bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling Pharmacological Mechanisms of Bombyx mori (Abresham), a Traditional Arabic Unani Medicine for Ischemic Heart Disease: An Integrative Molecular Simulation Study
Authors: Dermawan Doni , Alotaiq Nasser
Published: January 2025

Background: Ischemic heart disease (IHD), a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, con-tinues to challenge modern medicine. Bombyx mori (Abresham), a traditional ingredient in Unani medicine, has shown promise in cardiovascular health, but its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: To explore the therapeutic potential of Bombyx mori for IHD, an integrative molecular simulation approach was applied. Network pharmacology was employed to identify the most favorable target receptor for the disease. Molecular docking simulations evaluated the binding affinities of chemical and protein-based compounds from Bombyx mori to the selected receptor. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of these interactions under physiological conditions. Pharmacophore modeling identified key struc-tural features critical for bioactivity, while in silico toxicity assessments evaluated the safety profiles of the compounds. Results: Key bioactive compounds from Bombyx mori, including Menaquinone-7, Quercetin, and Behenic acid, showed strong interactions with the target receptor, ACE2. The MD-based MM/PBSA calculations revealed the binding free energy values of Menaquinone-7 (-35.12 kcal/mol), Quercetin (-29.38 kcal/mol), and Behenic acid (-27.76 kcal/mol), confirming their strong binding affinity. Protein-based com-pounds, such as Chorion class high-cysteine HCB protein 13 (-212.43 kcal/mol), Bombyxin A-5 (-209.36 kcal/mol), and FMRFamide-related peptides (-198.93 kcal/mol), also displayed promising binding affinities. In silico toxicity assessments revealed favorable safety profiles for most compounds. Conclusions: This study positions Bombyx mori as a promising source of therapeutic agents for IHD. Future work should focus on ex-perimental validation of these computational findings through in vitro and in vivo studies.
Knowledge and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding E-Cigarettes: Implications for Oral Health and Public Awareness
Authors: Shabani Donika Bajrami , Dula Linda Jashar , Dalipi Zana Sllamniku , Krasniqi Mirlinda Sopi , Meto Aida
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives: The growing prevalence of e-cigarette use presents new challenges for oral health care. This study aimed to evaluate dentists’ knowledge and perceptions regarding e-cigarettes, focusing on their health effects, regulatory status, and potential risks to oral health. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 189 dentists in Kosovo, comprising both general dentists and specialists. The questionnaire assessed participants’ awareness of e-cigarettes’ FDA approval status, their perceptions of health impacts, and their understanding of e-cigarettes’ association with oral conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The findings revealed significant knowledge gaps, with 74.1% of respondents uncertain about the FDA approval status of e-cigarettes and 82.0% recognizing their harmful effects on general and oral health. Nearly half (49.7%) of the participants identified e-cigarettes as a potential risk factor for caries, while 66.1% and 64.6% associated their use with oral cancer and periodontal disease, respectively. Gender and professional specialization did not significantly influence these perceptions. Conclusions: Dentists need better education on the risks of e-cigarette use, including their harmful effects on oral health. Incorporating this knowledge into dental curricula and professional training is essential to give dentists the information needed to advise patients effectively. Raising public awareness through dental health professionals can help mitigate the oral health risks associated with e-cigarettes.
PE-DOCC: A Novel Periodicity-enhanced Deep One-class Classification Framework for Electricity Theft Detection
Authors: Wu Zhijie , Wang Yufeng
Published: January 2025

Electricity theft, emerging as one of severe cyberattacks in smart grids, causes significant economic losses. Due to the powerful expressive ability of deep neural network(DNN), supervised and unsupervised DNN-based Electricity theft detection (ETD) schemes have witnessed great deployment. However, the existing works have the following weakpoints. Supervised DNN-based schemes require abundant labelled anomalous samples for training, and even worse, can’t detect unseen theft patterns. To avoid the extensively labor-consuming behaviour of labelling anomalous samples, unsupervised DNNs-based schemes aim to learn the normality of time-series, and infer anomaly score for each data instance, but they fail to capture periodic features effectively. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a novel periodicity-enhanced deep one-class classification framework (PE-DOCC) based on periodicty-enhanced transformer encoder, named Periodicformer encoder. Specifically, within the encoder, a novel criss-cross periodic attention is proposed to capture both horizontal and vertical periodic features. The Periodicformer encoder is pre-trained by reconstructing partially masked input sequences, and the learned latent representations are then fed into a one-class classification for anomaly detection. Extensive experiments on real-world datasets demonstrate that our proposed PE-DOCC framework outperforms state-of-the-art unsupervised ETD methods.
Impact of Preventive Chemotherapy on the Prevalence of Schistosomiasis and Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Among School-Age Children After 3–5 Effective Rounds of Annual Mass Drug Administration in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Jacob Solomon Monday , Diehl Jan-Carel , Vdovine Gleb , Agbana Temitope , Popoola Samuel , Jujjavarapu3 Satyajith , Bell David , Ajayi Oladimeji , Fadare Joseph O , Akinwumi Adebowale F , Animashaun Saheed , Olamiju Francisca , Aderogba Moses Oluwaseun , Makau-Barasa Louise
Published: January 2025

Background: Granular assessment of Schistosomiasis (SCH) and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STHs) in a population with instituted treatment programs is a critical step in understanding the progress of control programs towards the 2030 elimination targets. Such scientific insight into the impact of recurrent rounds of mass treatment with Praziquantel and Albendazole/Mebendazole should facilitate improved planning and targeting of resources.

Methodology: This schistosomiasis and STHs granular assessment was conducted in 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ekiti State between October and November 2023. Samples were collected from pupils in166 primary and junior secondary schools across 166 wards/communities.
Urine and stool samples were collected from 7670 pupils between 5 and 14 years, comprising 3823 (49.8%) males and 3847 (50.1%) females. When aggregated at individual LGA, the highest number of participants (658 children) was recorded in Ado Ekiti LGA. Emure recorded the lowest number of participants with 320 children across 9 out of 10 wards in the LGA.
The result of this granular assessment was compared to the 2008 and 2015 baseline prevalence of each LGA to assess the level of reduction in both prevalence and intensity.
Results: Overall, 58 (0.76%) out of 7670 pupils were infected with Schistosomia haematobium. No Schistosoma mansoni infection was recorded in any of the 7670 analyzed samples. Two hundred and ninety-six (3.86%) of the examined samples were infected with STHs.
In the 16 LGAs assessed, Ekiti West had the highest S. haematobium prevalence of 4.26%. Ise/Orun and Oye ranked 2nd and 3rd with a prevalence of 3.48% & 2.40% respectively. There were no reported infection of S. haematobium in Efon, Ekiti-East, Ekiti South-west, Ido/Osi & Moba, LGAs while a further 7 LGAs had
Diagnosis and Management of Catatonia via Telepsychiatry: A Clinical Practice Guide
Authors: Shivanekar Sharvari , Leon-Barriera Roberto , Gopalan Priya
Published: January 2025

Background: The uneven distribution of psychiatrists across the United States has led to a significant deficiency in psychiatric care, particularly in rural and remote areas. Telepsychiatry has emerged as an effective solution to bridge this gap, providing comparable outcomes to in-person services. Objective: This case series aims to highlight the effectiveness of telepsychiatry in diagnosing and managing catatonia, a complex neuropsychiatric condition whose diagnosis often requires physical examination, through consultation-liaison (CL) psychiatry services. Methods: We describe three cases of catatonia managed via telepsychiatry by the CL psychiatry service at The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. CL psychiatrists located in the university hospital diagnosed and managed catatonia via telepsychiatry in patients medically hospitalized in non-urban hospitals with assistance from an in-person clinician. Each case was assessed for diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes using the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale. Results: The use of telepsychiatry facilitated timely diagnosis and treatment of catatonia. All patients showed significant improvement, demonstrating the viability of CL telepsychiatry in managing complex conditions like catatonia in the medical setting. Conclusion: CL Telepsychiatry is a critical tool in addressing the shortage of psychiatric care in underserved areas. It may be effective in facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of catatonia in medical hospitals, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care.
Inhibition of Aminoglycoside 6′-N-Acetyltransferase Type Ib-Mediated Amikacin Resistance in Multidrug- and Carbapenem-Resistant Clinical Strains by Cadmium in Combination with Pyrithione
Authors: Magana Angel J. , Ngo David , Burgos Kenneth , Dominguez Maldonado Carolina , Abdelmaksoud Omniya , Sklenicka Jan , Tran Tung , Pasteran Fernando , Jimenez Veronica , Ramirez Maria S. , Tolmasky Marcelo E.
Published: January 2025

The ongoing antibiotic resistance crisis is among the most pressing public health chal-lenges. The rise and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens is reaching the point when some become untreatable. Consequently, besides discovering novel antibiotics, alternative strategies must be explored to manage the problem. One of them is the development of inhibitors that can overcome resistance to antibiotics currently in use. Resistance to aminoglycosides such as amikacin is mainly due to the action of aminoglycoside modifying enzymes. Despite being refractory to most resistance en-zymes, the semisynthetic amikacin is inactivated by the action of aminoglycoside 6’-N-acetyltransferases type I [AAC(6')-I], of which AAC(6')-Ib is the most common in Gram-negative pathogens. The recent discovery that certain divalent and monovalent cations can interfere with enzymatic acetylation catalyzed by AAC(6')-Ib has opened up new possibilities for developing formulations that combine antibiotics with these cations to enhance their efficacy. Addition of CdCl2 to in vitro enzymatic assays inhibited the transfer of an acetyl group to the 6'-N position of amikacin, kanamycin, and tobramycin. This result demonstrated the potential of Cd2+ as an adjuvant to aminoglycosides that can become effective for treating infections resistant due to AAC(6')-Ib. It was initially dis-appointing that, as with other divalent cations, addition of CdCl2 to cultures of bacteria harboring AAC(6')-Ib did not reverse resistance. However, the inhibitory action of Cd2+ became evident when it was added to cultures in complex with the ionophore pyrithione. The complex efficiently inhibited resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring AAC(6')-Ib. Furthermore, the combination efficiently inhibited amikacin resistance in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae clinical isolates. These results add another cation to the arsenal of potential adjuvants for aminoglycosides, which could be developed either alone or in coordination complexes with ionophores to treat multi-drug-resistant infections.
Comparison of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Systems and Conventional Non-Pressure Dressings on Surgical Site Infection Rate After Stoma Reversal: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Anestiadou Elissavet , Stamiris Stavros , Ioannidis Orestis , Symeonidis Savvas , Bitsianis Stefanos , Bougioukas Konstantinos , Karagiannis Thomas , Kotidis Efstathios , Pramateftakis Manousos George , Mantzoros Ioannis , Cheva Angeliki , Geropoulos Georgios , Chatzianestiadou Christiana , Kaprianou Magda , Tserkezidis Freiderikos , Angelopoulos Stamatios
Published: January 2025

Surgical site infections (SSIs) rank among the most common complications following stoma takedown and lead to increased morbidity, increased length of hospital stay (LOS), and higher healthcare costs. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) systems have emerged as a promising option for optimizing wound management and minimizing SSI rates. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare postoperative outcomes of NPWT and conventional non-pressure dressings following stoma reversal. Methods: A literature search was conducted across MED-LINE/PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Scopus, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov, up to September 1, 2024. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were in-cluded. The primary outcome was SSI rate, while secondary outcomes included time to complete wound healing, LOS, and patient-reported wound cosmesis. Results: Six RCTs, including 328 pa-tients, were ultimately eligible for inclusion. No significant difference was revealed in SSI rates between the NPWT and conventional dressing groups (OR = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.27–3.29; P = 0.94; I² = 38%). Time to complete wound healing was significantly lower in NPWT group, compared to conventional dressings (MD = -3.78 days; 95% CI: -6.29 to -1.27; P = 0.003). Two studies reported a lower rate of wound healing complications other than SSIs in the NPWT group (OR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05–1.09; P = 0.06). No substantial differences were observed in terms of LOS (MD = -0.02 days; 95% CI: -1.22 to 1.17; P = 0.97) and patient-reported wound cosmesis (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI: -0.49 to 1.11; P = 0.44). Conclusions: NPWT contributes to improved wound management through re-ducing wound healing time compared to non-pressure dressings after stoma reversal, although it does not appear to substantially impact SSI rates, LOS, or patient-assessed wound cosmesis. Further large-scale, multicenter RCTs are necessary to validate these results and identify patient populations most likely to benefit from NPWT application.
Central Vein Sign as a Radiologic Tool to Predict the Diagnosis of Radiation Necrosis in Intracranial Metastatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Antonios Joseph Paul , Adenu-Mensah Nana , Theriault Brianna C , Millares Chavez Miguel Angel , Huttner Anita , Aboian Mariam , Chiang Veronica
Published: January 2025

Radiosurgery (SRS) is a primary treatment for intracranial metastatic disease, but it can lead to cerebral radiation necrosis (RN) in approximately 25% of cases. Unlike tumor progression (TP), which indicates a lack of response to treatment, RN suggests an effective SRS response. Differentiating RN from TP is challenging using standard radiological imaging, often necessitating surgical biopsy. This study investigates the utility of the central vein sign (CVS), a novel MRI biomarker associated with immune infiltrate-rich perivascular spaces, to differentiate RN from TP. Overall, our findings suggest that pre-SRS CVS could serve as a non-invasive marker to distinguish RN from TP, aiding in treatment decisions. Further research is needed to validate CVS as a predictive marker in larger patient cohorts and explore its potential in guiding cancer therapy response.
Three-dimensional ultrasound in the assessment of endometrial morphofunctional state in patients with chronic salpingo-oophoritis
Authors:   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Solomatina A.A. ,   G.M.Savelyeva City Clinical Hospital No 31, Moscow, Russian Federation, Mikhaleva L.M. ,   G.M.Savelyeva City Clinical Hospital No 31, Moscow, Russian Federation,   A.P.Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology; B.V.Petrovsky Russian Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khamzin I.Z. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Bratchikova O.V. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation,   G.M.Savelyeva City Clinical Hospital No 31, Moscow, Russian Federation, Tyumentseva M.Yu. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation,   G.M.Savelyeva City Clinical Hospital No 31, Moscow, Russian Federation, Khalifaeva Z.Z. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation, Aktulaeva S.R. ,   N.I.Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

Objective. To evaluate the morphofunctional state of the endometrium in patients with chronic salpingo-oophoritis before and after surgical treatment.
Patients and methods. The study included 112 reproductive-aged patients with chronic salpingo-oophoritis. The mean age of patients was 29.5 ± 1.47 years. Two patient groups were identified: the first group (n = 62) included patients with one or two fallopian tubes removed, the second group – 50 patients with preserved fallopian tubes. Patients underwent pelvic 3D ultrasound in the mid-luteal phase before surgery and after 6, 12 months. The thickness, volume and echo structure of the endometrium were studied, as well as volumetric blood flow indices: vascularization index (VI%); flow index (FI) and vascular flow index (VFI). Based on the ESHRE consensus (2022), the ovarian reserve was assessed.
Results. Improvement of perfusion in the endometrium was recorded by one year after surgery. After 12 months, compensatory restoration of ovarian morphofunctional properties and indirect improvement of endometrial receptivity were observed in patients with preserved fallopian tubes. The opposite situation was seen in the group of patients with removed fallopian tubes, especially in those who underwent bilateral salpingectomy and had involutional changes in the uterine mucosal layer and ovarian follicular apparatus, which characterizes the pattern of endometriopathy and premature ovarian insufficiency. 3D-ultrasound is an additional
objective method to assess endometrial volume and hemodynamics at the level of basal and parabasal arteries.
Key words: 3D ultrasound, AMH, salpingo-oophoritis, endometrium, VOCAL
Obesity and female fertility. Socio-economic aspects of eating disorders
Authors:   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Chilova R.A. , Martina M.N. ,   Center of Palliative Care, Moscow City Health Department, Moscow, Russian Federation, Sychev D.A. ,   Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russian Federation, Maslov S.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Lyandau Yu.V. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, Neofytou E.G. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moscow, Russian Federation, Pobedinskaya O.S. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Kazakov R.E. ,   Scientific Centre for Expert Evaluation of Medicinal Products, Moscow, Russian Federation, Siordiya A.A. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation, Kovalev M.I. ,   I.M.Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

This review focuses on the social significance of obesity. Special attention is paid to the impact of obesity on female fertility. Molecular and endocrine mechanisms of these processes are discussed. It is shown that obesity is associated with female infertility through a complex set of mechanisms at both molecular and systemic levels. At the cellular level, obesity causes several damages that significantly affect the female reproductive function. Emphasis is places on the role of adipokines in menstrual disorders and, therefore, infertility development. A detailed characteristics of the main adipokines involved in these disorders is given. A separate section presents the aspects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) associated with obesity and the role of metformin as an ovulation stimulator, its comparison with clomiphene, and the efficacy of metformin in PCOS and recurrent pregnancy loss.
Key words: obesity, female fertility, menstrual disorders, infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulation induction, metformin
Modeling Heat and Mass Transfer in Laminar Forced Convection in A Vertical Channel: Influence of Inlet Fluid Temperature
Authors: Ouédraogo Rimnogdo Wilfried , NAMOANO David , ILBOUDO Jacques Marie , IGO Wendsida Serge , SAWADOGO Gaël Lassina , OUEDRAOGO Drissa
Published: January 2025

The phenomena of water vapor condensation in the presence of gas flow in channels are of considerable importance in the energy field. The aim of the present study is to investigate numerically the effect of inlet temperature on an upward laminar forced convection airflow in a channel whose walls interact with the external environment. Based on simplifying assumptions, the flow, whose thermo-physical properties depend on temperature and relative humidity, has been modeled by the Navier-Stokes equations and the flow conservation equation. The finite volume method was used to discretize the equations, and the resulting systems of algebraic equations were solved using the Thomas and Gauss algorithms. Numerical simulations carried out with fluid inlet temperatures of 305.15K, 310.15K and 323.15K and an ambient temperature of 298.15K enabled detailed study of the flow structure and hydrodynamic fields. The numerical results obtained, presented in the form of axial and radial profiles, iso values and Nusselt numbers, reveal the important role of fluid inlet temperature in heat and mass transfer in a vertical channel. The transfer rates obtained at the channel inlet and outlet are different, with latent mode heat transport dominating.
AGRIHUB: REVOLUTIONIZING INDIAN AGRICULTUREUSING MACHINE LEARNING
Authors:   Dept.of CSE Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering Sriperumbudur, Chennai., M. Shashank , K. Vishva ,   Dept.of CSE Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering Sriperumbudur, Chennai., Poorani S. ,   Dept.of CSE Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering Sriperumbudur, Chennai.
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces AGRIHUB, a comprehensive solution aimed at addressing the diverse problems faced by Indian farmers. Through the use of technology, AGRIHUB provides farmers with access to high-quality seeds, insurance, cooperative farming options, professional agricultural counsel, and modern farming equipment. In addition, AGRIHUB seeks to close the knowledge gap between conventional agricultural methods and contemporary technological developments by providing farmers with the resources and know-how needed to boost sustainability and production. AGRIHUB aspires to transform the agriculture industry by offering a user-friendly platform and access to vital resources, promoting prosperity and economic growth in rural communities.
Experiencias sobre el estrés académico en estudiantes de la Universidad Católica Luis Amigó
Authors: Montoya Gómez Silvana , Giraldo Cano Ana Sofía , Ortiz Hernández Mariana , Villegas Mejía Maria Isabel , Pulido Varon Heidi Smith
Published: January 2025

El estrés académico constituye un fenómeno multicausal y complejo que se expresa de diversas formas y puede llegar a impactar negativamente la experiencia vital de las personas. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo comprender las experiencias este fenómeno en la vivencia de los estudiantes de primer a cuarto semestre de psicología de la Universidad Católica Luis Amigó realizando un ejercicio de investigación formativa bajo el modelo cualitativo y el enfoque fenomenológico. En los resultados de la investigación se encontró que los estudiantes sitúan manifestaciones cognitivas, emocionales y conductuales que pueden ser somatizadas, y que se sintonizan con la percepción de sí mismos, el otro y las demandas del entorno.
Entre la palabra y el cuerpo: ¿vacío o puente? Dos elementos interdependientes en la práctica psicológica
Authors: Rivera Alzate Jhon Delio
Published: January 2025

El proceso de prácticas del psicólogo en formación lo ubica frente a un campo de acción retador. El practicante podría decir que esta etapa formativa es enriquecedora en tanto encuentra la oportunidad de articular teoría y práctica para enfrentar las demandas de la realidad social e individual que investiga, analiza, interpreta e interviene; incluso, es una experiencia que lo lleva a pensarse a nivel personal y profesional. En este artículo de reflexión, el autor se propone hablar de tres elementos que han sido indispensables en su práctica psicológica, las atenciones individuales y los procesos grupales, a saber: el motivo de consulta manifiesto vs el motivo de consulta latente; el cuerpo y sus narrativas; y, por último, la analogía del rol del psicólogo como partero de la verdad que ayuda a dar significado al malestar del consultante. Se concluye que, el psicólogo practicante debe hacer de manera constante un ejercicio crítico y reflexivo sobre la realidad del otro, pero también es su tarea llevarlo a preguntarse por sus motivaciones en su búsqueda de bienestar.
Radicalidad y banalidad: el “burgués” como núcleo de la reflexión arendtiana sobre el mal
Authors: Gracia Landaeta Oscar , Laguna Tapia Andrés
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo desarrolla una reconsideración de las nociones de “mal radical” y “banalidad del mal” haciendo hincapié en la reflexión arendtiana en torno a la figura del “burgués”. En tal sentido, se ponen en primer plano las principales consonancias y diferencias entre ambos conceptos remarcando, puntualmente, su origen teórico común. Como resultado, el trabajo constata, después de una cuidadosa argumentación, el peso central que el multifacético análisis arendtiano del burgués tiene sobre la conformación de sus reflexiones acerca del mal, tanto en el periodo temprano como en la faceta más tardía de su obra.
Desafíos y condiciones de la escritura académica
Authors: Toro-Jaramillo Iván-Darío
Published: January 2025

Investigar, escribir y publicar textos académicos se ha convertido en una exigencia cada vez mayor para los investigadores. La investigación, así como la escritura científica y la publicación de textos académicos, se conciben recientemente bajo características y condiciones de rigurosidad. La investigación, como la construcción de problemas y métodos de investigación, requiere, por una parte, no solo preguntar por el ¿cómo se investiga?, sino que exige formar en los fundamentos epistemológicos y la metodología de la investigación, así como también incentivar la creatividad e innovación, la capacidad de iniciativa y de improvisación, al momento de querer investigar. Si bien en Colombia se ha avanzado significativamente en la investigación y en la formación de investigadores, todavía se tiene un camino por recorrer, principalmente, en relación con las políticas e inversión en investigación.
Predicting capital structure decisions through firm performance, firm size, and corporate governance
Authors: Kumar Gautam Prakash , Prasad Silwal Prem , Raj Joshi Padam
Published: January 2025

Corporate structure decisions are the foundation of a company’s legal, financial, and operational framework, influencing diverse issues, from liability and tax obligations to growth potential and public perception. The paper aims to analyze the effect of firms’ financial performance on capital structure decisions. Firm size and corporate governance were taken as moderators and mediators, respectively. The study is based on 23 non-banking public firms listed on the Nepal Stock Exchange, adapting a causal-comparative research design. The moderated mediation model was tested using the Process Macro to assess the impact of corporate governance scores on the relationship between firm performance and capital structure. The result shows that firm performance positively and significantly impacts capital structure decisions. The results revealed no effect of corporate governance on capital structure decisions; however, the moderated mediation impacts of corporate governance and firm size have been reflected in the financing decision. This study extends previous research with the moderated mediation effects of corporate governance and the size of non-banking firms on their financing decisions. The results encourage managers to raise debt funds for those firms that observe the firm’s size, providing practical insights into business decisions. The study also has policy and theoretical implications.
Acknowledgment We are grateful to everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the research. We also appreciate the anonymous reviewers’ insightful feedback, which helped enhance the quality of the paper.
Current issues of sustainable development
Authors: Zhidkova Elena , Dvorovenko Alexandrа M
Published: January 2025

The increase in anthropogenic impact and, as a consequence, the deterioration of the environment require each individual organization to choose a concept for achieving sustainable development goals, which should be reflected in the regional development strategy. These new rules, which are not typical for the business turnover of many organizations, carry a sufficient number of controversial issues, primarily explained by the lack of regulatory regulation of these issues. The monograph is designed to systematize the diversity of information sources on this issue in order to attract the attention of a wide range of readers to the current state of affairs. The monograph is designed for both specialists from various fields of knowledge and poorly prepared readers. We examined the essence of sustainable development, goals and problems in current realities, tasks for developing low-carbon development strategies, as well as measures of the climate transition strategy.
Evaluating the influence of meteorological drought on river flow in the transboundary Sunkoshi basin, Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Tirtha Raj , Baniya Binod , Sharma Christina , Tang Qiuhong , Li He , Chen Deliang , Khadka Nitesh , Sigdel Madan , Awasthi Ram Prasad
Published: January 2025

The transboundary Sun-Koshi River basin, characterized by intricate topography and geo-climatic diversity, has encountered distinct periods of droughts significantly impacting downstream river discharge. This study focuses on assessing temporal and spatial patterns of meteorological drought using SPI and SPEI indices, gauging their influence on river discharge through hydro-meteorological station data and the HEC–HMS model. Severe drought episodes were notably observed in 2010 and 2015. In 2010, prominent drought occurrences extended beyond Nepal's border into China. Conversely, in 2015, Jiri, Okhaldhunga, and Salleri experienced heightened drought conditions. Spatially, over 99% of the basin area experienced drought, varying from moderate to extreme magnitudes during 2010 and 2015. The estimated annual rainfall and basin outlet discharge were 1,800 mm, 1,907 mm, and 1,899 m3/s, 1,086 m3/s in 2010, and 2015, respectively. During drought periods, the stations indicated significantly reduced discharge, indicating a marked departure from normal conditions across the basin. Ultimately, station data performance and the HEC–HMS SCS curve number model showed that discharge in the Sunkoshi River basin is profoundly impacted by drought, notably influencing rainfall intensity on monthly, seasonal, and annual scales. The smaller basins discharge more accurate results compared to the larger outlet basins.
ZNF165: A Pan-Cancer Biomarker with Prognostic and Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Lyu Guizhen , Li Dongbing
Published: January 2025

Background:

The role of ZNF165 in only a few tumors has been reported. ZNF165
plays an important role in liver cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer, especially in regulating
the immune microenvironment, promoting tumor cell proliferation and migration, and serving as a
potential target for immunotherapy.

Objective:

This study aimed to enhance an understanding of how the ZNF165 gene functions and
influences cancer development.

Methods:

Using a suite of online resources, including TIMER, TCGA, GTEx, GEPIA2, cBioPortal,
TIMER2, STRING, DAVID, RNAactDrug, CancerSEA, and UCSC, along with comprehensive
statistical analyses, we conducted a thorough investigation of the pan-cancer landscape of ZNF165.
This study encompassed an assessment of ZNF165 levels, their associations with patient outcomes,
and clinical correlates. We examined the interplay between ZNF165 and key cancer biomarkers,
such as Microsatellite Instability (MSI), Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), immune cell
infiltration, and the expression of immune checkpoint genes. We delved into the genetic variations
of ZNF165, its biological roles across various cancer types, and its potential links to drug responsiveness.
We analyzed single-cell expression patterns of ZNF165 and their implications for the
functional dynamics of cancer. We employed quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR)
to measure ZNF165 levels in Ovarian Cancer (OC) cell lines.

Results:

ZNF165 expression displayed aberrations across a diverse range of human cancers and
exhibited correlations with clinical stages. High ZNF165 expression in KIRC, KIRP, STAD, and
UCEC was significantly associated with poor overall survival. ZNF165 has encouraging diagnostic
value in specific tumor types, with gene amplification identified as the predominant genetic alteration.
Our analysis further uncovered significant associations between ZNF165 levels and MSI
across three distinct cancer types, as well as with TMB in six different malignancies. We detected
substantial correlations between ZNF165 levels and immune cell infiltration, as well as the expression
of immune checkpoint genes. ZNF165 was found to be involved in several prevalent signaling
pathways across various cancer types. ZNF165 may potentially contribute to chemotherapy
and chemoresistance, and was observed to be involved in cancer progression. A ceRNA regulatory
network involving AFDN-DT, miR-191-5p, and ZNF165 was constructed for OC, revealing significantly
elevated ZNF165 levels in OC cell lines. Dysregulated ZNF165 expression across a
spectrum of malignancies might play a role in cancer initiation and advancement via multiple biological
pathways.

Conclusion:

ZNF165 may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer in human
patients.
Phytosomes-unraveling the Unique Properties of Plant-derived Nanotechnological Drug Delivery Systems: A Review
Authors: Deniz Fatima Sezer Senol , Demiroz Fatma Nur Tugcu , Ulutas Onur Kenan , Erdogan Ilkay Orhan
Published: January 2025

Phytosomes are innovative compounds that enhance the bioavailability of
plant-derived compounds, making them more effective in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals.
By improving cellular absorption, phytosomes allow lower doses of plant extracts
to achieve therapeutic effects, which may reduce both cost and the risk of potential side
effects. The incorporation of phospholipids in phytosomes not only stabilizes the active
compounds but also protects them from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially
increasing their shelf life and efficacy. Despite their promise, more clinical trials
are essential to fully validate the safety and therapeutic benefits of phytosomes. Ongoing
research and developments may lead to a better understanding of their mechanisms of action
and safety profiles and broaden their application in medicine.
Efficacy and Safety of Altibrain® as an Adjunctive Therapy for Autism Spectrum
Disorder: An Open Label Trial Targeting Core Symptoms
Authors: Mehan Sidharth , Kumar Aakash , Utage Prashant R. , Hegde Anaita , Naik Neeta , Kondekar Santosh , Yardi Nandan , Desai Neelu , Panigrahi Debasis , Chattopadhyay Arijit , Agarwal Sasmita Devi , Gupta Vineet Bhushan , Tiwari Ankita , Reddy Sai Chandar , Saraf Sandeep , Das Diptanshu , Detroja Mayank , Paliwal Charu
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Altibrain® in combination
with standard Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment compared to standard ASD treatment alone in individuals
diagnosed with ASD.

Method:

A randomized, open-label trial was conducted involving 120 participants aged 3 to 17 years, randomly
assigned to either the Standard ASD Treatment group or the Altibrain® + Standard ASD Treatment
group. Sixty patients were randomly allocated to each Standard ASD Treatment group or the Altibrain® +
Standard ASD Treatment group. participant allocation was done by computer-generated randomization. Participants
had confirmed ASD diagnoses based on DSM-IV or ICD-11 criteria and demonstrated moderate to
severe core ASD symptoms. Informed consent was obtained from caregivers. A total number of 120 subjects
were included, consisting of 71 male and 49 female patients. Participants received either standard ASD treatment
alone or Altibrain® in addition to standard ASD treatment orally once daily for 24 weeks. A total of 7
study visits/24 weeks to analyze the intervention efficacy of the Standard ASD Treatment group or the Altibrain
® + Standard ASD Treatment group. Primary outcomes included changes in core ASD symptoms measured
by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and safety assessments. Secondary outcomes
included alterations in social communication skills, reduction in repetitive behaviors, overall functional improvements,
and safety and tolerability of Altibrain®.

Results:

Altibrain® significantly improved qualitative deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors
compared to standard ASD treatment alone (p < 0.0001). The Altibrain® + Standard ASD Treatment group
demonstrated significant improvements in social functioning, social awareness, cognition, communication,
and motivation compared to the Standard ASD Treatment group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, Altibrain®
showed superior efficacy in reducing hyperactivity/noncompliance, inappropriate speech, irritability, lethargy/
social withdrawal, stereotypic behavior, and aberrant behavior compared to standard treatment alone (p <
0.0001). Additionally, Altibrain® exhibited a favorable safety profile as per the 4-week post-treatment safety
follow-up.

Conclusion:

Further research is warranted to confirm and expand upon these results, including longer-term
studies with larger cohorts and investigations into underlying mechanisms. Overall, Altibrain® holds promise
as a valuable therapeutic option for individuals with ASD and their families. Limitations of the study include
neuroimaging and biomarkers analysis.
Antiseizure Medications: Advancements, Challenges, and Prospects in Drug Development
Authors: Ng Yan Hong , Jamil Siti Nur Hidayah , Sarian Murni Nazira , Ahmed Qamar Uddin , Latip Jalifah , Lam Su Datt , Feroz Shevin Rizal
Published: January 2025

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Antiseizure
medications (ASM) remain a critical therapeutic intervention for treating epilepsy, notwithstanding
the rapid development of other therapies. There have been substantial advances in epilepsy medications
over the past three decades, with over 20 ASMs now available commercially. Here we describe
the conventional and unique mechanisms of action of ASMs, focusing on everolimus, cannabidiol,
cenobamate, fenfluramine, and ganaxolone, the five most recently marketed ASMs. Major obstacles
in the development of ASMs are also addressed, particularly drug-resistant epilepsy as well as psychiatric
and behavioral adverse effects of ASMs. Moreover, we delve into the mechanisms and comparative
efficacy of ASM polytherapy, with remarks on the benefits and challenges in their application
in clinical practice. In addition, the characteristics of the ideal ASM are outlined in this review.
The review also discusses the development of new potential ASMs, including modifying existing
ASMs to improve efficacy and tolerability. Furthermore, we expound on the modulation of γ-
aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) as a strategy for the treatment of epilepsy and the
identification of a GABAAR agonist, isoguvacine, as a potential ASM.
Understanding the Relationship Between Care Quality Perception and Patient Safety Culture
Authors: Janghorban Ali , Moghri Javad , Ghavami Vahid , Raesi Rasoul , Tabatabaee Seyed Saeed
Published: January 2025

Background

Assessing the perceived quality of care and safety culture by nurses is an important part of nursing practice and is vital for improving the quality of nursing care.

Aim

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between perceived quality of care and patient safety culture.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using stratified and convenience sampling techniques from March 2023 to January 2024 among 412 nurses working in hospitals at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The data collection tools were standard care behavior questionnaires (CBI-42) and the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC). The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of 0.05.

Results

The perceived quality of care among nurses was high, with a score of 4.79 (1-6). The highest score was in “knowledge and professional skill” (5.03), while “communication and positive attitude” scored the lowest (4.59). Patient safety culture averaged 3.35 (1-5), with “overall perception of patient safety” at 4.82 and “non-punitive response to error” at 2.40. A significant direct relationship was found between perceived quality of care and patient safety culture (r=0.226, p<0.001), indicating that improvements in one may enhance the other.

Conclusion

Due to the existence of a direct relationship between perceived quality of care and patient safety culture, appropriate training and using the experiences of others, improving the relationship between nurses and patients, creating a sense of security in nurses, and solving the problems of nurses can enhance the quality of health care services.
Overview of Environmental Laws in Africa: Towards the Emergence of an ‘Africanization’ of Environmental Protection Standards?
Authors: Bouyayachen Sanae
Published: January 2025

Strengthening the implementation of environmental rules is now a main issue for national and environmental law. The environment theme is far from new and has been closely linked to African experts since the 1960s. Indeed, it was in Africa where one of the first major conventions on the conservation of nature and natural resources was initiated. In many African countries, the field of environmental law is notable for the profusion and variety of principles and regulations concerning the preservation of the environment. However, this abundance of legal standards is at odds with the actual practice of environmental protection due to the vast majority of these environmental rules not being implemented. It is necessary to draw attention to the need for improved articulation of African rights with international environmental law to assist Africa in addressing this challenge. This article analyses how the execution and implementation of current environmental legislation in Africa, with an African specificity, could lead to an ‘Africanization’ of environmental protection, which can also help in resolving the discrepancies that arose when norms of external origin were incorporated into African legal frameworks.
Looking at Abortion Jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights as an Equality Issue
Authors: Yli-Juuti Kaisla
Published: January 2025

This article explores how, when and to what extent could a finding of a violation of Article 14 ECHR provide substantive benefit to those who have been denied legal abortion in their home States and are seeking justice under the ECHR framework. This topic is extremely relevant as it allows for a critical evaluation of the Court’s approach to equality and abortion judgements from the perspective of substantive equality and feminist legal theory. Access to safe and legal abortion services is an equality question because the ability to control when one has children directly influences how equally one can participate in public life. The Court’s current use of formal equality, based on the idea that those in similar situations should be treated in the same way, makes the application of an equality approach to its abortion cases impossible. It is proposed that the Court should adopt substantive equality instead. This article follows Sandra Fredman’s multidimensional concept of substantive equality composed of the redistributive, recognition, participatory and transformative dimensions. The substantive equality approach recognises that individuals cannot be separated from their characteristics. The aim is to change the underlying structures that cause inequalities in the first place and to celebrate differences instead of fitting everyone into the same box. A finding of a violation of Article 14 ECHR by the Court would provide additional benefits for those seeking justice under the ECHR framework for being denied legal abortions in their home States and would have a substantial impact as it would lead to acknowledging the disadvantages of belonging to certain groups, elimination of harmful gender stereotypes and to possible changes in domestic laws of the Contracting Parties due to the Court’s influence.