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Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

CRISPR-Cas system, a natural acquired immune system in prokaryotes that defends against exogenous DNA invasion because of its simple structure and easy operation, has been widely used in many research fields such as synthetic biology, crop genetics and breeding, precision medicine, and so on. The miniature CRISPR-Cas12 system has been an emerging genome editing tool in recent years. Compared to the commonly used CRISPR-Cas9 and CRISPR-Cas12a, the miniature CRISPR-Cas12 system has unique advantages, such as rich PAM sites, higher specificity, smaller volume, and cytotoxicity. However, the application of miniature Cas12 proteins and the methods to improve its editing efficiency have not been systematically summarized. In this review, we introduce the classification of CRISPR-Cas system and summarize the structural characteristics of type V CRISPR-Cas system and the cleavage mechanism of five miniature Cas12 proteins. The application of a miniature CRISPR-Cas12 system in the gene editing of animals, plants, and microorganisms is summarized, and the strategies to improve the editing efficiency of the miniature CRISPR-Cas12 system are discussed, aiming to provide reference for further understanding the functional mechanism and engineering modification of the miniature CRISPR-Cas12 system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article explores the major criminological indicators that illustrate the practical application of criminal law provisions establishing liability for corruption crimes in official activities that are committed by officials of legal entities under public law. By analyzing the provisions of the notes to Articles 45 and 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, along with the features characterizing the perpetrators of crimes in the sphere of official activities, the author outlines the range of criminal offenses in the area under study. These offenses include, in particular, abuse of power or official position (Article 364 of the CC of Ukraine); acceptance of an offer or promise, or receipt of an undue benefit by an official (Article 368 of the CC of Ukraine), and unlawful enrichment (Articles 3681, 3682, 3685 of the CC of Ukraine). Based on official statistical sources (the Office of the Prosecutor General and the State Judicial Administration of Ukraine), the author conducted a long-term criminological analysis of the situation with the crimes under study and determined the absolute, average, and relative values in the period from 2016 to 2023, as well as the indicators reflecting the correlation between the number of recorded criminal offenses and the number of detected and convicted persons for each type of crime rime in this category. The calculated indicators revealed a dramatic gap between the number of recorded criminal offenses and the number of detected persons, as well as the number of detected and convicted persons. This discrepancy suggests that the criminal justice system has low efficiency in combating crimes of the studied category, with the real scale of these offenses, given their significant latency, far exceeding the officially recorded indicators. The study conducted by the author holds an independent value both for scientific purposes and for law enforcement activities and provides the relevant basis for information support in combating corruption crimes in official activities that are committed by officials of legal entities under public law; most importantly, it provides a clear understanding and assessment of the efficiency of the relevant criminal law provisions and serves as a prerequisite for developing the measures to improve the efficiency of criminal justice authorities in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hypertension is highly prevalent among the elderly and significantly contributes to cardiovascular disease risk, studies focusing on male elderly individuals over 85 years old are relatively scarce. This study aimed to investigate ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) characteristics in male hypertensive patients aged over 85 years. These included demographic characteristics, antihypertensive drug use, 24‐h ABPM values, diabetes, coronary heart disease, sleep disorders, smoking history, and drinking history, and the differences in ABPM between the age groups over and under 85 years old were analyzed. A total of 585 elderly hypertensive patients were included. The mean systolic blood pressure in individuals aged over 85 years was significantly greater throughout the day (131.57 ± 12.52 mmHg vs. 123.75 ± 2.74 mmHg, p <.001). In the 85 years older age group, the nighttime variability coefficient of SBP was lower at 7.84 ± 2.9 than the under 85 years age group 8.92 ± 3.13 (p <.001). The 85 years older age group age group presented a significantly greater whole‐day systolic blood pressure standard deviation of ABPM (13.2 ± 3.19 vs. 12.47 ± 3.05, p =.005) compared with those under the age of 85 years. In the 85 years older age group, the proportion of individuals with the reverse dipper pattern was higher (48.15% vs. 38.31%, p =.017) than under 85 years age group. This study revealed that elderly male hypertensive patients aged over 85 years presented elevated average blood pressure levels. The research investigated ABPM characteristics. Older hypertensive individuals are more likely to have a reverse‐dipper blood pressure pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Programmed cell death receptor (ligand)‐1 inhibitors (PD‐(L)1), as the preferred immunotherapy, have been widely used in the Chinese mainland and drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) has been reported. The study aimed to investigate the clinical features or risk factors for immunotherapy‐related DILI. Methods: Patients who received PD‐(L)1 inhibitors from January 2020 to July 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The likelihood of DILI was adjudicated by the Roussel‐Uclaf causality assessment. Results: A total of 1175 patients were included in the study and 89 patients (7.6%) developed DILI, of which 12 (13.5%) progressed to acute liver failure (ALF) and three (3.4%) died. Among the DILI population, 56 (62.9%) had a cholestatic pattern and exhibited a prolonged treatment course and duration for resolution compared to the hepatocellular and mixed patterns. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and abnormal baseline of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) had increased risks of DILI by 2.1‐fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.231–3.621), 1.9‐fold [95% CI, 1.123–3.325] and 2.1‐fold [95% CI, 1.317–3.508], respectively. The model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score had a c‐statistic of 0.894 (95% CI, 0.778–1.000) with a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% for poor outcomes. COX analysis showed that the MELD ≥ 18 was predictive of immunotherapy‐related ALF or death. Conclusions: PD‐(L)1 inhibitor‐related liver injury manifests primarily as a cholestatic pattern, on which corticosteroid treatment has minimal effect compared to hepatocellular and mixed patterns. MELD score ≥ 18 at the time of liver injury performed best in the prediction of ALF or death in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)‐related DILI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Rubber Industry is the property of Editorial Office of China Rubber Industry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We conducted a study titled for Investigation on the characteristics of 24-hour blood pressure (BP) dipping patterns in hypertensive stroke patients. Methods: Descriptive research, analysis, and comparison, the research was conducted from July 2019 to September 2020 at the Vietnam Heart Institute - Bach Mai Hospital. There are 100 patients diagnosed with idiopathic hypertension who were divided into two groups (without stroke complications and another group with chronic stroke complications > 6 weeks), both groups were similar in age (45– 64 years old). Results: The daytime systolic BP (SBP) indices, 24-hour BP including SBP, diastolic BP (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), and particularly night-time BP indices were elevated in the stroke group compared with those without stroke complications (p < 0.05); there were no significant differences observed in daytime DBP and MAP between the two groups. SBP indices were higher in those with hemorrhage stroke compared with those with ischemic stroke, albeit without statistical significance. The prevalence of non-dipper was significantly higher in the stroke group compared with the non-stroke group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The daytime SBP indices, 24-hour BP (SBP, DBP, MAP), and particularly night-time BP indices were elevated in the stroke group compared with those without stroke complications. The prevalence of non-dipper was significantly higher in the stroke group compared with the non-stroke group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) is a tool to identify locomotive syndrome, however, this tool is associated with the problem of a low complete response rate. We conducted this cross-sectional study of 2,474 community-dwelling residents to investigate the clinical characteristics of individuals who are prone to provide incomplete responses to the GLFS-25 questionnaire. The participants were divided into the following four groups based on the number of the GLFS-25 items they answered: 0 (n=279), 1-21 (n=36), 22-24 (n=273), and 25 (n=1,886). We investigated clinical characteristics including age, sex, body mass index, health consciousness, housemate status, smoking and drinking habits, physical activity level, the presence of body pain, and comorbidities. To achieve the study objective, we focused on a comparison of the clinical characteristics between the group of participants who answered 22-24 items (target group) and 0 items (control group). The participants who answered 22-24 items were older, more likely to be health-conscious, more likely to live alone, less likely to have lower levels of physical activity, and were more likely to report neck pain, low back pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, and ophthalmic disease than those who answered 0 items. Among the significant factors, the only factor that can be changed to improve the number of answered items on the GLFS-25 is health consciousness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic widely used in cancer therapy. However, its cytotoxic properties affect both cancerous and healthy cells. Combining doxorubicin with antioxidants such as ferulic acid reduces its side effects, while simultaneously enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. The low bioavailability of these drugs demonstrate that drug delivery carriers are required to enable the target site to be accessed. The doxorubicin and ferulic acid-loaded liposome composed of HSPC, Cholesterol, and DSPE-mPEG2000 (55:40:5 molar ratio) was prepared by thin film hydration method. The findings indicate that the encapsulation of ferulic acid had an impact on liposome characteristics, i.e., increasing the particle size of Lipo-DOX from 134.5 ± 4.8 nm to 154.1 ± 5.2 nm for Lipo DOX-FA, increasing the zeta potential of Lipo-DOX from − 16.04 ± 2.59 to 0.2 ± 0.0 mV for Lipo DOX-FA, and reducing the entrapment efficiency percentage of Lipo-DOX from 88.30 ± 1.89% to 85.99 ± 3.02% for Lipo DOX-FA. The infrared spectra of Lipo DOX-FA exhibited shifted absorption bands, indicating the interaction between the carboxyl group of ferulic acid and the choline polar head of phospholipid. Moreover, changes to the DSC thermogram were observed following the incorporation of ferulic acid into the liposome, while the Lipo DOX-FA exhibited a relatively rapid drug release compared to Lipo DOX suggesting a slightly shorter period necessary to attain both therapeutic efficacy and the maintenance of a stable drug encapsulation in the systemic circulation. An in vitro study of LLC and HeLa cells showed that the IC50 values of Lipo DOX-FA were 0.70 µg/mL and 1.56 µg/mL, while the CC50 value in normal HEK cells was 6.50 µg/mL. This study suggested that while co-loading FA into Lipo DOX reduced the IC50 value, indicating enhanced cytotoxicity in cancer cells, it had no effect on DOX liposome cytotoxicity in normal HEK cells.

The flourishing of university students is influenced by various factors that significantly impact their well-being and academic performance, with suboptimal levels being a serious concern. Global issues of high dropout rates and low levels of flourishing among university students have prompted this study to identify factors contributing to student flourishing and describe the characteristics of students who achieve it. The review followed a rigorous protocol, including a comprehensive search across multiple databases, screening based on pre-established criteria, quality assessment using the MMAT tool, data extraction using NVivo 12 version 12.6.0.959 (64-bit), and matrix synthesis to identify patterns and gaps in the literature. Results reveal that psychological factors, meaning and purpose, personal projects, social support, social relationships, and environmental factors influence student flourishing. Flourishing students exhibit emotional and psychological well-being (37.5%), positive social functioning (31.25%), achievement and competence (18.75%), and positive psychological functioning (12.5%). These findings, consistent with previous research and flourishing theory, suggest the need for a holistic approach to promoting student flourishing through targeted interventions and recognition of flourishing characteristics. This comprehensive mapping of factors and characteristics of student flourishing can guide theory development and practical implementation in universities. Future research should consider longitudinal studies, replication in different contexts, qualitative research, and exploration of additional factors.

Owing to the soaring urge to meet the demand for oil and gas on different frontiers, its exploration all over the world is of paramount importance. Exploration and production of oil calls for handling a huge volume of associated water, produced along with it, referred to as Oilfield Produced Water (OFPW). OFPW is considered a potential threat to the environment due to the presence of toxic constituents such as dissolved and dispersed oil compounds, dissolved formation minerals, production chemical compounds, production solids (formation, corrosion, scale, bacteria, waxes, and asphaltenes), dissolved gases. This review is intended to provide information on OFPW, its constituents, impact, and treatment technologies of OFPW from various oilfields across the world. It presents a meticulous analysis of the scope of reusing OFPW instead of freshwater for various processes such as well drilling and completion, re-injection to the reservoir for pressure maintenance, and water flooding process for secondary recovery of crude oil. The reuse of OFPW can reduce the demand for fresh water and turn the wastewater into useable water resources after proper treatment. The paper provides rigorous information on the importance of developing an eco-friendly treatment process for the proper reuse and management of OFPW.

The processing efficiency and application range of konjac glucomannan (KGM) are limited because of its high relative molecular mass and the high viscosity of its aqueous solution. In this study, konjac flour from Amorphophallus bulbifer was used as raw material to develop an efficient approach to reducing the viscosity of KGM and broadening its application market. Based on a single-factor test and an orthogonal experimental design for optimization, low-viscosity konjac flour was prepared by microwave-assisted hydrogen peroxide oxidation (a semidry process), and the changes in physicochemical, structural, and physiological characteristics of KGM were characterized before and after the treatment. The results showed that the viscosity of konjac flour decreased from 6341.67±52.04 to 53.33±5.77 mPa·s, and the weight-average molecular weight of KGM decreased from 347.31 to 158.26 kDa when the uniformly mixed reactants were heated and reacted within 3 min at a microwave power of 700 W. The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide was 3%, and the liquid-material ratio was 0.75:1 mL/g. Compared to the untreated raw material, it decreased by 99.16% and 54.43%, respectively. Based on X-ray diffractometry, ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy analyses of the KGM structure before and after oxidation, the oxidation of the KGM degraded the KGM molecular chain, decreased the crystallinity, and damaged the microscopic lamellar structure while retaining the characteristic groups. Moreover, the effect of the microwave-assisted hydrogen peroxide in decreasing the viscosity of the KGM was superior to that of the KGM treatment with the microwave or hydrogen peroxide only. The degradation products exhibited better fat-binding capacity and bile-acid-binding capacity. Therefore, KGM can be produced in a highly efficient, green, and ecofriendly manner, providing a rationale for the development and utilization of low-viscosity KGM.

ObjectiveTo explore the characteristics and associated risk factors of diabetes in patients with schizophrenia living in communities, and to provide a basis for the prevention of diabetes comorbidity in this population.MethodsA stratified cluster sampling was used to randomly select patients with schizophrenia in Shanghai who participated in the free health examination provided by the National Basic Public Health Services in 2020. Statistical methods were employed to analyze the general demographic data, clinical characteristics, and laboratory test results of the study subjects.ResultsThe study included 3 374 individuals with schizophrenia, among which the prevalence of diabetes was 17.01%. Statistically significant differences were observed in terms of age, education level, urban area type, marital status, employment status, duration of illness, blood pressure, body mass index, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels (all P

Introduction: Schizophrenia is a group of disorders characterized by hallucinations, delusions, changes in thought flow, affect, and agitation. This disease attacks people of various ages, genders, and educational and economic levels. The purpose of this study is to identify the characteristics of patients with schizophrenia in mental hospitals. Methods: This quantitative research used a descriptive approach, with a sample of 319 patients. Data was taken using a purposive sampling technique, the data source was from the medical records of the Menur Mental Hospital, Surabaya in January-March 2023. Variables, namely the characteristics of schizophrenia patients, include age, gender, education, employment, and marital status. Data analysis uses quantitative description. Results: The average age of patients is 25-44 years with a mean value (2.78), the largest age is 25-44 years (37.6%), 3-4 years (20.1%), a small percentage is >65 years (4.4 %), there were more men (63.3%) than women, the majority, 77.1%, did not work, the majority of patients had a high school or equivalent education (36.7%), and 68% were not married. Conclusions: Characteristics of schizophrenic patients, most of them are adults, men, not working, lower middle school education, and not married. Identification of important characteristics is used as basic information in early patient treatment.

Strong-aroma natural spices are characterized by their strong aroma, possessing aromatic and irritating properties, with the main components being aromatic compounds. Typical representatives include star anise, cinnamon, fennel, and cloves. The aforementioned strong-aroma natural spices are widely used both domestically and internationally, especially in soy sauce stewed meat products and fermented meat products. Nonetheless, current research on the aroma-imparting and flavor-presenting mechanisms of natural spices remains insufficiently in-depth and systematic. This paper bases on a review of relevant domestic and international research in recent years, systematically summarizes the flavor analysis methods, flavor characteristics, and key flavor components of typical strong-aroma natural spices. It concurrently discusses their impact on the flavor formation of meat products: spice flavor components can influence the flavor of soy sauce stewed meat products by directly migrating into the food or by improving the flavor of fermented meat products through inhibiting fat oxidation and anti-bacterial effects. Building on this, the paper further elucidates the aroma-imparting and flavor-presenting mechanisms of strong-aroma natural spices, encompassing direct migration of flavor components into food for aroma enhancement, aroma-generating reactions between spice components and food matrices, inhibition of flavor precursor oxidation processes, and suppression of spoilage bacteria growth to ameliorate undesirable flavor formation. The summary of the flavor characteristics and aroma-imparting mechanisms of strong-aroma natural spices facilitates researchers in delving into the mechanisms by which these spices regulates food flavor formation and provides a reference for food enterprises, particularly meat product manufacturers, in further rational development and utilization of natural spices.

Abstract Background Students are among the groups that use smartphones for long periods throughout the day and night. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone characteristics and the prevalence of hand discomfort among university students. Methods This study included 204 university students, selected based on their willingness to participate and inclusion criteria. Participants reported hand pain and discomfort by completing the Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ). Personal information was collected through a demographic questionnaire. Smartphone characteristics were obtained from the Internet based on the smartphone model self-reported by students. Results According to the Cornell questionnaire, 59.3% of students reported experiencing discomfort in their right hand, while 38.2% reported discomfort in their left hand due to smartphone use. Furthermore, 36.3% of students reported experiencing pain in two or more regions on their right hand, while 20.1% reported pain in two or more areas on their left hand. More than half of the students in the right hand (53.5%) and more than one-third (33.3%) in the left hand obtained pain scores of more than 1.5. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant relationship between the weight of the smartphone and the prevalence of discomfort in the right hand (χ2 = 4.80, p = 0.03). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between the discomfort or pain scores experienced in both hands and the number of painful areas in those hands (right hand: χ2 = 219.04, p = 0.00; left hand: χ2 = 213.13, p = 0.00). Conclusions Smartphone use can cause discomfort and pain in the hands of university students. The physical characteristics of the smartphone, such as its weight, play a significant role in contributing to right-hand-related pain among students. It is important to consider ergonomic factors in smartphone design and usage to reduce musculoskeletal problems among users, especially students.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of HIV-1 infection among voluntary blood donors in Huzhou City from 2016 to 2022. Methods A total of 233 552 voluntary blood donors in Huzhou, Zhejiang from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Blood donors who were qualified for health examination were required to take EDTA-K2 anticoagulant blood samples by bypass during blood donation. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for initial screening and re-examination of HIV antigen / antibody. The results were determined in strict accordance with the criteria in National AIDS Testing Technical Specification(2015 Revision). HIV-1 antibody-positive samples were detected by HIV-1 new infection enzyme immunoassay kit, and the restricted antigen affinity method was used to detect whether the samples were new infections. Samples with CD4 cells > 200 / L and the viral load > 1 000 copies / mL were defined as new infection. The positive rate of HIV-1 antibody in each year was compared. With the positive rate of HIV-1 antibody used as the base, the incidence of new HIV-1 infections among subgroups of HIV-1 antibody positive patients of different types (gender, age, occupation, etc.) was compared. Results From 2016 to 2022, there were 233 552 blood samples from voluntary blood donors in Huzhou, including 15 HIV-1 antibody positive samples, with infection rate of 6.42/100 000, among which 40.00% were newly infected and 60.00% were previously infected. From 2016 to 2022, the HIV-1 infection rate showed a downward trend year by year as 1.62%, 1.24%, 0.63%, 0.31%, 0.30%, 0.28% and 0.27%, respectively. The comparision of new infection rate of HIV-1 in different subgroups of 15 HIV-1 antibody positive patients showed that the new infection rate of HIV-1 in repeated blood donation subgroup was higher than that in the first-time blood donation subgroup, with no statistical difference(P>0.05). The incidence of new HIV-1 infections in males was higher than that in females, but there was no statistically significant difference between groups (P>0.05). Among HIV-1 antibody positive blood donors with different educational backgrounds, the proportion of newly infected individuals with junior high school or below was relatively high, but there was no difference compared to other educational subgroups (P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of new HIV-1 infections among different occupational subgroups (P>0.05). Conclusion In recent years, the incidence of HIV-1 new infections in Huzhou has decreased year by year, and there is no obvious distribution characteristics of new infections in the subgroups of first-time blood donation and repeated blood donation subgroups, as well as subgroups of different genders, educational backgrounds and occupations.

The research aims to reveal the factors which contribute to the unique characteristics of Semarangan gending. Analysis involved four theories: Rahayu Supanggah’s garap theory, Stenberg’s creativity theory, C. A. van Peursen’s cultural development theory, and Marc Benamou’s rasa theory. There were three stages of data collection: literature study, observation, and interview. Results show three main characteristics of Semarangan gending: irama and laya, garap ricikan, and vocal garap. The tabuhan from this ricikan shows integration of musical styles from other areas, such as Yogyakarta, Banyumas, Surakarta, and East Java. In Semarangan gending, there are rasa of sigrak, prenès, and gobyog because of the support of gérong, keplok, and alok. To sum up, Semarangan gending has a high cultural value because it is widely enjoyed by both the art community and art consumers in general.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: هدفت الدراسة لتحديد الخصائص والعوامل التحفيزية للمتقدمين لبرنامج الماجستير في تعليم المهن الصحية في جامعة تابعة للقطاع العام، كراتشي. طرق البحث: شملت هذه الدراسة الوصفية المقطعية، التي أجريت من سبتمبر حتى أكتوبر 2022، جميع المتقدمين البالغ عددهم 60 متقدم لبرنامج الماجستير في تعليم المهن الصحية في جامعة جناح السند الطبية. تم توزيع استبانة عبر نموذج غوغل تضمن أسئلة لجمع المعلومات الديموغرافية، وعدد قليل من الأسئلة ذات الخيارات للاختيار، و34 عبارة للاستجابة بمقياس من خمس نقاط. كما تضمن سؤالا مفتوحا حول العوامل التحفيزية. تم تحليل البيانات باستخدام برنامج الحزمة الإحصائية للعلوم الاجتماعية واستخدام اختبار ''تي'' للعينات المستقلة لتحديد الفروقات بين مجموعات المتقدمين بناء على العوامل الديموغرافية. النتائج: استجاب 48 مشاركا، بمتوسط عمر 35.8±7.3 سنة، وكان الغالبية من الذكور (81.3%)، وخريجي برامج الطب وطب الأسنان (عددهم 29)، ويعملون في أقسام التعليم الطبي (عددهم 36). معظم المتقدمين أرادوا الانضمام إلى البرنامج لتحسين مهاراتهم في التدريس، خاصة لتدريس المهارات النفسحركية (96%) والبحث التعليمي (90%). علمت الأغلبية (64.6%) عن البرنامج من خلال الزملاء، بينما اختار 29.9% متابعة البرنامج بشكل مستقل. كانت دوافعهم الرئيسية نابعة من عدم قدرتهم على الحصول على قبول في أماكن أخرى (متوسط الدرجات 4.58±0.87) والاعتقاد بأن الجهد المطلوب للحصول على الدرجة كان ضئيلا (متوسط الدرجات 4.42±0.94). بالنسبة لخريجي الطب وطب الأسنان، ظهرت استجابات متشابهة، مما أظهر ارتباطا ذا دلالة إحصائية. ومع ذلك، كان هناك عدم اتفاق مشترك حول هيكل البرنامج وأعضاء هيئة التدريس كعوامل تحفيزية. الاستنتاجات: كانت الدوافع الرئيسية للحصول على درجة الماجستير في تعليم المهن الصحية هي تحسين مهارات التدريس. كانت الدوافع للتقدم لهذا البرنامج تحديدا هي الفشل في القبول في أماكن أخرى والاعتقاد بأن الجهد المطلوب لإكمال هذا البرنامج كان ضئيلا. يجب أن يتم نشر أهداف وغرض البرنامج بشكل أفضل مع إدخال تغييرات في معايير وإجراءات القبول من أجل تشجيع الأفراد الذين لديهم دافع لمتابعة التعليم الطبي كمسار مهني. Abstract: Objective: To determine characteristics and motivational factors of applicants applying for MHPE program at a Public-sector University, Karachi. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted from September till October 2022, included all 60 applicants of MHPE program at Jinnah Sindh Medical University. The survey questionnaire was administered (google form) and comprised questions seeking demographic information, few questions with options to select and 34 statements to be responded on 5-point scale. One open-ended question asking motivational factor/s. Data was analyzed using SPSS and independent sample t-test was used to determine the differences between groups of applicants based on demographic factors. Results: 48 participants responded, mean age was 35.8 ± 7.3 years, with predominantly males (81.3%), graduates of medical and dental programs (n = 29), and employed in medical education departments (n = 36). Most of the applicants wanted to join the program to improve their teaching skills, especially psychomotor skills teaching (96%) and educational research [90%]. Majority (64.6%) learned about the program through peers, whereas 29.9% independently chose to pursue the program. Their primary motivation stemmed from their inability to secure admission elsewhere and the belief that minimal effort was needed to acquire the degree (mean score 4.58 ± 0.87 and 4.42 ± 0.94), respectively. For medical and dental graduates, comparable responses emerged, displaying a statistically significant correlation (p < 0.05). However, there was mutual disagreement regarding the program's structure and faculty as motivating factors. Conclusion: Primary motivations to earn an MHPE degree were to improve teaching skills. Motivations to apply to this particular program was the failure to be accepted elsewhere and the perception that minimal efforts were needed to complete this program. The program goals and purpose need to be better propagated along with changes in the admission processes in order to encourage those individuals to apply who are motivated to pursue medical education as a career.

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of MoO3 nanoparticles for the photocatalytic degradation of dyeing wastewater. The XRD pattern of MoO3 shows distinct peaks at 2θ values of 12.8°, 23.4°, 25.7°, 27.3°, and 39.0°, corresponding to specific crystal planes and confirming its a-MoO3 phase, validated against JCPDS card number 05-0508. The morphology reveals stacked or crumpled particles with a high surface area conducive to catalytic activities. EDX analysis identifies molybdenum (Mo) and oxygen (O) with characteristic peaks at 2.29 keV (Mo La), 17.48 keV (Mo Ka), 19.63 keV (Mo Kß), and 0.52 keV (O Ka), confirming the material's composition. MoO3's layered structure, influenced by van der Waals forces, offers unique interlayer spacing advantageous for photocatalytic processes. Photodegradation experiments showed progressive efficiency: at 10 minutes, MoO3 achieved 8.58%; by 40 minutes, it increased to 30.42%, and at 50 minutes, reached 42.3%. Efficiency peaked at 60 minutes with 50.52%, progressing to 60.8% at 70 minutes and 71.03% at 90 minutes, finally achieving 75.25% at 100 minutes. These results demonstrate MoO3 nanoparticles' effectiveness in degrading dye pollutants, highlighting their potential for sustainable wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology / Zhongguo Shipin Xuebao is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology / Zhongguo Shipin Xuebao is the property of Journal of Chinese Institute of Food Science & Technology Periodical Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Students are among the groups that use smartphones for long periods throughout the day and night. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between smartphone characteristics and the prevalence of hand discomfort among university students. Methods: This study included 204 university students, selected based on their willingness to participate and inclusion criteria. Participants reported hand pain and discomfort by completing the Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire (CHDQ). Personal information was collected through a demographic questionnaire. Smartphone characteristics were obtained from the Internet based on the smartphone model self-reported by students. Results: According to the Cornell questionnaire, 59.3% of students reported experiencing discomfort in their right hand, while 38.2% reported discomfort in their left hand due to smartphone use. Furthermore, 36.3% of students reported experiencing pain in two or more regions on their right hand, while 20.1% reported pain in two or more areas on their left hand. More than half of the students in the right hand (53.5%) and more than one-third (33.3%) in the left hand obtained pain scores of more than 1.5. The chi-square test indicated a statistically significant relationship between the weight of the smartphone and the prevalence of discomfort in the right hand (χ2 = 4.80, p = 0.03). Furthermore, a statistically significant relationship was found between the discomfort or pain scores experienced in both hands and the number of painful areas in those hands (right hand: χ2 = 219.04, p = 0.00; left hand: χ2 = 213.13, p = 0.00). Conclusions: Smartphone use can cause discomfort and pain in the hands of university students. The physical characteristics of the smartphone, such as its weight, play a significant role in contributing to right-hand-related pain among students. It is important to consider ergonomic factors in smartphone design and usage to reduce musculoskeletal problems among users, especially students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Transfer and output characteristics of fully-depleted polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors, including both tail and deep acceptor-like trap states in bulk, in the above-threshold region with low drain bias are presented under low or high state density in the situation without or with interface charge, respectively. The characteristics are calculated by a simple surface-potential-based drain current model in the strong inversion region with valid bias condition explained, and 2D-device simulation. The above-threshold region is found to be divided into Regions I and II, with Vsi, indicating the channel beginning to be completely strongly-inverted and large currents, and explication of deviations between the model and simulation in Region I. The large-traps effect on the range of Region I and Vth in the high state density situation is discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences / Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of SPORMETRE: The Journal of Physical Education & Sport Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Food Research & Development is the property of Food Research & Development Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study offers a comprehensive analysis of key parameters--volatile matter, carbon content, ash content, and gross energy--across various material samples intended for Refused Derived Fuel (RDF) briquette production. Through meticulous examination, promising trends emerge, highlighting optimal material combinations for efficient combustion and heat generation. Samples rich in volatile matter and carbon content, notably those incorporating wood powder, demonstrate elevated calorific values, indicating their potential for effective energy production. Conversely, material combinations with low ash content suggest cleaner combustion and reduced environmental impact. The gross energy analysis further validates the substantial heat generation potential of specific sample combinations, rendering them suitable for diverse heating applications. These findings emphasize the critical role of precise raw material selection and meticulous manufacturing process optimization in producing RDF briquettes with desirable properties. Such briquettes not only offer economic viability but also contribute to environmental sustainability by providing an alternative fuel source with reduced emissions. This research underscores the importance of continued exploration and refinement in the development of RDF briquettes, aiming to meet growing energy demands while mitigating environmental concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a popular beverage consumed worldwide. To establish fundamental scientific data, we analyzed the amino acids and volatile compounds in seven tea cultivars grown in Korea investigated phenotype also. Phenotypically, the leaf area and greenness index of young shoots and leaf blades were particularly different among the four Korean cultivars. Nine amino acids were detected from each cultivar, with the total amino acid and theanine contents being 9.08–41.42 and 2.81–24.60 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, 107 volatile compounds were identified as common components among tea cultivars using headspace solid-phase microextraction / gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), and 38 key compounds were identified using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The (Z)-linalool oxide (furanoid) concentrations were significantly high in Korean tea plant cultivars, and linalool concentrations were also high or low, but had high relative contents. Linalool and its various oxides are the major compounds responsible for the tea aroma. In conclusion, Korean tea cultivars have distinct characteristics, and the results of this study will form the basis for identifying Korean tea plant cultivars that can produce high-value tea products.

ABSTRAK Produk teh dapat dibuat dari bahan non teh seperti daun jambu air. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mempelajari sifat kimia teh daun jambu biji delima melalui perlakuan non-oksidasi dan oksidasi enzimatik menggunakan berbagai teknik pengeringan seperti pengering kabinet, oven, dan sangrai. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian iniyaitu desain Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) Faktorial dengan 2 faktor. Faktor pertama adalah metode pengeringan dengan Pengering kabinet, oven dan Sangrai dengan kwali dari tanah. Faktor kedua adalah dengan oksidasi enzimatis dan non-oksidasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan non-oksidasi enzimatis dengan metode pengering oven memberikan pengaruh hasil tertinggi teh daun jambu air delima pada sifat kimia meliputi kadar abu (5.70%), pH (4.61). Selanjutnya, perlakuan non-oksidasi enzimatis dengan metode pengering pengering kabinetmemberikan hasil tertinggi teh daun jambu air delima pada sifat dan kimia meliputi kadar air (10.44%), kadar tannin (13.74%), dan total fenol (186.97 mg GAE/gr). Kata kunci: Pengering kabinet, Karakteristik, Metode pengeringan, Oksidasi, Teh daun jambu air. ABSTRACT Tea products are not only made from tea leaves, but can also be made from non-tea leaves, one of which is from water guava leaves. The objectiveof this study was to determine the chemical characteristics of water guava leaf tea with non-oxidation and enzymatic oxidation treatments using different drying methods (pengering kabinet, oven, and roast). The experimental design used in this study was a Factorial Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with 2 factors.The first factor is dryingmethodwith pengering kabinet, oven and roasting with kwali from the ground. The second factor is enzymatic oxidation and non-oxidationtreatment. The results showed that the enzymatic non-oxidation treatment using the oven drying method hasthe highest yield of guava leaf tea on chemical properties including ash content, pH. Furthermore, the enzymatic non-oxidation treatment using the pengering kabinetmethod also hasthe highest yield of guava leaf tea on properties and chemistry including water content, tannin content, and total phenols. Keywords: Pengering kabinet, Drying Method, Oxidation, Characteristic, Water Guava Leaf Tea.

Among central nervous system-associated malignancies, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and has the highest mortality rate. The high heterogeneity of GBM cell types and the complex tumor microenvironment frequently lead to tumor recurrence and sudden relapse in patients treated with temozolomide. In precision medicine, research on GBM treatment is increasingly focusing on molecular subtyping to precisely characterize the cellular and molecular heterogeneity, as well as the refractory nature of GBM toward therapy. Deep understanding of the different molecular expression patterns of GBM subtypes is critical. Researchers have recently proposed tetra fractional or tripartite methods for detecting GBM molecular subtypes. The various molecular subtypes of GBM show significant differences in gene expression patterns and biological behaviors. These subtypes also exhibit high plasticity in their regulatory pathways, oncogene expression, tumor microenvironment alterations, and differential responses to standard therapy. Herein, we summarize the current molecular typing scheme of GBM and the major molecular/genetic characteristics of each subtype. Furthermore, we review the mesenchymal transition mechanisms of GBM under various regulators.

Abstract Objective Most studies investigated the relationship between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) by comparing the incidence of GBS before and during the pandemic of COVID-19. However, the findings were inconsistent, probably owing to varying degrees of the lockdown policy. The quarantine requirements and travel restrictions in China were lifted around December 7, 2022. This study aimed to explore whether the relative frequency of GBS increased during the major outbreak in the absence of COVID-19-mandated social restrictions in China. Methods GBS patients admitted to the First Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, from December 7, 2022 to February 20, 2023, and from June, 2017 to August, 2019 were included. The relative frequencies of GBS in hospitalized patients during different periods were compared. The patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection within six weeks prior to GBS onset formed the COVID-GBS group and non-COVID-GBS group, respectively. Results The relative frequency of GBS among hospitalized patients during the major outbreak of COVID-19 (13/14,408) was significantly higher than that before the COVID-19 epidemic (29/160,669, P

Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) is a popular beverage consumed worldwide. To establish fundamental scientific data, we analyzed the amino acids and volatile compounds in seven tea cultivars grown in Korea investigated phenotype also. Phenotypically, the leaf area and greenness index of young shoots and leaf blades were particularly different among the four Korean cultivars. Nine amino acids were detected from each cultivar, with the total amino acid and theanine contents being 9.08–41.42 and 2.81–24.60 mg/g, respectively. Moreover, 107 volatile compounds were identified as common components among tea cultivars using headspace solid-phase microextraction / gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS), and 38 key compounds were identified using partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The (Z)-linalool oxide (furanoid) concentrations were significantly high in Korean tea plant cultivars, and linalool concentrations were also high or low, but had high relative contents. Linalool and its various oxides are the major compounds responsible for the tea aroma. In conclusion, Korean tea cultivars have distinct characteristics, and the results of this study will form the basis for identifying Korean tea plant cultivars that can produce high-value tea products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analysis of the characteristics of automotive mass air flow sensors is made. A test system has been developed to study the sensors. The measurement data is processed with MATLAB using curve fitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study to determine the prevalence of mother postpartum depression and to examine the association between infant characteristics and postpartum depression in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was conducted in three government teaching hospitals in Jordan. A convenience sample of 188 mothers with hospitalized 188 infants in NICU was recruited. Questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data, which include Infant Demographic Data Questionnaire, Mother Demographic Data Questionnaire and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The study revealed that infant characteristics such as gestational age, medical condition classification, and birth weight are found to be significant factors that influence depression among mothers. Results: The results showed that mothers with infants admitted to NICU experience postpartum depression with a mean of 3.82 and median of 4.04. There were significant differences based on gestational age, birth weight, and classification of medical condition and mothers' postpartum depression. Conclusion: Knowing the relationship of certain infant's characteristics and postpartum depression can help to focus on relevant infant characteristics so that timely interventions to improve mothers' well-being can be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that, in general, the characteristic polynomial of a hypergraph is not determined by its "polynomial deck", the multiset of characteristic polynomials of its vertex-deleted subgraphs, thus settling the "polynomial reconstruction problem" for hypergraphs in the negative. The proof proceeds by showing that a construction due to Kocay of an infinite family of pairs of 3-uniform hypergraphs which are non-isomorphic but share the same hypergraph deck, in fact, have different characteristic polynomials. The question remains unresolved for ordinary graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sago, the other source of sugar production need to be pursued in Indonesia, as Indonesia is highly dependent on sugar cane. This study aimed to analyze the production of liquid sugar based on sago by enzymatic method. The characteristics of liquid sugar made from sago has met with the standard provisions of Indonesian National Standard (SNI 01-2978992) except for the parameter of color. However, the color of sago liquid sugar is acceptable to consumers and market. The liquid sugar produced from sago could reach 0.6 to 0.8 liters per kg. If the sago is obtained from around 50,000 hectares of sago plantations and converted into liquid sugar, then around 600,000 kiloliters of sugar will be produced, or equivalent to 27% of the total national sugar production. The feasibility study showed that the sago liquid sugar business was profitable, which might be seen from the BCR value of 1.16, NPV Rp 58,754,955.64, PBP of 2 years 11 months, and IRR of 34.73%. Even though sago has a great potential, but the development still faces various problems such as unproper sago cultivation, difficulty to access sago land, limited mastery of farmer technology, and unestablished farmer institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lube oil cooling is a very important heat transfer process on board, and the use of liquid-liquid heat pipe heat exchangers (HPHE) is easier to maintain and save energy, and does not have the risk of leakage. In this work, the heat transfer and flow in the heat pipe row of liquid-liquid HPHE is analyzed. The numerical model of HPHE based on the thermal resistance network of heat pipe is constructed and verified with the actual experimental data, and its maximum deviation is 8.1%. Results show that increasing the working fluid temperature in the evaporative section improved the operating performance of the heat pipe inside the HPHE, with the maximum equivalent thermal conductivity reaching 7112 W·m−1·K−1 at 70 °C. Furthermore, increasing the hot fluid flow rate improved the heat transfer rate of the HPHE more than increasing the cold fluid inlet flow rate. The convective heat transfer performance equations were fitted to the HPHE, with reliable accuracy within 5% obtained for both the forced convection correlations in the condensing and evaporating sections. The pipe row effect was observed to have some variability, with the periodic variation of the heat transfer coefficient per pipe row being more pronounced. The heat transfer coefficient of the pipe row at the outlet decreased by 15.5%, and the heat transfer coefficient of the pipe row at the baffle gap was also about 15% lower than that of the middle pipe row. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Currently the use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances (PES) in fitness and gym settings is a public health concern as adverse health consequences are emerging. Understanding the characteristics of gymgoers who do not use these substances could lead to an important complement to the ongoing research about risk factors for PES use. The aim of this study was to identify the profile of PES non-use in gym-goers. Methods: In total, 453 gym-goers (mean age = 35.64 years; SD = 13.08 - measure of central tendency location and measure of absolute dispersion, respectively) completed an online survey assessing sociodemographic factors, exercise characteristics, gym modalities, peers, social influence, attitudes, subjective norms, beliefs, intentions, and self-reported use of PES. Results: Decision Trees showed that being a woman, training less frequently, not practicing bodybuilding and having a negative intention to consume PES were identified as characteristics of non-users of PES. Discussion: These results may support evidence-based anti-doping interventions to prevent abusive use of PES in the fitness context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Holy Qur’an was and still is a source for investigators and researchers. It is a book full of precise and profound sciences and concepts that never end no matter how deeply we delve into it. The Holy Qur’an has surpassed all heavenly books with its style, organization, sciences and miracles. When reciting the Holy Qur’an and contemplating its verses, we find it repeatedly calling us to contemplation. And contemplation, and one of the reasons for this call is to find the deep and sublime meanings stored in this noble book. One of the most important matters that occupied the minds of scholars and investigators is education, its characteristics, and its methods. When we find the Holy Qur’an addressing these topics, it is better for us to go to it and ask it to provide us with these teachings. The specificity stored lies in the characteristics of the educational approach that the Holy Qur’an addresses and The methods of education that he mentions, in that this book is the word of God Almighty, protected from error and revealed to the heart of the Final Prophet (PBUH) to be a book of guidance for all humanity, and for this reason the educational teachings taken from the Holy Qur’an are the clear path and the enlightening lamp for all investigators in this field. Hence this research came under the title ((Characteristics of the educational approach in the Qur’an and the mechanisms for achieving it through an analytical and interpretive study)) to include, after clarifying its linguistic and terminological keys, an explanation of the characteristics of this approach through the study of Qur’anic verses, and among these characteristics are: The attribute of the divine source and destiny, universality, comprehensiveness, stability, immutability and change, and equality and balance that characterize this divine approach to building man and society As for the methods to achieve this approach, they are according to extrapolation of the noble verses; The method of role models, preaching and guidance, the story, similarities and analogues of educational ideals, the exploitation of accidents, the creation of habits and values in the psyche of the educated, reward and punishment, and the systematic investment of everything that is suitable for beneficial education. All of this is achieved through various methods, such as the method of leniency and gentleness, the method of enticement and intimidation, and other methods that achieve the goals of the educational curriculum in the Holy Qur’an . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytogenic feed additives play an important role in broilers' nutrition, contributing to the improvement of the performance and quality of meat. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum) on broiler chicken production, fatty acid profile, and meat quality. In the present study, 140-day-old Vencob-400 broiler chicks were divided into 7 groups, including the control group (with no additives, T0), and T1 to T6 groups receiving varying concentrations of cinnamon and ginger. Accordingly, the chickens' diet in T1 was supplemented with 1.0% cinnamon, T2 with 2.0% cinnamon, T3 with 3.0% cinnamon, T4 with 1.0% ginger, T5 with 2.0% ginger, and T6 with 3.0% ginger, all calculated based on dry matter. The carcass traits, weight of immune organs, organoleptic tests, and fatty acid profile of meat (breast and thigh) were recorded after the age of 42 days. The findings indicated that the breast and thigh had the highest organ weights in group T4 compared to other groups, however, the neck, back, drumstick, wing, and heart were not affected. The inclusion of 2% cinnamon (T2) and 1% ginger (T4) in the diet, significantly enhanced the color, texture, flavor, juiciness, and overall acceptability of the meat, compared to the diet of the control group. Adding a supplement of 2% cinnamon or 1% ginger powder to the diet of broiler chickens significantly decreased the percentage of total saturated fatty acid and increased the total unsaturated fatty acid (breast and thigh). The improvement in fatty acid composition is beneficial for the quality of the broiler meat. Based on these findings, it is recommended to supplement the diet of the broiler with either 2% cinnamon or 1% ginger powder to improve the carcass parameters and quality of the meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrometallurgy of China is the property of Hydrometallurgy of China Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recently, more and more studies have shown that the air may be an important source of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. But there is still a lack of research on MPs in the atmosphere. Here, we obtained the results of MPs concentration in atmospheric deposition in Shaanxi Province. Sampling was carried out for 6 months in 10 cities in Shaanxi Province and three different functional areas in Xi'an City. The results show that the MPs exist widely in the air of Shaanxi Province. The lowest MPs concentration of MPs was observed in Tongchuan (TC) and the highest in Xi'an (XA). Factors affecting the distribution of MPs in the atmosphere may include climate and urban population. Spectral analysis revealed that these MPs consisted of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PET, PAN, PE, and PP constituted the majority (90%) of the detected polymer types. The current research aims to contribute to the limited existing knowledge by examining the presence of MPs in all (wet and dry) atmospheric deposition in the urban environment of Shaanxi Province. The quantity, size, shape, and polymer type are evaluated, thereby improving our understanding of the characteristics of MPs deposition in urban environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Most studies investigated the relationship between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) by comparing the incidence of GBS before and during the pandemic of COVID-19. However, the findings were inconsistent, probably owing to varying degrees of the lockdown policy. The quarantine requirements and travel restrictions in China were lifted around December 7, 2022. This study aimed to explore whether the relative frequency of GBS increased during the major outbreak in the absence of COVID-19-mandated social restrictions in China. Methods: GBS patients admitted to the First Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, from December 7, 2022 to February 20, 2023, and from June, 2017 to August, 2019 were included. The relative frequencies of GBS in hospitalized patients during different periods were compared. The patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection within six weeks prior to GBS onset formed the COVID-GBS group and non-COVID-GBS group, respectively. Results: The relative frequency of GBS among hospitalized patients during the major outbreak of COVID-19 (13/14,408) was significantly higher than that before the COVID-19 epidemic (29/160,669, P < 0.001). More COVID-GBS patients (11/13) presented AIDP subtype than non-COVID-GBS cases (10/27, P = 0.003). The mean interval between onset of infective symptoms and GBS was longer in COVID-GBS (21.54 ± 11.56 days) than in non-COVID-GBS (5.76 ± 3.18 days, P < 0.001). Conclusions: COVID-19 significantly increased the incidence of GBS. Most COVID-GBS patients fell into the category of AIDP, responded well to IVIg, and had a favorable prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]