between Russia and the PRC. At the same time, the authors have the task of showing to non-East historians the process of Russia’s turn towards strengthening relations with China.Results. The authors help the teacher to form ideas about the trends in the development of modern Russian-Chinese relations within the framework of tracing the chronology of changes in these relations in the context of analysing the crisis of the unipolar world.Research implications. The authors divide Russia’s past foreign policy into “Atlanticism” and “Eurasianism”, examining Russian-Chinese relations in the context of the latter, demonstrating that Central Asia and Kazakhstan are now part of the system of joint interests of Russia and China, so Russia’s geopolitical horizons are shifting towards the Pacific Ocean, i.e., far beyond the former USSR.
Representasi Perempuan Dalam Sansana Bandar [Representation of Women in Urban Sansana]
Authors: Reigina Yossi Midori , Herlijanto Johanes 
Published: February 2025

Representasi perempuan dalam Sansana Bandar, dengan fokus pada manuskrip cerita Sansana Bandar “Bandar Huntip Batu Api” menggunakan metode etnografi dan paradigma naratif, analisis mencakup elemen-elemen cerita yang memperlihatkan peran kompleks perempuan. Meskipun tradisi kesetaraan Gender tetap terakar dalam masyarakat Dayak, cerita ini kadang tidak selaras dengan norma lokal, menciptakan ketegangan antara budaya dan naratif. Hasilnya memperlihatkan kompleksitas budaya dan pandangan terhadap Gender di Kalimantan Tengah, menyuguhkan pemahaman mendalam terhadap cerita sebagai refleksi budaya. Dianalisis menggunakan pendekatan etnografi sebagai metodologi penelitian. Data penelitian diambil melalui wawancara, dan observasi langsung dalam masyarakat Dayak Kalimantan Tengah, memberikan pemahaman yang lebih kontekstual terhadap Representasi perempuan dalam konteks budaya lokal. Konteks budaya, terutama norma-norma Gender, turut membentuk Representasi perempuan dalam cerita, dan Teori Paradigma Naratif memberikan perspektif terkait peran Gender dalam konteks sejarah dan kultural.
Representation of women in Sansana Bandar, with a focus on the manuscript of the Sansana Bandar story 'Bandar Huntip Batu Api,' utilizes ethnographic methods and narrative paradigm. The analysis encompasses elements of the story that reveal the complex roles of women. Despite the tradition of gender equality being deeply rooted in Dayak society, this story sometimes deviates from local norms, creating tension between culture and narrative. The results showcase the cultural complexity and perspectives on gender in Central Kalimantan, offering a profound understanding of the story as a cultural reflection. It is analyzed using an ethnographic approach as a research methodology. Research data is obtained through interviews and direct observations within the Dayak community in Central Kalimantan, providing a more contextual understanding of the representation of women in the local cultural context. The cultural context, especially gender norms, contributes to shaping the representation of women in the story, and the Narrative Paradigm Theory provides a perspective on the gender roles in the historical and cultural context.
Fuel Properties of Briquettes Made from Acacia Mangium Pods and Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) Peduncles with Cassava Starch Binder
Authors: Katamani Patrick , Antwi Kwaku , Mitchual Stephen Jobson 
Published: February 2025

This study used cassava starch binder to produce and investigate briquettes made from plantain peduncles and Acacia mangium pods. It examined fuel properties and the effects of binder viscosities (8cP, 14cP, 29cP) and quantities (30g, 50g, 70g) on briquettes’ physico-mechanical properties. A. mangium pods exhibited superior fuel characteristics: higher gross calorific value (17.68 ± 0.13 MJ/kg), lower ash content (3.60%), and higher volatile matter content (90.35%) compared to plantain peduncles’ 12.58±0.37MJkg, 31.60% and 63.67% respectively. Plantain peduncle briquettes exhibited higher relaxed density (504.09-565.17 kg/m³), superior compressive strength in the cleft (8.50-19.99 N/mm), and greater impact resistance index (166.66-500%) compared to A. mangium pod briquettes’ (1.82-4.40N/mm) and (125-166.66%) respectively. A. mangium pod briquettes were more prone to expansion, with length increases of 16.35-42.13% and diameter increases of 0.88-2.45%, compared to plantain peduncle briquettes’ length increases of 1.43-30% and diameter increases of 1.06-2.16%. Importantly, statistical analysis underscored the significant (p < 0.05) influence of binder properties on the physico-mechanical properties of the briquettes. The impact of binder properties was distinct for each biomass type, with more intricate relationships observed for A. mangium pod briquettes. Optimizing binder properties enhances briquette quality. Both biomass types have the potential for briquette production.Keywords: Plantain peduncles, Acacia mangium pods, binder viscosity, binder quantity and centipoise (cP)
Arabic Translation and Psychometric Testing of the Physical Activity Index (PAI)
Authors: Assaf Melyssa , Hallit Rabih , Fawaz Mirna , Malaeb Diana , Khatib Sami El , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity benefits both physical and mental health. Yet, physical inactivity remains widespread, including in Lebanon, with significant health consequences. While objective and subjective tools for measuring physical activity exist, self-report questionnaires like the Physical Activity Index (PAI) are practical and cost-effective for large-scale population studies. However, the PAI has not been validated in Arabic-speaking populations. This study intended to evaluate the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the PAI, with the aim of providing an adapted tool to assess physical activity, and support public health initiatives and research efforts in Arab-speaking regions.
Methods: The forward-backward translation method was adopted. Data was collected through a one-time online survey from a sample of Lebanese adults (N = 462; mean age = 25.85 ± 9.69 years; 70.3% females).
Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a single-factor structure for the Arabic version of the PAI. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.71 indicated acceptable internal consistency. The factor structure was invariant across gender, with acceptable internal consistency for males (α = 0.78) and females (α = 0.68). In the total sample, the mean PAI was 23.15 ± 18.81, indicating poor physical activity, with no significant gender differences (males: 25.85 ± 21.32, females: 22.01 ± 17.55; t(460) = 1.86, p = 0.064). Convergent validity was supported by a significant positive correlation between PAI and Exercise scores (r = 0.50; p< 0.001). Concurrent validity was confirmed through positive correlations between PAI scores and general physical condition (r = 0.14; p< 0.01), general well-being (r = 0.18; p< 0.001), and emotional intelligence scores (r = 0.15; p< 0.01).
Conclusion: These preliminary findings indicate that the Arabic version of the PAI has acceptable psychometric properties and holds potential for use in large-scale population studies due to its low cost, easy scoring, quick completion time, and suitability for the Lebanese young adult population. Further research is needed to confirm its validity and expand its applicability across different age groups and Arab countries.
Neural effects of expectation violation generalize across sensory modalities
Authors: Rangelov Dragan , Shi Edwina , Mattingley Jason 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The brain receives more sensory information than it can usefully employ to control behaviour. This sensory overload can be reduced by exploiting regularities in the environment to predict future events. Previous work on the role of prediction in perception has focused on stimulus events within a single sensory modality. Here we asked whether expectation violations in one sensory modality (audition) can affect neural representations of stimuli in a separate modality (vision). Human observers viewed rapid sequences of randomly-oriented visual gratings together with a task-irrelevant stream of alternating high- and low-pitched tones. We verified a robust neural mismatch response to unexpected sounds, consistent with previous studies. Critically, using machine learning to extract neural orientation tuning to gratings, we observed stronger tuning following unexpected sounds suggesting that unimodal mismatches trigger cross-modal updating. The findings suggest that predictive coding theories of perception should incorporate cross-modal influences on internal models of the sensory environment.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis identifies VAV3 as a critical regulator of macrophage function in gouty arthritis
Authors: Liu Fang , Weng Weizhen , Hu Zuoyu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background: Gouty arthritis is a common inflammatory disease triggered by the deposition of monosodium urate (MSU)crystals in the joints, leading to both acute and chronic inflammation. While macrophages have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of gouty arthritis, the exact mechanisms, differentiation conditions, and key molecules involved remain unclear.
Methods: Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to determine the primary functions of macrophages. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA), transcription factor activity analysis, and pseudotemporal trajectory analysis were applied to identify VAV3 as a key gene regulating macrophage differentiation. The correlation between VAV3 expression and relevant biological processes was further validated through Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) and by examining VAV3 expression in related bulk RNA sequencing datasets from the GEO database, confirming its association with gouty arthritis.
Results: Our analysis indicates that macrophages are a crucial cell type in the synovial fluid microenvironment of gouty arthritis, where their differentiation is influenced by various factors. VAV3 is a key gene regulating macrophage differentiation and function, and its expression is positively correlated with several phenotypic features of disease progression, including angiogenesis and inflammation. The differential expression of VAV3 is validated across multiple RNA sequencing datasets from the GEO database.
Conclusion: Our findings underscore the critical role of macrophages in gouty arthritis and identify VAV3 as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target. These results deepen our understanding of the inflammatory microenvironment in gouty arthritis and suggest that VAV3 could have broader implications in other gout-related conditions, such as gouty nephropathy.
The Sustainable Future is now: a dynamical model to

advance investments in PV and Energy Storage
Authors: Becchetti Leonardo , Solferino Nazaria , Tessitore Maria Elisabetta 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We examine the relationship among photovoltaic (PV) investments, energy production, and environmental impact using a dynamic optimization model. Our findings show that increasing investment in renewables supports both energy generation and ecological sustainability, with the optimal path depending on policy priorities. Our analysis demonstrates that the economic and technological conditions for a transition to PV energy are already in place, challenging the idea that renewables will only become competitive in the future. We also account for the fact that PV optimality conditions improve over time as storage technology efficiency increases and production costs decrease. In this perspective we find that energy storage may be a more effective policy tool than carbon taxation for cutting emissions, as it faces less political resistance and further strengthens the long-term viability of renewable energy. Policy insights of the paper capture the evolving competitiveness of PV and its role in accelerating the energy transition. They also provide policymakers with strategies to align economic growth with long-term sustainability through renewable energy investments.
JEL codes: Q42; Q01; O44; C61.
Navigating Safety and Health Challenges in Autism Spectrum Disorder Care in Malaysia: A Systematic Literature Review of Caregiver Perspectives and Intervention Outcomes
Authors: Arzahan Intan Suraya Noor , Jamil Putri Anis Syahira Mohamad , Yusof Nur Athirah Diyana Mohammad 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges globally, and in Malaysia, these challenges are compounded by limited resources and culturally specific obstacles. This systematic literature review (SLR) critically examines empirical studies published between 2019 and 2024 to elucidate the primary safety and health challenges faced by individuals with ASD and their caregivers, as well as the management strategies and interventions employed to address these issues in the Malaysian context. Guided by the PRISMA framework, we searched four major academic databases namely Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar and using targeted keywords related to autism safety, caregiver stress, and intervention strategies. After rigorous screening and quality assessment using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) tool, 13 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Our review identifies several recurring challenges, including difficulties in managing meltdowns, sensory processing issues, and the risks associated with wandering. These challenges exacerbate caregiver burden, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and social isolation. Caregivers frequently resort to self-devised strategies such as structured routines, informal support networks, and mindfulness practices. Although various behavioural therapies, community-based programs, and early intervention services show promise in mitigating these challenges, their overall effectiveness is often limited by inconsistent implementation, resource scarcity, and a lack of standardized training for caregivers. The findings underscore the urgent need for contextually tailored support systems and policies that enhance caregiver training and expand accessible, standardized interventions. This review not only highlights the unique safety and health issues within the Malaysian ASD community but also provides a robust foundation for future research and policy development aimed at improving outcomes for both individuals with ASD and their caregivers.
Nexus of road geometrics and human factors on traffic accidents on Mzuzu-Jenda M1 road stretch in Malawi
Authors: Khendlo Japhet 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Road traffic accidents remain a significant public safety concern in Malawi, with approximately 20 accidents occurring daily, resulting in an estimated 1,000 fatalities annually. The country's road network is underdeveloped, with only 26% paved and 74% consisting of earth roads. The Mzuzu-Jenda section of the M1 highway serves as a critical transport corridor for imports and exports through Tanzania and neighbouring countries. However, several sections of this road have been identified as accident hotspots, with a history of fatal crashes.
This study examines the relationship between road geometric design and human factors contributing to accidents along this stretch. Additionally, it proposes alternative road alignment designs for accident-prone sections. Accident hotspots were identified using ArcGIS software, based on accident reports from the Road Traffic Directorate. Topographic surveys were conducted to extract geometric parameters of these locations using AutoCAD Civil 3D software. Furthermore, driver and passenger interviews were carried out, and vehicle speed was monitored at these high-risk sections. The findings indicate that specific geometric road features contribute to hazardous driving conditions, even when drivers adhere to the recommended speed limit of 50 km/h. Additionally, speed monitoring revealed that drivers frequently exceed this limit, with an average recorded speed of 78 km/h—a 30% increase above the recommended threshold. The combination of excessive speeding and geometric deficiencies significantly increases the likelihood of traffic accidents. The study underscores the need for improved road design interventions to enhance safety on this critical highway corridor.