bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posidonia Spheroids Intercepting Plastic Litter: Implications for Beach Clean-Ups
Authors: Porcino Nunziatina , Bottari Teresa , Falco Francesca , Natale Sabrina , Mancuso Monique
Published: November 2023

This study represents the first assessment of plastic waste within Posidonia spheroids on four sandy, Mediterranean beaches, each characterized by varying levels of anthropogenic influence. Fifty-five (68.7%) spheroids, out of eighty examined, included plastic litter. A total of 202 plastic items were isolated. Plastic abundance was 2.5 items/spheroid corresponding to 132 items per kilogram. The length of plastic items ranged from 0.1 to 50 mm. Fibers, tangled fibers and fragments were the most common shapes. The spheroids exhibited a substantial capacity for trapping plastic waste, with notable differences among the beaches. Our results underscore the significance of implementing a beach clean-up plan aimed at removing all spheroids to prevent them from disintegrating and releasing trapped plastic waste into the environment. Manual removal is recommended to safeguard the beaches, and this process should target all spheroids, regardless of their size. This study provides valuable insights that can inform marine litter monitoring programs, contribute to the development of tailored management measures, and support the implementation of specific action plans to mitigate Mediterranean microplastic pollution.
The Impact and Mechanism of Internal Informal Institutions on Green Innovation: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Lyu Xin , Wen Subin , Li Hui
Published: November 2023

Green innovation is a key driving force in promoting the development of a low-carbon economy and society. However, previous studies have not paid enough attention to the influence of internal informal institutions on green innovation. To address this issue, this study conducts empirical tests by using a sample of A-share listed firms in China from 2013 to 2020. This study investigates whether and how carbon management strategies, as an important part of the internal informal institutions, promote corporate green innovation. The results show that carbon management strategies have a significant and positive impact on both the quantity and quality of green innovation. In addition, emphasizing meeting the needs of stakeholders and focusing on research and development (R&D) investment can significantly enhance the positive impact of carbon management strategies on green innovation. Furthermore, at the market level, carbon management strategies significantly boost green innovation in firms with larger market shares, which is enhanced by meeting stakeholder demands. At the firm level, state-owned enterprises pay attention to the mechanisms of both stakeholders’ demands and R&D investment in driving green innovation. At the executive level, executive shareholding firms emphasize driving green innovation through R&D investment. Overall, these findings provide new evidence for the determinants of green innovation that have not been fully explored before through the perspective of internal informal institutions.
Adiabatic Manipulation of a System Interacting with a Spin Bath
Authors: Militello Benedetto , Napoli Anna
Published: November 2023

The Stimulated Raman Adiabatic Passage, a very efficient technique for manipulating a quantum system based on the adiabatic theorem, is analyzed in the case where the manipulated physical system is interacting with a spin bath. The exploitation of the rotating wave approximation allows for the identification of a constant of motion, which simplifies both the analytical and the numerical treatment, which allows for evaluating the total unitary evolution of the system and bath. The efficiency of the population transfer process is investigated in several regimes, including the weak and strong coupling with the environment and the off-resonance. The formation of appropriate Zeno subspaces explains the lowering of the efficiency in the strong damping regime.
Chemical Composition Optimization of Biocompatible Non-Equiatomic High-Entropy Alloys Using Machine Learning and First-Principles Calculations
Authors: Zhou Gengzhu , Zhang Zili , Feng Renyao , Zhao Wenjie , Peng Shenyou , Li Jia , Fan Feifei , Fang Qihong
Published: November 2023

Obtaining a suitable chemical composition for high-entropy alloys (HEAs) with superior mechanical properties and good biocompatibility is still a formidable challenge through conventional trial-and-error methods. Here, based on a large amount of experimental data, a machine learning technique may be used to establish the relationship between the composition and the mechanical properties of the biocompatible HEAs. Subsequently, first-principles calculations are performed to verify the accuracy of the prediction results from the machine learning model. The predicted Young’s modulus and yield strength of HEAs performed very well in the previous experiments. In addition, the effect on the mechanical properties of alloying an element is investigated in the selected Ti-Zr-Hf-Nb-Ta HEA with the high crystal symmetry. Finally, the Ti8-Zr20-Hf16-Nb35-Ta21 HEA predicted by the machine learning model exhibits a good combination of biocompatibility and mechanical performance, attributed to a significant electron flow and charge recombination. This work reveals the importance of these strategies, combined with machine learning and first-principles calculations, on the development of advanced biocompatible HEAs.
Addressing Attrition from Psychotherapy for PTSD in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Lee Alexander J. , LaFreniere Lucas S.
Published: November 2023

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses a systematized approach for disseminating evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Within this approach, veterans with PTSD must often choose between Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), each delivered in their standard protocols. Many veterans have been greatly helped by this approach. Yet limiting trauma-focused therapy to these two options leaves the VA unable to fully address the needs of a variety of veterans. This limitation, among other factors, contributes to the suboptimal attrition rates within the VA. The present review proposes solutions to address treatment barriers that are both practical (such as time and travel constraints) and psychological (such as resistance to trauma exposure). By reducing barriers, attrition may lessen. Proposed countermeasures against practical barriers include intensive protocols, shortened sessions, telehealth, smartphone application delivery, or any combination of these methods. Countermeasures against psychological barriers include alternative evidence-based treatment programs (such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), intensive protocols for exposure-based treatments, and the integration of components from complementary treatments to facilitate PE and CPT (such as Motivational Interviewing or family therapy). By further tailoring treatment to veterans’ diverse needs, these additions may reduce attrition in VA services for PTSD.
Statistical and Radio Analysis of Exoplanets and Their Host Stars
Authors: Li Baoda , Zhang Liyun , Su Tianhao , Han Xianming L. , Misra Prabhakar , Long Liu
Published: November 2023

As of February 2022, over 4900 exoplanets have been confirmed. In this study, we conducted statistical analyses on both the exoplanets and their host stars’ parameters. Our findings suggest that the radius and true mass distribution of the exoplanets remain largely unchanged compared to prior research. However, we observed a correlation between the average eccentricity and the number of planets in a system, and fluctuations in the “size” of the planets may contribute to such variation. Moreover, we discovered that, among planets with precise measurements of radius, true mass, and semi-major axis, the true mass-radius relationship follows a power–law distribution. Interestingly, the power–law index tends to decrease from super-Earths to cold Jupiters, potentially due to atmospheric composition. We also revised the radius valley, and determined that M-type host stars with low mass and metal abundance exhibit high planetary ownership rates or harbor large-mass planets, suggesting a different planet formation mechanism than GK-type stars. Lastly, we assessed the possibility of detecting exoplanets using FAST and found that there are three planets in FAST sky that may be detected, namely CoRoT-3 b, GPX-1 b, and TOI-2109 b.
Vacuum Energy, the Casimir Effect, and Newton’s Non-Constant
Authors: Koch Benjamin , Käding Christian , Pitschmann Mario , Sedmik René I. P.
Published: November 2023

The idea of quantum mechanical vacuum energy contributing to the cosmological vacuum energy density is not new. However, despite the persisting cosmological constant problem, few investigations have focused on this subject. We explore the possibility that the quantum vacuum energy density contributes to the (local) gravitational energy density in the framework of a scale-dependent cosmological constant Λ and Newton’s constant G. This hypothesis has several important consequences, ranging from quantum scale-dependence to the hypothetical prospect of novel experimental insight concerning the quantum origin of cosmological energy density.
Genomic Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in México: Three Years since Wuhan, China’s First Reported Case
Authors: Lira-Morales Juan Daniel , López-Cuevas Osvaldo , Medrano-Félix José Andrés , González-Gómez Jean Pierre , González-López Irvin , Castro-Del Campo Nohelia , Gomez-Gil Bruno , Chaidez Cristóbal
Published: November 2023

Objective: The aim of this work was to analyze the metadata of the SARS-CoV-2 sequences obtained from samples collected in Mexico from 2020 to 2022. Materials and Methods: Metadata of SARS-CoV-2 sequences from samples collected in Mexico up to 31 December 2022 was retrieved from GISAID and manually cured for interpretation. Results: As of December 2022, Mexican health authorities and the scientific community have sequenced up to 81,983 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes deposited in GISAID, representing 1.1% of confirmed cases. The number of sequences obtained per state corresponded to the gross domestic product (GDP) of each state for the first (Mexico City) and the last (Tlaxcala). Approximately 25% of the sequences were obtained from CoViGen-Mex, an interdisciplinary initiative of health and scientific institutions to collect and sequence samples nationwide. The metadata showed a clear dominance of sequences retrieved by women. A similar variant distribution over time was found in Mexico and overseas, with the Omicron variant predominating. Finally, the age group with the highest representation in the sequences was adults aged 21 to 50 years, accounting for more than 50% of the total. Conclusions: Mexico presents diverse sociodemographic and economic characteristics. The COVID-19 pandemic has been and continues to be a challenge for collaboration across the country and around the world.
ECOPHAGE: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Using Bacteriophages for Eco-Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
Authors: García Pilar , Tabla Rafael , Anany Hany , Bastias Roberto , Brøndsted Lone , Casado Susana , Cifuentes Pablo , Deaton John , Denes Thomas G. , Islam Mohammad Aminul , Lavigne Rob , Moreno-Switt Andrea I. , Nakayama Natsuko , Muñoz Madero Cristina , Sulakvelidze Alexander , Svircev Antonet M. , Wagemans Jeroen , Biosca Elena G. , Rivera Dácil
Published: November 2023

The focus of this meeting was to discuss the suitability of using bacteriophages as alternative antimicrobials in the agrifood sector. Following a One Health approach, the workshop explored the possibilities of implementing phage application strategies in the agriculture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and food production sectors. Therefore, the meeting had gathered phage researchers, representatives of the agrifood industry, and policymakers to debate the advantages and potential shortcomings of using bacteriophages as alternatives to traditional antimicrobials and chemical pesticides. Industry delegates showed the latest objectives and demands from consumers. Representatives of regulatory agencies (European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS)) presented an update of new regulatory aspects that will impact and support the approval and implementation of phage application strategies across the different sectors.
A Retrospective Analysis of Porcine Circovirus Type 3 in Samples Collected from 2008 to 2021 in Mexico
Authors: Reséndiz-Sandoval Mónica , Vázquez-García Verónica A. , Contreras-Vega Kenneth , Melgoza-González Edgar A. , Mata-Haro Verónica , Gimenez-Lirola Luis , Hernández Jesús
Published: November 2023

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a nonenveloped virus of the Circoviridae family. This virus has been identified in pigs of different ages and pigs with several clinical manifestations of the disease or even in apparently healthy pigs. While PCV3 was first reported in 2015, several retrospective studies have reported the virus before that year. The earliest report indicates that PCV3 has been circulated in swine farms since 1996. In this study, we evaluated the presence of PCV3 in samples collected in Mexico in 2008, 2015, 2020, and 2021. This study assessed PCV3 DNA by qPCR and antibodies against CAP protein by indirect ELISA. The results showed that PCV3 (DNA and anti-CAP antibodies) was detected in the samples collected from 2008 to 2021. The highest prevalence was in 2008 (100%), and the lowest was in 2015 (negative). Genetic analysis of ORF2 showed that the virus identified belonged to genotype a, as most of the viruses identified thus far. PCV3 was detected in samples from piglets with respiratory signs and growth retardation, sows with reproductive failure, or asymptomatic piglets and sows. Pigs with respiratory signs, growth retardation, or reproductive failure had a higher prevalence of antibodies and qPCR-positive samples. In conclusion, this study showed that PCV3 has been circulating in Mexico since 2008 and that PCV3 DNA and antibodies were more prevalent in samples from pigs with clinical manifestations of diseases.
Long-Term Detection and Isolation of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) Virus in Dog Urine
Authors: Saga Yumiko , Yoshida Toshikazu , Yoshida Rieko , Yazawa Shunsuke , Shimada Takahisa , Inasaki Noriko , Itamochi Masae , Yamazaki Emiko , Oishi Kazunori , Tani Hideki
Published: November 2023

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a tick-borne infection caused by the SFTS virus (SFTSV), with a high fatality rate of approximately 30% in humans. In recent years, cases of contact infection with SFTSV via bodily fluids of infected dogs and cats have been reported. In this study, clinical and virological analyses were performed in two dogs in which SFTSV infection was confirmed for the first time in the Toyama prefecture. Both dogs recovered; however, one was severely ill and the other mildly ill. The amount of the SFTSV gene was reduced to almost similar levels in both dogs. In the dogs’ sera, the SFTSV gene was detected at a low level but fell below the detection limit approximately 2 weeks after onset. Notably, the SFTSV gene was detected at levels several thousand times higher in urine than in other specimens from both dogs. Furthermore, the gene was detected in the urine for a long period of >2 months. The clinical signs disappeared on days 1 or 6 after onset, but infectious SFTSV was detected in the urine up to 3 weeks later. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful about contact with bodily fluids, especially urine, even after symptoms have disappeared.
Comparative Analysis of MCDA Techniques for Identifying Erosion-Prone Areas in the Burhanpur Watershed in Central India for the Purposes of Sustainable Watershed Management
Authors: Patel Abhishek , Ramana Rao K. V. , Rajwade Yogesh A. , Saxena Chandra Kant , Singh Karan , Srivastava Ankur
Published: November 2023

The degradation of land and increasing water scarcity are existing challenges for agricultural sustainability, necessitating the implementation of improved soil-conservation practices at the watershed scale. The identification and selection of critical/prone areas based on erosion-governing criteria is essential and helps in the execution of the management process for determining priority. This study prioritizes erosion-prone sub-watersheds (alternatives) based on morphometric parameters (multiple criteria) via five Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) approaches, i.e., AHP: Analytical Hierarchy Process; TOPSIS: Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution; VIKOR: VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje; SAW: Simple Additive Weighting; and CF: Compound Factor. Based on their priority score, 19 sub-watersheds were classified into four priority classes: low priority (0–0.25), moderate priority (0.25–0.50), high priority (0.50–0.75), and very high priority (0.75–1). The results revealed that about 8.34–30.15% area of the Burhanpur watershed is critically prone to erosion, followed by 23.38–52.05% area classed as high priority, 7.47–49.99% area classed as moderate priority, and 10.33–18.28% area classed as low priority. Additionally, four indices—percentage of changes (∆P), intensity of changes (∆I), the Spearman rank correlation coefficient test (SCCT), and the Kendall tau correlation coefficient test (KTCCT)—were employed to compare the models. This study confirms the efficacy of morphometric parameters for prioritizing sub-watersheds to preserve soil and the environment, particularly in areas for which limited information is available.
A Horizontal Distribution Model of Static Ice Cover Generated by Static and Dynamic Water Considering the Heat Transfer of Riverbanks
Authors: Xue Boxiang , Wang Zhengzhong , Liu Quanhong , Li Hanxiang
Published: November 2023

The thermal factor is the main reason for winter ice cover with a low Froude number flow, and the heat transfer to narrow and deep river banks accelerates ice cover formation and ice thickness change. The freezing of water flow to freezing thickening is a nonisothermal-flow phase transition process coupled with the water flow temperature, environment and riverbank. Here, the Nusselt number and viscous dissipation are used to consider the flow velocity influence on icing, and a thermodynamic model of static ice cover horizontal distribution considering riverbed heat transfer is established. The initial ice time, freezing time and static ice cover thickness formed by static and dynamic water calculated by the model were consistent with measured data. The model reflects the horizontal growth process of the static ice cover, which was significant for narrow and deep channels. The horizontal distribution of the static ice cover was thin in the center and thick on both sides. The maximum horizontal thickness difference of −20 °C indoor freezing for 24 h reached 15% of the central ice thickness. Compared with the degree-day method for calculating ice thickness, the numerical model and dimensionless formula better reflect the growth law and horizontal distribution characteristics of static ice cover and provide a theoretical basis for safe water conveyance under ice cover in winter and ice cover formation in reservoirs and lakes in cold regions.
Hydraulic Transient Impact on Surrounding Rock Mass of Unlined Pressure Tunnels
Authors: Ghimire Sanyam , Panthi Krishna Kanta , Vereide Kaspar
Published: November 2023

The frequent pressure pulsations due to hydraulic transients in hydropower plants induce cyclic loading on the rock mass that may contribute to increased instances of block falls and increased risk of tunnel collapse over the power plant lifetime. This study focuses on understanding the effect of frequent start and stop sequences of hydropower in unlined pressure tunnels. For this purpose, data from a pore water pressure monitoring system is utilized, which was installed at the downstream end of the headrace tunnel at the 50 MW Roskrepp hydropower plant in southern Norway. The objective of this study is to analyze the recorded data and quantify the impact of the hydraulic transient on the surrounding rock mass in the unlined pressure tunnel. The monitoring of pressure data over several years clearly shows that frequent load changes could cause a considerable effect on the rock mass and constituent joint system. A delayed response of the pressure in boreholes in the rock mass compared with inside the tunnel is seen in all start and stop sequences and is considered to be the main reason for instability caused by transients. The response of pore pressure in boreholes is greatly influenced by the characteristics of joints. The results show that the start sequence and shorter shutdown duration exert a greater impact on rock mass as compared to the stop sequence and longer shutdown duration. Therefore, it is recommended to increase the shutdown duration so that the impact can be minimized to increase the tunnel lifetime. This study recommends implementing a more conservative design approach in tunnels with weak rock masses in projects that involve frequent load changes.
Occurrence Assessment of Pharmaceuticals in Various Sewage Treatment Plants and Effluent-Receiving Streams in Korea
Authors: Son Dong-Jin , Kim Chang-Soo , Lee Jae-Ho , Yoon Jeong-Ki , Lee Soo-Hyung , Jeong Dong-Hwan
Published: November 2023

The occurrence of micropollutants, including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, and hormones in various aquatic ecosystems is a matter of grave concern due to their possible repercussions on human and wildlife endocrine systems. The wastewater containing pharmaceuticals from various sites is usually introduced to sewage treatment plants (STPs); therefore, monitoring of pharmaceuticals in STPs is crucial. In this study, we determined the occurrence of 58 pharmaceuticals in the influent and effluent of 13 STPs based on regional and linked wastewater differences and investigated their removal rates. Furthermore, we assessed the contribution rates of some STP effluents on pharmaceutical concentration in the upstream and downstream areas of the discharge source. Different kinds of pharmaceuticals were measured in the STPs. The top five pharmaceuticals with high concentrations in the influent of each STP were similar due to the dominance of domestic sewage in the influent. The average concentration of acetaminophen, caffeine, acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen, and ibuprofen in the influent of the STPs was higher than that of other pharmaceuticals, and their removal was 94–100%. In contrast, iopamidol, cimetidine, diphenhydramine, and carbamazepine showed a high average concentration in the effluent. The monitoring results of nine streams near STPs indicated that the effluent could contribute to the increase in the types of pharmaceuticals in the receiving streams. The detected pharmaceuticals’ types were 9–29 and 17–33 in the upstream and downstream areas, respectively, of STP discharge channels. Based on flowrate data, the contribution rate of the STP effluent on the stream was −69–326%.
Port Structures, Maritime Transport, and Tourism
Authors: Lousada Sérgio , Castanho Rui Alexandre
Published: November 2023

The primary objective of this Special Issue of Water is to explore the interesting interplay that exists between port structures, maritime transport, and tourism [...]
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics and Evolution Processes of Karst Groundwater Affected by Multiple Influencing Factors in a Karst Spring Basin, Eastern China
Authors: Gao Shuai , Li Changsuo , Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Bin , Zhao Zhiqiang , Lv Minghui , Gang Shiting
Published: November 2023

Karst groundwater is an important water supply, especially in northern China. With the rapid development of China’s economy, anthropogenic activities have had a significant impact on karst groundwater formation, circulation and other processes. In this paper, the Baotu spring basin, which is closely related to anthropogenic activities, was selected as the research object to carry out a study of water chemical characteristics and evolutionary processes. And, mathematical statistics, Piper trilinear diagram, Gibbs diagram, and ion ratio methods were used to analyze the characteristics and evolution processes of groundwater. The results of this study show that the hydrogeochemical components of karst groundwater are mainly controlled by the weathering of rocks, mainly by the dissolution of carbonate rocks and silicates with the dominant cation of Ca2+ and the dominant anion of HCO3−. Considering the role of anthropogenic activities, including agricultural and industrial activities, the evolution process of karst groundwater is mainly controlled by hydrogeochemical effects such as mineral dissolution and filtration, the mixing of multiple water bodies, anthropogenic activities (domestic sewage, industrial and agricultural wastes), oxidation–reduction and cation alternating adsorption. Moreover, the influence of anthropogenic activities on the formation and evolution of karst groundwater gradually increases, leading to the rise in nitrate content in karst groundwater and accelerating carbonate rock dissolution. The research results of this paper can provide a favorable reference for environmental protection and research on karst groundwater in areas of intensive anthropogenic activity.
Tuning Window Size to Improve the Accuracy of Battery State-of-Charge Estimations Due to Battery Cycle Addition
Authors: Anggraeni Dewi , Sudiarto Budi , Fitrianingsih Ery , Priambodo Purnomo Sidi
Published: November 2023

The primary indicator of battery level in a battery management system (BMS) is the state of charge, which plays a crucial role in enhancing safety in terms of energy transfer. Accurate measurement of SoC is essential to guaranteeing battery safety, avoiding hazardous scenarios, and enhancing the performance of the battery. To improve SoC accuracy, first-order and second-order adaptive extended Kalman filtering (AEKF) are the best choices, as they have less computational cost and are more robust in uncertain circumstances. The impact on SoC estimation accuracy of increasing the cycle and its interaction with the size of the tuning window was evaluated using both models. The research results show that tuning the window size (M) greatly affects the accuracy of SoC estimation in both methods. M provides a quick response detection measurement and adjusts the estimation’s character with the actual value. The results indicate that the precision of SoC improves as the value of M decreases. In addition, the application of first-order AEKF has practical advantages because it does not require pre-processing steps to determine polarization resistance and polarization capacity, while second-order AEKF has better capabilities in terms of SoC estimation. The robustness of the two techniques was also evaluated by administering various initial SoCs. The examination findings demonstrate that the estimated trajectory can approximate the actual trajectory of the SoC.
Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Charging Usage and Driver Activity
Authors: Mahlberg Justin Anthony , Desai Jairaj , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: November 2023

As the country moves toward electric vehicles (EV), the United States is in the process of investing over USD 7.5 billion in EV charging stations, and Indiana has been allocated $100 million to invest in their EV charging network. In contrast to traditional “gas stations”, EV charging times, depending on the charger power delivery rating, can require considerably longer dwell times. As a result, drivers tend to pair charging with other activities. This study looks at two EV public charging locations and monitors driver activity while charging, charge time, and station utilization over a 2-month period in Lafayette, Indiana. Over 4000 charging sessions at stations with varying power levels (350 kW, 150 kW, and 50 kW) were monitored, and the median charge time was between 28 and 36 min. A large variation in station utilization was observed at Electrify America charging stations that had a range of stations with 350 kW, 150 kW, and 50 kW available. The highest utilization rates by hour of day on average were observed at 25% at the 150 kW Tesla station. Driver activity during charging influenced dwell times, with the average dwell time of drivers who waited in their vehicles to charge being 10 min shorter than those who would travel to the shops. Rain in the forecast also impacted the number of users per day. Although there are no published metrics for EV utilization and associated driver activities, we believe examining this relationship will produce best practices for planning future investments in EV charging infrastructure as public and private sector partners develop a nationwide charging network.
Methodology for research and data analysis to develop an intelligent drug search system
Authors:   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical Universit y, 2/4 Bolshaya Pirogovskaya str., Moscow,, Shakhovskiy Т. О. , Vyatkina N. Yu. ,   I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical Universit y, Moscow; Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: November 2023

The work presents the author-developed tools for conducting medical and sociological research in the field of modern services for searching and purchasing medicines using the capabilities of the Internet. The methodology for conducting sociological research is described, and the authors’ questionnaire for surveying users is presented. The toolkit allows studying various consumer experiences of purchasing medicines in order to predict the creation of Internet services in the pharmacy segment of the pharmaceutical market.
Duodenal Web in an Elderly Patient with Abdominal Discomfort and Vomiting: A Rare Case
Authors: Alimadadi Mehdi , Ghanbari Reza , Yousefi Mohanna , Sadani Somayeh
Published: November 2023

Duodenal web is complete or incomplete obstruction of the duodenum due to a membranous web or intraluminal diverticulum. This abnormality is one of the main causes of intestinal obstruction in children. The symptoms of this disease may rarely appear in older age and cause gastric outlet obstruction in adults. In the present paper, we report a 69-year-old male patient with heartburn, abdominal discomfort, frequent non-bilious, non-bloody vomiting for the past 6 months. Furthermore, the patient had experienced a weight loss of 12 kg during this period. He had been taking aspirin daily for years due to his ischemic heart disease. After performing contrast-enhanced CT imaging, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and barium meal examination, the patient was diagnosed to suffer from duodenal web. Since surgery is currently the mainstay of treatment in the management of this disease, the patient finally underwent a gastrojejunostomy.
Risk Assessment of Operating Room Occupational Hazards Using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
Authors: Karampourian Arezou , Imani Behzad , Amirzargar Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2023

Background: The operating room is one of the most risky parts of the hospital. All employed personnel are exposed to occupational hazards. This study aimed to assess and control the risk of occupational hazards in urology surgeries using the technique of analysis of error states and its effects in the operating room. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected through observation of common operating room processes, background checks and documents, and focus group discussion. Data analysis was in accordance with the failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) method based on risk priority number (RPN). Results: Considering 16 common operating room processes, there were 23 potential error modes of which 5 of them were identified as unacceptable and high risk. These five items included "working with sharp tools with RPN8/311", "working under high pressure and risky conditions with RPN 292", "hand washing with RPN 254.6", "intubation/extubation/suction of secretions with RPN 213.2", and "working with radiation equipment with RPN 206.9". Conclusion: In case of unacceptable errors, corrective actions were presented in three areas of decreasing occurrence and severity and increasing the ability to detect errors. It is suggested that retraining courses be held to prevent errors, ensure the health of operating room personnel, and increase the quality of services.
Estimation of Entrance Surface Dose and Dose Area Product in Most Frequently Used Radiography Examinations in Hamadan
Authors: Heidari Faeze , Saiedi Maedeh , Jafari Salman
Published: November 2023

Background: Radiation dose in C-arm procedure and radiography may lead to late complications such as cancer. Entrance surface dose (ESD) and dose area product (DAP) are two practical indicators for patient dose estimation. This study aimed to calculate ESD and DAP based on exposure parameters for the most common radiographic examinations in educational hospitals of Hamadan. Methods: This work was conducted in three radiography centers in Hamadan in 2020. ESD was determined using a standard equation. Radiation parameters, including maximum kilovolt and milliampere-seconds (mAs), were obtained from the device console, and the output factor was obtained from the calibration certificate. Eventually, ESD and DAP were computed for the head, chest, abdomen, and pelvic radiography examinations. Results: Means of ESD and DAP were 0.68±0.44 mGy and 274.03±179.84 mGy.cm2 for head, as well as 0.13±0.07 mGy and 117.64±70.07 mGy.cm2 for chest. In addition, the corresponding valures were 1.31±0.82 mGy and 1187.17±738.3 mGy.cm2 for the abdomen, as well as 0.84±0.83 mGy and 764.84±753.59 mGy.cm2 for the pelvic. The difference in ESD and DAP for all examinations between centers was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Several factors affect radiation exposure and patient dose in radiography. Some of these factors are subjective and depend on technician knowledge. It is possible to reduce the patients’ dose while maintaining image quality by regular training of technicians.
Cooperatively inhibition effect of miR-143-5p and miR-145-5p in tumorigenesis of glioblastoma cells through modulating AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Jodeiry Zaer Sheyda , Aghamaali Mahmoudreza , Amini Mohammad , Doustvandi Mohammad Amin , Hosseini Seyed Samad , Baradaran Behzad , Najafi Souzan , Baghay Esfandyari Yalda , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad
Published: November 2023

Introduction: As the most common aggressive primary brain tumor, glioblastoma is inevitably a recurrent malignancy whose patients’ prognosis is poor. miR-143 and miR-145, as tumor suppressor miRNAs, are downregulated through tumorigenesis of multiple human cancers, including glioblastoma. These two miRNAs regulate numerous cellular processes, such as proliferation and migration. This research was intended to explore the simultaneous replacement effect of miR-143, and miR-145 on in vitro tumorgenicity of U87 glioblastoma cells. Methods: U87 cells were cultured, and transfected with miR-143-5p and miR-145-5p. Afterward, the changes in cell viability, and apoptosis induction were determined by MTT assay and Annexin V/PI staining. The accumulation of cells at the cell cycle phases was assessed using the flow cytometry. Wound healing and colony formation assays were performed to study cell migration. qRT-PCR and western blot techniques were utilized to quantify gene expression levels. Results: Our results showed that miR-143-5p and 145-5p exogenous upregulation cooperatively diminished cell viability, and enhanced U-87 cell apoptosis by modulating Caspase-3/8/9, Bax, and Bcl-2 protein expression. The combination therapy increased accumulation of cells at the sub-G1 phase by modulating CDK1, Cyclin D1, and P53 protein expression. miR-143/145-5p significantly decreased cell migration, and reduced colony formation ability by the downregulation of c-Myc and CD44 gene expression. Furthermore, the results showed the combination therapy of these miRNAs could remarkably downregulate phosphorylated-AKT expression levels. Conclusion: In conclusion, miR-143 and miR-145 were indicated to show cooperative anti- cancer effects on glioblastoma cells via modulating AKT signaling as a new therapeutic approach.
Podocyte-specific proteins in urinary extracellular vesicles of patients with IgA nephropathy: Vasorin and ceruloplasmin
Authors: Farzamikia Negin , Hejazian Seyyedeh Mina , Mostafavi Soroush , Baradaran Behzad , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Ardalan Mohammadreza
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) can be considered biomarkers of kidney diseases. EVs derived from podocytes may reflect podocyte damage in different glomerular diseases. IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is one of the most common forms of glomerulonephritis (GN) characterized by proteinuria and hematuria. This study aimed to analyze the uEVs of IgAN patients to understand the pathophysiological processes of the disease at the protein level. Methods: Patients with GN [biopsy-proven IgAN (n = 16) and membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN, n = 16)], and healthy controls (n = 16) were included in this study. The uEVs were extracted, characterized, and analyzed to evaluate the protein levels of candidate markers of IgAN, including vasorin precursor, aminopeptidase N, and ceruloplasmin by western-blot analysis. Results: Higher levels of both podocytes and EVs-related proteins were observed in the pooled urine samples of GN patients compared to the healthy controls. In IgAN patients, uEV-protein levels of vasorin were statistically lower while levels of ceruloplasmin were significantly higher compared to MGN (P = 0.002, P = 0.06) and healthy controls, respectively (P = 0.020, P= 0.001). Conclusion: Different levels of the studied proteins in uEVs may indicate podocyte injury and represent a direct association with the pathology of IgAN and MGN.
Anti-amyloid Monoclonal Antibodies in Alzheimer’s Disease: A New Hope
Authors: Nasibova Aygun , Khalilov Rovshan , Eftekhari Aziz
Published: November 2023

Objectives: The current review aimed to collect the updated clinical investigations of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and assess the feasibility and efficacy of the immunotherapies with mAbs in AD. Design: A narrative review. Participants: People with AD. Outcome measures: The occurrence of AD. Results: The failure of all attempts to cure AD during the previous decades by focusing on the pathogenic factors revealed that the pathophysiology of AD is multifaceted. In recent years, anti-amyloid mAbs that exhibit beneficial effects in AD treatment have been marketed, and different studies have attempted to assess their effects. We investigated the current research to determine the potential benefits and outcomes of clinical trials of mAbs in AD cases in the review. Conclusions: This study concentrated on determining how these drugs affect AD pathology. It offers potential support for using anti-amyloid mAb immunotherapy for AD and evaluates the lessons learned from these clinical studies to conduct further research on the beneficial and harmful impacts of these therapeutic agents.
Exploring the Efficacy of Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser as an Add-on Combination to Conventional Therapies for Treatment-Resistant Vitiligo (A Review Article)
Authors: Mansouri Parvin , Rahbar Mohammadreza , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Shati Mohsen
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Vitiligo, a dermatological disorder that leads to depigmented skin patches, presents a significant challenge, particularly in resistant areas such as acral regions. Fractional CO2 laser therapy holds promise as an adjunct to conventional treatment, enhancing repigmentation. This review comprehensively explores its efficacy and safety in resistant-to-treatment vitiligo. Methods: We conducted extensive database searches in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane, focusing on English-language literature published between 2012 and 2023. We included comparative studies that met the following criteria: (1) Participants had non-segmental vitiligo, with resistant-to-treatment localization engagement; (2) The treatment involved the use of fractional CO2 laser in combination with conventional therapies; and (3) Outcomes were assessed based on the repigmentation ratio or significant difference. We excluded studies from which data from published results could not be extracted. Results: After extensive screening of 52 articles, we finally selected five studies. The results showed that fractional CO2 laser therapy, when combined with other treatments, often shows promise in vitiligo treatment in refractory cases. Although individual responses varied, overall efficacy and safety were promising, with minimal adverse effects and no severe complications. Conclusion: The fractional CO2 laser, when used in conjunction with conventional therapies, emerges as a promising option for treating refractory vitiligo. Large-scale randomized trials and a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms are vital for future progress in optimizing treatment protocols, case selection, and safety.
The changing profile of neonatal pathogens and susceptibility pattern: prospective observational study from a tertiary center in South India
Authors: Chakkiyar Krishnan , Kuzhiyil Gireeshan Veluthedath , Sudhakaran Maya , Mohammed Shameem Anathan , Faisal Nabeel Valappil , Nair Mohandas
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Changing the pattern of neonatal pathogens poses challenges to the management of neonatal sepsis. Profile and antimicrobial susceptibility of neonatal pathogens were evaluated in this prospective observational study in a tertiary center. Methods: Neonates with risk factors and clinical features of sepsis were screened. Blood culture performed in positive-screen babies. Antimicrobial susceptibility was also evaluated. Statistical significance was tested by the chi-square test and t test accordingly. Univariate analysis was performed to study possible correlations in this regard. Results: Out of 431 suspected cases, 89 neonates (20.65%) had sepsis. The rate of early and late-onset sepsis (LOS) was 48.3% and 51.7%, respectively. The clinical spectrum included septicemia 68 (76.5%), congenital pneumonia 13 (14.7%), meningitis 5 (5.7%), and septic arthritis 3 (3.4%), respectively. Gram-positive bacteria constituted 61 (68.5%), while gram-negative was 28 (31.5%) (P<0.05). Staphylococcus aureus (23.6%) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) (22.5%) were the most common isolates. Acinetobacter (15.8%), coagulase-negative staphylococcus areus (CoNS) (11%), Klebsiella (7.9%), enterococci (8%), E. coli (4.5%), and ß hemolytic streptococci (1 case) were other detected pathogens. MRSA, Acinetobacter, and coagulase-negative S. aureus as a single entity involved in sepsis pathogenesis (50.6%) showed a positive correlation with inborn babies, pre-term, low birth weight, and early-onset sepsis (OR; 95% CI: 2.20; 0.94–5.20, 1.82; 0.79–4.22, 1.25; 0.55–2.89 and 1.05; 0.46–2.50 respectively). Susceptibility pattern was penicillin (12.3%), ampicillin (6.7%), cloxacillin (42.9%), cefotaxime (8%), cefazolin (37.9%), cefoperazone sulbactam (81.5%), piperacillin-tazobactam (68.9%), gentamicin (63.5%), amikacin (47.9%), vancomycin (88.9%), linezolid (88.6%), co-trimoxazole (55.4%), and clindamycin (50%). Conclusion: Gram-positive pathogens and opportunistic pathogens like Acinetobacter predominate over the conventional gram-negative pathogens in neonates. Of note, penicillin, ampicillin, and cefotaxime are not suitable for the empiric treatment of neonatal sepsis.
Feeling Lonely among the Elderly in Iran: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bahrevar Vali , Abolfathi Momtaz Yadollah , Hosseini Saeed
Published: November 2023

Background. Feeling loneliness is a prevalent phenomenon, affecting 25-50% of the population over 65 years old. The present study aimed to investigate feeling lonely in the elderly in Iran. Methods. This review study was conducted by searching the keywords elderly, loneliness, isolation, elderly, old age, older people, and feeling loneliness. We retrieved all published cross-sectional articles in Persian and English languages from 2006 to 2021. Evaluation of the quality of the studies and data extraction was done by reading the full texts of the selected articles, using the STROBE Checklists for cross-sectional studies. Articles that had the required quality were included in the study. Results. In this research, 128 articles were found in the initial review. A total of 26 articles were included in the study after preliminary reviews. According to the studies, the average score of loneliness in the elderly was high. Also, due to the lack of social relations, the average score of loneliness in the elderly staying in nursing homes and far from their families was higher than the elderly living in the family. Conclusion. The average loneliness score among the elderly, especially those living in nursing homes, was relatively high. Creating the necessary conditions to maintain social relationships among the elderly can reduce their level of loneliness and prevent the adverse consequences of loneliness in them. Practical Implications. Considering the importance of improving the mental health of the elderly, it is recommended to strengthen the counseling of the elderly, reduce treatment costs, and also involve the elderly in daily activities and talk with a group of friends to reduce their loneliness. The results of this research can be used to improve the level of awareness of policymakers, people, and families and increase the mental health of the elderly.
trans-Chalcone protects male rats against high-fat emulsion-induced pancreatic injury by inhibiting TNF-α and MCP-1 expression
Authors: Karimi-Sales Elham , Alipour Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2023

Background. High-fat diet (HFD) intake is linked to ectopic fat deposition in the pancreas. It also causes pancreatic inflammatory lesions. trans-Chalcone is a simple chalcone with protective effects against HFD-induced metabolic disorders. This study, for the first time, explored the possible effects of this chalcone on high-fat emulsion-induced pancreatic abnormalities in rats. Methods. Twenty-one male rats were randomly assigned into three groups: control (received 10% tween 80); HFD (received high-fat emulsion + 10% tween 80); and HFD + chalcone (received high-fat emulsion + trans-chalcone). Real-time PCR was used to assess pancreatic mRNA expression levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the pancreas of all rats. Results. High-fat emulsion increased the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-α and MCP-1 in the pancreas of rats, and treatment with trans-chalcone prevented these high-fat emulsion-induced changes. Conclusion. trans-Chalcone can protect the pancreas of male rats against HFD-induced abnormalities through its anti-inflammatory effects. Practical Implications. It seems that consumption of HFD up-regulates the production of inflammatory mediators in the pancreas. On the other hand, trans-chalcone can ameliorate HFD-related pancreatic inflammation.