bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Characteristics of Long-Range Transport and Potential Associated Sources of Particulate Matter (Pm10) Pollution at the Station Elk, Poland, on 2021-2022 Data
Authors: Abdo S. , Koroleva Y.
Published: October 2023

The current study aimed to determine the potential sources of distant emissions of PM10 particles that significantly affect PM10 levels at a given site in southeastern Baltic. The EEA Air Quality Monitoring Station in Elk City, northeastern Poland, was selected for this study. This station is located approximately 50 km from the border of the Russian exclave (Kaliningrad Region). In this study, the NOAA HYSPLIT_4 trajectory model, potential source contribution function (PSCF), and concentration-weight trajectory (CWT) were employed to investigate the origin of the measured PM10 mass at a receptor site. PSCF and CWT utilize back-trajectory analysis and Lagrangian particle dispersion simulations to reconstruct the advection pathways of air masses arriving at the site. These reconstructed retroplumes provide detailed information regarding the geographic locations traversed by polluted air masses on their way to the receptor. By integrating trajectory information with concurrent pollutant concentration data, the PSCF and CWT enable the identification of potential source regions and quantification of their impact on the observed atmospheric levels. From January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, at 200 m the 72h backward trajectories of air masses entering the receptor point were calculated and categorized by clustering them into 5-4-4-5 clusters. Subsequently, the PM10 levels at the Elk site associated with each air mass cluster were examined during the observation period. The seasonal variation in PM10 was generally characterized by a peak in winter and minimum values in summer. PM10 was lower during warmer periods, particularly during summer, and significantly, higher concentrations were observed during colder periods. Cluster analyses showed that airflow followed a seasonal pattern, with different results obtained in different seasons. According to the PSCF and CWT results, in winter and spring, the receptor site was influenced more by long-range PM10 pollution, particularly from heavily industrialized areas in Central-Eastern Europe. In contrast, in summer and autumn, the receptor site was less influenced by long-range pollution. The findings demonstrate that the seasonal distributions of PM10 source areas obtained using these two methods generally share similar characteristics, suggesting the credibility and accuracy of the analytical results.
Infection rate among close contacts of patients with coronavirus disease in Japan: a descriptive study and literature review
Authors: Yamamura Osamu , Onishi Hidenori , Sakamaki Ippei , Fujita Ryousuke , Miyashita Hirofumi , Iwasaki Hiromichi
Published: October 2023

Background

In Japan, on April 20, 2020, the definition of a close contact regarding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was changed from a long-term contact time to a specified contact time of 15 min and from a contact distance of 2 m to 1 m.

Objectives

We aimed to determine the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rate among close contacts of patients with COVID-19 and determine the impact of the infection on transmission among close contacts.

Methods

The numbers of SARS-CoV-2 tests, SARS-CoV-2-positive cases, and close contacts of patients with COVID-19 were assessed between March 2020 and February 2021 in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The study period was subdivided into 3 periods. The second and third period contained data with the changed definition of close contact.

Results

Overall, 32,238 SARS-CoV-2 tests were performed. There were 545 patients with COVID-19 and 1487 close contacts, of whom 267 tested positive. The highest infection rate occurred in period 3. Distance, protective measures, and contact time with COVID-19 patients influenced the increased infection rate. The infection rate showed a rising trend from 11.1% in period 1 to 19.2% and 20.0% in periods 2 and 3, respectively (Cochran–Armitage test; P < 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex was an independent risk factor for infection of close contacts (odds ratio: 2.23; 95% confidence interval: 1.700–2.930).

Conclusions

Female sex is a risk factor for transmission by close contacts. The rate of infection among close contacts may be associated with contact time, contact distance, and protective measures.
The effect of transversus abdominis plane block application on postoperative analgesia quality and patient satisfaction after varicocele surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Boran Ömer Faruk , Urfalioglu Aykut , Arslan Mahmut , Yazar Fatih Mehmet , Bilal Bora , Orak Yavuz , Katı Bülent , Bozan Ayşe Azak
Published: October 2023

Background

Postoperative pain management is an important aspect of anesthesia care and multimodal analgesic techniques are generally recommended.

Objective

To compare the effect of spinal anesthesia + transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block application on postoperative analgesia quality and patient satisfaction with spinal anesthesia + intrathecal morphine (ITM) application.

Methods

A total of 70 patients were randomly separated into 2 groups as spinal anesthesia + TAP block (TAP block group, n = 34) and spinal anesthesia + ITM group (ITM group, n = 36). The groups were compared in respect of age, body mass index values, and visual analog scale (VAS) values at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h, and patient satisfaction was scored by Quality Improvement in Postoperative Pain Management at 24 h.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 32.52 ± 6.50 years in the TAP block group and 30.11 ± 5.62 years in the ITM group, with no statistically significant difference determined. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of VAS values at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 18 h. When the factors affecting postoperative patient satisfaction were evaluated, feeling fatigue after the surgery (r = −0.811, P = 0.001) and postoperative complications such as nausea, vomiting, and itching (r = −0.831, P = 0.001) were found to have a negative effect on patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

Due to low complication rates, TAP block is an effective application for postoperative analgesia management in varicocele operations that increases patient satisfaction postoperatively.
Relationship between variations in ecological conditions and the dynamics of intra-specific morphological diversity of Artemisia herba-alba Asso in Algeria
Authors: Benchohra Maghni , Ahmed Adda , Merah Othmane
Published: October 2023

This research work focused on the study of morphological diversity in 270 types of Artemisia herba-alba, known as “white wormwood,” from different bioclimatic stages and its relationship with the distribution and adaptation of the species. The phenotypic parameters studied include the aerial vegetative part of the leaves and the flowers. The existing relationships between the ecological conditions and the genetic dynamics expressed by the morphological polymorphism of the populations concerned have been established. Results obtained allowed us to admit that we have two ecotypes in Algeria: the first one has five flowers per capitulum and can be found at the level of the three bioclimatic floors studied; whereas the second one has eight flowers per capitulum occupying only the territories with a Saharan climate. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and UPGMA dendrogram allowed us to observe a very significant intra- and inter-population morphological polymorphism at the level of each site and between the different sites. This wide variability thus observed for A. herba-alba could help research on a large collection of individuals and therefore to choose the most effective ecotypes in order to reintroduce this species in the steppe areas of Algeria.
Survey and repartition of Odonatofauna in the lotic and lentic waters of the Djurdjura and Soumman regions of Kabylia (North Central Algeria)
Authors: Taleb Lamia Ait , Chelli Abdelmadjid , Djamila Sadoudi Ali Ahmed , Abdelheq Zouaimia , Zinette Bensakhri , Houhamdi Moussa , Zebsa Rabah
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the Odonata fauna structure and composition in Kabylia’s wetlands (central north Algeria) by sampling 36 potential sites (16 wadis and 20 water reservoirs) in the two main departments of this region, namely, the Kabylia of Djurdjura (Tizi Ouzou) and the Kabylia of Soummam (Bejaia). This region has one of the most important hydrographic systems in Algeria and a wide range of exceptional wetlands due to its important rainfall regime. A lack of studies, especially in the western part of the region (Tizi Ouzou), prompts a specific inventory and ecological analysis of the Odonata population over a period of 6 months (from April to September 2021). Forty species of Odonata have been recorded in Kabylia, of whichPyrrhosoma nymphularepresents a new record for Algeria, raising the reference list to 64 species. There are four northern African endemic species and among these, we report on the rediscovery of the critically endangered (EN)Calopteryx exulin Algeria, recorded in the 19th century and deemed to have been extinct after an absence of more than a century;Gomphus lucasiiis assessed as vulnerable (VU) andEnallagma desertiandPlatycnemis subdilatataare judged as least concern (LC).
Determinants of the Inflation Rate: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Ujkani Xheneta , Gara Atdhetar
Published: October 2023

This study analyzes the relationship between macroeconomic factors that affect the inflation rate. Through our research, we will analyze the impact of money supply growth, economic growth, import level and export level on the inflation rate for 40 countries that we have taken. There are: 6 Latin American countries, 2 Western Balkan countries, 19 Europe countries, 10 countries of Asia, 2 countries of Africa and Australia, within 8 years, namely from 2012 to 2023. The data for the execution of the work were obtained from the World Bank as a credible institution for the publication of statistics and Trading Economics, Another important institution in terms of statistics where 320 observations which are included in the analysis, so the data of this study are second- hand data. Since we have a group of study countries, then the data type of the study is Panel. The econometric model that we used for analysis is the model with the method of small squares. The findings of this paper show that countries that increase the money supply will also face an increase in the inflation rate, so the impact of the money supply on the inflation rate is positive. In the research countries, the results show us that we have a very small difference in the average import and export, which results in a very small average economic growth.
Embracing Nature in the Built Environment: Evaluation of Biophilic Design Patterns in Selected Resorts
Authors: Abraham Ajijolaoluwa Oluwasemilore , Oluwatayo Adedapo A. , Nduka Dike M.
Published: October 2023

The integration of natural elements into the built environment, commonly referred to as biophilic design, has garnered interest due to its capacity to improve well-being and foster sustainable lifestyles. Resorts, which serve as temporary retreats for individuals seeking relaxation and leisure, offer a range of amenities and the opportunity to engage with nature. This paper aims to investigate the implementation of biophilic design patterns within selected resorts. Given its rich heritage and abundant natural resources, Ibadan, Nigeria was selected as the study location for this study. The research employed a quantitative methodology, employing convenience sampling to ensure a representative sample from the population. Questionnaires were distributed using a census sampling technique. The results of this study demonstrate a substantial implementation of biophilic design strategies in the chosen resorts. It is strongly advised to incorporate biophilic design strategies right from the inception of the design process, rather than considering them as an afterthought.
OCENJIVANJE POTENCIJALA GLOBALNOG ZAGREVANJA PRI UPRAVLJANJU KOMUNALNIM OTPADOM ZA OPŠTINU NOVI SAD
Authors: Jovanović Slađana , Agarski Boris , Ubavin Dejan
Published: October 2023

U radu je izvršeno ocenjivanje uticaja upravljanja komunalnim otpadom za opštinu Novi Sad. Ocenjivanje je izvršeno korišćenjem metode ocenjivanja životnog ciklusa – LCA (engl. Life Cycle Assesment). Cilj rada je da se analizira uticaj različitih tretmana komunalnog otpada na potencijal globalnog zagrevanja - GWP (eng. Global Warming Potential), prema različitim scenarijima. Analizom rezultata utvrđeno je da najveći uticaj na GWP uglavnom ima komunalni otpad koji se odlaže na deponije i spaljivanje, a najmanji uticaj ima reciklaža.
Prevalence and risk factors of scaphoid fracture among elderly patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alyousef Yousef , Almyimoni Saleh
Published: October 2023

Background: Scaphoid fractures are a common injury among the elderly, although their occurrence and impact in Saudi Arabia are poorly understood. This study aims to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of scaphoid fractures in Saudi Arabian senior patients.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among senior patients (60 years and older) visiting an outpatient clinic in Saudi Arabia. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data on demographic features, chronic illnesses, psychiatric disorders, and the impact of scaphoid fractures on quality of life were obtained. Using logistic regression, risk variables for scaphoid fractures were identified.
Results: There were a total of 370 elderly participants in the study. The majority of participants were between the ages of 71 and 80 (n = 190, 51.4%), while the majority were female (n = 230, 62.2%). In addition, 30 patients (8.1%) reported a previous diagnosis of a scaphoid fracture. Twenty individuals (66.7%) noted that the scaphoid fracture disrupted their daily lives. Female gender [OR = 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17-2.91, p = 0.009], older age groups (OR = 1.87-6.70, p = 0.001), obesity (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.22-3.99, p = 0.009), and chronic conditions (OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.15-3.19, p = 0.012) were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of scaphoid fracture.
Conclusion: Scaphoid fractures are relatively prevalent among aged individuals in Saudi Arabia, with females and older age groups being at a higher risk. Chronic illnesses and psychiatric problems have also been recognized as scaphoid fracture risk factors.
The association between vitamin A deficiency and chalazion: a systematic review
Authors: Alhumaid Fatima , Ibrahim Abdullah , Alshehri Waleed , Albelowi Ahmed , Aleid Shaikha
Published: October 2023

Background: A chalazion is a common eye condition resulting from the accumulation of sebaceous secretions due to an obstructed meibomian gland which eventually will elicit the formation of a lipo-granulomatous reac tion. Recent attention is directed to vitamin A deficiency, being one of the contributing risk factors that have been studied, particularly in children. Vitamin A deficiency is common in certain geographical distributions due to the lack of access to vitamin A-rich nutrients, resulting in a wide range of related ocular morbidities.
Methodology: We aim to systemically review the available literature on the role of vitamin A deficiency in chalazion development. The search for relevant studies was carried out with the use of four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. After screening the search results, removing duplicates, and assessing the eligibility of the retrieved ones, a total of four studies were found to be eligible and hence, included in the review.
Results: One study that assessed the association of vitamin A and D with the risk of chalazion after collecting blood samples from cases and control groups has shown that vitamin A deficiency in the group of patients with chalazion (52.2%) was much higher than the control group (28.6%) with no significant difference in vitamin D levels between the two subjects. Similar results were concluded from the other studies as well.
Conclusion: To conclude, the available studies in the literature support the association of vitamin A with chalazion, although insufficient. Further studies are needed to support the available evidence.
The prevalence of shoulder injuries in individuals who participate in CrossFit training in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Ghalia , Alhamam Naif , Asiree Ahmed , Almutairi Majed , Alnasser Majed , Alnajar Hassan
Published: October 2023

Background: CrossFit is a workout emphasizing successive ballistic motions to build strength and endurance.
Aims: To determine if any characteristics of the participant or the training would influence the risk of shoulder injuries.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. The duration will be from August 2021 to September 2021. We will use self-administered online questionnaires. The study included Saudis above 18 years old and excluded shoulder injuries before CrossFit training.
Results: Out of the 715 who participated in the study, 197 (38.1%) participants were female, while 320 (61.9%) were male. Two of three participants said that this injury happened during a CrossFit championship. The diagnosis of the injury varied between inflammation and general pain (33.3%), overuse of the joint (33.3%), and partial rotator cuff (33.3%).
Conclusion: We found that the most common cause of the injury was wrong movement during the training. Furthermore, all injured participants either stopped or had to adjust their training, consequently. Trainers should be appointed to monitor the trainee's movements and avoid injuries.
Knowledge about developmental dysplasia of the hip and its treatment methods among adults in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Hashim Majdi , Alshehri Abdulrahman , Alomary Saleh , Alorainy Belal , Alswat Abdullah
Published: October 2023

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) refers to a group of malformations that affect the acetabulum, femoral head, or both. This study aims to measure the knowledge and attitude toward DDH and its treatment methods among adults in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia between August and October 2022. Adults aged 18 years and above who lived in Saudi Arabia formed the study population. The participants were selected using a snowball sampling technique.
Results: A total of 948 participants were involved in this study. More than half (63.6%) of the participants confirmed that they knew about DDH. The most common source of information about DDH was self-education (16.8%), followed by social media (14.9%). Participants demonstrated weak levels of knowledge with a mean score of 3.2 out of 9, representing 35.6%. Furthermore, the results of our study indicated higher levels of knowledge among female and younger participants.
Conclusion: Almost two-thirds of participants are aware of DDH, and the most common source of information was self-education. However, their knowledge regarding its causes, clinical features, and treatments was deficient. Information on the population's level of knowledge regarding DDH is the first step toward increasing awareness and knowledge levels of this condition. This can be achieved through real-life awareness campaigns by health institutions and healthcare providers or through virtual campaigns on social media platforms.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding epilepsy first aid among caregivers of epileptic patients in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohamad Rofayda , Albalawi Amani , Ayoub Afnan , Khalif Faduma , Albalawi Nuwayr , Alshahrani Rawn , Bahowarth Sarah , Alqahtani Thekra , Awaji Bassam
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study aimed to examine knowledge level, attitude, and practice regarding epilepsy first aid among caregivers in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, data from 506 adult caregivers in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia, were collected to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, and practice related to epilepsy and first aid for patients with epilepsy.
Results: Regarding epilepsy first aid, the participants showed good knowledge, and the majority felt comfortable providing first aid to epileptic patients. Many participants held that cultural or religious beliefs do not influence how epilepsy first aid is perceived or administered. Over half of the participants had heard misconceptions or myths about epilepsy and its first aid. Younger participants showed higher knowledge of epilepsy first aid than older participants. Most participants believed that providing first aid for epilepsy was not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: Good knowledge was noticed among the participants regarding epilepsy first aid. Most participants were not familiar with any alternative or traditional remedies for epilepsy that are believed to be effective.
Weapons of the frontier wars
Authors: Pagels Anthony , Burke Heather , Wallis Lynley A. , Barker Bryce
Published: October 2023

Firearms were critical to the activities of the Queensland Native Mounted Police, a frontier force tasked with suppressing Aboriginal resistance in the colony of Queensland, Australia, between 1848 and 1929. Wider colonial processes meant that arming the Native Mounted Police was never straightforward, despite a dedicated program to standardise and update police weaponry from 1864 onwards. In this paper we use historical, archaeological and museum collections data to produce, for the first time, a definitive list of nine weapons and the ammunition known to have been issued to, and used by, the Native Mounted Police. In general, these weapons transitioned to ever more sophisticated and lethal breech-loading technology, and arms were quickly superseded, although older models were retained in use, resulting in detachments often being armed with an assortment of weaponry. This heterogeneity may have contributed to the use of different tactics by detachments in varying environmental zones. Although the identification of the weapons and ammunition outlined here has value for other contexts, the chief contribution of this research lies in its potential to provide an archaeological dataset to identify putative events of frontier conflict involving the Queensland Native Mounted Police.
Social Contract: About Approaches to Its Theoretization and Its Philosophical Prospects
Authors: Rakhinsky Dmitry Vladimirovich , Panasenko Galina Vasilevna , Ravochkin Nikita Nikolaevich , Morozova Olga Fedorovna , Mineev Valerii Valerevich
Published: October 2023

The authors raise the question of the content of the concept of “social contract theory”, discuss the key socio-philosophical content of social contract theories and modern views on it. The object of the study is the social contract as a philosophical concept, the subject of the study is the currently developed ways of interpreting and applying this concept. The goal towards which the research presented in the article is aimed is to understand the ways of developing the concept of a social contract and the prospects for its further socio-philosophical use. The significance of the concept of a social contract for discussing the ontological foundations of the norms and obligations implemented in society that arise between the actors of social interaction is revealed. The theoretical and methodological innovations used by modern authors are analyzed to develop the concept of the social contract. In the course of this study, the authors used methods of comparative analysis (in relation to the considered ways of understanding the social contract), analytical and interpretive methods, and a historical-genetic method (in the context of considering ways of developing the concept of a social contract). The scientific novelty of the study lies in the formulation of assumptions regarding the philosophical prospects for the development of the concepts of social contract, as well as in the discussion of the meaning and methods of application of these concepts. Based on the study, the authors conclude that the concept of a social contract is of current importance in the context of reflecting the foundations of norms regulating social interaction.
ENLARGEMENT OF DIDACTIC LEARNING UNITS AND INCLUSION IN A PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT
Authors:   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University ETU ", Tolkacheva E. A. ,   LETI",   , Saint Petersburg, Russia, Kazakevich V. G. ,   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University ETU "LETI", Saint Petersburg, Russia
Published: October 2023

The article considers the possibilities of pedagogical technology for the enlargement of didactic units to solve the problem of inclusion in a professional context in fundamental engineering education. Inclusion in a professional context makes it possible to systematize the content of professional education. The concept of enlargement of didactic units was developed by Academician MP Erdniev in the second half of the 20th century. The studies of the Soviet pedagogical school not only have not lost their relevance, but also provide a scientific and methodological basis for the development of modern teaching technologies.
ON THE QUESTION OF DISTANCE LEARNING IN MATHEMATICS
Authors:   Peter the great ST.Petersburg polytechnic university, Saint Petersburg, Russia, Ulanov V. A. , Ulanova T. A. ,   Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology (Technical University), Saint Petersburg, Russia, Isakova E. A. ,   Baltic State Technical University "Voenmeh" named after D.F. Ustinov, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Published: October 2023

Distance learning of mathematics naturally has its own peculiarities when conducting classes. This includes monitoring attendance of classes, conducting independent and control work, checking the completion of homework. But direct communication with students is very important when teaching not only mathematics. Some specific recommendations are offered for distance learning of students. Lecture classes, seminar classes, and the student's personal homework are discussed. These notes substantiate the effectiveness of this method of training and suggest how technically it can be done.
FORMATION OF MATHEMATICAL COMPETENCE IN THE CONDITIONS OF INCLUSIVE LEARNING OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES BY HEARING AT A TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
Authors:   Kazan National Research Technical University, Kazan, Russia, Irtuganova E. A. , Akhmetova I. R. ,   Kazan National Research Technical University, Kazan, Russia, Minegaliev A. T. ,   Kazan National Research Technical University, Kazan, Russia
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this work is to study the features of the formation of mathematical competence in students with hearing impairments at a technical university. The objectives of the study are to analyze the educational, cognitive and communicative features of students with hearing and speech pathologies, and to discuss the most optimal conditions for mastering mathematical competence by them. The relevance of the study lies in the development of approaches to building a model for studying a mathematical module in the system of inclusive education.
APPLYING OF PYTHON TOOLS IN A STATISTICS COURSE
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow, Russia, Kuznetsova А. А.
Published: October 2023

The methodological aspects of teaching mathematical statistics in a technical university using laboratory work are considered. Examples of tasks that can be solved using the SciPy and NumPy libraries of the Python language are given. The advantages of this programming language over other computer mathematical systems are substantiated. The problems of generating data from a given distribution, constructing confidence intervals, testing hypotheses, correlation analysis, and some others are considered.
Cytomorphology of skin adnexal tumors and its correlation with histopathology in a tertiary care center
Authors: Shahab Juhi , Sharan Smriti , Singh Mukul , Ahuja Sana , Ahluwalia Charanjeet , Agrawal Meetu , Ranga Sunil
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Even though fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be successfully used for describing the cytomorphology of skin adnexal tumors and can help in identification of them as benign or malignant, histopathology remains the gold standard in confirmation of diagnosis. Skin adnexal tumors are a large and diverse group and are relatively less commonly encountered in routine practice; hence, knowledge of cytological features of these lesions is crucial for their appropriate management. The present study aims to evaluate the cytomorphological features of skin adnexal tumors on FNAC smears and their correlation with the histopathology.

Material and Methods:

This is a retrospective study of FNAC of 60 cases of subcutaneous and dermal swellings over a period of 4 years from August 2018 to August 2022 in a tertiary care center.

Results:

In the 60 cases of skin adnexal tumors evaluated, most cases were within the 2nd to 4th decade with male predominance. The FNA smears were helpful in picking up the nature of skin adnexal tumors, as in our case series, malignant lesions were 8.3% and benign were 91.7%. Majority adnexal lesions were of follicular or sebaceous differentiation. Histological diagnosis was available in 38 cases. Cytological diagnosis in 34 cases was concordant with histopathology. There was discrepancy observed in two cases which were reported as benign skin adnexal tumor but later turned out to be sebaceous carcinoma on histopathology.

Conclusion:

Even though histopathology being the gold standard for confirmation of diagnosis, in the current era of minimally invasive procedures, FNAC stands out as a valuable modality and can be a promising alternative to diagnose skin adnexal tumors and understand their cytomorphology as the data are limited about it.
Custard apple seeds induced toxic keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Gonde (Ballamwar) Payal
Published: October 2023

The patient developed severe symptoms of toxic keratoconjunctivitis within 6-12 h following accidental ocular exposure to custard apple seeds (Annona squamosa) which are used as a remedy for lice/dandruff in some parts of India. A 12 year-old female child was diagnosed with custard apple seed-induced toxic keratoconjunctivitis. A patient with informed consent was enrolled. She was advised to use topical antibiotics, lubricating agents and cycloplegic eyedrops. She responded well to treatment and keratoconjunctivitis resolved in 3 weeks with complete restoration of vision in both eyes. This case highlights the importance of prevailing traditional practices. Simple health education and more public awareness of harmful effects of custard apple seeds should be created to prevent such chemical injury.
Role of albumin-induced volume expansion therapy for cerebral vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A systematic review
Authors: Ali Arshad , Rajeswaran Arun Babu , Shaikh Nisar , Al-Rumaihi Ghaya , Al-Sulaiti Ghanem
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

This study reviews the effect of albumin-induced volume expansion therapy on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcome in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Materials and Methods:

Computer searches carried out from the Scopus, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Internet documents; hand searching of medical journals; and review of reference lists. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies (OSs) comparing albumin therapy in combination or alone with crystalloid therapy for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm in aSAH were included in the study. Risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using ROB2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and Oss, respectively.

Results:

Out of a total of 1078 searches, one RCT (published in two articles) and one observational (retrospective) study were included for final analysis. In RCT, albumin was used for volume expansion therapy with a baseline crystalloid regime and comparison made between hypervolemic and normovolemic groups and it showed no beneficial effects on symptomatic vasospasm and clinical outcomes based on the Glasgow outcome scale. Furthermore, the use of albumin showed a tendency for sodium retention with lowering of glomerular filtration rate, limiting the amount of total fluid required for targeted central venous pressure values, and thereby avoiding fluid overload manifestations. The retrospective study results between albumin versus non-albumin groups (crystalloids only) supported improved outcomes in the former group with lower in-hospital mortality. Cardiorespiratory complications were equivocal in RCT and increased in non-albumin group in the retrospective study. Risk-of-bias assessment analyses revealed “some concerns” in RCT and “serious” limitation in OS due to its retrospective design.

Conclusion:

Albumin-induced volume expansion therapy for cerebral vasospasm does not have substantiative evidence to improve cerebral vasospasm and clinical outcomes in aSAH. Studies with well-designed RCTs are required to compare the use of albumin for volume expansion therapy versus standard fluid management using crystalloids to mitigate the scarcity of published data.
Moderate bacteriophages: the secret weapon of bacteria or their Achilles heel?
Authors: Евдокимова Н.В. , Черненькая Т.В.
Published: October 2023

В последние десятилетия наблюдается возрождение активного интереса к фаговой терапии, связанный во многом с ограниченными возможностями антибиотикотерапии, а также с появлением данных о иммуномодулирующем действии фагов при их непосредственном взаимодействии с клетками иммунной системы человека. Изучение микробиома кишечника показало невероятное видовое богатство умеренных бактериофагов и их важную роль в регулировании численности и метаболической активности микробиомов человека. Особый интерес вызывает применение управляемой индукции (активации) профагов для лечения воспалительных заболеваний, вызванных бактериями. В настоящее время научная база для внедрения этого подхода в лечебную практику разработана слабо. Остаются опасения относительно неконтролируемого переноса генов патогенности и антибиотикорезистентности. Однако перспективы использования регуляторных возможностей умеренных бактериофагов для лечения хронических воспалительных заболеваний или дисбиотических нарушений в организме человека представляются реальными уже сейчас, особенно с учетом возможностей молекулярно-генетического модифицирования умеренных фагов.

In recent decades, active interest in phage therapy has revived, largely due to the limited possibilities of antibiotic therapy, as well as due to the emergence of data on the immunomodulatory effect of phages resulting from their direct interaction with human immune cells. Studying the intestinal microbiome has shown an incredible species richness of moderate bacteriophages and their important role in regulating the abundance and metabolic activity of human microbiomes. Of particular interest is the use of controlled induction (activation) of profages for the treatment of inflammatory diseases caused by bacteria. Currently, the scientific basis for implementing this approach into medical practice is poorly developed, and concerns remain about uncontrolled transfer of pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance genes. However, the prospects of using the regulatory capabilities of moderate bacteriophages for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases or dysbiotic disorders in the human body seem real, especially taking into account the possibilities of molecular genetic modification of moderate phages.
Mean Curvature Dictates the Diffusion of Lipids Along Curved Membranes
Authors: Fábián Balázs , Javanainen Matti
Published: October 2023

Curved cellular membranes are both abundant and functionally relevant. While novel tomography approaches reveal the structural details of curved membranes, their dynamics pose an experimental challenge. Curvature especially affects the diffusion of lipids and macromolecules, yet neither experiments nor continuum models distinguish geometric effects from those caused by curvature-induced changes in membrane properties. Molecular simulations could excel here, yet despite community interest towards curved membranes, tools for their analysis are still lacking. Here, we quantify curvature effects on lipid motion along membranes with mean and/or Gaussian curvature using an approach based on Vertex-oriented Triangle Propagation algorithm applied to coarse- grained simulations. This approach computes geodesic distances significantly faster than conventional implementations of path-finding algorithms. We find that Gaussian curvature plays a surprisingly small role, whereas mean curvature, i.e. the packing of lipid headgroups largely dictates their mobility. Our implementation, coined CurD, is fast, easy to use, and freely available.
Expanding Lipidomic Coverage in Multisegment Injection-Nonaqueous Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry via a Convenient and Quantitative Methylation Strategy
Authors: Ly Ritchie , Torres Lucas , Ly Nicholas , Britz-McKibbin Philip
Published: October 2023

Orthogonal separation techniques coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) are required for characterization of the human lipidome given its inherent chemical and structural complexity. However, electrophoretic separations remain largely unrecognized in contemporary lipidomics research as compared to various chromatographic and ion mobility methods. Herein, we introduce a novel derivatization protocol based on 3-methyl-1-p-tolyltriazene (MTT) as a safer alternative to diazomethane for quantitative phospholipid (PL) methylation (~ 90%), which enables their rapid analysis by multisegment injection-nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (MSI-NACE-MS). Isobaric interferences and ion suppression effects were minimized by performing an initial reaction using 9-fluorenylmethyoxycarbonyl chloride prior to MTT with a subsequent back extraction in hexane. This charge-switch derivatization strategy expands lipidome coverage when using MSI-NACE-MS under positive ion mode with improved resolution, greater sensitivity and higher throughput (~ 3.5 min/sample), notably for zwitter-ionic PLs that are analyzed as their cationic phosphate methyl esters. Our method was validated by analyzing methyl-tert-butyl ether extracts of reference human plasma, which allowed for a direct comparison of 48 phosphatidylcholine and 27 sphingomyelin species previously reported in an inter-laboratory lipidomics harmonization study. The potential for plasma PL quantification by MSI-NACE-MS via a serial dilution of NIST SRM-1950 was also demonstrated based on estimation of relative response factors using their reported consensus concentrations from a lipidomics harmonization study. Also, lipid identification was supported by modeling characteristic changes in the electrophoretic mobility for cationic PLs in conjunction with MS/MS. Overall, this work offers a practical derivatization protocol to expand lipidome coverage in CE-MS beyond the analysis of hydrophilic/polar metabolites under aqueous buffer conditions, which may also prove useful in shotgun and LC-MS lipidomic applications.
FRET-sensing of multivalent protein binding at the interface of targeted biomimetic microparticles functionalized with tunable fluorescent lipids
Authors: Michelis Sophie , Pompili Chiara , Niedergang Florence , Fattaccioli Jacques , Dumat Blaise , Mallet Jean-Maurice
Published: October 2023

Cell adhesion is a fundamental phenomenon for cell communication and regulation. Adhesion sites are triggered by the binding of single ligand-receptor pairs that will initiate the formation of clusters of receptors. To study cell adhesion in live cells with microscopy techniques, there is a need of fluorescent particles targeted towards membrane receptors with a signal sensitive to the binding and movement of receptors and ligands at the interface. We propose new biomimetic fluorescent lipid microparticles for membrane receptor targeting and sensing. The particles are functionalized with tailor-made fluorescent lipids targeted towards lectins or biotin membrane receptor and can be specifically recognized and internalized by cells as evidenced by their phagocytosis in primary murine bone-marrow derived macrophages. By using a FRET pair of fluorescent mannolipids, it was possible to detect the presence of concanavalin A in solution by energy transfer showing that the particles can sense receptor binding at the interface and the associated movement of the ligands at the site of adhesion. Our results demonstrate that this biosensing platform can be specifically internalized by phagocytes, effectively mimicking a bacteria, and reveal short-range interactions of surface receptors via FRET.
Visible-Light-Promoted Reduction of Epoxides, Hydroxysulfonates and Halohydrines with Alkyltitanium Alkoxides
Authors: Mikhaliov Artyom , Flerko Aliaksei , Atroshchanka Dziyana , Harakhouski Aliaksei , Budko Arsenii , Stasko Kirill , Bialkevich Andrei , Shepialevich Siarhei , Rusakovich Yahor , Hurski Alaksiej
Published: October 2023

Alkyltitanium alkoxides generally serve as nucleophiles in the reactions with carbonyl compounds and cross-coupling. Their application as reductants is known but remains underdeveloped. Here, we report that irradiation with visible light makes these organometallic compounds efficient reducing agents for the dehalogenation of 1,2- and 1,3-haloalcohols. This was utilized for the reduction of epoxides and hydroxysulphonates, which started with the in situ formation of haloalkoxies and followed by the photochemical dehalogenation step. Ester, amide, alkyne, sulphone, and remote bromide groups were stable under the reaction conditions.
Screening Cu-Zeolites for Methane Activation using Curriculum-based Training
Authors: Guo Jiawei , Sours Tyler , Holton Sam , Sun Chenghan , Kulkarni Ambarish
Published: October 2023

Machine learning (ML), when used synergistically with atomistic simulations, has recently emerged as a powerful tool for accelerated catalyst discovery. However, the application of these techniques has been limited by the lack of interpretable and transferable ML models. In this work, we propose a new philosophy called curriculum-based training (CBT) to systematically develop reactive machine learning potentials (rMLPs) for high-throughput screening zeolite catalysts. Our CBT approach combines several different types of calculations to gradually teach the ML model about the relevant regions of the reactive potential energy surface. The resulting rMLPs are accurate, transferrable, and interpretable. We further demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach by exhaustively screening thousands of [CuOCu]2+ sites across hundreds of Cu-zeolites for the industrially relevant methane activation reaction. Specifically, this large-scale analysis of the entire International Zeolite Association (IZA) database identifies a set of previously unexplored zeolites (i.e., MEI, ATN, EWO, and CAS) that show the highest ensemble-averaged rates for [CuOCu]2+-catalyzed methane activation. We believe that this CBT philosophy can be generally applied to other zeolite-catalyzed reactions and subsequently, to other types of heterogeneous catalysts. Thus, this represents an important step towards overcoming the long- standing barriers within the computational heterogeneous catalysis community.
hplc-py: A Python Package For Rapid Peak Quantification in Complex Chromatograms
Authors: Chure Griffin , Cremer Jonas
Published: October 2023

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography are analytical techniques which allow for the quantitative characterization of the chemical components of mixtures . Technological advancements in sample preparation and mechanical automation have allowed HPLC to become a high-throughput tool which poses new challenges for reproducible and rapid analysis of the resulting chromatograms. Here we present hplc-py, a Python package that permits rapid and reliable quantitation of component signals within a chromatogram for pipelined workflows. This is achieved by a signal detection and quantitation algorithm which i) identifies windows of time which contain peaks and ii) infers the parameters of a mixture of amplitude-weighted skew-normal distributions which sum to reconstruct the observed signal. This approach is particularly effective at deconvolving highly overlapping signals, allowing for precise absolute quantitation of chemical constituents with similar chromatographic retention times.
In situ polymer gelation in confined flow controls intermittent dynamics
Authors: Smith Barrett , Hashmi Sara
Published: October 2023

Polymer flows through pores, nozzles and other small channels govern engineered and naturally occurring dynamics in many processes, from 3D printing to oil recovery in the earth’s subsurface to a wide variety of biological flows. The crosslinking of polymers can change their material properties dramatically. In engineered flows, polymer crosslinking is often a situation to be avoided. For instance, in 3D printing it is greatly preferred for crosslinking to occur upon impact with a substrate rather than prior to exiting a nozzle. In blood flow, however, polymer crosslinking can either be advantageous, as in wound healing, or pathological, as in thromboembolism formation. In either of these situations, and others, it is advantageous to know a priori whether or not crosslinking polymers will lead to clogged channels or cessation of flow. In this study, we investigate the flow of a common biopolymer, alginate, while it undergoes crosslinking by the addition of a crosslinker, calcium, driven through a microfluidic channel at constant flow rate. While quantifying the limits on flowability and clogging in situ in this crosslinking polymer system, we observe a remarkable phenomenon in which the crosslinked polymer intermittently clogs the channel. We observe a pattern of deposition and removal of a crosslinked gel that is simultaneously highly reproducible, long-lasting and controllable by a variety of parameters. We map this behavior as a function of flow rate, polymer concentration, and crosslinker concentration. Our results pave the way for future investigations of the dynamics and control of intermittent flows in crosslinking polymers.
Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of the Dewar Isomer of 1,2-Azaborinine, a B-N Isostere of Benzene
Authors: Lin Huina , Yang Xinyu , Liu Shih-Yuan , Jaekle Frieder
Published: October 2023

The first example of the polymerization of a Dewar isomer of an azaborinine heterocycle is reported. Con-trolled ring-opening metathesis polymerization was accomplished with Grubbs and Hoveya-Grubbs 2nd genera-tion catalysts (G2, HG2), as well as a Z-selective Ru catalyst (HGM2001). The unprecedented structure of the polymers containing 4-membered B-N heterocycles was verified by GPC, multinuclear and 2D NMR. Differ-ences in regiochemistry of polymers derived from G2/HG2 versus the Z-selective catalyst HGM2001 were sub-stantiated by 2D NOESY, FT-IR and Raman analyses. The incorporation of B-N heterocycles into these polymer structures is promising as a novel route to functional polymers that contain polar side groups.
From soft ionization mass spectrometry to “chemical bond” and resistance, semiconductor, superconductivity -- the law of charge motion in phase transition under weak electric field
Authors: Luo Jiehong
Published: October 2023

Propose the possible reason of resistance, establish models of conductors, semiconductors, and insulators, and explain the reason why resistance is proportional to temperature. By utilizing models of resistance, conductors, and the research content of soft ionization mass spectrometry, the microscopic mechanism of superconductivity is proposed. Studying the movement of charges under weak electric fields in different states (phase transitions) such as gas, liquid, and solid is helpful for understanding experimental phenomena such as ion sources, mass spectrometers, electrophoresis, resistance, conductors, semiconductors, and superconductivity.