bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deep Semantic Matching Approach To-wards Dynamic Text Filtering in Micro-Blog Messages.
Authors: Biggers Frederick Brown , Mohanty Somya , Manda Prashanti
Published: February 2023

There is a growing interest in using social media content for Natural Language Processing applications. This paper seeks to demonstrate a way to present the changing semantics of Twitter within the context of a crisis event, specifically tweets during Hurricane Irma. Using an implementation of the Word2Vec method of Neural Network training mechanisms to create Word Embeddings, this paper will: discuss how the relative meaning of words changes as events unfold; present a mechanism for scoring tweets based upon dynamic, relative context relatedness; and show that similarity between words is not necessarily static.
Thermal Conductivity Prediction of Metal Matrix Particulate Composites: Theoretical Methodology and Application
Authors: Chen Zhen , Wang Fazhan , Yu Wenbo , Wang Yixuan
Published: February 2023

To make more accurate predictions of the effective thermal conductivity of the composites, a systematic method for predicting the effective thermal conductivity of metal matrix particle composites with arbitrarily shaped particles was proposed, and the geometry of random particles with controlled shape characteristics is reconstructed. In addition, the geometric vertices of the reconstructed particles are used to characterize the morphology of inclusions with complex profile in two-dimensional isotropic elasticity, and its explicit expression for the Eshelby tensor are explored. Moreover, the material mismatch between the particles and the matrix phase is simulate using a continuously distributed source field based on the Eshelby's equivalent inclusion method. The relationship between micro-structure and effective performance is established. Finally, the effective thermal conductivity of CuCr alloys was predicted using the ETC prediction model. Through the comparison of the numerical simulations, experiments, and calculations, the results show that the ETC model has reliable predictive capability.
Combined modality treatment of operable breast cancer using intraoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Alaichiev N. A. , Usynin E. A. , Kondakova I. V. , Sereda E. E. , Frolova I. G. , Doroshenko A. V. , Garbukov E. Yu. , Startseva Zh. A.
Published: February 2023

Objective of the study: To review worldwide literature data on the efficacy of combined modality treatment including intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) in patients with operable breast cancer (BC).

Material and Мethods. Of 110 publications (2000–2021) available from Scopus, Pubmed, Elibrary and other databases, using the key “breast cancer”, “local recurrence”, “intraoperative radiotherapy” and “radiation technique”, 45 were included in the literature review.

Results. Radiotherapy is of paramount importance in the organpreserving treatment of breast cancer, as numerous randomised studies have shown that the use of postoperative radiotherapy dramatically reduces the number of locoregional recurrences. The use of IORT as an effective method of relapse prevention compared to standard postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is an important trend in radiation oncology.

Conclusion. The use of IORT in combination treatment modality for operable breast cancer should be differentiated and based on clinical and morphological prognostic factors. Different molecular subtypes of breast cancer are characterized by significant differences in pathogenesis and response to therapy. Further studies on the effectiveness of IORT are required to identify a group of patients with absolute indications for the use of IORT.
Predicting the site of distant metastases in breast cancer
Authors: Grigoryeva E. S. , Ivanyuk E. E. , Choinzonov E. L. , Cherdyntseva N. V.
Published: February 2023

Background. Distant organ tumor dissemination is a major cause of breast cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer can metastasize to several organs, and the most frequent metastatic sites include the bones, lungs and liver. There is a question what factors can influence the direction of spread of tumor cells to a particular organ.

Material and Methods. We summarized the data available in the world literature on methods for prediction of the localization of distant metastases in breast cancer patients.

Results. We divided the factors associated with the localization of distant metastases into two main groups: clinicopathological parameters of breast cancer patients and molecular features of tumor microenvironment and tumor cells (primary tumor and circulating tumor cells) or its derivates – exosomes. From our point of view, the most powerful clinicopathological factor predicting the distant metastasis site is a molecular subtype of primary tumor. We can conclude that luminal (HR+/HER2-) tumors are often characterized by single metastases and bones are the most common metastatic site, while TNBC and HER2-enriched tumors often metastasize to multiple sites, most commonly brain and liver. However, several authors did not reveal these associations in their studies. It likely indicates the existence of other factors that significantly affect the organotropism of metastasis. Numerous studies demonstrate the association of different molecules expressed on tumor cells with organotropic metastasis. However, these data are very fragmentary and rather contradictory.

Conclusion. The found associations are common to all participants of metastatic cascade, but remains unclear which factors are essential and crucial in determining the direction of metastasis.
Replantation of solitary kidney in a patient with giant primary retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Rasulov R. I. , Muratov A. A.
Published: February 2023

Background. Surgery for non-organ malignant retroperitoneal tumors poses a serious challenge. Long-term asymptomatic course of the disease leads to a delayed diagnosis, when tumors can reach massive size with potential involvement of adjacent organs and critical structures. In most cases, nephrectomy is often required during resection of retroperitoneal sarcomas. Recently, there has been growing interest in nephronsaving surgery for large retroperitoneal tumors.

Description of the clinical case. A 70-year-old patient was admitted to Irkutsk Regional Cancer Center with right-sided giant primary retroperitoneal tumor and grade 1 hydronephrosis of solitary right kidney. The patient underwent extended resection of primary retroperitoneal tumor with right-sided hemicolectomy and nephradrenalectomy. Extracorporeal resection of the solitary kidney was then performed. After obtaining negative kidney smears (imprints), the kidney was replanted in the pool of right iliac vessels. No complications were observed in the postoperative period. Histopathology examination revealed was welldifferentiated liposarcoma. On follow-up examination 38 months after surgery, there were no signs of local tumor recurrence, and renal function was satisfactory.

Conclusion. Extracorporeal resection of the kidney with heterotopic replantation is an effective nephron-saving method in surgery for primary retroperitoneal sarcomas. The patient’s solitary kidney with primary retroperitoneal sarcoma is an absolute indication for kidney’s saving, including the use of transplant technologies.
Combined modality treatment of patients with stage IV gastric cancer with peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Markovich V. A. , Tuzikov S. A. , Rodionov E. O. , Popova N. O. , Tsyganov M. M. , Miller S. V. , Podolko D. V. , Tsydenova I. A. , Ibragimova M. K. , Litviakov N. V.
Published: February 2023

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients. Stage IV gastric cancer (GC) is diagnosed in 39.8 % of patients; local metastases without evidence of distant metastases occur only in 18–20 % of stage IV gastric cancer patients.

The purpose of the study was to estimate the efficacy of personalized chemotherapy in the combined modality treatment of patients with stage IV GC with peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Material and Methods. Cytoreductive surgery was performed in 70 patients with GC with peritoneal dissemination. The control group patients (n=35) received postoperative chemotherapy with the FOLFOX regimen. The study group patients (n=35) received personalized systemic and intraperitoneal chemotherapy based on the expression of chemosensitivity and resistance genes.

Results. The median survival time (18.7 months) in the study group patients was higher than that in the control group and in studies described in the world literature (CRS + HIPEC). Personalized chemotherapy improved median progressionfree survival (PFS) by 4.6 months (29.1 %) and median overall survival (OS) by 6 months (32 %) compared to FOLFOX regimen chemotherapy. In the study group, the 1-, 2and 3-year survival rates were observed in 35 (100 %), 9 (27 %) and 1 (3 %) patients, respectively.

Conclusion. Personalized chemotherapy in the combined modality treatment can improve long-term treatment outcomes (longer median PFS and OS) in GC patients with peritoneal dissemination.
Assessment of the effectiveness of surgical resections following tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in patients with EGFR-mutated stage III–IV lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Levchenko E. V. , Moiseenko F. V. , Orlov S. V. , Imyanitov E. N. , Mikhnin A. E. , Gelfond M. L. , Slugin E. N. , Ergnyan S. M. , Levchenko N. E. , Zhabina A. S. , Ulitin A. M. , Mamontov O. Yu. , Lopushanskaya O. O. , Artemeva E. V. , Murtazin A. I. , Shabinskaya V. I.
Published: February 2023

Objective. To assess the overall and disease-free survival rates in patients with EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma, who underwent surgery after achieving the objective response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.

Material and Methods. The overall and disease-free survival rates were analyzed in 18 patients with EGFR-positive lung adenocarcinoma, which was inoperable at presentation due to locally advanced disease or the evidence of distant metastasis. In accordance with the clinical standards, patients were recommended for TKI therapy. Surgical resection was performed after achieving the objective tumor response to TKI therapy. The control group included 23 patients with EGFR mutation-positive lung adenocarcinoma, who did not undergo surgery after receiving TKI therapy.

Results. The study revealed a statistically significant effect of surgical resection on the overall survival (OS) in patients with EGFR mutation-positive stage III–IV lung adenocarcinoma after response to TKI therapy (p=0.004). However, there was no statistically significant effect on the disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.40). There was a tendency to increase in the median OS in patients of the study group (46 months) compared to that in patients of the control group (26 months). Surgery in the study group was characterized with some technical difficulties associated with severe fibrosis. However, this did not affect the duration of surgery and the volume of blood loss.

Conclusion. Tumor resection in patients with 

EGFR mutation-positive stage III–IV lung adenocarcinoma is feasible and safe, but requires highly qualified team surgeons in well-equipped medical centers. Our study revealed that the combination of EGFR-TKI and tumor resection provided better PFS and OS than EGFR-TKI alone. However, further studies are required.
Corrosion Electrochemical Behavior of 2024 Aluminum Alloy in Potassium Acetate Deicing Fluid
Authors: Xiuzhou Lin , Wei Zhao , Feng Yang , Han Yang , Qiang Peng , Yongjun Mei , Yuhao Wang , Baojie Dou
Published: February 2023

The low-temperature electrochemical corrosion behavior of aircraft 2024 aluminum alloy was investigated in different concentrations of potassium-acetate-type fluid, and the results showed that the corrosion medium initially impacted some corrosiveness on the 2024 aluminum alloy. However, the corrosion rate of the alloy decreased with prolonged immersion in the corrosion medium, and this was attributed to the protective effect of the corrosion products layer, which impeded the attack by the aggressive solution. Time-domain analysis of electrochemical noise measurements at -5 °C revealed the occurrence of uniform corrosion on the alloy at the initial stages of immersion, general corrosion at the middle stages of immersion, and a pitting-dominated corrosion type from the middle to late stages of immersion.
Программные возможности применения метода айтрекинга в исследованиях зрительного восприятия
Authors: Скуратова Ксения А. , Шелепин Евгений Ю. , Шелепин Константин Ю.
Published: February 2023

Введение. Движения глаз объективно отражают перцептивные, когнитивные и эмоциональные процессы при зрительном восприятии. Исследования, направленные на анализ окуломоторной активности человека, требуют использования специального оборудования (инфракрасного видеоокулографа, или айтрекера), а также программного обеспечения для создания, проведения и анализа экспериментов. Методы. Качественный анализ результатов айтрекинг-исследований позволяет визуализировать порядок внимания (с помощью карт движения взгляда), а также долю внимания (с помощью тепловых карт) к элементам стимула. С помощью количественного анализа возможно статистически проверить гипотезы о распределении внимания, а также оценить когнитивную нагрузку как по всему стимулу, так и выделив отдельные области интереса (т. н. механизм областей интереса – Areas of Interest – позволяющий подсчитывать статистику в отдельных частях стимула). Количественные параметры используются для классификации ошибок и как прогностическая метрика распознавания целевого объекта. Количественные параметры фиксаций и саккад применяются для оценки профессионального опыта, а также диагностики нарушений психического развития и эмоциональных нарушений. Результаты и их обсуждение. Программное обеспечение с расширенными возможностями качественного и количественного анализа позволяет комплексно оценить как психические процессы человека, так и визуальные особенности предъявляемого стимула. Углубленный анализ метрик глазодвигательной активности в первую очередь актуален для исследований в области когнитивной психологии, но может быть полезен и в других научных и прикладных областях: психопатологии, педагогике, эргономике, медицине, нейромаркетинге. Показаны механизмы обработки «сырых данных» и алгоритмы детерминации типов движений глаз, выделения саккад и фиксаций на примере алгоритма IVT. Даны примеры исследований в прикладных областях. Новизна статьи заключается в том, что айтрекинг рассматривается как средство для изучения когнитивных процессов и анализа взгляда человека на пространственно-временно́й основе. Он представляет собой интеграцию качественного и количественного анализа с помощью специализированного программного обеспечения.
The Relationship between Teaching-Learning Conceptions and Sense of Self-Efficacy of Pre-Service EFL Teachers
Authors: Yıldırım Şeyma , Biçer Adnan
Published: February 2023

Teachers’ teaching-learning conceptions and sense of selfefficacy are important constructs that can affect each other and directly influence the effectiveness of teaching. This study investigates the relationship between teachinglearning conceptions and sense of self-efficacy of preservice EFL teachers using a mixed-method research design. The quantitative data were collected from 374 4th grader pre-service teachers who were studying ELT in state universities. This study used the Turkish versions of the Teaching and Learning Conceptions Questionnaire and Teacher Sense of Efficacy Scale. Open-ended questions were used to gather qualitative data from 42 pre-service teachers who consented to respond. Descriptive statistical techniques and content analysis were used for the data analysis. The study found that teachers adopted a constructivist conception more than a traditional one. The results also suggest that the pre-service teachers have high level of self-efficacy beliefs. The results showed that preservice teachers' teaching-learning conceptions and sense of self-efficacy were related. High and positive correlations were found between their constructivist conception and efficacy for student engagement, efficacy for instructional strategies, and efficacy for classroom management. The preservice teachers felt efficacious in instructional strategies, student involvement, and classroom management. Their traditional conception is negatively correlated to their efficacy for student engagement.Taking the results into consideration, implications and suggestions were formulated for the main stakeholders of language teacher education.
Laparoscopic Approach to a Patient with Omental Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Tayade Shriya Devendra , Bose Vaishnavi , Ameer Ashna , Alfard Alali Maryam Essa , Abdulrahim Manal
Published: February 2023

Background:

Omental infarction is an entity that seldom manifests with gastrointestinal symptoms and often presents a diagnostic challenge. Due to its nonspecific presentation, it is usually not included as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, especially in an emergency setting.

Case Presentation::

We present the case of a 38-year-old overweight female, seen in the emergency department, with a complaint of sudden onset of worsening epigastric abdominal pain for four days. The pain became more localized at the right iliac fossa two days before the admission. A physical examination revealed severe right iliac fossa tenderness and positive rebound tenderness.

:

A computed tomography of the abdomen was done and showed a localized area of mesenteric fat stranding in the right lumbar region reaching up
to the inferior border of the right lobe of the liver with adjacent peritoneal fold thickening, likely suggesting inflammatory etiology. However, the
appendix was visualized normally with a mild enhancement of the distal part suggesting secondary mild acute appendicitis.

:

A decision for diagnostic laparoscopy was made, where we found a 4x4 cm infarcted greater omental segment, which was excised and sent for
histopathology.

Conclusion::

Idiopathic omental infarction is a rare cause of acute abdomen in adults and needs to be considered as a potential differential diagnosis, especially
if the clinical finding does not correspond with common conditions, like acute appendicitis.
An Update on Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase I-A Brief Review
Authors: Negi Preeya , Lakshmanan Kaviarasan , Patel Praveen Kumar , Rajagopal Kalirajan , Byran Gowramma
Published: February 2023

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) plays important roles in both DNA repair and
transcription, and the interplay of these processes in relation to cellular function and disease states has
not been well defined. The tumor-suppressor effects of PARP inhibitors have attracted significant interest
in the development of novel cancer therapies. As PARP1 binding motifs may be readily found
in promoter elements of DNA repair genes, the expanding role of PARP1 in DNA repair does not
have to be independent of transcription. The discovery of ADP-ribose binding modules that bind to
various forms of mono- and poly-ADP-ribose has provided important insights into how ADPribosylation
regulates different cellular pathways. Among the four distinct PAR-binding modules discovered
so far, it is the macrodomain alone that, in addition to possessing binding activity, in some
instances, also supports a catalytic activity toward ADP-ribose derivatives. However, the development
of PARP inhibitors as chemopotentiating agents has been limited by an increase in observed toxicity,
mainly myelosuppression, necessitating dose reduction of the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent and
the PARP inhibitor. Hence, it presents an opportunity to rationally develop combinations of PARP
inhibitors with new classes of DNA repair inhibitors that are on the horizon and classical cytotoxic
agents. Clinical trials of PARP inhibitors are investigating various uses of these approaches in cancer.
Recent studies on the clinical significance of PARP1 inhibitors are discussed in this review. These
recent research advances will inform the selection of patient populations who can benefit from the
PARP inhibitor treatment and the development of effective drug combination strategies.
Pharmacological Strategies for Bipolar Disorders in Acute Phases and
Chronic Management with a Special Focus on Lithium, Valproic Acid, and
Atypical Antipsychotics
Authors: Carli Marco , Weiss Francesco , Grenno Giovanna , Ponzini Sergio , Kolachalam Shivakumar , Vaglini Francesca , Viaggi Cristina , Pardini Carla , Tidona Simone , Longoni Biancamaria , Maggio Roberto , Scarselli Marco
Published: February 2023

Bipolar disorders (BDs) are a heterogeneous group of severe affective disorders generally
described by the alternation of (hypo)manic, depressive, and mixed phases, with euthymic intervals of
variable duration. BDs are burdened with high psychiatric and physical comorbidity, increased suicide
risk and reduced life expectancy. In addition, BDs can progress into complicated forms (e.g., mixed
states, rapid/irregular cycling), which are more difficult to treat and often require personalized pharmacological
combinations. Mood stabilizers, particularly Lithium and Valproic acid (VPA), still represent
the cornerstones of both acute and chronic pharmacotherapies of BDs. Lithium is the gold
standard in BD-I and BDII with typical features, while VPA seems more effective for atypical forms
(e.g., mixed-prevalence and rapid-cycling). However, despite appropriate mood stabilization, many
patients show residual symptoms, and more than a half recur within 1-2 years, highlighting the need of
additional strategies. Among these, the association of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) with mood stabilizers
is recurrent in the treatment of acute phases, but it is also being growingly explored in the
maintenance pharmacotherapy. These combinations are clinically more aggressive and often needed in
the acute phases, whereas simplifying pharmacotherapies to mood stabilizers only is preferable in the
long-term, whenever possible. When mood stabilizers are not enough for maintenance treatment,
Quetiapine and, less consistently, Aripiprazole have been proposed as the most advisable adjunctive
strategies, for their safety and tolerability profiles. However, in view of the increased risk of serious
adverse effects, a careful patient-centered balance between costs and benefits is mandatory.
Novel 2-pyridone Analogs with Anti-cancer Activity: Synthesis, In silico,
and In vitro Evaluation
Authors: Mishra Prem Shankar , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Mishra Rakhi
Published: February 2023

Background:

2-pyridone is frequently used to synthesize and develop new bioactive molecules
approved for treating many diseases. The produced compounds play a significant role in inhibiting cancer
growth.

Objectives:

Through a molecular docking investigation, we determined the binding affinity of 2-pyridone
compounds with the Matrix Metalloproteinase receptor, which allowed us to develop, produce, and test
the in vitro anticancer efficacy of those compounds.

Method:

2-pyridones (A1-A12) were synthesized in a multistep process, followed by spectrum analysis
to confirm the structure. In silico screening of the synthesized compounds was carried out with the assistance
of AutoDock software. Flow cytometry was used on the HT-29 colon cancer cell line to measure
A1-A12’s anticancer effect in a lab setting.

Results:

The enzyme matrix metalloproteinase receptor and A1-A12 interacted unexpectedly during a
docking study (MMP3, MMP9 & MMP13). Research has shown a strong affinity for MMP3 receptors for
A9, A10, A11, A12, and A4, respectively. Further flow cytometric testing revealed compound A9 (R1) to
be highly cytotoxic, with an IC50 value of 20.77 M. The anticancer activity of A9 (R1) against HT-29
colon cancer cell lines was also confirmed by in vitro results.

Conclusion:

These findings suggested that 2-pyridone compounds have promising therapeutic potential
for cancer treatment, and more research on these lead moieties would be advantageous to discovering an
effective anticancer drug.
Achieving the “Double-Carbon” Goals in China-How May Research on
Consumer Food Preferences Help?
Authors: Chen Qihui , Wang Hongsha
Published: February 2023

China announced the “Double Carbon” goals in 2020, aiming to achieve “Carbon
Peaking” by 2030 and “Carbon Neutrality” by 2060. Achieving these grand goals demands substantial
changes in China’s industrial system, the food industry included. Regarding the information
needed to formulate viable plans and policies at the industrial level to help achieve the
double-carbon goals, this article argues that research on the consumption side of the food industry
can be instrumental in informing industrial policy compatible with these goals. Specifically,
our discussion revolves around four questions. Why expect the food industry to play a significant
role in achieving the double-carbon goals? Why are consumers’ food preferences key to the design
of viable policy? What aspects of consumer preferences should be studied? Finally, how
may findings from such research be incorporated into food policy?
Pantoprazole-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A Case-report
Authors: Daldoul Mouna , Charfi Ons , Bouattour Emna , Hammami-Ghorbe Houda , Zaiem Ahmed , Fenniche Samy , Lakhoua Ghozlane , El Aidli Sihem
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor mainly used to treat conditions
causing excess stomach acid. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare bullous disease. The main
etiologic factors are drugs, especially antibiotics, anticonvulsants, oxicam and allopurinol. Proton
pump inhibitors have been rarely reported as a causative agent in SJS, and only sporadic cases secondary
to pantoprazole have just been mentioned in the literature.

Case Report:

A 49-year-old woman was referred to the dermatology department for a pruritic generalized
eruption, associated with erosive cheilitis. The patient reported self-medication by pantoprazole
for two weeks. Physical examination revealed target-like lesions with bullous center in some
areas. A skin detachment on the left breast and the neck affecting 10% of the total body surface area
was observed. Mucosal examination revealed erosive, painful cheilitis covered by large hemorrhagic
crusts and erosions of the nasal cavity. The lesions cleared completely few days after pantoprazole
withdrawal and local corticosteroids. Further investigations ruled out infectious etiologies.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the possible occurrence of hypersensitivity reactions due to the
use of a PPI, which is a widely used medication and a generally well-tolerated drug.
Effects of Indigenous and Commercial Rhizobia on Growth and Nodulation of Soybean (Glycine max L) under Greenhouse Condition
Authors: Desta Mulugeta , Akuma Ayele , Minay Metadel , Yusuf Zekeria , Baye Kassa
Published: February 2023

Background:

Soybean (Glycine maxL.) is the most vital grain legume crop rich in protein and oil. The inoculation of rhizobia with soybean plays a very important role in increasing soil fertility via its contribution to biological nitrogen fixation.

Objective:

This study focuses on the evaluation of indigenous and commercial rhizobia on soybean nodulation and growth parameters.

Methodology:

Soil samples were collected from five districts for nodule trapping. The rhizobia were isolated using ‘plant induction following the standard procedures. The greenhouse experiments were arranged in a completed randomized design with three replications and two control units. The data were collected for plant height, nodule number, nodule dry weight, shoot dry weight, root length; root dry weight, total nitrogen and nitrogen-content.

Results:

The entire isolates were found gram-negative, without absorbing congo-red and did not grow on peptone glucose agar media. Slow grower isolates turned bromothymol blue with yeast extract mannitol agar medium into a moderately deep blue color but fast grower changed to yellow color. All isolates were tested on the sand induced nodule and were significantly superior to the negative control in terms of plant height, shoot dry weight, and nodule dry weight. The shoot dry weight of soybean rhizobial isolates on the sterilized sand experiment was ranging from 1.6 to 2.2g per plant and it was a highly significant correlation to the nodule number, nodule dry weight and root dry weight.

Conclusion:

The indigenous isolates were highly competent to all commercial rhizobia. This study encourages further evaluation of the field and molecular characteristics.
The Effects of Foliar Spray of Chitosan Nanoparticles on Tomato Resistance Against of Cuscuta Campestris Yunck
Authors: Moradkhani Sakineh , Jabbari Hadi
Published: February 2023

Background:

Crop yield is limited by several factors. One of these factors is biotic stress. Among biotic stresses, parasitic plants have the greatest role in reducing plant growth and productivity. On the other hand, the multiple uses of pesticides and herbicides have a negative impact on the environment and agricultural products. As an eco-friendly compound, chitosan stimulates the defense system, increases plant resistance to biotic and abiotics stresses, and increases crop growth and productivity.

Methods:

In this study, the tomato plant was infected with Cuscuta campestris Yunck and sprayed with chitosan nanoparticles with a molecular weight of 50 kDa for 4 weeks and once a week. Four weeks after the infection, plants biomass, protein concentrations, antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, CAT, APX, POD), and phenolic metabolism (PAL, PPO, total phenolic components, lignin) were measured.

Results:

In this study, chitosan application increased biomass in Dodder-infected and non-infected plants. The concentration of soluble proteins also increased. In Dodder-infected plants, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased and the application of chitosan further increased the activity of these enzymes. Phenol metabolism as a defense mechanism in Dodder-infected plants increased compared to the control and chitosan application intensified phenol metabolism. SDS-PAGE analysis investigated that strong bands are formed in the range of 200 and 60 kDa in chitosan treatments and chitosan-treated infected plants.

Conclusion:

These bands were also observed in Dodder-infected plants that were not treated with chitosan.
Refractive and Topographic Parameters of the Belin/Ambrósio Module in Patients with Refractive Defects in Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Alvarez Eduardo Rojas , Alvarez Guachichulca Javier Santiago , Espinoza David Sebastián Chávez
Published: February 2023

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the refractive and topographic parameters of the Belin/Ambrósio module in patients with refractive defects at the Latino clinic in Cuenca, Ecuador, between 2017 to 2021.

Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out. A database included anonymous cases of patients with refractive defects treated at the ophthalmological consultation of a Latino clinic from January, 2017 to June, 2021 was searched. Data was collected using a form containing study variables. Microsoft Excel and SPSS were used for data collection and analysis using frequencies, percentages, and measures of central tendency.

Results:

The sample consisted of 120 patients; 61.7% were women, and 38.3% were men. Moreover, 70.8% of patients were young adults. The pachymetry mean of the center of the pupil, apex, and position of lowest pachymetry was 521 µm, 520 µm, and 513 µm, respectively. The means of the flattest keratometry, curviest keratometry, and maximum keratometry were 43.30 D, 46.32 D, and 48.01 D, respectively.

Conclusion:

Cases distribution according to anterior and posterior elevation showed pathological values ​​in more than 50% of the studied corneas. According to the average progression index, pathological elevation was found in 18.8% of the cases, and according to the average deviations, 25.4% presented corneal ectasia in different stages.
Productivity Loss and Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Brazilian Presenteeism: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: da Silva Santos Bruno , Bortolini Juliano , de Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes , Andrade Denise de , Valim Marília Duarte
Published: February 2023

Background:

The work has been brought to nursing professionals, denoting an increase in illness and consequent decrease in productivity.

Objective:

This study aims to verify the relationship between productivity and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in presenteeism.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 305 Nursing workers from an emergency hospital in the Brazilian Midwest region. For data collection, four self-applied instruments were used, namely: the Sociodemographic Work and Health Conditions Questionnaire (QSCTS), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6), the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), and the Brazilian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptom Questionnaire (QNSO). The “presenteeism” and “presenteeism degree” dependent variables were related to the independent variables using the logistic regression model.

Results:

Presenteeism was identified in 134 (43.8%) workers. Overall productivity loss was 8.8%. Regarding the relationship between presenteeism and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms, workers with problems in the upper back, knees, and neck in the last year were 6.5, 2.7, and 2.2 more likely to be presenteeism, respectively.

Conclusion:

The study confirmed the relationship between greater productivity losses and the incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms with presenteeism events in the Nursing team.
Determinants of Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice toward Childhood Vaccination: A National Study
Authors: Nassar Omayah , Alshahwan Sandi , Alshahwan Rashed , Halasa Suhaila , Alashhab Shereen , Alnajar Malek
Published: February 2023

Background:

Childhood vaccination is one of the World Health Organization's strategies to reduce vaccine-preventable diseases and children's mortality and morbidity rates. Adequate and accurate knowledge, as well as positive attitudes regarding vaccination, may increase parents’ compliance with their children’s vaccines.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify the determinants of parents’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward childhood vaccination in Jordan.

Methods:

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The stratification method of sampling technique was used to split Jordan into three regions. The sample included 1477 participants. A total number of eleven Maternal and Child Health Care centers were selected as the study’s site.

Results:

Results showed that parents have sufficient knowledge regarding the importance of vaccines in maintaining a child’s health, with a mean percentage of correctly answered questions of 78.7%. However, they have inadequate knowledge regarding the adverse reactions (57.5%) and the contraindications of vaccines (61.8%). Parents had positive attitudes regarding the National Immunization Program where 97% agreed with it. However, 83% of parents had negative attitudes toward vaccine safety. Parents’ work, residency, income, and age are significant determinants of parents’ attitudes, knowledge, and practice regarding children's vaccines.

Conclusion:

The study may motivate nurses to implement more educational interventions regarding children’s vaccination to upgrade parents' knowledge with particular emphasis on parents with a low level of education and the residents of rural areas.
Damage Identification in Plane Multi-storey Reinforced Concrete Frame
Authors: Makarios Triantafyllos K.
Published: February 2023

Objective:

In this paper, a new method for damage detection in reinforced concrete multi-storey frames is presented.

Methods:

The proposed new methodology is a hybrid technique consisting of two parts. The first step involves determining the seismic pushover capacity curve of the structure, and the second step includes formulating the diagram of the instantaneous eigenfequencies of the structure in the nonlinear regime. With reference to this diagram, more details are given in the text. To estimate the equivalent target displacement defined at the top of the structure, which corresponds to the instantaneous eigenfrequencies of a structure with damage, the diagram of these eigenfrequencies is combined with the seismic pushover capacity curve of the structure. Thus, the target displacement at the top of the frame is calculated.

Result:

The advantage of the proposed methodology is that using this target displacement, the final picture of the damage in the structure is estimated from the two pushover analyses, with positive and negative signs of the floor lateral forces corresponding to triangular distribution in elevation. For clarification, an example of a three-storey R/C frame is presented as a paradigm.

Conclusion:

Using the proposed methodology, the locations of damage in the structure are successfully identified, as well as the Damage Stiffness Matrix is estimated with high accuracy.
Characterization of a Haloalkaline Nocardiopsis sp. Strain S10 Isolated
from Wastewater and Optimization of Culture Medium for Improving
Production of Antifungal Compounds
Authors: Souagui Samiha , Boudries Hafid , Djoudi Warda , Djinni Ibtissem , Laincer Firdousse , Keramane Badria , Kecha Mouloud
Published: February 2023

Background:

The emerging antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance
genes (ARGs) are a pressing global concern. Furthermore, the limited number of available
antifungal agents requires the discovery of new antimicrobials.

Introduction:

This paper focused on the isolation and characterization of an actinobacterium designated
S10, the study of its antimicrobial activity, on the one hand, and the optimization of antifungal
production using statistical methods, on the other hand.

Methods and Results:

A haloalkaliphilic actinobacterium designated S10 was isolated from a
wastewater treatment plant in the Souk-El-Tenine region (Bejaia, Algeria). This strain showed a
broad spectrum of activity against bacteria (B. subtilis, L. innocua, M. luteus, S. aureus, MRSA,
E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. Typhi, and V. cholerae), molds (A. niger, G. geotricum, and F. oxysporum)
and a pathogenic yeast (C. albicans). The extracellular enzymes producer Nocardiopsis
sp. S10 was identified based on morphological, chemical, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis.
The best antimicrobial production was achieved on Mincer-Sea-Water (MSW) solid medium,
and the antibiotics produced were extracted with ethyl acetate. For antifungal production, central
composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to optimize the
culture medium formulation.

Conclusion:

Optimal antifungal activity was achieved using a mixture of 2 g. L-1 starch, 2 g. L-1
of yeast extract and 2.75 g. L-1 of peptone at pH = 9.2. The application of the statistical approach
stimulated a good yield of anti-C. albicans activity, corresponding to an increase of 72.22% compared
to the non-optimized conditions.
Oral Disintegrating Tablets of Proton Pump Inhibitors for Chronic Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease: An Update
Authors: Gupta Avani , Akhtar Juber , Rastogi KC , Badruddeen  , Khan Mohammad Irfan , Ahmad Mohammad
Published: February 2023

Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT) offer an attractive choice for Gastroesophageal Reflux
Disease (GERD) patients suffering from dysphagia. In chronic condition, GERD patient suffers
from severe erosive esophagitis. Thus patients feel difficulty and pain during swallowing,
which results in patient in-compliance toward medication of tablets or capsules- especially in geriatrics
and pediatric patients. These symptoms of GERD patients have attracted the formulation
scientists in improving the formulation methodology for such patients. Orally disintegrating tablets
could increase the therapeutic impact and drug compliance in these patients. The aim of this
compilation is to provide a more convenient way to develop an oral disintegrating drug delivery
system of proton pump inhibitors in patients suffering from odynophagia, associated with chronic
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT), when placed on the
tongue, can quickly disintegrate and release the medicament. It later dissolves or disperses in saliva
without any additional water. The saliva containing drug can easily be swallowed and descends
into the stomach leading to maximum absorption from the mouth, throat, and upper esophagus.
The patient compliance and bio-availability of Oral disintegrating tablets (ODT) are high compared
to other conventional tablets.
Analyzing technical efficiency in Vietnamese seafood processing firms: A semi-parametric stochastic frontier approach
Authors:   Thuan Phat Technology-Service and Trading-Production-Export-Import Co. Ltd, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Tran Thuan Duc , Nguyen Khanh Ngoc ,   Faculty of Economics and Business Management, Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, Hanoi, Vietnam, Pham Thu Kim ,   Faculty of Business Management, Huu Nghi University of Technology and Management, Hanoi, Vietnam, Nguyen Van ,   Faculty of Fundamental Science, Vietnam Maritime University, Haiphong, Vietnam
Published: February 2023

This research aims to estimate and analyze the technical efficiency of Vietnamese seafood processing firms by applying the semi-parametric stochastic frontier model and Tobit regression. The data used in this study is a panel sample of 170 Vietnamese seafood processing firms in the period from 2013 to 2018. It is collected from enterprise census data of the General Statistics Office of Vietnam and provincial competitiveness index data of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The estimated results show that: The scores of technical efficiency of firms averaged 0.712 and there was a decline during the study period. There is still plenty of room for technical efficiency in firms; The gap in technical efficiency in firms is still large and there is a strong difference in efficiency between firm’s ownerships and firm sizes; Firms with export activities, large scale, foreign direct investment capital, and low equity restrictions will have a positive impact on technical efficiency; However, there is no evidence to show the impact of the firm’s age and firm located in industrial zones factors on the efficiency of firms. In addition, the institutional quality and business environment also have an impact on the performance of firms.
Influence of Internet-Based Health Management on Control of Clinical Parameters in Patients With Hypertension: Four-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Chen Botian , Dou Yuqi , Yu Xue , Ma Defu
Published: February 2023

Background

In recent years, more and more studies have shown that internet-based health management can help patients with hypertension control their blood pressure. However, there is a lack of similar research in China.

Objective

We designed this study to clarify the impact of long-term internet-based health management on the control of clinical parameters in patients with hypertension. These results are also expected to identify the relevant factors affecting the control of clinical parameters in hypertension more accurately toward developing more targeted health management strategies.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study of internet-based health management in the five provinces of northwest China. The inclusion criteria were aged ≥18 years and no serious cognitive disease or mental disorder. After collecting the physical examination data of 8567 people in the five northwest provinces in 2013, we conducted online health management (including diet, exercise, and behavior) and follow-up. In the physical examination in 2013, 1008 new patients with hypertension were identified, who were divided into a good blood pressure control group and poor blood pressure control group. Physical examination and a questionnaire survey were conducted every 2 years to understand the changes of health management on the subjects’ health-related behaviors. We then analyzed the changes of clinical indicators related to hypertension and the influencing factors related to blood pressure control in patients with hypertension. All statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.1.2) and a P value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 8567 people met the inclusion criteria and underwent health management. Self-comparison showed that after 4 years of health management, the smoking cessation rate and amount of exercise significantly increased (both P<.001). The low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels also increased (P=.005), whereas the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels decreased (P=.007). The newly discovered patients with hypertension in 2013 were further screened. After 4 years of health management, their smoking cessation rate increased significantly (P=.03) and the amount of exercise increased but not significantly (P=.08). In terms of clinical indicators, the diastolic blood pressure considerably decreased (P<.001) and the systolic blood pressure slightly decreased (P=.13). The correlation analysis of blood pressure control in patients with new-onset hypertension showed that gender (female) and changing relevant factors according to health management behaviors (BMI; cereals and potatoes intake; fish, livestock meat, and eggs intake; fruit intake; and physical activity) were the protective factors of blood pressure control.

Conclusions

Internet-based health management has a significant and long-term effect on blood pressure control in patients with hypertension.