Low Level Research Articles

The formation of exciplex and triplet-triplet transfer in organic room temperature phosphorescent guest-host materials.

Organic materials typically do not phosphoresce at room temperature because both intersystem crossing (ISC) and phosphorescence back to the electronic ground state are slow, compared to the nonradiative decay processes. A group of organic guest-host molecules breaks this rule. Their phosphorescence at room temperature can last seconds with a quantum efficiency of over 10%. This extraordinary phenomenon is investigated with comprehensive static and transient spectroscopic techniques. Time-resolved vibrational and fluorescence spectral results suggest that a singlet guest-host exciplex quickly forms after excitation. The formation of exciplex reduces the singlet-triplet energy gap and helps facilitate charge separation that can further diffuse into the host matrix. The heavy atoms (P or As) of the host molecule can also help enhance the spin orbital coupling of the guest molecule. Both boost the rate of ISC. After the singlet exciplex transforms into the triplet exciplex through the ISC process, UV-visible transient absorption spectroscopic measurements support that the triplet exciplex quickly transforms into the guest molecule triplet state that is at a lower energy level, thereby reducing the reverse ISC-induced triplet population loss. Finally, the long-lasting separated charges that diffused into the host matrix can diffuse back to the guest hole to form new triplets, and the dilution effect of the host molecules can effectively reduce the triplet quenching. All these factors contribute to the dramatic enhancement of phosphorescence at room temperature.

Growth dynamics, antagonistic activity and acid production of Lactiplantibacillus (=Lactobacillus) plantarum KT-L18/1 and Bacillus subtilis BPT-B1 inoculants in alfalfa silage

Aim. To study growth dynamics, antagonistic activity and acid formation of two inoculant strains, Lactiplantibacillus (=Lactobacillus) plantarum КТ-L18/1 and Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1, that were introduced into alfalfa silage, up to 30 days of fermentation. Methods. A streptomycin-resistant strain of both above-mentioned organisms, obtained in earlier research, was used to achieve the research aims. Alfalfa was artificially wilted and dried to a dry matter content of 39–40 %. Fermentation was conducted under anaerobic conditions in polyethylene bags. Inoculant was added at a concentration of 108 CFU/kg alfalfa. The resulting 12 × 3 = 36 bags were kept at room temperature in a dark place for 30 days. At each examination date one sample per treatment was used and examined after cultivation of the two inoculants on elective De Man-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS) agar and meat infusion agar (MIA), containing streptomycin. The antibacterial (ABA) and antifungal activities (AFA) were studied by the agar diffusion method. Results. After 30 days of ensiling the alfalfa samples, L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and В. subtilis ВРТ-В1str were still present at levels of 9.2 lg CFU/g and 6.9 lg CFU/g respectively. In the natural population of LAB, L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str had a dominant position. After 30 days of the alfalfa fermentation L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and В. subtilis ВРТ-В1str maintained ABA and AFA to the PPB strains (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium) and fungal strains tested. However, the antagonistic activities of the two inoculant strains decreased during the fermentation, for L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str from 7–21 %, and for В. subtilis ВРТ-В1str from 16–21 %. Compared to the uninoculated control treatment, the inoculated silage treatments had a lower pH level (5.2–5.3), an increased number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (by 32 %), and clostridia were no longer detected. The inoculation impacted fungi down to a level of 102–103 CFU/g that can ensure the aerobic stability of the feed. Conclusions. The inoculant strains and L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1str showed a high competitiveness with background microbiota in an ensiling experiment with alfalfa. The antagonistic activity of the two strains to PPB after fermentation was preserved at a high level, albeit with a decrease of 7–21 %. Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1str kept its AFA against all three fungal strains tested during the 30 days of fermentation. For L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str this was true for a strain of the Penicillium chrysogenum only. The inoculation of and L. plantarum КТ-L18/1str and Ваcillus subtilis ВРТ-В1str caused a decrease in pH of 8–9 % at the end of the fermentation period, an accumulation of LAB with 32 %, and the inhibition of the growth of clostridia up to undetectability in the fermented alfalfa. For both inoculants, compared to uninoculated control variant, fungi decreased down to 102–103 CFU/g of the feed, which can ensure the aerobic stability of the feed.

Jerked beef as an ultraprocessed convenience food: Desalting strategies to minimize the impact on lipid and protein oxidation

AbstractJerked beef (JB) is a high‐protein convenience food but shows high degree of oxidation owing to its severe ultraprocessing. This study aimed to investigate the effect of desalting processes on oxidative stability of JB. JB were submitted to five desalting procedures: immersion in water at room temperature for 12 h without changing the water (AT12); immersion in water at room temperature for 12 h followed by boiling for 30 min and changing the water between the two procedures (AT12 + C30); immersion in boiled water for 10, 20, and 30 min (C10, C20, and C30, respectively). The desalted JB samples were refrigerated (vacuum packed and stored at 1 ± 1°C) and analyzed at 0 and 60 days. The samples without desalting were used as a control group. AT12 samples had the lowest lipid oxidation (0.05 and 0.07 mg of MDA kg−1, at T60 and T0, respectively). AT12 + C30 had the lowest NaCl content (2.8 and 3.3 g 100 g−1, at T0 and T60, respectively). C10, C20, and C30 showed a lower level of total carbonyls (p < 0.05) (0.04–0.13 nmol mg−1 protein), compared to control (0.53–0.93 nmol mg−1 protein in T0 and T60, respectively). Only boiled, desalted meats showed the volatile compound benzaldehyde. Higher concentration of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and total unsaturated fatty acids in JB desalted only in boiling water (C10, C20, and C30), compared to control (p < 0.05). AT12 is the best process to use, with regards to lipid oxidative stability, hardness, and NaCl content. Therefore, we conclude that it is possible to offer commercially desalted JB, as a convenience ultraprocessed product.Practical ApplicationLipid oxidation is accelerated when desalting jerked beef (JB) with boiling water. Desalted JB in boiling water had detectable concentrations of benzaldehyde. •Desalting in water at 25°C/12 h resulted in JB with better oxidative stability.

Contrasting pathogen prevalence between tick and dog populations at Chornobyl

Abstract Background The 1986 disaster at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant released massive amounts of radioactive material into the local environment. In addition to radiation, remediation efforts and abandonment of military-industrial complexes contributed to contamination with heavy metals, organics, pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Numerous studies have evaluated the effects of this contamination on the local ecology. However, few studies have reported the effect of this contamination on vector-borne pathogens and their hosts. In this manuscript, we characterize tick-borne pathogen presence at two sample locations within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, one at the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and another 16 km away in Chornobyl City (CC). Methods Ticks and whole-blood samples were collected from free-breeding dogs captured at the NPP and CC. Endpoint PCR and quantitative PCR were used to identify tick species and to assess the presence of specific tick-borne pathogens, including Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Francisella tularensis and general Anaplasmataceae. A droplet digital PCR assay was developed for Babesia canis and A. phagocytophilum to evaluate their presence in dogs from the two populations. Pathogen prevalences between the two sample populations were compared by calculating Z-scores. Results Ticks were identified as Ixodes ricinus (n = 102) and Dermacentor reticulatus (n = 4). Overall, 56.9% of I. ricinus ticks were positive for at least one pathogen. A significantly higher prevalence of A. phagocytophilum and B. burgdorferi was found in ticks at the NPP (44.0% and 42.0%, respectively) compared to CC (23.1% and 19.2%, respectively). Babesia spp. (including B. canis and B. caballi) were detected in 8.8% ticks at similar proportions for both populations. Interestingly, we found a significantly lower level of A. phagocytophilum in dogs at the NPP (1.8%) than in dogs at CC (11.7%). In total, 24.3% of dogs were positive for B. canis, evenly distributed across the two populations. Conclusions The results of this study show contrasting pathogen prevalence in both ticks and dogs at the NPP and CC, which may reflect the differential exposures at the two locations. This work adds an important new component to our understanding of the consequences of prolonged exposure to environmental contamination on the wildlife and ecology within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. Graphical Abstract

Sling Results in Better Sleep Quality and Less Anxiety Early After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Single-Blinded Trial.

Sleep disturbance is commonly reported by patients wearing an abduction brace after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Although a sling has been proven noninferior to an abduction brace for function and repair integrity, there is no evidence-based medical support for the advantage of the sling in improving sleep quality compared with a brace. This study aimed to compare the effects of a sling and an abduction brace on sleep quality and clinical outcomes after ARCR. It was hypothesized that immobilization in a sling would result in better sleep quality while not deteriorating clinical outcomes and bone-tendon healing compared with an abduction brace. Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. A total of 142 consecutive patients with rotator cuff tears were randomly assigned to 2 groups: (1) the brace group, receiving abduction brace immobilization for 6 weeks, and (2) the sling group, receiving sling immobilization after ARCR for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes-American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, pain, satisfaction, and tendon healing (using ultrasonography)-were evaluated until 1 year postoperatively. Complete outcome measurements were obtained for 131 patients. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at 6 weeks was 11.1 ± 2.7 for the brace group and 9.2 ± 2.3 for the sling group (P < .001), indicating a statistically significant advantage for the sling group. The sling group also reported significantly lower Self-rating Anxiety Scale, lower pain level, and higher satisfaction scores at 6 weeks. No significant difference was observed in outcome measures between groups at 1 year. The tendon healing rates (91% vs 88%, respectively) were comparable between the brace and sling groups within the first 1 year (risk ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.92-1.16]; P = .59). The use of a sling resulted in better sleep quality, less anxiety, and higher satisfaction compared with an abduction brace in the first 6 weeks after ARCR; nevertheless, functional outcomes and repair integrity were similar at 1 year postoperatively between the 2 groups. These findings indicate that a sling is appropriate for the postoperative care of ARCR. However, caution should be used when interpreting these results because the clinical relevance of sling-related benefits warrants further investigation. ChiCTR2200059967 (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry).

Association Between Nontraditional Lipid Profiles and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Adults With Hypertension: Findings From the China Hypertension Registry Study.

The relationship between nontraditional lipid profiles and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains ambiguous within the hypertension population. The objective of this study is to examine the association between nontraditional lipid profiles and T2DM in Chinese adults with hypertension. The current investigation encompassed 13728 participants with hypertension from the China Hypertension Registry Study. Logistic regression analysis and smooth curve fitting were employed to evaluate the association between nontraditional lipid profiles and T2DM. The prevalence of T2DM was found to be 17.8%. In the fully adjusted model, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) exhibited the highest odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM (OR: 2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.26-3.26). Conversely, the fully adjusted ORs (95% CI) for total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL-C, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) were 1.33 (1.25-1.41), 1.40 (1.29-1.51), and 1.41 (1.34-1.49), respectively. Additionally, the study demonstrated that AIP had a superior ability to identify T2DM. Subgroup analyses indicated that the relationship between AIP and Non-HDL-C with T2DM was more significant in the lighter weight population. In addition, the association of TC/HDL-C with LDL-C/HDL-C with T2DM was stronger in the lower homocysteine level population. Among the southern Chinese population with hypertension, all nontraditional lipid indices positively correlated with the risk of T2DM. Among these lipid indices, AIP exhibited superior discriminatory power in identifying T2DM compared to TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C. Trial Registration: ChiCTR1800017274.

Correlation of serum vitamin D and IL-8 to stages of periodontitis: a case-control analysis.

The current literature lacks the correlation between serum levels of vitamin D and interleukin-8 (IL-8) to the stages of periodontitis. The present research objectives are to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin D and IL-8 in periodontitis participants and healthy controls and to measure their correlation with the stages of periodontitis. The current case-control study was conducted on patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. After obtaining a questionnaire from the participants, the following clinical parameters were measured; periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and tooth count. The serum levels of vitamin D and IL-8 were measured using ELISA kits. Then, we measured the correlation of the stages of periodontitis with the serum levels of vitamin D and IL-8. Ninety-eight participants; 52 with periodontitis and 46 healthy controls were included. The patients with periodontitis showed a significantly lower level of vitamin D, higher PPD, CAL, BOP, and lower number of teeth than the controls. In addition, serum vitamin D significantly correlated with the stages of periodontitis. Serum IL-8 showed no significant difference between the study and control groups while it does not significantly correlate with the stages of periodontitis. The current study's findings suggest a potential association between serum level of vitamin D with severity of periodontitis which necessitates screening vitamin D status in patients with periodontitis and investigating the possibility of vitamin D supplementation in decreasing the progression of periodontitis.

Integration of Fog Computing in a Distributed Manufacturing Execution System Under the RAMI 4.0 Framework

Technological progress has driven the integration of new technologies in the field of industrial automation, but a structured framework is often lacking to efficiently guide the transition from traditional industries. This article presents the implementation of advanced technologies on FESTO’s (MPS-500) modular production system, using the reference architectural model for Industry 4.0 (RAMI 4.0) as a guide for scaling. It highlights the importance of the synergy between information technologies (ITs), which enables the development of a multi-level processing system. This system performs concurrent tasks, thus managing execution and manufacturing through an MES based on requests from the cloud. On the other hand, at a lower level, a fog computing system was integrated, which relieves the processing load by distributing processes locally. In addition, matrix mapping was performed to map the integrated technologies within the context of a reference model, allowing a clear alignment between the different levels of the system. The results show a significant reduction in waiting times between batches and operations, which directly improves productivity and offers greater flexibility, that is crucial for SMEs during their growth and scaling process towards Industry 4.0.

Impact of preoperative clinical and imaging factors on post-pericardiectomy outcomes in chronic constrictive pericarditis patients.

The present study was designed to identify the preoperative clinical and imaging findings influencing adverse clinical outcomes in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis after pericardiectomy. Patients with constrictive pericarditis who underwent pericardiectomy between January 2009 and September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Preoperative evaluations included assessments of clinical symptoms, comorbidities, laboratory tests, cardiac computed tomography (CT), and transthoracic echocardiography. The volume of pericardial calcifications was quantified on calcium scoring CT. Adverse clinical events were defined as cardiovascular death or hospitalization due to cardiac causes, and all-cause mortality was assessed. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazard model analysis were performed to find factors associated with adverse clinical events. Among the 91 patients with available preoperative CT scans, 26 (28.6%) experienced adverse clinical events after pericardiectomy, with 19 (20.9%) experiencing cardiovascular deaths. On multivariable Cox analysis, larger pericardial calcium volume hazard ratio [HR], 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-1.006) per 1cm3 increase; p = 0.005), higher E/E' ratio (HR, 1.059, 95% CI, 1.015-1.105, p = 0.008), and lower albumin level (HR, 0.476, 95% CI, 0.229-0.986, p = 0.046) were significant factors associated with the adverse clinical events after pericardiectomy. The amount of pericardial calcification could be associated with the efficacy of pericardiectomy and potentially have implications for postoperative outcomes. Additionally, a high E/E ratio on echocardiography is indicative of unfavorable postoperative prognosis.

Clinical Spectrum of Monoclonal Protein and the Factors Associated with Lymphoplasmacytic Malignancies

Background: Monoclonal protein (MP) presents in various monoclonal gammopathies, ranging from benign conditions such as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) to life-threatening conditions such as lymphoplasmacytic malignancies (LPMs), which include multiple myeloma (MM) and Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). Few studies have comprehensively assessed the clinical spectrum of MP and its factors associated with LPMs. This study aimed to determine the clinical spectrum of MP and identify factors associated with LPMs. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who were first tested for capillary electrophoresis (CEP) and identified as having MP between 2014 and 2023 at two university hospitals. Univariate (crude) and multivariate (adjusted) logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with LPMs. Results: Among the 1135 included patients with MP, 744 (65.6%) were diagnosed with LPMs and 391 (34.4%) with MGUS. Among the 391 patients with MGUS, 310 (79.3%) had at least 1 clinical association, including 204 with renal diseases, 35 with autoimmune diseases, 33 with chronic liver diseases, 22 with hematologic diseases, and 96 with other conditions. Multivariate analyses indicated that LPMs were associated with female sex (OR = 2.08), lower age (OR = 0.95), higher MP level (OR = 3.53), an abnormal FLC ratio (OR = 6.15), lower hemoglobin level (OR = 0.82), and higher total calcium level (OR = 1.81) (all p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study provides insight into the distribution of MPs and their clinical association with MGUS and identifies factors related to LPM. These can help clinicians manage patients more effectively in the early stages of these conditions.

Teachers' knowledge about the principles of dealing with a student with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

A proper self-management and therapy process, and the involvement of patients and their carers in this process, influences the effectiveness of T1DM therapy. The responsibility for the self-management process lies with children and adolescents with T1DM, as well as their parents and other carers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of teachers' knowledge of the principles of the treatment and self-management of T1DM in children and to demonstrate the influence of various factors influencing teachers' knowledge. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the teachers in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. The first part of the survey contained questions on sociodemographic data, the second part contained questions on personal attitudes towards a student with T1DM, and the third part contained twenty-nine questions assessing the basic knowledge of the self-management and treatment principles of T1DM. Tests were conducted with 698 (86.4%) female teachers and 110 (13.6%) male teachers. The median (25thQ ÷ 75thQ) score of the test on the teachers' knowledge was 20 (18 ÷ 21) points, with a maximum of 29 and a minimum of 0 points. Male teachers, aged between 26-40years, with 6-10years of seniority, working in rural areas, having a person with T1DM in their immediate environment or having a student with T1DM in their class had a higher knowledge level. Teachers who worked in schools where no nurse was employed and those who had not completed specific training on the principles of caring for a child with T1DM at school had a lower level of knowledge. 1. Knowledge of teachers is insufficient to ensure safe stay at school for a child with T1DM. 2. The ongoing training of teachers on the principles of the self-management and treatment of T1DM is necessary to improve and increase the safety of children and adolescents with T1DM in school units. 3. There is a need to improve the quality of health care for children with T1DM in the learning environment by increasing the number of school nurses and improving their knowledge, and by the ongoing training of teachers and other staff in school units. 4. Detailed care plans should be developed for children with T1DM, adapted to the school conditions.

Parent-child interaction frequency: associations with age, sibling presence, and child health.

Parent-child interaction plays a crucial role in child development. This study investigated associations between the frequency of parent-child-interactions and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, socio-economic status, family structure, number and age of siblings), physical and psychological symptoms in children, and mental health of parents. The frequencies of 11 different parent-child interactions (shared reading, singing, moving, painting, building, puzzle, playing ball, role games, language games, number games and talking about problems) were assessed in 739 children aged 2-6.5 years-old using a standardised parental questionnaire, within a population-based cohort study in Leipzig, Germany. Physical and psychological symptoms were investigated using the HBSC Symptom-Checklist and parental depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire. We applied regression analyses to assess associations between variables. Shared reading was the parent-child interaction reported most frequently, with an average occurrence of several times a week. Number games were reported least frequently, with an average occurrency of every two weeks. Fewer parent-child interactions were significantly associated with higher child age, higher number of siblings, presence of older siblings and a lower level of physical and psychological symptoms. The other variables (sex, SES, living situation, presence of younger siblings or both (younger and older), depression symptoms of parents) were not significantly associated with the frequency of parent-child interactions. The findings show that age of children and number as well as age of siblings at home may shape the frequency of parent-child interaction in preschool children. In addition, the findings suggest that parent-child interaction might be related to the health of children rather than the (mental) health of parents. This study assessed the associations between the frequency of different types of parent-child interactions and sociodemographic as well as health-related parameters in a large sample of children. There still exist sex-specific differences in the frequency of parent-child interactions related to traditional role models of girls and boys. A higher frequency of parent-child interactions is associated with more physical and psychological symptoms in children. Parent-child interactions are less frequent in families with more children, especially when older siblings are present.

Shortcuts to insincerity: Texting abbreviations seem insincere and not worth answering.

As social interactions increasingly move to digital platforms, communicators confront new factors that enhance or diminish virtual interactions. Texting abbreviations, for instance, are now pervasive in digital communication-but do they enhance or diminish interactions? The present study examines the influence of texting abbreviation usage on interpersonal perceptions. We explore how texting abbreviations affect perceived sender sincerity and the subsequent likelihood that recipients respond. Eight preregistered studies (N = 5,306) using mixed methods (e.g., surveys, field and lab experiments, and archival analysis of Tinder conversations) find that abbreviations make senders seem less sincere and recipients less likely to write back. These negative effects arise because abbreviations signal a lower level of effort from the sender. Communicator familiarity and text exchange length do not attenuate these effects, providing evidence for a robust phenomenon. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

MicroRNA-429 overexpression overcomes imatinib resistance of glioma cells by negatively regulating lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1

ABSTRACT Background Glioma is one of the most aggressive and lethal malignancies in central nervous system. It has been reported that miR-429 is declined in glioma and functions as a tumor suppressor. Nonetheless, the potential role of miR-429 in drug resistance of glioma is still ambiguous. Methods Stable imatinib-resistant lines U251-AR and T98G-AR were established using glioma cell lines U251 and T98G. Cell apoptosis and cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry, and CCK-8 assay was utilized to measure cell viability. Protein and RNA levels were tested with western blot and RT-qPCR. The predicted binding site was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter assay. Results Imatinib-resistant U251-AR and T98G-AR cells presented lower level of miR-429 and higher level of LPAR1. MiR-429 overexpression obviously promoted imatinib sensitivity in glioma cells, indicated by the reduced IC50 value, facilitated cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, and downregulated multidrug resistance-related proteins. LPAR1 was verified as a direct target of miR-429 and its expression was negatively regulated by miR-429. Additionally, overexpression of LPAR1 restrained the biological function of miR-429 on imatinib chemoresistance. Conclusion MiR-429 partly sensitized glioma cells to imatinib via downregulation LPAR1, which might provide an approach to overcome imatinib chemoresistance during glioma treatment.

A Numerical Study of the Thermochemical and Aerodynamic States of H2‐intensive Direct Reduction Shaft Furnace

In the urgent pursuit of deep decarbonization, the steel industry has paid significant attention to the hydrogen‐intensive direct reduction process, where the H2‐to‐CO (volume) ratio of feed gas for the shaft furnace (SF) is increased compared to the current level. In this work, the reduction process of iron oxide pellets in the SF is investigated numerically to clarify how the in‐furnace thermochemical and aerodynamic states are affected by increasing hydrogen content, with the goal to provide guidelines for more efficient operations of the unit. Multiscale modeling is conducted to investigate the complicated gas–solid countercurrent reactive flows in the SF where the reduction behavior of an individual iron oxide pellet is described using a three‐interface unreacted shrinking core model. The results show that an increase in the hydrogen content leads to a lower temperature level and hence a deteriorated thermochemical state. It also induces a lower gas pressure drop over the in‐furnace packed bed.

The Impact of Slight to Mild Hearing Loss on Academic Performance and Behavior of 9-15-Year-Olds.

To examine the impact of slight to mild hearing loss in children by studying its association with academic performance and behavioral problems. This study was embedded within a prospective birth cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Participants underwent audiometric and behavioral evaluations between ages 9-11 (April 2012-October 2015) and 13-15 (May 2017-September 2019). At 13-15, a multiple linear regression was conducted to explore the relationship between hearing acuity and both academic and behavioral outcomes. A cross-lagged analysis using data from ages 9 to 11 investigated bidirectional associations between hearing loss and behavioral problems. The cross-sectional part of the study involved 4688 participants at the age of 13-15 years. The relative risk for children with slight to mild hearing loss of being placed in a lower educational level compared with the highest level was 1.52 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.14, 2.02]). Among boys, elevated high-frequency pure-tone average (HPTA) was associated with a higher total problem score (per 1 dB HPTA: β = 0.01; 95% CI [0.00, 0.02]). For girls, elevated low-frequency pure-tone average (LPTA) was associated with a higher attention problem score (per 1 dB LPTA: β = 0.02; 95% CI [0.01, 0.02]). Cross-lagged effects showed that participants with increased pure-tone averages in low frequencies at 9-11 years had more social problems at ages 13-15 years (Z-score difference: 0.01; 95% CI [0.01, 0.02]). Elevated hearing thresholds in slight to mild hearing loss were linked to poorer academic performance and increased behavioral problems. 2 (prospective cohort study) Laryngoscope, 2024.

Nutritional status and daily habits as determinants of hospitalization duration in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Adequate nutrition in a hospital setting is essential for achieving optimal health outcomes in oncology patients. This study specifically investigated the interrelationships between nutritional status, daily habits, and hospital length of stay (LOS) in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2022 in a tertiary hospital. Throughout the study, nutritional status, biochemical indicators, diet, and physical activity were meticulously recorded at different stages of chemotherapy: before chemotherapy (T0), the first course (T1), third course (T2), and fifth course (T3). To determine the factors influencing LOS, a generalized estimation equation (GEE) was employed. A total of 460 patients completed the follow-up period. The findings revealed a decline in nutritional risk among patients by 9.90% at T1, 17.62% at T2 and 18.26% at T3 (χ2 = 79.220, P < 0.001). The proportion of people receiving enteral nutrition showed an upward trend (χ2 = 15.202, P < 0.001). Notably, the proportion of patients adhering to a healthier diet increased by 40.44% by the study's conclusion, while the number of patients abstaining from physical activity or engaging in solely low-intensity activities decreased by 21.08%. Moreover, as the chemotherapy cycle progressed, daily activity steps exhibited an upward trajectory (F = 5.986, P < 0.001), while the LOS experienced a significant reduction (F = 21.298, P < 0.001). This study identified hypoproteinemia (protein level < 34g/L), a high nutritional risk (NRS 2002 score ≥ 3), a short duration of sleep (≤ 7h/day), and a lower daily activity level as risk factors for LOS. Receiving enteral nutrition support is a protective factor for LOS. Significant improvements in nutritional status, diet, and physical activity have been observed among ovarian cancer patients during their chemotherapy cycles. Reduced nutritional risks, implementation of nutritional support, good physical activity, and adequate sleep were associated with a shorter LOS.

Laparoscopic access is the modern standard for extended liver resection

Objective. To evaluate the safety and early results of laparoscopic extended liver resection in case of focal liver pathology by retrospective comparison with the relevant parameters of a similar open intervention. Materials and methods. The study involved 162 patients who were divided into two groups: Group 1 – 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic extended liver resection, and Group 2 – 112 patients who underwent open extended liver resection. The groups were compared by age structure, sex, body mass index, type of pathology (benign/malignant), as well as by characteristics of surgical intervention and postoperative period. Statistical analysis included a t–test for independent samples, Pearson's chi–square test, and other appropriate methods with the calculation of the confidence level p (parametric criterion). The difference in indicators was considered statistically significant at p &lt; 0.05. Results. Laparoscopic osshire for liver resection was longer (p = 0.0012), but was associated with a lower level of pain according to the visual analog scale (p = 0.02) and fewer bed days to discharge (p = 0.0007) than a similar open intervention. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age structure, body mass index, number of liver tumors, blood loss, complication rate, and degree of ischemic liver damage. Conclusions. Laparoscopic extended liver resection is a less invasive method than open liver resection, and patients recover faster after it, although its duration is longer. At the same time, laparoscopic and open intervention had a similar incidence of complications, which indicates acceptable safety and high clinical efficacy of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of patients with liver disease.

The Impact of SME Financing Policies on Financial Reporting: A Case Study

Considering financing crucial for the daily survival of entities, it is fundamental to understand the impact of the measures taken by companies regarding the financing obtained. Therefore, the study aims to analyse the impact of financing policies on the financial reporting of entities through an analysis of the financial statements for the year 2021 of three entities. After analysing the results, it is demonstrated that bank loans are the main source of financing used by entities to fund their investments. However, it is noted that the entities under analysis seek external sources of financing, which has significantly increased their financial dependence. Therefore, when compared to their industry sector, these entities have a much lower level of financing via Equity. Regarding the financing costs incurred by their financing policies, it is observed that these are significantly high, mainly in relation to the weight of financing costs in total EBITDA, which impacts the net result of the period. Finally, the high impact of the rise in the Euribor rate on financing costs in 2023 was demonstrated. Thus, it is evident that in relation to other sources of financing, their respective expenses will increase dramatically, potentially greatly affecting the results of the companies.

Abstract 4119744: Evaluation of Neuropsychological development and Factors Affecting it in Children With Cyanotic and Acyanotic Congenital Cardiac Disease After Surgical Treatment

Objective: To evaluate neuropsychological development in children with cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHDs) after surgical treatment and analyze the risk factors. Methods: 89 children who received follow-up in Fuwai Hospital after surgical treatment of CHDs were recruited in this study and 90 normal children were recruited as the control group. The children with CHDs were divided into cyanotic CHDs group and acyanotic CHDs group. Neuropsychological development was assessed according to Pediatric-psychological mental test scale and statistical analysis was employed. Results: The acyanotic CHDs group achieved better distribution of development quotient than cyanotic CHDs group (p &lt; 0.05) but worse than the normal control group (p = 0.004). The proportion in cyanotic CHDs group with developmental quotient below the moderate level was higher than that of the normal control group (p &lt; 0.001), but there was no significant difference between the cyanotic CHDs group and acyanotic CHDs group (p = 0.055). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that for cyanotic CHDs group, younger age at cardiac surgery, lower body mass, lower preoperative blood glucose level, lower BIS level, and prolonged duration of tracheal intubation after surgery were linked with lower scores in the test scale (p &lt; 0.05); for acyanotic CHDs group, younger age at cardiac surgery, lower body mass, lower temperature during surgery and prolonged duration of tracheal intubation after surgery were linked with lower scores in the test scale(p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Distinct neuropsychological impairment could be present in children with cyanotic CHDs. Younger age at cardiac surgery, body mass, preoperative blood glucose level, BIS level during surgery, temperature during surgery and duration of tracheal intubation after surgery were perioperative factors that could influence long-time neuropsychological development in children with CHDs.