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Predictive value of uric acid to albumin ratio for carotid atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective study
Background This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the uric acid (UA) to albumin (ALB) ratio (UAR) and carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as well as to assess the predictive value of UAR for CAS. Methods A cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted, retrospectively analyzing hematological parameters from 259 T2DM patients with CAS (T2DM-CAS) and 131 T2DM patients without CAS (T2DM-WCAS). Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaques (CAP) were measured using Doppler ultrasound. Results The UAR level in the T2DM-CAS group was significantly higher than that in the T2DM-WCAS group (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that UAR is an independent risk factor for T2DM-CAS (P < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for UAR in predicting T2DM-CAS was 0.712, with a Youden index of 0.278. Conclusion High levels of UAR are closely associated with the occurrence of T2DM-CAS and may serve as a useful biomarker for predicting T2DM-CAS.
Integrated analysis and single-cell sequencing of mitochondrial metabolism related gene molecular subtype and diagnostic model in ulcerative colitis
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that seriously affects the life expectancy of patients. Although increasingly sophisticated combinations of drugs can alleviate symptoms, 10–20% of patients still do not respond well. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the pathogenesis and potential biomarkers of UC. Many clues have suggested the important value of mitochondrial metabolism in UC, but its role and related targets need to be further explored. By public database data, we identified differentially expressed mitochondrial metabolism related genes (MMRG) in UC. Subsequently, we identified biomarkers associated with MMRG based on a machine learning approach. After classifying the MMRG-associated molecular subtypes of UC, we comprehensively analyzed the MMRG biomarkers and the relationship between the MMRG molecular subtypes and immune infiltration characteristics. Single-cell sequencing analysis showed significant expression pattern of MMRG signatures in different cell subtypes. qRT-PCR and western blot further confirmed the abnormal expressions of selected genes in vitro. Our findings provided a new perspective on the role of MMRG in UC.
A randomized controlled trial of a family-based HIV/STI prevention program for Black girls and male caregivers in Chicago: IMAGE study protocol paper
Black girls are disproportionately impacted by HIV and STIs in the United States. Black male caregivers are underutilized in family-based HIV/STI prevention programming and offer a novel opportunity to protect Black girls. This study will evaluate the efficacy and implementation of an HIV/STI prevention program delivered to Black girls and male caregivers in community settings. IMAGE: IMARA for the Male Caregivers and Girls Empowerment was adapted from IMARA, an evidence-based mother-daughter intervention to decrease HIV/STI infection and increase communication and healthy relationships among girls and their male caregivers. Using an efficacy implementation design, we will test the effectiveness of IMAGE compared to a time-matched general health promotion program across six community-based organizations. Aim one will evaluate IMAGE in a 2-arm randomized controlled trial with 300 14-18-year-old Black girls and their male caregiver dyads in Chicago, IL. We hypothesize that girls who receive IMAGE will have lower STI incidence (primary outcome), fewer sexual partners, and more consistent condom use (secondary outcomes) at 6- and 12-months compared to girls in the health promotion program. Guided by the 3-Step Implementation Model, our second aim is to identify and describe factors (barriers, facilitators) and processes affecting implementation in community settings. HIV and STI disparities go beyond individual-level factors, and male caregivers may protect girls by being a sexual health resource. This study will facilitate rapid CBO uptake and ownership of IMAGE if effective. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06266416
The impact of self-isolation on psychological wellbeing in adults and how to reduce it: A systematic review
Objective To synthesise evidence on the impact of self-isolation at home on the psychological and emotional wellbeing of adults in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022378140). We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, and grey literature. Wellbeing included adverse mental health outcomes and adaptive wellbeing. We followed PRISMA and synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) guidelines. We extracted data on the impact of self-isolation on wellbeing, and factors associated with and interventions targeting wellbeing during self-isolation. Results Thirty-six studies were included. The mode quality rating was ‘high-risk’. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were most investigated. Evidence for an impact of self-isolation on wellbeing was often inconsistent in quantitative studies, although qualitative studies consistently reported a negative impact. People with pre-existing mental and physical health needs reported increased symptoms of mental ill health during self-isolation. Studies reported modifiable stressors that have been reported in previous infectious disease contexts, such as inadequate support, poor coping strategies, inadequate and conflicting information, and highlighted the importance of regular contact from trusted healthcare professionals. Interventions targeting psychological wellbeing were rare and evaluative studies of these had high or very high risk of bias. Conclusion When implementing self-isolation directives, public health officials should prioritise support for individuals who have pre-existing mental or physical health needs, lack support, or who are facing significant life stressors. Focus should be directed toward interventions that address loneliness, worries, and misinformation, whilst monitoring and identifying individuals in need of additional support.
Epigenome-wide methylation analysis shows phosphonoethylamine alleviates aberrant DNA methylation in NASH caused by Pcyt2 deficiency
Background Aberrant DNA methylation can lead to the onset of pathological phenotypes and is increasingly being implicated in age-related metabolic diseases. In our preceding study we show that the heterozygous ablation of Pcyt2, the rate limiting enzyme in phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) synthesis, causes an age-dependent development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and that treatment with the Pcyt2 substrate phosphonoethylamine (PEA) can attenuate phenotypic NASH pathologies. Here, we hypothesize that abnormal DNA methylation patterns underly the development of Pcyt2 + /- NASH. In this study, we conduct an epigenome-wide methylation analysis to characterize the differential methylation of Pcyt2 + /- livers and investigate whether the attenuation of NASH with PEA treatment is associated with changes in DNA methylation. Results Pcyt2 + /- NASH liver experiences significant alterations in DNA methylation pattens relative to Pcyt2 + / + . Differentially methylated genes belong to pathways including PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, Foxo signalling pathway, oxidative phosphorylation and insulin signalling/secretion, indicating that epigenetic regulation underlies many of our previously established functional pathological mechanisms of Pcyt2 + /- NASH. Previously unidentified pathways during Pcyt2 deficiency are highlighted, such as cell cycle regulation and cellular senescence that may contribute to NASH development. Treatment with PEA dramatically attenuates aberrant total and protein-coding DNA methylation patterns by 96%. PEA treatment restored the methylation status of key genes involved in epigenetic modifications and induced differential methylation of genes associated with obesity and T2DM such as Adyc3, Celsr2, Fam63b. Conclusion The Pcyt2 + /- liver methylome and transcriptome is altered and likely underlies much of the pathology in Pcyt2 + /- NASH phenotype. The treatment with PEA significantly attenuates aberrant DNA methylation in Pcyt2 + /- liver and corrects the DNA methylation of genes involved in the pathogenesis of NASH, indicating its therapeutic potential. This analysis provides critical insight into the epigenetic basis of NASH pathophysiology and suggests diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Observation of upstream particle movement without the involvement of the marangoni effect
Upstream Contamination is a counter-intuitive phenomena of fluid dynamics, where particles can go against the liquid stream and climb, higher containers. Previous studies have attributed the movement of particles against the flow of water to the Marangoni effect, where surface tension gradients drive fluid movement. However, the effect was not enough to account for the motion of particles. Meanwhile, this study challenges that explanation by documenting the ascent of fine particles of Iron Fillings, through a water jet where the lower container exhibited higher surface tension due to an aqueous calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution. Contrary to the Marangoni effect, which predicts that particles should move from areas of lower to higher surface tension, our observations showed that the particles can move upwards even from a higher surface tension to a lower surface tension region. Afterward, other factors influencing this phenomenon were studied, including the height of the upper container from the lower one, the angle between the channel and the horizontal axis, temperature, and surface tension gradient. Each of them, suggests that factors other than surface tension gradients, such as fluid dynamics and turbulence, play a significant role in particle behavior in these conditions. This study can help us understand how some ‘safe-ecosystems’, cell mechanisms and medicine production can be contaminated in an unthinkable way so that these contaminators can be prevented and a safer ecosystem and medicare development can be ensured and steps to safeguard protoplasm from harmful contaminants can be taken.
Effect of weathered on the pore characteristics of different rocks in coal-bearing strata
This study aims to explore how weathered controls the microscopic pore development of rocks. Siltstones to coarse sandstones were selected from the main rocks of the Jurassic strata of the northern Ordos Basin. The pore structure, mineral composition, the pore size distribution (PSD), porosity, permeability and fractal characteristics of unweathered and weathered rocks were analysed using a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR). The study showed that the microstructure of different sandstones has obvious differences, the total porosity and permeability of rocks are usually positively correlated with the grain size of the rock, and the microscopic pore structure of rocks of the same lithology changes from small pore type to large pore type after weathered. The results show that weathered rocks had the same mineral composition as unweathered rocks specimens but different intensity peaks. It can be clearly seen that the intensity of clay minerals significantly increased in the weathered rock. whereas the proportion of quartz and feldspar decreases correspondingly. The proportion of clay minerals present in the sandstone increases from 4.75% to 13.25% as a consequence of weathered. The sandstone, which exhibited a greater proportion of micropores and fine pores prior to weathered, demonstrated a higher prevalence of macropores and a corresponding increase in fractal dimensions following weathered. The fractal dimensions D1, D2, and DT of the various lithologies exhibited an overall decreasing trend with an increase in particle size. It should be noted that a rock with the same fractal dimension or porosity may exhibit different microporous structures. The research results play an important theoretical support for the prediction of the degree of water enrichment when encountering the weathered sandstone in the process of coal mining, and have an important theoretical significance for the prevention of water hazards that may be encountered in the process of coal mining.
Newcomb-Benford number law and ecological processes
The Newcomb-Benford number law has found applications in the natural and social sciences for decades, with limited ecological attention. The aim of this communication is to highlight a statistical correspondence between the first significant digit frequencies of the Benford probability distribution and ecological systems in a balanced state of dynamic equilibrium. Analytical methods, including multidimensional Euclidean distance, Cohen-W effect size, Kossovsky sum of squared deviations (SSD), and Pearson residuals are presented to facilitate the identification of this canonical representation across multiple levels of ecological organization and scale. Case studies reveal novel applications of the Benford distribution for detecting impending state transitions in marginally stable systems, as well as temporal and spatial divergence of ecological information through the measurement of Kullback-Leibler relative entropy. Widespread documentation of the leading digit phenomenon is expected as ecologists revisit empirical datasets and formalize sampling protocols for its detection. The conversion of randomly collected sets of arithmetic data into logarithmic probabilities of first significant digits presents unique opportunities to advance our understanding of ecological processes related with stability, complexity, and maturity.
Translators as mediators to mend the psychological gap between source text and target text: A corpus-based study on the Chinese English translation of modal verbs in the Chinese Report on the Work of the Government (2000–2022)
This study examines the role of translators as mediators in bridging the psychological gap between source text (ST) and target text (TT) through a corpus-based analysis of Chinese English translation of modal verbs in the Chinese Report on the Work of the Government from 2000 to 2022. The research reveals that translators frequently modulate high-value Chinese modals into medium or low-value English equivalents. This strategic modulation, along with the use of explicitation and implicitation, reflects the translators’ efforts to balance source text fidelity with target text acceptability. The findings underscore the translators’ role in adapting authoritative Chinese political discourse to align with expectations of the international audiences, thereby facilitating effective cross-cultural communication. This study contributes to translation studies by providing insights into the translation of modality in political texts and emphasizing the critical role of translators in mediating linguistic and cultural differences.
Development and comparison of single FLT3-inhibitors to dual FLT3/TAF1-inhibitors as an anti-leukemic approach
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is characterized by several recurrent mutations that affect disease biology and phenotype, response to therapy and risk of subsequent relapse. Though tyrosine kinase inhibitors have gained regulatory approval for the treatment of AML, it is unclear whether single drugs targeting a specific genomic alteration will be sufficient to eradicate disease. Fortuitously, kinase/bromodomain inhibitors allow targeting of downstream transcriptional effectors of oncogenic pathways, allowing impediment of drug resistance at the transcriptional level. Successful development of combinatorial therapeutic strategies to inhibit both upstream oncogenic pathways and their downstream effectors could thus impede the onset of resistant disease. By using a combination of high-throughput cell-based screening assays and structure-based design, we have developed a novel anti-proliferative 3i-compound scaffold with a diverse range of single and dual FLT3/TAF1(2) activity against AML. Our novel approach to target both FLT3 kinase and TAF1(2) bromodomain efficiently maintained potency against haematological cancers. However, reference compounds and in vitro cell viability and cytotoxicity assays in cancer cell lines demonstrated superior effects of high affinity tyrosine kinase inhibition compared to inhibition of the TAF1 bromodomain. Our results highlight the feasibility of dual tyrosine kinase-bromodomain targeting to overcome disease mechanisms while also revealing the increased efficacy of FLT3-targeted compounds in AML.
Functional profiling of synthetic camel milk-derived peptides with implication in glucose transport and diabetes
We previously identified protein hydrolysates from camel milk (CM) targeting dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and insulin receptor (IR) activity. In this study, we synthesized nine peptides (P1 to P9) derived from such CM hydrolysates and profiled their potential bioactivity in vitro and in silico. This aims to validate and determine if such synthetic and pure CM-derived peptides are bioactive on IR function and glucose uptake using pharmacological and functional approaches in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and human hepato-carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Our bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) results showed a partial activity of most peptides on IR activity in HEK293 cells ranging from 13 ± 1% to 65 ± 4%, and their potency varies from 3.13 ± 1.72 μg/ml to 12.30 ± 5.66 μg/ml. Combining the saturating dose (0.1 mg/ml) of peptides with insulin (1 μM) revealed three different profiles: non-efficient, potentiating, and antagonistic peptides. The potentiating effect of the peptides was from 104 ± 18% to 147 ± 11%, with one peptide (P2) reducing insulin’s response to 52 ± 8%. Moreover, the peptides slightly promoted IR and AKT phosphorylation and glucose uptake in HepG2 cells with an efficacy of 56 ± 9% to 150 ± 18% on glucose transport. Our molecular docking study on the insulin-bound IR complex identified a potential allosteric binding site for specific bioactive peptides. Overall, our data confirmed the bioactivity of the synthetic CM-derived peptides on IR, AKT, and glucose uptake, consistent with the previous study on CM hydrolysates. The synthesis of the peptides and their validation provide further molecular insights into the antidiabetic action of CM. The study should pave the way for further in vitro and in vivo characterization of the peptides and developing potent and safe antidiabetic drugs based on the different CM-derived peptides described here.
Examining access to and trust in sources of COVID-19 information among CALD Asian communities in New Zealand
During the COVID-19 pandemic, effective crisis communication has been crucial yet challenging, especially for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities. This study explored how CALD Asian communities in New Zealand accessed and trusted various sources of COVID-19 information. A cross-sectional online survey with 1,267 Asian respondents was conducted in 2021. Findings revealed that participants engaged with diverse sources for COVID-19 information, despite delays in government efforts to provide linguistically appropriate information. Those without English as a first language tended to have access to fewer information sources. Ethnic group preferences varied: Indian and South East Asian groups favoured official channels (mainstream media and government websites), the Chinese group preferred messaging applications and workplaces, and the Korean group showed a preference for ethnic community media. Trust was higher in formal information sources than online platforms and personal networks. Increased trust was noted in social media among non-English speakers and messaging applications among Koreans, while decreased trust was seen in messaging applications among Chinese and workplace information among Koreans. This research underscores the necessity of multifaceted, linguistically, and culturally appropriate crisis communication strategies. It advocates for proactive measures to establish networks for distributing vital information to CALD communities during future crisis communication.
Multiphase-field approach to grain boundary- and triple junction-induced barrierless premelting of polycrystals and size-effect
Grain boundaries (GBs) and their triple junctions (TJs) induced barrierless premelting of the polycrystalline solids and length scales effect are studied using a thermodynamically and physically consistent Ginzburg–Landau type multiphase-field approach at the nanoscale. Distinct dry GB and TJ energies and GB widths are considered in contrast to the earlier phase-field studies, which assumed identical properties for the dry GBs and TJs and are far from reality. The strong effects of the intrinsic length scales, including the dry GB widths and grain size, on the temperatures of barrierless transformations between the solid, premelt (an intermediate stationary state between solid and melt with a degree of disorder) and melt, their nucleation induced by the GB network, kinetics, and complex microstructures evolution are explored, which was still missing in the literature. The thermodynamic processes involved in the melting of polycrystalline solids, which include the jump-like (discontinuous) appearance of premelt or melt pockets in the TJ regions, followed by premelting and melting of the connected GBs, curvature-driven shrinking of the grains surrounded by the melt pools and their jump-like melting at critical temperatures, all occurring at temperatures below the bulk melting point, are revealed. The reverse transformation (solidification) of the molten GB network and the bistability regime, where the temperatures for solid → premelt and premelt → solid transformations differ and yield thermal hysteresis, are studied. The role of the disjoining potential on the jump-like GB premelting and stability of the thermodynamic states is explored.
Deep-sea mining and its risks for social-ecological systems: Insights from simulation-based analyses
The pros and cons of deep-sea mining (DSM) is currently hotly debated. Here, we assess the environmental, economic, and social risks of DSM by comparing scenarios with and without DSM involvement. The “Without” scenario relies solely on land-based mining and circular economy solutions, while the “With” scenario incorporates DSM alongside circular strategies, highlighting the dangers of heavy DSM dependence. Through literature review and expert interviews, our study identifies key risk indicators across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, forming a comprehensive assessment framework. Through the application of qualitative data and fuzzy cognitive mapping, the analysis reveals that environmental factors are the most influential (centrality: 1.46), followed by social (1.32) and economic (1.0) factors. In the “With DSM” scenario, all indicators show increased risks, with environmental factors, particularly “coastal state vulnerability,” experiencing a 13% rise. Social risks, including “violation of law,” “participatory rights,” “lack of effective control,” and “degraded reputation,” increase by 8–11%, while economic risks, such as “contractual violations,” “lack of special provision,” “knowledge gap on economic assistance fund” and disputes among “multiple stakeholders,” see an 11% uptick. Our results suggest that the risks DSM poses to deep-sea marine ecosystems are likely too significant to justify its pursuit and advocates for circular economy solutions as viable alternatives to mitigate environmental, social, and economic risks. We recommend that policies should promote circular practices through resource recovery incentives.
Least popular vibrational entropy model provides the best accuracy and robustness
Vibrational contributions into free energies usually amount to several kcal/mol and can significantly affect computational predictions. However, they are generally estimated incorrectly for chemical systems in solutions because the usual (employed in ∼99% of cases) models of vibrational entropies are extremely sensitive to errors in low-lying frequencies (below 300 cm−1), and these low-lying frequencies involve solvent molecules that are usually neglected (computed implicitly) in quantum chemical calculations. We find that only one vibrational entropy approximation—the one proposed by Truhlar in 2011—which is used in only ∼2% of cases, is stable in the low-lying frequency region and does not exhibit this problem. Accordingly, this approximation shows the best accuracy and robustness on a diverse set of experimental complexation energies and can be somewhat improved even further.
Morphological and environmental varieties of the Cambrian stromatolites in Western Henan, North China Craton
Morphological varieties of Cambrian stromatolites in western Henan, North China Craton were essentially related to palaeoenvironmental parameter changes of the marine-floor. Small plexiform, hemispherical-smooth wavy, small columnar, irregular small columnar stromatolites, and stromatolites that surrounding flat-pebble conglomerate limestones are identified, in which the last type of stromatolite is unique, and they possess different macromorphology and micromorphology characteristics. A large number of Girvanella fossils, which were distributed in prostrate or horizontal and winding or overlapping patterns, were preserved in the laminae of stromatolites, and the dark laminae were formed by combined effect of Girvanella and precipitation of calcium carbonate. The research elucidates that small plexiform and small columnar stromatolite developed in the supratidal zone, hemispherical-smooth wavy, small columnar stromatolites, and stromatolites that surrounding flat-pebble conglomerate limestones grew in the intertidal zone with weaker hydrodynamic conditions, as well as irregular small columnar stromatolites occurred in subtidal zone. The features of microscopic laminae of stromatolites are influenced by microorganisms and metazoan, the macroscopic morphologies and growth of stromatolites are affected and controlled by terrigenous materials, hydrodynamic conditions and sedimentary substrates.
Spectro-temporal symmetry in action-detected optical spectroscopy: Highlighting excited-state dynamics in large systems
Multidimensional optical spectroscopy observes transient excitation dynamics through time evolution of spectral correlations. Its action-detected variants offer several advantages over the coherent detection and are thus becoming increasingly widespread. Nevertheless, a drawback of action-detected spectra is the presence of a stationary background of the so-called incoherent mixing of excitations from independent states that resembles a product of ground-state absorption spectra and obscures the excited-state signal. This issue is especially problematic in fluorescence-detected two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (F-2DES) and fluorescence-detected pump–probe spectroscopy (F-PP) of extended systems, where large incoherent mixing arises from efficient exciton–exciton annihilation. In this work, we demonstrate on the example of F-2DES and F-PP an inherent spectro-temporal symmetry of action-detected spectra, which allows general, system-independent subtraction of any stationary signals including incoherent mixing. We derive the expressions for spectra with normal and reversed time ordering of the pulses, relating these to the symmetry of the system response. As we show both analytically and numerically, the difference signal constructed from spectra with normal and reversed pulse ordering is free of incoherent mixing and highlights the excited-state dynamics. We further verify the approach on the experimental F-PP spectra of a molecular squaraine heterodimer and the F-2DES spectra of the photosynthetic antenna light-harvesting complex 2 of purple bacteria. The approach is generally applicable to action-detected 2DES and pump–probe spectroscopy without experimental modifications and is independent of the studied system, enabling their application to large systems such as molecular complexes.
Information usefulness of public disclosure in Taiwan: Does it vary across specific diseases/conditions and contexts?
Objectives This study discusses issues regarding tailored information for report cards, including what kinds of information patients with different diseases need and how the necessary information changes for these patients given alterations to a specific context. This study aimed to determine whether there is consistent, essential quality information across different diseases and in diverse contexts. The priority of needs related to interpersonal and technical quality information for different diseases is also discussed. Methods Fifty-five patients from 5 hospitals in Taiwan were interviewed or invited to participate in a focus group. Patients were diagnosed with five different diseases or conditions: stroke, dialysis, AMI, diabetes, and knee problems. We conducted in-depth interviews to identify the most requested types of information for every disease or condition in general and in different contexts (e.g., relocation). We applied the Kano model to verify the relative priority of the information that emerged from the interviews for each disease. Results The 3 most requested types of information among patients with various diseases or conditions in the general context were medical professionalism, physician communication skills, and accessibility. Only a few types of information were valued by patients with specific diseases. In addition, patients focused on specific and mutually relevant information in certain contexts (e.g., in the context of conflict with physicians, patients considered communication skills most important). This information was similar to the 3 most common types of information in the general context regardless of the disease, with the exception of stroke. Finally, technical quality information was treated as basic or necessary information. However, most important information was treated as expected information regardless of the disease. Conclusions There is somewhat consistent essential quality information across different diseases and diverse contexts. According to the results of the Kano model, the report card should disclose interpersonal and technical quality simultaneously.
Layer-by-layer NH3 plasma treatment for area-selective atomic layer deposition of high-quality SiO2 thin films
Area-selective atomic layer deposition (area-selective ALD) has been extensively studied because of its versatility in nanotechnological applications. The priority focus in area-selective ALD is to achieve the desired selectivity; thus, most studies to date have been concentrated on the reaction mechanism of ALD on growth/nongrowth substrates or the development of novel methodologies to resolve the challenges associated with its implementation in high-volume manufacturing. In this study, we performed area-selective ALD of SiO2 on SiO2, where SiO2 was not grown on SiNx, and suggested area-selective ALD approaches that could simultaneously enhance selectivity and film quality. An NH3 plasma treatment was applied to functionalize the SiNx surface with more Si–NH bonds, which exhibited low reactivity toward Si precursors. Although the SiO2 surface was also functionalized with Si–NH bonds, it was not fully converted into Si–NH because of its thermodynamic nature at low temperatures. Consequently, the results showed that NH3 plasma pretreatment was effective in increasing selectivity. Therefore, we performed a layer-by-layer NH3 plasma treatment during the ALD of SiO2 to deposit high-quality films without losing selectivity. The SiO2 film was densified, as confirmed by x-ray reflection spectra without nitrogen impurity incorporation. Electrical property measurements of metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitors confirmed that this approach enabled simultaneous selectivity and SiO2 film-quality enhancement.
A comparison of the knowledge of hormonal contraception between women living in urban and rural areas of Poland
The Contraception Policy Atlas and its latest 2024 study shows that the availability of contraception in Poland is a meagre 33.5%, the lowest of all European countries. The aim of the research, therefore, was to assess and compare the knowledge of women, living in rural and urban areas of Poland, about the modern methods of the hormonal contraception (HC) they use, includes all hormonal methods (pill, implant, patch, etc.). The study involved 239 women. The research was conducted using an online survey distributed to the public via community forums. The most commonly used method of HC was the combined pill, with 62.27% of the women surveyed using this type of contraception. None of the women surveyed used the emergency contraceptive pill. This finding is concerning given the broader context of contraceptive use in Poland. There were differences in the reasons for contraceptive use according to the place of residence. Women living in rural areas were less likely to use HC to relieve menstrual pain (28.81%) than those living in small and medium-sized towns (47.87%), and also less likely to use HC to regulate their menstrual cycle (27.12%) than those living in small and medium-sized towns (42.55%). Despite the fact that all the women who participated in this study were using HC, 13.39% stated that they did not know how this type of medication affects the female body. There was a tendency for women living in rural areas (20.34%) to be more likely to say ‘don’t know’ than the women from large towns (9.20%). The most commonly indicated side effect of contraceptives on the female body was an increased risk of thromboembolic events (70.71%).