bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of significant genes associated with prognosis of gastric cancer by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wang Shuanhu , Tao Song , Liu Yakui , Shi Yi , Liu Mulin
Published: December 2022

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks second in mortality among all malignant diseases worldwide. However, the cause and molecular mechanism underlying gastric cancer are not clear. Here, we used integrated bioinformatics to identify possible key genes and reveal the pathogenesis and prognosis of gastric cancer.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of GSE118916, GSE79973, and GSE29272 were available from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between GC and normal gastric tissues were screened by R software and Venn diagram software. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment of DEGs was performed using the DAVID database. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established by STRING and visualized using Cytoscape software. Then the influence of hub genes on expression and survival was assessed using TCGA database.

Results

A total of 83 DEGs were found in the three datasets, including 41 up-regulated genes and 42 down-regulated genes. These DEGs were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix organization and cell adhesion. The enriched pathways obtained in the KEGG pathway analysis were extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and focal adhesion. A PPI network of DEGs was analyzed using the Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) app of Cytoscape. Four genes were considered hub genes, including COL5A1, FBN1, SPARC, and LUM. Among them, LUM was found to have a significantly worse prognosis based on TCGA database.

Conclusions

We screened DEGs associated with GC by integrated bioinformatics analysis and found one potential biomarker that may be involved in the progress of GC. This hub gene may serve as a guide for further molecular biological experiments.
Analgesic Effects of Regional Analgesic Techniques in Pediatric Inguinal Surgeries: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Hung Tsung-Yu , Bai Geng-Hao , Tsai Meng-Chen , Lin Ying-Chun
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND:

Various regional analgesic techniques have been used in pediatric inguinal surgery to facilitate postoperative recovery. However, each technique’s relative performance was undetermined owing to the lack of quantitative analysis.

METHODS:

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials that compared regional analgesia in pediatric inguinal surgeries. After critical study screening and selection, a random-effects network meta-analysis was performed. The primary outcome was the time to the first rescue analgesic after surgery, and the secondary outcomes were the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics after surgery, postoperative pain scores, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and other adverse events.

RESULTS:

This network meta-analysis included 69 randomized controlled trials (4636 patients) that compared 10 regional analgesic techniques. Our study revealed that the quadratus lumborum and transversus abdominis plane blocks had the longest time to the first rescue analgesic after pediatric inguinal surgeries, by 7.7 hours (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0–10.3) and 6.0 hours (95% CI, 3.9–8.2) when compared with the control group, respectively. In the subgroup involving only inguinal hernia repair, the quadratus lumborum block significantly prolonged the time to the first rescue analgesic than all other regional analgesics. In contrast, in the subgroup involving orchidopexies, only the caudal block significantly prolonged the time to the first rescue analgesic when compared with the control group (4.1 hours; 95% CI, 0.7–7.5). Wound infiltration and landmark-based ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric block had relatively poor analgesic effects than other regional analgesics. No serious adverse effects related to the regional analgesic techniques were reported in any of the included studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

The quadratus lumborum and transversus abdominis plane blocks had the longest time to the first rescue analgesic and the least rescue analgesic requirement for pediatric inguinal surgeries. Specifically, the quadratus lumborum block had the longest analgesic duration in inguinal hernia repair, and the caudal block was found to be the only regional analgesia that extended the time to the first rescue analgesic in pediatric orchidopexy. Most included randomized controlled trials had some concern or a high risk of bias, and future studies should focus on providing high-quality evidence to further clarify the analgesic effects of regional analgesia for pediatric inguinal surgeries.
Two-Step Modification of Proteins onto Microparticle Surface Using DMT-MM Condensation Agent
Authors: Miyagawa Akihisa , Ueda Yasuyuki , Hagiya Kenta , Nagatomo Shigenori , Nakatani Kiyoharu
Published: December 2022

A two-step modification scheme using DMT-MM for protein modification on a microparticle surface is proposed. The reactions of myoglobin, lysozyme, and γ-immunoglobulin with carboxyl-functionalized polystyrene microparticles performed using DMT-MM were compared with those using EDC/NHS. The modification efficiency of proteins on the particles using DMT-MM was higher than that using EDC/NHS.
Aplikasi metode FTIR kombinasi kemometrika untuk analisis lemak daging tikus pada nugget ayam
Authors: Guntarti Any , Ahda Mustofa , Kusbandari Aprilia , Atmadja Dimas
Published: December 2022

Indonesia termasuk di urutan ke 13 Â jumlah Â penduduk Â muslim terbesar di dunia, yang sangat Â memperhatikan halal haram pada makanan terutama nugget. Nugget merupakan makanan yang menjadi favorit bagi anak-anak. Beberapa pedagang dicurigai memalsukan atau Â mencampurkan nugget ayam dengan menggunakan daging lain, seperti daging tikus. Tujuan penelitian ini Â mengaplikasikan metode spektrofotometri Fourier Transform Infra Red dengan kemometrika untuk analisis lemak daging tikus pada nugget. Sampel referensi nugget ayam dan tikus dibuat variasi 7 konsentrasi, yaitu 0%, 25%, 35%, 50%, 65%, 75%, 100% dan 5 sampel kornet pasaran yang dibeli di wilayah Kecamatan Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta. Selanjutnya dilakukan ekstraksi dengan Â Soxhlet, pelarut n-heksan teknis, 4-5 jam pada suhu 69-70oC untuk memperoleh lemak. Lemak dianalisis menggunakan metode spektrofotometri FTIR untuk menghasilkan data spektra inframerah. Data tersebut kemudian dianalis dengan kemometrika PLS dan PCA. Hasil Analisis diperoleh bilangan gelombang maksimal pada 900-1700 cm-1.Analisis kemometrika PLS (partial least square), diperoleh model analisis dengan nilai koefisien determinasi (R2) sebesar 0,9985 dengan persamaan y= 0,9898x + 0,3985 dan nilai parameter RMSEC 1,14%, RMSEP 0,67%, dan RMSECV 0,98%. Analisis dengan PCA (principal component analysis) antara nugget ayam 100% dan tikus 100% dapat dibedakan secara jelas. Â Metode spektrofometri FTIR dapat digunakan untuk aplikasi analisis lemak daging tikus pada nugget ayam, yang dikombinasikan kemometrika PLS dan PCA pada bilangan gelombang 900-1700 cm-1. Analisis PCA dengan 5 sampel pasaran menunjukkan bahwa nugget pasaran memiliki kemiripan sifat fisika kimia dengan nugget ayam 100%.Â
Candidate for natural halal cosmetic ingredients: determination of total phenolic level and spf values from extract and purified extract seeds of Swietenia mahagoni Jacq
Authors: Marsha Ardiana , Diniatik Diniatik , Utami Pri Iswati
Published: December 2022

Sinar ultraviolet (UV) yang pada sinar matahari dapat beresiko menyebabkan pigmentasi, penuaan dini, kerutan, hingga kanker kulit. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan ekstrak etanol 70% dan ekstrak terpurifikasi biji mahoni (Swietenia Mahagoni Jacq.). Penelitian yang dilakukan adalah menentukan kadar fenolik total dengan mereaksikan larutan sampel dengan reagen folin-ciocalteu dan mengukur nilai absorbansinya pada panjang gelombang maksimal 749 nm. Pengukuran nilai SPF dilakukan menurut persamaan Mansur yang diukur absorbansinya pada panjang gelombang 290-320 nm. Pada penelitian ini dilakukan skrining fitokimia yang dilakukan untuk mengetahui senyawa yang terdapat pada ekstrak dan ekstrak terpurifikasi biji mahoni. Hasil yang diperoleh dari menghitung TPC (Total Phenolic Content) pada ekstrak etanol adalah 1,849mg GEA/gram, dan 2,517 mg GEA/gram pada ekstrak terpurifikasi. Nilai SPF yang diperoleh dengan konsentrasi 200ppm pada ekstrak etanol adalah 0,66Â±0.008918, sedangkan nilai SPF ekstrak terpurifikasi adalah 1,18Â±0,009386. Hasil skrining fitokimia ekstrak dan ekstrak terpurifikasi biji mahoni menunjukkan bahwa positif mengandung senyawa alkaloid, polifennol/tanin, flavonoid, terpenoid, dan saponin.Â
Leading During COVID-19 Crisis: The Influence of Principals' Leadership Styles on Teachers' Well-being in the United Arab Emirates Public Secondary Schools
Authors: Al-Attar Fatema Habeeb , Al-Hammadi Khuloud , Belbase Shashidhar
Published: December 2022

Crises like COVID-19 affect organizations as well as employees' well-being. Leaders, in this sense, have a critical role to play in reducing the challenges and promoting a healthy workplace. With employees feeling overwhelmed and anxious to cope, leaders should provide the appropriate support and guidance. This quantitative study examined the relationship between different leadership styles, which are participative, directive, supportive, and Laissez-Faire, and teachers' well-being in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study adds insights into the UAE's public school context, where 101 teachers were surveyed following a snowball sampling technique. Findings revealed that Laissez-Faire and directive styles were the most dominant among the four leadership styles examined. In terms of the relationships between leadership styles and well-being, correlation and regression analyses were done through SPSS, and findings from the Generalized Linear Model analysis revealed that although the four styles correlated positively with well-being, the participative leadership style had the most decisive influence. The results showed that none of the demographics had any significant influence on well-being, and no differences in well-being in terms of demographics were reported.
Is Virtual Reality a Game Changer in Pediatrics' Acute Pain Perception?
Authors: Mantegazza C. , Silvera V. , Brevini T. , Pozzi E. , Zuccotti GV.
Published: December 2022

Purpose of review: Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool that is becoming increasingly popular for the prevention and treatment of procedural pain in children. This review aims to investigate the current literature on the use and effectiveness of VR in paediatric procedural pain management, focusing on needle-related procedures, burn wound care, dental procedures among others; limitations and future perspectives on the use of VR will also be highlighted.

Recent findings: in addition to the most researched fields of application (e.g. needle procedures), VR has also started to be used in new areas, such as nasal and gastrointestinal endoscopies as well as minor surgeries. From the latest evidence, VR seems to be effective in many procedures, especially compared to no distraction; however, there is conflicting data in the literature due to numerous factors such as differences between technologies, degree of VR-immersion, patients coping styles among others.

Summary: there are still no data of absolute certainty on the effectiveness of VR in reducing procedural pain in paediatric patients and data pooling is still difficult. Future research should carry on large randomised-controlled, multicentre studies to better define VR properties and how best to optimise VR software and user experience for maximum pain reduction.
Member-serving associations: the co-creation of professionalism and expertise within a field
Authors: Fernandez Kandyce , Castellanos Tina
Published: December 2022

Professional associations are charged with legitimising the fields they represent by attracting and serving members and establishing them as experts in a field. But how do professional associations support both field professionalisation and individual member expertise? Does membership of a professional association contribute to enhanced feelings of expertise? To explore these questions, participants from three allied health professions in the United States – registered dietitians, speech–language pathologists and International Board certified lactation consultants – were recruited to evaluate whether members feel as though their non-profit professional association is meeting these goals. Through a qualitative study involving 30 interviews with members and non-members, we found that professional associations are co-creating their fields with members through advocacy, promotion, education, feedback and adjustment. However, more work is needed to support efforts to co-create feelings of expertise among members. The findings provide insights for future research on member-serving associations.
Improved FAST algorithm for non-uniform rotational distortion correction in OCT endoscopic imaging
Authors: Cao Guogang , Li Sicheng , Zhang Shu , Peng Zeyu , Wu Yan , Wang Dong , Dai Cuixia
Published: December 2022

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is widely used for endoscopic imaging in endoluminal organs because of its high imaging accuracy and resolution. However, OCT endoscopic imaging suffers from Non-Uniform Rotational Distortion (NURD), which can be caused by many factors, such as irregular motor rotation and changes in friction between the probe and the sheath. Correcting this distortion is essential to obtaining high-quality Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) images. There are two main approaches for correcting NURD: hardware-based methods and algorithm-based methods. Hardware-based methods can be costly, challenging to implement, and may not eliminate NURD. Algorithm-based methods, such as image registration, can be effective for correcting NURD but can also be prone to the problem of NURD propagation. To address this issue, we process frames by coarse and fine registration, respectively. The new reference frame is generated by filtering out the A-scan that may have the NURD problem by coarse registration. And the fine registration uses this frame to achieve the final NURD correction. In addition, we have improved the Features from Accelerated Segment Test (FAST) algorithm and put it into coarse and fine registration process. Four evaluation functions were used for the experimental results, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), mean squared error (MSE), and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). By comparing with Scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), Speeded up robust features (SURF), Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF (ORB), intensity-based (Cross-correlation), and Optical Flow algorithms, our algorithm has a higher similarity between the corrected frames. Moreover, the noise in the OCTA data is better suppressed, and the vascular information is well preserved. Our image registration-based algorithm reduces the problem of NURD propagation between B-scan frames and improves the imaging quality of OCT endoscopic images.
Resolution adjustable Lissajous scanning with piezoelectric MEMS mirrors
Authors: Zhang Yuyao , Liu Yichen , Wang Lihao , Su Yongquan , Zhang Yonggui , Yu Zihao , Zhu Weihong , Wang Yang , Wu Zhenyu
Published: December 2022

We previously designed a dual-axis piezoelectric MEMS mirror with a low crosstalk gimbal structure, which is utilized as the key device for further research for laser beam scanning. This paper mainly focuses on studying the Lissajous scanning resolution of this MEMS mirror with frequency ratio and phase modulation. For accurately evaluating the scanning resolution, the center angular resolution of Lissajous scanning is redefined by theoretical calculation and verified with experimental measurement. Meanwhile, the scanning nonlinearity of MEMS mirror is studied carefully. Finally, the MEMS mirror works at the state of pseudo-resonance, and the center angular resolution better than 0.16° (H) × 0.03° (V) is achieved at a scanning Field of view (FoV) of 35.0° (H) × 16.5° (V). Moreover, a feasible route of resolution adjustable Lissajous scanning is provided by optimization of frequency ratio and phase modulation, which is helpful for high definition and high frame rate (HDHF) laser scanning imaging with the dual-axis mirror.
Microfabricated sensor device for CW and pulsed laser power measurements
Authors: Hu Yuqiang , Xie Fei , Liu Qihui , Wang Nan , Zhang Jin , Liu Yichen , Su Yongquan , Wang Yang , Chen Hao , Wu Zhenyu
Published: December 2022

On-line measurement is a trend of development toward laser-based applications. We present a fiber-integrated force sensor device for laser power measurement with both CW mode and pulse mode based on laser radiometric heat and radiation force sensing simultaneously. The sensor device is fabricated using a standard microfabrication process. Laser intensity is determined through the displacement of a movable mirror measured by an integrated Fabry-Perot interferometer. Compared with the performance of the device in the ambient condition, a non-linearity error of 0.02% and measurement uncertainty of 2.06% is observed in the quasi-vacuum condition for CW laser illumination. This device can measure a CW laser power with a 46.4 μW/Hz1/2 noise floor and a minimum detection limit of 0.125 mW. For a pulsed laser, a non-linearity error of 0.37% and measurement uncertainty of 2.08% is achieved with a noise floor of 1.3 μJ/Hz1/2 and a minimum detection limit of 3 μJ.
Substrate engineering of plasmonic nanocavity antenna modes
Authors: Xiong Xiao , Clarke Daniel , Lai Yiming , Bai Ping , Png Ching Eng , Wu Lin , Hess Ortwin
Published: December 2022

Plasmonic nanocavities have emerged as a promising platform for next-generation spectroscopy, sensing and photonic quantum information processing technologies, benefiting from a unique confluence of nanoscale compactness and integrability, ultrafast functionality and room-temperature viability. Harnessing their unprecedented optical field confinement and enhancement properties for such diverse application domains, however, demands continued innovation in cavity design and robust strategies for engineering their plasmonic mode characteristics, with the aim of optimizing spatial and spectral matching conditions for strong light-matter interaction involving embedded quantum emitters. Adopting the canonical gold bowtie nanoantenna, we show that the complex refractive index, n + ik, of the substrate material provides additional design flexibility in tailoring the properties of plasmonic nanocavity modes, including their resonance wavelengths, hotspot locations, intracavity field polarization and radiative decay rates. In particular, we predict that highly refractive (n ≥ 4) or highly absorptive (k ≥ 4) substrates provide two complementary approaches to engineering nanocavity modes that are especially desirable for coupling two-dimensional quantum materials, featuring namely an elevated hotspot with a dominantly in-plane polarized near-field, as well as a strongly radiative character. Our study elucidates the benefits and intricacies of a largely unexplored facet of nanocavity mode manipulation, beyond the widely practiced synthetic control over the cavity topology or physical dimensions, and paves the way for plasmonic cavity quantum electrodynamics with two-dimensional excitonic matter.
Design and assessment of a micro-nano positioning hexapod platform with flexure hinges for large aperture telescopes
Authors: Wang Xuewen , Yu Yang , Xu Zhenbang , Han Chunyang , Sun Jialin , Wang Jianli
Published: December 2022

In order to compensate the optical system bias, which is caused by the change of elevation angle and thermal gradient during the optical alignment of the telescope, a novel high stiffness micro-nano positioning hexapod platform with flexure hinges is proposed in this paper. The novel flexure hinge has a mechanical limit, and its equivalent model is established and analyzed. In addition, in order to speed up the solution process, a novel simplified inverse kinematic model is developed based on the rigid body kinematic theory. Then, an effective rigid-flexible coupling simulation system is built to verify the correctness and applicability of the inverse kinematic model. Finally, a systematic experimental test method and a statistical-based data analysis theory are proposed. The experimental results show that the resolution and repeatability of translation and rotation and lateral stiffness are as follows: 0.3 mm and 0.5 arc sec, ± 0.5 µm and ±0.5 arc sec, 131.6N

⋅

µm-1 and 133.0N

⋅

µm-1. The proposed hexapod platform can be used to correct the optical system bias of large-aperture telescopes.
Time-travelling imaginaries: Animation at the memorial museum
Authors: Balachandran Anitha
Published: December 2022

Animation as a site-specific intervention in historic settings draws on the powerful affective potentials of both medium and place, enabling long past events to be experienced in immersive, intimate ways. In particular, I examine here my hand-drawn animated film He Ram, permanently installed at the site of Gandhi’s assassination, now a museum in New Delhi. In this context, the multi-layered animated presence of Gandhi becomes at once nostalgic and eerie, evoking a figure’s potential to haunt space and time, piercing the present to connect us to the last walk he took and the last breath he drew. An emotionally charged public memorial, this is also where the voice and views of government are palpable. At stake remain the inheritance and transmission of our past/s. In these circumstances, animation affords aesthetic strategies to engage a range of audiences across age, class, caste and linguistic boundaries, wielding a degree of agency in the mediation of our collective imaginations. In doing so, the film gestures towards a more fluid, interdisciplinary understanding of the ever-emerging relations between histories and our present.
Regeneration and proliferation of cardiomyocytes and its microRNA regulatory mechanisms
Authors: Guo Shu-ning , Li Jie-han , Li Jing , Ding Yi , Chai Yu-rong
Published: December 2022

Myocardial regeneration is identified as a concept at histological level. The core content is to increase the number of cardiomyocytes (CMs), so as to maintain the steady state of CMs under pathological or physiological conditions and ensure the normal cardiac function. In this review, we discussed the relevant factors involved in the regeneration of CMs, generalized in mice, large mammals and human. During different development stages of mammalian hearts, CMs showed several controlling and growth modes on the physiological or pathological state: mitosis, hypertrophy, nuclear polyploidy and multinucleation, amitosis and etc. We also discussed the mechanisms of specific microRNAs implicated in the cardiac development, as well as disease-induced apoptosis in CMs and the process of re-entering cell cycle after injury. It is hoped that this review will contribute to a deeper understanding of therapeutic approaches for myocardial regeneration after injury.
Spinal Metastases and the Evolving Role of Molecular Targeted Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy
Authors: Fomchenko Elena I. , Bayley James C. , Alvarez-Breckenridge Christopher , Rhines Laurence D. , Tatsui Claudio E.
Published: December 2022

Metastatic involvement of the spine is a common complication of systemic cancer progression. Surgery and external beam radiotherapy are palliative treatment modalities aiming to preserve neurological function, control pain and maintain functional status. More recently, with development of image guidance and stereotactic delivery of high doses of conformal radiation, local tumor control has improved; however recurrent or radiation refractory disease remains a significant clinical problem with limited treatment options. This manuscript represents a narrative overview of novel targeted molecular therapies, chemotherapies, and immunotherapy treatments for patients with breast, lung, melanoma, renal cell, prostate, and thyroid cancers, which resulted in improved responses compared to standard chemotherapy. We present clinical examples of excellent responses in spinal metastatic disease which have not been specifically documented in the literature, as most clinical trials evaluate treatment response based on visceral disease. This review is useful for the spine surgeons treating patients with metastatic disease as knowledge of these responses could help with timing and planning of surgical interventions, as well as promote multidisciplinary discussions, allowing development of an individualized treatment strategy to patients presenting with widespread multifocal progressive disease, where surgery could lead to suboptimal results.
The Effect of Subsidence on Segmental and Global Lordosis at Long-term Follow-up After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Duey Akiro H. , Gonzalez Christopher , Geng Eric A. , Ferriter Jr Pierce J. , Rosenberg Ashley M. , Isleem Ula N. , Zaidat Bashar , Al-Attar Paul M. , Markowitz Jonathan S. , Kim Jun S. , Cho Samuel K.
Published: December 2022

Objective: Subsidence following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) may lead to disruptions of cervical alignment and lordosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of subsidence on segmental, regional, and global lordosis.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study performed between 2016–2021 at a single institution. All measurements were performed using lateral cervical radiographs at the immediate postoperative period and at final follow-up greater than 6 months after surgery. Associations between subsidence and segmental lordosis, total fused lordosis, C2–7 lordosis, and cervical sagittal vertical alignment change were determined using Pearson correlation and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: One hundred thirty-one patients and 244 levels were included in the study. There were 41 one-level fusions, 67 two-level fusions, and 23 three-level fusions. The median follow-up time was 366 days (interquartile range, 239–566 days). Segmental subsidence was significantly negatively associated with segmental lordosis change in the Pearson (r = -0.154, p = 0.016) and multivariate analyses (beta = -3.78; 95% confidence interval, -7.15 to -0.42; p = 0.028) but no associations between segmental or total fused subsidence and any other measures of cervical alignment were observed.Conclusion: We found that subsidence is associated with segmental lordosis loss 6 months following ACDF. Surgeons should minimize subsidence to prevent long-term clinical symptoms associated with poor cervical alignment.
Reciprocal Changes Following Cervical Realignment Surgery
Authors: Lee Jae-Koo , Hyun Seung-Jae , Yang Seung Heon , Kim Ki-Jeong
Published: December 2022

Over the last few decades, the importance of the sagittal plane and its contour has gained significant recognition. Through full-body stereoradiography, the understanding of compensatory mechanisms, and the concept of global balance and reciprocal change has expanded. There have been a few reports describing how cervical realignment surgery affects global spinal alignment (GSA) and global balance. Despite the research efforts, the concept of reciprocal change and global balance is still perplexing. Understanding the compensatory status and main drivers of deformity in a patient is vital because the compensatory mechanisms may resolve reciprocally following cervical realignment surgery. A meticulous preoperative evaluation of the whole-body alignment, including the pelvis and lower extremities, is paramount to appreciate optimal GSA in the correction of spinal malalignment. This study aims to summarize relevant literature on the reciprocal changes in the whole body caused by cervical realignment surgery and review recent perspectives regarding cervical compensatory mechanisms.
SOCIO-POLITICAL FORMATIONS OF THE TURKS AFTER THE COLLAPSE OF THE GOLDEN HORDE
Authors: Ibragimov Zh.І. , Vasiliev А.A. , Zelenin Yu.A.
Published: December 2022

The paper examines the peculiarities of socio-political formations of the Turks after the collapse ofthe Golden Horde. Different points of view on this problem are considered. The authors conclude that theMongolian influence in the Middle Ages on the neighboring peoples, in particular on the Turks and Slavs,was positive, rather than negative. Mongols became a factor in their ethnic, state-legal, spiritual, and culturaldevelopment. The elucidation of the specifics of the state system, politico-legal life of pre-Petrine Russiahelps to understand many of the peculiarities of the medieval Turkic-Mongolian statehood and the generaltendencies of the foreign policy of Russia in the 16th-19th centuries in relation to the Turks.
THE EXPERIENCE OF COUNTERING TERRORISM AND REVOLUTIONARY RADICALISM IN THE RUSSIAN EMPIRE (QUESTIONS OF THEORY)
Authors: Kulikov E.A.
Published: December 2022

The article summarizes the experience of countering organized and spontaneous manifestations ofterrorist-oriented crime and revolutionary radicalism accumulated by law enforcement agencies of theRussian Empire in the second half of the XIX — early XX century. The aim of the study is to comprehendthe counteraction to terrorism and the revolutionary movement in the Russian Empire as threats to itssustainable development. The aspects of the interaction of radicalism and terrorism with various layers ofsociety, the attitude of various social groups to the manifestations of these phenomena are analyzed. Thestudy is a retrospective analysis of the historical socio-negative phenomenon of terrorism and revolutionaryradicalism, as well as the experience of countering this phenomenon in a socio-historical and political-legalcontext.
Serum Leucine-Rich α2 Glycoprotein: A Novel Biomarker for Transmural Inflammation in Crohn's Disease
Authors: Takenaka Kento , Kitazume Yoshio , Kawamoto Ami , Fujii Toshimitsu , Udagawa Yumi , Wanatabe Ryosuke , Shimizu Hiromichi , Hibiya Shuji , Nagahori Masakazu , Ohtsuka Kazuo , Sato Hiroyuki , Hirakawa Akihiro , Watanabe Mamoru , Okamoto Ryuichi
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCTION:

Leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (LRG) is a newly studied biomarker for inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether LRG can be used for evaluating transmural activity in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS:

We performed magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in 227 consecutive patients with CD from June 2020 to August 2021. We prospectively compared MRE findings with clinical and laboratory data including LRG. MRE was evaluated using 2 validated scoring systems, and transmural inflammation was defined as having a maximum simplified magnetic resonance index of activity (sMaRIA) score of ≥4 and a 5-point classification score of ≥9, respectively.

RESULTS:

The correlation between LRG and the total MRE score showed a positive correlation (r = 0.576 for the sMaRIA score, P < 0.01, and r = 0.633 for the 5-point score, P < 0.01). Serum concentrations of LRG significantly increased as MRE scores increased (P < 0.01). The area under the curve of LRG for a sMaRIA score of ≥4 and a 5-point score of ≥9 was 0.845 and 0.869, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of CDAI (P < 0.01) or C-reactive protein (P < 0.01). LRG levels of ≥14 μg/mL had a 67% sensitivity and 90% specificity for a sMaRIA score of ≥4 and a 73% sensitivity and 89% specificity for a 5-point score of ≥9. Patients with high LRG levels were also strongly associated with CD-related hospitalization, surgery, and clinical relapse compared with those with low LRG levels (P < 0.01 for all).

DISCUSSION:

LRG is a highly accurate serum biomarker for detecting transmural activity in patients with CD. Results need to be validated in further multicenter studies.
A revised Gaussian pencil beam model for calculation of the in-water dose caused by clinical electron-beam irradiation
Authors: A Iwasaki , S Terashima , S Kimura , K Sutoh , K Kamimura , Y Hosokawa , M Miyazawa , T Tabata
Published: December 2022

Purposes: The dose in water caused by clinical electron-beam irradiation is mainly composed of the doses due to the direct electrons, the indirect electrons, and the contaminant X-rays. In this paper, an analytical method for 3-dimensional (3D) dose calculation in water for the direct electrons and for the direct-plus-indirect electrons is proposed in light of the electron Monte Carlo (eMC) datasets. Methods: The dose calculation was performed for square fields, based on a revised Gaussian pencil beam model, where the parallel beam depth-dose dataset under an infinitely large field was reconstructed from the depth-dose dataset of a fan beam with a finite field. We used a semi-infinite water phantom, setting the beam incident surface on the isocenter plane that is perpendicular to the beam axis. The dose calculation model sets an effective field at each dose calculation depth, where the effective field is larger than the geometrical field that the electron applicator forms on the basis of its divergent spread under the effective source-surface distance (SSDeff). Results and conclusions: By comparing the calculated datasets of depth dose (DD) and off-axis dose (OAD) in water with the eMC datasets for electron beams of E=6, 12, and 18 MeV by Wieslander and Knöös (2006), it has been found that the revised Gaussian pencil beam model is of practical use and has a bright prospect to give almost the same calculation results as the eMC datasets.
Stratification of thyroid nodules by Eu-TIRADS categories using transfer learning of convolutional neural networks
Authors: Fartushnyi E. N. , Sytch Yu. P. , Fartushnyi I. E. , Koshechkin K. A. , Lebedev G. S.
Published: December 2022

The article describes a method for assessing the malignancy potential of thyroid nodules and their stratification according to the European Thyroid Imaging And Reporting Data System (Eu-TIRADS) scale based on ultrasound diagnostic images using an artificial intelligence system. The method is based on the use of transfer learning technology for multi-parameter models of convolutional neural networks and their subsequent fine tuning. It was shown that even on a small dataset consisting of 1129 thyroid ultrasound images classified by 5 Eu-TIRADS categories, the application of the method provides high training accuracy (Accuracy: 0.8, AUC: 0.92). This makes it possible to introduce and use this technology in clinical practice as an additional tool (‘second opinion’) for an objective assessment of the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules for the purpose of their further selection for fine needle biopsy.
Subacute thyroiditis and its clinical characteristics — a retrospective single center clinical study
Authors: Manevska N. , Bozinovska N. , Stoilovska Rizova B. , Stojanoski S. , Makazlieva T.
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCTION. Typical clinical features of subacute thyroiditis (SAT) are commonly assessed such as – neck pain and high body temperature, as well as thyroid function abnormalities, elevated inflammatory markers, and strongly suggestive hypoechoic ultrasonography characteristics. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents and corticosteroids are used.

AIM. To examine the clinical characteristics in patients with SAT, by determining the level of thyroid hormones, the size and structure of the thyroid gland as well as ultrasound and scintigraphy findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. We performed retrospective analysis in 122 cases of SAT (both genders, mean age 45.05±12,18 years), in the period 2015-2020. We evaluated monthly frequency of the SAT occurrence, the clinical status of the patients including symptoms, body temperature, laboratory results of FT4 and TSH, CRP and ESR level, ultrasonography and scintigraphy findings.

RESULTS. Most of the patients complained of neck pain, high body temperature was detected in 66/100 (66%) pts. CRP and ESR Patients were usually diagnosed in hyperthyroid phase of the disease. Enlarged thyroid gland was mostly seen on US, while 52 had normal thyroid gland, with predominantly hypoechoic non-chomogenous structure. Scintigraphy noted “empty” scan (without presentation of functional thyroid tissue) in 72/98 (73,47%) and hypofixation mainly in both lobes in 26/98 (26,53%) pts.

CONCLUSION. The awareness of physicians needs to be increased in patients with neck pain for proper diagnosis of SAT, that is often is often misdiagnosed or delayed, leading to erroneous antibiotic overuse. Generally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective in reducing thyroid pain in patients with mild cases.
Factors, associated with the outcomes of the thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Ponomartseva D. A. , Babenko A. Yu.
Published: December 2022

BACKGROUND: Thyrotoxic atrial fibrillation (TAF) is associated with an increase in total and cardiovascular mortality, mainly due to the thromboembolic events. Therefore, thromboembolism prevention is an important TAF treatment component. Thus, it seems interesting to identify TAF thromboembolic complications predictors.

TAF is a potentially reversible state. However, the spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm after the euthyroidism achievement does not occur in all patients. In patients with a history of thyrotoxicosis the hospitalization rate due to cardiovascular pathology, and due to atrial fibrillation (AF), in particular, is higher than in the general population, even after the radical treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

The development of prediction tools for mentioned above TAF complications and adverse outcomes, would make it possible to create more detailed and high-quality guidelines for the management of patients with thyrotoxicosis-induced AF. At the same time, the predictors of TAF thromboembolic complications and TAF maintenance after the euthyroid state is achieved, are not well currently understood.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for TAF adverse outcomes: thromboembolic events and the lack of spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm after the euthyroidism was achieved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 70 patients aged 24 to 70 years with a history of overt thyrotoxicosis and TAF. The following parameters were analyzed in all participants: thromboembolic events due to TAF, the presence of the spontaneous reversion to sinus rhythm after the euthyroidism was achieved and potentially associated with TAF adverse outcomes factors: a number of clinical and demographic factors, echocardiography data and characteristics of the TAF course. Regression analysis was performed to study the effect of these potential predictors on the risk of the thromboembolism and TAF maintenance. The cut-off points for the identified risk factors were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves creating.

RESULTS: The analysis showed that the only independent TAF thromboembolic complications predictor among studied parameters was the large left atrium diameter (>4.3 cm), and the predictors of TAF maintenance after the euthyroid state is achieved included the large left ventricle end-diastolic size (>4.5 cm) and the presence of left atrium dilation.

CONCLUSION: In this study, echocardiographic parameters associated with TAF thromboembolic complications and TAF persistence after euthyroid state is achieved, were identified. This may be useful for the TAF adverse outcomes risk assessment tools development in the future.
The role of artificial intelligence in the differential thyroid nodules ultrasound diagnostics
Authors: Trukhin A. A. , Zakharova S. M. , Dunaev M. Y. , Isaeva M. P. , Garmash A. A. , Troshina E. A.
Published: December 2022

Advances in the development and improvement of medical technologies and methods of processing medical images make it possible to highlight clinically significant characteristics that were not previously available to classical methods of medical imaging. Ultrasound diagnostics of thyroid gland nodules has a huge potential medical images processing. The article presents an overview of the existing ultrasound classification systems for thyroid nodules malignancy and the prospects for the development of intellectual tools TIRADS (Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System) classification system.
New Designing Mixed Double Moving Average-Cumulative Sum Control Chart for Detecting Mean Shifts with Symmetrically and Asymmetrically Distributed Observations
Authors: Saengsura Nongnuch , Areepong Yupaporn , Sukparungsee Saowanit
Published: December 2022

Herein, we present a new control chart called the mixed double moving average-cumulative sum control chart (DMA-CUSUM: MDC) used for detecting shifts in the process mean when symmetrically and asymmetrically distributed. The performance of the MDC chart is compared with shewhart, cumulative sum (CUSUM), double moving average (DMA) and mixed cumulative sum-double moving average (CUSUM-DMA: MCD) control charts by using average run length (ARL) and median run length (MRL) with the monte carlo simulation (MC). The research results show that the proposed (MDC) control chart was more efficient than the Shewhart, CUSUM, DMA and MCD charts for all distributions tested. We apply the MDC chart to real sets of data: I) the tensile data of single carbon fiber and II) the survival times of guinea pigs infected with virulent bacilli.
Inside-Outsider Research Positionality: Experience from Field Work Undertakings in Goderich
Authors: JACKSON Emerson Abraham
Published: December 2022

This study was championed with the aim of exploring the role of an Inside-outsider researcher, and in particular with respect to the researcher's experience during a 2021 field study undertakings in Goderich, Freetown, Sierra Leone. The methodologies employed were based on “Focus Group interviews and Participant Observations” on adult participants within the age group of 18+ years. The study revealed intricacies surrounding (ethical) positionality as an Inside-outsider researcher, with consciousness focused on the need to be completely removed from emotional incidences given historical ties in the community. The study outcome finally acknowledged the relevance of negotiating cooperation in a bid to build transforming structures associated with the provision of government support to avail relevant assets for residents’ use in the community. These are considered critical in reducing risks posed to the community on account of voracious and destructive livelihood activities pursued by residents in meeting personal / family livelihood needs.
The System of Educational Needs of National Minorities in Education in Ukraine
Authors: TULIN Kyrylo
Published: December 2022

The authors analyze the current system of educational needs of national minorities in Ukraine by defining the system of education, including legal policy, institutional and organizational guarantees, identifying problematic aspects in the sphere of Ukrainian education and identifying opportunities to overcome them, analyzing the status of educational needs of national minorities.

It is indicated that global transformations have intensified the tendencies of the number of national minorities due to global demographic processes, including migration and refugees.

It is argued that the elements of the system of educational needs of national minorities in education in Ukraine are international, European regional, and national legal acts, the functioning of public authorities, the complex structure of educational institutions at all levels, and additional organizational and economic guarantees of educational rights.

International, regional, and national legal norms are analyzed. Positive aspects and shortcomings of the legal regulation of the educational sphere of national minorities are indicated. A number of improvements to the current ethnopolitics of Ukraine in the context of the implementation of international and European standards and the positive practice of democratic states, including Romania, are proposed.

The methodological basis of the study is a system of philosophical, general scientific, and specifically scientific methods. The sociological survey, conducted on the author's questionnaire, represents the real state of national minorities education in Ukraine. The Russian, Hungarian, Slovak, and Polish national minorities are taken into account. The authors proved that the pandemic crisis has a particularly negative effect on the education of national minorities.
Senior School Students’ Attitude as Correlate of Physics Achievement: The Empirical Alternative
Authors: BADMUS Olalekan Taofeek , JITA J Loyiso C.
Published: December 2022

In the parlance of literature, phobia is regarded as a major barrier to students learning in many subject areas. However, when students do not possess phobia for a particular subject, they may be indifferent or have the right attitude in such subject. This study investigated students’ attitude as correlate of physics achievement in secondary school. This study indulged ex post facto research of the co-relational type. Eight hundred and fifty-seven (857) respondents formed the sample for the study from three senatorial districts of Kwara State, Nigeria. Attitude Towards Physics Inventory (ATPI) and physics result of respondents in West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) elicited data for the study. Four research questions were raised in this study with corresponding hypotheses. This study found no predictive significance between students’ physics achievement and their attitude towards physics. Moderator variables of score level, gender and school type were also tested in the study.