bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical status of COVID-19 vaccinated pregnant women: an observational study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Akhter Hasina , Yasmin Shamima , Nahar Kamrun
Published: October 2023

Background: Pregnancy is a special but often stressful time. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this stress. Clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant and lactating women, leading to WHO approval. Consequently, the Bangladesh Government has initiated a vaccination campaign for all expectant mothers to protect them from COVID-19. This study aimed to assess the clinical status of COVID-19-vaccinated pregnant women.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh, spanning August to November 2021. The study included 50 pregnant women who had received COVID-19 vaccinations, selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis and dissemination were performed using MS Office tools.
Results: The study found that the average age was 19.2±10.8 years, with 66% falling into the 25-35 age group. About 50% had a normal BMI, while 22% were overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9 Kg/m2). Hypertension and diabetes were present in 16% and 12% of cases, respectively. Among the 50 pregnant women, 40% were nulliparous, and 60% were multiparous; in most of the cases (54%), multigravidity (1-5) was found. Vaccination distribution was 28% in the 1st trimester, 54% in the 2nd, and 18% in the 3rd trimester.
Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination rates are notably higher among pregnant women aged 25-35. The frequency of normal BMI among COVID-19-vaccinated pregnant women is satisfactory. Most pregnant women opt for COVID-19 vaccination during their second trimester.
Assessment of role of fetal head to perineum distance by ultrasound as a predictor of successful vaginal delivery prior to induction of labour
Authors: Singh Richa , Yadav Poonam , Yadav Abhilasha , Grewal Ishu
Published: October 2023

Background: Objective of the study was to determine the obstetrical outcome assessed as successful vaginal delivery by using ultrasonographically measured fetal head to perineal distance.
Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study on 180 antenatal women fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria at department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Sarojini Naidu Medical College, Agra. Trans-perineal ultrasonography for measurement of fetal head to perineum distance was done. After the scan, vaginal examination was done under all aseptic precautions to assess the various components of Bishop score (cervical position, cervical length, consistency, dilatation, station). Induction of labour was given after reaffirming that there was no contraindication for induction of labour. Monitoring of labour was done according to World Health Organization (WHO) modified partograph and cardiotocograph. Outcome of induction was considered successful if it resulted in vaginal delivery. Sensitivity and specificity of Bishop score, cervical length and foetal head to perineal distance was calculated and compared.
Results: It was observed that predictability of fetal head to perineum distance measured using trans-perineal ultrasound was higher in all aspects compared to Bishop’s score and cervical length.
Conclusions: The foetal head-perineum distance measured by trans-perineal ultrasound is an easy, definitive and non-invasive method for prediction of successful induction of labour and can be used as an adjunct tool to add more information to per vaginal examination findings. Based on imaging findings, patients can be counselled before induction of labour regarding the probability of successful induction.
Prediction of preterm premature membrane rupture by the platelet-lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Sultana Nargis , Karim Farha , Rahman Mohammad Khalilur
Published: October 2023

Background: Premature rupture of membranes is a significant obstetric problem. Evaluating platelet -lymphocyte ratio is expected to illuminate the potential scope of early prediction of PPROM. This study showed that PLR could be a new inflammatory marker for diagnosing preterm PROM.
Methods: The study place was the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from May 2019 to October 2019. 
Results: It was a case-control study. All mothers were selected by purposive sampling who were PPROM as cases. Age-matched non-PPROM pregnant women at term were also enrolled as control. Afterward, they were scrutinized according to eligibility criteria, and 200 mothers were enrolled. Among them, 100 were cases, and the other 100 were in control. A pre-tested, observation-based, peer-reviewed data collection sheet was prepared before the study. Data regarding clinical, biochemical, and surgical profiles were recorded. Data were compiled, edited, and analyzed. The P-value was determined by the chi-square test (categorical variables) and the student’s t-test (continuous variables). The p-value was significant at <0.05.
Conclusions: The mean age of 100 patients from the case was 24.39±2.81 (age range: 18-36) years, and that of the control, like 100 normal pregnant women, was 24.31±2.34 (age range: 19-35) (p=0.49). The mean parity of case and control were 2.1±0.9 (range: 0-5) and 1.98±0.2 (range: 0-3). The mean gravida of case and control were (3.1±1.2 vs. 3.4±1.4). Platelet count was found to be significantly higher in preterm PROM group (case) than control (241.6±58.7×1000/mm³ vs. 201.7±65.9 ×1000/mm³), p value is <0.001 which is statistically significant. So, PLR might be an excellent inflammatory biomarker to predict preterm PROM.
ANC with acute abdomen: a case report from secondary care hospital, Western Maharashtra
Authors: Rathore Nalini , Tripathi V. B. , Dixit Nilam
Published: October 2023

Female body undergoes numerous anatomical and physiological changes in pregnancy which make diagnosis and management of acute abdomen in pregnancy as a most challenging situation. This may lead to dilemma and delayed identification of spectrum of causes of acute abdomen in pregnancy ultimately resulting in maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. This case was to identify the spectrum of causes, the clinical presentation and diagnostic dilemma of acute abdomen in pregnancy. We presented one of the unusual and rare cause of acute abdomen with hemoperitoneum. Patient underwent emergency laparotomy with peritoneal wash with no obvious bleeding cause but evidence pointing towards vascular tumour or sub-serosal fibroid. The diagnosis remained obscured. The dilemma was attributed to higher radiological imaging with possibility of Haemorrhagic corpus luteum and non-viable heterotopic pregnancy. The cause of bleeding could not be identified with higher imaging due to contraindicated use of contrast enhanced MRI/CT and other alternatives due to radiation exposure in pregnancy. Diagnosis and treatment of acute abdomen in pregnancy should be individualized for better prognosis. Good clinical acumen is essential for ordering early diagnosis and intervention in acute abdomen in pregnancy.
A successful outcome of pregnancy with Berger disease
Authors: Mishra Vineet V. , Rane Priyanka H. , Aggarwal Rohina , Shah Kunur N.
Published: October 2023

With the increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population, female patients of fertile age with impaired kidney function are becoming more common. The presence of CKD in pregnant patients has been associated with poorer pregnancy outcomes. IgA nephropathy is the most common glomerulonephritis worldwide. The outcome of pregnancy in patients with CKD is related to impaired glomerular filtration rate and the degree of proteinuria. In non-aggressive IgA nephropathy, there is traditionally a slow progression to chronic kidney failure in 25–30% of cases during a period of 20 years. Women with immunoglobulin g A nephropathy (IgAN) are at higher risk of hypertension, preeclampsia, and fetal loss; the prognosis is worse for those who have advanced chronic kidney disease and proteinuria. Here we present two case reports who successfully delivered having aggressive IgA nephropathy and chronic hypertension in pregnancy.
Roncopathy and daytime somnolence in autotransport workers
Authors: Matus Angel Ramirez , Hernandez Carlos Eduardo Marina , Gómez Lesly Joanna García
Published: October 2023

Background: Nuevo León state is a national leader in road accidents, according to official data, during 2016, there were 75,931 traffic accidents. There were also more than 600 deaths per year resulting from crashes. Snoring is a common social problem. Daytime sleepiness that interferes with an attention and functioning is a social health problem.
Methods: This was an analytical, cross-sectional and prospective study. Primary mode, epidemiological type, pilot test. Two instruments were used for data collection; the Epworth test, to measure excessive daytime sleepiness and the Berlin questionnaire for snoring. For the descriptive statistics we obtained the mean, standard deviation, as well as the frequencies as percentages. In the inferential statistics, the ordinal variables were correlated with the Spearman's Rho coefficient with α less than 0.05 and Chi square was used for the nominal variables.
Results: 30 participants were surveyed. 23.3% were identified with normal sleep, 6.7% with medium somnolence and 70% with abnormal somnolence. As for the snoring, 30% were without risk, 17% with low risk and 53% with high risk of suffering it. The snoring and diurnal sleepiness were correlated, finding a moderate positive relationship (0.517) and statistically significant (ρ=0.003).
Conclusions: Snoring and breathing disorders during sleep are associated with daytime sleepiness in truck workers.
Gallbladder perforation with biliary peritonitis treated laparoscopically: a case report
Authors: Kankaria Jeevan , Garg Utkarsh
Published: October 2023

Gallbladder perforation (GBP) is a rare yet life-threatening complication associated with acute cholecystitis. This report details a case of GBP accompanied by biliary peritonitis in a 73-year-old male, successfully managed through laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our case emphasises the critical role of early employment of advanced imaging modalities, such as CT scans, and prompt surgical intervention in these situations to pre-empt potential complications.
The gastrointestinal breach: understanding enterocutaneous fistula
Authors: Joshi Rajeev M. , Soni Gagan , Khalife Asma , Ranvir Deepak , Telang Bhushan
Published: October 2023

The term "fistula" usually refers to abnormal communication between two epithelial surfaces and an enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is an abnormal communication between any part of gastrointestinal (GI) tract and skin and lined by epithelium or granulation tissue. Common causes include trauma during abdominal surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, malignancy, infection, radiation etc. Sepsis and malnutrition are the leading causes of mortality. In cases of high-output fistula, it is essential to adequately replace the excessive fistula discharge. The patient's nutrition plays a crucial role in the successful management of ECFs. If the patient can tolerate oral or enteral feeding, it should be initiated promptly. However, if oral intake is not feasible, parenteral nutrition should be considered. Adequate wound care, including diligent skincare and timely drainage of localized abscesses, is necessary. Before conducting definitive investigations and initiating treatment, it is important to ensure proper resuscitation and stabilization of the patients. Surgical intervention should be approached in staged manner and should not be rushed to prevent failure in managing this complex condition. To conclude management of ECF is complicated and needs multidisciplinary approach. Initial focus for remedy is on treating fluid and electrolyte disturbances, comprehensive treatment of sepsis, management of fistula output, skin care and psychological support.
Statement authenticity and “sign functioning” in communication between “deaf-blind and regular persons” (based on O. Skorokhodova’s works)
Authors: Nechaeva Ekaterina A.
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the problem of communication between subjects, one of which is deaf-blind person, and «the Other» (others) is (are) sighted-hearing person(s). The aim is to identify discursive practices and semiotic mechanisms behind them that provide the possibility of communication and determine the possibility of being understood by «the Other»» on the example of the work of O. Skorokhodova. It is shown that the subject faces the following issue: a) to contemplate something and to translate it into a categories and forms understandable to the subject himself and matching with the categories of «the Other»»; b) discursively formalize your experience; c) make it representable to «the Other». It has been proven that the only acceptable form of communication is an appeal to the language of «the Other». It is proved that poetry becomes an epistemological practice - the experience of perceiving something that is inaccessible to the senses of a deaf-blind subject (if the object itself cannot be perceived directly, the experience of its perception is constructed). The construction of the experience of perception occurs not through interaction with the object itself, but through interaction with the description of the subject. It is proved that communication includes the delegation of the zone of perception to «the Other». A substance of relationship between a sign and a "reality" replaced by the sign was revealed; the following types of signs are distinguished: signs that distort "a reality"; signs that "confuse a reality"; signs that do not refer to a reality and / or block a reality; signs that are in complex “accidental-associative” relations with a reality. A new model of semiosis for communication of subjects, one of which is deaf-blind-mute, and «the Other» (others) is (are) sighted-hearing(s), is proposed. As a result of the work, the stages of search ways of authentic communication are revealed.
Analysis of Criticism of Newspaper by Jokowi & Joe Biden regarding the Development of Covid-19 in the IDN Times and NY Times Online Media: Cross-Cultural Pragmatic Studies
Authors: Purnama Melisa Wulan , Sartini Ni Wayan
Published: October 2023

The research entitled "Analysis of Criticism of Newspaper by Jokowi & Joe Biden regarding the Development of Covid-19 in the IDN Times and NY Times Online Media: Cross-Cultural Pragmatic Studies" has two objectives, namely to analyze the functions and criticisms found in the online news articles IDN Times and NY Times and to explain the cultural differences and similarities between Indonesian and American society. This study analyzed ten IDN Times and NY Times news articles using a qualitative descriptive method. The data obtained in this study were through listening and note-taking techniques, because the data in this study were in the form of expressions that contain the function of speech and social criticism. Data validity uses theoretical triangulation. It was found 3 (three) assertive/representative functions in IDN Times and NY Times, 2 (two) commissive functions in IDN Times and 1 (one) commissive function in NY Times, 4 (four) expressive functions in IDN Times and 2 (two) expressive functions in NY Times, 2 (two) declarative functions in IDN Times and 1 (one) declarative function at the NY Times. There were also 3 (three) direct criticisms at the IDN Times and 5 (five) direct criticisms at the NY Times, as well as 2 (two) indirect criticisms at the IDN Times.
School operational assistance in basic education: Organizational responses to policy complexities
Authors: Perdana Novrian Satria , Subarsono Agustinus , Pitoyo Agus Joko , Utomo Puguh Prasetya
Published: October 2023

This study aims to analyze variations in school responses in dealing with the complexities of School Operational Assistance (SOA) policy implementation. Several policies that gave rise to complexity in this study were included such as the policy of transferring SOA funds directly to schools, the policy of implementing the remaining SOA funds as a deduction for the following year's SOA funds, the policy of spending based on the Procurement Information System in Schools, and the policy of financial planning and reporting based on the School Activity Plan and Budget Application. The sample for this study consisted of 24 schools consisting of elementary and junior high schools that had remaining SOA funds for 2019-2021 in Yogyakarta City, Sleman Regency, and Gunung Kidul Regency. This research is qualitative research using interview techniques with school principals, SOA treasurers, and senior teachers. The data obtained were processed using the NVivo qualitative software. Based on the results of processing data sourced from interviews, there are three variations of school responses in dealing with policy complexities, namely acquiesce, compromise, and adjustment. The novelty of this study is the emergence of an adjustment response. The results of this study have an impact on policy makers so that in formulating policies it is necessary to look at old policies that are still valid so that policy actors do not experience a dilemma.
GÜVENLİK, DÜZEN VE GÖZETİM: GELECEĞİN DÜNYASINDA PROTESTO HAKKI
Authors: KESGİN Burak
Published: October 2023

Günümüz dünyasında protesto eylemleri yalnızca demokratik olmayan rejimlerde değil, liberal demokrasilerde de engeller ve baskıyla karşılaşmaktadır. İklim, çevre ve sosyal adalet gibi alanlarda seslerini protestolar yoluyla duyurmak isteyen toplumsal hareketler bu olumsuz durumdan en fazla etkilenenler olarak öne çıkar. Protesto güvenliğinde protestocunun demokratik hak ve özgürlüklerini öncelikli gören, yöntem olarak müzakereyi benimseyen anlayış yerini kamu düzeni ve güvenliğini öncelik haline getiren, uzlaşmacı olmayan, etkisizleştirme stratejisini sıkça benimseyen bir protesto polisliğine bırakmıştır. Kimi toplumsal hareketlere karşın gösterilen tolerans ise kolluk kuvvetlerinin siyasileştiğine ve farklı hareketlere farklı standartlar uyguladıklarına yönelik eleştirileri daha da şiddetlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada Amerika Birleşik Devletleri, İngiltere ve Kanada başta olmak üzere liberal demokrasilerde protesto hakkının kısıtlanması, gözetimi ve baskı altına alınmasına yönelik güncel eğilimler, bu eğilimler doğrultusunda geliştirilen yeni modeller, araçlar, teknolojiler, yasal çerçeveler ve iç güvenlik bürokrasilerine ilişkin sorunlar incelenmiştir. Protesto güvenliği ve polisliği alanında geçtiğimiz on yıllarda yaşanan dönüşüm ve son dönemde yaşanan gelişmeler, protesto hakkının geleceğine ilişkin demokrasi yanlısı kesimlerce son dönemde daha sık, yoğun biçimde dile getirilen endişe ve kaygıları haklı çıkaran bir görünüm arz eder. Protesto hakkına ilişkin söz konusu olumsuz görünüm ve eğilim, özellikle devlet baskısı ile yurttaşların demokratik arenalara katılımı arasındaki güç dengesizliklerine ilişkin geleceğe yönelik uyarılar içermektedir.
ANADOLU MUTFAĞI GÜNCESİ: 6 ŞUBAT DEPREMLERİ SONRASI HATAY-BELEN’DE KURULAN SAHRA MUTFAĞINA İLİŞKİN OTOETNOGRAFİK DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: AKARÇAY Erhan
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışma 6 Şubat 2023’te 10 farklı ilde gerçekleşen büyük depremin ilk haftasında Hatay’ın Belen ilçesinde kurulmuş sahra mutfağında, 4-11 Mart 2023 tarihleri arasında gönüllü olarak katılımcı olduğum saha verilerine dayanmaktadır. Doğal ya da doğal olmayan afetlerde, kriz durumlarında arama kurtarma faaliyetlerinden sonra ilk ortaya çıkan ihtiyaç sağlık ve beslenmeye ilişkindir. Sahra hastaneleri kadar sahra mutfakları da afet sonrası kriz durumlarında hayati öneme sahiptir. İşte bu nedenle deprem sonrası ilk birkaç gün içinde gerek hazır gerekse sahada üretilmiş gıda temini oldukça kritiktir. Deprem felaketinde yaşanan ulaşım, altyapı ve lojistik sorunlar nedeniyle gıdanın temini zaman almıştır. İşte bu nedenle afet koordinasyonu, afet öncesi planlamalar ve senaryolar olası sahra mutfaklarını da kapsamalıdır. Anadolu Üniversitesi’nin himayesine aldığı, gönüllü desteği ile altı aylık bir süreç içinde destek vermeyi planladığı, akabinde Anadolu Mutfağı olarak adlandırdığı sahra mutfağındaki bir haftalık gönüllülük deneyimim, araştırmacı kimliğimle bulunmamama karşın katılımcı gözlem pratiklerim ve saha notlarım bu değerlendirmeyi özgün kılmaktadır. Otoetnografik öğeler barındıran değerlendirmelerimde öznel olduğu kadar araştırmacı kimliğimle nesnel birtakım tespitlerde bulunmaya çalışacağım. Olağan koşullarda mutfak etnografisi üzerine girişimleri olan bir araştırmacı olarak, olağanüstü koşullarda oluşturulmuş sahra mutfağının analizini yapmak belirli ölçülerde analitik sınırlandırmalara sahip olacaktır. Ancak yine de deprem veya başka afetlerde sahra mutfaklarının yaşamsal önemine ilişkin daha sonra yaşanabilecek benzer afet durumlarında eyleme geçmek için çeşitli önerilerde bulunmak, afet koordinasyonu, planlaması ve hazırlıkları için elzemdir. Öte yandan afet sosyolojisi ve gıda sosyolojisi kesişiminde gıda hakkı, gıda güvencesi ve kültürel beğeniler gibi kavramsallaştırmalar ile ilişkilendirerek kısa, orta ve uzun vadeli olarak depremin gıda, gıda temini ve sürdürülebilirlik açısından etkilerine bu çalışma kapsamında yer verilecektir.
DIGITAL TRACKS BEYOND BORDERS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON THE MIGRATION CRISIS
Authors: YILMAZ Beyza , ÖZCAN Emre
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to systematically examine the studies conducted and published on immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees by using big data written in English. Articles were searched on Scholar, The Web of Science, ProQuest, Science Direct, PubMed and Scopus databases. The concept set centered around the concepts of immigration and big data was used in the surveys. In accordance with the PRISMA protocol principles, 49 articles were examined according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria among 258 articles obtained from the relevant databases until the end of December 2022. The reviewed articles were categorized under the headings of “topics examined”, “dataset”, “analyses”, “software used” and “key findings”. The studies provide indications on how to obtain information about this population, which is difficult to reach group especially due to its massiveness, using big data tools. In the findings, it has been seen that studies based on big data on immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees contribute to facilitating the integration of these groups into the target country. Also, it has been revealed that these studies may lead to undesirable results in terms of violating the confidentiality of research groups, producing labeling, and increasing surveillance for these groups. In addition to these, it has been found that these studies have methodological handicaps in terms of representativeness, accuracy, excessive homogenization, and easy generalization. It is thought that the findings of the study will shed light on the international migration and refugee policies to be carried out using big data analysis tools.
ANKARA KIRSALINDA TARIMSAL GIDA SİSTEMİ OLARAK AGROEKOLOJİNİN SOSYOLOJİK ANALİZİ
Authors: ŞİŞMAN Buse
Published: October 2023

Güvenilir ve sağlıklı gıdaya erişim sorunu gün geçtikçe küresel bağlamda büyük problemler teşkil etmeye başlamıştır. Herkesin erişebileceği sağlıklı bir gıda sistemi oluşturmak için araştırmalar devam etmektedir. Agroekolojik uygulamalar ile hem insan hem de çevre sağlığının adil bir şekilde sürdürülebileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu araştırmada, agroekolojik ilkeleri benimsediğini belirten üreticilerin üretim süreç ve teknikleri gözlemlenerek, agroekolojik gıda ve tarım sistemi sosyolojik bir perspektifle incelenmiştir. Araştırmanın saha kısmı Mart-Kasım 2021 tarihleri arasını kapsamaktadır. Bu bağlamda Ankara ilinin Güdül ilçesinde amaca uygun seçilen 14 üretici ile yarı yapılandırılmış bir soru formu kullanılarak Haziran 2021’de derinlemesine görüşmelere başlanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler, alan notları ve alanyazıyla desteklenerek yorumlanmıştır. Bu temelde katılımcıların aile çiftçiliğinin ve agroekolojik uygulamaların geleceği üzerine değerlendirmeleri yorumlanarak birkaç öneri sunulmuştur. Sonuçlar, uzun vadeli sürdürülebilir bir tarımsal gıda sistemi için sosyal, politik ve ekonomik dönüşümlerin gerçekleştirilmesi gerektiğini göstermektedir. Bu dönüşümler, aile çiftçiliğinin geleceği için de önemlidir. Tüketicilerin de agroekolojik tekniklerle üretimlerini sürdüren üreticileri desteklemeleri, agroekolojinin sürdürülebilirliği açısından önemlidir. Üretici ve tüketici bilincini arttırmak adına agroekoloji kavramının, gıda ve tarım araştırmalarında ön plana çıkarılması gerekmektedir.
Intersecting Programme Design Thinking in Business disciplines in a new Technological University
Authors: Donnelly Roisin , Harvey Assumpta
Published: October 2023

This reflective paper discusses how design thinking principles and stages can support a people-focused collaboration between two new Schools in a new Faculty of Business in a new technological university (TU) in Ireland; TUs are a new entity for the higher education sector in the country. The layers of ‘newness’ and uncertainty in the context of this work enabled design principles to be a useful complemental tool for our planning. There are currently five TUs in Ireland with TU Dublin being the first established in January 2019. Technological Universities have been founded to address the social and economic needs of their region and to engage in industry-focused research. A focus is on science and technology programmes that are vocationally and professionally oriented, and a key aspect of the TU remit is an expectation to play a pivotal role in facilitating access and progression for students particularly through relationships with the further education and training sector. The collaboration is between two Heads of School in this context who are using design thinking to help shape their future business programme portfolio for the next 3-5 years. In such a novel situation that we found ourselves in 2022-23, dealing with change at multiple levels required new ways of thinking. This work was part of a University-wide School and Programmatic Review process where people-focused curriculum and learning design involved the academic staff and students who constitute new disciplinary-based programme design teams. We believe that design thinking can provide us with a set of shared principles, processes, practices and attitudes that encourage our disciplinary teams to “think like designers” through a complex process of restructuring our programme portfolio in this new technological university context.
Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves macroelement composition in aerotechnogenic pollution by «Karabashmed» gradient
Authors:   Botanical Garden of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Gorbunova V.D. , Menshchikov S.L. ,   Botanical Garden of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2023

The dependence of the macroelements content in the Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) leaves on the vital state of the stand in the gradient of aerotechnogenic emissions by the Karabash Copper Smelting Plant was established. The content of macro- and microelements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur was studied, and NPK was calculated as the total content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in the leaves of a birch tree at different distances from the Karabashmed plant. The study showed that when air was polluted with sulfur dioxide, the total content of macronutrients in the leaves decreased. Severe damage to birch leaves by sulfur dioxide in the affected area of Karabashmed is indicated by an increased concentration of sulfur in the leaves — one and a half times more than on another sample area, as well as deterioration of the vital condition of the stand (the degree of defoliation and dechromation is 1,5–2 times higher, deterioration of the sanitary condition is 1,5 times more when in the others sites). With an increase in foliage dechromation, the potassium content decreases, the sulfur content increases; with a defoliation increase, the content of nitrogen, phosphorus and sodium decreases. The content of calcium and magnesium is not related either to defoliation, dechromation or the category of the tree condition.
Black carbon and other climatic factors impact on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) linear increments in «Kivach» reserve
Authors:   Yu.A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, Maksimova O.V. ,   University of Science and Technology MISIS, Koukhta A.E. ,   Yu.A. Izrael Institute of Global Climate and Ecology, Korotkov S.A. ,   BMSTU (Mytishchi branch); Institute of Forest Science RAS
Published: October 2023

The black carbon deposition effect on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) increments in the background area, in the state nature reserve «Kivach» was studied. The responses to the cumulative precipitation and temperatures of the previous and current growing seasons impact for the same forest stands were revealed. Standard methods for linear increments measuring and analyzing were used. Insignificant responses of pine increments to the chronic impact of black carbon low concentrations, typical for territories excluded from economic activity, were obtained. For different growing conditions, the cumulative precipitation and average temperatures signals in the increment series were found and analyzed. The limiting role of precipitation in dry biotopes and temperatures in wet habitats for the Scots pine of the state nature reserve «Kivach» was revealed.
The use and abuse of artificial intelligence-enabled machine translation in the EFL classroom: An exploratory study
Authors: Alharbi Wael
Published: October 2023

The integration of machine translation (MT) and artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced the precision of MT systems producing translations that rival the quality of skilled human translators. This innovation has broadened the applicability of AI-enabled MT systems attracting users   for a variety of purposes. This paper explores the following areas: the application of AI-enabled MT, specifically Google Translate (GT) in English  as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. Empirical findings and recent research indicate that students are increasingly reliant on MT particularly in higher educational settings where English is not their first language.  The purpose of this research is to provide insight on the practices, beliefs   and goals of EFL learners who use GT in the classroom. Data was gathered from 234 university students through a questionnaire along with pre- and post-tests to compare the quality of writing drafts created with and without the aid of GT. The findings are consistent with those of previous research conducted worldwide highlighting the immense potential of AI-enabled MT in not only boosting students' learning experiences but also cultivating more independent learners. The study also indicates that students have positive attitudes towards GT and employ diverse search strategies to address various language-related challenges.
Does the interplay between human endogenous retrovirus K and extracellular vesicles contribute to aging?
Authors: DeMarino Catherine , Nath Avindra , Zhuang Zhengping , Doucet-O’Hare Tara T.
Published: October 2023

The role of extracellular vesicles (EVs), including retroviral-like particles (RVLPs), in pathogenic processes is currently a subject of active investigation. Several studies have identified mechanistic links between the increased presence of EVs and the process of senescence. A recent study reveals that the reverse transcribed complementary DNA (cDNA) of a human endogenous retroviral sequence can activate the innate immune system and result in tissue damage and/or the spread of cellular senescence to distant tissues. Several studies have linked EVs to age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and have included isolation of EVs from individuals with these diseases. Loss of epigenetic regulation, immune activation, and environmental stimuli can all lead to the expression of endogenous retroviruses and the incorporation of their proteins and transcripts into EVs. In addition, EVs disseminating these endogenous retroviral components have now been shown to act in a paracrine manner in multiple human diseases. Further investigation of the connection between EVs containing endogenous retroviral protein products or nucleotides should be pursued in models of age-related diseases.
How to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells into sensory neurons for disease modelling: a comparison of two protocols
Authors: Kalia Anil Kumar , Rösseler Corinna , Granja-Vazquez Rafael , Ahmad Ayesha , Pancrazio Joseph J. , Neureiter Anika , Zhang Mei , Sauter Daniel , Vetter Irina , Andersson Asa , Dussor Gregory , Price Theodore J. , Kolber Benedict J. , Truong Vincent , Walsh Patrick , Lampert Angelika
Published: October 2023

Background
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived peripheral sensory neurons present a valuable tool to model human diseases and are a source for applications in drug discovery and regenerative medicine. Clinically, peripheral sensory neuropathies can result in maladies ranging from a complete loss of pain to severe painful neuropathic symptoms. Sensory neurons are located in the dorsal root ganglion and are comprised of functionally diverse neuronal types. Low efficiency, reproducibility concerns, variations arising due to genetic factors and time needed to generate functionally mature neuronal populations from iPSCs for disease modelling remain key challenges to study human nociception in vitro. Here, we report a detailed characterization of iPSC-derived sensory neurons with an accelerated differentiation protocol (“Anatomic” protocol) compared to the most commonly used small molecule approach (“Chambers” protocol).
Methods
Multiple iPSC clones derived from different reprogramming methods, genetics, age, and somatic cell sources were used to generate sensory neurons. Expression profiling of sensory neurons was performed with Immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques. Manual patch clamp and high throughput cellular screening systems (Fluorescence imaging plate reader, automated patch clamp and multi-well microelectrode arrays recordings) were applied to functionally characterize the generated sensory neurons.
Results
The Anatomic protocol rendered a purer culture without the use of mitomycin C to suppress non-neuronal outgrowth, while Chambers differentiations yielded a mix of cell types. High throughput systems confirmed functional expression of Na+ and K+ ion channels. Multi-well microelectrode recordings display spontaneously active neurons with sensitivity to increased temperature indicating expression of heat sensitive ion channels. Patient-derived nociceptors displayed higher frequency firing compared to control subject with both, Chambers and Anatomic differentiation approaches, underlining their potential use for clinical phenotyping as a disease-in-a-dish model.
Conclusions
We validated the efficiency of two differentiation protocols and their potential application for understanding the disease mechanisms from patients suffering from pain disorders. We propose that both differentiation methods can be further exploited for understanding mechanisms and development of novel treatments in pain disorders.
A Single-Center, Prospective, Pilot Cohort Study of Preoperative Abnormal Sleep Patterns and Postoperative Delirium in Older Hispanic/Latino Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.
Authors: Mahanna-Gabrielli Elizabeth , Le Tiffany , Shrestha Chandrama , Le Jessica , Kitaigorodsky Marcela , II Michael Fabbro , Lamelas Joseph , Ramos Alberto R
Published: October 2023

Background
Delirium occurs in 20–50% of older patients after cardiac surgery and is associated with prolonged intensive care and hospital length of stay, postoperative cognitive decline, and dementia. Preoperative abnormal sleep patterns are potentially modifiable risk factors that have been associated with an increased incidence of postoperative delirium. Hispanic/Latinos may be a particularly vulnerable population given their higher prevalence of risk factors for delirium including cognitive impairment, lower level of education, and sleep disturbances, as compared to non-Hispanic White adults. A largescale cohort study is needed to determine if altered sleep patterns increase the risk of delirium in older, Hispanic/Latino patients after cardiac surgery. The primary aims of this pilot study were to determine the feasibility of recruitment, retention, preoperative sleep actigraphy measurements, preoperative sleep questionnaire and cognitive batteries, and postoperative delirium testing.
Methods
We conducted a single-center, prospective, pilot cohort study of older Hispanic/Latino patients undergoing cardiac surgery with and without preoperative sleep disturbances and postoperative delirium from February 2020 to December 2021 at UHealth of the University of Miami, an academic tertiary center in Miami, FL. Patients underwent preoperative cognitive and sleep questionnaire testing and wore an actigraphy wristwatch with a sleep diary for 5 to 7 days prior to surgery. Postoperatively patients were tested for delirium for up to 7 days or hospital discharge. Feasibility of the study protocol was the primary objective of this pilot study.
Results
155 patients were screened, 40 met full inclusion criteria, and 14 patients were recruited. The mean age was 67.2 years old. Spanish was the preferred language in 21.4% of patients. Poor sleep quality was present in 78.5% of subjects. 57.1% of subjects experienced either delirium or subsyndromal delirium. Despite being conducted during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, our pilot trial met our a priori thresholds for specific feasibility criteria.
Conclusions
The protocol was feasible and a future, definitive prospective cohort study of older Hispanic/Latino patients undergoing cardiac surgery with and without preoperative altered sleep patterns and an outcome of postoperative delirium will be planned.
Trial registration:
The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on March 8, 2021 (NCT04786899)
Identification the hub genes of immune cells related to heart failure by WGCNA
Authors: Lv Yuan , Chen Peipei
Published: October 2023

Objective To search the potential diagnostic markers of heart failure and analyze the correlation between them and immune cell infiltration by WGCNA.
Methods The expression matrices GSE57338 and GSE116250 related to heart failure were downloaded from the GEO database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in heart failure were screened by Limma package, and the WGCNA output module genes; the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate the type of immune cell infiltration in heart failure; The immune gene, module gene and differential gene were intersected to determine the intersection gene, and then GO and KEGG enrichment analysis was performed. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed via the online website STRING and Cytascape software, and the hub genes were screened. Finally, R software was used to analyze the differential expression of the hub gene and its correlation with differential immune cells.
Results A total of 549 DEGs were obtained in this study, and the number of monocytes in patients with heart failure decreased; The intersection of monocyte-related genes with DEGs and module differential genes was determined to 117 intersection genes. The PPI network and algorithm analysis were constructed to obtain four hub genes (COL14A1, COL16A1, HTRA1 and SOS1). The levels of COL14A1, COL16A1 and HTRA1 increased in HF, which was negatively correlated with monocytes. The level of SOS1 decreased in HF, which was positively correlated with monocytes.
Conclusion Four hub genes (COL14A1, COL16A1, HTRA1 and SOS1) are associated with monocytes and can be used as diagnostic markers of heart failure, and immune cell infiltration plays an important role in the occurrence and development of heart failure.
Eye signs as a novel risk predictor in pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: lī jianbin , Xiong Jiangbiao , Liu Pengcheng , Peng Yilin , Cai Shuang , fang xia , Yu Shujiao , Zhao Jun , Wu Rui
Published: October 2023

Objective
To investigate the role of eye signs in predicting poor outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
Methods
This prospective observational study recruited the patients diagnosed with SLE-PAH from Jan. 2010 to Dec. 2010 at the first affiliated hospital of Nanchang University, while those with other potential causes of PAH were excluded. the evaluation of various parameters such as N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 6-minute walking distance(6MWD), World Health Organization functional class (WHO-FC), echocardiography, and risk stratification based on the 2015 European Society of Cardiology (ESC)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Guidelines were conducted at intervals of every 1–3 months, and a 6-month follow-up period was observed. The primary outcome measure considered improvement if there was a decline in the risk stratification grade at the end point, and unimproved if there was no decline. Conjunctival microvasculation images were observed and recorded.
Results
A total of 29 SLE-PAH patients were enrolled, comprising 12 in the improved group and 17 in the non-improved group. ALL SLE-PAH show various manifestions in eye signs including vessel twisting, dilation, ischemic areas, hemorrhages, reticulum deformity, and wound spots. The non-improved group exhibited significantly lower vessel density (VD) and microvascular flow index (MFI) of conjuctival microvasculation images compared to the improved group. Correlation analysis revealed that VD displayed a negative correlation with the WHO-FC(r=-0.413, p = 0.026)and NT-proBNP (r=-0.472, p = 0.010), as well as a positive correlation with the 6MWD(r = 0.561, p = 0.002). Similarly, MFI exhibited a negative correlation with WHO-FC (r=-0.408, p = 0.028), and NT-proBNP (r=-0.472, p = 0.010), and a positive correlation with 6MWD (r = 0.157, p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that VD (OR 10.11, 95% CI 1.95–52.36), MFI (OR 7.85, 95% CI 1.73–35.67), NT-proBNP, and 6MWD were influential factors in predicting the prognostic improvement of SLE-PAH patients. ROC curve analysis demonstrated that VD, MFI, 6MWD, and NT-proBNP (with respective ROC AUC values of 0.83, 0.83, 0.76, and 0.90) possessed a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 100%, as well as 83% and 100%, respectively. Regarding prognostic prediction, VD and MFI exhibited higher sensitivity compared to 6MWD, whereas MFI displayed higher sensitivity and specificity compared to NT-proBNP.
Conclusion
SLE-PAH can lead to various conjuctival microvascular manifestions in which vascular density and microvascular flow index can be used to assess the cardiopulmonary function and predict therapeutic efficacy and prognosis in SLE-PAH patients.
RETRACTED: Structure Change of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes Integrating with Carbon Nanotubes and Amphiphilic Surfactant Pluronic
Authors: Arahman Nasrul , Rosnelly Cut Meurah , Sari Widia Puspita , Sari Indah Maulana , Aulia Muhammad Prayogie , Haikal Rinal Diaul , Yusni Yusni , Ambarita Aulia Cintia , Mulyati Sri , Gunawan Poernomo , Koyuncu Ismail , Matsuyama Hideto
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Selection Criteria for Public Transportation Priority Areas
Authors: Lin Liang-Tay , Su Jau-Ming , Chang Chien-Yen , Yeh Chao-Fu , Chen Chih-Wa , Chang Chih-Hung
Published: October 2023

The purpose of public transportation services is to protect the basic rights of the public to "access." In Taiwan, there is a low demand for public transportation in remote areas, non-metropolitan areas, and areas with insufficient public transportation. The implementation of generalized transportation improvement schemes cannot effectively solve local problems. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has recently addressed this issue, but its definition of remote areas is based on content provided by the Ministry of the Interior and the coverage of public transportation services. In order to identify and analyze areas with inadequate public transportation services, this study reviews the definitions of remote areas in various ministries and abroad, analyzes transportation parameters, and examines the characteristics of remote areas. Bus stop information, population density, elderly population, and income serve as screening criteria to analyze rural areas throughout Taiwan and to propose a definition of "public transportation priority areas." This definition can be used as a reference for the MOTC and related planning agencies to adjust and improve public service resources.
Factors Affecting Surgical Research Collaboratives in Africa: a Meta-research Study
Authors: Kirengo Thomas Onyango , Dossajee Hussein , Onyango Evans Mbeka , Rachakonda Reema H. , Schneider Bailey , Sela Declan P. , Hosseinzadeh Zahra , Nadeem Zohaib , Obonyo Nchafatso G.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for rapid collaboration, research, and interventions. International research collaborations foster more significant responses to rapid global changes by enabling international, multi-centre research, decreasing biases, and increasing study validity while reducing overall research time and costs. However, there has been low uptake of collaborative research by African institutions andindividuals.
Aim: To systematically review the critical success factors and challenges to collaborative surgical research studies conducted in Africa.
Methodology: A meta-research review using PubMed®/ MEDLINE and EMBASE on surgical collaboration in Africa from 1st of January 2011 to 31st of September 2021 per PRISMA guidelines. Fifty-five papers met the criteria for inclusion. In addition, data on the study period, geographical regions, and research scope, success factors, and challenges, were also e extracted from the studies retrieved from the search.
Results: Most of the collaborations in Africa occurred with European institutions (76%). Of the 54 African countries, 63% (34/54) participated in surgical collaborations. The highest frequencies of collaborations were occurring in South Africa (11%) and Nigeria (8%). However, the highest number of publications originated from Eastern Africa (43%). Leveraging synergies between high- and low- to middle-income countries (LMICs), well-defined structures and secure data platforms led to successful collaborations. However, the under-representation of collaborators from LMICs was a significant challenge.
Conclusion: Available literature provides critical insights into the successes and challenges of collaborative research in Africa. However, there is a need for a detailed qualitative study to explore further the themes highlighted.
Review protocol:
PROSPERO 2022 CRD42022352115 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022352115