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In this article, I seek to plumb the built-in civic engagement of libraries that sits alongside the efforts promoted in this issue. Key concepts are interrogated and democracy and democratic theory are the first, signaling the civic republican model of democracy and democratic citizenship, a model that is both old and durable, different from other forms of democratic theory. Second, modern conditions of democracy challenge the assumptions that civic republicanism rests on, leading to "polarization and cynicism." How they manifest for libraries is next explored. Operating as libraries, libraries engage democratic civic life in an important if overlooked way: equal respect—what it is and what it isn't and how it is made manifest in libraries from the library and information science literature. The concluding section ties together the strengths of libraries' support for democratic society in this essential aspect of the public sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedagogical models have been described as suitable for promoting positive outcomes in the physical domain of learning. Is this enough in the battle against sedentary lifestyles? To answer this question, a systematic search of four scientific literature databases was conducted. The articles were included if they met the following criteria: (1) interventions using the four most widely implemented pedagogical models (and their hybridizations), (2) analyzed physical activity (PA) and/or intention to be physically active (IPA), and (3) indexed in the Journal Citation Reports. As a result, twenty-eight articles were included. Some studies showed positive outcomes (in both PA and IPA); others showed ambiguous results (increases in one and no effects in the other) and, finally, some showed no effects. Most studies that assessed individuals' IPA produced positive effects. IPA can lead to goals, and through goals, individuals shape their life. Thus, pedagogical models can become a major input in terms of health for future adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the emergence of big data initiatives and the wealth of available chemical data, data-driven approaches are becoming a vital component of materials discovery pipelines or workflows. The screening of materials using machine-learning models, in particular, is increasingly gaining momentum to accelerate the discovery of new materials. However, the black-box treatment of machine-learning methods suffers from a lack of model interpretability, as feature relevance and interactions can be overlooked or disregarded. In addition, naive approaches to model training often lead to irrelevant features being used which necessitates the need for various regularization techniques to achieve model generalization; this incurs a high computational cost. We present a feature-selection workflow that overcomes this problem by leveraging a gradient boosting framework and statistical feature analyses to identify a subset of features, in a recursive manner, which maximizes their relevance to the target variable or classes. We subsequently obtain minimal feature redundancy through multicollinearity reduction by performing feature correlation and hierarchical cluster analyses. The features are further refined using a wrapper method, which follows a greedy search approach by evaluating all possible feature combinations against the evaluation criterion. A case study on elastic material-property prediction and a case study on the classification of materials by their metallicity are used to illustrate the use of our proposed workflow; although it is highly general, as demonstrated through our wider subsequent prediction of various material properties. Our Bayesian-optimized machine-learning models generated results, without the use of regularization techniques, which are comparable to the state-of-the-art that are reported in the scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to analyzing threats to Ukraine's critical infrastructure. The relevance of the study is driven by the dangerous dynamics of threat levels that affect national security and the socioeconomic stability of the state under martial law. A review of the scientific literature revealed that there is currently no unified approach to the classification and assessment of such threats. Therefore, the article aims to analyze existing classifications of threats to critical infrastructure and propose an original classification of their manifestations on critical infrastructure objects under martial law, considering both international and national experiences. During the research, several tasks were accomplished: the essence of the term «threat to critical infrastructure» was defined; an analysis of legal documents related to the protection of critical infrastructure was conducted; domestic and international experiences in threat classification were studied; principles underlying both domestic and foreign classifications were reviewed and their effectiveness was assessed; and an original classification of threats to critical infrastructure for Ukraine was developed. The results of the study revealed that there are various classifications of threats to critical infrastructure today. However, in our opinion, the most effective classification that meets modern challenges is one that considers all forms of their manifestations: physical assaults, cyberattacks, economic sabotage, terrorist actions, and assaults using climate weapons. This classification of threats to Ukraine's critical infrastructure is developed based on international and domestic experience and is of great importance for enhancing national security, as its value lies in the systematization of theoretical knowledge and a deep analysis of modern threats facing the state. The main scientific value of the proposed classification lies in its ability to integrate different aspects of threats into a single classification that takes into account both internal and external factors. This allows for a more accurate risk assessment and the implementation of appropriate measures to protect national critical infrastructur e objects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the problem of regulatory regulation in the current Criminal Code of Ukraine, as well as in its draft, of the grounds for applying criminal law measures (criminal law remedies) to a legal entity. The analysis of the scientific literature has shown that scholars, as well as the drafters of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, have not identified the criteria for selecting those criminal offenses which are the basis for applying criminal law measures to a legal entity if committed by an authorized person on behalf of and/or in the interests of a legal entity. The author proposes a number of conclusions necessary to improve the grounds for application of criminal law measures against legal entities. The grounds for application of such measures are of a regulatory and definitional nature, since they are provided for in the norm of regulatory (part 1) and definitional (note to the article) nature, and the application of the relevant components should be carried out as a whole and together. The grounds for application of criminal law measures are provided in six separate paragraphs. The substantive part of the grounds contained in paragraphs 1, 3-6 of Part 1 of Article 96-3 of the CC contains different components: actions on behalf of and in the interests of a legal entity (paragraphs 1, 4-6) and actions on behalf of a legal entity (paragraph 3). In the first case, it is necessary to establish the mandatory presence of the above components. The presence of a logical contradiction in clause 2 of part 2 of Article 96-3 of the CC, which provides for the failure to ensure the fulfillment of the obligations imposed on the authorized person by law or the constituent documents of the legal entity to take measures to prevent corruption, and the commission of non-corruption criminal offenses by subordinates under Articles 209 and 306 of the CC. There are no criteria for determining the list of criminal offenses for which the authorized person may apply criminal law measures to a legal entity. The author suggests that the main criterion for compiling the list of such criminal offenses should be the need for Ukraine to fulfill international treaties ratified by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Garlic (Allium sativum L.), has been cultivated in various countries and is valued for its medicinal and culinary properties. It contains bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, organic sulfides, polysaccharides, and saponins, with allicin being a particularly studied compound. These compounds have been shown to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and antihypertensive effects. Garlic has been used for over 5000 years as a curative plant and has potential applications in food science, medicine, and nutraceuticals. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive review of the overall impact of Allium sativum L. on human health and in order to draw attention to the benefits of regular consumption. Materials and methods: A comprehensive review of scientific and medical literature was conducted utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Searching terms were: garlic, Allium sativum L., garlic antiinflammatory, garlic anticancer, garlic health effects. Conclusion: Allium sativum L. is associated with a comprehensive range of beneficial effects on the human body. These include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, positive influence on lipid profile, cardiovascular system, and the anticancer activity among others by stimulation of tumor apoptosis. As a result, garlic and its bioactive compounds hold promise as functional foods or nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control is explained as a systematic verification of the implementation of laws, directives, resolutions and decrees or as state or public measures for the supervision, inspection, accounting of the activities, behavior of natural and legal persons, i.e. control is an inspection in order to ensure the reliability and legality of the actions specified and the process of tracking the actual implementation of plans. Unfortunately, the legal reference literature and the current legislation of Ukraine do not contain a unified approach to the definition of the legal content of the term «control». The Encyclopedia of Law, for example, defines «control» (French controle – check, from Old French contre-role – a list with a duplicate for verification) – as verification of the implementation of laws, decisions, etc. The article examines the place of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine in the system of bodies exercising control in the sphere of banking activity. It is determined that state control is one of the main functions (forms, methods) of public administration. The degree of efficiency of state control, despite the sphere of its implementation, is mainly determined by the quality of legal support of control activities, a certain level of socio-economic and logistical support of state control bodies, the level of mobility and balance of the system of control bodies. It is the balanced construction of the system of state control bodies that is an important prerequisite for the successful functioning of the entire system of state bodies. Analyzing the variety of laws and by-laws, as well as scientific literature on the issue of subjects of control in the sphere of banking activity, it is determined that control over the activities of banking institutions is a complex system, which has two main directions: external control and internal control. Subjects of banking control can be represented both externally (by state and independent regulatory authorities) and internally. The subjects of banking control by the state include: the Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, Control Departments under the Administration of the President of Ukraine, the State Financial Inspection of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, the State Fiscal Service of Ukraine, the State Treasury Service of Ukraine, the State Property Fund of Ukraine, state extra-budgetary funds (such as the Pension Fund of Ukraine), the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, law enforcement agencies and others in accordance with the current legislation. Independent audit firms act as subjects of independent control, and the subjects of internal control are the Supervisory Board, the Audit Commission, the Management Board (Board of Directors), functional divisions of the bank, and its internal audit service. The article thoroughly covers the functions of the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine of control in the sphere of banking activity, its important role and importance. The article defines the main functions assigned to the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine by the current legislation of Ukraine. On the basis of the study, it is established that in case of violation of the current legislation, material and operationaleconomic liability is provided for business entities in general, and banks in particular. When writing the article, on the basis of the studied material, it is established that the common type of operational and economic sanctions applied by the authorities are: cancellation of licenses and termination of foreign economic operations. And in case of abuse of monopoly position in the market, the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine has the right to adopt a resolution on the forced division of monopoly formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Significant and concerning discrepancies exist between the hydrogen ignition data reported in scientific literature and that obtained from practical observations of various real-world applications. This includes data regarding ignition temperatures, minimum ignition energies and flammability limits. These inconsistencies raise critical questions about the reliability and applicability of the existing data. This paper aims to thoroughly investigate these discrepancies, providing a comprehensive and balanced perspective about the underlying causes. By examining the differences between theoretical predictions and practical outcomes, we highlight these gaps' potential risks and challenges. Furthermore, actionable strategies are proposed to rectify these issues, emphasizing the need for improved research methodologies, enhanced data accuracy, and better communication between scientists and practitioners. Our goal is to ensure that hydrogen ignition data is both reliable and applicable, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient hydrogen utilization in various industries. • It investigates the discrepancies in reported and observed hydrogen properties. • It provides a comprehensive and balanced perspective on the underlying causes. • It proposed actionable strategies to rectify data discrepancy issues. • The current work contributes to safer and more efficient hydrogen utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the historical and legal aspects of the formation and development of the oldest scientific centers of Kyivan Rus at the end of the 10th and beginning of the 12th centuries. Art., as well as the economic and legal regime of their property. It has been studied that in Kyivan Rus, as one of the powerful states of Europe in the IX–XII centuries. starting from the 10th century a significant development of education, literature and science was observed, which is connected with the Baptism of Vladimir the Great of Russia, the introduction of Byzantine, canonical law and the formation of the original ancient Russian state and legal thought. It has been established that education and science gained special development under Grand Duke Yaroslav the Wise at the end of the 10th century. and the formation of the first national science center in Ukraine – the academic center «Yaroslav Academy», which was established at Sophia Cathedral in 1037. It was found that the activities of the «Yaroslav Academy» were based on both national traditions and the use of ancient and Bulgarian-Byzantine experience. It was noted that the activities of the «Yaroslav Academy» were characterized by the presence of a spectrum of scientific directions: translation activities, creation of own literary works and the first legal monuments («Pravda Ruska»). It has been established that the «Yaroslav Academy» should be considered the first scientific academic environment on the territory of medieval Ukraine, which operated in the format of reviving and spreading scientific knowledge and creating its own scientific works. It is noted that one of the important issues of the Yaroslav Academy’s activities is the study of the economic and legal regime of its property. The article analyzes the legal regulation of land ownership, including the land ownership of the church (Kyiv Metropolis). It was found that the institution of the metropolis provided for the right to independent church-administrative activity in the internal affairs of its diocese. It was established that the management of church property was carried out in accordance with the church statutes. It was concluded that the economic management of the property of the «Yaroslav Academy» was carried out by the Kyiv Metropolitanate, which had the right to manage church property, which was formed at the expense of the «princely tithe», which was deducted in favor of the Church (Kyiv Metropolis) and profits from «church courts». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment effect waning (TEW) refers to the attenuation of treatment effects over time. Assumptions of a sustained immuno-oncologic treatment effect have been a source of contention in health technology assessment (HTA). We review how TEW has been addressed in HTA and in the wider scientific literature. We analysed company submissions to English language HTA agencies and summarised methods and assumptions used. We subsequently reviewed TEW-related work in the ISPOR Scientific Presentations Database and conducted a targeted literature review (TLR) for evidence of the maintenance of immuno-oncology (IO) treatment effects post-treatment discontinuation. We found no standardised approach adopted by companies in submissions to HTA agencies, with immediate TEW most used in scenario analyses. Independently fitted survival models do however suggest TEW may often be implicitly modelled. Materials in the ISPOR scientific database suggest gradual TEW is more plausible than immediate TEW. The TLR uncovered evidence of durable survival in patients treated with IOs but no evidence that directly addresses the presence or absence of TEW. Our HTA review shows the need for a consistent and appropriate implementation of TEW in oncology appraisals. However, the TLR highlights the absence of direct evidence on TEW in literature, as TEW is defined in terms of relative treatment effects—not absolute survival. We propose a sequence of steps for analysts to use when assessing whether a TEW scenario is necessary and appropriate to present in appraisals of IOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inter‐hospital transfer is necessary for the transport of patients to specialized treatment. Rotor‐wing aircraft may be used in lieu of ambulances in time‐critical conditions over long distances and when specialist team skills are called for. The purpose of the review is to assess the current scientific literature that describes the scenario to develop a national guideline for inter‐hospital transfers using rotor‐wing aircraft. The aim is to describe the patterns and challenges. Methods and Analysis: The authors will conduct a scoping review as per Joanna Briggs Institute guideline. The protocol for the scoping review will adhere to the Open Science Framework guideline for scoping reviews and we will report the findings of the scoping review as per PRISMA‐ScR guideline. We have developed the search strategy with the help of a research librarian and will conduct search in relevant electronic databases and include gray literature as well, using the PRESS and PRISMA‐S guidelines. Two authors will independently screen titles and abstracts for inclusion as per eligibility criteria and conflicts will be resolved by a third reviewer. Full text retrieval will be conducted accordingly. We will analyze the extracted data using validated statistical methods. Ethics and Dissemination: According to Danish law, scoping reviews are exempt from ethics committee approval. The findings of this scoping review will provide the scientific foundation for a national guideline on rotor‐wing aircraft conveyed inter‐hospital transfers in Denmark. Furthermore, we will publish the results of the scoping review in a relevant scientific journal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement: Herbaria, as collections of preserved plants, contain large amounts of data both in the labels and the specimens themselves, which can be applied in different study fields. A literature review was conducted to discover how the uses of herbaria have evolved over time since records began. This analysis revealed insights into how herbaria are presently used. Uses include traditional taxonomic review, as well as advanced technological tools, which are being applied to herbaria material to address societal and global challenges and therefore contribute to decision‐making in conservation. Summary: Herbaria as collections of preserved plants contain large amounts of data and prominent information, both on the labels and on the specimens themselves. There are 400 million specimens preserved in herbaria worldwide, with great potential for studies in conservation and effects of global change on plants. (1) In this paper, we investigate the array of herbaria uses through a systematic review of the scientific literature in SCOPUS covering the period 1842–2022. (2) We reviewed a total of 2900 papers and classified them in different areas of knowledge, as well as the taxonomic level studied. (3) Our results show that taxonomic use is the most relevant over time. This taxonomic use, together with the use as primary source of plant diversity data, is essential for documenting, planning, and acting on the conservation of threatened plants. Furthermore, our results have shown that new and diverse uses have emerged since 1990, mostly related to ecological issues, as herbaria provide a historical record of plant diversity and distribution, as well as their ecological and evolutionary responses, allowing scientists to track changes over time. (4) This contributes to improve the knowledge of biodiversity and to increase the effectiveness of conservation strategies and policies, which are a priority to address on going global change. Therefore, our study shows the relevance and potential of herbaria in ecology, including new or forthcoming uses, which are different from the uses originally intended by collectors. Thus, their preservation is critical as the unique and exceptional record for the knowledge of changes in biodiversity over space and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study reviews critical social science and policy literature on human settlement research. It examines how the gender of household heads determines housing location preferences in Sub-Saharan African cities. Five themes are obtained from the review: circumstances under which household headships emerge, household fundamental gender roles, interaction with the local property market, power relations and gender in social networks, as well as differing gendered residential location choices. Uncovering how varied gender-influenced household location choices are made underscores the differing significance of the unique gendered preferences in selecting urban housing in rapidly urbanising cities of Sub-Saharan Africa. Engendering the differing preferences and their effect on housing location choices is critical in tracking the housing location journeys of respective household heads and guiding policy action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Injection therapy offers a minimally invasive approach for symptomatic relief that allows concurrent training, limiting time loss and providing a faster recovery. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence to support it, and there are controversies about its use. The present narrative review aims to present the available scientific literature on injection therapies in professional footballers (PF), highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of its use in the most common injuries. Methods: The authors searched and reviewed contemporary literature on injection therapies in PF in electronic databases, summarizing them in a narrative review. Results: Injection therapies such as hyaluronic acid and PRP have shown an adequate safety profile that allows their use. Current evidence suggests that hyaluronic acid injections are a valid option for managing symptomatic cartilage injuries. At the same time, PRP injections have failed to prove beneficial in treating muscle injuries and should be avoided until further evidence proves the opposite. Yet, PRP may have potential use in partial ACL injuries, anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament injuries (ankle syndesmosis), and fifth metatarsal fractures and needs further study. Due to the long-term health repercussions, other injection therapies should be preferred over corticosteroids in PF. Conclusions: There is a paucity of evidence on the use and benefits of injection therapies in PF despite its extensive use among physicians. Viscosupplementation may have a role in improving symptomatic cartilage injuries. In contrast, PRP injection therapy needs further high-quality clinical trials to assess its role in PF sports injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the seminal works of Toupin, Mindlin and Germain, a wide class of generalized elastic models have been proposed via the principle of virtual work, by postulating expressions of the elastic energy enriched by additional kinematic descriptors or by higher gradients of the placement. More recently, such models have been adopted to describe phenomena which are not consistent with the Cauchy-Born continuum, namely the size dependence of apparent elastic moduli observed for micro and nano-objects, wave dispersion, optical modes and band gaps in the dynamics of heterogeneous media. For those structures the mechanical response is affected by surface effects which are predominant with respect to the bulk, and the scale of the external actions interferes with the characteristic size of the heterogeneities. Generalized continua are very often referred to as media with microstructure although a rigorous deduction is lacking between the specific microstructural features and the constitutive equations. While in the forward modelling predictions of the observations are provided, the actual observations at multiple scales can be used inversely to integrate some lack of information about the model. In this review paper, generalized continua are investigated from the standpoint of inverse problems, focusing onto three topics, tightly connected and located at the border between multiscale modelling and the experimental assessment, namely: (i) parameter identification of generalized elastic models, including asymptotic methods and homogenization strategies; (ii) design of non-conventional tests, possibly integrated with full field measurements and advanced modelling; (iii) the synthesis of meta-materials, namely the identification of the microstructures which fit a target behaviour at the macroscale. The scientific literature on generalized elastic media, with the focus on the higher gradient models, is fathomed in search of questions and methods which are typical of inverse problems theory and issues related to parameter estimation, providing hints and perspectives for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the reports of the first cases of COVID-19, in less than 5 years, a huge number of documents regarding that disease and the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for the infection, have been published. The tremendous number of scientific documents covers many topics on different issues directly related to COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2. The number of articles—including reviews—reporting adverse/side effects of the approved COVID-19 vaccines is considerable. A wide range of adverse/side effects have been reported in humans after COVID-19 vaccination: thrombotic events/thrombocytopenia, myocarditis/pericarditis, cutaneous reactions, immune-mediated effects, psychiatric adverse events, systemic lupus erythematosus, reproductive toxicity, and other miscellaneous adverse effects. In contrast, information on nonclinical studies conducted to assess the potential toxicity/adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccines in laboratory animals, is comparatively very scarce. The present review was aimed at revising the scientific literature regarding the studies in laboratory animals on the toxic/adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, the investigations reported in those specific toxicology journals with the highest impact factors have been examined one by one. The results of the present review indicate that most nonclinical/experimental studies on the adverse/toxic effects of the COVID-19 vaccines and/or potential candidates showed—in general terms—a good safety profile. Only in some animal studies were certain adverse effects found. However, a rather surprising result has been the limited number of available (in the databases PubMed and Scopus) nonclinical studies performed by the companies that have been the largest manufacturers of mRNA vaccines in the world. It is assumed that these studies have been conducted. However, they have not been published in scientific journals, which does not allow the judgment of the international scientific community, including toxicologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hand movements are crucial in daily activities, sparking extensive interest and research in biomechanical models. While existing models offer valuable insights, their complexity and processing costs may limit their suitability for all applications, sometimes impeding research efficiency. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a biomechanical model of the human hand for analyzing the physiology of lateral pinch movement. Unlike conventional methodologies, this approach focuses on delivering a computationally efficient model while incorporating the trapeziometacarpal joint into the analysis. Methods: The model, which operates in a multibody environment, simulates lateral pinching movement by applying external time-varying torques to digit joints, emulating musculature, tendons, and ligaments. Torque estimation was achieved through the Euler-Lagrange approach. The model generates animated representations of the movement, aiding pathology identification and outputting dynamic variables. The model's was validated through data acquired from asymptomatic subjects via an OptiTrack system. Results: The average disparity between the expected and obtained joint angular displacements was 6.06 % and 1.90 % during validation and verification stages, suggesting high fidelity in the model performance. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive linear relationships and robust correlations between the obtained and expected configuration data. Model-generated pinch postures closely resembled expected physiological patterns, with results falling within the range for asymptomatic individuals documented in the scientific literature. Conclusion: The system efficiently analyzes dynamic variables at a low computational cost, offering animated representations for pathology identification. The model's potential for rehabilitation solutions and adaptability, coupled with its accuracy and versatility, make it an asset for advancing hand biomechanics research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically reviewed the scientific literature on natural remedies for male sexual dysfunction (MSD), including conditions like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and reduced libido. Limited scientific evidence exists regarding the efficacy and safety of these natural products. To ensure an objective assessment, the study used the Scopus database, followed the PRISMA guidelines, and employed a comprehensive search strategy involving relevant vital concepts, controlled vocabularies, and specific inclusion/exclusion criteria. The analysis included 1504 documents from 624 journals, spanning from 1967 to 2023. The literature showed an annual growth rate of 2.46%, with an average document age of 10.2 years and an average of 23.54 citations per document. India had the highest publication count (319), followed by the United States (164). Conceptual Mapping categorized themes into basic, motor, niche, emerging, and declining categories, including nitric oxide, oxidative stress, phytotherapy, herbal medicine, Asparagus racemosus, and dopamine. This mapping provided a holistic understanding of the field, identified research gaps, and guided the development of new interventions or treatment strategies for MSD. Trend topics include molecular coupling, Ashwagandha, phytochemistry, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. The study findings will assist healthcare professionals in making informed decisions when recommending or advising patients about the use of these remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical interplay between antioxidants and pro-oxidants maintains the redox homeostatic balance of the cell, which, when perturbed to moderate or high extents, has been implicated in the onset and/or progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thioredoxin, glutaredoxin, and lipoic acid-like thiol oxidoreductase systems constitute a unique ensemble of robust cellular antioxidant defenses, owing to their indispensable roles as S-denitrosylases, S-deglutathionylases, and disulfide reductants in maintaining a reduced free thiol state with biological relevance. Thus, in cells subjected to nitrosative stress, cellular antioxidants will S-denitrosylate their cognate S-nitrosoprotein substrates, rather than participate in trans -S-nitrosylation via protein-protein interactions. Researchers have been at the forefront of vaguely establishing the concept of 'transnitrosylation' and its influence on pathophysiology with experimental evidence from in vitro studies that lack proper biochemical logic. The suggestive and reiterative use of antioxidants as transnitrosylases in the scientific literature leaves us on a cliffhanger with several open-ended questions that prompted us to 'hunt' for scientific logic behind the trans -S-nitrosylation chemistry. Given the gravity of the situation and to look at the bigger picture of ' trans -S-nitrosylation', we aim to present a novel attempt at justifying the hesitance in accepting antioxidants as capable of transnitrosylating their cognate protein partners and reflecting on the need to resolve the controversy that would be crucial from the perspective of understanding therapeutic outcomes involving such cellular antioxidants in disease pathogenesis. Further characterization is required to identify the regulatory mechanisms or conditions where an antioxidant like Trx, Grx, or DJ-1 can act as a cellular transnitrosylase. • Trans-S-nitrosylation via cellular antioxidants is logically not possible and necessitates in-depth reasoning for the same. • The current review 'hunts' for scientific logic behind the trans -S-nitrosylation chemistry. • Insights on probable factors that can favor the transnitrosylation reactions in the redox milieu. • Marked stringencies that distinguish transnitrosylation from S-denitrosylation to identify potential transnitrosylases. • Current review further explores if trans-S-nitrosylation is another reversible redox reaction analogous to S-nitrosylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guidelines advocate that the symptomatic management of fever should prioritize alleviating the child's discomfort. We investigated the definition and assessment of discomfort in febrile children within the scientific pediatric literature. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and preregistered on the Prospero database (CRD42023471590). Databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched. Studies addressing discomfort in febrile children were eligible. Out of 794 initially identified articles, 27 original studies and seven guidelines specifically used the term 'discomfort'. Only 14 original articles provided a definition of discomfort, revealing substantial heterogeneity and no clear-cut definition. Discomfort was often assessed subjectively, predominantly through parent or self-report, and only two studies used a scoring system for assessment. The definitions varied widely, with terms such as crying, irritability, shivering and chills, pain and distress, goosebumps commonly used and evaluation of observable modifications such as facial modifications. Overall, no consensus on a single, standardized definition was available. Conclusions: This systematic review shows the absence of a standardized definition and assessment of discomfort in febrile children. The findings of the present analysis might be the basis for building a consensus and developing a new tool to evaluate discomfort. What is Known: • Discomfort is currently considered the main criterion to guide antipyretic administration in children with fever. • Despite this clear-cut recommendation, it has been questioned whether a commonly accepted understanding and assessment of this condition exists. What is New: • This systematic review identifies a significant heterogeneity in definitions and assessment of discomfort in children with fever. • Both subjective parameters and observable modifications in physiological parameters should be included in a new and shared characterization of discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested the association between early childcare attendance in the first three years of life and child development at age 3.5 years in the French context, where early childcare is subsidized. In the ELFE (Étude Longitudinale Français depuis l'Enfance) birth cohort study set in metropolitan France, children's development was reported by parents at age 3.5 years (n = 11,033) via the Child Development Inventory (CDI) questionnaire. CDI scores were transformed into a development quotient (DQ), with a DQ < 90 corresponding to possible and a DQ < 85 corresponding to a probable developmental delay. Inverse probability weighted multivariable regression models were used to analyse whether early childcare in the first three years of life (centre-based, childminder, informal or parental care) was associated to development delay. Compared to children in exclusive parental care, those in centre-based childcare (CBC) or with a childminder prior to school entry were significantly less likely to experience possible (OR = 0.56, [95% CI = 0.51–0.61] for CBC and OR = 0.77, [95% CI = 0.72–0.83] for childminder attendance) and probable developmental delay (OR = 0.62, [0.58–0.67] for CBC and OR = 0.80 [0.76–0.83] for childminder). Informal childcare attendance was not significantly associated with children's possible nor probable developmental delay ((OR = 0.97, [0.84–1.12]) and (OR = 0.97, [0.82–1.15]), respectively). Conclusions: Overall, our findings add to the existing scientific literature, showing that in the French context, where childcare can start as early as 3 months of age, early childcare attendance can contribute to child's development. What's Known on This Subject: • Studies on early childcare attendance and child development have shown mixed results, associations with better psychomotor development mainly being observed in Nordic countries, while some studies in other countries such as the USA showed no or negative associations. What This Study Adds: • In a country with broad and subsidized access to childcare such as France, access to early childhood education can positively contribute to children's psychomotor development. However, we found that access to childcare does not appear to reduce social inequalities in children's psychomotor development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the shift from traditional educational models to more engaging, facilitator-led approaches that prioritize active learning and student participation, particularly in mathematics instruction. Topics include the need for real-world contexts to enhance problem-solving skills, the integration of narratives with mathematics for authentic learning experiences; and the use of Rory's Story Cubes as a tool to foster creativity and engagement in math education.

Summary: Specific gluten protein fractions cause major health problems to individuals with coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to review gluten reduction in foods based on information disclosed in patents, a rarely cited source, with support from science. Overall, 89 patents on gluten reduction in foods were published up to August 2024, and 79% reported unique information, not mentioned in the scientific literature. The most popular topics were wheat and barley genes modifications, proteolytic enzymes for brewing, and proteolytic bacterial starters for bread making. Other gluten detoxification and removal techniques comprised kernels sorting, as well as separation, binding, heating, and chemical treatments. Extensive degradation of gluten‐containing ingredients impaired much food properties, especially in bread. Few patented inventions on gluten reduction would meet the needs of coeliac persons because gluten‐free foods need to be prepared with low‐gluten ingredients, as confirmed by proper analytical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific literature on microplastics in food has increased exponentially in the last years leading to a huge amount of published reviews on this topic. Following an approach inspired by the umbrella-review methodology, the present review aimed at systematically gathering information regarding the routes of exposure of microplastics through the food chain, starting from information collected by literature reviews. A literature-based search of published reviews was carried out in three scientific databases. Eligible reviews had to be written in English and had to deal with microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs) in food or food chains. At the end of the screening process, 59 reviews were included of which four were systematic. Microplastics were found in a broad range of food originating from marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments. The size range of detected MPs/NPs varied greatly (0.02 – 16,400 μm). Among the analysed review, three food matrices (milk, beer and sugar) were considered for the cross-citation analysis. The choice was based on the fact that these matrices are unusually associated with MPs/NPs pollution and the high redundancy of information observed during data extraction. Results surprisingly showed that the number of published reviews was higher than the number of primary studies, suggesting the need for applying a systematic review methodology to comprehensively synthesize data on microplastics in food and to harmonize definitions. In addition, especially for European countries, future research on MPs/NPs distribution should be performed on food such as milk, wine and meat since they are poorly investigated in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During scientific technical dives in a marine animal forest (MAF) environment, the nudibranch Dondice trainitoi Furfaro & Mariottini 2020 was recorded on a rocky bottom at 50 m depth in the Salento Peninsula, Southern Italy, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Further in situ explorations and broad bibliographic research within both the scientific and grey literature revealed that D. trainitoi is widely distributed across the Mediterranean Sea, despite what was previously known. Herein are the first records for the Adriatic Sea and the Apulia region of Italy, together with the deepest record of this species. An analysis of collected samples and both in situ and laboratory photographs of the hydrozoan colonies associated with D. trainitoi revealed its ecology and trophic behaviour; we conclude that the hydrozoan Obelia bidentata Clark, 1875 is its preferred prey, but that it also feeds on the athecate hydroid Eudendrium glomeratum Picard, 1952. These findings shed some light on the little-known ecology and distribution, on both a geographical and a bathymetric scale, of this species, which are fundamental to increasing knowledge on Mediterranean biodiversity and its ecosystem functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Repetitive bloodletting, promoting profuse diarrhoea and vomiting, the formation of artificial ulcers, and other aggressive treatment methods based on humoral theory and Brunonian medicine were used for patients with nervous system (NS) diseases until the end of the 19th century. These methods are also termed "heroic" medicine by modern medical historians. Methods: I analysed doctoral dissertations on the subject of NS diseases, clinical reports from 1806 to 1842 from the Vilnius University clinics, and other primary sources. This study was conducted in the vein of a historical–medical analysis and synthesis of primary sources, using comparative analysis, analogy, descriptive methods, and the method of retrospective diagnosis. Results: Copious bloodletting, purgatives, leeches, cupping therapy, and other potentially harmful methods were frequently employed as habitual treatments for patients with NS diseases. Calomel was used as a purgative and an anti‐inflammatory drug, and acidum borussicum was prescribed for patients with hydrophobia. After analysing three clinical cases, I revealed how principles of desperate, "heroic" medicine were applied to treat severe NS diseases with the "strongest" drugs, described in the scientific literature of the time. Conclusions: My work was not intended to judge or criticize historical treatment methods but to demonstrate on what contemporary scientific theories they were based. We should not rule out the idea that some aggressive treatment methods used nowadays, although they eradicate or reduce the burden of a NS disease, or even prolong patients' lives, may offer exceptional examples of 21st century "heroic" medicine for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overgrowth syndromes (OGS) comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders whose main characteristic is that the weight, height or the head circumference are above the 97th centile or 2–3 standard deviations above the mean for age, gender, and ethnic group. Several copy‐number variants (CNVs) have been associated with the development of OGS, such as the 5q35 microdeletion or the duplication of the 15q26.1‐qter, among many others. In this study, we have applied 850K SNP‐arrays to 112 patients and relatives with OGS from the Spanish OverGrowth Registry Initiative. We have identified CNVs associated with the disorder in nine individuals (8%). Subsequently, whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis was performed in these nine samples in order to better understand these genomic imbalances. All the CNVs were detected by both techniques, settling that WGS is a useful tool for CNV detection. We have found six patients with genomic abnormalities associated with previously well‐established disorders and three patients with CNVs of unknown significance, which may be related to OGS, based on scientific literature. In this report, we describe these findings and comment on genes associated with OGS that are located within the CNV regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of the finite difference method has produced successful solutions to the general partial differential equations due to its efficiency and effectiveness with wide applications. For example, the 2D Boussinesq paradigm equation can be numerically studied using a linear‐implicit finite difference scheme based on the Crank‐Nicolson/Adams‐Bashforth technique. First, conservative quantities are derived and preserved through numerical scheme. Then, the convergence and stability analysis is then provided to simulate a numerical solution whose existence and uniqueness are proved based on the boundedness of the numerical solution. Analysis of spatial accuracy is found to be second order on a uniform grid. Numerical results from simulations indicate that these proposed scheme provide satisfactory second‐order accuracy both in time and space with an L∞$$ {L}^{\infty } $$‐norm, and also preserve discrete invariants. Additionally, previous scientific literature review has provided little evidence of studied terms with dispersive effect in 2D Boussinesq paradigm equation. The current study explores solution behavior by applying the proposed scheme to numerically analyze initial Gaussian condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pattern recognition, statistics, machine learning, and data mining, feature or attribute selection is a standard dimensionality reduction method. The goal is to apply a set of rules to select essential and relevant features from the original dataset. In recent years, unsupervised feature selection approaches have garnered significant attention across various research fields. This study presents a well-organized summary of the latest and most effective unsupervised feature selection techniques in the scientific literature. We introduce a taxonomy of these strategies, elucidating their significant features and underlying principles. Additionally, we outline the pros, cons, challenges, and practical applications of the broad categories of unsupervised feature selection approaches reviewed in the literature. Furthermore, we conducted a comparison of several state-of-the-art unsupervised feature selection methods through experimental analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis, known for its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and anti-parasitic properties, has been the subject of this study to evaluate its efficacy and safety in the treatment of bacterial external otitis in domestic canines. Through questionnaires administered to veterinary experts and the use of neutrosophic logic for hypothesis testing, perceptions based on clinical experiences and scientific literature were analyzed. The results indicate strong agreement that propolis is effective and safe, surpassing some aspects of conventional antibiotic treatments and demonstrating high tolerability without serious side effects. This acceptance underscores its potential as a natural alternative in veterinary treatments, particularly valuable in cases of antimicrobial resistance or allergies to traditional medications. This study provides significant evidence supporting the integration of propolis into veterinary practices, suggesting the need for further research and possible revisions of current clinical practices for managing bacterial conditions in animals. The use of neutrosophic hypotheses facilitated a more detailed and deeply informed interpretation of the level of expert agreement on the properties of propolis in the condition analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aims to analyze the current scientific literature on risk factors and strategies for the prevention of muscle cramps that occur during physical activity. Particular attention is paid to muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte balance, and other neurophysiological and metabolic aspects that can trigger cramps. Materials and methods: To achieve the objectives of the research, an overview of scientific publications extracted from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar was carried out, with a main focus on research published in recent years. Keywords such as "muscle cramps", "physical activity", "prevention" and "risk factors" were used. Conclusion: The study confirms that muscle cramps are a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors, including muscle fatigue, dehydration, electrolyte balance disorders, and metabolic changes. It emphasizes the importance of adequate hydration, electrolyte balance, proper exercise program and techniques such as stretching and massage for the prevention and management of muscle cramps. It is advisable to continue research in the field to develop effective strategies to prevent these frequent and painful spasms that occur during or after physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glaucoma is a serious socially significant disease. It is the leading cause of vision impairment and loss worldwide. Timely treatment and adherence to prescribed therapy will reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss. The aim of this article is to present the important role of the pharmacist in medication adherence in patients diagnosed with glaucoma. Material and methods. A review of the scientific literature in PubMed and Google Scholar databases was performed. The study was conducted between the months of January and March of 2024 using the following keywords: ‘glaucoma’, ‘adherence to glaucoma medication’, ‘role of the pharmacist’, ‘non-adherence to glaucoma medication’. Results. The barriers for non-adherence to medications identified in glaucoma patients were of different nature - lack of motivation to use drops, cost of medications, complex regimen (non-adherence) and some other factors. Active doctor-patient-pharmacist communication is needed. The results of better communication between this group will lead to optimization of drug therapy and better understanding of glaucoma disease. Conclusion. In the context of pharmaceutical care, the role of the pharmacist is to better control and improve adherence to therapy in adult patients with glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood is a significant period that affects a person’s health throughout their whole life. Children deserve to receive quality medical care. It is also the responsibility of parents to be aware of treatment methods and to ensure that their children receive the best medical and pharmaceutical care. An essential point of drug therapy in children is the administration of drugs without a doctor’s prescription. The aim of this article is to research the importance of pharmaceutical care provided in counseling parents in the purchase of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Material and methods. A review of the scientific literature was performed in the databases of PubMed and Google Scholar. The study was carried out in the period from 01.02.2024 to 31.03.2024 using key words: “pharmaceutical care”, “children”, “OTC drugs”, “adverse drug reactions”. Results. OTC drugs are widely available, allowing patients to self-medicate and also parents to give them to their children. Children get sick much more often and have an elevated body temperature compared to adults. OTC drugs are considered safe for use in pediatric patients when used according to the instructions on their label. Non-prescription drugs also include analgesics such as Aspirin and Paracetamol, some of the medicines for coughs, hay fever, etc. Conclusion. The pharmacist provides information about medicines, their correct use and the possibility of adverse drug reactions and/or interactions with food and other medicines and is also a responsible participant in the provision of primary health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birthplace is a contextual variable that influences the talent development process of soccer players. The main objective of this systematic review was to compile the scientific literature on the effect of birthplace in soccer. This is the first systematic review to investigate how this contextual factor relates to talent development in soccer. Using the PRISMA methodology, the analysis of the 14 articles that were part of the final review concluded with three main discursive themes: the place of birth and population size, composition of the birthplace and socio-demographic characteristics of the population, and the place of birth and the location of high performance sport centres. This review shows that there are several underlying elements for understanding the effect of the place of birth on the development of talent in soccer. The combination of population density and the level of facilities in the place where the player was born are key in the development of a soccer player. It is not only about the place as a space, but also about what that space means for the development of the player's soccer skills. The findings not only highlight the characteristics of the areas, in terms of density and equipment supply, identified as talent hotspots, but also provide an opportunity to critically reflect on current practices of talent identification and development in soccer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objectives: Relevant, meaningful, and achievable data points are critical in objectively assessing quality, utility, and outcomes in female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery. A minimum data set female SUI surgery studies was proposed by the first American Urological Association guidelines on the surgical management of female SUI in 1997, but recommendation adherence has been suboptimal. The Female Stress Urinary Incontinence Surgical Publication Working Group (WG) was created from members of several prominent organizations to formulate a recommended standard of study structure, description, and minimum outcome data set to be utilized in designing and publishing future SUI studies. The goal of this WG was to create a body of evidence better able to assess the outcomes of female SUI surgery. Methods: The WG reviewed the minimum data set proposed in the 1997 AUA SUI Guideline document, and other relevant literature. The body of literature was examined in the context of the profound changes in the field over the past 25 years. Through a DELPHI process, a standard study structure and minimum data set were generated. Care was taken to balance the value of several meaningful and relevant data points against the burden of creating an excessively difficult or restrictive standard that would disincentivize widespread adoption and negatively impact manuscript production and acceptance. Results: The WG outlined standardization in four major areas: (1) study design, (2) pretreatment demographics and characterization of the study population, (3) intraoperative events, and (4) posttreatment evaluation, and complications. Forty‐two items were evaluated and graded as: STANDARD—must be included; ADDITIONAL—may be included for a specific study and is inclusive of the Standard items; OPTIMAL—may be included for a comprehensive study and is inclusive of the Standard and Additional items; UNNECESSARY/LEGACY—not relevant. Conclusions: A reasonable, achievable, and clinically meaningful minimum data set has been constructed. A structured framework will allow future surgical interventions for female SUI to be objectively scrutinized and compared in a clinically significant manner. Ultimately, such a data set, if adopted by the academic community, will enhance the quality of the scientific literature, and ultimately improve short and long‐term outcomes for female patients undergoing surgery to correct SUI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monsanto company – now acquired by Bayer – has been accused of ghostwriting articles within peer review literature, with the goal of using influential names to front its content in defence of the herbicide Roundup. Here, I conduct a detailed analysis of three Monsanto review articles and a five-article journal supplement for which detailed information from company emails is publicly available following litigation over Roundup. All the articles had external, but not Monsanto authors, and ghostly practices including ghost authorship, corporate ghost authorship and ghost management were evident in their development. There was clear evidence of ghostwriting – that is, drafting of the manuscript by non-authors – in only two cases. I found no evidence of undeserving authorship among the external authors. The articles complied with the disclosure requirements of their journals, save for the journal supplement. While crude ghostwriting did occur, much of the literature involved subtler practices through which Monsanto exercised control over content, while the attribution of the articles downplayed the company's role – and correspondingly aggrandized that of the external authors. Such practices are widespread within industry journal literature and are the responsibility of byline authors and journals as well as corporations. I discuss these cultural problems and consider remedies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of bioplastics is a new strategy for reducing microplastic (MP) waste caused by petroleum‐based plastics. This problem has received increased attention worldwide, leading to the development of large‐scale bioplastic plants. The large amount of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments and the atmosphere has raised global concern. This article delves into the profound environmental impact of the increasing use of petroleum‐based plastics, which contribute significantly to plastic waste and, as a consequence, to the increase in MPs. We conducted a comprehensive analysis to identify countries that are at the forefront of efforts to produce bioplastics to reduce MP pollution. In this article, we explain the development, degradation processes, and research trends of bioplastics derived from biological materials such as starch, chitin, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA). The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution through bioplastics. These nations included the United States, China, Spain, Canada, Italy, India, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. This study underscores the technical and economic obstacles to large‐scale bioplastic production. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1892–1911. © 2024 SETAC Key Points: Microplastics (MP) have caused concern due to their environmental effects, potential to release plastic monomers, affinity for chemical interactions, and potential to enter aquaculture and fishery production.The findings pinpoint the top 10 countries demonstrating a strong commitment to reducing MP pollution by replacing petroleum‐based plastics with bioplastics.Using bibliometric techniques, we mapped and identified the countries that were most actively engaged in shifting to bioplastic production during the period 2001–2021.This article focuses on starch‐based bioplastics used primarily in food packaging, increasing their mechanical properties by adding fibers, and extending the shelf life of food with antibacterial nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review addressed the following question: Which are the relations between L1 and/or L2 foundational and upper-level language skills, cognitive skills, high-order cognitive and self-regulation factors and L2-English reading comprehension skills in 11-to-19 year EFL secondary school students with different L1 language profiles? Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, twenty-seven studies were included for a systematic synthesis of results in the light of the different grades of "family language distance" between L1 and L2-English (i.e., "close related" vs. "partially related" vs. "not related"). We found that several L1 and L2 language skills (e.g., vocabulary, morphological awareness), cognitive skills (e.g., working memory) and high-order factors as metacognitive knowledge were positively associated with L2-English reading comprehension, regardless of different language groups. Conversely, we found that several well-known predictors of text comprehension are neglected in the scientific literature on reading in L2. We discuss practical implications and key recommendations to support school and future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in environmental history research. The author, an environmental historian, highlights the value of combining expertise from various disciplines to address complex environmental challenges. They stress the importance of engaging with stakeholders and making research applicable to real-world issues. The article also explores public participation, engagement, and mobilization in environmental governance, emphasizing the need to clarify motivations and goals. It underscores the societal benefits of interdisciplinary work and the potential impact of environmental history beyond academia. The article encourages researchers and practitioners to consider diverse perspectives and tailor projects to meet the specific needs of different communities. [Extracted from the article]

The article concerns the analysis of the dimensional accuracy of point clouds reproducing spatial object made by photographic scanning in the Agisoft Metashape program. Due to the lack of available scientific literature describing the results of research on the accuracy of this type of objects created in the Metashape program, analyses were carried out to determine it. In order to demonstrate the possibilities of wide application of point clouds also in opinion-making practice, three examples of objects with dimensions typical for the area of road accident research were described: a tread trace, a car and a fragment of a road. The obtained point clouds were compared with real objects in terms of dimensional accuracy. It was found that the method is able to provide very good accuracy, with a margin that meets the requirements of typical accident analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Malaria vaccine is one of the critical areas in tropical health research, considering the success recorded in other vaccine‐preventable diseases. This study is aimed at reviewing recent trends in global malaria vaccine research from 2005 to 2022. Method: A validated search strategy was undertaken to identify scientific literature on the malaria vaccine in the Scopus database. Bibliometric indicators identified include a pattern of publication growth and citations over the study period; top authors, countries, funding organizations, and journals; keywords, including different malarial parasite species, and the overall research themes. Result: A total of 6457 documents were found from 2005 to 2022, published in 160 journals/sources in 189 countries/territories. Malaria Journal published the highest number of research outputs (478, 7.4%) within the study period, and the highest number of documents (468, 7.3%) were published in 2021. There were 214,323 total citations, with 33.2 average citations per document and 167 documents' h‐index. The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia combined produced more than 60% of the publication output, with most collaboration with African countries such as Kenya. Plasmodium falciparum is the most occurring parasite species keyword (754, 11.7%), with a growing interest in Plasmodium knowlesi (30, 0.5%). Merozoite surface protein, characterization, trials, infant/children, traveler, and research/review were the six themes that emerged from the studies. Conclusion: The last one and half decades have seen a significant increase in malaria vaccine research and citations, mainly targeting vaccine development, safety, and efficacy in Africa. This necessitates more international efforts to improve the vaccines' effectiveness considering different Plasmodium species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scientific literature is presented in complex language, most frequently in English, and includes technical jargon that represents a challenge to comprehension of an English as a foreign language (EFL) nursing student. Yet scientific literature is a powerful and trustworthy source of evidence to guide nursing practice. Purpose: The aim is to examine two reading interventions (Translation vs Synthesization) and to determine which one produces long-term sustainability effects in scientific research reading comprehension. Method: A two-group posttest-only randomized comparative design was used in which 120 participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Several instruments were used to collect the data. Results: Study findings showed that the synthesization group significantly produced better results when compared with the translation group on both the immediate (p = 0.01) and the delayed (p = 0.013) reading comprehension tests. It shows also that gender differences have a significant impact on reading comprehension with a favor to males in the long-term reading comprehension outcome (p = 0.038) of synthesization and females in the short-term reading comprehension outcome (p = 0.015) of translation. English proficiency was significant with determination, metacognitive, and social skills in the synthesization group (p = 0.00, p = 0.01, p = 0.007 respectively). Conclusion: The results suggested that synthesization could be an effective reading approach in improving EFL nursing students' reading comprehension of scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a protocol to achieve consensus on valid and important indicators to assess primary health care (PHC) quality regarding all clinical contexts of PHC in European health systems. Study design: Qualitative study using the Delphi technique to gain consensus among European panels of experts comprising a heterogeneous professional background. Methods: Potential candidate indicators were extracted and translated according to a set of informative elements (i.e., name, description, formula, unit of analysis, and sources). This list was then independently reviewed, and duplicates were removed totaling 1726 indicators. To guarantee a good response rate, indicators were distributed across 57 Delphi panels organized by clinical context. Each panel is a Delphi process, assessing between 23 to 33 indicators. Experts' opinions on the validity and importance of the extracted indicators will be obtained through two rounds of online questionnaires, using a 9-point Likert scale and free-text boxes. To prevent biased responses, participation will be anonymous to other participants and to the team administrating panels. Consensus will be considered if at least 70% of ratings (≥7 assuming 10 participants) lie within the 7–9 range and less than 15% of ratings (<2 assuming 10 participants) are in the 1–3 range. Analysis of results will be streamlined and generalizable across panels using scripts. Conclusions: This protocol will contribute to improve the quality of PHC in Europe by achieving a consensual and concise list of PHC quality indicators retrieved from the scientific literature that fit current clinical guidelines and populations' needs in countries from the European region according to the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reticular materials are one of the more promising tools that humankind has developed to address the required energy transition. Despite their great potential showcased in the last decade, their use is so far mainly confined to the laboratory bench due to drawbacks derived from their powdery morphology. Unlike zeolites and activated carbons, the challenges in shaping and densification of reticular materials hamper their full implementation in the industry. Hence, strategies for shaping and integrating these materials need to be prioritized. Most of the existing strategies rely on applying mechanical pressure and adding chemical binders, but these approaches, although useful for shaping, diminish their final adsorption capacities and do not bring their theoretical, predicted performance. On the other hand, obtaining self‐shaped, dense bodies—so‐called monoliths—arises as a very promising and scalable alternative. Sol–gel monoliths are still scarce in the scientific literature despite their outstanding performance, particularly in terms of volumetric adsorption capacity. This review intends to help expand this scope by offering a rational guide on the self‐shaping of dense monoliths for reticular materials, as well as a complete revision of the state‐of‐the‐art in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familiar cardiopathies are genetic disorders that affect the heart. Cardiologists face a significant problem when treating patients suffering from these disorders: most DNA variations are novel (i.e., they have not been classified before). To facilitate the analysis of novel variations, we present CardioGraph, a platform specially designed to support the analysis of novel variations and help determine whether they are relevant for diagnosis. To do this, CardioGraph identifies and annotates the consequence of variations and provides contextual information regarding which heart structures, pathways, and biological processes are potentially affected by those variations. Methods: We conducted our work through three steps. First, we define a data model to support the representation of the heterogeneous information. Second, we instantiate this data model to integrate and represent all the genomics knowledge available for familiar cardiopathies. In this step, we consider genomic data sources and the scientific literature. Third, the design and implementation of the CardioGraph platform. A three-tier structure was used: the database, the backend, and the frontend. Results: Three main results were obtained: the data model, the knowledge base generated with the instantiation of the data model, and the platform itself. The platform code has been included as supplemental material in this manuscript. Besides, an instance is publicly available in the following link: https://genomics-hub.pros.dsic.upv.es:3090. Conclusion: CardioGraph is a platform that supports the analysis of novel variations. Future work will expand the body of knowledge about familiar cardiopathies and include new information about hotspots, functional studies, and previously reported variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the emergence of icing-related injuries in polar bears at high latitudes due to climate change, specifically the formation of ice on body parts, hair loss, and skin ulcerations. The study conducted in Kane Basin and East Greenland between 2012 and 2022 observed these injuries primarily affecting adult bears, with severe cases showing blocks of ice up to 30 cm in diameter adhered to foot pads. Indigenous subsistence hunters in Greenland and Nunavut were interviewed to gather information on the frequency and potential causes of these injuries. The study highlights the ecological implications of these injuries on polar bear populations and emphasizes the need for further research to understand and mitigate these impacts. [Extracted from the article]